#but he starts moving before they disappear so shrugs its fine by me

[fakirchan]

[forzalando]

Orange Theory

Charles Leclerc x best friend!reader (female reader)

summary: charles and his best friend do countless nice things for each other, but they're just behaving like any good friend would. right? wc: 2.5k author's note: ok guys so this is not the Charles fic i promised (she is still a WIP and i will finish her eventually. probably will have to be a multi-part fic with how long it's getting), but i hope you enjoy this one in the meantime! special thanks to @scuderiahoney for encouragement and inspiration. special thanks to @sof1shticated for reading and assuring me this doesn't suck. if you haven't read their fics, both Lee and Mel have some gems that i adore. HIGHLY recommend checking out their masterlists! warnings: none!

You loved summer break – Charles was home for at least a few weeks, days spent on a yacht, every afternoon and evening spent with friends either at dinner or out at some club until someone got too drunk to carry on.

Today was, in your humble opinion, the perfect day. All of your friends, courtesy of Charles, were sprawled out on the sun deck of a rented boat or splashing around in the water below. You could feel the heat radiating off of Lando as he laid next to you and whispered about how McLaren was making insane upgrades – according to him, they might just have a race-winning car in the second half of the season.

“Are you boring my best friend to tears, Norris?” The brutal sun disappeared behind Charles’ body as he stood above you – as if on instinct, he shifted slightly so that you could look up at him and not be blinded by its rays.

“She’s hanging on my every word, right, Y/N? In fact, she asked me how I’m feeling about Zandvoort and the rest of the season.”

“And?” Charles asked, a small smile on his face.

“Like I would tell you what’s going on with the car! I know Y/N can keep a secret, she would never betray me to a prancing horse. She bleeds papaya.”

You laughed along with Lando – the one point of contention that had always existed in your friendship with Charles. Of course, you became a Ferrari fan because of him, but you’d always been a McLaren and Mercedes loyalist. It was something that Lando, Oscar, and George relished in.

“Alright, alright, no need to rub it in, Norris,” you giggled. “What can I do for you, Charlie?”

“I just came to give you this.”

Within seconds, a perfectly peeled orange dropped in your lap. Lando’s eyes grew wide for a moment but a swift glare from Charles had his face back to normal in no time. You missed the interaction, jumping up from your seat in excitement.

“Aw, Charlie! You are the best friend a girl could ask for,” you chirped as you started separating the wedges of fruit.

“Ah, don’t mention it,” he sighed, waving his citrus-scented hand in the air. “There’s more in the cooler if you want! Freshly peeled!”

“Thank you, mon cher ami.” You quickly kissed his cheek, noticing as you pulled away just how red it was, along with his neck and the tips of his ears. “Charles! How many times do I have to tell you to put on sunscreen? Your face and neck are fried!”

“I don’t think it’s from the sun,” Lando mumbled, his eyes trained on the fruit in your hands. With Charles insisting he was fine, you could barely hear what he had said.

“What did you say, Lan?” You asked, turning your attention away from Charles for a moment.

Once again, Lando was met with a menacing glare and he laughed awkwardly before moving his gaze to the horizon.

“Nothing, nothing, Y/N. Just thinking out loud.”

Shrugging your shoulders, you turned back to Charles and handed him the orange he had just given to you. With your now free hands, you rifled through your beach bag until you found the SPF 50 face cream you had packed that morning with Charles in mind.

“Here, I packed this for you. Please put some on so I don’t have to worry about you getting sun poisoning,” you pleaded with your best puppy dog eyes.

Charles stared without answering for far too long – anything you wanted, all you had to do was ask him and he’d do it. Even without you gazing at him with your wide, siren eyes, he would give you the world if you so desired it.

He shook his head slightly, pulling himself out of the daze caused by your pleading eyes. “Oui, ma fleur, I will put on the sun cream. Je promets.”

You smiled in triumph, taking the orange back from Charles and bidding him a “see you later” before laying back down in your lounger. Popping an orange slice into your mouth, you let out a contented sigh. Somehow, whether Charles was magic or he had some serious connections in the produce world, the fruit he picked out and gave to you always tasted better than anything you bought yourself.

“He peels your oranges for you?”

You hummed and turned to Lando – “what, Lan?”

“Does Charles always peel your oranges for you?”

“Well, no, obviously not always. Why?”

Before Lando could answer, Lily plopped down next to you and stole an orange slice from your hand.

“I swear,” she huffed, “Alex and George are competitive to begin with, but when they get together, it’s unbearable. They’ve been having a “who can hold their breath the longest” contest for the past thirty minutes! Rematch after rematch after rematch, I called in my favor with Oscar to get out of judging their little competition.”

“As if either of them could beat me, they probably didn’t ask me to join because they’re scared,” Lando bragged. “I’ll leave you ladies to chat, go show them how it’s done.”

As Lando walked towards the edge of the boat, you and Lily turned towards one another.

“Men,” you scoffed in unison, following it up with belly laughs and lingering giggles.

As the laughter died down, Lily ate the orange slice she had stolen from you and practically moaned in delight. “Where did you get this orange? It might be the best I’ve ever had!”

“It’s from Charles! I was just thinking about this, I don’t know how he does it but he always has the best fruit. Every time he brings me any I am both ecstatic and pissed off – my fruit is never as good as his and we shop at the same grocery store!”

“Well, does he have any more oranges? I could eat 20 of these.”

“He said he left me more in his cooler, let me grab them.”

A few moments later, you walked back to Lily with a bag of peeled oranges in your right hand and two bottles of water in your left.

“Are you a professional orange peeler? You were only gone for two minutes.”

“Oh no,” you giggled, “Charles peeled them for me. He knows I don’t like peeling them so when he can, he always does it for me.”

“Y/N,” Lily looked at you suspiciously, “do you know what the orange peel theory is?”

You wracked your brain but came up empty. “No, what is it?”

Lily went into a brief explanation – something about how it became a viral tik tok challenge, people asking their partners if they would peel an orange for them and how it was an indicator of true love, soulmates, a healthy relationship, and everything in between. “Well, that’s just silly,” you mumbled through chews, orange juice dribbling down your chin. “I think it just means someone is a good person – Charlie and I aren’t anything more than friends and he peels my oranges, among other things, because he has a good heart.”

“Among other things?” Lily pressed you, her eyes gleaming with something you couldn’t quite place.

“He slices my apples because I have never been able to master the apple corer contraption! And he takes all my grapes off the stems when he’s at my place because I never do – it’s too tedious.”

“What else?”

“Oh, when we go out to breakfast, he always brings me a tea when he picks me up. He’s an early riser and I take forever to get ready. He knows I never have time to make it myself when we have plans before 10am.”

Lily was smirking at you, no, smiling at you. It was a little unnerving, the way she was entirely amused at the information you were giving her. However, the moment was briefly interrupted by the arrival of Alex.

“What are we talking about, ladies?” He spoke cheerfully, a broad smile on his face which meant that he was most likely declared the best breath holder of the 2019 rookies.

“Y/N was just telling me about all the sweet things Charles does for her,” Lily gushed.

“Oh god, when is he not doing things for her? Did you see him buttering her bread for her at dinner last week?”

Lily burst out laughing while you playfully punched Alex’s arm. “I’m indecisive! He butters it for me while I read the menu since it takes me so long to figure out what I want to order. It saves time!”

“He does that on a regular basis?” Alex asked incredulously, looking at Lily with wide eyes. “My god, that man is head over heels.”

“Alex,” you protested, “Charles is not in love with me. We’ve been friends for six years, I think I would know by now.”

“You’re both impossible,” Alex groaned. “Come on, Lily, I just came over to get you so we could play water polo with George and Carmen.”

Lily sighed in defeat, though she had a smile on her face at the thought of spending time with Alex even if it meant another competition. “I’ll see you, later, yeah?” She called over her shoulder, waving goodbye as you teased her by dramatically eating another slice of orange and settling back in your chair. At the front of the boat, Charles was laughing with Pierre and almost as if he felt you looking, he turned around and met your gaze.

Even though you had just wholly denied anything more than friendship between you and him, you couldn’t help but think about your interactions with Lily and Alex.

Sure, Charles sometimes did things that were out of the ordinary for ‘just friends’, but he had the sweetest soul of anyone you’d ever met. He always sacrificed his umbrella or jacket for you, made sure you had fresh tulips in your apartment when he was home in between races, had your favorite meal delivered to you when you were having a rough day while he was away and you missed him.

You did things for him too – cleaned his apartment when you knew he was on his way back to Monaco, left him plenty of sticky notes with words of encouragement if he was coming back from a bad race, stocked his fridge full of his favorite things. Recently, you’d been gifting him annotated books because he mentioned he wanted to read more and always enjoyed listening to you talk about your favorite novels. Since you spent most of the year apart, you decided he could at least read your thoughts.

When you could come to races, unfortunately a rare occurrence due to your graduate classes and work schedule, he made sure Ferrari hospitality had your favorite flavor of sparkling water on hand. Anytime you saw a cute dog video, you would send it to him because they always made him smile.

You’d do anything to make him smile, just as he would for you, which is what a good friend would do. A best friend, it’s what a best friend would do.

But best friends didn’t linger in doorways and stare at each other’s lips when bidding each other goodnight. They didn’t cuddle close and fall asleep in each other’s arms on a couch while watching whatever movie you had chosen because he always let you choose.

They didn’t look at one another the way Charles was looking at you now – his sunglasses pushed up on top of his head and a dopey smile on his face. He waved to you and dramatically blew you a kiss, something he always did when he caught your eye across a room, no matter who was around.

You practically launched yourself to your feet, the last remaining orange slices in your lap falling to the lounger and staining the seat with juice. It was only seconds until you were standing in front of Charles but the walk over felt like an eternity with the way the world around you disappeared and your heart pounded in your chest.

“Est-ce que tu maimes, Charles?”

The question came out in one breath, your chest heaving in anticipation for his response.

“Of course, I love you, ma fleur,” he laughed. “What’s gotten into you?”

“No,” you panted. “Do you love me, Charlie? Est-ce que tu maimes?”

“Of course, I love you,” he answered again, his eyes shining and a small smile on his face that told you everything you needed to know. “Every time I think of you, I love you. Every time I breathe, I love you.”

“Every time you peel my oranges?” You whispered, holding up your orange juice-stained fingertips. He took your right hand in his and held it up to his face to kiss your palm, his eyelashes fluttering against you gently.

“Especially when I peel your oranges. Did you know that I hate doing it too? Like, really hate it. I don’t even peel them for myself.”

You gasped in shock, watching as he threw his head back and laughed jovially.

“I’d do anything for you, ma fleur. Mon soleil. Mon cœur.”

“Would you kiss me?”

“Maybe if Pierre would leave and stop gawking at us.”

This time you threw your head back to laugh, Charles soon joining you as Pierre protested the accusation.

“No, no,” he shouted, “you didn’t even give me a chance to leave. Just started declaring your love before I knew what was happening. Which, by the way, was so obvious it was starting to get annoying. We’ve all tried dropping hints to both of you so I don’t know who got through to you, Y/N, but – ”

“Pierre!” You shouted, eyes wide and arm gesturing him away from the two of you.

“Ah, désolé, I’m leaving,” he grumbled, almost tripping over his own feet to get away as quickly as possible.

You giggled again and Charles gripped your chin softly, pulling your eyes away from Pierre and back to face him.

He leaned in gently, as if he was afraid you would back away and regret taking the leap to go from friends to something so much more.

He tasted like salt water, smelled like sweet fruit and sunscreen – you smiled into the kiss knowing that he had listened to you and put it on, even though you knew he hated the way it felt on his skin.

His fingers gripped your waist and yours trailed up his chest – both of you slightly sticky from the citrus juices and sweat from the sun.

You pulled away and nudged his nose with yours, breathing him in and wishing that this moment would never end. Charles lowered you both to the sun deck, adjusting until you were sitting between his legs and his arms were wrapped firmly around you, the two of you facing the sunset and open sea.

After a few moments, you broke the shared silence. “You know, I would have happily peeled an orange for you if you had ever asked me,” you asserted.

Charles’ hold on you softened at your admission, the thinly veiled meaning not at all lost on him as he pressed his lips to your cheek.

“I love you too, Y/N.”

[beenbaanbuun]

the friend - opposites attract universe

a knock against the door has hongjoong startled, pulling him from the task at hand. his hands that were delicately massaging your scalp soon disappear, instead finding their way to your shoulders to push you gently from his path. you whine in mock complaint as he shuffles you to sit in front of his husband instead, but then seonghwa’s skilled fingers lace themselves in your soft barnet and all is well again. your eyes flutter closed and your head tips back.

“fickle little thing,” hongjoong muses as he straightens his slacks. his fingers brush over the pinstriped material, knocking away the creases from sitting in them, before he begins to move towards the archway that separates the living room from the foyer. “she really will crumble for anyone who shows her attention.”

he mutters that last bit under his breath, sharing an amused chuckle with himself as he wraps his hand around the brass doorknob. the wooden door is heavy and takes more than a little effort to yank open, but with a helpful hand from someone on the other side, it seems much easier. the ringed hand that came to his aid soon drops from the ornate door, swinging back down to the side of its owner. hongjoong can’t help but smile when he sees who it belongs to—his good friend song mingi is at his door.

hongjoong smiles at the man as he takes his sunglasses off and tucks them in the pocket of his black hoodie; it was a style choice hongjoong never really got behind, but mingi insisted that dressing so casually was ‘cool’ and not to mention ‘handy for his line of work.’ hongjoong is still convinced that you can take care of werewolves whilst dressing properly, but after several conversations on the matter, he’s come to the conclusion that mingi is simply just too stubborn to care. it’s fine, hongjoong tells himself; it’s all a part of what makes the giant on his doorstep so loveable.

“no yunho today?” hongjoong asks as he sidesteps just enough to let mingi through the door. “you two are normally inseparable.” there’s a strange expression on mingi’s face as hongjoong moved to push the door closed. it’s sheepish and shy and not at all like mingi, almost as if he’s ashamed of something. the door clicks shut just as the taller man shrugs which in itself is suspicious. the pair are normally attached at the hip; for mingi to not know exactly where the artist is at any given point in time is wrong. hongjoong sucks his teeth like he’s about to start scolding a child. “mingi, what have you done?”

“nothing!” the young man complains, tone defensive and annoyed. “why would you assume it’s me that’s done something and not yunho?”

its said like a child blaming their sibling for something, and hongjoong has to tense all of his face muscles to stop himself from cracking a smile. mingi makes it almost impossible for him not to have a soft spot for the man. so selfless yet so childish, hongjoong finds it easy to adore him. it’s probably why he’s been friends with the unsophisticated rascal for so many years.

“because i know if yunho had done something he would’ve already apologised and fixed the matter at hand,” it’s true, although it is entirely possible that yunho had apologised for something and mingi was just being his usual difficult self about it. hongjoong suspects that if that were the case, though, the man in his foyer would be a whole lot poutier. he thinks its safe to assume that this is a mingi-caused problem, as so many things are. “now tell me what’s wrong or i’ll invite yunho over to tell me himself.”

mingi’s jaw clenches, the muscles ticking like a clock as he mulls over his options. on one hand, he doesn’t want to be scolded by hongjoong, on the other, he really doesn’t want to have to face yunho right now. he knows one look at his friend will have him bent double, begging for forgiveness and he’s not quite ready to do that. he wants to hang onto his pride for just a little while longer.

so he sighs and closes his eyes, mentally preparing himself for the berating he’s about to get from hongjoong. his lungs fill with oxygen and he’s just about to confess his wrongdoings when he hears it; the sound of his saviour.

“hongjoong?” your brashly optimistic voice echos through the room as the soft pitter-patter of your bare feet grows nearer, and for the first time ever, mingi finds himself thanking the devil for your existence. usually he’s pretty impartial to you, loving to tease you more than he loves you. now, though? demons, he could kiss you if he wasn’t absolutely sure that hongjoong would have yeosang pinning him to the floor by his throat within seconds.

screw the fact that mingi once cared for yeosang like he was one of his own; the once feral pup is well and truly loyal to the kim family now…

mingi watches as the lilac of your sweater-covered arms wraps around hongjoong’s waist like a belt. the man relaxes into your hold, the accusatory look on his face melting away as you tuck your face into his neck. “seonghwa was wondering how long you’d be. he misses you.”

hongjoong chuckles and rolls his eyes.

“you mean you miss me?” he purrs, brining a hand up to pet at your messed up hair. mingi’s surprised seonghwa let you slip from his grasp without carefully laying each individual strand of hair back into position. no doubt the man is seething about your escape in the next room over. “seonghwa can live without me for a few moments, dove. you, on the other hand, are forever proving that you can’t.”

“yeah, sure, whatever,” you admit, “i miss you, i guess.”

hongjoong cranes his neck to kiss the side of your head, a toothy grin on his face as he holds his lips to you for a few more seconds than necessary. mingi finds himself rolling his eyes at the unnecessary display of affection, but he’s be lying if he said he didn’t feel something stirring inside of his chest. it’s cute, he admits to himself, but that doesn’t mean he needs to see it. he’s actually more than grateful when hongjoong pulls away from you with a gentle sigh.

“let’s go back to the lounge then, my pretty little dove,” hongjoong murmurs, and mingi feels the weight of the world fall from his back. he’s have to thank you later for tearing hongjoong’s attention from him. “you can wake yeosang from his nap; i’m sure the mutt would be more than happy to see that mingi is here to visit.”

[fa1rydr3ams]

“Mistltoe Mishap”

Shota Aizawa x Coworker Gn! Reader

| cw: innocent kiss, sfw, awkwardness, romantic tension, gn! reader

| a/n: day 2 of ficmas 24’ !! check the ficmas tab on the pixie works for the next update!

| wc: n/a

The festive hum of conversation filled the UA faculty lounge, strung with holiday lights and the faint scent of pine. You stood near the punch bowl, chatting with Nemuri, her sparkling laughter blending seamlessly with the party’s cheerful ambiance.

Nemuri leaned in slightly, her smile turning mischievous as her gaze flicked across the room. “So… you and Shouta?”

You followed her line of sight, spotting Aizawa standing near the fireplace. He was deep in conversation with Yamada and a few other teachers, his signature scarf pulled up despite the warm room. You shrugged, taking a sip of your drink.

“It’s nothing serious,” you said, though the flutter in your chest betrayed you. “I mean, we get along really well, but… I’m not totally sure how he feels.”

Nemuri tilted her head, clearly unimpressed by your answer. “You should ask him. Or, better yet, make a move yourself.”

You laughed, waving her off. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll think about it. Anyway, I’m going to freshen up real quick. I’ll be right back.”

Nemuri smirked knowingly as you set your cup down and slipped out of the lounge.

On your way back from the restroom, you rounded a corner and nearly walked straight into Aizawa.

“Ah, sorry—” you started, but he shook his head, stepping aside to give you space.

“It’s fine,” he said simply, his voice calm and low as always. “Enjoying the party?”

“Yeah, it’s nice,” you replied, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “I’m surprised you came, though. Not really your thing, is it?”

He huffed softly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Yamada didn’t give me much of a choice. He said I needed ‘holiday cheer.’”

You both chuckled at that, the air between you warming slightly.

Before you could say more, a familiar voice broke through the moment.

“Oi! Lovebirds!”

You both turned to see Yamada walking by, whistling a jaunty tune. He gave you a cheeky grin and pointed upward before disappearing into the crowd.

Confused, you glanced up—and froze. Hanging just above your heads was a sprig of mistletoe, its green leaves and red berries swaying innocently.

“Oh,” you said, biting back a laugh.

Aizawa stiffened, his gaze flicking from the mistletoe to you before quickly turning away. His scarf shifted slightly, but not enough to hide the flush creeping up his cheeks.

“You’re blushing,” you teased, leaning in just a little closer.

“No, I’m not,” he replied, his voice uncharacteristically quiet.

You tilted your head, an amused smile playing on your lips. “It’s a rule, you know.”

Aizawa cleared his throat, his eyes darting back to yours. “A rule?”

“Mm-hm,” you said, raising an eyebrow. “You’re supposed to kiss under the mistletoe.”

For a moment, he seemed to weigh his options, his hands fidgeting slightly in his pockets. The blush on his face deepened, but he didn��t step back.

You took a small step closer, the faint scent of pine and cinnamon from the room wrapping around you both. “What’s the matter, Shouta? Scared of a little tradition?” you asked, your tone light but playful.

His dark eyes narrowed slightly, though the blush on his face betrayed him. “I’m not scared,” he said firmly, though the slight crack in his voice made you smile wider.

“Really?” you said, tilting your head just a little more. “Then what’s stopping you?”

Aizawa shifted, his scarf moving as though he was debating whether to pull it higher or just bury his face in it completely. “It’s not exactly… appropriate,” he mumbled, his gaze darting toward the bustling party in the lounge.

You leaned in a fraction closer, your voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “No one’s looking. Besides, it’s just a kiss—hardly scandalous.”

His eyes flicked back to yours, and for a moment, the tension in the air felt almost electric. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” he said, his tone flat but not unkind.

You grinned. “Maybe a little. But I think you are too.”

Aizawa sighed, clearly resigned to his fate. His hands, which had been stuffed in his pockets, twitched slightly as though he was debating what to do with them.

“Fine,” he said quietly, his voice barely audible over the distant hum of holiday music. “Just… don’t make a big deal out of it.”

You nodded, your smile softening. “Of course. No big deal.”

Taking the lead, you closed the remaining distance between you, tilting your head up. For a split second, Aizawa froze, his breath hitching. Then, ever so carefully, he leaned down, his lips brushing yours in a feather-light kiss.

It was over in an instant, but the warmth lingered, and when you pulled back, you couldn’t help but notice how flustered he looked.

“There,” he said, clearing his throat and adjusting his scarf. “Happy now?”

You laughed softly, your cheeks warm. “Very. See? That wasn’t so bad.”

He gave you a long, measured look before the faintest smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “You’re trouble,” he said, though there was no real bite to his words.

“Maybe,” you replied, your grin teasing. “But you like me anyway.”

Aizawa shook his head, but the way his gaze lingered on you told you everything you needed to know.

From across the room, Yamada let out a loud, exaggerated cheer, and Nemuri raised her glass in your direction, her expression gleefully smug.

Aizawa groaned. “I’m never going to hear the end of this.”

“Probably not,” you admitted, your tone light and playful. “But hey, at least now you’ve got some holiday cheer.”

He sighed again, but the slight curve of his lips didn’t go unnoticed.

dividers by @anitalenia love!!

[in1-nutshell]

Shenanigans happen, Fearless gets hit with magical plot ray and temporarily turns cybertronian.  Good news, they’re now alot more durable and no longer under threat of squishidge.  Bad news, their shenanigans have doubled now that they're durable.

YES! Fearless has returned and back with a new body!

Hope you enjoy!

Fearless turns Cybertronain

SFW, Platonic, Familial, Human/Cybertronain reader

MTMTE

The Lost Light had just found a new relic on one of their trips.

The science department was in charge of figuring out what it was capable of doing.

No one knows who or what had activated the relic, or why it even spontaneously combusted because everyone was too busy avoiding the energy beam that was ricocheting around the lab.

That is… until it left the lab.

Meanwhile, Fearless was hauling some metal scraps back to their room with Whirl.

Well, they were doing the work while Whirl was busy talking to them about the latest development in getting Cyclonus and Tailgate together.

None of them saw the energy beam heading towards them until it was too late.

The impact sent them both flying back.

Whirl tried to get back onto his pedes, but a giant weight suddenly flung on top of him.

Whirl tries moving the enormous weight off of him.

That fails miserably.

“Get off of me you little—”--Whirl

“Whirl?! Whirl where are you!”--Fearless

The weight suddenly gets off of Whirl’s chassis as the smoke clears.

In front of him was a large bot on their knees staring shakingly at their servos.

The bot looks at him.

“Whirl?”--Fearless

“Primus! Fearless is that you?!”--Whirl

They nod looking back at their shaking servos.

Whirl takes their servos into his claws.

The shaking lessens a bit.

“C’mon let’s get you up.”--Whirl

Whirl stands up and attempts to help Fearless up.

Whirl is immediately dwarfed by Fearless’s shadow once they stand up straight.

Fearless blinks their new optics at Whirl before cracking a smile.

“Wow, the view really is nice up here.”--Fearless

Then their smile drops.

“What? What’s with the face?”--Whirl

They break out into a giant smile.

“I can finally do this now!”--Fearless

“Do wh-AAAHH!”--Whirl

Fearless scoops Whirl into their arms and hugs him tightly, slightly swaying back and forth.

They let him go while testing their pedes.

Thankfully they had retained their ability to move around just fine.

“I CAN HUG EVERYONE NOW!”--Fearless

Fearless turned around and immediately started heading to Swerve’s.

Whirl stood there for a second trying to comprehend what had just happened.

“…This is what I get for staying on this ship. FEARLESS GET BACK HERE!”--Whirl

Meanwhile on the bridge…

“Fearless’s signature just disappeared!”

To see a bot burst through the doors of the bar wasn’t a sight too uncommon to Swerve’s.

But to have the bot smiling and immediately start hugging bots, that was new.

Even more when Whirl came in venting heavily and slightly cursing under the vents.

Chromedome was the first to try and confront the bot.

He was also one of the bots victims.

Chromedome was not expecting the bot to be so happy to see him and throw their arms around him.

Rewind tried to come to his rescue, but the mystery bot had also scooped him up into the hug.

“I’m-- its nice to meet you too but—”--Chromedome

The bot releases him to fully hug Rewind.

“Hey that’s my—”--Chromedome

“FEARLESS! I SWEAR TO PRIMUS—STOP HUGGING BOTS UNTIL THEY KNOW WHO YOU ARE!”--Whirl

Silence.

“Welp, that happened.”--Whirl

All optics are on Fearless, who is completely unphased and still hugging Rewind.

“Fearless?”--Rewind

Fearless finally releases Rewind and proudly puffs their chassis.

“Nice body am I right!”--Fearless

“But how!? Why?!”--Skids

Fearless and Whirl shrug.

“Energy beam.”—Fearless and Whirl

“An energy beam? That’s it?”--Cyclonus

Fearless nods before scanning the crowd.

Target locked.

Fearless lunges out and wraps their arms around Rung, hugging him close.

“Fearless, dear, how long have you had this… new frame of yours?”--Rung

“Don’t know. Less than 5 minutes though.”--Fearless

“And you haven’t thought about visiting the med bay to see if there are any complications?”--Rung

Fearless pauses for a second before releasing Rung.

“Hmm, haven’t thought about that. Honestly, my first thoughts were hugging everyone on board, telling Megs—PRIMUS MEGS DOESN’T KNOW!”--Fearless

SLAM!

Rodimus, Megatron, Drift, and Ultra Magnus appear at the door.

“Listen up! Fearless has gone missing. We need to—”--Rodimus

“Fearless is right here.”--Whirl

Whirl points over at the larger bot inside the bar.

“What?”--Megatron

“Yeah, some crazy energy beam thing came in and zapped me… And well…”--Fearless

Fearless runs up to Megatron and wraps their arms the best they could around him.

Megatron’s own arms flail around a bit before awkwardly hugging them back.

CLICK!

“Whirl!”--Magnus

“Shut it, you’re ruining the moment.”—Whirl

“Where did you even get a camera?”—Drift

“Shhh.”—Whirl

“Where—“—Drift

“Shh!”--Whirl

It didn’t take long to find where the cause of the energy beam came from.

But the relic was almost completely obliterated.

It would take some time to figure it out.

Fearless was checked in with Ratchet as soon as they could.

Thankfully they came out of the med bay with a clean bill of health.

It did take a while to get used to.

Especially being taller than most of the bots on board.

In fact, they are sure that they were even taller than Megatron by a couple of inches.

Megatron denies this.

… but Brainstorm checked, they were taller than him.

The minibots have found a new jungle gym to climb on.

Also, no one was except from Fearless’s merciless reign of pranks and hugs filled with words of affirmation and love.

Speaking of which, Megatron was never far from them.

A shadow per say.

But it came at a cost.

“Fearless… I need you to release me.”--Megatron

Fearless has locked their arms and pedes around him like a koala.

“No.”--Fearless

“Fearless…”--Megatron

“You said you could count the number of times someone hugged you on one servo. I am just getting you caught up.”—Fearless

They hug a bit tighter causing the ex-warlord to grumble but made not effort to get them off of him.

Fearless the moment they realized the ship would be subjected to their pranks and hugs.

[thefatedthoughtofyou]

{ @devondespresso it took me a bit cuz i got a cold but i did it!! Thank you soooo much for the prompt i LOOVVEEDD it!!! It got away from me but i'm really proud of this one!!! }

It's sort of an au mixed with canon. Set after s3 and there's no vecna, so all the upside down stuff is settled and this is where their lives are going (and a little bit of where they've been 😉)! Eddie works at an outdoor haunted house as a scarer in the cornmaze! Steve has a brief panic attack.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN Y'ALL!!!

Steve knew it was a bad idea. Going to a haunted house on a blind date. It's technically not a house, and he vaguely knows the date. Or knew the date. Before she'd ditched him. For her ex. Whom she'd apparently just been using Steve make jealous.

So now here he was. Wandering around a corn maze in the middle of fucking nowhere. In the dark. Surrounded by screams. Of laughter. And terror. And he's taken four right turns now and that can't be right. His chest is feeling a littl tight now. His fingers tingling.

He's not a fan of the dark. And the screams aren't helping. He's fine when he's with people. But the person he'd come with had left him, had had no real interest in him. Just using him. Like always. Who the fuck would have genuine interest in Steve Harrington these days.

He clenches his fist when he sees something in the shadows ahead. It jumps out at the group of girls about 20 feet in front him. They scatter and scream, laughing as they run away hand in hand. The shadow, some creepy fucking scarecrow thing, chases them for a few feet and then stops.

Steve freezes. The scarecrow turns, twitches really, in Steve's direction, arms held out like he's out guarding a field, and then stops moving again. Steve takes a hesitant step. The scarecrow's head twitches, but it stays still. Steve can feel his heart beating in his ears, loud, like a drum. His hand twitches, he wipes it on his thigh and takes another step.

The maze is empty is now, in this area at least. The silence pounding in Steve's ears louder than his heart. He takes a few shallow breaths and starts walking. The scarecrow drops its arms. Steve keeps walking, until his foot hits a root and he trips. His hands hit the ground hard, dirt digging into his palms. A strangled noise crawls out of his throat.

He hears footsteps running toward him. From the direction the scarecrow had been. His heart hammers louder, fingers dig into the dirt as he curls into himself further.

"Please don't- I'm just- I can't-" Steve pants, trying to fend the thing off.

"Whoa whoa hey. It's okay. You're okay. Are you okay?" A gentle, hesitant, hand falls on his shoulder. Steve flinches away, involuntarily, the hand disappears.

"Okay no touching. That's okay. Can you stand? Or like.... sit back maybe? You arm's are shaking pretty bad man. Just try to breathe." A voice says, steady, to his right.

Steve's eyes move in that direction and he sees something on the ground by his hand. Something almost the same color as the dirt he'd fallen in. Steve's blinks, hard, sucks in a few deep breaths. It's a mask. A straw mask. Steve lets out a shuddering breath, lets himself fall back onto his butt in the dirt.

"There we go. Okay. That's better." The same calm voice. And then,

"Harrington?" The voice says, full of disbelief. Steve looks to his right and sees a mop of dark hair and pale skin above an incredibly detailed scarecrow costume.

"Eddie?" Steve feels the tension leave his body almost at once. Eddie says nothing. Just stares at him.

"What?" Steve shakes his head a little, looks into his lap.

"Wha- nothing, sorry. I just- I uh... just a little shocked you remember my name." Eddie says, and it sounds almost like a laugh. Steve frowns, looks at him again.

"We went to school together for like... ever, man." Steve says, still frowning. Eddie shakes his head, wraps his arms around his knees where he's crouched next to Steve.

"No yeah I know. Just... we never talked really. Or anything." Eddie shrugs, he doesn't seem mad. Maybe even seems a little amused.

"Right." Is all Steve can think to say.

"Hey. You think you can stand now? There's some picnic tables right outside here. I can take you. Make sure you make it alright." Eddie pushes himself to his feet, holds his hand out to Steve, smiles when Steve looks up at him. His eyes wide, waiting. Steve swallows heavily, reaches up, takes Eddie's hand, and let's him pull him to his feet.

Eddie guides them out of the corn easily. Let's Steve sit for a minute before going to grab them some water. He comes back with two bottles of water and two corn dogs.

"Thought maybe eating might help." Eddie throws himself onto the bench across from Steve, grabs one of the corndogs and takes a huge bite. Steve snorts a laugh in suprise and grabs the other one, takes a much smaller bite. He watches Eddie eat, his cheeks poofed out like a chipmunk.

Steve waits for Eddie to take another bite, lets him chew as they sit in amiable silence, before he says,

"We have talked before." Steve says, quietly, and takes another bite.

"Hmm?" Eddie hums, his eyes wide, cheeks full, head tilted, he looks a bit like a puppy.

"We've talked. Before. I mean." Steve takes a sip of water, tucks his free hand under his thigh.

"You said we hadn't really talked. But we did talk. A few times." Steve elaborated, smiling down at his lap at the memory.

"Umm. Yeah. Yeah no I know we did. I just-" Eddie swallows, hard, he looks a bit... guilty. He shrugs, takes a drink, picks at the table top with his fingernail.

"I just didn't think you'd remember." Eddie shakes his head, his brows furrowed.

"Didn't think I would remember which one?" Steve asks, trying to coax Eddie out of this shyness. Eddie scrunches his face though, shakes his head again.

"Doesn't matter." He mutters.

"Didn't think I would remember buying weed from you after Billy beat the shit outta me? And the way you gave me a handful of free pain meds?" Steve says, Eddie glances up at him, eyes shining through his bangs.

"Didn't think I'd remember you helping me save a kid from drowning at the pool that summer?" Steve asks.

"He was fine. Just panicking. You did most of the work." Eddie mumbled, his eyes locked on Steve now. Steve nodded, hummed.

"And what about the other time? The first time we talked?" Steve bit his lip, took another sip of water, Eddie staring at him the whole time.

"The- the first time? When- I mean... back then?" Eddie takes a shaking breath, sounding winded the way Steve had been about an hour ago.

"Mhm. Back then. In the woods. At the creek. With the turtles and the crawdads." Steve says, smiles softly at Eddie, watches Eddie blush and look away.

"Kinda hoped you'd forgotten about that one I guess." Eddie whispered, his voice so low Steve barely hears him.

"I didn't. Don't think I ever could. I definitely wouldn't want too." Steve bites his lip, worries it between his teeth. Eddie blinks at him.

"W-why not? I mean you could've-" Eddie snaps his mouth shut, his eyes looking a bit watery as he looks at Steve.

"I'd never do that. I'd never tell anyone. We made a promise remember?" Steve sits his elbow on the table, holds his pinky up, and feels relief wash over him when Eddie smiles.

"Yeah. Just us and the turtles and the crawdads. Just between us." Eddie sets his own elbow on the table and hooks his pinky with Steve's.

"I think about that day a lot. Is that bad to say? Weird I mean? I don't wanna make you uncomfortable." Eddie says in a rush, Steve tightens his pinky around Eddie's, hold it fast.

"You don't make me uncomfortable. Kind of the opposite actually. It's always been that way. I feel... nice. When I'm around you. It's like you clear my head." Steve shakes his head, smiles down at his lap. A group of girls run by laughing, hand in hand, stopping by the concession cart. Eddie tries to pull away, tries to hide. Steve keeps their fingers hooked but lowers their hands to the table, out of sight in the dark.

"That's a new one. Usually I just annoy people. Kinda why this is the perfect job for me. I get to annoy people all night." Eddie teases, wiggles his wrist so that he and Steve's hands shake. Steve snorts, shakes his head.

"And yet. You still calmed me down." Steve bites his lip again. Watches Eddie do the same across from him.

"I guess. We keepin this one a secret too?" Eddie asks, his eyes on their linked pinkies. Steve unlinks them, slides his hand into Eddie's.

"I dunno. No turtles around." Steve says, tapping his fingers against Eddie's wrist.

"No crawdads either." Eddie says, his lips tilting at the corners.

"Nope. Just us." Steve confirms.

"Well maybe we should... have a meeting?" Eddie wonders, his voice going a little high.

"A meeting?" Steve asks, frowning dramatically.

"Mhm. At the creek. Get the turtles and the crawdads up to date. Keep them in the loop an all." Eddie explains, his fingers curling up around Steve's wrist, his eyes darting around Steve's face, like he's looking for something.

"We wouldn't want them out of the loop. That'd be terrible." Steve agrees, nodding and wiggling their hands like Eddie had done.

"Mhm. Yeah." Eddie hums, his teeth sinking into his lip to stop the smile threatening to spread.

"EDDIE! BACK IN THE MAZE! NOW!"

Their hands fly apart, Eddie nearly falls off the bench he'd been sat on. He stumbles to his feet and spins toward the shout.

"ALRIGHT ALRIGHT I WAS HELPING A GUEST IN NEED!" he shouts back, arms flailing dramatically. He turns back to Steve, cheeks flushed red.

"Heh. Sorry. I have to... go. Back to work. But um... we could... I mean if you want. If you were serious. I could- or you could? If you want." Eddie stammers, grabbing for his mask and holding it to his chest as he slowly backs away, step by swiveling step. Steve smiles at him, brightly.

"I'm free on Thursday." Steve says, cheeks hot.

"I love Thursdays!" Eddie yells, looks around, laughs breathily.

"I can pick you up at seven."

"Seven's great! Love seven!" Eddie calls, waving his mask over his head.

"EDDIE! NOW!"

"I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF A CONVERSATION AND AM GOING OH MY GOOOODDD!" Eddie screams into the dark toward the shouting voice. He waves to Steve, yanks his mask back on over his head, and runs toward the maze.

"See you Thursday!" Eddie yells, turning to wave at Steve before ducking back into the corn. Steve laughs, drags his hand through hair, his palm and wrist missing the touch of Eddie's skin.

He walks to his car slowly, a smile on his lips as he remembers that day in the woods, by the creek, where he met a boy catching turtles and crawdads. The day they played in the water til the sun began to set, catching critters and setting them loose again. The day two sad boys found each other, and shared their first kiss in the creek before running home, laughing into the dark.

[thepixelelf]

Oh Baby, You Part 43 - Your Everything

prev « masterlist » next

I'm Orion's father.

The words don't just shake you. It's like a cold, stone-cut fist digs its way into your chest and pries away each rib just so it can wrap its icy fingers around your heart.

Cruel, cruel Wonwoo. Could he even know how hearing those words on his lips makes you feel? That was your short-lived dream, three years ago. That was the small sliver of hope in the hours after you decided to keep Orion as your own. The thought that maybe, just maybe, Wonwoo and you could’ve started a family, even if it wasn’t in the most conventional way. 

If things were different, he could say I’m Orion’s father, and it wouldn’t be a lie.

“Father.” Seungcheol’s expression leavens with a look you can’t read. You haven’t known him for very long. “You.”

Wonwoo, though— you know Wonwoo. His face shutters over as he solidifies the decision he just made. His jaw clenches. “Yes.”

“And just where have you been all this time?”

“...I don’t think that’s any of your business.”

Seungcheol seems to hold in a scoff, and he tilts his head to glance at you before he returns Wonwoo’s glare. “I should think it is. Never fashioned myself a homewrecker.”

“We’re not together,” you blurt out, grasping to the only bit of truth within reach.

And then Wonwoo looks at you, and the fist around your heart lets go. A fire fills your lungs.

How dare he look hurt. How dare he show up out of nowhere, lie about the one thing you wished with your whole heart was true, then look hurt when you tell the actual truth. 

Seungcheol opens his mouth, but you leave him no room to speak. “You.” Wonwoo startles a bit when you jab your finger in his direction, then towards your apartment entryway. “Inside. You.” Your eyes meet Seungcheol’s. “Go home.”

A sizzling silence settles in the air.

Wonwoo’s shoulders rise and fall with a sigh, and to your surprise, he walks into your apartment without another word. Seungcheol, though, makes no move to walk away. God, you just want him to walk away.

Fine. “I’ll call you.”

At your white flag, Seungcheol’s eyes brighten with a slight smile. He holds out the flowers he brought. “I’ll be waiting.”

“Yeah. Okay. Bye.” You snatch the bouquet and close the door between you two.

When you step back into your apartment, Wonwoo is standing just past the coat tree, one hand in his pants pocket, a solemn face on as he studies the pattern of your flooring. For the first time, you notice a small bundle of blue flowers in his other hand. He looks up at you, but he waits for you to speak.

“What was that?”

He shrugs. “I… I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? Wonwoo, that was ridiculous! It was impulsive, stupid— I don’t even know why you would claim something like that, or what you’re even doing here—”

“The broken pot.” Wonwoo crosses his arms, the forget-me-nots half disappearing behind his elbow. “Minghao gave it to me, but that was you, wasn’t it?”

He phrases it like a question, but you know it’s not one. Something like an answer bubbles up your throat, but you choke it down. “You’re changing the subject.”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“The pot,” he emphasizes, followed by your name. So simple, to hear your own name, but from his mouth, it almost hurts.

Exasperated, you lift your hands in the air only to drop them by your sides. “Why does it matter?”

“Because if you did it for the reason I think you did, then…”

“Then what?” you prompt when he trails off.

“Then you still care about me.”

His words hang uncomfortably in the air. You open your mouth, shut it, then cross your own arms. He just keeps his eyes on you, making you unable to look away.

You sigh. “And what of it?”

His eyes flash at your unspoken confirmation, and he takes a step closer. Slowly, he pulls the bouquet of tulips from you and replaces it with the forget-me-nots, putting his hands over yours to curl your fingers around the stems and delicate white ribbon. “I care about you too. I never stopped.”

You stare down at the flowers. “Wonwoo…”

“I want to apologize.” He rubs his thumb over the back of your hand. “For so much… but mostly for failing you. You wanted my help and I— I abandoned you. I didn’t trust you.” Releasing a long breath, he drops his head. “This isn’t an excuse, and it’s worse because I never told you, but I was so… insecure. I’d moved away, and I was so, so scared that I made a mistake. It felt like I did— I missed you so much. And I was scared you’d realize it one day, realize that I fucked up and I didn’t deserve you and you deserved someone who would stay in the country for you because you deserved everything, but if I went home then the time I’d already spent there — the time I spent without you — would be for nothing. And then I heard you did find someone better. Or… fuck, I thought you found someone better. I just broke. I’m sorry.” He raises his hand to lift your chin with one finger. “I’m sorry.”

Your eyes are watering. When did that happen?

“I still want to apologize, and keep apologizing,” he continues. “I want you to know how sorry I am for doing that to you.”

“I…”

“And if that’s ever enough, after everything I’ve done…” He glances down at your lips, then meets your eyes again. “...I want to go back to how we were. Before. When things were good.” He leans closer. “Better than good…”

Your eyes flutter shut.

“Mama?”

Alert in a matter of nanoseconds, you shove Wonwoo away and turn towards your son, who’s emerged from nap time, pyjamas askew. He’s dragged the large, green dinosaur plush along with him. That darn thing— he found it soon after his birthday and has hardly let it go since.

“Orion.” After placing the blue flowers on the counter, you go to him and scoop him up into your arms, soothing a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry baby, did we wake you up?”

“Mama,” he says again, then cups both his hands around your ear to whisper in the way a child does. Which is to say, not at all. “Bad guy is here.”

You pull your head back. “Bad guy?”

He nods, looks over at Wonwoo, then wraps his arms behind your neck and hides his face in your shoulder. Following your son’s example, you look at Wonwoo as well. The weight sinks in.

Orion’s getting bigger every day. At some point, you won’t be able to just carry him like this. He’ll never be as small as he was, and you’ll never be who you were before he came into your life.

“I’m sorry too, Wonwoo.” You hug Orion close. He’s already drifting back to sleep in your arms, so you speak softly. “But don’t you see? We can’t go back to things as they were. My life will never be like before.”

Wonwoo inhales. Exhales. Says nothing.

You don’t let his grim expression deter you. “I have a son now, and I’m— I’m not the same person you knew. If you want to go back to how we were… I’m sorry. I’m not that person anymore. I’m a parent.”

“I…”

“Whatever I’m a part of, Orion’s going to be part of it too. You understand, right?”

When Wonwoo stays silent, you release a resigned breath. Even though it’s reasonable, you still feel the ache of disappointment. Of course Wonwoo wouldn’t want to be the father of another man’s child. Of course you’re not worth it. Of course.

You pat Orion’s back. “Let’s get you back to bed, baby.”

Walking deeper into your apartment, you decide you don’t want to be around to watch Wonwoo leave. Better to save yourself the heartbreak. Once Orion’s tucked in with his stuffed dino, you busy yourself with picking his toys up off the floor and putting them in their respective bins.

You come out of the room with your eyes on the floor, but your head snaps up when he says your name.

“Wonwoo?” What are you still doing here?

He stands exactly where you left him; he didn’t move an inch.

“If…” he starts, nervously tapping his finger on his leg but keeping his eyes on yours with the determination of a soldier. “Would it be foolish to say I want everything?”

“Everything?”

“Your everything.”

The breath in your lungs hitches, and your hand rises to your chest, hovering over where your heart has paused in anticipation. “Even…?”

“Everything,” he says again. 

You gulp down the hope that rises like bile up your throat. “I think… I think it would be a little foolish.” Your voice wavers. “I don’t have much to offer anymore.”

At that admission, Wonwoo strides up to you and cups your cheek, his fingertips brushing your ear. You shiver as he presses a warm kiss to your forehead. “Don’t say that.”

“I…” Your heart hammers against your ribs. His kisses have always been your weakness, but the memory of his lips upon your skin is a stark reminder of the years since the last time you thought he loved you. “...I still haven’t forgiven you.” There. The last shield you have the strength to put up today.

Wonwoo backs away, but his hand runs down your arm to tangle your fingers with his. “I know,” he says with a sad smile. “I don’t deserve it yet.”

“Yet?”

He moves to grasp your hand firmly. “Will you let me try? To deserve it?”

“It’s not that simple,” you whisper.

“Maybe not.” Tilting his head, he roams his eyes over your face, the way he used to years ago. “But I still want to try.”

You wrap your arms around yourself. One last, flimsy barrier. “Alright, then.” Deep, dark eyes meet yours. “Try.”

prev « masterlist » next

oby tagging 1, 50/50: @shiningstar-byulxx @shuabby-woowoo @90s-belladonna @xavi-in-kpopland @kachren @xmessaroundx @chwevernonlover @kwanisms @dalamjisung @1ntaktak @crazywittysassy @butterfliesinthenightsky @ddaengpotate @dorrysstuff @ckline35 @vanishingboots @potatofrieswithketchup @minhwa @oncecaratorbit @sugacookees @royal9 @doodlelibrary @myjaeyunn @yksthings @jundundun @amosmortese @jaeskz @seungmintree @woozarts @my-chaos-in-stars @yoonychoik @ksywoo @kellesvt @candidupped @sharkipoonis @wooahaeproductions @capsiclesworld @hellodefthings @sunshineshouchan @calumsfringe @caratinluv @pinkysinnerbaby @winterwallacehenderson @jvhoons @woo8hao @sxftiell @wondering-out-loud

[prismatica-the-strange]

Graveyard Flowers | There's a Look in Your Eyes, I Know Just What that Means

Warnings: 18+, smut, fingering, oral (fem receiving), thigh riding, sex with very little plot, Beej SWEARS he's not 'in love' with Rosie.

Beetlejuice wants to play with his favorite breather, but she's too distracted by some stupid video game. He'll just have to do something to get her attention on him.

Starting spooky season off right with some nasty sex with the dear guy.

The truly scary part is the likes to reblogs ratio!

Whore by In This Moment

"You done yet?" BJ pesters and Rosie shoots a small glare at him.

"I'll be done when I'm done," She snaps, going back to her game.

He watches her click away, fingers pressing keys quickly, but the quiet doesn't last.

"How long you plan on making me wait?"

"Beetlejuice!" This has been going on for almost an hour now, and normally she'd indulge him, but she's really in the zone, "Can't you go annoy someone else for a while? I'm trying to unlock this new emote for Maul."

"Yeah? Like who? I can't get in Nik's room without his express permission, and Alice is out on a date!" He argues, leaning down next to her face, "You're the only one left."

He runs his tongue up her cheek, making her grimace as she pushes him away.

"Then find some other way to amuse yourself."

The mouse in her hand gets fuzzy and squeaks.

"You know that's not what I meant, change it back."

"Aw, cone on," He cradles the little brown mouse in his hands, "It's so much cuter this way!"

"Beetlejuice."

"Fine," It pops back where it was, same as it was before.

He huffs as he flops back on her bed, "Well what do you expect me to do? This house is fucking boring!"

"Figure it out!" She growls.

He watches her play for a little bit more, an idea forming in his head when she shifts in her chair.

The next thing she knows, she's on his lap, her back pressed against his chest. He's sitting in her computer chair with his arms around her stomach.

He doesn't move to annoy her further, so she lets it be, but then she feels one of his hands snake its way down between her legs. He snaps his fingers and her pajama pants disappear, leaving her in her loose tee and boyshorts.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"You told me to occupy myself," He shrugs, fingers quickly finding her clit through her underwear, "That's what I'm doing, entertaining myself with your pretty pussy."

"This isn't what I meant either," She feels herself flush, but she won't give him the satisfaction of distracting her, two can play this game, "Whatever, you're impossible."

He presses harder when she goes back to her game, tongue gliding up the side of her neck.

He grins when teases her hole through the, now, damp fabric and she jolts, "You like this, don't you?"

She grits her teeth, but continues ignoring him.

He hooks his finger in the front of her panties and tugs, the fabric rubbing roughly against her clit, making her whine.

"Can't ignore me if you're beggin' me to cum, dollface," He teases.

"Pervert," Her breath shallows, but she doesn't give in.

He scowls when she goes back to force-choking rebels as if nothing happened. Time to play dirty.

He snaps his fingers again and her panties slide themselves down her legs until they're hanging off one ankle. He pulls her back against him and tugs her legs apart, hooking them over the armrests of the chair.

"Beej, I can't reach the keyboard-"

He rolls his eyes and the keys to the controls pop off the board, floating within a comfortable reach with her mouse.

"There, now would you shut it?" He shakes his head when she starts typing away despite the compromising position he has her in.

He presses his fingers against her clit again, circling it a few times before teasing her hole again, "That's better, yeah? Got better access to play with your drippy cunt?"

Radio silence and he starts getting genuinely annoyed.

Her whole body tenses when the tips of his fingers vibrate against her clit for a moment.

"Yeah? You like that?" He does it again, making her jaw drop, "Of course you fucking do."

He pinches her clit with his buzzing fingers and she whimpers, her head falling back against his shoulder.

She's quick to catch herself though, taking a deep breath and trying to concentrate on her objective.

"What was that? You want 'em abusing your g-spot instead?" He chuckles, running his digits all over her slit, "I can do that, princess."

"F-fuck!" Her vision goes out of focus for a moment when he slides his fingers inside her, still vibrating as he scissors them before seeking out-

"There it is," He laughs when her hips buck, "Aw, but now you're little clitty looks so sad that she's bein' ignored. Here, lemme just..."

She feels his tongue stretch down beneath the collar of her shirt, teasing her nipples before sliding down to lap at her already sensitive clit.

"Beej..." She chokes out, trembling in his hold. She cries out louder when the tip of his tongue starts vibrating too, her back arching.

She barely registers what's happening before she cums.

"Fuck- Beetlejuice!"

His tongue works faster.

"Beetlejuice!" She screams again when he doesn't let up. Hell, he starts finger fucks her harder, just to hear it again, "Beetlejuice!"

There it is. The only good thing he gets out of this whole stupid arrangement, getting to hear her chant his name like a prayer when he forces another orgasm out of her without getting banished.

His tongue retracts into his mouth and he moans when the taste of her slick fills his mouth, "That's my nasty girl."

His fingers stop vibrating as he eases her through her high. She shudders when he pulls out, knees falling back together as he laps at his fingers.

Suddenly she's sat by herself and he's lounging on her bed.

"Consider me entertained," He says between sucking her cum off his fingers, "You can go back to your game now."

"Wh- Beej!"

"Yeeees, darlin'?" He smirks at her.

She forces herself out of the chair, wobbling dangerously when she realizes she can't really feel her legs, "Shit-"

"Careful!" He sneers, appearing beside her to keep her upright, "Don't need you dentin' that empty head'a yours."

She's been long since disconnected from her server, but she doesn't care. She's content being cum drunk and held up by him.

"Exactly," He chuckles, "Come on, let's lay you down before you hurt yourself.

She pulls him into bed with her, ignoring his grumbles of protest when she snuggles in against his chest.

"Yeah whatever," He mutters, knowing he'd be flushed red if he were alive, "Get comfy why don't'cha?"

"On it," She sighs sleepily.

He snaps his fingers and her game switches over to some shitty b horror film.

About an hour in he feels he slide one leg over his hips and nuzzle closer. Then her hips shift, and his face breaks into a wicked grin.

"Is that right?"

She whimpers at his teasing, softly grinding against his thigh.

"Just a lil' sex pest, huh?" He laughs, pressing himself against her cunt, "Can't get enough, can ya?"

She grips the striped lapel of his jacket, eyes squeezing shut. Her little sighs of pleasure make his chest swell. Damn, does he love his perverted little breather.

Well, not love per se, I mean, he loves Lydia, but... he's definitely extremely fond of her and her delightfully pervy ways.

"Don't stop, girlie," He places his hand encouragingly on the small of her back, his nails digging into her skin, "That's it..."

She gasps when she rocks her hips particularly hard, her whole body shaking.

She's warm in his hold, fuck he loves feeling her burning face on his chest.

He tugs her on top of him, pushing his thigh up between her legs. She moans at the feeling and he pulls her face up to meet his, licking into her open mouth.

"Babygirl, you're soakin' my pants," He grins, biting at her bottom lip, "Had my tongue all over that pussy earlier, you want it down your throat now?"

Her eyes light up at that, and he grips her cheeks, forcing her mouth open to slither an abnormally long tongue down her throat.

His free hand grinds her down on his thigh, chuckling when she shudders at the added stimulation.

She's so pretty when she lets him use her like this, even prettier when she uses him right back.

He's so lost in her fucked out expression he almost doesn't notice her tapping his chest for air.

"Heh, sorry 'bout that," He presses his forehead to hers as she sucks in deep breaths, "Must'a gotten caught up in the moment."

She just surges forward to press kiss him, her lips parting to delve her tongue in his mouth this time, one hand roughly gripping his hair to keep him close.

Okay, maybe... MAYBE he loves her... just a little bit! I mean, come on. How is he not supposed to fall for her when her response is to kiss him like that.

He doesn't taste good, and she hates that she's used to it.

She groans when he holds her close in turn, his grip tight on the back of her neck.

By the time she's humped herself out she's exhausted, and he has no problem letting her fall asleep on his chest. Even if it means he has to clean her up and redress her with his powers.

She's heavy on his chest and he can feel every breath, every little twitch. He runs his fingers through her hair and she nuzzles closer in her sleep.

"Think I'm getting in a bit too deep here," He mutters to himself, "... Shit."

[nakimov]

To Live or Die

Chapter 9 - a run in

Decided to get back to this. If you’re new here you can click on synopsis and read from prologue.

Synopsis

WC: 1253

As the days flew by, your curiosity started to get to you whether you’ll ever meet your parents was up in the air. However, Souji kept his distance which was unusual.

Kondo has been working and Souji was helping him whenever he was needed. You on the other hand was wondering if you should venture out more when they leave… Souji may have a panic attack if you disappear. So it was understandable to not leave without telling them.

You haven’t been targeted as of yet by anyone since you’ve been staying at the former Shieikan dojo which has been turned into a residence for you, Kondo and Souji. “Oh, I found you.” His chirpy voice caught your attention. You spotted him with his usual purple kimono, white baggy pants and loose grey haori.

“Found? I have been here for a while.” You were outside in their backyard reading one of Yamanami’s old books he left behind before moving to Kyoto under Aizu’s orders.

There have been quite a lot of new changes since, but you always admired some of the others and missed them dearly. “Is that—"

“Ya, one of his favourite history books of the politics during the Sengoku period. Yamanami-san was really a nerd. Besides, why were you looking for me?” You changed the topic. Souji was caught off guard as he had nearly forgotten.

“Oh! Uh, Kondo-san wanted to know what you’d wanted to eat tonight since he’s off today.” You shrugged whether that was why he needed to ask you that. He knows you would put up with anything that Kondo made.

“I’m fine with whatever he wants to make. I may go explore a bit in town for a few hours.” You closed the book and stood up. Souji gave you a blank expression before nodding soon after.

“If you need—"

“I’ll be fine this time!” Your hand flew to the back of your head awkwardly remembering the incident that happened not even a week ago down at Yokohama port. What an embarrassment… he gave you a slight frown but didn’t want to show his concerns. He certainly preferred if you didn’t wander. He was wondering if he should tail you but if he was caught then it could cause even more issues between you two.

He’d still rather take the risk than if something happens to you…

It was already mid-afternoon as you passed by many of the shops down the same road as last time. You wanted to find one of the spice shops to help Kondo with the flavouring of meals. However, there were more people in the crowded streets of Edo. Why was it so busy? You had stopped in your tracks and noticed a very familiar face speaking to a few of the higher officials of the new Meiji government.

Ryoma Sakamoto.

You met him a long time ago. He was part of the reason why the Tokugawa shogunate collapsed and returned its power to the imperial court. He was rather famous— more looked up to by the young kids and the commoners. He probably doesn’t remember you. It was interesting to see him here in public of all places.

His black hair was nicely tied up messily and he still wore the same old black kimono clothing. Someone tapped on your shoulder which made you jump in your spot from staring at Sakamoto for too long.

“Huh? Sorry—"

“No, no! Haha, I saw you staring off into space for a minute there.” A young woman had moved you to the side so others could walk down the street. Embarrassment had filled you from not paying attention to your surroundings like usual.

“I should get going, I need to find Mr. Yamato’s spice shop.” You were quick to feel embarrassed but as you were going to leave you had rammed into him.

“S–Sorry! I— I didn’t see you!” you were for sure dead. Your head was lowered apologetically. However, he laughed.

“Raise your head and loosen up a bit! What’s with that look? You lost or something?” Sakamoto was alone and the men he was with had left it seems. You were even more embarrassed and no words could form. You had just nodded and tried to rush passed him.

Just as you were about to leave, Sakamoto stopped in his tracks remembering your familiar face.

“Wait a minute, you look familiar like we met somewhere.” This made your heart stop and you could feel your hands sweating. He has a lot of power in the new government. He also has a gun on his waist. So he must be a part of the military or law enforcement to have such privileges.

“You’re the pretty girl that helps the old lady down the street who owns the flower shop?” He had a smug look on his face which you nodded.

“Y— Ya that’s me. I’m just a boring civilian who likes to care for others,” you were nervous and being around him wasn’t helping.

“Like to care for others, you don’t say?” he was very flirtatious and he was making your face bright red from simple remarks. How much more could you take, he nearly has you squealing internally.

“Y-Ya! Sorry, I should get going, sir! I– I need to find Yamato’s spice shop,” you lowered your head apologetically. He gave you a suspicious look before speaking.

“That old fart died years ago, where are you from? I think you are lost. Need me to company you—"

“N–No! I mean– I just returned to Edo and it’s been years so I didn't know. I'm saddened to hear that as well. Sorry…” You wanted to leave, but this man had you cornered with questions and suspicions.

“Well, if you don’t say… take care of yourself next time and look where you’re walking,” he was about to leave but turned his head once more.

“Tell Kondo-san he still owes me for sparing his life and that boy as well. I’m sure this won’t be the last time we see each other. Until we meet again,” he continued to walk and waved with one arm up lazily.

You were freaking out internally. He knew the entire time?! You started to run back to the Shieikan with your heart pumping faster than normal.

Without your knowledge, Souji had watched your encounter with this man. His blood spiked in anger. He was part of the reason why they lost the war and was flirting with you?

He hated to overthink things. Ryoma was a good-looking man but the way he made you flustered instantly pissed Souji off. If he could use his sword, he would easily kill that man if he tried anything. However, with the ban on kenjutsu training and carrying katanas, he wouldn’t be able to fight as they used to. He also has a gun…

One question that was stuck on Souji’s mind was why don't you get flustered like that with him? Souji was glaring intently at his back as he walked. Thankfully, you didn’t see him since there were too many people and a nice amount of buildings to use to cover.

Now, he has to make an excuse why he wasn’t home since you were rushing back in a hurry. Sakamoto really put that much fear in you? He could feel his demon instinct calling for him to kill but he was holding back.

For the first time, Souji was cursing at himself for letting someone like him get to him.

Note: gonna be translating chapter 17 of Chiruran soon. May put off some one shots / requests for now.

[chuuyaspinkmotorcycle16]

Day 15: 15!SKK

Chuuya does /not/ care about Dazai. He doesn’t.

They were forced to be partners by Mori, and that’s it.

So, for the record, this is off-the-record.

Chuuya’s only checking up on Dazai because the shitty mackerel decided to not show up to their joint mission, leaving Chuuya to deal with everything involved. 

He’s making his way to Dazai’s shipping container, a threat in his step because how dare Dazai not show up?

It’s their /job./

And Chuuya has no plans to go back on the streets so soon now that he’s paid to do something. But that doesn’t mean he’ll do all the work while Dazai still gets paid, so he needs to make that clear to Dazai.

It’s a partnership after all, right?

Coming to a stop at Dazai’s ‘front door,’ he reminds himself what he’s here for.

Knock sense into Dazai.

Get out.

Nothing more, nothing less.

He bangs on the door. “Oi, shitty Dazai, I know you’re in there.”

When no answer comes nor the sound of footsteps from within, he tries again. And again.

A third time of silence has his nerves frayed enough to ignore civilities so he pries the door open, its creak ringing out around the port.

If Dazai hates him for trespassing then the bastard can get over himself. He’s already invaded Chuuya’s fridge enough times to cancel this out.

Chuuya peers in, complete darkness encompassing the interior. He squints as he steps inside, waiting for his eyes to adjust enough to make out the lone mattress tucked into the corner.

On top is a lump of sad-looking blankets. From here, he thinks he makes out the top of Dazai’s head but it’s honestly hard to tell.

“Oi. What’s wrong with you?”

The lump doesn’t move, so Chuuya makes the decision to push forward.

Halfway across the ‘room,’ he notices a desk in the other corner, various things thrown on, around, and underneath it. He ignores the urge to tidy it up, instead focusing back on his main problem.

It’s only once he’s within arms’ distance of the bed that Dazai responds. There is a feeble swipe at his legs that probably hurts Dazai’s wrist more than Chuuya’s leg, and the hand is quick to disappear back under the blankets. 

“C’mon, dipshit.” Chuuya pokes the lump. Up close, he realizes Dazai’s completely under, with a pillow being the object he mistook for Dazai’s head.

“Get out” is muffled from the blankets. Chuuya only raises an eyebrow, plopping down on the mattress and making himself comfortable on top of the mini hill of blankets. 

Dazai tries to kick him, foot getting caught in a blanket, and Chuuya laughs. “You’re kinda comfortable, mackerel.”

Whines emit from underneath Chuuya before he catches something like “Go away.”

“No can do, mate. You’re the one who didn’t show up for our mission today so Mori sent me to fetch you.” A lie.

Dazai pauses, voice quiet when he asks, “Today’s Monday?”

And now it’s Chuuya’s turn to be confused. “Hah? Of course, it is. The days don’t just skip because you want them to.”

Another pause, followed by, “I didn’t realize.”

Chuuya twists, looking down at where he thinks the voice has been coming from. “What, did you sleep a whole day away?”

Dazai shrugs (?), though Chuuya can’t really tell if it is one with the blankets in the way.

“Hey…” Chuuya stops. He hadn’t even thought about asking before his mouth went and started talking.

Them – Soukoku – don’t really do feelings. Chuuya’s still trying to figure out if this is Dazai just trying to get out of work or if the bastard is actually upset. He hates how it still manages to pull on his heart, that old mix of guilt and sympathy feeling his insides and weighing him down.

Damn mackerel and his damn manipulations. Fine.

“Are you… alright?” Chuuya ignores how soft his voice is. It’s the one he’d use with the younger kids in the Sheep whenever one of them scraped a knee or had a nightmare, albeit a tad bit gruffer with the passage of time since he used it.

“I don’t know…” whispers the blanket-pile, so quiet Chuuya barely hears it. He’s moving before he thinks about it, following the voice.

He falls off the pile and onto his knees next to the mattress. 

There. An opening, big enough for Dazai to still get air.

Biting his lip, Chuuya slips his fingers inside, palm up. He doesn’t know how Dazai hasn’t overheated underneath all those blankets. And yet, when hesitant fingers grab his, they’re /cold./

Chuuya gives a small squeeze, waiting. He adjusts to lean back against the mattress and looks around the room again, eyes traveling back to that messy desk. He’s already through his third plan of organization when Dazai’s cold fingers finally squeeze his back.

The blankets shuffle behind him, getting closer enough to feel their warmth on his neck. Then, the top of a head on his shoulder.

“You stink,” Chuuya insults. The grip of his fingers on Dazai’s says otherwise.

“Slug’s stinkier.” And if the pout in Dazai’s voice brings a small smile to Chuuya’s face? Only he has to know.

Chuuya hums back, opening his phone. “What music you want?”

Dazai doesn’t even question it. “Not rap.”

Chuuya scoffs but goes to his soft rock playlist, pressing play and turning his volume up enough to enclose them in a space of something safe.

They stay like that, hands linked and head-to-shoulder, as Chuuya tries to beat one of Dazai’s high scores on a game on his phone, until Dazai falls asleep.

And even then, Chuuya doesn’t move for a long while, watching the sun set and the moon rise from the opening of the container before he falls asleep himself.

This whole experience remains off-the-record, of course, but if Chuuya wakes up to blankets tucked around and Dazai’s legs his pillow as the brunet attempts to beat his new high score? Best believe that’s also off-the-record.

[minigirl87]

Moon River & Me. Llewyn Davis x F’Reader.

Summary:-

This is just a little fluffy story to celebrate my birthday. The song Moon River is special to me as it was playing on the hospital radio as I was born. It was also my mums favourite song as she saw the movie when she was young and I remember her telling me when she was a teen in hospital, the doctor sang the song for her fixing her calliper brace. And spookily, I always hear this song around my birthday.

Lewlyn turns up at your apartment at 2am. after disappearing for a month. You help take care of him. But next morning you think he's gone and get a wonderful surprise.

So this is my first Lewlyn Davis story. I enjoyed writing this, so I hope you enjoy it. Please feel free to share and comment.

Words:-993.

2am and the doorbell to your appointment rings echo its chime through the quiet chilly rooms as you rise from your warm cosy bed. Your ginger and white cat Rami is looking up grumpily as he’s disturbed from his sleep before stretching and plopping on his side, sleeping again.

 Wrapping your thick purple and blue house coat around you and putting your slippers on, yawning as you pad into the hall, putting the light on. You knew who was at the door without even thinking. Opening the door to a rather tired and dishevelled man wrapped in almost inappropriate clothes for a freezing cold January morning.

 Looking at him, the dark circles under his eyes, the greasy bobbing ebony curls, and the strong smell of cigarettes around him. Moving out of the way to let him inside. “Come in Lew, it’s 2 am, you know” you said sleepily, trying to mask some annoyance. He looked away as he sheepishly responded “I know, sorry, but I didn’t know where else to go”

Sighing “it’s fine. I’d rather you be safe here than on the streets. You must me freezing?” Lewlyn simply shrugs “a little” shaking your head“Let’s get some heat into you” walking towards her kitchen, turning  the thermostat up and lightning the gas to boil the kettle “where have you been since you disappeared a month ago? I’ve been worried about you”

 “Here and there, no where particular’ the answers vaguely. “But I’m here now” his cheeks form the slightest rose blush to them. “yeah till you disappear again to god knows where” your tone coming of harsher in your tired state.

 His stomach grumbles loudly and with a look of embarrassment as he mumbles an apology. “I assume your hunger?” the kettle whistling in the background concocting a strange symphony with Lewlyn’s stomach.

 “I’ll get you something to get eat if you go for a bath” walking past him to the bathroom, setting the shower up and getting him towels. “I’ll the change of clothes on the bed for you, okay” Lewlyn simply nods in response and as she closes the bathroom door you almost thought you heard him say “I love you” shaking your head thinking you’re hearing things to go to start cooking something light for him.

 15 minutes later, a refreshed and relaxed man’s walks into the kitchen clean and changes. Smiling at him as he sits down “Here you go, it’s not much but should fill you till the morning” putting a plate of scrambled eggs on toast and a mug of tea in front of him. Lewlyn receives the plate and cup graciously and digs in with a contented sigh. “We really need to have a serious talk tomorrow Lew” swallowing his tea before answering with a smirk “I agree” shaking your head with a laugh “I’m going back to bed now, you okay to find your way there when you finish. Nodding his head as you stand up. You just reach your bedroom door when you hear the plate and mug in the sink and Lew’s footsteps behind you.

Next morning, you wake up in bed alone, and your heart sinks to the pit of your stomach. Getting up with a sigh, slipping into your slippers and robe, you open the your bedroom door to the soft strums of a guitar and humming only broken with Lewlyn’s voice speaking to Rami who meowed back at his questions. You knew the tune so well. With tears in your eyes, you rush to the lounge to find Lewlyn sitting crossed, legged, wearing the white t-shirt and blue boxers as the evening before, in the armchair his guitar resting his thighs.

 As you take the scene in that’s in front of you as you lean on the door frame. “you remembered the song” smiling as a tear trickled down your cheek. At the sound of your tears, your cat runs towards you, leaning into you, comforting you. “Yeah, I do” he gets up from the chair, walking towards you, enveloping you in his arms, kissing the top of your head, his scent filling your senses. then proceeding to walk you towards the chair.

As you sit in the chair, Lewlyn sits on the arm leaning down and picking his guitar up and starts to sing

“Moon river, wider than a mile

I’m crossing you in style someday

Oh, dream maker, you heartbreaker

Wherever you’re goin’, I’m goin’ your way”

 His voice sounded like honey, soothing and smooth. He hummed for a little as he strummed away at the cords you sat transfixed at this wonderfully talented man in front of you. You adored this song. It meant a lot to you. After seeing the movie the previous month with Lewlyn for Christmas.

 Your trance broke as the timbre of his voice filled your ears still as sweet, but you hear something more the way he sounds. Something longing and wanting.

“Two drifters, off to see the world

There’s such a lot of world to see

We’re after the same rainbow’s end

Waitin’ ‘round the bend

My huckleberry friend

Moon river and me”

 As he finished singing, his cheeks were rosie, and his ebony curls bounced as he smiled at you. He puts his guitar down and takes your hand, and holds it. “I can’t keep this to me myself anymore, Y/N I love you. I need to be with you if you’ll have me?”

Squeezing his hand back “I love you too, I’ve wanted you for so long. But I didn’t.....” He leans in gently kissing you.

“I know” smiling. You kiss him back with a little more passion tasting him, the taste of coffee and cigarettes. He breaks away resting his forehead and nose against you. “Happy Birthday sweetheart, I love you.”

Kissing him back “I love you too. This is a birthday I’ll never forget.”

@melodygatesauthor @my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction @my-secret-shame @missdictatorme @jake-g-lockley @steven-grants-world @romanarose @campingwiththecharmings @writingforcurrentobsessions2 @guruan-is-not-here @ivystoryweaver @whatthefishh @missscarlettangel @missdictatorme @lonelyisamyw-0love @madlittlecriminal @saturn-rings-writes @madlittlecriminal @gigachadcowboy @mess-of-fandom @hon3yboy @ominoose @jayke0 @theaussiedragon @reallyrallyauthor @romana-after-dark @purelyoscar

Thank you, too @cafekitsune for the deviders and borders

[kaidalark]

Bucky x femreader

A long car journey is made more interesting when Bucky discovers the book you are reading is full of steamy scenes.

Warnings: 18+, smut

I stretch out as much as I can in the cramped car dropping my book on the dashboard and huffing. "I'm bored." Bucky chuckles from the drivers seat "We've been driving for two hours."

"How far to go?" "Four hours."

I groan "Ergh thats so far." he chuckles "You bought three books, your phone and their is a radio." I shrug slightly "Guess I'm a little uncomfortable, chose the wrong book for a long car journey." he looks confused glancing at the cover which reveals nothing of its contents "How can you have chosen the wrong book?"

I pick it up again "Its got more steamy than I thought it would." Buckys fingers on the wheel turn white "Can't exactly fuck you in the car and all I really want is those talented fingers of yours, or your mouth or cock I'm not fussy. Perhaps recreat one of the scenes" Buckys breath hitches slightly "Y/N I'm driving."

I smile wickedly "I know genius." I open my book again "Read outloud." I blush slightly "What?" he doesn't take his eyes of the road "You heard me." I take a shaky breath and start reading

Sebastians hand rests on my thigh moving dangerously high under the table until it disappears completely under my skirt. I glare but he ignores it contonuing his conversation with his friends as his fingers inch higher pausing when they discover my lack of underwear.

He pushes my thighs apart dipping one finger along my slit already wet from his earlier teasing. I raise my drink to my lips to hide my gasp as he pushes a finger inside moving it achingly slow. One of his friends looks concerned "Are you alright? You look awfully warm." I smile taking another sip "I'm fine thank you." Sebastian adds a second finger before turning looking to all the world like a concerned boyfriend "You sure baby you do look warm?"

"I'm fine its just hot in here." he smirks offering his drink which is still full of ice "Here." I take it not failing to notice the ice cube he slips into his hand which also disappears under the table. He removes his fingers for a moment something very cold and wet pressing against my clit seconds later. Luckily I hide my gasp with a cough as he moves it in small circles making me squirm in my seat. he presses a kiss to my temple muttering so only I can hear "Hold still sweetheart."

I try my best as he buries his now cooled fingers deep into my pussy curling them perfectly each time slowly coaxing an orgasam from me. I grip his thigh tightly using my glass to hide my small beathy moans. Finally he removes his fingers cleaning them discreetly on his jeans continuing to talk like nothing just happened.

Buckys metal hand moves from the centre console to my thigh squeezing it gently "I didn't ask you to stop sweetheart." Rubbing my thighs together slightly I start reading again acutly aware of Buckys hand on my thigh and the fact I am only wearing a skirt with no underwear.

Sebastian and his friends all wander outside saying their goodbyes while I follow on shaky legs. He wraps an arm around my waist smirking "You cooled down a bit baby?" I nod and wave goodbye to his friends before he leads me away towards his car parked just down the road. I go to climb in yelping when he spins me around pressing me against the door. His lips crash into mine hands gripping my hips tightly "Naughty girl not wearing underwear." I grin "You liked it"

"Damn right I did. Nearly popped a boner in the club." I smirk reaching down to grip him through his trousers "Oops." he moans capturing my lips once more "Get in the car baby." With a final kiss he pulls away moving to his side of the car and climbing in. I collapse into my seat breathing heavily "Lift your skirt sweet thing." I glance at him as he starts the engine but as it is so dark outside and our windows are slightly tinted I do as told. He opens the glove department and pulls out a bright pink set of silicon beads "Be a good girl and put those in for me."

I take them "Get them nice and wet first baby." slowly I bring them to my mouth licking and sucking everyone before pushing them inside pausing a moment before pushing in the largest leaving only the retrival handle sticking out slightly. "Good girl." I don't dare move as he drives at some outrageous speed cock straining against his jeans. I know better than to lean over and free it, tonight he is in charge and I don't want to be punish not today.

I stop once again as Bucky begins pushing up my skirt still with his eyes glued to the road "You know I never realised how steamy your books are." He discovers my lack of underwear gripping my thigh tightly "Look in the glove box." with shaking fingers I do so discovering a bright pink vibrator with ridges all along the shaft. "Take it out sweetheart."

I do so holding the book in one hand and the toy in the other, he begins brushing my clit with featherlight touches the cold of the mteal making me shiver slightly "Fuck sweetheart this wet already." his fingers dip lower two disappearing inside. I grip the side of the chair to ground myself, is this really happening? Bucky curls his fingers making me moan, yes it is.

"Keep reading." "What!?" "Keep reading." I take a shuddery breath before opening the book once more trying to focus on the pages rather than the hand inbetween my thighs.

Sebastian must break every speed limit on the way home, slowing only when we reach the drive. Turning of the engine he sits with his hands clasping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles turn white "I'm debating. Do I punish you for no underwear and teasing before we left this afternoon or do I reward you for being so good for me in the bar."

He sighs opening his door "Go upstairs and I'll decide what too do with you." I open the front door and almost collapse on the floor holding onto the handle as powerful vibrations spread along the toy. Sebastian chuckles darkly "Be a good girl and do as I asked. Upstairs and I don't want anything on either."

Steadying myself I manage three shaky steps before my knees buckle and I have to grab the wall to steady myself. Slick is leaking down my thighs and before I can get anyfurther Sebastian tugs my skirt to the ground and tears of my shirt leaving me completely bare "Too slow sweetheart."

I stop again digging my nails into the car door as Bucky adds a second finger his movements slow and unhurried "Bucky, please.' "Please what sweetheart?" I groan throwing my head back "Fuck don't stop." slowly he removes his fingers bringing them to his lips to lick clean, I wine in annoyance and go to use my own fingers to finish the job when his voice turns low and warning "Don't even think about it sweetheart or you won't be cumming this entire holiday."

I freeze debating whether he would be so mean, yes he probably would. "Good girl, keep reading or I stop." He rests his hand back on my thigh taking the toy from me "Actually suck this for me first." He holds it up to my lips allowing me to wrap my mouth around it coating it with saliva. Once he is satisified he pulls it away allowing me to continue reading.

Sebastian pins me to the wall wrapping my thighs around his waist lips crashing into mine all tongue and teeth. He groans into my mouth hips grinding into mine "Don't cum without permission baby." I whimper as the toy continues to move about his grinding causing his clothed cock to rub against my swollen clit "Please can I cum? Please?" he grins pulling away a hand wrapping loosely around my throat "No. Don't you dare cum." He holds up the remote in his free hand turning up the power. I clench my thighs in an attempt to hold of my orgasm "Ppleasee. Need to cum. Please daddy." His favourite nickname tumbles from my lips.

" No." He turns the toy to full power my entire body shaking from the vibrations. I scream as I cum letting my orgasm wash over me slumping into Sebastians arms still twitching with after shocks as the toy continues to vibrate "I'm sorry. Tried. Sorry didn't mean to be bad. I can be good daddy I promise." He smirks turning off the toy "But you didn't follow the rules baby. Didn't have daddies permission. Go upstairs and lay on the bed just how I like, understand?"

I nod and he lets go of my legs, I manage to stumble and wobble my way up the stairs the toy slipping out slightly my thighs already slick with cum. Making it to the bedroom I climb onto the bed kneeling then laying forward so my ass is up in the air and my arms are supporting most of my weight "I knew you could be good for me. Now stay still while daddy reminds you of the rules."

I bite my lip as his hand comes down on my left cheek the initial sting not painful "Always wear panties unless instructed otherwise." another slap on the opposite side "No touching yourself unless I give permission." a third slap "Use your words and the trafficlight system." another slap slightly harsher "Never tease in public." two slaps this time one on each side "And finally baby, never cum without permission."

"Do you understand?" "Yes daddy. I'm sorry daddy."

Bucky slowly pushes the toy through my soaked folds leaving it a moment when he gets to the base before starting to move. Moans tumble past my lips and no matter how I try and concentrate i can't focus on the page "Sebastian smooths... smooths his hand... fuck Bucky." he chuckles pushing the toy all the way in and leaving it. I glance over finding the crotch of his trousers stretched taunt over what must be a very painful boner.

Taking several deep breaths I turn back to the book shifting slightly in my seat knowing my cheeks are flushed and the seat below me soaked. Thank gods for tinted windows and the fact it is getting dark. I find my place once more,

Sebastian smooths his hand over my ass soothing the flushed skin "Good girl. Lay on your back for me." I roll onto my back and spread my legs the base of the pink toy just visible. "So beautiful baby." Standing he kicks off his trousers before clambering ontop kissing me gently "Still on green baby?" I nod "Yes." he pulls out the beads causing me to whimper slightly before he lines himself up thrusting in to the hilt then pausing pressing another kiss to my lips "I'm not going to be gentle sweetheart."

The toy starts vibrating gently just enough to remind me its there but not nearly enough to bring me to my peak. Shifting around I reach for my bottle taking a long swig of water in an attempt to cool down. Bucky is smirking at the road phone attached to the front console open on the app controlling the vibrations.  I glance down before I start reading again he must be uncomfortable cock straining to get out a small damp spot spreading over the material. Biting my lip I turn my attention back too the book.

True to his word Sebastian sets a rough pace pounding me into the mattress. I arch my back raking my fingers down his back letting my moans flow freely practically melting into the mattress when his hand once more finds its way around my neck making me gasp "Can I cum?" he groans "Beg baby."

"Please, please, please. Daddy please let me cum." he smirks lips. brushing over mine "Alright baby as you asked so nicely." I throw my head back as pleasure rakes its way through my body "Thank you daddy." I gasp for air as his pace doesn't relent "Sensitive, hurts." he grins moving his hand from my throat down between our joined bodies pressing tight circles into my clit "Need you to cum again sweetpea. Soak my cock for me. You can do that can't you? Be a good girl and cum for me."

The vibrations rapidly increase making me gasp and moan before dropping back down to minimal. I wimper in annoyance "Please Bucky, let me cum once?" the vibrations increase again making my thighs shake driving me too my peak "Yes, yes, I'm gonna cum!" The toy switches of leaving me on the edge and panting "Please Bucky. I'm so sensitive, need to cum." he chuckles squeezing my thigh and I practically wine "I've been good. Why can't I cum?"

He shoots me a grin "This is payback sweetheart for all those photos you send while I'm working. All those steamy bedroom shots you send that drive me insane while I'm trying to concentrate." I pout "Not fair you send them too." he grins shrugging "Could always not let you finish, remove the vibrator and watch you squirm?" I feel my eyes widen and shake my head "No, no. I'll be good. Please don't do that."

I obey his demand squeezing him tightly as my orgasm rolls through me "ffuuckk. Daddy make me feel so good." he smirks slowing his pace slightly beads of sweat forming on his forehead muscles straining as he fucks me through his orgasm capturing my mouth with his as he moans. Finally he slows then stops hovering above me balls deep with cum escaping down my thighs "So good for me baby. Colour?" I smile lazily "Orange." he nods but doesn't move "Don't want to move yet baby feel so good wrapped around me. Like your pussy was made for me."

I smile feeling sleep tugging at my eyelids "Stay." "Stay?" I nod and he smiles kissing my nose "How could I refuse my babygirl?" He pulls out just enough to roll us onto our sides before burying his cock once more into my walls wrapping his arms around my stomach "Go to sleep baby."

I bite my lip closing my eyes and arching my back when the toy starts up again this time on a middle setting pleasure rippling through me with each movement my orgasm building much faster this time "Please Bucky? Please can I cum? Please?" I cry out in frustration when the toy stops again practically sobbing in frustration as slick continues to stain my thighs and seat all feeling disappearing from my thighs as I tense them over and over "Not just yet." I notice he has started palming himself through his trousers and pause my reading to watch "Skip ahead to the next interesting bit then I shall reconsider your question."

I quickly skim through the next few pages quickly finding the next steamy scene...

"I told you not too wear that in public sweetheart." I look down at the summer dress I am wearing and spin my hips so the hem twirls "I thought it was cute daddy and I only had lunch with some friends." he frowns brow furrowing "You broke one of my rules sweetheart and I thought you had a good lesson last week."

"I did daddy I promise. Please don't spank me. Don't be mad, I didn't mean to be a bad girl. I'll do anything to make it up to you?" I stare up at him pleadlingly. He sighs deeply leaning back in his chair "I'm not mad baby." he tilts his head smirking slightly "I hope you kept that toy in as I asked this morning?" I nod proudly "Yes daddy."

He pushes away from his desk hands resting on his hips "Come and show me." Slowly I walk around the desk before lifting my skirt enough to reveal my baby pink panties pulling them to the side to show the diamond plug still firmly insirted in my ass "Good girl. Now daddy has too do some work. But you are going to keep his cock nice and warm." he undoes his trousers pushing them down just enough to free his cock which he strokes languidly several times before becokning me over "Sit down and don't move a muscle. Understand baby?" I nod slowly seating myself in his lap cock slipping easily between my folds "Yes daddy."

I lean my head on his shoulder fighting every instinct to bounce or grind. This isn't the first time he's made me warm him while he worked but I still prefer riding it first.

Bucky turns the vibrations up to full before reaching over moving the toy in and out quickly pressing it up so it hits my sensitive spot every time. I lose my grip on the book gripping his arm and the chair as a powerful orgasm takes over pleasure shooting up my spine as I finally fall over the edge sweet release cascading through me. I open my mouth though no sound comes out as wave after wave crashes over me hips lifting of my seat from the sheer power of it. Eyes clenched shut I whimper and moan brokenly as Bucky continues to move the toy though a lot slower, small aftershocks rippling through me with each thrust.

"Fuck baby. That was the hottest thing you've ever done. Open your eyes sweetheart. Look at the mess you've made." Bucky has a mixture of pride and awe on his face, cum is dripping down my calfs and thighs, the seat positively soaked as is Buckys arm. "That felt incredible." he grins "You squirted baby. Told me you couldn't do it." I shake my head chest heaving "Didn't think I could."

Smirking he presses the still vibrating toy into my clit small spurts of cum leaving my folds at each press. "Now I know you can I intended to make you do it regularly." I moan slumping into my seat exhausted "Fuck Buck." he chuckles licking his hand clean "new you could do it." I laugh shakily the need to sleep suddenly crashing over me " 'M tired." he reaches over slipping the toy back between my dripping folds " I'll let you sleep baby. but when we're recreating some more scenes from your books. "

[dandelionterminal]

when they have a plus size s/o pt. 3

where Heizou falls in love with your brain and Tighnari can't seem to get enough of you. tags: plus size, fluff, hurt/comfort, insecure reader, jealousy, not beta read pronouns: they/them once in Tighnari's, 3rd person characters: Shikanoin Heizou, Tighnari (separate)

begins below cut

~you braved the storm, welcome to Inazuma~

Heizou: where the flirtatious detective proves his love beyond a reasonable doubt. Heizou is a known flirt, but with you it is different. You work with him on a case and you expect it to end there, but he keeps coming to your work and even gets jealous and protective of you. 

Total words: 1011

Heizou is known to flirt with people in order to achieve his ends and you figured it was the same for his flirting with you

You agree to help him with a case and expect him to disappear once the case is solved, but he keeps coming around

He is intrigued by you and your ability to see through lies 

He falls in love with your mind and intellect before your body

He does not see why you would be insecure, he adores you

Once you start dating, he loves to initiate PDA, much to your dismay

Loves embarrassing you, he lives for reactions

When you first came to Inazuma City, you wandered a bit before finding a home at the restaurant by a big sakura tree. Kiminami restaurant was known for its strange pizza delicacy that the traveler had introduced the owner to. After working there for a while you earned a reputation as the sweet, plump person who had a dazzling smile. 

When Heizou first came to Kiminami he was there to get details for a case. A customer who had eaten there had gone missing under suspicious circumstances and he wanted to dig details out of you. He sat down on a stool and began to chat you up. He ordered a glass of water and a bowl of soba noodles, all the while talking to you about nothing and everything. As you tended to your other customers he began to pry into you. 

“So what sort of people come here? Other than myself of course,” Heizou asked. You raised an eyebrow at him. He was suspicious, in your eyes. People came to the restaurant for small talk, but not this much small talk. The small talk was usually brief, they got their food, and then they would go quiet and then leave. This guy would not shut his trap. It was like he could talk to a wall. 

“Um… anyone and everyone come to eat here. What are you trying to find out?” you asked. You were perceptive to his strange, leading questions. 

Heizou didn’t show it, but he was impressed by your perception skills. Most people, especially customer service workers, in his experience would be distracted by work and just give up any information that he wanted. But you were not lost in the trance of routine and work, you were awake and clever. 

“Oh nothing, my dear. I’m just making conversation,” he answered with a smile, his eyes closed. “Can’t a guy ask a question?” 

You shrugged. “You can ask all you like, but that does not mean that I am going to give you the answer you are digging for. At least not without something in return,” you answer. 

Heizou was intrigued by this. “Oh my. So forward of you,” he said with a wink and shine in his eyes. 

You blushed faintly. “Not forward, mister, just know my worth.”

“Well, that is an intriguing trait. What did you have in mind, for the return of course,” he asked

“Nothing much,” you said, “maybe some mora. But most importantly I want to know why you want this info you are seeking.”

Heizou chuckled, “so you’re interested in my work, hm? Fine. Give me my info, I’ll tell you what I am working on.”

You hummed, tapping your chin dramatically as if thinking hard about your next move. “How about instead we trade back and forth?” you suggested, “that way neither of us is cheated.” 

“Oh you are clever,” he said. “Fine, sit down then.” He gestured to the empty seat next to him. You took a seat, ready to learn all there was to know about this strange man.

-

After you agreed to help Heizou on his case, living for the thrill of it, Heizou would come by each day around lunch to ask more questions about his suspect. It became a routine and you both became fond of each other. Despite your better judgment you began to have feelings for the squirrelly doushin. You let yourself have a faint spark of hope that maybe he liked you back as well. I mean, he did keep coming back didn't he? And the two of you talked about more than just the case. He would ask you how you feeling, if you had eaten, what your favorite things were… How could someone not fall for that kind of person? He was flirtatious but had a good heart deep inside. 

But then his case ended. He’d caught the perp, which meant he would stop coming by.

Or so you thought. He kept coming. He kept showing up at the same time every day. You were surprised, but you didn’t tell him that. 

“You won’t believe it y/n,” he said one day as he came into the restaurant. You looked up from where you were wiping a table for a customer who had spilled their drink. Your outfit sagged off your shoulder as you did so. 

“Oh Shikanoin, welcome in,” you said as you finished cleaning, turning to your patron and smiling at them. “There you go sir, I’ll get you a fresh drink,” you said and turned to get a new drink for the man. 

Heizou glowered at the man and followed you. “Y/n,” he said, “that man is drooling over you.”

You stopped him as he tried to walk into the back of the shop. “Shikanoin we’ve talked about this. You can’t come into the back of the shop,” you said, holding up your hand to his chest. “And he so is not into me,” you defended, tugging your sleeve to cover your shoulder. “No one would be.”

“There you go again,” he said. “How can you not see how dreamy you are?” 

“And there you go again. Archons, if you think I’m so dreamy why don’t you date me?” you asked in exasperation. 

“I would but you’re out of my league,” he said in a deadpan tone. 

That gave you pause. You stopped pouring the man’s sake and turned to Heizou. “Don’t joke like that, it’s cruel,” you said, trying to keep the tears out of your eyes. 

“Why would I joke about that with you?” he said, stepping towards you. He put a hand on your chin to tilt your head to meet his eyes. “I know how you look at me, did you think I wouldn’t notice?” With each word his lips got closer to yours, “And you’re smart enough to know how I look at you,” he said, a breath away from your lips. He waited for you to close the gap. 

And when you did, the greatest mystery of all was solved. 

~Sumeru, don't forget to dream~

Tighnari: where foxes mate for life and he wants to have you all his life. When you first come to Avidya forest as a researcher you don’t expect to fall for the fox man who runs the place. But you do. When you go on your first trek and end up injured and sick, Tighnari nurses you back to health over several weeks. 

Starting off he thinks you’re lazy and clumsy

He doesn’t think you’re stupid like most of the Akademia, but you are annoying to him

But after spending time with you he starts to like you

Your comedy is on par with Cyno’s and he doesn’t like that so much but he can overlook it

He likes to hold you in his arms 

Forehead kisses if you’re shorter than him

He is a tease so be prepared for that

Total words: 1361

Avidya forest was hot and humid. And it was always like that. It was like an eternal hot spring. And it was not easy on the human body. But it is where mushrooms thrived. You trudged through the rainforest, a flask of water sloshing on your waist, a notepad and pencil jingling on the other side, and a heavy backpack clanking on your back. You didn’t know whose bright idea it was to send the least athletic of the dormant fungi researchers into the forest but here you were, climbing hills and swatting bugs off your skin. You were on your way to the village of Gandharva Ville where you were told a former scholar lived. You sighed as you settled to rest on a set of stairs at the foot of a large tree house. From above you, you heard a crude and indignant voice shout down at you. 

“Um, excuse me? That is where people walk, you laze about,” the voice said. You looked up to see a man with fox ears on the top of his head. A large bushy tail swished behind him as his bicolored eyes glared down at you. You stood up frantically, hands clasped in front of yourself. 

“I-I’m sorry,” you stuttered out, intimidated by the confident fox man in front of you, “I’m a researcher from Amurta,” you explained. “I’m looking for a master Tighnari, I was told to find him to get my research mission approved.” 

He raised an eyebrow at you. “You’re y/n? I was told you would be coming. Come up here, laze about, show me this research.” 

You followed him up the stairs and into a cabin. He gestured for you to sit. You pulled your backpack off your back and pulled out a file folder of papers and materials and meticulously sorted. “I’m here to research the Rukkha­sha­va mushroom and its potential spiritual connections. I think the layers of the mushroom hold the potential to heal spiritual and mental ailments,” you explained. 

He hummed as he skimmed over your research. “Quite whimsical,” he said, “but the chemical makeup you break down here does make sense. You can stay here while you research. But don’t wander into a withering zone, and do not eat any wild mushrooms.”

You blinked at him. “Do you think I’m an idiot?” you asked. He sounded like he was talking to a toddler. 

“You would be surprised by the idiocy of some of the Akademia scholars I have encountered,” he replied. He stood and offered his hand. 

You squinted at him. “I don’t doubt it but I am not stupid promise,” you take his offered hand, stand, and sling your bag back on your shoulders. You continue to give him quizzical eyes and head off into the forest. The sun was still high in the sky, the day was young, and you could spend the time finding a spot in the forest and setting up camp. 

You set out to a spot deep in the forest, where no human influence could be seen. You had made it far away from the village, so far only the sound of fungi dancing in the moonlight could be heard. You shucked off your pack and set up a tent on some level ground and began stoking a fire. Come daylight you would head to higher ground to inspect some trees to see if the mushrooms were prevalent at lower elevations. 

-

Tighnari was restless. That researcher from Amurta hadn’t come back yet. It had been three days. Sure, some treks into the forests were long and arduous, but this was unusual. Maybe he had offended you horribly by calling you a laze about. He was about to organize a search party when Collei burst through the door. “Master Tighnari!” she shouted, panting and out of breath. 

“Collei what is wrong? Slow down and breathe!” He lightly scolded. 

“There isn’t time! Y/n came back… and they’re bleeding!” she shouted. Tighnari rushed out, calling out orders to Collei and he ran. 

When he reached you he saw you were practically unconscious, a large gash on your arm that you had haphazardly wrapped a shirt around. The shirt was soaked in crimson and your lips were pale. That wasn’t the only injury. There was a large cut to your head that you had clearly hit. 

“What happened?” He hastily asked you as he began to quickly wrap you in blankets that Collei brought to him. 

You chuckled dryly and coughed. “I was climbing up a tree to reach a mushroom-” you choked out. 

“How high up?” He asked. 

You grimaced. “High.” 

He sighed loudly. “Alright,” he said, standing to his full height. “Collei, I need some water and a stretcher,” he shouted over his shoulder. “We need to start cleaning the wounds.”

And with that the village went to work, rushing around you like a hoard of ants. 

-

That day went by in a blur. People rushing in and out, Tighnari shoveling tonics and concoctions in you to help you recover, Tighnari cleaning and wrapping your wounds and mending your bones, the day turned to night and you drifted in and out of consciousness. 

You woke up the next morning to Tighnari at your bedside redressing the wound on your arm. He looked up, sensing the shift in your breathing, and squinted at you. “More lucid this morning?” he asked. 

You squinted back at him. “I assume so,” you said. “What’s the verdict, doc? Am I not long for this world?” you joked. 

He scoffed. “Your sense of humor is on par with Cyno’s,” he said. “No, but you broke your arm and lost a lot of blood. And we don’t have a healer out here, so you’re stuck under my care until you are well.” 

You frowned. “I guess it could be worse,” you replied. “Sorry to be a burden.” “Don’t climb trees next time,” he scolded. He stood. “Don’t be such a lummox,” and with that, he left, tail swaying behind him. 

-

Over the next few weeks you got into a routine. You would wake, have a light breakfast, and Tighnari would come redress your wounds. During that time you two would talk about anything and everything. It started out lightly. He would ask how you’re feeling and you would reciprocate, asking how he was. Then it shifted as he noticed things about you. He would ask about your other hobbies outside of the Akademia. You would indulge him in his. You would joke with him and dig information out of him. He became gentler with you over time. And you started to look forward to seeing him. You would take all his time away, talking nonstop about anything. One time he even kissed your forehead. Before long your arm was healed and you were set to go back to the Akademia. 

You were putting you backpack on your shoulders when he came in. Just like any other day he came in with a bowl of clean water and fresh bandages. He stopped when he saw you, freezing in his tracks. 

“Oh,” he said. “That’s right. You’re meant to go home today.”

You smiled. “Yep. I overstayed my welcome as it is,” you said. 

He frowned at that. “You’re welcome here anytime, laze about.” 

Your heart skipped a beat and you flushed. You shook your head at him. “Nope I need to get going before people get the wrong idea about us. I stayed too long, I’ve been well enough to travel for a while now.”

His frown deepened. “Wrong idea how?”

You laughed. “You know… I know there is no way you could be attracted to me, I mean I’m annoying and oversized, but other people don’t know that. They just see someone staying and occupying all of your time.” 

He sighed. “Y/n, you’re not annoying. I like spending time with you.” He stepped closer. “And don’t you know… my kind mate for life.”

You frowned. “I’m not your mate though.”

“Oh, but you can be,” he said, setting down his supplies and taking you in his arms. “All you have to do is stay.”

[bts-hyperfixation]

Outside of the fox

Chapter 6/21(?) - words 2227

Y/N longs for a new life when the one she’d been living comes to an abrupt stop. Without much thought to those she is leaving behind, the little fox packs a backpack and disappears. She stumbles across the shelter and makes an interim home for herself while she works out exactly what she wants from her second chance.

Last

"It's not much... but it's home." Jimin states as he pulls up outside their home.

The tiny cottage sticks out massively amongst the rest of the neighbourhood. Dwarfed by its neighbours, the poor little building never stood a chance. But you couldn't deny the character the small package contained. It reminded you of Jimin himself.

He parks the car around the back and grabs all of your shopping bags before you even have a chance to protest, swooping out of the way as you try to take them from him. He practically skips to the front door as you follow him. He doesn't even have to put down your bags to open the door, it swings open as he arrives, Yoongi waiting for him on the other side.

Yoongi takes half of the bags from Jimin and leans forward to kiss his cheek. Something inside you aches as you watch them talk about their days. It's so simple, just to acknowledge what your partner had done while they were missing from you. Your husband had always shrugged you away, he knew how your day was, it was always the same and he hated his job so why would he talk about it?

"Joon has just set up the futon in the office for you Y/N, I'll take you up. It's not much but hopefully you'll be comfortable." Yoongi says turning to walk up the stairs.

"Can't I take her?" Jimin asks.

"No, you have a very grumpy bunny to attend to."

Jimin's ears flickered at the mention of Jungkook, he looked sheepish. He glanced at you briefly and then headed across the living room, disappearing down a small corridor.

"Is everything okay? I haven't put you out at all? Jimin was very insistent, but I can leave." Your ears flatten against your head as you sense the tense atmosphere in the building.

"No, it's fine. Jungkook had a rough day is all, and he prefers Jimin's company when he is upset." It's not a complete lie, but it's not the full truth either. It seems best not to focus on it.

The roof upstairs brushes against the tips of your ears as you walk along a narrow corridor. There are only three rooms upstairs, with small doors blocking entry to each one. Yoongi gestures as he passes the first two.

The first is Jimin's room. he has decorated his door with stickers of bamboo and flowers to make it stand out. He doesn't show you the inside, but you can imagine it is just as quintessentially Jimin.

The second belongs to Yoongi and Namjoon. The door is bare, and just slightly ajar. You can just about see a large bed with plenty of blankets, neatly made. It takes up most of the small room, leaving very little space to move around during the day.

He pushes open the final door to reveal Namjoon working on a laptop, a futon half set up behind him.

"Joon-ah, I thought you were going to have this set up by now?" Yoongi sighs.

He places your bags in the corner of the room and starts dressing the bed properly.

"Sorry Love, I got distracted by an email chime. Looks like a good job this time, short article for above average pay." Namjoon responds, not turning from the screen. "We still have time before they come home though, right?"

He turns his body but his head doesn't quite follow straight away. He remains too focused on his typing.

"Y/N is literally standing behind you Joon, you'd know that if you paid proper attention to me." Yoongi huffs.

Namjoon's head snaps to look at you, shocked that you'd managed to arrive without him noticing.

"He gets very sleepy this time of year, not so great at paying attention," Yoongi states.

The jackal finishes fluffing your pillow and moves closer to Namjoon. His fingers thread through the bear's hair, playing with it gently. Namjoon leans into the touch briefly before closing the lid on his laptop and gathering all of the cables. They give you a brief rundown of the house, where the bathroom is, what time they have dinner (not that you have to eat with them of course), and what time each of them tends to be out of the house.

"Also, Jungkookie.... He isn't great with change and he is very possessive of Jimin. You might want to give him some space, but he will come around eventually. He has never been very good at trusting new people, especially predators. It's difficult with him being a bunny..." Namjoon warns.

"I'll keep that in mind..." You nod, taking in all of the information. "I'm so sorry for putting you all out like this. I will try to find somewhere new to stay as soon as I can."

"Don't be silly, any friend of Jimin's is a friend of ours, we want you to stay for as long as you like," Yoongi assures you.

With that, the pair leave you to your own devices for a little while.

There isn't a lot in the room to look at. It's obvious that Namjoon must spend a lot of time holed up in the room though. It absolutely stinks of the bear. Not that you find yourself minding much, if anything it's a comforting smell, something akin to a wood-burning fire. There's a sweeter smell mixed in, one that was unfamiliar and could only belong to Jungkook, like lemongrass and sugar. It seems like the office must be one of his favourite places to be too, an unsurprising revelation after seeing how he clung to Namjoon out in public.

You spend some time unpacking a few items of your new clothes so the creases would drop out. You refused to get comfortable, unwilling to disturb the pack longer than you needed to. As soon as you had a steady income that you had earned for yourself you were determined to move out.

It doesn't take long for the smell of food to come wafting up the stairs making your stomach growl. You follow your nose down the stairs and into the kitchen. You are met with a scene that screamed domesticated.

Jungkook had pulled his chair so close to Jimin that he was practically on the red panda's lap. Namjoon pushed his glasses up his nose as he tried to focus on his work, but it was obvious to everyone else that he kept getting distracted by the two sitting across from him, he was definitely not finishing that article any time soon. Yoongi was bending down to retrieve a roast from the oven as the vegetables finished cooking on the stove. His neon pink oven mitts juxtaposed everything you had so far learnt about the man but suited him well.

Jimin grinned as he notice your arrival, patting the chair on the other side of him, but the look on Jungkook's face suggested that taking up the invitation may not be the strongest move. You settle for the chair next to Namjoon, careful to angle your body away in the hope of not encroaching on the rabbit's territory any more than you had to. He seemed satisfied with your decision and nuzzled into Jimin's side.

A knock at the door has each member at the table staring around confused.

"Ah, I forgot to mention, before we knew Y/N was joining us tonight, I invited a new friend around to work on some music tonight after dinner." Yoongi explained, shaking his oven mitts off onto the counter.

He leaves the room, only to return moments later with a familiar face.

"Y/N! I was so hoping our paths would cross again but even I hadn't dreamed it would be this soon." Hoseok grins.

He makes himself comfortable easily in the new environment, settling in the chair next to yours. His arm drapes around the back of your chair. He leans in close, forcing you to move closer to the others and involve yourself properly.

"So what's for dinner Yoongi, I'm starving, you said this would be good so I haven't eaten all day." Hobi comments.

He can't sense the tension in the room the same way the rest of you can. He doesn't notice the way Jungkook's ears flatten against his head as Jimin pets him gently. He certainly can't smell the protective aggression that Namjoon is trying to regulate with deep breaths beside you.

"Hobi, it's usually best to introduce yourself when walking into a stranger's den..." You point out.

"Right... of course. Sorry, I just assumed maybe Yoongi had?" He looks at the Jackal and receives a firm shake of his head.

He sits up straight again and removes himself from you. He smooths down his clothes like he is suddenly very nervous, a completely different demeanour to the one he had entered with.

"I'm Hoseok or Hobi. I work in the music industry with Yoongi sort of part-time. I'm sorry for intruding, I just love his rhythm and had to work with him as soon as I could."

You notice a slight tinge of pink dust Yoongi's cheeks at the compliment. It doesn't go unnoticed by Namjoon either who raises an eyebrow but says nothing. His scent does return back to normal after the brief introduction though. Jungkook on the other hand doesn't take his eyes away from the human for more than a few seconds at a time and drags Jimin back into a room that you assumed belonged to him immediately after they finished eating.

"He is a little intense." Hobi pulls at the collar of his shirt.

"He is apparently not good with new comers." You shrug, glad to know for sure he wasn't singling you out.

"Apparently? You haven't known him long then?"

"I've spent maybe less than ten minutes with the man..."

"And you live with him?"

"Yeah... only temporarily though... it's a long story." you don't offer an explanation and he doesn't push for one.

"Maybe one for another day then, right Yoongi you said you had a home studio?" Hobi asks changing the topic.

"Yeah it's out in the garden, let me clean up and we can go," Yoongi says grabbing empty plates to wash.

"I'll clear up, it's the least I can do." you offer.

You take the plates from him and dunk your hands into the soapy water, not giving him a chance to try and change your mind. Yoongi and Hoseok leave for the back garden, leaving you alone with Namjoon. The two of you potter around in comfortable silence. The tap of his keyboard keys is comforting as you make your way through all of the dishes. You didn't notice you had started humming until he joins in with the tune.

After all the dishes are washed and dried you realise you had no idea where they needed to be put away.

"Namjoon?"

"Hmm?" He answers, head turning as his eyes remain glued to his screen.

"Can you tell me where the plates go?"

He presses save on his computer and shuts down the lid.

"I'll do you one better, I'll put them away, I really should help out more anyway."

You watch as he puts it all away, making mental notes of where to find things. When he is finished he offers you a drink from the fridge and suggests the two of you watch a movie before going to bed as everyone else seemed to be too busy. Not wanting to disappoint him, you make yourself comfortable on one end of the overstuffed sofa as he sets up some movie he said he'd been meaning to watch for a long time.

You'd forgotten how big Namjoon was when you'd chosen your seat. The man flops down into the seat beside you taking up all of the remaining room. His thigh touches yours as you watch the movie. As the movie progresses he falls asleep, slowly slipping down the sofa until his head is resting on your shoulder. You let him get comfortable, it seems like the man is in desperate need of a rest.

This close you can see every individual freckle on his handsome face. You can also see every premature wrinkle and the dark bags that had made a home under his eyes.

He doesn't wake up until after the credits roll. Blinking sleepily as he comes to, he looks sheepishly at the drool staining your sweater.

"Why didn't you wake me?" He asks, rubbing his eyes.

"You looked like you really needed the sleep."

"You still could've pushed me off."

"Yeah but you just seemed really comfy, and I didn't mind, honest. Anyway, I think I'm going to head to bed, it's been a long day." As if to prove your point you have to suppress a yawn.

You stretch out as you prepare to stand up accidentally brushing your fingers across the bear's ears. He leans into the touch the same way he had earlier with Yoongi. Quickly, you retract your hand and pretend nothing had happened. You stand and begin to walk up the stairs as he calls out to you.

"Hey Y/N? I am really glad you said yes to moving in."

Masterlist

And with that, he rewinds the film to the last point he remembers and allows you to go off to your room.

Next

Series masterlist

[petertingle-yipyip]

WORLD CLASS SINNER - FRANK CASTLE

seven - so it goes…

tags: n/a // six // eight // masterlist

Pairing: Frank x Livia, Billy x Livia

Word Count: 8,917

Summary: All eyes on her, a skilled illusionist. Playing the field for information gets what she needed but could threaten the relationship keeping her afloat.

You stayed late to help Curtis clean up after group. Lewis has pushed past you on your way in and ignored any sort of conversation you had offered. You could feel he was still angry, about something that was bigger than what had happened at Anvil though he clearly hadn’t forgiven you for that either. You shrugged it off initially, but it struck you as something interesting when you noticed O’Connor didn’t show up. That was a man that loved to attend group for the chance of pissing someone off, so for him to miss a session and to see Lewis - who was beginning to idolize the man - holding in more anger than necessary, it all had you wondering what you had missed while you were off tending to your wounded.

You tried to use that time alone to talk to Curtis about Lewis and O’Connor to find out what happened but before much could come from that conversation, Billy came in. You listened in on what he came to say but focused more on the task of putting things away when something caught your attention and you nearly dropped the chairs in your hands.

“You know, Frank Castle.” He continued and you stepped around Curtis and glared at the man. Billy gave you no reaction and just kept talking. “Our friend, our dead friend. You seen him recently?”

“Billy.” You hissed and lightly smacked his arm.

“No, its.. It’s alright, Livia.” Curtis held a hand out to you and you turned to face him. He knew Billy was baiting him into some sort of a confession, though neither of you could’ve been sure if Billy had any sureness in his attempt. So Curtis remained calm, albeit confused, and you remained irritated. “What do you mean, man? Have I been back to the cemetery? Or am I seeing ghosts, having flashbacks? What are we talking about here?”

There was a staredown between the two men that seemed to span an eternity. Tension rose with every second until you subtly snapped your fingers at your side and it broke instantly. Billy looked away first but you felt the relief from Curtis as a shive across your own skin. 

“Frank’s alive, man.” Billy finally confessed and you lifted your head slightly in confusion. Clearly, Billy had a plan, but to hell if you knew what it was. “Sorry, I had to find out if you knew.”

“And why do you think that?” Curtis countered calmly but he was rightfully suspicious of his friend’s accusation.

“I can’t tell you how I found out, but I found out, and now I gotta find him.”

“I’ll tell you.” You cut in simply, speaking quickly before Billy could try to stop you. “Homeland Security, some agent is looking into an incident that Cereberus was allegedly involved in in the middle east. She said where but I don’t remember. She swears Frank is alive and hurt and gonna get himself killed on his little crusade… I’m not so sure.” You ended with a shrug when you saw the glare Billy was shooting you. You simply brushed him off and the heat from his look disappeared almost immediately.

“I was hoping you had been lying to me this whole time.” Billy continued, taking a subtle step closer in an attempt to gain control of the conversation. The attempted power move almost made you laugh. “At least then I’d have a lead on where to start. I’ve been putting out the old unit call on the radio.”

“Which I thought was risky as a first move.” You shot Billy a look that he ignored. “But hey, what do I know?”

“Has he answered?” Curtis asked and though his tone was level, there was concern laced in his words. You wanted to reassure him that Frank was fine, walking and talking and eating and arguing with you the same as he was before the arrow, but you couldn’t do that with wannabe Detective Russo in the same room.

Billy shook his head slightly and Curtis gave a shrug as if to say that was enough of an answer.

“If you could just give me an idea on where to start…” Billy tried and you had to look down to keep your eye roll to yourself.

Desperation was not a good look for Billy Russo.

“So what? You’re gonna help them?” Curtis asked with a slight challenge that almost went unnoticed.

“Imma help Frank.” He corrected and your ears perked up. Curtis noticed your focus shift over Billy’s shoulder and your eye contact only lasted less than a second. “I could get him out of here, man. Free and clear.”

“You do realize his lawyer and a federal agent is still in the room with you, right?” You pointed out with a sigh. “You need to tell me what you’re planning, Billy, now.”

“Now is my chance to make things right, Livia.” Billy said instead of a real answer.

“That’s not an answer.”

“You lived how many lives before you decided to keep this one?” He spat over his shoulder before instantly regretting the words.

You closed the distance between you two and stood in front of him in silence for a few moments. You watched his eyes dart between yours and across your face to try and read your expression, but you knew you were blank. You gave him nothing. You owed him nothing. No explanation, no answer. When he opened his mouth to speak, you didn’t hesitate to bring an open palm across his cheek. The firm slap echoed throughout the empty room and the impact mimicked that familiar explosion.

“Не говори о годах, о которых ты ничего не знаешь, или я вырежу тебе язык и засуну его тебе в горло.” You warned lowly before storming out of the room. (Do not speak of years you know nothing about or I’ll cut out your tongue and shove it down your throat.)

You sat in your car for a few minutes in quiet anger. You had the AC running full blast and the doors locked while the car idled in the parking lot. You usually didn’t care when people had a snide comment on your past given the fact that they usually knew nothing and spoke from a place of ignorance. But it was the tone that Billy used, the entitlement he believed he had for you to look the other way. Just because you slept with Billy from time to time didn’t mean that you owed him any sort of favors, especially where your new job was concerned. If you so much as breathed in a sketchy direction, Hattley would have your badge faster than you could say ‘No’. Being on Frank’s side to begin with was risky enough, but for Billy to assume that you would side with him over your own wellbeing was selfish and juvenile.

You were quick to return to the compound when you noticed Billy and Curtis leaving the building. You kept the air on during the drive so by the time you got there, your skin felt a normal temperature despite the newest heat that had made a home in your heart and spread through your veins with every beat. You arrived not long before Curtis did. You felt his anger before you saw him, a dull heat that wasn’t necessarily directed at anyone specific but more at the entirety of the situation.

“I lied for you again.” Curtis said flatly, just as you had hopped up to sit at the edge of the counter.

“You did the right thing, Curt.” Frank answered and you nodded in agreement, just as the unit call came through the radio again.

“I’m going to break that damn thing if I have to hear it one more time.” You muttered as you looked around for something to throw.

“Every hour, on the hour.” Lieberman commented indifferently. He had said his peace when it started so he felt no need to argue anymore. “This guy’s determined.”

“He said he wanted to help you, that he could help you.” Curtis explained and you pressed your lips together in an effort to keep your thoughts in your head. “Whatever he’s offering, if you ask me, you should take it.”

You shook your head slightly and hopped off the counter to pace the small kitchen area. You rubbed a hand over your mouth while you tried to flesh out your thoughts, create a pinboard of ideas in your head and connect them with imaginary strings. You knew your expressions were shifting with your thoughts, brows furrowing and lifting while your eyes squinted or went wide when your head nodded or shook as things did or didn’t make sense. You glanced up to ensure your path was still clear and you noticed Frank was watching you with a questioning expression. You shook him off, hoping he would understand the gesture was meant as a ‘not now’ before he answered an expectant Curtis.

“Less people know I’m alive, safer it is for them.” Frank finally said.

“But what about you? You don’t look too safe. You look like a guy that nearly got his ass killed and you know it.” Curtis pressed. “And for what, huh?”

“The thing with Gunner was an ambush.” You explained quickly with the intent of scraping away some of Curtis’ frustration. “Not so much the arrow but the bullet wound… Someone knew where we were going. What I don’t get is who knew or how they knew because Gunner was off-grid for years. Someone put him on someone else’s radar but…”

You trailed off your question when the answer was so obvious it could’ve slapped you. It practically did. Dinah Madani must’ve been looking into the Cerberus crew, directly or indirectly, but that must’ve alerted a certain someone in Langley and Gunner was either the nearest or the most logical target to take out first. It was either Dinah’s research that popped up on someone’s radar or there was a bug in her office.

“If I could just add something here…” Lieberman tried.

“You don’t get an opinion, not in this conversation.” Curtis said without breaking eye contact with Frank. “Right now, she’s lucky she gets one.”

“I’m still his lawyer.” You defended quickly. “Taking anything from Billy should be carefully weighed out before anyone jumps on it… There’s still the potential for foul play.”

“You think it could be a set-up?” Curtis scoffed. “C’mon, Liv. You were there when he was telling me everything.”

“And the person who told him is someone he’s sleeping with, which is the one looking into him.” You outed Billy with an indifferent shrug. “There’s still the potential of using Frank as an excuse to bed her a few more times. Y’know, gratitude sex.”

Curtis laughed in disbelief before turning back to Frank. You ground your teeth slightly and restrained both your hands and your tongue. Going up against Billy was one thing but standing opposite of him and Curtis would make your life harder than it already is.

“So what? I keep lying for you?” Curtis challenged.

“Look. Curt, you… You gotta do what you think is right. I’d never ask you to do anything else.” Frank said honestly and it proved something you had already knew.

Despite the reputation, despite the pain and trauma he had fought through, Frank Castle a good man who cared about people. A select few people, but those people would always be the safest in New York.

Curtis left after that without saying anything else. Frank and Lieberman talked shortly about Billy and Lieberman said Frank should. At that, Frank turned to you.

“You’ve been quiet.” He said and your eyebrows went up.

“I don’t think you’ll like what I have to say.” You said honesty.

“C’mon, Princess. It’s never stopped you before.”

“Like I said, Billy’s sleeping with Madani so this may be all for her… But there’s been other coincidences that I don’t trust.”

“Like what?”

“Like ones I can’t prove yet.”

“Anything that’d hold in court?”

“No.” You laughed slightly. “Everything is just circumstantial at best. I’m trying to get the proof but he’s careful. He covers his tracks, watches what he says.”

“But do you think-”

“No, okay?” You cut in sharply. “I don’t. I don’t think you should talk to him. I don’t think you should take anything he offers if you talk to him. Billy Russo has gotten too close. He needs to be taken off the board.”

“Off the board… How do you plan to do that then?”

“I’m not gonna kill him.” Yet. “He just needs to believe Dinah is wrong about you being alive. Maybe whatever she thought would’ve killed you actually did because something isn’t right about everything.”

“Go ahead then.” Frank gestured for you to keep going. “Lay it all out, Princess.”

“No, you wouldn’t believe me and I don’t even blame you.” You put your hands up in defeat as you turned away from him. “Do whatever you want, Frank, but don’t expect me to go along with it.”

Just hours later, both men tried to invite you to the waterfront. You ignored Billy’s call completely but listened to the voicemail almost immediately after it was left. Admittedly, you were surprised Billy had called given your last interaction was a solid slap and a threat. And your last interaction with Frank was you throwing accusations at Billy with no proof. So either man reaching out came slightly out of left field.

But you did what you had to do and you chose yourself, the way you were always meant to. You wanted to return to being alone, the way you had been so long to the point where you liked it. Where you longed for it. Then Matt and Foggy pulled you out of it, Marc and Steven kept you out of it. But to live a life without them, without any of them, you began to hide in that loneliness despite that yearning for someone to hold your hand and drag you out.

Meanwhile, Frank and Billy were sitting on the waterfront. At first, they spent a few minutes catching up but talking about Anvil led to Billy’s offer. And while Frank was listening to it, he was also watching for Livia.

He didn’t think she’d show given the fact that she didn’t answer his call, but he still had hope. It wasn’t a decision he would take lightly, and Livia doesn’t stand so firmly for nothing. She knew something, something she didn’t think he would believe without seeing. But if she was there, she probably could’ve used that fancy law degree and gotten Billy to admit to it. Or at least trip him up enough to prove something wasn’t right.

“You uh, you know Livia, right?” Frank asked, looking back to his friend who he could’ve sworn was blushing at her name.

“Yeah, yeah I know her.” Billy smiled slightly. “Hell of a lady.”

“Yeah..” Frank smiled. “She really went to bat for me way back when. You tell her about this?”

“Started to.” He shrugged. “Then I said something stupid and she walked out. Slapped the shit outta me, too.”

“Eh, you probably deserved it.” Frank chuckled, but the comment sparked a question. Livia wasn’t one to lose composure over nothing, so what did Billy say to her? “Was all this, the new life and everything… Any of this her idea?”

“I don’t think she wants to know for sure if you’re alive.” Billy answered. “She took your death pretty hard, man. Then she loses her boyfriend and… I don’t know, all that death changes you.”

“Yeah…” Frank nodded slightly.

He had noticed Livia had been colder lately, more to the point, but knowing that even Billy noticed it meant she must’ve really lost it after Murdock. He knew she was still hurting, feeling guilty every second she was alive, but he also knew she was the strongest person he knew. She’d fight her way through this just like she fought through all the other shit in her life, but he couldn’t help but wonder what would change in the process.

“You spend a lot of time with her?” Frank asked, trying to lighten the mood between them where Livia was concerned.

“Fair amount, yeah.” He nodded with a proud smile.

“You actually like her, don’t you? Aw shit, is Billy Russo actually interested in settling down?”

At that, Billy laughed. “She’d kick my ass to Jersey if I tried.”

You were headed out the next morning with the intent - again - of going to Dinah’s office. You had to get a lead for your leak theory, whether it be Billy Russo or Dinah Madani. Either way, you had no issues going after either. Despite your FBI position lurking in the back of your thoughts, which you were on standby for until something good came across someone’s desk, nothing would stop you.

You took advantage of the badge at your hip and flashed it at the confused looks. The familiar look of the badge was enough for them to nod and accept your presence but someone decided to step in front of you. He gently grabbed your arm, pulled you down a secluded hall, and stepped close enough to back you against the wall.

“What are you doing here?” He asked lowly and you met his expression with one of challenge.

“Visiting your girlfriend.” You mocked quickly. “You?”

“She’s not my-“

“I don’t care.” You cut in with a sigh. “Can I go now?”

“You didn’t answer my call yesterday.”

“Yeah, I figured the slap was enough. Besides, I was too busy with your girlfriend’s head between my legs.” You lied and his brows raised. “Jealous?”

“Yeah, actually.” The corner of his mouth tilted to a smile but dropped quickly at your glare.

“Gross.”

“I’m kidding, c’mon.” He chuckled nervously.

“Get out of my way.” You mumbled and nodded for him to move.

“No, Livia, just-“

“No.” You said sharply and moved forward to force him a few steps back. “I don’t care, Billy. I don’t care what you do with Dinah. I don’t care what you do with Frank. What I do care about is my name and my reputation. Neither of you get to take those from me.”

“I’m not trying to.” His hands went up in surrender. “What I said the other day was outta line. I know that. I was stressed with this whole-“

“I have a litigation specialty. You can’t talk around me or play the victim. We all have our own shit going on but that doesn’t make it okay to try and pull punches you’ve already blindly thrown.” You rolled your eyes and pushed past him. Before you got very far, he caught your arm and spun you back to face him.

“I will break every bone in that hand.” You warned angrily. “Let go of me.”

“Let me make it up to you, huh?” He offered and you held back on rolling your eyes again. “Remember that guy I said that if he liked you, I’d be able to tell you more?”

“Yeah..” Now you were intrigued.

“Well I’m going to talk to him in a bit. Maybe you could come with me.”

“And if he doesn’t like me?”

“I got a feeling he will. Pick you up on my way?”

You took a minute to consider. Your gut was telling you that it was a direct path to Agent Orange. Maybe not a name, but a face and a potential location. It was a perfect chance, fallen into your lap. Could you really pass on it?

“Fine. But you’re not forgiven,” You said flatly. “Give me a few minutes to talk to Dinah.”

You knocked sharply on Dinah’s door before pushing in, the tense conversation between her and some other agent coming to a screeching halt. You looked awkwardly between them and the annoyance sat heavily in the air.

“Sorry, am I interrupting?” You asked carefully while subtly activating your implant and the man sighed but gestured for Dinah to answer.

“No, it’s fine.” She gave a tight smile. “Something I can help you with, Agent Yersova?”

“Agent?” The man’s head popped up. “Jesus, Dinah, who else are you bringing in?” He looked over to you and nodded slightly. “No offense.”

“None taken. And I’m from FBI SWAT, actually.” You corrected. “Agent Madani had reached out to collaborate on a case. Lotta things we need to catch up on… Got word of something down in Kentucky you might be interested in.” You glanced around her office to try and pinpoint where the feedback in your head was coming from. All you could figure out was a direction, somewhere on her bookshelf. 

“FBI? Dinah, you’ve gotta be kidding.” The man urged quietly.

“It’s not official.” You scanned the objects on the shelves but without your mask or even the pocket tech you used in Lieberman’s home, you wouldn’t find it. You cursed silently before facing the expectant stares. “Just a consultation from a friend but I can see this is a bad time. Should we get something on the books for later, an evening meeting maybe? My treat.”

“Yes, that’d be great.” She sighed in relief.

You smiled slightly and scribbled ‘bugged?’ with two sharp underlines. She shot you a questioning look but you simply raised your brows with a knowing smirk before you left.

You didn’t know what took you back to the compound. Pure curiosity to see if Frank was still around, maybe. Truthfully, if Frank did leave, then Lieberman’s situation was no longer your problem. Orange and Billy and the Lieberman family wouldn’t matter to you. You owed them nothing so why would you continue to figure anything out for them?

But when you walked in, a mix of relief and disappointment ran through you before disappearing down the crater. Frank was still around.

“Colonel Morty Bennett, Fort Byron.” Lieberman began, pausing when you quietly approached the countertop with the map spread across it.

Your eyes scanned it as Frank pointed to various points and talked out the plan. Your head tilted in thought as to how to insert yourself but you’d need a bit more intel on Bennett before you could find somewhere to slip in.

“…entertains at home, every Saturday night, like clockwork.” Lieberman explained and an idea clicked in your head. 

“What kind of entertaining? Like a dinner party?” You asked, already planning five personas for different scenarios.

“Not exactly, no.” He answered, now feeling awkward. “Female company.”

“Oh… Oh.” You nodded in understanding. “There’s my way in then.”

“No.” Frank cut in suddenly but you ignored him.

“Can you get me the name of the company he used and if he has a favorite date?”

“Yeah, I can do that.” Lieberman answered while Frank argued, “You’re not doing it.”

“I’ve done it a thousand times.” You said flatly. “Bat my eyes, laugh a little, wear a short skirt. Never even have to touch them.”

“Alivia.” He said firmly. Your full name nearly made you flinch.

“That way it’s not two people sneaking onto an army base. I pass myself off as the expected guest, flash Bennett the big doe eyes and get the intel we’re looking for before I knock him out and get out of there. What is your issue?” You pressed but Frank scoffed and mumbled something under his breath. You rolled your eyes and turned back to Lieberman. “Send me the info, please. I have another string I’ve gotta pull on.”

“Are you listening to me?” Frank countered angrily before Lieberman could say anything. “You’re not gonna pass yourself off as a goddamn escort. You come in my way or you don’t come at all. Got it?”

You went back to your apartment after that and waited for Billy’s arrival. He knocked on your door after about a half hour of you being home and you said almost nothing to him on the drive. He tried to pry about what you wanted to talk to Dinah about, and all you said was that maybe he wasn’t the only one rolling around the sheets with her. You stared out the window for most of the drive, though almost nothing stood out. When you pulled up to the house, you were quick to open your phone and pin the location before Billy led you in.

He told you to wander the place while he talked to his friend and that he’d find you in a few minutes. You said nothing, just began strolling the halls. You managed to stay out of sight enough that Bily didn’t notice you knew exactly what room he went into. A few minutes after Billy went in, so did another man. You didn’t see his face, just the back of his head. You crept to the door and stayed just outside.

The outline of where your mask would sit burned and you wished you had the familiar device. You could record on your phone, sure, but the quality wouldn’t be half as good. You could miss something and by the time you got it out to begin with, who knows what would’ve come and gone. And to get it close enough for clear audio would’ve likely meant it would be seen.

“There’s no way she gets to Castle before we do.” Billy said calmly and your mouth hung open for a moment. “Trust me, I know him.”

We. That was all the confirmation you needed, but for Frank to believe you, you’d need more. But was the ‘she’ you or Dinah?

“Clearly not as well as you think you do.” The other man countered and you committed the voice to memory. The tone, the register, the dialect. You needed every detail you could. “You should’ve killed him when you had the chance. The country has too much to lose for Frank Castle to expose me… Unless the other one has gotten in your head.”

“You think this has something to do with Livia?” Billy laughed.

“It doesn’t? Hard to argue with Columbia Law.”

Had Billy talked about you or had Orange done his own research? The thought that he knew you before you ever knew him sent a chill through your veins. You rationalized it as public knowledge after Frank’s case blew up but the discomfort settled in the pit of your stomach like a rock.

“You try to win an argument with her.” Billy muttered, likely into a glass. “I don’t think she wants to get too involved in any of this anyways. Far as she knows, I’m trynna help and she’s not trynna stop it.”

“You should know that if it comes to me getting exposed, you’ll be right there with me. No more government contracts, no more Anvil. No Mr. Billy Russo or dating Ms. Livia. ”

“So I should’ve just… What? Killed him on the pier in broad daylight in front of a calzone truck?”

“That girl in the mask he used to work with...” Orange answered thoughtfully and your body tensed, only for a moment. “Former assassin likely operates like a sniper if you open up the checkbook. Maybe I should find her instead…”

“You know… I always thought of you as more of a hands-on kinda guy. Your face when you were working over those Afghans, they would talk and talk, scared shitless. Terrified and you’d just keep on hitting them and then there would come this moment…”

You wondered where the hell this reminiscing was going. You needed a good time to just ‘innocently stumble’ into the room and make an introduction. You needed to see the man’s face. You were so goddamned close. To be so close and unarmed made you feel like an idiot, but then again, you were nothing if not resourceful.

“Is that your thing, Rawlins?” Billy taunted and your head whipped up.

Rawlins. Agent Rawlins.

“ Достаточно просто.” You whispered and you nearly smiled. That was a huge victory for your side. (Easy enough.)

“Every man’s got a thing.” Billy continued.

“Stay on point, Lieutenant.” Rawlins commanded and there was a bubble of frustration from the man.

“Oh, I am right on point.” Billy responded quickly and your brows raised in interest. You focused in on what Billy was feeling, the deep feeling of being slighted, and you spun your finger like a dial and gradually raised it. “I remember seeing that look on your face once, that fear. When Frank gave you that milky eye, he was gonna keep right on going too. And you knew it too.”

As Billy spoke, the bitter taste of fear settled on your tongue and you could’ve sworn it came with the memory of the altercation. Being pinned under Frank, fearing it was all ending and there was nothing to be done otherwise. It was almost enough to make your head spin, though it did make you a tad nauseous.

“I made you.” Rawlins said in a matter-of-fact tone, though it didn’t hide what he truly felt. He was indebted to Billy for saving him from Frank, but due to some sick power dynamic, he convinced Billy that he was an inferior. Maybe it was rank, maybe it was manipulation.

“Are we gonna warn Morty Bennett that Frank Castle might be coming for him?” Billy asked, a new mocking tone in his voice. You watched his figure come into view from your hidden angle and his head turned in your direction. You held your breath and waited for a reaction, but there was no acknowledgment other than a slight smirk.

You assumed he had seen you, that you had lost your touch for espionage. But he said nothing, showed nothing, in regards to your presence. Maybe he was just assuming you’d show up at the doorframe to listen. 

“Morty has the instincts of a rat and the courage of a rabbit.” Rawlins reasoned. “We tell him Castle is still living, one of two things happen. He runs or he talks.”

“So why not just kill him too?”

Shit.

Hearing Billy say ‘too’ only affirmed your theory that Rawlins was looking for a way to kill Frank. Billy was intended to be his Trojan Horse to get close enough to Frank to get it done. The real question left was who would Billy choose when push came to shove.

“Not if we don’t have to. Too many questions. We want Morty alive and where we can find him. When Castle finally turns up, we’re gonna save his life anyway. So what can he complain about?”

“I’ll gather up my best.” Billy nodded and you heard his footsteps nearing the door. You hurried a few feet away before walking towards the room with your head turning as if distracted by something, leading you to bump into Billy.

“Every window is bulletproof.” You said simply.

“They’re double-paned.” Rawlins corrected, suddenly behind Billy.

“No, they’re not. They’re bulletproof.” You said again.

Rawlins offered a condescending smile that you nearly knocked off.

“See for yourself.” You gestured to the nearest window and the men followed you over. “If it were just double-paned like you said, you’d see the gap between the glass where it fits into the frame. But instead you can see the edges where the panels were melded together, making it classified as bulletproof.”

“Meet Alivia Yersova.” Billy said proudly as his hand came to your shoulder. “One of the best.”

“You didn’t say she was so… knowledgable.” Rawlins answered, staring at the glass for a few more minutes before looking to you.

“I consider myself a woman of many talents.” You lifted your chin slightly, daring him to say something.

“Pleasure to meet you.” He finally said with a slight bow of his head.

“Yes, I’m sure it is… And me being knowledgeable is a perk of coming from Columbia Law, but I’m sure you knew that already.”

“Yes, Billy has mentioned that you’re a lawyer.”

“You knew that beforehand.”

“Excuse me?”

“I was hard to miss.” You shrugged. “Being that I was Frank Castle’s lawyer.”

“Were you?” He feigned surprise.

“You’re a terrible bluff.” You said flatly. “And you’re what, CIA? I bet you tried to figure out my whole life story.”

“Not much of a story.” He shrugged slightly. “Overseas orphan turned law prodigy… Unless there is something more interesting about you, Ms. Yersova?”

“I’m sure Agent Madani would be more interesting… That’s why you bugged her office right? And why you have Billy keep in touch with her? Unless Billy’s pulling a fast one and gonna double cross her. She wouldn’t see it coming, I bet.”

“Double cross her how?” He shook his head slightly and the condescension in the gesture made your chest rumble.

“You can call yourself whatever you want, y’know. Rawlins. Orange. It doesn’t change that you’re a coward, hiding behind someone else and forcing them to act for you. You see, I know men like you, that pretend their power comes from the shadows they operate in, but what happens when the ones that gave you the shadow step aside? What would you have left? Ничего. “ (Nothing.)

His eyes narrowed and Billy was quick to end the conversation and steer you out.

Now the game was getting fun.

“What did he mean that he made you?” You asked during the drive back to your apartment.

“Nothing.” Billy shook his head. “He helped get a couple of contracts for Anvil but nothing much.”

“He wants Frank dead. Frank wants him dead. What do you want?”

He blew out a long sigh as he thought of an answer, as if he hadn’t been asked that during the endeavor.

“I want my friend.” He finally settled.

“Your friend will want the head of the man that pulled the strings of the man that had his family killed.”

“How’d you know that?”

“Cause I felt that way.” You answered quickly and suddenly felt that your hands weres slick with blood again. But looking down, they were clean. “A while ago when a friend of mine from college came back, this cult was trying to recruit her. They swore she was their idol and she was meant for them. She refused and they killed her for it, said she would be reborn in a way that serves her true purpose… When I found the man above the one that killed her, I killed him. No hesitation. I don’t regret it and Frank wouldn’t either.”

“Like I said, Livs, I wanna help Frank.” He said with enough insistence that you nearly believed it.

“Would you help him kill Orange?”

“I don’t think Frankie would need my help for that… You want in on this?”

“I’m not gonna go against Frank.” You said plainly. “We didn’t see eye to eye on everything but I know he wouldn’t pull a trigger on me.”

“Yeah, I wouldn’t ask you to.” He said honestly, and you believed he meant that.

“Would you back me up if I had to take down your team to keep him alive?”

“Long as it looks like we saved Bennett, I’m not gonna get in your way.” He shrugged. “You in?”

“I’m only doing this to find out if he’s really alive.” You agreed.

“If you had answered my call the other day, you could’ve come with me to meet with him.” He snorted a laugh.

You needed a way in that wasn’t Frank’s anyway.

It was the next night when you were walking through Fort Byron. It was a small team you were with, four men counting Billy. They wore the expected lightweight tactical gear but you wore a simple fitted outfit, enough to pass as Bennett’s company but nothing that would restrict your movement. You were practically unarmed, save for the retractable blade hidden under your sleeve and two shock disks and a smoke bomb in your front pocket.

You two were sitting at the table and the man was droning on about his week on post and how awful it was. While you were running your finger discreetly on your scar to find whatever channel Lieberman was using, you picked up the glass of wine and smelled it. Bennett attempted an apology but you simply stared at him while you poured the glass on the floor. You quirked a brow in light challenge before he gulped and got down on the floor, licking the spilled wine like a dog.

“Боже, это жалко.“ You said to yourself with a small eye roll. When the man tried to turn and look up at you, you put your foot on his back and forced him back to the ground. (God, that’s pathetic.)

After a few minutes, the sound of Bennett lapping at the puddle annoyed you so you got up and pulled the man to his feet. He opened his mouth to speak but you rolled up one of the napkins and shoved it in his mouth instead. He made a face of shock before you pushed him to lean on the table.

You took a few minutes to wander the dining room, looking for anything of interest but you found nothing. When you heard Bennett’s muffled voice, you returned to the table and picked up one of the tall burning candles. You tilted it so the dripping wax would land on his hand, causing a smothered shout before a gleeful laugh. You had to refrain from making a face of disgust at the sound.

“I expect you to be quiet unless I ask you to speak.” You said simply, holding in your gag at the man’s arousal due to the situation. “Nod.”

He nodded eagerly and you rolled your eyes. You moved closer to the window and saw figures crouching in the bushes. You leaned in slightly and saw what looked like Billy’s face between the branches. When your eyes adjusted the lower light, you noticed the shadowed figure hiding moving around to the other door. You smirked slightly before returning to the table.

The comms device fitted in your ear was relaying the mindless chatter from the men outside, waiting for your signal. You calculated how much time you could give Frank before you had to alert them. If you didn’t, it would be obvious that you let Frank go. So you figured enough time for Frank to start whatever he was doing and for you to deploy your smoke would be sufficient.

You hauled Bennett up by the back of his coat and forced him against the wall in his office, which was just the next room over. You went back to the dining room and scanned the contents of the table, finding a clean napkin, an untouched glass of water, and one of the steak knives. You heard the front door opening and knew you only had a short window before Billy’s team crashed the building. You poured the water over the napkin while Frank found you in the dining room. You pointed towards Bennett without looking up and used the steak knife to cut two small holes in the napkin.

Frank muttered his complaints and confusion about your presence but he said nothing directly. You knew it would be a whole can of worms the next time you were at the compound, but that would be a problem for future Livia. In the meantime, you focused on your makeshift gear.

You intended to use it like a filter over your nose and mouth. Seeing through the smoke might prove troublesome and it’d likely burn your eyes, but if you couldn’t breathe, then you wouldn’t be able to fight. You heard Lieberman give the time estimate and you knew you could buy them that.

“Smoke.” You held your comms in your ear as you spoke quickly, draping the wet cloth over your face before you moved into the office.

Lieberman’s voice echoed on the other side of your head.

What? How did- Livia? What smoke?

“Castle.” You said as you entered, both getting Frank’s attention and alerting the team waiting outside. “Thirty seconds to breach.”

You’ve got four hostels headed your way. They’re moving fast.

Frank threw Bennett into the nearest closet but you stopped him before he closed the door. You knelt down to be eye to eye with the cowardly man - which you hated to admit lived right up to Rawlin’s description - and used the steak knife still in your hand to press it against the side of his neck.

“You make one sound…” You said lowly, watching the yellow haze spread across his pupils as the words fell. “I will slit you open and watch you drown in your own blood. Understand?”

He nodded feverently and shoved the napkin gag back in his mouth. You hummed in delight and patted his cheek before you stood and knocked the door shut.

You heard the clink of canisters before the sound of aerosol filled the silence. You looked to Frank, who pulled a ski mask over his face, and he offered you a sharp nod. You gripped the steak knife a little tighter before you moved carefully into the next room and pulled your own smoke bomb and slammed it to the floor.

You were quick to press yourself against the nearest wall when you saw the red beams through the smoke. It was already burning your eyes and you felt the tears welling but you blinked them away, listening for footsteps. The team was careful to tread lightly and you cursed not having your mask to see through it all. They stayed relatively close together and you tried to tell the vague figures apart.

In those short vulnerable moments of simply observing, you also found Billy’s determination in his mission. What his exact mission was, you couldn’t say, but at least you knew who to go after last.

When one of the men was within your range, you acted quickly. You kicked the barrel of the gun away and jammed your elbow against his spine. With one hand, you yanked his helmet off so the other could grab the side of his head. You slammed his head into the nearest stud of the wall and watched him drop to the floor. You moved to his gun and flicked off the light. When you looked back up to find the next, you saw a second red light turn off.

You breathed in a deep sigh of annoyance before you began creeping forward. You realized you had dropped your small blade as you stayed low to the ground, listening for steps and watching for their feet.

More than halfway, how we doin’ in there?

You weren’t going to answer. You heard the sounds of a nearby interaction and you assumed Frank had it covered. As you followed the last one, you recognized that it was Billy.

Of course it was.

Bennett’s fear continued to rise and you knew that once the door opened, it would spill out and fill the room as dense as the current smoke was. You saw a figure in your peripherals with their red beam shining so you abandoned your stalk of Billy and moved towards the other.

You caught up to him quickly and grabbed the strap of his rifle to pull him to his back. He tried to redirect his weapon in a panic, firing a few quick shots that echoed in your ear and triggered the explosions in your chest. You knelt on his chest and tried to wrestle the gun free while you heard the rushed steps coming closer.

You ditched the tug of war and began to spin it instead, watching the strap tangle itself and put more pressure across his chest. He coughed and tried to release the strap but you didn’t let him. You repositioned your knee to block the clip and quickly looked around for something to end it with. You saw a thick ceramic knick-knack on the nearest end table so you reached for it. You had to shift your weight off his chest to reach it and it was enough of a shift for him to be able to push you off completely. You landed with a groan before you got up and grabbed the trinket, the other hand slipping to your pocket for the disk. The red dot settled on your chest but you snapped the disk forward before he could fire. The small device landed against his forehead and you heard the crackle, but the man fell limp regardless.

When Billy got to the scene, you had barely gotten far enough that the smoke covered your frame. You nearly held your breath just in case while he looked carefully into the darkness.

You heard the Lieberman’s countdown in your head just before a pistol went off. You abandoned your hiding place quickly, pushing past Billy without a thought, and ran towards the sound of the gun. You had just missed the altercation but you heard the glass shattering down the hall. You followed the commotion again and saw one of the men from the team shooting at a fleeing figure across the lawn. You quickly yanked the other disk from your pocket and threw it against the man’s back.

He fell to his knees so you took a second to pull the wet cloth off your face but before you could make any other move, you were grabbed by your shoulder from behind. You reacted quickly and elbowed the person in the stomach. You turned on the man and flicked out the blade at your wrist instinctively. You swung it aggressively, though he batted your hand away. You threw your other hand wildly but he caught it with ease, bringing a new rage across your skin. His other hand went to the back of your head and pushed it down, simultaneously using the hold on your hand to throw you into a spin. You were slightly disoriented when you faced him again and he was quick to wrap his hand around your throat. He backed you against the wall, pinning your caught hand above your head.

You raised a knee quickly and managed to get it against his lower abdomen, you positioned your bladed hand at the base of his throat so the tip threatened to pierce under his chin. Staring at the man for a second, you realized it was Billy and you let yourself smile.

“Having fun?” You teased and he smirked back at you.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” The man you had thrown the disk at just moments before yelled from behind Billy.

“You gonna handle that or should I?” You nodded to the man without breaking eye contact with Billy.

“Go find everyone else.” Billy said simply, refusing to look away either.

The other man scoffed and mumbled something about how you got away with it cause you’re hot.

“They’re gonna think you’ve gone soft for me.” You said with a playful tone to your voice.

“For you?” His brows raised and he shook his head slightly. “No, I’m hard as ever.”

“Nothing like a knife to your throat to set the mood, right?” You continued and slid your knee lower, earning a small groan from him. “Don’t you have a job to finish?”

“Can’t do anything when you got me like this… What’re we gonna do about it?”

“Can’t do anything when you got me like this.” You nodded to the hand above your head.

“Well..” He chuckled and you bit your lip to keep the smile back.

“You got Morty and the team waiting in the other room.”

“Yeah, you’re not the quietest.” He joked and slowly stepped away and tapped his fingers under your chin with a wink.

You hummed slightly and looked down the hall to the broken window. You had to trust that Frank got away, pulled something out his sleeve and was on his way back to the compound. Until you knew otherwise, you had no reason to doubt him. When Billy finally had his blood flow back to his head, you followed him back to Morty’s office.

“That was a shit show.” He announced as he entered, you right behind him. 

“Yeah, cause this bitch wants to flip sides in the middle of the job.” One of the men commented.

“The bitch can still break your jaw.” You warned sharply, your accent dancing on the edge of your tongue.

“The hell are you doing here?” Morty asked Billy, thankfully taking Billy’s and your attention back. “Oh Christ. She’s with you?”

“We’re saving your life, Morty.” Billy answered. “So why don’t you put your pants on and then you’re gonna say exactly what I tell you to say when I tell you to say it.”

You had to admit that despite Billy’s loyalty being seemingly based on coin flips, something about seeing him in that firm and commanding circumstance reminded you of why you liked him in the first place. You smirked slightly and you looked up at him, knowing your expression was one of clear admiration. And it wasn’t any sort of romantic or loving admiration. It was attraction. It was your own magnetism to and for power, to and for violence. Billy was both good for you and bad, good for business and bad.

When all was said and done, you realized you had no idea what Frank and Lieberman actually did. You didn’t know what the countdown was for. It was more than just testing the theory that Rawlins knew what was happening. But if anyone had asked what the hell happened on the other side of things, you’d have no real answer. But you knew that there was one thing that you could and would have to answer to Frank for.

And that was what the hell you were doing there.

Billy sent the other guys away, leaving you and him to deal with Bennett. You and him drove the man to the same place you two had been to meet with Rawlins. You and Billy both went off to change, though you simply exchanged your form fitting top for a sweater Billy brought for you. He joked about how it took you long enough to wear his clothes instead, and you knew it was a jab at your refusal to stay out of Matt’s drawers, but you ignored it.

You walked into the study and his hand was on your lower back. You two were instantly hit with an accusation from Morty. Billy sat on the back of the couch and hooked his fingers into your front pocket to pull you to stand between his legs so he could have his arm around your hips. You rested your arm on his shoulder while your fingers ran along the back of his neck and leaned into him slightly.

“And her!” He yelled and turned on you, throwing a pointed finger in your direction. “She put a knife to my neck!”

You offered a sarcastic expression and flipped him off, which made Billy chuckle slightly from beside you. He leaned away to pour two glasses of liquor and pressed one into your hand while Morty and Rawlins continued their little back and forth.

“Y’know, without us…” Billy began, looking up at you for a second before going back to the conversation. “Frank Castle would have your balls wired to a car battery by now.”

“Yeah, but he pays women to step on his balls so he probably wouldn’t even feel it.” You added on. “If he did, he’d probably finish right then and there.”

“Kiss my ass, Lieutenant Russo.” Morty spat back. “You too, you cheap skank.”

“You couldn’t afford me.” You retorted with a small step forward but Billy’s hand on your leg stopped you.

“What did you tell Frank Castle?” Rawlins asked calmly.

“Nothing.” Morty admitted.

“Did he take anything?” Billy asked.

“Did he take anything? He was trying to take me!”

“No he wasn’t.” You muttered into your glass.

“Excuse me?”

“He wasn’t gonna take you.” You repeated. “He knows about what you did, stuffing the drugs in the KIA’s that got sent back, but you aren’t the big ticket. He is.” You gestured to Rawlins, who was sat behind his desk with his hand folded like a cartoon villain.

“You give him any names?” Billy asked again.

“No.” Morty dragged out the syllable. “I told him to kiss my ass.”

“No you didn’t.” You laughed. “You begged him not to kill you. You didn’t say anything cause you didn’t have the time… Castle wasn’t looking for you to say the name to begin with.” You realized the last part as you said it.

He never needed Morty to give Orange’s identity because Lieberman has another way of getting it. Lieberman’s specialty was tech, survelliance, hacking. The more complicated version of what you could do. Frank was acting as a smokescreen while Lieberman worked behind the curtain.

You were so lost in putting the pieces together that when Billy tapped the back of your thigh, you jumped slightly. He stood up slowly and you backed away a few steps, but you caught the questioning look that only lasted for a second. Once he began to turn away from you, it was all business again.

[viscountoflondon]

Que Sera Sera 1.0

A/N: Please do not copy my work, only reblog or like. Tell me what you think, remember I’m sensitive about my shit

GIF: Credit Brunettessource

Warnings: Curse words, alcohol, implied sexual things

You sit by the kitchen watching the group engage in post thanksgiving dinner games, a tradition for your 2 families, Y/L/Ns and the Centineo’s. Ever since Noah and your younger brother became best friends in elementary school they were practically inseparable. So much so that the families had just decided why not throw one big thanksgiving dinner instead of doing the come to our house we’ll host next year thing.

“You okay honey?” Your mom asks

You smile “Yea!”

This would be the first year post your separation with your ex husband. It was strange territory he was your highschool sweetheart and now it sometimes felt like a part of you was missing

“You sure?”

“Yea mom! Just watching Lucas and Noah make asses out of themselves”

“HEY!” Lucas screams “I heard that!” 

You smile “sorry just telling the truth!” 

The night is filled with many events: games, movies, popcorn, second round of thanksgiving dinner, more games, and finally sleep. 

Tomorrow was the Y/L/Ns turn to make breakfast one last big feast before the two families split apart and went their separate ways

You work in the kitchen quietly humming to RnB that played softly in the background

“Morning” you hear Noah’s groggy voice

“Kid?” he groans he hated that nickname “what are you doing up?” 

In a very sleepy tone he asks “The question is what are you doing up? Its 5am and we all went to bed at like 2?” 

You shrug “I am prepping for breakfast if you must know” you answer, you briefly glance at his shirtless body “so what are you doing up?” “Heard some banging had to check on the noise” “I did not bang!” you whisper harshly  “I accidentally dropped the tray sorry for waking you up” 

He nods understandingly “It’s cool, need help?” “Nope! Go back to bed baby boy” 

He groans and throws up the peace sign, too tired to argue with you. You watch as his muscular figure disappears around the corner. 

Unknown: I miss you 

You roll your eyes, the real reason you were up at 5am making breakfast had nothing to do with you prepping but with your ex husband pestering you non-stop. So much that you were losing sleep. You didn’t want to tell anyone that he had started stalking you and you were positive he was standing across the street watching you in the kitchen. At least in the house full of people you felt safe.

Actually the reason you had dropped the pan was because you received the text 

Unknown: You look so beautiful 

It sent shivers down your spine freezing you in spot and ultimately causing you to drop the baking tray. 

You couldn't’ sleep after that expecting him to pop up in your room and ultimately cause harm to you like he had threatened so much. Even the restraining orders weren’t deterring him, you knew how this story ended and you contemplated packing and moving across the country so many times but then you would have to explain why and you just didn’t know how. You were an adult like your father preached. You have to learn to manage your own problems so you are doing your best. 

When morning comes and everyone is happily feeding themselves breakfast or left overs you’re brought back to reality when Noah plops down next to you

“Omg Noah! Almost spilled my coffee!” you complain wiping the droplets of coffee that were rolling down your cup

“Sleep well sleeping beauty?” he asks 

You roll your eyes “fuck off kid”

“Awww, i guess that's a no”  he fake pouts before taking a bite of the bacon

“Honestly kid, what are you doing here?’

“First of all stop calling me kid, and also you were looking like a sad puppy in the corner and your cousin asked me to come check on you” he motions to Lizzie

“I was not” you argue

“You were” he counters

You huff “I’m fine so you can go now”

“Orrrr”

“Or nothing” you were nursing 

“Orrr I can stay here and bug you he grinned showing all his teeth

“Okay whatever” you reach over his plate and grab a piece of bacon 

He pulls his plate away “Hey get your own!” 

You shrug “I cooked i have dibs on everyone’s plate” 

He rolls his eyes “fair enough”

“Y/N did you cut the fruit?” your dad calls to you from the kitchen “Oh yea its in the fridge hold on” you stand up and walk towards the kitchen leaving Noah where he sat

At the end of the weekend both families say their goodbye well Lucas and Noah were on a plane to NYC while the rest of you remained in California.

Noah being a semi famous actor now took Lucas with him everywhere, he gave Lucas the title of assistant manager. They would argue a lot because Lucas was in charge of his schedule and if he had to be in NYC in the morning and Miami by the afternoon thats just what he had to do. You’ve rolled your eyes at the many arguments you had to settle between them offering suggestions for Lucas to be less involved in Noah’s schedule and more involved in the background which of course they refused. Boys what can you say? 

The next holiday is Christmas, something you really used to enjoy but not so much now that you were in this predicament with your ex. 

“Y/N what is going on?” Lucas looks around your home “Are you not decorating for Christmas or what?” he asks as him and his friends occupy your living space

You shrug and look around “Oh I’ve just been busy Lucas didn’t have the energy”

“Wow so you’ve gotten lazy” he teases

You groan “Fuck off Lucas” 

You turn to look and watch as Noah silently observes you, he always did that just watched you from afar. It wasn’t creepy just Noah being Noah. 

“What’s up kid got a smart remark too?” you ask. He throws his hands up. For some odd reason he felt like the reason you provided was an excuse but he didn’t want to push it as he could see the bags under your eyes. He knew from Lucas that the divorce from your ex was taking a toll on you. Lucas had expressed concerns but never really dove into details just saying he wished you would snap out of it and forget all about your ex. 

“I need help with Sarah’s (Lucas girlfriend) gift” the conversation moves on and just like that the mood switches and everything is back to being light and joyful 

Another year, another year filled with you’re hoping this time more joy and spontaneity. You sigh and look down at your phone, it was new years eve 5PM if you were going to have fun you needed to leave now. Because LA traffic was not to be played around with, all that was pending was for it to get darker and that would be it! Grid lock for hours. It kind of sucked no one was available to hang out. Lucas was out of state with Sarah, your cousins were out with their husbands/boyfriends, you weren’t going to third wheel your parents, you didn’t want to go out but you had no choice as your friends had egged you on. Told you you had to get out of the house and live life, as they said,  they knew what was happening they were worried about you but they had lives too.  

You guys go downtown, you dress in your best attire, the best you could muster up anyway. You did a few club hopping until your final destination, the club where “Bitter Moon” an upcoming pop rock band in LA, were playing. 

The space is so packed you can barely move around, you manage to get drinks and sing to the songs from their EP and some of the popular songs they covered with their own spin. 

On your way back from the bathroom, you spot someone that looks like Noah ahead of you and think that it couldn’t possibly be him but decide to call his name anyway “NOAH you scream his name making him turn around 

He smiles when he sees you making his way towards you leaving the circle of friends he was hanging out with.  “HEEYYY, HAPPY NEW YEAR” He gives you a side hug 

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE KID?” He rolls his eyes “RIGHT SORRY NOAH” you two had made a deal not too long ago that you would stop calling him ‘kid’

He chuckles leaning down to speak in your ear “I am here for Bitter Moon, my friend plays the drums” 

“Oh cool! Not throwing a party?” you reference last years New Years events

He makes a face “HELL NO!” You giggle, the cops were called, it was a mess too many people had showed up, things were stolen etc etc.

“Where's your crew?” He asks  

“Oh uh”  you stand on your tip toes and shrug after your failure to locate them, “they are around somewhere” you point towards the neon sign “over there” 

He nods drinking his beer

A popular song comes on you lose yourself in the moment singing a long 

“AYYEEE look at you!”  You stop and blush looking away “AYYEEE KEEP GOING!”  he urges

You shake your head vigorously “No it's embarrassing” 

“Why?” he mouths to you singing along as well. You shake your head feeling bashful and turn to face the band. He doesn’t push, instead he bops his head to the beat. 

The song ends and the band takes a 10 minute break 

“I should go back” you speak “girls are probably wondering where I am” you say as you pull out your phone “Oh actually they left, going to the next club ‘Inferno’” you chuckle as you read the group text “so i need to catch up with them” 

“Orrrr” he begins to bargain  “you can stay, with me” he smiles at you

“Oh well i didn't wanna ruin your chances of getting some tonight” He makes a face. You motion with your head and he follows the direction of the group he was with earlier “Those girls are giving me the death glares” 

He scoffs “Fuck them i dont know them!” 

“Still I should really” you step away from him slowly

He grabs your hand pulling you closer “STAY!” he nods excitedly trying to convince you  “you should really stay and get some more drinks! And enjoy your new years!” he speaks with high energy 

“Okay okay okay” 

He pulls his arm towards him “Yesss! what are you drinking?”  

“Uh I was drinking white claw”

“One white claw coming right up don’t move” 

You nod and watch as he walks away you look around and boy if looks could kill they would. You knew Noah was getting more famous so of course the groupies were trying to shoot their shot and it's not like you were of any competition if they only knew you were a family friend. 

He doesn’t stay gone for a long time he returns when the band starts the next set. 

“They only had watermelon, yuzu and blood orange I got you the watermelon couldn’t get your favorite blackberry” 

“Oh that's okay thanks ki...Noah” 

He smirks as he turns to face the band, before you know it you are smooshed up against Noah. You guess its because they let more people in it was nearing midnight after all 

“Oh shit. Sorry” you say as you spill white claw on him “Sorry sorry” you reach in your purse to grab napkins

“Its cool its cool, don’t worry about it” 

“I’ll foot the dry cleaners bill” You offer y

“Will you relax It’s cool” 

“Okay” you turn around slowly and get lost in the music again 

He stands behind you and at some point snakes his arms around your stomach planting you against him so you wouldn’t get shoved around.

“Alright ladies and gentlemen boys and girls, in one minute we will be ringing in the new year and I want you to look to your left look to your right and back to your left find someone to plant a juicy fat kiss for your favorite band BITTTERRR MOOOON” the crowd goes wild you can't help but giggle. 

The minute comes to an end “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Confetti drops from the ceiling along with streamers and glitter 

You blow hard on the noise marker and turn to face Noah “HAPPY NEW YEAR!”  You scream as Auld Lang Syne plays loudly in the background

“Come here”  you read his lips right before they connect with yours (think about tabilb when Peter grabs Lara Jean and kisses her during Lacrosse practice)

“MMM!” It takes you by surprise, he isn't rough with it, in fact he kisses you gently, his arm anchoring you against his body, your hands move to his shoulders slightly pushing him away. It was brief roughly 5 seconds kiss or maybe longer or shorter, your eyes widen when he pulls away 

“Wha.. Wha.. What was that?!” you ask 

He shrugs “New years kiss” taking another sip of his beer 

You shake your head “We shouldn’t have” god if Lucas found out he would kill you “Oh come on its new years!”

You go to take a step back but you can't. Noah dips down for another kiss this time his other hand holds your head in place so no leaning back for you.This time instead of one long kiss its a burst of short interval kisses. And for a brief moment you let yourself get lost in the sensation, so much so when he licks your bottom lip you don’t fight it instead you let him have access to your mouth. Damn his lips are soft, so soft. When he pulls away you find yourself raising up chasing his lips. 

He smirks hiding his smile when you finally open your eyes

“Umm”  you blush tucking the hair behind your ear. What a way to start new years that's for sure. The band continues to play music and you two say nothing else to each other instead this time he rocks your body to the music.After an hour he suggests that you two leave 

“Oh what about your friends?” you ask 

He chuckles “I’ve been with you for the past 3 hours I think they’ll be alright” 

You nod as he grabs your hand pulling you out. You two get in an uber and he gives the driver his address. What was happening? Why did it feel like you were in a movie  watching yourself? When you turn to look at Noah, he sat nonchalantly skimming his social media pages. 

‘What do I do? Am I really gonna hook up with my younger brothers best friend?’ you think to yourself You begin to panic you had to find a way out of this. This wasn’t cool there's a code of ethics right? You couldn’t do this

When you arrive at his place you think to stop things right then and there say you should go home that it was all a mistake but its like your body is on autopilot and instead you follow him towards his door and inside his place. You’ve been here many times but now it felt foreign, too intimate in fact. 

He sighs when he sees your expression, a sort of  deer in headlights “look we don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. But we are both drunk. My feet hurt and I’m sure yours do too” motioning to your high heels.

You look down and play with your necklace “Right” 

He walks past you and towards the kitchen and looks in the fridge. I got left over pizza, ice cream, frozen corn dogs, fruit salad, some pre-made meals, water kombucha, beer, wine, chips, cookies, salad mix, cheese, and dressing. 

You turn to face him slowly after you text your friends letting them know you were safe

“Oh umm wine please” you slowly walk up to him. 

“Pizza okay?” he was too drunk to wait for the frozen corn dogs to cook in the oven  

“Yea!” You say placing your bag on the counter

“Don’t need to look like you’ve seen a ghost” he chuckles placing the pizza in the toaster oven 

“Sorry” you blush as he turns to face you “just a little” you swallow “taken aback”  

“Come on Y/N you know I’ve had  a crush on you ever since.....shit I can’t even remember” 

“Yea but I thought...” 

He interrupts you “Thought what?”  he straightens up and walks towards you pushing you against the counter, the height difference all of a sudden intimidates you. You who said you could fight him no matter what. 1 on 1 you could take him down.  

You can’t help but feel your face flush “That it was like a highschool thing like you grew out of it” you gesture with your hands

“Well” he clears his throat and cages you in with his arms “I haven’t”  he steps back a little so he could lean on them making you two eye level. “In fact it’s gotten stronger”

Your eyes widen and a meak “oh” escapes your lips 

“So right here right now I’m telling you I want you” he declares  

You go to say something but there are no words that you can find this is all too much.  

He straightens up and looks down at you “What do you say baby?”  he leans in and kisses your lips this time there's no hesitation from you in fact your arms immediately wrap themselves around his neck. He lifts you up placing you on the cool counter it startles you making you pull away you can’t help but giggle 

He chuckles softly “What is it?”  he asks stepping in between your legs 

“I” you giggle “I don’t even know what to say” because what do you say to something like this?!

He pushes the hair away from your face “then show me” 

You smile and pull him down for another kiss this time it's deeper, filled with the same desire he had for you, a deep moan rumbles from him as he pulls you closer, your legs naturally wrapping themselves around him. You two tease each other biting lips pulling hair but neither of you cross that boundary only because the toaster oven dings putting a pause to your make out session. 

Noah quickly removes the slices placing them on a plate

You cover your face in disbelief and chuckle

“What is it? Why do you keep laughing?” he asks amused taking a bite of his pizza 

“Lucas is gonna kill us” 

He shrugs, “Let me deal with him,” he says. 

This was new territory for you, it had been a long time since you were in the company of a man you most certainly didn’t think the next one would be Noah. You both agree you both needed to be sober before you ventured into the next step. However that didn’t stop the heated make out sessions nor the waking up in bed half naked the next day.