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yourfavoritewitchbitch · 1 month ago

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Chapter 6 - Best Laid Plans

A Mafia!Steve Harrington AU (featuring Mafia!Eddie Munson)

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Summary: Nothing can stay secret forever when there are such high stakes. Bliss becomes a nightmare as things start to unravel and Nik isn't as clueless as he seems to be.

18+ Only! Minors DNI!

This chapter contains very heavy content but is crucial to the continuation of the story. Read at your own risk!

CW: Reader is referred to as "Dove" as well as other pet names. Tense situations. Violent threats. Physical and mental spousal abuse (reader is slapped, choked and kicked). Sexual Assault (not explicit but heavily implied).

WC: 5.7K

The days pass slowly, yet quickly in the presence of his company, giving way to weeks in the blink of an eye. You're so wrapped up in each other the outside world fades away each time, leaving you in this perfect bubble you've created for yourselves.

Steve and you manage to meet a few times a week. Making sure to be cautious, always during the evening, never staying too late and slipping back into the gallery without so much as a hair out of place to meet your driver back out front for the small trek home.

Loving him was to live again, though keeping him hidden away in the dark felt like a sin. Each time you were in his light your leaves unfurled a little more, trying to catch his golden rays to flourish and bloom, feeling once more like the woman you were all those years ago.

He was warm sunshine on your skin after Winter's long, bitter embrace. He was the embodiment of hope and everything good in the world. It felt like that part of you that had been missing had finally found its way back.

You were afraid that Nik would grow suspicious, but he hasn't said anything in the few weeks that passed, barely giving you the time of day, business as usual. You remained playing the part of dutiful wife in public settings if absolutely necessary, while behind closed doors you practically never saw him.

Steve wanted nothing more than to call you and tell you about his day. He longed for the mundane experiences. The things that most people take for granted but for now, he would keep you to himself until he could finally tell the entire world that you were his once more.

Playing pretend here in this apartment, in this little world of make believe and to share a bed with the man you loved, felt like pure bliss but it wasn't solely about sex. It had always been deeper with Steve, a connection beyond the physical. You'd known it since you were teenagers, though then you hadn't fully understood.

You took turns cooking for each other, while some nights it was takeout. Mind numbingly boring TV played in the background as you talked about your day while sipping wine. It was hand holding, stolen glances, and talking about the future. Everything you had been missing.

It was perfect. It was a refuge. It was home.

A moment of weakness or a mistake of passion, in between tipsy kisses and whispers of “I should head home” followed by “I know”. Wandering hands and moans of pleasure quickly pushed those more sensible thoughts away as the night slowly edged toward morning.

He slowly began to rouse, releasing a soft breath while reluctantly letting his eyelashes flutter open, only to be met with your still naked form cocooned in the sheets beside him.

The early spring sun had started to settle through the open curtains, casting its luminous rays across the bed. A patch of warm sunlight highlights your body so perfectly that for a brief moment he swears you’re an angel sent to Earth just for him.

He'd left the window open the night before. The sounds of the outside world began to trickle in with the soft breeze prickling his skin. The city was just beginning to come to life, the birds were chirping loudly, almost enough to drown out the engines and horns of the cars on the already busy street below.

Your hair lightly blows with that same breeze sending the intoxicating scent of your lilac and jasmine scented shampoo his way. The bed would smell like you until he inevitably has the sheets washed in the coming days.

You'd explained that Nik was away the entire weekend, business in New York, teasing him you should just stay in the apartment the entire time.

Drunk on wine and high on each other, you hadn't meant to fall asleep but the lure of tender touches and inviting warmth was too intoxicating to leave so soon.

It was stupid and reckless.

He laid there a few more moments basking in what he thought was still a dream before his waking mind caught up to the gravity of the situation.

“Shit,” he hissed, wiping the sleep from his eyes before his blurry vision focused enough to see the time on his watch.

You groaned softly, waking up from his sudden movements when he untangled his legs from yours.

“Dove. Baby, wake up.” He called urgently, but no louder than a whisper, trying not to alarm you too much.

You hum and try to bury your face further into the pillow as he runs his knuckles lightly across your cheek.

“Dove,” he whispers once more, pressing his face into your neck, while warm lips place soft kisses along your jaw.

Another low hum escapes you as he whispers against your skin.

“You fell asleep, tesoro. We both did.”

The moment those words register, your eyes fly open, as you jolt up.

“Shit! What time is it?” Hissing out, as you quickly move off the bed, bending down to pick up your discarded clothes from the floor with a foggy mind.

“Almost 6:30.” He replies, pulling his shirt over his head, crossing the room.

You pull your underwear on, grabbing your phone, fingers working fast to open your notifications. There were numerous missed calls and texts from your driver. No doubt he'd already alerted Nik that you hadn't gone home.

“Fuck! Have you seen my bra?” You ask, eyes searching your side of the bed.

“Over here.” He holds it up and tosses it your way when you turn back around.

He notices the frantic nature of your movements as you rush to finish getting dressed.

“Hey, Dove. Baby.” He says, trying to gain your attention but you don't even bat an eyelash, already too caught up in your own mind.

He finally knocks you from the spiral when he comes to stand in front of you, wrapping his hand around the nape of your neck as your gaze drifts up to those warm, honey hued irises, pulling you back from the brink.

“Hey, it's okay, tesoro.” He says, calm and reassuring as you search his face, wrapping your hand around his wrist, anchoring him to you. He brings his lips to your forehead, pulling you further into his chest. “Take a deep breath.”

And you do. Slowly expanding your lungs, breathing him in, holding it a moment before releasing.

“That's it.” He reassures you with a kiss to your temple. “Finish getting dressed. Call your driver on the way to the office. You fell asleep there. Got it? Right at your desk.”

He pulls back, cradling your face between his hands as you nod.

“Good.” Responding with another kiss to your forehead, lips warm and grounding.

Though he was calm on the outside, his own worry was there. You'd both fucked up. He knew it and was hesitant to let you leave but eventually gave in. It was too early to make a play.

He watches you from the window as you get into the car, silently praying this isn't going to derail everything he'd worked so hard for.

Your heart was beating wildly against your ribcage as the car approached home, wringing your hands nervously as you sat silently in the backseat. You could feel the eyes of your driver every few minutes through the rearview mirror, but you ignore his glances.

As the large house came into view, it seemed to loom over you as if your demise was imminent. You tried to dismiss those thoughts. Now was the time to maintain a level head and not let your emotions get in the way.

Play it cool. Play it cool. Play it cool. You repeat over and over in your head.

The driver opened the door with a “Mrs,” knocking you from your daze. You said nothing exiting the vehicle, as sure and steady steps lead you to the front door.

Silence as you stepped into the foyer, holding your breath for a beat as your heels clicked across the marble flooring, not bothering to look for him as your legs carried you to the stairs. One at a time, they lead you to the second-floor landing and then to the safety of your room.

It was only then you finally let out a heavy sigh, shoulders sagging, as you leaned against the closed door, locking it.

Nik hadn't rushed home, quelling most of your fears but not extinguishing them. He hadn’t called or bothered to check in, which wasn’t unusual, but your guard was still up.

You'd been too careless. Foolish.

Maintaining the facade that nothing was amiss, you lazed about the rest of the weekend, barely leaving your room unless it was for the occasional meal or walking around the grounds for some fresh air.

He had stayed on his “business” trip, until Monday morning rolled around.

It was raining as you sat in the breakfast nook, distracted by the steady stream of raindrops pelting the window surrounded by the peaceful silence sipping your coffee.

His heavy footsteps quickly approaching caught your attention, as your posture stiffened.

Just breathe. You could hear Steve's voice, as you closed your eyes for a brief moment.

“Kitten.” His deep voice cut through, smirking at you when you turned to look up at him.

“Nik.” You grumbled, taking a quick sip and looking back out the window.

He poured his coffee, crossed the room and took the seat across from you.

His eyes were practically burning into you, the way his gaze never wavered as you steeled your features, never giving him a hint of the turmoil churning inside of you. It's as if he was waiting for you to confess, drop to the floor and beg for forgiveness.

“My, my. What did you get into this weekend?” He asked, chuckling. A deep throaty sound that sets your already frazzled nerves ablaze.

“Don't start.” You sighed, bringing your mug back down to the table as you finally held his eye contact. Icy blue shards of indifference peered back at you.

He suddenly reached across the table and gripped your chin forcefully, making a small mewling sound escape your throat. He kept moving forward until his nose grazed yours.

“Oh, Kitten. You know very well who started this.” He spoke, shoving your face away, as you winced. “And you won't soon forget this is all on you.”

You shot up from your seat, backing away from him as quickly as possible. His mocking laughter followed you down the hall as you rushed back to your room.

His threats were no longer idle. You could feel the walls closing in around you, trying not to panic as a familiar sting was felt behind your eyes. He wouldn't do anything, not yet. That thought alone gives you a small amount of hope. If he wanted you dead, he would have already done it.

There was still time.

You arrived at work earlier than usual, feeling a sense of impending doom as you walked through the doors of your office and immediately retrieved your burner.

Steve had thought it best for no contact until you went back to work. Now, more than ever, it felt as if you were being watched.

No missed calls. No new notifications. You only hoped it was a good sign.

“Mrs. Petrov?” The voice of Abigail startled you enough that you nearly dropped the phone, as you clutched your chest.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.” She began, walking further into the office as you shoved the phone into the nearest desk drawer.

“That's quite alright.” You replied, straightening up and smoothing the nonexistent wrinkles from your shirt. “Today's agenda?”

“Right here.” She extends the paper toward you, glancing over it and immediately dismissing her.

Your attention went back to Steve as soon as the door shut, grabbing the burner and quickly dialing his number.

He picked up on the second ring.

“Are you okay?” He asks, with a hint of relief in his voice.

“I— I'm ok.” There was a slight hitch to your breath that didn’t go unnoticed.

“Tesoro, did he do anything to you?” He asks, his voice coming out a bit more strained.

“No.” You lie. “I just— I have to see you. Tonight.”

“Dove, that's not—”

“I know it's not a good idea, but I need you!” You all but wail out, cutting him off.

He sighs but doesn't say anything as your meek voice comes through again.

“Please.”

He pinches the bridge of his nose. How could he deny you? His tesoro. His heart. His everything.

“Okay, okay Tesoro. Be ready at 6 pm. And Dove?” He pauses. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

The line went dead as you sat back in your plush, leather chair with a forlorn sigh, wiping away the evidence you'd been crying and reapplying some fresh mascara. Everything was fine. Work as normal. Not a hair out of place.

Internally you were a frazzled mess, counting down every second until then.

Somehow you managed to keep your mind preoccupied for most of the day. As the time edged a little past 5:30, your phone lit up with a new message. You smiled. It was no doubt Steve telling you he had made it to the apartment, as he normally would.

Your heart suddenly sank as you read and reread the message in bold print.

921-987-5555 5:32 PM: DO NOT LEAVE THE OFFICE! THE APARTMENT HAS BEEN COMPROMISED.

Four weeks of pure bliss. Four weeks of living in your little fantasy world. Four weeks of feeling like everything would work out and one single text brought this false sense of security crashing down.

You slowly sank back into your chair on trembling legs.

It could only be Nik.

You quickly called Steve.

“Dove, do not leave. I'm coming to get you.” He breathes out heavily.

“No, you can’t— I can't go with you.” You bite back the sob threatening to spill out. At least for his sake, you could pretend you weren't scared.

“You can and will. I'll be there in five.” He insists.

“Steve, he won't stop. It's better if I go home and act like I don't know anything.” Was it though?

“What?! No, that's bullshit! You're coming home with me.” He rushes out.

“Steve, baby please. Just listen to me. He's going to dinner with my father tonight. We have to act like everything is normal. I trust you. You have to trust me.” You urged, though you didn't believe it yourself.

“Dove.” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I trust you.”

You ended the call with more “I love yous” and telling him that everything would be okay. Nik wouldn't possibly be so stupid to do anything to you tonight. Steve finally resigned himself, as his own plan began to form in his mind. He still had the upper hand.

Once he hung up with you, he made another call. He was no longer willing to be separated from you, risking your life was not in the cards for him.

It was time.

You crept through the foyer, hoping the small sound of the door closing wouldn’t rouse anyone in the large house.

Removing your heels from your stocking clad feet, so that you could silently move through the room and quickly check your surroundings, pausing, listening. You were met with nothing but the sound of your heartbeat reverberating in your chest.

You thought you were in the clear, but your false sense of security was quickly shattered, rounding the corner only to be met with your Nik’s steely glare. A cigarette and stiff drink in hand. He was home early. Much too early. It immediately set you on high alert.

He was sitting in front of the large fireplace in the study. When you caught his gaze, he bid you to come forward as he set the drink down. Brining the cigarette to his lips, taking a long inhale before resting it alongside his drink.

Dressed in his usual suit, his jacket left on the chair behind him, leaving him in a white button up with the sleeves rolled up on his forearms revealing an expanse of black ink beneath.

You shuffled forward slowly, crossing your arms behind your back with your heels still dangling from your fingertips.

“Tough day, my love?” he cooed, in a sickly-sweet voice that would almost sound sincere to anyone else. His lips turned up into a cruel smirk as he turned to look at you.

“You know exactly how my day has been.” You hissed, already over his little games.

“Now kitten, a little birdie told me you were seen with him. Though, it doesn't come as a surprise.” A calm tone, in contrast to his wild eyes. He knows. He goddamn knows.

“Nik,” you started, as his palm met your cheek with a sharp smack that echoed in the otherwise quiet space, along with the thud of your heels that fell from your grasp. Your eye instantly welled, unable to control the tears forming from the force of his blow. Pain instantly searing the skin.

You could taste the familiar metallic tang in your mouth, as you reached up trying to soothe the discomfort.

Ever defiant, you raise your head slowly, to meet his cold, indifferent gaze.

He gripped your chin, forcing your face closer to his.

“Now, kitten,” no feeling whatsoever behind those words.

“This kind of behavior just won’t do for my reputation. I can't let you go whoring around with him out in public, making me look like a fool in the process.” He couldn't have seen. You were too careful… unless…

He removed his hand slightly, only to cup your cheek engulfing it with his large palm. It was tender, a stark contrast to the pain he had just inflicted. Raised welts began to form under his touch.

He pushed your face a little harshly, putting some distance between you to take his leave.

“Clean yourself up and get ready for dinner. Your father will be joining us.” He leaned down, pressing his lips to yours, catching the back of your head pressing you closer to his larger frame. You made no attempt to push him away, knowing it would only spur his anger.

He released you, grabbing his jacket and turning back one last time before he spoke.

“And kitten, end it. Or I will.”

He left you standing there wilted and bruised, standing in the warm glow of the lit fireplace contemplating your next move, releasing a shuddering breath. If there was a fate worse than death, this was surely it.

Your hand was pressed to your cheek as you turned, slowly trudging up the stairs with your head held high. He was trying to break you.

Nik was a goddamn idiot. It was painfully obvious he'd hit you. There was only so much you could do to hide the welts. You iced it, hoping it would alleviate some of the pain and swelling enough that your father wouldn't take notice.

It worked mildly. Makeup covered the rest. A red lip to also hide the small laceration he had caused.

You changed into a more modest dress with flats. Something sweet. You were in no mood to play the part of a doting wife, but you would behave in front of your father lest there be consequences for you both. Nik was capable of anything.

Voices drifted from the foyer as you came from your room, alerting you that your guest had already arrived.

Turning the corner, your hand gripped the railing to the stairs so hard your knuckles turned white, suddenly feeling like your heart had stopped.

Oh God no! Anything but this.

It took your brain a moment to truly register what your eyes were seeing. Steve was standing by your father, shaking hands with Nik as you stared on with a look of abject horror. As your mind caught up, you began to descend the stairs holding your breath.

Your father followed Nik into the study without so much as a glance your way, but Steve turned, briefly catching your gaze, nodding slightly before disappearing along with them.

“Fuck,” you hissed under your breath, heading straight into the dining room, promptly pouring yourself a glass of bourbon with shaky hands. You tipped it back, downing it with one large gulp, slamming the glass down against the bar top with a resounding thud. The amber liquid burned, settling in the pit of your stomach doing little to settle your nerves, your mind completely starting to spiral with a thousand different scenarios.

Your father and Nik were supposed to go out. Why was Steve here?!

“Miss?” The voice from one of the kitchen staff drifting from the doorway jars you back to the present and the reality of the situation. “Will we be having another guest for dinner this evening?”

“Um…” You didn't trust your own voice, clearing your throat before replying. “Yes, I think so.”

The young lady nods and heads back into the kitchen, returning quickly with another place setting as you take your usual seat at the table, to the right of Nik. You felt numb, as if your body was on autopilot, staring blankly at the plate in front of you as their voices crossed the threshold.

It was all business as they entered the room, one after the other. Nik, followed by your father and then Steve.

You didn't dare meet his gaze, too afraid of what it might hold but he immediately clocked your unusual demeanor taking a seat beside your father. You were withdrawn, scared, nothing like the woman he knows and loves.

“Hey Kiddo. I've missed you for our Sunday lunches.” Your father spoke up. It had been weeks since you'd properly seen him. The bags under his eyes doing nothing to hide the exhaustion evident in his features.

“I know, daddy.” You reply, with a slight lilt to your voice. “We'll do them again soon.. I've been… busy.”

He smiles over at you with a nod, not pressing any further as the wine was poured for the table.

No one spoke as the salads were served. The tension hangs thick in the air, Nik's eyes darting between you and Steve as you lift your fork to begin your meal.

“So, Steve,” Nik's voice laced with venom, as if saying his name out loud physically pained him. “I heard you were going back to Italy. Leaving Chicago to the big boys.” He smirks.

“Ahh, little Niki, do you believe every rumor you hear?” He replies with a nonchalance, taking a sip of wine to cleanse his palette.

Nik’s jaw visibly clenched. Steve knew exactly how to get under his skin, using his old nickname.

The small talk was left to a minimum, a few mumbles from your father about the Cubs as he tried to steer the conversation to more lighthearted topics as the entrees were finally served.

Braised lamb with a red wine sauce served over a medley of stewed veggies.

The meat was tender but as you chewed, Steve noticed you slightly wince, pausing as your eyelashes fluttered closed a brief moment before continuing.

He regarded you closely, taking in your appearance. His eyes widened a little when he finally noticed your flushed appearance and the makeup trying to cover your cheek, a bruise beginning to form just below your red rimmed eye. It was his turn for his jaw to tighten, his fist clenching beneath the table.

Nik followed Steve's gaze, the flicker of irritation passing his face made him smirk to himself as the silence stretched on. The only sounds were forks and knives lightly clanking against the fine china echoing around the room.

Nik’s hand stretched under the table, suddenly wrapping around your thigh with a bruising grip that caused you to slightly jolt upright. It suddenly takes all the willpower that Steve can muster to not jump over the table and end him.

“Kitten?” He suddenly speaks up, in an overly affectionate voice, as you look over to him. “Go on to bed. I'll be up in a little bit. The men are going to talk now."

“But—,”

“Shh, shh, shh. No buts.” He coos, gripping your leg even tighter leaving no room for arguments.

You nod, scooting your chair back from the table, and standing to take your leave, glancing back at Steve, whose face is now set with a heavy frown. His eyes held immense fiery rage as he stared at Nik.

The tension was now at a boiling point, at least from one end of the table.

Nik grabs your wrist before you get too far, pulling you his way suddenly, gripping the back of your neck with his free hand and pressing his lips to yours. The sudden movement caught you off guard, as your lips parted with a gasp, he took the opportunity to push his tongue forward, an unwanted intrusion but you were powerless to fight his advances.

The few moments seemed to stretch on for eternity as he finally pulled back with a sickly-sweet grin, licking his lips and releasing his hold on you. You straighten up to bid your father and Steve both a farewell.

“Goodnight Daddy. Steve.”

Both men rose from their chairs.

“Night kiddo.” Your father kisses your cheek, pulling you into a small embrace.

Steve swallows around the lump in his throat as you take a step toward him, desperation written all over your features as you gaze up at him with an almost pleading look. Don't. You tried to convey.

"Night, Dove." He whispers, still searching your eyes, as your husband stares daggers at him. He leans in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to your cheek as a silent tear escapes you going unnoticed by the other two men in the room as you finally brush past Steve.

He sits back down, his eyes trailing after you long after you disappear up the stairs. Regardless if you and Steve had been having an affair, the way you looked at each other was all the confirmation that Nik needed. He sighs heavily, loosening his tie.

“So, this is how it's going to be. My own father-in-law is conspiring against me.” He paused, eyes cutting over to Steve.

“And you Harrington, how long have you been fucking my wife?” He sneered.

Both men were a little stunned, heads snapping in his direction. Their best laid plans falling apart before their eyes, with the other seemingly knowing enough.

“Nik,” David started but he quickly cut him off.

“That whore is still my wife. Still MY fucking property.” Raising his voice as his fists come down against the table.

“Don't fucking call her that.” Steve hissed, eyes turning dark, trained on Nik. His calm demeanor hides the maelstrom of emotions churning within him.

“Oh Steven, don't pretend if you were in my shoes, you wouldn't feel the exact same way.” He cruelly grins but turns his attention back to your father.

“And David, I think it's time you shut your mouth and do some listening for a change so before any threats start flying around, let me make it abundantly clear. She's not going anywhere, with either of you.” A sickly, sweet smile grew across his face. He knew he had the upper hand.

Steve quickly rose, but David stopped him before he came over the table at Nik, pressing a hand to his chest.

“I swear to God, if you lay a finger on her, I'll fucking kill you.” He spits, gritting his teeth and pointing his finger at the other man. Pure rage was all he saw.

Nik rolls his eyes, as if unamused by the entire situation, making himself more comfortable in his chair.

“I don't think either of you gentlemen are in the position to make any demands at this point.” He finally rose, nodding to his security in the corners of the room. “Now if you'll kindly see yourselves out, I need to have a chat with my lovely wife.”

Steve made an attempt to lunge at Nik, who only laughed when two of the men grabbed either of his arms, halting his movements. Two more men stepped in, escorting your father out along with him.

“I'll fucking kill you! Do you hear me? I will end you!” He yells before being forcefully dragged from the house, his eyes focused up the stairs, where you had retired moments ago, before they slammed the door in his face.

His stomach sank at the thought of leaving you alone with him. His head was screaming at him to get you out of that house.

Unintentionally, this had caused you to be stuck in the middle when he was trying to spare you from all of this. He should have told you the truth. Gotten you away from all of it when he had the chance. This was HIS fault.

Both men stood there in utter shock. Everything was falling apart.

“You know what he's capable of. We can't leave her here.” Steve turned to your father, a sudden desperation to his voice.

“Steve, he's not going to do anything to her. He knows what would happen if he did.” The other man reasons.

“Did you not see the goddamn bruises and welts on her face?” Steve steps forward, his frustration evident, inching into your father's space.

“What bruises?” He asks, brows furrowed.

“She did a good job at covering them, but the way she winced while eating gave it away. Her cheek was slightly swollen. He's already laid his goddamn hands on her, David!”

Your father gaped in silence at the implications as he stared at the younger man.

“Goddamnit!” Steve shouts out into the night, with other option but to leave without you. Nik had entirely too much security on duty to try anything else. He prayed to whomever would listen to keep you safe until he could get you back.

You heard the commotion, Steve audibly yelling, as you jumped from the small sofa and ran to the top of the stairs just in time to see the front door being slammed in his face. Your heart sank.

Nik came into view, rounding the corner, tie shed, unbuttoning his sleeves and rolling it up his forearms. You locked eyes as a smirk lit up his face. He enjoyed seeing the sheer terror written on yours.

You turned, your feet carrying you into the bedroom far too slowly as he took the stairs two at a time, slamming your door shut, trying to lock it before he reached it, your fingers fumbling with the knob.

He smashed into it with all the force he had, forcing it open and knocking you down in the process.

Your head flew back, hitting the floor, dazing you for a moment but it was enough for him to rush forward, grabbing the back of your hair forcing you to look at him. His fingers tangled in your locks, making you hiss out at the sudden sting as your eyes met his.

Pure rage. Animalistic, predatory dominance staring back at you. No emotion. No hint of regret to be found. Any semblance of a human being was nowhere to be found.

“So this is how you repay me? After all these years? Scheming and whoring around behind my back?!” He screamed like a madman. “You and your fucking father!”

“Nik—please.” Your eyes well up with tears from the searing pain at the back of your head, hands clawing, trying to pry him away.

“Please?!” He yelled, laughing out. “That's all you have to say for yourself?”

You watched on, unable to do anything as he reared back and smacked you across the face. Searing white hot heat, on an already bruised cheek, has you crying out.

Helpless. Hopeless. No one was coming to your rescue.

Gathering as much strength as you could, you slammed your foot up into his crotch. He let go of you as he doubled over in pain, granting you a small reprieve as you started to crawl away.

“You fucking bitch!” He screamed, grabbing your ankle. Your fingertips dug into the carpet, as he dragged you back toward him, flipping you over as you fought but he easily overpowered you, sitting on your abdomen. His weight pressed you into the carpet and his hands wound around your neck, quickly shutting your air supply off.

He was crazed, eyes black with murderous intent, squeezing a little tighter as you continued to fight to pull his hands away. This was it. You were going to die here. He was going to kill you.

“I would love nothing more to see the light go dim in those pretty, pleading little eyes, taking delight to see your precious Steve become a broken man, but unfortunately I have other plans for the two of you.” He spat.

His grasp relented, air once again filling your lungs with a gasp as he moved off of you. You rolled away, clutching your neck, chest heaving trying to take in as much oxygen as possible laying on your side away from him.

He stood, chuckling to himself. You didn't see him coming toward you until it was too late. Intense pain shot through your back. He was a fucking coward, kicking you while you were already down.

Your ears were ringing, too stunned and shocked to keep fighting. A scream tried to erupt from your chest, but there was no sound that escaped your raw and bruised throat as a steady stream of tears fell from your eyes, your mind suddenly on the brink of unconsciousness.

He was saying something you couldn't make out, sounding as though he was so far away when you felt like you were floating, no longer in your body. You didn't feel him haul you over to the bed, tearing your clothes away from you. Your conscious mind was disassociating and shielding you from the abrupt and painful intrusion between your thighs.

You close your eyes, as he takes what he wants from you, leaving his filthy seed behind. Your body was bruised and battered, a broken, withered husk.

Hope was shattered.

Taglist: @teen--marvel @micheledawn1975 @thecreelhouse @girlwiththerubyslippers @bunnyhargrove @taccobelle @madaboutjoe @hazydespair

#steve harrington x reader #steve harrington smut #steve harrington x you #steve harrington fic #steve harrington x y/n #joe keery #mafia!steve #mafia!steve harrington #king of hearts #KOH

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ashensgrotto · 1 year ago

Text

A Merfolk's Melody (Part 1)

Characters: Yan!Floyd x Reader, Yan!Jade x Reader, Yan!Azul x Reader

Word Count: 13.5k

Intro (You are Here) Floyd Leech Jade Leech Azul Ashengrotto Epilogue

Synopsis: The sea always calls to those who feel lost and alone, wanting to fill the empty part of their soul until they are loved and full… and as such, it’s only fair that the strange creatures that live beneath it’s depths would want the same as well…

Author’s Note: Another 4-part fanfiction courtesy of @merakiui ‘s headcannnons of the reader being stuck in a room/wall (I’m sorry) -> https://www.tumblr.com/merakiui/722393818829373440/in-addition-to-being-stuck-in-a-locked-room?source=share & https://www.tumblr.com/merakiui/722677892623056896/about-the-stuck-in-a-wall-trope-in-the-oceani?source=share

Here’s how it’s going to work: each character is going to get their own part following the intro. It is going to focus on the Octrio again (bc it’s my current liking, sorry guys). If you want to read a certain character’s part, feel free to jump around and select the one you’re most interested in.

Again, as stated before, this is a work of fiction; I disagree with any and all behaviors that are represented in this story.

***

The sound of the waves crashing against the rocky surface was a sound that you had familiarized yourself with when you were a child. It and the call of the seagulls and other sea birds that brought forth fond memories of your childhood; images of your loving parents as they strolled along the beachside near the rocky terrain with you and your siblings following behind like little ducklings as they pointed out smooth pebbles and speckled shells, the shouts when your siblings pulled each other into the water before the tide overcame them like a dowsing rain shower, the laughter that followed in the evening before a roaring fire in the pit that cooked fish and crab along with corn and potatoes and marshmallows for dessert.

Yes, this was a child's paradise once upon a time and the sea had been there for every stumble you took, every laugh that bubbled from your lips… every tear that stained your cheek.

The sea always calls to those who feel lost and alone, wanting to fill the empty part of their soul until they are loved and full - and you needed a hole that existed in your heart to be filled with memories of the sea, wanting the salty water and the cries of gulls to wash away the pain and heartache you felt inside you.

You had returned to your family's sea cabin after several long years of being away in the city, moving away at the end of your high school year to attend college. The city was vastly different from the coastal residence you had lived in for eighteen years; there was no comfort or beauty or peace - it was loud and haze-filled and distorted. The people that lived there were rude and constantly in a hurry, bustling from place to place like work ants moving to and from the nest. There were a few that you had made friends with - their smiles and conversations always bringing forth those fond memories of your childhood - and there was one that you had loved and had loved you in return.

Sadly though, he was no longer in the picture - and the reason behind your return to the coast.

The two of you had met during orientation of your freshman year of college and had become fast friends. He introduced you to a lot of people and places, taking you by the hand and pulling you along the busy streets of the city - pointing out landmarks and museums, parks and local hot spots. It was all so overwhelming, causing your head to spin - but you always laughed at his energetic nature and wild behavior, a true sea captain in your eyes. He would take you on tours through the local zoo and art galleries, treat you to ice cream or coffee at the local shops, and talk to you about life in general during lunch breaks and help you with your exams and vice versa.

It was during your last year in school that you both started dating - the confession coming out over a school get together with a group of your friends at one of the local clubs, when the drinks were filled and music pounded through your body as you danced with your crush til the moon was high overhead. As you traveled together back toward the dorms, his hand clasped in yours with fingers entwined, he pressed his headon top of yours as you leaned into him to feel the warmth of his body as the chill of autumn surrounded you. He whispered that he liked you more than a friend and asked if you saw him as the same - he wouldn’t care if you did or didn’t, but he needed to know if there was anyone else that was important in your life.

You couldn’t have been happier that he felt the same as you did at that moment.

But of course, as the sea covers the shoreline, it always drags the unsuspecting sea creature back into its depths.

The first and second year as a couple was perfectly blissful - you both continued to make time for each other and walked along your usual paths during college and moved into an apartment together after graduation. You still visited the museums and galleries, got coffee, and talked about work and a future together on walks through the parks after your day’s busy schedule. Shortly into the third year as a couple, nearly six since you met each other, the appearance of another shimied into your life. It was at a new year’s celebration with a group of college friends that you were introduced to this new girl. She was the sister of a friend that was visiting for a week while touring colleges in the area, brought along by the friend so you could talk to her about your experiences at the college you had once attended together.

At first it seemed harmless, the eighteen-turning-nineteen was interested in what your field of study was, what the professors were like, how the dorms worked, what sort of clubs and sports were available to participate in - all questions a typical freshman-to-be would ask. However, what made you uncomfortable about the whole situation was the way she kept grabbing at your partner - leaning against him and whispering things in his ear, making him laugh with hers joining in as a chorus, her fingers slipping into his hand and squeezing his like they were a couple and you were the outsider. You attempted to sneak in and wrap your arm around him, but was swatted away like a pesky mosquito by her on more than one occasion; you shifted your eyes to look at your boyfriend, arching a brow to indicate he do something or at least say something that told her that he was taken already.

Not once did he say anything, nor did he do anything.

At the end of the night, as the two of you walked back to the apartment, he attempted to wrap his arm around you. Too hurt, you shrugged him off, making him stop and ask what was wrong. You argued with him that night - a huge fight that caused you to seek shelter at a coworker’s apartment instead of wanting to deal with the situation - needing space to cool off and rethink about how to approach the subject. When you came back in the morning to make amends, you found him embracing another woman - the same girl that had clung to him the night before. Fury and pain ripped through your heart like a storm crashing against the waves of the rocky surface - the cry that echoed through your throat rivaled the call of gulls as tears sprung like raindrops on the corners of your eyes.

It was enough noise to pull the sleeping couple from their dreamscape - your boyfriend springing upright, tugging on the sheets and distancing himself from the girl, who had sulked to the corner of the room, picking her clothing up off the ground and making her way hastily out of the room and the apartment. As much as your boyfriend tried to explain, you wanted to hear none of it - the roaring pain of your heart enough to drown out the noise of a thunderstorm as you gathered your things from the apartment, shaking your head with every plea and shrugging off every touch. You left your shared apartment, heading toward your coworkers’ apartment and explained what happened; she took pity on you, allowing you to stay so you could figure out what needed to happen next.

Your boss permitted you a week-long vacation.

“Get some rest, focus on yourself right now,” they said, pushing a box of tissues toward you, “You’re a good worker and a hard one at that. I’d hate to let you go over something so trivial.”

When you requested a bit more time, your boss agreed to two weeks - wanting you to get the proper care you so desperately needed, but wanting you to work all the same.

Which is how you found yourself back on the coast with the sea, gulls, and assorted creatures both of land and sea as your only companions. The cabin your family had once stayed in was smaller than you thought - enough room for only a set of adults and two children. Why did you think there were more that filled this room once upon a time? Were ther other children that lived in other cabins that lined the coast that often gathered here to spend time with you and you had once believed them to be siblings - even though you were an only child? Photos that still lived in corners of the rooms of the cabin indicated a happy family; a mother, a father, and a daughter - you. There were no other photos that indicated that there were other children, nor anyone that lived nearby with children your age to play with.

Were they all just imaginary friends you had conjured in your head to allow your lonely broken heart to feel whole like how the sea filled your spirit? Even if that were the case, how come your parents never corrected it? Did they feel pity for their only daughter whom had no friends? That they couldn’t force anyone to play with you or spend time with you? Or was there another reason?

Regardless of what had passed, the cabin slowly became a part of you - just as it did to your family once upon a time.

Every morning, you woke to the sound of a local cat scratching at the door - a little grey beast that paced the floor of the cabin before you set a plate of leftover steamed or roasted fish before the little creature, petting his fur as he ate before he took a bath and perched on the window sill, watching as you tended to the house - cleaning it and ridding it of decay and clutter that had mounted over the years of neglect. Then you would walk down to the shoreline, your sandals in one hand as your feet dug into the sand, water coming up to kiss your skin with is cool lips and filling your prints with water as it made small homes for the little hermit crabs that lurked along the shore - the little grey kitten walking beside you, it’s little blue gaze peering up at you from time to time as he meowed as if holding a conversation with you. You would hum and talk to him, even though you couldn’t understand him nor he could you - but the way his long fluffy tail would wrap around the back of your leg felt comforting, like he was guiding you along.

Then you would return to the cabin for a quick lunch before grabbing your fishing gear and heading back to the coast. The waves hit against your legs as you steadied yourself in the thrashing water as you casted line after line, reeling in food for supper and for your little companion who sat on a large rock and watched with interest. By the time the sun was setting, you would reel in your last catch and return to the shore, pulling your sandals on and hiking up the trail back to the cabin with the little grey kitten following close behind you. A fire was sparked into the pit, the flames flickering with life as you rested your catches in a wire basket that hung over the flames, turning each little piece over along with care as the flesh slowly became white and flaky - the corn and potatoes already prepared along with a small package of chocolate chip cookies that would become the end to a simple and meaningful meal.

Even though your days were filled with sorrow - your dreams were filled with a figure.

Each night, as sleep took you, you would often find yourself staring out at the sea as storm clouds brew overhead, threatening to split open and spew cool water from the heavens. You would reach around and wrap into yourself, your nails digging into your skin as a chilled breeze rattled your frame. You stood your ground, your eyes never leaving the horizon, even as the wind grew stronger and stronger, threatening to topple your figure. Eventually, the wind calmed as something appeared in the distance; a voice that sounded both familiar and unfamiliar calling out to you following the shape of what appeared to be a man. The figure would often extend their hand, their voice shifting to something soft and gentle, other times a giggle would erupt from their lips - but more often than not, singing in a language you had never heard before. You would start to take steps forward, one hand reaching out to theirs. But just before you could touch, your eyes would open to the sunlight streaming through the thin curtains of your small bedroom.

You started to muddle over the dream at the beginning of the second week of your time away from the big city, stirring your coffee absent-mindedly as your thoughts delved into darker waters; who was that in your dream? Why did he sound familiar? Was he supposed to be the ex you had left behind? Was your dream telling you that you should go back and forgive him? Or were they a person from your past? A friend that you had when you were a child but had forgotten about? You looked out the window as the grey kitten hopped onto the table and laid before you on his side, his belly up as your hand absent-mindedly reached out and stroked the fur, rubbing him as he let out contented squeaks and merps of pleasure.

The dream had been recurring ever since you arrived here - so much so there were times you thought that you saw something watching you behind the large rocks that jaunted out into the crashing sea waves.

Legends of merfolk, selkies, sirens, and assorted sea monsters had littered your childhood, many of the locals believing that these fantastical creatures of the waves lurked just beyond their borders. Some claimed to have seen merfolk with tails of shimmering gold lounging on the rocks that lined the surface and others claimed to have seen the heads of sea serpents and kelpies drifting out further beyond. Others swore up and down they heard the voices of sirens and seen the discarded pelt of a selkie - though none were ever proven to be true. However, there was one story that was told to you by your father years and years ago:

The cabin that you lived in once belonged to an old fisherman who disappeared several decades ago. He was a man of few words and was often seen walking along the coastal shore with his hound in tow, whistling a tune no one had heard before as he prepared to walk out into the open water. One day, his dog came running into the local village, barking and whining before pulling on people’s skirts and pant legs, tugging them in the direction of the old fisherman’s cabin. The villagers followed the dog to the sandbar, only to discover that the old fisherman had disappeared - all that remained was his gear and the straw hat he always wore. Some believed that a tide came in and swept him away, pulling his poor old body under the cruel cold waters and drowning him. Others believed he was taken as payment by the creatures of the deep per an unspoken agreement between the the creatures of the sea and the humans that existed on their shores. Regardless of what had happened, the cabin had been left abandoned and forgotten - until your family moved in as a separate living space for a summer retreat once upon a time.

You shook your head, blinking as you were snapped out of your thoughts.

Beyond the walls of your house, you could’ve sworn you saw a figure climbing onto the rocks that lined the shore. You stood and moved a bit closer to the aged-old glass, peering out to see the shape of someone or something perched on the rocks. You couldn’t see them from your position, but you could’ve sworn you saw their head turn toward you.

Something compelled you to move then.

Forgetting your shoes, you thrusted the door open and raced down the pathway that led to the beach, the little grey kitten moving quickly to follow behind you as you disappeared around the corner. Your heart raced in your chest, your heart propelling you forward as a voice thought, ‘Wait! Wait! Please, wait!’

By the time you got to the shoreline, the figure was gone from the rocks - the only thing that greeted you was an empty beach, the call of gulls, and the crashing of the waves before you. You wrapped your arms around you as you sighed heavily, eyes focusing on the horizon as the sun lifted itself above the surface, kissing the sky with its rays and warming your chilled skin as a cold sea breeze rattled your core. You licked your lips and strained your ears, hearing nothing by the cry of sea birds and the occasional meow of the little grey kitten at your feet.

As you felt your heart drop, your one chance for company that was human and someone that you did not know, a voice so hauntingly sweet called out - a song in a language from your dream. You turned and you felt yourself compelled forward, your feet disappearing into the waves of the ocean that were followed by your knees, thighs, and waist.

The sea always calls to those who feel lost and alone, wanting to fill the empty part of their soul until they are loved and full… and as such, it’s only fair that the strange creatures that live beneath its depths would want the same as well…

#twisted wonderland #azul ashengrotto #floyd leech #jade leech #twst azul #twst floyd #twst jade #yandere jade leech #yandere floyd leech #yandere azul x reader #yandere jade x reader #yandere floyd x reader #yandere #yandere azul ashengrotto #twst wonderland

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raven-at-the-writing-desk · 9 months ago

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Good morning headmage

I was wondering if you and the other teachers went to the museum with your students this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary ?

If so what did you like there , do you have a favorite artwork ?

Have you been there before 👀?

Enter; An Unkindness of Ravens.

"Why, of course we teachers accompanied our students to the Land of Dawning's National Museum of Art. It would be highly irresponsible of us to allow children to travel to a foreign land without chaperones!”

Crowley perked with pride. Prestige—the acknowledgement of it—tended to have that effect on him, pompous man that he was.

"Not to mention... It's an honor for us to be invited to this centennial celebration! This is a wonderful opportunity for us teachers to appreciate art alongside our young pupils—though I myself have already visited numerous times. Ah, but that is what a long lifespan and a deep respect for history does… Sharpens the mind and the spirit!”

Somehow he ended up circling around and feeding his own ego again.

You walked alongside him, tactfully staying silent and letting the headmaster ramble.

Famous faces passed by, relics of the past unearthed. Stories, centuries in the making. History coming to life around you.

Click, clack, click.

Crowley’s polished shoes and cane alternated, echoing sharply in the gallery.

“This solemn, almost reverent atmosphere is rather pleasing. It grants one the space and time to properly admire and reflect on the artwork on display.”

He raised a hand, his golden claw-shaped rings upon each finger shining under the museum’s lights. Crowley gestured to the paintings that lined the closest wall. You followed where he led your gaze.

Platinum frames, seven in total. Each held an illustration of a familiar figure—you recognized them from the stone statues lining Main Street.

“I find myself gravitating toward the classics. Perhaps I am sentimental, fufu. My bias is clear.”

The Queen of Hearts.

She looked on from up high, posed with a gavel behind a banister and flanked by card soldiers. Her face was kind and rounded, but her expression was stern. Hands folded in her lap and her hammer raised to deliver justice, she was the picture of dignified grace.

The King of Beasts.

He reclined in a dark cave, bones scattered around him. The King stood out from the others of his kind--body lanky, a scar knitting one eye, mane a deep black, and with an unmatched feline poise. He toyed with a skull in one paw, his mouth twisted into a contemplative smirk.

The Sea Witch.

She danced, tentacles curling, in an anemone garden, lilac arms outstretched to cuddle her beloved pets: two moray eels that adorned her arms like a living boa. Pinkish light spilled onto them, emanating from her bubbling cauldron. Another potion brewing to fulfill some poor, unfortunate soul's wish.

The Sorcerer of the Sands.

A thin man with a long face and a goatee pieced together a golden scarab, its light piercing the starry night. Particles of sand and glittering magic kicked up, scattering across his black and red robes. The wings of the scarab, flickering rapidly--as if about to take flight.

The Beautiful Queen.

She triumphantly held up a goblet of bubbling liquid, her radiant face reflected in it. High cheek bones, skin smooth as china, full lips, long lashes, a gown that clung to her hourglass figure. Her beauty was every bit as deadly as the poison in the glass.

The King of the Underworld.

He beamed in the painting, showing sharp teeth. Various tabletop games surrounded him, and he seemed to take great joy in maneuvering a chess piece across a board. No opponent was in view--the man was a lone player.

The Thorn Fairy.

She loomed in her spiked throne, her calm face cut severe by the gathering shadows and green candlelight. Briar crept around the tattered hem of her cloak, waiting for her next command. One word, and you felt as though they would come to life and rush at you.

The Great Seven together dominated the hallowed halls of the museum. In awe of them, you felt yourself shrink back. If was as though your body instinctively knew to kneel in the presence of such raw power.

Crowley, too, quietly bowed his head to the Seven. He held his top hat to his chest, his dark lips pursed into a serene smile.

"What visionaries! We must all strive to the same heights as they."

#twisted wonderland #twst #Dire Crowley #twst interactions #twisted wonderland interactions #disney twisted wonderland #disney twst #Reader #self insert #Two Ravens at the Writing Desk

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hoeforhao · 1 year ago

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🪧. ⚜️ Eclipse ⚜️ Prologue // Wonwoo FF//

��͎ pairing: dad!wonwoo × fem!reader

⸙͎ synopsis: what happens when you meet your lover from your previous life, except this time he is a dad coupled with zero memories of you two.

⸙͎ genre: heavy angst, some fluff, reminiscing of memories, happy ending?

⸙͎warnings: war trauma, mention of death, ww2 era love, flashbacks, rebirth/reincarnation

⸙͎ word count: 437

⸙͎ author's note: hehe it's finally wonu month as well as mine!!! so this is my special series as a gift for both my and wonu's birthday♡

Lemme know if y'all want a happy ending or sad ending for this.

"Bubbles run fast, why are you tortoising through the hallway hmph" the little ball of joy kept dragging you down the gallery, galloping like an excited baby bunny, eager to introduce her favorite person with her other favorite human, a.k.a her father.

"I'm not an eleven year old, bursting with energy,kiddo like you Elara!!! Please run slow Ms" panting like a dog, you two finally reach the party venue, all decked up in peonies and gilded with stardust.

"There he is" one last swish from El and that's when your entire world stood still. A feline looking man, permed locks cascading down his forehead, face plastered with the biggest smile the world has ever witnessed while his eyes form the perfect cresents on the night sky of his temples.

I mean it's not that unnatural for women to be smitten by such beauty, right? But for you, he wasn't just another random nerdy looking man you've met on the streets, someone straight outta the books. No! H-he... he was your moon, one that eclipsed over your pain, your anger, your flaws and in return made you gleam the brightest in the galaxy.

☆.☆.☆.☆.☆.☆.☆.☆.☆.☆.☆.

"Wonu-yah quick quick close your eyes and make a wish" you tightly press his biceps while bringing both of your palms together to wish upon the falling star.

"Yah silly girl, you know i don't believe in these." a slight mocking smile leaves wonwoo's lips as his lightly pinches your mochi cheeks to break your concentration.

"Yeah yeah sure sure! Why would you even need to wish for something when you have everything" getting up from the boulder you two were sharing and straddling your way through the beachy sand, you stomp away all angry.

"Okay okay I'm sorry bubbles. Tell me what you wished for" a pair of soft yet firm hands entrap your body from behind, while a cute stubby nose rests on your shoulder.

"For you to hold my hand in every universe and lead me through it. For you to always come home to me ; and for you to entwine me in your orbit in every life" single drops of tears making it way down your cheeks as you hold wonwoo's hands in yours. "W-we won't ever part tracks right? I wanna see the beauty of this world with you, enjoy each and every element only if you're there to clasp me into your arms through everything; and then finally bloom together from the soil again."

"You'll always be the star to my moon, darling. Never alone never separated, always shining bright together."

Oh only if they knew....

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inexplicablepeas · 6 months ago

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I wrote some angsty Devil's Minion PWP for @vamptember's VCKinkFest, week 1 prompt: Voyeurism/Exhibitionism!

Daniel and Armand have one of their typical stormy nights soon after their move to New York brought on by bubbling frustrations and terrible communication, with a passionate reconciliation and a fluffy ending.

Mind the tags! Excerpt and link under cut.

"Daniel fumbles a crushed pack of smokes out of his jeans pocket, shields the flame from the light June breeze as he lights it, and hungrily inhales the soothing smoke without missing a step as his feet continue to pound the concrete of the Manhattan street below, marching with determination although he has now admitted to himself that he has no idea where he's heading. It feels good to walk though, it's giving his aggravated energy somewhere to go. Five minutes ago he stormed out of a party at some musician's apartment in frustration at Armand's frosty attitude. As it was, Armand had dragged his groggy ass to the party in the first place, then he had up and abandoned him for over an hour, when he returned Daniel was sitting between a couple he got talking to, a sculptor and his girlfriend who worked in a gallery, the girlfriend was kissing him in a gentle and searching way and her boyfriend's hand was squeezing his thigh when he noticed that Armand had reappeared and was sitting opposite them – Armand acted coldly towards the pair who were soon making their excuses to leave and escape the awkwardness. Shortly after they left Daniel also thundered out of the apartment in frustration."

#vckinkfest #my fic #armand/daniel #devil's minion #armand #daniel molloy #angsty #pwp

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violettduchess · 2 years ago

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🎉🎊🎉 1K!!! 🎉🎊🎉

I'm so happy for you!!!!! You deserve all the love and admiration, my dear. Not only is your writing fantastic, you're sweet and I definitely consider you a friend of mine here. I appreciate you 💕

Now... could I request Theo and kissing to prove a point for your 1k celebration? I feel that's very him haha.

A/N: Here you are, @yarnnerdally 💜

Theo x f reader

Prompt: A Kiss to Prove a Point

Word Count: 1203

It has taken days of planning and many sleepless nights, but now you are finally done. The petite art gallery on the west side of Paris is decorated with elegant floral garlands and soft, twinkling fairy lights, all highlighting the theme of the collection: Romance. You’re tired, but it is a satisfied kind of tired, the kind that settles into your muscles and bones like a lioness sinking down onto the soft Savannah earth after a rewarding hunt. The artist behind the collection had been no one, just another street painter trying to sell his offerings to mildly interested tourists when you had noticed him and his work, stopping dead in your tracks to admire a painting of a couple locked in a warm embrace. They lay in a field of green grass and small pink blossoms, wrapped in one another’s arms. They're bathed in soft yellow sunshine, locked together in an eternal summer kiss. Something about the painting had felt so inviting, so real, you had pressed the tips of your fingers against your lips, your heart swelling with a wave of longing to be kissed the same way. By a certain someone.

Theo had agreed with you, once you had managed to drag him away from the mansion and back to the park where the artist was slowly packing up his wares. Buffeted by the man’s potential, you had worked together on putting together a showing of his paintings, drumming up funds from various patrons until you had enough for your showcase.

Now you walk through the small gallery, drinking in the fruits of your labor.

“There you are.” Theo’s deep voice cuts through your reverie and you turn to see him approaching you, glass of sparkling champagne in hand. He hands you one which you take with an appreciative smile.

“Cheers,” you say, lifting it towards him.

“Proost,” he answers, clinking glasses with you. Your gazes hold (you could swim forever in all that blue) Before the moment stretches into something too long to be insignificant, you both raise the delicate crystal flutes and drink. The cascade of bubbles feels like it's not just rushing down your throat but through your entire body. You blink, turning towards the painting you are closest to.

It’s the passionate couple, kissing in the summer field. The one that had so immediately caught your attention. You sigh, a light, dreamy sound that pours itself over Theo like silk, sending an unexpected rush of heat through his body. He rubs his face, turning away to hide any color that may have risen to his chiseled cheeks. You don't notice, eyes glued to the figures as you allow yourself another sip of champagne. Now, in the dimmer lighting of the art gallery late at night, there is something even more sensual about the way the couple is holding each other. His hand pressed against the rounded curve of his lover's hip, her fingers curled against the side of his neck, intimate, possessive.

“This is as satisfying as a real kiss,” you murmur, head tilting as you continue to admire the art. What pulls you out of your rose-colored haze is the decidedly unromantic snort from your right.

“If you think a painting can replace a real kiss, then you haven’t been kissing the right person, hondje.”

He’s smirking as he takes a sip of his drink, his impossibly blue eyes looking over the painting. The fairy lights are having the same effect on him as they do the artwork: he looks unfathomably beautiful, his golden hair darker than in the daylight, his face a sculptor’s dream of perfectly balanced features.

Maybe it’s the champagne. Maybe it’s the intimacy of the late hour. Maybe it’s the fact that you have been spinning from one task to another all day long without a chance to spend any time with him. It has to be something because the following words come out of your mouth:

“Prove me wrong.”

Three little words that stop the earth from turning, that grab hold of Theo’s lungs with such force that the next inhale shakes. Three little words that hang in the air between you, vaguely foreboding like flickering neon or distant thunder.

Warning flashes through your mind and you want to kick yourself and your big mouth. Why did you say that? Whatever possessed you to even think that Theodorus van Gogh would be interested in kissing–

Theodorus van Gogh sets his champagne glass down on the edge of a table full of brochures and then turns. He reaches out with both hands, cupping either side of your face and leans down, capturing your mouth with his. You freeze, both arms at your sides, the champagne in your glass sloshing around like a tiny, storm-tossed sea.

Is he…..

Oh….

…..he is….

He’s kissing you, his lips moving over yours in a shockingly gentle caress, his hands holding you still, not forcefully, but carefully, like you’re something valuable, something he should handle with care. He displays a tenderness you would never have dreamed possible in a man as large as he is. Every movement of his mouth against yours sends a ripple of warmth through your body. One hand shifts, the back of his fingers stroking the softness of your cheek.

Your surprise slowly melts under his touch, disappearing like water droplets in sunshine, and your free hand rises to clutch his shoulder. You hold on tightly, reveling in the electricity every brush of his lips sparks. But before you can part your lips in invitation, before you can start truly returning his kiss, he pulls away, the movement causing a short, forlorn gasp to leave your tingling lips.

Quiet descends upon you both and for a long, tense moment, neither one of you speaks. Words seem impossible as you stare into the summer-sky of his eyes. He clears his throat, shaking his head as if trying to wake himself out of a dream. At that moment you feel him pulling away, the warmth of his kiss and the tenderness of his hands fading into memory. Your heart lurches in panic.

“Theo.”

He grunts, unable to meet your gaze.

You step towards him, setting your champagne glass down next to his. Your hands are now free to reach out, steadier than you expected them to be, and take his, holding his strong hands tightly in yours.

“I believe…..I am starting to be swayed by your persuasive argument. But I do think I need more proof before I am fully convinced.”

His head snaps up and on his handsome face you see a dazzling array of emotions, starting with surprise and ending with a slow smile that sends your heart spinning. He pulls you towards him, unhurried, a man who now knows he has a delicious treat waiting just for him.

"More proof, huh,” he murmurs, unlocking your hands so he can slide his around you, large palms eagerly learning the curve of your hips, the slope of your waist.

You plunge your hand boldly into the thicket of his golden hair as he bends his body down to kiss you for the second time that night.

By the night’s end though….you will have lost count entirely.

Tagging: @aquagirl1978 @alixennial @alexxavicry @queengiuliettafirstlady @rhodolitesrose @ikemen-writer @bellerose-arcana @thewitchofbooks @redheadkittys @dear-mrs-otome @firestar-otomeobsessed @curious-skybunny @kpop-and-otome @writingwhimsey @mxrmaid-poet @silver-dahlia @wendolrea @otomefoxystar @nightfoxqueen @myonlyjknight @kissmetwicekissmedeadly @bubblexly

#ikemen series #ikemen vampire #ikevamp #ikevamp theo #theodorus van gogh #ikemen theo #ikemen fanfiction #ikemen fanfic #otome fanfic #1k first kiss celebration #violettwrites

84 notes · View notes

sleepyselkiesims · 4 months ago

Text

The Everything Challenge

I have done it!! I have listed everything you can do with packs in the sims! Behold, the everything challenge!

It starts off with a version of the Occult Baby Challenge, but now we follow the lives of each kid after the home, and they're each assigned a pack.

NOTE: This is only the packs that I have cause this is a pack for me. So uhh... yeah Ig I'm the only one that can do this challenge XD But I'd love to know if there are any activities I left out!

Without further ado...

Founder: Parenthood, Laundry day, Kids room, Get together, Backyard

Flower Bunny: Cottage living

Patchy: Outdoor retreat, Seasons

Tragic Clown: High School Years, Discover University

Father Winter: Snowy Escape

Grim Reaper: Spooky stuff, nifty knitting, tiny living, crystal creations

Island Spirit: Island living

Spellcaster: Realm of magic, Get famous

Vampire: Vampires, pets

Alien: Get to work

Mermaid: Jungle Adventure

Wishing Well: Romantic garden, my wedding stories, spa day

Plant Sim: dine out, City living

Servo: dream home decorator

Note: The founder can be the Plant Sim and have a kid with a normal townie.

The founder does not have to give birth to the kids, but they will have to move the kids in

Bonus Rounds:

Complete all Achievements

“Ask about Home Region” in every world (requires frequent traveler lifestyle)

General Rules:

Get to level 10 in all skills and careers

Whenever you gain a new ability from a skill or career, you’ll try it out

Attend every festival

Complete every collection

If you want to include each death type, there's my Death Legacy challenge that lists them

Recommended play-style is with aging OFF

City Living

Aspiration and traits: City Native. Unflirty

Careers: Politician, critic, social media

Skills: Singing, instruments, video gaming, painting

Collections: Posters, snow globes, stall food

Activities:

Play on a basketball court

Use bubble bottle

Use all bubble blower flavors

Busk

Tip a golden statue until you unlock the golden outfit

Busk as a golden statue

Set off fireworks, sparklers, spinners

Use voodoo doll

Unlock all talking toilet interactions

Use vending table to sell items

Complete a wall mural and a ground

Sell a painting on a street gallery wall

Give all speech types on a podium (to be added)

Gain spice tolerance

Fight with a neighbor

Befriend your landlord

As a high-end politician, kiss a baby

Attend special invited events: circus, opera, and underground concert

Eat curry and then play basketball

Give a eulogy for a tombstone

Festivals: Romance, Geek Con, Spice, Humor and Hijinks, Flea market

Island Living

Aspiration and traits: Beach life. Child of the Island, Child of the Oceans.

Careers: Diver, fisherman, lifeguard, conservationist

Skills: Fishing

Collections: Fish, shells, underwater photos, fish, Sulani treasures

Activities:

Build all sandcastle types

Monster stomp and restore a sandcastle

Befriend 3 dolphins (regular, Azure, albino)

Purchase all snorkling equipment

Volcanic eruption

Break apart a volcanic rock

Use powers to increase a plant’s quality

Flood the floor of a room with the pool tool

Host kava parties for all reward types

Get a suntan and sunburn

Prank a sunbather (there are at least 4 options)

Complete odd jobs

Visit the waterfall

Explore Sulani cave

Encounter a shark

Interact with seagulls

Cook on a fire pit

Use a beach kiosk

Befriend an Island spirit

Ride a jet-ski

Add all add-ons to the aqua-zip

Ride a canoe

Sing all mermaid songs

Discover mermadic kelp (fishing, diving for treasure, requesting a dolphin retrieve treasure,exploring the cave)

Blow the conch shell

Sail on a boat in another world (britechester, copperdale, mt komorebi)

Fish on a boat

Optional: Eat 2 kelp to become human

Festivals: Barbecue, potluck, bonfire, flower and music, family fun day, island celebration, fishing tournament

Cottage Living

Aspiration and traits: Country caretaker. Lactose intolerant, animal enthusiast

Careers: -

Skills: Cross-stitch, cooking, gardening

Collections: 13 animal treats, 15 errand types, 17 canning recipes, 34 fair ribbons, cross stitch patterns, 5 mushrooms, 5 oversized crops, 5 fertilizers

Activities:

Raise a llama, a cow, a chicken, a chick

Hug all animals

Upgrade animal sheds

Leave something at Sophie the snail

Befriend a fox

Shoo away a fox, plead with fox, ask fox not to steal,

Befriend a bird tree stump

Befriend 3 rabbits

Ask for gardening help from befriended rabbits and birds

Give and receive gifts from birds and rabbits

Sing to birds

Get smacked by Agnes Crumplebottom

Befriend or make enemies of the Crumplebottoms

Gossip at the pub

Have a fox and chicken fight

Get golden chicken and midnight chicken

Have a picnic from a picnic basket

Have a toddler and child interact with all animals

Optional: have all animal types from treats

Order a grocery delivery

Buy from Market stalls and country caretaker

Gift a canned food

Turn an oversized mushroom into a chair

Befriend the country caretaker

Dress up animals

Start a romance between residents

Eat golden and midnight eggs

Increase the quality of various items after eating the golden egg

After eating the midnight egg, evil glare at objects and another sim

Ask the golden chicken to help with gardening

Sic the evil chicken on an enemy, the grim reaper, and a fox

Play an instrument in the bramblewoods

Pick chocoberry, blueberry, and raspberry.

Hatch an egg

Let a fox steal an egg

Sic a llama on a fox

Sic a dog on a fox

Have evil chicken set fox on fire

Participate in the fairing friend tradition

Write a simple living cookbook

Set oversized crops as decorations

Buy a mystery box from the grocery stall

Travel via bus stop

Optional: get a sheepdog and garden gnome

Festivals: Finchwick fair; Chicken, Cow, Garden, Oversized Crops, Llama

Seasons

Aspiration and traits: Academic.

Careers: Gardener

Skills: Flower arranging, fitness

Collections: Holiday crafts, 15 snowpals, 10 snowpal interactions, 12 decorative eggs, 10 resolutions, holiday traditions, 65 floral arrangements, 16 flower arrangement scents, 12 tree decorations, 12 umbrellas

Activities:

Help a toddler swim in a kiddie pool

Go for a swim in freezing weather

Become a top-level scout

Cook scout cookies

Shower in the rain

Play in the rain

Give gifts

Sing holiday songs

Have a water balloon and snowball fight

Mud fight!

Play in a mud puddle

Slip in a mud puddle

Rake leaves

Play in a leaf pile

Woohoo in a leaf pile

Burn a leaf pile

Make a snow angel

Declare an ultimate snowpal

Have a child rebuild the ultimate snowpal next time winter comes around

Destroy a snowpal

Brew bee tea

Plant a money tree

Trick or treat!

Fight Flower Bunny for eggs

Win the lottery

Kick a gnome

Create a holiday on the calendar

Put a crocus scented flower near bees

Collect swarm of bees: cheer self up, attack, woo, cheer up, fetch gift, and pollinate plants with bee swarms

Eat a jar of honey in freezing and heatwave weather

Befriend Patchy and steal his outfit

Check Patchy’s pockets for seeds

Upgrade the weather machine

Shoot lightning

Sneak a present

Replace a gift pile with pranks

Decorate!!

Approach bees while wearing the bear costume

Eat honey as a bear

Skate on an ice rink and roller rink

Have a child play in a sprinkler

Upgrade sprinkler

Push someone on a swing set

Sabotage the New Year's countdown

Snowy Escape

Aspiration and traits: Extreme Sports Enthusiast, Mt. Komorebi Sightseer. Proper, adventurous

Careers: Salary Person

Skills: Rock climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding, singing

Collections: 24 Simmis, 5 spirit dolls

Activities:

Hike with a dog

Woohoo in an ice cave

Become BFFs or enemies with Yamachan

Hike scenic loop

Go hiking with someone

Host a Mountain Excursion

Shove snow in someone’s face

Go sledding with a child

Teach a skiing class

Blog about skiing

Record snowboarding videos

Dance to the company anthem

Festivals: Light, Snow, Youth

Note: each festival has an outfit to purchase.

Discover University

Aspiration and traits: Academic.

Careers: Education, Law, and Engineering

Skills: Research & Debate, robotics

Collections: Ipsum

Activities:

Learn someone’s traits using the computer glasses

Ask about the secret gathering

Make offerings to the statues

Use the magical sprites that come with the secret club

Gotta go fast on the bike!

Play a game of soccer with someone

Do a keg stand

Play juice pong

After-school activities: E-Sport Competitor and Soccer Team Player.

Get a servo with a techie lifestyle

Optional: get a servo with a technophobe lifestyle

High School Years

Aspiration and traits: Admired Icon, Live Fast, Goal Oriented, Drama Llama. Overachiever, Party animal, Socially awkward

Careers: Simfluencer, Video game streamer. Cheer team member, Chess team member, Computer team member, Football team member

Skills: Entrepreneur

Collections: Ipsum

Activities:

Go to the shack to see a ghost

Summon urban legend on a vampire

Have a pillow fight

Attend Prom

Sneak out of a window

Go on the 3 carnival rides

Have a Famous student

A vampire sim can get expelled for drinking plasma

Festivals: fashion shows, amateur comedy nights, and poetry evenings

Get to work

Aspiration and traits: Lorem

Careers: Detective, scientist, doctor, retail owner

Skills: Baking, photography, logic

Collections: Geodes, 5 ways of taking pictures, 6 doctor work emergencies, 6 inventions, 15 serums, 8 alien abilities, 20 retail perks

Activities:

Perform surgery on an alien

Take an alien’s fingerprints

X-ray an alien

Determine gender on a pregnant sim

Watch the alien tv channel

Spread an illness with hugs

Cure an illness with herbal tea and orange juice

Take medicine when not sick

Use cloning machine to clone items for your retail lot

Turn a photograph into a memory

Spoil the latest episode of a tv show

Instill a sim with false confidence

Covertly flirt with a coworker

Eat food at a crime scene

Use all good cop and bad cop interactions

Attend an alien party on sixam

Send an alien baby back to it’s homeworld

The more signs you have, the more sims come to your store

Change mannequin poses

Laugh at a broken neon light

Use alien powers to tranmute metals and crystals

Bring a dead sixam alien beast back to life

Get Famous

Aspiration and traits: Master Actor, World Famous celebrity. Self-Absorbed

Careers: Actor

Skills: Media production, Acting

Collections: 4 talent agencies, 21 acting gigs

Activities:

Eat Caviar Crackers

Join Drama club

Woohoo in a money vault

Lock a sim in the money vault

Woohoo in a sleeping pod

Cry in a sleeping pod

Rage into the machine

Upgrade a sleeping pod

Hack the dreams of a sim in a sleeping pod

Swim with the fishes

Live stream your entire life

Wear the celestial crystal crown with all crystal types

Flaunt wealth in a crowd

Appraise an autograph

Autograph’s increase in value after a celebrity dies.

Hide from paparazzi in a photobooth

Publish a paper about acting

Bribe a bouncer

Play one of your mix tapes on a public venue speaker

Get Together

Aspiration and traits: Leader of the pack. Dance machine, Insider

Careers: -

Skills: Dancing, DJ mixing

Collections: Club perks

Activities:

Join a club

Send emotional texts, and accept the outing invitation

Dare someone to streak

Go skinny dipping at the bluffs

Woohoo in a closet

Brew drinks at an espresso bar

Do activities at a cafe

Host a dance party

Dance as a group

Create a custom mixtape

Feel the crowd and get hyped as a DJ

Overthrow a club leader

Begin a club rivalry

Dance off against another club

Wander the maze at the chalet gardens

Befriend/become enemies with the chalet ghosts

Garden Lady Shallot’s garden

Paint with Lord Shallot

Play chess at the chess pavilion and the Estate

Fantasize about weddings at the Estate

Play piano at the estate

Start a bonfire at the beach

Perform all diving moves

Set fire to a llama table

Play darts, foosball, and cards

Change bonfire colors

Throw a voodoo doll attached to a sim into the bonfire

Burn trash in a bonfire

Fire dance

Nap in a bush

Let a child play in a closet

Travel to the ancient ruins via gate

Festivals: Happy Hour, Bear’s Night, Alien Night, Ghost Nights, Knight Nights, Ladies Nights, Singles Nights, Guys Nights, ancient ruins party, estate party

Dine Out

Aspiration and traits: Foodie, glutton, snob

Careers: Restaurant Owner

Skills: Gourmet cooking

Collections: Experimental food (20), experimental food photos, restaurant perks

Activities:

Get a restaurant to 5 stars

Draw on a placemat at a restaurant

Compliment and insult the chef

Feed a bite of food to your partner

Get food poisoning

Simstagram every meal

Stock an aquarium

Try every advertising package

Get 5 stars from a critic

Leave the restaurant running in your absence

Vampires

Aspiration and traits: Vampire Family, Good Vampire, Master Vampire

Careers: …Vampire?

Skills: Vampire Lore, pipe organ, mixology

Collections: Vampire tomes, 5 vampiric drinks, vampire perks

Activities:

Ask to turn

Have a club where you play the organ, use vamp powers, and drink plasma

Create garlic wreaths, braids, and garlands

Make plasma fruit salad

Slay a fellow vampire with the Vampire Cure Cocktail

Receive the “Defeated a hunter” moodlet from surviving the cocktail

Woohoo as bats

Woohoo in a coffin

Vampire duel

Receive vampiric training

Meditate and hibernate

Create plasma packs from frogs and pets

Find a sim with Excellent Plasma

Reach irresistible thirst

Become a master vampire

Train another vampire

Place bearcula in front of a mirror

Manipulate life spirit, deprive needs, influence emotions, mesmerize, command, cast hallucination, use vampiric charm

Break into a sims house and drain them

Have a non-vampire fight them while having garlic in their inventory

With vampiric strength, crush crystals and metals

Realm of Magic

Aspiration and traits: Spellcraft & Sorcery, Purveyor of Potions

Careers: -

Skills: -

Collections: 3 bloodline types, 20 wands, 11 familiars, 25 brooms, 24 spells, 15 potions, 8 curses

Activities:

Travel through the Glimmerbrook portal

Befriend all 3 sages

Get a replacement Glimmerstone from a sage

Bind a pet as a familiar

Send pet to forage for items

Participate in the 5 duel types

Cook the 3 food types in a cauldron

Parenthood

Aspiration and traits: Super Parent

Careers: Stay-at-home parent

Skills: Parenting

Collections: 10 character values, 7 childhood/teen phases, 28 relationship types, 12 table settings, 5 volunteer activities, 7 projects (with 3 types each)

Activities: Lorem

Pack a sacked lunch

Have a sack lunch in a child’s inventory when they go to school

Add drawings to the bulletin board

Set a curfew

Write in a journal

Relive journal memories

Snoop in a journal

Catch a sim snooping in your journal

Make a mess

Build a buildl ‘em blocks table

Play doctor

Destroy a school project

Put a kid in time-out

Ground a child (7 types)

Talk a child through a mood swing, Encourage child to redirect anger, criticize mood swing

Note: skills that help for each project: painting, rocket science, logic, programming, handiness

Spa Day

Aspiration and traits: Self care specialist, zen guru, inner peace. High maintenance

Careers: At-home wellness center

Skills: Wellness, mischief

Collections: 4 unlockable recipes, yoga poses and routines

Activities:

Teleport somewhere with the wellness skill

Freeze your motive decay

Use all 6 incense types

Join a yoga class

Host a yoga class

Promote yoga virtually

Give and receive 11 massage types

Use 7 bath soaks

Sabotage a sauna

Woohoo in a sauna

Receive and give a mani-pedi

Wear all 6 face masks

Get a rash from too many face masks

While “feeling fine,” gain/remove an emotional moodlet

Outdoor Retreat

Aspiration and traits: Outdoor enthusiast. Squeamish.

Careers: Lorem

Skills: Woodworking, Herbalism

Collections: Bugs, fish, 9 wild plants, 13 herbal remedies

Activities: Lorem

Stargaze and cloudgaze

“Take deep breaths” for a nauseated squeamish sim

Wear a bear costume

Roar in bear costume

“Imitate roar” at someone who’s wearing a bear costume

Host a weenie roast event

Woodcarve the Camping Mascot

Tell stories around the campfire

Summon the campsite ghost

Woohoo in a tent

Roast marshmallows, fish, hotdogs, veggie dogs, and beetles

Cook campers stew, breakfast scramble, fruit cobbler, gumbo, and walleye surprise

Befriend the hermit

Get info from a kiosk

Befriend a Camp Ranger

Purchase supplies from a ranger station

Go hiking

Pets

Aspiration and traits: Friend of the animals. Cat lover, dog lover

Careers: Veterinarian

Skills: Pet training, veterinarian, painting, photography,

Collections: Feathers, postcards (7, from rodents), types of rodent notifs (10?), type of toys, paintings, pet treats, 4 pet recipes, 4 nips

Activities:

Get all vet clinic perks

Have a pet reach 1500 simstagram followers

Order from a food stall

Give your pets Gourmet and homestyle pet food.

Mix the Minty Fresh Pet Confection and call pet to drink

Get vet clinic to 5 stars

Run an obstacle course with a dog

Travel by a brindleton bay boat

Woohoo in the lighthouse

Let a pet explore a bush

Craft the bird sculpture

Swim with a dog

Have a hamster, rat, pygmy hedgehog, and bubalus

Get rabid rodent fever

Research rabid rodent fever

Purchase rodent remedies

Ask vet employees about rabid rodent fever

Become bffs with a pet

Have cats and dogs investigate the rodents

Plant all 4 nips

Feel the love

Get attacked by a pet

Become companions with a pet

Send pet to explore and dig

Encourage a pet to mate

Sic a cat on a mousehole

Let furniture get scratched up

Have a pet unlearn all behaviors (counters, scratching, waking up, barking, attacking, puddles, drinking from toilet, eating things they shouldn't, chasing pets, toilet)

Befriend and adopt a stray pet

Adopt a ghost pet

See how a baby interacts with animals (they seem to like to sleep near dogs, for example)

Have a female pet run away, and get pregnant during that time

Post alert for missing pet

Calm down pet

Have a dog learn all tricks

Sell a pet

Optional: there are 12 paintings you can create from cats and dogs

Jungle Adventure

Aspiration and traits: Jungle explorer, archaeology scholar

Careers: -

Skills: Archaeology, Selvadoradian culture, guitar

Collections: 10 recipes, 3 mixology drinks, 9 relic combinations, 15 relic curses, 12 relic blessings, 16 Omiscan Artifacts, 13 Omiscan treasures

Activities:

Rumbasim dance

Play the 7 Selvadoradian songs on the guitar

Tell bones jokes to a skeleton until it dies

Access the food stall’s secret menu

Buy secret wares

Study art for insights

Give an archaeology lecture

Write an archaeology book

Write a travel guide

Authenticate an object for the smithsonian

Perform a Selvadoradian salutation and introduction

Share pictures of vacation

Break a wooden relic by using it too much

Become a skeleton, and perform all special skeleton interactions

Try to eat and drink as a skeleton

Perform romantic interactions on the bridge

Eat every type of emotion berry

Open a treasure chest by a plane wreck

Swim in the Omiscan Royal baths

Open a treasure chest in the Omiscan gardens

Catch a fish at the lagoon

Open a treasure chest on the Island

Mix drinks in an Omiscan temple

Walk through the 4 gate types without disarming them

Offer a relic to temple defenses

Extract an element on the Archaeology table

Sell items on a Craft Sales Table

Dream Home Decorator

Aspiration and traits: Observant, Friendly

Careers: Interior decorator

Skills: Photography

Collections: -

Activities:

Get a good and/or bad reputation

Get fired for: flirting with clients, nudity, eating/sleeping/showering, low hygiene

Be featured on the Dream Home Decorator network

Renovate a room, add a room, renovate a level, add a level

Renovate a celebrity home

Write articles

Spooky Stuff

Aspiration and traits: Brave

Careers: -

Skills: Handiness

Collections: ICandy (technically seasons)

Activities:

Cook spooky cookies, cheese eyeballs, and zombie cake

Place haunted paintings

Decorate!

Dress up!

Host spooky parties at all levels

As for a party treat

Carve pumpkins (10 styles, 4 colors)

Wear a pumpkin as a ghost

Preserve a pumpkin

Light a pumpkin

Smash a pumpkin

Enable pumpkin emotional aura

Get all 4 moodlets from the candy bowl

Wedding Stories

Aspiration and traits: Any love. Romantic.

Careers: -

Skills: Flower arranging

Collections: Messages in bottles, cakes, bouquets

Activities:

Host: family gathering, engagement dinner, bach party, rehearsal dinner, reception, vow renewal

Call off a wedding

Grapevine gossip

Dance

Use the bathroom in city hall

Send a pet down the aisle

Romantic Garden

Aspiration and traits: Any love. Keptomaniac.

Careers: -

Skills: -

Collections: -

Activities:

Play in a fountain

Fill a fountain with bubbles

Make an offering to the wishing well

Make all wishing well wish types

Nap on a fountain

Toss coin in a fountain

Swipe simoleons from a fountain

Backyard

Aspiration and traits: Bro

Careers: -

Skills: Motor

Collections: - (could be Season’s eggs)

Activities:

Drink Lemonade (3 types)

Add bubbles to water slide

Trick slide on waterslide

Fill a bird feeder

Watch birds

Get attacked by birds at birdfeeder

View a windcatcher

Place all windchimes

Laundry Day

Aspiration and traits: Slob, lazy, neat

Careers: -

Skills: Handiness

Collections: Types of clothing (dry, smelly, damp, etc.)

Activities:

Wash clothes in a tub

Use all scent additives (possibly endless???)

Search pockets of laundry

Place clothes on a clothesline

Cause a dryer fire

Clean lint tray

Have a toddler splash in the wash tub

Upgrade the washing machine (5 types)

Upgrade the Dryer (4 types)

Upgrade the clothesline

Break a clothesline

Sabotage the washing machine and dryer

Watch the washing machine

Add extra soap

Clean the lint trap

Wear wet dirty clothes

Wear clean dry clothes

Sniff clothing

Tiny Living

Aspiration and traits: -

Careers: -

Skills: Handiness

Collections: -

Activities:

Build 3 lot types: Micro, tiny, small

Use a murphy bed

Upgrade murphy bed

Nifty Knitting

Aspiration and traits: Master of the knits

Careers: Plopsy

Skills: Knitting

Collections: Knitted items (haven’t counted)

Activities:

Brutally dance to metal music

Have a toddler/child play on a rocking chair

Max knitting skill

Wear all knitted clothing

Dress up babies and toddlers

Dress up farm animals

Knit yarny

Create the sweater curse

Elderly reminisce on a rocking chair

Have a cat play with a yarn ball

Have a child play with knitted toys

Gift the Grim Reaper a lil grim

Crystal Creations

Aspiration and traits: Crystal Crafter

Careers: Plopsy?

Skills: Gemology

Collections: Crystals, metals, 9 gem cuts, 11 jewelry types, 27 effects

Activities:

Read gemology books

Grow a crystal tree

Befriend the Grim Reaper

Kids Room

Aspiration and traits: -

Careers: Drama club

Skills: Social

Collections: 20 Voidcritters, limited edition foil voidcritters

Activities:

Perform all 5 puppet plays

Use the voidcritter battle station

Have a childhood bff

Have a childhood enemy

Dance to tween pop

Look for discarded toys in frog logs and trash cans

Trade voidcritters

Train voidcritter to highest level

#sleepysims #sims 4 #sims 4 challenges #legacy challenge

8 notes · View notes

moominofthevalley · 1 year ago

Text

The Girl with the Glass

Trystan finds a mysterious scrapbook. Emily has a deep conversation with a stranger.

trystan x emily

teen | wc: 2.5k | cw: mentions of grief

cfwc prompt: ‘visiting a holiday market’ & ‘the holidays won’t be the same now that they’re gone’

a/n: happy holidays, everyone! this drabble is inspired by an influx of things – mostly my favorite film, “amélie,” if you couldn’t tell by the title. (which, of course, is not-so-subtle-symbolism). enjoy! ♡

“It’s your turn, Trystan!”

Snow sprinkled downwards, little husks of angels drooping to the wintry ground. Crowds of faces walked the busy New York streets, surrounded by shiny knickknacks and dusty clothes. Cheeks were stained pink, and lips curled upwards in the holiday spirit. Trystan urged out a cocky grin, arms around Emily’s waist.

“Is it, now?”

“Yes, it is! I’ll go and get something for us to eat.”

Trystan pecked her forehead, whispering, “Do something good!” before disappearing into the crowd. He grew fond of these new habits of love, searching for a trinket to take back to their hearth.

It was a silly tradition, but a tradition nonetheless. It began with a scratched Pierrot figurine Emily bought from a vintage shop. Ivory skin and porcelain eyes, and a black-and-white costume with a frilled collar. Like some haunted elf on the shelf, the clown explored the apartment all by itself – according to Trystan, at least. The second well-loved piece was a gift from Marguerite: a brass ladybug ashtray. Neither Emily nor Trystan smoked, though the aureate bug was far too interesting to be thrown away. The most recent find was a print of Renoir’s The Luncheon of the Boating Party Emily purchased from a local art gallery. Both of them adored it; the celebration of warmth and good company, the splendid wines and fruits, calmness and beauty in the mundane. Drinks and company aside, Emily was far more fascinated with the girl with the glass. A sullen woman drinking wine in a sea of chatting strangers.

It was Trystan’s turn, and he was keen on finding an old book of sorts. He insisted on a leather novel of yellowed papers and annotated lines, with intricate Victorian details along the spine. Trystan paused, exhilarated at the antique booth before him. Forgotten scrapbooks, noir polaroids, rotten thrown-away cameras, and fringed lamps cornered him with an enticement to explore.

Emily wandered around the opposite side of the market, searching for food vendors. A strange harmony bubbled inside her; a soft scent, a beam from the clouded sun. She breathed in the scent of chestnuts and red wine, a wintry chill slipping through her bones. Silver bells danced in the December wind, faces greeting each other with a blissful smile. It was a perfect moment, a painting from her own eyes.

On the sidewalk stood a white-haired woman in a vibrant Christmas sweater, her cane tapping the frozen ground. Breaths escaped her parted lips in subtle clouds of white. Trystan’s words repeated in Emily’s head, a determination settling within her. This was peace and contentment; the mundanity of a random December afternoon.

“Excuse me, ma’am, do you need help?”

“Yes, please!”

“Careful of the curb, here we go!”

The woman held onto the cane, her other hand wrapped around Emily’s. Her heart burst at the scene developing around her. Laughs and joyous days echoed around her, the wind so sweet she gulped for more.

“Hear that? That’s a florist laughing, he has crinkly eyes! A booth that smells like eucalyptus and rose is selling crystals and botanical postcards. The food truck across them is selling lollipops and hot cocoa for children. A farmer’s booth has rows of persimmons, oranges, and tangerines. Next to the fruits, a baby is watching her dad throw his hat in the air. We’re at the end of the market, there’s a bookstore and a vinyl shop in front of us. I’ll leave you here, goodbye!”

The elderly woman struck out a pleased laugh, touched by moments folding around her. Memories of today fell like dominoes, scattering about like new snow. Her cheeks shined pink as Emily cradled her hand, stilling the woman’s trembling fingers.

“Have a good day,” She whispered before walking off.

“Wait,” The woman called out, “Are you hungry? Let me get you something to eat!” * * * *

Emily and the white-haired woman split an orange and two empanadas on a quiet bench. Emily, of course, peeled the oranges in thirds, ignoring the pith underneath her nails.

Familiarity struck her as she handed the woman an orange. Her father’s willow-leaved eyes resembled the stranger’s. Perhaps in another life, Jimmy Rose grew old and never walked the grounds of Box Thirty-Two. To breathe with wrinkled skin and grey hairs, lines creasing about his lips and forehead.

“What’s your name?”

“Diana.”

“I’m Emily,” she hid the third orange wedge in her coat pocket, “Do you like the food?”

“I love it,” Diana grinned, “God, that vendor was beautiful, wasn’t she?”

Emily gulped, taken aback, “How could you tell?”

The other woman laughed and patted her lap, “Partial blindness. I can only see things if I’m up close.”

“Oh!” Emily blushed awkwardly, “I’m sorry – I didn’t-”

“Don’t worry.”

“But, er, yes, the vendor was beautiful.”

Diana perked up, casting an amused grin, “Are you a lesbian?”

“Bisexual. My partner wanted to check this market out. He’s looking for…I dunno, some trinket to take home, and I told him I’d get us some food. Are you…also…?”

Diana nodded.

“How old are you?”

“Sixty-eight. And you?”

“Twenty-eight,” Diana winced.

“Don’t worry, it does get better.”

Emily shrugged, unconvinced. Her bones were brittle as if made of glass, jaded memories of Drakovia hitting her like violent waves against a sandy beach. Grief thrashed inside her head so intensely she’d wake up in the night, begging for air. There was avoiding it, no going under or over it. Whether she’d acknowledge it or not, trauma and grief permeated her life.

“When?” Emily asked innocently, her eyes burning. Diana scooted slightly closer, resting her wrinkled hand over Emily’s.

“When does it get better?” Emily nodded, cringing at her childish question, “However long it takes. Eventually…it’ll pass.”

It had been sixteen years. Sixteen years, and it had, indeed, not passed. She swore that she’d be done with everything by twenty. That foolish promise broke, and twenty-eight was no different than twenty. All that was left of Jimmy Rose’s legacy was a cruel memory.

“It’s been almost twenty years. I don’t think it will.”

Emily gritted her teeth, furrowing her fingers into her hands until they became beet red. With a blink of an eye, she was no longer the famed private detective who took down the Heartache Killer; but a tall child with no father.

“Oh, Emily,” Diana cooed, “I’m so sorry. But that’s simply not true,” She murmured, struggling to find the right words, “Nothing lasts forever. Things pass, lives go on, and it feels fucking awful when you’re…stuck. But when we are stuck, all we have is each other. To get by, at least.”

Emily’s walls began crumbling. Her hands instinctively covered her face, sheltering herself from the world. Diana granted her some space, moving closer to the other end of the bench.

“I’m sorry,” Emily rubbed her face, grasping at anything to change the subject. With a pained sigh, she uttered, “Y’know, I don’t really like Christmas. I just–I’m just here because of my partner.”

“I don’t either,” Diana said, “But my wife loved it. Every year, God bless her soul, she’d always cook the worst beef wellington ever!” Diana laughed with a familiar gleefulness, “I’d always eat it. I mean, it was atrocious and entirely raw, but she cooked it. Made with love…and absolutely no seasoning. I would do anything to have it this year.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Emily whispered, “Her wellington must’ve made your day. My dad took me to Rockefeller Square every year until he passed. I always thought he was a king for that,” She chuckled, “I remember seeing it for the first time. I didn’t even know trees got that big.”

“He sounds like an amazing Dad. I am so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you. I try to remember the good things about him. It helps keep his spirit alive.”

Inklets of snow trailed down and stained their hair, solemness in the wind. Emily cleared her throat, pushing past the silence.

“Can you tell me more about your wife?”

“Of course,” Diana beamed, “Her name was Dani. She lived in the apartment next to mine. She was an amazing pianist - I’d always hear her playing through the walls. One day, I knocked on her door and asked if I could listen to her.”

“Do you remember what song she played?”

“Yes! It was, hm, ‘Camptine?’ No – ‘Comptine d’un autre été.’ You really should listen to it sometime.”

“I’ll hold you to that…how long were you two together?”

“Twenty years and ninety-eight days – but who’s counting? We were completely different,” Diana’s face grew serious, “And she was so different in the end, too. It’s odd to see someone go when they’re already gone and so, so small.”

Emily fiddled with her hands, jaws clenched, “I’m so sorry, Diana. I can’t imagine losing–” She choked on a small pit in her throat, “I just can’t imagine a loss like that.”

“Thank you. The two of us had an amazing life. We really did. I mean – sometimes I still see her, even in little things, I still feel her with me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I see her everywhere,” Diana’s lips quivered, “I see her when it rains, and I think of the song she played for me when we first met. I saw La Traviata last summer, and all I thought about was her. Whenever I walk by a deli, I think of her God-awful beef wellington.”

A glint of doubt shimmered in Emily’s eye. Uncertainty twisted her insides, striking with fierce ripples of despair and mourning.

“Listen to me,” Diana said sternly, “One day at a time is all we got. So go on and live. But, when the time does come…kiss his forehead, rub his feet, play a song. It will be hard, and I don’t think it will ever go away completely. But I promise – after some time, you’ll wake up and feel, maybe not better, but as if you’ve adjusted to the pain of it all. And then it won’t hurt so much.”

A surge of preemptive grief washed over Emily, though tears never flooded her eyes. The burdens of the past and deaths of the future weren’t gone, but instead quiet and still in her mind. Death is only a moment, a bitter soul slipping into the next room. Two words repeated in Emily’s head until she was content.

“Thank you. I never thought of it that way…thank you.”

Easy silence lay upon them, the words shared by each other warm in their throats. Flurries of unknown faces passed by, snowflakes tangling in their hair with ease. Spotting Trystan in the crowd of strangers, Emily greeted the mischievous smirk on his face, hands tucked behind his back.

“Hey partner,” Trystan kissed the top of Emily’s head, “And who’s this?”

“I’m Diana…and you must be who Emily was telling me about!”

“Oh, yeah? What’d she tell you?”

“Your deepest and darkest secrets, obviously,” Emily deadpanned, “...You hiding something back there?”

With a smug grin, Trystan unveiled a wrapped gift. He chuckled, “You’ll see! I’ll show you later.”

“Hey, I also got you something!” Emily grabbed the orange slice from her pocket, wiping away tiny beads of lint. Trystan’s face lit up, mouth agape.

“I love you. Thank you,” Trystan pecked her forehead once more before biting into the citrus, “And it was lovely meeting you, Diana. I hope Emily didn’t tell you every secret of mine.” Diana laughed, shaking his hand.

“Of course not. And Emily?” She whispered into her ear, “Remember what you’re here for.”

* * * *

“Do I seriously need to be blindfolded for this?”

“I mean,” He pressed his hands tight against Emily’s eyes, “Yeah, you do.”

Emily grumbled, rolling her eyes through the thick wad of fabric tied around her head. A week had passed since she met Diana, and all that was in her mind were her tender words. Emily fixed her pout, forcing a tooth-shining smirk as Trystan led her across the apartment.

“The things I do for you.”

“Careful, darling,” Trystan gently moved her away from hitting the coffee table, “And sit…err, right here!”

“Can I take the blindfold off now?”

“Not yet!”

Sounds of scuffling surrounded her, and Emily grew curious. Trystan had been hiding something since the trip to the market. Whenever she’d mentioned it, he’d waggle a finger to his lips and utter gibberish.

Emily scoffed, amused, “Is this about that thing you got last week?” Trystan snickered with a childlike excitement.

“...Maybe.”

The tussling stopped, and Trystan sat beside her. Resting a hand on her thigh, he grinned, “Okay! You can take it off now.”

“Oh…my God!”

A leatherbound scrapbook and a dainty film camera plastered with Hello Kitty stickers sat across them. Colorful children’s doodles scuffed the book cover, crayons covering every inch. Squiggly letters in blue and red revealed the title: RoSe fAmilY aDveNtureS. Emily gasped, flooded with faint memories of her father. With flushed cheeks, she turned to Trystan and gawked.

“Trystan!” Emily squealed, “You found this last week?”

“Mhm,” He bobbed his head, “I showed it to Tommy to make sure. He said he must’ve accidentally donated it while cleaning up the attic. It…may or may not have taken me a long time to figure out how to use the camera – but it works! I’ll hook it up to the TV, okay?”

“I fucking love you.”

Emily and Trystan flipped page after page, soaking in long-forgotten moments of Emily’s past. At the top of each page contained a laminated label. Little Emily as San, Halloween 2002. Trip to Luzon, June 2005. Fluffernutters and Chocolate Rocks!

Stacks of polaroids were taped against each other, smiles and blissful memories in every photo. One quickly seized Trystan’s attention. ‘2001’ was written at the hem of the photo. At the center, a pigtailed Emily smiled widely at the camera, boasting her half-eaten yan yan.

“God,” Emily grazed her thumb over the polaroid, “I can’t believe you found this.”

“Me too. Maybe we can look through Tommy’s attic sometime. There has to be other books we can find.”

“Can we look through the camera now?”

“Of course!”

Emily grinned at Trystan, warmed by his gift. It’d been years since her heart grew so fondly, a quiet ease running through her body. Her bones were, indeed, not made of glass. She was not brittle and weak, but rather brimming with love and sentiment. Pain and sorrow were in her veins, too, yet on this still and snowy morning, Emily was at peace.

* * * * A/N: This fic was both such a pain and so nice to write lol. I wanted to give a little thank you to @jerzwriter @lexicook74-blog and @logolepzy for helping me edit this fic! Thank you all so much for your feedback, I appreciate you all SO much.

Tags: @choicesprompts @choicesholidays @choicesficwriterscreations @jerzwriter @logolepzy @mooserii @starsarewithinme @jonathanmoores @shadyinternetblizzard @urcowboyboyfriend @lexicook74-blog @leahtine @jahrobin @icarusfallsforever @kyra75 @calisomnia (let me know if else would like to be added to my crimes tag!)

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