#blonde t-bag saved me

[fallenspirit]

THEODORE BAGWELL Prison Break | S02E14

[universalitgirlsblog2]

🧁🍥SONGS FOR SELF-CONCEPT/SELF-LOVE🍥🧁

🧁ME TOO BY MEGHAN TRAINOR

" If I was you,I'd wanna be me too"

🍥7 RINGS BY ARIANA GRANDE

" I see it , I like , I want it , I got it "

🧁I AM THE BEST BY 2NE1

" I am the best "

" Who? You are better than me ? No No No na na na"

" I am hot hot hot hot like fire "

🍥FANCY BY IGGY AZALEA AND CHARLI XCX

" I am so fancy "

🧁ESPRESSO BY SABRINA CARPENTER

" I can't relate to desperation "

" My " give a f**ks" are on a vacation"

" Walked in and dream came trued it for you"

🍥IT GIRL BY ALIYAH INTERLUDE

" I-T G-I-R-L , You know I am that girl "

" While y'all busy hating, I am flying across the country "

🧁YES AND BY ARIANA GRANDE

" My tongue is sacred, I speak upon what I like "

" Yes and ? "

🍥I AM BY BABY TATE FT FLO MILLI

"I am healthy, I am wealthy, I am rich, I am that ,I am gonna go get that bag and I am not gonna take your s-"

" I am protected, well respected, I'm a queen, I'm a dream I do what I wanna do and I'm who I wanna be 'Cause I am me"

🧁HEY , MICKY BY BABY TATE

" Oh, Mickey, you're so fine! So fine, you blow my mind,Oh, Mickey, you're so fine! So fine"

🍥ON A ROLL BY MILEY CYRUS/ ASHLEY O

" Hey, yeah, whoa-ho, I'm on a roll , Ridin' so high, achieving my goals"

🧁QUEENCARD BY G-IDLE

" Queencard, I am hot , my boob and booty is hot"

" I am a star,star , star "

"Look so cool, look so sexy like Kim Kardashian Look so cute, look so pretty like Ariana"

🍥AFTER THE STORM BY KALI UCHIS

"Whatever goes around eventually comes back to you So you gotta be careful, baby"

" But everybody's gotta go on , Don't they? (Yes, we do, baby), So if you need a hero (if you need a hero) , Just look in the mirror (just look in the mirror) No one's gonna save you now,So you better save yourself"

" But you just can't give up now, 'Cause you gotta save yourself"

🧁FEARLESS BY LE SSERAFIM

"I'm fearless a new bitch, new crazy climbing up, next one"

" If my scars are a part of me, I got no fear, no fear"

🍥BORN TO BE SOMEBODY BY JUSTIN BIEBER

" I was born to be somebody, Ain't nothing that's ever gonna stop me,I'll light up the sky like lighting,I'm gonna rise above,Show 'em what I'm made of,I was born to be somebody,I was born to be, And this world will belong to me"

" Feel it , believe it , Dream it ,be it "

🧁KNOW YOUR WORTH BY KHALID

" Find someone you know will put you first ,Find someone who loves you at your worst"

" Gotta keep, gotta keep, gotta keep your head up"

🍥WATCH ME SHINE BY JOANNA PACITTI FROM LEGALLY BLONDE

"I will prove I can conquer anything,So from my head to toe I'm taking full control"

" Better watch out,Going for the knockout,And I won't stop,Till I'm on top now,Not gonna give up,Until I get what's mine,Better check that I'm about to upset,And I'm hot now,So you better step back,I'm taking over,So watch me shine"

🧁WHO SAYS BY SELENA GOMEZ

"Who says, who says you're not perfect?Who says you're not worth it?"

" Who says you don't pass the test?Who says you can't be the best?Who said, who said?Won't you tell me who said that?Yeah, who said?"

🍥DANGEROUS WOMAN BY ARIANA GRANDE

"Don't need permission,Made my decision to test my limits'Cause it's my business, God as my witnessStart what I finished,Don't need no hold up,Taking control of this kind of moment"

" Somethin' 'bout you,Makes me feel like a dangerous woman"

" Nothin' to prove and I'm bulletproof andKnow what I'm doing"

🧁LOOKING AT ME BY SABRINA CARPENTER

" If you think they're looking at you,They're looking at me"

🍥FASHION BY BRITNEY MANSON

"She's so gorgeous, she's successful "

" Style icon, size zero,And my boots from Valentino,I'm a self-made runway queen,And my dad is Alexander McQueen"

🧁LOVE DIVE BY IVE

" Narcissistic, my God, I love it"

🍥TOMBOY BY DESTINY ROGERS

" I'm a girl's girl, I'm a boss in a man's world"

" My mama said, "Marry a rich man" ,And I was like, "Mama, I am that rich man"

🧁LOOK AT HER BY SELENA GOMEZ

" Of course she was sad,But now she's glad she dodged a bullet"

🍥KILLSHOT BY MAGDALENA BAY

" Can you make my heart stop, Hit me with your kill shot baby"

🧁CONFIDENT BY JUSTIN BIEBER

"She's got my attention, she's confident"

🍥GO HARD BY TWICE

" We just go hard,We just go hard till we see the light"

" Even if the waves hit and sprinkle thorns, I'm the winner in the end,Even if you shake and push me, I'm unbreakable,My opponent is Woman in the mirror,I told you no matter how much the world tries to put me down,You make me feel special"

🧁PROMISCUOUS BY NELLY FURTADO

" I want you on my team,So does everybody else"

🍥UNSTOPPABLE BY SIA

" I put my armor on, show you how strong I am,I put my armor on, I'll show you that I am"

" I'm unstoppable,I'm a Porsche with no brakes,I'm invincible,Yeah, I win every single game,I'm so powerful,I don't need batteries to play,I'm so confident,Yeah, I'm unstoppable today"

🧁GOD IS A WOMAN BY ARIANA GRANDE

"When all is said and done,You'll believe God is a woman"

🍥TELL ME SOMETHING I DON'T KNOW BY SELENA GOMEZ

"Everybody tells me that it's so hard to make it It's so hard to break in, there's no way to fake itEverybody tells me that it's wrong what I'm feelin'I shouldn't believe in the dreams that I'm dreamin'I hear it every dayI hear it all the timeI'm never gonna amount to muchBut they're never gonna change my mind, noTell me, tell me, tell me something I don't know"

"I'm on my way,I know I'm gonna get there someday,It doesn't help when you say, "It won't be easy"

🧁ANTIFRAGILE BY LE SSERAFIM

" Riding over the trail of thorns,You made me boost up "

" Walk like a majestic lion,Eyes glinting with so much desire "

" I'll climb higher,Top of the world I itched for ,No biggie if I were to fallI'm antifragile, antifragile "

🍥I WANT IT ALL BY ASHLEY TISDALE FROM HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

"Imagine having everything we ever dreamed"

" You've gotta believe it"

" Bigger is better And better is bigger?"

"You've got to have your star on the door,You want the world, nothing less,All the glam and the press,Only giving you the best reviews"

🧁OBSESSED BY MARIAH CAREY

"And I was like, "Why you so obsessed with me?"

🍥KINARE BY MOHAN KINNAN FROM QUEEN

" Even if all the boatmen together become strangers to us(that is, even if everyone turns against us)Then we will become oars ourselvesand cross (the sea) on our own"

"Why others, we'll ask ourselves only,about the path to followWe'll find it here somewherein the waves only"

🧁SUE ME BY SABRINA CARPENTER

"So sue me, For looking too pretty tonight"

" But I'm not gonna dull myself because you dull yourself"

" Feelin' myself can't be illegal, illegal"

🍥SUCCESSFUL BY ARIANA GRANDE

" Yeah, it feels so good to be so young,And have this fun and be successful, yeah,I'm so successful, yeah"

🧁I AM BY IVE

"That's my life is a beautiful galaxy, Be a writer, the genre is fantasy"

🍥ECOUTE CHERIE BY VENDREDI SUR MER

"Écoute chérie"

I don't know about lyrics but I like vibe of the song !

🧁GIVE IT TO ME BY NELLY FURTADO AND TIMBALAND

" I'm the Wonder Woman, let me go get my rope,I'm a supermodel and mommy, sí, mami"

🍥THE HYDRA BY LE SSERAFIM

" Do you think I am Fragile?"

"I am not afraid of storms,For I am learning how to sail my ship"

🧁CHERI CHERI LADY BY MODERN TALKING

I LOVE THE VIBE OF THIS SONG !!

🍥ECSTACY BY SUICIDAL IDOL

This song vibe reminds me of those mog edits lmao , you can listen to this song to upgrade your beauty self-concept!

🧁BARBIE GIRL BY AQUA

" Imagination, life is your creation"

🍥DANCE THE NIGHT BY DUA LIPA FROM BARBIE MOVIE

" Diamonds under my eyes"

🧁JUST LIKE MAGIC BY ARIANA GRANDE

"Manifest it (yeah), I finessed it (I finessed it)"

"Just like magic ,I'm attractive ,I get everything I want 'cause I attract it"

🍥16 SHOTS BY STEFFLON DON

AGAIN THIS SONG MAKES ME FEEL LIKE A BAD BITCH !!

🧁COPINES BY AKAMURA

I LOVE THE VIBE OF THIS SONG !!!

🍥MY SATISFACTION BY IVE

"I'm just in love with myself,Crush on me "

"I'm sure of myself every moment,I'm more confident than scared,I'm unaware about fear,I hope you and I will always shine"

"Trust me more than anyone else ,I make myself shine "

"Love myself so that I don't lose myself,I don't mind such prejudice that never end,I'm satisfied with myself reflected in your eyes"

"I'm my own wannabe,I'm a masterpiece for me"

"The confidence in me shines more on me,You always shine on your own,My satisfaction that will make me shine more perfectly"

🧁BEAUTIFUL LIAR BY BEYONCE AND SHAKIRA

It is all about the vibe !!

🍥BABYDOLL BY ARI ABDUL

" Call me babydoll "

This song can help with beauty self-concept.

🧁WASABI BY LITTLE MIX

"Love to hate me, praise me, shame me,Either way you talk about me"

"I'm glad to be your inspiration.Who, baby, who's (guess who?)The topic of your conversation?,I am "

🍥GIMME MORE BY BRITNEY SPEARS

I don't even need to explain this one lol !

🧁LONG WAY TO GO BY CASSIE

GOOD VIBES !!!

🍥QUEEN BY TWICE

"I know what you are,Uh you’re a queen"

"You are the main character,You are the bright one,You’re a queen"

"No matter what anyone says,By yourself,You’re a queen"

🧁IDOL BY BTS FT NICKI MINAJ

"I know what I am (I know what I am),I know what I want (I know what I want),I never gon' change (I never gon' change)I never gon' trade"

"You know I've been a boss for my whole career"

🍥PERFECT DAY BY HOKU FROM LEGALLY BLONDE

"On this perfect day,Nothing's standing in my way,On this perfect day,Where nothing can go wrong"

🧁BOSS BITCH BY DOJA CAT

"I'm the whole damn cake and the cherry on top"

"I'm a bitch and a boss, I'ma shine like gloss"

🍥MALAMENTE BY ROSALIA

I like the vibe of the song !

🧁SHE LOVES CONTROL BY CAMILLA CABELLO

"She doesn't cry anymore, no looking back"

🍥I HAVE GOT MAGIC BY BARBIE

"Life has its dings,Oh, thanks for the wings!"

"It is my fate to be so great!"

🧁BADDIE BY IVE

"I'm a baddie, ba-ba-baddie, baddie,Pretty little risky baddie"

🍥SOLO BY JENNIE

"This time I'm only lookin' at me, myself and I,(I'm goin' solo) I'mma do it on my own now"

"Like the flowing wind,Like the stars above the clouds,I want to go far away, I want to shine brightly"

🧁BARBIE WORLD BY NICKI MINAJ AND ICE SPICE

"All of the Barbies is pretty (damn),All of the Barbies is bad,It girls (It girls) and we ain't playin' tag"

🍥KICK IT BY BLACKPINK

" Never needed nothin' else,Just a lil' love from myself"

🧁CIRCUS BY BRITNEY SPEARS

"Don't like the back seat, gotta be first"

"All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like a circus"

🍥FOCUS BY ARIANA GRANDE

"I know what I came to do,And that ain't gonna change,So go ahead and talk your talk,Cause I won't take the bait,I'm over here doing what I like,I'm over here working day and night"

"Let's find a light inside our universe now,Where ain't nobody keep on holding us down"

🧁ANSWER:LOVE MYSELF BY BTS

"You've shown me I have reasons,I should love myself"

🍥KITSCH BY IVE

"I live the way I want, what more do you want, That's my style

"Who cares if I only do what I like, huh,This ain't your life,Useless thoughts can go away"

🧁MONOPOLY BY ARIANA GRANDE FT VICTORIA MONET

"Bad vibes, get off of me"

"Treat my goals like property,Collect them like Monopoly"

🍥MIKROKOSMOS BY BTS

"You shine brighter than anyone else One"

" Shine , dream , smile "

🧁SHAKE IT OFF BY TAYLOR SWIFT

"And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate,Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake,I shake it off, I shake it off "

🍥SUPERMODEL BY JILL SUBOLE FROM CLUELESS

"When I'm a supermodel,And my hair will shine like the sea,Everyone wants to look like me"

"Cause I'm young and I'm here and so beautiful"

🧁OUTRO: WINGS BY BTS

"I believe in myself,My back hurting is for my wings to come out,I believe in you, even if things are bleak right now,The end will be great"

"I made a decision, I will have unconditional trust"

🍥THAT'S MY GIRL BY FIFTH HARMONY

"You've been down before,You've been hurt before,You got up before,You'll be good to go, good to go,Destiny said it, you got to get up and get it"

"Get mad independent and don't you ever forget it"

🧁MANEATER BY NELLY FURTADO

" You either wanna be with me, or be me"

🍥RICH GIRL BY GWEN STEFANI

"If I was a rich girl,See, I'd have all the money in the world, if I was a wealthy girl,No man could test me, impress me, my cash flow would never ever end,'Cause I'd have all the money in the world, if I was a wealthy girl"

🧁STEP ON UP BY ARIANA GRANDE

"You say I'm sexy,So bad, they should arrest me"

🍥FEELING MYSELF BY NICKI MINAJ AND BEYONCE

"Feelin' myself, I'm feelin' myself, I'm feelin' my"

🧁FABULOUS BY SHARPAY EVANS FROM HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

"The whole world according to moi"

"All things fabulous,Bigger and better and best"

🍥CONFIDENT BY DEMI LOVATO

"I'm the boss right now"

🧁I'M THAT GIRL BY BEYONCE

"It's not the diamonds, it's not the pearls,I'm that girl, it's just that I'm that girl"

"From the top of the morning, I shine"

🍥PRETTY & RICH BY SASWEETIE

"Y'all study my fashion, it shows in your pics"

"I look better in person, you'll see when we meet"

"I been in my Birkin, I stay on my grind,I stay on my hustle, I stay on your mind"

"Ooh, I'm so perfect, I make them nervous"

"Prettiest out here, that shit for certain"

🧁HARD WHITE BY NICKI MINAJ

"I'm the trophy of the game, everybody tryna win me"

"Uh, I'm who they wishin' to be"

"I'm a prodigy, R.I.P Thun-Thun '

🍥BO$$ BY FIFTH HARMONY

"C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T,That's me, I'm confident"

🧁SUPER LADY BY G-IDLE

"I am the top, super lady"

"Those irresistible eyes are savage, got all qualities of a Queen, The Baddie"

🍥NICE TO MEET YA BY MEGHAN TRAINOR FT NICKI MINAJ

"I am blessed by the Heavens"

"Now I'm givin' myself,Nothing but love"

"Please, no comparisons, 'cause you know they can't"

🧁PERFECT NIGHT BY LE SSERAFIM

"I got all I need, you know nothing else can beat,The way that I feel when I'm dancing with my girls,Perfect energy, yeah, we flawless, yeah, we free,There's no better feeling in the whole wide world"

[gremlin-girly]

Flufftober Day 15

Double Prompt: "What are you wearing?" / "It's Laundry day!" + "Yes. No. Maybe."

Pairing: Steve Rogers (Captain America) x Reader

Warning/Tags: FLUFF, allusions to sex/innuendo at the very end, established relationship, petnames (sweetheart)

Summary: It's laundry day and you whip out your handy cosy outfit you wear when Steve isn't around. However, Steve comes home early...

Word count: 879 words

A/N: Hello! I am currently in Wales for the week so my future posts will be via mobile rip I've just had a 6.5 hour drive I am not ok

also, this one is inspired by the fact I have one of these <3- Love, Grem x

Prev | Next | Masterlist

How you'd managed it, you never knew.

Keeping an item of clothing expertly hidden away from your boyfriend to save yourself an embarrassing conversation was nothing short of a miracle in your shared apartment. However, when Steve Rogers was busy playing Captain America elsewhere in the world, it came out. Especially on cold days such as this and when there were no clean clothes (who are we kidding ? Pyjamas) left to wear.

Today was laundry day and Steve was away on a mission. Which meant one thing; out came The One.

You waddled to the kitchen grasping the overflowing washing basket, dumping it unceremoniously into the middle of the kitchen to better pile the washing. Four distinct piles later (whites, colours, darks and delicates), the first load of washing went on. You stood and watched the machine grumble to life, slowly pushing the clothes in lazy circles. With a heavy sigh you padded back into the bedroom and began the tedious task of stripping the bedding.

A simple pleasure in life was clean sheets. Soft, clean cotton smelling like it had been dragged through a field of spring flowers made the effort of stripping and re-assembling the sheets worth it. Even if they wouldn't stay clean for very long. Regardless, your boyfriend would be appreciative (if he noticed before he collapsed into the bed as per usual after a long mission).

Bedding stripped, and feeling slightly sweaty, you headed back to the kitchen to make yourself a drink. You wondered about Steve and how his mission was going as you idly sipped at your glass. Long missions were always a pain since Steve couldn't talk at regular times, meaning you were often left wondering what kind of state he was in. Though, worrying yourself silly wasn't an option.

Shaking your head trying to rid yourself of thoughts of your blue-eyed, blond bombshell, you pulled out your phone and started up your cleaning playlist. You may as well continue to be productive after all! First, kitchen counters were wiped down with swaying hips. Then, the fridge was deep-cleaned with off-key singing. Then the trash taken out and so on, to the sound of your off-key voice and occasional dance move.

By the time you'd snuck back into the apartment (after dodging your nosy elderly neighbour near the stairs) the washing was done. Bending down to collect the damp laundry and belting out lyrics to a timeless tune of ABBA's, a familiar voice spoke. Startled you drop the clean clothes with a squeak, spinning to see who had entered.

"What are you wearing?" Steve chuckled from the kitchen doorway. He was dressed casually in T-shirt and jeans, holding his kit bag. He had come back from his mission early.

He had come back from the mission early.

" I –" You begin realising you had been caught red-handed and red-faced. " It's laundry day!" You say, two octaves higher than you wanted.

Steve bites back a grin as he looks at you stood in the middle of your kitchen in a Captain America onesie. It was the retro costume, bright cerulean blue, red and white. There was even a hood with the wings embroidered on. Not to mention the zipper that was his shield. It was too big for you but you looked cosy and cute.

"Okay..." Steve finally says slowly, raising an eyebrow as you cover your face. You're too cute. "Have you been hiding this from me, Sweetheart?"

You shuffle your feet. You wanted to combust on the spot. You wore an arguably cuter version of your boyfriend’s damn costume and he's found you in it.

"Yes. No... Maybe." You mumble from behind your hands. "I didn't know you'd be home so soon."

"Thought I'd surprise you." You can hear the smirk in Steve's voice and it only makes you feel more flustered. "Looks like you beat me to it."

"I can explain," You say quickly but as you move your hands away you can see that Steve is chuckling at you. Your heart hammers as embarrassment flushes your cheeks. You sigh, defeated, and give him a quivering, embarrassed smile.

Steve drops his bag and strides forward, wrapping his strong arms around you and kissing the top of your head.

"You look amazing as always." He teases.

"Shut up." The feigned huff of annoyance isn't lost on Steve and it only makes him smile wider.

"I mean it," He leans back to look down at you with his goofy grin. He gently brushes a wisp of hair out of your eyes. "This is a nice surprise to come home to.”

You wrap your arms around him, holding him tight, resting your head against his chest. "Har har, very funny." You look up at him and feel yourself grinning. "I'm glad you're home."

"Glad to be home... but aren't you hot in that?" Steve's brows furrow at you. The material is plush and thick, there's no way you wouldn't be boiling. Steve fiddles with the shield zipper between his fingers, wondering where did you buy this from.

"I uh..." You give him a sheepish smile. "Only have underwear on underneath."

Steve eyebrows shoot up and he gives you a playful grin. "Oh, this is definitely better than my suit."

[tumblingxelian]

Chloe Knows:

Apparently game Chloe knows Marinette is Ladybug, so I wrote this:

Summary: Chloé Bourgeois is perhaps the last person Marinette expected to see on her roof after having lost the Miraculous to Felix.

Chloé Bourgeois is also probably the person Marinette least wants to see on her roof.

Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, Chloe knows more than she's ever let on and that complicates things, but it just might end up helping too.

Chloe Knows:

The last thing Marinette expected to deal with right now was Chloe hanging out on her roof, arms folded and tapping her yellow jacket impatiently.

It was also the last thing Marinette wanted to deal with, save maybe finding Hawk Moth waiting for her. & that thought just sent her gut into a tailspin, so Marinette forced open her ceiling hatch and stalked onto the roof.

Chloe zeroed in on her instantly, hissing, "You kept me waiting!"

Marinette barely resisted the urge to grab and shake the blonde, because she had only just finished re-tethering herself after the disaster of losing the Miracle Box.

Still, she had just enough restraint to only force her way into Chloe's space, grounding out, "How did you trick my parents into letting you up here, Chloe?"

The blonde blinked confusedly, "I climbed?" She motioned to a discarded pair of gloves sitting in the rooftop bin. "Why would I talk to your parents about that anyway? This is our business."

Marinette tried very hard to parse that question but she was still trying to process Chloe having scaled her walls!?

"Because they-, I-" No she as not dealing with that right now. "Chloe we don't have business!" Marinette settled on, arms flailing.

"Normally we wouldn't, you made sure of that-"

"Oh I made sure of it?"

"Yes you," Chloe huffed, somehow the one affronted, "When you got me to be terrible for my mother, then made it impossible for me to be good as Queen Bee by taking Pollen. Now you go and lose her & the others? I thought you were at least cunning to pull that scheme off Dupain-Cheng, or are you just lucky!?"

Marinette technically 'heard' what Chloe said, but she didn't have the wherewithal to react to it. Not right now as her whole world felt like it was suddenly unreal and empty and yet crushingly full all at once.

"Hah, haha, what are you t- talking about? Me, take a pollen? I don't know what that is? I don't even like wasps!"

Chloe dragged her hands down her face, screaming into her palms, "You cannot be this thick, no one can, for the- I know you're Ladybug, I've known your Ladybug for ages. Now tell me how you lost the Miraculous!"

"I could never be-"

Chloe stepped forward, counting off on her fingers.

"Rena is Alya, Nino is Carapace, Sabrina the Hound, Max is Pegasus, Kim is monkey guy and Zoe is Vespera, very petty of you, kudos really. Need I list more?"

"I"

"I've seen your Kwami, do I need to grab your damned earrings!?"

Marinette's hands flew to them, and she flung herself back, then started to giggle, maniacally.

"Hahaha, of- of course, this is a nightmare! All a nightmare! I didn't fail, Chloe doesn't know anything, I didn't get tricked by Felix and doom Paris! Hahaha- OW!"

Chloe pulled her hand back and out of pinching distance.

"You're awake Dupain-Cheng & finally answered my question to boot. Felix, ugh!! What, did he pull that stupid 'I'm Adrien' stunt and you just tripped over yourself?"

"Actually-" Tikki cut in gently, drifting out of her bag. "There was no tripping that I recall, & he'd had help this time, as Adrien wished to stay in Paris so it was more believable."

Marinette felt like her throat was closing up as she rasped, "Tikki, why!?"

The Kwami turned to her, big eyes doleful, "I am sorry Marinette, but it was obvious she knew and has evidently known for sometime. I felt you continuing to try and cover this up would only make things worse not better."

"Good thing too, I was about to tackle her and shake you out of that bag-ah!"

Marinette grabbed Chloe, spun her around and trapped her against the nearest wall. Eyes wild and frantic, the command phrase to transform dancing on her lips.

"Where's Hawk Moth? What's your game Chloe!?"

"If this was a game I'd be having fun, also," Chloe brought her hands up, and sharply but lightly 'chopped' her way out of Marinette's grip with the sudden pressure on her elbows and then shot out of grabbing range.

"Uhu, you had your chance to straddle me and passed it up."

Marinette's overtaxed brain wanted to 'scream' at that particular mental image. But Ladybug Brain was taking over and she snapped.

"How long have you known? It can't be that long or Hawk Moth would have found out already. After Penal-Team, no after-"

"Are you kidding? I've known way longer than that," Chloe boasted.

"Then why doesn't Hawk Moth know? Why didn't you just Akumatize and bring him the Miraculous!?" Marinette hissed.

"Because I don't want him to win, obviously!"

"You say you want him to win all the time!"

"I say stupid stuff when I'm angry, sue me!"

"Marinette!" Her parents called, and she could hear them racing up the ladder and nearly tripping over one another in a bid to make it to the rood.

Tikki vanished back into her purse and Marinette stood stock still frozen as her parents clambered out. Her mother hugging her close and her dad stepping between her and Chloe.

"How did you get up here?" Her father groused.

"Marinette, are you OK?" Sabine asked, fretfully.

A million and one excuses flew through Marinette's exhausted brain. Class project, Chat Noir dumped Chloe on her roof, she was Ladybug & Chloe had come to yell at her- No wait, that was the truth!

"What business is it of yours?" Chloe snapped back, evidently not intimidated by her father.

"Because this is our home, and our daughter and you are trespassing." Tom rumbled.

Chloe leaned to the side and looked at Marinette, still in her mothers arms, and then pointedly looked 'past' them.

"That doesn't answer my question, Marinette and I's business is none of yours."

Her mother frowned, "You've never had business with our daughter, just sharp words at best. You have no right to her or anything here."

"Ch- Chloe was just checking up on me, after Monarch's announcement." Marinette rambled, trying to piece the pieces together into something workable that wouldn't send Chloe into a fit.

Both her parents looked stunned and also like they wanted to ask if she was concussed.

Fortunately, Chloe managed to pick up where she'd left off.

"Exactly, we certainly aren't friends, but I felt obliged to check up on someone else I knew Ladybug wouldn't check on."

"What?" Her mothers hug tightened, and her voice actually quivered.

Her father looked between the two sides, seemingly lost for what to do with himself.

The pieces fell into place and Marinette came to the truth, in a sense.

"I was Multi-Mouse, when my science teacher god Akumatized, Ladybug needed someone who was good at multitasking."

"Marinette," Her father rushed forward and pulled her into a hug that knocked the air out of her lungs.

"I... I helped her, I did OK I think."

"You got the Miraculous back so you did your job," Chloe cut in, neither warm nor scathing.

Her mother evidently didn't agree, "It shouldn't have been her job, either of your jobs. You're children!"

"Mum, dad, it's fine, really it's fine!"

Her mother ran a hand through her hair, "I feel like there's something you aren't saying sweetheart."

She glanced at Chloe who was watching the exchange with an inscrutable expression. Some strange mix of confusion and almost starvation like hunger that was honestly painful to perceive.

Marinette licked her lips and pressed on.

"Chloe was right that Ladybug might not check up on me. At least not in a way I could see."

"She's usually such a good hero?" Her father said, sounding despondent.

"It's because I asked her too! I... When I was Multi-Mouse, I used the other Miraculous. A lot. I shouldn't have, but nothing bad happened!" she hastily added, at her parents near frantic looks of worry.

"Ladybug warned me, but I misunderstood and she said even though I was OK this time I shouldn't use magic again for a long time. I was upset, I wanted to help her, I-"

Why was she crying?

"I wanted to be a good hero, but I just screwed up and now," she was sobbing. Gods she was sobbing in her mothers arms.

"There there, my treasure, I am sure you were brilliant, let it out," her mother stroked her hair while her father hovered protectively, one large hand rubbing circles on her back.

Fortunately, Marinette had already cried her heart out once tonight and was too tired for a truly spectacular breakdown.

She managed to half slip her mothers grip, wiping at her eyes. "Thanks, both of you," she glanced at Chloe who was back to not quite staring at them. Her face was a mask of forced, haughty neutrality that looked like it was being kept in place with wires buried beneath her skin.

"Thanks for checking up on me Chloe, and for somehow not telling Hawkmoth our, my, anyone's identities when he had you Akumatized all those times." Because she still needed an answer to that, only the fact Tikki hadn't seemed panicked was keeping her grounded.

Chloe swallowed, hands clenching and unclenching before she spoke.

"Yes, well, I might not be Queen Bee or a hero anymore, but ridiculous circumstances demand ridiculous actions. So for tonight I'm a hero and it's the duty of a hero to look out for people. Even one's they hate."

OK, ow.

Chloe pressed on, "As to identities," She shrugged. "If that idiot Hawkmoth, Shadowmoth or whatever he's calling himself had that kind of control he wouldn't have to wait for people to break before getting them under his thumb. Even when I let him in the last few times, I never let him dig deep and I'd just kick him out if he tried to paw at any of my secrets."

Marinette felt like her heart was going to collapse in on itself because, "Even knowing everything you do, you just- I can't- I don't understand you at all Chloe!"

That actually seemed to draw the blonde up short, "That's a surprise, I thought you knew me better than anyone. You're certainly good at," Chloe looked at her parents ten back to Marinette, "Hitting my weak spots when we come to blows."

It felt like there was a lot to unpack there and for the first time in a long time, Marinette knew she'd actually have to spare no small amount of time and thought on Chloe's inner workings.

For now though.

"Even if you 'can' just kick him out."

"You know I can!" Chloe stomped her foot. "You saw me do it when I was Penal-Team!"

"That's my point! Isn't that like willingly helping him!? Other people have to be tricked!"

Chloe scoffed, "Tricked she says, don't over-sell it, it's being angry or sad, or whatever and taking a deal. Besides, does it look like I'm helping? I played soccer for an hour then quit."

"You had a bunch of people trapped in deadly orbs Chloe!"

"So what!? People try to kill me all the time! Ivan tried to smear me on the pavement! Nathanial tried to chop my legs off! Mommy murdered me and no one cared! No one!"

There was a choked edge in that but Chloe pressed on. "Because it's not a big deal, and anyone trying to make it a big deal is just looking for sympathy points, so there." 

She huffed and unfolded her arms, "Anyway you've clearly got people to tend to and I got what I came for. See you at school, Multi-Mouse."

With that she marched across the rooftop to her sky-box. "I'm not climbing the walls again if I don't have to so I'll just leave out the front and avoid the stray dog."

Before she reached the door, Marinette was surprised to see her mother reach out and gently grasp Chloe's shoulder.

"Chloe," She said firmly, as the blonde practically froze up, looking half ready to bolt, or shout. "Thank you for checking up on our daughter, that was a good thing and for whatever it's worth. People should have cared, I'm sorry those who should don't."

There was a moment where Marinette honestly expected Chloe to start crying, to fling herself at her mother and howl and sob. She was sure she saw something glisten in her eyes before Chloe wiped it away, and swallowed.

Her voice was rough as she said, "It's... Thanks, or whatever, doesn't matter. I don't need anyone's help."

"Everyone needs someone, so if your feelings change, don't be afraid to ask, people can surprise you. Especially if you don't break into their house." Her mother said the last part with a sort of forced, hopeful smile.

Chloe nodded, like taking an instruction, a rasped something escaping her lips before she achingly pulled away and climbed down the ladder.

A million and one feelings, questions and terrors still swirled in Marinette's mind but as her father and mother gently guided her down the ladder, intent on hot coco and comfort talk. She knew they'd have to wait. Could wait, until she was rested and ready.

Even still, a part of her would linger on the question of Chloe. What to think, to feel, to do, certainly. But also on the quieter, more uncomfortable thoughts.

Like who someone who felt they had no one would turn to if they were desperate and at the end of their rope.

'& it's not just Chloe either, who does Chat Noir have besides me?'

It was an uncomfortable thought, but one buoyed by a new revelation. No matter how omnipotent Hawk Moth seemed, no matter how all knowing he claimed to be; he was clearly far less than that.

It wasn't much to build on, but it was something, a foot hold from which she could dig in her heels and drag him down from his perch.

Golden hair flashed in her mind again and another thought echoed in her head.

'One good foot hold may be enough to bring down Hawkmoth. So what could it do for someone else?'

Because no matter what she said or had done, Chloe made a choice tonight, and had been making choices for longer than Marinette realized. Not having fallen down the slope but merely standing on the brink.

'But she took a step back tonight, to somewhere I can reach.'

& maybe all Marinette needed was one good foothold to pull Chloe all the way back, perhaps Farther than she'd ever been, or Marinette even realized was possible. 

It was a tender little hope, strange and unsure, but somehow, in Marinette's mind, it felt like solid gold. 

NOTES:

Wrote this is one sitting, then edited it, I hope it reads well XD

I have no plans to continue this, though if someone else wants to take it and run with it please feel free. I kind of envision Marinette re-inviting Chloe to the class group chat as a sort of olive branch and them slowly working through their respective issues.

Also Chloe turning up at Felix's with a tazer and the same martial arts skills that let her fight Mayura to a stand still and possibly, violently reclaiming Doosoo, cos you can pry Jock!Chloe from my cold dead hands!

[animestsstuff2]

Unconventional

Bakugou Katsuki X Fem reader

The text between the hearts is present text and the text after/before is past, like a memory.

part 2 here

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"brought you some chocolate" His voice made you jump as you turned in your seat. The blondes hand was outstretched, your favourite chocolate bar between his fingers. Your eyes widened as you took it from him and set it on the desk meeting his gaze. He pulled out the seat across from you and loudly slammed his bag onto the desk making you glance over at the glaring librarian.

"T-thank you! what are you doing here though?" You asked quietly, he took his seat and stared at you. This was the first he had interacted with you since the night he came to your room looking for another heat pack. You did avoid him though, fearing you'd started snoring since you had fell asleep. The embarrassment eating at you.

"came to help you study n' repay the favour. I don't like owing people"

right..how does he owe you though? You hurt him the first time and he saved you the second..if anything you owed him

You said nothing as he pulled his books out. You felt giddy staring as he began reading at the English textbook and scribbling messily on his page. Your leg bouncing. You were with Bakugou no wait, Bakugou came to study with you! okay your stomach was twisting and head buzzing as you tried to calm your nerves.

"what's with the starin'? I got something on me?" His voice interrupted your thoughts and you blinked dumbly at him making him roll his eyes as you quickly snapped back to reality and shook your head. your cheeks red as you tried to focus back down on your own notes.

Bakugou knew he didn't owe you anything. He never owed anyone anything but he wanted to be near you. He didn't like admitting to himself that you got his attention. His grumbling self annoyed he caught feelings for a girl but at least it was you and not racoon eyes or someone worse. He found out you were struggling with English by paying attention to Present Mics not so quiet discussions with you. He found out your favourite chocolate bar by cornering that brown haired extra. He forced her to spill after school one day and threatened to blow her ass up if she told anyone. Bakugous methods were unconventional but they were his and they seemed to work on you

The very next day he moved to sit next to you in English and from there every so often he would find you in the library, slamming his back down loudly and offering you your favourite chocolate bar. This habit grew the odd relationship between you too. You both kept it a secret, you fearing it would stop if anyone found out knowing he hated interacting with others. He just didn't wanna listen to dumb extras, especially Dunce Face whine about how he got a girl before him.

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the way Bakugou asked you out wasn't conventional either considering he actually hasn't asked you out. You looked over at the blonde who was hunched over his desk messing with something to do with his gauntlet. You lay on his bed, rolling over as you found yourself thinking about his unofficial way of asking you out, giggling which made his eyes look over to you before rolling them knowing you were probably thinking something girly and making weird girl noises.

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The library study hangouts turned into him sitting with you at lunch, which turned into him favouring to stay with you during group hangouts. This continued and whilst you grew closer it amounted to nothing and left you confused. He always brought your favourite snacks to your library hangouts and would always 'accidentally' make too much food and would bring some to your dorm, forcing it into your hand before you could oppose.. He even came to watch a movie in your dorm one night but he sat as far from you as he could and left the minute it was over. Your crush on him grew but so did you frustrations with his odd behaviour, did he feel bad for you? was this a prank or bet among the boys?

the next time you both hung out you were determined to get some form of answer from him, although you didn't know when that next time would be. You chewed on your lip as you paced in your dorm room. Bakugou hadn't spoke a word to you today not that that was out of the ordinary for him but you still couldn't stop thinking about the weird relationship which had bloomed between the two of you. You stopped, checking the time 8;00pm.

You slipped your slippers on and left your dorm, making your way up to the blondes in hopes he wasn't already away to sleep. You stood outside, hand raised to knock as you rapped lightly. You let out a breath as you stepped back, waiting..and waiting..and

okay hes asleep! at least you tried

You swivelled on your heel ready to leave and forget about this attempt when his angry voice came from behind you and you froze, slowly turning round to see him shirtless in a pair of black shorts. His hair falling down more over his eyes which were glaring at you. Your cheeks burned as you quickly averted your gaze from his taut muscles and back to his face.

"what do you want" His voice was harsh as he scratched his head before folding his arms across his chest and leaning on the doorframe. You swallowed the dryness in your throat and stepped closer, worried of any potential listeners.

"Um, can we talk..in your room?" You asked quietly, fingers picking at each other as he stepped back and made room for you to enter. This was actually the first time you'd ever been in the blondes room and it suited him to say the least. You turned to face him, looking up and meeting his eyes as the door shut.

"Hurry up I wanna sleep" He grumbled as he moved over to sit on the edge of the bed. You followed, opting to stand in front of him as you took a breath in.

"what are we?"

Silence. That was all you could hear as his brows quirked up. He made no move to say anything as the silence lasted longer, and longer. Your heart dropping as you puffed your cheeks out feeling your eyes get wet. You turned going to leave and never speak to him again when his hand reached out to wrap around your wrist and stop you. Your chest tightening as you turned your head over your shoulder, seeing him stood. His fingers flexing around your wrist

"what do you mean?" You turned back round fully now to face him. His face expressing a look of honest confusion and frustration. His hand still holding your wrist.

"You know, like, what are we Bakugou? are we just friends or..We hang out all the time and you help me study and stuff" You were mumbling quietly as his red eyes kept focus on yours. The cogs in his brain moving as he realised the context of your question.

"we obviously aren't friends. You seriously too dumb to not catch on we are dating?" His almost 'duh' tone made your mouth drop open. he was seriously mocking you for apparently not realising you two were dating?!

"dating?! Bakugou you haven't even asked me out!" You snapped, pulling your arm from his hand and placing them on your hips. He had to force himself not to laugh at your angry expression. your significantly shorter form and unusually furrowed brows was a funny sight to him.

"yeah I mean I bring you chocolate and hang out with you! why else would I do that if we weren't dating dumbass" He grumbled annoyed this was why you disturbed his sleep. You just gritted your teeth, seriously all this anxiety and he isn't even taking it seriously.

"You have to ask someone out to be dating! and You literally barely speak to me when we hang out. I didn't even know you liked me, How did you even know I liked you?" You shot at him. The blondes head growing sore with your accusations and questions as he sat back down on his bed, rubbing his head.

"ah shut up! I knew you liked me cause that racoon face told me so. She wouldn't stop yapping about how we would be a cute couple and I do talk to you. We are talking right now!" You groaned at his response and also at Mina for betraying you.

"Bakugou that's not how you go about relationships. You have to ask someone out for them to be your boyfriend or girlfriend" You dropped your hands as you sighed. The blonde was unconventional. His attitude and methods completely ignoring traditional ways.

"so? Well now you know I like you so we are dating now" He said, voice still gruff with annoyance. You giggled feeling your annoyance subside as you thought about it. You suppose the gifts of food and chocolate were his way of flirting. The hangouts were better than how he treated even Kirishima half the time.

"when did you decide we were dating?" You asked, curious of when you unofficially became Bakugous girlfriend. He sat for a second, thinking, before answering.

"the first time I brought you chocolate" Your eyes widened, that was like, nearly three weeks ago now. You laughed again, this time harder and his eyes narrowed at you.

"Bakugou that was like three weeks ago! seriously I swear one of those weeks we went without saying a single word to each other" You couldn't help but tease him, which he didn't appreciate.

"yeah and? what's your point" He asked, watching as you moved to sit criss cross beside him on the bed.

"You have to talk to your girlfriend at least once a day if you want to date somebody" You chuffed and he rolled his eyes.

"Okay Ill talk to you more anything else I have to do now or will you leave so I can sleep" You shook your head giving him a big smile as you both got up as he walked you to the door. You opened your mouth to say goodbye when his hand shot out and grabbed yours, pulling you firm against his chest as his arms wrapped around your waist. The blondes warm body and quick action shocked you and just as quickly as he had hugged you it was over and the door was slammed in your face.

Your face on fire from the interaction and your mind buzzing you decided not to stay in longer as you rushed back to your own dorm. Your heart racing happy with how it worked out. it wasn't a prank or bet, he actually did like you and you were going out even if his way of asking you out was unconventional it was good enough for you.

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“Oi! Why are ya ignoring me?” His loud voice broke you from your day dream, blinking you felt the bed dip as he rested against the headboard. You shuffled up, coming to sit beside him.

“Oh, sorry I was just thinking about something” you mumbled, leaning your head on his shoulder. His cheeks tinted pink as he moved in closer, shoulder tensing.

“‘Bout what?” He mumbled and you shifted your head up to look at him.

“Just how we started going out and how you didn’t actually ask me out” you laughed slightly and he puffed his cheeks out brows furrowing.

“Yeah well too late now” he grumbled and you giggled.

“Hmm. I mean..technically you never officially asked me out, so is it really too late? Cause Denki has been flirt-“ He was quick and rough as usual. His hands moving you both as he sat on top of you. Your back against the bed as his head hovered over yours. His red eyes narrowed.

“Whats this about Dunce face flirtin’ with you? As if you’d want him over me” he continued and you just giggled, wrapping you arms around his neck. He was so easily teased and ridiculously jealous.

“Im only joking Kats. Denki only ever tries to flirt with Jirou” you sighed. The blonde just let a grumble as his eyes softened, glancing at your lips and you felt your cheeks heat at the proximity now. His nose grazing yours. You hadn’t even caught on that your legs were wrapped around his hips.

His eyes glanced again at your tongue that poked out to wet your drying lips. His eyelids closing slightly as yours followed. His breath mingling with yours moving his head lower.

“Yo! Bakugou you comin’ down to watch a movie!” The loud knocking on his door made the his head shoot up as his hands that were flat on the bed curled up. A grumble leaving his mouth. You smiled at his response but were also left feeling disappointed.

He got up going to the door and swinging it open as the insistent knocking finally stopped. Denki stood on the other side a wide grin on his face which dropped as his eyes fell behind Bakugous shoulder to you, on his bed and his jaw dropped open.

“Y/N! What are you doing in- oh my god! You guys are totally hooking up. I gotta tel-“ Bakugou grabbed the rambling boys shirt, pulling him in close as his other palm crackled beside him.

“Tell anyone and you. Are. Dead” his voice was deep as he threatened Kaminari who nodded vigorously, knowing it was a threat Bakugou would keep. He let him go and immediately Kaminari took off.

“Sorry Bakubro! You know I gotta tell the boys! Brocode!” Bakugou was off after him and soon you were too. A smile on your face as you watched you boyfriend yell profanities at the Kaminari who sprinted down the stairs and eventually into the communal area where everyone sat on the sofa.

“Guys everyone! Ha- wait..let me- catch my breath” he folded, hands resting on his knees when you and Bakugou entered behind him.

“Dunce face Im gonna kill you!” He yelled, hand reaching out as Kaminari jumped out of the way, running to hide behind Kirishima.

“What? Kaminari what have you done this time?” Iida groaned as he stepped over, class representative trying to maintain the peace.

“Nothin! I was just coming to tell you guys Y/N and Bakugou are totally hooking up!” He cried, shaking Kirishima. Everyones eyes grew wide as many girls shouted ‘what’ simultaneously.

You cheeks immediately burned as all the girls bounded over to you. Mina pulling at your arms and even Momo grabbed your other hand gleaming at you. Uraraka just stood beside giving you a forgiving smile.

“It was bound to get out eventually Uraraka. Thank you for keeping our secret” you told her and she nodded. You watched as the boys crowded Bakugou. Kirishima throwing his arm round the your boyfriends shoulders whose face was red as he yelled loudly, pushing at them all to leave him alone.

“Y/N! Why didn’t you tell anyone!?”

“Bakubro! Cmon, you’re not actually gonna kill me!”

“I knew there was something going on..when you moved beside Y/N in English. I have it in my notebook”

“How long have you both been dating?!”

“Who asked who out? Was it romantic!”

Your cheeks flushed like Bakugous as you both tried answering the flurry of questions. Well, actually, only you. Bakugou just shoved them all off and took a seat on the sofa. His arms crossed after flipping Kaminari off.

“Um, we’ve been dating for a month? I think now” you answered as everyone moved to sit on the sofa, taking a seat beside Bakugou as the girls kept their eyes on you.

“I knew it! I knew when he moved beside you in English it mean’t something!” Mina cried as she grinned widely. You just nodded playing with your hair.

“Okay guys, its not manly to be nosey. Lets put this movie on” Kirishima stated as he gave you a small smile. They had picked out some comedy movie as everyone got situated.

Bakugou shuffled closer and moved his arm around your shoulders, pulling you into his chest as you curled up beside him. Uraraka slapped a hand over Mina’s mouth as she quietly gushed about you too, quickly snapping a photo before being forced to focus on the movie.

You cuddled closer to Bakugou as you sighed. A kinda weight lifted from you chest as you no longer had to keep the secret of your relationship. You knew the girls would be dying for details tomorrow and will definitely not understand Bakugous unconventional methods but you liked the fiery blondes attitude and he was there for you when it mattered.

[double-vandammage]

Title: Stripped

Word count: 2,192

Rating: 18+

Ship: Bret Hart x Shawn Michaels

Tags/Warnings: Shawn POV, Jealous!Bret, Strip tease, Pet names, Biting, Anal sex, hand jobs, play fighting

Also posted to my a03: aa_beatrix

Oh my this took a lot out of me. 🫣 I spent many nights wrestling with my thoughts on how to write a sexy strip tease and this was the result. I listened to Cherry Pie by Warrant more times than I care to admit to help move this thing along. It turned out WAY smuttier than my first Hartbreak fic I was originally embarrassed to write. 🥴

I got inspiration from the In Your House: HBK vs. Goldust Dark Match for the WWF Title (10/20/1996). That gave me a mixed bag of emotions and I am still thinking about it. 😵‍💫

Shawn waited for Bret leaning against the side of the ring. The stadium seats were vacant and shrouded in darkness save the overhead lights illuminating the empty ring. The match he had with Goldust was sure to have ruffled a few feathers, including one Hitman. The two had been messing around for months on and off. They would meet in private before, after, and in between various matches or promos. Nothing got Shawn going faster than when Bret would berate him in front of a live audience. Surprisingly enough Bret had made the first move. What began as a fistfight ended with a kiss. Shawn found himself backed into a wall, preparing for a punch. Instead he was met with Bret’s lips on his. It was lust at first fight. 

“Quite the show you put on with Goldie.” came Bret’s low voice from out of the shadows. Shawn smiled, eyeing Bret’s delicious frame striding down the entrance aisle. “Aw, you know Goldie ain’t mean nothin’ by it.” he grinned. Bret placed his hands on either side of Shawn, bracing himself with the edge of the ring. “You kissed him.” Bret said, those dark eyes searching him. “All part of the act, sugar.” Shawn drawled, hooking his fingers into the belt loops of Bret’s jeans, and tugging him closer. He moved in for a kiss, but Bret was quick to grab a handful of hair to stop him. Shawn let out a sharp hiss in response. “Not so fast boytoy.” Bret commanded, swiftly twisting Shawn around to face the ring. “Someone needs to teach you a lesson…get in the ring.” he growled into Shawn’s ear, nipping at the skin.

Shawn hurriedly jumped up and rolled under the ropes, standing to lock eyes with the Hitman. Bret began to leisurely make his way around the ring, never breaking his focus with Shawn. “Take off your clothes.” he demanded cooly. Bret was never usually this forward and never asked him to strip. May have had something to do with his entrance. Maybe. “Really?” Shawn asked, eyebrows raised. Bret stopped, “Now.” he ordered. “Well okay darlin’.” Shawn beamed, moving center stage. He wasn’t used to a party of one and no music, but who was he to argue with Bret The Hitman Hart?

He watched as Bret pulled a chair from under the ring, setting it up in the aisle. He had strategically placed the chair just before the overhead lights, obscuring the older man from Shawn’s view. Shawn shrugged out of his jacket first, swinging it a few times before letting it fly. Slowly he undid his belt buckle, gliding the strap from his waist. He paraded around as he usually did, untucking his t-shirt and giving Bret just a peak of his chest and stomach before covering back up. He removed his hair tie, giving his head a few good shakes to show off his soft blonde hair. Shawn knew how much Bret secretly salivated over how his lengthy hair would cascade past his shoulders and down his back. 

He fell to his knees, bringing his t-shirt back up to expose his stomach and chest again, placing the hem of the t-shirt in his mouth. Unfastening the button and zipper of his jeans, he leaned back to then kick off his boots. Bret remained reserved, continuing to hide in the black. “You can join me anytime Bret baby.” he cooed, shedding his t-shirt and flinging it to the side. He lied down, stretching out on the mat, and began to sluggishly peel off his jeans. He slid his boxers down just enough for Bret to admire the cut of his hips. “Leave 'em on.” Bret said sharply, voice echoing. “Ya wanna take ‘em off cowboy?” Shawn teased, biting his lower lip. The chair Bret was sitting in, scraped across the floor as he stood up. Shawn’s heart began to race with anticipation as Bret approached him, his dick already hard.

Bret entered the ring in between the ropes, kneeling to crawl towards Shawn, and moving among his legs. He kissed his knee, beginning a careful ascent with his lips to his thigh and hip. Bret’s fingers dug into the waistband of his boxers, pulling them only to expose the heart tattoo above his ass. Shawn was well aware of Bret’s stance on his tattoos, he heard it regularly during the show but now he only seemed too pleased to see it. Bret licked at the tattoo, tenderly sucking at the skin. He shifted back to kiss his inner thighs, taunting Shawn’s erection. His breath caught as Bret bit down on his flesh. “Holy Jesus, don’t keep me waiting.” Shawn begged, his hands finding Bret’s mess of hair, trying to guide him towards his dick. Instead Bret rose to a standing position, holding Shawn’s legs in the air. “Oh shi-, oh come on!” he managed to squeak out before he was forced and curled into a sharpshooter. 

Shawn felt his back scream as Bret contorted his body and held fast with his most notorious move. “Fuckin’ ow.” he wheezed, scrabbling against the mat. Bret gritted his teeth, adamant in keeping Shawn stuck. “How you doin’ boytoy?” he asked, mocking. Shawn smiled, “Jokes on you mark man, I’m only getting more turned on.” Bret squeezed, tightening his hold. “Is that so?” he freed Shawn, allowing his legs to flop to the floor. Not wasting any time, Bret flipped him; his back smacking harshly into the mat. Bret pried off Shawn’s boxers, nearly tearing them to reveal his slick and pulsing member. “He sure is happy to see ya.” Shawn said, highly amused. Hastily in an effort to avoid another opening for Bret, he knocked Bret’s feet out from under him, and caught him in a headlock.

“Fuck.” Bret snarled. “Not much fun being on the receiving end huh?” he jabbed. Shawn knew he would much prefer for Bret to be inside him right about now, but holding him in a naked headlock was too good. He could practically feel Bret’s seething annoyance. “Are you ready to play nice?” he asked, continuing his solid grip on Bret’s neck. “Not quite.” he grunted, slithering out of his grasp to firmly wrench Shawn’s arm up and behind his back. Again he found himself face first into the mat, Bret letting his full weight rest on top of him. “Ah– god damn.” he panted into the ground. Bret leaned down, kissing the length of his shoulder and running his tongue up the side of his throat. He sank his teeth into his skin, biting him again. Shawn winced, a mix of pain and delight flooding his body. 

Bret fumbled around for his jacket pocket, withdrawing a condom and small tube of lubricant. “Such a boy scout.” Shawn groaned, as Bret began to work him open, inserting his fingers leisurely one by one. He could sense Bret’s impatience, wanting badly to punish him. He closed his eyes, listening to the shuffle of Bret undoing his pants and pushing them down. He inhaled sharply as he felt Bret enter him. Bret let his head fall onto Shawn’s back, his breath hot against his flesh. He kept one hand attached to Shawn’s hip while the other continued to contain his arm behind his back. Bret sank into him slowly at first with each thrust becoming more and more vigorous. “Bret baby…” he whined, reaching to touch his own leaking cock.

“I don’t think so.” Bret said, bending Shawn’s arm to join the other; preventing any further movement. “Oh fuck you.” Shawn moaned with agony. He squirmed under the weight of the Hitman driving his dick deeper, keeping his rhythm unrelenting. The side of his cheek rubbed into the mat as he turned to whip away his long hair clinging from his face. His body was already drenched with sweat. After what felt like an eternity of depriving the desperate ache between his legs, Bret began a rapid stroke to match the pace of his hips. Shawn’s body turned weak, unable to sustain the arch in his back. He had no more snarky remarks left, he was reduced to whimpering nonsense.

“Jesus, you feel so good.” Bret gasped. Shawn was in a haze, Bret’s motions becoming more erratic as he pounded into him. He felt Bret’s teeth rake at his shoulder, biting down harshly and grunting a string of obscenities as he came. Shawn yelped over the sudden sting at his shoulder, it was definitely going to leave a mark. The sensation would only fuel his pleasure, threatening to throw him off the edge. Bret licked at the fresh wound he inflicted, causing Shawn’s heart to stutter. “Motherfucker-…” he choked, his face still rigid against the mat. Bret remained inside of him, dick pulsing. Shawn’s arms were released, sore from being restrained. He steeled himself as Bret kept him propped on his knees. Bret continued to pump his cock, his cadence turning torturously slow.

Shawn thrashed around in a frenzy, his hips bucking into Bret’s fist. He knew as another form of punishment, Bret was only going to let Shawn cum on his terms. Bret lowered their bodies to relax onto the mat so he could nuzzle his face into the back of Shawn’s head. “You gonna behave?” Bret muttered, his words muffled through Shawn’s damp hair. “God no.” Shawn exhaled, ready to blow through his fervent euphoria. His answer to his amazement was well received as Bret quickened his strokes. He believed Bret inwardly relished his constant disobeyment, otherwise they wouldn’t be fucking around like they were.       

Bret held Shawn in place as he came, white strands coating his palm and dripping onto the ring. Shawn was instantly flipped over to face him, as if Bret wanted to admire his work. He knew his face was flushed, hair wet and wild. His body trembling as he tried to adjust from the convulsions of his orgasm. Shawn met Bret’s stare, his eyes conveying possibly something more than just lust. Bret ran his fingertips along the bite mark he had indented on his neck, “Shit…” he said concerned. They typically hid their bites and bruises well, but they weren’t always careful. Occasionally and usually Shawn had to be creative with his wardrobe to conceal their enthusiasm. “Don’t worry about it.” Shawn said, bringing his hand up to caress the skin of Bret’s forearm.

Bret rolled off of Shawn to lie flat on his back. They never spent much time together afterwards, it was always just sex and nothing more. Shawn moved to his side, propping a hand behind his head to rest on his elbow. He reached out to wipe the sticky hair from Bret’s forehead. He knew he was lingering too long as he began to trace the outline of his face, his fingers languidly smoothing Bret’s bottom lip. Bret shied away from his touch, “Stop Shawn…” he said, his voice horse. “Okay.” Shawn said as he watched Bret hoist his pants back up. He selfishly wondered if Bret was sleeping with anybody else backstage. Shawn reached for his discarded boxers and slipped them back on. Bret was usually the one to bounce as soon as his appetite was satisfied. Shawn found he was longing for some semblance of affection from the older man.

“I gotta go.” Bret stated, straightening his clothes. Shawn in a bleak attempt to keep Bret just minutes more, grabbed the lapels of Bret’s jacket to drag him forward. Shawn’s lips were starving for a kiss he was denied. To his surprise Bret returned the kiss, his hands on Shawn’s waist pulling him closer. They kissed until both of their lips were red and swollen. Bret broke away first, their breathing shallow. Shawn held fast to Bret’s jacket, urging him to stay. “Bret…I-” he stammered. Bret gently pushed his hands away, his mouth forming a hint of a smile. “Gotta go.” he repeated. Shawn sighed, his hands fidgeting. “Yeah. Yeah, I know.” He watched as Bret departed through the ropes, jumping to the floor. Shawn followed, but stopped short in front of the ropes. He leaned over, watching Bret’s shape disappear into the darkness of the arena. He foolishly hoped Bret would reconsider and choose to spend the rest of the night in his hotel room. 

He never expected their relationship to become more than just casual. If anything, he thought Bret would form an attachment first. The Heartbreak Kid with a broken heart. Total bullshit. He collected the rest of his clothing and got redressed outside the squared circle. The overhead lights were suddenly too bright and too hot. Time to go. He gave the ring one last glance, the remnants of their affair still drying on the mat. Shawn snickered quietly, shaking his head. It wasn’t the first time he had a sexual encounter in the ring and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. He was also never sure he and whomever he was with was completely alone either, but he didn’t care.

Shawn made his own way out of the arena, already scheming on how best to infuriate his Hitman in a match once again.               

[octuscle]

Damn, these stories have got me jealous and inspired. Maybe you can help me like you helped these other guys. I’m a skinny nerd with curly blonde hair stuck in a research job but I’m too lazy to work out and too scared to get a short haircut. Make me a wrestler, a construction worker, a footballer, I don’t care - just save me, please!!

You're sitting in your lab… Looking into the microscope. And you're starting to get bored. I don't know what's bothering you, but you take a microscope slide and spit on it. It's cool how your spit looks. You have an idea. You take your impressive cock out of your pants. And start wanking. And wank all over the next slide. Damn, it's these, these… Whatever the fuck it's called. The shit that makes babies. It doesn't matter. Looks like the tadpoles you used to catch. Hehehe, it was always a test of courage to eat them. Didn't do you any harm either. Then you remember that you're hungry. You take the trolley with the mop and push it towards the cafeteria. You have to take out the garbage anyway.

Even if you're not wearing a T-shirt, you're still sweating in your rubber dungarees. Thank God you've just shaved your hair. Long hair sucks. It gets in the way at work, it gets in the way during sport, it gets in the way during a proper fight in the pub or at the soccer stadium. And those are somehow the three most important things in your life. well, not work actually. But you have to earn money somehow. And unfortunately you're far too stupid to do such a shitty lab job…

The fresh night air is good for you. Outside in the parking lot is a summer party. The nerds and other weaklings are having fun at a kind of company fair. Not your thing. You're about to call it a day. And then it's off to the gym. Start by hitting the punching bag for an hour. And then let's see… You'll have a good time. Actually, you always have fun!

[ice-cream-writes-stuff]

{Falsifier}

Episode 2: ♡Fibber♡

《Waking up in a body familiar, but uncanny, you unknowingly save an Idol with twins》

《Warnings: Genderbend Ai, Ai Lives Au! Possible yandere. The story is for fun, more warnings to add later.》

-

-

《Fibber: Someone who tells fibs.》

-

WAKING UP on someone's lap wasn't what you were expecting.

Gasping and gargling on your saliva, you try to form words as you sit up and back away from whoever was holding your head up.

"Oh! You're awake!"

Shaking like a leaf in autumn, you pull your hands to your throat.

The words of accusations to the strangers who brought you to a strange room wouldn't leave your throat. It was far too dry and raspy to make a word intelligible to the human ear.

The sensation of when you first woke up in a different body returned. Wanting to hurl, scream, kick, cry. Rip off the flesh that wasn't your own.

But all you could do was shake.

"[Sir/Madame] please calm down!" A young male with sparkly pink eyes with stars for pupils sat on a plain couch with two children by his side. A boy and a girl, the three of them seemed scared like you.

"Papa!" The young girl shrieks, clinging to her supposed father. "It's okay, it's okay Ruby!" He rubbed his daughter's back soothingly, his son leaning onto his side as he stared at you.

"W... w.." You force your hands to lower to your sides. Still unnerved and unable to speak properly. Breathing less erratic and heartbeat slowing down.

""W?'" The purple-haired male asked. Tilting his head quizzically as his kids followed his movements.

A man in his possible early thirties appears in the doorway.  He wore a black suit with a white shirt carelessly, adorning a pair of black shades, blonde short hair, and thin facial hair. Accompanied him was a beautiful young woman with strawberry blonde hair.

Where the hell are you!?

"Oi! Ai, why didn't you tell us they were awake?" The young woman scolded, rushing off to what you assumed was a kitchen.

"Sorry..." The male rubbed the back of his neck, flustered beyond belief. "Relax kid, your safe now." The blonde gentleman states, holding out a hand for you.

Taking the stranger's hand, you ignore the people on the couch and try standing up properly.

The woman from before ushers you to the couch where the person called "Ai" sat with his kids. The strawberry-blonde lady hands you a cup of water.

Greedily gulping it down without a care, you finish the cup in one gulp.

The blonde man laughed at you, while the woman shot him a disapproving look.

"Someone..." You start, looking down at the bottom of your glass.

"Someone, please, tell me what's going on..?" You said pathetically.

The kids look at you in awe as the older adults shoot uneasy glances at one another.

"Uhmm, (Y/N). Correct?" The young woman says towards you. You nodded, that did sound like the name you knew in your past life. Was it the same for this person's body?

"How do you know my name?"

"Your I.D. The thing slipped out of your bag when you attacked that stalker." The young woman nods with the man with shades.

"That's what Ai said, they saw you, euh- ahem, puke, on the stalker. They were about to hurt Ai- or worse if it weren't for you interfering."

The two of them lower their heads and kneel in front of you.

"Thank you." "Thank you..."

The two said in sync.

The young woman started shaking, a quiet sob leaving her mouth. Yet when she raised her head, she simply wiped her eyes. A certain gleam took over the sadness.

"You saved Ai's life, we can't thank you enough."

"You guys..." Ai mumbled. He held his kids closer, hiding his expression as his kids cuddle closer to him.

You on the other hand felt a weird warm sensation on your back. You thought it would be your embarrassment, but no, it was the two kids.

Their eyes were so big and thankful towards you, but you honestly thought they were glaring at you.

"It-its no problem! Really... I didn't even know it was a stalker..." You said truthfully, "I thought they were my neighbor. I wanted to thank them for the cookies- THE COOKIES!" You get up from your spot on the couch but fall back down.

"Auh... Never doing that again. Phew.."

You said to yourself, holding your head as you try to recall your surroundings. Ai gently pats your back as you shoot them a thankful look. Causing them to quickly bring their hand back to his lap. You would have thought he was surprised at his actions.

"BUT- The cookies! I wanted to thank you, they looked really tasty and made my day... There probably destroyed right?" You smiled sadly at the thought of wasted pastries.

"No!" Ai exclaimed, pausing when he sees the startled expressions on everyone's faces.

"We still have some! No worries." Ai plays off the slip-up, and his kids cheer at the idea of more cookies. Unaware of their agreeing nods of a silent conversation between his twins.

-

Tags: @yandere-city @col1fl0r @ghost-nevous @merurishi @channelinglament @lifes0cks @raginggoose06 @majestymadness @vieweryeet @shira222

[Ta-da! Another chapter?! Yes indeed! You honestly don't know how happy you guys made me when you commented on the first part! I'm glad you guys are liking the story so far! I'll keep doing my best!]

[Also! This series is on my Qoutev! If you wish to submit fan art reblog or send it to me! Thank you so much!]

[gracelaurie]

Falling into your ocean eyes 🌊 | Orm Marius x Fem!Reader

Part 8

Warning : Dark jokes, harsh words, & fluffy

A/N : I’ve been very busy for past 5 days, AND actually I wrote and already put it in my draft, BUT SADLY it’s been deleted twice 😭😭 luckily I wrote this story in Notes from the start, so it’s still saved. but still annoyed 😭

for the previous part click here ➡️ masterlist

After rejecting Orm's proposal, their breakfast now becomes a little bit awkward. Y/N cooked pancakes with extra strawberries and blueberries around them, and on top of the stack of pancakes she poured honey.

When Orm tasted it, he couldn't deny that this was the most delicious breakfast he had ever eaten. Orm said in a low voice, “I like this.”

She smiled, "thank you. But this is the only food supply available. Later I want to go to the Grocery Store to buy some food supplies, and also...”

She looked at Orm who was devouring his pancakes. She continued, “I think you need some new clothes to stay on the surface longer.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary, Arthur gave me some of his clothes.” Orm replied looked down and looked at his T-shirt with the picture of a dolphin on it.

“No, I mean I want to buy you formal surface dweller clothes, like a shirt and tie. You can't possibly wear those T-shirt with pictures of whales or cartoons to go out every day.” said Y/N while looking at Orm, “you are Royal. Former King of Atlantis, I know-“

"Yeah I think that's necessary,” said Orm, “I want to buy it myself,” he took out the Atlantis coins that were in his pocket.

“Oh you can’t buy on the surface with that money,” she quickly grabbed the coins with her telekinetic powers, and turned them into dollar bills, “actually I shouldn’t do that, but those coins can’t changed in the Money Changer.”

After that conversations, they finished their breakfast and went out to buy some food supplies at the Grocery Store. When they stopped at Fresh Fish section, Orm's expression turned very cold and unfriendly.

She saw that Orm show his angry face, “You surface dwellers have polluted our seas, and stolen so much of our fish. Don't you know the impact that is happening in the sea there?”

Orm’s continue, “you already have your share on land, but you surface dwellers are selfish so you have to steal our fish, you even poison our children in the sea.”

The fishmonger looked at Orm sharply, thinking that the blonde man in the shirt with a cartoon dolphin was a weirdo.

“Oh, please ignore him, he has a mental disability.” said Y/N, taking Orm's hand to leave the Fresh Fish section

“What does that mean?” Orm asked in a suspicious tone.

“I saved you so you wouldn’t look like a freak.” She answered while holding Orm’s hand like other married couples who were shopping for groceries

While at the cashier and she was about to prepare her dollar bills, Orm held her hand softly so she wouldn’t pay for her purchases. When the cashier told him the amount of money, Orm gave his money from his pocket.

Orm brings their bags from Grocery Shopping. The air temperature is quite cold even though it is summer now. However, she saw that Orm didn’t feel cold or anything even though he’s wearing a thin t-shirt.

“Wow, you’re looking more and more like a surface dweller now.” She said in her mocking tone.

“I honestly hate it here, the surface still fucked up for me. But do you know what keeps me here?”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, then Orm continued, "You. You’re the one who keep me here. But I want you to do the same as me...

“At least before I actually propose to you to be my wife, I want you to know where I come from. Not like last time..."

Y/N laughed softly at the last sentence Orm said, “yeah, it's definitely not like the last time. It was really sucks.”

“I wish we could go to Atlantis freely, Orm… but in reality we still have to be on guard, you remember that you are still in exile, right?" said Y/N as they entered the van.

Orm looked at her face closely, through his very beautiful and unreal ocean eyes... making Y/N give up because she was lost in the reverie of Orm's eyes, “Okay, we're going to the beach now. The most near,”said Y/N in a low voice then started driving her van.

When they arrived at the beach which was busy with tourists because it was at the end of town, Orm didn’ seem to mind this even though he honestly hoped that Y/N would take them to a quiet and more romantic sea coast.

They both walked on the sand. The weather was quite hot, the combination of the sun and Orm’s ocean blue eyes in front of her made Y/N silently stunned. Orm Marius was almost perfect. Physically, blonde hair, handsome face, a sly smile that he had first met, but now she longed for a pull from Orm’s lips that painted a smile on his face. Orm’s body is very proportional, a body that has slept with her. Only her. the voice that originally issued cruel orders but now became very gentle.

She couldn’t ask for anything better.

Orm held Y/N’s hand very gently when they started treading water on the beach. The two of them continued walking and Orm motioned for the two of them to enter the beach.

Entering the sea was the second thing Y/N had done and the first time didn't end well, it even left her in a coma, but somehow Y/N agreed to this.

Orm’s ocean eyes merged into the ocean, looking harmonious and that’s when she realized that Orm looked more beautiful when he is in the ocean.

“You know we can’t dive any further even to Atlantis, you’re still in exile, I don’t want to get you into trouble.”She said in a voice underwater.

“We won’t get into trouble, darling.” said Orm kissed her hand gently.

“You guys need a ride?” Y/N heard Arthur’s voice from inside his ship which for some reason she could hear.

She didn’t understand what was happening, but Orm said, “Let’s go. I want to show you something.”

“Honestly, what's going on here? I don’t understand?”Y/N asked in confusion when she entered the ship.

“You’ll see.” Orm said smiling at Y/N then the ship drove quickly towards Atlantis.

When they set foot in that place in Atlantis, Y/N was still confused about what was happening in that place. Y/N could see a magnificent room filled with shades of red, which was actually her favorite color, a color that somehow matched her magic power.

Mera, her sister smiled then quickly took Y/N’s hand towards the changing room.

“Come on, hurry up and put this on.” Mera said then she changed her clothes in the changing room into very elegant red wedding dress. Mera did something to Y/N’s face that seemed different from what women would do on the surface.

In short, Y/N came out of the place, finding Orm smiling broadly at his future wife. “You’re so beautiful.” Orm mumbled, his ocean eyes kept looking at Y/N. He couldn’t look away. All he saw was her.

Her.

She also could see Orm returning in his typical Atlantean clothes, with his armor, which gave her deja vu because Orm looked like himself when he was still the King of Atlantis, but the difference was...

He fell in love. Truly sincere love.

“Well, this is honestly beyond my expectations, the way you married me.” said Y/N, who for some reason was the happiest bride at the moment, even though it had not been 24 hours since she rejected Orm's proposal, but she felt confident more than anything.

Let’s say that this might be too soon. Very fast. It all started when he saw a husband and wife couple holding each other at the supermarket, then he himself practiced it directly. Orm knew that Y/N really wanted him to marry her, but he realized that his proposal before was wrong.

King Nereus said breaking the silence, “My daughter, I’m sorry that all this time I have been a father who never appeared in your life. I am aware of that, but this is the only thing I can do for you.”

Mera smiled at her father, “Father is right, he did this all for your marriage. But the most important thing is, he did it for you.”

Y/N smiled at her father, then Mera, Queen Atlanna, Arthur, then her gaze turned to her future husband, Orm.

“Let's speed up this wedding, I can’t stay in the Ocean for a long time.” She said.

“Oh I can make you stay here for a long time, darling.”Orm said with a smirk face, as if he was planning something.

“I wish I could but you do realize my fucking van is still on the surface right?” said Y/N.

the end…

Actually I kinda want to make a sequel to this story, it will probably be full of smut😉.

[noowayybroo]

I can't think of a name for this fic.

Hi! It's been a while!

So one of the first Resident Evil fics I read was about Leon saving you from an abusive ex! And I desperately wanted to find more of these!! But I couldn't :( So! I wanted to write one! But before doing that I thought... Leon's a sweet boy - n I heard he had an ex or something before re2?? but maybe I'm wrong?? So what If YOU, dear reader, ran into absolute sweet baby boy Leon (just the one I have in mind but play it however you want if you can) and helped him through a dodgy relationship or breakup?

Characters: Leon Kennedy, Reader

Warnings: Not NSFW. GN reader cuz YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL! WHY WOULD I EVER WANT TO EXCLUDE YOU, HUH!?!?!?! No mention of age but faint job and relationship to Leon suggestions. Hurt / Comfort. Please be careful there's gonna be an abusive / manipulative partner mentions but they will be hopefully brief n quiet and the fic will focus mostly on happy Leon at the end!!! Not really a warning but written with dumb GB money n phrases n stuff so sorry if that upsets you XD

"That'll be £5.29, Sir"

"Just 99p, please."

"You want the lucky dip?" ... "Just one?" ... "£3.99 please."

"You know I need to see your ID if you want those, right?"

Another day, another dollar. Another day in this dumb shop, working late shifts for what? For minimum wage and abuse from drunken low-lives. To put it simply, you worked at an understaffed corner-shop, and always had the late shifts, because you always had the time. Same old same old. Time passed slowly, each night felt like a repeat of the last, and all you did was stare at the clock and wait for your shift to end.

Wednesday through Sunday.

Same old?

Same old.

Soft baby-blues, yet just as able to pierce, were not what first earned your attention. Nor was it the silvery blonde hair that fell upon his face in neat locks. Surprisingly, nor was it that face: so soft, so pure... Quite cute. Sweet, maybe?

Ok, stop making assumptions. The young man who's just entered your store alone seems quite flustered, in a rush. Yet you notice how he takes time to establish eye contact with you and give a swift, polite nod, acknowledging you.

You gladly return his gesture and your chest flutters a little as you share a kind smile before he disappears into the rows of aisles. You think to yourself as you watch the man's head bob around the rows of products, no longer able to see his expression. You subconsciously attempt to look a little more presentable. The thing was, customers this late at night weren't usually so polite. They didn't give a damn about whether you were there or not, unless they were trying to steal something. Wait, what time was it again?

10:04

Oh. An hour 'till home time. Great, your feet were killing you. You're shaken from your mundane day-dream as the man strides quickly up to the counter. His hands are full of microwave meals and booze. He reaches the counter long before you're focused and ready to serve him, but waits patiently despite his rush. He hands you his ID, although you'd probably have let him go without it, pays in cash and scrambles to pick his things up again.

"You need a bag?" you ask quietly, feeling almost reluctant to disturb his rush.

"N-nah thanks I got- it's not my money I don't need it-"

"It's on me." you state, soft yet assertive, grabbing his items and shoving them into one of the more expensive carrier bags. You catch him off guard completely. He stands there, frozen, as you pick the rest of his items out of his cradling arms and bag them, before shoving them back to him all packed.

"Wh- T-thanks!" He beams, hesitant. He gives you a wide, genuine smile, nods, and leaves. Just like that, he's gone. Polite, kind customers were so rare that you couldn't blame the tornado of butterflies within your stomach. To think, also, that he was so grateful for one carrier bag, something most patrons would spit on you for not supplying free. Your gaze rests on the sliding door where you last saw him, wondering if you'd ever do so again.

10:07

Uggghhhhhhhhhh....

The next few months come and go. Summer soon becomes Autumn, the nights get longer, the air gets colder and your enthusiasm for this damn job remains absent. Something that did happen, though, was that you saw more of the cordial gentleman from that night. He seemed to have been the only nice customer that came back. That, or, there was something particularly memorable about him...

Gross. Stop it.

Always kind and polite, you loved exchanging smiles with the man as he went about his shopping. You wondered why he'd been so shy.. Or at least, you'd imagined him to be shy, thanks to his timid voice and the way he stole glances at you from above the aisles.

He lets people with fewer items jump ahead of him in line, thanks you extra graciously as he leaves, and sometimes, rarely, makes small-talk with you when it's just the two of you alone. Sometimes, he likes to ask how you are, and, if a customer or your manager has given you a hard time in any way, he hurries over once you're alone to reassure you.

"Don't listen to them, c'mon... What do they know, huh?"

"You're amazing! You're doing your best and that's more than enough!"

"Those jerks don't know how lucky they are to have you!"

On one night, you're helping him pack his bags as he's counting his change to pay you, and you can't help but notice some... markings on his skin. They look like bruises, maybe hickeys? But in strange places. There are some scratches too. Where are those from? You ponder, holding out your hands for his change without thinking. Is he... alright? ...Do those hurt?

You're snatched back to reality by the sound of the change he'd just handed you falling and clattering on the counter and floor around you.

"Shhit - Sorry-", you hiss, going to pick up the coins, but before you can move, he's already shuffled to the side of your counter and is crouching down, picking up each penny with care. He hands them back to you, a little more caring this time in case you'd drop them again. He seems concerned. This time you keep a firm grip on the coins.

"Sorry... Should have brought notes..." He apologises, sincere. "Next time, sorry." No matter how much you tried to reassure him as you counted his change, he kept apologising and cursing himself. You couldn't judge him, but you just wished he wouldn't. It was your mistake, not his. He shouldn't bully himself over your issue. You stand there in silence for a while, handing him his receipt. "Thank you, but are you okay?" he asks, tentatively.

"I'm alright... I just- Are you okay?" You can't help but whisper. You feel terrible, prying about his personal life, but you were just so curious. You were worried for him. His confusion dissolves into a pool of concern as he follows your gaze to his own hands and neck, and he quickly shies away. He looked hurt, as if your stare had wounded him, as if you'd accused him of something. More so, he looked as though you'd uncovered something he'd rather leave hidden.

He does his best to assure you, swearing up and down that he's alright. He tells you he does a lot of training for his job, which made some sense with his figure, and that sometimes things can get a little rough. You didn't completely buy it, but he was gone just as quickly as he'd come - signing off with a polite nod and a 'good night' and disappearing into the cold.

Worsening your suspicions, the next time you saw your favourite customer, he was even worse for wear. His hair was tussled and messy and his features a little more scratched up and grizzly. Worst of all, this time, that lovely smile of his just felt fake - empty. It was as though he smiled for you, to show you something that wasn't really there. You greet each other. You make small-talk. As soon as he notices that his scars are visible, he takes off.

The next time you'd seen him was midnight. You'd been instructed to close the shop early after waiting for a co-worker who'd never turned up to take the next shift. The rain splashes down around you as you grumble to yourself, fiddling with the flimsy lock on the shop's door. You'd put down the metal shutters, turned off all the lights and closed up. Your priority at this time was simply to get home. You were tired, stressed and quickly becoming soaked through. All you wanted was to get home, kick off your really-painful-right-now shoes and-

...hear loud footsteps approaching you from behind.

Running.

Running?

Running towards you?

You turn quickly, heart racing, only to be met face-to-face with a really, really desperate looking gentle-customer. He greets you, panting, exhausted.

He tells you he's confused; he thought your shop was 24/7. You explain the situation to his sympathetic ears as you both stand there, equally soggy and dripping beneath the falling rain. You stand with him in silence, letting the downpour claim you as he catches his breath (or works up his confidence.)

"Did you need something?" You help him. He's hesitant, but you know he ran for a reason. Your eyes grasp his as you stand together, looking like fools on the corner of a dimly lit street.

"It- it's... I didn't want to have to ask you but could I PLEASE buy something I really really need it I'm so sorry I'll pay you extra I'll-" You cut him off, already opening the shop back up. He needed your help and you weren't about to deny him it for any reason, not since he'd been so kind to you.

You both hurry into the shop, setting up the till whilst he gathers what he needs, and then it's time to check him out and leave. He follows you out as you lower the shutters the rest of the way and lock up once more, and you wonder to yourself as you do so why he hasn't left yet. Looking up at him from your hunched over position, you see him watching you eagerly. He seems to want to say something, probably to thank you or say goodbye, but most likely feels it might be rude or abrupt.

"Thank you... Thank you very much." his voice echoes beside you in the empty street. Vivid street lights shine down on the both of you, cool colours complimenting the cold air prickling your skin. When your eyes meet, he shoots you a soft smile. You dread a 'goodbye'. You're certain it's coming. "Listen... it's really cold out.. and the rain-"

"Yeah, I know... Is this where we say goodbye for the nigh-"

"Do you want a lift?" the man interrupts you suddenly. His voice is all too timid, but he does his best to speak up over you before you mention parting ways. He doesn't think he could hear that right now.

Not that you'd know, but something about your kindness and generosity to him was affecting him in a way it shouldn't have, considering that he was in a relationship. Swiftly, the man spots your discomfort and surprise, and quickly chimes in, "My name's Leon, by the way, Leon Kennedy-", There's a long pause, "Sorry... I thought it'd... You should know that at least... Before you even think of getting in my car-"

"Are you sure?" It was your turn to cut him off this time, call it payback.. or something. In reality, your excitement just got the better of you. You wanted to speak with him, get to know him, and this would be the perfect chance!

I mean, of course, there was stranger danger, but look at him! He's harmless! Lil' (big) guy couldn't hurt a fly! Besides, by now, you felt like you knew him, at least a little. The rain poured down, soaking through you, and you didn't live far so you were sure it wouldn't be too out of his way...

"I know it's weird and sudden, I was just wondering, you don't have to..." Come on, he had to be nervous with this amount of babbling.

"Of course I'd be very grateful, thank you." You ease him, earning a relieved and somewhat excited look from him as he quickly shows you to his car which is only a few meters away. Leon juggles his shopping whilst helping you into the front before storing what he's bought in the boot. You let him know where you live, to which he gives a happy nod and an 'ah!', and finally, you're on your way. Homebound at last.

You and Leon make great conversation on your way home. Almost like a dream. You hadn't spoken to him more than five minutes in one go before, and yet it felt like you were the closest of friends. He liked your music, he was inspired by your hobbies. Your dress sense enthralled him, and he always complimented you and piped up in disagreement whenever you put yourself down. On the short drive, he really opened up to you, and, by the time you were clambering out of his front seat, he was entirely cool and collected... and slightly attractive. You didn't read that.

As you lean through the window to give him one last thanks, you bump your head on the window frame. Tender laughs and giggles were shared, before he disappeared into the night. You stumble home and fall asleep in much a better mood than you would have been in should he not have shown up. He probably had no idea, you thought, but Leon saved your day. You'd have been moody, sore and disgruntled all over, but thanks to him, you slept easy and you dreamt happy.

You wondered how he'd be sleeping that night.

That was the last time you'd seen Mister Kennedy for quite some time. Moreover, the next time you did, he was not alone at all. Someone who you could only imagine to be his partner clung to his arm as they sauntered into the shop beside him. You weren't one to judge, especially not a book by its cover, but this new face simply exuded possessiveness. Ok, alright, he has a partner. That's not so bad-

Your heart cracks a little when Leon doesn't even look your way upon entering the shop. You imagine he always did, to check who was there, but this time he seemed to know you'd be there, and seemed un-phased. Alright, this is okay too. He can't be making eyes at me and getting all friendly with a special someone around. You watch as he's paraded around the shop by his presumed partner, who is certainly making evil eyes at you. They speak loudly at him, make him carry everything and overall just seem like bad news.

Quite frankly, it pisses you off.

Leon stays quiet as they walk around, occasionally replying to his accomplice, and even when it's time to pay, which they make him do, he doesn't look at you. Could he be ashamed, maybe? Maybe he was upset at you. Or maybe... No, did this person have an issue with him just speaking to people? That wasn't very cool at all, to put it all too lightly.

You tried not to let it affect you, you really did, but when the next few times you saw Leon that month and he had them glued to his shoulder, you felt your joy and confidence being eroded with force. Each time, you'd get no input or interaction from Leon, and his lovely, charming personality seemed to be a distant memory. From his partner, which you were now sure of, given that they'd made a point of kissing him in front of you, you received the lot. This included glares, snide comments and even a service complaint which fortunately your manager did not buy.

His silent visits left you alone with your thoughts, and it was agonising. Your mind wandered as you watched him, actively dodging glares from his partner. You didn't like the way they looked at you, a stranger, when really, what did they have to dislike about you? You didn't like the way they held him so close, pulling him in like he'd run if he had the chance. Well, would he? You didn't like how he never smiled around them. You missed that smile, so so much, but with his partner, he seemed scared to show it. Why was that?

Left to stew in your thoughts, you learned to hate a stranger pretty easily. In fact, you felt a formidable rage as you trudged home in the cold air that day. Your mind was clouded with chores and responsibilities, and everything you'd have to get done. Worst of all, you were obsessed with a stranger, and with uncovering his life, and really, you felt pathetic and stupid for being as such. You felt ready to give up, as though you had to. You felt hopeless. Whatever was happening to Leon was none of your business, and at this point, what could you do? What should you do?

You'd probably never even see him alone again, and if you tried to speak to him, what would you say? Would he listen? would he care?

But there he was, in front of you: a perfect mirage, turning onto your street, a block ahead. You can't believe your eyes, especially with the distance between you and the darkness of the night. Your legs, however, didn't doubt for a minute, and you found yourself running towards him. You did your best to silence your feet, but he still heard you, and turned to check out the noise. You slow to a sane pace before walking beside him, catching your breath. Thankfully, he seemed somewhat relieved. 'At least you weren't some armed mugger', or something, probably.

This was your chance. You were beside him now, walking, and he hadn't run, or shouted obscenities at you. And even better - he was alone. He looked rough, bags hung under his eyes and he was certainly due a shower, not that you minded at all. You knew that was (despite the cold shoulder) just as caring, considerate and kind under it all. Selfishly, really, you just wanted to see him smile. Fearing he'd be home and out of your clutches soon, you break the ice.

"Leon... I've been meaning to speak to you for a while, how are you?" You try your best to sound chirpy and bright, still trying to encourage some joy from him, but he seems tired, weary as he glances back at you.

"I've been great, thanks." He replies, but without a smile, you see straight through his lie. He wants to change the subject, to push something else. "Look, I'm really really sorry for ignoring you recently. I didn't mean to. It's just my.. You know, my special someone. A bit insecure, nothing really, just have to keep quiet with other people while they're around."

Suspicions confirmed. That was his partner and he was expected not to speak to you. His sugar-coating does not serve him at all, it merely lines your heart with lead, and you press the conversation further in an attempt to distract yourself as it sinks.

"I was... actually thinking about that lately. Look, I just think... I don't know how to say this but-"

"How are you, by the way? I'm sorry I didn't ask... I hope you didn't think me running you home was odd-", Leon cuts you off quickly. He seems to not want to speak about any of this at all. He seems to know precisely where you're going. If you didn't see the hurt in his body and hear it in his voice, you might get mad, but now all you feel is sorrow for him.

"Leon, I'm... Actually, no. I'm not alright. I need to speak to you. We're friends, right? Can you answer me some stuff? I'm just curious. Like.. Your partner... how long have you guys...?" Leon swallows thickly and drags his blown pupils from the ground to focus on you. He looks guilty, he seems reluctant. But, luckily for you, he seems to think he owes you. Furthermore, hearing you're not ok has seemed to panic him a little.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry yeah so... We've been together for a few months now. They're great honestly, love of my life, all that. Childhood sweethearts. Just got a few insecurities, having a hard time finding themselves, so if it's best if I give them my attention." He sounded so kind and attentive speaking about his partner in such a hushed whisper. Maybe what he was saying was all honest and true, but something just didn't sound right. It didn't feel good-natured. Partners can be insecure, it's alright, but stopping him from speaking to others? Meanwhile, your eyes wander, dragging your mind with them.

"And Leon, what about those marks on you? Is your partner responsible for those? Did you do-", You stop when you see Leon clench his fists. He seems uncomfortable, his hair falling into his face, hiding his flinching eyes. You've hit a nerve, and instantly you feel guilty and regret your actions. Leon starts to walk a little faster, but you feel like if you're going to get anywhere with him you can't let him escape, not this time. As you pass a bench, you gently place your hands on his arms, gripping him. The gentle giant he is, he stops quickly, and allows you to drag him down to sit with you.

"I'm not sure why it matters... But fine, if.. if we're friends we can chat like friends, right? Confidential, and stuff.." He trails off and looks away for a while, before picking up the subject again, but not to deny it, "They can just get a bit clingy. Not to worry, not their fault. Sometimes when we're doing things they just go a bit far, or you know, they make mistakes, accidents. Anger issues, sort of thing but-" Leon was about to insist that you drop it now or not tell anybody about this but you're not having it.

"Leon stop and listen to me, please. I know this is insane, but it's not right, okay??? None of this is right. None of this is correct. Have you been in a relationship before now?" Leon stares at you, his eyes wide, and the lump in his throat jumps once more as he finds himself unable to reply for a while. He's surprised by your boldness. He's amazed by how you've shifted from so calm, funny and cool to this. Now, you seem furious. He imagines you gripping the bridge of your nose and closing your eyes in disappointment if you weren't holding him in place.

His mind struggles to articulate a plan for his words and actions. Just as he's about to really panic though, a thought at the back of his head hits the nail- you're worried about him. You're worried for him. His face softens and he eases up a bit, looking concerned himself. Leon lets out a long sigh and closes his eyes, clenching his jaw and licking his top lip. And then, he moves a little to let your hands slide down his arms. He takes your hands in his and looks into your eyes.

"Thank you." He murmurs. "I understand what you're saying." Silence feels between the two of you, in which you both wonder what the other is thinking. And then, he answers your question. "They're my first. I haven't had anybody before." He sounds shy, almost stammering. Something within him seems ashamed. Does he think it's emasculating to have had few partners at his age? Or is he embarrassed at letting this happen to him? You recognise his struggle, and grip his hands reassuringly. You want him to feel safe. You want him to be happy.

"I get it, Leon. But please, listen to me when I tell you, It's not like that in the real world, alright?" you notice his gaze drift a little so you lean in to recapture his attention. "The person you love doesn't hit you. They don't berate you or put you down. They love you just as much as you love them. They look after you, and they want you to be happy. And they understand that you have social needs and things, and they let you fulfil them. Do you understand me?" Your voice is sweet yet firm. You don't intend to let him go without drilling this mindset into him. At least, you're going to give it your best shot.

You've called him out. You've summed him up. Not only is he fragile but he's exposed. Leon feels feeble, pathetic. He feels as though not only is he weak and unable to help himself, but as though he just exudes this image of himself. He's barely spoken to you, and now you know just how pitiful he is. He felt disgusting.

Meanwhile, you babble on as he stares straight past you, lost in a replay of the last few months of his life. He thought about the comments they'd made to him over time, the things they'd done and said, the things they'd asked or demanded of him. He thought about the horrible things they made him feel about himself.

And then he thought about you.

A stranger on a park bench, late at night, holding his hands and reassuring him. Trying to get him to see just how much he was missing out on. Not only that but you chatted away before him, and he wondered if it was the faint semblance of vanity he had left within him, or if you actually cared. He felt right, holding your hand. He felt safe and he felt respected. He zones back in, staring into your eyes as you finish your rant.

"I do understand, yes." he replies, voice low and thick. "Thank you for everything."

"I have something else to say."

"What is it? Are you okay?"

"I haven't known you long, Leon. But you seem like a really, really good guy. You don't deserve to be roughed around by anyone. You don't deserve to be insulted, or belittled. I don't know your living situation. No idea who pays the bills, but Leon. There's people out there who'd love the hell outta you and never place a finger on you unless you wanted them to, and even then it'd be because they love you, you hear?" Leon nods slowly, obediently as you speak, soaking in your words like a sponge.

"I never asked you for your name..." He rasps, once again, his mind seems to have drifted somewhat, but you understand. It's a horrible, touchy subject, and you're lucky he's put up with staying with you here in the dark. He could have up and left ages ago, you couldn't blame his brain for trying to avoid something so horrible. You sigh, how could you resist him? Reluctantly you give him your name, and earn your first smile from him in what seems to be an eternity. He squeezes your hands softly and shifts a little before looking at you very closely.

"Y/N. Please tell me. Do you think I should leave them?"

Jesus Christ. How do you answer that one?

"I know you just want my opinion, and that you might not do what I say, and that's perfectly fine," you say quietly, moving one hand to grip his shoulder supportively. You'd love to cup his face but that's far too tender. Far too intimate. "But, if they hurt you. if they upset you. If you feel used or disrespected or unloved, they are not for you. You've got tons of time left and you will find someone who loves you, if that's what you're looking for. Nothing this lowlife has taken from you or done to you can get in the way of that, alright?" You chuckle nervously as such a harsh set of words leaves you, but you go quiet when you see Leon's lips twitch.

He seems to be trying to smile, or to fight one back, you're not sure. His eyes appear watery, and his face sunken. He looks like he needs to rest. Then, he looks at you, you can tell he's about to change the subject.

"Thank you, wait. I want to do something before I forget. Could I please have your number, is that alright?"

"What for? Are you sure it's okay?" Leon freezes for a while, staring forward just as he's shuffling through his pockets to find his phone. It's not until the cold air hits your hand that you realise just how lovely his touch was. Leon looks back at you with feigned yet ignited bravery as he unlocks and begins to navigate his phone.

"I'm not going to let them stop me speaking to people anymore." You beam, wide and genuine, so glad to hear those words. For once, he's declaring his strength. He's fighting back. Leon can't help but join your smile as his eyes twinkle beneath the street lamps above. On the verge of tears, he smiles widely back at you. You exchange numbers gladly, and he calls you there and then just to make sure, as if afraid you're lying.

He makes his way home via yours, walking and talking with you and seeing you to your door. Such a gentleman, you think, even though he isn't yours. And to think his 'reward' is what it is. It horrifies you.

The tension is thick as you stand at your door, both swaying slightly as you stand together, exhausted. You conclude your conversation about work, everyday life, hobbies and things, and Leon watches you for a while, flinching a little as he thinks.

Unexpectedly, he pulls you in for a gentle hug. Nothing intimate, nothing over the top. In fact, he seemed almost scared to do it.

"Thank you. You've been so good to me." He whispers as he pulls away. You reassure him it was the least you could do, and jokingly bump him on the shoulder, spewing out something along the lines of 'you better make good on what I said' in the process. He flashes you another smile before watching you head indoors and returning home himself.

You hadn't heard from Leon in an entire week until a familiar pair of eyes creased and smiled at you from the entrance to your shop. That bell had never sounded better, orchestrating his presence. Your friend smiles at you and goes about his shopping, and, ringing him up, you can't help but notice the lack of his usual shopping habits before you. There was no cheap cider, there was no wine. There certainly weren't any ready-meals, just fresh foods, and an expensive whiskey.

You raise an eyebrow at him, and he quickly smirks at you, seeming proud of himself.

"I like to cook. And besides, I thought I'd celebrate." You knew exactly what that meant. He was providing for himself now, living how he wanted to. He must have finally spread his wings and escaped. You can't help but beam, entirely in awe. You want to be certain though, as you look at his refreshed face. He seems to have had a burden and a half lifted from him.

"Does this mean what I think it does, Leon?"

"It certainly does." He chuckles before leaning in and giving you a mock-serious tone, "And you better have been right about those tonnes of people being after me... I'll be waiting for them." He sounds confident, he sounds mischievous and playful. He sounds like a new man, but with that same inner sweetness. He pays for his things, and gives you extra for that bag from months ago. Watching him leave, you made a mental note: That memory was just one more on the list of 'sharp' things that made up Leon Kennedy.

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HI I REALLY HOPE YOU LIKED THIS!!! IT WAS REALLY HARD TO WRITE CUZ IT WAS SUPER EMOTIONAL AND THINGS BUT I SO SO HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT OR IT HELPED YOU IN SOME WAY. I really felt quite deep writing this (to put it lightly) and I hope the story can mean as much to you, especially those of you from America etc who have to put up with my weird spellings and mannerisms. Anyway, I hope this is alright for you, and thanks a billion for all of your support, ever!!!

I'm sorry if this one hit a nerve or two, I really hope nobody was upset or offended.

[gakusbearemoji]

Niki x Reader- Bench

You stood in the girls locker room, just seconds after your class ended. Changing your clothes makes you feel like you almost did something other than play on your white Nintendo DS all period under the poorly cleaned bleachers.

Your Nintendo was barely white from how dirty it is, putting off washing it every night because there was always something else more important to do. After you changed your clothes back to an oversized t-shirt and some jeans, you left the room, trying to avoid the almost poisonous smell of perfume.

It was the last period of the day. Finally, you would be able to go home and clean your Nintendo. Well, after you did your homework...and your laundry. Don't forget your chores either. Anyway, you pulled out your pen and tried to save your game before the bell rang so you could swiftly exit. But it's you.

Why wouldn't something go wrong in the middle of such a small action?

A tall figure bumped into you, pushing you into the padded wall behind you. You closed your eyes in anticipation of hearing erupting laughter, instead hearing shoes squeaking against the gym floor and a whistle blowing. You opened your eyes, seeing a tall blonde boy in front of you. His brown eyes seemed to be filled with concern.

Not for you, of course. He bent over, picking up your Nintendo DS along with it's stylus. When he bent over, you noticed his blonde hair was pulled back into a tiny ponytail. Cute, you thought, almost forgetting how angry you were. "Good news and bad news?" He whispered lowly, his face pink with embarrassment. "You and your stylus are okay. But I may or may not have cracked your screen."

Instead of looking at your cracked device first, you looked at the tall boy in disbelief. He was wearing a nervous toothless smile, his eyes in a squint. "I'm so sorry, I should've been more careful." You noticed how the boy avoided eye contact, finally showing his teeth with a nervous chuckle. Wow. His voice was deep for his age.

You couldn't feel nowhere near as mad now, half because of how tired you were, and the other half because of how cute the boy was. Finally you looked at your Nintendo, the screen cracked and glitching.

As much as you wanted to beat up the taller boy, you've learned to choose your battles carefully. This fight you would definitely lose. "It's fine. It was obviously an accident. You owe me a DS, though." The tall blonde nodded, sighing in relief. "I thought you were gonna swing on me. Ni-ki is my name, by the way." "Oh trust me! I thought about it. Y/N." You both giggled off the earlier incident.

Annoyingly, the bell rang. You turned around to pick up your bag and leave, only to feel your wrist being pulled back. "Wait!" He shouted, you hearing his voice crack. You turned around, looking up at the blonde. "Maybe you could stay until practice is over. That way I won't forget to get your DS."

Checking your watch, you realized maybe it wouldn't hurt. Or maybe maybe you secretly wanted to watch Ni-ki play basketball. Either way, you agreed and claimed your seat on the floor behind the hoop. Mourning your broken DS, you pulled out your notebook to study for your upcoming math exam.

Honestly, it was the reason you were stressed and tired right now. A lot of stress had been placed on you to pass, being someone who usually never fails. Not wanting to remember your expectations, you closed your math book. You heard a whistle blow, noticing a ball bouncing near you, pushing it back onto the court. You turned over with your notebook in hand, sliding it back into your bag.

Looking up, you noticed Ni-ki's face was beet red with anger. You quickly removed your earbuds from your ears, hearing a shouting match between Ni-ki and a shorter boy. "See Jake, this is why you should stick to violin! Because that's obviously the only thing you'll ever be good at. At least Nicholas can do a layup."

The shorter brunette's face changed from an offended one to a sad expression. "Low blow, dude." A slightly taller silver haired boy mumbled, the coach angrily stomping up to Ni-ki. "Nishimura Riki. Take a walk." Ni-ki furrowed his eyebrows. "Don't call me that name. It's Ni-ki and Ni-ki only." His statement

"Take. A. Walk. Before I bench you the rest of the season." Ni-ki let out a loud yell, everyone in the gym going quiet. "Bench me! Bench me then, but you know we'll lose every single game if I'm not on that court." You stood up, putting your things into your bag. Quickly, you scurried towards Ni-ki on the court.

"Ni-ki, uh are you okay?" You quietly whispered so that only he could hear. "Am I OKAY? Do I look okay right now?" He shouted in response, swinging his arm back and pushing you onto the gym floor. All you remembered was your vision slowly closing in and panicked shouts of people around you.

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

Ni-ki stared at your body on the floor of the gym. "Sh!t. Y/n? Are you okay?" Ni-ki kneeled to your side, Jake snickering. "I don't know, Ni-ki. Does she look okay right now?" The coach gave Jake an annoyed look, making him apologize. "She's not responding! Coach, can you call an ambulance?" The coach rushed to his phone, the rest of the team just staring at your body. "Nicho. Don't just sit there and look stupid! Grab me some water and a towel."

Nicholas complied, rolling his eyes. "What happened to please and thank you." Nicholas shouted from the locker room door, making Ni-ki grunt and focus back on you. He was 95% positive he just murdered you with his elbow. "No, you're alive. People don't die that easily, right? Yeah, right! You're just knocked out."

Nicholas returned, a rolled up towel in one hand and some water in the other. Ni-ki lifted your head, placing the towel under your head. He softly kissed your forehead, sighing and holding your hand. "I'm super sorry Y/N. First I break your game console and then I knock you out. I hope you don't hate me when you wake up." Ni-ki stepped away, rushing into the locker room to collect his things and throw on a hoodie and some shorts.

The ambulance rushed into the gym, pulling out a stretcher to put you on. Ni-ki put on your bag, embracing how it smelled like your perfume. As they carried you out, Ni-ki followed the paramedics. "Is she gonna be okay?" Ni-ki questioned, watching as they lifted you into the back of the ambulance. He took a quick deep breath, annoyed by the fact he was being ignored.

"I need to make sure she's gonna be alright." A female paramedic turned around, a soft smile on her face. "I get you're worried. You need to calm down, though. Your friend will be alright." "Yeah. I need to come with her." The paramedic looked around. "Do your parents-" "They wouldn't care. Please. I-I'm worried for my girlfriend." Ni-ki's cheeks were flushed red.

Why did he say girlfriend? You're not his girlfriend. Well, for however long until you get discharged from this hospital you are now. "Ah. Makes sense. You can come, just promise that you'll let your parents know." Ni-ki nodded faster than he ever had before, gently climbing into the ambulance next to you.

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

Your eyes slowly opened, hearing the beeping of a heart rate monitor. The florescent lights above you almost convinced you to shut them back, but you didn't. Only for one reason. You noticed Ni-ki dozing off on the backless bench to your left. "Ni..ki? Ni-ki!" You weakly called his name, his head immediately perking up.

"You're awake!" Ni-ki rushed to your side, panting happily. He rushed to grab the remote, pressing the call for help button and speaking in. "She-she's awake." He dropped the remote, squeezing you tightly. "I can't believe it!" The nurse walked in, checking your vitals with a teasing smile directed at Ni-ki. "Baby, you've been unconscious for...almost a month now."

You squinted your eyes in confusion. Baby? A month? Wait- Baby? "A whole month, wow." You slowly spoke, deciding you'd address it later in private. "And your handsome little boyfriend was here every single day to check on you." Ni-ki turned his head away from you, not wanting you to see his red face. You smiled, grabbing and squeezing Ni-ki's hand. "Every day?"

Ni-ki chuckled, squeezing your hand even tighter. "Something like that. Hey, I got you something." He pulled out a rectangular box, you gasping as he slowly lowered it into your hands. "This wouldn't happen to be a Nintendo DS would it?" You tilted your head to the side, Ni-ki smiling wide with his teeth. "Maybe." You squinted your eyes once again. "Hey, you got your braces off!"

Ni-ki quickly tried to change the subject, pushing the box towards you again. "This isn't about me right now. It's about you." You opened the box, coming face to face with a pristine white Nintendo DS with a nice stylus. You also noticed he had added a game in there, Pokémon Black and White.

You closed the box back and placed it next to some flowers he had brought you a while back, leaning in to hug Ni-ki. The nurse left the room to grab you some water, Ni-ki pulling away from you. "Sorry about the whole...dating thing. I panicked a while back and said we we're dating." You scooted to the right, tapping the bed and inviting Ni-ki to sit to your left.

"I didn't mind." Ni-ki sat down, looking out the window for a minute of awkward silence. "So, you didn't mind like you're not mad at me? Or you didn't mind like you don't mind us dating." Ni-ki was nervously pulling on his hoodie strings, making you giggle. "Well, I'm not opposed to us dating sometime in the future."

Ni-ki accepted that as an answer, you picking up your renewed DS and putting in the game card. The nurse returned with your water, you and Ni-ki sitting next to each other for the rest of the night and playing games together until you dozed off in each others arms.

wc:1786

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[writteninlunarlight-years]

Heya! I sent in a matchup request before but I kinda rambled off in it (and I think I was on anon too-) so imma try again and be less ramble-y 😅

For Hazbin Hotel please!

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

Gender/Pronouns: She/They AFAB

Sexuality: Asexual, questioning-aromantic who would date men/masc

Age: 25

Appearance: 5'11 White Australian with pale as fuck skin, blue eyes with dark bags under them, half my head is shaved the other half long, currently dyed red hair but it changes once it washes out and I get bored of my natural blonde. Slightly chubby belly with average breasts I wanna remove completely 👍

MBTI: INFP-T

Mental Additives: I have autism, clinical depression, clinical anxiety, PTSD and lowkey a hypochondriac.

Personality: I'm told I'm open-minded and easy to get along with. I am also a completely open book who talks about 98% of things I have been through; including trauma and random factoids I have learnt.

I smile all the time, even when crying I find myself smiling sometimes. All I want is for the people I care about to be happy; and I don't always include myself in that list but I've been getting better at doing so!

I don't have a job but I am slowly looking. I think I've just gotten used to not having a job or going to school? It's boring and mind numbing, but the last job I had gave me anxiety attacks. Doesn't help I have no ambitions in life. Except for whatever hyperfixation I'm on!

Yet I also verbally yet playfully threaten violence on friends, but if need be I can't ever throw a punch. I diffuse situations with words and pacifist action (like leaving). But I will use my height and build to be threatening to protect a friend, despite knowing that I can't defend myself. I also break into tears if I feel like I said the wrong thing to a friend or family member. I'm not as scary as I sometimes look or act.

Imma list off words that remind me of my personality since idk how else to explain myself: Helpful, imaginative, leisurely, loyal, protective, self-critical, absentminded, touch-starved, irritable (prob the anxiety talking hopefully), unable to flirt or recognise flirting, quirky, anxioussss!, logical thinker.

Likes: True crime, reading/writing fanfic, my cat, my five birds, my two fish!, I want reptile pets, random facts, the cold (jumper weather), playing all types of video games, watching YouTube, thunderstorms, chocolate, soft drinks, my lil brother, my OC that I shape into whatever fixation I'm on!

Dislikes: Having writers block, drinking alcohol, smelling cigarettes/weed, being called lazy, being compared to others, the heat (remove my skin), drinking water, my lil brother (when he's in mean mode), racists, terfs, literally all dumbasses who think they're better than everyone, routines.

Hi, I love you! I hope you enjoy this! I want everyone to know that this bean is an amazing Mutual, and you should all check them out! Okay, okay, now to the show!

~~~~~ MATCHUPS ~~~~~

HAZBIN HOTEL

Alastor

~~~~~ HEADCANONS ~~~~~

Alastor really doesn't care for people in general. If you aren't one of the few he deems good enough, stay out of his way.

That's why he was thrown for a loop when you came along. Is someone so kind and genuine not being scared of him? Who do you think you are?

Alastor is very protective, and though it may take ages to realize he has feelings, he will firmly defend and protect you.

When you and Niffty are hanging out, he feels so proud and almost giddy, an emotion he only feels when murdering normally.

When you fought the Angels, he was in awe of you. Though you needed training from Vaggie, you were fierce and ready to do whatever you could to save your friends.

The first time he snapped at you, he felt horrible, and when you started crying, he was practically a dead man, times two. He spent weeks trying to apologize and make it up to you.

He isn't big on touching or affection, but he shows you he cares in his own way. He is always opening the door for you, cooking for you, and taking you to special events or places.

He supports all your hobbies and interests and even tries to help you find new things to enjoy. This way, when he is busy doing whatever he has to, you are entertained until he returns.

He loves just having lazy days with you in the Radio Tower. There, he can work on his master plans, and you can do whatever to your heart's content.

When he finally accepts he has stronger feelings for you than his regular crew of Mimzy, Rosie, and Niffty, he asks the girls what's happening to him.

They collectively help him confess to you, and when they find out that you two are a lot more similar than they thought, they are thrilled for you two now that you guys have found your person.

If you ever mention physical touch or intimacy with him, he will allow it, but only if you are comfortable with it. Do not force yourself to think it's the right thing to do unless you 100% want it to.

~~~~~ BLURB ~~~~~

You had been working with Niffty on a surprise for Alastor. He had been working hard to take down the Vees and especially hard to piss off Vox after a particularly vile comment he made about you. Niffty was out collecting the materials while you were researching how to make a cape, crown, and scepter. Once everything was rounded up and ready to go, you two got down to some serious work. Building your masterpiece for Alastor was moving along well, and you two couldn't wait to see his face.

Sneaking up to Alastors room, you set up the creation. While you were busy making it look perfect, Niffty distracted Alastor. However, Alastor knew that something was off as soon as you weren't downstairs ready to greet him. Making his way to your location, Niffty did her best to stall the tall man, but it was too late. Luckily, just before the door opened, you had set up the display. You remembered before the battle against the Angels that Niffty had dubbed Alastor 'King Roach'. Alastor was a king in your eyes, so you wanted to show him how you honestly thought of him.

There before Alastor stood a mannequin with a deep red cape adorned with blackthorns, a crown made of black cardboard and gold glitter glue, and lastly, a scepter made out of a large stick and one of Lucifer's rubber ducks that looked like Alastor. The man couldn't help but laugh at the creation in pure enjoyment. As he walked over to start putting on the new outfit, Niffty crawled up your shoulder and perched there waiting. Once King Alastor was officially crowned, he bent down and asked, "May I kiss you, my love?" You nodded gently, and all that was heard after the kiss was a 'blegh' sound from the tiny woman perched on your head.

~~~~~ EXTRA ~~~~~

(You had been sitting in the Radio Tower for hours and were ready for fun. However, Alastor was still trying to work.)

Y/N: Can we please do something else, Alastor?

Alastor: Dear, you are always more than welcome to do whatever you please. The most powerful demon lord is your partner.

Y/N: Noooo, Alastor, I wanna do something with you.

Alastor: Hmmmm, is that so, like what?

Y/N: uh uh uh....damn it! You can't put me on the spot like that, Alasor.

Alastor: Alright, alright, come on, let's go to Rosies for some tea and a break.

Y/N: Hell yeah! Field trip!

[drghostwrite]

When the Sky Falls

******************************************************** Okay so this will be a little different but here it is...

Summary: Supergirl x Star Girl mash-up based on season one when they are staked out in the cabin but also when they fight eclipso in season two just imagine mass chaos and an old friend calls for help. The catch is that you're also 8 months pregnant, captaining a team helping to save the world. Lena Luthor x pregnant!wife! reader

********************************************************

Brrrr! Brrrr!

You heard a phone going off and felt Lena shift behind you, unwrappping her arms and you no longer could feel her pressed against your back. you glanced at the alarm clock, 2:27am, who is calling at this ungodly hour? "Hello?" she answered. You could hear muffled talking on the other end and then she turned back handing the phone to you. you tried your best to sit up but being 8 months pregnant made it extremely hard so you scooted back resting against the headboard and pillows.

"Y/N Luthor speaking."

"Hey Y/N it's me Pat Doogan, though I knew you as Y/N Avery back then."

"Pat, like Starman's 2nd hand, it's been a while. What's going on it's 2:30 in the morning."

"Yes about that, It's a long story but I need your help and your team. Eclipso got out and I love my stepdaughter but her and her friends can't do this alone."

"Pat, if he's out then he'll be after that staff."

"I know and turns out my stepdaughter now wields it."

"Okay, let me make a few calls, do you know where my old cabin was?"

"Yea but it was small enough for like three people."

"Yea well perks of marrying a billionaire that understands the stress of the superhuman, crimefighting life, she helped me rebuild it. Just trust me it'll fit everyone and it's completely off the grid and high tech go there and hang out until we can get to you."

"Okay, got it, see you soon hopefully."

"Oh trust me you will, you're gonna need us."

You turned to Lena but she already knew, she grabbed the bags from the closet as you got out of bed threw a couple extra things in, and ran them downstairs. You quickly sent out an emergency alert, asking for Wynn, James, Alex, and of course Kara. telling them all to grab their suits and rendezvous at your house, within 20 minutes they were all there ready to go. When arriving at the cabin you saw Pat's car parked and assumed S.T.R.I.P.E. was somewhere nearby in hiding. You saw the lights on and everyone quickly followed behind you and Lena. You could hear arguing in the den you were standing on the balcony above looking down at the scene before you, Pat, another middle-aged blonde woman who you assumed was his wife, a young girl who looked like the woman with wavy blonde hair, a tall boy with disheveled brown hair, and two other girls one Latino with long black braids, and another girl black with short coily hair. You saw blueprints laying on the table before them and you could hear them arguing strategies.

"Well I hate to break up this party but I might be able to help," you started down the stairs. everyine jumped to attention quickly arming themselves, you saw a girl out of the corner of your eye tall, black hair with white highlights, a blade coming from her wrist. "Yes I knew you would make it." Pat quickly made his way over and introduced everyone. "It's been so long and now your married and a baby on the way that's crazy!"

"Yea but that's life," you smiled at Lena, "Anyway everyone this is my team Wynn Schott my technical analyst, Alex Danvers, Len Luthor, James Olsen the guardian, and of course Kara who you all know as Supergirl. I told Pat I would only bring the best." they were all whispering and started to get excited that a Kryptonian was in the same room as them. "Before we go any further Lena and I are glad everyone is here we just wish it was under better circumstances, but villians don;t take days off so lets get eveyine in their bunks and we can figure this out."

"I don't think there's enough bunks though."

"You just need to know where to look," Lena quickly motioned to the wall and it moved revealing and elevator, you stayed uo all night talking strategy and then before you knew it storms started coming and it was time your team needed to move out.

--Time jump--

You were at the cabin with Barbara being the command center, while everyone else was in town, Lena and Wynn took Beth to the town hall to break into mainframes while everyone else was underground fighting, Lena had specially designed suits for everyone to monitor vitals and conditions. Everything was going smoothly until you lost connections to comms and couldn't get them back, vitals started to spike and before you knew it they all went down. Barbara was trying her best to keep calm and help you but moving between screens was becoming harder by the second. You paused a second and shifted in your chair starting to feel a slight tightening, but you blew it off, you needed to get your team and everyone else out alive. You stood up pushed the chair away and continued back to your typing, forgetting the woman behind you.

"Y/N are you okay?" You heard Barbara speak up, forgetting she was there you had allowed yourself to wince, not realizing she saw.

"Yea, it's just hard to be in the dark like this, not knowing if my team or those kids are okay."

"That's not what I meant, you're getting close to your due date which can be stressful enough on the body." She said placing a comforting hand on your back.

"Look I understand the concern but that's my wife, the mother of my child, and my baby's aunts and uncles are down there. I can't sit here trying not to stress myself out when for all I know they could be laying there helpless bleeding out or worse." You felt another pain and this time you knew it was too late, inhaling and taking a deep breath leaning against the desk, almost hitting the floor but feeling her guide you back into the chair.

she bent down in front of you, holding on of your hands. "Trust me, if anyone understands, I do but you're not helping anyone if you're in labor and trying to run a command center by yourself, tell me what to do let me be your hands."

"Okay," you shook your head pitifully at her and started giving her instructions, you stood and started pacing back and forth allowing it to ease the pain while she typed away. Another pain came causing you to stop in your tracks and lean against the far corner of the desk, you tried breathing and a small whine escaped your lips, Barbara watched you out of the corner of her eye, noting that you were getting closer and closer to having this baby. She finished typing her last couple of lines and carefully approached you, you felt her hands slowly massage your lower back relieving some of the pressure. "Okay I think it might be time to move you back upstairs."

"What? No, we need to get connection back."

"Y/N it's trying to restore but if we don't go soon you're gonna have that baby right here, and I don't think you want that?"

You shook your head no, "Just try one more time and if it works we can go upstairs and monitor from one of the tablets."

"One more time," she said studying your eyes and you teared up, you quickly shut them feeling another contraction, and winced as she turned to reboot the program. You both held your breath but then you heard it static and then everything came back at once you watched as the screens lit back up and everyone's pictures and vitals came back online. they quickly transferred to a tablet and Barbara grabbed it moving towards you. You heard her breathe a sigh of relief, and turn to look at you but your face was painted with concern as you looked down, you felt the warm liquid running down your leg and onto the floor, she followed your eyes and then you both looked back up your demeanor suddenly betraying you and breaking from its normal confidence.

"Y/N, your water."

"I....I.." you were speechless. She wrapped her arm around you and quickly took you back upstairs to the master suite. you leaned against the bedpost in pain as she rubbed your back. "Y/N I'm going to call Alex and try to get someone here but unfortunately I'm not sure." you nodded trying to breathe through the pain. She slipped and earpiece in and was talking over the comms, you could only hear what she was saying and the reaction didn't sound good, things started moving fast she was running around grabbing supplies while you fought contractions that were coming on after the other.

20 minutes later Alex and Lena both rush into the room. Alex rushes into the ensuite bathroom washing her hands and asking Barbara questions while Lena rushes to your side, she helps you placing an arm around your back and guiding you onto the bed, she sits behind you and you press into your wife's chest wanting nothing more than this to be over. That's when Alex comes over and helps take your pants, and underwear off. "Y/N this is really going to be uncomfortable but I need to check and see where you're at." You shook your head and waited, feeling her insert two fingers but they didn't make it far before she met your baby's head.

"Okay, Barbara grab some gloves and get over here I'm gonna need some help," Alex climbed up onto the bed in between your legs placing one hand on your knee and the other on your bump. "Y/N I wish this wasn't going to happen here but it looks like this little one wants to meet their mama's a little early."

"It's too early, I have a month left!" you gritted out.

"Well looks like this little one is an overachiever, it'll be okay just on this next contraction I need you to push."

Several pushes, a little bit of blood, and an hour later, "Okay Y/N, stop pushing, I need to...just give me one second."

"What's wrong?" no response so you asked again, no response. "Dammit Alex what's wrong with my baby!"

"Y/N I need you to relax, the shoulder is stuck I'm going to have to check the cord first and then shift the baby but it's going to hurt."

"I don't care, save my baby," she looked at you knowing the danger of the situation, "Alex, you know I trust you with my life so I am telling you now, no matter how loud I scream or how many times I tell you to stop you do what you have to, to save this baby."

"Y/N" you could feel Lena tense behind you. "Do you understand?" she looked at Alex. "No, I said do you understand?"

"Yes."

"Okay then." you gripped Lena's hand and pressed back against her feeling her tears fall, Alex quickly felt for the cord but it wasn't around the neck, now for the hard part. You felt you place two hands on your bump hesitantly and she looked into your eyes, you gave her the go-ahead and closed them gritting your teeth as you felt her start, but that quickly turned into a blood-curdling scream as you felt the pressure on the sore muscles and the baby shifting. "Oh God, I'm okay, I'm okay, God that hurts." You gritted your teeth and felt the baby shift, "Okay Y/N push, go ahead and push." You bore down and pushed with everything you had, feeling the shoulder come loose and the baby slides down. The cry filled the room and Alex wrapped her in one of the white towels laying her on your chest.

"She's here!"

"She?" Lena asked and Alex shook her head.

"We have a daughter, a baby girl."

--Time Jump--

Everyone had returned from defeating Eclipso and Kara was now holding her niece talking to Alex as the rest of the younger team filed in to see. they each got to say hellos before she brought her back into your room. handing her back to Lena and she turned to you, embracing you as Lena watched happily and her daughter cooed.

"I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you Kara, for everything, for getting everyone out alive and making sure my wife made it back for the birth of our baby girl," the two women shared a look, making you laugh. "Oh don't think I didn't notice Lena made it here in five minutes when she should've only made it in 30."

"Oh Love you never miss a thing do you." You all laughed Lena coming in to kiss you.

"So did you pick a name or am I just going to keep calling her nugget?" Kara asked. you all chuckled and you looked at Lena her giving you the okay.

"You can call her nugget all you want," you said handing her back to Kara, "But meet your niece Adira Kara Luthor, it means strong and powerful which is something that I want her to be one day."

"Well I think she has the perfect set of role models for that, don't you nugget." Kara said as the little girl grabbed her finger.

"Oh she definitely does," Lena said wrapping and arm around your waist and leaning down to kiss you.

[bidoofenergy]

try to be patient (learning how to live)

It’s Saturday afternoon and there’s no class on Monday and Jimmy is about two miles away from HCU, about to have a very good 3-day weekend. A great weekend even, if his friends and Tango's too would stop assuming they're going to have sex all weekend. They haven't even talked about sex. Not that that's going to cause problems, of course not. sequel to let's ditch the dance floor also on AO3 (3611 words)

Jimmy has his phone to his ear and it’s been ringing for several minutes by the time the door opens. “Finally,” he sighs in relief. “Hey babe,” he says to the person opening the door: Impulse, not his boyfriend, who he’d been expecting.

Without missing a beat, Impulse, who is actually Tango’s roommate, grins widely and replies, “Hi snookums!” Behind him, Skizz, another one of Tango’s roommates pops up to investigate.

In his ear, Jimmy finally hears the sound of his call connecting. “Hi honey,” Tango says in a rush. In the background of the call and also in person, from behind Impulse and Skizz, is the sound of something crashing.

It’s all entirely too much. “Save me,” Jimmy groans and hangs up.

It’s Saturday afternoon and there’s no class on Monday and Jimmy is about two miles away from HCU, about to have a very good 3-day weekend. On Friday, after Joel got of work, he and Jimmy drove the few hours back home, grabbing lunch at the same middle-of-nowhere Mexican place that they always stop at, the one that’s a 20-minute detour, that they first stopped at way back when Jimmy was still nervous about driving on highways.

And then, because it was the start of a 3-day weekend and because Grian had set up a group chat at the start of the semester to demand it, they went to Pearl’s parents’ house to eat pizza and get drunk and celebrate being in the same space again. It was like a high school reunion but better, because it was only people he cared about—Grian and Pearl and Martyn and BigB and Netty—and Joel got to be there too because he was annoying about it.

And then, some time before noon, Jimmy woke up with a wicked headache, chugged a bottle of Gatorade, and drove a couple hours here, stopping only for McDonald’s once he stopped feeling nauseous. Drove here, because Tango had invited him over for the long weekend, promising a quiet place to catch up on homework and Tango’s bed to sleep in and an empty apartment until Monday evening, when he’d have to be back on the road anyway.

Jimmy had hoped Tango’s roommates would’ve already left, but clearly not. “Hi Impulse, hi Skizz,” he greets them, trying very hard not to be embarrassed.

“Aw, I’m not babe anymore?” Impulse laughs, stepping aside to let Jimmy in. Jimmy tries not to hit either of them with his duffel bag—but not very hard.

“So, you’re here for the weekend?” Skizz asks as Jimmy stops awkwardly by their dining table, not sure which room is Tango’s.

“Uh, yeah, sorry, Tango told me you’d be gone for the weekend.” From the farthest room is the sound of more things falling.

“Trying to get our boy on his own, huh?” Impulse nods seriously. Before Jimmy has to reply, Tango tumbles out of his room. He’s wearing boxers and a ratty HCU engineering t-shirt and only one sock. His bleached blond hair is sticking up at ridiculous angles. His whole face lights up when he sees Jimmy.

“Jimmy!” He yells and that’s all the warning Jimmy gets before he has an armful of Tango, short and warm and delighted. He hugs Jimmy so hard they go stumbling backwards into the dining table and then pulls back to grab Jimmy’s face and kiss him, soft despite his excitement, like Jimmy’s mouth is something delicate. Skizz and Impulse boo and gag good-naturedly. Jimmy can’t help but sink into Tango.

Tango pulls away and grins up at him. “Sorry, I started soldering and then I lost track of time and when you called me my phone was under my clean clothes and—stop laughing at me!” Jimmy can’t help it—Tango is so ridiculous and he’s so fond of him. His phone was under a pile of clean clothes because he swears it motivates him to put them away. Judging by his outfit, he probably started whatever project he’s working on right after he woke up and didn’t stop until his phone was ringing from underneath his underwear.

Jimmy tightens his grip around Tango’s waist, pulling him back in so they’re standing flush against each other and Jimmy can tuck his chin over the top of Tango’s head. He closes his eyes and squeezes, delighting in their closeness, the physical contact he gets to have for three days. He stands in the feeling for a moment and Tango hugs him back.

When he opens his eyes, it’s to Impulse and Skizz still jeering them and he can finally see what he missed earlier: their weekend bags, one on top of the other, right by the couch. They were probably leaving when Jimmy rang the doorbell.

Tango, apparently tired of noise, twists out of Jimmy’s arms and starts pushing Impulse and Skizz. “Alright, thank you to the peanut gallery.” He says, shoving their bags at them. “Get out, goodbye, drive safe,” Impulse and Skizz laugh.

“Bye Jimmy!” Impulse calls as he leaves and Jimmy waves.

“Say hi to your parents for me.” Tango tells them both sternly, even as he’s herding them out of their own apartment.

“Don’t have sex on our couch!” Skizz yells as he heads down the stairs.

“No promises!” Tango calls back and slams the door closed. “Okay.” He turns back to Jimmy, who flushes a little under the attention. “What do you want to do first?”

It doesn’t matter what Jimmy wants to do first, because first he has to force Tango to take a shower. He drops his bag on the floor of Tango’s room and pokes around while Tango showers and sings along to happy indie pop music.

Tango’s room has fairly barebone furnishings—a full-sized bed in one corner, a desk in another. A set of flimsy plastic drawers serves as his bed side table, covered in scraps of paper and keys and pens and a single Bluetooth earbud. His walls are well decorated, posters of bands and videogames and flyers of events he’s been to and printouts of circuit boards and wiring diagrams that seem to have started above his desk and slowly taken over the walls from there.

Except, right at eye level if you sit in Tango’s plush desk chair, taped over several overlapping layers of diagrams, is a picture Joel took from inside Grian’s apartment the night they got together: the two of them kissing on Grian’s balcony, Jimmy’s stupid cowboy hat firmly on his head, Tango on his toes to reach him. Jimmy is filled with a sudden burst of affection. He takes a quick picture before spins away to flop onto Tango’s bed. His dramatics sends clothes sliding off the end of the bed to join the pile on the floor. Jimmy ignores them to pull up his group chat with Grian and Joel.

Jimmy: GUYSSS

Jimmy: [image]

Jimmy: he’s so cute omg

Joel: congrats (face vomiting)

Grian: disgusting

Grian: guess you got there fine?

Jimmy winces a little at the dig—he was supposed to tell Grian when he got to Tango’s place.

Jimmy: yeah drive was fine didn’t even throw up [thumbs up emoji]

Joel: not me i threw up in pearl’s parents’ neighbor’s bushes

Jimmy: ewwwww

Grian: ew.

Grian: remember to stay hydrated during your sexathon!!

Jimmy: please never say the word sexathon again

Jimmy tosses his phone somewhere on Tango’s bed and covers his face with his hands. The worst part, the part that makes all the jokes so embarrassing, is they haven’t even talked about sex yet.

To be fair, they haven’t been together an enormous amount of time, not even six months yet. Of course, in College Time that was basically a year, but Jimmy didn’t think the sex-timeline moved at College Time.  They’re basically long distance, constantly carving out weekends to see each other. Winter break was brilliant, when Jimmy squeezed out the chance to stay at Grian’s and be there for his New Year’s party and they kissed at midnight and Jimmy felt like he could see years together.

Then Grian cornered him and asked, with an eyebrow waggle, if Jimmy had any details to overshare and all Jimmy had was a heated make out session they’d had at a different one of Grian’s parties, something drunk and sloppy and giggly. (“Yeah, I saw that Tim.” Grian had said and then, seeing the nervous energy building in Jimmy, asking, “Was he good at least?”)

And it had lingered in the back of Jimmy’s mind since—did he want to have sex? Did Tango want to have sex? Was Tango as worried as him about it? Why was he even so stressed about it?

Jimmy has had sex before; good, fun sex with Scott when they were together and fWhip when they’d had that weird on-and-off RP-bleed thing. But Tango didn’t even talk about sex, even when they talked about queer-awakenings, even when their friends talked about sex, even when he’d laughed as Jimmy waxed lyrical about Captain America over the phone for almost 20 minutes straight.

They don’t talk about sex, but Jimmy’s been thinking about it, especially because the last several weeks Grian and Joel had assumed he and Tango were going to have sex all weekend and had been teasing him accordingly. Jimmy drops his hands off his face and stares up at the textured ceiling. He’d love to stop thinking so much about having sex with Tango.

Of course, that is when Tango emerges from his bathroom, toweling off his hair and already midsentence about a specific shade of blue he’s been meaning to dye his hear and the careful dye-chemistry it’s sure to require. Jimmy props himself up on an elbow to just watch him, not even bothering to try and hide his smile. Tango’s wearing another HCU engineering shirt, thankfully less ratty, and cargo pants and Jimmy’s practically despondent over how he thinks Tango looks good, ridiculously good.

Scott’s going to be so disappointed in my standards now. Jimmy has time to think, half-hysterically, before Tango crosses the room and practically launches himself into Jimmy’s lap.

“Hey,” Tango says, grinning and breathless, and gently pushes Jimmy on the chest so he falls back against the pillows. Automatically, Jimmy’s hands go to Tango’s hips, balancing him.

“Hi,” he replies, equally breathless, desperately hoping it doesn’t come out squeaky. Before he can say anything else, it’s Tango’s mouth on his, far less delicate now they don’t have an audience. One hand is fisted in Jimmy’s shirt, pulling him close while pinning him down, and the other cups his face, carefully stroking across his cheekbone with a thumb.

Jimmy, for his part, goes lax almost immediately, opening up to let Tango lick his mouth. He lets Tango lead the kiss, content to instead run his hands over Tango’s middle, slipping up under his t-shirt to feel as much skin as he can.

Time slips away from him, the way Tango’s mouth slips against his, nothing but the steady push-and-pull of mouths and tongues, nothing but Tango’s warm body being mapped out under his hands. Tango groans into his mouth as he presses against Tango’s lower back, pushing their bodies together, and so Jimmy leaves his hand there and lets his right hand roam, sliding across Tango’s pecs, ghosting over Tango’s stomach until he laughs into Jimmy’s mouth, happy gusts of air that Jimmy eagerly swallows.

It's nothing but Tango, Tango, Tango’s hot-wet mouth against his, Tango’s weight firmly settled over his hips, Tango’s hands steady against him the way they always are, holding him in place. Like Jimmy would ever try to run away from this.

Jimmy pulls his right hand from under Tango’s shirt to the back of Tango’s neck, sliding up to thread into his still-damp hair. Tango sighs into his mouth and, encouraged, Jimmy uses this hand to push a little and angle Tango’s head differently. He’s so focused on the feel of Tango’s hair, on licking soft noises out of Tango’s mouth, he doesn’t notice his other hand slip under the waistband of Tango’s pants.

Doesn’t—until Tango freezes on top of him. Jimmy pulls his hands away immediately, moving one to Tango’s hip, the other to his chest, gently pushing them apart. Tango tries to keep kissing him but Jimmy pulls away. “Hey, hey,” he says gently.

“I’m fine, I’m fine.” Tango insists, which feels a little at odds with how he’s burying his face into Jimmy’s chest.

“It’s okay,” Jimmy reassures. “We can keep it above the waist.” He’d cringe at his word choice, but it’s not about his utter lack of cool. It’s about Tango, who’s still not looking at him, shaking his head against Jimmy’s chest.

“No, no,” he mumbles. “It’s not—I want to—I just—” None of this is clearing things up for Jimmy. He rubs Tango’s back and desperately wishes for something helpful to say. Abruptly, Tango sits up and, looking Jimmy in the eye, says, “I want to have sex with you.”

It’s Jimmy’s turn to freeze, under the intensity of Tango’s unwavering eye contact. “Right now?” he asks, because that’s the only way he can thing to respond.

Tango laughs, soft and fond. “No,” he says and climbs off Jimmy. “I can’t talk about this sitting down.” He shuffles through the things on his desk and slides his wallet into his back pocket when he finds it. He holds out his hand to Jimmy, still lying down, still confused. Of course, Jimmy takes his hand.

It’s a bright, cold afternoon day, the kind that reminds you that spring is on the way. Tango had shoved Jimmy into one of his sweatshirts, one that says “HCU” in big embroidered letters, and now holds his hand as they walk. Jimmy isn’t sure where they’re going, but he can’t bring himself to care. They’re leaving Tango’s apartment complex and heading down the sidewalk, beat up and with plants starting to peak back through the cracks.

They’ve barely gone a few steps away from the building when Tango starts to talk. “I’ve never had sex before.” He says in a rush.

“Oh,” Jimmy wishes he knew what to say to that. It didn’t matter to him, but clearly it did to Tango. Jimmy remembers when he told Scott he was a virgin (exactly like that: “Scott, I’m a virgin.”). Scott had laughed and said he knew and fucked him. But that was him and Scott and he had liked it when Scott laughed at him. That didn’t feel applicable here.

Tango keeps talking, “I want to have sex with you, but I’ve been really in my head about the whole thing. And it definitely doesn’t help that everyone seems to think we already have.”

Jimmy winces. Grian and Joel have been especially obnoxious about things. “Sorry.”

“Not your fault.” Tango says firmly. “I would’ve been in my head about it regardless. I just—” He sighs and shakes his arms out, jerking Jimmy’s arm around too and startling a laugh out of him. Tango smiles distractedly and continues. “You know. I can’t do one thing at a time. And that includes making out. I just get super conscious of my limbs and if what I’m doing is okay or weird. And then I start thinking about the Wikipedia article for kissing. And it sucks ’cause I’m having fun, but—” he cuts himself off with another sigh.

Jimmy nods, taking this in. “Is this why you never move your hands?” he asks and laughs when Tango shrieks, pulling them both to a stop.

“You noticed?” He cries and buries his face into Jimmy’s arm, mumbling something about stupid, smart, pretty boys. Jimmy pats the top of his head, going for reassuring but completely missing because he’s laughing so hard.

Eventually, Tango pulls away and starts walking again. “Anyway,” he says, with an attempt at dignity. “That’s why I froze. I freaked out in my brain.” He tugs on Jimmy’s hand until they make firm eye contact again. “Nothing to do with you.”

“Except for what I did.” Jimmy says, laughing a little.

“Hey, none of that.” Tango insists. “We didn’t talk about this. That’s on me too.” He grins. “You know what Scott says: in a healthy relationship, it’s on all parties to—”

“Oh my god, stop,” Jimmy nearly yells, slapping a hand over Tango’s mouth. Tango laughs from behind Jimmy’s hand, eyes bright and happy, and they keep walking.

It turns out they were going to the grocery store. They cut across the parking a lot on a diagonal; it’s quiet enough it’s not a problem. There’s a sale on avocados that has Tango frowning down at them for a full minute before he picks out 3. They buy Jimmy’s favorite tortilla chips—way too salty—and store-brand frozen cheesy bread that Tango swears will turn out well and a couple bottles of cheap red wine.

“It tastes good.” Tango assures Jimmy as they wait in line for the cashier to check them out. “Barely tastes like win, to be honest.”

“But does it pair with cheesy bread?” Jimmy asks with a laugh. Tango nods mock-seriously.

“And I have a white for the avocados.” He says in his snobbiest voice and Jimmy falls over him laughing.

And then it’s out the store and back to Tango’s apartment, hands still linked. The walk back is more relaxed, without the anxiety of a serious conversation. Jimmy asks about Tango’s senior design project—this year long group project he’s been complaining about more since the start of the spring semester. It turns out on of his teammates hasn’t shown up to class in a few weeks and Tango is, understandably, irate.

“—and after all this!” He yells, swinging the bag he’s carrying so wildly Jimmy is glad he doesn’t have the wine. “I have to see him at our final presentation and pretend I don’t hate their guts! And then again at graduation—” he cuts himself off with an awkward cough and a sideways glance at Jimmy.

They haven’t talked about the fact that Tango is graduating soon and now, seeing his face in the winter-light, Jimmy realizes that Tango has been talking around it, for Jimmy’s sake. Jimmy smiles at Tango and squeezes his hand and hopes his message is clear: it’s okay. They’ll have other carved out weekends to talk about it. Tango smiles and squeezes his hand back and asks him how D&D is going. And then it's stories Joel’s character’s god complex and the love triangle Joey, Katherine, and Shubble are orchestrating and his own misfortunes with the dice and Tango laughs and stares at him lovingly and pulls him up the stairs into his apartment.

Inside, Jimmy tells Tango about the real-life hermit crab Sausage and Joel found and are negotiating a custody arrangement for and Tango listens while he puts the groceries away. The avocados go in a plastic bowl that was once for Halloween candy, with a few bananas and a very wrinkled apple; the wine gets crammed into the vegetable drawer to chill; and the cheesy bread goes into the oven—bare on the rack, which makes Jimmy incredibly nervous.

“It’s fine.” Tango insists. He crowds up against Jimmy, backing him up against the counter, and kisses him fiercely.

It’s like somethings been unlocked. Jimmy had fun kissing Tango, before, but now it’s like Tango has loosened some kind of restraint. It’s a hot, wet mouth against his, biting and licking and insistent, and Tango’s warm hands sliding under his shirt to smooth across his stomach and sides, making him laugh breathily. It’s fierce, unwavering attention on him and all Jimmy can do is cling, feeling like Tango’s knocked the breath out of him all over again.

If Jimmy had enough brain cells firing, he’d feel bad about how restrained Tango has been, clear in hindsight. But all he can think is “Yes,” and all he can do is slip his hand back into Tango’s hair and hold on.

9 to 11 minutes later, the oven beeps and Tango pulls away with one last, lingering kiss, before he casually starts fussing over the cheesy bread, putting it on a cutting board and rummaging around for a knife, while Jimmy leans against the counter and tries to catch his breath.

Tango shoots him a grin over his shoulder, looking far to pleased with himself, and says, “Get the wine out, will you?”

“I hate you.” Jimmy replies with only affection in his voice and Tango’s smile only brightens.

They eat on Tango’s bed, cutting board and plastic cups full of wine balanced precariously, and Tango pulls up some 80s teenage comedy on his laptop. He knows all the words and, when Jimmy slumps against him, full and pleasantly buzzed and sleepy, he can feel the rumble of Tango’s chest as he speaks with the actors.

When he wakes up, Tango will probably be hunched his desk again, this time in boxers and one of Jimmy’s t-shirts, and Jimmy will have to pry him away. They’ll make something for breakfast and eat on the couch so Jimmy can stay right next to Tango, pressing their bodies together. He wants to take a nap on the couch with Tango on top of him. He wants to take a shower so he can feel the water pressure Tango’s always complaining about. He wants Tango to explain the newest version of Decked Out to him, patient when the rules get so convoluted his head starts to swim. He wants to, he wants to, he gets to.

He gets to.

[spooky-bunnys]

Part 2 for south

So since plan a failed he decides to go with plan b buying the perfect apology gift

Little does he know the reader is out minding he’s business maybe doing some shopping for himself and the reader crosses paths with imma say is an gang enemy of south’s gang (if that makes any senses) and before the gang member can land a hit on the reader he’s immediately taken down by south with just one punch (since he is strong and unrelated note he’s like 7 feet tall)

Teehee~ Enjoy!!!

Just a friend

Part 2

South was extremely frustrated. It's been over a week and (Name) still hasn't come back to him. After his failed attempt to serenade him. He figured since plan A failed he'll go for plan B. Apology gift. So here he was. Walking down the street. Looking for a gift for (Name).

He knew he should've asked Kakucho or one of the brothers on what to get for (Name). But the trio has been hanging around (Name) more then they used to. Honestly it was upsetting, thinking about how okay (Name) was without him. Not that he'd tell anyone but....he missed (Name). He missed the cuddles. The way (Name) hung off him. The way (Name) always called him those disgustingly cute pet names.

South groaned loudly. He always swore that he'd never get attached. He swore he'd never fall in love. After everything that happened he never wanted to rely on anyone. But here he was attached, in love, and relying on someone. It was official. He needed his (Name) back. South ran a hand down his face and sighed.

This love stuff is harder then he was hoping for. South walked into a random store and started looking around. He noticed there was manga on the shelf. He perked up. (Name) loved manga. He was always carrying one in his school bag. South smiled faintly. He remembers last time they cuddled. (Name) was reading the newest manga he had. He wouldn't stop talking about how the couple reminded him of them.

The smaller guy was always getting in trouble and the bigger one would always save him. (Name) used to call him his knight in blond armor. South chuckled sourly. He missed those times. When South gets him back he won't let him go again...well if he gets him back. South frowned. No. He was getting (Name) back. He wouldn't stop until he does.

South shook his head. Skimming through different Mangas trying to find one (Name) would like. He stopped when he heard arguing. He rolled his eyes. It wasn't any of his business. He went to walk away until he heard a voice he knew. Very well. "Dude literally let me go!" (Name). "No way. This is a prime moment. South's bitch by himself. Without his guard dogs. I can't pass that up."

Oh hell no. Absolutely fucking not happening. South stomped towards the voices. Nobody puts their hands on his boyfriend and survives. Calling him a bitch? It'll be a quick death. When South arrive he realized three things. One, (Name)'s lip was busted, bruises everywhere, blood running down his face. Two, a busted pipe and guys surrounding the two. Finally, the guys surrounding and holding him were from a rival gang that South didn't even try to remember.

South slowly marched his way towards the arguing duo. Not only did they call him a bitch, grabbed him, but they made him Bleed? Oh. South smirked evily. This was gonna be fun. When he made his way behind the gang member, the guy stopped. (Name) looked over the guys shoulder and smiled brightly. South gripped the back of the guys neck. His grip was tight. Making sure he wouldn't get away.

"What. Did. You. Call. Him?" South's hold got tighter. The guys began struggling. Releasing (Name)'s wrist letting him back away. Rubbing the place (Name) knew would bruise. Well. (Name) looked over himself. He was gonna be covered in bruises anyways. He looked up when he heard a heavy thud. South had his knee dug in the guys back. His grip on the guys neck still tight.

South frowned deeply. "So let me get this straight. You tried jumping my (Name). Then when he kicked your ass, you tried playing dirty. Then you call him a bitch?" (Name) slowly made his way over and laid his head on South shoulder. South leaned back a little. Giving (Name) a better placing for his head. He knew it was probably hurting him badly.

He could feel the blood seeping into his shirt. When he tried to readjust again he felt (Name) flinch. Oh these guys were dead. Without taking his eyes off the guy under him, he pulled out his phone dialing Kakucho. When he picked up South didn't let him talk. "I need you and the Haitani Brothers to come to (manga store). Also tell Ran to bring (Name)'s pack and a first aid kit." South looked over at (Name) seeing how droopy his eyes are.

"Scratch the first aid kit. Just get here quick." He ended the call and held the phone behind him. "(Name)? I know you want to sleep but I need you awake and to call your brothers okay?" He barely felt (Name) nod when his phone was taken out of his hand. He heard clicking before ringing. He heard a voice before his phone hit the floor. South felt (Name)'s body get heavy and knew he'd passed out.

Clicking his tongue in anger. South grabbed his phone putting it to his ear. "Which twin am I speaking to?" "Hey! What the fuck are you doing calling me?!" He knew this was the smiling twin. "Listen. (Name) was jumped by an enemy gang at his favorite manga store. I don't know his exact injuries but I know he has a blow to the head from a pipe." He heard silence on the other end. "Hello?" "YOU MOTHER FUCKER! IF HE HAS ANY BRAIN DAMAGE I'M KILLING YOU NEXT!" The call cut out.

South felt a shiver go down his spine. Now he knows where (Name) got his temper. Few moments later he heard a dig from the front with multiple fast moving foot steps. Kakucho, the Haitani brothers, and the Kawata twins froze at the scene before quickly getting into action. The twin immediately made their way to their brother. Checking him over while the other three made their way to South. Anger written on their faces.

The brothers started tying the members up while Kakucho tied the leader up. Still being kneed by South. When they were tied up Ran called the rest of the gang about collecting the gang that was tied up. South looked behind him at the twins. He saw worry all over their faces. "I can take him to the hospital." Their head snapped to South. Worry replaced by anger. They blamed him. He knew they did

The angry faced twin got (Name) on his back before making his way out of the store quickly. The usually smiling on stayed. "We'll take him and...." He sighed lookin down before looking back at South. "And I'll let you know what they say and what room he's in once it's settled." South rose a brow confused. They'd let him see (Name). "It's only because you saved him. What happens afterwards is all (Name)." The other twin quickly made his way after his brothers.

South looked at the trio behind him. "Do what you want with them." The brothers smirked. "But" they frowned. "Him." South pointed at the leader who was gagged and glaring hatefully at them. "He's mine to deal with." The trio nodded and soon members started showing to take the rival gang to the hideout. They avoided looking at their leader. Already knowing how upset he is. South frowned and looked around him before noticing a book on the floor.

It was the next manga book in the series (Name) was reading. South picked it up and paid for it before making his way to his bike. He heard the others behind him but paid no mind to them. He sat on his bike for a while before his phone buzzed. It was a text from some number with an address and a three digit number on it. He knew that address. It was the hospital down the road from (Name)'s house.

South looked at the members behind him and nodded before speeding off towards the hospital. When he arrived he parked his bike turning it off and getting off in a speed he didn't know he had. Making his way inside South ignored everything around him. His sight laid on the elevator. He opened is phone looking at the numbers before clicking a floor. He put his phone away staring forward.

Please be okay. Please be okay. Please be okay. The saying kept repeating in South's head the whole elevator ride. Once the doors opened again he made his way to the room (Name) was in. Once again ignoring everything around him. All he cared about was making sure (Name) was okay. He can't explain the relief he felt when he made his way into the room. (Name) was awake softly talking to his brothers.

Bandages wrapped around him. The thickest bandages were wrapped around his chest and head. South quickly made his way to the side of (Name)'s bed. When (Name) saw him his face brighten. He looked so happy to see him. "Hey babe." South felt his shoulders drop. That's what he's been waiting for. That damn pet name. South smiled softly and kissed (Name)'s temple.

(Name) winced since that's where the pipe hit him. South quietly apologized and kissed the top of his head. "What's the damage?" The peach haired brother interrupted. "He has a concussion. A broken rib. Two fractured ribs and sprung right wrist." South nodded. Okay. Could've been worse. Could've been WAY worse. But his (Name) is okay. South slowly sat on the side on the bed. (Name) scooted making room for him.

The twins watched the interaction. They shared a look. South had two stikes. If he made a third strike? Smiley popped his neck. Angry cracked his knuckles. (Name) looked over at the two from his spot cuddled in South's side confused. His brothers brushed him off. Gave their own soft smiles and (Name) shrugged. Snuggling back into South's side releasing a breath.

Bonus:

"Am I still just a friend?"

*WHACK*

"Ow! Sorry...."

[headcanonsandmore]

'Stand and Deliver!', Chapter Nine

Summary: Tegan has been stabbed, and Nyssa must find a physician for her before it's too late. Will Tegan survive the night? Read on, dear reader, and find out…

~~~~~~~ Read on AO3.

~~~~~~~

It was possibly the most terrifying twelve hours of Nyssa’s life.

Tegan’s eyes had flickered shut, her face pale. Nyssa had stared for a moment, repeating Tegan’s name over and over, hand still pressed against Tegan’s side to stop the flow of blood. No… no…. no…

As she had heard the approaching footsteps of Mr and Mrs Jovanka, Nyssa had quickly donned her mask.

‘Phantom?’ Mr Jovanka had exclaimed. ‘What-Tegan!’

‘There was a f-fight,’ Nyssa remembered stammering, numbly. ‘Bloody Henry… he tried to attack me and… T-Tegan…she…’

Mrs Jovanka had, by this point, dropped to her knees, her hands feeling for Tegan’s pulse.

‘Tegan!’ Mrs Jovanka cried, cradling her daughter to her. ‘Tegan! She’s bleeding! What-’

‘S-she needs a physician,’ Nyssa had said. ‘I’ll go; my horse is nearby. I believe there was a travelling physician heading towards Epsom who only left this morning.’

‘That’s a good several hours ride!’

‘It’s the best chance Tegan has!’ -Nyssa mumbled, stumbling to her feet- ‘I… I owe her that much. She… she saved my life…’

Without another word, Nyssa had stumbled across the ruined common room and through the half-open back door. The cold air seemed to shock her as her lungs registered it. Her pulse had already been hammering fast as she climbed onto her horse and tore away into the inky blackness of the night.

‘Hurry, Pegasus,’ she had urged, breathlessly. ‘With all speed!’

Get to Epsom -Nyssa had thought to herself, numbly- Get to Epsom, find the physician, bring them back to the inn… save Tegan… save Tegan…

The ride towards Epsom seemed to take several hours, time taking on a peculiar quality as every minute morphed into far longer within the confines of Nyssa’s mind. The cold night had pulled in around her, mud splattering her cloak and hat as she pushed her horse desperately onwards. She was dimly aware of the various cuts and scratches from the fight, but somehow they didn’t seem to matter. Nothing really mattered. Nothing would matter if she couldn’t find the physician. Nothing would matter if… if…

The unthought thought had hung like a dull weight in Nyssa’s heart. No. No, she would not think it into existence. It was too… much to comprehend. Tegan would survive this night; she would. How could she not? Not while there was still breath in Nyssa’s body, that was for sure.

With one last spurt, Pegasus had galloped past the sign for Epsom, stopping with a splatter of mud outside the inn next to the road. A horse-drawn cart (which was painted in a deep blue) had been stood a short distance away; two figures stood next to it.

Nyssa had practically leapt from Pegasus’s back, cloak billowing behind her, and landed on the muddy ground with a thud.

The two figures had turned to look at her, and Nyssa had realised both were young women.

They were both short, barely taller than Nyssa herself. One was pale-skinned with a bob of short blonde hair, the other with pretty light-brown skin that contrasted with the tight plait she had pulled her dark brown into. 

‘You’re the physician?’ Nyssa had gasped, breath short.

The blonde woman had nodded.

‘You’re… you’re needed urgently over in Crofter’s Lodge; a young woman’s life is at stake, please!’

The physician had exchanged a look with her companion.

‘Injured party in the middle of a fight behind highwayman,’ the dark-haired woman had said, with a quick nod. ‘Stab wounds, heavy blood loss, I take it?’

‘Yes,’ Nyssa had answered, frantically. ‘Please… can you help?’

‘Do you have a fast horse?’

Nyssa had nodded. 

‘Right,’ the blonde woman had said, before turning to her companion. ��Yaz, grab my supplies bag.’

‘What about the cart?’

‘We’ll leave it here; good thing we already paid for the stables.’

With the two women behind her, Nyssa had wheeled Pegasus around and set off, quickly pushing her horse into a full gallop.

*

‘Mrs Jovanka!’ Nyssa gasped, as Pegasus came to a halt in front of the building.

The innkeeper hurried out through the front doors, pinafore swaying rapidly. The physician and her companion leapt off Pegasus’s back, and hurried towards the older woman.

‘The patient?’ asked the blonde woman, quickly.

‘Upstairs, in her room,’ Mrs Jovanka said, face white from worry. ‘We’ve tried to stem the flow of blood as best we can; please, this way…’

‘What about…’

Yasmin turned, but the horse -along with the masked rider- had disappeared into the night.

‘Strange,’ Yasmin said, as she followed the two other women inside. ‘I would have thought they’d want to stay…’

*

‘Miss Nyssa?’ Mrs Jovanka exclaimed, as the young woman hurried through the door. ‘Whatever is-’

‘Tegan; is she alright?’ Nyssa cried, eyes wide with horror. ‘The phantom passed by the parsonage and threw stones at my window; he said that… that Tegan had been a-attacked?’

‘Oh, you sweet dear!’ Mrs Jovanka said, putting a maternal arm on Nyssa’s shoulder and steering up through the common room. ‘Yes, I’m afraid the phantom was correct; the physician is seeing Tegan now.’

‘C-can I…’

‘It may be best to wait until the physician says so,’ the older woman said, gently. ‘Tegan has been through a lot, and we don’t know how badly she is injured.’

‘I… I see,’ Nyssa said, very quietly.

As she headed up the stairs, Nyssa ignored the sting from the cuts to her arms and shoulders, mercifully covered by her dress. She had stemmed the flow of blood with clean linen, and then sterilised the wound as best she could with cream. She had applied bandages that had been soaked in boiling water. It still stung like the devil, but she at least knew there wasn’t much chance of any infection. And, in any case, she was less concerned about her own injuries than she was about the injuries of the young woman currently being seen by the physician.

Adric and Mr Jovanka were sat in chairs in the corridor, the young boy wearing a thick coat over his nightshirt. His young face was pale and scared. His fathers arm was put around his shoulders, squeezing him gently to provide at least a little comfort despite the situation.

‘Miss Nyssa?’

Mr Jovanka looked up at her as his wife steered the young woman towards them.

‘The phantom let her know; he knows she would have wanted to know.’

‘Thank you,’ Adric mumbled.

‘The least I could do,’ Nyssa said, as Mrs Jovanka gently sat her down in a chair on the other side of the corridor, before sitting down next to her.

The four of them were silent for a long while. All Nyssa could hear was the movements of the physician and Yasmin in the room beyond. Occasionally, there was a muffled conversation between the two women, but Nyssa couldn’t make out a cohesive word due to the thick walls.

‘Has the watch been informed?’ she said, quietly.

‘I’ll send word to Benton in the morning,’ Mr Jovanka answered. ‘I don’t know how much good it’ll do but…’

‘Whoever did this needs to be brought to justice,’ Nyssa whispered. ‘I… Tegan shouldn’t even be in the crossfire of this sort of thing...’

‘The phantom agreed with you,’ Mrs Jovanka said. ‘He looked terrified; tore off into the night like a man possessed. Came back with the physician; judging from the way their horse was panting, I don’t think he stopped for a moment on the way back from Epsom.’

‘Probably felt responsible,’ Mr Jovanka added. ‘He’s a good sort, that one.’

Nyssa stared ahead, unable to stop tears clouding her vision.

*

The night wore on, moment slipping into agonising moment. Nyssa had not felt so horrified and deathly afraid since… well, since her uncle had died. And that had been from a highwayman’s wound too, albeit not in the same way.

Staring numbly ahead, Nyssa found herself quite unable to think clearly. It was as if a fog had descended in her mind; when she had been heading to and from Epsom, she had been driven by a need to help as best she could. Now, all she could do was wait and hope. Tegan’s fate hung in the balance, and it terrified Nyssa to know that she could affect that no more than the beating wings of a butterfly could affect the winds.

She dug her hands in the material of her skirts, and ignored the prickle of tears that threatened to spill.

Adric gave a shiver nearby, and his mother put an arm around him. Mr Jovanka had taken to pacing.

*

Vicki arrived several hours later, when the sun was coming up. She put an arm around Nyssa’s shoulder, and squeezed the older girl softly. Nyssa appreciated the sentiment, but the horrible numb terror did not dissipate.

There was a click as the door opened, and the assembled people stood up, eyes wide as the physician exited Tegan’s bedroom. Nyssa braced herself against the nearby wall, legs fragile beneath her.

‘She’ll live,’ said the physician, removing the head-covering. There was a collective sigh of relief. ‘Miss Jovanka is very lucky. The blade managed to prick the skin but somehow avoided all her internal organs.’

Nyssa slid down the wall, coming to a rest on the floor. She let out a very exhausted sigh of relief, feeling a knot of tension leave both her shoulders. Mr and Mrs Jovanka put their arms around each other -and Adric- for support.

‘No broken bones, either?’ Mrs Jovanka asked.

‘Nothing as far as we can tell,’ the physician replied, shaking her head. ‘However, she will need to rest up for a long time. We don’t want her to exert herself anytime soon.’

‘What about infection?’

‘I’ve sewn up the wound and disinfected it as best as I can. But, on the whole, I think she needs somewhere with less of a risk of further infection. An inn is going to have people passing through it constantly, and I shudder to think what germs could end up getting at the wound if she stayed here.’

‘I thought as much,’ Mr Jovanka said. ‘Maybe somewhere in the village?’

‘What about the parsonage?’

Nyssa looked up. It was Vicki who had spoken.

‘Nyssa is Tegan’s closest friend,’ Mrs Jovanka said, nodding in agreement. ‘The parson does have more room there, and I seem to remember that the place is built in brick and stone, with no straw-covered floors. That ought to be a lot safer than here.’

Everyone turned to look at Nyssa.

‘I’m… I’m sure my father will have no objections.’

‘Wonderful,’ Mr Jovanka said. ‘Thank you so much; you have our deepest thanks, Miss Traken.’

More than you realise, Nyssa thought.

‘Can… can we see her?’

‘She’s asleep at the moment,’ -Yasmin had joined them, squeezing the physician’s shoulder gently with one hand- ‘But, as long as you don’t wake her, I don’t see the harm. She will need to be moved to the parsonage as soon as possible.’

‘I’ll head back and let Parson Traken know,’ Vicki said. She turned and gave Nyssa a hug. ‘Thank goodness, Miss Nyssa; you must have been petrified.’

It was all Nyssa could do to nod.

*

After what felt like an eternity later, Mr and Mrs Jovanka (with Adric beside them) left Tegan’s room. Mrs Jovanka gave Nyssa a gentle squeeze on her shoulder.

‘You can go in now, Miss Nyssa,’ the older woman said, softly.

‘A-are you sure?’

‘Of course,’ Mrs Jovanka said, kindly. ‘You are her closest friend. You can hardly wait out here all night and then not see her now, could you?.’

Numbly, Nyssa got to her feet, and crossed the hallway. Mr Jovanka gently opened the door for her, and she stepped inside, followed by Mrs Jovanka.

Yasmin and the physician were packing up their medical kits at the window. They shared a quick look, and then headed for the door. Yasmin, eyes kind, rested her hand briefly on Nyssa’s shoulder as she passed. It was at this point that Nyssa looked towards the figure lying on the bed.

Tegan was asleep, her chest rising and falling gently in line with her breathing. Her hair had been wrapped in a covering, to keep it away from her face. The bedsheets had been left off her, presumably to prevent the wound from being disturbed.

Nyssa ignored the lump that rose in her throat, and sat down in the chair beside the bed. Mrs Jovanka gave her a gentle smile and left the room, closing the door gently behind her.

Tegan’s hand was lying at her side. Her skin still looked pale and sickly, which was understandable given the amount of blood she had lost.

Nyssa curled her fingers into the fabric of her dress, feeling the tears fall without trying to stop them.

‘Oh… Tegan…’ she sobbed, voice barely a whisper. ‘I’m so sorry…’

~~~~~~~

My apologies for the angst but the DRAMA. XD

Stay tuned, everyone; I'm already working on the next chapter. I would have posted this yesterday but -sods law- a storm blew in and made my internet go flakier than a bowl of cereal XD