#au where everything is the same but he can breathe under water now

[laiamadej]

His soul has always belonged to the ocean me think

[meadowfics]

an exchange

kang dae-ho x f!reader

you give him your body in exchange for saving your life

warnings: nsfw!!!! smut!!! 18+!!! minors do not interact. smut with plot, unprotected p in v, dry humping, orał (kdh & reader receiving), breeding kink, cumeating(?), switch!dae-ho, switch!reader, tons of praise. mentions of death, post-squid game au

you spend the three days after being released in a daze, unsure if dae-ho would remember your address or if he even made it out alive.

of course he did make it out alive.. you two were the only survivors!!!

if it weren't for him deciding to split the money with you.. you'd be dead in a grave or cremated.

anyways..

you replay your last conversation over and over, clinging to the memory of his voice as you told him where to find you.

part of you hopes he’ll show up, while another part doesn’t know if you’ll ever see him again.

your apartment feels too quiet since coming back from witnessing over 400+ deaths in the last week..

the silence presses down on you like a heavy weight, the memories of the games suffocating you in the stillness.

you catch yourself glancing at the door constantly, your heart jumping at the faintest sound outside. every knock you imagine feels like a cruel trick.

two days go by and it’s just before sunset, the sky painted in warm oranges and purples.

the knock on your door is soft but deliberate.

you freeze mid-step, your breath catching.

you don’t even need to check...you know it’s him.

your heart pounds as you slowly make your way to the door.

opening the door.. there he was.

dae-ho looks worn down, his face pale and tired, the weight of everything you both endured written in the lines on his face.

he’s still wearing the same black jacket he had on when you last saw him, and his shoulders slump like he’s carrying the world.

for a long moment, you just stare at each other, no words exchanged. his eyes meet yours, and it feels like the world outside doesn’t exist anymore.

every nightmare, every moment of fear you faced together...it’s all there in his gaze.

you don’t need to explain anything; he understands.

“you came,” you whisper, your voice soft and shaking. your throat feels tight, and it takes all your strength to hold back tears.

dae-ho nods, his expression unreadable, though his lips part slightly like he wants to say something but doesn’t know how.

you step aside, motioning for him to come inside. he hesitates at first, his hand gripping the doorframe like he’s not sure he belongs there.

you tell him quietly, “you’re safe here,” and it’s enough.

he steps through the doorway, and the air in the room changes.

he sits on your couch, stiff and unsure, while you pour him a glass of water.

you notice how his hands shake as he takes it from you, but you don’t comment.

you sit across from him, your legs tucked up under you, and the silence between you feels both suffocating and comforting at the same time.

you want to ask if he’s okay, but you already know the answer.

"do you have anywhere to stay?"

you ask the man.

both of you have at least 22.8 billion won now.. but money can only fix so much.

"no."

he mumbles.

"thats okay, you can live here with me."

you hope he stays for a while... forever.

to say that you are in love with him would be an understatement.

he is a sweetheart. the man who made you laugh in your darkest moments during those games.

he saved your life at the end, and now you can't let him go.

when you see him pull his jacket tighter around himself, you stand up.

grabbing a soft blanket from one of your linen closest, you go behind him and drape it over his shoulders.

dae-ho's lips twitch in what might be a faint smile, though it’s gone in an instant.

he murmurs a soft “thank you,” his voice hoarse.

hours later, neither of you is ready to sleep.

"what happened when the guards dropped you off?"

you ask the man.

dae-ho's strong arm is wrapped around your waist, your back pressed against his front.

you're laying on your bed, the tv on but neither of you were paying attention to the show.

"well, they had me in a blindfold and restraints which took about half-an-hour to pull off. afterwards, I felt something in my pocket which was the gold card.. you got that too right?"

dae-ho cuts himself off.

"I did."

you nod.

"okay.. well I saw an atm and when I saw the amount of money I got.. I immediately paid off my debt."

dae-ho says.

you only nod your head, not saying anything else.

"what about you?"

he asks while he hand softly caresses your waist below your underboob.

"I nearly went through the same thing.. except the guards dropped me off on a university campus so I had a few students untie me."

you say, lightly giggling at the memory.

"dae-ho?"

"y/n?"

you swallow, hoping to not cry with what you're about to say.

"I just want to say thank you."

you sat up, turning so you're facing him.

"you don't need to thank--"

"yes I do, dae-ho."

a tear falls through your left eye,

"the guards gave you a choice. you could've killed me and taken all 45.6 billion won for yourself, but you did not. you chose to split it with me. I don't think I could ever repay you."

you place your hand on his upper thigh..

this small action seems to change your mood.

you stare at his crotch, seemingly knowing how you could repay him somehow.

the ex-marine looks at you with confusion.

smirking, you look up at his face being leaning into his ear.

your lips lightly brush over his earlobe when you seductively say,

"I know how I can repay you, dae-ho."

you felt his left hand caress the side of your hip, taking in your idea.

he needed you just as much as you needed him.

dae-ho's joggers were thrown somewhere in your bedroom as you lightly sucked on his swollen tip.

he's laid down, his upper body elevated by some of your pillows while you're arched in front of him,

giving him the perfect view of your ass through your pajama pants

"fuck."

dae-ho groans when you swirl your tongue around his tip, giving the sensitive part all of your attention while your hands pump up and down his shaft.

"you're so big."

you look up at him, moaning as you start to take his full dick into your mouth.

"oh.. fuck!"

you feel his big hands lightly pull your hair up into a ponytail while you suck on his dick.

keeping your tongue in contact with one of his prominent veins, you cupped his balls with your soft hands.

"you're doing so well, love. keep sucking my dick.. just like that ughh."

he groans as his big hand move to cup on your cheek.

you feel his cock twitch inside of your throat..

you deepthroat him more knowing that he is about to cum.

"fuck fuck!"

he continues to groan as he lightly pushes your head to stay where you are, to not dare to edge him.

after swallowing his load, you pulled yourself up from him.

you couldn't process how fast dae-ho went after holding your waist, flipping you over, and kissing down your collarbone.

feeling his bare cock against your core, which was still covered by your soft pajamas and underwear, you whimpered.

"shit!"

you mumbled, spreading your legs further as dae-ho started to hump against you.

he takes off your shirt, and starts to fondle your boobs.

he takes your left one into his mouth, teasing and nibbling lightly your nipple with his teeth, while his big hand plays with your right one.

"just let me fuck you already."

you whispered.

"don't be impatient."

he took his boob out of your mouth.

dae-ho sat up, pulling your pajama pants and matching underwear down at the same time.

you were completely soaked.

the man put his hands behind your knees and spread your legs even further, giving him a perfect few of your arousal.

he was right, you were impatient.

you whimpered as his mouth started kissing down towards your center. starting at your right ankle and trailing down.

the sight was so hot, but you were never used to being so exposed for someone.

you rubbed your eyes with your hands as dae-ho made it to your inner thigh.

"keep your eyes on me baby, I want you to see how good I'll make you feel."

"yes!"

you moaned he kissed your inner pubic bone, just centimeters beside your center.

you hoped your neighbors weren't home as dae-ho ate you out like a starved man.

your moans flooded your apartment as dae-ho's fingers pumped in and out of you, poking that good spot inside of your warm walls.

"shhiitt!!"

the voice of yours nearly screamed as dae-ho sucked on your clit softly, his fingers going at a nice pace.

"I'm-- ahhhh!"

you cried, a tear falling down your face as dae-ho replaced his fingers with his tongue.

your walls contracted before you cummed all over his face, your back arched off of your bed while the ex-marine made sure that your legs stayed apart.

putting yourself on all fours, you looked back to see dae-ho giving himself a few pumps.

"you like what you see?"

you teased, wiggling your ass while he started to tease your clit with his tip.

"absolutely, you're so beautiful."

dae-ho smiled, the flushed look of his face making you even wetter, if thats possible.

when you felt his length push inside of you, stretching you in half almost, you squealed in satisfaction.

"fuck!"

dae-ho wanted to take a minute to feel himself inside of you, but you immediately started to fuck yourself back onto him.

your ass making contact with his hips filled the room.

dae-ho groaned, his hands went down to your hips to assist you into fucking him.

"thats ittt-- fuck, you're so perfect my love."

he praises, feeling your wetness all over himself.

"t-th-this is what you-- fuck!"

you tried to speak, but feeling his tip kissing your cervix made your head fall onto your pillow.

"you des-deserve this after being a gentleman.. you know? shit!"

your mouth hung open as you continue to push yourself back onto the marine.

"you're making me feel so good baby."

dae-ho places his right hand on your ass, squeezing the flesh as you look back to meet his love filled eyes.

"I'm--I-i'm gonna cum again."

"fuck you're so big!"

you start to pump yourself faster onto his cock.

"me too, where do you want me to--"

"inside."

you did not hesitate to speak.

"are you sur--"

"yes, yes, yes, fuck!"

you moaned as his shaft brushes against your g-spot, immediately making you cum all over him and your bedsheets below.

dae-ho twitched and came inside you shortly after, painting your walls white.

you pushed back onto him at least ten times during, fucking yourselves through your orgasms.

after pulling out, the ex-marine immediately cuddled onto your body.

you laid down on the bed as the man laid on your chest, his face pressed against your naked boob.

"are you okay? do you need anything, any water or snacks?"

dae-ho speaks softly, looking up at you while he places his large hands on your waist.

"I'm okay, just stay here with me."

you mumble, running your fingers through his hair.

"I'm staying, I'll always be here.. you don't need to worry."

he speaks, knowing you meant for him to stay with you forever after tonight.

"thank you for saving my life."

you mumble into his hair, giving him a light kiss on his scalp.

"I would've sacrificed mine, if it meant saving yours, y/n."

I hope you liked :)

masterlist

[myjsng]

you comfort a tired jisung after his comeback

idol!jisung x gn!reader

genre: smut(ish)/idol au

wc: 669

dni: you're a minor

cw: shower sex, non-penetrative sex, masturbation (m), nipple play (m), if you know more lmk

You walk into the entryway just as the boys put on their shoes to go out, everyone is very much glammed up for the club you decided to go to once they got done with most schedules, and the comeback was over.

Greeting them and some of their partners with quick smiles and hugs makes you realize the absence of the most important person in the group, your boyfriend.

“Jisungie just decided not to come along,” Jaemin told you as you looked out into their house, looking for said boy.

“He was actually getting ready, but I guess fatigue caught up so he told us he was going to shower and get some sleep” Patting your back, Renjun informed you as you unlocked your phone and noticed an unread text from Jisung, saying the exact same and telling you to go out and celebrate with your friend group.

“It’s fine, you guys can go ahead though, I’ll stay to relax with him” You smiled at them, and as Haechan insisted that you come along since you spent time getting ready, you waved him out “Don’t worry about it, I really don’t mind it. Plus, someone has to make sure he eats and everything else”

Smiling teasingly, Jeno says as he leads the group out of the door “Well, have fun with your alone time”

Rolling your eyes at his comment, you smirk and enter the house as the last of them leaves and closes the door. Hearing the water from his shower, you leave your stuff on his desk before knocking on the bathroom door.

“Jisungie? Can I come in?” You ask softly and hear him mumbling a yes before opening the door. You’re met with his slumped back and his head leaning on the wall, under the shower head. Taking off your jewelry and putting it on the counter, you slowly strip off your clothes and walk into the shower with him.

“You should have gone with them” Jisung mumbles with his eyes still closed as he feels you walk up behind him and embrace him in a back hug.

“I didn’t feel like going out either, the fact you stayed back just gave me an excuse to ditch them too” Your explanation makes him let out a chuckled breath and you smile, kissing the middle of his back,

Sighing, Jising lets his body relax even further “I’m just so fucking tired”

“I know. You worked really hard” You allow your hands to roam on his front, from tracing his abdomen to caressing his pecks, then softly bringing them back down to his V line where you trace the skin with the tips of your nails “I’m so proud of you”

He exhales once your hands met his hardening dick, and relaxes even more as one of them trails up to play with his nipples. Your movements are slow, just feeling him up, and circling his head, while you trail some kisses on his shoulders and feel all the tension leaving his body.

You feel his tight abdomen as you change the placement of your hands, and feel around his body with the one that’s not working on his member. Tracing your nails on his skin, you grind into his backside to provide yourself with at least a minimal amount of friction, and thanks to the water and his pre cum, you work over his dick smoothly.

His long groans and deep sighs, tell you that Jisung is fully engaged in the moment, so you’re not surprised when a few moments later he shudders and groans as he cums on your hands and melts in your arms. Turning around, he wraps himself around your body and gives you a slow kiss, tongue fully connected with yours before he pulls apart, now speaking more clearly “I love you so much”

Kissing his check, you brush his hair back “Let’s get done with this shower so we can cuddle”

[the-winter-spider]

Invisible | Part 25

Bucky x reader AU

Word count: 4.1k

Warnings: happiness, fluff, smut

A/N: Twooooo more to go 🥹

----

The screen lit up with Sam’s face, his grin wide and infectious as he adjusted the angle of his phone to show you his new living room. “And bam! That’s my couch—don’t ask where I got it because it’s secondhand, but hey, it’s comfortable.”

You laughed, lounging on your own couch as you held your phone in one hand, your other wrapped around a mug of tea. “It looks great, Sam. Very… lived-in chic.”

“Lived-in chic,” he repeated, pretending to mull it over. “I like that. I’ll add it to my Tinder bio, but seriously, can you believe the rent here? It’s stupid how much cheaper it is compared to New York.”

You grinned, shaking your head. “I’m happy for you. Really. It sounds like everything’s coming together.”

“It is,” he said, his tone softening slightly. “It’s weird, though. Quiet. Like, no one’s constantly arguing over where to get takeout or trying to get me to play darts at ungodly hours. I kinda miss it.”

Your chest tightened, warmth flooding you at his honesty. “We miss you too, Sam. It’s not the same without you.”

He gave you a mock serious look, leaning closer to the camera. “Good. You better miss me. I keep this group functioning, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.”

You laughed again, but Sam’s eyes narrowed slightly, his playful expression shifting to one of curiosity. “Okay, hold up,” he said, pointing at the screen. “What’s going on?”

“What?” you asked, trying to sound casual. “Nothing.”

“Nope. Don’t even try it. I’ve known you for how long? You have a secret. Spill.”

“I don’t have a—”

“Girl,” he interrupted, leaning even closer to the camera, his voice dropping conspiratorially. “Don’t lie to me. I can see it in your face. Out with it.”

You sighed, your cheeks warming under his scrutiny. “Fine. But you can’t tell anyone, okay?”

Sam’s grin returned, triumphant. “Oh, this is gonna be good. You have my word. Now, talk to me.”

You hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. “Bucky and I… we put in an offer on a house in Boston.”

Sam’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he said nothing. Then he let out a loud whoop, nearly dropping his phone in the process. “No way! Are you serious? A house? Oh my God, this is amazing!”

“Sam!” you laughed, trying to shush him. “You’re going to give me a heart attack!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he said, his excitement barely contained. “But this is huge! A house? You and Bucky? This is, like, the dream!”

You couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. “It’s not official yet. We’re still waiting to hear back.”

“Doesn’t matter,” he said firmly. “The fact that you even got to this point is incredible. I’m so happy for you guys, about damn time you started your lives officially together."

“Thanks,” you said softly, your cheeks aching from smiling. “We haven’t told anyone else yet. You’re the first to know.”

Sam placed a hand on his chest, pretending to be emotional. “I’m honored. Truly, this is a privilege.”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” you teased, rolling your eyes.

“Oh, it’s already there,” he said, smirking. Then his expression softened again. “For real, though, this is what I’ve always wanted for you two. You deserve this, and I can’t wait to visit. I’m already calling dibs on the guest room.”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “You’d better hurry. Natasha and Wanda might fight you for it.”

“Please,” Sam said, scoffing. “They don’t stand a chance against me. I’ll bring brownies as bribes if I have to.”

The two of you laughed, the warmth of his support filling your chest. Even from hundreds of miles away, Sam’s energy was as comforting and grounding as ever.

“So,” Sam said, leaning back with a grin. “When do I get the grand tour?”

“Soon,” you promised. “As soon as it’s official.”

“Perfect,” he said, raising an imaginary glass. “To new beginnings.”

“To new beginnings,” you echoed, your heart lighter than it had been in weeks.

----

The bathroom was filled with steam, the warm water cascading over your shoulders as you leaned against the cool tiles. It should’ve been relaxing, but your mind refused to cooperate. Instead of enjoying the soothing heat, you were caught in a whirlwind of doubt and anxiety especially after officially telling Sam.

Is Boston the right move?

Are we rushing this?

What if we’re making a mistake?

The thoughts raced through your head at an overwhelming speed, each one piling on top of the last until your chest felt tight. You let out a shaky breath, pressing your palms to your face as the water continued to pour over you.

Lost in your spiral, you didn’t hear the faint creak of the bathroom door opening. The sound of the shower curtain sliding back startled you, and you turned to see Bucky stepping into the stall. He was already stark naked, water clinging to his skin in rivulets, his damp hair pushed back, and an unreadable look in his eyes.

“Bucky!” you exclaimed, half-laughing despite yourself. “What are you doing?”

He slid the curtain closed behind him, his gaze locking onto yours as he stepped closer. “I could hear you thinking from the other room,” he said, his voice tinged with both teasing and concern. “Sounded like you were about to talk yourself into a full-blown panic.”

You rolled your eyes, though your heart fluttered at his presence. “I was not panicking. Just… thinking.”

“Sweetheart, you think so loud it’s a wonder the neighbors aren’t knocking to check on you,” he said, arching a playful brow.

“You’re ridiculous.” You huffed out a laugh, but it was cut short as he closed the distance between you. His hand came up to brush a stray strand of wet hair from your face before sliding to the back of your head, his fingers tangling gently in your hair. "What are you doing?"

Without a word, he leaned down and captured your lips in his, the kiss firm and insistent. It left no room for argument, his intentions laid bare in the way his mouth moved against yours. When he pulled back, his forehead rested against yours, his breath warm and steady.

“I’m shutting you up,” he murmured.

You laughed softly, but the sound was swallowed by another kiss, deeper this time, his hands moving to your hips to pull you closer. The heat of his body mingled with the steam around you, the sensation of his skin against yours sending a shiver through you.

“Bucky,” you whispered, your voice trembling with a mix of emotion and desire.

His lips trailed down your jaw, lingering at the sensitive spot below your ear. “You don’t have to figure it all out right now,” he murmured, his voice a low rasp against your skin. “We’ve got time, baby. You and me? We’ll figure it out together whatever it is.."

You closed your eyes, his words sinking into you like a balm. The warmth of his lips against your neck and the firm grip of his hands on your waist grounded you, pulling you out of your spiraling thoughts and into the present moment.

“What if we’re wrong?” you asked, your voice small.

He pulled back just enough to meet your gaze, his hands cupping your face, his thumbs brushing over your cheeks. The intensity in his stormy blue eyes made your breath catch. “We won’t be,” he said with quiet certainty. “Because it’s not about the place—it’s about us. Boston, New York, Timbuktu… doesn’t matter, as long as we’re together.”

Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes, a mixture of relief and love swelling in your chest. You nodded, leaning into his touch, your fingers curling around his wrists. “You always know what to say, don’t you?”

He chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through you. “That’s because I know you, sweet girl, and I love you.”

Your lips crashed into his, this time with purpose, slow and deliberate as you poured every ounce of gratitude and love into the kiss. His hands moved lower, sliding over the curve of your hips before gripping your thighs and effortlessly lifting you. Your legs wrapped around his waist as your back pressed against the slick tiles.

The heat of the water cascading around you was nothing compared to the fire burning between you. His lips never left yours, moving with an urgency that made your heart race. Your hands roamed his broad shoulders, nails grazing his skin, and he groaned against your mouth, the sound sending a thrill down your spine.

“Tell me you trust me,” he murmured, his lips brushing against yours as his hands roamed your body, mapping every curve with reverence.

“I do,” you whispered, your voice trembling with need. “I trust you, Bucky. Always.”

His lips moved to your neck, then lower, his breath hot against your skin as his kisses became slower, more deliberate. You gasped as he found sensitive spots you hadn't realized were there, your body arching into him as his hands held you firmly in place.

He continued his worship of your body, his mouth trailing lower, over the swell of your breasts, down your stomach, until he reached the apex of your thighs. He paused, looking up at you through hooded eyes, his lips curved in a devilish grin.

"Bucky," you breathed, your fingers tangling in his damp hair, your hips shifting restlessly against the cool tile.

He didn't reply, instead burying his face between your legs, his tongue delving deep, teasing you with strokes and flicks until you were writhing against him, your moans echoing off the shower walls.

"By the way, I told Sam," you spoke softly, the words slipping out before you could second-guess yourself. Your head thrown back, your body trembling with need. His fingers joined the fray, sliding inside you, curling against that sensitive spot that made your vision go white.

Bucky froze, his lips hovering just above your inner thigh, his hands steadying you against the tiles. His head lifted slowly, and your heart stuttered at the unreadable look in his eyes.

"Should I not have?" you asked, your voice trembling slightly.

For a moment, the only sound was the rhythmic patter of water cascading around you. Then, to your relief, Bucky's lips twitched into a smirk. He straightened standing up, his body brushing against yours as his hands tightened briefly on your thighs, holding you close.

"Darlin'" he said, his voice warm and teasing, "I just got off the phone with him. Told him myself. Guess we're both just eager to share the good news, huh?"

Your breath left you in a relieved laugh, but Bucky wasn't finished. His smirk widened as he wiggled his eyebrows. "But next time," he drawled, his tone dripping with mischief, "maybe wait until after we're done with... this"—he gestured at the intimate tangle of your bodies with a playful grin-"before you bring up Sam."

You snorted, burying your face in his neck to hide your embarrassment. "Oh my god, you're impossible."

He chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest, before leaning down to press a lingering kiss to your lips. "You love me for it," he murmured against your mouth, his voice low and intimate.

Before you could respond, his lips began a slow, deliberate journey down your body. His kisses trailed along your collarbone, down the line of your sternum, and lower still, his hands roaming your sides with an exquisite tenderness that made your breath hitch.

The teasing remark about Sam melted away, replaced by a renewed focus on the moment.

"Bucky," you breathed, your fingers tangling in his damp hair as his lips continued to explore.

He hummed against your skin, the vibration sending a ripple of heat through you. "Mmm?"

"Don't stop."

"Wasn't planning on it," he murmured, his tone laced with a combination of promise and satisfaction.

The water, now a torrent around you, intensified the sensation. Bucky's hands, expert and knowing, guided you against the cool tile, his thumbs tracing the delicate curve of your hip. He leaned in, his lips finding the hollow of your throat, a slow, teasing kiss that sent shivers down your spine. His tongue traced a path down your jawline, eliciting a gasp from your lips.

He lowered his head, capturing your mouth in a hungry kiss. His fingers, meanwhile, had found their way between your legs, tracing the sensitive skin, their touch igniting a fire within you. You arched against him, your hips moving against his as if beckoning him closer. His lips found their way to your neck, his teeth lightly grazing the skin, a sensation that sent a jolt through your body.

A low moan escaped your lips, and Bucky's eyes darkened, reflecting the passion in your eyes. He increased the tempo of his touch, his fingers moving with a surprising intensity that made your breath catch. The water swirled around you, carrying the sounds of your moans and his soft grunts, a symphony of pleasure filling the small space.

He pressed you further against the tile wall, his body molding against yours. With a surge of power, he thrust himself deep inside you, the sensation so intense it made your vision blur. Your fingers dug into his shoulders, your nails digging into his skin as the sensation of him inside you intensified.

Bucky's hips moved with a rhythm that resonated deep within you, a rhythm that mirrored the desperate need in your core. He was relentless, his movements a dance of power and control, a dance you were only too eager to participate in. He held you captive in the embrace of the shower, both of you lost in the intoxicating blend of water and desire.

And then, with a shared moan, the wave of pleasure crashed over you both. You reached a peak, your body convulsing as pure bliss washed over you. You squeezed your eyes shut, clinging to Bucky as he followed close behind, his body shuddering with the release.

When you both finally caught your breath, lying against each other in the cool tile, the water still swirling around you, Bucky’s eyes were fixed on yours. There was a shared understanding between you, a silent acknowledgment of the intense connection that had just been forged. He leaned in and kissed you softly, a tender kiss that spoke volumes of the love and trust that burned between you.

When he finally lifted his head, his eyes found yours, darkened with emotion and desire. "I meant what I said, you know," he murmured, his voice rough but steady. "We'll figure it out together. Always."

You cupped his face, brushing your thumbs over his cheekbones as you gazed into his stormy blue eyes.

"I know," you said softly, your voice filled with a quiet conviction.

-----

The buzz of your phone pulled you out of the peaceful haze that still lingered after your time in the shower. Wrapped in nothing but a towel, you reached over to grab your phone from the nightstand. The caller ID displayed the name of your realtor, and your stomach flipped with a mix of excitement and nerves.

“Hello?” you answered, trying to keep your voice steady as Bucky walked out of the bathroom, towel slung low on his hips.

The voice on the other end was cheerful. “Hi, Y/N! I’m calling to let you know… the house is yours! Congratulations!”

You froze for a moment, the words sinking in before you gasped. “Oh my God. Oh my God! Are you serious?”

Bucky’s head snapped up, concern flashing across his face as he hurried over. “What? What is it?”

You pulled the phone away from your ear, mouthing the words, “The house is ours!” His face lit up immediately, and before you could even process the news fully, he grabbed you, spinning you around in excitement.

“IT’S OURS!” you both shouted, laughing uncontrollably as you held onto each other. The phone slipped from your hand, landing softly on the bed, but you didn’t care. Bucky kissed you, his joy pouring into every touch.

When you finally caught your breath, he cupped your face, his grin almost too big for his face. “We’ve gotta celebrate.”

You laughed, still a little breathless. “We don’t even have champagne or anything in the apartment we drank it all last week!”

“Then let’s go out,” he said, his excitement contagious. “Lets go to Tony's its just down the street. Drinks, pizza. Whatever you want, sweetheart.”

You quickly got dressed, throwing on a casual outfit while Bucky rummaged for his jeans and a T-shirt. You both looked at each other, eyes sparkling with shared happiness, and headed out the door, practically skipping down the street.

The bar was alive with its usual hum of laughter, music, and clinking glasses. As you walked in, still giddy from the news, you couldn’t help but feel like the luckiest person alive. You and Bucky shared a knowing smile, silently agreeing that this was the start of something incredible.

But as you scanned the room, your steps faltered. In a booth near the back, Natasha and Steve sat together, leaning in close as they talked.

“Oh shit,” you muttered under your breath, stopping short.

“What?” Bucky asked, following your gaze. When his eyes landed on the pair, his lips pressed into a line. “Well, this is awkward.”

“What do we do?” you whispered. “Should we leave?”

“No way,” he said, taking your hand and gently guiding you toward the opposite side of the bar. “They won’t even see us. We’ll be too far away.”

You hesitated but let him lead you to a small table in the back corner. “I wonder what they’re doing here,” you mused as you sat down.

Bucky smirked, flagging down a server. “Isn’t it obvious, baby? It’s a date.”

Your jaw dropped slightly, your eyes darting back toward Natasha and Steve. “Oh my God. Do you really think so?”

He chuckled, his hand reaching across the table to take yours. “Enough about them. Tonight’s about us. Let’s order some drinks and pizza and celebrate our future.”

His words brought your focus back to him, and the warmth in his eyes melted away the tension. “You’re right,” you said softly. “This is our night.”

As the server arrived, you ordered your drinks and pizza, your excitement bubbling over again. You spent the next hour laughing, reminiscing about your journey together, and dreaming about what life would be like in your new home.

Bucky leaned back in his chair, his beer in hand, watching you with an expression so tender it made your heart ache in the best way. “I can’t believe this is real,” he said, his voice low and full of emotion. “You. The house. Our life together. It’s more than I ever dreamed of.”

You smiled, reaching across the table to intertwine your fingers with his. “It’s real, Buck. And it’s just the beginning.”

“Damn right it is,” he said, bringing your hand to his lips for a kiss.

For a brief moment, you glanced toward Natasha and Steve’s booth. They seemed deep in conversation, laughing softly, their heads close together. A pang of emotion flickered in your chest—not jealousy, but hope. Hope that they could find their way, just as you and Bucky had.

Bucky’s voice brought your attention back to him. “Hey,” he said, his tone teasing but affectionate. “Eyes on me, sweetheart. We’ve got a house to celebrate.”

You laughed, your cheeks warming. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

He grinned, raising his glass. “To Boston. To us. And to making this house a home.”

“To us,” you echoed, clinking your glass against his.

----

Natasha stood in front of her closet, her hands on her hips, chewing on her bottom lip as she surveyed the options. Dresses, jeans, and blouses hung in neat rows, but none of them felt quite right. She pulled out a pair of black jeans and a burgundy sweater, holding them up.

“What do you think, Wanda? Too casual?” Natasha asked, glancing over her shoulder at her friend, who was sitting cross-legged on the couch, sipping tea.

Wanda raised an eyebrow and tilted her head, studying the outfit. “It’s a date, but it’s Steve. If you’re aiming for casual, that’s perfect. If you want to impress him…” She trailed off with a smirk.

Natasha rolled her eyes, tossing the sweater onto the bed. “It’s not a date-date. It’s… a friend date. And I don’t know, Wanda. It feels too soon. It’s only been two weeks.”

Wanda set her mug down and leaned forward. “Too soon for what? You said it yourself—Steve asked you, and you said yes because it felt right. If it feels right, Nat, then it’s right. Don’t overthink it.”

Natasha let out a soft sigh, sitting on the edge of the bed. “It does feel right, but it also feels wrong not telling Y/N.”

Wanda frowned, her voice softening. “Nat, you and Y/N are working things out. You don’t have to tell her every detail of your life just yet. She’d understand. She’s happy with Bucky, and you deserve to be happy too.”

Natasha hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “You’re right.”

Wanda grinned. “Of course, I’m right. Now get dressed. Steve will be here soon.”

Natasha laughed lightly, shaking her head as she stood and pulled on the sweater and jeans. She slipped on her boots just as the doorbell rang.

Wanda gave her an encouraging smile. “You’ve got this.”

Natasha opened the door to find Steve standing there, dressed in dark jeans and a flannel shirt, his hands shoved into his jacket pockets.

“Hey,” he said, smiling. “Hope I’m not too early.”

“No, perfect timing,” Natasha said, grabbing her coat and scarf.

They walked down the street toward the bar, the cool evening air brushing against them.

“I hope casual is okay,” Steve said, glancing at her nervously. “You said you weren’t ready for one of those over-the-top Steve Rogers dates, right?”

Natasha smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear. “This is absolutely perfect. It’s exactly what I wanted.”

The bar was warm and bustling, a lively hum of conversation filling the air. Steve and Natasha found a booth near the back, sliding into the seats across from each other.

Steve glanced around the bar and chuckled. “Feels weird without Sam here.”

Natasha nodded. “It does. I still can’t believe he’s actually in Washington. It feels like he’s just going to walk through that door any second, cracking jokes.”

Steve smiled wistfully. “Yeah. But he’s happy, and that’s what matters.”

They fell into an easy rhythm, reminiscing about old times. They laughed about all the ridiculous antics that had unfolded over the years, from Sam’s relentless teasing to the time Wanda had convinced them all to try karaoke.

“I can’t believe Bucky sang,” Steve said, laughing as he took a sip of his beer.

Natasha grinned. “He didn’t just sing. He belted out Livin’ on a Prayer like his life depended on it.”

Steve chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s still one of my favorite memories.”

Natasha’s laughter faded slightly as her gaze drifted across the bar. Her smile turned into a smirk. “Speaking of Bucky… look over there.”

Steve frowned, following her line of sight. His brows lifted slightly when he spotted you and Bucky in a booth on the opposite side of the bar, your hands intertwined as you leaned into each other, laughing about something.

“Wait, what? They’re here?” Steve asked, his voice quiet but surprised.

Natasha nodded. “Yep. It’s 50-50 if they saw us.”

Steve hesitated, watching the two of you for a moment. “Do you think we should go over and say something?”

Natasha shook her head firmly. “No. Look at them, Steve. They’re happy. I wouldn't want to interrupt and ruin there night, would you?”

Steve glanced at you and Bucky again. The joy on your faces was undeniable, your happiness practically glowing between the two of you. He let out a soft sigh, his chest tightening. “You’re right.”

Natasha tilted her head, studying him. “I wouldn't want anyone to ruin our night either, you know.”

Steve turned back to her, surprised. “Does that mean you're having a good time?”

“Of course I am,” Natasha said, her tone light but sincere. “It’s you, Steve.”

His ears tinged pink as he tried to hide his flustered smile behind his glass. “Well, good. I’m glad.”

Natasha grinned, leaning back in her seat. “You’re blushing.”

“I’m not,” Steve said quickly, though the redness in his cheeks deepened.

“You so are,” Natasha teased, taking a sip of her drink.

Steve shook his head, but he couldn’t keep the smile off his face. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Always have been, always will be, hope you can handle it Rogers,” Natasha said with a wink.

[e1ectricwords]

Through Thought and Chaos

Gray x Reader Soulmate AU Word Count: 4168 Fluff, implied inneundos, rescue mission

Steady Drip. Cold Water.

The noise was starting to drive you insane. Forming slowly from a stalacite overhead, clinging onto the point before succumbing to gravity, falling into the small pool of water below. It fell with a small plink, sending ripples through puddle. The rhythmatic continuation drilled itself into your brain. Each droplet sounded like a hammer to your head. You had tried to stop it once, sticking your boot under the trajectory of the divers. It was a futile attempt. The sound continued, this time with a much more hollow tone as it hit the side of the leather material, and the icy water had seeped through almost instantly, numbing your toes. You had pulled back with a hiss of discomfort and pulled your legs up to your chest, seeking to preserve any remaining heat you had left. Your lips moved with the droplets, meekly mumbling a 'plink' each time they hit the water. Every breath exhaled as a faint mist, dispersing into the heavy air. Your only light source was a very weak, flickering glow from the torches situatied outside your cell, the bars of your cell would glow as if taunting you. Everything blended into a symphony of discomfort, the chill, the maddening drip of water, the uneven surface of your cell poking you no matter what angle you sat at, and now your damp boots. How on earth did you ever end up in a place like this?

It was naive to assume you could do this alone, you realised that now, and as slowly as the drip fell, you were starting to realise that rules were in place for a reason. After the incident with Macao in the mountain, Makarov had implemented a strict rule that no one was allowed to leave on jobs without the accompaniment of at least one other person. The only exception pointed to the S-Class wizards who were permitted solo pursuits. The rule had been pinned to the job request board. Impossible to miss, possible to ignore. You had taken it upon yourself to exempt yourself from this rule, despite not going through any proper trials to become S-Class, in that moment you had deemed yourself on the same level, and had left without bothering to tell anyone where you were going. You had planned to just be gone for a day or two, the possibility of a dark guild being involved hadn't even crossed your mind.

The hours dragged painfully on, each one hazing into the next. With no sight of any sunlight, you couldn't even tell what time it was, or how long you had been kept in the cell. The members of the guild barely acknowledged you. It was confusing. You were expecting taunts, heckles, something laced with malice, but all they did would pass by to slide meagre plates of food to you, and to point at the puddle in the cell when you asked for some water. The purpose of your capture was still unknown. You had no idea if it was a hostage situation or if you were about to become a sacrificial lamb. The cold, hard truth was that you had no real solution to getting out of this cell. The shackles around your wrists prevented you from using magic and there was no way you could just strongarm your way out through the front. With no real useful ideas, you began to fill your head with useless ones instead. How does Gajeel not break his teeth on iron? I bet he could just eat his way out of this cell. You let out a soft snort at the visuals that followed. I hope I can shower again before I die. You grimaced at the thought of being found dead and smelly. Then, the forbidden final thought slipped in; Gray is pretty hot, I guess.

"You think I'm hot?"

Your eyes snapped open, heart pounding, you whipped your head around in the dark cell to try and locate the source of the voice but your search revealed nothing. Your breath hitched in your throat and you shuffled slightly on the ground, finding new angles to be poked from. The chill suddenly felt much sharper.

"Gray?" You questioned aloud, voice shaky and uncertain.

"Yeah, who else? You think I'm hot?"

You let out a shaky laugh, moreso in disbelief at yourself than amusement. Shaking your head slightly you muttered, "that water must've made me sick. I'm going insane in my final moments...great."

"Final moments? Where are you?" The voice was distinctly Gray's. Smooth and oddly comforting in the moment. You searched the cell some more, eyes tracing along the moss-covered walls, but the voice was still coming distinctively from within you. 'He' was insistent and steady, containing a level of concern that you hadn't encountered from 'him' before.

"Oh, and now I'm in denial. Fantasic." Your response was dry and drawn out. Rolling your eyes you added, "I'm going to die in here, me, just let it happen."

"Look, I don't know how I can hear you either but I'm not part of your conscience," he pressed. "Now where are you, dummy?"

You blinked slowly. The entire situation was absurd. It made your frustration bubble and boil. "In a cell," you gestured, shackles rattling as you made over the top movements. Might as well embrace the madness if it has come for you this early.

There was an audible sigh. Exasperated. "Well I know you're real because no one else can be this dense. Where did you go?"

"Cave."

"You are insufferable. What did you do to end up there?"

Brows furrowing together you mused over why the voice was asking you this question. It should know if it came from your head. Engaging in the question, if not to just enjoy some conversation with some aspect of yourself that may or may not liked Gray, you started to answer, "I went on a job alone. The job that was there for a few days."

"The one that was posted right next to the new rule? I know the one."

Your jaw clenched in frustration. "Don't get sarcastic with me," you snapped, tone sharp. "If you are real how the hell are you even speaking to me right now or did you plant some weird telepathy device on me you freaky little pervert?"

"Yeah because if I had something like that you're totally the first person I'd plant it on." Another sigh. "I already told you that I don't know how I can hear you, I just can." His tone softened slightly, "stay put. I'll come get you."

"As if I can go anywhere," you muttered in response, resting your head on the uneven wall behind you, jagged rock pressing into your scalp. The torchlight flickered faintly in the corner of your eye, the shadows on the walls dancing mockingly as if to remind you how utterly trapped you were.

"Or I'll just stay here I guess. I'm nice and comfortable."

"If I ever see you again, you're getting decked, Fullbuster."

He didn't humour you with any sort of response to your promise, "where did that job say to go?"

"Gazania," you responded bluntly, the irritation clear in your tone. You strain to recall the details of the job poster. "Six-thousand Jewel," you manage to add. The damp chill of the cell hinders the ability to think, the steady drip from the stalacite pin-pricking every single memory you try to recall.

"Of course you remember the money," the voice belonging to 'Gray' chimed in with a slight laugh.

You were quick to cut him off, "I mean it, Fullbuster. If I ever see you again then you're getting decked." The sharpness in your voice softened as you exhaled. "I think the job was requested by a...Mr Flynn?"

"Got it," the voice replied with a confidence. It carried a smirk. "Mr Flynn in Gazania. Sit tight, and don't worry your pretty little head about it."

"You are actually insufferable," you shot back.

The voice disapeared, leaving you alone once again in the oppressive quiet of the cave. It was a suffocating fog, only pierced by the drip of the water. The torches outside of your cell flickered weakly as they struggled to survive. Shadows danced on the walls outside, stretching and shrinking in an uneven sinister manner. You shuffled closer to the bars of your cell door, shackles clinking with every movement , and peered outside and into the hallway. The cell itself had been crudely built into the basement of what seemed to be a very old house. From where you could see, the bricks that made up the old basement were cracked and crumbling in places. Dust fell from the ceiling outside of your cell, trickling down to the stone floor. The house was unloved, and it groaned for every tiny piece of itself that it lost.

There was no sign of any other prisoner or hostage. As you strained to see as far down the hallway as possible, you never once heard another cough, another shuffle, another sniff. It was silent, bar the steady plink of that goddamn water. With a sigh, you retreated back into the corner of your cave, quietly resigning yourself to the thought that the voice was the first sign of madness, and no one was coming for you.

________________________________________________________________________________

"So, essentially," Erza began, crossing her arms as she frowned.  Her gaze pierced Gray as she scrutinised his word, looking down at him from where she stood.. "You heard a voice that sounded like Y/N,  telling you that they had been kidnapped and you're going to save them based on that alone?"

Gray leaned back in his hair, classically topless. "That's exactly what I said." He was ironically playing with fire standing up to Erza.

Lucy let out a tired groan from beside them both, slumped over her own arms on the table. She didn't even lift her head as she mumbled under her breath, "the ice is freezing your braincells."

He ignored her. "We haven't actually seen them in five days," he pointed out.

Erza considered his words but tried to find a logical reasoning, "what if they're just sick?" She paused slightly, "they could be resting at home. Perhaps we should send over some cake."

"They went out on a job," he bluntly stated as if that statement alone should end the discussion. He stood up from his chair, meeting Erza's eyes.

"But the new rules state that no one is to go out on a job alone," Erza countered, trying to find a more logical reasoning as to why one member of their guild hadn't been seen in five days.

"When does anybody in this guild follow rules?" Gray retorted, raising his voice ever so slightly.

Lucy meekly chimed in, "he has a point." She raised her hand ever so slightly before letting it fall to the wooden surface with a soft thud. "Natsu destroyed two buildings only a day ago, Erza."

Erza's lips pressed into a thin line, "even so how do we trust this voice? How do we know it's not just a telepathic device implemented by someone trying to get ahold of Fairy Tail members?"

"If that's the case then they can take me hostage, I'm going to find Y/N." Gray stormed towards the heavy entry doors of the guild. "I'll even do it alone." The doors slammed behind him, drowning the rest of the hall in silence for a few seconds before the steady hum of chatter washed back in.

"Should we go after him?" Lucy asked, pulling herself upright to exchange a long and weary glance with Erza.

Erza remained quiet for a few seconds, moving her head back to stare at the doors. "We'll do the sensible thing and go check on their residence first...and prepare a cake just in case." Erza looked around, her crimson hair flowing down her back, "where have we lost Natsu?"

"The home intruder duo invaded my apartment last night, and they're still there."

Erza nodded with a sense of knowing. "Let's get going then."

________________________________________________________________________________

You awoke with a jolt. It wasn't a peaceful slumber by any means, nor was it a willing one. Constantly shivering and enduring the neverending drip, you had just intended to doze off to pass the time, but as the grim world you find yourself in greets your eyes, you see that it was just to delay the inevitable. A guild member stood at the cell door, blocking any of the weak light from entering, and casting a long shadow into your cave cell. No food. He was here for a different reason. A sinister grin plastered to his face. You decide not to say anything, as much as you want to clap back with witty remarks, you keep your lips strictly sealed.

"It's time," are the only words that leave his mouth, low and gutteral.

You could only assume that this was for your purpose of being captured. Cursing that stupid job flyer, and wishing you had never made your way to Mr Flynn, your brain and mouth disconnected. "No."

The dark guild member frowned, eyes growing dark, and his grin fell. They took one step closer towards the door, holding a set of keys in one hand. "You don't get a choice."

"No," you repeated again. Absolutely defenseless with no way to fight back, this was up there with one of the stupidest things you had ever done, but, by some miracle, the absurdity of your defiance had stopped the member from whisking you away as quickly as was intended.

"Are you dumb?" They questioned, shoving the correct key in the cell door. It jingled and clunked as he gripped it between thick fingers.

"Possibly," you responded quickly.

"They are," a new, very familiar, voice added. The addition of the voice caused the member to whip around on high defence, letting go of the key in the process. It hung from the lock procariaously.

The dark guild member wasted no time lunging at Gray with a startling speed, acting on instinct and fuelled by adrenaline at the sound of an unfamiliar voice. Gray's eyes widened at the sudden movement, but he quickly sidestepped the man's trajectory. Boots scraping across the rough surface of the stone floor, the attacker pivoted harshly, directing another fist at Gray. Taking a few steps back and reacting swiftly, Gray summoned a shield of ice, just in time to intercept the blow. As flesh met ice, a sharp crack reverberated throughout the hallway. The guild member pulled away, hissing in pain as frostbite crept across his bleeding knuckles.

With a growl, the member dropped low, aiming another attack at Gray's stomach. Gray went high, bringing his elbow down on the man's back with a practiced precision, sending him sprawling onto the ground.

Groaning and twitching, he attempted to lift himself up, but he wasn't given any such chance. In the blink of an eye, Gray had encased the attacker in a ball of ice, allowing only his head to remain untouched. Impressed with himself, and believing that you should be too, Gray turned to your cell. Stepping up towards the door, he gripped the bars and leaned in, leaving the key in the lock as if he had all the time in the world.

"So...you think I'm hot, huh?" He asked, voice low with amusement, with a dastardly cocky smirk creeping up his stupid face.

Prick.

"Who are you calling a prick?" He exclaimed, stepping back from the cell door, plucking the keys from the door. "I just saved you from a ritual sacrifice."

"I never called you a prick!" You yelled back, frustration evident in your voice.

"Well, I heard you call me a prick," he spun the keys around one finger as he leaned against the corridor wall directly opposite your cell door. The dim light flickered over his obviously shirtless chest.

You sighed, not wanting to get into any argument with him at the current moment, choosing to steer the interaction back into something productive. "have you done anything about the rest of the guild?"

He smirked again at the thought of you doubting him. As if on cue, Erza's unmistakable voice called down from the top of the stairs as a body toppled down into the basement. It landed with a groan.  "That's the last of them! Have you found Y/N?"

"I follow the rules," Gray whispered only loud enough for you to hear, clearly enjoying himself at your expense. He turned his head, calling back up the stairs to Erza, "I have them, they're fine!" He stepped forward again, sliding the key back into the lock. The metal groaned in frustration as he turned the key to open the door. His smile softened ever so slightly as he looked over your unfortunate form, "come on, dumbass."

Boots crunching on the soft ground of the cave, you shuffled over to him as he held a second key upright. The key to your shackles. Presenting your wrists to him, he slid the second key into that lock. The shackles clicked and fell to the ground. Bruises painted your wrists but the second that the shackles were free from your arms, you felt magic seep back into you like a breath of fresh air. You took a deep breath and rubbed your wrists slightly.

Gray hesitated, before tentatively reaching up. Cupping one of your hands in his he gently rubbed the bruises lightly. "Five days, huh?" He murmured, voice low.

"You can imagine how wiping went," you quipped softly, unable to resist injecting sarcasm even into the sweet moment.

His lips quirked up into a grin as he responded ever so casually, "still find you hot."

A frown formed on your face, and you blinked through the confusion, "huh?" But before you could process that sentence, the promise you made earlier crashed into your head. Lifting up a weak fist, you sent it into his shoulder.

Gray groaned, stepping back slightly and massaging his shoulder. "I call you hot and you punch me?"

"I promised it to you earlier!"

He paused, recalling the past telepathic conversation. "Fine. Okay, you did."

The two of you go silent for a brief moment, unable to really process Gray's confession. "So, how did you hear me earlier?" You ask, adding something in to at least attempt to ease the tension.

Gray rubbed the back of his neck slightly, "no idea. We'll ask Gramps when we get back." He moved closer, snaking one arm around your waist for support. Falling into place, you draped one of your arms over his shoulder and together you moved slowly through the dimly lit corridor, boots scuffing on the steps as you made your way towards sunlight.

________________________________________________________________________________

The moment of reckoning had arrived. Barely a step into the guildhall, and you had been summoned by the master.  The stern look in his eye made it painfully obvious that this was not going to be any form of appraisal. Closing the door softly, you slowly slid into the seat opposite the master.

"Hey, Gramps," you offered weakly. It wasn't a long journey back to Magnolia and so your bruises still throbbed with a fresh memory.

The master's gaze was sharp, and it cut through any excuse you had prepared. He didn't waste any time on checking how you were, he could tell from the state of you already, and as long as you were alive and breathing, you were well enough to receive a firm talking to. "Repeat to me the newly implemented rule of this guild."

"That no one, bar the exception of S-Class mages, are to undertake any job alone." You swallowed hard.

"If it's that ingrained into your head then why did you go alone?" His accusatory words hung heavy in the air.

Dropping your gaze to the floor, you hung your head in shame. "I thought I could handle it, I have before." It was a weak answer, given from a weak voice.

"But even if you have handled a hundred jobs before, something can always go wrong." He softened slightly, the pronounced wrinkles in his head fading as he sighed and leaned back in his chair. "You didn't account for the dark guild. I'm just thankful that you at least told someone where you were going." He rubbed his temples. "I don't know what I would do if I lost one of you," he muttered, almost to himself.

You kept your mouth shut, not wanting to let Gramps know that you did not in fact tell anyone where you were going. Drawing your lips into a thin line, you mused over your next choice in words, desperate to change the topic of conversation. "Can I ask you about a type of magic?"

He grumbled incoherently under his breath before muttering, "yes. Go on then."

"A type of telepathy, I think. When Gray-" you paused over your next few words, how to phrase them to stick to the story that he had woven himself that you had at least told someone before leaving. "When Gray came for me, we were able to talk telepathically. We've never done that before."

He raised an eyebrow at your statement. "And this has only happened between you two?" You nodded in response. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, but he was quick to hide it. "It's a very rare form of magic, and so rare that people even call it a myth." Jumping down from his perch, he found an old dusty book from his shelf, handing it over to you. "Here. You can read this whilst you recover." You briefly glanced down at the dusty book before looking back up at the master but he was already waving a dismissive hand at you. "Now go. And don't make me regret not scolding you harder."

Holding the book with all the strength you could muster, you hobbled out of his office, legs stiff with every step.  Gray was waiting outside for you, leaning against a wall but he quickly straightened as soon as you emerged and  quickly falling into stride beside you as you made your way to an empty table.

"So how hard did Gramps wail on you?"

You pointed your head down to the bruises on your arms. "Fresh from Gramps," you joked.

"You're joking."

"Of course I am, idiot," you responded, rolling your eyes. You let the hefty book fall onto the table with a thump. "He gave me this though."

He slid across from you into an empty chair. "A book?"

The pages crinkled and groaned in protest as you slowly opened the book, releasing a small cloud of dust. "You're such a genius," you exclaimed in a monochromatic tone.

"Prick."

"Who are you calling a prick?" You exclaimed, frowning at him.

"It's just happening again," he sighed, "you're just hearing my thoughts."

You arched an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Your thoughts are mean to me."

"And your thoughts think I'm hot," he teased lightly. "What else do you think about I wonder."

You kicked him from under the table and chose to ignore his question, instead looking down at the title of the front page. Magics of the Soulmate. Your stomach churned at the implication and you fell silent. Without saying another word, you spun the book around and slid it across the table towards Gray.

"Soulmates?" He exclaimed. The surprise fully took him before he dropped his voice into a low hush. "Gramps thinks we're soulmates?" You attempted to open your mouth to answer but no words escaped. Gray ignored you and dropped his head down to read further, "Only in dire situations or moments where thoughts are really felt that they are then projected onto one's soulmate, if that individual has one." He stopped reading and looked up, smirk creeping across his face. You knew what was coming. "So you really think I'm hot, huh?"

You kick him again out of desperation, harder this time. "Shut up!" You whisper harshly, face flushing out of your control. "So what does this mean? You suddenly start loving me?"

"Well you are kinda hot," he shrugged a little. He then grew serious and leaned back in his chair, lazily flicking through the pages of the book. "This doesn't have any answers, it just kinda says what we experienced. It's all just vague."

Growing silent once more, you muse over the implications. There was one thing that you forget during the whole ordeal. Looking up, and into his eyes. They had grown softer, fully living in the seriousness of the situation. You softly speak; "thank you for saving me earlier."

Gray reaches out, thumb brushing over the back of your hand. The ironic warmth of his touch caused the hairs on the back of your neck to rise. His voice was low and steady as he spoke, just for you "Anytime."

If you liked this, check out the Masterlist

[secret-writer-boy]

jegulus siren au

Regulus knows this is not right. He knows Mother would rage, but cannot find it in himself to care. This boy, his boy, is worth a thousand sins. His skin pulses, warm and caramel, so different from Regulus’ own dark emerald scales. Regulus has never seen eyes such a light, glittering hazel. He wants to sink into them. Oh, his boy is a precious treasure.

-

“What’s your name?” his boy had asked the first time they met, lovely human face inches from the water. “Would you tell me that?”

For the first time, Regulus hesitantly rose above the water. “Regulus,” he said softly, and felt a forbidden thrill as his tail lashed behind him. 

His boy grinned. “Regulus,” he repeated, as if tasting it. “I’m James. And…you’re really pretty,” he added, and he blushed a deep pink. “I’ve never seen a mermaid so pretty.” James paused. “I’ve never really seen a mermaid. But I’ve heard lots, and-”

There was a splash, and Regulus was diving back into the shimmering deep blue. 

“Wait,” he thought he heard James shout faintly. “Regulus!”

I’m not a mermaid. Regulus had always known he wasn’t, and it had brought him pride, but for the first time, it prickled like a jellyfish’s sting. And if you knew, you wouldn’t give me a second glance. 

His webbed hands, sharp and clawed like no mermaid’s ever could be, guided him onward into the endlessly dark sea.

-

It took Regulus many days to return to their spot on the shore, but return he did, and his boy was there, sitting on the same large rock as his legs dangled over the water.

“Regulus!” his boy brightened immediately, waving. Hesitantly, Regulus raised his hand above water to wave back, little droplets rolling off of his scales. 

This was the moment where he was supposed to dive back down into the water, he knew. Yet for some reason, Regulus couldn't help but stay and watch his boy from under the water, taking in his radiant smile.

“Thought I scared you away,” James told Regulus. “You left in such a hurry last time. Got me worried.”

Regulus didn’t dare lift his head up and respond. Sunbeams slicing light through the dark water, he let them illuminate his boy’s face, waves of intense admiration crashing over him again and again.

“Silent still, I see,” James teased, a playful glint in his eye. “It’s okay! I can talk enough for both of us.” His sparkling eyes met Regulus’, and Regulus felt a shiver run through his body. 

He’s perfect, he realized, though he thought he’d already known. Mother would hate him. Mother would want him dead. 

“We don’t learn much about the ocean in school,” James said, interrupting Regulus’ daydreaming. “Do you learn much about land?” he continued before Regulus could respond (he wouldn’t have, anyway). “My mum knows loads about the ocean. My mum knows loads about everything. She’s the best. I love her brownies. Her brownies are amazing, and…” Regulus listened to his boy talk, absorbing every word. He liked this soft cadence, the way he could just exist in his boy’s presence.

He learned his boy tentatively, as the sky bled into deep pinks and soft oranges in the hazy mornings. His boy would talk about his best mate, loud and brilliant, who was like his brother but not. His boy would talk about his parents: the best in the world, according to him. 

“Not to say anything about your parents!” his boy thought to add, quickly. “Maybe your parents are brilliant too.” At this, Regulus had given an emphatic shake of his head. 

“They’re not? I'm sorry. My best mate’s parents are awful too.” It was so easy with him, with James. Regulus thought about holding his hand a lot. He imagined it would be warm. He wondered if he would be able to hear the thu-thump of James’ heart. He wondered if his heartbeat and James’ were in sync. He wondered if James ever thought about his hand too.

Regulus' world had been faded, monochromatic greys before he met his boy. But now he thinks it has exploded into wondrous, ebullient colors. Now that he knows what it's like to breathe, how could he ever go back to suffocating under the water?

[mrs-barnes-rogers-writes]

Angel - Part 5

Marvel AU

Pairing: Alpha Steve Rogers x Enhanced Omega Reader x Alpha Bucky Barnes

Theme: A/B/O / True Mates

Summary: It's different when you're enhanced. Everything is different, every smell, every sound, touch, feelings. The way it's different doesn't make sense unless you are enhanced. Throw in what comes with Alpha and Omega instincts, and the intensity of your presentation is even more than any other. When you find yourself in need of help you can call on the alpha you trust the most, Natasha Romanoff. You just don't expect to find your alphas at the same time. Are you really enough for them? And can you really be the Luna to the Avengers?

"To be loved, to be loved by your mate is everything." - Wanda Maximoff

Reader is enhanced, has wings and has powers connected to electricity.

Chapter Summary: The reader takes the rescue mission in hand but will Bucky's self loathing lead to problems?

Chapter Warning: Mentions of an abusive childhood, injuries, blood, drowning.

Being enhanced made you different, but how it made you different was also interchangeable from person to person. Jean Gray had once tried to explain it to you, but science and DNA was never your strong point. The one part you did understand was that for some that the DNA activation that made you mutant (or enhanced to be politically correct) was caused by a crisis and your body reacting. Yours was the need to protect yourself as a child. It had started with the flickering of lights when you were upset. With parents like yours that was often. One violent outburst from your stepfather gifted you with static shocks. The next time electricity waved through your fingers. He kept his distance for a few months until your mother heard of undesirables hunting out mutants. Some parents hid their children and others, those like your mother, offered you to them.

You jumped from your bedroom window in a bid to escape, hoping for a soft landing. But the landing never came and you found yourself in the air, your hoodie ripped from your back, and the bralette you were wearing underneath barely hanging on. Your mother had gasped as she rushed to the window to grab you.

At fourteen you had literally ‘flown the coop’. Eventually you found yourself at Xavier’s door. He and the X-Men had taught you to hone your skills but the damage of your life back home had always lingered and you didn’t stay anywhere long. Trust and fear fuelling your worries.

Your work as an AFH, Agent For Hire, led you to Barton and Romanoff, and in turn now, as you dipped through the storm it led you to your alphas. Now though, that wasn’t the priority. Getting them and Sam off the roof of the jet and out the water was. Your enhanced senses confirmed that Bruce was right, Sam was the worst injured. A broken wrist and ribs, a punctured lung, shrapnel to his leg, that although torqued was bleeding heavily. You were sure from his slowing heartbeat he was probably bleeding internally too.

Both Steve and Bucky were holding on to him, the latter yelling at him to stay awake. Each had an arm across him as they used their free hand to grip the jet. Steve’s head was bleeding heavily from where the emergency line cradle had hit him in the head and his breathing was laboured.

Bucky spotted you incoming. His brow furrowed with confusion. He’d seen a shadow fall from the jet and had thought he was hallucinating when he didn’t see any of the others or the emergency line. Now he realised that shadow was very much real, had wings and was about to land on him. You also smelt very familiar.

You gestured as you neared for him to move and he rolled his body away slightly allowing you space to slot him between him and Sam. You tapped his arm and then Steve’s for them to release him, as you slipped one arm under Sam’s shoulder blades and another under his legs. Steve failed to move and his grip tightened. Bucky yelled at him to let go. Steve looked up confused, face bloody, struggling to see you through the storm and the blood that trickled down his face. He loosened his grip slightly as he tried to focus and you used the moment to  shoot upwards into the sky. You were in the jet quickly after and placing Sam onto one of the beds that Bruce had set up.

You signed to Clint.

“Rogers next. Head injury.”

He relayed to Bruce as you jumped from the jet again. The sky lit up with lightning and your hair stood on end reacting as your body responded to the storm around and the static electricity around it. The waves grew higher and more violent as you neared.

Steve and Bucky were battered by the waves and the jet had now tilted slightly causing them to be further into the water than before . Bucky now seemed to be half on top of his Steve and you realised that he was now unconscious, his body going limp as you approached. Bucky was trying his best to keep them both on the roof of the jet and stop Steve falling into the depths of whatever ocean or sea they were currently being thrown around.

You stopped short of landing on the roof of the jet and hovered above them both, wings keeping you in the air. You tapped Bucky’s arm as you gripped the harnesses that usually carried Steve’s shield. He released him as you flew upwards and you caught Bucky’s voice on the wind, you made out the word ‘careful’ and you weren’t sure if he meant with Steve or yourself. You were sure he meant the first. Moments later you manhandled him onto another of the beds. Clint and Nat were quickly by his side as Bruce worked on Sam.

You started to run towards the back of the jet, ready to grab Bucky. You leapt as you had before, your wings having stayed outwards since the first rescue. Your eyes went wide as they locked onto the sergeant below. A huge wave had formed and as it dipped and turned, it pulled Bucky and the jet with it and turned him under the waves. You went to shout but nothing came out. You flew upward and rounded back to pick up speed. The jet resurfaced but there was no sign of Barnes.

You tapped on your glasses and they picked up the pulse of Bucky’s heartbeat. It was getting lower into the ocean and you needed to act quickly. You flew at speed downwards towards him, your wings angled to give you more speed. Nearing the water you put your arms in front of you for a diving motion and took a deep breath. The speed that you’d picked up in the air propelled you into the water and towards Bucky. His eyes were closed but one arm was reaching out in front of him like he had tried a last minute grab of the jet before being buried by the waves. With a few strokes you were able to grab the harness that wrapped around his upper torso and held his weapons. You kicked your legs and fought against the sea, battling to get to the surface. You’d never been this far underwater before and definitely hadn’t had hold of a two hundred pound super soldier in the water either. You decided to use your wings and pushed them into a flapping motion in sync with your legs.

You broke the surface with a gasp. The waves grew bigger by the moment and a brief glance at Bucky in your arms told you he wasn’t breathing. Looking up into the darkness you could make out the lights of the jet, the door still open and Clint hanging out of it waving a flare. Your vision was blurred by the water on your mission glasses but it was enough to guide you back to them. A heavy pull of the water let you know you were in the trough of a huge wave and you knew it was now or never. You wrapped your legs around Bucky’s and slipped your hands into the back of his harness. You pulled and pushed with your wings until you were out of the water and battling your way to the jet.

You landed in a heap, still wrapped around the alpha. You heard Bruce yell to get him breathing and pulled yourself from around him. With Bruce working on Sam, Nat on Steve and Clint lining up a beacon arrow to fire to the jet it was on you.

You pulled Bucky onto his back and checked his airways. His heart was slow but still beating. You blew two breathes directly into his mouth, as Clint quickly joined you. He slapped his face and yelled at Bucky to wake up. You blew another breath into his mouth and decided to shock him with a little static electricity.

Water splashed across your face as he began to cough and you pushed him onto his side. You hit him hard on his back as he moved onto all fours. He coughed up more water and you hit him again before he gasped and gestured at you to stop.

Bucky was confused. One minute he’d been watching you take Steve. Then he was underwater. Now he was on the jet but it smelt like he was at Coney Island.

You watched as he took deep breaths before he muttered that you should have left him. It was quiet enough for the others to miss it with the noise of the jet but you certainly didn’t it and your brow furrowed as you looked towards Clint.

“What did he say?”

You signed back, concern across your face.

“He said I should have left him.”

It was at this moment Clint lost his shit. He grabbed at Bucky and pulled him from the floor, attempting to manhandle him towards the bed waiting for him.

“Hey asshole, she just risked her damn life for you, so you can quit with the self loathing bullshit.”

“I didn’t ask her to do that.” He replied shrugging Clint off.

“No, but she did it anyway. Didn’t even have to ask her and she’s throwing herself into a fucking storm for you three idiots. You’d be dead without her, all fucking three of you. Is that what you want?”

Bucky went to yell back but coughed again and struggled to catch his breath. You listened carefully and could hear he still had water in his lungs. You signed to Clint, who in turn yelled at Bucky.

“You’ve got water in your lungs dipshit. Get on the bed.”

Clint pulled at Bucky’s shoulder and he brushed him off harshly. You felt the mood in the jet shift further and the start of a growl rumbled in Natasha’s chest. A growl from Bruce followed but it sounded more like the other guy. Clint rubbed his face in frustration.

At this point you had really had enough. You were wet, cold and hurt. You were drained. You needed another shower and a warm bed. You heard Bruce ask Barnes again to get on the bed and his response was a growl. Natasha went to react but for once she wasn’t quick enough, as this time it was you losing your shit. You strode towards Barnes and pushed out your wings as a show of force and intimidation. You were almost surprised that it worked and he staggered back in shock and collided with the side of the bed as you crowded him. You grabbed the harness and lifted him up, sitting him on the bed. You were purposely rough as you lifted his legs and pushed him further on to bed.

You signed angrily.

“Get on the bed and do as you’re fucking told Sergeant.”

It was as you stormed off towards the bathroom that Bucky realised he’d fucked up. It was you that smelt of Coney Island. Well, sugar doughnuts and cotton candy.

The stirring of his alpha confirmed it. You were his.

Fancy a cuppa? My Ko-Fi.

TAGLIST

@animegirlgeeky @mrsevans90 @vicmc624 @elissanatok

[nanaminokanojo]

THAWING ICE QUEEN (part 107)

–one night of fooling around with the annoying campus king gojo satoru (he thinks so), turns into...well, something else more long term

CHARACTERS: gojo satoru x you | geto suguru | jjk characters

GENRE: college au | smut | smau | smau + prose | everything in between | ons | fubus to lovers | aged-up characters | idk where this is going

⚠️ TW/CW: strong/mature language | 🔞 | mentions of alcohol, smoking, etc. | this has narrations | god-awful pet names | will add more if something arises

MASTERLIST | CHAPTER INDEX

<<prev part 107 next>>

A/N: This has prose.

“What?”

Nothing was making sense. You don’t even know if you’ve heard right as you watched everything suddenly slow into a snail’s pace and blur out into nothing but colors. It was as if you were submerged in a transparent water tank where nothing was exactly clear, not sight or sound, although you were somehow aware of what was going on. You knew your father stood up from his seat, looking deathly pale as he looked towards the stage. You followed the direction of his eyes, that, too, seeming to take an eternity to accomplish as you turned your head and saw none other than Gojo Satoru standing behind the podium, smiling bright as he addressed the applauding crowd, dazzling under the ambient lights and seemingly not existing in the same realm as everyone was.

You whirled around to look at Kento, having to steady yourself on one of the chairs as questions, one after the other started to flood your mind, except you couldn’t voice them out, not knowing which one to ask first. Why was Satoru suddenly named the head of a company his maternal grandfather owns? Does he know the real reason why you were leaving? Did he do just that for you? What the hell was your father telling you to ask your friends what he was doing there? You held onto Kento’s arm, your eyes conveying every single one of the things you couldn’t say. His expression told you everything you needed to know.

“What?” you asked again, but your voice came out weak, drowned out by another round of applause that was addling your thought process, making you incoherent and unable to do anything. What did you want to do anyway? There wasn’t one thing that came to mind, not even the scathing smirk your father shot your way when your eyes met his again. You just wanted it to be over, but then again, in what way?

You swallowed, thick and hard, wishing you could say something. You knew what it meant, that same accusing look he threw your way all those years ago when your mother died, a core memory that hardened at the back of your mind. He might not have said it out loud, but it spoke volumes of how he wished you were gone instead of her, how he blames you for the loss of the only woman he ever cared about. He looked at you the same way now as if you wounded him the same way again, as if you were making him go through the pain again.

He held you frozen with his cold gaze, making you hold your breath until it hurt, when suddenly, he turned away to address someone else behind you. “I believe congratulations are in order,” he stated in a tone that was anything but congratulatory, “Mr. Gojo.”

“Hardly, but I believe thanks are in order,” Satoru responded, repeating your father’s words and returning it to him. “I have yet to fulfill the purpose of it all.”

You heard the smirk in his voice as opposed to seeing it, unable to move on your spot as Kento kept you steady, merely looking down on the floor. You wanted to do something, anything, take him away from there perhaps. Your father wasn’t worth the time, not Satoru’s anyway. Mustering all the wits you had left, you finally managed to turn around, looking at Satoru to ground yourself. He was there. Everything will be okay…right?

Satoru smiled at you and winked as if to answer your unspoken question. He stepped towards your father, and in a low tone, said, “If you think you can use me to hurt your own daughter, you couldn’t have been more mistaken.” Although he kept a pleasant look on his face, the playfulness was gone, replaced by a threat instead.

Your father scoffed. “Very valiant of you then, young man. All this for my daughter.” He chuckled. “But you said it yourself. She is my daughter, and what goes in our family neither involves you nor does it change things because you suddenly decided you’d want to go this far for her. Commendable, I must say –”

“I’ll take that as a compliment without the catch, if you don’t mind.” He leveled his expression with your father. “Of course, you are right. It changes nothing if you still want Y/N to leave, but she can decide on that without you threatening to tear me down should she disagree.”

You merely blinked slowly as your thoughts were confirmed, but before you could even wrap your head around it, Satoru was suddenly beside you, taking your hand in his, boldly displaying it in front of your father.

“Satoru –”

“I love your daughter, Atty. L/N. And yes, I’m willing to go through lengths to make her happy. I may not decide on that, but I’m giving her the freedom to do just that without anyone, not even you, interfering in it.”

The older male glared at Satoru. “This was all in vain, but you knew that.”

“We’ll see,” the blue-eyed menace beside you stated in that happy-go-lucky tone of his, even having the gall to grin at your father. “Now, if you don’t mind…” He shifted his gaze to you, a love-struck smile replacing his earlier expression. “I have a date with your daughter, father-in-law.”

With that, he turned around, dragging you away, but not before you saw your father fall onto his seat, evidently seething as he watched the pair of you go. But before you could dwell on that thought, you heard Satoru’s laughter ringing through the hallway as he looked back at you with nothing but that tender, adoring look he always has for you, enough to convince you to join in as you both ran towards your own fairy tale albeit momentary.

A/N: Hi, everyone! Just gonna leave this here for now and will update this over the next days one or two at a time, depending on how much I can create per day. Again, thank you for the love. We're almost to the end! Thanks for staying.

TAGS LIST: @arxliana @neeneee @charlie-xo @aelynaneedsalottathing @cloudxp @justpuddinglol @mikkies @nyfwyeonjun @whats-humanity-lol @letthewindlead @whore-of-many-hot-men @localgaytrainwreck @pikibee @bloombb @mr-underhills-things @lysaray @chocoyanchan @poemzcheng @bookswillfindyouaway @dreamxiing @koutaroo @taelattecookie @kazuhasmaid @weebbuscuit @moonmalice @taengkatsu @reagan707 @to0ruu @shirabane @yell0wdreams @r0ckst4rjk @megtheebimbo @tmvll9 @kibananya @ti-mame @niko-ash @minzxec

© ORIGINAL WORK BY nanaminokanojo. CHARACTERS ARE INSPIRED BY GEGE AKUTAMI’S JUJUTSU KAISEN. [20240415]

PHOTO/IMAGE/GIF/FANART/ANY MEDIA CREDITS TO THE RESPECTIVE OWNERS.

[iocity]

ASL ‘Merica AU where Sabo feels guilty about involving his brothers in his conflicts with his biological parents. They are real bona fide assholes, and Sabo does not in any way want to reconnect with them, but they are PERSISTENT. With every yelled word bouncing off the walls of the brothers shared home, Sabo’s guilt grows. He stopped believing when they said they would change years ago, but he can’t seem to shake them off.

Sabo who doesn’t tell his brothers how he feels because they have their own problems, their own struggles that seem so much bigger than old parent problems. He is supposed to be strong. He is sure that in a house of people with “real” issues, his won’t matter.

Sabo who can’t help but get angry when he has to deal with his biological family, but not regular angry. It sticks for the whole day, onto the next, and that same feeling of guilt creeps up the back of his neck. He hates how his brothers seem to walk on eggshells around him when he is in his moods, but he can’t stand to pretend to be in a sunny mood he is not in (his brothers can tell anyway). He snaps because his parents are the knife in his side, and he is in pain.

Sabo who hates crying, because crying means his parents have won the nonexistent but constantly present battle between them. Crying means that they have made him weak again, made him helpless, made him remember what he used to be. Guilt is met with shame, and shame accompanied by sorrow and anger. His own reflection an overwhelming cacophony of everything he hates. His mother’s lips, his father’s eyes; his own genetics betray him. He feels his parents in him, and he braces himself as fear overtakes him; his hands grip the wall as he silences his breaths.

Sabo who holds his breath to exact his control, to break their hold over him. His breath can’t shake if he doesn’t let it out; his eyes can’t cry if his heart is trying to escape his chest. If he is in control he can be cold, calculated; he can give his parents what they deserve. What they gave to him. To him, it’s logic, it’s reason, and it’s strength.

Sabo who can’t help the jolt that runs through him when he feels arms around him, his chest heaving with warm air, the ache within him worsening. He has been pulled out of his control and into the warmth and unpredictability of his brothers’ arms. All at once he is melting, and it shows in the way his chest heaves into a sigh, then a sob, in the way that water flows down his cheeks until he is sure there is a puddle under him, and in the way that he reaches blindly for them through his tears. They are already there.

Sabo whose apologies fall on deaf ears, because they don’t give a damn about his parents (something they now make sure to tell him often), they give a damn about him.

Luffy who can’t help but cry too, because Sabo is not only his older brother, but his heart. Not by blood but by choice which, for him, means so much more. It’s only natural to cry when your heart hurts. He clings to Sabo, hoping to solidify his presence, because he is there. He isn’t a thought or a feeling, he isn’t fleeting. He is permanent. Heart to heart, warm and present. He doesn’t understand; he never cared much about things like his biological family. Despite that, he is shifting to his feet, making Sabo’s favorite snack consuming mind because his words often fail him but his hands rarely do. Food brings people together, right? He hopes Sabo is hungry, so they can eat together.

Ace whose clenched jaw, deep frown, and furrowed brows speak for him. ‘Why didn’t you tell us? Why did you do this alone?’ But he’ll nag later, because first and foremost he is the oldest brother. So for now Ace will hold his little brother while he cries and control the anger bubbling up within him, not only at Sabo’s parents, but at the world. He is unmoving even when Sabo has stilled from his crying, silent when Luffy wriggles out of their grip to grab snacks for them. As still and permanent as rock, letting Sabo lean on him until he finds the strength to walk on his own.

Sabo whose guilt and shame crashes against the corners of his mind, frustration rising because he is full of feelings he doesn’t recognize and therefore can’t control.

Sabo who is spiraling until a warm gas station honeybun is being shoved under his nose by forceful hands, ratty sandals being tucked aside as Luffy sits criss-cross in front of him with a plate of his own, Ace’s plate balancing on Luffy’s straw hat. A hand is on his neck as he rocks back and forth slowly, looking nervous.

“I don’t think it was supposed to be microwaved with the wrapper on y’all.”

“You’re shitting me.”

Sabo who hears Ace cursing about the house being rented and microplastics, and Luffy arguing back despite knowing he is in the wrong.

Sabo who laughs. In disbelief, in amusement, in insanity. He can’t tell anymore, but he feels the waves stilling in his mind, replaced with the sound of his brothers’ quarreling and his own laughter. Because they don’t give a damn about what he perceives to be weakness; he doesn’t need to feel ashamed.

Sabo who knows his life isn’t fixed and who knows he will have to talk to his brothers eventually, but who also loves his brothers and warm gas station honey buns. Sabo who feels at home in this familiar warmth.

“Man, I love you guys.”

Masterlist!

Tags c|:D : @porschethemermaid

[skulla-rxcks]

Werewolf in heat 👣🐺

Paring: werewolf!Chan x fem reader

Rating: explicit

Genre: smut, werewolf au

Warnings: slight blood, pain

Day 22 of k-tober

Taglist: @f3lix00 @channiesgoodgirl @mal-lunar-28

!THIS IS PURE FICTION, NOTHING IN THIS IS REAL ITS JUST A STORY!

It’s a warm night in spring, perfect weather to take a stroll outside and get some fresh air. I sigh and grab my coat, putting it over my shoulders before sticking my arms in the holes. There’s a bag next to the door already so I decide to take that with me. I slide my feet into some boots that were next to the bag. As soon as I’m read i decide to have one last check at my coat and bag, making sure I have everything I need to take with me just incase. “Fucking hell..” I mumble frustrated under my breath, realising that I forgot to pack my phone. I leave my bag at the door as i quickly run back to my room, bolting inside and frantically looking for my phone, i find it next to my bed on the little wooden table next to it. Relieved from finally finding my phone i make my way out of my room and back to the corridor .

I open the door and let out a groan, relaxed as I feel the cold air hit my face, it cools me down instantly.

Taking a step outside and shutting the door behind me I begin my little midnight adventure off into the forest. It’s really dark tonight. i can see a few stars up in the sky, not many though, only around 6 or so. I keep walking on the path until I reach the beginning of the sea of trees. I look behind me as I continue walking, slowly watching the street light get smaller and smaller as I walk into the abyss that is the forest. The sound of crickets chirping fill my ears. I grab my phone out of my bag and put it’s torch on so I can see where I’m going and what’s nearby. I’ve walked here in the dark before, only once though so I’m still not perfect around the area I’m in, still. I’m not a complete stranger to it.

I Lift my phone up slightly, noticing there’s a lake futher in the forest, I decide to make my way there, hoping to watch the moon line shine on the water. I continue deeper down the path until I reach the shimmering water, sparkling from the beautiful moon above it. I gasp at the site, sitting down on a nearby log as I watch and listen to the beautiful sounds of nature. As I’m watching the water I see something on the other side of the lake, staring at me. I’m not sure what it is but it’s shaped like a wolf. I wonder what it wants from me?

Either way, It feels like the temperature is getting warmer over here, might as well take a little dip in the fresh water in lake, I slide my boots off and dip my feet in, feeling the cool water on my skin. My eyes look at the spot where the wolf was out of pure curiosity. There’s something there, in the exact same place the wolf was, but this time it’s not a wolf, it’s a guy. Maybe he’s just wondering what I’m doing at this time of night? I decide to ignore it. It’s getting later I should probably be on my way and heading back home right now, I tell myself.

I step out of the water and dry my feet on the grass before proceeding to put my shoes back on. I grab my bag and phone and start heading off, I’m so damn ready to pass out on my bed and just get a good nights sleep.

As I start walking on the path I see a shadow in the corner of my eye, I stop and look around, noticing nothings there. I try to ignore it and keep walking but the sound of movement only starts again, following me. “H-hello?” I call out feeling the fear developing Inside me. “Is anyone there?” I repeat. No answer, not even a single noise after I call out. “Hey.. T-this isn’t f-funny..!” I mumble as I feel the hairs on my body begin to stand up as well as goosebumps beginning to form on my skin.

I begin to walk again but this time I feel something or someone touch me, something touched my shoulder, almost like it was trying to scare me before but instead this time it is trying to get my attention. I turn around and look up, it’s the same man that was staring at me from across the lake, but this time he has wolf ears and tail for some reason. “Uhm..” I whimper, confused at whatever the fucks going on and who this strange being is.

“Shh.. you saw it didn’t you? You saw my other form..” the man mutters, grabbing my hand and pulling me behind a tree. “I.. uh, yes.. yes I did..” I plea at his words, clearly begging for mercy. “Mouth shut.” He demands, snapping his fingers. “I won’t hurt you unless you help me out here, yeah?” A smirk begins to form on his face making his ears twitch too. “W-what do you need sir?” A whimper comes out of my mouth as I see how he’s acting, I don’t know what he wants to do to me, but I’ll agree to anything just so he doesn’t kill me and feast on my flesh off of my rotting corpse.

“I’m in heat.” The guy says. “W-what?” I respond, cleary flustered at the situation that’s been brought upon me. “I said I’m in heat.” He repeats. “So.. w-what do you.. uh, want me to do a-about it?” My cheeks turn red. “I need you to let me fuck you.” He growls, grabbing my shirt and pushing me against the tree. “May I?” He asks, licking his lips while looking down at my clothed body. “Y-yes sir..” I mutter out, looking at his face as he begins to rip my clothes open with his sharp claws. “Call me Chan.” He looks back up into my eyes, glaring at me as he pulls my panties and shorts down. “Fuck you look tight.. it’s gonna hurt.” Chan lets down his boxers, pulling his cock out groaning as he pushes into my tight and wet cunt.

“C-chan…” I whimper and wrap my legs around his waist, my feet stroking hid tail as he begins to pump in and out of my hole. “Shit your cunt feels so fucking good, bunny...” he growls into my ear, biting onto my neck. He brings one of his hands up to my chest and squeezes my breast, digging his claws into it making me moan in pain as small beads of blood pop out of my skin.

“Ahhha…. Channie!” More moans come out of my mouth as Chan starts Fucking me more roughy now, sinking his teeth into my neck as he does so. “Mmgh.. o-ow..” I cry out, my legs tightening around his waist as I buck my hips forward slightly, trying to get more of his dick. “even your blood is so good..” Chan groans, his teeth hitting the top of a vein in my neck due to how deep he’s sucking my blood. “Chan.. s-Slow down I’ll.. I’m gonna… I’ll cum!!” I beg him and let him know I’m near my limit. “Do it. Cum for me.” He demands, filling me up with his cum as I squirt around his cock. Chan pulls out of me and gently places me on the grass next to the tree he was pounding me up against.

“Fuck.. thank you so much, bunny. You didn’t know how god damn badly I needed that.” He lets out a massive sigh, slipping his boxers back on before heading off and going back into the bushes.

I guess I’ll have to walk home with just panties on now while a werewolf’s cum is dripping out of me.

[purpleyoonn]

enchanted

P R O L O G U E 

“I’ll spend forever wondering if you knew I was enchanted to meet you.”

summary: The realm under King Min’s rule had been under war for over. thirty years, a war within the inhuman species with origins no one knows. Your presence was brought into awareness when found by the king under the rubble of your home. You are plunged into a world you had only ever seen from the outside, and don’t know how long you can last.

genre: soulmate au, fantasy au, dragon au, 

pairing: Dragon King Yoongi x Human MC

status: ?

warnings: starts in the middle of war, violence, angst, death, supernatural creatures, more to come.

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

The river was freezing when you got up that morning, basket of cloths in hand to wash. It had been your chore for a couple of weeks now, ever since Mela’s body was found at the bottom of the hill. She had been working with you at the manor for a couple of years now, another “stray” taken in by Lord Ahn and his family. She also wasn’t the first to be found, others found at the same dip in the bottom of the hill.

You and a couple of the others had taken on her chores along with the ones you already had, meaning you barely got any sleep lately. Not to mention the nightmares you had. You and your friend Lila had been the ones to find her, body mangled from being pushed down the hill. When you had told the Lord of the manor, he just smiled and told you to get back to work.

It was nearly springtime, meaning the water was going to be getting warmer, and more of your chores would be done outside. You loved the spring, all the flowers blooming and the sounds of the woods to drown out the sound of your mind. Your thoughts were always loud, overthinking and replaying different memories. Your mind never seemed to shut off, always loud and all-encompassing.

You had a hard time keeping still, your mind and body needing to do something. That was why you liked working outside the house whenever you got the chance. Whenever you were inside, you had to be still, someone seen and not heard. That was normal for women, especially those who worked for Lord Ahn.

Mr. Ahn liked looking. His eyes always wandered when he was home. He only employed the girls in the manor, the men working outside. You had once been tasked with cleaning the upper portion of the manor, where the family resided, when you first started working to “pay for your stay”. He watched you the entire time, silent as he did.

You shook your head as you got out the soap from the bottom of the basket, rubbing against the washing board you had rested against the side of the river. You had to be quick, quiet as you worked. The woods were becoming increasingly dangerous over the past couple months. Stories of trolls and ghouls making their travels to the neighboring villages. You didn’t want to alert anyone or anything of your presence.

You had your own stories, your home destroyed by a horde of giants set loose, smashing everything they could. Your parents and sister had been crushed by one of their feet, running from the market. Which is what got you here to the manor, the Lord’s family “happily willing” to take you in.

You didn’t want to think that you could lose another home at the hands of the witches. The Queen had become angry with the kingdom, setting lose her minions on the land, killing and pillaging wherever they could. Reanimated bodies were their favorite thing. The ghouls seemed to be popping up all over the kingdom, and it seemed as though the King or his guards were doing nothing about it.

When you were in school, you remember learning about the Witches, how their Queen was angry with your King, some broken promise, and that since then, she had taken that anger on his realm. Your teacher had tried to drill into your head that your safety was only ensured if you remained silent, something that stuck with you, even to this day.

“Y/n!” You turned your head, seeing Taemin coming to a stop, leaning on his tree to catch his breath. “Are you almost done? Lord Ahn is wanting all of us to come back to the manor. He seems upset.” Your eyes widen in fear, scrambling to gather the half-washed clothes and washing board, getting to your feet.

“Do you have any idea what happened?” You asked your friend as both ran back up the hill and to the manor.

“No. All I heard was that Jeongmin can rushing out of his room with bruises all over her face.” You sigh out, knowing he could be mad at anything. Poor Jeongmin just had to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. You wonder if she refused him, even with you and the other girls telling her to go along with it for her own safety.

Lord Ahn was known for his anger; the entire village knew it. No one was to speak of it though, for fear of repercussions on their own families. The word ‘no’ was the one thing none of the servants could say to him, not if they wanted their life to remain in their bodies.

“Well, let’s hurry. We don’t want to give him any more reasons.” You breathe out, picking up your pace with a tight hold on the basket.

When you get to the manor and move through the kitchen, placing your basket on the floor by the door, you both rush to your position in line in the hall, right at the end where your faces could be seen, eyes on the floor.

“Now, it seems to me that some of you…” You listen for the uptick in tone, knowing that Lord Ahn was really upset about something now. “think you can have a relationship within my house.” Oh no…. now you know why Jeongmin was all bruised up. She confessed.

You wince as you could hear her whimper, your body tensing as footsteps move closer to where you were. You knew there had been a couple of relationships going on within the household, particularly the one with Taemin and Yujin. You hoped that they weren’t the relationship he was talking about.

“You all know the rules, that I don’t expect much when you come into my household.” Lord Ahn’s voice had become deeper, darker as he spoke making your breath hitch, trying not to move.

Lord Ahn was now almost in front of you, about to say something else when the sirens from the village square went off, announcing the presence of non-humans. You move forward, ready to run when Lord Ahn catches you, his hand on your chest, keeping you from moving.

“Now, now. Since I’m sure all of you have been keeping these… secrets from me, you can stay here. Keep the house in order, as I’m sure nothing is truly going on.” You gape at the man, watching his smile turn into a dark smirk as his gaze turns to you.

“Min, Jung, help my family to the carriage. Kim, younger Kim, gather all the materials necessary and put them in the boot.” His hand is still on your chest as he barks out the orders, watching from his peripheral as the men he called forward move to do as he said.

“Sir,” You bite out, “What about the women?”

“Well, why don’t you continue your chores?” He squeezed once, before moving away and down the hallway.

Turning around, you watch him, mouth open in shock, the siren still ringing throughout the village. Feeling a hand grasp onto your shoulder, you turn back around, seeing Hana pull you back. Her gaze was soft, knowing how the sirens make you feel.

“Let’s just hope that it’s nothing. Come with me, we can finish the laundry in the sink.” Hana helps you walk forward, everyone else moving back to their chores. Once in the kitchen you pick up the laundry basket form the floor, noticing that the cabinets and pantry have been cleaned out.

“Did they take all of the food?” You ask, concern dripping from your lips as you think about being locked in the house with no food.

“It appears so. But don’t worry, I don’t think they touched the servant’s quarters.” Hana reassures you. You sigh out, moving to the sink where Hana has gotten some water. You empty your basket again, moving the washing board into the sink and then soap bar.

You hear the siren again, this time closer to the manor, swearing you could almost hear some screams mixed in. You chose to follow Hana’s lead, hoping that she was right about everything. You go through the motions, scrubbing the sheets with the soap and brush.

A scream has you dropping the brush from your grasp, the wooden handle making a clang as it hits the floor.

“Stay here.” Hana holds her hand up at you, motioning you to stay where you were. You do so, heart beating fast as you hear another scream cry out. You choose not to listen, moving through the back of the kitchen and down the hall to the servant’s quarters.

From there you can see through the narrow windows used for light. There were people running everywhere, people being pushed to the ground and having chunks bitten out of them by gray, almost see-through creatures.

Ghouls, you thought, eyes widening in horror as you watch a couple ghouls begin to move towards the manor. You look through the room, trying to see if you could find anything to defend yourself with, trying to ignore the screams that came from within the manor.

If these really were ghouls you were dealing with, there was nothing you could do to save anyone.

You could feel your cheeks becoming wet, trying to find a way to get out of the servant’s quarters without going back into the manor, as you still look for something that could create fire. You begin to freak out, flashbacks to the giants and the screams of terror as you hear the screams of now moving closer to where you were.

However, it gets silent quickly, the only noise heard is the sound of your breathing. Holding your hand over your mouth, you try to listen for anything else, only hearing the sound of something dragging across the floor. The crackling of something in the walls also catches your attention. It becomes louder and louder until suddenly; you were on the ground.

Everything seemed to be moving too fast for your mind to catch up with. You couldn’t feel your legs, but you could move them, somewhat. You felt like you had a huge weight on you and you could feel heat licking at your skin. 

As your eyes begin to adjust, you could see the body of the ghoul who was still trying to get to you, and the fire that was now spreading over the rest of the manor, inching your direction.

Your wits come back to you; survival instincts kick in as a loud roar is heard with a gust of wind keeping the fire from reaching you. Despite that, you try all you can to move the pieces of the roof from anchoring your body to the wreckage of the manor before that ghoul can get to you.

It didn’t matter to you that he was also buried under the remnants of the roof, you needed to get away. You blinked hard, rapidly as you tried to remove your tears from obstructing your vision. Using all your might, you tried to push the roof off of you, grunting as you failed again and again.

Another loud roar had you scrambling even faster, trying with all your strength to get out from under the rubble. Before you could get your leg out, the heavy material was yanked off of you, a growl as your bruised legs were visible.

You look up in horror, only to see who you recognize at King Min staring down at you, his eyes red and his fangs visible as he looks at you. Your frozen in place, unable to move as his red eyes pierce your soul and keep you still.

It’s only a couple of seconds before the King lunges for you, making your close your eyes in fear. Arms wrapping around you and picking you up from the rest of the roof and walls of the servant’s quarters.

“Please...” You whimper, not knowing what the King was going to do with you, only for him to place a hand behind your head, pushing so your head was rested against the juncture between his neck and shoulder.

One little word has you blinking away even more tears, a slew of emotions moving through you as you take it in. Your finger gripping tight into his button up shirt, the buttons almost popping loose from how tightly you hold onto it.

King Min moves quickly, walking out of the rubble and into the trees, a clearing by the river coming into the view as he shifts, his wings breaking out from the back of his shirt, the rest of his shirt now loose in your grip as he begins to fly away, to a place unknown to you. You were only focused on what he had growled out when he picked you up.

“Mate.”

[fairy-writes]

I would like a medium mocha with sugar and Edward Elric please!!!!!

-🪐

WITHOUT YOU

Reblogs and Comments are greatly appreciated!!

__________________________________________________________________________

Prompt: Paranormal pirate AU scenario with Edward Elric

Word Count: 0.9k (so close to 1k rip)

Fandom(s): Fullmetal Alchemist

Pairing(s): Edward Elric x Reader

Genre(s)/Tag(s): Female!Reader, Pirate!Edward, 

Notes: You guys love giving me difficult requests lmao

This is also a female reader as opposed to my typical gender neutral :)

Trigger warning for death and drowning in this fic!

__________________________________________________________________________

You were awoken in the night by hands roughly grabbing your arms and hauling you from your hammock. You let out a scream, and someone shoved a wadded-up ball of cloth in your mouth as you struggled. 

It was your fellow crewmates. You recognized their stink. 

You were dragged, kicking, and muffled screaming up to the deck where the rain was coming down in torrents like knives. Your hands were bound, your legs tied together. A cannonball is tied to your ankles, and you are heaved to the ship’s side. 

They’re going to throw you overboard. That much is obvious. 

“STOP!”

Until…

You see him.

Edward Elric. 

The captain of the ship. One of the youngest in pirate history. 

And the love of your life.

He shoves his way through the growing crowd of pirates. His bright crimson coat had already darkened to a deep maroon in the hurricane of rain. 

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” He demands, shrugging someone’s hand off his shoulder and smacking someone else’s away as they try to pull him back.

“‘s bad luck to have a lady aboard, Cap'n.” At this, he scoffs,

“And I thought we didn’t put much stock into fairy tales.” He snaps, and you can see his metal hand curling into a fist.

You begin to struggle again, trying to wriggle toward your savior’s side.

That ends up being your downfall.

Seeing as you’re perched on the edge of the ship, only your crewmate’s hands holding you aboard, you begin to teeter over the side.

Right as a massive wave hits and sucks you overboard.

It feels like you are being pulled down for miles and miles by the cannonball at your feet and the waves pulling at your skin. Dragged down and down and down until you can’t see the bottom of the boat or Edward’s grief-stricken face. 

You feel as if your lungs are about to pop. The pressure from the water builds and builds. Behind your eyes, in your nose, under your tongue. You claw at your throat with bound hands, try to swim up, try to stop the sinking, but the cannonball is too heavy, and you are growing weak.

You hit something. Maybe a rock. Maybe a whale. You can’t tell. But you inhale out of reflex, coughing and inhaling more water as it invades your mouth, your nose, your lungs, your entire being. It feels thick like tar as your throat burns and constricts. Your lungs balloon and feel like they are bursting at the seams. Your body convulses. You couldn’t breathe, couldn’t see, couldn’t—

And everything goes black.

Edward sits with his head in his hands at his desk. The ship rocked back and forth. Usually, it would’ve put him to sleep, but not anymore.

You were gone. Drowned. Dead. Never to come back.

He had always prided himself on being a man of reason. A man of science. Ever since he was a boy and his mother passed away, his father lost at sea, leaving him to raise Alphonse with little help. 

But now?

He thought about putting the tiniest bit of thought into the same superstitions that killed you. Wasn’t there one about the Elixir of Life at the end of the world? He had no idea. After all, he wasn’t supposed to believe in that stuff.

It was only then that he realized something.

His room was illuminated by a bluish-green glow.

He got up, turned, and felt his jaw go slack.

Was this a prank?

You were in front of him!

You were glowing blue and green with your hair floating as if you were still in the water and water running in rivulets down your body. But it was you!

He whispers your name like a prayer to a god he didn’t believe in, and your eyes open.

You were crying.

“Eddie?” You murmur, and he feels his knees go weak at the nickname. You were the only one who could call him that. Not even Alphonse could call him that. 

“Wh—How are you here right now?” He barely manages over his thundering heartbeat. You take a shaky step forward, and he rushes to catch you before your knees buckle.

You’re cold. Freezing even. His hands are soaked instantly by your tears and the mysterious water that’s dripping down your body. But you're here and now. 

Edward gathers you in his arms and presses his nose to your soaked, floating hair. He doesn’t care that his clothes—which were drying slowly—are now wet again. All that matters is the fact that you're here.

“I don’t—I don’t understand… how—how am I here?!” You whimper, and his heart cracks at the sound. It’s like you can’t stop crying.

“I don’t know. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m—” 

Sorry?

Sorry for what?

Sorry for failing you?

For bringing you aboard when he knew his crewmate's superstitions?

For watching you sink instead of diving in to pull you out?

He realizes he’s crying. And your hand is on his cheek, looking at him with red-rimmed eyes and tears streaming your cheeks and dripping down your chin.

“Don’t cry.” You weep silently, and he smiles. 

“How can I not?” He asks, voice cracking, and you shake your head,

“Because you are still alive.” His smile drops,

“But without you.”

You begin to disappear, but not before you press a chaste kiss to his lips.

“I’m never too far away.” Your whisper is but a butterfly on the wind, and he’s left alone in the dark of his quarters.

[annawayne]

Whispers Of The Verdant Lament

Mavka AU*

*Mavkas, in Ukrainian folklore and mythology, are the souls of women who had died an unnatural, tragic death; they often appear in the form of beautiful young girls who entice and lure young men into the woods, where they "tickle" them to death. Mavkas have no reflection in the water, nor do they cast shadows; they have green hair and pale/green skin, sometimes - naked.

In the forest, you're not alone. Smerekas* with their long trunks stretch up to the sky, cutting the cloud with emerald needles and wooden veins. The soft moss covers the soil, echoing each step with rich crisp. The horizons are flooded with grass, erasing the limits, prolonging the space as if it's infinite harmony of savage, wild nature. The forest is the tribe, with its rules and rhythm.

Armin knows - every family has secrets, so does the forest, and every shade of green keeps the story of someone who made this place their tomb. And Armin also knows - the distant cries of the mountain river breathe with the last words of his Annie. 

It was an accident, the unmerciful, cruel circumstance. Her feet slipped, a second - and the river took her. A day later, they found her lifeless body, and Armin was sure -his lungs filled with water of mourning he never would be able to get rid of. 

His vision aches from the bright light as he reaches the cliff, where the tense tree line meets the sharp edge of the earth. Here it is. The place where everything ends - and as well would his life. She was the place between his ribs, and after she was gone - it couldn't be replaced; it whistled with grief and sorrow, nothing and no one could fulfil. She was everything - the feeble smile in the morning with sleepy eyes and groggy voice; the crystal laugh as they chased one after another in the slopes under the prominent spring sun, only to fall into the embrace of long grass, giggling and hugging each other; the tiny sparks in her eyes and the steady, slow breath as he plays trembita**; the delightful hum when the bilberry* she has plucked from the bush turned to be sweet and juicy; the adorable blush on her soft cheeks and the broad smile only he was able to see after they made love; the exceptional stitches on shirts she embroidered for both of them... Oh, of course, he's wearing the one right now. With his wedding outfit, she never has the chance to see. 

Armin sighs and closes his eyes. Annie made stitches not only on the fabric but also in his heart and body; he carries her unique embroidery and ornaments on the skin and soul of her life and love. It's almost unbearable to see his reflection because every part was kissed, touched, and loved by her. And now Armin stands at the same cliff and ready to take a step forward: not a tragic coincidence, like with her, but the decision. 

"Armin."

He is sure - this is the wind. Another trick of nature, his imagination, anything. 

"Armin."

No, no, no, it's all in his head. But tentative, almost slow, he turns his head, and he sees-

"Annie," her name exhaled like the air he needed all the time she was gone. Tears immediately filled his eyes, blurring his vision, but even with this, Armin captured her hair slightly green, her pale—more pale than usual—skin, green lips, and her favourite long undershirt, which she wore that fateful day. 

"Long time no see, love," A small smile paints her face, and Armin steps towards her, running in her direction. 

"Annie, Annie, Annie, An-" 

Her small hand rises up, and with a gesture, she pleads him to stop. Like a spell, his feet halt, and his chest rises with heavy breath; he is sure not from the run. 

"You can't jump from this cliff." her calm words fill the air between them. "You should live a long life, see the world, like you dreamed abou-"

"But I wanted to do all of it with you!"

"But I'm gone, Armin. I live in this forest, and you're still there, without strings to the place. You still can do it for both of us. "

The tears completely covered his eyes, and uncontrollable sobs cut all of his intention to say the word. So, she smiles again, and the gentle voice follows, "You should live, and when you would be the grumpy old man, you would come to this forest and call for me. You would stretch your hand, and I would take it, as I always did, and then, you will be young again, and we will be together one more time, and forever; we will be lost in the slopes and the rivers, in the grass and the mountains. But only then. Not early, not today. Only then,"

"Annie, I lo-"

"I know. I do, too."

"I miss-"

"Me too."

"An-"

"Only then, Armin. This is the condition. So, live. Live, and we will meet again."

His words are muffled with sobs, so the only thing he manages is to nod. 

"I... I don't know how, but I'll try. I miss you so much."

"I'm always there in your heart. I never left you, so...carry me to the world with you because this is the only way I could see it. Our hearts are connected, after all, so... Show me the world, Armin, as we dreamed about."

Armin closes his eyes, and the nails dig into his palms. It starts to hurt. "I'll try, Annie. I'll try."

The phantom touch caressed his cheek and made him open his eyes, and her face was right before his. Her dreamy, ghostly eyes are glossy and hazy with fog, but he recognizes this shade—his favourite, hers. Her lips quickly brush against his, and the hushed whisper follows: "It's nice to see this wedding outfit on you. You look so wonderful and beautiful. I really wanted to show you mine, but... I will be waiting for you, love." 

And with this, she is gone. 

Again. 

The shadow of her cold kiss still lingers on his lips as Armin falls onto his knees, and the loud song of the mountain river is muffled by his cries.

*Smerekas or Picea abies - the pine tree that is widely growing in the Ukrainian Carpathians;

**Trembita is a type of wood-made alpine horn. It is common among Ukrainian highlanders, Hutsuls, who live in western Ukraine (Carpathians). According to the ancient Hutsul tradition, a trembita should be made from a thunderbolt, i.e. a tree that has been struck by lightning. The age of the tree should be 120-150 years.

[avirxy]

115. "Please don't touch me." But Werewolf Claire? (I love ur au btw)

She wakes up with blood in her mouth, cracked and dried along her lips, stained in rivulets down the hollow of her throat.

Claire blinks, wincing as she turns her head away from searing sunlight overhead.

It parts through the leaves, glinting across dry, withered underbrush. Spring is approaching but cold still nips and bites at the foliage, making it an off wicker brown that soaks up everything.

She doesn’t immediately see anyone or anything, just endless woodland. Curling her fingers into the soft earth the trickling sound of running water hisses nearby, not man made, to rough and tumbling.

The stumbling trip is made in short bursts of leaning against nearby trees, her feet catching along roots that rise from the ground. But she sees it eventually, slightly sloping lower into the earth.

Claire drags herself to the bank, aching for a drink, to get this—disgusting, tangy…sweet blood out of her mouth and off her hands.

It’s under her fingernails, wedged along each bed.

She doesn’t recognize the creek either, sandy little outcroppings, the trees, sometimes she can piece together a relative location, like once she woke up near the lookout or by those weary abandoned straggler cabins belonging to some sort of nature preserve.

The unknowing scares her, of what she did, or didn’t do.

Ice cold water stings her skin, but the want for a drink is far outweighing any chill she’s experiencing. It’s easier to focus on, keep the task simple so her mind can’t stray.

Claire almost doesn’t care as it drips in-between her fingers, soaking her ruined clothes.

She hears him long before she sees him, as she’s cupping another palm full of water, the twigs he keeps stepping on, his rushed breaths.

Something could hunt him down so easily, in the woods, where the beast knows best, it could be on his back before he has the chance to defend himself.

Jim’s an incredibly capable fighter, and part of her knows his rush is to reach her, uncaring with the noise he’s stirring up. But he couldn’t stop her when the moon hangs full and heavy in the sky if he tried, and he wouldn’t.

Even if it hunted him he’d play offensive, Jim would never hurt her and that terrifies her, because she knows the wolf doesn’t hold the same values.

She could end up over his body one of these days.

Claire’s already seen enough of that in her nightmares.

Ones that keep her sleepless and cagey, desperately fiddling with the tab of an energy drink before first period because she can’t close her eyes without seeing flashes of what might be true or not.

He’s breathing hard when he crests the edge, a tattered bag slung over his shoulder. Toby calls it something really stupid and joking, a recovery bag but the exact name is blanking her right now, too early for her mind to fully be slotted back into place.

Housing whatever Jim has carefully packed into it for her today. His eyes widen at the sight of her, relief the only emotion spread across his face.

It should be disgust she thinks bitterly, using her sharp nails to scrape at the dried blood still sticking to her wrists, but she can’t get it all off, even days later the ghost of the feeling lingers, the guilt.

Claire swears the blood is still on her hands sometimes, soaked into her skin as a reminder.

“I got turned around twice,” He talks so light, so softly, “this magic compass could definitely use some tweaking.”

He’s also awful with directions so, the cards are stacked against him.

He kneels down, carefully slipping the bag off his shoulder. Jim’s sword sits at his hip, he doesn’t take any chances after one month when a Ogre decided no one was allowed to cross his bridge without losing a limb. Funny it wasn’t a troll.

It’s never been used against her, not yet, likely not ever, not willingly.

His heartbeat thumps in her ears, so loud it’s almost enticing, closer still he approaches, bringing with him that—

Gold flashes violently across her vision and Claire shies away instantly, inhaling sharply.

“Please don’t touch me.”

It’s not that she doesn’t want his comfort, his touch. She’s covered in someone…something’s blood though.

And his heartbeat is far too leering.

Jim doesn’t press, he never does, gaze flitting across her face worriedly. Sitting down in the mud there’s ample space between, he’s safer that way.

Claire stares at her reflection, watching it twist and warp as the water ripples, just like last night. The nearly unrecognizable figure stays human though, untamed brown hair, the blaring strip of white. Her eyes look weird though, fighting between flits of gold.

“Did I…”

“No,” He assures steadily. “You stayed to the east of town the entire time, never got close, Darci had a spell going all night.”

Her bottom lip has been worn raw from the drag of her teeth. “And you didn’t find anything?”

Jim seems to infer what she’s asking. “It was probably an animal.”

“And if it wasn’t?”

“Claire, I don’t think you’d do that.”

She wouldn’t, but the wolf would, it did, she still doesn’t think Toby’s fully forgiven her for Mr. Fluffy, the poor thing was found mauled in a ditch not long after the full moon a few months ago.

“Why do you keep doing this for me?”

He wakes up before dawn, or maybe he doesn’t even sleep, treks through mud and grime, exposes himself to the danger of the woods.

All to find her.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“I don’t know how you stand it.”

Claire doesn’t phrase it as a question, because she already knows the answer. If it were him, instead of her, if he was cursed to become a monster, to roam the woods under burning moonlight she’d do everything in her power to help him.

He smiled softly. “You can’t chase me off with a little blood,”

Would she chase him off with the fact that this is forever, there’s no cure, there’s nothing in the world that could possibly help her.

“Claire?”

The tears burning at the edges of her eyes are becoming harder to fight off, blurring her peripheral.

She tries to swallow the thick, wallowing knot in her throat unsuccessfully.

“Hey,” He breathes in a whisper, fast and worried.

“Can I?”

She fights with herself for several moments before nodding, squeezing her eyes shut.

Jim grasps one of her bloodstained hands, clasping his fingers across her own and Claire feels fresh tears sting her eyes, it’s done so gently she trembles at the force of it.

“It’s okay,” He murmurs as the first of many sobs escape past her teeth.

“Claire, it’s okay.” Jim repeats as she twists on the bank and grasps the edges of his shirt, hating herself for getting blood on his clothes.

His arms wrap around her, carefully, holding her up as Claire cries, burying her face in the space between his neck and shoulder.

She hates it—

She hates that she’s crying in front of him.

Claire hates that she can’t stop herself, that she can’t wait an hour until she’s sitting in shower as the water rubs her skin raw to sob, to cry until her voice is hoarse and her eyes are so blurry with tears it’s hard to see.

Jim just keeps murmuring the same two words, over and over.

Gently reminding her, staining his hands with blood just like her’s already are.

[autisticrosewilson]

Jason and Grant having to go back to school and pretend everything is normal in the bloodlust au. Thoughts?

Jason's pencil taps against the edge of the desk. It's annoying, he knows, the kid next to him keeps giving him a side eye and Mrs. Adler twitches a little with every little clack clack clack that rings in the quiet classroom. It's uncharacteristic, suspicious. But he can't stop, hardly paying attention as he replays the image over and over again in his head. The pale skin splattered in blood, the wet Earth giving beneath the shovel, Grant's too-sweet smile.

He can feel the eyes on him, even now. Even though Grant is all the way across the room. All the way at the end and the row behind him, the perfect vantage point to just...stare at him. Unnoticed. Not till now. Not till Jason was aware enough to look for it. It rakes over his skin, zinging down his spine and curling warm in his gut.

It's wrong. Unnatural, the way he relaxes under the stare, the sure knowledge that he's not alone, the weight of the body is not his alone to carry. Not his at all because Grant had killed him, had buried him. Had done it for no other reason than because he'd hurt Jason. He doesn't think Grant had even met Mr. Napier and he's still not sure how he knows, what he knows.

He hadn't asked. Him and Grant had walked back to his dorm, Grant's cold hand around his waist, and he'd stripped out of his soaked pajamas without thinking about it. The warm water had been burning against his skin until Grant had pressed up against his back. There were hands on his hips, his chest, fingers tangled in his curls and any question he had was smothered by Grant's mouth on his.

Jason can still taste dirt in his mouth, no matter how many times he's brushed his teeth. He can still feel the drag of lips bitten raw on his neck, his shoulders, pressing kisses to his fingers where they were entwined and pressed solidly to the tile. He hadn't fought, he hadn't wanted to.

Still doesn't want to. It felt good. He feels good, safe. The knot of dread that's been suffocating him for almost two years finally uncoiled.

His incessant tapping is finally stopped short, a warm hand grasping his. He startles before realizing the classroom is emptying and it's just him, Grant, and a concerned Mrs. Adler. The look Grant's giving him...sad and guilty, like a dog that's gotten into something he shouldn't have.

Jason nods, placating, to the teacher before he packs his things. Methodically, the same order he always does because there's no need to rush and worry everyone more. That draws attention, and attention will lead to suspicion the longer Mr. Napier is missing. He shoulders his bag, tucks his books under his arm, and threads his fingers through Grant's easy as anything. Like they've done this a thousand times.

Grant follows him eagerly, thumb sliding over the bones in Jason's hand, tracing the faint veins under his skin. Jason breathes, grave dirt and blood coating his mouth. It tastes like freedom.

He walks past Mr. Napier's door, glances at the last minute sub letting the students watch a movie instead of whatever assignment they're supposed to be doing for Anatomy. They're going to have a lot of sub days for a while.

[walkingintheheartbreaksatellite]

Through the Dark (1)

(Harry Styles x Miller!Fem!reader)

(The Last Of Us AU)

(If you haven't seen the show or played the game, it's fine. But I definitely recommend it. This follows the timeline of the show.)

Joel Miller knew one thing. To survive. Protect his little girl. Keep her close, keep her safe and keep himself going. With Ellie in tow, the three of them in pursuit of the Fireflies, they meet a man. And whether Joel liked it or not, that man would change everything.

Character intro

Chapter warnings: Blood, suicide(brief),strong language .

Bill and Frank's-Lincoln, Massachusetts. 2023

With a slam of the hood of the truck, dad wipes his hands with a nearby rag. He sighs as he rests up against the truck, his eyes sullen as he avoids my line of sight.

I can't blame him. I'm the same way. The pain from losing Tess is still fresh, but now Bill and Frank? I know he just wants to get rid of Ellie quick and find Uncle Tommy, and it's killing him that he hasn't heard from him.

"Truck's ready to go. Grab what ya can, baby girl. We.. We won't be comin' back."

I open my mouth to respond when Ellie walks into the garage, hair wet with a smile on her face.

"There's hot water. You guys should shower, 'cause you smell baaad. Like you could wake the dead-."

Dad growls and glares at her before he stomps off towards the house. Ellie frowns, her face practically screaming an apology.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't-."

I force a small smile and shake my head as I throw a bag in the cab of the truck.

"Don't mind him. He's always like that. You're fine, Ellie."

She nods as she walks over to the gun wall, tracing her hand over a small pistol.

"Don't you even think about it!"

Ellie and I turn our attention to my dad, his hair wet and wreaking of Old Spice as he glares at the young girl. She mumbles something under her breath before walking over to the truck and leans against it. I sigh and head inside the house to take a shower myself.

I keep close to the guest room, not daring to go anywhere near the master. I try to take a bit of extra time to enjoy the peaceful silence as I'm done washing myself, but my peace is interrupted by a pounding on the bathroom door.

"Y/N! Hurry up! Joel is being an asshole and I can't handle him much longer on my own!"

Ellie bangs on the door again and I let out a heavy sigh.

"Give me a minute, will ya Ellie?"

She mumbles through the door and I turn off the shower and push open the curtain, reaching for the clean towel I had found. I quickly dry off and change into some clothes I had found.

I slip on my boots and run my fingers through my wet hair before throwing it back up in it's usual ponytail. I let out one more sigh before opening the door to see Ellie, opposite the doorway as she leans against the wall.

She looks up and gives me a small huff. She tosses me a stick of deodorant and I nod on thanks, applying it as we walk back to the truck. I hop in the front passenger side with Ellie in the back and dad in the drivers seat.

We drive on and on, only stopping to refuel and stopping once to sleep, since dad insisted that I couldn’t drive. We drive until we can’t, and with no way around the dozens of cars blocking the way, dad parks the truck and gets out. I start to get out but he snaps and glares at me.

“Stay in the truck. Both of you.”

I scoff and start to get out anyways when he comes over to my side and shuts my door.

“I’m not gonna tell ya again, Y/N. Stay. I mean it.”

I groan and fall into my seat as he goes looking around. He comes back a few minutes later, getting back in and starting the truck. He turns us around and I start looking at the map, trying to find another way.

After about 30 minutes of driving, dad gets pissed of and begins to snap.

“Y/N, I swear. You’re fuckin’ 29, you should be able to read a map!”

“I am reading it but it’s smudged! Not my fault! It’s hard to see clearly!”

“That’s some lame bull-.”

“Holy shit guys! Is that the QZ?”

Dad slams on the brakes and we turn our attention to where Ellie is pointing.

“Where the fuck is FEDRA?”

Before either of us can respond, we hear a shouting from outside the car.

Holy shit there’s a guy! Joel stop! We have to help him-.”

I force myself to look away, knowing full well we won’t be stopping to help him.

Don’t trust anyone but family. That’s what he always says..

Dad drives off, a little faster, ignoring Ellie as she complains.

“Seriously! He was hurt! You can’t just-.”

She is cut off by something falling into the windshield, smashing the glass. Dad lets out a string of curses and with no clear sight, we crash into a building.

“You two okay? Not hurt or nothin’?”

“ ‘M fine, dad.”

“I think I’m okay..”

He starts to say something but is interrupted by the sound of gun shots hitting the truck. We duck down and unbuckle, getting out the passenger door as the gun shots continue to pour through.

Dad grabs his gun and ducks, waiting to fire back, when he’s tackled by a man. The man starts to choke him and with every fiber in me, I try not to freak out as I grab my gun. I attempt to pull the trigger but my gun jams, sending me into a full on panic attack.

Before I can tackle the guy, I hear another gun click and I see Ellie is the one holding it. She hesitates only for a minute before she shoots him in the leg and he groans in pain. He gets off of dad, crying as Ellie continues to hold the gun to him.

I rush over to dad, coughing to catch his breath, but he only pushes me away. The guy continues to cry, spitting out apologies and saying that he doesn’t want to die.

Dad gets up and takes the gun from Ellie before turning back to the idiot who attacked him. He then turns to look at us again and with a stern clear voice, he mutters instructions.

“Back behind the wall. Both of you. Now.”

Knowing it’s better not to argue, I grab Ellie’s hand and drag her through the hole in the wall before pulling her off to the side. She lets out a long, trembling sigh as we wait for what’s coming.

“No.. No please no..!”

She squeezes my hand, though her eyes remain trained on the wall in front of us. It’s quiet for another moment for dad speaks up through the hole in the wall.

“Y/N, I gotta get in there, I can’t get through.”

I look around and Ellie pipes up.

“There’s some stuff against the door.”

“Well, hurry up and move it.”

Working together, we pull the desk back as dad continues to slam the door, before he hurries in and pushes the desk back against the door. He looks at me for a minute, worry in his eyes, but I shake my head. He then nods at Ellie and she shrugs, slinging her backpack.

“I’m okay. I’m good. I- uh.. got some food in here still and I got your light.”

He takes the flashlight from her and we head through a door, carefully treading outside, quietly making our way across the alleyway and into another building.

We quietly make our way through and settle by a window that’s covered in newspapers.

“Dad-.”

He shakes his head at me and I sigh. It’s quiet for a minute before Ellie quietly speaks up.

“Will we be okay in here?”

“For a Little bit maybe. Looks like they’re lookin’ through apartment buildin’s first. But they’ll be comin’ through these places soon enough.”

Ellie stands up and starts looking through the window, and that’s when I start to zone out. I can hear their voices, but not enough to comprehend what they’re saying clearly.

I feel dad take a seat next to me and he lets out a sigh. I continue to zone out until I hear Ellie call my name.

“Y/N.. Y/N!”

I look up and she looks worried. Dad lightly shoves me and I turn my head to him.

“Y’ okay, babygirl?”

I quietly nod, letting out a sigh as I plop my head against the wall. They continue to talk quietly, my eyes drooping before I suddenly lose consciousness.

The next thing I know, I’m being kicked, rather hard as I begin to come to.

“N-Y/N! Wake up! Come one! We’re leaving!”

Ellie pulls on my arm and I sigh as I get up and grab my bag, slinging it on my shoulder. I wait at the door by dad and he looks at the both of us, his face filled with worry.

“We’re gonna get through this, ‘kay?”

Ellie and I nod and he gives us one more look before opening the door slowly, with Ellie and I following him outside. We move quietly through the streets, somehow not running into any more problems by dark. We find an abandoned building and dad hoists Ellie up to one of the vents outside so she can get it.

“Okay, I’m in.”

“Take a look around first..Ellie? Goddamn it..”

Dad grumbles and before he can say anything, the door opens.

“Where would you be without me, huh?”

Dad groans and I laugh.

“By now, Wyoming.”

“Oh..yeah.Walking into that one.”

I let out another quiet laugh as I close the door behind me, following them inside. I pull out my flashlight, turning it on as I follow close.

“We’ll make our way up, and come morning, I’ll take a look at the city and find our way out.”

Dad pushes open the door to the stairwell, and as soon I see the number of flights of stairs, I let out a snort.

“Dad,there ain’t no fuckin’ way you’re makin’ 45 flights of stairs with your knees.”

I can see him glare at me briefly from the flashlight and Ellie and I chuckle.

“No, smart ass. Just like you’re uncle Tommy sometimes I swear. We’re not goin’ all the way.”

Ellie and I share a mischievous look.

“How far then, Joel?”

He’s quiet for a moment before he responds in a grumble.

“..As far as I can make it…”

We make it up about 15 flights before we start to pant from exhaustion.

“Hey.. That guy that said he was hurt.. how did you know it was an ambush?”

Dad hesitates before answering her.

“I’ve been on both sides..It was a long time ago. We did what we needed to survive..”

I frown, thinking back of some of the darkest days.

Seeing him like that.. I couldn’t look him in the eyes for a while back then.

He glances at me and I just shake my head.

“You two? And Tess?”

My dad shakes his head.

“Not Y/N. My brother was there.. And some other people that we were with.”

Ellie is quiet for another moment so I keep moving up the stairs, when her next question causes me to stop again.

“Did you kill innocent people?”

Dad looks at her before looking up at me. I avoid eye contact and start walking up again when I hear him mumble.

“c’mon.”

Ellie finally drops the topic and at about the 33rd floor, we enter the nearby door, all of us collapsing against the wall out of breath. Not even giving us much of a minute to catch our breath, Ellie kicks dad’s shoe and holds a hand out to him.

“Gimme a minute, will ya?”

Ellie shakes her head and kicks his boot again.

“Get up, you lazy ass.”

He growls under his breath before taking her hand, allowing her to help him up.He then walks over to me and pulls me up without breaking a sweat.

“Lazy ass.. I’m 56 years old, you little shit.”

Ellie and I share a small laugh as we follow behind him.We enter a vacant room and dad shatters the glass of the door, spreading it around the entrance of the room.

“What the hell..?”

She looks at me in confusion and I just shake my head.

“Don’t argue with him. Bill gave him a bunch of survival 101 tips and he uses them like he’s a fuckin’ Boy Scout. He’s spreadin’ the glass so no one sneaks up on us while we’re sleepin’.”

She nods and lays on one of the cushions she found. I toss one over to dad and he nods but raises a brow when he sees me sitting up still.

“I’m keepin’ watch Daddy, it’s fine.You need the sleep.”

He shakes his head and throws his jacket to me.

“Darlin’, you more than anyone needs some shut eye. Sleep. We’ll be fine. I’ll hear the glass. Promise.”

I sigh and lay down on the spare cushion, in between the two of them.

Dad’s back is to me and it’s quiet for a minute until Ellie breaks the silence.

“Joel?”

He hums as a response.

“Did you know that diarrhea is hereditary?”

Dad turns over a little to look at her.

“What?”

She nods with a straight face.

“Yeah.. It runs in your jeans.”

He looks at her all the way and she begins to snicker, while I have to hold in my laugh.He turns back over but I catch a faint smile on his face before I start to snicker.

“Jesus..”

He lets out a small snicker as Ellie begins to laugh.

“That is so goddamn stupid.”

“You laughed, motherfucker.”

I snort as they bicker.

“I did not-.”

“Yes you did!”

He snickers and shakes his head.

“Jesus, I’m losin’ it.”

I snort as I curl up with his jacket.

“Yeah, kinda known that for years, daddy. Glad you’re startin’ to notice though. Acceptance is the first step to recovery.”

Ellie and I snort as dad lets out a breathy laugh.

“Go to sleep. The both of you. Stop pickin’ on me.”

I smile and close my eyes, drifting off to sleep. The next thing I wake up to, I hear Ellie shouting.

“Y/N.. Y/N! Joel!”

My vision clears and I’m face to face with a gun pointed at my head. I advert my eyes and see a little boy pointing a gun at dad, and a different man pointing one at Ellie. The man by Ellie is stern and snaps at dad when he looks at the little boy.

“Eyes on me. You don’t have to worry about what to say. We don’t want to hurt you, we want to help you.”

I roll my eyes and bite back at him.

“Oh sure, because what you’re doing right now is all sunshine and rainbows.”

The man pointed the gun at me growls and pushes the tip of the gun straight against my forehead, before speaking in a think British accent.

“We’ll kill you if we have to, so shut up and listen.”

I look him in the eyes, ready to send him a glare when I see his face.

He’s terrified, and I can tell by the shaking of his hands that he doesn’t want to be doing this. I sigh and give in, lowering my hands before the other man begins to speak again.

“I don’t know what the next step is with something like this, but if I lower my gun, we didn’t hurt you, so you don’t hurt us, right?”

Dad turns to glare at me, silently telling me to keep my mouth shut before he turns back to respond.

“That’s right.”

The man grows panicked, his voice shaking.

“That’s a weird fuckin’ tone, man”

Before I can respond, Ellie pipes up and I have to fight to hold back my laughter.

“That’s just the way he sounds. He has an asshole voice. Joel, tell him he’s okay.”

All attention turns to dad as he, once again, responds in the same tone.

“Everything is great.”

“Dude!”

The man hesitates before letting out a sigh.

“Okay, I’m gonna trust him.”

The man holding a gun to my head begins to argue.

“Henry, we can’t just-.”

“We don’t have a fuckin’ choice, Harry! Now drop your gun before you shoot her in the head!”

The British man huffs but lowers his gun, freeing me from the uncertainty. The man by Ellie then starts to sign to the little boy. They begin to converse before the little boy nods.

“But if any of you try anything, we won’t hesitate! Yeah?”

Dad slowly gets up, gun still pointed at him.

“Who are you?”

The man stares at dad, his gun moving away from Ellie and now to dad.

“My name’s Henry. That’s Harry and my brother Sam. I’m the most wanted man in Kansas City. Although right now, my guess is you’re running a close second.”

All the guns are then dropped and put away. Henry pulls out a light and places it in the middle of the room, and we all gather around it, Ellie sticking close to my side. I pull out some of my cans from my bag and we all eat, though Ellie starts to nod off as she eats.

Henry looks at us, firing away with a question.

“Where’d you get these?”

Before dad or I can answer, Ellie sleepily pipes up.

“From Bill. He’s dead.”

Dad rolls his eyes and I sneer and snap at her.

“Ellie!”

She raises her hands up and I sigh. We stay quiet for the most part, but as I’ve learned, Ellie hates the silence and always feels the need to fill it with conversation.

“How old is he? Your brother?”

Henry looks at Sam, who signs to him before turning back to the curious teen.

“He’s eight.”

She nods and smiles.

“Cool! I’m Ellie.”

They continue to talk, Henry signing to Sam as Ellie speaks. The other man, Harry, sits quietly on the other side of Sam, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

“Psst. Y/N. Introduce yourself.”

I roll my eyes and turn my back to the group, leaning on dad as I close my eyes, until dad nudges me.

“Thought I taught you some manners, Y/N Miller.”

My mouth gapes from disbelief.

“Okay that’s it! A. We’re in an apocalypse right now, those don’t matter much and B. When the fuck have you ever used manners?! Sarah was the one that-.”

He only glares, angry at me for bringing up my sister. I swat at him and scoot away from him, my back still to the rest of the group.

“I’m Joel. This here is my daughter, Y/N.”

It’s quiet for a minute until Ellie pipes up.

“Psst. Dude. In the corner, Mr. antisocial. Are you gonna introduce yourself or-.”

I hear her whine and let out a small complaint, meaning dad must have done something to correct her.

“He doesn’t really-.”

“It’s fine, Henry. Fine, ‘m Harry.”

“Cool, okay. But why do you sound weird?”

I turn back around to enthralled in the current conversation to look away anymore.

Harry gives Ellie a small glare and I can’t help but chuckle.

“You’ll have to forgive her. We don’t come across many Brits and you’re probably the first one she’s met. He’s from a different country Ellie, he doesn’t sound weird, it’s just the way they sound there.”

His expression softens and he gives me a faint smile, and I can’t help but blush.

“Okay, well if you’re not from here, how’d you end up here?”

“Ellie-!”

Harry shakes his head, his expression turning sad.

“It’s fine. I don’t mind. I was on a trip with my mum and my sister. Mum had a friend in California that was sick and she wanted to see her. Then the-.. Everything happened and we were separated. And that was 20 years ago…”

I frown and feel the need to grab dad’s hand. He squeezes mine and just gives me a nod.

We know what that’s like. Dad is real worried about Tommy, and I can’t even bring myself to think about where he might be…

“Look, you ate, we didn’t kill each other, let’s just call this a win-win and move on.”

Henry nods and clears his throat.

“You came up here to get a better view of this city, find a way out right? I can help you.”

Dad nods.

“We’ll get some rest. Wait ‘till the mornin’ to get a better look. But I swear if you-.”

I roll my eyes.

“Dad, shut up and get some sleep.”

He shakes his head and finds a comfortable spot, leaning back and closing his eyes. Everyone else falls asleep, leaving me and Harry the only ones awake. He crawls over to me and starts to whisper.

“Hey, it’s Y/N, right?”

I give him a small smile and nod.

“Yeah. Y/N Miller. Not that surnames matter much anymore.”

He gives me a small smile and nods.

“ ‘M Harry. Harry Styles.”

Before I can respond, I hear a snicker come from nearby. Ellie.

“Styles. That’s funny! What kind of name is that?!”

I turn my head, taking my sweater off before chucking it at her.

“Shut it, Ellie! Go to sleep!”

She snickers once more and I sigh before turning back around.

“Sorry about her. You know how kids are- But her especially.. She’s a special case..”

He shrugs and gives me a small yet comforting smile.

“It’s fine. I don’t mind. She seems like a thrill to be around. Haven’t had much of that lately…”

I give him a small smile and hesitantly lay a hand on top of his, to which he gives me a bigger smile on return.

Before I can respond to him, I hear my dad’s deep, tired voice.

“If y’all don’t shut up and get some fuckin’ sleep, we’re gonna have some problems.”

We hold back a laugh and we get in our own sleeping positions.

“Sorry dad”

“Err, sorry.”

I give Harry one more smile before falling asleep, and for the first time in a very long time, I dreamed of a brighter future.

Daylight

Waking up bright and early per usual, we walk up a few more flights of stairs to get a better view of the city. Dad and Henry walk towards the large windows but instructs everyone else to sit at the large table in the room.

“Dad, c’mon-!”

He shakes his head and points to the table once more, responding with a stern voice.

“I ain’t arguin’ with you about this Y/N. Sit your ass down and stay there. And you too Brit boy. Don’t need to make it any more obvious that there’s people hidin’ in this buildin’. We clear?”

Harry and I roll our eyes but join Sam and Ellie at the table. And of course, Ellie has her book open.

“Hey, you guys ready for this one? I heard about the guy who got hit in the head with a can of soda. He is lucky it was a soft drink.”

I groan and Ellie bursts into laughter, as does Sam.

“Please god no. I can’t take it. I’m gonna burn that damn book of yours!”

She holds the book protectively to her chest and flips me off.

“I’ve told you, Y/N. You can never escape Will Livingston. You’ll have to face it.”

I sigh and Harry lets out a small laugh. I see my dad looking at us and nod to him.

“So how the hell are gettin’ outta here?”

They walk over to the table and Henry takes a piece of paper from Sam, and he begins to draw on it.

“The highways. Downtown. Us. This whole area belongs to Kathleen.”

He circles his fingers in certain areas on the paper and I narrow my eyes.

“And Kathleen is-?”

Harry pipes finally and has his arms folded as he speaks.

“She’s the leader of the resistance, and a hardcore bitch at that. She’s got guards posted everywhere, and she’s determined to make it impossible to escape.”

Ellie looks worried and let’s put a sigh.

“So how do we get across?”

Henry knocks on the table and Sam looks up at him. He signs to Sam before the little boy looks back down, writing on his pad before putting the pad up. Tunnels.

I furrow my brows.

“Kansas City has a subway?”

Henry shakes his head.

“No, but they do have maintenance tunnels. There’s a bunch of buildings all put up by the same developers. And they share these tunnels, including- a bank building here.”

He points to the paper again and I fold my arms in frustration. That is, until Harry speaks up, now pointing to the paper just as Henry was.

“So we enter the tunnels here, travel underground, and pop up here.”

Henry writes as Harry points on the paper and dad lets out a sigh.

“Okay, sounds like a good plan, but what do you need me for?”

Dad folds his arm and Harry speaks up again, dad glaring at him.

“What’s one thing that you’ve noticed is missing here?”

I think for a minute when it hits me.

“There’s no infected.”

Harry shakes his head.

“Yes and no. There are, just not on the surface. FEDRA drove ‘em out 15 years ago. Best thing those fascist motherfuckers did.”

Dad only growls.

“What, so you want us goin’ into a tunnel full of infected? Have you lost your fuckin’ mind?!”

Harry growls and before he can respond, Henry interrupts him.Everyone thinks that it’s full of infected, including Kathleen. Which means that we won’t be running into any of her people. But you see- What I know.. it’s empty.”

I raise my brows.

“And.. You know this how?!”

Henry hesitates before responding.

“No- but the FEDRA guy that I worked with told me that it’s clean, completely clean. They cleared it out. All of it.”

Ellie looks a bit hesitant as she finally pipes up.

“When..?”

Harry shrugs and hesitates before answering for Henry.

“About three years give or take?”

Dad and I scoff, shaking our heads as Henry begins to stammer.

“Okay- Maybe there’s one or two, but you handle it.”

I can’t hold it in anymore and I snap.

“And what if there’s more?”

Ellie grabs my arm, fear in her eyes and I feel her trembling.

“Or one of those blind ones that sees like a bat?”

Harry lays a hand on her shoulder to comfort the teen.

“There won’t be clickers down there, that’s for sure. But if you’ve run into them before and you’re still alive, that means that we’re all gonna be fine. So don’t worry so much.”

Dad sighs and shakes his head.

“So do we have a deal?”

Dad and I share a look and I let out a sigh before nodding. We grab our things and make our way down the stairs and out of the building. We tread through the alleyways before we reach another building. Harry makes sure the coast is clear before nodding, so we quickly head inside.

We jog through the building and reach the door to the access tunnels.

“This should be it. Are you guys ready?”

Dad looks at Henry before turning to Ellie.

“Get your gun out.”

She pulls the gun out of her jacket pocket and he rolls his eyes, obviously making note in his head to yell at her for it when we get out of the city.

The tunnels are drippy as we start to walk, and Henry joyfully pipes up.

“See? What did I tell you! It’s fine!”

I shush him and dad growls.

“We’ve been down here two seconds, keep your damn mouth shut. We ain’t seen shit yet.”

Henry sighs and looks at Ellie.

“Your dad’s kind of a pessimist.”

Ellie growls, as does dad.

“He’s not my dad-.”

“I’m not her dad.”

Henry holds his hands up in self defense and dad only sighs and shakes his head.

“Just point your damn light forward. And be ready to run(🤭).”

We continue to make our way down the tunnels, but in complete silence. That is until we reach what looks a mural. Dad slowly opens the door and we walk inside. Tables and chairs surround the room, as do more murals.

“I’ve heard about places like this. After outbreak day, people built settlements and went underground.”

“What happened to them?”

Dad shrugs and continues to ramble on as we look around. Ellie and Sam sit down at one of the tables and begin to laugh amongst themselves as they look at something Sam had pulled from his bag.

“Hey, you two. Keep it down, we’re not out yet.”

Ellie groans at dad and he huffs.

“Oh come on! Can’t we just rest here for a while? There’s like actually shit to do here.”

Henry shrugs and looks at dad.

“Wouldn’t be so bad to wait the light out a bit. Safer in shadows when we pop back out on the other side.”

It’s quiet for a minute before dad takes a seat in one of the empty chairs. Ellie and Sam decide to kick a ball around with the makeshift goal on the wall, leaving the rest of us to talk. After a while, we decide to keep going and eventually we reach the exit point.

As expected, it’s pitch black outside. As we walk through the streets, Ellie strikes up a conversation with Henry.

“So what’s next for you guys after this? We’re going to Wyoming!”

Dad turns his head to Ellie, glaring at her, but Harry lets out a small laugh and shakes his head.

“Yeah, maybe we’ll just call this a success and say our fond farewells.”

Ellie shakes her head as we continue to walk.

“No, he’ll change his mind. Trust me. This is how he goes. He’s like ‘No,Ellie. Never ever ever ever happening.’ And then I’m like ‘I’m gonna ask you a million more times and’-.”

She is quietly interrupted by the sound of gun fire.We quickly shoot down to the ground, rushing to the nearest car.

“Where the fuck is that coming fro-.”

“Shut up!”

Gunshots continue to fly through the air, and suddenly, Henry takes off with Sam in the other direction, surprising Harry.

“Henry, what the fuck are you doing?!”

“Getting Sam ou-Oh shit!”

They run back to the car and we’re all quiet for a minute. Dad looks over his should before turning back to us.

“All right. Stay here.”

“What?!”

“Dad!”

He shakes his head at Ellie and I, refusing to give in.

“If you don’t move, he’s not gonna hit you. I’m gonna go around, try to get in the house through the back, and then I’ll take him out.”

Ellie shakes here head, her body starting to shake in fear as she grips my hand.

“But if you go out there, he’s gonna kill you-.”

“It’s dark and he has shit aim, nobody’s gonna kill me.”

“Then he’s gonna kill us!”

Dad looks at her as she continues to shake.

“You trust me?”

She gives him a small nod and he pats her shoulder before he gets up. We share a look and I know he can see the worry in my eyes. He trails around the car and slowly begins to tread as bullets fly through the air again.

It’s quiet for a couple minutes before we hear one more gunshot, and Ellie starts to freak out a little. I pull her in close, burying her head in my neck to keep her quiet.

“I gotcha. Promise. Nothin’s gonna happen. He’s gonna be fine.”

It’s faint but I hear someone that sounds like dad yell, but it becomes clearer.

“Run!”

Lights head our direction and take off fast, running from the oncoming vehicles, bullets flying through the air. One of the drivers is shot and the truck crashes into a building, catching everything on fire. Harry grabs Ellie as we run towards a stray car to take cover.

It’s quiet, minus the sound of guns clicking, when a feminine voice pops up from the other side of the cars.

“Dead end, Henry. Gonna step on out? Save us some time?…No? That’s alright.. Doesn’t matter.”

Henry looks at Sam before hesitantly shouting to the woman, who I assume to be Kathleen.

“I’ll come out! Just let the kids go!”

“No. Sorry.. The girl is with the man who killed Bryan, And Sam..Well-Sam’s with you.”

Henry gets frustrated and Harry and I share a look, trying to plot an escape as Henry buys us some time.

“You don’t understand!”

“But I do. I know why you did what you did. But did you ever stop to think maybe he was supposed to die?”

“He’s just a fucking kid, Kathleen!”

She’s quiet for a minute before she responds again.

“Well, kids die Henry. They die all the time. You think the whole world revolves around him? That he’s worth.. everything?..Well this is what happens when you fuck with fate.”

Henry turns to Harry and I, a stern expression on his face.

“Get ready to take them and run.”

Harry shakes his head quickly, and he opens his mouth to argue, but Henry gives him another look.

“H. Please, don’t argue with me. Do it.”

Harry sighs and takes Sam’s hand while Ellie grabs mine.

“It’s time, Henry. Enough!”

Henry takes a couple deep breaths before he stands up, his hands up and his back now to us as he walks to Kathleen.

“It ends the way it ends.”

I hear a gun click but before it can be fired, the destruction from the fire begins to escalate as the truck starts to fall into what very well may be a sinkhole. It’s quiet for a minute but then the screeching sound of infected echos the area. They come running out in a stampede, so Harry and I quickly grab the kids and make a run for it, Henry running after us.

Ellie falls to the ground and begins to army crawl to a nearby car. Henry and Sam are surrounded by clickers, shouting as I hear Sam cry. Ellie looks at Harry and I and before I can pull her back, she starts to run towards them, clickers getting shot down left and right as she runs.

I sigh and Harry and I make a run after her, quickly catching up. I quickly stab the surrounding clickers before we pull Sam and Henry out from under the car before we all make a run for it. We continue to run before we’re stopped by Kathleen, who points a gun at us.

“Stop!”

Before she can say anything else, she’s tackled by a clicker and she is quickly ripped to shreds and she screams.

“Don’t look, let’s go, c’mon.”

We starting running again and we meet up with dad, running to an abandoned warehouse.

We eat what we have, and dad tries to catch his breath. Ellie and Sam sit on a bed, looking at the book from Sam’s bag. Harry gazes over at his brother in worry.

“You think they’ll be okay?”

I give him a small nod as I look at the kids.

“It’s easier when you’re a kid anyway.”

I frown at dad and he’s quiet for a minute before he looks towards the rest of us.

“You don’t have anybody else relying on you. That’s the hard part..”

We’re all quiet for a minute before Harry responds, giving me a small smile.

“Well, I guess that means we’re doing a good job, then.”

Dads quiet and looks at the kids, nodding to them.

“What’s that comic book say, ‘Endure and survive’?

Henry only nods.

“Shits pretty redundant..”

Dad let’s out a small laugh and I chuckle.

“Yeah.. It’s not great..”

It’s quiet for a minute until dad speaks up, and he surprises me.

“Look. I don’t know how I’m gettin’ to Wyoming-I’m probably walkin’.. But..you know if ya’ll want to.”

Harry and Henry nod, and Harry subtly laces his fingers through mine.

“Yeah. I think it’d be nice for Sam to have a friend. And Harry seems pretty taken with Y/N..”

Dad furrows his brows and his eyes land on our conjoined hand.

“You get your-“

“Daddy, stop. I ain’t havin’ this conversation with you. Deal with it and shut the fuck up.”

He growls and looks away, and Harry just squeezes my hand.

“I’ll tell him in the morning. New day, new start.”

Dad nods. We send the kids off to bed and head there ourselves. As soon as my head hits the pillow, I’m out like a light.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’m woken up by a blinding light and what feels like someone nudging my leg. I open my eyes, allowing myself to adjust to the light for a moment before looking at my attacker.

“You know.. as your daughter, I feel like you could’ve woken me up a lot nicer.”

Dad shakes his head with a chuckles and walks away. Harry walks over to me and holds a hand out to me with a smile. I take it with a small thank you, and it only takes me a second to gain my footing. I open my mouth to say something but before I can, I hear a scream. Ellie.

We all rush into the room to see Sam attacking Ellie, and by the looks of it, he was infected. Before Dad or I can try to help her, Henry shoots at the ground, preventing us from helping. Harry looks at him in shock.

“Henry! Stop! You can’t-!”

Ellie continues to scream and finally, Henry shoots Sam, who falls off of Ellie and onto the floor. Sam remains unmoving, blood pouring out onto the hardwood floors. Dad looks at Ellie, his eyes full of worry as he starts to approach her.

“Ellie, you okay?”

Before she can respond, Henry points his gun right at dad.

“Henry-.”

Dad tries to calm him down but nothing he says is getting through to him.

“What.. W-What did I do?..Sam…”

Dad walks closer to him, trying to take the gun from him.

“Henry, give me the gun-.”

Henry shakes his head, and shaking my raises the gun to his head. Harry’s eyes widen and he begins to shout.

“Henry- no!”

BANG

Ellie lets out a scream as Henry falls to the ground, and Harry falls to his knees as tears begin to fall down his cheeks. I quietly move over to Ellie, laying on hand on her shoulder.

“I need you to stay with Harry, ‘kay? Dad and I will take care of them..”

“But-.”

I give her a sad look and she nods. She crawls over to where Harry is on the floor and hesitantly hugs him. Dad and I exchange silent glances and we nod at one another before getting to work.

We bury them together, and I have to hold back the tears as I fill the hole. Ellie flattens it and leaves Sam’s writing board on top, a look of sadness on her face. I give Harry a hug and he lets out a shaky sigh.

Ellie stands up and looks at dad.

“Which way is west?”

Dad looks around before he nudges his head to the west.

Ellie looks at Harry and I hear him let out a sniffle.

“What’s next for you then?”

Before he can respond, I answer.

“With us. If he wants to..”

Dad scoffs and shakes his head.

“Y/N!”

“Daddy, stop! He’s comin’ with us if he wants and that’s all I’m gonna hear about it.”

I look at Harry and he gives me a small nod. Dad lets out a sigh and starts walking off, Ellie quickly following him. I look at Harry again and he just shakes his head, walking close to my side as we jog to catch up with dad and Ellie.

“Are you.. gonna be okay?”

He looks up for a minute before he looks back at me.

“Will you stay close to me..?”

I nod, giving him a small smile as I hesitantly hold a hand out to him.

He takes my hand and squeezes it, pulling me to his side.

“Then yeah. ‘M gonna be alright.”

END OF PART 1.

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