#blinking. and that the one avoiding eye contact or not being able to hold it for too long it's charles

[jayparked]

understandable understandable! i’d love a lil bro like him 🥺

i had a thought about Nicholas earlier. I saw a clip of him saying he likes being called Weno because Nicho/nicholas sounds too cute to him? so imagine poking fun at him like “awww Nico~ you’re so cute” and he’s gets gen pissed off and he’s like ok bbg let me show just how cute i can be

idk much about this man but 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

- 🍎

i'd love a lil bro like maki too 😞 he'd be the most annoying and loving brother ugh but yes ahem lemme write something about nico real quick...

WARNINGS: brat punisher nico? *blinks*, slightly bratty reader, lots of teasing, fingering, dirty talk, take a shot every time i say the word 'cute'

WC: 1094

SNAIL TRAIL: i dont wanna talk about it i dont wanna talk about it i dont wanna talk about it i dont wanna talk about it i dont wanna talk about it i dont wanna talk-

you and nicholas have been sitting on the couch watching a movie for a little over an hour now, but you haven't been able to sit still. you're bored. restlessly, tiredly, annoyedly bored. and poor nicholas is having to deal with the repercussions of it.

“you’re the one who wanted to watch this movie.” nicholas warns after you’ve poked his cheek for the hundredth time.

you pout and let out a dreamy sigh, pinching his cheek between your fingers before leaning in and kissing the spot lightly. “cant help it. you’re just so cute. my cutie nico you’re so much better than any dumb movie.”

nicholas’s eyebrows narrow, gaze flicking towards you. “i’m better than a movie, yeah, but not because i’m cute.”

the intentions behind his tone go unnoticed by you, too distracted by the urge to squish his face between your hands. right when you're about to give into those urges, nicholas grabs both of your wrists, his grip tight as he pulls you forward. he stops you just inches from his face, lowering his head so that his hooded gaze meets yours.

"and what do you think you're doing?"

you gulp loudly, eyes wide at the lowness of his tone.

"...just wanted to squish your cheeks," you say meekly. no longer able to hold eye contact, you look down at your lap. nicholas's eyes flick down to your lips, his thumbs unconsciously rubbing short lines down your wrists.

"you think i'm cute?" he says slowly, one eyebrow raising playfully. all you can do is nod your head slowly, not trusting his question. all it does it make him smirk, biting his bottom lip slightly, his eyes roaming over your body. "let me show you just how cute i can be then."

you yelp as nicholas pulls your arms forward more, his hands leaving your wrists to hold you under your arms instead. he lifts you as he stands up from the couch, pulling your body close to him before laying your back flat against the cushions. he hovers over you, enjoying how your eyes widen and your breath gets caught in your chest.

he leans down, his face now next to yours, "you still think i'm cute?" he murmurs, his breath ghosting over your ear. nicholas's hands are roaming along your side, his thumb stopping just short from brushing against the side of your chest. his touch is soft and light, in total contrast to the ruggedness of his tone.

again, all you can do is nod.

the smirk on nicholas's face fades quickly. he lifts his head so he can look into your eyes again, but you try to avoid him. grasping your chin firmly in one hand, he forces you to look at him. the hungry look in his eyes is enough to have your lower body squirming, desperate to feel his body against yours. it's too obvious to go unnoticed by him. slowly, he moves one of his knees forward until it just barely makes contact right at your clothed core, making you flinch. you can't control the soft whimpers that leave your lips, trying to slowly grind yourself against his knee without appearing too pathetic.

"ah, cmon. you were so confident telling me how cute i was being earlier. what happened? did my cuteness make you shy? seems like you're the one being awfully cute now..." he clicks his tongue and chuckles slightly, his free hand still exploring your skin.

"i'm sorry." you manage to finally get out weakly.

"oh, you're sorry?" he laughs loudly and lets go of your chin. "well i guess that fixes everything now, does it?" he gives a convincing smile, one you know would fool anyone else. but you know him too well, "so you don't need me to punish you then. we can just go back to watching the movie-"

"no!" you yelp and grab the front of his shirt as he attempted to pull away from you. heat rushes to your face, closing your eyes tightly. you didn't mean for the words to rush out and sound as desperate as they did. but there's no taking them back now.

"that's what i thought." finally, his hand moves past your navel, his thumb hooking under the hem of your sweatpants, moving teasingly slow. you know he wants you to beg, to completely fold and take your words back. but the urge to be stubborn and not give in so easily trumps your need to feel his fingers inside you.

and yet, even with these intentions in your mind, your mouth betrays you.

"weno, please."

you watch as his eyebrows perk up with surprise, eyes now sparkling with a newfound hunger. he groans as he pushes your sweatpants past your hips, taking your underwear down with it. just because he's won in the battle of patience doesn't mean he's going to prolong it. before you can even process the feeling of the air against your bare skin, he's shoving two fingers inside you, not even caring to check to see how wet you are.

"aahhh, look at you. all of this for me," he coos, mouth hanging open in pleasure as he coaxes the moans from your body. the pace he scissors his fingers into you is overwhelming, leaving you digging your nails into his arms as you hang onto tightly.

only a few minutes pass with him continuously drilling his fingers into you at an unforgiving, unfaltering pace and already your orgasm is quickly approaching. you know he'll never let this go if you come so fast, it'll only fuel his already large smug ego.

"you can't hold back now," he smirks, "i can feel you clenching around me. just give in. you'll feel soooo good if you do." his words only makes it harder to hang onto your sanity. so, without wanting to, you can't help but give in.

nicholas moans along with you as he feels your juices spraying along his fingers. quickly, though, he's cradling you with his other arm, kissing your temple as he slows his fingers down, helping you through your high.

when you finally come to, you manage to breathe out an airy, "why?"

"hm? you thought i wasn't gonna let you come? my baby was being so cute and feeling so needy, i just couldn't help myself." he kisses the tip of your nose lightly and pulls you up against his chest, hugging you tightly.

"now that you've had your moment, pay attention to the movie. i wont be so considerate a second time."

♡ pls like, comment, and reblog if you enjoyed! ♡ masterlist ♡ all rights reserved jayparked 02/15/25 do not copy, repost, or translate. if you're inspired to create something similar to my work, please credit me

[cherrychilli]

18+ Steve Harrington x F! reader, Bestfriend! Steve, Inexperienced! reader, descriptions of pornography, one mention of 'daddy' although no daddy kink, discussions of sex, allusions to PIV sex, allusions to loss of virginity WC:1.8K

A/N: Another very old wip which I thought would remain unfinished but I've been trying to stretch my creaky old writing muscles with the blurbs I've been posting and I felt motivated to complete this one too. Enjoy!

You should have been more careful. These kinds of things were so easy to avoid if only you'd been less forgetful.

The problem was that the tape you'd rented for the night was still zipped away in your bag, still amongst the various other effects taking up space there like your purse and the half eaten sleeve of Chips Ahoy! you liked to munch on while you shopped.

So you couldn't really fault Steve for assuming the unmarked tape placed on top of your VCR was the copy of The Evil Dead meant for your movie night together, calling over your shoulder for him to put it in and press play while you stepped out of your bedroom to retrieve snacks from the pantry.

Selecting them quickly, you made your way back to your room, both arms curled around two large crinkled bags of potato chips, one barbeque flavor for you and one sour cream and onion for Steve because that was his favorite. Holding them close to your chest, you approached your bedroom door, just a few paces away when you heard it.

It was an unmistakable kind of sound.

The sounds of skin on skin -- that rapid, wet slapping that made your gut twist and flip, downright lewd and accompanied by two voices.

The first one, all masculine and gruff, let out ragged grunts of 'Yeah? do you like that? Y' like it when I fuck you in this tight wet cunt?' followed by the second, feminine and somehow much louder than the first, producing high pitched staccato cries of ah's and uh's before letting out an exaggerated wail of 'oh god, daddy, right there! fuck me harder!'

Realization hits you like the sharp end of an ice pick sinking into your spine. It roots you in place, paralyzed as you stare helplessly at what's transpiring on screen.

That red hot feeling of shame balloons inside you, flooding every crevice of your being until you're somehow finally able to tear yourself from where you'd been rooted, forcing yourself into action.

Dropping the snacks, you bolt into your bedroom, hurdling over the cushions laying on your bedroom floor before diving for the remote resting on your bed but it's far too late.

Steve had been knelt there in front your TV set, his face a few inches away from the screen and he had seen it all -- the sloppy, aggressive thrusting, the jarring cuts, the over acted cries of pleasure and the gratuitous angles of bare, sweaty skin.

The TV goes dark in a blink when you stab your thumb over the power button and the whole room plunges into silence save for the sounds of your panicked panting, your whole body turning cold despite the beads of sweat dewing on the back of your neck when Steve turns to look at you, face all pink.

"Uh, I think I put in the wrong tape", he croaked.

~

For the next 30 minutes Steve's kind enough not to bring it up, clearly rattled in the way he struggles to maintain eye contact with you for very long but he's able to awkwardly laugh it off when you try to sputter out an explanation.

"Let's just watch the movie, yeah?", he smiled at you as casually as he could manage though you could tell he was only trying to make this less painful for you, brushing what he'd seen off like crumbs on his lap.

But the longer you sat next to him on your bed, eyes fixed on the TV screen but unfocused, your mind grows heavy with too many thoughts, all of them tangling into one giant anxiety riddled knot.

You felt this overwhelming need to clear the air -- to let Steve know that you didn't actually enjoy the overly produced schlock on that tape. It felt important to make him understand that what he'd seen was not what you considered to be pleasurable. You had to convince him. You just had to.

Restlessly picking at your fingers in your lap, you can't stand to wait any longer, your mouth springing into action quicker than you could bite your tongue back.

"What does it feel like?", you blurt out in the middle of a scene, drawing your knees up to your chest as you wrap your arms around your legs, hugging yourself tight.

Steve raises an eyebrow up at you from his side of the bed, humming out an inquisitive 'hm?' around a mouthful of potato chips, jaw still working as he continues to munch.

You take those few seconds to steel yourself, gulping down the remaining bits of cowardice left in you before you decide to go for it.

"Sex..." you specified hesitantly. "What's it like?"

Immediately you feel sorry for Steve when his eyes go wide, starting to cough as he struggles to swallow the mouthful of chips, slapping a hand over his chest to make them go down easier.

The sight makes you feel all kinds of guilty for springing it on him but you couldn't stand to bear a second longer of not ripping this particular band aid off.

"Is that why you have that tape?", he manages to ask after clearing his throat a few times.

"I was curious", you tell him, ignoring the movie as it continues to play without either of you giving it any attention.

Steve sighs softly, running a hand through his hair. "Honey, those things won't teach you what real sex is like", he softens, sliding his hand across your sheets, nearing your knee but he stops just short of brushing your skin.

You can tell what he's thinking -- that now wasn't the time for any kind of physical contact no matter how innocent. Not after the things you'd both seen on that tape, slowly drawing his fingers back.

"I just- I didn't really have much of a choice did I?", you try to justify yourself, only it just makes you feel worse.

"You could have asked um,....you....um-", he struggles and eventually grows quiet when he starts to look frazzled again.

'You could have asked me?' is that what he was about to say? you might be best friends but was this the most appropriate thing to do? you wonder on it only briefly before Steve could close that door altogether, forcefully wedging your foot inside.

"Okay, so I'm asking you. What does it feel like?", you ask plainly.

Steve watches you as his mind works, all the little gears and cogs spinning too fast and spitting out jets of scalding steam as he considers the question again -- really considers the question before answering.

"Wouldn't be much point telling you", he muttered thoughtfully as his eyes lower and though his tone isn't condescending, you're still very much offended by it.

"I'm not some little field mouse, Steve. I can handle an honest answer for fuck sake!", you yell, your temper fiery and your skin warm. This is not how you wanted this conversation to go.

Steve realizes his mistake, jumping into action.

"I wasn't- what I meant is, I can't give you an accurate description, you know?" he quickly corrected. "What I feel...what it feels like for me? well, it's different from what it'd feel like for you".

"Oh...", you slumped back against the headboard. You hadn't thought of it like that. Maybe it would have been better to ask a girl.

"Ask one of the girls", he offered next but that only made you sink further.

"Don't want to ask the girls", you muttered, sounding a little wounded. It's not that your friends would have judged you for being a virgin, it's just that your insecurity around the subject got the better of you in that moment and Steve seemed the only one you could trust for a real answer.

"I don't like not knowing. I'm not like, obsessed or anything but it's been on my mind... a lot"

There's a pause and when you think he might pull away again, he carefully inches closer instead.

"Are you sure you really wanna know?"

You blink up at Steve. The color's returned to his face, no longer a frightened pale white.

"Yes"

"Then...then you should find someone you trust", he tells you.

"I trust you", you reply quickly.

He looks back at you for what feels like forever. Every second that ticks by making it harder and harder for him to compose himself with the way you're looking back at him.

"It should be someone you like too", he replies softly.

"I like you", you tell him simply.

"Sweetheart...are you sure about this?"

"Steve, please. It needs to be you. I want you to show me", you reply, sliding a hand over the sheets until you can place your much smaller hand on Steve's. You can feel him tremble only you can't quite tell just yet if its because of nerves or excitement.

You watch as his Adam's apple bobs in his throat.

"Okay, then we need to do this right"

You smile. Static begins to dance and crackle along your skin. Yep. He was definitely excited, you know that for certain when you feel your own hand start to tremble too.

"How?"

He smiles at you.

"Gotta start with a kiss, angel"

"Oh right. Yeah, that makes sense", you tell him, both of you already leaning in until your lips meet.

He's got his palm cradling the side of his face, his thumb rubbing soft, comforting circles. You know that Steve's going to take care of you, just like you deserve.

And when his tongue enters your mouth it all sinks in. You were going to lose it to your bestfriend tonight and despite how wrong the night started off, it feels so perfect and right now. Like it was meant to happen this way.

You know he's not going to treat you like what you'd seen on that tape. You know he'll take the time to touch you everywhere, never neglecting any part of you. You know he's going to taste you with real passion, not shove his face between your legs and shake around like a wet dog trying to get dry. You know he'll be gentle when it's your turn to taste him, his soft hand weaving into your hair, patiently guiding you as you take as much of him into your mouth as you can. Not aggressively smacking his cock across your face or harshly snaking it too quickly down your throat. You know he'll get you ready with his fingers first and treat your body with care, not plunge them inside and prod around at full speed. You know when it's time, he'll enter you slowly, holding your hand all while he does so. You know he'll talk you through it. You know he'll make you feel beautiful and cherished. You know he'll make you feel safe. You know he'll listen to your every word. You know he'll keep kissing you and you know he'll make sure that you get there first. As many times as you will let him.

And when it's all over, when your sweaty limbs are entwined and he's still holding your hand and his pearly cum pools in your belly button, you know the two of you wont be best friends again after tonight.

No, you two will start tomorrow as something far better than that. And all thanks to a little dirty movie.

[azurem]

I wrote this thing in a single run at 4 am (inkmare)

“Pf. Did you see their faces?”

Nightmare had to stop the smile that raised to his face as the sound of Ink’s snickers filled the empty room, yet he didn't fight the way that Ink leaned onto him, untangling him from his tentacles so Ink could hug his neck. He leaned right back onto his touch, hugging Ink’s waist back. He glanced at the closed door one last time before focusing his attention on Ink’s face, his amusement as infectious as a summer’s cold. “I did.”

“They looked so–” Ink choked a bit, hugging Nightmare’s neck tighter as if the possibility of him falling if he didn’t grab onto him was a real one. He shook his head, a permanent smile embedded onto his face by then, “-confused! Have you ever seen Blue look like that?”

“Never,” Nightmare answered truthfully, his tentacles swaying slowly behind him as Ink hid his face onto his shoulder, his own shaking with the effort to keep his voice down. He patted Ink’s back, sighing contently just from being able to experience the texture of his spine against his fingers. “They don’t suspect a thing, do they? Have they asked anything… suspicious?”

“Pf, no,” Ink said back, his snickers finally calming down a bit as he stopped hugging Nightmare’s neck with both hands, his now free hand reaching down to tug on the tail of his scarf, his gaze gliding through the surface of the cloth before it returned to Nightmare’s eye, the mirth in it softening to the always welcome fondness that Nightmare already got accustomed to. He dropped the tail, letting it fall to its place before fully leaning onto Nightmare once again, a fox-like smile setting into his mouth as he tilted his head, half-lidding his eyes. “Why, worried I’ll tattle on us?”

The idea was so absurd in itself that Nightmare couldn't help but snort, his hold on Ink getting a bit tighter as he resisted the idea of dipping him as if in a dance, just to daze him for a moment, as short as it were. The idea made the corners of his mouth twitch in amusement, but he decided against it just to avoid risking ruining the lighthearted moment. To humor him, he played along, acting in a more serious tone, even if he couldn’t have it on himself to get his smile off his own face yet. “Do I have reasons to be worried?”

“No,” Ink said, but his grin didn’t falter. As Nightmare decided to reward the simple answer with a chaste kiss, their mouths meeting together in a motion that by now felt as natural as breathing, he made a pleased hum that seemed almost relieved in the way it often did when Nightmare’s hand cupped his heated cheek. He sighed as the contact stopped, his eyelights changing in a blink to a soothing green and a pale pink. It seemed that whatever plan he had in mind was forgotten to favor the softer sides of him. “No reason at all.”

Nightmare let out an amused huff, more than satisfied with the fact. He leaned down once more, just to spare Ink from the extra effort that would be to try to get to his level. When the gesture got repaid with Ink nuzzling his cheek with his own, not unlike a cat, he couldn’t even think of fighting the smitten, foolish smile that plagued his expression, a pleased sigh leaving his lips. As one hand wandered up, caressing the top of Ink’s head, he muttered, “You’re just…”

“Be creative,” Ink tutted, his eyes turning into half-moons when even the teasing words couldn't bring down the dumb expression on Nightmare’s face. “If you say beautiful again, I’ll get upset.”

“...pretty cheeky,” Nightmare finished, a moment of hesitation snitching on his initial choice of words. When he caught onto Ink’s expression, he added, his voice light, “I will think of more compliments.”

“Well, you better,” Ink said, frowning. By the way his eyelights remained red-less, Nightmare knew that his anger was nothing but for show. He blew a soft raspberry before looking to the side, glancing at him one last time before closing his eyes. “Really. You’re starting to get pretty two dimensional.”

“Oh, how your words wound me,” Nightmare said without missing a beat, gently swaying from side to side, taking Ink with him. He leaned down to kiss his cheek. “But I guess I deserve them. How can you forgive me, when I have wronged you so?”

Ink seemed to think about it for a second, his frown already gone from the soothing touch, a slightly wobbly smile on his lips. He glanced back at Nightmare, his eyes twin half-moons. “...You’re so ditzy.”

“You have turned me into a fool,” Nightmare said. There would have been a time where the words would have come sharp, almost a weapon themselves, but by now they have mellowed to the point it almost sounds like he’s just saying his name. The thought may have worried him once upon a time, but he had since long grown past that. Nightmare swallowed as he found his throat suddenly dry. “The biggest of fools.”

Ink’s eyes welcomed him in shades of the softest pink, so Nightmare couldn’t help but kiss him again. The way his mouth met his, pliant and eager, was more than enough to make Nightmare feel as if he had been set ablaze in the best of ways, for the flame itself felt like it was cradling him. That time, it was Ink who broke the kiss, panting against his mouth. Nightmare couldn’t help but notice the way his cheeks were flushed, revealing the unique sight of his freckles, resembling the most lovely set of stars. “Nightmare…”

“I love you,” he interrupted. There wasn’t anything special about it, for those words had already been said many, many times — Nightmare himself had used them way before he fell to the realization that he could love the way he does — but Ink stilled, as if he was stricken. The words felt somewhat too big yet too small as he released them to the wind, but Nightmare already got used to the knowledge that they may always feel that way. As such, he insisted on them, unable to do anything else, “I love you.”

Ink blinked, his eyes widened. He was about to say something, maybe the same thing, but Nightmare stopped him with a second kiss, as short as a passing thought. When they separated, Ink pulled back in just as quickly as it was over, less graceful as they couldn’t keep down the twin smiles off their faces.

(It wasn’t hard to convince their teams that his negotiation attempt had went well, but not well enough to avoid them both ending up more disheveled than before they left.)

[withwritersblock]

It Wasn't Easy to be Happy for You

~It Wasn't Easy to Be Happy for You by The Lumineers~

Author's Note: pain stacking angst :) as always italics are flashbacks Summary: Luke gets broken up with and Jack is a good brother Warnings: cursing, cheating, sad!Luke Word Count: 1,493 Luke Hughes x fm!reader

It had been three weeks since they had broken up. The days dragged on and the sunshine felt a bit cold as the days progressed. It wasn’t messy, there were no negative feelings towards one another. At least that’s what he told himself.

Luke was still madly in love with her. He woke up thinking about her, he went to bed thinking about her. He wanted to be with her. But life came in the way. He had to move to New Jersey and she stayed in Michigan. 

But she ended things, for lack of better terms.

She sent the text five minutes ago asking if they could FaceTime. He had a feeling as to what it was about, which is why he was avoiding calling her. The girl he’s been with for almost two years, the person he thought he was going to marry. The person he was in love with despite being hundreds of miles away. 

He clenched his jaw as he propped his phone up against the headboard of his bed. He scooted backwards running his fingers through his hair. Pulling his lips between his teeth he pressed her contact and began calling her.

It was a good night for Jack to be out with a few of the guys on the team. Luke was supposed to join them but this needed to come first. 

She answered after four rings. Instead of being greeted with her usual wide smile, she was crying. He didn’t panic, he took a deep breath. “What’s going on, Love?” he asked as he ran his hand through his hair.

She shook her head as she wiped her hands over her cheeks, “Don’t call me that,” she said shaking her head, “I don’t deserve it,”

Luke furrowed his eyebrows as he licked his lips, “What do you mean?” he asked. 

Y/N tilted her head back, wiping more tears leaving her eyes. She was glancing off of FaceTime as she took a deep breath. “We need to break up, Luke, I can’t do this anymore,” 

His eyes widened as he scooted towards the phone as if he would be able to touch her through the screen. “I know the distance is hard, Baby but we can’t just give up on us,” he expressed, blinking his eyes rapidly, “Not after everything we’ve been through,” he said his voice cracking slightly as his spoke.

She shook her head as a sob left her throat, “Luke, I can’t say it, please don’t make me say it,” she let out.

“Say what, Y/N?” he pleated but she wouldn’t even look at her phone. He ran his tongue over his bottom lip as he nodded slowly as the idea popped into his head. The idea as to why she was in hysterics. He nodded as he clenched his jaw, “Did you-” he took a deep breath.

“God, Luke no! I would never!” she defended. 

“Then what don’t you want to say? Y/N!” he begged.

“It’s awful, Luke,”

“If it’s awful I wanna hear it,” he said as rested his hands on his legs. He sniffled as he kept his gaze on his phone screen watching her body language. 

She remained silent for a few seconds as she finally looked towards Luke through the phone screen. He was holding back every emotion he was feeling. Luke was always the strong one in the relationship, always keeping everything inside. She tilted her head back again as she swallowed hard.

“I think-I think I’m-” she took another deep shaky breath, “I love you, Luke, but I don’t think I’m in love with you anymore,” she said as she dropped her gaze towards her lap. She wiped her tears on her cheek.

He shut his eyes as he clenched his jaw hard. She was right, it was awful to hear.

“Is it-is it uh from the distance? I know we haven’t seen each other in months but-”

“I think it started that way but I don’t know, Luke, it’s just too much,” she let out. He nodded his head as he pressed his lips together hard.

“Okay,” he let out while nodding slowly, “Okay,” he let out again, his voice cracking.

“Luke,” she let out.

“No, it’s okay-” he cleared his throat as he took a hold of his phone and ended the call. He dropped his phone on the mattress as his eyes welled up in tears. He stood up from the bed desperate to take a shower and hide every emotion creeping through his body. The tears were desperate to leave his eyes. 

While he stepped out of his bedroom, Jack was sitting on the couch. “Luke, you still want to come out with us? I’m leaving here in a-” Jack trailed off as he watched Luke wipe his hannds on his eyes, “Are you okay?” he questioned.

Luke clenched his jaw as he shook his head, he ran his hand over his chin. “Y/N broke up with me,” he let out his voice cracking.

“What? Seriously?” Jack asked, standing up from his seat on the couch.

It was the three longest weeks of his life. The only part of his life that wasn’t lacking was his hockey. Weirdly, the overwhelming feeling of heartbreak propelled his skills. He was frustrated and angry and it helped him play some of the best hockey of his life. 

It was easier to be pissed off with his opponents instead of Y/N. He hated being angry with her.

But now, he was laying in a hotel room by himself staring at Y/N’s recent Instagram post. Her recent Instagram post with her new boyfriend. There were ten photos that he was able to stare at. Overanalyzing every detail of each photo. She was cozy, too cozy for only being together a few weeks. 

He stared towards her smile and how different she looked only three weeks ago. They still followed each other, so she knew he was going to see it. It was as if she did it on purpose. He took a deep breath as he stared towards the way his lips were pressing against her jawline. Just like he used to.

His eyes scanned the caption multiple times, it was lyrics from a Taylor Swift song he didn’t know.

He swiped towards her next photo seeing it during a concert she had gone to about a month before they broke up. They were posing together, his hand draped along her lower back, his lips pressed against her neck. 

He’s looked at the photo multiple times but it only just clicked. They were still together when that photo was taken. They were still together when he was touching her like that. They were still together and she lied. She lied.

“Fuck,” he muttered as there was loud knocks slamming against his hotel door. He groaned as he tossed his phone onto the mattress before he walked towards the door. He pulled it open as he walked away at the same time. 

“Did you open Instagram?” Jack asked as he shoved his way into the hotel room.

“Yup,” he said plainly as he started pacing in the small hotel room.

“You’re spiralling,” Jack let out simply. 

“Not spiralling,” he fought back as he took a hold of his phone and threw it across the hotel room. It hit the front door and fell to the ground. Luke didn’t care if there was any damage to it. 

“Dude,” Jack said as he watched Luke reach for his jacket and beanie that were lying on the chair beside his bed.

Luke stopped short right at the chair as he looked towards Jack.

“She was fucking cheating on me and fucking lied to me about it! She looked at me and lied!” he shouted as he began to put on his jacket and his beanie.

“What are you doing?” Jack asked as he tried to pull Luke back towards him. Luke pulled his arm away as he continued towards the door.

“Going on a walk,” he muttered as he walked towards the door. 

“No, dude-” 

“I was trying to be happy for her! She wanted out! I didn’t argue it! Everything that I have ever wanted for her was for her to be happy!” he shouted, his eyes welling up in tears.

“If being happy is being with someone else, I could fucking accept that! I can’t fucking accept the fact that she was doing it while I was hundreds of miles away! I can’t just sit here and let her flaunt the guy she cheated on me with!” Luke shouted, staring into Jack’s eyes. 

Jack nodded his head, “Alright,” he muttered, “Let’s get my jacket and we can go,” Jack said as he walked closer to Luke.

“I don’t need you to go with me,”

“I know but you’ve never been to Seattle, let me show you around,” Jack offered giving him a sympathetic smile.

[mischiefmaker615]

Use Me (Loki Love Story) Ch.8

Summary: Loki shows up at your brothel with an offer. What could go wrong?

Requested song inspiration: Use Me by Johnny Blue Skies & Dove Cameron & Diplo

Loki’s smirk faltered immediately when your mouth blurted out the rather un-lady like question. He still didn’t move but his eyes were trained on yours with a raised brow and you could have sworn he was able to hear your racing heart beat when you stood there shaking.

‘’I’m-.. darling, what has gotten into-‘’

‘’you most certainly haven’t’’ you said sharply, feeling your nails dig into your palms while your mouth seemed to have a mind of its own. Especially with Loki’s narrowing eyes and his body turning to face yours once he finished setting down his helmet on the table.

‘’what are you playing at?” he said carefully, his voice alone almost like a snake daring you to make a move. You hated that it worked a little and your voice certainly quieted down while you puffed out your chest, hoping to show some remaining intimidation in your demands.

‘’we had a deal- you’ve brought me here to be your whore and in return, I earn enough so I can get the Hel out of here! But little by little you seem to just.. just.. play with me! As if this is some sort of game to just-‘’ you then stopped short, blinking at his unreadable expression while you searched for words. You took a small step back in disbelief, your mind hinting at the pieces that lay close together in all this while you took a deep breath.

‘’..your prolonging my departure?”

Loki raised his chin as he looked down his nose at you, almost scoffing. ‘’I merely pay you for what I deem is the appropriate amount in which you’ve earned.’’ He turned to the side and waved a hand over to the other side of the table, not daring to break eye contact. ‘’you can see for yourself what you have accomplished this afternoon.’’

His tone was sharp, seeming to match your own but with more confidence than what you had right now. Your eyes briefly looked past him at the envelope and dare you say you were curious on what was in there.. but you knew you shouldn’t get your hopes up with your expectations here. Not when he was mocking and avoiding your question.

‘’this isn’t about the money.. is it?”

Loki then scoffed and looked away, eyes raising to the ceiling as if one was trying to figure out how to explain something to a child. ‘’what do you think this is about then Y/N? you are my whore; I may use that to what I please.’’ His eyes then dropped to yours in a way that almost startled you. ‘’do you honestly think that it’s more than just sex?”

‘’but we haven’t had sex-‘’ You didn’t move, your nails releasing the pressure in your hands to grasp the fabric at your sides instead. You held his eye contact, hoping youd see more answers than having to ask them instead before you allowed yourself a breath. ‘’I don’t believe you..’’

Loki blinked at you, his brows furrowing together while you just accused him of lying. Him! the god of lies! ‘’what?”

You took another breath, your voice quieter now and careful, like one was trying to get through a maze without setting off a trap at the same time. ‘’..I don’t believe you-‘’

‘’are you accusing me of all beings to be lying?” he asked, taking a careful step towards you while you willed yourself to hold your ground. ‘’you think this contract is beyond our bargain? That I care outside of flesh?”

‘’if you wanted to fuck me, you would have done so already, right?” you asked, eyes raising to find he was much closer now and your mind screamed to silence yourself. This was a straight ticket to treason to be speaking to a royal like this.

‘’have you ever taken a moment to think that perhaps I don’t want to?” he said sharply, sending a pain in your chest by his comment while you took another step back when he got two steps away from you.

‘’..then why am I here? Why make me your whore if you could find anyone else you might be much happier with and fuck?”

‘’who’s to say I haven’t when you aren’t present?” he asked carefully, an unsure hint in his voice that even now still made you think he was lying. He seemed to speak as carefully as you were, eyes challenging and you had to stop backing up once your back found the wall.

‘’then I could have found faster income somewhere else then.’’ You snapped and looked away, finding his shoes stopping in front of you while your bottom lip trembled. ‘’you claim this is just.. for your tastes in pleasure.. but so far all we’ve done was slow my chances for a better life!.. Is that it? Is that what this all is?” you demanded and looked at him with a glare. ‘’my goals for my future are some sort of game for you? Do you get off on seeing me like this??”

Loki’s jaw was tense, eyes glaring but to the ground while he seemed to have much to say but refused to say it. His own nails were in his palms, shoulders straining to stay at his proper posture but his breaths staying direct and careful. ‘’Y/N.. I-‘’

‘’I know I know- my defiance just lessoned the envelope, is that it? Well- if this is all just some cruel game between us, then by gods I’m done playing. Dare I say, I’ve figured it out!”

Loki raised a brow, his lips parted with struggling words while his eyes raised back to yours hesitantly. ‘’..you figured it ou-‘’

‘’yes I figured it out! you obviously got off on my initiative, you want to hold onto your gentleman persona and not force yourself on a woman so this is your own damn way to get them to go to you instead!” you barked, chest to chest now while you looked up at him with glassy eyes ‘’is this what it will take to earn my keep then??” you demanded and ripped the shirt you had on up and off, leaving you naked with his wide eyes dropping to your form.

Your hands then shot up to grip his chest armor, shaking never the less while a tear raced down your cheek. ‘’if this is all about fucking to you, then prove it. I’ll even do this one for free.’’

Regret hinted in your chest, though your mind determined to understand. Loki looked down at you with slow breaths, his eyes on yours and yours alone, despite you being naked in front of him. you didn’t care.. he’s seen you anyway and you were to hurt and angry to care regardless. Yet the longer he looked at you, the more self-conscious you began to feel and you almost seemed to think he was doing it on purpose- like his own desperate attempt to win at something when he couldn’t necessarily produce words to answer your questions.

Oh but he would..

‘’answer me-‘’ you almost wanted to shake him with your desperate plea flowing from your mouth but you couldn’t so much as see his expression when his hand suddenly shot up to grip the back of your head and bring you forward against his lips.

He kissed you with almost a desperate passion and need, his fingers cradling almost harshly the back of your head while you found yourself eagerly pressing into him as well. Hot tears flowed down your cheeks while you squeezed your eyes shut, the cold metal of his armor pressing up against your skin and causing you to shiver while you stayed sandwiched between him and the wall.

His other hand made sure to find one of your wrists and pin it beside your head, his grip though not painful, but sure it wouldn’t loosen unless he allowed it. His tongue demanded entrance and you didn’t think twice to give him what he wanted while your body told you it was just as demanding. It massaged and explored your mouth, a hum leaving his lips while you felt his fingers begin to curl and grip your hair instead.

Your free hand rose up, gripping his silky locks you dare say, longed to feel and seemed to whine against him, having no ability to move from against his control and you gasped for breath as soon as he pulled away. Yet he didn’t give you much time to recover once you began to catch your breath, you found his slender hands gripping your hips and turning you both before his lips crashed with yours once more, almost seeming to be a distraction while he walked you both backwards.

The back of your knees found the bed and his weight pushed you back to have you land on the mattress, his hands pushing you up it further before he joined you on top.

‘’Loki-‘’ you began before you felt his hands grip both your wrists and pin them above your head, being maneuvered so only one hand had to contain them before the other ran down your side and took hold of your thigh, raising it so it was pressing up against his hip and leaving you open with your heart racing.

Any second you tried to speak, his lips would return to you, silencing them with another passionate kiss and captured your bottom lip between his teeth before his mouth would caress your skin again. As they left open mouth kisses against your neck and collarbone, you felt more and more of your thoughts being washed away until there was nothing more to do than just feel.

It wasn’t until you tried to push past the feeling of your body shaking, that you discovered his own body was. Your eyes blinked open, wide and worried while your head raised to look at him but his head was not in a position where you could see well while his lips traveled to kiss between your breasts, a hand being gentle to rest just beside one of them but he has not dared indulge. Come to think of it.. he hasn’t touched anything you could consider intimate..

‘’Loki..’’ you whispered, biting your lip while you tried to pull your thoughts together and not melt once you felt his tongue caress and his mouth mark places scattered between your shoulder and your neck.

‘’Loki-‘’ you tried again, feeling his hips lower ever so slightly to feel his clothed erection begin to grind against your exposed cunt before you shook your head to try to snap out of it.

‘’Loki!” you begged, snapping his head up with eyes locked with yours and his body frozen. ‘’Loki..’’ you breathed, your eyes wide with concern while you saw how red and glassy his own were, his grip instantly loosening to let your hands slowly move down to cup his face. Your thumbs carefully wiped off some of the remaining wetness from his fallen tears and your body began to shake again while you searched his face.

‘’Y/N.. I love you..’’

Tag List: @comehomecomehometous @trash-panda-kitty @kuroturo @lovinglimerence @kathren1sky-blog @soulpiercing @ildflue-17 @navs-bhat @ririsasaki @allbymyself17 @howl-and-midna-smeltser @blackquartzsstuff

[humanitys-strongest-bamf]

#LeviWeek24 | Day 3 - Military + Enemies to Lovers

✧ word count ➼ ~1.3k ✧ notes ➼ canonverse, scout!reader, minor depiction of injury, fem!reader, my attempt to fit enemies to lovers in a oneshot

The Underground was filled with thieves and criminals. If someone were to get lost and end up in the Underground, they'd have a very hard time leaving intact—or so you've heard.

You had never visited yourself, and had never planned to, so you only ever heard negative things about it and the people that lived there. While a part of you knew that a large part of your beliefs was due to stigma, you also never really had a reason to sit down and think about it.

That is, until Levi and his friends were pulled into the Survey Corps.

Erwin had his reasons, and you understood them, but that didn't mean you liked it. You strayed far, far away from those three.

Even after Farlan and Isabel were killed by the Titan, you still found yourself avoiding Levi. You weren't as hard on him, knowing that he just lost his family and was grieving, but you still preferred to not be anywhere near him.

However, as of right now, you had little choice.

You had been unlucky and was ambushed by an abberant, with your gear malfunctioning and jamming up right as you were escaping. You were injured and limping, barely able to walk on your own two feet. You had thought everything was going to end until you were suddenly swept up into the air, with a dark, deep green color filling your field of vision.

You immediately knew it was someone from the Survey Corps, but you were not expecting it to be Levi Ackerman. You had been nothing but an asshole to him, yet here he was, having gone out of his way to save you after everyone else had left you behind.

"Would you quit squirming?"

"Would you quit being so rough?" you hissed as Levi bandaged up the wound on your side that you sustained as you were on the run.

You only made eye contact with Levi for a brief moment before he resumed his work, stitching up your wound and bandaging it up. It was difficult to believe that Levi was the one to save you, especially given the fact about how much of a dick you've been to him from the very start.

"Can you walk?" Levi asked as he began to stand after finishing up your dressing.

You slowly began to stand, but felt the pain shoot through your ribs the minute you leaned onto that side, which sent you toppling towards the ground.

Levi caught you last minute to keep you from worsening your injury. You looked up at him and found your face heating up from the close proximity. His scent was captivating—a mix of an earthy, wooden aroma combined with the soap that they offered back at base. That, in addition to how attractive he actually looked led to you fantasizing about him in ways you'd never admit to.

You cleared your throat, slightly shaking your head as you tried to reorient yourself back to reality.

"…guess not."

Levi cursed underneath his breath at the situation you found yourself in. "Will be difficult getting back to the Wall at this rate."

Your gear was broken and sitting around waiting for any backup wasn't practical either.

"Get on my back."

"Excuse me?" you asked, blinking at him in surprise at the sudden request.

"You heard me. I have just enough gas to get us to the Wall."

"What?!" you responded, finding yourself flustered. "I am not going to get carried back to the Walls by you like some princess-"

"So you'd rather wait to get eaten out here?" Levi interrupted, starting to get irritated by how stubborn you were being.

You were able to recognize that you were indeed being irrational and holding onto a sense of pride that would only get you killed.

"…surprised you'd be able to carry us both, given how small you are."

Levi responded with an unamused look, his eyebrows slightly furrowing in annoyance.

"I'll manage. Now let's go."

You grumbled some smartass comment underneath your breath, but otherwise awkwardly wrapped your arms around his shoulders as he boosted you onto his back. He was actually really comfortable to lean on, although you'd never admit it aloud.

Thinking back upon your history with Levi, you realized how harsh you had been with him. On top of avoiding him, you'd also throw unsolicited comments criticizing his flying and fighting techniques, although you couldn't deny their effectiveness despite not being what you were taught. It was like you made it your life mission to piss him off.

Your heart ached as you glanced at him once he flew up into the air, weaving through the trees gracefully despite the added weight from carrying you.

Barely any time had passed since he began zooming towards the Wall. You had arrived within the blink of an eye. It made you feel silly that you ever tried to critique his flying skills.

Levi set you down, taking a step back while offering to let you lean against him due to your injury. You wrapped one arm around the back of his neck while he wrapped his around your waist to steady you.

"…why'd you come for me?" you asked quietly as the two of you made your slow trek towards the infirmary.

Levi's eyes quickly glanced down towards you, his eyebrows furrowing together as he tried to piece together why you would ask such a thing.

"Everyone was basically back at the Wall," you continued, sensing his hesitation. "I was the one that chose to go back. Why'd you follow after me?"

You knew that with how far out you were, Levi would have had to make the deliberate choice of going after you. The chances of just running into him by coincidence were slim to none.

There was a long period of silence, with the only noise being your unsteady footsteps against the uneven gravel.

"…didn't want to lose anyone else," he eventually muttered quietly, looking straight ahead as he helped you navigate the terrain. "Even if you're a pain in the ass."

You felt your breath catch in your throat and your face slightly heating up upon hearing his words. You've worked together a few times, although you've always had a reluctant attitude throughout it. Despite being offput by him initially, you couldn't deny that unexpected interactions with him always went much smoother than you were willing to acknowledge. The two of you clicked well, even if those exchanges using ended up with you insulting him, and Levi refusing to acknowledge your existence or capacities as a soldier.

"…I see."

You could only muster up the courage to mutter those two words, feeling increasingly distressed about these newfound realizations and emotions. on top of that, you also didn't want to come up with a smartass comment because you knew he was grieving. You'd just end up being a dick.

His grip loosened once you stepped foot into the infirmary, backing away to give the medics space to examine you. He gave you a slight nod of acknowledgement, hesitating as if he was struggling to find the right words to follow-up with.

"…don't let me catch you falling on your ass again," he finally said dismissively.

While the comment would have pissed you off a few hours ago, you shot him a subtle smile in response. You've already known for a while, but he was nothing like the person you initially thought he was. Now, you were willing to give him a chance.

"As you wish, Captain."

#: @chaotic-on-main @levisbrat25 @moonmalice @averysmolbear @cathybarn @tclbts @bejewelledd @sad-darksoul @ackermendick @aomi04 @apolloshaiku @laraackerman @pulpolicia @raenacreates @nube55 @roseofdarknessblog @noctemys @sixpennydame @heichoucleanfreak @catskze @nixie-writes-aot @darkstarlight82 @professorweezy @braunsbabe @lovedbylevi @captainleviswifee @mrsmiagreer @youre-ackermine @starrylevi @levis-squishy-cheeks @deepzombieyouth @evas-leslas @ackrmntea @tobbi-loves-levi @humanitys-strongest-brat @thechaoticarchivist join my taglist!

[greynatomy]

confessions and accidental meetings

ona batlle x reader

prequel to soft launch. requested here

———

Arriving at your favorite coffee shop, you swing the door open only to feel some resistance on the other side.

“Oh my god! I am so sorry!” You’ve not even looked at the person, but grabbed as many napkins as you could to start wiping her down. “I am such a klutz.”

What you don’t notice is the person smiling widely at you, entertained at how you’re wiping her down and apologizing nonstop. She reaches out to grab one of your wrists to stop your panick.

“It is okay.” She tells you once your eyes reach hers.

You swear you could’ve melted right there and there. The hand she isn’t holding is stilled on her shirt over her stomach where you were absolutely sure you felt some indentations.

You couldn’t look away, opting to just nod as words aren’t able to properly come out of your mouth.

Ona was loving every second of this interaction, loving how you melt to her touch, a complete stranger’s.

Despite being soaking wet, Ona sat down with you at a table, attentively listening to to whatever you had to say. It was a bit difficult to understand, but all she knew was that she didn’t want to stop talking to you.

“Can-can I get your, uh, number?”

You gave it to her without hesitation, telling her that you’d be her tour guide of Manchester. You brought her to your favorite places, Ona making a mental note about everything you’ve said and shown her.

In the three months since you’ve met, your jobs never came up, relishing in the bubble you two have built around yourselves. There was an understanding that you both very much liked each other more than friend’s, it was just a matter of who has the guts to take it to the next level.

Seeing as you weren’t going to do it, Ona dragged you out of your apartment, taking you to all of your favorite places. You loved how she remembered everything you’ve told her, everything being highlighted on this day.

Last but not least, you’ve both made it to the coffee shop you’ve both met at, always feeling nostalgic whenever you step foot in it.

“I, uh, wanted to ask you something and I thought it’s good to come back here to do it.” You nod, telling her to continue. Ona squirmed in her seat, avoiding eye contact, she stammered, “Um, so, I’ve been thinking… I mean not-not that I think about this all the time, but uh.”

You raise an eyebrow, curiosity peaked. “It’s just me Ona. Spill it.”

Ona took a deep breath, “Well, when we are together, I-I have this weird feeling in my stomach. Not like, not like a tummy ache, but what is it people say? Cockroaches?”

“Butterflies?” You correct her.

“Yes! Uh, yes, butterflies. And I-I like you. More than a friend.”

You blinked, trying to process her words, then broke into a bright smile. “That was the most awkward and adorable thing I have ever experienced. And I also have butterflies in my stomach whenever we hang out. How could I not?”

“Really? Uh, wow.”

“Well, first, let’s stop being awkward and acknowledge that we both like each other. And then… maybe you could come over here and kiss me.”

Ona, seemingly getting all her confidence back, walks around the table to where you sat. Hands cupping both sides of your face, she dips her head down, pulling you into a passionate kiss.

You’ve been together for a good six months now and everyday has been full of laughs, adventure and comfortability. When she found out who your sister was though, she looked like she’s seen a ghost.

“You don’t have to be scared of her, baby. She’s just a big giant teddy bear.”

“She could probably beat me up.”

“Don’t say that! She’s all soft and cuddly.”

Ona didn’t believe you. She’s played against Lucy before and it’s safe to say your sister scares her a bit.

One day, Ona had just finished training and decided to go and surprise you after not seeing each other for a week with both of your busy schedules. She picked up your favorite flowers and favorite take away and made the journey to you apartment.

She doesn’t bother to knock, using the spare key you’ve given her.

“Mi amore!” She calls out, taking her shoes off by the front door. walking further into the apartment, she’s met with one Lucy Bronze sitting on your couch. “Uh, hello.”

“Ah. So you’re the one my sister is seeing.” Lucy gets up from where she sat, stalking closer to Ona.

“Uh, sí. It is nice to meet you.” Ona gulps, nervous say how Lucy was looking down at her.

“You’re technically the enemy, so I wouldn’t say this is anything but nice.”

They were both staring down at each other, unaware that you’ve walked back into the living room.

“What are you guys doing?”

They whip their head towards you, like they’ve been caught stealing a cookie from the cookie jar.

“Just getting acquainted with your girlfriend here.” Lucy says, placing a hand on Ona’s shoulder, squeezing a bit making Ona wince, but tries to hide.

“Lucy, don’t scare my girlfriend please.” You grab Ona’s arm, pulling her away from your sister. “I would like to keep her alive forever.”

“Fine. But just know, I’m keeping a close eye on you. Hurt my sister and I hurt you.” Lucy flexes her bicep, making you let out a laugh.

“You are always flexing, I swear.”

“I promise to not hurt your sister, at least intentionally.” Ona pulls you close, placing a kiss on the side of your head.

“Good. Good. Now, what kind of take out did you bring? I’m hungry.”

[luvhughes43]

blue lines | blake hughes au

[blake hughes au]

summary: blake and nico have a pregnancy scare

mentions: periods, pregnancy, anxiety, etc.

word count: 0.9k

blake and nico couldn't keep their hands off each other. it was simply a known fact amongst their shared group of friends. everyone who knew blake as a determined, self-loathing teenager was always shocked to find out how pro pda and touchy she was with her boyfriend.

everyone also thought that the two would grow out of their "honeymoon phase" which to the displeasure of certain family members - commonly known as jack - the months apart during the off-season only reignited the couples... touchy nature.

which is why... after an increased amount of ... physically intensive fall activities blake wasn't too shocked to find that her period was a few days late.

"i'm late," blake pierces the quiet atmosphere in nico's apartment.

"late for what?" nico questions, not even bothering to look up from his phone. "i thought you said you weren't busy today,"

blake pauses and blinks in quick succession. "well no im talking about-" she pauses again before rechecking her period tracking app. she holds the glaring 3 WEEKS LATE page towards nico, "like... im late late. i haven't been late since i was competing," blake passes her phone to nico who studies her app with rapt attention.

"i've really... never been late before," blake repeats as she paces around her boyfriends living room. she suffered from stress and extensive workout related absent periods - and since she retired from skating she had regained and had a pretty consistent cycle. "i'm pregnant," she blurts out nervously as she avoids eye contact with nico.

"okay, it's going to be okay," nico tries to soothe blake. he silently stumbles towards her and she jumps when he rests his hand soothingly against her shoulder. "let's go to the store and we'll get some tests,"

blake nods thoughtlessly and lets herself be dragged out of the door by nico. it's not that she didn't want to be a mother - blake thinks as she watches nico's neighborhood fly by as he weaves carefully through traffic. she was just too young, the relationship too new... she wasn't ready to be responsible for another human being.

blake doesn't remember stepping out of the car and walking into the pharmacy. her breathing is heavy and laboured as she stares at a wall full of pregnancy tests. "i don't know which one we need..." her voice is unfamiliar to her own ears. she was only twenty-one, how was she supposed to be a mother? and nico... he was just announced captain last season and was finally starting to get into the groove of things.

nico grabs a variety of tests and blake takes the opportunity to study his face. his brows are arched in contemplation and if he was nervous blake isn't able to tell. blake grabs a box of the closet tests and examines it.

"how many do you think we need?" nico asks suddenly. he holds his hands out towards her, and different brands flash up towards her menacingly.

"three? two should be fine i don't-"

"nico hischier!" a loud and unfamiliar voice announces to the whole store. "could i get a picture with you?"

blake wordlessly takes the pregnancy tests and wanders down the aisle. "uh, yeah sure," nico smiles with uncertainty as he throws an arm around the young fan. nico pulls him out of the aisle and he sends blake looks of concern but she just waves him off to focus on the fan.

nico's quick with the photo and after a few words about the upcoming season nico's quick to rejoin blake. "do you think he saw what we were buying?" blake asks nervously as she holds up the tests in her hands.

"no it's alright," nico tries and reassures the trembling blake.

"i'm sorry im so scared i just... i dont know how to feel right now," she whispers into nico's side. his arm tightens around her as they stand in the comfort of each others embrace.

"it's okay, just try and relax" nico kisses her hairline and she's suddenly plagued with a rush of guilt. it felt like she was always leaning on him more than she should - instead of allowing him space to feel anxious as well. "i'm scared too," he says softly - as if sensing blakes thoughts.

with no more interruptions or disrupting anxious thoughts - the young couple make it through check-out with ease.

they shuffle into nico's apartment and blake immediately beelines it for his bathroom. nico waits politely outside the door.

"they all say to wait three minutes," blake says with a handful of tests.

"i'll set a timer," nico supplies and fishes his phone out from his back pocket.

the two sit outside the bathroom door - legs crossed with the tests laying in front of themselves face-down. blake wordlessly reaches for nico's hand who squeezes it silently.

"we'll figure it out you know - if they're positive," nico gestures towards the tests in front of them.

"i know," blake whispers. she grasps his arm in both of her own and leans her head against his shoulder. "i'm sorry for zoning out earlier i was just..."

"scared? you have nothing to be sorry for,"

"okay,"

"okay."

the minutes drag, and when nico's alarm finally rings out the young couple jolts upright. blake immediately reaches for the closet test and flips it over with a manicured hand. nico flips another, and the tension in the room finally settles.

negative

|

negative

blake leans her head back against nico's shoulder and the rise and fall of his breathing soothes her.

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

please more ak-15 stuff plss Chris🙏🙏

(GFL) AK-15 slow dancing with her S/O

Ah, a fellow AK-15 simp. YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND

Truthfully, 15 didn't have a lot of interest in attending a military Ball held by Griffin.

DEFY wasn't even officially a part of the PMC, but Angelia was invited to it by the Commander, and dragged the squad with her.

But, it wasn't too bad since S/O and many other T-Dolls she worked with would be there.

That, at least was a nice compromise for her personally.

Amusingly enough, none of the squad wore anything fancy while everyone else had either dresses or suits on, making them stand out.

Even most of the T-Dolls were wearing a nice outfit, but again, she did not care.

Until she saw S/O approach.

(S/O) "Fifteen? I'm surprised you came!"

15 immediately noticed that their expression brightened up upon seeing her, but she made no mention of it and only nodded in response.

(AK-15) "Angelia decided to attend, if only to please the Commander."

(S/O) "Hah, right. I guess I couldn't have convinced you?"

15 remained silent for a moment, her eyes looking away for a moment before shaking her head.

(AK-15) "...If you had asked me personally, I would have done so."

S/O noticed how awkward she seemed to be, understandably so.

She normally viewed things like this as a waste of time, so it made sense.

(S/O) "...Hey, come with me for a second?"

S/O extended their hand, waiting for her to grab it as a smile slowly crept onto their lips. 15 simply blinked before taking their hand, letting herself be dragged away from the stuffiness inside the main hall.

Taking a step outside, they were able to stand under the moonlight alone, though there were a small amount of people outside, everyone kept to themselves thankfully.

(S/O) "Ah, much better. I can actually breathe out here..."

15's eyes slowly glanced over to S/O, noticing how nice their suit/dress was.

(AK-15) "You look good tonight."

S/O was taken off guard by the compliment, suddenly stuttering as one finger reached for their collar, stretching it out and avoiding eye contact.

(S/O) "H-Hah, thanks. Personally, I thought this looked a bit too gaudy on me, I would've just preferred to wear my normal uniform.-"

From inside the main hall, the two could hear music softly playing, watching from outside as the crowds moved off into pairs, slowly dancing to the beat.

S/O stepped away from 15, only to extend a hand to her with another smile, albeit this one was softer.

(S/O) "Will you have this dance with me tonight, Fifteen?"

Her eyes slightly widened at the question, S/O swearing they could see her face flush a little from embarassment.

S/O wasn't even aware 15 could experience embarassment.

(AK-15) "I...do not know how to dance."

S/O's fingers brushed against her hand before holding it, laughing nervously.

(S/O) "Neither do I, to be honest. No better time than now, right?"

(AK-15) "...Then I will follow your lead."

S/O and 15's hands held each other as they awkwardly raised it up, simply stepping to the side, trying their best to mimic what the people inside were doing.

As soon as the lyrics for the song kicked in, they were slowly getting the hang of it.

S/O saw 15's eyes on them, looking intense as usual. But her face and body language said that she was relaxed, something S/O rarely saw these days.

After a few moments, her irises blinked into a solid pink color before returning to its normal state, surprising S/O.

(S/O) "A-Are you okay?-"

(AK-15) "I have just downloaded something to assist with slow dancing like this."

(S/O) "Ass-IST?!-"

15 suddenly dipped S/O back, they almost lost their footing were it not for her hand lowering to their waist.

She detected heat signatures rapidly rising to their cheeks, but she paid it no mind, instead, taking their hand behind her head, and leaning closer to them, S/O being able to see clearly the irregular shape of her eyes in detail.

(AK-15) "You have always taken care of me when it comes to matters like these. I wish to repay your kindness now, and take care of you."

15 now felt their heart quicken in pace, but she continued with her plan and raised S/O back up, expertly stepping in beat with S/O trying their best to catch up.

Despite their apparent nervousness, they still let 15 take the lead, fully trusting her.

Something that made her very happy, the only indication being her brows raising higher than usual as she danced with S/O.

S/O let their head rest on her chest as she guided their feet along the empty courtyard, both of them just enjoying the moment.

At this point, 15 knew that her squad was looking at them, but she didn't care.

All that mattered to her right now:

(AK-15) "...I'm glad I came here for you, S/O."

S/O quietly chuckled, stopping in place with 15 to look her directly in the eyes.

(S/O) "...I'm glad you're here too, Fifteen."

With 15 being one of the tallest T-Dolls, S/O had to stand on the tip of their toes to fully meet her lips, giving a gentle kiss that she leaned into, her arms wrapping around them, with S/O's hands on her shoulders.

...

(AK-12) "Aw, isn't that cute?

(AN-94) "...Ah, is that S/O?"

(RPK-16) "So it would seem. I'm glad AK-15 can actually enjoy herself instead of just thinking about the next mission."

(Angelia) "Alright girls, quit staring and give them some privacy. God knows they need it."

[ssstarscreamconjunx-alice]

Embers of a Starlit Flame| Chapter 9

TW: Mass-shifted Smut (18+ MDNI)

It nearly a month for Starscream’s systems to fully repair, even after his wings where returned to his frame. The damage had been severe.

Finally, getting the ‘all clear’ from Ratchet, Starscream leaves the med bay. And the joyous company of one grumpy medic-bot. Although the ache in his reattached wings hasn’t left, nor the damage to his pride. Alice’s presence in the med-bay was steadfast, but her mind distant. And the Seeker caught onto it quite fast.

Still offering him warm smiles, and easy affection. But something’s changed…  perhaps he said something to drive her off?

As much as he preferred to avoid it, this has dragged on far too long.

He needs to bond with her. To reveal his feelings. To speak the unspoken… It tears at his internals, because he's already decided. How ironic that it was the day he nearly died, again.

The thought distracts him as he makes his way through the base. Being stopped for briefings far too many times according to the Seeker. He’d missed a lot. Quite a few of the scientists among the group needed his input. As if suddenly remembering who he was before the war.

What really perturbed him are the amount of friendly bots coming up to him to chatter.

---

Alice balances her head in her palm, the growing emptiness of what feels like the inevitable, now that Star is healed, bearing down on her and distracting her from her work. The jargon on her laptop just swirls together into an unintelligible mess, and she sighs, scrunching her eyes before rubbing them between two fingers.

She doesn’t regret it. Alice knew going in that she’d get hurt in the end. That this would just be temporary. Clenching her hands around the thick fleece sweater that repels the necessary cold temperature of the base.

She stifles a grumble when the doors to her room… their room, slide open. Resisting the urge to turn her swivel chair towards familiar clunking pedes. The former giddiness to see him feel like a stone in her stomach. The mechanical whirring and whining catch her attention further, and then the strong arms she’s come to find so comforting wrap around her shoulders.

Starscream mutters a greeting against her soft skin. He’s missed this. Missed her. Being able to hold her, show her his full attention. Venting lightly at the sense of comfort that enshrouds him, relaxing his frame with the contact.

Alice keeps quiet. Even as his lips trace her pulse, humming lowly against the side of her neck. Huffing away the fluster tinting her face, she tries to refocus her eyes on the documents, until Starscream’s rasping voice cuts through the quiet.

“We must talk..” Pressing a soft kiss to her skin, a gesture that usually sparks butterflies in her, leaves her face scrunching in disappointment. Body tensing as her guts seem to scramble– now? Why now? Couldn’t he wait a little longer?

“Can– can’t… can’t it wait..? I have so much to do, I need…” She needs time. More time for this. Just a little longer to fool herself.. Choking up the whine that threatens to fall from her lips, trying to calm herself– to stop the racing of her heart from the dreaded anticipation. The searing that claws at her eyes, and the dryness threatening to actually choke her.

Starscream swivels her seat to tear her from her screen, “Is something.. wrong?” Settling down onto his knees, he lays his chin in her lap, looking up at her under his helm. Stopping for a moment, and sucking in a breath, she looks down at him blinking rapidly to save off any moisture. Mirroring her worry and longing. His servos resting around her waist as she sits and looking too much like a kicked puppy.

Lip trembling, Alice probes, softly, “Is there?” Part of her hoping she’d assumed wrong. That he isn’t tired of her, bored, and ready to cast her aside. But that gut churning feeling doesn’t recede.

One of his optics squints, as if he’s equal parts confused and amused she’d ask him that, head cocked to the side. A curt chuckle accompanies his shaking helm and a goofy smile. Then pushing himself off the ground and pulling her up with him. Settling his arms around her as he inches her closer to their bed and the nest of blankets.

His hands on her, eager, easy, they settle her nerves; and she easily follows his lead back to their comfort, relaxing into his hold when he settles her into his lap, and wrangles one of the blankets loose to cushion around them.

Finally having him to herself again, she gives him a once over. Pulling herself forward over one of his shoulders to look at his wings. The soldering marks that are still visible and the ruined mark of his old faction. A reminder.

“There is no need to fret over me, I’m fine..” Starscream scoff, maneuvering her back in his lap. Cocking his head, he runs his servos through her curls, huffing at her furrowed expression.

“You… wanted to talk..?” She clears her throat in between her words. Choosing instead to focus her eyes onto one of his hands, moving it around into her grasp, unable to handle the nerves that come from his intense gaze.. He doesn’t budge an inch, although she kind of expected him to keep his distance. Firm, keeping her pressed against him with his other arm. Then pulling his hand away to take her chin in a surprisingly gentle hold.

“Yes..” He’s thought about it from the moment he came back online, feeling the absence of his prides, his wings– seeing her by his side, fretting, unmoving.. How in the Pit is he supposed to say this?

The words never seem right when he’d gone through them in his processor.

“First… I…” He pauses, flitting his eyes around her soft features, begging his spark to grant him the right way to say it, since his processor must be scrambled,

“Do you.. know of the Conjunx Ritus?”

“Uh… uh-huh? It’s.. like.. marriage?” Her voice cuts through the hesitant air like a battering ram, causing a laugh to startle through him. “To put it simply? Yes.. it’s a traditional courtship akin to ‘human marriage’.”

His tone modulates from sarcasm to a softness, dripping with affection.

“One that leads to a permanent partnership. Not... as common anymore, unnecessary according to most..” But? She almost says, but he gives her no time to answer just yet.

“Over the time I have known you, we have completed all necessary acts to fulfill the ceremonial parts of it… whether you realize it or not. And,” Starscream draws in cold air through his intakes to cool his overheating vents, “I want to make it official.”

He straightens, self-assuredness, even if false, to brace himself for what she might say. His pride says she’ll accept, even his spark does. But the little, nagging, insecure voice in his processor denies him.

“I.. don’t know..” She mumbles softly and then grabs his face when he tries to back away from her out of instinct, “Hey... gimme a sec’ to speak, Star..”

Spreading her hands softly against his chassis plating, his tension recedes once more.

“I don’t know what ‘making it official’ means. That’s all. I learned about the Ritus, yeah. But that’s it. No one really talks about it.” She quirks her lips, glancing up at him.

Starscream’s eyes widen at her explanation, dermas parting as he notes that she isn’t… refusing him.

His arms unwind from her hips and he cups her hands, bringing them to his chassis as he describes to her, his voice softer than she’s ever heard, “It entails the merging of sparks. I would be yours, truly and completely. Permanently. And..” He presses his dermas to her hands, “You would be mine.”

Alice’s face warms at the thought. Oh, so he means it. He’s really asking her to basically marry him? Isn’t this a bit fast for him? A year together should mean nothing to a Cybertronian, even if it meant the world to her…

She gapes, “You.. know I don’t have a spark, right?” Still, not refusing him. He grows even bolder from her curiosity. Smiling against her knuckles, he hums warmly, optics burning a hot crimson in realizing how receptive she’s being, in her own way.

“Perhaps not. I would still like to try, if you would have me?” The thought had crossed his mind before, and if it doesn’t? He’ll find a way to make it work.

If? If she would have him? Grabbing her dumb, silly Seeker by the cheek-guards, and pulls him into a giddy kiss. Drowning out the subtle startled noise he responds with. Starscream’s servos find her body and trap her flush against him, causing her hands to migrate to his shoulders, one sliding over the base of his neck.

Shameless, overeager, and showing her bravery, the action pulls a low, heated growl from the usually supercilious Seeker’s vocalizer. “Oh… Eager?”

She laughs against his mouth, before pulling away ever so slightly. Leaning up to bump her forehead against his, and his servo gently cradles her cheek keeping her there. If his vents weren’t already searing, they are now, his fans stuttering to keep up with his temperature.

“Why wouldn’t I have you? Why–“ Her own giggles interrupt her, “Why wouldn’t I be eager?” Taking his helm in her hands again, his falling to her lap, and yielding to her grasp. Alice’s eyes fall shut, and she divulges what she’s been yearning to, “I love you…”

Her voice feels small when saying something so big. But it's a weight off her shoulders.

Starscream brushes his dermas against her cheek, then trailing to her jaw and stopping near her ear. Taking her face in a servo and leaning her back onto the bed. Whispering his confession, his ‘I love you’s’ only for her to hear– as if they weren’t alone.

“…let me prove it to you, my Alice..”

Shuddering a response, before relaxing into his touch when his servos begin wandering. Ghosting past her neck and increasing pressure lightly when running down her body until reaching the hem of her sweater. Slipping under the soft cotton, sending a wave of warmth under his digits shooting straight through her.

How addicting his little femme has become, and he realizes that will only worsen when they bond. If it works. Glossa running softly against her skin, dragging it across the line of her jaw before capturing her sweet mouth once more. Not wasting a single moment, he coaxes her to deepen the kiss. Wanting her, desperately, and resolved to demonstrate that to her.

Chasing her soft tongue, he guides her body to lay beneath him. Haphazardly pushing blankets around for her comfort but never breaking from her lips.

One of Alice’s hands drifts to her pants impatiently, only to be intercepted, and replaced by one of his own. Fulfilling, if slowly, her need to pull off her clothes. Peeling away the layers of fabric, far too slowly, and pulling away just to observe her. Laying bare amongst their berth, face alight with bliss and longing; and impatience, all disheveled. Just for him.

As bashful as she still feels under his gaze, Alice can’t tear her eyes from him. Not while he’s looking at her like that, like something to revere; Not when he begins trailing his way down her body, pressing kisses sporadically to her skin, even still meeting his optics when he presses his glossa against her heat, swirling it up from the hollow to her sweet spot.

“Mn..”

Ghosting his digits against her entrance, he pulls his face away only slightly, still meeting her eyes under the peak of his helm, “You haven’t forgotten how I feel, have you?” The only give away that the cheesy ass line was a joke is the goofy smirk on his face. Voice still too low, too breathless–

It’s still funny enough to pull a chuckle from her, even though she shakes her head as if seriously answering. Her face curled into an amused smile, displaying her too-sharp canines poking through her kiss-bruised lips.

“Mmmhh… ah, Sta-ar..” Her affectionate hum morphing into a soft moan when his glossa returns to task, almost startling her. Two digits pressing in deep, softly synchronizing with his tongue, and she raises her hips in response to his rhythm– the hot arousal coiling in her, causing her breathing to go ragged against her mewls.

Starscream halts, pulling away from her slick. Hushing her whining protest with a quick kiss, then pulling away smiling.

Her confusion subsides when the Seeker grips her thigh and hooks them over his pelvis. She’s snickering a bit at his antics while he releases his modesty plate. His spike pressurizing, and he catches the look in Alice’s eyes. A smug grin in response to her hunger as he slides himself along her heat. Slicking his spike with her arousal, before sheathing deep with a low growl.

“A-ahh..” A soft cry echoing from the familiar stretch, she expected it to sting again like last time, but was only met with pleasure and a delightful fullness. Starscream presses her firmly into the bed against him before moving his hips shallowly. Not bothering to quiet himself, either. As if he knows what his whining croon does to her. And when catching his haughty smirk, Alice sees that he does.

“Mmmn.. Oh.. Did.. did you miss me that much?” Laughing at her own joke, earning her a weak glare. Starscream responds by nipping at her jaw.

“Hush.. you.” Then pressing a quick kiss to her cheek. He guides her arms to wrap around his shoulder so he can gather her into his arms, pressing her into the bed with each deepening thrust of his hips. The softness of her capturing him in such an addicting way.

Her skin slides against his plating, damp with her sweat. The scent claims him as he pushes them closer to the edge. Burying his olfactory ridge into her shoulder, Starscream feels some sense of satisfaction knowing she’ll smell like him soon enough. Tensing only for a moment when her palms brush his wings, before chittering a sigh. The hesitation in her hands cured by a soft ‘please, it’s fine..’ whirring against her throat. He twitches his wings with her touch, his thrusts faltering through the curling of her wetness. Urging him to a faster pace.

Alice’s thighs become ridged, clamping around her jetformer’s hips while her body heats up alongside her cries. Starscream slows his rhythm and props himself up above her on his forearms, maneuvering her thighs opened further with his servos. His fans near overloaded to keep his systems cool while she drives him into bliss alongside her. Until they are both crashing, and his transfluid is greedily taken in by her valve. The Seeker realizes there will be no going back, and in the calm of their afterglow he caves into it.

Bumping his helm against hers, panels of his chassis click out of place and fold away. Bearing his spark to her and tangling a servo in her hair. Momentarily stilled from her valve’s pulsation and the sodden excess coating their connection.

A strong orange glow emanates from his encased sparkchamber. Catching her attention, it’s beautifully entwined with his inner structures like some modern art. A delicate hand reaches out hesitantly, and  It seems to reach for her back as her Seeker’s optics close while soaking in the feeling. Alice embraces him, limbs trapping him, as the light begins exploring  within her.

“Are you.. sure? Mh..” Mumbling into his neck cables, despite it all, feeling unsure that he really wants her. Seeming to fully relax into his possession when a muttered affirmative ghosts against her lips.

The intense possessiveness leaks from him in waves and it's the first thing she feels when his spark light entwines with her core. His frame remaining stilled to let her adjust and rest from her orgasm for just a moment.

Feeling his intent, his promise, and all of the overwhelming emotion; giving her a final chance to deny him and pull away. But she doesn't. Only looks up at him with such sweet eyes, diving into his intensity with reckless abandon.

'Her soft organic frame,.’ his hips twitch before slowly rocking against her once more in response to her acceptance, ‘those sweet little sounds belong to me,’ he nuzzles his faceplate against her neck, and trails his glossa across it's expanse, drowning every sensor in her. 'The smell of her heat, the taste of her pheromones..'

Picking up speed, and Alice can only whine, mumbling his name so breathlessly.

'Her soft valve..'

There’s a desperation driving his frame as he claims her again, 'her spark, her mind... all mine.'  Alice's moans pierce through him, as she her own emotions echo the thoughts he’s giving her so willingly. The spark light seems to wind and tighten. 'Her goals, her future... finally mine.'

Their bed creaks in protest from the pumping of his hips, and the squirming of his Alice beneath him. 'My Alice, all mine.. only mine..'

"Claim me, my Alice. As I have claimed you. Take what belongs to you..." he croons against her jaw while driving his hips in an unrelenting pace, practically bruising the plush of her ass with each thrust. The encouragement from him causing whatever light he's attached himself to, to grip at his spark in response.

Drowning in him, the flashes of his memories, emotions all tangled, and witnessing his truth. She guides his face to look at her with the gesture she's understood is too important to him; eyes locked to his whole pressing her forehead to the cliff of his helm. Her hand clinging to the back of it while she can no longer resist taking all that he's offering.

Something in her is drawn to that light he’s offered, and there’s a silent question from him, a strong longing that echoes her own. She welcomes him gladly, letting him spread through her like vines of light. Not a single crevice of her mind, or her soul is left unexplored, unclaimed. Seeming to gain something… something important from him and exchanging something equally from within herself.

Entangling in each other until she can’t tell where she ends and he begins. Not just the intensity of shared pleasure but also the overwhelming presence of each other’s thoughts and memories. His pride, his anger, his fears– his affection for her, and his growing devotion. Understanding the strong ambition, that he won’t stray from the path of power.

But still finding out just how mutual, how impulsively attached they both already were. And that the promise from this, from him, is her being just as equal to that ambition. One that echoes from his spark to her mind as a promise of eternity.

He’s scoured every inch of her memories, her mind within moments. Greedy in knowing every moment, every hurt, every hate.

Starscream is unrelenting in his pace until he can bring them back to that edge, keeping his spark tangled with whatever part of her it is that’s binding him. The molten tension in his array growing, just as Alice’s own does. Entwined as they are he can feel it as familiarly as his own. Her body moves in tandem, chasing the friction that climbs through her. The excess of his earlier overload trickles from her valve with his thrusts and staining the sheets.

Alice mouths at his dermas, while he steals her breath– tracing her mouth with his needy glossa. Devouring her soft whines of his name with his intake. Only slowing back down when her legs wind tightly again and she arches into his chassis, giving him no more room to chase. Starscream swallowing her cries into soft susurring sounds of pleasure with his dermas and riding through her overload. A new warmth joining her already overheating body as he releases, the sensation combining with the heat of his spark light, filling her completely with himself.

Sinking into her and relaxing, as his cooling fans rush to rid the heat from his frame. Their combined fluids dampening the bed beneath them. Starscream focuses on her thoughts still tied to him, embedding himself into every crevice, and allowing her the same. Restraining his urge to conceal his worse parts, and the fear that comes with such a vulnerability. Strengthening and intertwining into their forming bond and settling into something stable.

Something strong, and eternal. That’s what he aimed for. And now? There’s a certainty in that which settles his mind. Her presence lingering there, even when he must close his sparkchamber and the paneling of his chassis once more.

It’s that same certainty that quelled whatever guilt, or fear Alice had in the moment. Replacing that feeling that had been eating at her for the last month while he was bedridden. It all seems so far away now that her mind is quelled by his connected presence.

Starscream pulls his spike free from her, just to cage her against him once more. Satiated in both spark and body. Mumbling mindlessly, repeating his affections like a mantra. The Seeker unfazed by the their slick forming a wet puddle where she rested before.

Shifting her to face him on their sides, he pulls the plush of their mussed-up bed around them and curls his limbs with hers. Nuzzling his helm to hers again and never tearing his optics away from her face. The size of her cramped berth is the last thing on Starscream’s mind. After mere moments, Alice catches her breath, unable to break from his optics. Too hazed, hyper focused on admiring the subtleties in his faceplate.

“So… uh, permanent, you said?” Only getting a muffled ‘Mhm..’ from her Seeker. Her Starscream. A giddiness rumbles in her guts, cracking her freckled face with a smile.

“Mmh.. Not having second thoughts, are you? It’s a bit late for that..”

“No… I- Just clarifying… that’s all,” A yawn interrupts her bashful defense, and the soft doodling on his chassis. Alice rests her chin atop it and snuggles as close as she can get. His wings twitch in response, echoing the giddiness that still permeates off of her. Starscream leans his head to smooth his cheek over her forehead and swaddles her with the surrounding blankets as if reflexive, letting his optics dim and close.

“Rest, my love..” They’ll wash later, he’d rather steep in their newfound closeness for a bit longer. As oversensitive as they are, she can hear his intentions like a whisper. Those words warm her, reminding her of his confession, of how his emotions for her felt. The excitement settling in her like a warm coal as she drifts off.

It takes him quite a while to fall into recharge. Not due to some negative reason for once, moreso out of a newfound excitement and adoration fueling him awake. That and how long he’s been bedridden. His digits smooth over her cheeks mindlessly for what feels like hours, engraving the softness of her sleeping form in his mind like a reward for nearly dying.

[theelizamanelli]

Tengoku

Reina Iyashi wants a normal, mundane existence until Satoru Gojo takes a special interest in her uncanny ability to bring people back to life (or so Itadori says) and offers her a job as his assistant at Jujutsu High. Tags: 18+, satoru gojo x female oc, boss x assistant, golden retriever x black cat, forced proximity, slow burn, eventual smut, romance, blood and violence, implied/referenced death link to all chapters link to ao3

——————————————————————————————————

Chapter Eleven

——————————————————————————————————

Reina closed her laptop with a huff, staring out the window. The sun was beginning to set over the treeline, a clear indication it was time for her to return home. She found herself hesitating to do so - her thoughts full. 

She had not been able to stop thinking of the kiss. It permeated her mind at nearly every waking hour - the shower, the kitchen, at work, and worsened when Gojo looked at her. It was as if he knew what was racing through her head. 

The interaction would inevitably end the same way - Reina avoiding eye contact with a blush staining her cheeks and Gojo refusing to let her be with a tease slipping from his mouth. 

Leaning her head back, Reina sighed - her shoulders slumping. The softness of Gojo’s lips haunted her. How he had deepened the kiss by pulling her back, she could feel the heat begin to grow within her at the mere thought.

Reina pressed her thighs together, warmth spreading up her neck. She couldn’t help but wonder what other things his mouth could do. Her right hand glided over her skirt before sliding up her thigh, Reina bit her lip.

“Are you ready, Iyashi?” Gojo shoved the door open, Reina nearly jumped out of her seat - knocking over the papers on her desk. 

“Please, don’t you know how to knock?” She quickly dropped to her knees to pick them up. Willing her face to cool down. 

“What were you doing?” Gojo asked suspiciously, leaning over the desk to watch her. 

“Nothing, it’s been a long day. I was-” She paused, struggling to find the word. “Relaxing.” 

She settled on that, though if she had been honest she was about to touch herself to thoughts of Gojo. Reina would be lying if she said that was the first time since they returned from the inn. 

A fact she was deeply ashamed of.

——————————————————————————————————

“What?” Gojo leaned over Reina, one hand holding onto the bar above her head - the other hidden in his pocket. “I think I deserve one.”

She rolled her eyes, turning her head to the side. Gojo pouted slightly,  “Just one kiss. I helped you all day.”

Reina looked into his glasses, his blue eyes peering slightly over, “You bothered me all day. There’s a difference.”

“And you loved it,” he responded indignantly, straightening up as the subway came to a halt. 

Reina sighed, the comments had been endless since they had arrived home. Any time she would drop off his letters he would purse his lips expectantly, earning him a smack on the mouth.

She learned quickly this was not a deterrent but rather emphatic encouragement. 

Exiting the transport, Gojo lingered a step behind her as they ascended to the street. He stepped in front of her, walking backwards as he recounted how they had all witnessed Fushiguro being hit on. Describing in great detail, his animated hands striking through the air. 

Reina laughed at the vision of Fushiguro reacting to the three as they more than likely misread the situation. 

He pouted, “Not our sweet, naive Megu-” he stopped abruptly as a young girl bounced off of his limitless effect, stumbling forward.

Reina reached out to steady her but the girl yanked her arm out of range, “Watch where you’re going, lady!” she shouted.

Her brows furrowed, her eyes blinking rapidly. The girl glared before pushing past her, hurrying down the street.

Reina whipped around, “Listen here, brat! You better respect your elders!” she scrambled to follow her. 

The girl’s short brown hair ducked in and out of the crowd. Reina pushed through the throng, apologizing intermittently. The kid slipped into an alley, she sprinted down the brickway screeching to a stop as it came to a dead end.

“Where the fu-” Reina muttered, looking around frantically.

“Listen, brat, I will find you!” she yelled into the sky, “So help me!”

Gojo leaned down, “Yeah, you really got her, Iyashi!” he nodded his head in faux solidarity.

“Shut up,” she responded, her head swiveling to look for any small openings she could have slid through.

“Now, what do we have here?” she asked, crouching down to examine a corner of the ground - a hole burrowed to the other side. A green curse sat, too engorged to fit through the opening.

Gojo peered over her, “A curse? Interesting.”

“Very,” replied Reina. 

——————————————————————————————————

Reina slammed a piece of paper onto Gojo’s desk, fixing him with a sinister smile. She slid her hand out of the way to allow him to examine it.

It was a school picture, a young girl with dark brown hair glared up at Gojo.   

“Found her,” she stated triumphantly, her eyes darkening. 

“Scary,” said Gojo, leaning his head back and turning the photo over.

“Very,” Fushiguro concurred, sitting in the corner of the classroom reading a book.

“The school sent over information about her,” she smiled as she pulled the documents out of her bag.

Gojo examined her carefully before responding, “How did you manage that?”

“I lied and said I was her long lost aunt trying to reconnect.” she responded, flipping through the papers absentmindedly.

“Is this how you always act? Lying to get what you want?” he teased, mocking her with a grin.

Reina looked up at him, a small smile tugging at her lips before stating, “Pretty much.”

She sat at the counter later that night, reading through the information.

Name: Sakura Fukanaga

Sex: Female

Age: 11 

Parents: Deceased

Home Address: Sanya Children’s Home

Reina’s grip tightened on the paper, her eyes re-reading the last three words. She set the documents down, her mind flashing with memories. Her jaw clenched as she shook her head, standing from the counter she threw the stack into her bag.

——————————————————————————————————

Sanya Children’s Home

Reina stared at the worn lettering on the building, her foot tapping the ground. She had been standing at the same spot on the sidewalk for five minutes, the Spring air hugging her bare legs as she willed them to step forward.

“Whatcha doin’?” Gojo inquired, settling in next to her.

Reina jumped slightly before groaning, “What are you doing here?”

“Well, it’s rare that my assistant doesn’t show up to work. Thought I should investigate.” he replied, staring up at the building - reading.

“It’s Saturday,” she responded, her tone flat.

“Oh, well, that makes sense.” He shrugged before walking towards the door, “Are you going to go in or keep staring at it for another five minutes?”

Reina huffed, taking a few tentative steps towards the entrance - careful to avoid the cracked wood near the frame. She wiggled her big toe reflexively. 

Children of all ages raced through the corridors, giggling as they hopped up the stairs. There was an open space to the right that contained various couches and chairs, a few girls sat there coloring. A dining area spanned to the right, a long table sprawled through the middle. 

An older woman stood scolding a child for sliding down the bannister, as the boy walked off with his head hanging she turned towards them, “How can we help you?”

The woman faltered, “Reina?” she gasped, rushing forward.

“Hello, Ms. Shimuzu,” Reina responded sheepishly. 

“We thought you were dead!” Ms. Shimuzu shouted. “Went to your apartment and there was an eviction notice on the front! The landlord said you had disappeared with all of your stuff!”

Reina winced at the tone, slumping her shoulders as she fidgeted with her blouse - her eyes roaming the floor. 

“Six months, Reina! SIX MONTHS we haven’t heard from you!” she yelled, reaching for her shoulders. Gojo slid in between the woman and Reina, a smile plastered to his face.

“Hello, Satoru Gojo. This troublemaker’s boss, may I ask who you are?” he asked politely, gesturing behind him where Reina hung her head.

Her hands stopped short of his body, she looked up at his glasses before responding, “My name is Ms. Shimuzu, I run Sanya Children’s Home. I used to take care of Reina Iyashi though it seems she’s moved on to,” She paused and trailed his length with her gaze, “other things.”

Gojo cocked his head to the side, staring down at the woman. Ms. Shimuzu peered around him, fixing her sights on Reina.

“What do you have to say for yourself, girl?” she asked sternly.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Shimuzu. I really was going to write a letter at least but,” She faltered, she didn’t know why she hadn’t reached out. This woman was as close as she would ever get to having a mother yet she still treated her like a child. 

“I’ve been keeping her so busy at work,” Gojo finished for her, leaning down to catch Ms. Shimuzu’s attention. “Obviously raised well, she’s such a diligent employee,”

Flattered at the compliment, she puffed up slightly - leading them to the living room area.

“So, why did you deign us with your presence, Reina?” Ms. Shimuzu inquired, casting her a sideways glare. 

Reina swallowed hard before responding, “I’m looking for someone. Her name is Sakura Fukanaga.”

Ms. Shimuzu let out a deep sigh, “Oh, god, what did she do this time?”

“Nothing,” replied Reina hurriedly. “I want to talk to her, that's all.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll have a lot to converse about. That is, if you can get her to cooperate.” she said dismissively, she gestured to the stairs. “Her room is on the third floor, 39.”

They headed up the long spiral staircase, Reina stared down at the wood - the tension palpable. 

Gojo leaned down, “She’s a delight,” he said in a low voice, holding a hand up over his mouth in an attempt to muffle his words.

Reina didn’t respond, her stare fixed on the steps. 

Approaching the door, they could hear a young girl talking to someone with no response. Reina scrunched her face, reaching a hand out to knock on the door.

“I’m busy!” yelled out an irritated voice.

“Too bad!” Reina shouted back. The door was yanked roughly, the young girl stood in the opening - glaring up at her.

“You’re that lady on the street,” she said, her gaze trailing her up and down. 

“And you’re that brat who has no manners,” Reina responded, walking forward into the room. 

“Better than being some old maid, towing along a white haired freak.” Sakura retorted, scoffing as Reina passed her. 

Gojo gasped, one hand reaching up to smooth back a tendril that had fallen over his glasses. Reina whipped towards Sakura, her eyes ablaze.

“He’s not some freak, well-” she halted, Gojo was a freak but the young girl had no business criticizing him. “He has many quirks but he doesn’t deserve to be ridiculed by some snot nosed kid.”

Sakura’s brows furrowed, “Listen, lady, what do you want?”

“You can see them, can’t you?” Reina asked, her eyes softening as she stiffened in response. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” responded Sakura. She had let go of the door, walking over to the desk to sit down. Gojo leaned against the frame, his eyes darting back and forth between the two.

“You’ve always been able to see them but now it’s harder to ignore them,” Reina stepped towards her. “You can feel them, they track you down sometimes. They hurt your friends but they don’t know why.”

The girl's eyes widened, her breathing increased as Reina continued. 

“No one else can see them and they don’t believe you when you tell them. They make fun of you, call you names,” Her voice softened. “Is that why you were running? That green curse was chasing you?”

“Leave me alone!” exclaimed Sakura, standing up from the desk.

“We can see them, too,” Reina responded calmly, gesturing to Gojo. “Let us help you.”

“Get out!” she yelled, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

Reina walked out of the room, watching as Sakura slammed the door. 

——————————————————————————————————

Slowly following the sidewalk up to the apartment building, Gojo fell in step with her. He glanced at Reina intermittently, it had been a quiet walk home. He had made various comments that would normally warrant a swift smack - instead she hadn’t even furrowed her brows. 

This seemed to greatly unsettle him.

Riding the elevator, they exited onto their floor and stopped abruptly. Sakura sat outside of the door, looking up and making eye contact with Reina.

“I can see them,” she said softly.

“How did you beat us up here?” asked Gojo, looking around for whoever had accompanied her.

“I’m really fast,” she replied with a shrug.

Reina opened the door, gesturing for Sakura to enter. Gojo peeked around the corner, ensuring there hadn’t been someone who had driven her. Reina shot him an incredulous look, waving her hand - an indication to hurry inside. 

He held his hands up defensively, sliding past her through the entry. 

They settled into the living area, Sakura sat cross legged on the floor - staring at the carpet. Reina fidgeted with her skirt, hoping she would break the silence. 

“So? Anyone seen any good animes lately?” Gojo inquired, clapping his hands to his knees.

Reina and Sakura glared at him - the young girl shook her head before stating, “There’s something in the attic.”

The two leaned forward as Sakura continued, “Ms. Shimuzu keeps it locked, I hear noises coming from it every once in a while. It became a dare to see how close you could get to the door. My friend Misaki got all the way up there but now she’s,” she paused, swallowing hard. “...different.”

“How so?” replied Reina, smoothing out her skirt.

“I don’t know. She’s just…weird now. She mumbles to herself a lot and stays up all night.” her brows furrowed, sadness saturating her expression.

“We’ll help you,” Reina stated, standing from the couch. Gojo stared up at her before returning his attention to Sakura. He stood abruptly, settling in next to her.

“Yes, we will,” He said, saluting the young girl.

“Are you always this weird?” Sakura asked. 

“Yes,” responded Reina - stifling a laugh. She patted Gojo on the shoulder comfortingly as his face fell.

——————————————————————————————————

Reina stood outside of the orphanage, admiring the building - memories of young girls playing in the front yard streaking her memory. She smiled before striding towards the entrance, Gojo lagging slightly behind her. 

She held out her arm, pointing out the splintered wood frame, “Watch out, that’s how I ended up with six stitches in my toe.” Gojo hopped over it gracefully before walking into the familiar space.

Sakura stood at the bottom of the stairs, motioning for the two to follow. 

The staircase gave way to another level, filled with various hallways containing rooms for the children.

“Where is the attic?” inquired Reina as she took a few tentative steps forward. 

“Over there,” Sakura pointed down a long hallway with no doors that led to a weathered staircase. The lightbulb that illuminated the space flickered intermittently.

“Spooky,” whispered Gojo.

“Very,” responded Sakura.

Reina walked to the staircase, investigating the area. Gojo stepped next to her, sliding his fingers along the bannister.

“There’s cursed energy here but not as much as I thought there would be,” he mentioned before climbing the steps. 

“I don’t feel anything,” commented Reina as she followed him. Gojo broke the lock and pushed the door open.

The wood flooring spread forward giving way to a large window that overlooked the street. The space was filled with boxes lining the walls haphazardly, a thin layer of dust coating the room.

Reina rummaged through one of the boxes closest to her - full of pictures, awards, keepsakes of a stranger. She threw it a puzzled look before moving on to the next.

Sakura stood at the top of the stairs, hesitant to take a step into the space. Gojo walked over to her, standing protectively next to the bannister, “You’re safe,” he said comfortingly. 

She faltered before entering the room, glancing at Gojo momentarily before stepping past him. Sakura walked to where Reina was standing, peering over the box. 

“That’s Misaki’s parents,” she pointed at the picture. 

Reina jolted, a realization hitting her as she turned to examine the room, “These are all the belongings of these kid’s dead families,” she said to Gojo.

“That’s a little morbid,” he replied, picking up a baseball from another box - tossing it in the air. 

They continued to search the room in an attempt to gather information about the curse, Sakura sat on the floor looking through photos.

Reina rested next to her, gazing over her shoulder. “They died in a fire,” she stated - pointing at the picture of Sakura and a young woman holding onto a young man. “Dad told me to run as fast as I could,”

“I was around your age when I lost my family,” Reina said softly. “I blamed myself for years, I didn’t talk until I was eleven. Like a personal punishment.”

A tear slipped down Sakura’s cheek as she caressed the photo, “How did you stop?” she whispered.

Reina paused for a moment, thinking of how to respond, “I found people who make me feel something,” she stated. “They taught me that I did everything that I could,”

She put a comforting hand on Sakura’s back, “That is all anyone can ask.”

——————————————————————————————————

The three investigated various portions of the house to no avail. There weren’t any obvious signs of a curse. 

“Maybe we can come back,” reasoned Reina as they had finished searching the last closet. “If you see something, you can call us.”

Sakura hung her head momentarily before meeting her gaze, “Please, I know it’s here.”

A crash sounded from the attic, echoing down the steps. Racing back in its direction, the three re-entered the room

A cloud of dust was settling in the wake of a thrown box - glass sprinkling the ground. 

A small face peeked from behind a box, ducking quickly back into its hiding spot.

“Found ya,” said Reina. She pulled a kaiken from her thigh, walking towards where it had been last.

A box flew through the air, Reina dodged it quickly. Gojo jumped out of its way as various items slid across the ground. 

The curse scurried along the wall, its body resembling a little boy with red scales. It leaped towards Gojo who knocked it back, it splayed along the ground before recovering - racing in Reina’s direction.

She braced herself for the impact, it sprung into the air towards her as she knocked it to the ground - the kaiken connecting with the side of its face, narrowly missing the neck. 

Reina cursed and prepared herself for its next action. Gojo stood behind it, waiting.

The little boy bounded across the ground towards Reina, sliding in between her legs. She whipped around to see what its strategy was. 

Sakura stood a few feet away, in front of the window - watching as the curse raced towards her. She shakily spread her feet and raised her fists. Reina sprinted in their direction.

The boy clawed at her, Sakura dodged it taking a step backwards. Reina hit the curse to the side, her arm extending forward for her. 

In a moment, Sakura was colliding with the glass as it shattered around her - falling. She reached out her hand in a desperate attempt to save herself, a gasp the only sound that escaped her lips. 

Reina grasped her hand, pulling her to her body as she slipped through the window. She tucked Sakura tightly to her chest and turned herself so that her back would be the first to hit the ground. 

They careened towards the concrete, Reina reasoned that there were worse ways to die than for someone else. 

In her last moments, she did find herself regretting not telling Gojo how thankful she was for him - she hoped he knew how much he meant to her.

She shut her eyes tight as Sakura screamed, preparing for the impact. 

Suddenly her body lightened, falling softly into strong arms. Reina opened her eyes, Gojo stared down at her with a look she had never seen before.

Sakura gripped her tightly, she sat up and looked around frantically before they both slid from his arms to the ground.

“Why is it that you are so quick to give your life for others?” He asked, a hint of anger in his voice.

Reina faltered - she had never heard him take this tone. “I don’t know, it’s a worthy cause?” she replied.

“There are people who need you here, Iyashi.” he stated, staring at her intently. “You are useless to them dead.”

He turned and walked back into the building, he had eliminated the curse in the altercation - she could see its body hanging from the window pane. 

Reina wrestled with Gojo’s words - the only people who had cared whether she lived or died had perished fifteen years ago. The idea that anyone needed her was foreign. 

She could think of no one immediately who would even inquire if she disappeared one day. Even Ms. Shizumu abandoned her search eventually. 

Her eyes widened as a sudden thought crossed her mind. Reina could think of one person who would never stop looking for her. 

Was it possible that the one who needed her most was Satoru Gojo?

——————————————————————————————————

Note to reader: Listen, I know what you guy's want. Let's just say...soon.

——————————————————————————————————

chapter twelve

[fairyniceyeah]

💎🐈‍⬛Day 11: "We're out of time."

Bleeding Out/Collapse/Flatline

@juneofdoom

Part One: Day 4: "Does that hurt?"

Day 10: "Can you hear me?"

Summary: Wonwoo can’t keep a cool head as Woozi bleeds.

CW: blood, emeto, fainting

Whumpee: Wonwoo (+ Seungcheol) Caretaker: Jun + Jeonghan

Wonwoo, to his own embarrassment, had never been good with blood. The members had found out in a very embarrassing way - with Hoshi accidentally hitting DK in the face during a dance practice which had caused a nosebleed. And Wonwoo fainting at the sight of it and gaining a concussion from an unstopped fall.

Now, the sight of Jihoon, his littlest brother, pinned to the ground by a tent peg, blood gushing out in every direction and coating the producer, Seungcheol and Joshua with red - it turned Wonwoo’s stomach. He gagged violently against the hand he had clamped to his mouth just in time, feeling dizzy. 

Joshua was saying something but over the rushing in his ears, Wonwoo couldn’t hear it. 

He was glad for Jun who tugged him away by his shoulder. Helplessly he stumbled after the older member, the brutal sight branded into his mind. He was pushed down to sit on the ground further away from the tent area and he put his head between his raised knees, trying to stay in the moment. 

Jun’s hand disappeared from his shoulder and - to his horror - Wonwoo whimpered. He had never been one of the more emotional members, choosing to stand behind and be a pillar to lean on for those who needed it. It came from being a hyung, surely, but also from his own calm demeanor. He had never wanted to be coddled or taken care of or be a burden to his members. 

But now, in the middle of nothing and Jihoon bleeding out, Wonwoo for the first time in a long time couldn’t keep a cool head. He wanted to but he couldn’t. His need for reassurance, his need for comfort was bigger. 

Why had Jun left him when Wonwoo needed him? They certainly weren’t the closest but they didn’t love each other less due to that. They mostly just coexisted in a happy tango around the other members who relied on them. They were similar in that way.

Where was Jun?

Wonwoo lifted his head, nearly falling to the side as his head swam. 

He spotted the chinese member easily, despite the low light. Jun was kneeling on the ground in front of a shaking Vernon. Jeonghan was standing next to them, having wrapped Seokmin in his arms, shushing his cries. 

Right, both younger members weren’t good with injuries either. Suddenly Wonwoo was attacked by hot and cold flushes of shame. He should be able to keep himself together. The younger members were a priority over him. 

And yet, Wonwoo longed for somebody to hold him close, whisper reassurances. He had never seen a member this pained, this visibly injured, as Jihoon was. Jihoon who always hated to show vulnerability and now was at the mercy of his broken body.

That thought made his stomach churn and before he knew what was going to happen, he had to twist to the side before he was violently sick all over the ground. He coughed and sobbed through waves of unrelenting, overwhelming nausea. His throat burned from the bile and his eyes from the tears.

Hands came to rest on his shoulders and Wonwoo slumped forwards, unable to hold himself up anymore. Vertigo was turning his world while nausea made him unable to stop retching over the pile of vomit on the ground. 

“Shit, Wonwoo”, somebody called, close to his ears and he turned around, throwing himself at the person. He didn’t care that there probably was snot and vomit on his face - the other person would just have to deal. Wonwoo didn’t have the capacities for that.

The person held him tightly and then Wonwoo was dragged away - likely to avoid anybody stepping into the puddle. Once he was settled, the person gently removed themself from Wonwoo’s grip, shushing him as he whimpered when the comforting contact was broken.

“Wonwoo-yah”, Jun said softly, wiping the younger member’s mouth and nose with his sleeve. Wonwoo blinked up at him through the film of tears in his eyes and the smudges on his glasses. “I’m so sorry. I am so so sorry. I never should have left you - Vernon-ah, he - no, there is no excuse.”

“It’s fine”, Wonwoo mumbled, suddenly embarrassed. He felt awful for poor Seokmin and Jeonghan, two of their more easily grossed out members, who had to witness his dinner reappearing. And where was Vernon? Wasn’t Jun with him?

He didn’t realize he spoke out loud until Jun shushed him. “Han-hyung got Seokmin and Vernon, don’t worry. You’re not fine, you need help too.”

“I’m so sorry”, Wonwoo apologized quietly. He never had wanted to make a fuss.

“No more apologies”, Jun said determinedly, “are you ready to go back to the other three? They are worried about you.”

Though still feeling off-kilter, Wonwoo nodded. However, as soon as he was upright, his knees buckled underneath him and he collapsed back to the ground, weak like a fawn just learning to walk. Jun, there when needed as always, was quick to catch him and lower him back down.

Wonwoo was quickly becoming overwhelmed and frustrated by the situation, wanting the attention off himself. Jun seemed to understand and kept quiet while Wonwoo tried to calm himself down. He just held Wonwoo’s hand in his, a soft pressure while he waited. 

Taking deep breaths and banning any images of Jihoon bleeding on the forest floor from his mind, Wonwoo managed to gain his bearings. Jun made him sit down a bit longer than he himself thought necessary but the rapper was soon glad as his knees still trembled when he tried to stand again. 

“It’s alright, we’ll go slow”, Jun soothed and slung his arm around Wonwoo’s shoulder. It was more of a hug than support and Wonwoo was glad for it.

As soon as they reached the small area - Wonwoo now recognised it as the cooking space - where Jeonghan, Seokmin and Vernon and now Dino were waiting, Vernon ran towards them. Wonwoo opened his arms and held him close.

“Sorry for scaring you even more”, the older mumbled. 

“Don’t worry about it, hyung”, Vernon protested shakily through his tears, “you have as much a right to be scared as we do.”

That was the problem, wasn’t it? Wonwoo didn’t like to be afraid. Especially not for his members. He was about to protest, when Jeonghan, Dino and Seokmin joined their cuddle pile. They all fell to the ground together in a tangle of limbs but never letting go of one another. 

“I’m sorry. We forgot about your hemaphobia. That’s unacceptable”, Jeonghan apologized, sounding like he was beating himself up about it.  

“Hyung”, Wonwoo whispered and then, surrounded by his members as scared as he himself was, he started to sob. Vernon forced his way into Wonwoo’s lap, hugging him tightly, while Dino hung onto his back. Jun held him and Dino protectively and Jeonghan had a hand on Wonwoo’s knee, his other arm wrapped around Seokmin. 

“We’re running out of time”, Wonwoo said quietly, “aren’t we? Jihoon’s running out of time.” That was the issue with his phobia - through therapy he knew how much blood a body could stand to lose and Jihoon had been - was - losing way too much. The small glimpse he had seen of the injury was enough to know that Jihoon was closer to death than any of them ever wanted to see.

“I don’t know”, Jeonghan whispered brokenly. “I don’t know. He has to be fine.”

None of them knew what to reply to that. So they sat crying together until a frazzled S.Coups stumbled into the clearing, looking pale.

“Cheollie?”, Jeonghan asked, jumping up to gather him in his arms. 

But the leader stopped him, throwing up his hand as a barrier. His hands were covered in blood and dirt, the mixture dripping to the floor. Instantly Wonwoo felt himself fall backwards.

“Wonwoo-yah”, Jun whispered, soft hands catching him as consciousness left him.

The last thing he heard was Jeonghan frantically calling: “Cheollie? If you’re gonna puke, Wonwoo already … - okay, it’s okay.”

Wonwoo opened his eyes as helicopter blades moved the trees in his vision. He groaned at the pain pulsating in his head. Immediately, he remembered.

“Jihoon?”, he asked, eyes trailing behind the helicopter - hopefully carrying his friend to safety.

Jun, whose lap his head was pillowed on as he found out then, stroked his hair gently.

“Joshua is accompanying him to the hospital. The managers will drive us there as soon as possible. Jihoon-ah will be fine, you’ll see.”

Jihoon, indeed, was fine after a long, long surgery. Months of crutches and physiotherapy awaited him but he was fine. 

Day 12: "I can't stand seeing you like this"

Masterlist links: Fairy's Masterlist 2024 Fairy's Masterlist 2025 Fairy's June of Doom 2024  

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC's Lucien Binding Knot Date English Translation

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for a date that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

She told me that a person's life is too short. In the blink of an eye, it's five years, and then another blink, it's ten years.

That's how she and her husband lived their lives, bickering and muddling through, and they ended up spending their whole lifetime together.

Looking back, the bumps in the road and trivial matters along the way don't hold much significance compared to being able to harmoniously live together for a lifetime.

Translation under the cut~

[Notes from Lux: Here's the CN video link if anyone want to follow along his Voice Acting. VERY recommended to re-read S1 chapter 9 and his Chinese Wedding SP Bound By Love/A Love Not in Vain because this date specifically references these two stories. AND perhaps Sacred Mountain Date regarding his belief in God(s)]

-

[Part 1]

Lucien: Today is Saturday. Didn't we agree not to work?

Lucien places a bowl of freshly washed blueberries on the coffee table and casually feeds me a few. I sit on the sofa, engrossed in the documents on my laptop.

MC: Kiki has sorted the photography registration form; I need to quickly finish reviewing it so that I can contact them earlier.

Recently, our company launched a charity project called "Taking Family Portraits for One Hundred Elderly People." After the announcement was made, we received dozens of registration forms in just two days.

MC: By the way, Lucien, if any professors from Loveland University are interested in this project, you can invite them as well.

MC: We've rented the best photography studio, and the photographers are top-notch, so you can rest assured about the photo quality.

Lucien: With so many people applying, I think we should try to avoid giving slots to people we know, right?

MC: Don't worry. Even though we're promoting it as a hundred people externally, we've discussed it internally and will try to accommodate as many as possible.

MC: We're willing to help strangers, let alone the people we know.

Lucien: In that case... I do have an idea.

Lucien points to the peace knot hanging on my wall- a knot that Grandma Wen taught me to weave, and it still hangs on one side of Lucien's bookshelf.

MC: Are you talking about Grandma Wen?

Grandma Wen is an elderly person who lives alone. Lucien and I have a close relationship with her. We've learned how to weave knots from her and even borrowed wedding attire. So, we visit her whenever we have free time.

She is also very hospitable to us, always arranging snacks for us to enjoy. She also advises us young people not to focus only on work but to remember to take care of ourselves.

MC: Actually, I did consider inviting her at first, but Grandma Wen's husband has already passed away, and having her take a family portrait alone might be a bit…

Lucien: Are you worried that it might make her uncomfortable?

Seeing me nod, Lucien leans back on the sofa, tilts his head, and smiles slightly.

Lucien: [chuckles] I think she won't mind at all.

Lucien: How about we ask her? One never knows.

After a lengthy discussion, we decided to call Grandma Wen. I carefully choose my words and extend the invitation, but Grandma Wen laughs heartily and readily accepts.

We finalize the shooting schedule. Lucien and I will pick her up together when the time comes.

However, Grandma Wen suggests she'd like to bring her cat, Baby, along for the photoshoot.

-

[Part 2]

On the agreed-upon morning, we arrive punctually at Grandma Wen's doorstep. While Lucien parks the car, I take the initiative to go and knock on the door.

The black-and-white spotted little cat lies under the eaves, rolling around playfully and occasionally pawing at something in the air, looking quite content.

MC: Baby~ Come here kitty for a hug~

But the little kitty pays no attention to me, completely engrossed in rolling on the ground. It rolls several times and ends up a meter away from me.

Lucien: (gently calls the kitty) Baby, come here.

Just as Lucien approaches, Baby suddenly gets up, takes two steps, and runs to Lucien's feet. It raises its paw and paw at the cuff of Lucien's pants, meowing incessantly.

MC: That's quite a contrast in treatment!

MC: Although I've played with it plenty of times before, it still prefers you. That's unfair!

Lucien lowers his gaze and sighs at the cat.

Lucien: [chuckles] You see, I didn't do anything, but she's angry just because you like me more.

Lucien: If you could talk, I'm sure you'd also think this is even more unfair to me, right?

Lucien crouches down and strokes the cat's head, using his fingers to rub its cheek gently.

Lucien: Please remember to be a little more coquettish with her later. Otherwise, I'll be in a tough spot.

MC: ...Hmph, you're not in a tough spot at all!

Lucien can't resist laughing and takes out a sealed bag of cat treats from his pocket, feeding them to Baby.

Lucien: Baby is actually relatively easy to please. Just give it some treats a few more times, and it will be circling around you.

Grandma Wen: MC, you're here…

I turn around and see that Grandma Wen is already standing at the door.

MC: Grandma! You look so beautiful today!

Grandma Wen is wearing a short jacket with a standing collar and a diagonal button today. It's evident at a glance that the craftsmanship is exquisite.

The satin fabric is smooth and lustrous, while the embroidery is lifelike with intricate stitching.

Grandma Wen sheepishly waves her hand.

Grandma Wen: These are old clothes I haven't worn in seven or eight years. It's rare that I've taken them out.

MC: Old clothes? I can't tell. They look just like new…

MC: Is the embroidery on the hem here the Lotus Pond? Each lotus is transitioned with several colors... It's really beautiful!

MC: Did you embroider this yourself, Grandma?

Grandma Wen touches the hem, smoothing the embroidered threads of the lotus leaves.

Grandma Wen: My husband made this for me when he was still alive.

Grandma Wen: From pattern drafting to embroidery, he did every step himself, insisting that his craftsmanship was better than mine.

Grandma Wen: These embroideries used to be even more beautiful, but unfortunately, the thread colors have faded over time.

MC: I can't tell that the thread colors have faded. I think it looks incredibly beautiful.

MC: Your complexion looks great today. When it's time for the photo shoot, we'll have a hairstylist do your hair. We must create a hairstyle that compliments this dress perfectly.

Lucien walks over carrying a cat carrier and lets Grandma Wen check Baby's condition.

Lucien: I used some cat treats to coax it into the carrier, and it didn't make any fuss and was very well-behaved.

Grandma Wen: Baby~ Baby, today we're going out for a photoshoot. After we get in the car, you must be good and not cause any trouble for your brothers and sisters, okay?

Grandma Wen claps her hands toward the cat inside the carrier, and Baby starts to scratch the carrier, about to meow. But Lucien offers a cat treat, and it immediately quiets down.

I give Lucien a thumbs up - only he can do it.

Lucien: How about you sit in the back with Grandma Wen later? If Baby wants to come out, you can feed it some cat treats.

MC: Mm, no problem~

Grandma Wen: Is it time to leave? Let me grab a few things.

Grandma Wen goes back inside and returns with a Chángshān covered in a dustproof cover. I have a vague idea of who the owner of this robe might be.

Grandma Wen: I made this Chángshān for my husband when I was young. It was his favorite outfit. I'll bring it along for the photoshoot. So, it's as if he's also accompanying me.

Lucien takes a half step forward, probably thinking that the gown in the bag is not light and wanting to help Grandma Wen get it into the car. However, when he catches my gaze, he takes a step back.

Lucien: Let's get in the car, Grandma.

Lucien opens both car doors, assists Grandma Wen into the car, helps her fasten the seatbelt, and then checks that the cat carrier on my lap is secure before closing the car doors.

-

[Part 3]

After arriving at the photography studio, the makeup artist has to apply makeup and do the hair for Grandma Wen.

I'm worried that Grandma Wen might hesitate to communicate her needs with the makeup artist, so I am constantly accompanying her, talking to her, and helping her with her makeup.

Lucien is responsible for taking care of Baby, who starts running around as soon as they enter the photography studio.

Grandma Wen: When we first found Baby in the wild, it was only as big as the palm of a human hand. I made a nest for it with a towel, and it slept under the dining table.

Grandma Wen: In the blink of an eye, it has grown so big.

Grandma Wen: When it was little, it wasn't this mischievous. It used to lie in the corner every day obediently and didn't let anyone approach. As soon as someone got close, it would run away.

Grandma Wen: Now, it plays with birds, teases dogs, and does all sorts of daring things. There's nothing it's afraid to do.

Grandma Wen gently squeezes my hand and says.

Grandma Wen: You should go outside and take a look. It's not easy for Professor Lucien to keep an eye on Baby all by himself. There are machines everywhere here. Don't let that smelly cat cause any trouble for you.

I nod and walk out of the makeup room.

In the living room of the photography studio, there is a bright lounge area. Lucien is holding a cat teaser toy, playing with Baby as it pounces back and forth on the sofa.

MC: You even brought a cat teaser wand?

Lucien: Not just that, I also have a cat jingle bell ball and a laser pointer in the trunk.

Lucien: I consulted my colleagues who have pets, and they said that if you want your pets to behave well for photos, you need to let them play for a good hour beforehand.

Lucien: Once they get tired from playing, they can cooperate more.

I walk over and sit down on the sofa, gently petting Baby's head. It doesn't resist and tilts its head up, allowing me to scratch its chin.

Lucien finds a moment to rest and casually picks up a book from the bookshelf, leaning back on the sofa.

MC: (smiles) It seems like this method is working. It's already behaving quite well now.

Lucien: It's probably just temporarily tired from playing. After a short rest, it will be jumping around again.

Lucien: After all, it's the most mischievous kitten I've ever seen.

Lucien gently taps the top of the Baby's head, and the kitten raises its front paw, quickly grabbing his finger.

Lucien: It climbs trees, catches birds, and even fights with stray cats... When it's full of energy, there's no stopping it.

I recall not too long ago when Baby went missing again. When we found it, it was in the middle of a fight with a stray cat outside, and its face was scratched up.

We were afraid that Grandma Wen would worry if she saw its condition, so we didn't return it directly. Instead, we told her that we were taking it to the hospital for a check-up and would bring it back once it recovered.

MC: (smiles softly) Do you remember what you said the last time we took Baby to the hospital?

Lucien: Hm?

MC: You said that despite its many escapades, Grandma Wen never considered keeping it indoors and always let it go out to play.

Lucien: I remember, if it were up to me, I wouldn't let this little cat run wild everywhere.

I pick up the cat teaser toy and start playing with the little cat, swinging it on and off.

MC: As soon as we mentioned taking a family photo, Grandma Wen immediately thought of bringing the cat along.

MC: It's clear that in Grandma Wen's heart, it's her most important family member.

MC: That's how it is among family members. No matter how worried or concerned we are, we still want the other person to be happy and do what they want to do.

Lucien: ….Our Great Producer has something to say and found a good way to start the conversation.

Noticing that I had a hidden agenda, Lucien had already guessed what it was.

Lucien: Grandma Wen already told you, didn't she?

MC: Right before the makeup session, Grandma Wen pulled me aside in a corner to talk.

MC: She said that you've been to the Matchmaker's Temple alone several times before and also visited her along the way.

I sigh meaningfully.

MC: Professor Lucien, have you encountered a problem that materialism* can't solve?

-

[T/N: Materialism in this context is more of a philosophical belief that only physical matter exists and that everything can be explained through the physical world and natural laws.]

-

Lucien leans back leisurely on the sofa, wearing only a light smile.

Baby rolls over under his palm, purring contentedly.

Lucien: Gods don't solve problems. I'm a researcher, and I still have to uphold certain principles.

Lucien: But when it comes to matters of the heart, it's just too complicated... variables abound, and there's no optimal solution.

Lucien: So, I often wonder if a certain little fool occasionally worries about me or gets angry for me. Is it because I haven't done well enough?

He lifts the corner of his eyebrows, seeming not to be troubled by this matter, just candidly sharing his feelings.

The unbridled sunlight streams through the curtains, illuminating the tenderness in his eyes with exceptional clarity.

Lucien: Questions without answers are better left to metaphysics.

Lucien: Even if the problem doesn't get solved, you can still find some comfort in it to some extent.

As Lucien speaks, he no longer plays with Baby. The cat feels neglected and keeps nudging Lucien's palm with its head.

I stroke its fluffy head and realize that it's been a very long time since the first time I saw this cat with Lucien in the wheat field.

Some things probably don't have answers in either science or metaphysics; the experiences of life are what will eventually reveal the truth.

MC: Lucien, do you know what Grandma Wen just said to me?

Lucien: Tell me.

MC: She told me that a person's life is too short. In the blink of an eye, it's five years, and then another blink, it's ten years.

MC: That's how she and her husband lived their lives, bickering and muddling through, and they ended up spending their whole lifetime together.

MC: Looking back, the bumps in the road and trivial matters along the way don't hold much significance compared to being able to harmoniously live together for a lifetime.

Lucien straightens up, seeing that there's no one around, and then suddenly leans down to place a kiss on my forehead.

The warm sunshine reflects in his eyes as he looks at me. He smiles a little and casually picks up the kitty, holding it in his arms as if nothing happened.

Lucien: Grandma Wen is right.

-

[Part 4]

After the lighting technician adjusts the lighting, Lucien and I stand in the corner of the photography studio.

Grandma Wen sits on the mahogany bench, spreading her husband's Chángshān flat across her lap. The photographer holds Baby and places it on the Chángshān.

The naturally mischievous cat is being incredibly well-behaved at this moment. No matter how the photographer handles it, it's willing to cooperate and even knows how to look at the camera.

Photographer: Grandma, please reach out your hand and gently touch the cat's head—yes, that's right, just a natural touch will do.

Photographer: This cat is so well-behaved, cooperative and calm.

Grandma Wen: Good Baby, I'll make you some fish to eat when we get back tonight.

Photographer: Grandma, let's maintain this pose and take two more shots.

Lucien gazes at the scene before him, momentarily lost in thought.

Lucien: From the first time we entered her house, I noticed that there were no photos of her and her husband displayed in her home.

Lucien: Upon careful inquiry, I discovered that they had indeed never taken any photos together.

Lucien: ...Two people spending a lifetime together is something worth commemorating. They should have had a photo together.

After he says that, he turns his head slightly and whispers in my ear.

Lucien: Thanks to the producer's help, at least Grandma Wen has a family portrait now, regardless of the circumstances.

For a moment, I'm unsure of what to say.

He's truly humble for someone who has doubted his understanding of love.

—--------------------------------------------------------

After the shoot, Lucien and I accompanied Grandma Wen back the same way we came.

Grandma Wen: Stay for dinner. You two don't be so polite…

Grandma Wen: I feel bad that both of you have been busy all day. Having a meal together is no big deal, just a few extra pairs of chopsticks.

We don't want her to have to deal with cooking after a long day of photoshoots, so we politely decline.

Lucien: Grandma, it's still early. MC and I plan to visit the Matchmaker Temple, so we won't stay.

Lucien: You've had a long day today. Remember to rest well.

MC: Yes, Grandma. After the photos are developed, I'll bring them to you right away. We'll have the meal you promised then.

Grandma Wen didn't insist on keeping us any longer, but she promised that the next time we visit, we must stay for a meal. We quickly nodded in agreement.

—--------------------------------------------------------

On the way to the Matchmaker Temple, the sun gradually sets, casting a beautiful array of evening colors between the trees and stone steps. It's hard for anyone walking through this scenery not to feel relaxed.

MC: It's quite rare for this place to be this peaceful.

Lucien: Festivals have yet to happen recently, so there are very few tourists. The Matchmaker God can take a break too.

MC: With no incense burning at the Matchmaker Temple, does it mean that everyone hasn't been facing relationship difficulties? It seems like a good thing, doesn't it?

Lucien: (shushes and whispers) Shhh... with a troubling view like that, you might upset the Matchmaker God. Be careful not to displease him.

I can't help but laugh at his teasing, and I also find his words reasonable. I quickly pull Lucien to pay respects to the Matchmaker and offer incense.

I hope that the Matchmaker is understanding and doesn't take my words to heart.

After offering incense and making a donation, Lucien and I found a couple of chairs inside the temple and sat down. We plan to watch the sunset for a while and leave when the temple closes.

The faint scent of sandalwood here blends with the natural aroma of the forest, creating a tranquil and enduring atmosphere that instantly soothes the heart. I lean closer to Lucien and ask softly.

MC: Lucien, what wishes did you make when you came here alone before? Have any of them come true?

Lucien bends slightly, brushing away a cluster of dandelion seeds that accidentally caught onto his shirt cuff. He then leisurely curves his lips into a smile.

Lucien: I don't even remember the specific wishes I made anymore.

Lucien: They were probably just about small things, like planning to meet up but then having something come up at the research institute, causing me to break the appointment.

Lucien: Another example is when I promise to sleep well, but then accidentally stay up for a few nights and get caught by you.

Lucien: (laughs softly)....

Lucien: Now that I think about it, they were indeed all trivial matters, and you've always been very understanding.

Lucien lifts his gaze, meeting my eyes.

Lucien: Although we quickly forget these minor disagreements.

Lucien: But occasionally, I do pay attention to these little disagreements that fill our lives. After all, even the smallest things have their own meaning.

I can't help but let my lips curl up slowly, and Lucien lifts his chin, revealing a somewhat helpless expression.

Lucien: It's evident that the Great Producer is very pleased with my introspection.

MC: …..Pfft, not exactly 'very'.

MC: I'm just marveling at how Professor Lucien sets such astonishingly high standards for himself.

MC: It seems like I don't reflect on my actions much when I make you angry... But from today on, I'll try to change that.

Lucien: [chuckles] It's okay.

Lucien changes the topic, and a smile spreads in his eyes.

Lucien: Now that I think about it, these little bumps and trivial matters aren't really that important.

He takes a knot from his pocket and hands it to me. The way the knot is tied resembles the peace knot that Grandma Wen had taught me before, but the weaving method seems more intricate.

Lucien: This is a knot that Grandma Wen taught me to weave as a special thank you for us.

Lucien: She also said that the name of this knot is yí shì yíjiā (宜室宜家).

Lucien: Today, it seems like I have a clearer understanding of the meaning of this word.

-

[T/N: 宜室宜家 is a Chinese idiom that means "live harmoniously; make a harmonious and orderly home." It is often used as a congratulatory message on a wedding. The idiom comes from a line in the poem "Tao Yao" in the Book of Songs, which reads, "之子于归，宜其室家" (the son is returning home, where he should live harmoniously with his wife and make a harmonious and orderly home). And it fits with the date theme of living harmoniously together for a lifetime despite all the small bumps🥺.]

-

Suddenly, my heart feels soft, and I take a small step closer to Lucien's shoulder. I pick up my phone and open the front camera.

I put both of us in the frame.

The setting sun casts a gentle glow behind us, and the breeze is light, creating a tranquil and beautiful atmosphere.

MC: The sunset today looks beautiful. Let's take a photo together.

MC: 3, 2, 1–

My trailing voice fades away in the warm breath as Lucien lowers his head and kisses me.

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

[Bonus Call - "Family Portrait"]

Lucien: Hello, it's me. I have some good news to tell you.

MC: What is it?

Lucien: Didn't you put Grandma Wen's family portrait photo on the company's public social media account?

MC: Um... Grandma Wen said it was okay, so I posted it. What's the matter?

Lucien: A professor from the university recognized Grandma Wen's clothes and said he had seen the person in the photo before, right at the West Moon Street intersection.

Lucien: This professor was a photography enthusiast when he was younger, and at the time, he noticed Grandma Wen's well-dressed appearance and couldn't resist taking a photo.

Lucien: Later on, he always wanted to give the photo to Grandma Wen, but he went to West Moon Street a few times and never encountered them again.

MC: "Them?"

Lucien: Mm, that's the good news I wanted to share. The photo the professor took is a picture of Grandma Wen and her husband.

MC: That's quite a coincidence!

Lucien: There's an even greater coincidence.

Lucien: I just got my hands on this photo, and in it, Grandma Wen is holding a tiny kitten the size of her palm.

MC: Is it Baby?

Lucien: Judging by its patterns, it seems so.

Lucien: Although the photo is quite old, I've contacted a professional photo restoration expert, and if all goes well, it should be restored within about a week.

MC: So, we can bring this photo to Grandma Wen next weekend?

Lucien: Exactly. They're real family portraits, and I hope it can truly make up for her regrets.

MC: ...It's really amazing, it feels like there's something guiding us in all of this.

Lucien: Who knows, maybe it really is.

Lucien: Let's go together to get the photo restored later. I know you're eager to see it as soon as possible.

MC: Um—I'll finish up what I'm doing, and then I'll come find you right away!

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

[Lux's Short Rambles]

I didn't expect this date to be this good huhu. It's far better than last pet date where it feels like a plot that got way longer than it should 😂. It's also nice to see old NPCs getting mentioned again. The story of Grandma Wen with her husband is touching.

The theme of spending a lifetime together, despite how short life is, never fails got my heart clenched. And I love how this date highlights what a sensitive person Lucien is (in a good way, well, most of the time). He doesn't mind her getting angry at him because he knows that she does it because she cares about him. But he also genuinely fears that she might not be happy; so he goes to the Matchmaker's Temple alone and cares about these small conflicts, believing that they also have meaning :". But in the end, such trivial things and bumps on the road don't matter compared to being able to live their whole lives together, so rather than getting caught up in minor conflicts or trivial matters along the way it's better to priotize living together harmoniously for a lifetime.

He also noticed the smallest things, like how Grandma Wen and her husband never had their photo taken together since the very first time he and MC met Grandma Wen back in S1 Chapter 9. To quote MC, for someone who claimed he doesn't understand what love is, he's truly humble; perhaps back then, he already understands what love is in his heart by loving MC.

[fangirlfrom-hell]

The Weight Station (S2x03) Chapter 1 || Jay Halstead x Halstead Sister

*re-posting this because I'm stupid and accidentaly erased my other blog 🫠 (I only found parts 1 and 2, I'm missing p.3)

This is the plot from season 2, episode 3 but with Jay's younger sister involved in the story. This is one of my favorite episodes, I recently rewatched it and I coulnd't avoid imagining this.

This first part is more about what we see in the real episode, with the addition of Jay's sister.

Second part will be more about Becca waiting at the bullpen for Jay when he offers himself as bait. Nadia Decotis and trudy Platt involved. A lot of anxiety, stress, crying and lovely feelings to her brother. *I think I actually started writing this for what now will be the second part...and also the ending*

I hope you like it. Please feel free to comment.

□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□

The first rays of sun began to peek through the window. Becca was lying face up on her bed, looking at the ceiling almost without blinking. She had had another rough night of not being able to sleep. She was worried, very worried about her brother, and although there had only been a couple of days without seeing him, she missed him, she needed him.

She had gotten used to stay at his sibling's place and not at her father's house. Becca didn't like it there, even when she had her own room and all of her things where there, she preffered her big bother's company. Her father was a bit negligent and didn't pay much attention to her since her mother died, and that was kinda a long time ago, or it felt like a long time ago for a 10 years old girl.

Jay hadn't made contact with her in days, and that was strange. Becca was starting to feel worried, she knew about the risks of his work and her mind had begun to imagine various catastrophic scenarios. More than anything, she felt lonely. It was very easy for her to fall into this void. She was quiet young to have this sort of feelings, but this was the path life had taken her at such a young age. Jay was all she had, and she was very afraid of loosing him.

Becca was starting her first class at school when the principal interrupted: "I'm here to take Becca Halstead" -all eyes posed on her -"Take all of your belonging, sweetie, and head with me to the office, please" -Becca's heart drop off. The principal's smile to her was so condescending that she immediatly knew something was wrong.

-"There is a couple of cops here to pick you up" -The principal informed Becca while walking through the hallway - "Your brother send them". Now she couldn't stop thinking about what could have happened to Jay and her tendency to overthink made her anxious.

Becca stood silence, trying to hold back tears. She had a lot of questions in her mind, a lot of feelings. This was the first thing she had heard about Jay existence in days. A policewoman that noticed the concern in her eyes.

-"Hi! It's Becca, right? "- She started with a very soft voice - "I'm Kim, this is my partner Roman. We work with your brother Jay, he's our friend. He send us to pick you up and take you with him, is that all right?".

-"What's happening?" -The question slipped from her mouth - "And why didn't he come to pick me up by himself, then?"

-"Those are questions we cannot answer".

-"Is he--?"

-"Your brother is fine. I promise" -Kim reassured her.

At the bullpen, all the team was working on solving Jay's case. It was known that he had a target on his back and even when he was carefull about it, he had suffer some attacks. First, someone broke into his house, that's when he decided to get away from his sister for a while, to not even call her. But things scallated quickly, last night someone tried to shoot him when he was with Erin at a bar, and unfortunatelly one of his friends was injured. Also, Olinsky's CI told him that thugs had knowledge about Becca, and they would not hesitate in using her, since Jay had become a difficult target to take.

-"So, you know the victim?" -Hank asked.

-"Maddie Callahan, she worked there" -Jay said with guilt in his voice.

-"No ID of the shooter?

-"No" -Erin answered-"Patrol is going door to door in the neighborhood looking for witnesses".

-"That was the hospital" -Antonio hung the phone and approached to Jay- "Your friend is in ICU, but she's alive".

-"Thanks".

-"Hey! It's not your fault" -Antonio reaffirmed looking into Halstead's eyes and then walked to Voight: "Someone needs to talk to Bemberek".

-"Oh, Olinsky's already on that".

Atwater came out from one of the rooms: "A black Arcadia was found abandoned in Englewood. It matches the description of the getaway vehicle, but there's no prints they torched it".

"White male just checked into a south side clinic about half an hour ago, two bullet wounds" -Adam completed the information.

-"All right" -Hanks started- "Lindsay, Antonio, get on it". -Voight rushed when he catched Jay standing up and taking his coat to go out: "No, no, no, Jay. You're in protective custody until this dies down".

-"They shoot my friend! They nearly killed me and Erin, they spoted my little sister..."

-"You got a target on your back. You are not going anywhere till that tatget's removed".

-"So, I'm under house arrest?" -Jay was really angry.

At that moment, Burgess and Roman went up on the stairs to the office.

-"We're back" -Kim said in a high tone to calm the situation -"And we have company, so...". -Everyone at the bullpen fixed their eyes on the girl in school uniform. They were impressed on how much she ressembled to Jay.

-"Becca!" -Jay was so relieved to see her.

Becca dropped her backpack on the floor and ran to hug her brother. She had had a couple of horrible days, but now feeling calmed in his arms, and knowing he was safe, she started to cry: "I tought something bad had happened to you. Dad's going crazy. You didn't call, I haven't seen you in days. I thought you were--".

-"Shhh" -Jay stopped her sister's emotional verbal vomit and hugged her even tighter-"I'm sorry -- I'm all right, you're all right. We're good!". -He said stroking her hair.

Everyone was looking at the scene tenderly. Until that day, no one except Al knew Jay had a little sister, nor that she was so little. Erin's eyes filled up a little with tears.

Alvin Olinsky knew about Becca's existence from a visit to Jay's place the day he lost his badge due to Rodieger's murder. She was there asleep, occupying all of the sofa.

-"We went to your father's house, but he refused to come with us" -Roman interrupted -"He was quiet a charming man" -he said sarcastically -"We can send a unit to check on him".

-"That won't be necessary". -Jay answered without taking his eyes off his sister.

-"You wanted us, sargent?" -Kim asked.

-"Halstead doesn't leave your sight until I say so" -Voight told Burgess and Roman, drawing the attention back to the case -"And he stays here ar 21st along his sister".

-"Got it".

-"You don't have to stay up in here to have an eye on me! You got to be kidding me!" -Jay's anger took over him again. His sister stepped aside, though he was holding her by the shoulder.

-"Keep an eye on him" -Hank ordered before going downstairs.

He took his coat and threw it on his desk making a loud noise, to which Becca reacted with a little frightened jump and a sigh. Erin stared at Jay and gave the girl a reassureness smile before following the sargent.

Suddenly, the detectives were gone and everything stood silent. At the bullpen there were only Nadia, Kim and Roman, all of them attending their own business, but keeping an eye on the Halsteads.

-"There's fresh water on the frigde, or juice if you like it" -Nadia broke the silence. "I don't think you drink coffe, do you?" -She approached to Becca with a warm smile, heading her to the coffe room.

-"Go" -Jay granted -"I'll be with you in a sec".

Nadia was nice and talkative. She was trying to distract Becca, which Jay appreciated. Stealthily, he approached the room when he heard his sister laugh, that sound was like medicine to his heart and mind, which right now was full of stuff. When Becca noticed him, they stared and Nadia felt like it was the moment to leave the room.

-"Wha-what's going on?" -Becca asked slightly worried- "Don't you dare to lie to me, I'm not stupid". -Jay chuckled, he knew she wouldn't let it go.

-"Well, umm...let's say that a few days ago I caught a bad guy, right? And now this bad guy's brother is chasing me, BUT my friends are out there looking for him and they're gonna find him. There's nothing you should worry about".

-"So we're staying here until they catch him?".

-"That's right".

-"I guess you're safe here, aren't you? You are safe as long as you stay here".

-"We are safe as long as we stay here, yes".

-"I'm always safe when you are around" -Becca expressed in the most sincere way possible and Jay felt it deep in his heart.

A few hours passed. Jay wouldn't stop looking at his phone waiting for updates about the case. Becca spend her time sitting at her brother's desk coloring, or playing with Nadia, or asking police questions to Kim. She was a ray of sunshine for those present.

The phone rang and Nadia answered it. Her cheerful mood suddenly changed: "Okay. Okay. Got it". Jay was in a trance when she called him.

-"Um, detective Healstead?" -Jay turned to her- "Sargeant Voight is on his way up with the suspect". -In that moment, Kim and Roman approached to Jay- "Um, he asked that on his way to the interview room, you wait in his office for them to pass by".

-"Which suspect?"

-"Uh--" -Burgess made a sign for Nadia to not say a word - "Maybe it's better that you don't know, right?" -She talked to Jay, but he ignored her.

-"Is it the shooter?" -He asked standing up in anger.

Becca started getting tense again by the tone of the conversation "shooter? What shooter?"

-"Let's head in Voight's office, Jay" -Roman tried to calm the atmosphere. At that moment, Kim reached Becca's side.

-"First of all it's detective. Second of all, let's not me and you get off on the wrong foot".

-"I'm all for that. But if you can join me in Voight's office, detective, that would be great".

-"Jay..."-Becca called him in a pleading tone and he reacted to that.

From the inside of the office it was easy to observe how Hank was holding another man "That's him! That's him!" -In the fastest way possible, Jay ran to him, but was held by the two cops at the door: "Sarge, give me five minutes. Give me five minutes!", but Voight didn't even turned to see him. Becca had never seen his brother so angry and she got terrified at how intimmidating he could be.

-"Is that what we're going to do, throw? Because you're not walking past me until I get an "all cleared" -Roman was face to face with Jay - "You got that?".

-"Jay..." -This time the girl called more as a whisper, for her voice did not come out of her throat.

Becca was now a mixure of feelings and she couldn't stand it no more. Little did she know that this was the begining of a living nightmare.

[thy-fearful-symmetry]

a kiss like devotion

This is a collaborative RP between @leliorisen and @thy-fearful-symmetry. The following story is a compilation of our joint replies, edited slightly for tense consistency and flow to create a more cohesive long-form narrative. Some original tenses have been intentionally preserved and are marked with an asterisk (*). Synopsis: Lestat’s in Amsterdam, chasing art, memories, and the fledgling vampire who’d rather not be found. David’s brooding, bitter, and inconveniently irresistible. What follows is a slow, blood-soaked waltz through old wounds, darker desires, and one very compromised hotel suite. Love never dies; but it does hold a grudge.

Words: 5.2k

Bicycles clammer over cobblestone streets, their riders illuminated by the soft glow of café windows. The air hums with a soft energy. Alive. The murmur of conversations, the rhythm of passing trams, and the occasional shrill laughter skips across the canals. Alive. Amsterdam at night is a dance of contrasts.  History wrapped in a modern blanket, still waters cradling restless, bustling lives. This city feels like it wants to tell me a story and I’d gladly listen.

The leather of my boot squeaked as I touched down in the seclusion of a back alley, the only small noise that no one would detect. David is here, he’s in this city and he’s been avoiding me. Over the course of a few weeks, he’s eluded all of my attempts to connect. I knew the way without knowing the way. Its as though each turn took me to a bridge in this nocturnal narrative that lead me to Rijksmuseum. Was he reliving his mortal life, coming here?

David sat alone on the thin bench in the dimly lit hallway, arms folded across his broad chest, staring intently ahead at the small painting on the wall before him. With only an hour left until close, the museum was largely quiet, the exception being a few dull murmurs of the lingering public to pierce the silence. He had likely slipped in unnoticed, a trick he exercised frequently, now that he was no longer able to take advantage of the nearly unrestricted access his former face had so often provided. 

He stared up at the painted youth with the lowered dark eyes and reddish hair, his boyish face engulfed by a large monastic hood. He wore a musing, almost sad expression.  Darkness surrounded him but the contrast of warm light on his skin was entrancing, and I found that David couldn’t take his eyes off it. Yes, he quite reminded him of someone. Smiling now, he didn’t even blink when he heard the soft echo of my approaching footfall.

Seeing him there on that bench, made my heart race uncontrollably. An unexpected nervousness gripped me suddenly. “And what do you see now with your new vision? Does Rembrandt still enrapture your senses?”

He sighed. My low, silky voice with it’s sultry resonance never ceased to make his soul flutter. And I knew it. “Seems you finally found me,” he remarked dryly, making eye contact with my pair of lavender tinted glasses. “Hope I didn’t make it too easy on you, though.”

“I didn’t know we were playing hide and seek.” Shrugging I lazily turned to the oil painting and leaned in for a closer look. “Am I “IT”, now? I have some wonderful hiding places.”

“Yes, I’m sure you do,” he mused. He pondered this for a moment, before the smile left his lips.

“Why did you do it, Lestat?” He asked quite suddenly, his voice even and steady, his eyes never leaving the auburn haired boy on the wall.

Clenching my jaw, I fixed my gaze on some far off piece of marble flooring. “I do many things. You’ll have to be specific.”

“Humour me… did you think about it, at all, before you did it? I told you I didn’t want it, I couldn’t … Did you even consider it for the briefest moment?” His voice was now tinged with a hint of irritation. “Or did you really let reason be damned and feel every bit the monster that night?”

“Oh I am nothing but a monster. You always forget that, David. Did I consider it? Do you want my honesty?” I placed a hand across the breast of my overcoat. “No. I knew it instantly within every sinew of my twisted being the moment you tapped on the glass of that payphone booth.”

The sincerity of my admission took him back slightly, but without missing a beat he snapped back, “So it was premeditated murder?”

“Sure, call it what you will. But I gave you more time with the humanity of this body than I had in it. Doesn’t that count for something? I think the more appropriate question, is how could I not?”

“Did you not stop, at any point in this merciful time period you graced me with, to think that perhaps I wanted to stay in this human form? That I was at peace with my mortality? What right did you believe you had?”

“There have been long nights in my past that I lied in foreign fields and gazed at the cosmos, begging something divine to reveal to me the meaning of my existence. What right do I have to merely be alive after 270 years. And the void echoed back only my own pleas. So when you ask me what right I had, I can only say that I’m a part of your inevitability.” Kneeling to meet his eyes more evenly, my hand brushed against his bronzed cheek. “You can hate me now. As they all do. But you’ll always be my magnum opus.”

“Did you never think about what I wanted?” He closed his eyes tightly, clenching his fist and letting out a deep sigh of resignation. “I love you. I’ve loved you since I first laid eyes on you, that night long ago. But like I’ve asked you before, did that love have to come with such finality? You turned the page before I even finished the paragraph.”

He sighed again, looking away and casting his eyes back toward the boy on the wall. The handsome dark eyed youth, wrapped up in the dark, forever frozen somewhere in time. How interesting, this new relatable dynamic. 

“I should hate you. God knows, I’ve tried.” A deep smile crept across his face, and a half laugh escaped him. “You made me the thing I once studied with cold detachment. Now I am the subject. And it turns out… the world looks very different when you’re in the dark.”

The silence that settled between us carried a weight, yet it wasn’t entirely uncomfortable. I resisted the urge to rush him through his thoughts, even as the museum staff began their closing rituals. He no longer allowed me to hold him as he had on that New Orleans morning, when I’d found him waiting at my flat. And yet, the memory of his cologne, the texture of his skin—it lingered, maddeningly vivid. Perhaps it was for the best that he was no longer human.

“Are you staying here, in the city?”

“Yes, for the moment,” David said as he stood. It appeared he was not fully ready to entirely drop the subject, and as always, never caring to pass up a chance to poke the tiger. “I haven’t hunted yet this evening. Since you’re here, care to join me?” 

We quickly passed from the building into the cool night air, stepping in pace together under the streetlights. David thrust his hands into the deep pockets of his Italian wool overcoat, probably more so out of habit than actually being chilly. 

“So do correct me if I’m wrong,” he started, the words escaping into vapor from his lips, “but what you’re saying is that you saved me from my own natural death, and my turning was just inevitable?” He smirked. “How noble of you. I do hope the choir of angels clapped as you drained me.”

My lip twisted into a snarl, a feral response to his jeers. He craved a reaction, relished the thought of me breaking composure. It became a quiet war within me. Indulge him, or let the silence sting sharper than words. Without breaking stride, I exhaled, slow and deliberate. “I recall meeting gentle Candomblé spirits,” I murmured, my voice an edge of silk, “but a choir? No. Would you like me to describe to you the sheer ecstasy of it?”

“Oh you would like that, wouldn’t you?” He teased, unable to suppress that smile that I so loved. “You speak like it was a religious experience. I hate to disappoint, but I was hardly feeling divine at the time.”

After a beat, he slowed his pace and paused, stopping to lean against the trunk of a tall tree positioned beside one of the lampposts. “Alright,” he said finally, purposely rising to the bait. “Tell me. By all means, tell me how I tasted. I’ll try not to interrupt while you relive your favorite conquest.”

My favorite conquest, indeed. None of my fledglings ever fought with the ferocity of David, a necessary evil to forge strength in the blood.

“I could compare you to the fruits of my mortal life, but the memory of their taste escapes me. How can I describe the eruption of someone’s entire existence flooding into your mouth, surging through your veins? It was as if my heart had taken root in your chest, beating in tandem with yours.”

I paused, brushing strands of hair from my face as the cool night breeze tangled them. “You’ve claimed countless victims. What wisdom could I possibly offer about something you’ve already lived? But I will say this, it wasn’t the taste. You know that. It was everything about us. The fleeting moments we shared as mortals. The balmy nights on the beach, the rhythmic cracking of coconut palms swaying in the wind. The way your eyes still mirrored the soul of the aged man I had grown so deeply fond of. It was,” I leaned in, my voice a hushed confession, “the intimacy I was denied in life, that I stole in death.”

I saw an immediate deep, hot flush spread over his face, despite not having yet fed this evening. He glanced away and gave a quick cough to clear his suddenly dry throat, and crossed his arms. 

“Careful, Lestat. Any more of that and I might mistake you for sincere.”

He met my gaze, curious and searching, threw on a rather cheeky smile, then decided to continue.

“Listen,” he implored, “Of course I could keep pretending to be angry for all eternity, but you and I both know that’s not true. In all my birth pangs of righteous indignation, justified, I might add, I could never have hated you. That’s the one thing you never understood.”

He reached out and touched my chest, not so much a caress, but a claiming.

“I didn’t want to ask.” His fingers lingered, not over my heart, but just beside it. Where the hunger thrummed the loudest. 

“You think I resented you for taking what I wouldn’t ask for. But the truth is…” His fingers absently continued to trace upward until they brushed against my mouth. “You gave me the one thing I couldn’t give myself.”

I gazed into his deep umber eyes, then pressed a kiss to the fingers that grazed my lips. As my eyelids drifted shut, I surrendered to the gentleness of his touch. His hand, unlike mine, wasn’t as rigid and unyielding as stone. It was cool, yet soft, a delicate contrast that lingered on my skin.

I couldn’t help but feel satisfied with his softened demeanor, not out of self-righteousness, but from the quiet relief brought by this newfound closeness.

Pulling myself out of the moment, I caught sight of David’s expression and it almost sent me into a fit of laughter. His mouth hung open, his eyes frozen in shock, and only then did I realize I’d been absentmindedly sucking on the tip of his thumb. “So, mon cher, shall we hunt?” I asked, slipping his hand from my mouth with deliberate ease. Then, curling my lips into my most devilish smile, I added, “Or would you prefer to show me your rooms?”

Gathering what remained of his dignity this evening, he took his thumb, still warm from the assault and curled it into a quick fist. 

“I would love nothing more, mon démon charmant,” he paused, letting me follow his gaze. He let his eyes wander to a pair of chatty young people, hand in hand and traveling down a nearby darkened alleyway. So spirited and full of life. How unfortunate for them. 

“I adore hunting with you. Truly, I live for the moment when you wink at me over someone’s jugular.” He smiled, adjusted his scarf and made a gentle stride in the direction of the couple, hearing the soft click of my boots instep just beside him. 

“There’s a rather large hotel just down the street, I’ve taken a suite overlooking the canal. Afterward, if you’ve nowhere else to be …” he let the insinuation simmer.

It’s a rare thing to learn of David’s hunts, rarer still to be part of them. Though he continues to need the blood each night, I find myself craving it, not out of necessity, but from some deeper yearning that lingers within me.

We descended upon the hapless duo, swift and silent, leaving no time for terror to take hold. I swooped down from above, targeting the male with precision. Careful, Lestat, I reminded myself. No need to crush him. Restraint had become a challenge lately, brutality too easily slipping through. Cradling his head, I sank my fangs into the tender flesh and drank deeply, savoring the rush.

There are moments when I desire the vivid dreams of my victims, and others when I long to shut them out entirely. Yet, I can’t always halt the relentless stream of images that flood my mind in their final moments. Oskar, he was visiting from Germany.

As I lowered the lifeless body with care, his soft whisper cut through my thoughts, “Don’t forget to hide your marks. And here.” He tossed me a small bag of unidentifiable substances. “Put this in his hand.”I complied without hesitation, then paused to adjust my suit, ensuring every detail was immaculate.

It was no more than a kilometer before we arrived at David’s hotel. The Pulitzer, a charming and historic gem. True to its reputation, the view from his room was a stunning perspective of the canal, serene and timeless.

After staring through the curtains at the mirror like ripples of the water below, lost in their endless dance, I finally shed my thick woolen overcoat and draped it over a nearby armchair. Turning to face him, I let the words hang heavy in the air, “How long were you planning to run from me?”

This question gave him the briefest almost imperceptible pause as he continued the task of loosening his cufflinks and hanging his coat. “How long was I planning to run?” David repeated, casually removing his silver wrist watch. “Right up until the moment I remembered how bloody persistent you are.”

Before David could drop his cufflinks into the dish, I materialized behind him like a vesper, my hand cupping his chin to tilt his neck, my grip immobilizing his left arm. “You’re toying with me, David,” I murmured, my lips brushing his ear. “Do you remember those nights long ago, when you were still mortal? I warned you then, I am the devil. Shall I show you just how devilish I can be?”

With a smirk, he leaned back into my firm hold. “If this is your idea of foreplay, it’s a little heavy handed.”

With his free arm, he gently removed the hand that was cradling his chin and kissed each knuckle slowly, with seeming reverence. His mouth opened against the slender fingers, hot breath against the cold flesh.

“But then again, subtlety was never really your strong suit.”

He took the entirety of my ring finger into his mouth, pulling it out slowly and methodically. But not before letting it slide against his sharp canine, leaving the tiniest ruby red trail in its wake. 

“Well?” He asked, his voice low and smooth, in an almost demanding whisper. He flexed experimentally against me and the iron grip on his left arm, finding no give in the vice like control. “I’m waiting.”

My actions were meant to scare and shock him, yet lately David has surprised me with a brazenness I never saw in him as an old man. I found myself wondering if he understood that no amount of struggling could challenge my power. Surely, he must have sensed it.

The faint scratch his teeth left on my finger had healed almost instantly, yet I offered my wrist to his mouth with quiet tenderness. Still bound, he pressed a soft kiss to the steady rhythm of my pulse before sinking his flawless canines into my flesh. He drank deeply, each mouthful brimming with greed.

As he eagerly drained me, I pressed fervent kisses to his exposed, now-warm neck. Tasting him, breathing him in. The night I brought him into the blood had been rushed and thick with emotion, but this moment was deliberate, charged, and unrelenting.

I let my hand, which had been gripping his arm, wander down his side until it found the edge of his shirt and the toned skin beneath. He shuddered but remained still. Pulling him deeper into my embrace, I bit gently into his neck, making him moan. What lovely sounds.

***

Pure ecstasy. There was really no other way to describe it. The teeth piercing his skin, the hot mouth pressed against him. The precise, crushing grip as he pulled out David’s very essence in long, throbbing drafts.  

He clung to the wrist like a drowning man to driftwood, as if only the pulse beneath his lips could anchor him. The blood permeated him completely; the thick electric warmth filling his insides from his toes to the top of his head. He never wanted to let go. Eyes tightly shut, he began to see a vision of himself, the broken mortal man, covered in his own blood, lying on the floor. His caramel skin glistening with a mix of sweat and sand. Eyes rolled back, heartbeat slowing to that fatal rhythm. Is this what he looked like through Lestat’s eyes, as he lay there? As David saw a pale hand reach down and longingly stroke his cheek, a mix of his maker’s feelings were passing through. He felt intense love. He felt contented domination. He felt possession, body and soul. 

Delicious, this private communion they shared.

Slowly, reluctantly, he withdrew this lethal kiss; and immediately wanted more. He felt the stinging absence harshly. But no, mustn't be too hasty. That would quite ruin the fun, wouldn’t it?

The cold hand moved up his side to his stomach, and he sucked in a sharp breath as the pointed edge of the nails raked along his abdomen, and then continued their exploration up to his chest.

***

I drew back, savoring the taste as the intensity coursed through me, forcing my eyes to flutter shut. A tremor escaped with my exhale, and I reached for David’s shoulder, turning him gently to face me.

Those two inches he had on me felt more irritating than ever as I brushed my fingers against his striking chin, tilting his head toward mine. Even the blood couldn’t dull his glow, his mocha toned skin shimmered under the light, accentuating every detail. We were impossibly close, close enough to trace the golden freckles scattered in his deep coffee eyes, close enough to feel his breath ghosting over my lips.

Black curls fell across his forehead, grazing his thick, unruly brows. His shoulders stretched wider than mine, his frame just a touch larger, a bronzed Adonis frozen in perpetual youth. I couldn’t help but smile, a soft laugh slipping out as I imagined how we might appear to humans.

I lingered for a moment, my heart pulling me closer, until I finally kissed him.

No more of these teasing games. I gestured toward the bedroom, and drew him by the hand. He hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty shadowing his face. “No,” I said softly, the words weighted with knowing. “I understand what you're thinking. And no, it can never be as it once was, when you walked the earth as a mortal man.”

Standing before the bed, his face still laden with questions and searching, I thoughtfully undid each minuscule mother-of-pearl button on his virgin-wool Armani shirt. I discarded it into a heap, then pressed him to sit, straddling his lap.

***

He would be lying if he said he’d never found this creature maddeningly handsome. Nothing could be further from the truth. He would especially be lying if he said his old heart hadn’t skipped a few beats every time that devilish smile in patent leather boots graced his office windowsill. Lestat possessed this kind of animal magnetism that seemed to draw everyone to him. Trouble was he knew it, too. That pair of bewitchingly blue eyes didn’t help either. Of course he’d never imagined taking him like this; he could never have comprehended the raw passion that rolled out of him for this damnable being. 

Unsatisfied with the space between them, he pushed a lock of blond hair behind his ear, took his face into both of his hands and drew him into a rather worshipful kiss.

Without warning and with a preternatural speed, he then flipped them both, slamming Lestat down onto the bed beneath him and quickly pinned his wrists down above his head.

***

“Now stay.”

***

This sudden shift from the passive to the predator was obviously a bit surprising to Lestat, who didn’t look at all displeased with the turn of events. Those same dazzling eyes peered up at him now, from a face framed with a disheveled lion’s mane spread around him. Someone could easily mistake him for an angel … someone who didn’t know better. 

At once he began to nestle into his exposed neck, the tantalizing flesh visible under the hem of his silken collar. He sank his teeth in without permission or hesitation, and once the first hot gush filled his mouth, he let out a near feral moan. He could have sworn he heard a whisper of something in French by his ear.  A plea, a prayer, a curse? He couldn’t tell. He was too distracted by the twin pleasure and pain of the claws digging into his back, which were surely drawing blood.His face now drenched, he pulled away long enough to grind out, “Good boy,” and pressed a deep kiss to Lestat’s full lips. Biting into his own tongue, he ignored the ache and let his blood pass into the eager mouth beneath him, who pressed back just as forcefully to receive the offering.Finally, he sat up and settled back onto his knees, still straddling the hips beneath him, wiping his face with the back of his wrist. 

***

“Your shirt. Take it off,” he ordered, the command dripping with old authority.

Defy or obey? With anyone else my instinct is to scoff at demands but with him, I always find myself heedlessly bending to his will. Maybe it was his accent, the slow command in his cadence. Or maybe I am simply drawn to the way a man moves when he knows exactly what he wants. Regardless, my shirt landed in the same pile as his.

"Does any of this atone for stealing you into darkness?" I asked, my lips curling into a smile too sly to suppress, my voice tinged with mockery. He studied me from above, his face impossible to decipher. In moments like this, I wonder if my reckless tongue will ever learn silence.

I reached to brush at the red smear near his mouth. “Michelangelo himself could have carved you from stone.”, I marveled, then chuckled at myself, “Ah, but you’re my very own David.”

“I may be your David, but you’re the one made of marble.” 

***

He whispered as he planted slow kisses in a long line up from the navel, appreciating each hardened muscle of the stomach. Then up the solar plexus, stopping briefly to admire the perfectly chiseled chest, and continued his travels until his mouth landed on the rather prominent Adam’s apple. Just a tiny bite, he thought absently.  His lips pressed a kiss to it, then hovered his head above Lestat’s own, his gaze devout and unflinching, asking silent permission to drink from him again. 

As if his senses had only just been returned to him, and his lust leashed yet still wanting more. As if he had only just remembered this beautiful god beneath him had been allowing himself to be ravished and to be taken. As if this powerful creature couldn’t have stopped him at any time he chose. This fierce lion pretending to be tame.

Having received no such refusal, he gently bent down into the crook of Lestat’s neck, running his tongue slowly along the place where the wounds had already healed, sealing it with a kiss, if only to savor the remaining blood.

Good god, his blood. It sang to him as it slipped over his tongue. It was like drinking fire smothered in velvet. Unbearably rich and heady, it lit up every nerve, and was tinged with an ancient heat that permeated every mouthful and crawled down his spine.

In his blood he also had tasted the things his very soul cried out for; to be adored, to be forgiven. And he did forgive him, one drop at a time.

A warm tear rolled down his cheek, wholly unbidden. His heart fluttered in his chest when he saw those pearly white canines break into a sincere smile, and when Lestat placed his hand on David’s face in a fond, familiar gesture, he felt it might soon entirely explode. 

The thirst still gripping him, he made his way to the unstained side of the throat, breath heavy against his sire’s skin for one restrained moment until the teeth broke through once again. 

After what felt like a small eternity, his eyes slowly opened, quickly adjusting to the light. It was then he realized that they were no longer on the bed, but in fact floating a few feet above it. His arm still wrapped tightly around Lestat’s waist, the other cradling the back of his head, entwined in the mass of blond hair. How long they had been like this, he did not know. The only thing he knew at that moment was the shuddering demand of their embrace, locked in their beautiful unholy union.

***

Charred flesh. The stench clawed at my throat, filling my lungs with its acrid weight. Heat pressed against me from all sides, merciless and unrelenting. I tried desperately to turn this way or that to escape the oppressive heat. Somewhere beyond the flames, Antoine’s screams tore through the roar of the fire.  

“Louis!” My voice surged above the inferno, raw with anguish. “My god, Louis, look what she’s done to us!” Oxygen starved pants grew ever faster, trembling on the edge of pure panic. The world blurred, dimming, and then black.  

Silence.  

Dirt.

And then, a rhythm. Out of the earth, deep and rising, a pounding of vibrations that carried vigor and hope.

“I am evil, evil!” My scream tore through the crowd, swallowed by the blinding glare of the lights. No faces, only brilliance. Only the flood of pure adrenaline surging through me. Blood-sweat slicked my skin, fangs gleaming on the jumbotrons. And they love me. The bass throbbed, a living thing inside my ribs, as I rose from the stage, arms outstretched, pale and commanding.  

“You are all my children. Tonight, we are one body, one soul.” Fading. The lights dimmed.

"Why are you showing me this? What’s your point, Lestat?" His voice was distant, tugging me back to the lavish embrace of the Pulitzer’s gilded room. I blinked, vision swimming, vaguely aware of how ruthlessly determined David was, how wholly intent on draining me dry. That’s right, take it all, I thought, fingers threading through his dark waves, as if in silent permission.  

”Why show you these things?" I smirked. "Why not? You’re my only friend, after all." He said nothing. Only tightened his grip, binding us closer as we hung, suspended, intertwined.

A woman’s voice, deep and husky, calls out my name. Not a cry, not a command. Just an acknowledgement. Her accent is thick, French laced with the old-country lilt of Italy. She used to tell me stories of Naples, Gaeta, Rome, how she missed them, how they lived within her even here. But she will not stay. No. She drifts like smoke, untethered, untouchable, dissolving before she can be held. Slipping beyond the reach of my thoughts.

Nicki. Nicholas, lost in the frenzy of playing his violin. The endless black ocean stretched out in all directions, swallowing the horizon.  My second most regrettable mistake, though hardly the last. The devil’s road teaches harsh lessons; some souls are not meant for this world. Though I can truly imagine his fate was set long before my undoing, its course indifferent to my hands.

”I am the devil, David. You were never wrong.” I said, pulling him into my embrace. I take what I want, without hesitation, without discretion.  Cradling his larger frame against me, I marveled at the fragile warmth we shared. 

“Needing you was never in doubt. Wanting you was absolute. But beyond that, I knew… you would be extraordinary.”

His heart pounded against my chest, and he continued to press soft kisses to my ear.

David paused and brought his face up to meet mine. He looked hard into my eyes for a long moment, caressing my hair with a few fingers and furrowing his brow with a somewhat troubled expression, before he began to softly speak. 

“I thought I knew who I was, before you. But I think, if I were being honest with myself, that I’ve been yours from the moment we met,” he punctuated this with a few kisses to my cheek and down my throat. “I don’t know what that makes me… besides completely and utterly daft,” he trailed off, letting out a little resigned, half broken laugh. 

I watched the gradual realization dawn over him that we were in fact no longer suspended in the air. I saw him glance around and down at the blood soaked sheets beneath us, the only literal dark spot around the otherwise pristine room.

Louis once said to me, “You hurt everyone you love. That’s your curse, not the Dark Gift.” I’ve never heard truer words.

My love runs black and red. A venom in the veins of those I hold dearest. It poisons. It chokes.

Beyond the heavily draped windows, Amsterdam stirred. The slow symphony of a world waking hummed in the distance. David again met my eyes with a soft sigh and a somewhat relenting smile. He needed sleep. The morning light shifted, nearly imperceptibly, and he let his head fall to my shoulder. He’ll leave me tomorrow, I thought, twisting a brown curl around my ashen, ice-cold finger. The realization burned in my chest, and tears gathered, stinging my eyes and threatening to trace unwanted paths down my cheeks.

On top of me, his breath rose and fell in slow rhythm, his limbs heavy in the stillness of our deathlike slumber. No one would disturb us. I glanced toward the drapes once more, assuring myself my young fledgling was safe from the coming light. I had another hour, just one more hour to hold him like this before the sun claimed me too. Leaning close, I whispered to him with every ounce of tenderness I had left, “To be loved by me is to be kissed by death and told that it is devotion.”

[autoartist]

Reaper x Geno Short Story

Prompt: Confessions when one character thinks the other is sleeping.

Reaper had fallen asleep. Geno didn’t mind. He supposed it was exhausting, having to chase after the dead through the multiverse. And for the first time, probably ever, he could rest his head against someone’s chest, and just relax. Geno figured if this was the first time he’d ever felt such contact, he’d probably fall asleep too. 

The thought crossed his mind as he looked down at Reaper’s face, just how peaceful he looked the way he was… coupled by the blush that he felt form on his face. Geno sighed, looking away. It was silly. How could someone like him ever feel for anyone, let alone the Reaper? It was almost ironic, really, falling for death - with how much he walked on the edge of it. How he avoided it. 

Well, it didn’t have to be. Geno could just live with it. Nothing had to happen just because they liked cuddling, or holding hands, or spending every moment they could with each other. Geno just liked to keep him company. That was all. 

But he supposed it couldn’t hurt to at least get it off his chest, right? Reaper was sleeping, and… well, it was probably what Toriel would say, or the human, so…. but seeing as he wasn’t comfortable telling it to someone else… 

Geno softly stroked the top of Reaper’s skull as he let out another breath. “Hey. Can I tell you something?” he began, as if the other was listening, as if he could hear him right now… but the confidence came from knowing he couldn’t. Because Geno would never admit it to him, not really. 

“I like you. I mean… a lot,” Geno said, chuckling softly. “It’s silly, right? But… being here with you, like this… it makes me so happy. I could spend my whole life like this, right? Which… I suppose is forever.” Unless the Reaper is somehow able to have kids… he thought, but quickly pushed that away - that wasn’t a thought he really needed to have. 

“Like this, with you… making you feel happy, or… loved. I mean, you deserve it. I wouldn’t say I do, but you seem to think so… and it makes me happy, too.” Geno smiled, before looking back down at Reaper. “It’s nice, real-” 

Geno froze, seeing the expression on the others face - his eyes were open, and he was staring up at him with the soft blue blush that covered his cheekbones. 

He felt his soul instantly begin to race, his entire face burning with the soft color, as he turned to the side and covered his face with one hand. The hand on his skull slowed its movement, eventually coming to a stop in the silence. 

Reaper grinned softly, moving to sit up to give Geno some space. “...so, you like me, huh?” 

“It’s-” Geno began, flustered, turning to look at him. “It’s not what you think, I-” 

Reaper placed a finger to Geno’s mouth, silencing him, as he tilted his head softly. “I think it is. It’s okay, I like you too.” 

Geno’s eyes widened, as he blinked a couple of times, taking a gentle hold of Reaper’s hand and moving it out of the way. “You- you like me?” 

“That’s… what I just said, isn’t it?” Reaper said, chuckling softly. Geno looked down a little shyly. 

“I guess… I don’t know. It’s silly, right?” he said, before slowly looking back into the other eyes, feeling his soul skip a beat. 

Reaper shook his head, sliding his other hand gently over Geno’s face and under his chin. “I don’t think so,” he admitted, leaning in, “do you?” 

Geno felt himself unable to look away from the others eyes. “I… I guess not,” he said softly, subconsciously leaning in. Reaper took the initiative, pressing their teeth together with a soft bonk, sliding a hand softly up his cheekbone, gently tilting his head towards his. Geno sighed softly, moving his arms around Reaper’s shoulders and pulling him in, wanting to just stay like this for just a little longer. 

Once they pulled apart, Geno rested his head on Reaper’s shoulder, before tilting to look up at him. “You… you were never sleeping at all, were you?” 

Reaper chuckled softly and shook his head. “No. I tried to tell you, but how could I interrupt something as lovely as your voice?”

Geno hummed in embarrassment and buried his face back in Reaper’s cloak, feeling the others hand rest on his back and rub it gently. Oh, well, what was… what was done, was done, and… as a small smile formed on his face, Geno couldn’t say he hated it. Far from it, as he wrapped his arms around him and held him tight. This was how he was going to stay. 

Forever, and ever.