#but hope that it turns out to be worth it to you all!! | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

kkukverse · 2 days ago

Text

there you are

summary : Everyone he knows already found their mates and he is very anxious about his. Out of all scenarios he had imagined, it didn't cross his mind that his mate came into his house as the shy fried chicken delivery girl, under his big pet dog.

pair: alpha!jk x omega!reader (fem.reader)

genre: abo au

warnings & ratings : explicit sex scenes. 3k words of sex scene | fluff, smut 🔞 (minors dni)

word count: 15 k

author's notes: alpha!jk won the poll and here he is. hope you enjoy.

“Just like that?” Jungkook’s eyes are even wider now.

“Yup, we just locked eyes and we know. We’re each other’s mates.” Jimin smiles until his eyes are crinkled shut. Jungkook can almost feel him vibrating with happiness.

“Lucky,” Jungkook meant it but somehow there’s a tinge of jealousy in his voice and Jimin’s smile turns into a frown for his dear friend.

“Your time will come, Jungkook. And I promise you that all this time you spent on waiting will be worth it.” coaxed Jimin.

The younger boy just nodded with a smile. Jungkook believes in his destiny but he just wants to meet his mate now. Everyone around him already settled down with their mates and Jungkook longed for that.

Jungkook is an alpha, and he is as busy as a bee.

Working as a producer and videographer surely consumed his hours away. His work is mostly him working with computers, cameras and musical machines inside his big studios in the city. He is a very well known producer and lyricist amongst artists, so, Jungkook is rarely alone for most of the time. Everyone wants to meet him.

He is either meeting up with artists in his studio, recording with them, or he is out and about with his closest friends, making videos or directing music videos. With a packed schedule, he sometimes forgot to have a meal. Let alone a hearty one.

When he's with his friends, they often go out eating together, but when he's all alone, he opts for fast food, like fried chickens. His friends always remind him to eat well. Jungkook couldn’t help but fantasize about a life where he would prepare a good warm meal for his mate, having another soul in his house, waiting for each other, eating together, very much like how his parents did for years.

He’s not lonely per say, Jungkook has a handful of friends. He has a lot of acquaintances but he is picky about who he allowed into his life. To summarize, Jungkook is an ambivert. He can be outgoing, doing adventurous activities because he is such an adrenaline junkie. He too, can lock himself up in his own loft, playing with his fluffy husky. Fishing with Seokjin, or just walking alone in the park.

Oh, yes! He loves the park partly because he gets to play with Bam. His Dobermann, a clever dog.

Jungkook and his friends joke that Bam knows the time. Because every time, when it's the evening, Bam will always be ready, biting his harness and bouncing by the door. It's his walking time. Jungkook always bragged that Bam is such a genius, he can even remember people too and is very friendly.

And right now his genius dog is pouncing a poor delivery girl right at his door!

Jungkook noticed that she's an Omega! The alpha in him is eager to help her, afraid that she must be so scared.

“Bam!” Jungkook begged as his wide eyes bulged at his dog licking the delivery girl's face.

Bam is a pretty big dog, and this delivery girl is petite. Jungkook is a little embarrassed at how Bam is standing on his hind legs while putting his front paws on her shoulder. His size is swallowing the girl!

Jungkook felt like his soul was leaving his body the moment Bam jumped off the sofa as someone knocked on his door. And Bam just flew to the door right after he opened it.

Jungkook jumped forward and almost placed his hands on the girl's back when she tumbled as Bam was draping himself on her. She managed to straighten her back before Jungkook could catch her. A sigh of relief was heard. It was from her.

Bam? His tail is wagging wildly as the girl's arms are helplessly encircling his muscular body.

Most people are terrified of big dogs, especially a breed like Bam, which is quite famous for its scary looks. Jungkook was aware of that when he walked with Bam. So he trained his dog diligently so it behaved in public.

Jungkook even treats Bam like a normal dog by not cutting his ear or tail to make it look less intimidating. Jungkook has his ups and downs while training Bam. It was a bit of a task but he's a good boy. He was just a little excited.

But what caught Jungkook off guard was that the omega girl was giggling. The only smell wafting through his nose is bubblegum. Sweet, not distressed. Is not like he expected her to cry or scream but she must be uncomfortable.

“Bam! Get down.” Jungkook begged again. He grabs Bam’s body and pulls his heavy head from her shoulder. He whimpered cutely but Jungkook was embarrassed at his behavior. Jungkook is on his knees as Bam is now facing him.

“There we go, you're a good boy aren't you? Please don't hurt her. Hum?” Jungkook continues coaxing his dog. His hand caressed Bam’s back. The dog is sitting by his legs, yelping here and there but more softly now. Dobermann are very well known for energetic behaviour.

“Easy there,” Jungkook's voice is soothing, calming yet stern and unbeknownst to him, the delivery girl is biting her shy smile.

Though he exudes the alpha aura and he smells like one, Jungkook's voice is not demanding. The shy omega is feeling a tug at her heart.

“I'm so sorry,” Jungkook said to her. He still cannot look at her yet as Bam is blocking the view. “He gets too excited sometimes.”

Bam, being a cheeky boy, turns to face the girl. Tongue out sillily and Jungkook just sighs. This delivery girl must've been very tired and now she had to deal with Bam.

The girl. How strange. Jungkook can smell her very strongly. Even as an alpha, his smelling sense is considered high with the addition that there's an omega present. But there's something about her that tells him to get closer. The gold in his eyes shines so bright as he stares at her.

The girl just hummed. Her finger runs through the black and brownish fur on Bam’s head. Her pinkish eyes still fixated on the happy dog. Jungkook keeps petting him as a subtle sign to not allow Bam jump at her again. He rubs the back pocket of his dark jeans for his wallet. He wants to look at her but it seems like she is shying away, her hair covering half of her face as she looks at the floor.

“I'm truly sorry about him.” Jungkook rubs at the back of his neck. Chuckling nervously because the delivery girl didn't say a word.

“My name’s Jungkook,” He blurted out. It feels wrong to not introduce himself earlier. But it seems like fate is such a funny thing.

He assumes she must be uncomfortable, and he is making her stand there awkwardly. So, he handed out the exact amount of money for his order.

After she received the money, she bowed politely and bolted out of his house. Jungkook would like to think that maybe she's rushing to deliver to somewhere else instead of her rushing out because she's mad at him. She must be thinking that Jungkook is an incompetent dog owner.

The box of fried chicken is on the floor now. Still intact because before Bam jumped at her, she put it down gently. It was like she was expecting him to hug her and she's ready.

It was a shame. Jungkook wanted to apologize properly. And his alpha in him has been whining since she stepped out of his house. Suddenly remembering Jimin’s love story.

It is not possible, the moment was too short. Jungkook is trying to calm his rapid heart.

The omega has teeny tiny hints of alpha smell on her. A low rumble coming from his throat before suppressing it by downing a glass of cold water.

The beating of your heart won’t calm down even after you keep patting your chest softly. You're feeling bittersweet as you walk out of the loft.

Out of nowhere, you feel sad and want to run back up again. To the smell that makes you feel like you're being coddled. A short glimpse of his flickering golden eyes, an alpha eye. His soothing alpha voice-

Shaking your head, you bring your mind to the dog. The dog is so adorable and you wish you could play with it a bit longer. Today is so exhausting. At least the dog makes it a little better. Yes, you’re only thinking about the dog, not the man.

With the last order of the day, you thought you could drop by at your favorite bubble tea shop. But the vibration from your phone suggests otherwise.

Boss: Come pick up another set. The address is on the box.

You let out a short sigh at the message from the owner of the fried chicken restaurant you're working at. Tiredness started to consume you. This is actually your second job. The first one is being a tutor. Life is a little harsh on you but you'll manage.

After graduating a couple of years ago, you didn't get lucky in finding a solid, real stable job. Being an omega has its own cons. Employees are a bit apprehensive at hiring omegas into their company. Partially because omega is seen as a group of people that should be taken care of.

As traditional as that sounds, there are so many omegas breaking those stereotypes as well. You positively think you're unfortunate to fall on the little percentage of a docile omega group.

You usually don't pass after the interviews, deeming that you're too soft spoken and quiet. So, to keep surviving in this city, you keep looking for odd jobs. Forget the biochemistry degree. What matters to you now is what job that can pay your bills and the big bad mountain of student debt.

Min’s fried chicken has been your safe haven for the past year.

They pay you well and Yoongi is a kind alpha. Always treating you well. Sometimes he's a little snappy but he meant well for everyone. It's a quaint restaurant, more like a mini restaurant where it specializes in just fried chicken.

Yoongi can open and close his restaurant anytime he wants as he once claimed that he didn't look for a crazy, blooming, wealthy business. He is a laid back alpha. Living a serene life with his mate.

You get on your bike, put on your helmet and cycle away back to the restaurant. At the back of your mind you're thinking about the furry friend and the soft voice of its owner.

The alpha.

Your heart prickles at the thought of you being away from him. You're not sure why you feel this way. It was a short encounter and you just hope he’s having a good time with the chickens that you've delivered with care.

“Get in here kid,” the calm voice of your boss can be heard. He must be in the kitchen. After putting your helmet and the delivery bag on the front table, you scurry to the back of the restaurant. Yoongi doesn't like it when he has to wait.

“The boxes are stacked on the counter,” his back is facing the deep fryer with one hand on his hip, the other is busy putting the flour coated chickens on the basket. His head just tilted to show where the boxes of freshly fried chickens were.

You didn't say much and just walked towards the neatly arranged boxes, reading the address that was stuck on top of them.

“You can rest after delivering these. I'm not taking orders for the rest of the day,” Yoongi said.

You tilted your head, wondering why.

“I'm accompanying my wife to visit my father in law today.” He explains.

You look around and it dawns on you that his wife is not here. She usually will make you sit down and softly force you to eat something or just rest after delivering. She cares about you. His wife is like a big sister you never have.

Yoongi throws out the black gloves into the bin before he slides a bottle of water on the counter to you in which you catch with a polite nod.

Yoongi smiles but you're not looking at him. You're a little sister to him. As an alpha, he wanted to protect you and his wife always needed to cuddle you when you come to work.

She would be rubbing herself on you, just to cover you with her scent and a hint of Yoongi’s scent. So no one can mess with their baby-sister-omega. His mates have this urge to keep you in her little pocket because you're shy and it’s borderline concerning sometimes when they cannot hear your voice for a whole day.

When you walk into his restaurant, very timid but determined to work, he doesn't have the heart to say no. It was his father and his wife who insisted on employing you. Yoongi wasn't sure where he needed you in his little restaurant.

You cannot be a waitress because you barely speak, and you can't cook because it's Yoongi’s job. So, he suggested you deliver the food and you're smiling wide, telling him you have your own bicycle.

Yoongi winced at that because you're gonna have to work really hard if you're cycling. At least he has a good reason to buy a scooter for you to use. But sometimes you’re comfortable with cycling for the nearby customers. Although you never complained, he and his wife are always worried for you when you're going out all alone.

They learned to trust you in society but they are very aware that they cannot trust strangers around you easily. They can't help their protective instincts too. You have no one in this city. Families are living in different states, miles away. Friends? Yoongi will give out chickens for free for a day, if you said you have a friend.

This kid is as alone as a deserted ship, sailing in a big bad world all by herself. Yoongi thought.

Yoongi is worried about you, not only you're his worker but he feels responsible for your safety. Sometimes you forget to eat, sometimes he can see that you looked dehydrated, working too hard under the blazing sun.

He knows you worked hard but you refuse to be taken lightly. Yoongi is proud of you and so is his beloved, she is always you this and you that. The maternal smell of his wife is so prominent every time she's thinking about you. You're a special kid to his small family.

“How’s today?” Yoongi asked. “Not so tough?” Usually Yoongi is the one who doesn't speak much in his circle of friends. But with you, he has to initiate or else no one will speak a word.

“I met a dog,” you smile.

“Dog?”

You hum while making a big gesture with your arms. “So big and adorable.” You nod at him.

He chuckles. “You like big dogs huh?”

“Yea. There's one back in my hometown.” Your voice is loud now, an indication that you're getting comfortable.

Yoongi observes you so well. When you're in a new environment, you hide in your shell, your pink omega eyes always downcast but sometimes open wide when you see something that interests you. Or when you're coming back from delivering, it usually takes some time for you to warm up. Yoongi has no idea why you are so closed up but as long as he can make you feel safe in your workplace, he is relieved.

“An alpha, Jung,,Jungkook?” You said softly as Yoongi checked on the chickens in the fryer. Saying the name out loud triggered your memory of his warm smile, melodious voice and his perfect round, and golden eyes.

Yonggi also has a pair of golden eyes, but Jungkook’s are different. You regretted that you were too shy to observe his mesmerizing eyes.

“Who?” He asked.

“The owner of the big dog, the customer. His name is Jungkook.” You answered.

“What about him? You remember a customer now, you usually don't,” he teased while shaking the basket to let the excess oil drip down. “These chickens are for you by the way. Eat them after you deliver those boxes, okay. My wife will hit me if she found out I starved you. I'll pack them up for you.” Yoongi nags. He wants to make sure you have something in your stomach before you go home.

“I hope they're still warm by the time you're done with delivering,” Yoongi taps his chin. Mumbles to himself but you can hear him just fine.

“I like his voice, and he smells… like something I used to smell.” You bluntly said. Earning a snort from Yoongi. Another thing about you is you're straightforward.

“How so?” He asked. Very intrigued as you rarely talk about customers. You’re sensitive to smell, you once winced if there’s a strong smell from the customers.

“He smells like fresh wood in the mountains. Like back in my hometown.” With furrowed brows you speak. “It's weird, there's no mountain in this city.”

Yoongi's brows shoot up. You never discussed smell before. When omegas start to think about smell, it usually indicates that they are attracted to somebody. Interesting.

“Okay, let's hope he'll order more from now on,” Yoongi shakes his head. He needs his wife to consult him in moments like this. His wife can have a girl to girl talk with you.

Back in the loft, Bam is sprawling on the floor as Jeon Jungkook is sticking Min’s Chicken advertisement sticker on his refrigerator. With a maker circling the number, and he wrote a little note on it.

“The shy delivery girl”

His hand snatched a bubble gum candy from the candy bowl on the dining table. He has such a sweet tooth. He’s trying to trigger the same feeling he felt when smell you.

Sweet, and soft.

Jungkook is drowning in work. The last time he had a decent meal was days ago. It is clear that he's been staying at his studio instead of going home. His ‘devotion’ to work has an effect on a certain creature too, Bam.

Bam is getting grumpier day by day as the two are stuck in the same space.

Being the active dog he is, Bam has his own designated area in Jungkook's studio. It was decently spacious but dogs like him wanted to run on the field. Dogs wanted to feel the breeze, want to stick out their tongue and be free. Bam has been whining to get Jungkook’s attention.

Jungkook noticed Bam was getting a little sad as he slumped on his paws. Close enough to his big chair by the sound system. He felt guilty. Bam has involuntarily stuck with him for days now. Sometimes staying indoors for too long can make Jungkook feel groggy and moody, too.

If he feels sluggish imagining how boring it is for Bam. At least Jungkook can keep himself busy. Bam is just a dog.

It's just that Jungkook must finish this song because he promised Jimin he can record it next week. Jimin is an indie musician who also happens to be his very best friend as well. Jimin had been consulting with him on his new single and Jungkook wanted to give him a piece of his touch into his music.

This must be done before next week. Though Jungkook is almost finished, he keeps coming back to where he started, because he is such a perfectionist.

It's for his best friend, of course he wanted it to be the best. Jungkook wasn't called the youngest and the most promising producer of the decade for nothing.

Jungkook gives him an apologetic smile but Bam just whimpers sadly. This cannot be. He thought. So, Jungkook slaps his thighs to excite Bam. Much to his pleasure, Bam barks and circles his chair with his tongue out, his tail thumping the wooden floor. Jungkook laughs along at his antics. Bam is too precious!

The moment they step outside of his studio, it's Bam that drags Jungkook. With his size, sometimes the buffy gym rat Jungkook can easily stumble forward.

“Easy there, Bam.” Jungkook chuckles. “The park isn't running away from you.”

The dog just barks excitedly after he hears the word park.

Jungkook just shakes his head. With his hand securely gripping the leash, he slowly pulled Bam, to move together at a slower pace.

At the park, Bam forgets Jungkook as he rushes to his favorite sun spot. Jungkook just sighs and lets him as there's not many people and small kids around. Jungkook would've been on guard if Bam was running excitedly when people were around.

Dogs can be very scary especially if they are not trained properly. Jungkook wants to be and is a good citizen in this neighborhood. He is always careful about bringing Bam into public space. As he was on guard, he heard a squeal.

His heart almost dropped.

“Hey, you!”

He heard the squeal coming from behind the tree, where Bam was gone. He’s rushing to the spot. Afraid of his dog attacking someone or something. Suddenly, a sweet, soft scent of bubblegum is dancing in the air. Scrunching his brows Jungkook moves slowly and closer to the voice, the owner of the familiar smell.

He can also hear Bam huffing and he can hear the jingles from his harness. Jungkook is guessing that Bam is either rolling on the ground or chasing after something. He was ready - not really- for some shocking revelation. But what surprises him is Bam is laying his head on someone's lap.

He acted like a small puppy as the person was rubbing his belly. He was astounded and relieved at the same time. In a millisecond, Jungkook recognized this woman.

Albeit short but he remembers the red shirt, the soft chuckles, the flowy hair and her sweet scent. The bubblegum smell. The omega that’s been on his mind lately.

The delivery girl! You.

Jungkook feels like he will intrude on the serene situation. You were sitting with your back on the tree, your black jeans and the fried chicken restaurant work shirt. The first time you met, Bam was all over you and Jungkook can barely look at you properly let alone apologize. Right now he can see you, truly.

You're giggling and your tiny hands are busy running through Bam’s fur. The said dog accepts the treatment with his whole big heart. His tongue jutted out and started drooling on your laps but you're unfazed. Jungkook winced at his dog’s silliness.

“Bam,” he whispers. But he realizes he was loud when you suddenly snapped your head to him.

Gosh your wide eyes, they're so pink. So mesmerizing. Jungkook gulps. All omegas have the same eye color but yours are so different, it’s like luring him to you.

You slowly raised your hands from Bam, the dog whined at the loss as he tilted his head to you and Jungkook.

“It’s him! The alpha!” You thought. You feel a sudden warm rush in your cheeks. Forget butterflies, there’s a whole zoo in your stomach. The rush feeling somehow turns to embarrassment.

What if this alpha is annoyed because you’re playing with his dog without his permission?

“Hi, Jungkook. Sorry for playing with your dog.” You said while avoiding eye contact with him. Recognizing the submissive behavior from you, his heart fell. To comfort you.

He is guessing that you were shocked to be seen this way. Jungkook wanted to show you that he is not angry that you're playing with his dog.

Jungkook immediately replied, “Yes, but you can play with him. I'm okay as long as you're okay. You’re okay, right? Bam is okay for you to play with, right? I mean Bam is not, not okay. I’m,,yeah. Everything is okay,” Jungkook bites his own tongue. Way too excited, buddy.

“Wait,” he adds. “You remember me?” At this point, Jungkook feels like dancing.

You just nod and smile politely. Jungkook frowned at that because just now he can see your big grin and now he's thinking that he is creeping you out. Granted, you're an omega and he is an alpha. It's natural for you to be timid but Jungkook doesn't want him to come off as scary to you.

“I didn't mean to steal him away,” your voice is soft and he almost couldn't catch them. You're not even looking at him so Jungkook inches closer. He is still wary as you might not want him close to your space. But seeing that you're not flinching, he thought that it was okay.

“I don’t mind. Bam likes you. Can I sit here?” Jungkook suddenly feels bad because you straighten your back and he almost wants to be on his knees and tell you that he means no harm. Jungkook doesn't know who you are, yet, but you seem so shy.

You stiffened at his presence but you allowed him to sit closer. Heck, you even scooted a little so he can be under the tree shades, protected from the evening sun.

You were on your break. After delivering an order to one of the groups that is having a picnic here, you thought it's a good idea to just stay for a while and just sit down.

You almost fell asleep as you're sitting so cozily by the tree before you were almost trampled on by a big dog. But you recognized the dog almost immediately. It was one of the customer’s, Jungkook.

Of course you remember him. Jungkook, the guy who ordered a dozen of mixed fried chickens and marinated wings, lives in the loft, whom you delivered his order to weeks ago.

The alpha with your favorite scent - the mountains smell. He reminds you of your hometown. A place of comfort and peace.

Shamelessly, you were waiting for Yoongi’s wife to tell you to deliver to Jungkook’s house. Yoongi said you were brooding.

But he's here now. And you're freaking out.

Jungkook thinks you don't want him near.

“The chickens were the best I ever had, by the way. Even Bam wanted to steal them,” Jungkook said, lighting up the atmosphere. He's glad you're smiling now. Though it might be because of Bam cozying himself on your lap.

“My boss, he cooked them. I'm just the delivery girl.” Your voice is muffled by the sound of Bam yelping. Why is this dog always stealing Jungkook's moment?!

“Bam really likes you. He’s not usually like this with people,” Jungkook chuckles. His hand ruffled Bam’s fur. Despite his intimidating look, Bam is a careful dog. He doesn’t get comfortable easily with anyone.

“Does he now?” you cooed at Bam. “Why did you stop ordering from us?” You asked timidly. A part of you thinks that's a rude question but another part of you just wanted to know. You have been waiting for him.

Jungkook widened his eyes. He doesn't know why but he feels a tinge of guilt? He has no idea you're waiting for his order?! If he knew he ordered them straight to his studio. He is yelling at himself right now.

“I didn't know you were waiting for my order?” He cheekily smirks at you. Tilting his head to face you with a palm supporting his head. Slowly inching himself closer to you. He did not want to scare you off.

You took some time to say something. Finger twiddling with Bam's Collar.

“My boss asked, not me.” You mumble quickly. What a lie. Yoongi’s the one telling you Jungkook might be busy, which is why he forgot to order.

“My bad, I’m busy working. And I didn't know if you'd deliver it to my workplace.” Jungkook chuckles at your flustered expressions. Though you're not facing him, he can see your side profile very well. Why are you hiding? He thinks you're so cute.

“I can deliver it to you wherever you are,” you bravely said. Honestly, you yourself don’t know where that comes from.

“What can I do to make it up?” Jungkook asked.

“If you asked me, I'd say keep ordering from us. My boss is a good man. It'll be good for his business.” You answered and this time you're looking at him. Not in his eyes, yet. But you're turning your face to him. And Jungkook is blushing.

“I can do that, but it has to be you who delivers them to me, okay?” Jungkook laughs at your honesty.

“Okay, as long as he is there too.” You bop the dog’s nose.

“Bam, his name is Bam. I believe Bam will be over the moon when his favorite delivery girl comes.” Jungkook squished his dog’s face.

You both didn’t realize it was late evening as the two of you chats. You both part ways after a call from Yonggi’s wife. She was worried. Jungkook and Bam accompanied you to your bike.

He kept waving until you were out of his sight.

Jungkook is on a producing sprint. He's suddenly rushed with a creative mood ever since he met you. The short conversations with you was all he needed to write up to three songs.

The meeting at the park made him blush and he ran back to his studio, overflowing with a melody stuck in his head.

It's been a week and it is safe to say that Jungkook has been ordering from you almost every day now. He still feels jittery as he places his orders, bouncing his legs up and down as he waits.

As if Bam can sense his nervousness, and the dog just didn't help much by howling and circling at the door. Waiting for you.

When you arrive, Bam will perk up and pant with his tongue out and Jungkook's heart is thumping in his chest. That's your effect on them.

“Do you really like chickens that much?” You once asked.

Little did you know that Jungkook keeps ordering because he wanted to see his muse? The omega that he feels the need to love and care for? Instead of admitting to that, he sheepishly agreed to your question.

“This is the third song and I didn't realize I'm writing about her. Again. Bam, what is going on with me?” He stares at the dog. The dog completely ignores him as his paws are busy rolling a ball.

Jungkook gets up and stretches, feeling his back is getting stiff from sitting for quite some time.

“Bam, should I get her number? Is it weird?” Jungkook dragged his feet and lay down next to Bam. He was tired. All he thinks about is the girl in her red shirt.

“I love fried chicken, but I love it even more now because she delivered them to me,” Jungkook pouted. As if the dog would understand him. Jungkook stares at the dobermann, seeking confirmation or anything.

Bam just yelps and Jungkook claps his hands once. “Let's meet her, you're a genius Bam!”

He decided to not order today.

“You cannot expect him to eat fried chicken every day, kid.” Yoongi pulled out a chair and sat next to his wife. You were plopping your head on the table. You let his wife play with your hair.

“Let her be Yoongi,” his wife whispered to him. Softly patting your head, the neat braids are tied perfectly.

Yoongi and his wife think you're upset because of a certain customer (The one with the dog). Truthfully, you don't know what you're feeling. Jungkook doesn't order for one day and you're feeling...sad.

“I need to get ready for my tutor class,” you muttered silently. Yoongi's wife frowned at him. Yoongi shrugged, and didn't know what to do. Seeing his wife patting your back as you're getting up, Yoongi lets out a sigh.

You stand at the door with your backpack and the other hand is carrying your helmet. You stand at the glass door as if you're waiting for something, a few seconds gone by, Yoongi nudged his wife, jutting out his lower lips pointing at you. His wife glares back at him.

“You should've comforted her,” she whispered.

He shakes his head, raising his hands in surrender. “I'm bad at this.”

“Just, be safe. Okay? Later, when you're free, we should go on ladies' outings.” His wife said, still sending glares to the husband. Seriously, Yoongi should've said something uplifting. But Yoongi's being real. She knows that too. “Just the two of us,” she winked at you as you turned around to look at her.

“Okay. Bye everyone.” At least your lip is twitching upward. A shy smile sweetly adorning your face. Yoongi and his wife can feel the gloomy atmosphere in the room dissipated.

After you're out of the restaurant, at your second job of the day, Yoongi sat with his wife. “What’s with the kid today?” Yoongi asked.

“She won't tell me either. We just treat her gently. She's a sensitive soul.” His wife turns to him, lightly patting his bottom.

“My guess is that it's about the alpha boy she told you about. I think she might be clueless and oblivious with her omega needs. No one taught her stuff when she came of age. I feel so bad for her.” His wife continues.

“You can teach the kid,” Yoongi plopped his head on his wife's shoulder. She's re-arranging the things on the counter.

She elbowed her husband. “Let's do it together. You're an alpha and you can give us an insight?” His wife giggled. Feeling Yoongi's hands are slowly creeping down her waist.

His wife always knows the best so Yoongi listens to her. All the time.

“The kid found her alpha, what's there to teach?” Yoongi mumbles. A part of him feels sad like a brother watching his baby sister grow up. Of course his beloved can sense that too.

“I hope her alpha is a good man. She deserves all the good things anyone can offer. I know you're protective of her like she's a pup, but when she's sad, try to encourage her a little. Okay?” Her hands cupped on his plumpy cheeks. Leaving a kiss on his nose, earning a whine from him when she pulls away.

“Hello. Sorry, I hope I’m not interrupting,” a voice from the front door startled Yoongi. The man instantly stands straight like the alpha he is. When in reality everyone in the shop saw how mushy he was with his mate. Yoongi just grumbles, mumbling something.

“My name is Jungkook,”

“Oh,” Yoongi's eyes widened at his wife. Because that name is awfully familiar as he always heard you giggle when his wife told you Jungkook had ordered. Yoongi crossed his arms on his chest, puffing up to look more muscular and bigger. “So, you’re Jungkoo-”

“Hi, Jungkook! What can we get you? His name is Yoongi, I’m his wife.” His wife breaks him mid sentence, she pinches his side as a sign to usher him to the back of the shop.

She feels the need to introduce themselves to your mate. After all, he’s family now. “Order?” She asked once again.

“Actually, I’m looking for the delivery girl,” Jungkook laughed awkwardly. Afraid that he is being unethical by suddenly barging in to see their worker.

“Oh, sweetie, she just left.” Yoongi’s wife calmly explained. She noticed how Jungkook’s smile faltered. Cooing inside as she finally met your mate. She already sensed that he is a good guy. “But what can we tell her on your behalf?”

“Umm, I don’t know if this is appropriate, but can I have her number?”

“Absolutely no!” Yoongi yells from the kitchen.

“Yes, don’t mind him. He’s a little protective of our worker. She's our only worker.” Yoongi’s wife sheepishly waved her hand. Grabbing a piece of paper and she jotted down your phone number on it.

“She’s our kid sister!” Yoongi feels the need to threaten Jungkook that there is another alpha and his mate looking after you, so he better not mess up. Jungkook swallows hard, feeling like he’s meeting a brother-in-law.

He gets it now, the soft alpha scent on you was Yoongi. You’re in his pack, so it's normal for Yoongi to behave like this. He’s an alpha too, of course he understands Yoongi.

“There you go, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you, she talks a lot about you.” Yonggi’s wife politely said. It’s a contrasting reaction from Yoongi. But, Jungkook is glad that aside from him, you have people caring for you.

Jungkook blushed at the last statement from the female omega. His hand firmly gripped on the piece of paper, with your number on it.

There’s no need for you to be nervous, because you’ve been here before. Really, you shouldn’t be nervous. Instead of standing still at the entrance of the apartment you've been to so many times, why don't you just ring his bell and inform him of your arrival. He can allow you up. Like you've done so many times before.

Clammy hands gripping the end of your floral printed blouse, the one Yoongi's wife bought you. Such a good texture, even when your tight knuckles are crumpling it, the blouse still looks fine.

“Okay. Just press his bell,” you muttered to yourself. The apartment’s guard is sitting behind his desk, smiling encouragingly at your tense body. He recognized you.

Even if you're not wearing your usual red shirt. Whatever reason you're here, he's cheering for you. You've always been so polite, greeting him shyly. People like him, the guard, are always invincible. But he feels seen with your small “hello” and “have a nice day”.

He nods at you. “Do you need help?”

“No. I'm good,” you curtly replied. Feeling ashamed of yourself if you told him you're too shy to press the bell.

With one deep breath. You press the bell.

The light on top of the button turned green. Great. One step done! Now walk into the elevator like you always do. You can literally do it with your eyes closed. Just press the loft button and you'd be there in a second.

The ride on the elevator is pretty quick but today it feels even quicker! You barely prepared yourself mentally and now you're already in front of his door. If today is any other day you'd knock on his door. But now, the door is already wide open! He is already waiting for you with his dog barking excitedly. Today is not any usual fried delivery day.

Today, Jungkook invited you over to his house for dinner!

“Come in,” Jungkook said in between his beautiful giggles as he calmed Bam down. The said dog is ready to pounce on you like he always did.

Jungkook noticed the nervous expression on your face completely change as you grinning at the dog. You went straight to ruffle the dog as you stepped into the loft.

Bam really is the cupid. The smell of sweet bubblegum instantly kissed his nose and his alpha instinct is purring at how this smell will stay for a while in his nest!

“You've been here before, but, yea welcome to my humble abode,” Jungkook dramatically waved his hand. A part of him wanted to show off how he's been cleaning and rearranging the house all day.

The kitchen area looks lively with the music coming from there, the sizzling sound on the cooking counter, not to forget the scrumptious smell that makes you salivating so bad.

“It's a very lovely house,” you said. Approvingly nodding your head. The pink of your eyes are glimmering as you take in everything. Usually when you delivered his order, you'd shy away and just leave.

Even Jungkook keeps telling you to be comfortable and just rest for a while - because he's been talking with Yoongi - you politely refuse and are always so honest with your work. Jungkook is so proud of his mate.

“I wanna bring something but you said not to.” You lightly scratch the back of your ears. You remember how sweet he was when he called you. You almost walked to a glass door at one of your students' apartments.

Ever since he got your number, Jungkook is not shying away as he often texted you. Aside from you coming to deliver his order, he makes sure you arrived home safely, sending you good morning and goodnight wishes. At one point he just proposed to you to come over. Said that this time, he wanted to cook for you.

“I‘m already happy you’re here. I don’t need anything else. Let me take care of you,” Jungkook chuckles. He is standing facing the pan as he tossed the food in it. Unconsciously, you were smiling from ear to ear during the whole scene.

“After all, what kind of person am I if I’m not taking care of my mate, hum?” He continues, turning back to you and the golden glimmer of his eyes are so enchanting.

Mate.

No matter how many times you heard of the word you can never help the rush of heat on your cheeks. You have no idea how to feel when you’re supposed to meet your mate. No one told you how to act, what to do when it happened or even what to say. So when Jungkook broke it up to you, your very first reaction was “oh, what do I do now?”

Jungkook is very patient. The very first date was a waffle date. It was short because you’re rushing to tutoring. But Jungkook was fine with it, he’s the one that initiated every text and call. Because, you’re a silly mate, you forgot you have a mate. Jungkook just chuckles when you apologize to him. Yoongi said you’re naive and innocent. He said it’s fine, nothing’s wrong with being innocent.

Your thoughts were interrupted as Jungkook put down your plate in front of you before he put his down.

“I tried,” he shyly confessed.

“You did better than me. I can’t cook.” You said.

“I’ll cook for you forever, don’t worry.”

“There you are, pretty girl.” Jungkook muttered to himself. Chuckling as he strides faster to you. Seeing you standing all alone under the tree. On this cold night with no coat or scarf! Jungkook winced. You must be so cold and he is so mad at himself for not finding you sooner.

After your official visit, Jungkook didn’t hesitate to call you. Ever since that, with you constantly delivering his chickens, in which he ordered just to have them with you in his house, an excuse to spend time with you.

Jungkook comes clean to Yoongi that he’s been stealing your time but the older guy just waved it off, saying that ‘at least she came home safe’

He should’ve learned by now that you're a little straightforward. He should've mentioned where specifically he'd be waiting for you. Instead he just said. “Near the rolling skating avenue.”. He was waiting at the big tree, where there's a food cart under it.

Luckily he can spot you first. Heads turn to search for him, but you’re not mad at all. Smiling at him the moment your eyes caught his figure.

All of the worry by seeing you shivering is only amplified as he can see you're rubbing your arms up and down. Silly girl! Why are you wearing something so thin?

“Hey,” without much thought Jungkook immediately took off his scarf, encircling the thick maroon scarf on your neck. Covering your chin, making your eyes and nose peeking out. Jungkook smiles endearingly at the sight.

Your cheeks are freezing when he cupped your face. Checking you once again and he winces seeing that your nose is runny as you keep sniffing and the pink eyes that he adores the most are glassy.

Jungkook tutted his tongue. You look like you're a second away from catching high fever.

Pulling out his gloves he engulfed your hands in his. Rubbing them together, trying to heat them up. Not truly satisfied, Jungkook blows warm breath on them.

“Why are you wearing so thinly? It's freezing out here.” Jungkook frowned but his eyes softened at your dry lips. Unknowingly he smacked his own lips, feeling the sticky balm that he applied on just before he saw you.

He can just offer his chapstick but his mind betrays him. If he just muster up his courage and lean closer, maybe planting his lips on yours-

“I just got back from tutoring. I didn't realize it's gonna be cold.” You're squeezing his hands. You don't want him to be tense because you're reckless.

The way Jungkook is fussing over you is making you smile like an idiot. You never know how nice it is to have someone to care for you, especially when that person is fated to be yours.

Yoongi and his wife take care of you well too, but Jungkook is different. How he tutted his tongue as he fixed your bangs, how he immediately wrapped you so you can be warm. Nothing is stopping you now.

So you kissed him. It was a poor attempt as your lips landed at the end of his mouth. “Oops, sorry.”

Because of the height difference, you’re awkwardly tiptoeing and the instant warmth from his lips is making you squeal from the inside. This is nice.

Meanwhile Jungkook’s brain short circuited. The sudden act widened his eyes and in a millisecond it happened he missed your lips already.

“You missed, let’s do it again. Please.” Jungkook laughed softly, getting bold now as he wrapped his arms around your waist. Pulling you even closer to the point of sharing one breath.

This time, Jungkook made the move. What started as a touch of lips, suddenly turned braver as he tipped your head with a finger on your chin, granting him easy access to fully locked on your lips. Easily guiding you to open with a gentle nip on your lower lips. With a shy gasp you allowed him and the way your tongue and his tongue are dancing together is making you feel electric all over your body. This is so nice!

Unknowingly you grip hard on his shirt and your little squeal is driving Jungkook wild. Cupping your cheeks he pulled away and laughed at your pout. As if that wasn’t enough.

“Silly, you could've called or texted me that you wanted to wait somewhere warm.” He sighs. “It's not fair.”

“What's not fair?” Raising your brows you stare at him, confused.

“You're making me think about you all the time, worry about you and now I'm nagging at you.” Jungkook fixing your hair behind the scarf.

“I didn't mean to, I'm sorry.”

“No, no. When I said it's not fair, I didn't mean it in a bad way,” he pulled your hands on top of his arm. Together you walked to the nearest cafe. Where he can order you something warm.

“I actually planned on taking you to ice skating, you know.” Jungkook said as he placed your warm cup of chocolate and his latte on the table. A pretty slice of matcha crepe cake makes your eyes glimmer. Jungkook notices it and he grins. Adding it on his mental note of your likes and dislikes.

“I never skate.” You laugh at the imagination of you falling down, landing on your bum.

“Lucky you, I'm the best.” He puffed up his chest. “But some pretty girl forgot to wear thick clothes today. So, I'm thinking roller skating is for our next date.” Jungkook smirks, watching you hide your smile while swirling the spoon, dissolving the marshmallows on the chocolate drink.

Pretty girl? Me?! you thought. “Next date,” you mumble. He caught that.

“Next date. Promise,” he leans over the table to land a kiss on your lips, he couldn’t resist it. You’re too cute.

Yoongi is tired. Last night he went back to his wife's hometown because his father in law fell ill. And he rushed back home to open up his restaurant. Much to his dismay. His favorite worker, the only delivery girl, fell ill as well.

“Fucking cold weather.” He grumbles. Suddenly blaming the weather for making people sick. Now, he's not sure what to do. He can just pack up and close the restaurant for the day. It's not like it's gonna be a big loss. He opened this business as a side job. His real income is writing. Texting the group chat which consists of him, his wife and you.

Boss : kid, how bad is your cold?

you: bearable. I can come clock in for today.

Boss’s wife : nonsense! You, stay home! Yoongi, come home too. Don't open the restaurant today.

you: okay boss

Boss: i’m your boss

you: you are?

Boss: Look at this kid! Getting braver now since you're going out with Jeon.

Jungkook: how are you feeling today?

you: yeah, Jungkook because it makes me feel safe and brave. :p

No reply from Yoongi. You thought he must be busy closing up.

Jungkook: I'm very happy to read that, sweetheart.

A moment of silence passed before you let out the loudest gasp you ever heard coming from your mouth. You thought you replied to Yoongi but you're actually replying to Jungkook!

You're so embarrassed beyond words right now. How are you going to say anything back to him?

Meanwhile Jungkook is blushing red. Kicking his feet up in the air as he rolls down the clean rug in his room. After working for a few hours on a new song for a recording company, Jungkook feels like he needs to text you.

Considering how the date went last night, he just wanted to make sure you're not catching cold. But your reply caught him off guard.

Jungkook feels like his heart swells and it almost bursts as he keeps reading your words. Jungkook makes me feel safe and brave.

Oh, how he wanted to hug you right now. Bam noticed his human was so happy, he started to bounce along.

Your face heats up and you're biting your lips. You have to reply or else he'd think you're being weird. You are so weird! You thought to yourself.

Jungkook: As much as I want you to elaborate on that text, I also wanted to know your wellbeing. Did you catch a cold? Are you working today?

This. This is why Jungkook makes you feel safe. He is caring and attentive to your needs. Despite just getting to know each other, he cares for you.

you: i'm not working today. I don't feel very well. But I'll get better soon.

A few moments passed without his reply and you decided to take a cold shower to eliminate the heat. The cold sweat on your forehead and your back is making you feel so sticky.

Laying down on the couch is making your neck ache as well. You stood up to soothe the ache but you stood up too fast. It makes you very dizzy.

You keep blinking your eyes as you can only see blackspots. It's scary and you start to whimper. With your hand steadying yourself by the wall, you took a deep breath.

Sickness is common, since you're sensitive to cold weather, but it feels like it is coming in tenfold. Like a heavy boulder is on your chest as you breath shakily.

The trip from the living room to the shower feels like miles away. You're living in a tiny flat house. Kitchen, living room and shower are just a few feet apart.

You're really sleepy, maybe after a shower you'll take a nap.

The cold water from the shower head hits the tiles, after you twist the handle, though the sound is muffled in your ears. The cold is messing up with everything. It feels like a huge cotton ball stuck in your ears. The ringing just won't stop. With blurry eyes you pulled it together to drag your feet into the shower.

Yes. Just a splash and then you can have a nice nap on your cozy bed. All you can see and feel is the water hitting your face, the cold walls, and suddenly it's all blank.

“Wake up! Baby! Come on. Shit! Oh god!”

A frantic voice is all you hear but you're so tired to open your eyes and your mouth.

“You're scaring me, baby! Please, please, open your eyes!”

You're focusing on the voice, but the first thing that hits you first is his alpha scent. Unlike the familiar mountain smell, this smell is strong. He smells very distressed and panicked. Jungkook is panicking and you're fighting so hard to hold him, to lean to him.

You're trying to utter a word but everything that comes out from your mouth is groaning and soft whimper. That only spikes Jungkook’s protective sense even higher. With a pained expression, he swept your wet hair from your forehead, running his hand on your head. Peppering kisses all over your cold face.

He is petrified at your blue-ish lips. Bringing your face to his neck, hoping his scent can bring you warmth. Oh, his heart literally dropped when he found you laying down under the running water. God knows how long you've been in that state.

He's guessing this happened the moment after your last text. Which was almost half an hour ago.

Jungkook feels like screaming, seeing you, his omega, helplessly on the cold floor. You could get hypothermia or something! His heart is still not calming down.

After turning off the water he pulled you up onto his laps. He didn't care how wet his pants were right now. He got to make sure you're conscious first.

He carries you gently out of the cold shower. Frantically eyeing up any sort of towel or blanket to cover your naked body. The last thing he can do now is expose your body to the cold. The big blanket on your bed is what Jungkook manages to snatch before he wraps it on your body.

“Can you hear me? Humm?” Jungkook speaks softly. He felt bad when he shouted the moment he saw you, him panicking just now must've shocked you. Lightly caressing your cheeks, he calls your name again and again.

Jungkook was about to call for an ambulance but he heard a broken whimper, his heart pains even more.

He rubbed your head in hope to alleviate any discomfort, feeling a slight relief and your fingers are getting warmer.

“Jungkook,” you said weakly. Your eyes flutter open. You're feeling dazed and starting to mumble incoherently in between his name.

“Shh, I'm here. Let's go to the hospital, hum?” He asked. His fingers keep massaging your scalp. The heat from your body slowly rises as you're no longer wet. Jungkook is anxious yet so gentle when he's rubbing your body with a towel.

“You have a fever, baby.” He tutted.

“No hospital, please.” You whined. You don’t like hospitals. It is the last place you wanted to be. “Stay here.”

“You sure? Your body is like a furnace.” He palms his hand on your forehead, leaning closer as leave a kiss on the scorching skin.

“Jungkook,” you whine, your hand is crumpling his shirt with your fist. With your eyes still shut, you depend on your nose to look for him. When you feel like he is too far away when in fact he is sitting on the bed, very close to you.

For some reason he is too far. That makes you rake out sad sobs.

“Hey, what's wrong?” Jungkook frowns at the distress scent coming from you. His carnal instinct is whimpering, begging him to do something, to calm the omega laying beside him.

“Jungkook, don't go.”

Jungkook cooed as your tears started streaming down your eyes. Instantly he wipes them. “I’m not going anywhere.” He patted the side of your head, hoping it'll calm you down.

For someone smaller than him, and obviously weak at this moment, your fist is tightly gripping on him. As if you're not letting him go even an inch away from you.

Jungkook leans over and suddenly you pull him, circling your arms on his neck. Jungkook was taken aback and luckily he didn't fall onto you, he managed to hold himself up with his arms planted by each of your sides.

What is even more surprising is you're nuzzling on his neck. Searching for his scent. In just a second he heard you're letting out a relieved sigh and the distress scent of yours is slowly disappearing.

Being this close, almost chest to chest, Jungkook can hear your heartbeat beating calmly. You're purring under him and it took him a million ounces to restrain himself from crushing you. You're too adorable!

“There you go, my sweetheart.” Jungkook chuckles lightly, if he knows this is the remedy, he'd hug you tightly a lot sooner.

After he makes sure you're asleep, he slowly gets up from the uncomfortable sitting position. His back is screaming but at least you're no longer crying. The creaking on your bed makes him flinch. But your nakedness under the blanket is what worries him more.

His eyes fell on the neatly folded clothes near the bed. A smile creeping up his face, he never entered your house and seeing how clean it is, he feels a sense of pride.

After he managed to dress you in a shirt and pajama pants that he found, he noticed that your bed had too many pillows. The way you arranged them and how fluffy they looked, it’s like a little nest.

Jungkook's thoughts were interrupted by the vibrations of his phone. It was Yoongi.

“Hey, how's she?” Yoongi asked. Jungkook can also hear his wife's voice. “I told you we should go see her,” she mumbles at the back. Yoongi was just silent, waiting for Jungkook to answer him.

“I found her in the shower. Under it to be exact. I think she passed out while showering but she's okay now. Sleeping.” Jungkook answered as his other hand was placing a pot on the stove.

“Oh god. She passed out in the shower?” Yoongi's wife gasped so loud, snatching the phone from her husband. “Jungkook! How is she now?! Oh thank god I gave you the key Jungkook,” her worried tone makes Jungkook think of his mom.

“She's awake though a bit dazed, but she refused to go to the hospital. I'm making her something to eat.” At the mention of the key, Jungkook feels a rush of relief in his body.

When he texted Yoongi about you, the later man said that you're not coming to work today. His wife pushed Jungkook to come and pick your spare key from her. She said someone should check on you.

Here he is now, thankful for Yoongi's wife.

“Oh she hates hospitals. But, Jungkook. There's something you should know.” Yoongi's wife said in a hushed tone. Earning herself a stare from Yoongi. She wasn't his mate in just a day, she knows he still thinks you are under his care which he shouldn't. Because you have found your alpha. And he is taking care of you now.

“Yeah?” Jungkook asked. Halting his search in your refrigerator.

“I think she is in pre-heat. She usually is around this time.”

Jungkook's eyes widened at the statement. It makes all sense now. The fever, the nesting and her calling him alpha. The reason why Jungkook couldn’t smell her heat scent was probably because his sense was clouded in making sure you’re safe first.

“Obviously she's an omega so she is very clingy and needy at this time. The thing is, she wasn't taught how to take care of herself properly when it comes to this. When we met, I sort of helped and guided her. Since I'm an omega myself, I can watch over her. But now she has you, her alpha. I'm counting on you to treat her with care and love, too. Okay?” She fiddles with her apron, worries are clearly etched on her face and it makes Yoongi frown.

His mate is feeling emotional. So he hugged her side. Letting her finish prepping Jungkook.

Jungkook feels his chest puffing up after hearing that from her. How she put her trust on him in taking care of you. As an alpha, it is a prideful moment when someone else views you as capable of taking care of his own mate.

“I will. I promise. Thank you,” Jungkook firmly said. Yoongi and his wife are important in your life, he wanted to make a great impression and be someone that these two can trust.

“Make her mushrooms congee, she loves that.” Yoongi mouthed to his wife, wanting her to reply to Jungkook.

“Oh if there's mushrooms in her fridge, make her some soup or congee if you can. She can only stomach soft food during this particular time.” She reminds Jungkook. “Soft food, but plenty of them.”

“Got it.” Jungkook silently cheered at the whole pack of mushrooms he found. Thanking the god that his mom taught him to cook. Congee is easy.

“Don't worry too much, I'll take care of her.”

“Call us if anything happens or if you need us.”

“I will,”

You're hearing voices and you recognize the voice. You’re trying your best to respond but you feel as if you’re underwater, because everything is muffled and the ringing in your ear just won’t stop.

You're gathering lots of memories of what happened today. You were sick, you took a shower, and blank, and then there's the familiar scent, you remember feeling someone putting a shirt over your head, the lingering kisses on your face, a feeling of a sturdy chest, a calloused hand brushing your thighs like a feather as he puts on your pants.

His soft touch brought goosebumps on your skin. Somehow the shy thought unconsciously triggered a slick feeling in between your legs.

Jolted up, you shake your head, too fast and it's making you dizzy again. A whine coming out from your mouth as you can feel the whole room is spinning even with your back is supported by the head board.

At the sound, Jungkook is at your door in a second. His hearing is heightened now that he knows his omega is in pre-heat. Whether it's in a few moments or a day, you will completely be in heat. He is getting prepared for that moment.

The two of you have yet to claim each other so Jungkook feels a little constricted. He just wanted to jump on the bed and take care of you the way you would want but he is a well-mannered alpha. He respects your decisions of wanting to take time, slow and steady.

“Koo,” you whine while pinching your head, the pain subsides as soon as you can smell him. He is your alpha through and through.

In a heartbeat Jungkook is on the bed sitting facing you. “How are you feeling? Hum? Is somewhere hurt?” He asked with gentle tones, pulling your hands down while he's the one carefully massaging your head now.

“Not really good, but I'm okay.” You moan when he pinches the right pressure on the pain spot on your head. Earning a chuckle from him, you're practically purring. With your body inching closer to him,

Jungkook took the liberty to just pull you and your head is pressed on his chest. Seeing that you're not rejecting that gesture, Jungkook is blooming on the inside.

Listening to his steady heartbeat and the vibration of him humming almost lulls you back to sleep again.

“You good?” Jungkook laughs at your delirious state. He cannot see your face clearly but the sound you make when he massages your scalp is so adorable.

“Very good,” your reply is muffled as your face is pressed on his chest.

“I made you something, let's eat first.” He tapped on your side, ushering you to stay awake. He'll be at peace if you have something in your stomach before you rest again. “Come on. Up, up. You’re sick and I’m taking care of you and that’s final.” He chuckles at your defeated whine, gifting your obedience with a kiss on your head.

“You’re so nice to me,” You murmur as Jungkook blows softly at the hot porridge. Bringing his hand to spoon-fed you with a bright smile on his face. It is exactly like how he imagined. Taking care of his omega.

Now, he should just come clean now.

“I really want to mark you as my mate, now.” Right after he finished his sentences, he felt a sudden rush on his face. Embarrassed now that he is acting like a teenage boy in love.

Eyes only looking at your mouth opening as he fed you. It is so cute to see Jungkook’s mouth also opening, imitating yours.

“Really?” You asked, like a fool. Wide eyes searching for him. You’ve heard stories of dominant and assertive alpha but Jungkook is so different. He is so gentle with you and that makes your heart melt.

“You have been very patient. Why are you taking so long to mark me? We went on dates, we hung out for some time, too.” you whined. This is the side of you that Jungkook never knew existed. Maybe it’s the preheat talking.

“What do you mean?” he chuckles. Shaking his head at how you tilted your head to him.

“I mean, I didn't know I was supposed to feel this way when I found my mate. And you never said anything too, I thought you were waiting for the right moment. But, I can’t wait anymore, now, after you said you want to mark me.” You babbles, fingers are making unknown patterns on your blanket.

“I want you to be comfortable with me first,” Jungkook answered.

“You’re so kind to me, you know that?” you sobbed.

“Why are you so sad?” Jungkook's eyebrows scrunched at your sudden change. “I think your thoughts are a little cloudy, hum?” He pushed the hair on your sweaty forehead and he realizes you’re breathing hard now.

Your cheeks are burning up and your eyes are unfocused. Jungkook also didn’t miss the heightened smell of bubblegum. Instantly he put down the bowl and cupped your cheeks.

“hey,” he called for you.

“Want you, Koo. Want you now,” you replied. Your warm hands rest on top of him bringing them down to your under belly. “It’s achy,” you sobbed. Jungkook sucked in a deep breath and it was a fault, because his nose was hit by a sudden smell of your arousal. He is on alert. Because that is a big sign that you’re in heat.

Unmated omega when they’re in heat, sometimes they can play with themselves. Mated omega, however are more needy, they will beg to be filled because they are aware of what their body wants.

Mated means there’s an Alpha present and the brain is sending a message to the body to be ready for breeding.

This is why mated omegas are sometimes unstoppable when they’re in heat. The problem right now is, you are not really unmated because Jungkook is your mate. He can practically help you go through the whole period of this intense time.

Jungkook is fighting with everything in him to restrain himself. He wanted to help you only when you’re in the right state of mind. Only when you gave him permission. Because right now he feels like he is violating your trust, disrespecting you or taking advantage of you. He wants it in the right way.

“You’re not thinking straight. I don’t want you to be upset after all of this is over.” Jungkook is slowly coaxing you.

You shake your head, your hands trying to bring his hand closer to your inner thighs.

He tried, he really is trying his best. The alpha in him is clawing inside of him at your soft whimpers.

“I am thinking straight. You’re my alpha, my mate. Aren’t you supposed to help me?” You frown. Blinking repeatedly to brush away the glaze in your eyes. Somehow the tears still managed to escape.

“Are you rejecting me?” Your small voice is killing Jungkook.

“No, no, no. no. I am not rejecting you. I just want you to be in a clear state of mind.” Jungkook explained, cupping your cheeks with his free hand as his thumb wiped away the stray tears. “Shh, don’t cry. Please.”

“But I swear this is not just the heat talking. I really want you, I need you, please,” you ramble on.

Jungkook really looks into your eyes, as if he’s looking for a sign, even if it’s so small, just a sign that you are not very aware of this situation. After seeing the confident glimmer on two surfaces that he fell in love with every damn time, he lets out a chuckle at your silly request.

“Okay, baby.” He rubs your side, only now noticing that you’re already on his lap.

You heave out a relieved sigh. “Thank you,”

“Come closer, pretty.” Jungkook whispers, guiding your hands around his neck. His nose is touching yours and you can feel his warm breath fanning your face. Honestly it makes you feel so secure, knowing that he is so near. You’re obviously already heaving even at the simple touch of his. Finally,

The distance between his lips and yours are torturous. You greedily kissed on his lips. Ignoring him for trying to position you comfortably.

“Kook,” you pulled your lips back, only to slam it harder on him.

“Patience, baby.” Jungkook chuckles. Eyes closing.

All of self-control aside, you started grinding down on his crotch and fondling your breasts right now. Every little breath that passes your lips is breaking Jungkook little by little. He can hold on for so much.

“Do something, it’s achy,” you pouted. You’re sitting on his crotch causing the alpha to let out a grunt. He can feel the dampen wetness from you on his pants.

“I will take care of you baby. I promise.” Jungkook squeezed your hips before he took over your body and laid you down on the bed. Not wanting to take even more time after hearing how desperate you sound, he pulled down your pants.

Curses left his mouth as he stared at your cunt as it was slick with wetness. “God, baby. You’re making a mess. I haven't done anything yet.”

Your hands are struggling to either grip the sheet or just grab his hair. You succumb to the latter and when your fingers are locking in his hair, you swear you never wanna let go.

The sinful sound of him sniffing your cunt is making you more tingling. No more shying away as your priority for now is to have him inside of you or you will go insane.

“Let me taste you first, hum?” The vibration of his voice and the cold air he blew straight to your cunt makes you pull his hair harder. He doesn’t even flinch and you’re growing annoyed.

He slot himself in between your shaky thighs. His hand grips your thigh causing it hard to clamp close. You’re trashing on the bed, begging for some friction. It is very agonizing to see him smelling your cunt instead of touching it.

“You smell divine baby, can’t believe this is mine,” Jungkook sniffed on top of the mound.

“Please, do something, please.” You begged. With eyes shut and knowing how close he already is, you chanted for him to just do whatever he pleases.

“Touch me with your tongue, your finger, your cock, I don’t care! Just wanna be full of cum. Please Kook- ah!” a light pinch on your clit jolted you. Whimpering louder as Jungkook tutted his tongue.

“I have no idea my baby got such a dirty mouth,” Jungkook looked at you with hooded eyes as he straightened his back. Currently looming over you with one hand parting your legs wider and the other hand is playing with your sticky lips. Easily rubbing his fingers on the clit with the help of your wetness that he collected.

“Huh, has she always been this dirty or is it just for me?”

Toying with your clit, Jungkook is switching from rubbing to pinching it, causing you to moan with a fist in your mouth. Jungkook is not having any of it, scoffing, he pulls your hand away from your mouth and he grips the wrist.

“Nuh huh, answer me first. I wanna hear you.” His voice vibrates in between your thighs.

“For you. Only for my alpha,” you breathe out. Satisfied with your answer Jungkook dived down and started lapping on your cunt like a mad man. The sound is sinful. He lapped and licked every drop from your cunt. He’s switching from licking to sucking your clit. That really throws you over the edge.

“Ahhh! Yes!” You chanted. One hand securely gripping his luscious hair and the other is crumpling the bedsheet. Holding on as if it will help you calm. “So good!” You moaned.

“Yeah? So good, baby?” Jungkook asks, sneakily looking at you with every lick he takes. His golden eyes are more focused now and he can feel his dick hardened by the view. Your chest is moving up and down, and he can see your nipples are poking through the shirt. The sound of your moans with how messy the bedsheet is because you’re gripping it so tightly.

At this point Jungkook's cock begs to be released from his pants. He started grinding on the bed as he moved his body. Seeing you writhing on the bed, eyelids fluttering and your mouth agape deliriously. The sinful sight almost makes Jungkook blow off his loads.

It certainly did not help when you roam your hand from his hair, to his ear, his cheek. Your touch is electrifying. Jungkook groaned before he stood on his knees. The sudden stop from him is cruel to you.

You almost reached your high with his tongue.

“Wha-why?” Your hands are scrambling to catch him and bring him back to where he was supposed to be. “More, please. Jungkook, more.”

“Easy, baby. I don’t want it to be over too.” He said. “It's just, your cunt is too good, I almost cum” he breathes. His eyes are full of lust at your wet cunt. He can see how greedy your cunt is sucking on nothing. You clench and unclench the tight muscle and he curses. With laboured breath Jungkook plays with your cunt’s lips. Teasing you. Sort of like a punishment for making him losing control.

“Put your fingers in, Jungkook,” your whines is like a music to his hear. It made him want to tease you more. He purposely run his fingers in your opening. Up and down, up and down.

“Not yet, baby,” he chuckles. You’re a whining mess now, you squirm in hopes his fingers will stick inside.

“Please,” you sobbed.

“Shh, shh.” He reached your face and left trails of kisses from your forehead, your nose, your cheeks.

“An angel,” he said as he lightly brushed his lips against yours. Plump and swollen from your own bites. Jungkook kisses you like a hungry man.

As he kissed you, he slowly pushed down two fingers inside of your cunt. He is not even letting you adjust first as he keeps making the come hither motion, repeatedly. Slamming the slick covered fingers in and out as his eyes are fixed on your eyes. Freeing your wrist, he cups your jaw.

“Look at your alpha. Listen to the sticky sound, how wet you are.” Very contrasting to the brutal fingering, the hand that cupped your jaw is surprisingly soft. “Good omega,” he praises you.

“I really wanna treat you with care. Wanna eat you out slowly, and then open you up nicely with my fingers, but my pretty omega is so desperate for a cock. For my cock. What am I gonna do?” Jungkook feigns a sad pout and before you realize it he is adding another finger into your hole. Gasping at the sudden intrusion, you’re clawing at his biceps.

“Yes! Yes, yes right there!” You moan as he keeps hitting the spot. The feeling of tightness in your lower belly like a band about to snap. His action is taking your breath away, making you panting with broken moans.

With every jab of his fingers, the band is pulled and pulled and you can feel the wave of arousal is about to crash on you.

“Ah, ah, ah Jungkook! Keep going! Please, please, please”

Chuckling darkly from above you, it seems like Jungkook can sense it too by how tight and sticky your cunt has gotten.

“You’re so loud, baby.” He teases the sounds that you produced. If it’s possible, he wants to hear it all night long.If you before your heat could look at you now, she would’ve died in embarrassment.

Truthfully you’d screamed out of your lungs and you’re not gonna give a damn because the sensation is so powerful as you never felt this way before. Maybe in the past all you had was your own hand and some toys, or maybe you just slept away until it’s over because you have no one to help you. Maybe because you’ve found your other half, maybe it’s Jungkook.

Unknowingly you let out a dreamy sigh as you’re thinking more about Jungkook. The said man notices every change of your expression and he wonders what’s on your mind. He crawled down closer to your engorged clit.

Licking it again and started sucking the moment he heard your gasp. His fingers are still working inside of you, with his mouth getting busy as well. The slurping and the sucking sound echo in the room.

“Oh my- oh god,” you moan long. Too much sensation and the band snapped. The ringing in your ears deafen every sound and all you can think is him, him and him. Your mouth is open wide, and the only sounds that come out are broken ah’s and your breath.

Eyes shut tight.

Big hands are rubbing your calf up and down. “Come back to me, baby.” His lips are ghosting on your inner thigh. Weird feeling of wetness trailed every skin his lips landed on. Jungkook’s hand is squeezing your waist. Calling you one more time, coaxing you to open your eyes. And you did.

All you can see is Jungkook, with shaggy hair covering his forehead, and his lips, down to his chin and neck are glistening wet.

“Fuck, pretty baby. That was so hot.” He chuckled. Coming up to give you a languid kiss. Letting you taste yourself on him. As if possessed, you cup his chin and lick up the slick from his jaw making him moan this time.

Now when you’re chest to chest with him again, you needily try to pull his shirt off. Feeling unfair now that you’re already half naked and he is still covered. When he realizes your action, Jungkook helps you by pulling the shirt from the back of his head, using it to wipe out the residue wetness on his neck and chin.

The sight salivates you even more, now that you can see his rigid abs. Eyes trailing down and down, from his wide shoulder to his chest and to the slim waist of his, your eyes widen with lust the lower you look.

Happy to see the tent in his pants.

“Like what you see, baby?” Palming himself, Jungkook said with a deep voice. He himself is at the edge of his self-control. But an alpha like him, he feels the need to pleasure you first.

Your fingers are eager to unbuckle the belt, to free his cock from its confinement. Jungkook helps you out with a chuckle, pulling off the pants leaving him in black boxer brief. From the outline of it, his cock is huge.

You must be high on his pheromones as you crawl closer. The needier part of you is making bold decisions. His smell is getting thicker now that you realized. Jungkook must be emitting his smell to protect you in the nest. You’re rolling with content at that. Feeling at the top of the world, you want to give anything and everything to him.

“Wanna suck you,” you licked your lips, the act that Jungkook followed closely with his golden eyes. If he gives up to lust he’d shoved your face to his throbbing cock. But he is still in a clear state of mind, he wants to pamper you, treat you gently. He wants to worship you.

Pulling out his cock, the tip is already dribbled with precum. Being a good omega you are, you planted your fingernails on your thighs. Patiently waiting for him to guide you.

“Closer, baby.” He moans. One hand is moving up and down his girthy shaft. The head is angry red and it must’ve been hurt. Unknowingly you whine for your mate, never wanting him to be uncomfortable. So, you lick up from his balls. Up the base, following the bulging veins up to the head. You teasingly lick the slit. The heady taste is making your head spin yet you repeated the motion.

“Don’t tease.” Jungkook hissed. His fingers are carding through your hair, pulling them up to a makeshift ponytail. He shut his eyes at the feeling of your coy tongue lapping up his precum.

“baby! ah fuck!!” He never knew he could be vocal at receiving heads. It’s definitely because it is you. Everything about you is electric and new.

“Yeah, good omega, so good.” He moans when you start to suck him properly. “You can suck faster,” With his permission, your head starts bobbing up and down and you know you’re doing a decent job because he cannot stop moaning.

Your hand is engulfing his shaft for the part that your mouth cannot swallow. Hollowing your cheek, you’re giving a fair treatment to his balls by fondling them and your cunt is leaking wet.

Everything is a lot and yet you want more.

With your free hand you’re teasing your own opening. From his view he can clearly see you’re pleasuring yourself as you’re working hard on him. Jungkook pulled your head instantly, diving down to kiss you ferociously as he kicked off his boxer completely.

“Sorry baby. Today’s about you. I wanna help you, baby.” Jungkook said in between kisses and slots himself properly in between your thighs. Guiding his cock to your entrance. The feeling of the bulbous head makes you gasp. Jungkook notices that you’re tense and he distracts you by whispering sweet nothing to your ears.

Omega in heat are usually ready to receive a knot but Jungkook knows that this is your first time experiencing it with an alpha, and a mate at that too. Of course you’re nervous. The sweet pink in your eyes softens Jungkook’s heart. How he adores you and the last thing he wants is to hurt you.

“Relax for me baby,” he kisses and sucks the skin in between your neck and shoulder. The spot that emitted your smell the strongest, planning to place his mark there. In order to relax you, he nibbles on your ear, neck, and chest. The blooming purples and reds are scattered beautifully on your skin.

The moment Jungkook can feel your breathing is even, he gathers your cum from the first orgasm, coating his length before pushing in.

“Oh-,” your hands clawing on his shoulders as he eases inside inch by inch. “You’re so big,” you whine, voice muffling as you sob at his neck.

“Yeah? You’re doing so good.” With his hands on your hips he pulled out with only the tip still inside of you, pushing back even deeper. “That’s it, that’s my pretty omega,” Jungkook picked up the steady pace as you breathed out more and more to him.

“I’m a good omega?” Seeking your Alpha’s attention as you bite his shoulder. “Am I doing well?”

“Yes! Yes, baby. My good omega. Wanna be good to you too.” Jungkook grunt. Your cunt is so warm and keeps gushing out slick, if he moves too fast, his cock might slip out easily. Hiking up your legs to his slim waist, you get the message that he wants you to tighten your hold on him.

With your heels on his ass, he feels a bit more in control. Pounding into you to the point of the only sound that can be heard is the skins slapping on skins and your whimper.

“There! There! You feel so good!” You’re chanting now. The familiar feel in your lower belly is returning as he keeps going harder. “Cum inside, wanna be full of your cum,” you begged.

“Ah, fuck, you’re so tight!” Jungkook growls. The sweat on his body and yours are making everything stuck together. Your chest heaving up and down with your back arched from the bed. Jungkook took this chance to latch his lips on your perking nipple. That elicits another loud moan from you. He bites the nub and with his crazy energy from his lower body almost making you pass out. Again.

“I’m cummin, I’m cumming,” you sob.

“Ready for my knot baby,” not a question anymore as Jungkook can feel his base is about to swell.

“Please!” You’re so lost in your head as the orgasm is looming closer now. “Wanna be swollen with your cum,” you mew. Jungkook’s eyes are even more focused, now that you started to dirty talk to him. How brazen his sweet omega is.

“You’re gonna be so pretty swollen with my cum. Soon, you’ll be carrying my babies. Huh, gonna be so big because of me,” Jungkook let out a loud moan at the thought.

Though at the back of his mind he knows it’s too early for babies but still, thinking about it makes his cock twitch in you.

“Come on baby. Cum for me,” Jungkook rolls his thumb on your clit.

“Ah! I’m close,” you groan. “Mark me now, Jungkook.” Barring your neck to him as your body shakes when the second orgasm hits you.

“My mate, my perfect mate.” Jungkook planted his teeth on the skin, lapping up to soothe the reddened skin as he soon follows you into the orgasm state. His cock is swelling and lodged perfectly inside of you. Shushing you down as you wiggling uncomfortably.

“It’ll deflate soon, baby.” Jungkook reassures you.

“Wanna mark you, too.” With uncertainty you look at him. Jungkook’s heart clenched.

“Please, I am yours,” he cupped the back of your head as he pulled you closer to his neck. The bite of your teeth is like a rush of warm water, soothing.

“My mate,” Jungkook whispered adoringly to your ear, the two of you coming down from your high. It’s the beginning of your heat and before it’s over, it is his duty to take care of you.

It suddenly hits him that he now - officially- has a mate. Lying next to you, with you in his arms and his cock is still deep in you. Jungkook has a mate now.

“My mate,” your soft voice broke him from his thoughts. Jungkook hums along as he scents you.

True to his expectation, the two of you spent the whole week, fucking. In your nest, in your bathroom and even your kitchen. Jungkook thanks the lucky stars that you’ve already stuffed your kitchen cabinets and fridge with lots of food.

During your heat, you never think about the basic necessities but his cock. Only wanting him, his cum and his body.

Jungkook took his role very seriously, providing you snacks after he filled you to the brim. Cleaning you up though you whimpered every time he did so because according to you, you wanted to be covered in his cum.

The idea of drying, flaky cum from the both of you is not very appealing to him so he has to tend to your sulky, bratty attitude.

Maybe he took his alpha role too seriously when he edged you during the whole week of sex but Jungkook is the best in after care.

“Baby?” Jungkook heard the barks of his dog.

After the whole euphoric week, Jungkook can never be away from you. So he insisted you live together with him. Now, it has been a few months since you decided to move in.

“Bam, slow down,” your giggle can be heard from the front door. The sound of your giggle feels like angels singing in his ears. He will always smile adoringly every time he hears you coming in from the door. After work you took Bam, the dobermann to the park, like every other evening.

Jungkook cooly said “Bam likes you now and he is only excited if it’s you who took him to the park,” you know he is frowning as his dog chooses you over him. His companion for years.

But Jungkook didn’t mind at all. Because life is much better now he gets to prepare meals for you, he gets to provide a safe space for you to come home, he is just content that he gets to be with you.

Jungkook tilted his head as he could hear the pitter-patter of Bam’s foot and yours towards him.

“There you are,” Jungkook grins like a fool as you throw yourself onto him.

#jungkook #bts jungkook #jungkook fic #jungkook imagines #jungkook x reader #jungkook fluff #jugkook smut #bts #bts x reader #bts fanfic #jeon jungkook #alpha jungkook #omega reader #there you are

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stoopidpigeonxx · 2 days ago

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To the anon that suggested Curly Manhandling..

here bookie <3

NSFW MINORS GO AWAY

Curly’s quite the big fellow. He knows it, too. He’s always flexing his arms in front of you to show off his gym gain and taking every opportunity to show off his impressive build. You don’t mind it. It’s a bit of a turn-on, knowing all that is all yours. But the best part is when he uses that muscle he worked so hard on to fuck you dumb. He knew you liked to be manhandled and took that to heart, scooping you up and throwing you over his shoulder whenever you suggested taking things to the bedroom. He adored the squeals and giggles from you when he did. Filled his heart with a sense of pride… or maybe he just adored his sweet girl. His favorite method was pushing your legs up to your head while he pounded into you, seeing the very slight bulge of his cock outlined in your stomach when he thrusts. You’re soaked and gripping him like a vice and he could die happily right now, buried 9 inches inside you. He’d hunch over to quicken his pace, hands pinning your wrists up by your head. He’d love looking at your fucked-out face, the slight drool pooling at the corner of your lips, your slightly crossed eyes, mouth parted in an O shape. You looked so pretty like this. He wanted to take a picture and frame it, hang it above his bed so he could see it every day. Your face was amazing, but it came in second only to your moans. Your beautiful, sweet little noises. Whines of his name, pleas, whimpers, all of it spurred him on. Hearing his name from your mouth was music to his ears. “Yeah, baby? Wan’ me to go faster? Harder? You got it, lemme take care of you.. Sweet thing.” “Fuck, you’re takin’ me good… g’na make me come quick..” And you took it like a champ. When he did pump you full of his kids, you took every drop. He’d let you fall back and observe his come leaking out your poor cunt. But he’s not finished, ladies and gents. Oh no. He doesn’t normally do this out of fear of hurting you, but when he’s particularly stressed and you’re just offering yourself.. Full Nelson time!! Yup, he’s got your back pressed flush against his chest, ass against his pelvis, cock thrusting in and out of you. He has an arm locked around you to hold you in place, and his other’s holding up one of your thighs for a better angle. You find this position the hottest because he finally gets to be rough with you.he begs to differ, but as long as it makes you happy, and it really does. “Fu-uck, baby, keep movin’ like that, i gotcha.. Mhmmm. Feels so good..” He’s babbling praise into your ear while he destroys you, the gentleman that he is, and making sure to kiss you everywhere he can. Soft little ‘sorry’s on your skin. He feels bad for being so rough with you, but he can't help it when it feels so good. Even he’s moaning like a girl now just from the euphoric bliss of being inside your sweet little cunt. And he’ll keep going, until he’s filled you up with at least 5 loads of his come. He wants to pump you full of his babies in hopes he’ll start a family with you. But, more likely, he’s just obsessed with seeing you leak his seed out of your abused hole. Either way, you’re full of him, a reminder of what he does to you. You’ll certainly find it difficult to walk tomorrow, but it’s worth it. He’ll take care of you, since it’s his fault you’re in that state, poor thing. And he’ll do it all over again when you want him to! <3

#pigeonfic⯎#curly mouthwashing #mouthwashing #curly x reader #mouthwashing x reader #mouthwashing smut #captain curly smut #I BUSSED writing this

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bladeux · 18 hours ago

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✶⋆.˚ when you reunite after a long time apart !

pairings : sunday, aventurine, blade, jing yuan, gepard, boothill x reader (separate) | fluff, angst (?)

➜ Sunday

The room was quiet, filled with the hum of machinery and the soft glow of screens. Sunday sat at the very center, his posture tense as he poured over a map projected on the table. You lingered at the entrance, your heart pounding. After everything, would he even want to see you again? The soft creak of the door caught his attention. His head snapped up, his golden eyes narrowing in suspicion until they locked on yours. For a moment, he simply stared, the silence stretching between you. Then, slowly, he straightened, his guarded expression giving way to disbelief. "You," he breathed, his voice barely audible. "You’re here." "Sunday," you whispered, stepping closer. He shook his head, as if trying to dispel a dream. "I thought I’d lost you. I told myself you were gone, that I couldn’t waste time hoping—" His voice broke, and he looked away, his fists clenching at his sides. "I never stopped trying to come back to you," you said, your voice trembling. "I’m sorry it took so long." He exhaled sharply, his cool slipping. When he looked at you again, his eyes glistened with emotions he rarely let show. "Don’t you dare apologize," he said, his voice low and raw. "You’re here now. That’s all that matters." You took the last step, closing the distance between you. Hesitantly, you reached out, and he caught your hand, his grip firm and grounding. "I’ve missed you," you said, tears threatening to spill over. Sunday’s lips pressed into a thin line before he pulled you into a fierce embrace, his arms holding you as if you might vanish. "I missed you, too," he murmured, his voice unsteady. "More than I can ever say."

➜ Aventurine

Amidst the chaos, Aventurine was a striking presence. He stood at the center of it all, his eyes scanning the bustling crowd with an air of easy confidence. You stood at the edge, hesitant. Would he even want to see you again after all this time? As if drawn by an invisible thread, his gaze shifted and locked onto yours. The world seemed to still. His confident smirk faltered, his posture stiffening as disbelief flickered across his face. You took a tentative step forward, and then another. Before you could reach him, he was already moving, cutting through the crowd with long, purposeful strides. When he finally reached you, he stopped just short, his eyes searching your face as though trying to confirm that you were real. "So," he said, his voice softer than you’d ever heard it, "Penacony finally has a view worth admiring. "You laughed shakily, your throat tight with emotion. "Still the same smooth talker, I see." He smiled faintly. "I thought I’d lost you," he admitted, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Not a word, not a trace. And now you’re here, walking into my life like it’s the most natural thing in the world." "I was trying to get back to you," you said, your voice trembling. "It just... took longer than I wanted." He reached out, his hand brushing against yours before his fingers wrapped around it. "You’ve got a lot to explain, but we’ll get to that," he said, his voice steadier now. His other hand came up to cup your cheek, his touch warm and grounding. "Right now, I just need to know you’re staying." Tears welled in your eyes as you nodded. "I’m staying. I’m not leaving again."

➜ Blade

The ruins of an abandoned space station were eerily silent, with the occasional groan of it settling in the vacuum of space. You pushed open a rusted door, your breath catching when you saw him. Blade stood at the edge of the room, his back facing you, staring out a shattered viewport into the abyss. His sword leaned against the wall beside him, with his shoulders down in a way that seemed uncharacteristically vulnerable. "Blade," you called softly, your voice echoing in the hollow space. He froze. For a long moment, he didn’t move, didn’t even turn to face you. "I thought it was a ghost," he finally said, his voice rough. When he turned, his crimson eyes locked onto yours, and you could see the storm raging within them. You took a cautious step forward. "It’s me." His hand clenched into a fist at his side. "Why now?" he demanded, his voice breaking. "Why come back after all this time?" "I never stopped looking for you," you whispered, your heart aching at the pain etched into his features. "I’m here now." For a moment, he seemed ready to pull away, but then he closed the distance between you in an instant, his arms wrapping around you tightly. "Don’t leave me again," he murmured, his voice trembling.

➜ Jing Yuan

The sunlit garden of the Xianzhou Luofu was tranquil, the scent of blooming flowers mingling with the faint hum of distant bells. Seated beneath a tree, Jing Yuan looked every bit the picture of calm, his white hair catching the golden light as he rested with his eyes closed. You hesitated at the edge of the garden, the sight of him stealing your breath. He hadn’t changed, as he is still the composed general he has always been. Yet, as you stepped closer, the faint lines of weariness on his face became clearer, as if time apart had weighed on him just as much as it had on you. "Are you going to stand there all day?" he called suddenly, his voice laced with amusement. His golden eyes opened, meeting yours with an intensity that made your chest tighten. You laughed softly, stepping forward. "I didn’t want to disturb your nap." "And yet, you’re the only disturbance I’ve been hoping for." His voice softened as he approached, his usually calm expression hinting a flicker of vulnerability. When he stood before you, he paused, studying your face as if committing every detail to memory. "It’s been a long time," he said, his voice low, almost hesitant. "Too long," you replied, your throat tightening. Jing Yuan’s hand lifted, his fingers brushing gently against your cheek before settling there. "I wondered if I’d ever see you again," he admitted, his golden eyes shining with a rare openness. "You don’t have to wonder anymore," you said, placing your hand over his. "I’m here now, and I’m staying." His lips curved into a faint, genuine smile as he pulled you into a warm embrace, the weight of his arms grounding you. "Then let’s make up for lost time," he murmured, his voice steady, yet filled with quiet emotion.

➜ Gepard

The city square of Belobog was alive with celebration, the people dancing and singing in the glow of warm lights. You stood at the edge of the crowd, scanning the familiar faces until your eyes landed on him. Gepard was in his full armor, commanding yet approachable as he spoke with a group of citizens. His laugh carried over the noise, and it struck you how much you had missed that sound. As if sensing your gaze, he turned and froze. His usually steady composure faltered, his eyes widening in disbelief. Without excusing himself, he strode toward you, each step faster than the last until he was standing just a breath away. "Is it... really you?" he asked, his voice hushed, as though speaking too loudly would shatter the moment. Tears welled in your eyes as you nodded. "It’s me, Gepard." His hands trembled as they reached for you, his fingers brushing your arms before pulling you into a crushing embrace. "I waited," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I didn’t know if you’d ever come back, but I couldn’t stop hoping." "I’m sorry I kept you waiting," you said, burying your face in his shoulder. "You’re here now," he murmured, his grip tightening as though he never intended to let go.

➜ Boothill

The trail stretched out before you, the horizon painted in hues of gold and crimson as the sun dipped low. Boothill was waiting, leaning casually against a wooden frame, his wide-brimmed hat casting a shadow over his face. When you approached, he tipped his hat back, revealing a crooked grin. "Well, ain’t this a sight for sore eyes," he drawled, though his voice was tinged with something softer. "Missed me?" you asked, your own smile faltering as emotions bubbled to the surface. "More than I care to admit," he replied, pushing off the post and sauntering toward you. His steps were slow, deliberate, as though savoring the moment. When he reached you, he stopped, his hand lifting to brush a strand of hair from your face. "Thought I’d never see you again," he admitted, his grin fading. "I’m sorry," you said, your voice breaking. "I didn’t want to leave." His arms wrapped around you then, pulling you close against the warmth of his chest. "Don’t matter now," he murmured, his voice low and steady. "You’re here, and that’s all I care about."

a/n : i've been enjoying this so much and i would really like to say thank you for the love especially on my recent post hehe, if u have any requests or ideas in mind then feel free to send a message !!! <33

#honkai star rail x reader #honkai star rail #hsr fluff #sunday x reader #sunday x you #aventurine x reader #aventurine x you #blade x reader #blade x you #jing yuan x reader #jing yuan x you #gepard x reader #gepard landau x reader #boothill x reader #boothill x you #i love u all #mwah

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rothpie · 16 hours ago

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❝FIDELITY❞ |part12

MASTERLIST -`✮´- Rafe Cameron x Kook!Reader x JJ Maybank

Summary: Kook!Reader’s world is upended by betrayal, and her only way forward might lie with the most unlikely person—JJ Maybank. But as they build a new life together, old flames and past mistakes refuse to stay buried.

Warnings: time jump, anxiety(?)

EXTRA -`✮´- JJ’s and Reader’s lock screen.

previous - next

Twelve Month Old.

Life moved fast. There was no denying it.

Everything happened in such a whirlwind that before you knew it, an entire year had slipped by. A whole journey you had managed to navigate, though, of course, not without JJ’s irreplaceable help.

The kitchen hummed with a peaceful kind of chaos, the sweet scent of strawberries mingling in the air. You stood at the counter, focused on decorating the cake while half your attention was tuned to the laughter drifting in from the living room. Small giggles, paired with JJ’s playful chuckles, echoed through the walls of your little home.

As you carefully placed sliced strawberries atop the creamy frosting, you glanced toward the living room. Your little girl sat in the corner, clutching her stuffed teddy with delighted excitement. Across from her, on his knees, was JJ, pulling the silliest faces imaginable to keep her entertained. Her infectious laughter seemed to chase away every ounce of exhaustion you felt.

For a moment, a warm wave of contentment washed over you. Sometimes, amidst all the chaos, it was these simple moments that made life truly worth it. Still, you forced yourself to focus. As much as you wanted to join them, you had a cake to finish—and today had to be perfect.

As you piped the homemade frosting onto the cake, you listened closely to the sounds from the other room. JJ’s low murmurs, the pitter-patter of tiny feet, and your daughter’s joyous squeals filled the house.

Even without seeing them, you could picture it all in your mind. A soft smile spread across your face as you worked on the cake for her first birthday celebration. Tomorrow, she would officially turn one. An entire year.

How had you made it to this point? Time had flown so fast you never even had the chance to ask, “What’s happening right now?” Everything had raced by, and now, here you were—your daughter, a whole year old. Twelve months gone in the blink of an eye.

The party wouldn’t be big. Just a simple setup on the back porch with a decorated table. Your parents would come, along with JJ’s friends and maybe a couple of neighbors. Mostly, it would be Liliana’s playmates from the park. That was all.

Even though she wouldn’t remember it, you wanted her to smile when she looked back at the photos one day. You wanted her to feel a sense of peace, a happiness unclouded by memories of the separation her parents had gone through.

In fact, you hoped those memories wouldn’t even cross her mind.

The sound of approaching footsteps pulled you from your thoughts. You set down the piping bag and turned to see JJ walking toward you, your daughter balanced in his arms. A wide grin spread across your face.

“She’s all worn out from playing too much,” JJ said, his smile as easy as ever. He started tickling her with his free hand, and the kitchen filled with her bright laughter. Just hearing it warmed you from the inside out.

“Oh, is that so?” you teased. Anytime they played too hard, Liliana seemed to go straight into what you called “hibernation mode.” She’d be asleep in minutes. Classic JJ effect. Joining in, you reached over to tickle her too, but you both stopped after a moment, not wanting to tire her out any further. She was already sleepy enough.

You stepped back slightly as JJ leaned in to check on the cake over your shoulder. His hand hovered dangerously close to the frosting, ready to sneak a taste, but when he caught your raised brow, he quickly withdrew.

“Almost done, huh?” he said, his eyes still locked on the cake like it was a masterpiece—or maybe just his next meal.

You nodded, glancing back at your work. “Isn’t that right, Liliana? Look what Mommy made!”

JJ pointed to the cake as Liliana let out a tiny laugh, reaching her hands toward you. Without hesitation, you scooped her up into your arms.

“Yeah, do you like it, sweetheart?” you cooed, giving her a gentle sway. Her head lolled onto your shoulder, and you and JJ couldn’t help but chuckle. Her sleepy demeanor was always the sweetest thing. She wasn’t an overly hyper child, but when she was tired, she turned into the most docile little angel.

“You really wore her out,” you murmured, stroking her messy hair with a fond smile. It was far from the neat ponytails you had done that morning—proof of how much fun she’d had with JJ.

“That’s my specialty,” he said proudly, tapping Liliana’s chubby cheek with a grin. He lifted her tiny hand and planted a series of dramatic kisses on it. “Swear she’s about to knock out,” he added with a lopsided smile.

You lifted Liliana and pressed a kiss to her plump cheek, unable to stop the warmth that filled your heart. This past year had been the best of your life. Every moment with her had been worth everything.

The first few weeks had been tough—what new mother didn’t struggle? But you were endlessly grateful for the people who had stayed by your side, supporting you every step of the way. Your parents had stayed with you, helping whenever they could. And then there were Cleo and Sarah—both absolute sweethearts who never hesitated to lend a hand.

Thinking back to the times when it was just the four of you always brought a smile to your face. And Sarah, oh Sarah. Her relentless efforts to declare herself “Aunt Sarah” to the world were both endearing and hilarious. If you’d let her, she probably would’ve gotten it printed on a banner.

And then there was JJ. You didn’t even hesitate to call him Liliana’s uncle. Because he truly was. He stood behind you like a fortress, always keeping you steady. Whenever you felt overwhelmed or doubted yourself, he was the one who wouldn’t let you fall. In the early months of your pregnancy, you had stumbled more times than you cared to admit, but once JJ became a permanent fixture in your life, that never happened again. He simply wouldn’t let it.

Of course, there had been challenges. But his unwavering support had made it all worthwhile.

Liliana’s tiny hands brushing against your face made you laugh softly. You kissed her little fingers and smiled. “If you can keep her entertained for just a little longer, I’ll finish up the cake and then put her down for a nap. Sound good?”

You glanced up at JJ as you spoke. He was leaning casually against the counter, one arm propped up while his free hand snagged a strawberry from the cutting board. Popping it into his mouth, he shrugged, barely pausing to enjoy the taste before muttering something nonsensical to Liliana, who giggled in reply.

JJ licked his fingers clean and reached toward you to take Liliana. “You know, I could do it,” he said with a mock-seriousness as he adjusted her securely against his hip. You watched as Liliana instantly settled, her little head coming to rest against his chest. The sight of the two of them like that filled your heart with warmth.

“I know,” you replied with a nod. But JJ didn’t look entirely convinced. His uncertain gaze lingered on you, as if he wasn’t sure what to do next. You knew he had a full plate—work often wore him out, and some days it was a struggle for him to even take time off. Yet no matter how tired he was, whenever you needed help with Liliana or anything around the house, he never hesitated.

Even so, you didn’t want to burden him more than necessary. Besides, it wasn’t a difficult task. Liliana was a calm child, and with her nap time fast approaching, she was already on the brink of sleep. JJ had clearly tired her out with all their playing. You were confident she’d drift off quickly.

JJ opened his mouth to say something, but before he could get the words out, a small, unmistakable sound broke through the air.

“Ma-ma.”

You froze. Completely, utterly froze. The kitchen fell silent, as if the whole world had paused with you. The strawberry JJ had been reaching for slipped from his hand and landed on the counter. His wide eyes darted to Liliana.

“What… What did she just say?” he whispered, his voice a mix of shock and awe.

Liliana, grinning ear to ear, pushed herself against him, her small face glowing with excitement. Before you could even process what was happening, she let out a gleeful laugh and bounced in his arms, nearly losing her balance in her excitement. Her tiny pigtails bobbed as she steadied herself.

This time, more clearly, she said it again, with determination. “Ma-ma.”

Tears filled your eyes. Your heart swelled in your chest, beating so hard it felt like a tidal wave crashing against your ribs. You took a step closer to JJ, your hand reaching out to gently stroke Liliana’s cheek. “She can’t possibly be saying that,” you murmured, your voice trembling with emotion. You wanted to scream with joy, but you held it in. You didn’t want to startle her.

JJ, still holding her, looked down at her with a mixture of astonishment and a soft, almost reverent smile. “We’ve been waiting for her to talk, but… Oh God,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

It wasn’t like the two of you hadn’t been sneakily repeating “Ma-Ma” in her presence, hoping to nudge her toward saying it.

You leaned in, kissing Liliana’s rosy cheeks, your heart overflowing with joy. If only you could’ve captured the moment on video.

JJ, who had been relatively quiet in the background, finally spoke, his tone tinged with playful sarcasm. “So… do you love me as much as her now? Or am I still in trouble for that time I ruined the cake?”

“What cake? What are you—” You whipped around to check the cake. Sure enough, one side of it had collapsed, the frosting smudged into an unsalvageable mess.

JJ winced, offering a sheepish smile. “We can, uh, get a new one, right?”

You couldn’t help but laugh, despite yourself. There, surrounded by the warm scents of strawberries and frosting, your little family shared a moment that felt timeless. For just a while, the rest of the world faded away, leaving only love, laughter, and the perfectly imperfect chaos of this life you were building together.

One Year Old

The living room echoed with Liliana’s joyful laughter. The little girl stretched out her arms, wobbling on her tiny feet as she worked hard to find her balance. Amid the colorful plush toys scattered on the floor, she seemed to grasp an essential truth: falling wasn’t as important as learning to get back up. With every step, her small feet trembled, sometimes tipping her forward precariously. But she was persistent. Even when she toppled over, she would immediately try again.

JJ sat on the edge of the couch, watching her with a proud grin. Setting his coffee mug aside, he leaned forward slightly and called out, “Liliana, careful now. Let’s not bump into the coffee table, alright?”

At that exact moment, Liliana stumbled again and plopped onto the floor with a soft “Oops!” Her wide eyes turned to JJ, as if asking, What just happened?

JJ was at her side in an instant, crouching down and holding out his hands. “Look here, young lady. Even when we fall, we get right back up, don’t we? Like a true Pogue.” His voice carried a playful warmth as he smiled at her.

Liliana babbled in response, her tiny, nonsensical sounds making JJ chuckle. She placed her little hands in his, using his support to stand up again. JJ nodded dramatically. “That’s my girl! Now, let’s try it again, sweetheart.”

Determined, Liliana let go of JJ’s hands, took a few wobbly steps, and fell once more. But this time, her giggle rang out louder than ever. JJ joined her laughter as you sat on the floor nearby, coffee mug in hand, watching the scene unfold. Their shared joy and Liliana’s little triumphs momentarily swept you away into a bittersweet reverie.

You couldn’t help but think about everything that had been and everything that could’ve been.

As you watched JJ hold Liliana’s hands and help her stand again, a faint melancholy crept into your heart. Her smile warmed you, but your thoughts wandered far from the present.

The turbulent times with Rafe felt like a wound tucked into the corner of your mind. The fear, uncertainty, and rejection you’d faced while carrying Liliana lingered, even as your life now brimmed with happiness. Liliana was growing up so fast. She was already halfway through her first year. And one day, the inevitable question would come: Where’s my dad?

The thought sent a pang through your chest. What would you tell her? The idea of saying Rafe’s name out loud made your stomach twist. But was it right to hide the truth?

Your eyes shifted to JJ, who was now walking hand in hand with Liliana, her little giggles filling the room. JJ raised his arms in mock triumph, shouting, “Pogue for life!”

You rolled your eyes at his antics but couldn’t suppress a smile. JJ had his way of turning any moment into something fun, and you let him. This was their time, a little world just for the two of them to share.

Still, you couldn’t ignore the impact JJ had on Liliana’s life. He wasn’t just a friend or a fun uncle—he was a loving guide. But would that be enough? Would his presence fill the gap in Liliana’s heart when the questions came?

Or worse—would she misinterpret his role in her life? Would she see him not as an uncle figure, but as a father?

Someday, Liliana would see other kids with their parents. She would want to compare, to understand. When she noticed the difference—that she didn’t have a mom and dad like the others—what would she feel? Would she long for something you couldn’t give her?

As Liliana’s laughter mingled with JJ’s playful banter, your thoughts continued to churn. But amidst the worry, one thing was clear: you would do everything in your power to be there for her. And so would JJ. Of that, you had no doubt.

“Hey, you good?” JJ’s voice pulled you from your thoughts.

You looked up to see him guiding Liliana as she toddled toward you, her tiny hands gripping his fingers tightly. A smile crept onto your face despite yourself.

“Come to Mommy,” you encouraged Liliana softly, your voice light with laughter. She babbled something in return, her tone cheerful as ever.

JJ winked at you, clearly proud of their progress. “Little Pogues never give up, you know,” he said, lifting Liliana slightly and twirling her in the air.

In that moment, the dark cloud of your worries lifted, if only briefly. JJ’s boundless energy and Liliana’s infectious joy silenced the unease in your heart. Her delighted giggle as she clapped her tiny hands filled the room with warmth, and you couldn’t help but join in the laughter.

These moments, you realized, were precious beyond measure. The future remained uncertain, but this—this love, this warmth—was everything. And for now, that was enough.

Three Years Old

The backyard glowed softly in the warm light of a summer evening. The table had been beautifully set, laden with delicious dishes that made the scene feel like a small celebration. Over in the corner of the yard, Liliana was busy playing with little flowers. She gathered daisies into her tiny hands, attempting to craft a small bouquet while occasionally pausing to marvel at the bugs crawling nearby.

For her, bugs were still a fascinating mystery.

JJ stood in the middle of the yard, holding a bottle of lemonade, shaking it lightly as he exclaimed, “Wait a minute, hold on! You’re telling me this now? You—my childhood best friend—are actually planning to get married? Like, for real? This is happening?”

Pope, his hands casually tucked in his pockets, smiled with quiet confidence. “I mean… yeah. The time just felt right. Who here didn’t see this coming?” He glanced around at the three of you, and you shrugged in response.

You honestly weren’t surprised. Cleo and Pope had practically been living like a married couple for ages. Sharing a house, sharing a life—the only thing missing had been rings on their fingers. And now, even that seemed to be taken care of.

Turning to Cleo, who stood beside you with an unmistakable sparkle in her eyes, you reached out and clasped her hands. Rising from your seat, you pulled her into a tight hug. “Congratulations, babe. But let’s be real—I knew this was only a matter of time.”

Cleo laughed, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. You adored her, truly. As you pulled back, she smoothed her hair with a smile. “Thank you,” she murmured, leaning in to whisper conspiratorially, “Honestly, if he hadn’t proposed soon, he was about to start sleeping on the couch.”

Both of you laughed, returning to your seats as JJ continued to hold court in the middle of the yard. He’d definitely had a bit to drink—not enough to be drunk, of course, especially not with Liliana around—but just enough to be fully basking in the moment.

JJ flopped backward dramatically, as if falling into an invisible chair. For a split second, you almost reached out to catch him. “No, no, this has to be a joke,” he said, pointing at Cleo with exaggerated suspicion. “Because the Pope I know? He doesn’t do serious. And now we’re talking about marriage? Cleo, are you sure?”

Without missing a beat, Cleo smacked him lightly on the head, earning an exaggerated yelp from JJ.

“Hey! That hurt!” he protested, rubbing the spot dramatically.

“Good,” Cleo shot back. “Maybe it’ll knock some sense into you.”

JJ raised an eyebrow at her, a mischievous smirk spreading across his face. “Oh, is that what you think?” he teased, leaning closer to you for backup, clearly trying to rile you up too.

Without hesitation, you pushed his face away with your hand, rolling your eyes as you grabbed a dessert from the table. A small smile tugged at your lips despite yourself. JJ, ever the entertainer, turned his attention back to Cleo, who was now watching the two of you with a look that was… curious. Maybe even amused.

You caught the glance and quickly shifted your focus elsewhere, pretending not to notice. Your eyes landed on Liliana, who was still engrossed in her flower-gathering mission. Now, though, you realized she’d made more than one bouquet—the two little bundles of daisies on the ground made your heart swell with pride.

Meanwhile, Cleo crossed her arms and arched an eyebrow at JJ. Her gaze darted between the two of you. “Look at this,” she said, her tone teasing. “Pope might actually be the most mature one here tonight.”

“Wow, okay,” JJ said, throwing up his hands in mock surrender. “I’ll give you that, Cleo. But I’ve gotta say—you’re a saint for putting up with him. Marrying Pope? That’s a big commitment,” he joked, grinning.

Cleo tilted her head, a playful glint in her eye. “Oh, no doubt about it,” she replied, nodding as if in agreement.

You laughed at their banter, thinking how these friends, once JJ’s alone, now felt like your family too. Thanks to him, yes, but still—there was no denying how much you adored them.

The cheerful mood seemed to envelop everyone. Even Liliana, who had been absorbed in her flowers, perked up at the sound of JJ’s laughter. She toddled over to the group, holding out one of her bouquets to Pope. “This is for you,” she said, her tiny voice filled with pride.

Pope crouched down, taking the bouquet with wide eyes. “Wow, thank you, little lady,” he said warmly. It was one of those heart-melting moments that left everyone smiling.

She went on to distribute her bouquets to the rest of you, looking so proud of her work.

Then, tugging at JJ’s pant leg, she said, “The flowers we saw the other day aren’t here.” She was referring to the pink flowers you’d noticed on a walk. JJ scooped her up with ease, lifting her high into the air. “How about tomorrow, we go find some of those for you, Lily?” he said, grinning as her face lit up with joy. He followed up with a series of playful kisses, her laughter ringing out like music.

For a few minutes, the evening revolved entirely around her. But as the hour grew later, it became clear it was time to start wrapping things up. While Pope and JJ entertained Liliana with a game of make-believe involving her dolls, Cleo jumped in to help you clear the table.

Missing an opportunity to spend a moment with her? Never.

“She’s such a sweet kid,” Cleo said, her tone warm as she started washing the dishes.

You smiled, nodding as you packed leftovers into containers. “Thank you. She adores you, by the way. Honestly, I think she’s smitten.”

Cleo’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Well, the feeling’s mutual,” she said, her voice soft. It was a small moment, but it spoke volumes, the kind of quiet connection that reminded you just how lucky you were to have her—and everyone else—here.

“Not like his father—thank God for that.” You couldn’t help but smile. It wasn’t a particularly joyful smile, but the fact that Liliana didn’t resemble him in any way brought you some comfort. You didn’t know much about him anymore, not really. But the thought of even a part of your daughter resembling Rafe was enough to make your chest tighten.

“How’s he doing?” The question slipped from your lips before you could stop it. You hadn’t meant to ask. It wasn’t that you cared—it was just… curiosity. You wondered how he was holding up, what kind of life he was leading.

Still, it felt like a ridiculous question. You were about to tell Cleo to just forget it.

“Same as always,” she muttered nonchalantly, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. She seemed to understand why you’d asked, even though you hadn’t explained. “We all grew up. Everyone’s got their thing going on now. I don’t even know if most people still bother showing up to parties. He’s running his dad’s business now. I barely see him.”

You didn’t know how to feel. As you packed leftovers into a container, you took a deep breath. What had you even expected to hear? At least he had finally gotten what he wanted.

He was happy, and you were too. Apart, but still happy. In the end, that was all that mattered.

Whether he still harbored anything for you, you couldn’t say. Your feelings for him felt… dulled, as if they’d been packed away and forgotten. Since Liliana had become the center of your universe, things like dating or romance didn’t even register. And you didn’t miss them. Liliana was still young; she needed you.

Maybe that’s why any notion of love, of attraction, felt so foreign now.

“This is normal, love. Whatever it is you’re feeling—it’s normal.” Cleo’s voice pulled you out of your thoughts. You turned toward her, realizing you’d been staring blankly at the container in your hands. You blinked a few times, grounding yourself.

Of course it was normal.

You pushed your hair back and gave Cleo a nod of agreement as you snapped the lid onto the container and placed it in the fridge. When you turned back around, Cleo was suddenly closer.

“You know,” she started, her tone shifting to something more teasing, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen JJ like this. He’s really changed. The difference between him back then and now? Night and day.”

You were confused by the abrupt topic change, but you didn’t comment. Instead, your gaze drifted toward the backyard. Through the glass doors, you could see Pope, JJ, and Liliana playing together.

“He’s good for you two, just like you’re good for him.” Cleo’s voice was softer now, almost like she was trying to coax a reaction out of you.

Your eyes lingered on JJ, watching him scoop Liliana into his arms and pepper her head with kisses. One of his hands was always hovering protectively near her, ready to catch her if she stumbled. A small smile crept onto your lips.

“Is it just me, or is there… something going on?” Cleo’s sly tone snapped your attention back to her so quickly, you almost got whiplash. Her expression was amused, her brow arched, and that same unreadable look was back in her eyes.

“What? Something going on?” Your voice was a mix of disbelief and nervous laughter.

Cleo stepped back with a shrug, her lips pursed in mock innocence. Meanwhile, your eyebrows shot higher with every second.

“I’m just saying!” she exclaimed, raising her hands as if she were completely innocent. The smile tugging at her lips told a different story, though. “A girl’s gotta point out what she sees.” She leaned casually against the counter, her eyes fixed on you with way too much amusement.

“Especially when there are two people too blind to see it themselves.” Her tone was light, teasing, but the implication hit you like a ton of bricks.

Your jaw dropped. “What? No—no, no.” You shook your head, the words spilling out before you even knew what you were saying. “That’s not… Cleo, come on.”

She laughed, the sound echoing through the kitchen. You stepped closer, almost desperate to make her stop. “Cleo, no. Just—no.”

The idea made you feel strangely unsettled. JJ? You and JJ? That was absurd. You were friends, and that was it. You’d always been friends, nothing more.

Cleo grabbed a dirty plate and turned toward the sink, seemingly unbothered by your protests. You leaned against the counter, trying to find the words to convince her.

“We’re friends,” you said, your voice firm but a little too quick. “That’s all. For three—no, almost four years—we’ve lived together. That’s it. JJ and I are just friends.”

Cleo turned her head sharply, and for a second, her movement startled you into taking a step back. Her eyebrow arched higher, almost disappearing into her hairline. “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”

You opened your mouth to respond, but the words caught in your throat. Cleo’s knowing gaze held you in place like a spotlight.

JJ and you were friends. Always had been, always would be. The thought of anything else—it felt… wrong. Like it would betray everything you’d built together over the years.

Cleo’s smirk only widened as she watched you flounder. “I—” you started, but nothing else came out.

The sound of the door opening made you jump. Your eyes darted toward it, and there they were—JJ, holding Liliana’s hand. For a split second, you felt like a teenager caught doing something wrong by their parents.

Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Cleo’s amused smile. You ignored it.

“She said she had to pee,” JJ explained, nudging Liliana gently forward. You quickly stepped toward your daughter.

“Yes,” Liliana confirmed, clutching her doll in one hand. “I have to pee.”

“I’ll handle it,” you said, smiling at JJ. But when his gaze met yours, you suddenly felt... weird. Cleo’s earlier comments were still fresh in your mind, and now, any interaction between you and JJ felt like it carried a weight it hadn’t before.

“I can take care of it—it’s no big deal,” JJ said with a casual shrug. He glanced down at Liliana, then placed his free hand lightly on your back. That simple gesture, one that had never bothered you before, now felt oddly charged.

You hated it.

This had never felt strange before. Nothing had changed—except Cleo’s remarks, which had now lodged themselves in your brain. Thanks a lot, Cleo. Really.

“No, no. I’ve got it,” you said a bit too quickly. You saw JJ about to insist again, but you bent down and scooped Liliana into your arms before he could say anything more. You couldn’t bring yourself to look at him.

Even his presence now made you uncomfortable—not because of anything he was doing, but because your mind kept wandering into territory it had no business being in.

You and JJ were friends. Just friends. Imagining him kissing you, or holding you in a way that felt too intimate, felt like a betrayal of that friendship. And you were sure of that.

“She’s got it, JJ,” Cleo’s sly tone cut in, and you took the opportunity to bolt with Liliana. You just needed a minute. Some space to clear your head. Surely, if you could shake off these ridiculous thoughts, everything would go back to normal.

“Go grab Pope and get in here,” Cleo called out behind you. “My back’s killing me. Your turn.”

Thanks a lot, Cleo. Really.

Three Year Old

The living room was dimly lit, a soft glow creating a calm atmosphere. You’d seized the opportunity of Liliana sleeping to make yourself a cup of coffee in the kitchen. Meanwhile, JJ was pacing the room nervously, shoving his hands in and out of his pockets. He wore a pair of jeans and a simple shirt, but it was clear he wasn’t comfortable.

JJ adjusted his shirt collar, his chest rising and falling like he couldn’t quite catch his breath. Do I really need to do this? he wondered. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to go on this date; it was more like he was searching for an excuse not to. A noise from behind snapped him out of his thoughts.

You peeked out from the kitchen with a smile, setting your cup on the table. “JJ, relax. It’s just a date, not a job interview.” His stress was written all over his face.

It’s just a date. It isn’t like he’ll marrying the girl tonight.

JJ stopped in his tracks, frowning. One hand reached up to rub his chin as if he was still weighing his options. Honestly, he looked ready to ditch his outfit, pull on something comfortable, and settle in for a movie night at home. He just needed one signal, one sign to justify staying—and he would. “I don’t know,” he muttered. “This feels stupid. I mean… it’s something a coworker set up. I don’t even know the woman.”

You leaned casually against the edge of the table, shrugging. This wasn’t the end of the world. He’d go, spend a couple of hours out, and if he liked her? Great. If not? He’d move on. It wasn’t like you were going to stop him. What were you supposed to say, anyway? Hey JJ, I don’t go on dates, so you shouldn’t either?

Ridiculous.

You had your reasons. Expecting him to share them was absurd. It’s not like you two had ever talked about dating or relationships. Not seriously, anyway. Although, you were pretty sure he’d had his fair share of one-night stands. You weren’t naive; the nights he came home late and went straight for the shower said enough. But what could you do? Judge him for it? He was in his mid-twenties, for God’s sake.

It wasn’t your business. If he needed that, he needed it. Just because you didn’t do it didn’t mean he shouldn’t. Especially when you two were… nothing.

Damn it, Cleo. You wouldn’t normally spiral into these thoughts.

By “normally,” you meant before that night Cleo talked to you. Before then, these kinds of thoughts were off-limits, a red line you didn’t cross. Now here you were, dissecting JJ’s sex life.

Of course, he could do whatever he wanted. Why wouldn’t he?

It’s not like he needed your permission.

Not that you didn’t have your own needs. But after years of going without, you weren’t exactly itching to jump into something casual. You didn’t want to leave your house, leave your daughter, and come back having spent the night with someone who didn’t mean anything to you.

Maybe someday, when Liliana was older—maybe you’d be ready then. But not now. Not while she was just three years old.

JJ’s nervous pacing snapped you out of your thoughts, and you cleared your throat. These ridiculous ideas running through your head were driving you crazy. He just needed to leave already so you could look at him like a friend again. “And that’s exactly why you should go. Who knows? You might actually have a good time. And at the very worst,” you said, pausing for dramatic effect, “you call me, and I’ll come rescue you.”

JJ laughed a little, his shoulders relaxing. “You’re a real hero,” he replied with a smirk, running a hand through his hair. He licked his lips thoughtfully before glancing at you again. “But if I do call you, will you actually come?”

You rolled your eyes. Was he seriously asking? “Of course I would. But not without letting you suffer a little first,” you teased. In reality, you’d hop in your car without a second thought—even though he had a car—and you’d go full drama mode if needed. Just for your friend. Yes, friend.

JJ chuckled, shaking his head. “If it comes to that, I’ll call. Promise.” He wandered around the room, checking to make sure he had everything. But as you watched him, something about it made you feel off. The idea of JJ going on a date with someone else felt… unsettling. You’d spent years side by side, and he’d never really left your orbit. Still, you were happy for him.

At least, you thought you were.

When he leaned down to kiss the top of your head before heading out, your eyes instinctively closed. He did it so casually, like it was nothing. But you couldn’t stop yourself from reading into it. Again. Thanks a lot, Cleo.

A few minutes later, JJ was out the door, leaving you alone with your thoughts. And oh, how you hated being alone with them. Your mind always found the most nonsensical things to obsess over. JJ was a welcome distraction, and now that he was gone, you didn’t know what to do with yourself.

Because thinking made everything feel… weird.

Even though he has his own house, even though he paid the rent every month, he practically lived at your place. You had suggested it, and you didn’t regret it or find it awkward at all. But now, after Cleo’s comments, everything felt… suffocating. Like you were looking at your dynamic through a distorted lens.

Your eyes drifted to the clock, the hands moving painfully slow. How much time had passed? You couldn’t tell. Your hands tightened around your coffee mug without you realizing it. You hated thinking. You didn’t want to think. You wished Liliana would wake up early, even if it wasn’t time yet. Anything to distract you.

Who’s he meeting? What’s she like? The questions popped into your head unbidden, and you immediately despised them. Why do I care? you thought bitterly, shrugging to yourself. “What does it even matter?” you muttered under your breath. But the curiosity inside you wasn’t so easily silenced.

When your coffee ran out, you didn’t hesitate to pour another cup. Maybe you needed some fresh air or something. These thoughts swirling around in your head were absurd, and you knew it. You blamed it on the lingering toxicity of Cleo’s words from months ago. Ever since that conversation, it felt like you’d been poisoned.

As the hours ticked by, the silence in the living room grew heavier. Every passing second transformed into an expectation—would JJ send a message? You kept your phone close, glancing at every notification with urgency. But there was nothing.

You were ready, though—ready to rush out the door if JJ sent you a single text asking to be rescued. Or even, as he mentioned, if he called.

At some point, you couldn’t take it anymore and went to the kitchen, fixing yourself a snack. You tried reading a few pages of a book, even made a couple of trips upstairs to check if Liliana was still asleep. But your mind kept drifting back to JJ and his date. For a fleeting moment, you thought, “Maybe it’s going badly.” That thought didn’t bring relief, though—it unsettled you.

No, you’d be happier if things were going well. JJ’s happiness mattered. If he’d found someone who suited him, you’d convince him to pursue it. Maybe then, the tension between you could finally dissolve. But—then you wouldn’t see him as often. Neither you nor Liliana. Still, you knew his love for Liliana wouldn’t fade.

As the night wore on, you kept yourself busy in the kitchen, but your eyes constantly flicked to your phone. No calls, no texts. You were dying to know how the date was going but fought hard to suppress that curiosity. Even after putting your phone on silent and leaving it on the table, you found yourself picking it up to check.

Close to midnight, the front door creaked open. A few sounds of stumbling followed, grabbing your attention. JJ walked in, and it was immediately clear how much he’d had to drink. He was swaying slightly, the familiar exhaustion in his eyes telling you everything about his night. You were curled up on the couch, a book in hand, but as soon as you heard him, you looked up.

It hadn’t gone terribly—that much you were sure of. He was drunk out of his mind and—he hadn’t called. At least his demeanor suggested nothing had happened between them—enough for you to focus on your own business. Still, you couldn’t help but note that if the roles were reversed and you’d hooked up with someone, you’d probably have stayed the night at their place.

Crossing your arms, you watched as he wrestled with his shoes. “Well, since you made it home, I guess it wasn’t that bad,” you said, your tone laced with mockery to mask the mess of feelings churning inside. You hated yourself for saying it but couldn’t stop.

JJ let out a laugh as he struggled with his shoes. “Actually… it was awful,” he slurred. You watched him stumble toward you, surprised by his response. You’d expected him to say it went well—but here was the truth.

His eyes were red, and you couldn’t even guess how much he’d drunk. He dropped onto the couch beside you, head tilting back as he let out a long sigh. “She was sweet, but… I don’t know. Boring. And also…” He paused, his head lolling slightly to the side. His lips parted, and the smell of alcohol wafted over. “She wasn’t as beautiful as you.”

Your mouth fell open in shock. You tried to form a response, but no words came out. JJ, meanwhile, seemed to be watching your every reaction, almost as if savoring it, his drunken gaze locked on you. Clearing your throat, you fought to dismiss his words.

You were definitely going to kill Cleo.

Smiling, you raised an eyebrow and said, “Care to share the details?” in an overly casual tone.

JJ leaned forward, reaching for the coffee table. When you realized he was going for your water glass, you handed it to him, watching to ensure he drank. “Rachel thought I was—married,” he said, breaking into a laugh before taking a long sip of water, as if he’d been parched all night.

The words hit like a bombshell, and your eyebrows shot up as your eyes widened in disbelief. You hadn’t expected that. Now you were even more curious, but JJ’s water-drinking intermission couldn’t have come at a worse time. “Wait, what? She thought you were married? Why?”

For a few seconds, you just stared at him, lost for words. JJ, now done with the water, clumsily placed the glass back on the table and pulled his phone out of his pocket with some difficulty. He held it out to you before slumping back into the couch. As the screen lit up, it became clear. His wallpaper was a photo of you and Liliana hugging.

“She saw that and said something like, ‘You left your family to come here?’ Then she lost it.” He spoke nonchalantly, tossing his head back again. His eyes were nearly closed, his speech slurred to the point of incoherence.

Pressing your lips together, you held back laughter. You wanted to say something, but no words came. JJ misinterpreted your silence, continuing, “Honestly… it doesn’t really matter. Because…” He paused again, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “It’s not more important than this.”

Following his gaze, you saw he was staring at the wallpaper on his phone. Your heart skipped a beat. JJ’s words were purely alcohol-induced—you were sure of it. Composing yourself quickly, you forced a small smile. “You’re going to have a killer headache tomorrow. Let’s get you to bed.”

Helping him up, you steadied his swaying form. Even though he insisted on giving Liliana a goodnight kiss, you managed to convince him otherwise and ushered him to his room.

Once he was in bed, you pulled the blanket over him and stood there for a moment, watching him. His face was peaceful, utterly vulnerable in sleep. In that moment, you felt like you understood him more than ever.

With a head full of swirling thoughts, you quietly left the room, closing the door behind you. But you knew—you wouldn’t forget tonight anytime soon.

Four Year Old

Outer Banks was a tangled web of memories for you. Going back wasn’t just about revisiting a place; it was stepping into a time capsule, into a life filled with complicated, conflicting emotions. The last few years with JJ and Liliana had taught you that no matter how safe you felt in the present, leaving parts of yourself behind was never easy. Outer Banks was the epicenter of your past struggles, losses, and, oddly enough, some of your most beautiful memories.

The morning Liliana excitedly babbled about the upcoming wedding, you found yourself waking up with those very thoughts swirling in your mind. JJ was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast, laughing as he answered Liliana’s barrage of questions. To her, the idea of attending Pope and Cleo’s wedding was an adventure, something to look forward to. For you, it was harder to embrace. While you were happy for your friends, the thought of returning to Outer Banks weighed heavy on you.

“Let’s think this through,” JJ said, leaning against the counter, his gaze steady as if he could see the unease written all over your face. “I know this is tough for you, but it’s just a few days. I promise we’ll come straight back after.”

You tightened your grip on your coffee mug and looked at him. Of course, it would be easier for him—you knew that. But going back there with a child made everything feel different. People would do the math. When they asked Liliana’s age, the unspoken questions would surface. “Is it really that simple?” you asked quietly. “Just go, smile, and pretend the past doesn’t exist?”

They’d ask about Liliana’s father. Not just to you—but to her, too. The funny thing was, JJ had taken on the father figure role in her life so seamlessly that you were terrified she might actually mention his name when people asked.

And then there was Rafe. The idea of him seeing you and Liliana again filled you with dread. You’d never imagined taking Liliana to Outer Banks; it always felt like you’d stay away forever. But now, with Cleo’s wedding, there was no choice. You wanted to be there for your friends, of course—but the thought of it all was overwhelming.

JJ’s eyes softened as he picked up on your worry. Shrugging, he stepped closer until he was right in front of you. When his hands wrapped gently around yours, your eyes met. His thumb brushed the back of your hand in soothing circles, his voice calm and steady. “It’s not easy, I know. But we’re not going back for the past. This is about the present—about today. And we’re going together. Liliana’s coming with us. I’ll be with you every second if you need me. You trust me, don’t you?”

The answer was so obvious it wasn’t even a question. You trusted him with everything—your life, Liliana’s life. You knew he’d protect you both no matter what. Without hesitation, you nodded. “Of course.” The words tumbled out quickly, your voice firm, as if to erase any doubt. JJ’s smile lit up his face, warm and reassuring.

Liliana’s little voice broke in suddenly. She was tugging on JJ’s pant leg, her wide eyes sparkling with excitement. You noticed the toy she’d dropped on the floor and made a mental note to toss it into the bag. “Can I catch the wedding bouquet?” she asked, her words adorably slurred. You had to resist the urge to scoop her up and smother her with kisses—she was too cute for her own good.

You found yourself smiling despite everything. Liliana’s joy was infectious, but beneath your smile, the unease lingered. Outer Banks wasn’t just a place; it was a collection of moments—lived experiences, shattered dreams, and wounds that never fully healed.

“You might be a little young for that, sweetheart,” JJ teased with a grin. He shifted, letting go of one of your hands to scoop Liliana up, settling her on his hip. You watched as he kissed her chubby cheek, the affection in the gesture tugging at your heart.

JJ must have sensed your inner turmoil because his tone shifted, turning serious as he looked at you again. His hand still held yours. “You know I’m here, right?”

Those words settled something in your mind, quieting the chaos if only for a moment. There was always a layer of sincerity beneath JJ’s laid-back demeanor—a steadfastness that revealed itself when it mattered most. He wasn’t as careless as he often made himself out to be, especially not when it came to you.

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midnight-shadow-cafe · 2 days ago

Text

The Emperor’s Gaze

Pairing: Emperor Geta x reader

Warnings : Fluff

Authors Note: I hope you enjoy! I couldn’t get Geta out of my mind so… here we are 🤭🤭

Word Count: 2.5k

Masterlist Part 2

MDNI18+MDNI18+MDNI18+MDNI18+MDNI18+

The palace was a labyrinth of marble corridors and gilded chambers, each corner a testament to Rome’s wealth and power. For those who served its rulers, it was also a maze of rules, where a single misstep could lead to ruin. You had learned this early, keeping your head low and your presence quieter still.

Your role as a maid was one of humble necessity—sweeping the floors, polishing silver, ensuring the tapestries hung just so. Others gossiped about the palace’s intrigues, but you avoided such folly. It was better not to know.

Tonight, however, was different. The air was heavy with expectation. The emperor himself, Geta, had returned from a victorious campaign, and the palace was alive with revelry. You had hoped to avoid the feast entirely, yet a last-minute order sent you to the grand hall with a pitcher of wine in hand.

The moment you stepped inside, the scale of the event hit you like a wave. Braziers cast a golden glow over the sprawling chamber, their flames reflected in polished bronze shields mounted on the walls. Senators and noblemen lounged on silk-draped couches, while musicians played softly in the background. The scent of roasted meats and spiced wine hung thick in the air.

At the far end of the hall, seated atop a raised platform, was the man himself. Emperor Geta.

He looked every bit the ruler of an empire. His dark crimson robes, edged in gold, flowed around him like a mantle of fire. The laurels on his head gleamed under the light of the chandeliers, but it was his presence that truly dominated the room. Leaning back in his chair, he surveyed the hall with a mix of boredom and subtle amusement, his dark eyes flickering over each guest as if weighing their worth.

You kept your gaze fixed firmly on the floor as you approached the head of the table, clutching the pitcher so tightly your knuckles turned white. The clamor of conversation around you seemed deafening, yet you moved unnoticed—just as you preferred.

Until you didn’t.

As you leaned forward to refill the emperor’s goblet, your trembling hands betrayed you. The lip of the pitcher brushed his fingers, and before you could pull back, he spoke.

“Stop.”

The single word was quiet, yet it silenced the room. A hush fell over the feast as all eyes turned toward the emperor—and you.

Your breath caught in your throat as you froze, the pitcher still in hand. Slowly, hesitantly, you straightened.

“Look at me.”

It wasn’t a request.

For a moment, you debated disobedience. Maybe if you bowed deeply enough, he’d let you slip away unnoticed. But something in his tone—firm yet curious—compelled you to obey. You lifted your gaze, your heart pounding so loudly you were certain he could hear it.

When your eyes met his, the world seemed to shrink.

His face was sharp, regal, yet there was a warmth in his deep brown eyes that you hadn’t expected. He studied you in silence, his gaze moving over your face with the precision of a man who missed nothing. Your breath hitched, your pulse racing under the weight of his scrutiny.

“What is your name?” he asked, his voice cutting through the silence.

You swallowed hard, forcing your voice to steady. “Y/N, my lord.”

“Y/N,” he repeated, the syllables slow and deliberate, as though savoring them. His lips quirked into a faint smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “How long have you served in my palace?”

“Two years, my lord.”

His head tilted slightly, as if considering your answer. The room seemed to hold its breath, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade. You felt the stares of the assembled nobles boring into you, some curious, others envious.

“Two years,” he mused, almost to himself. “And yet, I’ve never noticed you before.”

Your cheeks burned with a mixture of shame and confusion. Was that an insult? A compliment? You didn’t dare ask.

Geta’s gaze lingered on you a moment longer, then he leaned back in his chair, dismissing you with a slight wave of his hand. “You may go.”

You didn’t need to be told twice. Bowing deeply, you retreated as quickly as decorum allowed, your hands trembling as you clutched the empty pitcher. The whispers began before you even reached the doors.

Back in the safety of the servants’ quarters, you pressed your back against the cool stone wall, your heart still racing. What had just happened? Why had the emperor singled you out in such a public way?

Unbeknownst to you, Geta’s thoughts lingered on the timid maid with the downcast eyes and steady voice. In a hall filled with Rome’s finest, it was you who had caught his attention.

And he wasn’t the type to let such curiosity go unanswered.

——

The next few days passed in a haze of unease. Though you tried to immerse yourself in your duties, the memory of the emperor’s gaze lingered, as vivid as if it had happened moments ago. Whispers of that night followed you through the palace—servants and guards speculating about why the emperor had spoken to you, of all people.

You did your best to ignore them. You were a maid, nothing more. Whatever had sparked his interest that night would surely fade.

Or so you thought.

It began subtly at first. A guard would appear in the kitchens as you worked, delivering a cryptic message: “The emperor has requested his chambers be attended to by Y/N.” The head housekeeper, though confused by the unusual request, complied without question. After all, one did not defy the emperor’s wishes.

And so, for three mornings in a row, you found yourself alone in his private quarters. The rooms were grand, draped in rich fabrics and adorned with treasures from across the empire. Yet they felt oddly… personal. A small desk near the window held stacks of parchment, the ink-stained quills hinting at late-night writings. A sword, its hilt worn with use, rested casually against the wall.

The first two mornings passed without incident. You worked quickly, cleaning and tidying without lingering, half expecting the emperor to appear at any moment. But he didn’t.

Until the third morning.

You had just finished smoothing the folds of his bed’s silk coverlet when you heard the door open behind you. Your breath caught, and you turned slowly, clutching the edge of the bed to steady yourself.

There he was, dressed in a simple tunic, his firey hair slightly tousled as though he’d only just risen. Without the laurels and formal attire, he looked younger, almost approachable. Almost.

“Y/N,” he greeted, his voice warm yet carrying the weight of command.

“My lord,” you replied, bowing deeply. Your hands twisted the hem of your apron nervously as you straightened, unsure of what to do or say.

He stepped further into the room, his gaze locked on you as if he were trying to solve a riddle. “Tell me, do you always avoid looking at me, or is it just since the feast?”

The question startled you. You glanced up, meeting his eyes briefly before looking away again. “I…I did not wish to presume, my lord.”

A soft chuckle escaped him, and he crossed the room to stand before you. “Presume what? That I’m a man who enjoys being ignored?”

You blinked, unsure how to respond. Was he teasing you? Testing you?

“You intrigue me, Y/N,” he said after a moment, his tone shifting to something quieter, more genuine. “In a palace filled with people clamoring for my attention, you shy away from it. Why?”

You hesitated, the words caught in your throat. Finally, you spoke, your voice barely above a whisper. “Because attention in this palace is… dangerous, my lord.”

He tilted his head, considering your answer. “Wise,” he murmured. “But perhaps unwarranted.”

Your eyes snapped up to his, surprised by his response. His expression was unreadable, but there was no trace of mockery in his tone.

“Dangerous or not,” he continued, “I find myself drawn to you. And I’ve never been one to ignore my instincts.”

You didn’t know how to respond to that. The room felt impossibly small, the air heavy with the weight of his words.

“Tell me,” he said, stepping closer, “what do you think of me?”

Your heart leapt into your throat. What was he asking? Why was he asking? You couldn’t afford to offend him, yet honesty seemed just as perilous.

“I think…” you began cautiously, your eyes darting to the floor, “that you are a great emperor, my lord. Respected. Feared.”

He laughed, a deep, genuine sound that caught you off guard. “Feared,” he repeated, shaking his head. “And are you afraid of me, Y/N?”

Your silence was answer enough.

Geta reached out then, his hand brushing your chin. Gently, he tilted your face upward, forcing you to meet his gaze. His touch was warm, unexpected.

“You don’t need to fear me,” he said softly, his eyes searching yours. “Not when I intend to protect you.”

Your breath hitched at his words, your mind spinning. Protect you? From what? From whom? You opened your mouth to respond, but no words came.

For a moment, the world seemed to stand still, the two of you suspended in the quiet intimacy of that moment.

Then a knock at the door shattered the silence.

Geta’s hand dropped, his expression hardening as he turned toward the door. “Enter.”

A servant appeared, bowing low. “My lord, the council awaits your presence.”

Geta nodded, his composure returning as swiftly as it had slipped. He glanced back at you, his gaze lingering. “We will speak again, Y/N.”

And with that, he was gone, leaving you alone in the room, your heart racing and your thoughts tangled in a web of confusion and anticipation.

——

The following days passed in a strange blur. You carried out your duties with the same diligence as always, yet your mind was consumed by the emperor’s words: *You don’t need to fear me. Not when I intend to protect you.*

What had he meant by that? Protect you from what? And why had he chosen you, out of all the people in the palace, to share such a promise?

The whispers among the staff had only grown louder. They noticed, of course—the way the emperor’s gaze lingered on you when he passed through the halls, the way he seemed to seek you out in moments when no one else dared approach. You tried to ignore it, but the weight of their eyes was impossible to escape.

It was on a quiet afternoon, as you scrubbed the marble floors of the palace’s western wing, that your solitude was once again interrupted. The sound of boots echoed down the corridor, drawing closer with each passing moment. You didn’t look up, assuming it was a guard or another servant on an errand.

“Y/N.”

The sound of your name, spoken in that familiar voice, sent a shiver down your spine. You froze, your hands stilling against the wet cloth. Slowly, you turned to see him standing there, his arms crossed over his chest. He was dressed simply again, his tunic and cloak free of the heavy embellishments he wore in public.

“My lord,” you said, bowing your head quickly, trying to mask the nervous flutter in your chest.

He stepped closer, his boots clicking softly against the marble. “Is this how you spend your afternoons? Scrubbing floors?”

You dared a small smile, though you kept your eyes lowered. “It’s honest work, my lord.”

His expression softened. “Honest, perhaps. But a waste of your talents, I think.”

You blinked, startled. “My… talents?”

He crouched slightly, bringing himself closer to your level. “Do you know what intrigues me about you, Y/N?”

You shook your head, your breath caught somewhere between confusion and anticipation.

“You see things others don’t,” he said, his voice low. “You understand the dangers of this palace, the way power twists and turns. But you also carry yourself with grace—humility. It’s rare.”

You stared at him, unsure how to respond. Was he testing you again? Trying to unsettle you? Yet there was no trace of malice in his tone, only sincerity.

“I don’t belong in your world, my lord,” you finally said, your voice barely above a whisper.

“No,” he agreed. “You don’t. And perhaps that’s why I find you so… refreshing.”

His words hung between you, their weight heavy with unspoken meaning. You felt your cheeks flush under his gaze, your heart racing in a way you couldn’t control.

“Come with me,” he said suddenly, standing and offering his hand.

Your eyes widened. “My lord, I—”

“No arguments,” he interrupted, his tone firm but not unkind. “You’ve spent enough time scrubbing these floors. Humor me for a while.”

Hesitating only a moment, you placed your hand in his. His grip was steady, warm, and surprisingly gentle as he helped you to your feet. He led you through the palace, his stride purposeful yet unhurried.

The halls grew quieter the further you went, until you found yourself in a secluded garden, hidden away behind towering marble walls. The air was cool, the scent of blooming jasmine filling your lungs. A small fountain trickled in the center, its soft gurgle the only sound.

“This is my favorite place,” he said, releasing your hand and turning to face you. “Away from the politics, the noise. No one comes here without my permission.”

You looked around, awed by the serene beauty of the space. It was unlike anything you’d seen in the palace—a haven untouched by the chaos of court.

“Why did you bring me here?” you asked softly, your voice barely carrying over the sound of the fountain.

“Because I want you to understand something,” he said, stepping closer. “In this palace, you’re right—attention can be dangerous. But it can also be a shield.”

You frowned, confused. “A shield?”

“Yes.” His eyes locked onto yours, their intensity stealing your breath. “As long as my attention is on you, no one else will dare harm you. They won’t dare use you to get to me.”

Your chest tightened at his words. Was this his way of protecting you? Claiming you as his, if only to keep the vultures at bay?

“But why me?” you asked, the question tumbling out before you could stop it. “I’m just a maid. Why would you risk your reputation for someone like me?”

His lips curved into a small, almost sad smile. “Because you’re the first person in years to see me as a man, not just an emperor.”

The weight of his confession left you speechless. He took a step closer, his hand reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from your face. His touch lingered, his fingers warm against your skin.

“You don’t have to answer now,” he said softly, his voice a low murmur. “But when the time comes, I want you to trust me. Will you try?”

You nodded, unable to find your voice. His smile grew, a flicker of warmth crossing his otherwise guarded expression.

“Good,” he said, stepping back. “Now, come. There’s more to this garden I want to show you.”

And as you followed him deeper into the hidden sanctuary, you couldn’t help but feel that, for the first time, the world might not be such a dangerous place after all.

Hope you enjoyed! Please consider liking and reposting! -Midnight💜

#x reader #emperor geta #geta x reader #geta x you #gladiator 2 #gladiator ii #gladiator ll #joseph quinn gladiator #emperor geta x reader #emperor geta x you #emperor geta x female reader #emperor geta x y/n

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writingwisterias · 3 days ago

Text

New Beginnings

Leon Kennedy X AFAB!Reader (Pictured Leon between Re2 &RE4R) Warnings: FLUFF, Slight Angst, Dad Leon, Summary: After being sent to training, he returns home to meet his new girl for the time.. This is based off this ERAs and requested by anon to extend it!

Leon,

I’m not sure if you will get this, mom wasn't sure if they would let you have these whilst you were in training but I wanted you to get the updates still. I went for my first scan today, they said everything looks good. I've been craving lots of cucumbers. Mom said she thinks I'll turn into one if I keep going. They also lied about morning sickness…it's all the damn time. The first trimester is almost over, I've sent you a photo of the scan and the bump

Stay safe.

Your love <3

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Leon,

I’ve been missing you a lot recently, our little girl is kicking all the time. I think she gets it from you! Oh no, I revealed the gender…I can't believe we are having a little girl. Mom and Dad helped me set up a new nursery in a flat that I managed to get close to them. I’ve given you another photo of the bump and the latest scan. I think I've popped now...cravings are still cucumbers and morning sickness has subsided.

Stay safe,

Your love xx

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Leon,

Not long to go now, the nursery is all setup. I chose an enchanted woodland theme. Lots of little creatures hiding around the room. Filled with greens and it just feels cosy I can't wait for you to see it. I think she's about ready to come out now, she's kicking like mad and dropped really low. I'm scared but I know that you have been brave all this time so I'll do it for us. I really hope you are okay…I miss you like crazy. Even though she feels like I have a part of you with me.

Stay safe

Love

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Leon,

Wow, what a whirlwind, our little girl was born a couple of months ago. She's been a handful so it took me a while to write this letter…if they even give them to you! The delivery is rough but worth it. She has the cutest blond hair and blue eyes you wouldn't believe! I've picked my favourite pictures of the past few months…I know they'll be returned to me soon enough anyway.

See you soon

Love xx

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leon stared at the letters from where he spread them out on the little tray on the plane. His reflection is sharper and colder than when you last saw him. Guilt and nerves collided through his system like a drug, his stomach bubbling with anxiety as they announced the landing. Your handwriting hadn't changed over the years, always the same cursive font that was written in the margins of his textbooks. He smiled at the small doodles decorating the edges where he knew you were just thinking of what to say. It felt unreal like he was going to wake up to some sick dream the world decided to play on him. To take away this tiny lifeline of happiness he had left.

He wondered what would happen if he didn't return if he left you both untouched by the taint that he carried with him. The rucksack of nightmares he had seen in the past two years, the one he had to train his shoulders to carry. His hands were rough, his eyes piercing. Would you even be able to find the same soul that you fell in love with before?

And then there was his daughter, something born out of pure innocent love. A romance blossoming on the white picket fence fantasy he always dreamed of…only to now have a father who was unsure if he could provide that for any of you. If he could even step up to be the man she needed. The one she would run to when she needed help with boys or the kids bullying him. The few campmates he did get along with told him that he didn't miss the precious moments. That there was still time for him to form a loving bond between father and daughter. A small part of him inside hated the photos as they were evidence of everything he missed, all the small kicks and the cravings you experienced. Not being able to soothe you when it all got too much just like you did that night.

The attendant announced the plane landing, the runway coming into view masking his reflection. Leon folded all the letters again, having remembered every letter and word you imprinted on the page. The ink smudged on some of them. The pictures were tucked in the cheap wallet he bought when he was at the airport safe for when he needed them. His movements were calculated and careful, Leon's mind already aware of everyone around him as he moved. He helped the older lady next to him with her back, his arm held out to guide her off the plane. He watched the bittersweet reunion as her daughter found her. Their cries of happiness blend into the chaos with the other people around them, the further he gets away. Worry settled when he thinks about accidentally walking past you as he left the gate. His eyes scanned for any figure he remembered. The silhouette that visited him in his dreams was like an angel. Leon often swore he could still feel your phantom touch the next morning as his cheek always felt slightly warmer as he completed his early laps of the base. The warmth was always welcomed, however, instead of the coldness of Krauser's stare or his words as he corrected him again.

Then he saw it, the cursive writing of some paper sign in the corner of his eye. The bold letter was held by a woman who scanned her eyes over the crowd. His name and the fingers that grasped the sign were yours.

Leon took a moment, watching as people continued to move around him. Taking advantage of his hardened appearance to watch you. His eyes are not failing to notice the young girl on your hip. The now two-year-old waved at people as they passed, her hand grasping the charm on your necklace tightly. The photos didn't do her justice, she looked exactly like him. Her piercing blue eyes met his. They always said kids notice more than adults.

He watched the way her curious stare ran over him, trying to figure him out…almost like he was familiar to her. You had noticed she’d gone quiet. Turning your head to look at where the young girl had now rested it on your shoulder. He watched as you asked her what was wrong, shifting her in your arms slightly. Your hip jolts out to support her weight better. Leon's feet didn't move, they couldn't. Right, there was all he ever wanted. Did he deserve it? Was it actually his? The perfect dream, the one he saw every single night in that stupid bunk amongst the snores of his bunkmates.

His whole body froze as you looked at him, the whole world stopped. Your love washed over him like a tide crashing against rocks. It was fierce, strong and unstoppable. The current is already pulling him into your ocean of affection. His little girl began to cry as you passed her to your mum. Your feet are already pounding on the airport carpet as you bolt it to him. He didn't know what else to do but welcome you, like the hole in his heart was finally filled. The two years apart suddenly ended with a new beginning.

You collided into his chest with such force he stumbled. His own emotions leak out into the softness of your skin. Words failed him, they seemed to fail you as well as you held him in silence. Your smaller frame fits against his own with no change. However, you could feel the new muscles. His hardened grip is proof of his changes not that you cared about them. You would learn to love this new version just as you promised on that one night. Your promise was never forgotten when he left in that black car. Your heart is still soul-tied to him.

Leon's breath faltered when you pulled away, his biceps subconsciously pulling you in closer. Your eyes met his, your warm smile melting his tough gaze. “There he is,” you whispered. At your words, he crumbled, his frame shaking as tears leaked from the corners of his eyes. He tried to smile, to muster up the courage to say anything. Part of you regretted bringing your daughter now fearing he would be overwhelmed in meeting her in this state. Yet to his credit, he stood up straighter, a small smile filling his features. His hand cradled your face bringing you into a long-awaited kiss. He didn't need to speak. You knew exactly what he wanted to say. You could feel the love radiating from him, pouring it into the first kiss. His soul begging for redemption from situations you didn't know he had experienced. His hands were almost afraid to touch you, to swallow you in the darkness he had retreated himself into.

You heard her before you felt her, the small stumbling steps of your two-year-old as she collided with your legs almost taking you off your feet.

You watched Leon's eyebrows pinch in concern as he felt your body buckle, hands sprawled out on his chest to catch yourself. Your daughter's hands gripped at your legs, small tugs on your shirt as she whimpered to be picked up. Leon's demeanour changed when you did. His body regained the stiffness as he looked at her closely. Their eye contact was intense both trying to figure out what to make of each other. “Baby, This is daddy remember?” You prompted, eyes solely focused on the small girl. Leon was grateful for that, you couldn’t see his flinch at the word. The small girl nodded her hand outstretched to him.

That was the thing about children, always curious. No matter if they were reaching out towards unknown danger. You would have protected her if you thought it was dangerous. Part of him wanted to back away, careful not to let the innocent fingers touch his blood-stained skin afraid if they pulled away her tiny hands would be strained red. You knew otherwise, you always did. Allowed these hands to cradle your face, to hold you when he finally returned home. Her hand touched the stubble that coated his cheeks, the small strands of hair prickly against her tiny fingers. You watched him process the touch, his frame softening arms finally wrapping around the both of you.

“Daddy” The girl muttered, a small toothy grin growing on her features. Her small arms wrapped around his neck as he swung from you to him. She was so small against him, his large arms hiding her from the surrounding crowd. His other one holding you close. “Thank you…I’m sorry I wasn’t..” Leon finally spoke. You shook your head, “You were always here, How do you think she knows who you are?” You smiled. He was home, different, but home. Your parents picked up his bags as they followed you both home. He was too busy carrying his whole world in his arms anyway.

#resident evil x reader #leon kennedy x reader #leon kennedy #leon s kennedy x reader #leon scott kennedy #resident evil #resident evil fanfiction #leon kennedy x you #leon kennedy imagine

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esouliie · 1 day ago

Text

COME FIND ME, MY LIGHT.

(natasha romanoff x reader)

summary | What began as an attempt to bring Christmas back to Natasha turned into something deeper as both of you realised that love is what truly warms the heart this season. By Christmas Eve, Natasha wasn’t just in love with the holiday again: she was in love with you, and maybe- just maybe- you had been in love with her all along too.

tags | christmas fic! hurt/comfort, angst, fluff, dead family trope, alternative universe so no avengers, you’re both a bit sad! :/

notes | i want a christmas love like this so what better way to manifest than by writing a fic abt it hehe. this was also inspired by my fav person’s return to tumblr and her love for the holiday - @please-destroy, thank you for inspiring this by just being you! this is also a part of your gift, surprise!! everybody, go read her stuff now. it’s truly amazing!

word count | 5K

Merry Christmas!! ⊹♡

Since the moment you met, you knew Natasha carried a storm inside her. It was always tamed, hiding just beneath the surface of her eyes. But, from a year of friendship, you’ve noticed that storm that seemed to erupt around this time of the year. Being your only friend, she was always the one to accompany you on your trips out around the city. It’s there where you noticed the way she flinched at carols and avoided the cheerful chaos of Christmas markets you brought her too, by moving through it as fast as she can. The world’s merriment seemed to mock her darker memories. She confessed one night, in a rare moment of vulnerability and a very expensive bottle of wine, that Christmas had always been a painful time for her. Her voice, usually steady and unwavering, softened as she looked at you across the table. She told you about her sister, Yelena—the only person in her family who had ever truly cared about Christmas. Yelena had been the kind of person who could find joy even in the bleakest of places, someone who refused to let the world’s coldness harden her heart.

“She loved it,” Natasha said, her lips curling into a wistful smile as if she could still see Yelena bustling around their childhood home. “The lights, the snow, the decorations. She’d drag me into whatever shop she could find, looking for things to make the house even more festive. Ornaments, candles, the cheesiest, most stupid Santa hats—whatever she could get her hands on.” She paused, her gaze unfocused as though she were looking back through the years.

Yelena had been the one to make Christmas feel like magic. She knew all of the Christmas carols, singing along even if the notes were slightly off-key. This joy followed her into her adulthood, and even when she became sick. Every year, she insisted on stringing up lights around their shared apartment —“even if we don’t have a tree, Natasha, we’ll have lights. You know it’s all about the glow.” She was fearless, mischievous, and relentlessly stubborn in her belief that joy was worth chasing, even if it didn’t come easy. “She’d bake,” Natasha continued, her voice thick with emotion. “Not well obviously— she couldn’t stand for long at the point. Plus, her cookies had always been terrible—but she didn’t care. She’d make a mess everywhere and laugh at herself, daring me to do better. I never tried, though. I always just watched her and took her to bed whenever she was done.” Her fingers tightened around the stem of her wineglass, her knuckles whitening slightly. ��She believed in traditions, even when there was no reason to. Especially when there was no reason to,” she added, “she said traditions gave people hope, something to hold on to in the dark. I didn’t get it then—I still don’t fully— but with time, I understood she was trying to help me be okay with the world when she was no longer around.”

Yelena had been more than just a younger sister to Natasha —she had been her tether, her mirror, her light. She was the last person left of her family, and the only one who ever made Natasha feel things she often tried to ignore: a steady warmth, a strong connection, the possibility of life being worth more. She was everything Natasha wish she could be.

And when Yelena died, Christmas died with her.

“There was no one to care about it anymore,” Natasha said, her voice breaking for the briefest of moments before she pushed the emotion back behind her walls, blinking her tears away. “No one to make it mean anything.” You reached across the table, placing your hand over hers. She didn’t pull away, but she didn’t meet your eyes either. For a long moment, the two of you sat in silence, the air between you thick. “She would’ve liked you,” she murmured after a while, her voice so soft you almost didn’t hear it. “Yelena… she always liked people who made things feel… safe.”

Your chest tightened, the weight of her words settling deep in your heart. You realised, in that moment, just how much Natasha trusted you—how much she had given you by sharing this piece of herself. From that moment, you made a promise to yourself: a promise to return Yelena’s light back into her life.

⊹♡

One morning, you found yourself lost on a tree farm. Rows upon rows of evergreens stretched out like soldiers in formation, their frosted branches from the night before glistening in the morning sun. You pulled your scarf tighter around your neck, the crunch of snow beneath your boots the only sound for a moment. Natasha walked beside you, hands shoved deep into the pockets of her coat, her eyes on swivel but not necessarily looking at the trees. She hadn’t said much since you picked her up that morning, you weren’t entirely sure if it was the early start or the occasion that silenced her.

“This one’s nice.” You said, gesturing to a stately Fraser fir with almost symmetrical branches. She stopped, gave the tree a quick once-over, and shrugged. “It’s fine.”

You bit the inside of your cheek, moving along until you could find the next one. You had planned on finding a tree that you both could put up at her place, but with each step, it seemed like this tree would be better suited living at yours. You tried again. “What about this one?” You pointed to a taller tree, its branches also slightly uneven but full of character. Her lips pressed into a thin line. “I guess. If you like it.” Her tone wasn’t harsh, but it wasn’t inviting either. You let out a small breath, watching it cloud in front of you before dissipating into the icy air.

“No, we can keep looking.”

Laughter and the occasional clatter of a fallen tree echoed through the air. You couldn’t see them mostly but could imagine families adorned in colourful hats and scarves scattered across the farm. Natasha, however, didn’t seem to notice. Her eyes back to skimming over the trees with a detached disinterest and her surroundings, her mouth set in a way that told you she’d rather be anywhere else.

“Do you want to go home? You asked gently.

She paused, her head tilting slightly as if weighing whether to respond. “You wanted a tree,” she said finally, her voice even. “So we’re getting a tree.”

“It’s not that important.” You said. “If you’re not into it, we can go.”

Her jaw tightened. “I’m fine.” She said, her voice clipped. Then, softer: “Let’s just look over there.”

You didn’t press her further.

The two of you wandered deeper into the farm, the trees becoming denser, their branches heavy with snow. You found yourself wondering if Natasha even saw them, her eyes not even bothering with her environment anymore as she kept her head down towards the snow, her mind clearly somewhere far away. “How about this one?” You tried again, stopping in front of a modest blue spruce. Its branches were sturdy, the kind that could hold up heavy ornaments, and its shape was pleasingly perfect. She stopped beside you, her eyes lingering on the tree. She didn’t say anything right away, and for a moment, you thought she might dismiss it like the others. But then she tilted her head, considering.

“It’s okay.” She said, and while it wasn’t glowing praise, it was a step up from fine.

“You sure?” You asked, not wanting to push.

She nodded, her gaze lingering on the tree a second longer. “Yeah. It’s fine.” She finished, before turning abruptly back in the other direction. Later, the workers secured the tree to the roof of your car, their cheerful banter filling the space as you and Natasha stood off to the side. She didn’t say much, but when you glanced over at her, you thought you saw her mouth twitch—just the faintest hint of a smile. “Thanks for letting me tag along.” She said quietly.

You offered her a small smile. “I’m glad you came.”

⊹♡

Snow finally began to settle permanently in the middle of December. It clung to the rooftops and frosted the tree branches outside your apartment. Winter had truly arrived. You hadn’t seen Natasha since that morning; her work had whisked her off to the West Coast for an urgent business trip, leaving you to decorate the tree in your tiny apartment alone. Your living room was silent except for the soft hum of a holiday playlist you’d set to shuffle, but you were used to the lingering echo since moving in.

You missed her terribly.

Without Natasha here, you were unable to focus on anything but yourself: your terrible breakup last Christmas that had you packing your bags and running away to a different state, your argument with your family that had been the last time you’d spoken to them and the reason why you weren’t invited home this year, your sadness that crept up whenever you were forced to sit in silence with yourself. Deep down, you know she could see through you, could see how you suffered much like she did. It’s why you both clicked together instantly. But the difference with Natasha is that she never pried, never pushed you to talk about what you weren’t ready to say. And it wasn’t like you wanted to dwell on these things, but they lived inside you now, demanding attention in the silence.

Your ignorance was bliss, until it wasn’t.

And days when Natasha went away were the worst.

The doorbell rang at a late hour. Behind it stood Natasha, her coat dusted with fresh snow, her cheeks flushed pink from the nipping cold. She looked exhausted, her carry-on slung over one shoulder and her laptop bag in the other.

“You’re back?” You blurted out, wondering why she was here and not at her own place. It was Wednesday after all.

“I wanted to see you.” She admitted, shuffling awkwardly at her confession.

You pulled her through the door, allowing her a second to set her bags down with a tired sigh, her shoulders finally dropping as the door clicked shut behind her. “How was the trip?” You asked as you moved toward the kitchen, already reaching for the kettle and her mug.

“Exhausting.” She replied, shedding her snow-damp coat and draping it over the back of the chair. “And frustrating. Clients were indecisive, as usual, and the meetings went in circles half the time.”

You gave her a sympathetic look as you handed her a steaming mug of tea. “At least now you’re done for the holidays, right?”

She hummed in agreement, her fingers wrapping gratefully around the warmth of the cup. Despite the drink, you noticed her shiver and disappeared into your bedroom. You rummaged through your drawers, pulling out an oversized purple sweatshirt and some grey sweatpants.

When you handed them to her, she raised an eyebrow.

“You don’t have to—”

“You’re not sitting around in wet clothes, Natasha.” You cut her off, gesturing toward the bathroom. “Go change.”

By the time she emerged, looking infinitely more comfortable in your clothes, you had noticed the snow starting to pick up outside. Large flakes swirled under the glow of the streetlamps, a storm intensifying.

Perfect weather for what you had planned.

You grabbed a spare hat and scarf from the coat rack, along with a pair of gloves, and tossed them at her.

“What’s this?” Natasha asked, catching the items with a puzzled expression.

“We’re going out.”

“Out? In this weather?”

You were already pulling on your own coat and boots, ignoring her protests. “Yes, out. You’ve been cooped up in airports and meeting rooms for weeks. You need this.”

“I need sleep.” She muttered, but she already had her coat, reaching for the hat, her lips twitching as if she was trying not to smile.

“Come on. You urged, grabbing her hand and tugging her toward the door.

The streetlights cast a warm golden glow on the fresh blanket of snow, and for a moment, she hesitated. Her reluctant smile cracked through the guarded exterior she so often wore when you were outside. It was like sunlight breaking through clouds. Looking down at her watch, she noticed the time read 1am. “Oh my God, it’s the middle of the night,” she moaned, shaking her head, “and it’s freezing!”

“You’re Russian.” You deadpanned. “Aren’t you genetically programmed to thrive in this?”

She shot you a withering look, but the corner of her mouth twitched, betraying her. “That’s not how it works and you know it.”

She turned back around towards your building but before she could move any further, the first snowball struck her shoulder with a soft thwump. She froze, blinking in disbelief. You stood a few feet away, grinning triumphantly, the remnants of the snowball crumbling in your hand. She swung back around, her eyes narrowed, lips parted in exaggerated shock. “Oh, so that’s how it is? These are your clothes you know!” Before you could reply, she bent down, scooped up snow, and hurled it at you. It hit squarely on your chest, the icy cold seeping through your coat.

“Hey!” You yelped, laughing.

“You started this!” She shot back, her voice light—playful in a way you rarely heard.

And then it was war. Snowballs flew in all directions, and the street filled with your laughter, echoing off the quiet houses. Natasha’s aim was deadly accurate, and you were sure she was holding back for your sake. It was quite pathetic. At one point, she feigned defeat only to pounce on you with a pile of snow that left you sputtering.

“You’re a cheat!” You gasped, brushing snow off your face.

“And you’re slow!” She quipped, already forming another snowball to smush in your face.

The cold stung your nose and turned your cheeks raw, but none of it mattered. What mattered was the way Natasha laughed—real and unrestrained, her head thrown back, the sound almost musical in the still night. It was the kind of laugh that felt like a gift, something rare and precious, and you never wanted it to end. Finally, both of you collapsed onto the snow, breathless and flushed. The stars peeked through the gaps in the clouds, and the world seemed impossibly quiet, save for the sound of your labored breathing. Natasha’s head rested on your shoulder, her knitted beanie (that actually belonged to you) slightly askew. “Okay,” she said between gasps, “I admit—that was fun.”

“You’re so welcome.” You teased, shifting to look at her.

“But that’s only because I beat your ass.”

She looked so beautiful in this moment. Her cheeks were rosy, the same shade as her damp hair where stray snowflakes had melted. She was at peace—something you wish you saw more of. You brushed a gloved hand against her cheek, then leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to her icy forehead, unable to stop yourself.

“You were right. You’re freezing.” You murmured.

“Maybe.” She replied, her smile small. She shifted closer, laying her head on top of yours. “But I don’t mind.”

⊹♡

With both you and Natasha no longer at work, meant she could hang out with you more often. It was late one evening —you both had spent the day inside your apartment doing absolutely —when she insisted on a walk, claiming the air was getting "stuffy," though you suspected she just needed an excuse to stretch her legs.

Somehow, you had ended up in the suburbs in New Jersey.

“You know, this is kind of perfect.” She said, glancing over at you with a small smile. “No one’s out right now.” You laughed softly, the warmth of her gaze doing more to fight the chill than the layers you’d bundled yourself into. “Yes, well, the suburbs In Jersey are surprisingly magical when nobody’s around.” You joked, sarcasm evident, as you nodded toward the rows of houses strung with twinkling lights. It felt like something out of a postcard, the kind of scene you’d only read about.

The two of you turned a corner and were met with the soft harmony of voices carried on the wind. A group of carolers stood in front of a house, lanterns glowing in their hands as they sang “Silent Night.” Natasha paused, her steps slowing as she tilted her head to listen. Her expression softened, a rare kind of calm washing over her features.

“You don’t strike me as the caroling type.” You teased, bumping her shoulder lightly.

“I’m not.” She admitted, though her lips curved into a grin. “But... it’s nice, isn’t it? Peaceful.”

It was odd. This was the first time you’d seen Natasha act normal with the idea of Christmas.

“They make it look so easy.” She said after a while, her voice quiet.

“What do you mean?”

“They make it look easy believing in... I don’t know. The magic of it all.” She added, as her brow furrowed.

You turned to look at her, the soft glow of the carolers’ lanterns catching in her green eyes. “Maybe it’s not about believing.” You said after a moment. “Maybe it’s just about... letting yourself feel it. Even if it hurts, let yourself feel all of it.”

She stood quietly for a beat before adding, “Yelena loved this song.”

You stayed silent, letting the moment slip away as she became lost in the tune. Natasha's expression contorted with pain as the song finished and the group moved on, but made no move to leave. Without hesitation, you clasped her hand tightly, guiding her away and back in the direction of the city.

You both walked in silence the entire way home.

⊹♡

The next time you saw Natasha was the following weekend when she came over for a sleepover. You could tell the temperature had dropped even more just by the state you found her in at your door. You could only see her eyes. She was wearing your beanie again, with a scarf wound tightly around her neck and the exposed parts of her face. She carried a mismatched tote bag that practically bursted at the seams, the telltale sign of someone who couldn’t quite decide what to pack.

She’d never slept over before.

Well, purposely.

Later that night, in the cozy warmth of your kitchen, you began pulling out ingredients for gingerbread cookies, demanding the taller woman come stand beside you once her ‘bones were warm enough.’ Natasha remained perched on a stool, her favourite mug clasped in her hands, watching you with a raised eyebrow and a half-smirk.

"Our first sleepover. And you’re putting me to work? At this hour? I almost died coming over to see you.” She teased, glancing at the clock.

It’s nearly midnight.

"It’s time for midnight gingerbread.” You replied, beaming as you tied an apron around your waist. "It’s a tradition now."

Now?" She echoed, laughing. "This is literally the first time we’re doing this."

"Exactly, that’s how traditions start."

Natasha rolled her eyes but hopped off the stool to join you, muttering under her breath about wishing she had froze to death on the way over before tugging at your apron strings like a mischievous child, pushing you slightly away from your spot so she could fill it.

“Fine, let’s get this over with.”

The process was chaotic from the start. Natasha’s never baked before, and it showed. The first mishap happened when she cracked an egg with a little too much enthusiasm, sending yolk sliding across the counter. And from then, she managed to do nothing correct without your assistance. You were halfway through laughing when she retaliated by flicking a bit of flour at your cheek.

"Did you just—"

Before you could finish, she grinned devilish and dropped more flour over your head, “oh no, looks like you’ve got a little something there.”

Again, the process was chaotic.

Precision measuring gave way to messy improvisation as flour flew through the air in clouds of white. Natasha was unrelenting, chasing you around the island with a bag of powdered sugar like it’s a weapon. By the time you called a truce, the counters, the floor, and both of you were completely dusted with flour. "You look ridiculous.” You said, laughing so hard your sides ached. She wiped a streak of flour off her nose and smeared it onto your shirt. “Speak for yourself. You look like you’ve never seen the sun before.”

When you finally managed to clean up enough to resume baking, Natasha was benched to mixing the dough— far far away from the flour— but it took her all of ten seconds to abandon the spatula and dig in with her hands. “Are you sure this is hygienic?” She asked, grinning as she squished the dough between her fingers like it’s Play-Doh.

You’re pretty sure she doesn’t know what Play-Doh is.

"Absolutely not.” You replied, shaking your head. But neither of you cared. Somehow, The batter never even made it to the oven. After a mutual taste test—"for quality control," Natasha insisted upon —you realised you (she) had eaten most of it. "So, we’re out of ingredients." You admitted, licking a stray smear of molasses from your thumb. Natasha plopped down on the floor, leaning back against the cabinets with a satisfied sigh. “Good.” She said, licking a bit of dough off her finger. “The batter’s better anyway.” You sat beside her, the warmth of the oven lingering even though you never used it. The kitchen was a mess, the cookies a total failure, but none of it mattered.

You both fell asleep that night with the biggest smiles on your face.

⊹♡

Natasha ended up staying the next weekend too. Christmas fell on a Sunday, the big day seemed to sneak up on both of you, but for now, it was Christmas Eve, and the night stretched on, timeless and unhurried. After watching a few Christmas movies, the two of you found yourselves curled up in front of your fireplace — the fireplace being a YouTube video on loop coming from your television. The crackling flames painted your surroundings in shifting shadows, the room bathed in a burnt orange haze that made everything feel a little softer, a little more intimate. Natasha’s arms were wrapped securely around you, her presence grounding and warm. You hummed an old carol you heard once before under your breath, a lullaby that filled the quiet. Her hand traced lazy circles on your back, her fingers light but steady, as though she was trying to etch the moment into her memory. You watched her, unable to help yourself. The way the firelight kissed her skin, the soft rise and fall of her breathing, the peace in her expression— how rare it was to see her like this. Truly at ease. Vulnerable, but not guarded. You wanted to hold this moment forever, to preserve it for her in the way she deserved, and selfishly for yourself.

Falling for Natasha wasn’t difficult. From the beginning of the friendship, there was a constant undercurrent, a slow burn that never fully ignited, yet refused to fade. You fell in love with her so suddenly—in the quiet moments—that you couldn’t figure out when she became more to you than just a friend. Or if she was ever just that. And over the past year, you’d learned there was so much more to her than the cold, unyielding exterior she presented to the world. No one loved as much as she did. And now, as you sat basically on her lap, the space between both impossibly vast and unbearably close, you realised that falling for Natasha wasn’t just easy—it was inevitable.

“This is what Christmas is supposed to feel like.” She said, her voice barely above a whisper, like a thought she hadn’t meant to say aloud. As if she didn’t want to disturb the silence. Her gaze was distant, yet there was a softness in her tone that made your chest burn. You hesitated, the words catching in your throat before they could fully form. “You miss her.” You finally said. It wasn’t quite a question, but Natasha understood. Her eyes flickered to yours, that same vulnerability reflecting through. “I always miss her.” She admitted, her voice even quieter now, almost fragile. She didn’t need to say Yelena’s name; you knew. “It’s strange… even after all these years, I still expect her to be here sometimes. Like she’ll just walk in, scolding me for not keeping the lights on all day or dragging me out of the house to help on her latest conquest.”

Your heart cried out with something deep and tender, the kind of feeling no words could ever quite capture. “I’ve got something for you.” She looked at you, her brow furrowed slightly in curiosity as you stood and walked to the Christmas tree. From beneath its branches, you retrieved a small, carefully wrapped box and brought it back to her—one of many gifts you’ve bought for her. “This was supposed to be for tomorrow,” you said, sitting down beside her again, “but I think it’ll mean more tonight.” She took the gift, her fingers brushing against yours briefly before she began unwrapping it. Beneath the paper was a small music box, its pearl-coloured sides adorned with golden, intricate carvings. She opened the lid, revealing a tiny engraving inside: the words “My Light” in Russian reside underneath a picture of Yelena in her youth, dressed as an angel for a school nativity play, her beaming smile radiant and full of life.

Natasha’s breath caught, her fingers trembling slightly as she traced the edges of the engraving. “How did you—” she began, her voice breaking.

“You have to twist the key, Nat.” You said softly, closing the lid of the box.

She turned the key, the lid opening to reveal her younger sister all over again; as the music box began to play a gentle melody. But it wasn’t just music—it was a recording, faint but unmistakable hidden under the notes. The sound of Yelena’s voice filled the room, singing “Silent Night” with all the enthusiasm a child could muster for the slow song. Natasha’s hand flew to her mouth, and tears streamed freely down her face as the recording picked up another voice. It was quieter, steadier, but unmistakably hers. A younger version of her sang along with Yelena, their voices blending, only broken by their shared giggles as they sang together, sometimes stumbling over the lyrics. Her shoulders shook as she listened, and you reached for her, pulling her into your arms. She clung to you, her face buried against your neck, her tears damp against your skin, as sobs rocked her slender frame. You held her tightly, wishing you could somehow ease the weight of her grief and the bittersweet joy of this moment.

Her lips trembled as she tried to form words in the broke of your neck. “This…this is the most thoughtful thing anyone’s ever done for me. I don’t even know how you did this—” She pulled away from you to glance back at the music box, her fingers delicately tracing the engraved picture of Yelena. “She was my everything. The only good thing I had for so long – moya sestra (my sister), moy malen'kiy svet (my little light.)”

You nodded, squeezing her hand. “I know. And now you have her again, even if it’s just a little piece.” Natasha set the music box down carefully, as though it were made of glass. She leaned forward, confident in her actions, in her love for you—a soft kiss pressed to your lips.

She had never kissed you before.

She wanted to again.

“Thank you.” She whispered, her voice barely audible. “I don’t deserve this. I don’t deserve you.”

You leaned in, kissing her once again, the taste of salt comforting. “You deserve everything good in this world,” you said softly, stroking the remnants of her tears, “and you deserve love, Nat. I’ll promise I’ll remind you of that every day.”

You placed a delicate hand over her heart and spoke, “I see you. And in this light of yours, I see her.”

She kissed you again, softer and longer than the last, her lips brushing yours; fuelled behind every emotion, every feeling, every part of her heart that now belonged to you, “Thank you for giving her back to me.”

You smiled softly, brushing a stray red curl away from her face. "I promise to make every Christmas something worth remembering, for as long as I can. To remind you there’s always light to find, even in the darkest nights."

She leaned in, resting her forehead gently against yours. "You already have."

You smiled, brushing a stray red curl from her face. “I promise to make every Christmas something worth remembering for as long as I can. And to remind you of her light. With you. With Yelena.”

She leaned in, her forehead pressing gently against yours. “You already have.”

#my fics! ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱₊˚⊹#natasha romanoff x reader #natasha romanoff x you #natasha romanoff #marvel #natasha romanoff x y/n

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luveline · 13 hours ago

Note

this request may be a bit of a long shot, but would you be willing to write a drabble for mouth of september? maybe she gives the boys a scare either by going out and then not coming home at the time she said she would or maybe she faints from not having eaten enough? totally okay if you don’t want to or if you want to use this as a prompt for something else, mos has just been one of your fic series that i think about pretty consistently even two-ish years later.

anyway have a great day and hope you’re doing well jadey <3 love u

I love you! me writing this actually did feel like a longshot but not cos I didn’t love it and not cos I don’t love u, I hope you enjoy it!! been so long since I wrote this !!🩵 fem! 4k words

cw suicidal thoughts/suicidal ideation

It’s cold tonight.

You blow on your fingers, feeling them warm, stiffness lanced for precious few seconds. You didn’t mean to walk so far from the house, not while the wind is racing like this. The corner shop just seemed to move around while you weren’t looking. You should’ve asked Sirius to go with you, he has a better sense of direction, even if he would’ve complained the whole time about the shit weather.

Remus would’ve come and not complained, but he was sleeping at the time and waking him felt cruel. James would’ve come, racing around in Lily’s car, but then he would’ve followed you back into the house insisting on making you some supper or a cuppa or something, and what you’d wanted was to be alone. A bar of chocolate wouldn’t hurt either.

Stupid travelling corner shop, you think to yourself. Stupid me for fucking losing it. Should’ve just stayed home. Can’t even walk to the shop.

You take a deep breath. You give the streets a wretched, embarrassed glare and flop down onto the nearest bench. Fuck’s sake. Lost and freezing to death.

If Sirius were here, if he heard what you were thinking, he’d frown at you with that dark pinch to his eyes and tell you to Stop it, now.

He’s maybe half of the reason you’re out of the house tonight. Maybe all of it. It’s all complicated and horrible and everyone thinks it’s a bad idea but the thing is that Sirius himself isn’t complicated, he isn’t horrible. He’s kind to you in funny ways, and when you’re together Sirius makes you feel like you’re someone worth being kind too, which doesn’t happen often.

Your self annoyance fades to something more familiar soon enough. Everything goes quiet, leaving you there with your heart, quick and slow beating, can’t seem to choose, and your cold feet. Your socks feel too tight.

Your teeth start to chatter. You can’t sit here forever.

(But wouldn’t it be better? If you stayed? Caught cold?)

If you get poorly from the cold, you’ll feel miserable from the moment you wake up. You’ll be ill at work, which will make work worse. You’ll have to stay in your room so you don’t get one of the boys sick, and that really would ruin your week. Nothing means anything if you don’t get to see your best friends.

You gather yourself up and turn toward the street you’d just walked down, determined to retrace your steps.

In the distance, a familiar shape is jogging toward you.

“Y/N?” James shouts, sounding as though all the breath in the world has been sucked from his lungs. He doesn’t stop jogging until he gets a few feet from you, where he bends to catch his breath. “Fucking hell!” His head snaps up. “Fuck, shortcake, are you alright?”

You close the distance. “I’m fine.”

“Are you?” He forces himself to stand, breathing hard as he grabs you by the wrist. “Are you okay? You scared me so badly.”

You grab his arm back. “I’m really fine, I’m fine, what’s wrong?”

“You’re what’s wrong, you aren’t home!” James swallows a lump. “You left a note, you’d be home by seven. It’s nearly ten. Remus rang me in a fit ‘cos he didn’t know where you’d gone, we thought–” James gives you an imploring look, though it’s so so sorry at the same time, you feel your stomach twist into a hard knot. “We thought you were having a bad night.”

“James.” Embarrassment makes you soft-toned. “I’m really sorry I scared you, but I got lost, that’s all.” You don’t really like to lie, only James seems to need to hear it. “I’m glad you found me. I was worried I wouldn’t get home.”

James gives a breathy laugh. “Oh, good.”

You’re pulled into a hug.

“Sorry,” you say.

“No, it’s okay.” He rubs your back with force. It feels more for him than you, though you don’t exactly mind it. You can pretend as much as you want that you don’t like it when the boys give you affection, but they know it’s not true, and they know it’s alright to give it to you most days. “It’s fine. Everything’s fine as long as you’re fine.”

“Fine,” you say.

He pulls away. “Oh, god. Alright, let’s go back to the house. It’s freezing, you’re not wearing a proper coat?”

“I didn’t plan on being out long.”

“No?”

He takes you by the shoulder to encourage you back the way you came. “Just wanted some chocolate,” you say.

“I’ll get you some.”

You both know it doesn’t add up. James doesn’t make you say much else, relieved you’re alright, and you fester in the guilt of worrying him so harshly.

“Where are your glasses?” you ask.

“I forgot them in the car.”

“Where is the car?”

“Remus thought you might’ve gone to the library, you were supposed to take that Sky-Fi back.”

“Sci-fi.”

“Right, the space books. He took it to see if you were walking home, I said I’d come this way, and Sirius…” James grimaces. “Not sure where he went. He was already out by the time I got to the house.”

“How are we gonna find him?”

“He’ll come back eventually.”

You stick close to James’ side, dodging crisped up leaves and following him down the dropped kerb and finally onto a familiar road. “Guess I’ve lived here so long, I should’ve known the way,” you say.

“It’s alright.”

You bite your cheek for a second. “I’m really sorry, James, I– I didn’t– is it really ten?”

“…Aren’t you cold?” he asks softly.

“I didn’t think about it.”

“I wish you would.” He pokes his tongue against his cheek. “I want to know if you’re having a bad night. It’s alright if you were. If you need more time, more help, it’s okay.”

“It’s not like that… not all of it. I was walking to the shops, I swear. Just feel so,” —your voice slips into a colour of shame you despise— “weird sometimes. I’m sorry I made you worry. I don’t know why I keep doing this.”

“Is this a common occurrence?”

“Not the walk, just. Just this. Making you worry. I didn’t mean to make everybody worry.”

“Well, I am worried. When you disappear for a couple more hours than you say you will, it’s scary.” James gives you a shrug. “I love you, I’m gonna wonder where you are.”

“But–”

“I worry about Sirius when he goes to the pub until who knows when, worry about Lils when she does too many hours at work. I worry about Remus every day, his eyes are worse than mine ‘cos all he does is read,” he says with a laugh. “It’s fine.”

“I worry about you too,” you say.

“About what?” he asks, stricken.

“Remus told me you can pop your knee out from your kneecap when you weight lift. I know you think it’s fun and stuff, but that’s scary.”

“I’m getting fit!” He rolls his eyes. “Lily likes my abs.”

“Well I liked you when you were soft.”

James cackles at your poor fake-flirting. “I’ve never been soft, take that back! You know being captain made me solid as a rock.”

“James?” a voice calls.

You look up at the same time. Sirius is sitting on the wall in front of the house smoking; he takes a harsh, quick drag and stabs it out so hard that ash sullies his fingers as he stands.

“Oh,” he says, blowing the smoke from his mouth quickly, his breath a ragged thing as he bounds across the road to hug you. “Sorry.”

You don’t get what he’s sorry for. “It’s okay.”

He smells so strongly of smoke it’s like he’s blowing it under your nose, but he’s not so sharp to the touch. You falter at being touched kindly, feeling tension in his back as you curl an arm around him.

Sirius digs his face into your neck.

“Hey?” you ask quietly.

He steps back suddenly, an accusing fist held between your two abdomens. “Where have you been?” he asks, and there’s the sharpness to match his smell, scowl turning his grey-blue eyes to pitch, lashes in a furious tangle. “You can’t do that. You can’t just disappear for hours.”

“I’m sorry–”

“It’s not okay.”

“She said she’s sorry,” James interjects, “maybe let’s leave it?”

“Being sorry doesn’t erase the last two hours of us panicking, though, does it?”

“She got lost–”

“James, it’s okay, it’s–” You shake your head. “Maybe you should go inside to warm up? You’re not wearing a coat either.”

“I was in a rush.” James gives Sirius a warning look. “I’ll make you a cup of tea. Five minutes and I’m coming back out.”

James trudges up the garden path to the house. You twist your hands together, staring into Sirius’ face, wanting to see every bit of his anger, keeping tabs on all of it so as not to be surprised. You should’ve known he’d run out of patience with you eventually. He’s had to deal with your awful moods more than anyone else.

“I’m sorry.”

“Do you realise how scary it is to worry you’ve hurt yourself?” Sirius asks starkly.

You flinch. “It doesn’t exactly feel great for me, either.”

“That’s not what I’m saying.” Still, he softens. You feel like you’ve cheated. “I don’t understand. You got lost? How far away from the house were you?”

“I don’t know, I was trying to go to Del’s.”

“You’re not being honest with me, or any of us. It’s not fair. My heart is like a fucking racehorse,” he says, pressing his hand to his chest, fingertips smudgy with ash, “’cos all I’ve thought tonight is that you’d gone off and jumped off of a bridge or something. I know you wouldn’t.” He lets his hand fall. He quietens. It is almost apologetic, how he slows. “I know you wouldn’t. I knew you’d come home. But please don’t make me think about it.”

He’s gone pale in the cold, his hair in twists and tucked haphazard behind his ears. In his thick bomber jacket and his jeans, he could’ve just hopped of the bike, windswept as he is, but it’s the mark of worried hands having pushed his hair back repetitively rather than the weather, though the longer you stand there in the wind, the more tangled it becomes. “I dont get why you’re so determined to be alone,” he says.

You don’t want to talk about it. When do you ever? More than ever, you’d like to stalk past him and slam your bedroom door, let him know you’re fine by yourself and seething, let him stay ignorant to you as you squirm in a bed you’ve come to hate. How often do you lay there wishing you could be alone forever? It’s not fair to anyone. It doesn’t make sense. They all love you and you feel sorry for them, ‘cos you tricked them, ‘cos you’re nothing worth thinking about for long.

Sirius won’t stop frowning at you. It makes the drowning feeling worse.

“I’m sorry,” you say again, hoping this time it’ll stick. “I don’t know what happened, I just wasn’t thinking. I don’t feel very well.”

“I know.” He scoffs to himself. You relax at the hint of self-deprecation. “It’s not your fault. I’m fucking furious with you but I know you can’t help it.”

“Sorry.”

He shakes his head. “I’m sorry. For saying you’d jumped off a bridge, that’s horrible, but you really fucking worry me sometimes and I’m so relieved that you’re okay that it’s making me horrible.”

“You’re not horrible.”

“I’m mean.”

“You’re not.”

“No, I am. You’re the only person who doesn’t see it. Or at least doesn’t say it.” Sirius rubs his face, scraping a stray hair from his nose. “Sorry for shouting. Here,” —he holds out his arm— “let’s have a proper one.”

He hugs you nicely, no force to it, less lingering smoke. The scratch of his cheek catches yours, his hand at the bottom of your back, your jacket and shirt rising with every sweep of his touch. You press your closed eye to his hair.

“Why didn’t you come and sit with me or– we could’ve talked. Could’ve just led in bed, doesn’t matter, I would’ve gone to the shop with you.” He squeezes you, pressing his nose to your shoulder. “I can be morbid. We can be two miserable layabouts together.”

“I didn’t…” You cringe. “Sirius, it’s not on purpose, I swear. I didn’t do it to make you worry.”

“I know that, Jesus.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine. I’m just glad you’re home.”

You pull apart as a car turns onto the street. That’ll be Remus. Another for your troupe of worry.

“What do you think, is he mad at me too?” you ask.

“Remus?” Sirius gives you another half hug. “‘Course not.”

And true to form, Remus climbs out of the car with a fond smile. “Hey, where have you been?” His hair ruffles in the wind, scars turned palest purple in the cold. “You need to learn how to tell time.”

You let him hug you. “Sorry.”

“That’s alright, let’s go inside though. Have some tea. Did you eat much today?”

You ignore the question. “Tea,” you say.

“Yeah.”

Remus ushers you down the path to the house, Sirius on your other side like bodyguards.

“Thanks for, uh, looking for me.”

Remus takes you by the forearm. “We’ll always look for you. But next time, wake me up first.”

You nod gratefully. “Uh, okay. Thank you.”

“Stop saying thanks. It’s alright, Y/N. It’s fine.”

That’s what you’ve all said, but it doesn’t make it true.

—

James goes home, though he doesn’t want to. “I can stay,” he says over the rim of his mug, half-pleading, wanting you to ask him to. “We can have a sleepover.”

You insist that you’re really fine, he has work tomorrow, it’s late. When he doesn’t move, you say, “I feel bad enough that you were out looking for me in the cold.”

Your voice is pathetic and scratchy and he can tell you’re going to cry, they all can, so he doesn’t push it anymore than that. He goes home, and you go to bed, and Remus follows you up a little bit later with a glass of juice and some thick, buttered slices of teacake.

“You okay?” he asks, climbing into bed next to you where you’re laying down.

“Fine.”

“Didn’t eat much today?”

“No.”

“Have the juice, at least.”

You take the glass.

Between your sorry sips, Remus picks at one of the slices of cake, steals looks at you, though he doesn’t try to hide what he’s doing.

“Sorry about today. Didn’t mean to worry you.”

“You can stop saying sorry.” Remus lets his head tip from one side to another. “I can hear it in your voice that you don’t want to say it. Not that I don’t believe that you’re really, actually sorry. But you keep repeating it because you’re worried I want you to do that, and I don’t.”

“It’s what I should say.”

“Well, you’ve said it.” Remus turns to you, all bookish and rakish at once, lovely but tired, and he must be giving you a similar appraisal. “I wanted to be your friend the second I first talked to you. It wasn’t guilt.” He shakes his head. Wasn’t ’cos they’d played that prank on you with the shoe-eating goo, spied on you crying in a school hallway, overwhelmed. “I just liked you, and that was without any sort of knowledge of what you’re like. Now that I know you, I couldn’t be rid of you. Truly. I love you, you know that?” He smiles gently. “Even when you need time and you disappear. Please… don’t really go anywhere though, will you?”

“I won’t.” You decided a long time ago that ending your life wasn’t in the cards. There are terrifying moments, numb ones, blink-and-it’s over ones, where you feel like it’s the only option you have. But it ends eventually, or it sinks into a background to be forgotten until the next time it aches.

“Are you eating properly?” he asks.

“Remus–” You shake your head as he brings a hand to your forehead, like he might stroke your hair. “You don’t have to do this.”

“You don’t like answering, that’s all.”

“No, I don’t.”

“I’ve made you talk much more than you would’ve liked to, tonight.”

“I like talking to you. To all of you.” You rest your head on his thigh. “You really are my favourite people in the world, Remus. I wouldn’t… wouldn't give you up.”

“Good,” he says, stroking your forehead just a few times. “‘Cos we can’t be without you.”

Sirius finds you collapsing in on one another a little later and rounds the bed to lay on your other side. He doesn’t bother sitting as Remus did, pulling the blankets up and slipping in beside you without worrying about what parts of you are touching parts of him, nor the slip of your back where your shirt’s riding up, nor how warm it is under the quilt. He grabs the end of your t-shirt and pulls it flat over your stomach, before his hand spreads out there, and you realise half-heartedly that he’s hugging you from behind. The room is barely seeable. Remus is nearly sleeping. Your tea cake went uneaten, left stodgy and dark on the nightstand.

“This okay?” Sirius asks.

“Yeah.”

He burrows nearer, rubbing his nose against the back of your neck, then taking a long breath of you.

“Are you mad?” you ask.

“Not anymore.”

You can’t believe that any of them could love you so much as to look for you. That James would want to stay the night, and that he’d let you turn him away. If you had any energy left in you tonight you would’ve done the same to Remus, and then Sirius. James won’t be happy when he finds out they’d slept in the bed with you and left him out, but he’ll forgive it eventually. None of them should care so much about you, what’s special about you? What’s even really good? What’s worth it?

Sirius breathes behind you. He doesn’t seem scared to touch you, not worried to lay as close to you as your bodies will allow. His heat sinks into you.

“Know any poems?” he asks, letting you shift into his back as he pushes an arm beneath you, curling, really holding you to him, a spoon of a hug.

“What kind did you want to hear?”

Sirius doesn’t answer. You hold still as his hand begins looping over your stomach.

“I can’t remember anything right.”

“Can you guess at one for me?” he asks.

You stare at Remus’ falling chest. You’re lucky to have good friends.

“I read one a few days ago, a couple of times, it was only a few lines.” You wait. Sirius doesn’t say anything, so you start to relay the poem slowly, stringing the words together as they come. “The world was a… nautilus shell... And the world was a grain of sand.” Your voice is odd, but the lines come to you regardless. “The world was a honeycomb… And the world was a strip of tender bark.”

Sirius lets his lips warm your neck, asking softly, more touch than sound, “That was the whole poem?”

You take his hand where it’s against you. “That’s it.”

He nods.

The world was a nautilus shell. And the world was a grain of sand. The world was a honeycomb. And the world was a strip of tender bark. You run through the poem again, three times, tripping over strip and tender and bark as Sirius’ breath warms your nape.

“Please don’t do that again,” he says.

“I didn’t mean to–” You force yourself to stay still. “I would never do something like that to scare you.”

“Nobody in this room or out of it believes that you went on your walk tonight to scare them.” His nose tips down your neck. His hand spreads wider over your stomach. It feels so weird, so warm and rigid. It’s the best touch you’ve ever been given, and it doesn’t matter because you’re so ashamed of yourself —you went on your stupid little walk with at least some bad intent, and your friends noticed because they love you when they shouldn’t bother. This is a stain now, something you’ll remember. “But I can’t take it. Do you get that? I can’t take it. James found you two hours ago and I still feel like I don’t know where you are.”

“Didn’t mean to.”

“I know, love.” He actually does kiss your neck then, quiet smack of a real kiss. “I know. I know.” His forehead presses to your shoulder as he settles in. “You’re okay. I’m not mad.”

“Me neither,” Remus croaks.

You let yourself relax enough to feel tired. Warmth from either side of you threatens to bowl you over.

“How are you feeling now?” Sirius asks.

“Fine.” Always fine. They deserve better honesty. “I didn’t want to hurt myself. Jus’… I needed to move, like, go, and I hate this part. I don’t think it should matter that I’m not– that I don’t feel well.”

“Don’t get upset,” Sirius says quietly.

“I’m not.” You sound tight. “When I want to be somewhere, it doesn’t make sense that it matters. In the moment, I don’t remember that you…”

“Love you?” Sirius asks.

“I know why you were worried, I promise. I don’t live in a bubble. I know I’m selfish.”

“Not selfish.”

“It was, though.”

“You’re thinking about it like we have a problem with what you did, and it’s my fault because I got so mad, but it’s not really that you did it.” His hand curls shy of your breastbone. “I was mad, but– darling,” —you squeeze your eyes shut— “you’re not on trial. You don’t have to prove your way out of this, all we need to know is if you’re alright now.”

“Not really.”

Remus gives a half-sleeping mumble.

Sirius sits up in bed to look at both of you. “We love you. We,” —he gestures between you and Remus emphatically— “aren’t going to stop. No matter how many walks you go on, how many scares you give me.” He frowns at you sympathetically. “We’re not getting any further, are we?”

“Sorry.”

“I’m sorry.” He grimaces, dark around the eyes. “I’m a right prick and I’ve made a right mess of everything.”

“It’s okay,” you whisper, chancing a touch, terrified you’ll be reprimanded for it but knowing, as you know he loves you, that you’re allowed. The tips of your fingers touch his collarbone. Sharp thing.

He pulls a jib, lips all up and thinned like a smirk gone wrong. “Love you.”

You must’ve petrified him. He’s never so open with his feelings, even when it’s half-joking like this.

“I love you, too.”

He makes another face. Good enough, it says.

“Make me hot chocolate?” you whisper.

“Mm, come on.” He pulls you from the bed by your wrists. “Don’t complain when it’s gritty. I’m not skilled as Remus.”

“Quite right,” Remus mumbles.

You hug him quickly before you leave.

#sirius black #sirius black x reader #sirius black x fem!reader #sirius black x you #sirius black x y/n #sirius x reader fluff #sirius black imagine #sirius black fanfiction #sirius black fanfic #sirius black fic #marauders era #marauders #sirius black drabble #sirius black scenario #sirius black oneshot #the marauders #sirius orion black

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sonarspace · 6 hours ago

Text

⋆⁺₊ HOLLY, JOLLY, SINFUL

꒰ synopsis. where the krampus you feared is far from the monster in the stories, and santa isn’t the saint you thought he was.

content. santa/krampus au. sukuna x fem!reader. nsfw. rough sēx, orāl (f! receiving), hair pulling, multiple orgāsms, size kink, and possessive sukuna.

wc. 6k

an. a little spin on a christmas tale, i hope you guys like it. happy early christmas to those who celebrate <3

the north pole buzzed with a frenzy unlike any december before. the workshop, usually a well-oiled machine of holiday cheer, was on the brink of chaos. elves darted across the floor, their faces pale, their hands trembling as they struggled to stay productive amidst the rising tension.

toys had disappeared. not just a few, but sleighs worth of carefully crafted gifts, all set to be delivered to children across the world.

“gone,” whispered a senior elf, his voice trembling as he held up an empty inventory list. “every last one.”

“how could this happen?” another elf demanded, their voice sharp with fear. “no one gets past santa’s wards. no one.”

you worked silently, sorting a batch of unfinished trains, though your hands trembled as much as theirs. the tension in the room was suffocating, each whispered fear clawing at the edges of your composure.

you weren’t the most experienced elf—far from it—but even you could sense the weight of what had happened. christmas wasn’t just a season; it was magic, a promise of joy to the world. and without the toys, that magic would crumble.

“it’s him,” someone whispered behind you, their voice low and ominous. “krampus.”

the name hung in the air like a curse.

you’d heard the stories growing up, tales of a monstrous being who lived in the frozen expanse of the south pole. krampus, they said, was the shadow of christmas, a creature who thrived on misery and chaos. his four arms were said to be lined with claws, his horns sharp enough to pierce steel.

but no one believed the stories. not really.

until now.

the grand hall was quieter than you’d ever heard it.

rows of elves stood shoulder to shoulder, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of the towering christmas tree. despite the festive decorations, the atmosphere was heavy, the usual cheer replaced by unease.

santa stood at the head of the room, his crimson coat gleaming in the firelight. his sharp crimson eyes swept over the crowd, and the tension in the room seemed to deepen.

“this was no accident,” santa said, his voice cutting through the silence. “the toys have been stolen. and the wards around the north pole have been breached.”

a ripple of shock ran through the crowd.

“krampus has made his move,” santa continued. “and if we don’t act quickly, christmas will be ruined.”

the whispers began again, this time louder, more frantic.

“he’s real?” someone asked, their voice tinged with disbelief.

“of course he’s real,” another snapped. “who else could have done this?”

you stayed silent, your heart pounding as santa’s words sank in.

“we must retrieve the gifts,” santa said. “but the south pole is treacherous, and krampus is no ordinary foe. this will require courage—and skill.”

his gaze swept over the crowd again, lingering on the senior elves who avoided his eyes.

“who will go?”

the room fell silent.

your hands clenched into fists.

you could feel the weight of your fellow elves’ fear, their unwillingness to step forward. the journey would be dangerous, and the thought of facing krampus—the supposed monster of legend—was enough to send even the bravest elves into hiding.

but as the silence stretched on, something inside you stirred.

if no one else would act, then who would?

before you could second-guess yourself, you stepped forward.

“i’ll do it.”

the words rang out in the hall, louder than you’d expected.

all eyes turned to you, a mix of admiration, surprise, and doubt flickering in their gazes.

santa’s sharp gaze settled on you, his expression unreadable.

“you’re brave,” he said after a moment, his tone even. “but this will not be easy.”

“i can handle it,” you said, forcing your voice to remain steady.

before santa could respond, the air changed.

a sudden chill swept through the hall, snuffing out the candles in an instant. the elves gasped, their breath visible in the freezing air.

the temperature plummeted, and an unnatural wind began to swirl, carrying with it a deep, mocking laugh.

“so this is the great north pole,” a voice boomed, the sound reverberating through the hall like thunder. it was smooth and resonant, laced with cruel amusement.

“weak, fragile, desperate,” the voice continued. “you send a mere elf to face me? is that the best you can do, kenjaku?”

the air seemed to pulse with the weight of the voice, a presence you could feel but not see.

you glanced at santa, your confusion growing. kenjaku? who was that?

“show yourself, krampus,” santa growled, his jaw tightening.

the voice laughed again, colder this time.

“you’d like that, wouldn’t you? but no, not yet,” krampus said, his tone dripping with mockery. “come to me, kenjaku. or are you too much of a coward to face what you stole?”

the words hung in the air, heavy with implication.

santa’s expression darkened, his crimson eyes narrowing.

“i’ll come,” he said finally, his voice tight with restrained anger.

the meeting ended in a flurry of nervous energy. elves whispered among themselves, their voices rising and falling like waves as they tried to make sense of what they’d just heard.

you stayed behind, packing supplies for the journey. the staff santa had given you—infused with ancient christmas magic—felt warm in your hands, a faint glow emanating from its carved surface.

“are you sure about this?” one of the senior elves asked, their voice hesitant as they approached you.

“i don’t have a choice,” you replied, your voice firm. “someone has to do it.”

they nodded, though their expression remained troubled. “be careful,” they said before turning to leave.

you glanced at santa, who stood by the fire, his gaze distant. his usual commanding presence felt… strained, as though the weight of krampus’s words had unsettled him.

you couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the story—something he wasn’t telling you.

but there was no time to dwell on it. the journey to the south pole awaited, and whatever lay ahead, you would face it head-on.

the journey to the south pole was grueling.

the snow felt sharper here, more like shards of glass than soft flakes. the bitter cold seemed to seep through every layer of clothing, chilling you to your bones. this wasn’t like the north pole—the light, the cheer, the magic. this place felt… wrong.

santa led the way, his crimson coat stark against the endless expanse of gray and white. the silence between you was heavy, broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot and the howling wind.

“are we close?” you asked, gripping your staff tightly as its faint glow pulsed in your hand.

“closer than i’d like,” santa replied, his tone clipped.

you frowned. his usual steady demeanor felt off. there was none of the quiet confidence you’d grown used to—just tension, coiled and sharp.

“what is this place?” you pressed, glancing at the jagged ice formations jutting out of the ground like broken glass.

“krampus’s domain,” santa said. “his influence twists the land. the closer we get, the more dangerous it becomes.”

a shiver ran down your spine that had nothing to do with the cold.

the attack came without warning.

the ground trembled beneath your feet, the snow cracking and shifting as shadowy figures emerged from the storm.

“what’s that?” you asked, panic rising in your chest.

“bandits,” santa said sharply, his hand tightening around his staff.

before you could respond, they were upon you. their movements were quick and unnatural, their jagged weapons carved from ice glinting in the dim light.

“stay close,” santa ordered.

you raised your staff, its glow flaring as the first bandit lunged toward you. the magic coursed through you, sending a pulse of energy that knocked them back.

but there were too many.

you swung the staff again, the force of the blow sending another bandit sprawling into the snow. but for every one you struck down, two more seemed to take their place.

a sharp blow to your side sent you stumbling, the staff slipping from your grasp. you fell to your knees, gasping for breath as pain radiated through your ribs.

“help me!” you shouted, turning to santa.

but he wasn’t there.

your heart sank as you scanned the storm, the wind tearing at your cloak. “santa!” you called again, desperation rising in your voice.

there was no answer.

the bandits closed in, their twisted faces leering down at you.

“still breathing, are you?”

the voice was deep, smooth, and laced with a hint of amusement.

you blinked, your vision blurry as the storm raged around you. a figure crouched beside you, his sharp features coming into focus as the wind whipped through his wild, pink hair.

“who…” you croaked, your voice barely audible.

“relax,” he said, his tone firm but not unkind.

he leaned closer, his crimson eyes scanning your face with an intensity that made your heart stutter.

“bandits,” he muttered, glancing at the torn fabric of your cloak. “you’re lucky they didn’t finish the job.”

before you could respond, he slipped a thick cloak around your trembling form, his four arms moving with surprising gentleness.

“can you stand?” he asked.

you shook your head weakly, your body refusing to cooperate.

“figured as much,” he said with a faint smirk.

before you could protest, he lifted you effortlessly, cradling you against his chest. the warmth of his skin seeped through the layers of fabric, and you found yourself leaning into him, unable to resist.

“who are you?” you asked weakly.

“someone who doesn’t leave people to die in the snow,” he replied dryly.

the warmth of his shelter was a shock after the brutal cold outside.

he set you down on a plush couch near the fire, his movements careful as he adjusted the blanket around your shoulders.

“drink this,” he said, handing you a steaming mug.

the spiced cider was rich and warm, flooding your senses with comfort. you sipped it cautiously, watching as he crouched beside you.

“what were you doing out there?” he asked, his crimson eyes sharp and searching.

you hesitated, glancing down at the mug in your hands. “you wouldn’t believe me if i told you.”

his lips curved into a faint smirk. “try me.”

you swallowed hard, trying to gather your thoughts. “i came here with santa claus,” you began hesitantly, watching his reaction.

his eyes widened slightly, but not with disbelief. there was something else in his gaze—an intensity you couldn’t quite place, as if he were seeing you for the first time.

you felt the need to explain, to justify yourself. “i know it sounds ridiculous,” you said quickly, the words tumbling out. “but… santa claus is real. he exists for those who choose to believe in him.”

to your surprise, his expression softened. the smirk faded, replaced by something quieter, almost contemplative.

“and you believe,” he said, his tone calm.

“i do,” you admitted. “it’s not just about the toys or the magic. it’s about hope. about believing that even in the darkest times, there’s something good in the world.”

he nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving yours. “a rare thing, these days,” he said quietly.

his reaction surprised you. instead of mockery, there was understanding in his gaze, a warmth that made your chest tighten.

“so, you’re here with him,” he said after a moment.

“yes,” you replied. “santa sent me to find krampus and retrieve the stolen gifts.”

his eyes darkened slightly, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer than felt natural. it wasn’t skepticism or anger—it was something deeper, more intense.

how could kenjaku have someone like you by his side? your quiet strength, your rare beauty, your unwavering belief in something so pure. the thought ignited something sharp and bitter in his chest.

you shifted under his gaze, mistaking his silence for doubt. “i know it sounds ridiculous,” you said quickly, your voice trembling slightly. “but i promise, it’s real. everything—santa, the north pole, the magic—it’s all real.”

“i don’t think it’s ridiculous,” he said, interrupting you gently.

you blinked, caught off guard. “you don’t?”

his lips curved into a faint, almost wistful smile. “not at all,” he said, his voice low. “some things are worth believing in, even if the rest of the world doesn’t understand.”

his words lingered in the air between you, and for a moment, the storm outside seemed to fade into the background.

“you’re not what i expected,” he said finally, his voice softer now.

neither was he.

the storm outside had grown fiercer, the wind howling against the walls of the shelter as if the very land were angry. inside, the fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows across the room.

you watched your rescuer as he paced near the hearth, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the firelight. the tension in his movements was palpable, his four arms crossing and uncrossing as if he were fighting an internal battle.

“so,” he said, breaking the silence. “you came here with kenjaku.”

you frowned. “who?”

his gaze snapped to yours, sharp and incredulous. “kenjaku,” he repeated, his tone laced with disdain. “the man you call santa claus.”

your stomach twisted at his words, the weight of the name unfamiliar and wrong. “that’s not his name,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

“it is,” he said firmly, stepping closer. “you’ve been lied to.”

you opened your mouth to argue, but the intensity in his gaze silenced you. there was no mockery, no smugness—only a simmering anger that made your breath catch.

“you don’t know, do you?” he asked, his voice dropping lower, softer. “what he’s done.”

“what are you talking about?” you said, your chest tightening as the weight of his words pressed down on you.

he sighed, running a hand through his pink hair, his tattoos glowing faintly as his anger simmered just beneath the surface.

“centuries ago,” he began, his voice steady but edged with bitterness, “i was chosen to bear the mantle of santa claus. the magic of christmas—the ancient power that keeps this world in balance—was mine by right. but kenjaku didn’t think i was fit for the role. he wanted it for himself.”

you stared at him, your mind reeling as his words sank in.

“he used forbidden magic,” sukuna continued, his voice darkening, “to seal me here, in the south pole. he took everything from me—my title, my power, my purpose—and left me to rot in this frozen wasteland.”

the crackle of the fire was the only sound as his words hung in the air, heavy and sharp.

“and now he sends you,” he said, his gaze narrowing. “to clean up his mess.”

“that’s not true,” you said, though your voice wavered. “he wouldn’t…”

“wouldn’t he?” sukuna interrupted, stepping closer. “then tell me, where is he now? why did he leave you to die?”

the question hit like a blow, the memory of the bandits and kenjaku’s disappearance flashing in your mind.

“maybe he had no choice,” you said weakly, though even you didn’t believe the words.

sukuna snorted, his expression twisting into a bitter smile. “you’re too kind for your own good.”

you looked away, the weight of his gaze too much to bear.

“you still don’t get it, do you?” he said, his voice softer now, almost gentle. “he’s been using you. just like he uses everyone else.”

the sound of approaching footsteps shattered the silence.

sukuna stiffened, his tattoos glowing brighter as he turned toward the door. his crimson eyes burned with anger, his four arms flexing as he prepared for what was coming.

“stay here,” he said, his voice low and commanding.

before you could respond, the door burst open, a gust of icy wind swirling into the room.

and there, standing in the doorway, was kenjaku—santa claus.

“so this is where you’ve been hiding,” kenjaku said, his voice smooth, almost amused.

sukuna’s growl rumbled through the room like distant thunder. “you’ve got some nerve showing your face here.”

kenjaku stepped inside, his crimson coat gleaming in the firelight. his gaze swept over the room, lingering on you for a moment before returning to sukuna.

“you always were dramatic,” kenjaku said, his tone sharp.

“and you always were a liar,” sukuna shot back, his voice venomous.

you stood frozen, your heart pounding as the tension between them crackled like static electricity.

“why did you leave me?” you demanded, your voice cutting through the standoff.

kenjaku’s gaze softened, though there was something calculating in his expression. “i had no choice,” he said smoothly. “the bandits were too many. if i’d stayed, we both would have died.”

“that’s bullshit,” sukuna spat, stepping forward. “you left her because she wasn’t worth the effort to you.”

“don’t listen to him,” kenjaku said, his voice soothing as he turned to you. “he’s krampus. he’s the reason we’re in this mess.”

“and you’re the reason she almost died,” sukuna growled, his voice low and dangerous.

kenjaku ignored him, his focus entirely on you. “he’s manipulating you,” he said, his tone firm but calm. “he wants you to trust him so he can use you against me.”

you hesitated, your gaze flickering between them.

“don’t listen to him,” sukuna said, his eyes burning as he looked at you. “you know the truth.”

you took a deep breath, the weight of the moment pressing down on you.

“you left me to die,” you said to kenjaku, your voice steady despite the tremor in your chest. “he didn’t.”

kenjaku’s expression faltered, the first crack in his calm facade.

“you don’t understand,” he began, but you didn’t let him finish.

raising your staff, you stepped closer to sukuna, the magic within it surging as you made your choice.

“she’s not yours to manipulate,” sukuna snarled, stepping in front of you as kenjaku’s face twisted in rage.

the fight was chaos.

magic crackled through the air, the room trembling as sukuna and kenjaku clashed. sukuna moved with raw power, his four arms striking with precision as his tattoos glowed with unrestrained energy. kenjaku countered with sharp, calculated attacks, his crimson coat billowing around him as he fought with a ruthless efficiency.

you held your ground, the staff in your hands glowing as you channeled your own magic. when kenjaku’s attacks threatened to overwhelm sukuna, you stepped in, the power of the north pole surging through you as you deflected the blows.

“stay out of this!” kenjaku snapped, his voice rising in frustration.

“no,” you said firmly, your gaze steady. “i’m done following your orders.”

sukuna smirked, his gaze flickering to you briefly before returning to kenjaku. “looks like you’ve lost your grip,” he taunted.

kenjaku roared, his attacks growing wilder, more desperate. but together, you and sukuna were unstoppable—a force that even the self-proclaimed santa couldn’t overcome.

the clash reached its peak with a deafening explosion of magic. sparks of crimson and gold danced through the air as sukuna’s raw power collided with kenjaku’s calculated strikes. the very walls of the shelter trembled under the weight of their battle, cracks snaking along the icy structure.

you gripped the staff tightly, its glow steady in your hands as you prepared to deflect another attack aimed at sukuna.

“is that all you’ve got?” sukuna snarled, his four arms moving with devastating precision as he sent a powerful strike toward kenjaku.

kenjaku staggered, his crimson coat scorched and torn, his sharp features twisted in frustration. his usual smug confidence had begun to falter, his attacks growing more desperate.

“this isn’t over,” kenjaku hissed, his voice laced with venom as he stepped back, his hands crackling with dark magic.

“oh, it is,” sukuna growled, his tattoos glowing brighter as he advanced. “you’re done hiding behind lies, kenjaku.”

you stepped forward, raising your staff. the magic within it surged, intertwining with sukuna’s energy as you sent a pulse of light toward kenjaku.

he barely had time to deflect it before sukuna was upon him, his fists slamming into kenjaku’s barrier with enough force to shatter it. the power of the strike sent kenjaku flying backward, crashing into the icy wall with a thunderous crack.

kenjaku struggled to rise, his movements slow and unsteady. his crimson eyes burned with rage as he glared at you and sukuna.

“you think this changes anything?” he spat, his voice trembling with anger. “you think you can take my place?”

“it was never your place to begin with,” sukuna said coldly, stepping forward.

you watched as sukuna loomed over kenjaku, his presence dominating the room. for a moment, you thought he might strike the final blow, but instead, he stepped back, his crimson eyes narrowing.

“you’re not worth it,” sukuna said, his voice low and sharp. “but you’re finished. you’ll never hold the mantle again.”

with a flick of his hand, sukuna unleashed a burst of energy that sent kenjaku hurtling out of the shelter and into the storm. the force of it was so immense that the very air seemed to ripple, the storm outside swallowing kenjaku whole.

silence followed, broken only by the crackle of the fire.

you lowered the staff, your hands trembling as the adrenaline began to fade.

“is it over?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

sukuna turned to you, his expression softer than you’d ever seen it. “it’s over,” he said, his voice steady.

the tension in your chest eased, and you sank onto the couch, exhaustion washing over you.

sukuna moved to the hearth, his four arms lowering as the glow of his tattoos dimmed. he leaned against the wall, his crimson eyes watching you closely.

“you fought well,” he said after a moment, his tone quiet.

“so did you,” you replied, offering him a small, tired smile.

his lips twitched into a faint smirk, though there was a warmth in his gaze that made your cheeks flush.

the journey back to the north pole was a blur of ice and wind, but this time, you weren’t alone.

sukuna walked beside you, his presence steady and protective. he carried the stolen gifts in a large sack slung over his shoulder, his four arms making the burden look effortless.

when you finally crossed the threshold of the north pole, the light and magic of the workshop washed over you like a wave. elves gathered in the grand hall, their faces alight with relief and joy as they saw the gifts restored.

but their excitement faltered when they saw sukuna. whispers rippled through the crowd, their eyes wide with fear and uncertainty.

“it’s okay,” you said, stepping forward. “he’s not our enemy.”

santa’s empty throne loomed at the head of the room, and sukuna’s gaze lingered on it, his expression unreadable.

“it’s yours now,” you said softly, your voice carrying only to him.

he glanced at you, his crimson eyes narrowing. “you think they’ll accept me?”

“they will,” you said, your voice firm. “because they’ll see what i see.”

his lips curved into a faint smile, and he stepped forward, his presence commanding as he approached the throne.

when he sat, the air seemed to shift, the ancient magic of christmas surging through the hall. the elves stared in awe as the throne’s glow brightened, its magic recognizing sukuna as the rightful santa.

the days that followed were a whirlwind of activity as christmas was saved and the gifts delivered. but when it was all over, and the workshop quieted for the long rest of the year, sukuna sought you out.

he found you in the quiet of your room, the glow of the north pole’s lights filtering through the window.

“come with me,” he said, his voice low and inviting.

you followed him without hesitation, his presence drawing you in like a magnet. he led you to his chambers—his now, as the new santa. the room was warm and inviting, the fire crackling softly in the hearth.

“you saved me,” he said, turning to face you. his crimson eyes softened, his tattoos glowing faintly in the dim light. “you trusted me when no one else would.”

“you deserved it,” you said quietly.

he stepped closer, his four arms wrapping around you as his lips curved into a smirk. “and now, i intend to thank you properly.”

the air between you seemed to hum with energy, his gaze locking onto yours as the distance between you disappeared.

his chambers were steeped in a heavy, intoxicating warmth, the flickering firelight reflecting off the deep crimson furnishings and casting shadows that seemed to breathe with the rhythm of the room. the air itself felt alive, humming with a raw energy that matched the man standing before you.

sukuna leaned casually against the ornate four-poster bed, his broad shoulders and muscular arms giving the impression of effortless power. his crimson eyes burned with an intensity that pinned you in place, their sharpness softened only slightly by the faint curl of his lips.

“you don’t need to stand there like a nervous little rabbit,” he said, his voice low and teasing, a delicious rumble that sent a shiver down your spine. “come here.”

the way he said it—smooth and commanding, with a promise of something that made your stomach flutter—left you no choice but to obey.

you stepped closer, your heart pounding with each step, until you were standing in front of him.

“you saved christmas,” he murmured, his gaze locking onto yours as his four arms moved to surround you. the first hand slid to your waist, his grip firm but not overbearing, while another rested gently on the small of your back, pulling you closer. “and more than that… you saved me.”

“i didn’t do it alone,” you replied, your voice a whisper under the weight of his attention.

he tilted his head, strands of soft pink hair falling into his face as his smirk widened. his thumb traced lazily over your cheek, the pad of it brushing just beneath your lips, lingering like he was daring you to take a bite. “always so modest,” he murmured, voice like velvet dragged over steel. “but tonight isn’t about me. it’s about you.”

his words settled low in your stomach, molten and heavy, and before you could think to reply, his lips were on yours.

the kiss wasn’t gentle. sukuna didn’t ask—he took. his mouth moved over yours with a slow, deliberate hunger that left no room for hesitation. his tongue brushed against your bottom lip before sliding inside, tasting you, claiming you with a heat that left you lightheaded.

his hands—strong, calloused, and just the right amount of rough—moved without direction, as if instinct alone drove them. one slid up the bare skin of your back, tugging you against him until there wasn’t an inch of space left between you. another drifted lower, fingers curving to squeeze your thigh, pulling it higher against his hip.

the third tangled into your hair, twisting at the roots with just enough pressure to make you whimper against his mouth. the way he touched you—too many hands, too much strength—left you dizzy and burning.

“fuck,” he muttered, pulling back just enough to catch your lower lip between his teeth, giving it a playful tug before releasing you. his voice was husky, breath ragged, but his smirk never faded. “already trembling?”

“maybe you should do something about it,” you shot back, though your voice barely rose above a whisper.

his gaze flicked over you, crimson eyes glinting with something darker.

“oh, i intend to.”

before you could react, sukuna swept you up—two hands beneath your thighs, one cradling your back, the last trailing teasingly down your spine. he carried you toward the bed like you weighed nothing, the heat of his body seeping through every layer between you.

when he dropped you onto the plush sheets, he hovered at the edge of the bed, gaze raking over you with the kind of attention that left your skin flushed.

“strip.”

the single word hung heavy in the air, rasping low and deep, more command than request.

your fingers trembled as you pulled at the fabric, peeling away each layer under his watchful eyes.

by the time the last piece fell to the floor, sukuna knelt between your legs, hands spreading your thighs apart with an ease that made your breath catch.

“look at you,” he murmured, his pink hair falling over his forehead as his gaze darkened. thick fingers traced a slow path along the soft skin of your inner thigh, rough fingertips catching on each sensitive dip. “all spread out for me.”

his breath was hot as he lowered his head, lips brushing feather-light kisses over the inside of your legs, leaving trails of heat in their wake.

when he finally reached your center, he paused—close enough for you to feel the soft puff of his exhale, but not enough to satisfy the ache blooming between your thighs.

“mine,” he growled, voice vibrating against your skin.

and then his mouth was on you.

his tongue traced a slow, deliberate line from your entrance to your clit, flicking over the sensitive nub with a precision that left your head spinning.

you gasped, fingers flying to his hair, tugging hard at the strands of pink that curled between your knuckles.

he groaned into you, the vibration of his voice sending another jolt straight through your core.

“so fucking sweet,” he muttered against you, the words muffled by the slick heat of his mouth.

his tongue lapped at you in slow, torturous circles, switching between soft flicks and hard strokes that left your thighs trembling.

when his finger pressed into you—thick and unrelenting—you couldn’t stop the moan that slipped out.

his crimson eyes flicked up, locking onto yours. “louder,” he commanded, curling his finger inside you until he found that spot that made your hips jerk.

“sukuna,” you gasped, nails digging into his scalp.

his smirk widened against you, but he didn’t relent. another finger joined the first, stretching you just enough to make your toes curl.

“that’s it,” he purred, dragging his tongue over your clit with every pulse of his fingers. “say my name again.”

your breath hitched as heat coiled low in your belly, winding tighter with each stroke.

“sukuna,” you whimpered, body arching into his touch as the pressure inside you built to the edge.

“good girl.”

his tongue moved faster, fingers thrusting deeper until the coil snapped, pleasure flooding your senses so sharply that you swore you saw white.

you writhed beneath him, body trembling with each wave of release, but sukuna didn’t stop. his mouth and hands dragged you through the aftershocks, prolonging the heat until your legs shook violently around his head.

when he finally pulled away, his lips and chin glistened, and the sight of him licking your slick from his fingers sent another rush of heat flooding your core.

“fuck, you’re perfect,” he rasped, his voice rough and low as he hovered over you, his cock pressing against your entrance.

you could feel him—hot, thick, and far too big.

“you’re gonna take every inch,” he growled, tilting your hips higher as he teased your entrance with the tip.

his cock dragged through your slick folds, each shallow thrust making you ache with want.

“look at me.”

your eyes snapped to his, and the sight of him left you breathless. his crimson gaze burned with possession, pink strands of hair falling into his face as he slowly sank inside, stretching you inch by inch.

your nails dug into his shoulders as your head fell back against the pillow.

“sukuna,” you gasped, breath breaking as he filled you completely.

his name spilled from your lips in a breathy moan as he bottomed out, the thick press of his cock stretching you to your limit. sukuna stilled, letting you adjust, his four hands roaming your body in slow, reverent strokes—calloused palms smoothing over your hips, thighs, and breasts as if to memorize every inch.

“fuck,” he rasped, one of his thumbs dragging lazily over your swollen clit. “you’re takin’ me so well. look how deep i am.”

your eyes fluttered open just in time to catch the glint in his gaze, his crimson irises smoldering as he pressed down on the slight bulge in your abdomen.

“you feel that?” he smirked, applying just enough pressure to make you keen. “so full of me already.”

your head fell back, a soft whimper tumbling from your throat as he rolled his hips, the slow drag of him pulling out leaving you trembling.

“stay with me, baby,” he growled, catching your chin between his fingers and tilting your head up, forcing you to meet his gaze. “i wanna see that pretty face while i fuck you.”

he snapped his hips forward again, the sudden force driving a gasp from your lips. sukuna’s smirk widened as he found his rhythm, each thrust harder, deeper—grinding against that sensitive spot inside that left your thighs trembling around his waist.

“goddamn,” he hissed, leaning down to bite at the curve of your shoulder, his teeth dragging against your flushed skin. “tight little thing. you were made for me.”

your nails raked down his back, desperate for something to hold onto as he drove you closer to the edge with every snap of his hips.

“sukuna—please,” you whimpered, not even sure what you were begging for.

“please what?” he teased, dipping his head to suck a bruise just above your collarbone, his tongue flicking over the mark. “you gotta use your words, sweetheart.”

“i—” your voice broke as he angled his thrusts, the head of his cock brushing against that spot so perfectly you thought you might unravel on the spot.

sukuna grinned, reading the desperation in your eyes as if it fueled him. “ah, there it is,” he murmured, lips brushing against your jaw. “that sweet little spot that makes you fall apart.”

his pace quickened, hips pistoning into you with a brutal precision that sent molten pleasure ripping through your veins.

“you close, baby?” he growled, his voice gravelly as his four hands anchored you to the bed—one pressing down against your lower stomach, two gripping your hips tight enough to bruise, and the last tangling in your hair, tugging gently as he sucked at the curve of your throat.

you could only nod, your breath catching as the tension in your core coiled tighter, dangerously close to snapping.

“then cum for me,” he ordered, dragging his thumb over your clit in tight, merciless circles. “let me feel you.”

his words were all it took—your body arched off the bed, a sharp cry tearing from your throat as your orgasm crashed over you, white-hot and all-consuming.

sukuna groaned low in his chest, his thrusts growing rougher, sloppier as your walls pulsed around him, milking him for all he was worth.

“fuck, baby,” he snarled, burying himself to the hilt one last time as he came, the heat of his release flooding you, leaving you trembling beneath him.

for a moment, neither of you moved, the only sound between you the ragged cadence of your breathing and the faint crackle of the fire.

sukuna leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to your lips—a stark contrast to the bruising way he’d just taken you. his hands, once gripping you with unrelenting force, now traced gentle patterns along your waist, grounding you in the quiet intimacy that followed.

“an elf always belongs with santa,” he murmured against your lips, his voice rough yet tender, as if the words carried a weight neither of you fully understood until now.

your heart skipped at the quiet conviction in his tone, warmth spreading through your chest that had nothing to do with the fire crackling in the hearth.

you brushed a hand through his pink hair, letting the strands curl around your fingers as you smiled softly. “guess that makes me yours then.”

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