#been too busy enjoying all the new content and got distracted | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

loki-cees-all · 9 months

Text

Some Things Are Easier to Say in the Dark {Avengers!Loki x Female Reader One-Shot}

Cee's Loki Fic Masterlist / AO3 Link

Pairing : Avengers!Loki x Female Reader

Summary : You and Loki absolutely despise each other. A mission to Finland forces you to work together undercover in the days leading up to Christmas, and then a blizzard traps you at an inn with only one bed. Suddenly all those teasing games aren't so fun anymore, and the animosity takes you both down a path neither of you anticipated.

W/c : 6.2k words

Content / Warnings : Enemies to Lovers, Snowed In, Only One Bed, Shameless Smut, Fingering, Teasing, Hate-Fucking, Cowgirl Position

Author's Note : My entry for @sarahscribbles' Christmas Collection, using the ✨ Enemies to Lovers ✨ prompt. Hope you enjoy it, dear!

18+ Only - Minors DNI

⊱ ─ ༓ ── ⋅•⋅⊰ ─ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ∙ ⋅ ─ ⊱⋅•⋅ ── ༓ ─ ⊰

This had to be a joke.

Not only had you been given the ridiculous assignment of “accompanying” the newest member of the Avengers, the so-called God of Mischief, to Finland. Not only did you know it wasn’t accompaniment, it was actually babysitting, because despite Thor’s intense insistence that his brother be given this chance at redemption, the rest of the team still didn’t quite trust him yet.

Not only were you sure that this mission was just busy work - a way to simultaneously keep Loki distracted, and away from the prying eyes of the American government and media. And not only had this man single handedly usurped your rise from common S.H.I.E.L.D. agent to the next member of the Avengers, because the dungeons on Asgard were just too cruel for the precious Prince…

But now, there was only one bed left in this entire goddamn inn.

The sweet old woman checking you in apologized profusely when she broke the news, and you just stood there, silently fuming and clenching your jaw so hard your teeth would be aching for days. Truthfully, you should have known better - it was only four days before Christmas; how could you forget that it was technically a holiday, and that millions of people around the world would be traveling for leisure right now?

Maybe it was just because you couldn't recall the last time you'd taken a vacation, or the fact that you hadn’t spent a holiday with loved ones in years. Or maybe you’d been cursed somehow - most likely by the man standing next to you, with an infuriatingly charming grin on his face.

“Please don’t worry about it, my dear, we’ve just had quite a long day of traveling,” Loki gently assured the woman, reaching for her hand as she all but cowered in fear at your palpable rage. She seemed to relax as Loki soothed her, and you hated that it was him covering for your negative attitude instead of the other way around. “My fiancé - she’s just a bit old fashioned, and she wants to wait until marriage, you see...”

The woman smiled as if he was describing kittens snuggling together on a cold and rainy evening, and you were this close to absolutely losing your temper; he was already deviating from your mutually agreed upon cover story, that you were simply colleagues traveling to the Muotkatunturi Wilderness Area on a research trip, and he intentionally chose his own cover story to replace it - one that was designed to deliberately piss you off.

You knew Loki could feel the anger radiating off your skin, and he turned towards you with a smile of his own as he continued to act as your doting fiancé. “And I’m determined to make that a reality. I promise, I’ll be fine sleeping on the floor, alright, darling?”

He slipped his arm around your waist and pulled you closer, his emerald eyes shining as he surely relished in your discomfort. You tried to focus on that, on how angry you were at him about everything - instead of his warm embrace, or how inviting his scent was.

“Well, you’re in luck. We’ve got the most comfortable floors in all of Rovaniemi!” the woman laughed as she returned to filling out the guestbook.

It was humiliating, but it seemed as though you had no choice. You let out a heavy exhale, deciding it would be easier to just go along with his story and get this interaction over with as quickly as possible. Your only saving grace was that this was temporary - soon this reconnaissance mission would be over, and sooner or later Loki would ruin the good graces of Tony and Steve and be sent back to the dungeons on Asgard.

But until then, you were going to have to find a way to make him pay for all of this later on.

“There’s my girl. Always the brave little soldier,” he purred softly, leaning down as if he was going to kiss you. Your eyes widened in panic, desperately fighting the urge to push him away and possibly punch him in his handsome face, but Loki caught the hint and quickly looked the other way.

You turned your attention back to the front desk as the woman fiddled with the paperwork, and a group of figurines for sale caught your eye, nestled among the garland and twinkling lights. A wicked grin crept across your face as you nudged Loki’s ribs unplayfully. “Look, dear - they’ve got some Odin statues for sale. Shall we buy some to hand them out with our Christmas gifts this year?”

Loki’s gaze slowly descended into madness, and you cheered silently once you were sure you’d gotten under his skin. His jaw tightened, along with the hand pressed against your ribs, but the woman smiled happily, unaware of just who she was talking to.

“Ah, yes - these make excellent souvenirs!” the woman laughed as she picked up one of the figurines, admiring the wood carving with a loving eye. “Did you know that the myth of Santa Claus is based partially on the myth of Odin - and that it all started right here in Rovaniemi?”

“Oh, I had no idea!” you lied, almost giddy with how much this was going to piss Loki off. “Could you tell me more about that? I find Norse mythology to be just fascinating…Of course, that pesky God of Mischief certainly leaves a lot to be desired, wouldn’t you say?”

She opened her mouth to answer, clearly very pleased that someone was finally so interested in her offerings, but Loki quickly interjected with barely contained rage. “Actually, if you could just focus on retrieving our room key now, I’d really appreciate it.”

“What is the God of Mischief’s name? Loki, or something like that?” you continued with absolute delight, slipping your arm around his waist the way he’d done while teasing you. “Pretty ridiculous name, if you ask me. Thor’s name is so much more elegant…”

“Well, it’s funny you should mention that. The name Loki actually means - ”

“The keys! Now. Please,” Loki snapped as he yanked your arm away, gripping your wrist so hard you were sure it was going to leave a bruise. That was definitely going in your mission report once you’d returned to Stark Tower.

The woman faltered briefly, clearly not expecting the charming man to shift his attitude so abruptly, but she reluctantly obliged and began rummaging around in a drawer for a set of room keys.

“You’ll have to excuse my fiancé, m’am…He just doesn’t believe in all that Norse mythology nonsense, even though I think it’s super interesting…” you smirked as Loki stewed with indignation. “But it’s just this one night that you have to endure the tall tales of Norse mythology, and then we’re off to Inari in the morning…aren’t we, sweetheart?”

The sweet old woman furrowed her brow as she pulled the last set of keys from the drawer and extended them over the counter. “Oh, didn’t you hear about the blizzard arriving tonight? They’re saying it’s the storm of the century. I doubt you two will be going anywhere for a while.”

Loki’s face fell alongside yours, and you both turned to the woman with matching grimaces. “I beg your pardon?”

⊱ ─ ༓ ── ⋅•⋅⊰ ─ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ∙ ⋅ ─ ⊱⋅•⋅ ── ༓ ─ ⊰

Your mood quickly soured by the time Loki led the way upstairs to your room; of course there was a blizzard incoming, and of course it would mean you were trapped here longer than anticipated with the most inconsiderate man alive. He took the stairs two at a time, leaving you behind to struggle with your luggage, while his belongings were no doubt stored easily inside that stupid pocket dimension of his.

If just one more thing went wrong on this trip, you feared you might actually lose it - consequences be damned.

By the time you made it down the hallway to the door of your room, Loki was casually leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest and a brooding expression on his face. If you didn’t hate him so much, it would have been a beautiful sight to behold.

“Hey, thanks for offering to help,” you called out sarcastically as you made your way over to him. “I’m absolutely shocked by how thoughtful and courteous you are.”

Loki scoffed and pushed himself off the wall as he pulled the key out of his pocket. “I could have just gone inside and left you wondering which door was ours. You should be grateful I didn’t.”

“Aww, is someone a little mad that I made him think about Odin?” you taunted, enjoying the way he tensed up again at the sound of his father’s name.

“No, it was just foolish. Do not make that mistake again…”

The door swung open and you rolled your eyes as you followed him inside. “Are you threatening me?”

Loki whipped around with barely restrained fury as soon as the door closed. “We’re meant to be under cover here, yes? So do you really think it’s a good idea to be throwing around my actual name just to infuriate me?” he snapped angrily, eyes blazing and fists clenching at his sides.

Your stomach did a flip in your abdomen, and you struggled to maintain an air of defiance as he continued. “You don’t know who anyone is here, or who could be listening to our conversations. So keep your mouth shut if you don’t want us to be discovered! Am I being clear?”

You nodded meekly, because that was all you could manage while kicking yourself. He was right, you were being foolish and forgetting the true purpose of this trip. Hydra could easily have eyes and ears everywhere, and if you kept pissing Loki off, he might not be inclined to save you if necessary.

And you hated that it might be necessary, because he was a literal God with infinite magic at his disposal, while you were just a fallible little human that he absolutely despised.

As Loki turned away and started pulling the drapes shut, you distracted yourself with examining the room you’d been given. Three large windows took up the entire outside wall of the room, and on either side of the lone queen-sized bed were two end-tables, each with a dark green lamp providing the only light to the room. A stone fireplace sat on the opposite side of the bed, decorated with greenery and frosted miniature Christmas trees, and a tiny wooden desk and chair were the only other pieces of furniture in the room.

It was definitely cozy, even you couldn’t deny that, but that just made it worse. In any other circumstances, you might have enjoyed this break; but the Christmas decorations just reminded you of how alone you were, and Loki’s presence only reminded you of how unnecessary you were.

And it was already starting to get uncomfortably cold inside the room. Just before Loki yanked the last curtain closed, you caught a glimpse of the snow outside; it had quickly transformed from light flurries into heavy sheets of frozen precipitation. You were in for a very cold, very long and lonely night, and daylight couldn't come soon enough.

A deep sense of dread settled in the base of your spine as you realized how long you might be trapped here with this narcissistic, self-important and delusional mockery of all the sacrifices you’d made to get to this point of your career.

You’d foregone relationships with family, friends and potential lovers to spend every waking moment either training your body or honing your skills, trying to prove your worth and dedication to keeping this world safe from anything that ever threatened it.

And the planet’s most recent threat, the reason for the Avengers’ very existence, was making himself busy pulling pillows and blankets off the bed to make his own on the hardwood floor. Loki was silent as he worked, and you couldn’t help but wonder if he was actually hurt by your teasing.

You hated it. You hated this - especially since you hadn’t expected to feel so badly about taunting him. Clearing your throat, you set your suitcase on the chair and pretended to look for something inside. “Look, I’m sorry about what happened before. I guess I’m just…on edge.”

“Why bother?” he replied coldly, and you didn’t know if it was because he wasn’t actually hurt, or if it was because he didn’t care that you were potentially sorry about hurting him. Either way, the dismissal stung.

You continued rummaging through the suitcase, anything to avoid looking at your roommate for the night. How long had it been since you’d shared such close quarters with another person? Had there been anyone since college? You already felt raw and exposed by the idea of falling asleep within the same four walls as another person; but at the very least, Loki was sticking to his word about sleeping on the floor and not in the bed with you.

“You’re not worried about the mission? Or the blizzard? Or the fact that we might kill each other at any moment?” you laughed nervously, hoping to at least break some of the tension.

Loki sighed. “This mission is a joke. The blizzard might be a problem, and yes - we might certainly try to kill each other…but none of that is cause for real concern - not to me, anyway.”

Your brow furrowed, and you turned to look at him; the God of Mischief was on his hands and knees, arranging pillows and blankets on the floor. It was an amusing sight, and you struggled to maintain focus. “Wait - you think this mission is a joke?”

He paused what he was doing, staring off into the distance with regret in his eyes as if he’d already said too much but couldn’t bring himself to stop. “Don’t think for one moment that I don’t know what this mission actually is…”

You rubbed your neck nervously, unsure of where he was going with this.

“I know how easily it would be for Stark to send in his machines to do this reconnaissance, and that the Scepter likely isn’t here. Obviously, I’d be the last person they’d ever want close to it,” Loki continued, pinching the bridge of his nose with his forefingers. “I know the others are probably on the other side of the world recovering it as we speak, and that this mission is completely pointless - hence, assigning you and I to it.”

Your heart sank as he spoke, knowing that he was probably right; that this mission was utterly pointless, that it wouldn’t advance you any further in your career. That the only thing this mission was going to lead to was meaningless and unnecessary frustration and pain for the both of you.

“I know what they - and you - don’t particularly like or trust me. And you have good reason not to.” Loki cast a tragic glance in your direction before quickly looking away again.

“So why are you here then? If you don’t want to be here, and if you don’t…” you trailed off, unsure if you should finish that thought.

Loki sighed and shook his head. “It…doesn’t matter,” he answered sadly, and your heart broke over the entire situation. You didn’t know what to say to make either of you feel better, and it was likely that nothing ever would.

“There. I think that’ll do nicely,” he announced pleasantly, abruptly changing the subject and rousing you from your pensive thoughts. You glanced over to see a grown man - a God, in fact - standing proudly over the neatly arranged pillows and blankets on the floor, and for a brief moment you couldn’t help but be amused by the sight - that is, until you noticed the state of your sleeping quarters for the foreseeable future.

“You stripped off most of the bed!” you protested angrily, examining the three paltry blankets left to keep you warm overnight.

“On the contrary - I stripped precisely half of the bed,” Loki replied as he began to remove his coat. “Of course, there’s a simple and quite easy way to double your warmth if you’re so concerned…”

“Absolutely not.” The words came out harsher than you’d intended, but even just sharing four walls felt way too close to him; sharing a bed was probably way more than you ever could handle.

“Fair enough. Shall I light a fire to keep us warm then?” Loki offered without skipping a beat, the sudden change in his tone giving you multiple rounds of whiplash. He stepped over to the fireplace to examine it, running his hands over the stone hearth’s arch before crouching next to the pile of logs.

How was he able to switch so suddenly, from profound soundness to being so thoughtful? You wanted to accept the kindness and be grateful for the change in tone, but all it did was put you on edge. You sat down on the bed and began to unlace your boots, still desperately trying not to look at him. “Don’t bother on my account,” was all the response you could manage.

The room was silent for a moment, and you could almost feel the gears turning inside Loki’s head as he tried to come up with something else to say. But why was he trying so hard? You had been counting on him retreating into himself the way he always did back at Stark Tower, or worst case - that he would be deliberately messing with you, making your life hell and again ruining your chances at proving yourself worthy.

You could feel his gaze boring into the back of your skull as your boots clattered to the floor. And when he still hadn’t tried to speak, you cautiously looked over your shoulder to him. “Was there something else you wanted?”

Loki sighed and let his eyes drift away as he shook his head. An expression of restrained exasperation crawled across his features as he made his way to the makeshift bed on the floor. “Nothing. I don’t need anything from you…”

Your brow furrowed and guilt poured into your veins with every step he took. But guilt about what? You weren’t friends. You owed him nothing. This was just a mission - nothing more, and nothing less. You opened your mouth to speak, but Loki was already laying down on the floor with his back to you, clearly uninterested in speaking anymore that night.

The room seemed colder after Loki withdrew. It was an odd, incredibly distracting feeling - one that you hadn’t ever prepared yourself for, and didn’t have the energy to explore at the moment. Sleep was calling out to you, beckoning you closer as it always did whenever the feelings all became too much.

It took so much effort to crawl underneath the three blankets on your bed, and you didn’t even bother changing out of your street clothes before cocooning yourself inside. You thought about everything in your life that had led up to this incredibly excruciating moment, all the choices you’d made and the pain you’d gone through.

All that sacrifice, and where had it gotten you?

⊱ ─ ༓ ── ⋅•⋅⊰ ─ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ∙ ⋅ ─ ⊱⋅•⋅ ── ༓ ─ ⊰

Sleep did not come easy for you that night. Despite your body exhausted from travel and the gentle bed cradling your wearied soul, you laid awake far longer than you would have expected. So many thoughts flitting uncontrollably across your mind, so many shivers slipping along your frigid bones.

A cold draft seeped in through the seams of the windowsills as the snow poured down outside. You were still awake, curled up on your side with the blankets pulled tight around your narrow frame. Eyelids pulled shut and breath held cautiously, you struggled to keep from shivering too much as you imagined Loki on the floor.

He had to be colder than you were, and part of you wanted to ignore his possible discomfort. He deserved it, didn’t he? Maybe if he was more pleasant to be around, it wouldn’t have to be like this.

But another part of you hoped he’d be so uncomfortable that he’d ask to join you in the bed. Your thoughts returned to when he had slipped his arm around your waist earlier that evening, and you struggled to keep your heart rate in check. It was wrong, you knew it was so wrong because you were supposed to hate him, the villain who had terrorized New York City, and he was supposed to hate you, a simple mortal who was only good for kneeling.

“I know you’re awake.” His voice was a whisper, a small shadow in a room full of empty ones. You slowly opened your eyes, your pupils taking their time to adjust the dark and make out the furniture inside the room. You wanted to sit up, to peer out into the world and see if he looked any different on the floor.

“Can’t sleep. It’s too cold,” you murmured softly, barely able to even pull the blankets tighter around you.

Loki sighed off in the distance. “The power’s been knocked out by the storm, so the heating’s off.”

It was only then that you realized the bedside table lamps had gone out. Too busy retreating inside yourself, the only warm place you had left. “Oh. Hadn’t noticed.”

“I could light the fire now, if you’d like.”

No, you thought. No, that won’t do. That’s not what I want from you. “Why are you being so nice to me now?”

Loki stirred on the floor, presumably shifting underneath his blankets. He could be sitting up right now, looking at you in the dark and you wouldn’t ever know. “Some things are easier to say in the dark.”

You thought for a moment, wondering about how to beckon him closer without risking rejection, or your dignity. This shouldn’t happen; and yet, it never ever would in the light. “Then let’s stay in the dark.”

Loki didn’t respond, and silence descended upon the room again. You couldn’t stop the shivers tormenting your flesh, and your teeth clattered together as you waited for a response. This time, you were sure you were going to freeze to death, despite burning in the waiting, and yearning, and longing that rolled up and down your spine.

“But where there’s light…there’s heat,” Loki finally answered. His voice was closer, much closer now; he’d stood up, and maybe he was right next to the bed. Could you reach out and touch him? Should you?

“I’m doing just fine in the cold.”

Loki chuckled, and you felt the blankets pull away as the mattress dipped under his weight. “You shouldn’t lie to the God of Mischief, dear,” he whispered softly as he settled in behind you, curling his knees behind yours and brushing his nose against your ear.

His body was so very warm, and you were aching for his touch. “I think it’s only fair. You came to my bed, and left your blankets on the floor…” you sassed, unable to help yourself.

“You want me to retrieve them?” Loki’s voice carried the slightest hint of mockery as he started to pull away. You panicked and grabbed his hand, eagerly pulling his arm back around your waist.

“So fussy…” he murmured with a smile, his voice hot against your neck as he settled in to spoon you once more. “You want heat, but not light. You hate me, but you want me close…”

You melted in his arms, and forced out a soft, defiant sigh. “You have no idea what I want…”

“And you do?” He matched your sigh with one of his own, and pressed his hand flat against your stomach, moving languidly over the fabric of your many shirts and jackets. You could feel how much he wanted to move his hand upwards to more stimulating areas, and it was so very thrilling.

“So what do you want, hmm? Why did you tell the innkeeper we were engaged, when that wasn’t our planned cover story?” you whispered, shifting your hips and ass against his crotch.

Loki swallowed a deep groan, and you could feel your own arousal beginning to coat your inner thighs. His hand latched onto your hip, but he didn’t stop you from moving.

“Was it just to piss me off, or was it because you wanted to pretend it was true?” you continued, shifting back against him and hoping the movement would cause your clothing to reveal a little bare skin.

“The…first option. Obviously…” Loki whispered, his lips grazing over the shell of your ear as his hips started to grind against yours.

You swallowed back a moan, trying desperately to ignore his hardened length against the swell of your ass. “Which one of us is the liar now?”

“Gods, do you ever stop talking?!” he hissed as he began rummaging underneath your jacket, eagerly searching for bare skin as he pulled your shirt upwards. His hand finally found your bare hip, and his touch was white hot as he began unbuttoning your jeans.

This time, you didn’t bother hiding the moan, and you twisted ever so slightly underneath the sheets to encourage him to keep going. Your heart beat frantically in your chest and your lips parted, intending to tease him one more time with the brattiest ‘make me’ ever spoken aloud…

And then his fingers dipped beneath the waistband to slip between your slick thighs.

The sound that tumbled from your lips was equally parts gasp and whimper as his fingertips grazed over your soaked clit, and his breath was heavy against your neck. “There we go. That’s more like it…” he whispered breathlessly, slowly dragging his fingers back and forth.

Your thighs drifted apart, as much as they could while trapped inside the unyielding jeans, and your hips rolled eagerly as he pressed harder against your clit. Heat flooded your veins, pooling beneath your cheeks and spilling out of your lungs as you whimpered for more.

Loki slipped his other arm around your shoulder, those fingers curling in your hair as his lips started to kiss and suck along your neck. “So sensitive…have you always been this wet for me?”

“Yes…” you moaned honestly, unable to deny it any longer. You’d say anything to make him keep going, to keep those delicate fingers pressing and massaging and coaxing endless satisfaction from you.

“That’s a shame. We could have been doing this the whole time then…” he groaned heavily, shuddering and sighing along as if he was getting as much pleasure out of this as you were.

“Oh, my god - Loki!” you gasped as he slipped a finger inside, slowly pushing and withdrawing it from your swollen, throbbing pussy. Your hips bucked with his movements, and your fingers curled around your clothing, desperately trying to pull and shift to give him more room to work.

Loki smiled against your neck, and brought his lips up to nibble on your earlobe as he added a second finger. “This feels good, doesn’t it? You’re enjoying what I’m doing to you?”

That familiar coil of release was beginning to contract inside your core, tighter than it ever had before. Frantic whimpers of ecstasy fell from your lips, unashamed and without second-guessing. With your eyes closed and your hips writhing, you moaned louder and louder as your climax approached.

“Careful, little one. Do you want the innkeeper to hear us breaking our vows of chastity?” he taunted in a low, thrumming voice against your ear.

“I don’t care, I don’t care! Just, please - keep going!”

Loki’s fingers moved faster still, skillfully and without hesitation, as if he was completely determined to bring you to Heaven himself. But just as the floodgates were about to open, just as you were about to come so very hard, he cruelly withdrew his fingers.

“What?! No!” Your eyes flew open in shock as the pressure receded and the coil in your belly began to loosen.

Loki gazed at you with a triumphant grin on his face, his emerald eyes blazing in the dark. “Maybe now you’ll be nicer to me…now that you know what I can do to you…” he murmured, bringing his fingers to his lips and sucking your arousal from them.

Your mind reeled uncontrollably, so furious and yet still so turned on by the pleasure he’d brought and subsequently taken from you. “I- I can’t believe you…Wh-why would you’d d-do this…?” you stammered, clumsily pushing yourself up to sitting.

Loki settled on his back, grinning from ear to ear as he watched you struggling to pull your jacket off. “Surely you can. But the real question is…what are you going to do about it, hmm?”

“Oh, my God, I hate you. I hate you so much,” you groaned as you finally freed the zipper and yanked the jacket off your frame. You stumbled out of the bed, thighs trembling violently as you worked to remove the rest of your clothing. You weren’t lying; you did hate him, but goddammit he was so alluring and you desperately needed to come.

Loki watched hungrily as you stripped the rest of your clothing away and climbed back onto the bed, settling yourself over his hips. “Well, this is certainly an interesting strategy,” he whispered as he curled a hand behind your neck and pulled your lips down to his.

You moaned deeply as you kissed him back, violently and passionately moving your lips and tongue with his. You eagerly rolled your bare pussy against his clothed hips, searching for any sort of friction and for a way to tease him more than he’d teased you, to make sure you wouldn’t be denied a second time.

He met your lips just as eagerly, groaning and moaning against your mouth as he moved his hands to cup your breasts, his thumbs brushing across your nipples and driving you mad with want. Your hands moved to his jacket, grabbing and struggling to align the zipper with the chain and be able to feel his skin directly against yours.

“Use your magic, undo your clothing…” you whispered frantically against his lips, unable to see or think clearly.

“Absolutely not. Show me how much you want me…” Loki hummed teasingly, shifting his hands downwards to grasp your ass and force you to roll harder against his hips.

You grinned, pleased with his words, and pulled back to sit upright on his hips. With your full weight pressing down, you rolled yourself harder against him, and his back arched in pleasure. When his jaw clenched tight and he rolled his hips with yours, you violently pulled the jacket zipper down and then ripped his shirt open.

“Oh, you are going to pay for that, minx!” Loki hissed angrily as shirt buttons went flying across the room. He pulled his hand away as if preparing to smack your ass, but you ignored it, leaned forward to take his nipple between your lips.

Loki moaned loudly as you sucked, flicking your tongue as he squirmed and writhed beneath you. His eyes closed and both of his hands returned to your ass, and you matched every one of his moans with some of your own. Vindication and pleasure rushed up and down your spine - and then he finally magicked his clothes away.

You found yourself pressed directly against the length of his throbbing cock, and you both moaned loudly in unison at the intimate contact. He wasn’t even inside you yet, but you couldn’t believe how amazing it felt already. You shifted to bury your face in the crook of his neck, breathing in his scent and basking in the warmth of his naked body as your hips gyrated together.

The blizzard outside was forgotten, the cold air nipping at your bare skin was no longer a concern, and in that moment you couldn’t remember why you ever hated him. He whimpered in your ear and wrapped his arms tightly around your waist as your hips writhed in unison, and soon that coil was wrapping itself around every fiber of your being again.

There was nothing anyone could do to stop you from coming this time; in fact, Loki actively encouraged you to keep going through a heated, growling voice. “Yes, take it from me. Let it all out, I’ve got you…” he commanded, his fingers pressing harder into your flesh.

The orgasm ripped through you, searing every nerve ending as you thrashed on top of him. Your fingers and toes curled beyond what you thought was ever possible, and your muscles kept tensing and relaxing, grinding and rolling in a desperate attempt to keep this pleasure flowing.

Loki held on tightly, groaning and gasping right along with you until you finally started to come back down. One by one your muscles relaxed until you lay limp, breathing heavily between parted lips on top of him. You were finally sated, with no thoughts passing through you any longer; maybe now you could finally fall asleep…

Satisfied that you had gotten yours - and the better of him - you started to roll away, but his arms tightened around your body, keeping you on top of him. “Oh, I don’t think so, darling. I’m not done with you yet…”

Your eyes fluttered back open as Loki adjusted your body on top of his, and before you could muster the strength to tease him again, he was pushing himself inside you. It felt incredible, like his body was molded to fit inside yours, and you couldn’t believe he’d somehow figured out what your favorite position was.

A deep whimper of pleasure was all you could manage as you took him in, his cock pulsating inside you and filling you entirely. Loki moved his hands back down to grip your ass as he began to thrust upwards, his thighs tensing and pelvis tilting to hit your sweet spot. You shifted your knees away from his hips and hovered above them as he drove himself into you over and over again.

Almost immediately you were on the verge of coming a second time, and you cried out his name as every nerve ending fired off in rapid succession. Loki’s thrusts were relentless as he came apart with you, his fingers digging into your flesh and hips bucking wildly and uncontrollably beneath you.

You clung to each other the entire time, your minds wracked with pleasure and bodies spent until you were both just panting and laying peacefully in each other’s arms. When clarity returned, you had no idea how to react; should you push him away? Should you say something rude? Was he going to beat you to either of those options first?

The deepest, most vulnerable part of you just wanted to stay there, lingering in the bliss you both had created with each other. You’d never had a partner this exquisite before, and you didn’t know what you were going to do when you returned home - let alone the next morning.

You nestled in against his chest and listened to the sound of his heart beating - steadily, calmly, peacefully. Loki kept his arms around you, and his fingers ran through your hair, gently massaging your scalp as he held you close.

“I’ve got a lot of amends to make,” Loki said quietly, his voice tinged with melancholy.

You blinked and cautiously brought your hand to his chest, placing it soothingly over his heart. “What do you mean?”

“Earlier you asked why I was here. I’ve got a lot of amends to make,” he repeated, placing his hand over yours. “For New York, for the pain I’ve caused my father and brother, for letting myself be - ”

Loki swallowed hard and shook his head, and could almost feel the regret swelling in his eyes. There was something important he wasn’t sharing; maybe he didn’t know how, or maybe he didn’t know if he could trust you yet. Something deep inside you longed to earn that trust, something you didn’t quite understand.

“You don’t need to say it if you don’t want to. But…I’d be willing to listen, whenever you are ready,” you replied sincerely, hoping he’d believe you. And then you continued on, to make a joke and hopefully lighten the mood. “First, though, I think we need to agree to a cease-fire. In the spirit of Christmas, and whatnot.”

Loki smiled and pressed a kiss to your forehead. “I knew you’d be the first one to concede…” he murmured playfully. “But I’m feeling generous. Let’s just call it a draw…”

Your mind reeled with possibilities, unsure of what to say that wouldn’t make anything worse or ruin the moment. “Really? I thought your hatred of me was permanent…” you answered cautiously.

Loki shifted his hand to gently grasp your chin, tilting your head to look at him. “I don’t hate you. You just…bewilder and confound me…”

His gaze was soft and warm, and it almost took your breath away. If he was this delicate with someone he found this irritating, how tender could he be with someone he actually loved? And could he ever actually love you someday?

You forced a smile, and traced his cheekbones with your fingertips, hoping he couldn’t read your thoughts. “I don’t know. Maybe all the teasing and insulting was what made this so good?” you murmured playfully.

Loki returned your smile, although there was a hint of sadness you couldn’t quite place etched upon his features. “I suppose we’ll see what happens in tomorrow’s light, won’t we?”

⊱ ─ ༓ ── ⋅•⋅⊰ ─ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ∙ ⋅ ─ ⊱⋅•⋅ ── ༓ ─ ⊰

Click here to be added to my Loki fic tag list! 💚

1K notes · View notes

gvnvks · 1 year

Text

zb1 boys being clingy

> pairings: non-idol!zb1 x fem!reader

> warnings: lowercase intended, not proofread

> song recommendation: one missed call by jann

> note: idk yall this kinda sucks ass, especially the hanbin and taerae ones cuz i ran out of ideas 😭 requests r open

김 jiwoong.

jiwoong had been working on his latest movie project for weeks now, and he was starting to feel the toll it was taking on his body and mind. the only thing keeping him going was the thought of seeing you - his girlfriend. as soon as he spotted you, he ran towards you and engulfed you in a tight embrace, inhaling your sweet scent. you laughed at your boyfriends sudden clinginess, but reciprocated the hug nonetheless. “I missed you.” jiwoong whispered into your ear, you rubbing his back soothingly. “I missed you too.” you whispered back. jiwoong didn't want to let go of you just yet, so he wrapped his arm around your waist as the both of you walked towards his trailer. he leaned his head on your shoulder, enjoying your warmth and the feeling of being close to you. “you’re my favorite person, (y/n).” your boyfriend murmured, causing you to smile. “i better be! i’m the only one you’ve got.” you teased, poking his side playfully. jiwoong chuckled, but his grip on you tightened. he nuzzled his face into your neck, feeling content and at ease in your presence. jiwoong didn't want this moment to end, but he knew he had to go back to filming soon. “I wish you could stay here with me forever.”

rest members under the cut!

장 hao.

hao had been practicing playing the violin for hours, trying to perfect a new piece. his fingers were sore and his mind was exhausted, but all he could think about was you. he decided to take a break and texted you to come over. as soon as you arrived, hao wrapped his arms around your waist and rested his head on your shoulder. “hey,” he mumbled, his voice tired but affectionate. "i missed you so much today." you smiled, running your fingers through his hair. "i missed you too, hao. how’s the practicing going?" hao groaned and pulled away slightly, leaning against the wall for support. "it's so frustrating. i can't seem to get this piece right." you placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. “don’t stress to much, hao. you’re amazing.” hao nodded, grateful for your words of comfort. he leaned in again, wrapping his arms tightly around your waist and burying his face in your neck. "i just want to be close to you, is that okay?" hao hesitated for a while. you laughed softly, running your hands up and down his back. “what do you mean? why wouldn’t it be? i love you.” hao smiled, his eyes closed in contentment. “i love you too.” you stood there in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company and the feeling of being close.

성 hanbin

hanbin was sitting on the bed, you busy with your books and notes spread out in front of you. he had planned to play some video games but found himself more interested in snuggling up to you. he leaned over, resting his chin on your shoulder, watching you study. “you look so cute when you're studying,” he said, pressing a quick kiss to your cheek. you smiled, continuing to write down some notes, trying not to be distracted by his affectionate gestures. “hanbin, i need to finish studying.” you reminded him gently, hoping he would let go and let you concentrate. “just a few more minutes,” he pleaded, not wanting to let go of you just yet. “you're so warm and cozy.” as you continued to work, hanbin played with your hair, occasionally pressing a kiss to your temple or neck. despite his clinginess, you couldn't help but find it endearing and a welcome distraction from your schoolwork. after what felt like hours, you finally finished studying and let out a sigh of relief. hanbin beamed at you, pulling you into a tight hug. "see, i knew you could do it," he said, nuzzling his face into your hair.

석 matthew.

the dance studio was quiet except for the soft humming of the music in the background. the sun was shining through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. matthew had always been a dedicated dancer, and he was constantly striving to improve his skills. but on this particular day, the heat in the dance studio was almost unbearable, and he found himself struggling to keep up with the rigorous routine. as he took a break, you approached him with a concerned look on you face. “hey, you okay?” you asked, noticing the beads of sweat that were forming on his forehead. your boyfriend nodded, feeling a sense of relief as you gently wiped the sweat away with your fingers. “thanks,” he said, his voice hoarse from the exertion. as you continued to wipe the sweat from his forehead, matthew couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort as he clung tightly to your side, holding your other hand in his. he knew that he was pushing himself to his limits, but he also knew that he had you by his side, supporting him every step of the way. “this is tough, but you’re tougher. i’m so proud of you.” you said, your voice filled with admiration. matthew smiled, feeling a surge of energy as he looked into your eyes. “i love you.” he said, his voice filled with emotion, as he took your hands and nuzzled his face in them, trying to smell your scent.

김 taerae.

taerae had been feeling down lately, and he couldn't quite put his finger on why. he tried to push through it, but it seemed like everything was getting on top of him. he just wanted to feel better, but he didn't know how. one day, while he was spending time with you, he couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness wash over him. taerae hugged you tightly, feeling your warmth and softness of your body against his, his head laying on your chest, his heartbeat syncing with yours. “what’s wrong, rae?” you whispered softly, rubbing his back. taerae shook his head. “i don't know. i just feel like everything's getting on top of me, you know? like I'm failing at everything.” you pulled back slightly to look into his eyes. “you aren’t failing at anything, you’re doing exactly what you should be doing. every day may not be a good day, but there is something good in every day. remember that you have my full support, taerae, no matter what you do. you're amazing. you just need to take some time for yourself and do things that make you happy." taerae nodded, feeling a little better already. his lips found their way to your temple, kissing you gently. then again, he put his head on your chest, feeling your heart. he knew that no matter what, you were there for him. always. you feel asleep holding taerae in your arms, feeling more complete than ever.

리키 ricky.

you and ricky were walking around the shopping mall, browsing through different stores. as you passed by a clothing store, you stopped to look at a dress in the window display. ricky, who was walking a few steps behind you, noticed your interest and quickly caught up to you. “that's a nice dress,” he commented, looking at the dress in the window. “wanna try it on?” he asked, now looking at your face. “of course!” you replied enthusiastically, already leading the way into the store. as you entered, ricky wrapped his arm around your waist, pulling you closer to him. you smiled, feeling comforted by his touch. as you browsed through the racks of clothing, you picked out a few items to try on. ricky followed her into the changing room, waiting outside your stall. as she tried on the clothes, you couldn't help but notice how ricky was being extra clingy today. he would occasionally lean over to give you a kiss on the cheek or brush his hand against yours. “is everything okay?” you asked, noticing how he seemed to be holding onto you tightly. ricky hesitated for a moment before speaking up, “i just want to be close to you today. is that okay?” “of course,” you replied, smiling at him. “i'm always here for you, ricky.” ricky pulled you in for a tight embrace, feeling grateful for your understanding. "thank you." he whispered, holding you close.

김 gyuvin.

gyuvin was sitting on the couch, completely engrossed in his video game. you were sitting next to him, scrolling through your phone, trying not to disturb his focus. as he played, he found himself becoming more and more frustrated, unable to get past a difficult level. without thinking, he leaned over and rested his head on your shoulder, letting out a sigh of frustration. you looked up, surprised by the sudden contact, but smiled and wrapped his arm around him. gyuvin leaned into you, feeling comforted by your warmth and presence. he continued to play the game, occasionally letting out a grunt or a curse when he failed to make a move. but each time, you would rub his back or run your fingers through his hair, reminding him that he wasn't alone. as the game went on, gyuvin found himself less and less interested in winning and more interested in simply being close to you. he let the controller fall to the floor and turned to face you, burying his face in your neck. “i love you.” he murmured unexpectedly, his voice muffled by your hair.

박 gunwook.

you and gunwook were lounging on the couch, casually chatting and enjoying each other's company. gunwook couldn't help but admire your beauty, from your sparkling eyes to your lips. without a second thought, he reached out and began tracing the contours of your face with his fingertips, marveling at the softness of your skin. as he continued to trace your features, he suddenly felt overcome with emotions and found himself clinging tightly to you, burying his face in your neck. you could feel the intensity of his embrace and wrapped your arms around him in return, trying to comfort him. “i'm sorry, (y/n),” gunwook mumbled into your shoulder. “i just love you so much and I don't know what i'd do without you.” you smiled softly and ran your fingers through his hair. “i love you too, gunwook. you don't have to apologize for feeling emotional, it's okay.” gunwook took a deep breath and pulled back slightly, gazing into your eyes. “i know, i just... i want you to know how much you mean to me. you're everything to me.” you leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his soft, plush lips. "i know, gunwook. and i feel the same way about you."

한 yujin.

you and yujin were sitting at the desk in his bedroom, working on your homework assignments. you had been studying for hours and were both feeling exhausted. as you were writing something down, yujin leaned his head on your shoulder, letting out a tired sigh. you looked at him with concern. “are you okay, yujin?” yujin looked up at you with a small smile. “i'm fine, just tired.” you placed your hand on his back and rubbed it gently. “do you want to take a break?” yujin shook his head. “no, we need to finish this first.” you nodded in understanding but noticed yujin was getting more and more restless as the minutes passed. suddenly, he wrapped his arms around you, burying his face in your neck. “yujin, what are you doing?” you asked with a surprised look on your face. “i just need to be close to you,” yujin mumbled, his grip tightening. you could feel his body shaking slightly, and you knew something was wrong. “what's going on? talk to me, yujin.” “i don't know,” yujin admitted. “i just feel so overwhelmed and stressed out. And being close to you makes me feel better.” you held him close, rubbing his back as he clung to you. “it's okay, yujin. I'm here for you. we'll get through this together.”

2K notes · View notes

ramblingthoughtsofayoungadult · 11 months

Text

Confession Time: Part Two of Jordan Li X Streamer!fem!reader

A/N: I just got a cold so that's part of the story. Also, I own none of the characters from The Boys or Gen V. Enjoy!

Warnings: None, I don't think.

Word Count: 1410

Taglist: @airabek @thesuperwolfdiaries

A couple of weeks had passed since you realized your feelings for Jordan and now you had no idea how to act. You tried to act as normal as possible but no one told you what to do after realizing you have feelings for your friend of over a decade.

“Just tell them!” Emma insisted one afternoon in her dorm room.

"How do I work that into a normal conversation?" I replied.

“It’ll have to be a special conversation. All you have to do is say ‘Hey Jordan, I like you and I would really like to have sex with you’.” “Emma!”

Emma’s words did not help and as you set up for your stream later that night, you hoped Jordan didn’t notice your hands were trembling. “Nervous, Y/N?”

Of course they noticed.

You shook your head. “No, I think I just had too much caffeine.”

They nodded and leaned back in their chair. “So, what game do I have to carry you through tonight?” “You don’t carry me.” “Not in comfy games but I have to in horror games.”

You rolled your eyes and muttered, “PT”, wondering why your heart was fluttering in your chest.

As soon as the stream started, so did the thirsty comments and donations. “Yourmomssloppydisk said, ‘Jordan, what amount of money would get you to step on me? It could be any amount of time, I know you’re busy.’ Chat, relax,” You joked, face warming up.

“It’s okay, Y/N. For one thing, there would need to be an ironclad contract absolving me of any responsibility. The other thing is I don’t know if you could afford me.”

The sound of super chats and donations provided a nice distraction from the dark hallway in-game. “Someone sent a super chat and said, ‘I’ve never seen two pretty best friends, but this stream proves they exist’.” Jordan wrapped their arm around your shoulders and pulled you close. “Thank you for noticing.” “I will say, chat, I made this channel for my external validation. Jordan gets enough offline and online.” “Most of the comments come from you,” Jordan teased.

“Shut up!” you exclaimed, running through the loop again. Before you knew it, chaos in-game ensued and you couldn’t stop squealing.

Fortunately, the horror of the game kicked in just in time to distract you from how closely Jordan sat next to you or how good their new shampoo smelled. Or how widely they smiled when you got jump scared.

You were grateful for the nights they weren’t available to stream and you could focus on important things, like studying and planning new content. But the idea of confessing was always a thought in the back of your head.

Despite the fan content you’d seen, you couldn’t help but feel terrified of rejection. Putting yourself out there online and offline were two very different things. Online, you could just log off but offline, was a much different beast.

The decision to confess was taken away from you…sort of.

You and your friends were planning on attending Dusty’s Halloween party, AKA the biggest and best party of the year. Cate had been helping you plan your costume for weeks and you’d be able to take a night off work.

Everything was going to be perfect but, your immune system had other ideas. The morning of the party, you woke up with a sore throat and runny nose. As soon as Cate and Marie saw you, they practically shoved you back in bed.

“I’m fine, guys, I swear, I’m fine,” you insisted as Cate tucked you in. “Downing a bunch of Dayquil doesn’t mean ‘fine’, Y/N,” Marie said as she set a glass of water on your nightstand. “Now you’re going to stay in bed and rest,” Cate said.

“You can’t make me,” you huffed in your haze. “Yes, I could, Y/N, but I’m not going to.”

After they left, you did take a nap but there was only so much resting one could do before they got bored. So, you decided to do an impromptu stream. Nothing serious, just some Animal Crossing. You set yourself up with as many blankets and pillows as could fit with your setup and started.

“Hi everyone, this isn’t a planned stream but, as you can probably hear, my immune system lost a battle and I wanted to play some Animal Crossing to make me feel better.” You smiled when a super chat came in. “Thanks for the super chat Seriouslydon’tcallme87. ‘Y/N, you can take a night off. You’ve been working hard forever, and you need to take care of yourself.’ I appreciate the concern but I have plenty of zinc and Dayquil in my system.”

At Dusty’s, while Cate, Emma, Andre, and Luke partied, Jordan couldn’t stop worrying. Marie had told them about how you were sick when they met up at the party and then she had to stop them from driving back to campus. “Y/N would want you to have a good time and she’d probably feel really bad if you got sick.”

While Marie had a point, Jordan couldn’t stop thinking about you, all curled up in bed and suffering. In the middle of an intense game of flip cup, Jordan got a notification that you were streaming. They immediately stepped away from the table, clicked on it, and saw that you were practically lying down while working on your island.

“This is such a stupid mechanic. Just let me build a waterfall Nintendo,” you whined. Jordan laughed at that. You were always whiney when you were sick, but it was kind of cute. You were always cute.

Then, they felt bad because you were looking forward to this party for so long and kept your costume a secret from them, wanting a huge reveal. It was kind of embarrassing for them to admit that they were curious for which style route you took. Almost as embarrassing as the crush they had on you for the entirety of your friendship.

“No, chat, this will not turn into a sleep stream. I didn’t even take the Nyquil yet.” As soon as you yawned, Jordan was on their way back to campus. When they burst into your room, you barely moved, head lolled to one side as you attempted to fish.

“What do you mean, ‘Jordan is serving?’ Chat, you all need to touch grass,” you muttered. Jordan laughed lowly and slowly approached you. “I appreciate the compliment.”

You slowly looked up and smiled. “Hi, Jordan. You make a great Jack Skellington.” “Thanks, but, I think it’s time we end the game.” You sat up and looked at chat. “Yes, chat, I was supposed to go socialize tonight but my immune system failed me. My costume was pretty amazing too, I was gonna be Black Cat.”

Jordan smiled at the visual. “Okay, chat, thanks for watching her for me but, I’ll take it from here.” Your protests were weak as Jordan stopped the stream, shut down all your devices, and gently lifted you in their arms.

“I wasn’t done!” you exclaimed. “I saved your progress, you can finish tomorrow.” They gently set you back in your bed and wrapped you in all the blankets they could find. They found the Nyquil and placed it on your nightstand along with some juice.

You wiggled around in bed and pouted. “But I’m not tired.” “Is this what it’s like to have a kid?” “Are you calling me a child?” Then, you started giggling and Jordan shook their head.

“Just take your medicine.”

"Why’d you leave the party?” you asked. “Because I saw my best friend trying to stream while she’s sick and thought I’d prevent a disaster.”

You grinned. “Thank you for always taking care of me, Jordan. You’re so sweet.” “Stop it, go to bed,” they said. “Wait.” You leaned up, grabbed the back of their neck, and pulled them closer to you.

Either the Nyquil kicked in or you genuinely didn’t notice the shock in their eyes. “I love you, Jordan. I was going to tell you at the party tonight but, this is also fine.” They opened their mouth to speak but you flopped back in bed, fast asleep.

For a moment, Jordan stood there, stunned as they watched you sleep. They couldn’t believe you said that and didn’t even give them a chance to respond.

Once they finished cleaning up after you, they decided to confess to you when you were lucid.

#jordan li headcanons #jordan li x reader

336 notes · View notes

fertilize-my-eggs · 1 year

Note

Hey I was wondering if you were still taking requests and if you are could I get a hawks x reader nsfw? One where the reader is super stressed from starting a new job and Hawks tries and find ways to distract her? Maybe starting with flirty jokes to them ending up in bed? Or them watching a movie and not watching the movie at all because hawks again has *other* ideas...

Stress reliever

Paired: hawks x fem! Reader smut

A/N: this is for all the hawks simps, it's been a while since I written about him but hopefully this satisfied all of you👁👁 ( I'm super sorry that this was in draft for the longest but I hope you enjoy this and worth the wait. ) I've been craving shigaraki content lately but now y'all simps are finally getting some hawk thirst content hope y'all enjoy😉💕

Warings: very horny needy hawks + ton of petnames + body massage/body worship + creampie + breeding kink + dirty talk.

"Come on baby, you're been working too much." Keigo whined at you, you were working on papers from your new job.

You start working at an elementary school teaching the little ones how to learn the alphabet and reading. At first it looks pretty easy but it's quite stressful. You want to pull your own hair out whenever the children start fights or cry out for their parents. It's not fun when your boss is strict, you sigh heavily and stretch a bit.

"I can't keigo, I gotta work on these papers. It's very important." Keigo lets out a dramatic sigh as he's leaning in to pull your waist close to him.

He gives soft light kisses on your neck, you would be very annoyed by this but you find him too cute being extra needy.

"I got an idea.." He pecks his lips to your ear, he's sound... Like he was breathing heavily.

"How's about I give you a nice massage?" He purrs softly, you thought about it but everytime he does it, it will lead him wrecking your insides each time. You look into his amber eyes as it has want and need as you let out a long sigh.

"Okay fine... But no funny business, just a few minutes." Oh you shouldn't have trusted him, keigo's smirk grew big... Very maliciously.

He removed his arms around your waist but he still wanted you so he pulled you up and you were basically dragged into your shared room.

Keigo grabs the lotion, one of his favorites, as he turns to you.

"Take your clothes off my dove." You raise your eyebrow at him.

"Is to help with the body message." You chuckle as you shake your head at him.

You slowly remove each clothes off making keigo stare a little longer on your soft naked skin now being revealed.

You lay on your stomach on the soft cozy sheets as he takes his time to warm his hands.

You look at him with little annoyance by his slow pace. The squeezed of the bottle echo in your shared room.

You let out a groan and felt his hands on your shoulder giving a few rubs, he moved to your back with soft strokes. The sweet smell of vanilla hits your nose as you lay your head to the side looking at keigo doing the work.

Things were going great when he grabbed hold of your cheeks, spead it a bit wide then he bit his lips to hide his groans.

"Mhmm your ass is so tender angel." Keigo squeezed more lotion onto your ass as he continued the massage.

You whine at his fingers kneading your soft skin. The fingertips trace your stretch marks and cellulite.

" So perfect… beautiful baby. " he hums softly as he continues to rub your skin.

Keigo groans out loud, you turn your head to the side to see him drooling at your beauty, his red wings spread out.

Keigo leans in to whisper seductively." Bet you will be even more beautiful with your belly being swole and round." He lay on top of you, grinding his hips softly, feeling his member get hard.

" seeing you being sweet towards those children… fuck~! " he nips at your neck as he pants quietly.

" Just think about it… our own little mini me looks just as beautiful as their mama." He goes to your ear as he begins to breathe heavily.

" let me have you… just please~.. do it for me yeah? " you couldn't find words to answer as you nodded your head letting him do whatever he pleases. You can't say no to your pretty boyfriend who is needy and wants you.

Keigo groans out as he leans away." Good girl. " he gently pulled his pants down a bit.

" Such a good girl~. always looks pretty for me. " you gasp out feeling his fingers sliding inside your hole.

" So wet for me my sweet dove. "The fingers go in and out as a slow tease way making you squirm, you start to get needy too, whining and move your hips back with his thrust.

" ahh not too fast baby girl. " he bites his lips as he holds your hips down. " You don't wanna end too soon yeah? " add two more fingers as he begins to go a bit fast.

You roll your eyes backwards as your saliva slowly slides down your chin.

" please kei… I want you please~. "Keigo hums softly as he rolls his hips on your thigh.

" Hmm, I thought you wanted to do your work. I can leave you alone after all~. " you can hear his teasing sing song voice as you feel his fingers sliding out as he begins to remove himself. This is how he always gets you every single time you get a body massage from him.

" no no no please don't~!! " you cry out as you try to grab his coat back.

" keigo stop teasing me already, I want your cock so bad~! Please don't leave me. " work every time as keigo has a smirk on his face.

" alright baby~." He pulls more of his pants down releasing his hard manhood.

He tapped your entrance as he's still teasing you, you whined out.

" please keigo… fuck me please~.. " you pout at him as he bite his lips hard, he can't say no to his beautiful baby.

He slid inside your tight velvet walls as he groaned out, the feeling is always incredible, he can't get enough of you and your voluptuous body.

He hump your behind, rolling his hips at a nice and slow pace. Your body is covered in sweats, his musky smell linger in your nostrils as you melted away. You grab the sheets for dear life as he pulls fully back to slam your inside, the drool dripping down the bed as it starts to shake uncontrollably by his thrusts.

His large hand finds itself on your neck as he chokes you a bit.

" my beautiful baby girl~ taking me so well.. auhh fuck~!!! " you choke a bit of your saliva but you didn't care, you were intoxicated by him and his thrusts made you lose your voice. Your mind is clouded with lust and only thinking about him and his pretty cock inside you.

He grabbed your hips upwards as he began to pound harder and faster, the loud skin slapping skin echoing in the room as you cry out his name for more.

" I can't last any longer.. mhmm cum with me, pretty girl and I'll give you your reward for being good to me." He whines out, the fingers sliding your soft skin to your core as he begins to rub your clit the way you like it.

Your toes curl in as you begin to reach your end. You cream around his throbbing cock as he goes faster at pace, his thrust becomes sloppy by the second.

" there it comes~ take it take it fucking take it all dove~!! " he chants your name over and over again as you feel the flow of his cum filling you up. The warmth inside feels nice as you mewling sweetly at him.

You lay there exhausted as he gives kisses all over your face, he pets your hair softly as he coo at you.

" don't worry about the paper babe, I'll help you out." You mumble something as you close your eyes shut.

Keigo gets off of you as he watches his cum slowly come out of your hole, he pulls his phone out to take a couple of videos and pictures of you.

He always loves it whenever he is alone to get off on the thought of you getting pregnant by him, it makes his heart swell with delight.

Keigo put his phone back into pocket, he leaned in to give you one last kiss as he walked away to where your paperwork is at.

You're having a good, nice sleep but you already know it's gonna be a long night once keigo finishes your work and comes crawling back to your shared bedroom.

#anime #mha #bnha #fanfic #minors dni #smut #hawks x you #hawks x reader #hawks x reader smut #breeding kink anyone?👀#bnha keigo #keigo x you #smut fanfics #needy hawks

318 notes · View notes

spirit-girl-nijisanji · 1 year

Text

I'm sorry, I've been distant... & Don't talk about her like that!

꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦

➼ Pairing - Ike Eveland & Luca Kaneshiro x Fem!Reader (seperately)

➼ Content - Angst/hurt to comfort, mentions of insecurities, established relationships, Ike being a soft boy and Luca being well... Luca <3

➼ ⚠️ Please remember I only write for the personas you see on your screen. I do not and will not write for the people behind the models. Please also remember that behind the models there are very real people with very real emotions. Please be respectful towards our beloved Nijisanji EN livers and do your best to separate the real people from the persona reflected on your screen. Thank you so much and enjoy the story ⚠️

➼ Summery; Overworking and snapping on you causes some issues... ꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦

Ike Eveland

➼ You are one of the only solo vtubers within Nijisanji EN. You debuted as Kitsune vtuber brought from another world to watch over young children and grant luck to those who deserve it. You had been a big hit within Niji, the other talents and you got along very well and you ended up bonding deeply with a certain novelist.

The collabs you did with Ike were always full of fun and laughter, it wasn't long before the shipping began within the quilldren and your fd/n (fandom name). You and Ike always just claimed to be friends but behind the scenes, there was something much more going on. You and Ike had began dating after two months of you being Nijisanji.

Everything was going amazing in your eyes, you trusted Ike with your life and he trusted you with his. There was no trust issues and he had been helping you through so many struggles. You had always been insecure about yourself but he made you feel beautiful and loved.

You and Ike had been dating a year when you moved to live with him permanently and you loved it. A very fond memory of yours was how your friends found out about you and Ike; he had been in a discord call with the rest of Luxiem, you two hadn't told anything about your relationship yet. Not realizing he was unmuted in the call, you had come into his room to bring him a plate of caviar toast.

" Babe, here's your snack! I figured you would be hungry. " you beamed walking over to his desk and setting down the plate before giving him a kiss on the cheek.

The moment the word Babe left your lips, Ike froze. Realizing he hadn't been muted and the chatter from his genmates had completely stopped.

" IS THAT Y/N?! " the voice of the bri'ish detective rang out in your ears and you two froze seeing Ike hadn't muted himself and you just outted your relationship to his friends.

You and Ike planned to tell them, just not yet but it was a little too late..

" Hah.. Hi guys. " you spoke sheepishly. Multiple voices erupting into questions about when you got together, why didn't you tell them sooner.

After that day, the rest of Niji EN knew about your relationship and it was also revealed to the fans too, by you and Ike of course, which was met by a lot of positivity which warmed your heart.

But.. as of late, Ike seemed to always be shut in his streaming room. You hardly saw him anymore and he hardly ever slept in your shared bedroom. You had started to get concerned about him but anytime you tried to talk to him, he would wave you off and say that was busy and didn't need the distraction.

The confrontation that led to the current situation was when you had finally had enough of him avoiding you and being locked in his office all day, was the day he snapped at you;

You opened his door to see him hunched over his desk working on collab and stream ideas as well as a new novel, the dark circles under his eyes evident. You were worried sick so you walked over and you spun his chair around to face you, only to be met by Ike's irritated green eyes,

" Y/N I told you that I was busy and not to come into my office didn't I? " he said in a tired but frustrated tone

" I know but Ike you've been locked in this office for days, I hardly see you anymore. It wouldn't kill you take a break. " You retorted, worry etched on your face

Ike let out an irritated sigh, he looked up at you and brushed your hands off his chair turning back to his desk to continue his work,

" Y/N I am busy please leave my room. "

You glared at him and grabbed the back of Ike's chair and started dragging it to his door before he shot up out of his chair and grabbed onto your wrist, his green eyes now glaring down at you angrily before yelling,

" Y/N I SAID I'M BUSY! " he snapped gripping your wrist

" I CAME IN BECAUSE I'M WORRIED IKE! " You snapped back

" NO! YOUR GETTING IN MY WAY! " He snapped, not registering that what came out of his mouth

Your eyes went wide, feeling your eyes watering, the tone of his voice caused you to flinch before you ripped your wrist out of Ike's grip and you rushed out of his room, slamming the door behind you, leaving Ike standing in his room. You sprinted into the shared bedroom you shared with Ike, slamming the door and locking the door before your back hit the door and you slid down to the floor and curdled up, hugging your knees and burying your face in your knees. The tears that had come up in your eyes now began to slip down your cheeks.

Those intrusive thoughts started to creep up, 'is he getting tired of me?', 'Am I really getting in his way?', 'Why is he still with me?', 'I'm not worth his time..' you sat in the dark in the dark room trying to calm down. But now you felt you weren't good enough for to be with Ike. Maybe you were really getting in the way.

You spent 2 weeks after he finally finished with his work ignoring him. He noticed immediately. He tried to talk to you and apologize for his actions.

" Älskling.. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean anything I said.. Please talk to me. " Ike followed you around the house trying to get you to talk to him. But you ignored him.

He figured it was time to give you space so he did. He constantly noticed your spiral. All the confidence you once had, was gone. He knew it was his fault for saying what he said. But it all came to a boil when he found you sitting on the kitchen floor at 1 am in tears,

" Y/N?! Are you okay? " he asked, concern lacing his voice as he dropped down to your side and pulling you into a tight hug.

" Why are you even with me.. I know I'm always in your way! " you said starting to fight against his hug however he refused to let go, he hugged you tight. Keeping you tight in his arms. Now whispering to you, telling you that he loved you and he never meant anything he said.

You cried into his shoulder as you listened to him tell you over and over again that he loved you and he thought you were perfect to him. ꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦

Luca Kaneshiro

➼ You were a new nijisanji liver that came into nijisanji with a new wave, xsoleil along with Doppio Dropsythe, Hex Haywire, Ver Vermillion, Kotoka Torahime and Meloco Kyoran. The first person you had met when you joined Nijisanji was the one and only Luca Kaneshiro.

When you finally started doing livestreams regularly, most of your collabs ended up being with the mob boss. You adored his Lucubs and you knew he adored your fans. Your livestream collabs with Luca were always filled with chaos and laughter along with Lucubs and your fans saying they wish you and Luca would just get together already. You and Luca playfully flirted back and fourth all the time, well you flirted with Luca and he wouldn't pick up on it.

It was the one year anniversary from your debut and you were doing a collab playing Valorant, Xsoleil VS Luxiem. The teams had switched up after the first 4 rounds, now you, Luca, Doppio, Shu and Hex were on a team against, Vox, Ike, Mysta, Kotoka, Meloco and Ver. The round started and it was all going smoothly until you made a flirty remark towards Luca and it completely went over his head. After being taken down by Ver, you turned to read some of the superchats that came in, thanking them one by one before one completely stopping, silently reading one and you felt your heart completely shatter;

Superchat; Luca'sCape221: Seriously stop making advances towards him. He doesn't like you! Like damn. Why haven't you graduated yet, why are you still here?

You were silent for a good few minutes before the voice of Doppio snapped you out of your trance,

" Hey, VT/N (Vtuber name), You okay? " He asked making you jump before speaking,

" What? Oh um yeah I'm fine Dopi! " you replied quickly, " I have to take a quick bathroom break! " you quickly added before muting and running off to the bathroom.

~ NO ONE'S POV ~

Doppio thought it was odd that you just ran off, so when both he and Luca were killed, he started talking to Luca,

" Hey Luca, do you mind checking on VT/N's stream, she went silent while reading superchats. I think something happened. " he told the blond haired mafia boss who took action almost immediately. Turning on your stream and reading through before finding the superchats that followed with many nasty comments.

Seeing the nasty remarks from multiple people about you made his blood boil. He had only recently found out about your actual feelings and he felt the same he just didn't know how to tell you. When the match was over, he asked everyone to wait for a moment until you got back so he could say something.

~ Your POV ~

You spent a good long time in the bathroom in tears, the words from the superchat bouncing around in your mind. You tried to compose yourself so you could rejoin the collab, before you pulled up your stream and looked at the chat, seeing the flood of nasty remarks coming in, you broke down again.

After a moment, you decided to return to stream. Putting your headphones on and unmuting yourself as you spoke saying you were ready for the next game, internally groaning hearing the shaking in your voice when you spoke. Before anyone could say anything else Luca spoke up,

" Actually I wanna say something before we continue, it's important. " he spoke and everyone went silent so Luca could speak.

" Okay so, while VT/N was gone on her bathroom break, I looked at her chat. I wanna say that I am absolutely disgusted by how many nasty comments there were about her. For your information, I do happen to like her so let's shut that down right now. " He spoke in a very stern tone,

The group went completely silent, you didn't even notice that tears started to fall once again listening to Luca rant and scold those who left nasty comments in your chat.

" I do not want to see any other nasty comments like that in her chat again and I will be checking. If I see so much as one, you'll be banned by ME personally. " the normally bubbly blond said, remembering you had made him a mod in your chat. The comments filled with comforting words from both your own fanbase and Lucubs. You sniffled, catching the attention of your teammate, Shu.

" Hey, don't cry VT/N.. We got your back. " He told you in a soothing voice followed by the comforting words from your other friends and genmates. Through the chaos, you heard your phone beep, looking down, you looked at the notification and saw Luca's name;

Discord chat: Lucar Kaneshiroe: Hey, I meant what I said. I do really like you. VT/N: I... really..? Lucar Kaneshiroe: Yeah! Hey, I'm gonna have you fly up to see me so we can go on a proper date! :3

You felt your cheeks heat up while reading the messages,

Discord chat: VT/N: Y...you really don't have to do that Luca, I could pay my own way to see you! Lucar Kaneshiroe: Nope! I'm gonna pay for you to come and spend a couple weeks! " VT/N: There's no talking you out of this is there? Lucar Kaneshiroe: Nope! VT/N: Well okay but um.. we're not done with the collab Luca Lucar Kaneshiroe: ... SHIT!

You turned back to the collab, both you and Luca apologized for going silent and the collab continued, every time you noticed a nasty comment come up, it disappeared just as fast as it popped up. And each time a chat from a certain someone popped up;

Luca Kaneshiro [NIJISANJI EN]: Not today satan! VT/N IS POG! Don't tall about her like that!

꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦

I hope you like it~! I dunno if it's as good as it could be but I did my best~!

#nijisanji en #luxiem #nijisanji en x reader #ike eveland #ike eveland x reader #luca kaneshiro #luca kaneshiro x reader

154 notes · View notes

searchingsomewhere · 3 months

Text

All Too Well: Cursed Narrative, 1

{"Your silhouette is burned in my memory. Rubble left from the moment that you left me."}

Rating: M (CW will be at the start of each chapter)

Here it is! Thank you, everyone, for reading the sequel to All too Well. For new readers, you don't technically need to read All too Well, but it will definitely help with context. Enjoy!

poly!Gojo x OC x Geto

@reiluvr @lalavender-sama @dei-lijla ilysm, thank you so much for reading!

Summers in Japan were known to be hot and humid. For school-aged children and teenagers, it was the time of year to play with friends, to go out and shop and spend days watching the clouds roll by. For Jujustu Sorcerers, it was the least busy season of the year.

In an apartment building in Tokyo, a young woman stood at the kitchen sink with a blue flip phone tucked between her ear and shoulder. Long, dark hair fell past her shoulders, green eyes darting around the sink as she washed dishes. The v neck of her blouse teased a glimpse of a scar running down her chest. A slender black cane was propped against the cabinet next to her.

"...It's complicated, dad," she said, switching from Japanese to English, "He comes from a very old family, so stuff like that isn't like how it is in the States."

"You've been together for five years, Miho, how complicated could it be?" Her father's tone was surprisingly light, "Don't you think it's odd to adopt before you're even married?"

"It's not really adoption. And we're not 'together'."

"That must be why he comes over every year for the holidays."

Miho rolled her eyes. "He's my best friend, and he doesn't like his family, so that's why-"

"Well, no matter what you kids call it, I don't care as long as you're happy," his voice trails off, as if he were leaning away from the phone. "I have to go, sweetheart. I love you."

"I love you, too. Be safe."

"I will. Say hi to Suguru for me."

Miho paused, hands stilling under the sudsy water. That name echoed in her head. Her bracelet glittered in the sunlight. Brown, green, and blue. She swallowed thickly, resuming her scrubbing.

"Satoru, Dad."

"Oh, jeez, what did I call him?" His embarrassed chuckle made her smile. "Don't mind your old man."

After the conversation was over, Miho dried her hands off on the towel by the sink. She watched the neighborhood children ride their bikes down the street. It was exceptionally sunny and beautiful out. The sky was crystal blue. It reminded her of someone.

Slow hands gripped her waist from behind, sliding around to pull her back against a broad chest. Miho sighed and leaned her head back. Satoru's white hair tickled her cheek as he nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck. He inhaled deeply, breathing out a slow content hum.

"You smell good," he said close to her ear.

"You're here early," she said, turning to face him. Her hands instinctively slid up to loop around the back of his neck.

The white haired man smiled down at her. He was almost a head taller than her, surprisingly soft features framed by a mop of white hair. His eyes were a fantastic shade of light, light blue. Miho hadn't noticed in the years they'd known each other just how much he'd grown from a cute teenage boy. At twenty-three years old, Satoru Gojo was an incredibly attractive young man.

"I just got a call from the adoption agency," he said, his smile breaking into a grin.

"And?" Miho gasped, hands flying to her mouth.

"As of today, I have full legal guardianship over the kids," he announced, "The Zenin can't do shit to Megumi."

Miho squealed and threw her hands around his neck, pulling him into a hug. He laughed, kissing the side of her head.

"That's incredible! How did you do it? I thought you had to be twenty-five," she said, pulling away.

Satoru rolled his eyes, "Yeah, but I just kinda talked them into it. Perks of being a Gojo."

Miho gave him a deadpan look. She knew better than that. He only grinned harder and distracted her with peppered kisses down her neck. Miho laughed and struggled against him.

"You mean 'threatened'?" she said between giggles.

"I would never," he gasped, feigning hurt. "But forget about that. Let's go get the kids!"

His hand fit perfectly in hers. Miho grabbed her cane while he grabbed her purse from the couch.

They had successfully played this game of pretend the last five years. At first, the two had tried dating. It wasn't long until the higher administration heard about that, and the drama that ensued caused them to separate. As soon as everyone caught wind that the only heir to one of the most powerful clans in Japan was interested in pursuing someone, Satoru was hounded with questions about getting married and having children. That didn't stop them from seeing each other in private.

Miho smiled at the back of his head. Part of her mourned the relationship they should have been able to have. The other was just glad to have him by her side after all these years.

-----

A woman was rushing through the crowded street. She tightly gripped the arm of a little girl, pulling her along. The dark haired ten year old could barely keep up. She kept tripping over her legs. The woman huffed and yanked her forward still.

"Where are we going?" the little girl demanded.

"Quiet, Daiki," the woman hissed, "There's a monk here who will heal you of your affliction."

"I'm not-"

"Shut up. If your mother knew any better, she would have had you sent away a long time ago."

Daiki closed her mouth abruptly, averting her gaze to the ground. The grip on her arm was painful and sure to leave bruises later.

The two approached a temple. Its pristine, bright white marble pillars reflected the sunlight. Daiki squinted and held up her hand to block the sun.

"Be quiet when Mr. Geto speaks. Let me talk," the woman insisted. "Let's go."

Part 2

#jujutsu kaisen #jjk #gojo satoru #geto suguru #gojo x oc x geto #jjk geto #jjk gojo #oc #fanfic #enemies to lovers #satosugu

32 notes · View notes

zarvasace · 10 days

Note

It’s “appreciate yourself” hours! Pick five pieces of writing/art that you’ve done that you love and talk about them! ❤️❤️❤️

Ahhhh okay, thank you!! 💜🌻 I finally have a free moment (aka work is slow) so I'm going to work on drafting this out :) I have far too much art I'm proud of—I'm at a stage in my progress right now where I think my art looks pretty awesome. So this list will be stuff from my Greatest Hits collection on AO3. In order of oldest to newest, I think:

incandescently happy

An LU post-adventure work, one of the first longer fics I posted. I released one chapter a day over the summer of 2022, so a lot of the notes have something about my day in them. It's about 30k all told.

I absolutely adored expanding on what the boys might do after the whole LU adventure happens (though I did forget about the fact that I think Time and Malon have a kid during this time!) This work features some proto-Shatterproof stuff, like Wind having a prosthetic leg and Four starting to specialize in crafting prosthetics/disability aids. I gave Hyrule longer hair and a job making maps for the royal family. Legend got another adventure but also started a magic garden/orchard, which pulls in more business than Ravio's stuff. Four and his grandpa adopted a single mother and her two kids. Man I went off with some of these headcanons. I've always considered writing more in this world, but I think it stands very well on its own. Maybe someday I might revisit and rewrite it with some of my new skills. :)

Rise and Shine and Fall

Whumptober 2022, focused entirely on LU! Guys this thing is almost 78k. I realize now that most people pre-plan or pre-write for things like Whumptober, but I wrote these one by one every day, which was extra-hard because I had both college classes and a day job at the time. I came up with some fun AUs, learned a lot about writing (especially whump), and proved to myself that I can do hard things like this!! I've adored doing daily challenges since, though I haven't done it in a while. I look forward to this year's whumptober though!

I really like the table of contents in the first chapter—it makes things easy to find. I know individual works are probably more accessible, but I was still getting to know AO3, and those big numbers are fun. XD I have a hard time picking favorites, because I really went off on these, but I'd say a couple of them are:

Chp 3, "Right Here" about Sky

Chp 7, "Proof of Life" about Four and Shadow

Chp 18, "I'm onwy a babey :(" about Wind

Chp 21, "6:13" about Hyrule and Time

Chp 26, "Silence is Golden" about Wild

Chp 31-32, "The Worst Thing About Earth" about Legend, but kind of more specifically the rewrite/expansion I did last year... haha...

The Marvelous Misadventures of Wind and His Merry Band or Maybe-Human Heroes

It's been a while since I updated this story (56k, 6/8 chapters), but it's constantly on my mind. I've started chapter 7 twice, and I know what I want to happen, but I am easily distracted by the siren call of some other whump fics. XD

I freaking love this story, though. I really want to finish it. It's kind of an... experiment? I guess? I want to get published someday, and I picture myself writing middle-grade novels. This story is sort of my attempt to hit that tone. Also I just love Wind so so so much. Let him be cool!!

Blood-Sucker's Guide to High School

56k Four Swords completed story! I wrote this in a frenzy of like two or three weeks, then took another two to edit. It takes plot points from a vampire novel I enjoyed and twists and applies them to a story about Shadow and the Four Swords manga boys. I'm very proud of what I accomplished here, and that it's a complete story! I think it worked out really well. I learned a lot about plotting and handling larger stories, and it helped that I had the half-remembered structure of an existing novel to use as training wheels.

I love the worldbuilding in this story! The premise is that Shadow is an evil soulless vampire from a (rather abusive, not that he sees it) family of the same, but then he gets the ability to walk in the sunshine. He's assigned to go to high school for a while to get a feast for the vampire gala, but meanwhile he's developing a conscience and getting very attached to these human boys. I think I did a good job. I love rereading this, every scene is just so fun! :)

Counterbalance

55k exactly of a stupid LU darks AU. This started life as a series of oneshots and then the plot progressively got more and more convoluted and I love these stupid boys so much. The plot is very much not tight, in contrast to Blood-Sucker's Guide, but I learned a lot about how I write and how I like to plan with this one, too.

The characters are stupid and the plot is just kinda silly and there is both a bathhouse scene AND a spa scene. Legend blows up multiple things, my lovely nasty little Dark Links need smacks and therapy, and Prince has a legitimately emotional moment at the end. I love how it turned out, it's like an ugly little stuffed animal I made and hug until the eyes pop out.

That's five but I would be extremely remiss if I did not also mention something from Shatterproof:

The Incredible Shrinking Chain

About 10k, this is entry 31/68 in my series Shatterproof, which is a close-canon AU in which each of the boys has a different physical disability. This series also plays into my publishing ambitions, because whatever I publish will very likely have some disability representation. I'm rather passionate about it, actually! Shatterproof is close to my heart, and I'm so honored that so many people seem to love it too. :) I need to work on the next entry again!!

This entry in particular is so much fun. In it, the whole Chain sans Four is stuck mouse-sized, and Four has to travel out to Twilight's castle with them to get Dusk to help break the curse. They all have to figure out how to navigate while tiny, and Four pulls some very silly stunts. I love them.

Anyway, there's my list!! I've written a lot over the last like two and a half years, and I'm so so glad that I get to be here and part of this community. The LU fandom as a whole (or at least the parts I've seen!) is so welcoming and positive and I try to give back where I can! I'm going to suggest looking through my bookmarks and ultimate rec list collection to find some new favorites from some very talented authors! :) (oof I need to update the collection soon!! I've been seeing some awesome stuff!)

#my writing #<3 #fic rec

20 notes · View notes

stargirlfics · 1 year

Text

The Gentleman Chapter 5: Éclosion

Alfred Pennyworth x Black Dancer!Reader

Summary: Harsh realities and a dangerous new enemy push you and Alfred to be upfront about your feelings

Warnings: 18+ ONLY, canon typical violence, chemical attack mentions, light angst, soft concerned bf!alfred vibes, romantic gestures galore, brief allusion to smut, fluff & feelings!

Word Count: 4.9k

Note: So happy to be bringing you all more of this story I know it’s been a minute! Hope you enjoy this one, it’s special in a lot of ways! The soundtrack for this chapter and the title come from Èclosion by Tony Anderson which I listened to while writing. It makes me think of what falling in love feels like!

[series masterlist] [series playlist]

Tension lay heavy over the city in the days after the fear toxin attack, people were wary and on edge, the weather even starting to turn cold and dreary while unease hung thick in the air.

Paulie’s Diner was now the site of a police investigation, the entire street blocked off, the news coverage of the attack on a twenty four hour cycle, just barely contained panic swirling over this fear toxin and what it could do.

You couldn’t lie that it was terrifying, hearing what those who’d been injured said about the toxic gas, what it did to them; hallucinations of a nightmarish hellscape drawing out everyone’s anger and fear, driving them mad.

It sounded awful and then there was Scarecrow’s chilling warning, the mystery of who he was and what his motives were bringing back eerie memories of the year before and how out of control things had gotten.

Worry twisted taut in your stomach, exhaustion in your limbs as you finished out your last show of the night, the fourth one in two days in fact, your body and mind run ragged.

Oz was a smart man but he was predictable.

The new late night hour dance slots added to the schedule weren’t a coincidence, you were sure he was using the distraction to make more money, every dancer working doubles late into the morning hours now, Madame Olena working quick to teach new choreography, a refresher on some pole tricks and sexier strip teases and dances added to the repertoire of shows.

There were bruises already blossoming on your shins from where you had to push against said pole as you climbed it, inching your way up so the audience could see you float and twirl around it, and as fun as it was, as much as you enjoyed getting to dance with your friends on stage beside you each night, you were tired and sore and just wanted to sleep for a year.

Certain rituals were getting you through the grueling hours though.

Sleepy phone calls with Alfred before you drifted off when you got home, his sweet encouragement texts and reminders for you throughout the day and how he’d stopped by every other day this week so far to see you even if just to say hello before heading back to the office.

You’d both been busy since the night of the attack, not finding much time inbetween work to spend the kind of time together that you wanted, a reluctance in both your voices when trying to soften the sting of it likely being the entire week and maybe even the next before you’d get to see each other properly.

That didn’t seem to sway Alfred much though, even when you insisted he didn’t have to go out of his way to come by if he was pressed for time, he showed up anyway, as often as he could.

You were grateful for it, relieved that he didn’t find your disappointment about your schedules selfish with everything going on, just as content to get any second spent with you that he could.

Reminders of him were everywhere now too.

The throw blanket on your sofa that smelled faintly like him, the new bouquet of fresh flowers he’d come by one afternoon with, the space near the front door made for his shoes and coat next to yours, like tiny little puzzle pieces were beginning to fill in, ones you didn’t even know you seemed to have all the perfect pieces for.

It made you laugh to yourself now, laid out on the floor in your living room, trying to ease the ache in your muscles, stretching each limb gently while pondering on how tangled up your heart was.

All these feelings were so intense, one part of you cautioning yourself to slow down, not get too invested when you’re not sure he even feels the same, or wants a relationship while another part felt sure about trusting the groundwork that had been laid so far.

So much was going on and you were sure a proper conversation would happen soon, when there was time—if it was Alfred that much you were sure of, knowing he’d never leave you wondering for too long but you did worry.

Maybe it just wasn’t a good time, with Scarecrow loose and wreaking havoc and the recent reminder that you were under Penguin’s thumb indefinitely; it didn’t bode well for fostering a relationship and in Gotham that was tricky enough on its own.

But you also couldn’t deny what you were feeling and experiencing.

Another half suppressed smile coming then, a dreamy breath sighed out at the memory of the previous evening, when Alfred had come by to drop off some takeout only to see you icing your shins, his immediate concern when you greeted him making you laugh, something he didn’t find as amusing in the moment.

His slightly stern but still soft, “Darling, what happened? Who did this?” made you squirm against the cushions while also making haste to explain before he got too upset.

The worry on his features faded just a touch after, as he fussed over you, though you didn’t miss his slight eyebrow raise of surprise and intrigue when you said “pole dance”, reminding yourself to circle back around to that subject at a later date…you wanted to see how far that interest went.

It’s just that he didn’t ever make you feel like these visits were a chore, that’s what you kept coming back to, remembering how his coat and cane were discarded to the side immediately so he could kneel down and take over icing your muscles, soothing hands kneading the stiffness from your calves, insisting that you start eating while he take care of you.

How could you ever get over that? The gentleness with which he touched you?

Wanting him felt like oxygen, just as normal as breathing and inevitable as falling asleep, his kisses tasting of hope and something sweet. Things felt different now that Alfred was in your life, the good kind of different, the exciting kind and it almost felt silly to be unsure if you could lean into this but the more you thought about it, the more clarity you came away with.

There was a reason he spoke to you with such respect, his thoughtfulness about your feelings present in everything, and god the way he looked at you with so much fondness, how his expression could go from sweet to simmering in seconds, leaving you aching, feeling special and adored at every turn, it had to mean something.

Lost in the web of your thoughts the chime of your phone’s alarm nearly startled you, the time letting you know you had to get ready for rehearsal, your focus now pulled in a different direction and you reasoned with yourself it was best not to overthink this if you could help it.

The pattering of rain hitting the windows made you wish you could stay in instead, a daydream already forming about curling up with Alfred on the couch, snuggled under the blanket, napping together for the whole evening.

Rushing out the door before traffic hit you couldn’t help but gaze out in the direction of Wayne Tower, wondering what he was up to, hoping his day was going okay and already counting down the hours until you could hear his voice again.

Just across the city, staring out at the winking lights of traffic on the streets below, Alfred paced the floor of his study, his thoughts and emotions a tangled mess.

He couldn’t remember the last time he felt this way, or felt this much about someone, realizing that he’d gotten swept up in it all, reality washing over him like ice now.

The past week had been stressful to say the least, things were already busy with certain projects and due diligence with investors and financial advisors at Wayne Enterprises, now this fear toxin attack had taken center priority as well, he and Bruce already starting to work around the clock to get a handle on things.

That meant there was less time available to be with you and even though it had only been a handful of days so far, and despite his frequent visits he still felt distant.

He missed you terribly when you weren’t around and it didn’t take much to see that his feelings for you were really entering serious territory.

He should be happy about that, he knows he should be, but all there is for him in the moment is fear, because this could only ever end one way and he knows it.

It was foolish to think he could have something proper with you, something not tainted by secrets that weren’t his to tell, tainted by a dangerous obligation he’d taken on to be at Bruce’s side in his mission as Batman.

That was an obligation he would never ever regret, all of it done out of love it’s just that most of his life had been spent with some proximity to danger and there had been many close calls.

Far too many tragedies had already happened he couldn’t let that become the case for you too. He wouldn’t allow it.

You were too important to him already and he couldn’t drag you down into all this, especially not now with this Scarecrow figure coming out of the woodwork.

It did hurt though, just the mere thought of ending things, his heart lurching painfully, not wanting to entertain the thought of letting you go for a single second.

A door he once thought was closed for good had opened the day you met and he let himself get close, captivated in every way, each time hoping it wouldn’t be the last time he would see you.

He was awestruck by how quickly you disarmed him, seeing him so clearly and the fact that you wanted him as well, that you wanted his attention?

He was helpless to do anything except be swept up, but now he had to understand he’d never be able to have that.

It’d be alright, it would rip him open but this wasn’t the first time he’d chosen duty over feelings, he’d have to find comfort in knowing he had experienced this with you no matter how brief it was, already knowing he wouldn’t quite ever forgive himself for hurting you this way.

“What’s wrong?”

The question catches him by surprise as Bruce makes his entrance out of Alfred’s peripheral, still drying the rain from his hair.

Perfect. Just in time for dinner.

“Nothing, just working on some numbers in my head. How did it go?”

His own question had been a deflection, one he’s not proud of but he just needed a second to get his bearings, to screw his head back on straight after thinking of you.

“Went alright. They don’t have much to go on, Gordon says they’re trying to get a read on the chemical mixture in the gas but that could take awhile. I’m going back to the diner tonight, I have to try and find some clues, whatever I can get.”

A rough hand passes over the scruff of his jaw as he considers the information, nodding after a moment.

“I’ll be on standby if you find anything. I’ve been doing some digging myself, nothing concrete so far but there may be more security footage we haven’t seen that could identify him.”

There's a moment after where it’s quiet, the two men moving around each other in comfortable silence before Bruce caves first, a light chuckle let loose, almost mixing with the downpour of the rain.

If Alfred were any older he was sure he wouldn’t have heard it but he did, flicking one of his pointed looks at the young man.

“Seriously, Alfred, what's wrong? Something’s on your mind.”

He resisted the urge to brush it off or get defensive, softened at this offer to discuss, treasuring these moments of depth with Bruce whenever they came.

All he had to do was say your name and Bruce was nodding, his heart tugging at the sound of it, sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose before explaining further.

“I think I may have to end things. I-I’m worried about keeping her safe through this and ultimately she’s just better off. I’d have to lie to keep her from finding out, from getting involved and I don’t want to have to do that, it’s what’s best.”

More silence, his heart sinking now that the words had been said out loud, the crushing reality setting in just a little more.

“But you don’t want to let her go right? You do have feelings for her?”

Alfred can sense the careful line of questioning, deciding to be truthful as vulnerable as it made him feel, nodding a yes.

“I do, I have feelings for her.”

“Good, I don’t think you should end things then.”

Oh that wasn’t what he was expecting to hear.

“Bruce…it’s not as simple as that, she doesn’t know, she can’t know, that could put her at risk, you at risk, we don’t know when there could be another attack, I can’t let-“ but the words are falling short with a placating hand.

“Look I see the way she makes you feel and I don’t think you should let that go. I can’t let you do that actually, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice that, Alfred,” there’s a moment in between, a look that says he wants to say something else but finding the words is hard, “I never actually told you this but before Selina left town, I met up with her, saw her one last time. She wanted me to come with her and I-”

Alfred’s eyes widen for a moment, a sympathetic nod given as the sentence trailed off because he understood now what he always suspected but never pried about.

He figured Bruce had feelings of some kind for Miss Kyle but of course, his boy had chosen duty over feelings, just as he was contemplating doing himself.

It was a clever way of calling him out on it he had to give him that.

“I know you’re worried she’ll get hurt and I know you’re scared she won’t want anything to do with us when she finds out but I see how much you trust her, so I trust her and I think she’s safest close to us. You don’t have to lie to her, tell her just enough for now and we can keep her protected from it for as long as possible, you can tell her on your own terms.”

His heart quickened, mulling it over, pacing again without realizing, struck by the sincerity in Bruce’s words.

The weight in telling him he didn’t need to make this sacrifice, carefully guiding a stubborn old man out of his head and setting him straight again, because the answer could be that simple for once even if everything else wasn’t.

He’d be an even greater fool not to try just because it might be hard, knowing already that he’d regret not giving you every bit that he had to give out of fear and his own self doubt, so with a cautious nod he was agreeing, ribs loosening with a breath he felt like he’d been holding in for ages.

Nightfall was approaching now and Bruce had since snuck off after a little more discussion and a flat toned promise to eat dinner before going anywhere else, leaving Alfred sat at his desk with a newfound clarity to things.

This made sense to him now, the swirl of thoughts racing through his brain.

He knew how he felt about you and could admit he wanted to be with you, hands buzzing as he racked his mind for how to tell you, because it had been weeks now and he didn’t want to waste anymore time, he needed you to know he was serious and wanted a relationship and by god he hoped you felt the same.

An idea came to mind on the tail end of his thoughts, Bruce’s earlier words echoing as he pulled out a few pages of his favorite writing paper, adjusting his glasses quickly before he picked up a pen and began writing.

The first snowfall in Gotham was just beginning to blanket the streets, snowflakes melting against the frosty windows while you got bundled up to go out on a date!

A small window of time opened up over the weekend and Alfred had taken the reins on it, telling you he wanted to take you out again, properly and his pick this time, promising to plan something he thinks you’d really enjoy.

You swear your heart skips when you see his sleek car pull up outside your apartment, feet already carrying you down the steps to meet him outside.

“Hello, love. You look beautiful!” that smooth, accented voice causing your cheeks to burn despite the chill of the snow falling around you.

Running into his arms he embraced you tight, pressing a chaste kiss to your temple before getting you tucked into the car.

“Thank you, same to you, handsome. I missed you.” your wistful sigh came softly as you put your seatbelt on, already trying to figure out where he was taking you.

“I missed you too, more than you know. Ready?” His warm hands caressed your knee for a moment, squeezing as you gave him an answering nod.

The car rumbled to life and you were off, the heat turned up comfortably while you slipped into an easy conversation that continued until he was pulling into a parking spot, one of the quieter downtown streets lit up and glittering through the window.

“Are you treating me to pastries and hot chocolate right now? Is that the date because if so please say yes!” your excited shiver earned you a laugh when you step out, his cane in one hand and your own clasped around his arm, squeezing his bicep as you walked towards the sweet smelling cafe up ahead.

“As many pastries as you’d like, darling…I also may have ordered us a special dessert ahead of time too.” his sheepish grin warming your heart.

He was so impossibly sweet there were times where you wondered what you ever did to deserve him.

“Ooh that sounds fancy, are we celebrating something?” the innocent question hung opened ended as he got the door for you.

“You could say that, yeah.”

Later, foamy whipped cream lined the edge of your lips from sipping on the hot chocolate you’d taken to-go, Alfred kissing away the sugar quickly after even when you giggled out a protest against his lips.

Rounding the street together, it felt so nice to be this close and receiving his affection, holding hands as you walked.

You found it so cute how he checked to make sure no one was watching before he ducked down for another quick kiss.

Just as cute as when he sat next to you at the cafe, a reassuring hand resting over your thigh, absentmindedly playing with your fingers and the hem of your outfit while you indulged your sweet tooth.

That special dessert he ordered turning out to be one he used to love when he was younger, his wish in sharing it here to make a new memory of it with you.

Oh, he couldn’t be real.

That effortless charm was getting him everywhere and the delight didn’t seem to stop because now you were in front of a quaint, cozy looking bookstore, his arm already at the small of your back guiding you inside.

The smell of ink and paper filled your nose, a homey feeling in your chest browsing over the shelves; your first bookstore date together.

You couldn’t have been more excited, glancing at Alfred every few seconds, all smiles and bright eyes pointing out familiar titles and old favorites, reading the descriptions of interesting looking novels together, a real and definite shift in the air.

Something in the eye contact was different…heavier, a weight to it that made you feel short of breath.

Almost achingly so, your body was acutely aware of his closeness to you, the soft wrap of his hand over your waist, how his shoulder bumped into yours when you wandered over to the romance novel section, it made you feel like your chest was caving in, and you weren’t even afraid.

No, you were happy to let yourself collapse into the feeling.

The bookstore made you feel a little like you were in a romance novel yourself, faded patterned rugs draping the wood floors, soft fairy lights hanging above you and the rows of books and haphazard stacks laid out in armchairs all felt whimsical, romantic; perfect for two bookworms turned lovers.

“This is part two of my date plans, you know. Whatever books catch your eye, I’ll buy for you, my treat.

As if he didn’t aready have the key to your heart.

“Even if the book is an erotic novel?” you beamed back at him, smiling at the one he’d picked up off the shelf you were peering at, recognizing the cover anywhere.

“Oh especially if it’s that.”

“How crass, Mr. Pennyworth, I would have thought you to be more of a Shakespeare guy!” you joke and pluck the book from his hands, thumbing through a few pages.

“I most certainly am but I do have skills in other areas too, darling. It’s important to be a well rounded reader.”

He says it with an edge to his voice that leaves you speechless, your brain lagging just a second behind as he leads you further into the store, a beeline made to the poetry section.

A short while later and both of your arms were balancing a stack of books each, you trailing behind Alfred as he lead him you to a secluded spot in one of the reading corners in the store’s second level so now you were sitting side by side, musing over your book picks for each other.

True to his words, he’d bought you all the books of your choosing along with some he’d gotten just for himself too; a photobook of the English countryside, another about hand to hand fighting and then a few books about chemical compounds finding their way into the mix too.

You didn’t know he had an interest in chemistry but didn’t question it, forgetting about it a moment later when he pulled out a book he found of different black burlesque dancers through history, a little gasp filling the quiet space when he told he got it as a gift for you.

As if you needed anymore reasons to fall for him further, all this was taking the cake.

Hours had gone by, the two of you huddled together sharing stolen kisses in between the last sips of hot chocolate and the turning of pages, truly feeling like you were in a world apart with him, like whatever was happening out there in the world couldn’t touch you, at least not here.

Heat tingled on your lips when you kissed him again, a little more soundly this time, showing him just how much you missed him.

It had been too long.

Remembering that the last time you’d been intimate like this was the morning of the attack, part of you wishing you could be in his bed right now, spread out underneath him, taking him until you were making a mess of his sheets but the other part of you didn’t want to leave this moment in time with him, a whole different level of intensity to this all on it’s own.

You’d never felt so connected, so close in your life, so much unspoken sentiment in the way his larger hands were grasping your much smaller ones, holding them warmly before his forehead was pressing against yours.

“I have one more thing to give to you, sweetheart.”

Your eyes fluttered open then, the gentleness in his whisper wrecking you, sitting patiently as he moved back a bit. Watching with bated breath, he fished an envelope out of the inside pocket of his coat and placed it in your hands, leaving the rest up to you.

The way your heart was clammoring in your chest and your own anticipation kept you from noticing the nervous jitter of his hands, seconds feelings like minutes while you unfolded the paper, realizing he’d written on it, recognizing his handwriting right away.

With trembling hands you brushed your fingers over where he had written your name, words beginning to sink in as you read the letter addressed to you.

My love,

I fear there will never be enough words to describe how dear you are to me but I will try my best to write them all here. I’ve never felt so sure about someone before, about the way you make me feel and how vast those feelings are. The morning we met I had a feeling that there must have been a reason we crossed paths and now I know there was. You must know I couldn’t sleep that night, because all I could think about was if you were okay and if you had made it home safely. I just couldn’t get you out of my head and then there you were again at The Magpie wanting to talk to me and I knew then I was the luckiest man in the world.

Glancing up from the page you locked eyes with Alfred for just a moment, a perfect mirror of your feelings reflected in them.

Never in a million years did I think I’d ever feel this way again but I do and I need you to know that being a man worthy of your affections is all that I want to be. You were meant to shine as brightly as you do, my darling, I never want you to feel as if you have to hide your talent or temper the big, wondrous ideas you have. They’re all I ever want to hear. You do in fact have my heart, love, as much of it as you want to take, it is yours.

Tears welled along your lashes as you kept reading, everything in you softened by each line, your heart opening, hatching, blooming at his words, hearing how much he felt for you too.

…things are less than ideal right now I know, and there are things you don’t know about me yet either, things in my past and certain things in the present that I want to tell you about but have to be careful of first, your safety is always a priority for me but I do plan to tell you in time. Darling, I know how I feel about you and I think and hope you feel the same about me. I cherish every second I get to spend with you, there’s so much I want to show you, so much I want to tell you and do with you by my side if you’ll have me.

There was one more page left, filled with more words that made your stomach flip with butterflies, those tears threatening to fall because what he was saying was everything you had hoped for and then some.

And you think you understood what he meant about needing to be careful with certain secrets before he could speak about them, thinking on your own situation with Penguin—you still hadn't told Alfred those men where his that had been sent to follow you.

It was wonder how your heart was still inside your chest at this rate, a tear breaking free to fall down your cheek as you finished reading, lingering where he signed his name.

Yours always,

x Alfred.

The letter lay in your lap as strong hands- no longer trembling- reached for you again, brushing the stray tear from your cheek.

Your face was cupped so tenderly in his hands you almost started to cry for real, never knowing it could be like this, that you could be told and shown in so many ways that you were wanted and adored.

“I know we haven't really discussed this yet and so much has gotten in the way but I want to say it here and now, I would really love it if you wanted to be mine. Admittedly it has been some time since I’ve dated anyone and I am rusty, you’ll have to forgive me if this could have been better but I do want to be with you, I have all this time.”

“Oh, Alfred. Yes, of course I want to be yours! I’d love nothing more. And shut up, this was a perfect way to tell me, you’re not rusty at all, old man.”

You sniffled with a laugh, leaning in to press your forehead against his again, both of you sinking into the moment together, feeling tethered to one another now, connected in a way you hadn’t been before.

Things had just gotten very real and for as much as you’d pondered and daydreamed of this moment, you didn’t feel an ounce of fear at the gravity of feelings before you.

Trusting in Alfred’s words, ones he’d actually taken the time to spell out to you on paper so you could keep the reminder of his devotion forever, the gesture easing any worry there might have been.

Snow was still falling outside as you sat together for just a little while longer, Alfred pretending not to notice you sneaking giddy glances at him while you gazed over the letter one more time before stowing it safely away in your bag.

Your hand finds his, fingers lacing together while you rest your head against his shoulder, closing your eyes contently for a moment when you feel his cheek press against you.

The odds still seemed grim, the whole city on edge with so much uncertainty left on the horizon, cause enough for isolation and the walls around people’s hearts to come up but not here, not with you and Alfred.

You felt stronger for it, having faith that whatever was coming your way in the time ahead, you’d have him by your side and that gave you all the hope in the world.

---

A/N: Soo they finally got their moment! I actually began this chapter with the ending of it in mind already, I was listening to the chapter title song in the playlist and was like oh this is where it would play, this is the moment where he admits his feelings and asks her to be his girl

There were times where writing this chapter was such a challenge but also really exciting and wholesome too! Hope it gives you all the feels it gave me and I'm giving kisses to those who pick up on all the little details in this too, thank you so much for your patience while I write this series and for all the love!

(dividers used are by the wonderful @saradika 💫 )

Let me know what you think!! Thank you for reading as always!

some tags, no pressure! @eupheme @squidlywiddly87 @the-eyes-of-andyserkis @tarabyte3 @tarrenterror25 @ozarkthedog @peachyteabuck @unrefinedmusings @aislupu @mariahthelioness29 @flamingdisputes @ayoarticulate @fluffyprettykitty @kneelforloki @allaboardthereadingrailroad @xoxovivarecs

#amalia writes #alfred pennyworth x black reader #alfred pennyworth x reader #alfred pennyworth fluff #alfred pennyworth imagine #alfred pennyworth #alfred pennyworth fanfiction #the batman fanfic #alfred pennyworth angst #alfred pennyworth fanfic

165 notes · View notes

epictacobird · 2 years

Text

Demon slayer! MC working at the Mostro Lounge

Ok ok so Octavinelle's part of my demon slayer MC series is coming out soon and I have so many ideas that I can't fit in there bc I don't want my favoritism for Azul to show that badly so this is a thing.

Content: Azul pining over demon slayer!MC

No gendered pronouns are used for mc, only "you"

Warnings: Azul being oblivious to himself, angst if you squint and look away

Demon slayer! MC who enjoys working a little too much

At first, Azul figured you were just happy to finally be making money outside of Crowley’s shitty allowance. I mean, no one can be that genuinely excited to wait tables and wash dishes.

Except for you that is.

He wasn’t complaining, not at all, it was just a little unusual. You never complained about any work he assigned you, unlike a certain eel. You were even just as efficient at scaring away rowdy customers.

Truthfully, the reason why you liked working there was because you were so busy. It made you feel more normal, as if you really left behind your life as a slayer. Or maybe working just let you not think about it in the first place. Either way, Azul clearly appreciated the extra labor. Just as Grim appreciated the pricier tuna.

One day he caught you singing to yourself while you were washing dishes.

Hushabye baby bunny on the hill…

Tell me why your eyes are very red…

Because when my mother was expecting me she dined on red berries from a tree…

And that is why my eyes are so very red…

It was a simple lullaby, and yet you held such a genuine smile while singing. It must’ve been from your home. Were you feeling homesick? Is that why you’ve taken so many shifts lately?

He wanted to ask about it but reasoned against it. You always kept him at an arms length after his overblot. He didn’t want to make it worse by suddenly asking you such a personal question.

Maybe later then….

Demon slayer! Mc who is enamoured by the large aquariums all around them.

You tried so hard not to let your giddiness show when you first stepped foot in the lounge with Jack. Imagine! Tanks as large as these embedded to the walls with tons of colorful sea-life and fish, you never thought you'd see anything like it.

Tbh you were actually a little grateful for the whole situation, | mean, you got to go underwater and see the sea life outside of those tanks. Ace and Deuce were a little worried about how side tracked you suddenly got when y’all were down there lol.

So when you got a job at the Mostro Lounge and were now able to stare at those tanks all day you could barely hide your excitement.

Azul took notice of this quickly, you never let it distract you from work but it was a little endearing how you were so fascinated by the aquariums. Platonically, that is.

One day he caught you staring at one of the aquariums while you were cleaning tables after closing. There was a look on your face of innocent wonder, very different from the normally gloomy cloud that hung over your eyes.

From the angle he was at he couldn't tell what you were staring at. Whatever it was it held your attention in a vice grip, I mean you didn't even notice him as he walked closer. Or when he cleared his throat...or when he called your name... you're not ignoring him are you?

Azul called your name one more time and he finally caught your attention. You whipped your head around, "Oh! Sorry Azul I didn't notice you. Did you need something?"

Azul sighed, “Not in particular, I was just wondering what had your attention. It's not like you to stare off in the middle of work."

You smiled sheepishly, rubbing the nape of your neck as you answered, “Well, I was actually looking at this one little guy in the tank. You see I don't have stuff like this back in my world so it's all kind of new to me." You laughed, “It probably sounds a little stupid to you, being a merman and all."

Azul shook his head, “Not at all, which fish were you looking at?”

He expected you to point out on of the colorful fish around you. After all, their large fins and the way they effortlessly swam through the clear water was pleasing to the eye. He would never admit it, but he was a little upset. It was rare the insecurities from his past came up nowadays but you were different for a reason he couldn’t explain. He wanted to impress you, and if you were attracted to the fins that he could never have then what would he do then? Maybe he was thinking too much…

You smiled, and pointed to a small creature sitting at the bottom of the tank. It was perfectly camouflaged amount the sand and rocks. His heart did a flip, out of surprise or something else he couldn’t tell. He was just grateful you weren’t looking at him in that moment.

“That’s an octopus, I didn’t actually know we had one of them in here.” Floyd must have put it in, Azul thought bitterly.

“Wait, seriously? That’s what they look like?”

Azul cringed a little inwardly, preparing for the worst.

“That’s so cool! I never thought they looked like that. I mean, I’ve eaten them before but I’ve never seen one alive. I thought they were red!”

The look on your face was comparable to a kid getting candy you were so happy. You were enamored by the octopus the entire time? The little sea dweller stuck at the bottom while the other fish sore high above you?

God, why did he feel like this? Heat pooled in his cheeks as he watched the smile on your face grow wider.

He wished he could make you this happy everyday…

He adjusted his glasses unnecessarily and looked away, “All octopi have the ability to camouflage to their surroundings. Only a few species are red naturally.”

Suddenly he was caught in a whirlwind of your excited questions. He forgot how behind your world was in terms of science and research. There was probably no way for you to actually study any of this before now. Either way he was happy to answer all of them. He reasoned that this was the best way he could finally build actual trust. That was important for a good work environment between employer and employee after all…

Demon slayer!MC who once saved Azul from falling flat on the floor (although he can’t tell if he would’ve rather you let him fall)

He doesn’t know how it happened, sure he wasn’t the most graceful walking around when he first got legs but he couldn’t have seriously tripped on air!

He just was walking down the stairs to check if everything was running smoothly. Maybe he was distracted by the way you smiled at the customers as you took their orders, or the way you winked at him as you walked past. Either way he felt his stomach drop when his foot missed the next step. He slid backwards and braced himself-

Except it never came, rather than the edge of the stairs his head hit the comfort of your arms. were you always this strong?

He didn’t get to dwell on it for long though. He felt the uncomfortable stares and whispers a little too much for his liking. He quickly pushed himself out of you arms and adjusted himself.

“Are you alright Azul? You look a little red, you’re not sick are you?”

“No! No, I’m fine. Thank you.” He spoke quickly, desperately trying to avoid your eyes.

You frowned, but took his excuse with a sympathetic smile, “Alright, if you say so. Don’t work too hard alright? You could’ve gotten hurt.” With that you walked off to the kitchen, leaving him to deal with the customers who were suddenly very interested in the whole event.

What he would give to crawl into an octopot right now to hide away his fast beating heart…

*****

“Ehhh, Shrimpy you should just kiss him already.”

“Floyd! It’s not like that!”

“It was a stunning performance Prefect. I’m sure Azul appreciated it.”

“Jade! Not you too..” You sighed as you collected the orders for your table, “Azul could’ve gotten hurt so I helped him. That’s all.”

The twins laughed to themselves, keeping their sadistic grins plastered on their faces as you sighed.

Azul did look pretty cute all surprised like that though…

The twins gave you their signature eerie smile. There really was no convincing them. You just shook your head in defeat, smiling a little to yourself as you watched Azul talk to another customer. At least he’s alright…

#twisted wonderland #twst wonderland #twst x mc #fanfic #twisted wonderland imagines #twst imagines #azul ashengrotto #twst crossover demon slayer #demon slayer mc #demon slayer x twst #azul x mc #azul x reader #azul x demon slayer mc #Azul x demon slayer Yuu

298 notes · View notes

nostromo13 · 9 months

Text

Fandom: Fairy Tail

Pairing: Nalu

Rating: T

Summary: Following the Alvarez war, Natsu has to come to terms with a new reality.

Merry Christmas! I did this one for @endragoneel and I loved their prompts. I wish I'd had more time for it, but other commitments got in the way. I hope you love it regardless, Ever. I definitely want to write more on this topic in the future. Also a big thank you to @allaboutnalu for the mountain of effort that went into organizing the whole gift exchange <3

A little additional info: Cymorth, the title, is a Welsh word that translates to support/aid (thank you to the anonymous person who corrected me on what I previously thought it was! I really appreciated it as I’m rusty on my Welsh)

AO3 Link

Cymorth

“No, dipshit, side K should be on side 296. Wait, that can’t be right.” Gray grumbled, snatching up the instructions to take another look.

Natsu groaned. His hands hadn’t hurt this much since he’d thrown Zeref through the wall of the guildhall. Or maybe since waking up on Tenrou island and the sleep state had preserved not only him but all the cuts and bruises of the fight with Hades too. They’d been at this table and its gibberish instructions for hours, doing their part in the post Alvarez war rebuild by shaping up Magnolia’s library. The whole rebuild process taking way too long for his liking and aching palms were just adding to his impatience.

When Gray began to grumble again, he’d decided he’d had enough. He let the pieces he was holding together at a weird 79 degree angle drop to the floor, creating a loud bang that displeased his entire team and earned him a few choice words as he made his way over to Lucy’s bedroom.

He spied his girlfriend as he poked his head through her doorway, seeing that she was busy sorting through the piles of books torn down from the library shelves in the tremors caused by Acnologia’s attacks. The rest of their teammates had set up base in her living room, arguing through the instructions to build a new book returns table, the noise of which had sent her out to, as she put it, concentrate. He’d sat back from that argument for once, finding more enjoyment in observing since constructing things was not one of his strengths.

Feeling like she was a little too comfortable he readied himself for a sneak attack. Legs set to pounce, fingers ready to poke her relentlessly into annoyance and muscles primed to hold on until she either paid attention to him or Lucy kicked him for pestering her.

He took one step towards her, then another. Her back faced him and with every move closer he could feel the anticipation of how delicious this attack was going to be. Listening to Erza and Gray bark orders at Wendy, Carla and Happy all afternoon had his attention well and truly fried and more importantly his Lucy quota was severely deficient.

His attack progression paused for a moment as he caught himself up in the excitement of it. His partner was in front of him. Alive and safe, busy kneeled in a mountain of books that he was sure to be her happy place. He let out a quiet laugh to himself, foolishly giving the game away and attracting her attention.

Lucy turned her head to pay him a quick glance before returning to her work, speaking to him. “Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to help me?”

“I’m bored.” He complained, rather like an impatient child. Or dragon slayer.

He joined her anyway, nudging a space for himself with his foot in the book pile with more carelessness than Lucy would appreciate. “If the table is done you could see what they’re doing at the guildhall. I have a few more hours of work before I’m done here tonight and I’m not sure how much fun you’ll find this, sorry.”

He gave her bedroom a glance for anything to distract himself while she worked, but nothing took his fancy after so many hours of a tedious task. His attention only really fell on who he’d come in here to distract. His girlfriend enjoyed little organisation jobs and appeared entirely content in the little book nest she’d messied the bedroom floor with.

In the few hours he hadn’t seen her Lucy had tied her hair up. It lay in a braid down her back, and pieces were slipping out each time she moved her head from the absentminded attempt to get her hair out of her face while trying to continue working at the same time.

With an audible “Hmph” Natsu sat himself down behind her. He tugged the hair tie gently so it fell into his hand and he got to work combing out any tangles with his fingers.

He felt her tilt her head slightly into his fidgeting, glad she hadn’t put up a protest and possibly gladder that he hadn’t gone through with his first approach of distracting her. As he worked through her hair and began braiding her features released the tense expression that she usually wore when she needed to concentrate. Lucy always looked a little upset when she did that and he could never quite wrap his head around the idea that she was perfectly okay, She had agreed that her resting face was one that did appear quite frowny, but she’d assured him she wasn’t really thinking of anything when she was like that.

“I’m bored.” Her brow creased as she held two books in her hand, looking between them, but she didn’t acknowledge his statement. “And I’m hungry.”

“Gray said he was going on a food run in a bit. Why don’t you go with him?”

“Don’t wanna go with him. He’s smelly.”

She chuckled a little, not wanting to encourage his insult. “I have too much to do. Go get food and I’ll join you when it’s here.”

He tied the end of her new braid off, letting it fall flat against her back and shuffled closer so his chin could rest on her shoulder, pressing a kiss to the fabric of one of his hoodies that lived here. “Take a break with me.”

She smiled, shaking her head.

“C’mon, you’ll strain your eyes.”

With a little huff of her own she began to stretch her legs, leaning against his chest comfortably as she did so. He tucked her head under his chin, meeting her eyes at an angle that made her giggle. “Pizza or Pad see ew?”

“Why do you get to choose?”

He stood as she moved, offering her a hand up off the floor. “Because it’s my turn. And only a few take out places have passed the damage checks.” Her eyes narrowed on him. “I want crepes.”

He hadn’t gathered the heart to tell her nowhere would be open at this time that did them when Gray dropped an agitated f-bomb from the adjoining room. Natsu laughed loudly with Lucy, hoping the ice freak could hear him through the wall.

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

With a quick goodbye and collection of orders from their teammates, they set off down the canal streets to the centre of town where more food options were available. Lucy had opted for a jacket as the September air was now turning frigid and Lucy was the sort that if she didn’t have a hundred layers on in the colder months she’d complain until her fingers fell off. Except he’d never let that happen.

Her fingers met his as they walked, her pale hand clasping his tanned one together in an easy swing between them. It was a short walk to the town centre, and a small debate between the two ended them up at a small dumpling place being run out of the back of a pizza restaurant in an agreement made by two neighbourly owners for the time it took for Magnolia to rebuild.

“I’ve got Wendy some mango pudding.” She told him as she joined him standing outside the restaurant for their order to be prepared. “She liked it here last time, but it can be hit and miss.”

Natsu nodded, taking her hand back. Her skin felt cool in his, contrary to her having been inside moments ago, although his warmer temperature made it hard to tell sometimes. “Are you cold?”

“No, I’m fine. It’s just chilly.”

She didn’t need to ask. He ran his arms up and down hers, pulling her closer so she could benefit off his body heat.

“It’s only 50 degrees.”

He laughed at her trying to pretend it wasn’t a big deal. It always felt like a big deal to him when she couldn’t handle the winter months as well as him. He hated the way it made her slow in the mornings and shower ten minutes longer each time. It was nice that it made her cuddle up to him more. She was less of a physically affectionate person, whereas he naturally drifted towards it. At least with her anyway. He’d identified a similar thought sometime around her birthday just before the war.

She gave into his warmth, thinking they probably appeared silly to anyone that looked at them both rubbing her arms.

“After the heat from your book everything just feels a bit mediocre in comparison.” She admitted jokingly between them. “Don’t look at me like that, Natsu. I didn’t mean it to worry you.”

“I always worry about you.” His eyes dropped from hers, looking at the thick coat on her shoulders. He’d ceased warming her arms, stopped her biceps.

“Food order for Lucy.” A waiter called out from the restaurant doors, holding out two full paper bags.

Natsu dropped his hold, grabbing the food with a “Thanks” before they set off back.

The roads were quiet this time of night, and the currently displaced citizens temporarily living in Onibus meant the place was even less populated. Magnolia wasn’t meant to be quiet. Natsu was used to there being a hundred different sounds to choose from every time they walked down the main streets. Now all he could hear was the canal beneath their feet under the bridge and Lucy struggling to adjust her hold on the dumplings.

“Give it here.” Liberating the bag, he paused as she protested. She glared, pouting unconscious of where the streetlights managed to shadow the top portion of her face, making it all the more funny to him.

“What?”

He smirked, showing a cheeky canine. “Nothing.”

“Can we go home then. I’m freezing my butt off out here.” She waddled on the spot in a little Lucy-warming-up dance, trying to produce some friction between her hands. He only responded by watching, making a face that didn’t require him to verbalise to call her a weirdo. “Natsu please it’s practically Baltic.”

“I wanna sit for a bit.”

“The food will get cold.”

He ignored her, dumping the bags by the bridge side and sitting on the stone ledge, letting his legs dangle freely. She may have huffed and puffed behind him in annoyance, but knowing if she had would have required him to put in the effort to turn around. “I’ll warm it up later.” He excused when she finally joined him.

They sat for a small while, taking in the pleasures of a calm September night. The rebuild effort was taking a lot out of everyone at the guild and sometimes Natsu just needed a moment. He thought that after the war forced their lives to stop as it raged through everything they called home he could take a few moments to appreciate it occasionally. Even if it meant food would wait five minutes.

Beside him Lucy swung her legs, leaning back to watch the stars, her teeth absentmindedly chewing on her lip. He hadn’t meant to start watching her, but she had a way of capturing his attention sometimes, and it surprised him when she suddenly spoke.

“Do you think about END?” Lucy asked, eyes still buried in the night sky.

He felt himself frown. It was a valid question; he just never knew where she got them from when she came up with stuff like this. Normally it was more along the lines of ‘What do you think sheep count to go to sleep?’ and not the existential sort. He nodded. “Not so much when I’m in the shower, but when I’m hungry I know he needs feeding.”

She smiled. “I get it if you don’t want to talk about it.”

Actually, she really didn’t get it. She’d analysed every bit of her life since they found out her partner was END to see any way she could relate to what he was going through. Finding out something so big so far down the line felt earthshattering to her.

“I guess it answered some questions for me.” He shrugged and she turned, listening with care. “I didn’t know there was a part of me out there in some book, but it doesn’t feel strange.” He paused before he continued with a new thought. “Like when they said I’ve got that dysleck- dyslexic what’s-it.”

“Dyslexia.”

“Yeah. And I didn’t know letters weren’t meant to look like that because that’s all I know. It’s not as if dragons get dyslexia, so how was Igneel supposed to have spotted it when he was teaching me.”

She hummed, understanding better.

“END doesn’t feel separate to me. I just feel a little less tied down.” Natsu corrected himself when worry graced her features. “Not tied down. Just… I think it’s the knowing now that I was tied to that thing, tied to Zeref when he’s the bastard that’s been causing us trouble for so long. I’m happy I got to pound his face into the ground.”

“Without him I never would have met you.” Lucy spoke with a small smile. “I know it’s wrong for me to think about it like that when the whole of Fiore has been affected by what he’s done. I can’t help but want to be a little selfish. Without you I-”

“I get it.” He interrupted accidentally in his eagerness to agree. “I haven’t exactly processed what he did or what he is meant to mean to me. I don’t care about rushing on that. It gave me a chance to meet you, and Happy and everyone else. I wouldn’t be me without ya.”

He gathered her into his hold, her arms holding tight around his neck. She pressed her nose into Natsu’s collar, inhaling his warmth as he stroked her hair. They sat like that for a few minutes. The only presence around them on the cold street whatever wildlife hadn’t been scared off or killed in the war.

Finally, he pulled away. “Did you find the book after you lost it?”

Lucy shook her head. “It disintegrated, Natsu. It shouldn’t be possible for it to turn up again.”

He didn’t like the way her mouth had settled into a sharp line. His skin pricked with anxiety as a wave of stress washed over him. “Does me being END bother you? Like, dating me?”

“What?” She didn’t drop the line, instead directing it more towards him. “Why would you think that? I-” She allowed herself to breathe, refocusing herself on the conversation. “I love you. I love every part of you.”

“Every part?” He grinned into an innuendo, achieving the look of dismay he sought from his girlfriend.

“If I do break up with you it’ll be over you saying stuff like that in public. Maybe I’ll shack up with Cana.” She quickly backtracked. “No actually, she’d be worse.”

“Like you making gooey eyes at my chest when we’re at the guildhall is any different? Besides,” He leaned in closer, his breath meltingly warm against her lips. “We’re not in public. There’s no one here.”

She felt a warm hand place on her thigh, stroking above her jeans, the surprise of it sparking the same feeling Natsu could always elicit from her. Lips pressed to her own, paying particular attention to where she abused the skin frequently as he continued kissing her. Lucy pressed her chest closer to his with a tug on his jacket. His hand came up to stroke her cheek, taking his lips away to smile down at her. She felt herself getting enchanted, and it took a good effort for her to steel herself, brushing his hand off and standing up, too aware of the sharp drop into water 2 inches of a footstep wrong. “If you’re going to do that it’s not going to be where any peeping Tom can get a free show from their curtains. We’ve got food to deliver, come on.”

He followed her off the edge, picking up their food before slinging an arm around her shoulders. Their delay in grabbing dinner had meant a very hangry Gray and several apologies from Lucy, but they did eventually get a Natsu-rewarmed meal.

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

Natsu yawned as he shuffled out of bed, stretching his arms over his head as he made his way to the bathroom in the dark. He’d heard the hour beep on Lucy’s bedside alarm clock, and by his guess it was about 2 AM. Erza, Gray, Wendy and the exceeds had left around 10, leaving him to distract Lucy from the hundred more books she insisted needed sorting tonight. He had managed to coax her into another rewatch of How to Train Your Dragon. A movie he insisted was a cinematic marvel and later when Lucy had introduced the books to him a literary marvel too.

Upon leaving the bathroom he glanced over to his girlfriend passed out in the bed. She’d encroached onto his side in the few minutes he had taken to pee and, worrying it might’ve meant she was seeking his heat, he decided on fetching another blanket to throw on top of the small mountain she required.

He opened her chest of drawers first, finding none of the thicker sort she preferred, before opening her wardrobe. He lifted the first of the fluffy ones, gathering the large monstrosity over his shoulder as his eye caught on the object that had sat beneath the blanket.

It was a book. One with worn brown leather bound to a thick manuscript of papers. It had a patiently decorated boarder with a small sun facing down from the top. If he’d analysed it closely he maybe could have seen that it had been read and re-read many times, but his attention lay solely on the front cover, and the black painted-on font that read ‘E.N.D’.

#Nalu #Nalu Gift Exchange #Nalu Gift Exchange 2023 #END #Fairy Tail

49 notes · View notes

girlboypersonthingy · 1 year

Note

hiiiiii!! so u’ve quickly become my fav tumblr user lol. anything with pidge would be great!! any prompts u wanna use is all good with me, i just want more pidge content.

thx sm!! <3

U BETTER STOP RIGHT NOW ANON. I’m so flattered that I’m one of your favs 🥰 that boosts my confidence in my writing soooo much you have no idea. I’m definitely not skipping over a bunch of requests just to write yours first nope not I. So I wrote smthng about Keith and reader being stuck on a planet during a mission and needing rescue and them having a cute bonding moment. I’m gonna do that but with ✨Pidge✨ 🌷Thank you for the request and ENJOY~

Ps: wow. This took me forever to finish. I wrote it in so many pieces over so many days. I’ve been so busy omg this is all over the place…sorry 😌

Listen…Pidge’s calculations may have been the tiniest bit off. You were sent on a mission with them to pick up a specific mineral on a specific planet that will power a new invention Pidge is working on. As their lion approached the surface of the planet, some weird energy source nearby had all of Pidge’s signals glitching out. All of a sudden, the green lion completely shut down and you two had a bit of a crash landing. Now…You’re lost. In space. No way to get back, no way to contact the team. And if Pidge can’t figure out how to get y’all back to the castle, you definitely can’t. Obvi they’re like 1000 times smarter than you.

“Dang…well…we’re stuck here now.” Their words make you panic a bit. Stuck? Geez, for how long? Until when? Wait…Stuck?! In the middle of space all alone???

“Someone will find us eventually.” “You’re not helping, Pidge…”

They’re trying to hide their smile as they silently laugh at you. “First time stuck in space?” “Uhm YEAH?! IM SCARED! YOU’RE NOT???” “Nah.”

Pidge has been there, done that with being lost in space alone. It’s scary but it’s amazing at the same time. Like when Pidge got stuck on that trash nebula, they weren’t scared, just bored until they found a way to distract themselves and eventually get a signal to the team. They just need time to figure it out.

Before you can say any more, they are closing their helmet over their face and offering you a hand. “Let’s go.” They close your helmet over your face and now they’re enthusiastically dragging you out of green and onto the dusty surface of the planet.

Pidge is very smart but also has some ADHD tendencies. This lil babe will squirrel out and go buck wild when it comes to science, technology and space. They can’t stay focused on the topic at hand, there’s too much to look at, too much to think about, too much to talk about.

They are still holding your hand, pulling you along as they ramble on about the pH balance of the air on this planet and the gravity difference compared to Earth and how cool the specific mineral is that they are looking for. Wow, cute little smarty pants just won’t shut up 💚

Plz just pay attention to them. They LOVE the attention they get from you when they say big words and explain complex things you don’t really understand because,

The face you make when you try to follow along with their science rants KILLS THEM. You’re like 😯 trying your best to keep up, it’s too cute.

They love when you say things like “wow” “whoa” “cool” bc then they’re like 😎 “yeah I am pretty wow, whoa and cool, aren’t I?”

Like plz just swoon over their brilliance, that’s all they want. They want to impress you SO BAD. Little do they know they’ve already captured your heart…

So anyways, they are practically running now with you following beside them as they frantically search for the mineral they need.

A beeping catches their attention and they stop abruptly. An excited laugh leaves their mouth as they check a piece of tech on their wrist, similar to a watch but with info about the planet and atmosphere around you.

Pidge is always busting out new gadgets they’ve made and it still surprises you sometimes. “Pidge, what the hell is that?” is a very common phrase that frequently leaves your mouth. They’re always testing out new tech.

“AHAHA!!! (Y/N), guess what?! This whole planet’s crust is the mineral!!! WE CAN GET SO MUCH OF IT!!! Obviously not too much, but OH MY GOD!”

Omfg, now it’s your turn to admire how cute they are when they geek out like this. They’re pretty much jumping with joy, smiling from ear to ear, and they still have a hold of your hand.

They always run to the same two people every time they have some cool sciency shit to tell and that’s Hunk and you. As much fun as it is to go on a tangent with Hunk about cool space stuff, they love talking to you about it bc you don’t interject, you just listen and learn.

Their fav part is days later when you mention something they told you about in great detail and they’re just thinking ‘oh my god, you remembered, you learned, you’re so smart. DAMN I ADORE YOU.’

At this point, Pidge is having such a good time with you, they’ve forgotten that you’re both stranded here. They’re holding your hands and you’re smiling so big now and suddenly they can’t come up with words to say rn.

“So…are you gonna tell me how we are gonna harvest some of this stuff or…?” The silence is so loud but Pidge can’t speak, they’re just lost in your eyes and your hand fits so perfectly in theirs and the longer they stare at you, the more red your cheeks become and- “Pidge…are you okay?” Finally, they snap out of it.

This honestly happens way too often with you. Pidge never thought they’d be the type to zone out and start daydreaming about someone but they are just soooo into you, oml. They’re always so focused and in control and calm and collected but you’re just too hot cute, you are such a distraction. They can’t believe that you are so interested in them, it clouds their brain sometimes. They know a lot but one thing they can’t figure out is where they stand with you.

“I’m fine. First things first, we need some help getting off this planet. We need to figure out how to contact the team.”

Just keep in mind… they haven’t let go of you for even a second since you walked out of their lion together 🥹❤️‍🔥

“Hey, what about your watch thingy on your wrist? Couldn’t that help-“ “(Y/N), yes! I forgot about this for a tick! Okay, come on. Give me something to work with….” Finally, they let go of your hand as they poke at the piece of tech on their wrist, their eyes become brighter and wider.

They swiftly pull out their bayard and launch it towards their lion, perfectly wrapping it around their lion’s tail.

“Uhm what are we doing?” “We need to get off this planet.” “WHAT?! I mean I know that, you already said that but-but…how are we gonna do that? Your lion is-“ “Just trust me.” They reach out for your hand once more, the handle of their bayard in their other hand.

They grip your hand tightly and before you can take another breath, they activate their jet pack and you two are whisked away towards the sky.

You’re screaming and Pidge is laughing. They’re such a punk sometimes.

As their bayard reaches its limit in length, Pidge is still grasping your hand tightly as they finally begin to explain just what their plan is.

“The crust of this planet, which is also the mineral we need, is what’s causing interference with all our tech. Except for this, I guess.” They gesture to their wrist. “The further we get away from the surface, the more chance we have at getting a signal to the team. But, the gravitational pull of this planet only goes on for 4.7 miles, which is like waaayyyyy less than Earth’s gravitational pull so I had to keep us tethered or we’d just float off into space.”

Normally you’d find their ranting interesting and endearing but rn you’re just terrified of being this high up from the ground and also terrified of accidentally floating off into space.

They can tell you’re scared so they quickly let go of your hand and link their arm with yours, pulling you in closer. They’re not laughing anymore, they give you a more serious look with a soft smile. “I got you, (Y/N). I won’t let anything happen to you. Promise.”

Although they are the smallest Paladin to ever exist, you make them feel so big and strong. You make them feel like they could fight 100 galra soldiers all on their own. You give them so much confidence and they just want you to trust that they will always protect you. Tho they be small, they are mighty.

“I trust you, Pidge.” Great…you’ve lost them again. All you did was say their name all soft and quiet and they can’t look away from you now.

The lingering eye contact is simple but causes you both to smile and blush uncontrollably. You both look away then look back at each other, your movements in sync which causes you both to laugh.

“You’re really cute. I like you a lot.” The words just sort of slip out of their mouth and before you can even process what they just said, as if on cue, static cuts the silence.

Suddenly, you can hear Allura calling out for you guys through the comms in Pidge’s helmet. “Pidge? (Y/N)? Hello?” “Allura! Geez, are we glad to hear your voice.”

As Pidge gives the princess a run down of what had happened to you guys, you just watch their lips move and watch as they purposefully avoid your gaze. They’re embarrassed of what they just confessed to you and now they’re anxious to hear your reply.

Once the voice in Pidge’s helmet had gone quiet, you finally speak up.

“You like me?” “Huh? Did I say that?” “Yeah, you did. You said I’m cute too.” “Oh wow…uh yeah…I guess I did say that.”

It’s silent again for a moment.

“Do you like me too?” Pidge asks softly now, their whole demeanor has changed. They’re not holding you as close, they’re eyes look full of concern, they’re biting their lip.

“I thought you were a genius..?” They’re a bit taken aback by your response. “It’s not like I haven’t been dropping hints left and right. Of course I like you, Pidge. And I think you’re pretty cute too.”

The next 10 minutes as you two wait for rescue are spent talking and laughing about how you two dummies have been crushing on each other for MONTHS but you were both too scared to say anything to the other.

As soon as y’all are rescued by Shiro and Hunk, they’re both like “oh! You guys finally noticed that you’re both in love with each other? Good. Nice. Took y’all long enough.”

The whole team could see the hardcore pining the whole time. Even Keith was like “I thought y’all were already dating???”

Wow. What a couple cute little dorks you guys are.

#voltron #voltron legendary defender #voltron x reader #voltron x you #vld #pidge voltron #voltron pidge #pidge vld #vld pidge #pidge gunderson #pidge holt #pidge x reader #katie holt #Pidge #voltron fandom

147 notes · View notes

vylad243 · 6 months

Note

2 different things cause your content has me in a chokehold and I love it

1. Love the new story scratching at the walls for more FR

Are there any thoughts about fallen Emily you wanna share cause I’m a little feral over the idea NGL

2. Going off of the sins thing with Vox again as that is also something I’m feral about I can just think about how the residents find out the Sins are FOND of Vox.

Like they all went to an outing but Vox stayed back cause he was tired and when they do Bee and Vortex are there. Bee is worrying over Vox (mother Hen big sis FR) and Vortex is just going along with it

Or Ozzy comes by cause Charlie wants to do something for Angel and before they get into business he’s just going to ”Vox when did you last eat? Have you drank anything today? When was your last day off? Are you taking care of yourself?” And just ignores the rest of the hotel for 20 minutes

Hi! I'm glad to hear you've been enjoying my fics ^-^

Fallen Emily was an idea I've been playing with for a while. After an anon sent me an ask about demon Adam, I realized I wanted to play with the Heaven hierarchy and do something with the angels. Feathers and Lies is going to be more angst filled with some fluff and (obviously) takes place after Month of Rut!

When Emily fell, she kept all her angelic powers and got a bunch of new demonic ones and the book is going to explore her learning her new powers and just being in Hell. I haven't decided which found family she's going to fall under. I feel like she's going to gravitate to Vox and Charlie more than anyone else because she knows Charlie and Vox basically saved her life by closing the injury.

Her power rank falls just under Lucifer, but she's placed into Vox's rank in the Hell hierarchy. (I need to name the rank still so like suggestions welcomed)

Emily is going to be the one to reveal that Sir Pentious is in Heaven now and that Charlie's hotel works. I'm going to keep the reason she fell a secret for now though ;)

Emily is going to continue doing the duty she did in Heaven- which was bringing joys to others. This is why her and Vox are in the same power group. They both bring joy to sinners

Demon Adam will be making an appearance, too!

As for the sins- Feathers is actually the one where Vox's ranking is going to be revealed to everyone! Sins will be visiting the hotel will get distracted because they didn't realize Vox was there! Big sibling mode will be activated because Vox is still underweight and the power in the other rings was getting spotty- which means he's not a hundred percent.

Bee will be making food for Vox while Ozzy is doing everything he can to make sure he's feeling okay. Is he hydrated? Is he safe? Why the fuck does he have a scar?

Alastor will also be meeting his mate's siblings >:3

List of plotpoints I plan on doing it:

Demon Adam (duh)

Fallen Emily (duh)

Exploring both the hierarchy of Heaven and Hell

Lilith herself will be making an appearance

Alastor's deal

Vox's relationship with the sins

Vox and Emily's ranking and the duties it carries with them

Alastor's mother

I'm hoping to do a lot of world building with this book! I didn't want to be too specific because I don't know what kind of spoilers people want- but those are my planned ideas so you guys are more than welcomed to ask about them!

#hazbin hotel #vox hazbin hotel #anonymous #radiostatic #a month in rut #of feathers and lies #emily hazbin hotel

20 notes · View notes

ratinayellowbandana · 1 year

Note

Imodna prompts:

1. Bells Hells are hanging out on a night off, maybe at the casino in Yios, and Imogen keeps distracting Laudna by whispering sweet nothings into her head.

2. Laudna surprises Imogen with a ring since Imogen already got her one and she wants them both to have one.

hi!! thank you very much for sending this in. you were the first one and I honestly wasn't expecting any, so I'm very grateful. I picked the first prompt and had a lot of fun. tbh i was gonna keep these prompts short and sweet and this one uh. got a little longer than i planned. hope you like it!

length 1.2k

some prompt lists if you're so inclined || my ao3

~~~

Imogen reclines on a plush green stool at the edge of the room. The casino is busy tonight. The locals are here, certainly, buttons loosened after a long day’s work, sipping pints and grumbling about shifts over their card game. The skyship docks are full of out-of-towners just like themselves. They’ve unwittingly found themselves among Yios’s elite patrons, though it seems the most important have been herded off being a curtain. Even owning a skyship isn’t enough to warrant high status, apparently. She scoffs, the farm girl in her thinking fleetingly of sleeping in the hayloft and growing her own food. It’s strange how things have changed.

Some things are still the same. The best things, she thinks, a small knot twisting in her stomach.

Laudna is glowing. With Pâté on her shoulder, she flits from table to table with a broad smile, leaning over patrons to get a better look at each game. Some startle when the neck that extends just a bit too far enters their periphery, but Laudna just grins, even as their eyes go wide when Pâté cocks his little head and his beak falls open. Imogen just chuckles from her position across the room.

Imogen is perfectly content to watch. Ashton and F.C.G. have found their way to a table playing some sort of card game. The dealer huffs as F.C.G. indecisively flips his Changebringer coin for the third time this turn. Imogen catches a surface thought–something about this being the slowest round he’s ever played, wishing they’d move faster. More mistakes that way, better advantage.

Orym corrals Fearne away from a group of very drunk half-elves, but already, Imogen can spot a new trinket or two hanging from the faun’s belts that she could swear weren’t there before. A…pocketwatch? and something else shiny Imogen can’t make out from here. She assumes there’s a fair bit more hidden in Fearne’s fur.

…Imogen? Familiar whispers tap at Imogen’s mind, and she looks back. Laudna peers at her quizzically. It seems she’s linked up with Chetney at a game of dice. Pâté rolls for her. A pretty, exhilarated blush colors her pale cheeks a mottled purple. Are you alright?

Imogen’s lips split into an easy grin. Right as rain. Havin’ fun?

She receives a hum in response. It’s wonderful here, isn’t it?

You’re wonderful, Imogen replies.

Laudna ducks her head shyly, glances down at Pâté, who’s lifting a dice with both tiny hands. She clucks her tongue at him, and he lets it roll. Chetney whoops and claps her on the back, nearly sending her toppling onto the table. She rights herself and looks back at Imogen with a shrug that almost dislocates a shoulder.

I haven’t the faintest clue how to play this game.

Seems like you’re doin’ just fine.

“Another round!” someone shouts, and Imogen winces. It does not go unnoticed.

Imogen?

Just surprised me, is all. She waves it off. You playin’ again?

Seems like it. Chetney has already put in for both of them out of Laudna’s winnings from the last game. Pâté seems to be enjoying himself. It’s good for him to let loose every now and then, hm?

For you, too. Imogen adds. Relaxed looks good on you.

Spindly fingers begin to run through Laudna’s dark hair, where it’s fallen loose from her bun. She looks away again, occupying herself with whatever Chetney is muttering about strategy. It’s a game of luck. Imogen isn’t quite sure how much strategy could possibly be involved, but Laudna seems intently focused. She leans in, back hunching to reveal the vertebrae through her blouse. She continues tugging at her hair.

Imogen silently sends a mage hand to pull it behind her ear and settle Launda’s twitching hands. Laudna turns with narrowed eyes.

Was that you, darling?

No, Imogen lies.

Laudna rolls her eyes as Chetney demands her concentration. He’s gesturing, now, in a manner that can only suggest some centuries-old strategy for lucky rolling. Pâté does not seem to get it.

It’s charming, watching Laudna warm under the heat of Imogen’s affections. The way color pools beneath her skin, and she can’t quite make eye contact. She isn’t used to this sort of attention, Imogen knows, even after their years spent together, and that’s just fine. It simply means Imogen will continue until each moment no longer holds the weight of self-hatred, however long it takes. It’s certainly not a burden, not when Imogen also gets to bask in the warmth that settles low in her chest when Laudna bites her lip and quietly, quietly asks if Imogen really thinks so?

She always does.

Laudna has removed the rock chisel from her hair and nimbly twists it between her fingers.

Takin’ ‘lettin’ your hair down’ literally, are we? Looks real pretty.

It tumbles down Laudna’s back in a wave that Imogen itches to comb through. An image of the two of them, Laudna sat between Imogen’s legs, flashes through her mind. Countless nights of brushing and braiding by candlelight.

Are you bored, Imogen? It’s asked good-naturedly, a bit flustered, with the subtlest hint of a tease. She’s deflecting.

Could never be bored ‘round you.

Imogen, Laudna admonishes, but it’s half-hearted. You’re distracting me.

Me? No. Besides, Pâté’s the one playin’.

It’s true. Chetney has given up explaining whatever it was to Laudna and has focused his attention on Pâté, who is somehow managing to appear confused despite a distinct lack of facial features.

I meant it, though, Imogen continues, determined, y’look real lovely.

Laudna doesn’t respond but adjusts her posture to stand a bit straighter. She snatches the die from where they’ve fallen after Chetney’s attempt that left him swearing under his breath. Imogen’s mage hand flicks him behind the ear, and he whirls, searching for the culprit. Laudna rolls, making no attempt to mimic his technique. Imogen can hear Chetney’s cursing from her spot, and her suspicions are confirmed when the dwarf running the game passes Laudna a small coin purse. Chetney glares at Laudna’s retreating form as she crosses the room to Imogen.

Imogen reaches out an arm that Laudna does not take.

“Was that your doing?” Laudna pouts.

“Was what?”

“Winning.”

Imogen brings a hand to her chest, aghast. “Darlin’, I would never.” Laudna raises an eyebrow. “I would, maybe, distract Chetney so he stops breathin’ down your neck, though.”

Laudna nods sagely, takes Imogen’s outstretched hand. “My hero.”

“Anythin’ for you, darlin’.” Imogen brushes a kiss across the back of Laudna’s knuckles and does her best to ignore the fluttering in her chest. Imogen huffs out a laugh, stands. “What’d’ya say we get out of here? Head to bed?”

“Sounds marvelous.”

Imogen sends a quick message to Orym before they make their exit. She can’t see him, but she receives a harried, Goodnight! in response, which can only mean he’ll be here a while yet before herding the others to a room.

“Our hero.” Pâté corrects, his rough voice muffled from his hiding place in Laudna’s hair.

“Yes, alright, our hero,” Laudna amends.

“There’s enough hero in me for two, I think.”

“There certainly is,” Laudna replies with a knowing smile, “You’re very capable.”

#thank you so much!#this was just for fun so not really edited lol #and im so grateful to the folks who sent in prompts #im gonna keept working on them!#critical role #cr3 #laudna #imogen temult #imodna #imodna fic #my fic #critical role fanfiction

77 notes · View notes

clickerflight · 9 months

Text

Esial: Part 11 - Phone Calls and Door Latches

Happy new years, guys! This is the last part of this arc. There will be more of Esial, trust me, but there will be a bit of a time skip between this and the next arc. Things are going to get wild. I have a plot line and everything. Anyways! Enjoy!

Masterlist

Part 10

Content: Vampire whumpee, human whumpee, emotional whump, injury recovery, depressive thoughts (nothing too deep but hinted at) loneliness, emotional angst

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

Kyle checked the clock for what had to be the 12th time in the past half hour. He pressed a gentle hand to his side. It was well wrapped in bandages and padding and it was apparently healing well, but it still hurt. He needed to take some meds for it soon. The only issue was Kyle had to take it with food or he would end up throwing up.

He sighed, leaning his head against the back of the couch, barely listening to the cooking competition show he had turned on to distract himself. He needed to get up to make food, which would make the pain worse, which would make the food harder to make. It was an unending loop. In the past he would have been able to ask Joanna for some help but even just thinking about her made his head and side hurt more.

He closed his eyes, trying not to tear up. His life was a complete mess. He didn’t live near any family who could come help him, Joseph and his bondmate were the closest things Kyle had to friends, but he couldn’t bring himself to ask them for anything. Muir was busy all the time, running himself even harder than before now that he was a vampire and Joseph was always at the rehab center. Adding himself as another load onto them was selfish.

He sighed again and leaned forward slowly, wincing. He couldn’t even get off this stupid couch. His education was down the drain, he couldn’t work, he didn’t have any family or friends. He didn’t have anything except for expensive medical bills that would drain his funds for finishing out schooling and lawyers calling him every day trying to get him to change the wording in his testimonies in sneaky ways, trying to get him to make it look less bad that his best friend had kept a vampire in her shed surrounded by silver and then shot him in a desperate attempt to sell the guy.

This was insane. How was this his life?

By the time Kyle got to the counter in the kitchen, he had to lean on it, fighting rising sobs because he knew they would only make his side hurt more. He could cry after the meds had some time to kick in. No crying before then. And maybe he could do it in his bed as well. As a treat.

He slowly gathered himself back together and opened his fridge, pulling out a container of chili. His neighbor, Barbara, had been bringing him some food now and again after he’d gotten back from the hospital. He wished she would stop. She was friendly, of course, but there was a prideful part of him that wished he had more help than his 50 year old neighbor who took pity on him and took the chance to talk to him as a way to feel a little less lonely herself. He put the chili in the microwave, wincing as he heard the first pop of one of the beans. Who knew how long his microwave was going to be chili splattered before he had the energy to clean it.

He leaned on the counter again, waiting for the minute to be up so he could stir it and put it in for another minute when he felt his phone buzz in his pocket.

He closed his eyes against the anguish the sound caused in his soul as he dug it out. He looked at it, dreading to see some unknown number that could be the hospital or another Lawyer who found another phone number to call from, but he had this number saved in his phone.

Joseph.

He didn’t know if that was worse.

He accepted the call and went to lift the phone to his ear, but gave up as pain lanced up his side.

“Nope,” he muttered to himself, putting his arm back down and putting Joseph on speaker.

“Hey,” Kyle said, hoping desperately that he didn’t sound like he’d been crying.

“Hey, Kyle. Good to hear your voice,” Joseph said. Kyle didn’t like how timid the vampire sounded, like he wasn’t sure about how Kyle was going to react to something. “How are you? I meant to come up and check on you this morning but then I figured you were probably still sleeping and I didn’t want to-”

“What is it, Joseph?” Kyle sighed, watching the inside of his microwave get progressively dirtier inside.

“Oh… ah. It’s Esial.”

Kyle closed his eyes as his microwave beeped. He’d wait till after the call to deal with it.

“What about him?”

“He’s doing alright. Ah, a little confused, homesick, that sort of thing. That’s normal. He just asked if he could talk to you sometime. You don’t have to do it now, of course. I’m just seeing if you’d be up to it in the next couple of weeks or… you know… whenever.”

Kyle didn’t open his eyes, focusing on keeping calm steady breathes. There were flashes of light in his mind’s eye, a bleeding vampire hovering over him, Kyle himself open on the table.

A gun to his head, a scared vampire trying to free himself from a woman Kyle had once called his best friend.

A vampire sitting, nearly naked, in a spot surrounded by silver in a shed.

“Kyle? You still there?”

“No.”

“What?”

“No,” Kyle said, more exhausted this time. “Look, no offense to the guy, but I can’t. I can’t anymore. I’m so sick of this.”

“Oh… well, maybe we can talk about this later after you’re heal-”

“NO! Joseph! I don’t want to talk to that stupid vampire. I don’t want to ever see him again, you hear!? I want my life back! And I know it’s not his fault but…. Crap, Joseph. Just….. Just leave me alone.”

Before Joseph could protest, Kyle hung up. He tossed his phone onto the counter, staring at it for a long time before he turned. He left the chili in the microwave, he left the TV and lights on, but he snagged a piece of bread to stuff into his mouth on the way past, made a beeline for the bathroom where he took his meds.

He laid on top of his blankets for a long time, something in his pocket digging into his leg as he stared at the wall. Once he felt the meds start working he buried his face in his pillow and screamed before allowing himself to cry softly for another hour, letting that eventually carry him to sleep.

…………………………………….

Esial had finally figured out the door handle properly. It amused him to no end to open the door and then just pull the handle down to see the catch slide in and out of the door. He was fascinated by the mechanism and a little tempted to take it apart to see if he could replicate it in some way. He didn’t dare, though. When he’d done that to the ‘lamp’ by his bed he couldn’t get it to work again after and he didn’t want to do the same thing to the door latch.

He looked up as he heard someone coming down the hall and was delighted to see it was Joseph. And just like he had asked Joseph every time Esial had seen him since the night walk, he asked, “Can I talk to Kyle?”

Joseph reached the door, looking rather uncomfortable. Esial was getting good at recognizing that emotion, especially on Joseph, but his teachers who had started teaching him body language said he was picking it up pretty well anyways.

“I called Kyle,” Joseph said slowly, but Esial waited patiently for him to get to the point.

Joseph rubbed the back of his neck. “He’s… going through a rough patch right now. He just got really badly hurt and he’s tired and having a kind of bad time. He’s not ready to talk to you right now.”

“Then next week?” Esial asked. He hoped a week meant what he thought it meant. Or was it day? He knew it wasn’t month. A month was a cycle of a moon cause they both started with an M sound.

Joseph sighed. “I don’t know when, Esial.”

Esial frowned. “Why not?”

“Because… look. Kyle’s not ready to really be around people much. We should leave him be.”

Esial wrinkled his nose at that. “Not ready? I just want to talk in the old language. That is all. I am not asking for him to kill hippos while he is injured. I just want to talk.”

Joseph gave Esial a look that the isolated vampire didn’t understand. It looked complicated.

This only frustrated him further.

“Do I ask too much?” Esial asked, bearing his teeth. “Only talk. Does not even have to be long one!” He wanted to apologize for coming to the hospital, he wanted to ask about certain things that he couldn’t grasp because he didn’t know English well. He wanted to talk in a language he was more familiar with instead of fighting with each sentence and each word.

“No,” Joseph said. “He’s just tired. He’ll probably come around to talk to you eventually-”

“‘Come around?’ That is phrase with other meaning. He does… he does not want to talk with me.”

“No, wait, Esial, it’s more complicated than that. It-”

“He does not. I scare him?” Esial did not consider himself scary to anything. Not even to hippos. Hippos do not feel fear. He wasn’t very tall, he was confused most of the time, and he didn’t even mean Kyle harm. Kyle knew that! He defended Esial in the hospital.

Esial growled and Joseph tried to placate the older vampire. “Esial, it’s not that. A lot of things happened, okay? He’s dealing with a lot of bad emotions and he doesn’t know what he wants. This isn’t about you.”

“I do not ask much! I only want to sorry to him! I want to ask thing that do not … not-” Esial snapped his fingers- “In here,” he said, gesturing to his head. “I was hurt! Why bad emotion with me!?”

“Emotions are more complicated than that. It’s, They’re, crap. How do I explain this to you?”

“This why I need talk with Kyle!” Esial said, giving up on following all of the stupid confusing rules of this stupid confusing language.

“He doesn’t want to talk to you,” Joseph blurted, frustrated. “Right now,” he said quickly, but Esial heard the pause.

Esial snarled, bore his teeth again and cussed Joseph out with the language that his parents had taught him before backing up and slamming the door, panting as he stood in the darkness of his room.

He could hear Joseph pacing outside for a moment before he finally walked off, leaving Esial alone.

Esial: @whumpsday @honeycollectswhump @writereleaserepeat @tragedyinblue @hyrules-sleepiest-knight @why-not-ask-me-a-better-question @thecyrulik @gt-daboss

From Dust to Ashes: @whumpsday @writereleaserepeat @currentlyinthesprial @pigeonwhumps

#whump #esial #from dust to ashes #human whumpee #vampire whumpee #angst #injury recovery #depressive thoughts

21 notes · View notes

clumsiestgiantess · 1 year

Text

Chapter twelve of the Other-world Universe; Alexis returns after four years of time away. How much has changed? (tw various hints of abuse)(disaster is afoot)

[Who all this was for]

For the rest of the summer, I focused my attention on other important things, mainly getting into college. Next school year would be my senior year, and I’d already narrowed down my top picks. The summer dragged on, but I was more determined than ever to avoid the other-world. For once, I did not give in to temptation and visit it for anything. I kept myself busy with various small summer projects instead.

Of these, my favorite was a silly little shark plushie I tried to make myself. Its proportions were very squished and it bulged a bit at the front, but I thought it looked awfully cute. However, I began to lose interest even in the little projects. I was almost relieved when school started up again. High school easily distracted me more than any of my summer plans had. Though every once and a while I would catch myself wondering about the other-world — whether Erica was doing alright. I’d always disregard those thoughts once I began longing to return. They often disappeared as quickly as they emerged. Once I remembered how I’d left, there really was no reason to go back. Erica was probably fine. She finally had a life completely separate from me, and any harm I might cause.

School was.. well, school. Tough, but nothing I couldn’t do with enough practice. Before I knew it, volleyball season had returned and things started looking up. I actually enjoyed my new routine. It was certainly a lot less stressful dealing with only one world instead of two. By the end of the year I’d been accepted into one of the colleges I had looked at over summer break. Time flew after that. A bucket list formed of things I wanted to do before I left home, and I constantly strived to complete everything on it. I was anxious but content, and dare I say happy. Before I knew it, graduation day had arrived. Suddenly, I could barely recall the other-world anymore. After a large graduation party, and weeks of preparing and packing, I officially left home. Adult life was more difficult than it was made out to be, but I managed. I mean, technically I was still in school.

I tried to even out the stress of assignments and due dates with a steady relationship. There was this nagging ache I'd feel from time to time whenever I got bored or lonely that needed to be filled. However, none of the guys I'd ever dated felt quite right. Something was missing. I had no clue what it could be. Some of the relationships I’d been in had come pretty close to perfect, yet that small ache was never quite satisfied. So in the end, I never stuck around.

It was the week before Thanksgiving, three years after my high school graduation, when I got an unexpected call from my dad. He and Liam were cleaning out the house and trashing a bunch of unnecessary things. They’d even rented a dumpster and everything. Dad asked me if I could come over during my break and help them move the heavier things out. Of course, I agreed. I was happy to go back home, I had lots of good memories there, and thanks to the holiday, my grandparents were there too — the whole family.

Everyone celebrated the small family reunion upon my return. My first day home, I stayed up late talking with my brother and reminiscing. The next day, after sleeping in late for the first time that month, I got to work. All morning I was preoccupied with moving an old sitting room setup. The furniture was heavier than it looked. I was barely able to drag everything into the dumpster in the driveway before throwing in the towel and stopping for lunch.

My next task was removing a flimsy ping pong table from the storage room in the basement. As tired as I was, the ping pong table was made of old plastic, so it wouldn’t be very hard for me to lift. While I walked downstairs with my father, he gestured vaguely to the main room of the basement. “We’ll probably be dumping the playtable too. I got Liam to clean all the crap off of it so we can trash it.” He shook his head, “I don’t think that thing’s been touched in years.” Just then, my grandmother yelled down to Dad. She was having trouble with the automatic coffee machine, trying to figure out how to make tea with it. “I’ll be back when I can,” he sighed, “This might be a while.” He disappeared upstairs, leaving me in the basement alone.

The table, having been mentioned, suddenly appeared in the forefront of my mind. It was like visiting old ruins, forgotten by the world — a piece of my childhood I’d forced out of my mind, back from the dead. As if in a trance, I walked slowly over to its edge. It was completely empty. The city and everything else I remembered was gone. Of course it’s all missing; I’ve been away for years. Still, its blank surface was unnerving to me. It didn’t help that I could still feel the strange static sensation that had first drawn me to it. That feels like a lifetime ago.

I glanced at the stairs, then back to the table uncertainly. The age-old question returned from the depths of my mind. Should I go back? It’s been so long, but I probably shouldn’t risk it, right? I hesitated for only a moment. A strangely familiar feeling overcame me, and I was in the other-world again. It was uncanny how little things had changed there. The valley I always appeared in still seemed completely untouched. Well, it’s only been four years. What did I expect? Honestly, I expected it not to work. I had doubts that I’d actually been to this place, but this world is very clearly still here, as real as it ever was.

My nostalgia trip which started at home continued into the other-world. I meandered through the old mountain range and followed its edge down to the subdivisions and the city. So much had happened since I was last there. I was only eighteen when I left. I'm twenty-two now, closer to twenty-three. Yet, the familiarity of the other-world brought me right back to older days. Memories I'd long since suppressed came back to me in a sudden rush.

Purposefully, I’d tried my hardest to forget what happened on my last day, but once I passed by the hidden lake, the weight of what I'd recognized was too much for me to dismiss. I hurt so many people here. Why do I want to come back again? Now I remembered why I left. I'm too dangerous for this world; I don't belong here. I'll just check to see if the city still looks like how I remember it, then I'll leave. I'll ask Dad to throw away the table today so this world can't tempt me anymore.

Sure of my decision, I walked on without a single glance back. However, when I neared the beginning of civilization, I stopped dead in my tracks. I gagged on the heavy scent of gasoline in the air as I gazed out over the little houses. The whole neighborhood was shredded, like the aftermath of a tornado or hurricane. Many of the houses were completely destroyed, and upon closer observation, even the ones left completely unscathed had long been abandoned. Many of the peoples’ possessions were still left in their houses. They hadn’t even had time to bring everything with them.

Looking out at the horizon, I saw even from a distance that a similar devastation had taken place in the city too. One of the signature pronged buildings had collapsed, damaging the skyline. What happened here!? “Oh no,” I gasped aloud, “Did this happen because the table was cleaned off?” It can’t be, I realized, or everything would be completely gone. The table and this world are not the same. Some of these houses aren’t even damaged; that isn’t the reason. I was utterly baffled. The amount of mass destruction was terrifying to see.

So if this wreckage wasn’t caused by the table, then what happened? I looked around, distraught. “Hello?” I called, “ Is anyone here?” I had turned back from invisibility; there was really no need for secrecy anymore. In all honesty, I would rather catch someone shrieking in fear of me than finding no one at all. “Hello?” I called again. Still there was no response. Stepping through the wreckage, I slowly made it to the city, stopping every few feet to call out again. Each time I was met with silence. As far as I could tell, there wasn’t a single person left. A single living person, that is. An unnerving amount of damaged and shredded corpses were scattered about the ground almost everywhere, sending chills down my arms.

The silent tension grew as I walked the abandoned streets. I used to have to be intangible just to be nearby. Now I can walk right through. I meandered up and down rows of empty buildings and roads, an unnerving static humm in the air. There wasn't a single soul in sight. Where did everyone go? I don't understand, how could everyone just disappear? There has to be someone left! In my rapidly upsetting state, I returned to invisibility. I wasn’t quite sure why, other than some vague gut feeling.

After walking through the abandoned city streets for some time, I began to feel a strange connection. As if I subconsciously knew I needed to be there somewhere. I invisibly stalked the ruined streets until I came to the place I was drawn to. I'd never been in that part of the city before. It was always too crowded for me to ever get close, but with everyone gone it became an eerie and desolate wasteland.

Shouts echoed through empty halls and a door suddenly swung open behind me. People! I turned in excitement. A rough looking gang burst through the open doorway, and I was instantly disappointed. There were about five or six men filing roughly down the stairs; each one carrying an impressive array of weapons with them. They had everything from simple crowbars and home-made weapons to rifles and pistols. One even hauled a machine gun on his back. Why was I taken here? Who are these people? Where's everyone else?

One final man marched out of the building. I recognized him instantly. John, Erica's awful ex-lover whom I'd thankfully never officially met. He was holding some kind of metal dog chain, the other end of which was still inside the building. I was instantly repelled by the sight of him. I hate this man. Out of all the people I could have found, why him? Why did HE survive whatever apocalypse happened while I was gone?

I watched him saunter down the stairs, and as the men flanked him on either side, I realized he was the leader of this post-apocalyptic gang. John yanked on the chain he'd been dragging, and I readily expected some scary breed of dog to come rushing out. However, that was not the case. I watched in sheer horror as an even more familiar face was yanked into the open, gagged and bound.

Erica was practically thrown down the stairway outside, landing in a heap in front of the other gang members, all of whom began to laugh cruelly. What in the actual fucking hell!? Every so often I would get nightmares of Erica or the destruction I’d caused. She would always be yelling at me, my own size, hunting me down to hurt me for what I’d done to her — face blurry with the years of forgetting. Sometimes I would be trapped in a dark room, other times I’d be running through the forest by the lake. If I hadn’t woken in fright by then, I would eventually come across the crushed corpses, and then I’d wake up. It was so horribly surreal to find her in such an awful situation when she’d been my tormentor for so long.

The chain and Erica were roughly tied to a streetlamp just outside the door. That pole in particular was caked in dried blood. "So much for your escape plans, little girl," John remarked coldly, prompting more laughter from the other men. "Did you really think you could get away from me that easily?" He was leaning in close to Erica's face, forcing her to look at him with an iron grip on her throat. Suddenly, she lashed out and kicked him square in the groin. John fell backwards in pain and called out to the others. "Fuck! Give her hell!" Every man raised their weapon. Those who had short range weapons surrounded her, and those with guns took aim.

"NO!" In a split second, I leapt forward, reaching out in front of Erica to defend her. Though she’d been torturing me in dreams for years, I knew that it was only in my head. I couldn’t stand by and watch her get hurt. I rushed blindly into the side of the building, sending everything crashing down around me. Thankfully, Erica was spared the brute of the avalanche I'd created, having been shielded from its force by my hands. Some of the men were not as lucky. A good half of them had been buried under the rubble, including John. From the corner of my eye I watched his shocked expression as clouds of dust billowed around him. The last I’d seen of him was that very face being torn apart by debris before a wall of cinder brick collapsed on top of him.

To the remaining men, I appeared as if from the air — a towering shadow of an angry behemoth, obscured by the cloud of rising dust off the crushed rubble. They all looked up at me in fear, and for once I was delighted by it. "YOU'RE ALL DEAD!" I screamed, reaching for them. A few tried to fight back, but most of them just ran. Someone even shot at me, but the bullets barely stung more than a bug bite would.

I killed them all easily. Too easily. Each thug was crushed unrecognizably between muscle and rubble. In sheer anger, I picked up a couple men and hurled them at the side of a building. Another, the final escapee, I tore apart in fury; like you would tear apart a bad drawing or unwelcome notice.

After the last man had been finished off, I screamed aggressively out into the barren streets. The thugs' punishment had been too quick, I had nothing left to inflict my wrath upon now besides warped corpses. All my anger over Erica’s captors, as well as my actions in this world and their awful consequences, spilled out into a blind rage.

Instead of searching for more bodies, I took out my anger on another building. It toppled to the ground in a groaning broken sound that only further fueled my wild adrenaline-filled rampage. I kicked and clawed, beating it down mercilessly until I was bloody and bruised. My chest heaved with heavy breaths as I finally began to feel the pain lashing out. Legs going numb, I fell to my knees in the center of the destruction. My anger subsided just as quickly as it emerged.

Easing out of my fog, I remembered who it was for. I turned, unsure. Erica was still chained to the streetlamp, fighting desperately against her bindings. I rushed to her side and she went completely still, eyes going wide. Reaching out, I carefully took the chains between my thumb and index finger, crushing them until they snapped. The metal fell onto the concrete with a dull thud. Instantly, Erica struggled to undo the rest of her bindings. As she freed herself, I surveyed the damage I'd done, recognizing that I'd proven yet again how destructive and horrible I could be.

I heard more chains fall to the ground, and I carefully lay myself down to look Erica in the eyes. It had been so long, and she looked awful. Bloody, bruised; as messed up as I was, she looked inherently worse. The moment she was free, I began an apology. This was by far my worst episode yet. At least the other times I’d hurt people I'd done so by accident. Not that it mattered to her.

"I'm so sorry, I-'' she didn't let me finish. Erica raced forward and grasped my open hand, desperately sobbing into it. I realized shortly afterwards that this was her attempt at a hug. My massive size made things a bit more complicated, but I delicately scooped her up and held her to my chest. Erica continued to cry; I could feel her clinging tightly to me. An angry burning feeling rose in my throat, and I pressed my eyes shut to keep tears from seeping out. For what seemed like an eternity, we sat together. Both of us were locked in an embrace that neither of us wanted to let go of.

Eventually I could feel Erica's grip loosening, and I carefully placed her back on solid ground, giving her a moment to gain her balance and stand. "I missed you so much," Erica whispered hoarsely. "I didn't think you were coming back." She'd missed me? She wanted me back? Of course, I realized, my slight torture of controlling minds to make her life better was likely a paradise compared to whatever hell she's gone through without me.

"You're ok," I told her softly, "You're alright. They can't hurt you now." I whispered sweet nothings to her as she crawled back into my outstretched palm, just like the day I'd left her. I stood ever so slowly, cupping her close. "Don't leave," Erica begged quietly, half asleep. Her drowsiness worried me; it was very unnatural, likely brought about by drugs or whatnot, but she needed the rest either way. "I won't leave you," I assured her. Erica nodded drowsily, then passed out, her body falling limply across my palm.

The sight of Erica's forlorn form laying in my hand forced forwards the tears I'd been trying to hold back. My eyes began to water, and tears slid silently down my cheeks, but I managed to cast them away with a swipe of my free hand. How did this happen? What's going on!? The city is destroyed, abandoned, and overrun. Where is everyone else? Is this really all that’s left? It can’t be.

I was sure Erica would answer my questions eventually, so I headed to the cliffside where the mansion once stood. Erica's house had been completely demolished in whatever event had taken the rest of the houses there. Despite my being gone for years, the now barren mountainside still felt like home. I watched my step where I walked; it was a force of habit, though many of the buildings around me had long been torn apart.

When I reached the cliffside, I carefully placed Erica down on a rubble-free part of the lawn. I dug through the remains of her old house and found a blanket that was only a little worse for wear. I shook it out and draped it over her sleeping form. An echo of a memory flashed before my eyes like deja-vu.

My heartstrings were pulled taunt as I watched Erica laying on the cliffside where her house, that I'd bought her, lay in ruins. She looked different now. Older, for sure, and her hair had grown out from her favorite neck-short cut, but she also looked a lot more worn down. It was fairly obvious why, but at the same time, it made no sense. Why would she go back to seeing John? How could he get away with doing something like this? However, judging by the ruined state of the landscape around me, I assumed that laws were likely a lot more lenient in the apocalyptic aftermath of whatever disaster had struck the other-world. I badly wanted Erica to wake up and talk to me, so she could help me understand what had happened.

Solemnly, I stood at the cliff's edge, watching valiantly over Erica’s sleeping form. Was she always this small? My hand hovered briefly over her for a moment before she shifted in her sleep and I quickly backed off. I remembered the people of the other-world were little, but she was only a bit taller than my pinky finger.

Not knowing when exactly Erica would wake up, I took the chance I had to rush into my world and grab some food. I haphazardly threw together a quick sandwich and grabbed a few things for the road. Both my father and grandmother were in the kitchen at the time, confused at my rushed gathering of supplies, but I was in too much of a hurry to come up with a decent excuse. I only worked faster to avoid any more attention and returned to the basement. I had no idea when I would be back, so I left dealing with my family for later.

Gathered items and shrinking box in hand, I quickly returned to the other-world, only to find myself right in front of Erica's mansion. I almost walked right into the rock face. Oh shit, I can go to more places than the field? I guess I’ve never tried. That would’ve been useful to know before I left.

Thankfully, Erica hadn't moved since my pit stop, so I settled into a more reasonable pace and shrank a few items for her to have whenever she woke up. Her unnatural drowsiness kept bugging me, though. For the next few hours I spent waiting for Erica to wake, I frequently checked her pulse and breathing, just in case. What I would've done if either had stopped I don't know, but thankfully it never came to that. With nothing else to do, I addressed my own wounds. Most of which I'd given myself in anger. The bullet holes were actually quite painful. I knew I should get the metal out of my skin, and I had preemptively grabbed a first-aid kit from the basement. I removed the tweezers from the small box and set to work.

It was hard going; the metal pieces were miniscule, and I could barely latch onto them with the tweezers. Once the bullets were all finally removed, I was left with raw gaping holes in my skin where they'd hit. I sucked in a pained breath of air and began to bandage them up. Taking a tiny bottle of rubbing alcohol from the kit, I stepped away from the cliffside to pour it over my cuts before I finished wrapping them. While I was at it, I poured some water over my hands to wash off the blood and grime from the city.

When I returned, I saw Erica’s little form sitting up on the cliffside and I ran over in an instant. I was starting to get worried she might not wake up. She stood shocked at my sudden appearance. "Alexis?" Her eyes shone hopefully for a brief moment, then they dulled. "This has to be a dream," Erica whispered, "You left," she stated, pointing at me, "I know you did." After looking me over, she shook her head and sighed longingly. "God, you're so gorgeous this time. This is torture; I know you're not real," she grumbled. "I'll probably be chained to the wall somewhere when I wake up." Did she just call me gorgeous? And how often does she get chained to a wall!? I stared down at Erica, who was pacing back and forth across the cliff edge in front of me, ranting about the likelihood of everything being a fever dream.

"But," I interjected, slightly confused, "I am real. Erica, I'm back. I know I shouldn't be, but I'm here. What happened? Where is everyone?" She only laughed and brushed me off with a dismissive wave. "Yeah, like you don't already know," Erica chuckled sarcastically. "I'm sure the real Alexis wouldn't give two shits about this place. She's off in her own world — probably forgot about me." Saying this, Erica stopped pacing and her expression fell. She turned from me, and I suddenly felt very melancholy about disappearing for so long. How do I get her to listen to me? Usually in movies someone needs to feel pain before they know they're not dreaming. I won't hurt her, but maybe…

Tentatively leaning over the cliffside, I reached out and brushed her arm gently with the pad of my finger. I couldn’t think of much else I could try, but maybe that would be enough to snap her out of it. At my touch, Erica stiffened and slowly turned to me, eyes widening with recognition. She dazedly reached out with her free hand and gently placed it over mine, still hovering by her side. Finally, she seemed to realize that our meeting wasn't her imagination.

"Is this..? Are you..?" Try as she might, she couldn't finish a sentence without choking up. I was filled with ecstatic joy now that she recognized me. A smile spread lopsided across my face. "I'm here. It's me," I assured her. She grasped my hand in a fierce wave of emotion before stumbling backwards out of my grasp. "But.. how? Why? You're here! You're actually here, holy shit!" she yelled, overjoyed. "You asshole," Erica chided suddenly, "Where the hell have you been? I waited weeks, months even, and you didn't come back. Then the world went to shit and I thought: 'for sure she'll show up to fix this', but you didn't!"

Now she had her arms crossed, glaring up at me. "My house was destroyed, I barely escaped with my life. I went to John, I- fuck, I don't know why. I shouldn't have, but I didn't know he'd gone batshit insane! I- he.." Erica quieted, thinking back to who knows what. Eventually, she held up her wrists in silent explanation. They were rubbed raw where the chains had been, and I shuddered at the sight. "Where were you? I needed you!"

I looked down at her indignantly. Although I did feel sorry for her, I couldn't help it. "You told me to leave and never come back! I was traumatized by what I'd done, and I swore I would never return to this world again!" I explained in exasperation. "I'm only here now by coincidence, and I have to leave in a week to go back to school. I came here to say my final goodbyes before my way here gets destroyed, only to find everything in ruins, and people dead in the street!"

Erica was taken aback by this. Her arms fell limply at her sides and her angry expression melted away. "But you can't leave," she said solemnly, "I- I know I told you not to come back, but I didn't think you'd actually listen. You- You never actually really left before, just distanced yourself for a while." Erica tilted her head back to gaze up at me meaningfully. “I honestly thought you would still come around to check up on me, and try to help out like you always do to make up for things. You actually leaving.. That is what I told you to do, but I guess it.. it isn’t what I wanted. It isn’t what I meant! I just wanted you to leave me alone for a while! I- I didn’t want you to leave for forever! You were supposed to come back for me.”

Erica was quiet for a while, then gasped. "That fight in the city, did that-? That actually happened, didn't it? He.. he’s dead?" I nodded slowly. Erica stilled, undoubtedly realizing the full extent of what I'd seen and what had happened. Her face flushed and she looked away, ashamed. I doubted she'd have wanted me to find her so helpless like that. She was even forced to wear an awful outfit the thugs from the city had given her; if you could even call it that. There was significantly more bear skin than fabric, but she had no other option. Her actual clothes were likely lost to the rubble of the mansion.

A long, heavy silence filled the air. My mind was still reeling from the fact that she'd been waiting for me all this time. I was so sure she never wanted to see me again. "I remember.. in the city.." Erica whispered, barely audible. "You said you wouldn't leave me."

I could practically feel my heart shatter at her words. For so long I'd been trying my hardest to forget about Erica, and all along she was right here waiting for me. To stay would mean undoing all of the progress I made moving on in life; to grow up and forget this fantasy. But leaving would prevent any chance for me to start something new. I wanted so badly to have Erica’s trust. I’d broken it too many times, but now she truly needed it.

As Erica gazed up at me with gut-wrenching uncertainty, I could feel something steel up inside my chest. Some primal, protective urge clawed its way through my mind with chilling determination. Whatever happened to her while I was gone will not happen again. Not on my watch. Leaning over the cliffside, I carefully inched a finger closer until it brushed lightly against her cheek. "Never,” I said earnestly, “I will never leave you again." My words resounded in the soft quiet between us. "I'll only ever go if you ask."

Erica nodded, tearing up. I bent down even further, resting my chin on the ground in front of her. Hesitantly, Erica stepped closer and brought my head even lower, pressing her forehead to mine. I held my breath as chills wrung down my spine. We've never been this close before. I closed my eyes; I've only ever dreamed of a moment like this, back when I had good dreams about her. Relief swept through me in a shuddering gasp, and suddenly I was in tears. I guess I’d never realized how much I missed being there.

I can't really lie to myself, though; I didn't miss this world nearly as much as I missed her. "Oh god, don't cry," Erica laughed halfheartedly, "Then I'll start crying too." I smiled as she brushed a tear off my cheek, lifting my head slightly to see her. I couldn't help it, I blushed rose pink. We held each other's gaze for a moment, then I sighed. "I'm just happy to be back." Erica nodded, and I slowly pulled away, propping up my head on my arms, smiling blissfully. Then I caught a glimpse of the ruined mansion.

I bolted upright. Suddenly, all my questions came racing back to me. "What happened here? Where is everyone?" I asked. “I was so worried; I came back and everything’s dead.” Erica blinked in confusion, her smile slowly disappearing in thought. Damn it, I didn't mean to upset her. "You know what, nevermind. I- You don't have to tell me now. Let's celebrate my return; I brought snacks!"

"You really don't know?" Erica asked, interrupting me. She studied me closely. "I guess people might want to keep this a secret," she mumbled, motioning for me to come back down. I knelt in front of her over the cliffside so we were eye to eye. Erica fidgeted nervously with her hands, flinching as she touched the raw circles of skin on her wrists. "Well, there's no easy way to say this, but.. I think your people have been abducting us for science… And before you say 'that's impossible'," she added hastily just before I could say it, "I've seen it happen. That's where everyone went. I think. Hopefully some of us escaped."

I was struck speechless. Why? How? Did they know the secret to this world? Obviously not, or whoever it is would be mind-controlling everyone to their will. "You have to help us," Erica insisted suddenly, "I know you don't care about my world or anyone besides me, but.. Are you really just going to stand by and watch everything burn?"

"What?" I asked in disbelief, "I- Why do you think that? I care about your world!" "Then help us,” she spat back, “If you care so much." "I will," I said matter-of-factly. "Great. When the hazmat giants come back through their portal you can tell them to fuck off." "What makes you think they'll listen to me? Clearly they aren't very reasonable." "You're one of them," Erica said, exasperated, "They have to listen to you."

I sighed and sank to the ground below, trying to process everything that happened while I was gone. I lay back on the face of the cliff. It’s only been four years, yet it seems like a lifetime ago. How did my world even find this one? What are they planning to do with everyone they took? Maybe Erica misunderstood, and the people who used to live here are just hiding somewhere. Why haven’t I heard about anyone finding this place on the news? It must be some top-secret government project. Otherwise, I’m pretty sure I would’ve heard about the discovery of a tiny world.

Looking out over the wreckage of neighborhoods, I could now see the slight hints of people my own size. Footprints in the ground and divots made by machinery suddenly became glaringly obvious. The overpowering stench of gasoline also made a bit more sense. It was too powerful for anything other-worldian, but about average for something my own scale.

“So,” Erica prompted, “you’ll get rid of them?” I nodded, “I’ll talk to them, find out what’s going on.” “But you’ll get rid of them, right?” I glanced up at the top of the cliff, a few inches above me. Erica was standing there, peering down at me while trying to keep away from the edge. “Yeah, I’ll try. I don’t know how well they’ll react to some random person from their own world telling them to get out, though.” Erica shrugged, “Worth a shot.” I nodded in agreement. The sun was slowly sinking; it wasn’t getting dark quite yet, but it was low enough to tell the day was coming to an end. I pulled some of the snacks out of the pile of my things on the ground nearby. “Here, eat something,” I told Erica, handing her some of the shrunken food. I stood to go collect wood for a fire, since the lights in the house were clearly damaged beyond repair.

Before I could take more than a step away from the cliff, Erica called out after me. “Wait! Where are you going?” She sounded so concerned; did she think I was leaving to my own world? "I'm just going to get firewood, I'll be right back." Erica glanced around uneasily, as if she were expecting some apparition to appear in the growing shadows and steal her off. "Do you have to?" I gave her a small knowing smile, I had promised not to leave her. "Would you rather come with me?" I asked, offering her my hand. Erica hesitated briefly, then nodded and climbed on.

Despite having been gone for years, she seemed rather comfortable with me. I knew it likely had something to do with events I wasn’t there to witness, though. Erica brought the blanket with her, and settled in a cozy little heap in the palm of my hand, tucked against my cupped fingers. I couldn't help but smile slightly at the feeling. Whatever the reason, I'm glad she's safe. For once it actually paid off to come back to this place.

There was plenty of easily accessible wood lying around thanks to all the destroyed houses, so it wasn't long before I'd gathered what I needed. Soon, a raging campfire was steadily burning on the cliffside. We ate dinner together and caught up on eachothers' lives. I didn't get much of an update on Erica's life; she didn't want to say much, which I completely understood. The only thing I noticed was that Erica had a scar over her left eye. I hadn't noticed it earlier, as I was a bit distracted by everything going on. That definitely wasn't there before I left. I didn't ask about it, though. I was afraid it might bring up some awful memory of John and the looters. In the end, I mostly just blabbered on about everything that had happened to me since the last day we were together, four years ago. Afterwards, we watched the sun dip below the horizon. The ruined skyline glaring at me from afar.

I should help them, right? My world shouldn't be messing with this one; that's not really a fair fight. Then again, that's a little ironic coming from me. I glanced down at Erica. She was tucked away into a sleeping bag she'd pulled from the rubble earlier, staring blankly skyward in thought. Our little bonfire had died down to a few smoldering wooden planks.

"Look at that!" Erica whispered suddenly, pointing at the cloudless night sky. "You never see shit like that around here. The city's usually too bright." I bent my head back to see what she meant. The stars shone so vividly without the light of suburban houses or the city to compete with. They flickered brightly in the vast black sky; it was as if you could reach out and grab one. I was in for a small surprise when I noticed that some of the stars were wild colors, not just the normal whites and blues. I’d spent so long in the other-world when I was younger, how had I never noticed that? "It's beautiful," I nodded, "but we should get some sleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." "You mean you have a long day ahead of you," Erica corrected me. "I'm not going anywhere near the hazmat giants, they could kill me way too easily. But then again, so can you."

I flinched; it was upsetting to think about. Even if I did eventually get Erica to fully trust me, there would always be a drastically uneven divide in power between us. Erica watched as I slowly hunched back down the cliffside, looking slightly guilty for ruining the mood. I'd tried to change my height to match hers a few times years ago. I’d created a small object for me to wear — similarly to how I the boxes I'd made in the past — which was supposed to make me their size when I wore it. However, when I tried it on, nothing happened. I guessed whatever influence I had on the other-world only worked with objects, not living things. How is it that I can become invisible, walk through walls, manipulate minds, and generate infinite money, but can't make one simple bracelet to shrink me to their size? It's unfair, really.

I turned to face Erica, "I would never-" "I know," Erica said, cutting me off. She turned over on her side, facing away from me. "I was just saying you could. You wouldn't. I.. I don’t think you will... Nevermind, just- Let's get some sleep." Sighing, I drifted down to the bottom of the cliff and sat with my thoughts for a while, just short of miserable.

#why’d the world have to get ruined while Alexis was gone?#hopefully Erica will be ok now that she’s safe…#other-world universe #g/t #giant tiny

30 notes · View notes