#but i don't have that 'yeah you belong here' feeling like i do with broken paw girl

[everythingspokenfor]

𝓜𝓻. 𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝓦𝓪𝓵𝓵

Pairing: Bakugou x reader. All characters are aged up 18+. MDNI. ﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏Summary: Maybe you should have looked up what your boss looked like...

Thinking about foreign!reader who comes to Japan as a support tech engineer and having an eventful first meeting with Bakugou

Bakugou hates airports, especially around this time of the year, too crowded, too loud, bustling with people. If he had a choice he wouldn't have come, send in a driver and cozied up in his bed but, his mom had different plans, she had called him the night before, specifically told him to pick her up from the airport. So, here he was, waiting for her plane to land, 3:45 am in the morning, a rapidly cooling coffee in his hand.

He was growing agitated at the whispering around him, it's easy for him to get recognised, blond hair and striking red eyes not easily forgettable. He sharply turns to leave the waiting room, not necessarily paying attention when his hand, the one that was holding cold coffee slams into someone and boom now he is staring at the aftermath.

You are staring start ahead, breathing deeply, you turn your head towards the jerk that slipped coffee all over you. Cold seeped through your shirt, the chill almost chilling your bones. You could feel the coffee seeping into your shirt, then inner wear and then your bra.

"Are you going to apologise or what?" You scowl at him, the coffee seeping through your shirt, the wet cloth irritating you further.

Bakugou continues to stare at you, anger evident on your features, he assumes you aren't Japanese from the lack of accent in your english. Before he could apologise you speak again.

"At least have the courtesy to apologise, asshole" you spit out at him, before throwing him the nastiest little glare.

Bakugou is surprised that you don't him, maybe it's his ego but again he is the top hero maybe not his rankings but he is famous and infamous for reasons. Everyone knows him, even people outside of Japan.

"Do you not know who I am?" He finally speaks, not the smartest response but a response nonetheless.

"Am I supposed to know you?" You look at him incredulously, anger subsiding and confusion settling in.

"you know what, don't answer that, i don't care and I am tired, all I know is you are a jerk and I really wish to never run into you again!" You semi-yell at him and leave the waiting room.

He almost chased after you but he phone started ringing, his mother's contact displayed on the screen, informing him of her arrival.

He looked back at the direction you had gone, but you already disappeared. Sighing he left to pick his mother from the arrival gate. And he leaves, slightly bummed that he didn't get to apologise.

-------

"-nd like he walked straight into me and didn't bother apologising." You waved your hands around, trying to emphasize your impromptu collision with Mr. Brick wall, to your new housemate and colleague.

Not necessarily a good think, shit talking on first day of work, but you had to kinda explain why you were doing laundry in the middle of the night.

"That's rude, could've at least apologised.". Mari agreed, both of you walked down the hallway as she was showing you around the agency building.

"Well, hopefully no further mishaps occur." She had stopped in front of a large laboratory, you could already spot your stuff on one of the tables.

"Yeah, hopefully." You mumbled mindlessly, eyes admiring the lab, it was the largest you had seen, with more advanced equipments as well. Mari left you alone at your destination, already going back to her work.

You also got to work, looking into boxes of broken and damaged support equipments, you had already read about them, their functions and materials used to build.

It was an easy job to repair the items, folding your sleeves you got to work, one by one you repaired majority of the items the only thing left where, chunky, hefty, gauntlets.

You knew the belonged to Pro-Hero Dynamight, read about him in passing, already aware of the architecture of the Gauntlets, it didn't take long for you to fix them up, even being generous enough to replace parts with your tech.

Assuming your work was done you called Mari.

"You still need to see if the function alright." She paused before looking at her laptop screen," Pro hero Dynamight is already in the building, you should give him the equipment and see if it works properly."

Even tho, you were slightly peeved, cause of course it works, you just fixed it, you still took the hefty box to 12th floor of the building.

You entered the office without knocking, hands busy holding the box, barely even looking at the people standings there you deposit the box on the table next to the couch.

"Here, it's for Dynamight, fixed it, they should work top notch." You gasp out, breath slightly rapid due to carrying all that weight.

You turn around and spot 2 people in the room, one was Pro-Hero Red Riot, whom you recognised because he has least amount of support equipments listed and the other was Mr. Brick wall.

"You little shit, what are you doing here?" You blurt out without thinking, finger accusingly pointing at him. Not yet aware that the Pro-Hero you were looking for is right there, at the end of your accusatory finger.

Kirishima stared at you in amusement, before speaking," You must be the new tech, Welcome to the agency, I am Kirishima Eijirou." He stood up and extended his hand for a shake, you politely took his hand and uttered your name. Before looking over his shoulder at Bakugou.

"Don't mind me, but what did lil' shit over there do?" Kirishima semi-whispered in your ear, thumb pointing back, at where Bakugou stood.

"I spilled coffee on me, and then stared at me like it was my fault." You stated, arms folded, glaring at him, Bakugou stared back at you, hands shoved in his pocket as he leaned against the table.

"It was an accident, you scurried away before I could apologise." He finally spoke, Kirishima nodded his head, like accepting the explanation.

"NO, I waited and Mr. Brick Wall didn't apologise." You yelled, looking at Kirishima to back you up.

"That's not cool," Kirishima looked at you, shit eating grin on his face, you grinned back, feeling confident that Pro hero Red Riot was on your side, he continued,"You should apologise, Dynamight."

The gratification of getting the apology didn't last long when you registered his last word.

"Dyna-dynamight??" You spluttered," As in Pro Hero?" You looked dumbfounded between the two heros, face flushing in embarrassment, before you turned to Bakugou, who was looking at you bemused.

"I didn't kno- I am sorry, it was my fault." You uttered desperately, the fear of getting fired on your first day making you forget your past grudges. You haphazardness making Kirishima giggle, and Bakugou sigh.

"Oi, it was my fault, should have seen where I was going" Bakugou said calmly, moving to smack the back of Kirishima's head, who promptly shit up.

"You don't have t-." Bakugou shushes you before you could speak," The mistake was mine, me being a hero doesn't change that."

You stared at him, hoping for him to dismiss you soon, so you could sob in the corner of your big, beautiful lab.

"How about this, I get you a coffee, as an apology." He asked, Kirishima let out a snort, before Bakugou glared at him.

"You don't have to, it's not an issue anymore, Mr. Bri-Dynamight." You looked sheepishly at him, hoping he didn't change on the nickname you had given him.

"Let me, I'll get you a coffee, you'll need it after working here for a while."

"Fine then, we can get it sometimes." You accept his proposal (?),before looking at him, awkwardly trying to gesture at the door.

Bakugou furrowed his eyebrows, watching you flare your arms towards the door, before Kirishima spoke," You can leave now, I am sure the gauntlets would work just fine."

At the dismissal you scurried out the door, running zig zag avoiding the few people present in the hallway.

"So, that's the 'fireworks' you were talking about, Mr. Brick wall." Kirishima queried, head resting against his palm, as a smug expression formed on his face.

"Don't fucking push it." Bakugou gritted out, trying to think of how he could fix his image in your eyes.

"Whatever you say, Mr. Brick wall." Kirishima chimed.

[mothbaaalls]

broken paw girl is home :) she wouldn't eat at the rescue but the first thing she did when she got out of the carrier was go and eat

[always-just-red]

Hii! I've seen some Pregnancy scenario with LaD's men, but I have this HC-- personally for Sylus. That when fem!reader got pregnant, he didn't really understand how the Pregnancy hormones work, until he experienced one and he got confused how he should act or react because it's feels like he's walking on landime, one wrong move/word, she'd throwing tantrum or being sulky at him

I've heard from my Friend who got pregnant before, when she craving something and her Husband showing any form that he can't fulfill what she's craves, she felt her heart broken, and she'd sulk and acted as if he just cheated on her. The problem is, she always craved something that didn't even exist at that moment😂, she's craving certain type of Mango while it's not even that Mango season, so nobody selling it. He literally being desperate to negotiate with her cravings

So... Can I request a scenario smiliar like that? It doesn't have to be mango, or any foods. Just... how Pregnancy hormones or Cravings could make Sylus got frustated lol

Aaaaa anon this is adorable, thank you! We love making Sylus suffer in cute and harmless ways. He's always asking for trouble, so let's give him some! 😌💅

Something Sweet

Sylus x Reader 🩸

Summary: Sylus knows how to get what he wants. Getting what you want might be a little more tricky...

Genre: fluff!

Warnings/Additional tags: female!reader, IMPLIED pregnant!reader (pregnancy not actually mentioned or described- just hormones being hormones ✌), established relationship, canon pet names, a lil bit of roleplay because Sylus refuses to leave his Mystic Adventure era

| Word count: 2.1k | Masterlist | Opt-in to my taglist here!

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Love and Deepspace. All work is my own, so please don't repost or plagiarise!

“Sy, d’you know what I’m craving right now?”

“Always, sweetie.” Sylus doesn’t look up from his book. “Not now, though. I’m tired.”

Morning sunlight streams through the gaps in your living room curtains, casting pale yellow shapes over the floor. A shard of it has been inching over the sofa towards Sylus, the sharp edge now grazing the side of his face. He shifts, ever so slightly, away from its touch. His eyes are open but heavy.

“No,” you scold, leaning forwards to swat at him with your book. “That’s not what I meant, you narcissist.”

He chuckles with his usual low timbre— his gaze still not lifting— and the sound is deeper for how close he is to sleep. He wants to give in to it, you can tell. When he turns a page, the movement is languid, soft. You’re losing him.

“Sy,” you say again, then with more of a whine: “Sylus.”

His eyes flutter closed as he draws in a deep breath. His hand raises, his fingers stretching to pull his reading glasses from his face. They’re set down on the arm of the chair beside him, along with the book, and he turns to you with a smile. “What are you craving, sweetie?”

You rest your book on your stomach. Your legs are stretched out over Sylus’s lap, and his hand finds one of your feet, massaging an ache from it as you begin your speech. “Do you remember that café we used to go to? The one we found when it started raining in the park that day? We didn’t think it was open, but then the owner knocked on the window and said we could—”

“Yeah?” His hand moves to your other foot.

“Well, they make these—”

“Macarons.”

“You remember?”

His smile widens like he remembers vividly. “Kitten, how could I forget? I’m still jealous of that sweet little treat. You’ve never made that face for me, and believe me—” he wiggles one of your toes— “I’ve tried.”

That had been one of the only times you’d truly caught him off-guard, back when your feelings for one another were unnamed and uncharted. The rain had been drumming against the café window, and you’d heaved Sylus’s damp coat from your shoulders— giggled at the raised eyebrow and the sarcastic ‘…thanks’ he’d given in turn. One hot drink later, you were lifting a pastel pink macaron to your lips, taking a delicate bite and failing to stifle a tiny, almost euphoric moan.

You remember realising yourself: blushing profusely and expecting some remark, some ridicule, but none ever came. Sylus’s eyes were wide, dark, fixed upon your still parted mouth.

After a few of the longest seconds of your life, he’d dragged the plate with the rest of the macarons away from you and muttered something about how you had better not do that again.

“They’re still the sweetest things I’ve ever tasted,” you tease now, just as you’d wrestled him for that plate back then, set on eating every last macaron.

He makes a hmph as he idly runs a finger over the part of your foot he knows is ticklish. His expression is distinctly grumpy, but it falters as you laugh and try to writhe away from him.

You’re quickly out of breath. “Sylus?”

“Mmm?”

He glances up at you and you smile sweetly, head tilting. “Please?”

His coat on a rainy day. The entire plate of macarons in the end; he’s never been very good at denying you anything. For the first time since you’d stirred him from his book, however, he appears genuinely regretful. “You’re forgetting something, sweetie,” he murmurs gently. “Why did we stop going to that café, hmm?”

You shrug.

“It closed, kitten,” he sighs. “Months ago.”

“What?”

Not only did you already know that— you actually visited the café on its final day. The owner was telling you stories: he was moving somewhere warmer, closer to family, and he needed all the funds he could get. Sylus had snuck an obscene amount of money into the man’s tip jar whilst you acted as a distraction. You both had fond memories of that place; it was nice to make one more.   

It's all coming back to you and you’re struck by a wave of nostalgia. You want to go back there. You can’t go back there. It doesn’t exist anymore, and you’ll never taste sweetness like that again.

Your mouth has gone dry.

“Sweetie?” Sylus prompts, because he notices you’re far away. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah,” your voice wobbles, “I just really wanted… I mean, I really needed one of those—”

“… Macarons?” he finishes for you.

You burst into tears, and one day, you’ll tally this as another time you took the man by surprise. His face drops instantly— lost, for a moment— before he slides your legs from his lap, allowing him to lean closer. “No, no, no,” he coos, “don’t cry, kitten, please. I didn’t mean to… well, I didn’t realise…”

He doesn’t know what to say, and he always knows what to say. He set you off with a single word and now he’s stuttering like sentences are all possible landmines. He tries his luck again, putting a foot forward: “Listen to me. I’ll go to the store. Would that be alright? Or perhaps there’s another café that could—”

You explode: sobbing even more viscerally. Your whole body shakes with it.

Sylus has frozen. He watches on helplessly as you cry, blabbering about the macarons you can’t have and the café you can’t return to. Across the room, even Mephisto has hunched down on his perch, though he issues a few, spirited squawks, maybe in solidarity with your breakdown, or maybe in protest of it.

It’s like a catalyst. You cry more: burying your face in your hands because what the hell is wrong with you? It’s not a big deal. It’s not a big deal, so why do you feel sick? And then there’s Sylus— your Sylus, devoted and adoring— and here you are, punishing him for something beyond his control.

You look up from your hands, desperate to apologise, but he’s gone. More shards of sunlight paint his empty seat and catch all that’s left of him: a few crow feathers, glistening like onyx. Mephisto is gone too, and the room is quiet, save for you snivelling and feeling sorry for yourself.

“Sylus?” you call out into the empty morning.

It isn’t his fault, not really. You wouldn’t want to be around you, either.

…

Something brushes over your cheek, and your tired eyes open.

The sun has ebbed back behind the curtains and the ceiling light has taken its place, casting artificial highlights over everything in reach: the coffee table, the closed-up flowers at its centre and a mug of tea that’s gone cold. Sylus is in front of you too, backlit and soft like a daydream, and he—

He left you.

“Sy?” you whisper warily, because the context is coming back to you slowly, piece by piece.

“Hey,” he coaxes, voice as honeyed as whatever’s turned the air sweet.

You blink, rubbing sleep from your eyes and relishing the warmth of his hand on your face. Then you slap his shoulder. “Hey, really? That’s all you’ve got— hey?”

He’s kneeling for you— on the floor, beside the couch— so you can meet his eyes. He settles his chin thoughtfully on the edge of the seat, his nose almost touching yours. “What would you prefer, sweetie?” His lips are close to yours too. “Good evening, my beloved? Greetings, my queen?”

“How about sorry?” you snap, because he isn’t cute and he isn’t charming.

He pouts. “Why sorry?”

“Because you left, Sylus!” You sit up straighter, and your phone tumbles out of your lap. Its screen is still lit-up from a few hours ago, showcasing a very one-sided conversation and a rant you never actually sent, because it’s still in the text box.

You vaguely recall writing it, so you try to snatch the phone from Sylus’s hand as he plucks it from the floor. He’s more alert than you. More co-ordinated. He keeps it out of your grasp as he reads the unsent message, an eyebrow raising.

It was a lot of things— colourful, creative— not entirely tasteful. “My, my, your highness,” he tuts, “so this is the treatment your valiant knight receives for undertaking your quest?”

“You’re not valiant,” you rebuke, and you manage to wrestle your phone from him. “You’re—”

“A heartless prick,” he finishes casually, quoting your message with a chuckle. He takes your free hand and kisses the back of it, refusing to let you pull away. “And whose fault is that, I wonder?”

“You can have your heart back.”

“Nope. You’re stuck with it, sweetie. With me, too. Now—” he sits back on his knees— “would you please ask me about my quest?”

The analogy is lost on you. You sit fully up, looking down at him. “What quest, oh valiant knight?”

His lips form a smirk; he just loves when you play along. “Close your eyes.”

You do— whether you’re queen or not. You hear him shifting aside, and then there’s a snap of his fingers. The air changes, warping like thick, liquid smoke, and you know he’s using his Evol. “Open,” he commands.

And there on the coffee table, freshly teleported, is a plate of macarons the colour of cherry blossoms. As if anticipating the comparison, Sylus pulls a handful of pink petals from his pocket and blows them up into the air so they can spiral down on the scene. He watches them. Then you. “Ta-da,” he proclaims, his tone dry but full of humour.

You’re prone to hyperbole nowadays, but this is without a doubt the best thing you have ever seen.

“Sylus,” you gasp in disbelief, “how did you—”

“It doesn’t matter,” he says; the story isn’t for today, and he’s very, very tired. A few weeks from now he’ll tell you about how he tracked down the contact information of the owner of the old café. How he spent an hour on the phone bargaining for a certain macaron recipe, and several more hours in the kitchen, trying to get them perfect. “Now, they might not be exactly the same, sweetie. But I did try to—”

You surge forwards, capturing his lips in a kiss. It’s so impulsive— so reckless— that you almost tumble down from the couch, but he catches you, steadies you, and your hand is gripping the soft of his hair as he kisses you back. Slowly, his mouth not leaving yours, he lifts you back into your seat.

“Easy, sweetie.” His voice is low as he pulls away, and though he turns his face from you, you can make out the blush on his cheeks. He settles back into his kneeling position on the floor. “I have one more surprise for you. Do try to control yourself.”

He retrieves a small, complete flower from his pocket, albeit one a little dreary from its journey. Sylus smiles triumphantly as he holds it out to you, and he was right; you do want to throw yourself at him. Instead, you take the flower and lean forwards, tucking it behind his ear before he can protest. He’d tilted closer to help you, and he sits back with an exasperated tsk when you’re done.

“It suits you,” you grin.

He yawns. “Everything does.”

You don’t want to get into trouble, so you shimmy to the very edge of your seat and carefully— showing tremendous restraint— reach out to take his face in your hands. “You’re amazing, Sy. Thank you for doing all of this for me, but…”

“But…?”

“I missed you. I like macarons, yeah,” you smile, “but I’d much rather have you.”

This time, he can’t hide his face and the way it goes pink, like the blossom behind his ear. His cheeks are warm beneath your palms. “You couldn’t have said that before I spent the whole day—”

His voice is strangled as you keel towards him— slow and deliberate— to thread your arms around him and pull him into a hug. He tenses for a moment, then wraps his arms around you too: holding you tightly, keeping you from falling any further. You can feel his hand stroking your back and he hums as you give him a gentle squeeze.

“Such a lovely moment, kitten,” he muses, your head on his shoulder. “I do hope it’s sincere, and not— say— an excuse for someone to get her paws on the macarons behind me.”

There’s another moment of quiet.

“Don’t be silly, Sy,” you retort, but your mouth is full, your cheeks are stuffed, and not a single word of it is intelligible.

[starboye]

pairing: rafe cameron x male reader

summary: rafe cameron hate sex after an argument and him saying how much he hates you but after says he loves you

warnings: smut, degradation kink, argument sex, cursing, rough sex, unprotected sex, choking, daddy kink, pet names, breeding kink kinda

you don't really remember how you got into the argument but you remember what it was about, how rafe never had any time for you and was always working to please ward who didn't even care for him and rafe took that personally, so now here had you face planted into the mattress drilling your hole.

"why the fuck do you always have to be a bitch like why cant you just support me for once" rafe grunts as plaps fill the room mixed with your broken moans "maybe if weren't always so stuck up" you croaked "oh fuck you you fucking shit" rafe curses holding your hips harder "you should be saying that to that fuck face ward" you say making rafe even more furious.

"don't talk about him like that" rafe says with a broken voice "what that he really doesn't care about you and pushes you further away when you get close" you whine out as rafe graze your prostate "shut the fuck up" rafe yells slapping your ass and going harder, his tip pushing at your good spot.

turning you into a babbling mess "yeah that's all your fucking good for is taking my dick huh, don't know anything else" he barked and you nodded lazily "now who the fuck do you belong to" rafe demands grabbing your chin to look at you "definitely not you fucking pussy" you smirk spitting at him "so that's how you wanna play, m'kay" he devilishly grins wiping the spit from his face.

"then i'll play your fucking games slut" rafe says turning you over to face him before he slams into you full force and begins thrusting with no stop in sight "wait- fuckkk... rafe" you cry out feeling like your hole was getting split apart "no no don't start crying like a bitch now, you wanna act like a brat so ill treat you like a brat" rafe says pulling you back to him by your thighs when your try to pull away.

"yeah such a good fucking hole for me" rafe mutters holding your hips feeling his dick press at your stomach making him chuckle at the sight, you turning into a full babbling mess as rafe fucks you, mumbling some incoherent words that you don't even know what you're trying to say "now who do you belong to" rafe asks again moving his hand to wrap around your throat.

you couldn't even respond with how hard he was fucking you and with your climax now brewing in you all you could answer was a bitchy whimper "mm still not the right answer baby guess i get to have more fun" rafe smiles as he goes back to fucking you deep and hard, it felt like your hole was being abused with the way his hips snapped into your ass and his dick hit your spongy walls.

he tightened his hand around your throat slightly "you ready to stop being a bitch now" he asks but you still didn't answer in your cloudy state of mind and soon your spurted your cum all over your chest with a loud moan, a shudder running through your body as rafe still didn't slow down "oh no baby i'm not stoppin' till i get my cum out" rafe smirks cockily from above you.

"please rafe... ngh- please cum" you weakly beg holding onto the bed sheets for stability as his thrusting turns into pounding, each one like a message to you, to stop complaining and bitching about everything "nope that's not my name" rafe says ignoring your request "please daddy i want your cum so fucking badly" you croak finally pleasing rafe to hear you call him daddy.

"yeah you want me to fill this tight hole up" rafe asks deepening his thrusts, wanting to blow his load as far in you as possible "yes daddy i want it so fucking bad" you moan as your walls spasm around rafes cock making him twitch "you're so fucking insatiable" rafe mutters, his eyes snapping shut as he plows into you one more time and cumming with a loud groan.

"yeah taking every fucking drop" he curses riding his high out for as long as possible before he lets out a deep huff and lays next to you "m'sorry for going to hard" rafe apologizes kissing your cheek "you're forgiven" you say with a smile "but do you promise to stop being so bitchy" rafe asks "do you promise to start taking more time to be with me" you ask back and after some thought he agrees and you agree to "i love you y/n" rafe says "i love you too rafe" you reply.

taglist:@mailmango@spermeboy@ghostking4m@gayaristocrat@addictedtomalepits@staarb0y@crispysoup318@its-ares@gargoylesworld09 @kadenvatsune

[stylesispunk]

"Did the love affair maim you too? | Final part

Joel miller x f!reader

previous part

chapter summary: Joel and you perhaps can have a happy ending.

w.c: 14,6k

warnings: angst, fluff, smut and poorly writing because I wrote in a rush and no proofreading.

a/n: Thank you to each one of you who read and enjoyed this fic. The amount of love was overwhelming and I'm thankful for it. This is the last chapter and I tried to make everyone happy with it. By the end, I realized I lost the main plot, but still, it was fun to write but I got bored AND I became a people pleaser with this chapter. Perhaps there will be more of them, some drabbles or things, but thank you so much for reading. I don't think I will write more series for a while, only one shots. Reblogs and comments are always appreciated. Happy reading, so much love for you. 💌

dividers by @/saradika-graphics

You felt the beating of your heart racing as Joel kept staring at you. Those soft brown eyes on looking at you with delicate love now seemed to be a picture you wanted to save and remember as along as you could.

You wanted to find that sense of belonging to someone in a romantic way again, to be protected, to be loved.

“Good morning, Joel” You smiled at him

Joel shifted closer, wrapping his arms around you in a gentle embrace, pulling you against his chest. You nestled into his warmth, feeling safe and content in his arms.

Joel’s hand gently traced patterns on your back, and he chuckled softly. “You know… we forgot to go to Tommy’s last night,” he said, a hint of amusement in his tone.

You looked up at him, a playful smile tugging at your lips. “I think we had more important things on our minds,” you teased lightly, your fingers brushing against his chest.

Joel’s smile widened, and he leaned down to press a kiss to your forehead. “Yeah, I guess we did,” he agreed, his voice filled with warmth.

You laughed softly, feeling a sense of lightness and happiness that had been missing for so long. “I’m sure they’ll understand,” you said, resting your head against his shoulder.

Joel sighed contentedly, holding you a little tighter. “I’m just glad you’re here.” he murmured; his voice filled with a quiet intensity. “That’s all that matters.”

But as he kept his arms wrapped around you, you felt your thought drifting away. You knew you should feel content, but you couldn’t help but think this was a moment of weakness or that may everything you had lived with Joel had been like this.

You didn’t feel the warmth enveloping your heart, but a heavy sense of guilt settled in your chest, weighing you down.

Your thoughts drifted back to your fiancé, to your son. The memories of them were still vivid, the pain of their loss still fresh. How could you let yourself find comfort in someone else’s arms? It felt like a betrayal, like you were somehow dishonoring their memory by moving on. The guilt gnawed at you, making it hard to fully embrace the happiness that Joel was offering.

And then there was Lori. The guilt of her leaving Jackson, of the part you played in her departure, hung over you like a shadow. She had been hurt, her actions driven by a broken heart, and now she was gone because of it. You had wanted her gone, yes, but now that it had happened, it didn’t feel right.

You shifted slightly in Joel’s arms, the weight of your thoughts making it hard to stay still. Joel noticed, his grip on you loosening just enough for him to look at you, concern flickering in his eyes. “What’s wrong?” he asked softly, his voice laced with worry.

“Nothing,” you lied, avoiding his gaze as you tried to push the guilt and unease to the back of your mind.

Joel didn’t press you further, but the concern in his eyes didn’t fade. Instead, he shifted slightly, his grip on you loosening just enough to give you some space. “Do you want to sleep a little bit more?” he asked, his tone gentle, as if he was trying to offer you an escape from whatever was troubling you.

You shook your head, not trusting yourself to speak. The weight of your emotions felt overwhelming, and the last thing you wanted was to burden Joel with your fears and doubts. But the way he was looking at you, with so much care and understanding, made it hard to keep everything bottled up.

Joel’s hand found yours again, his fingers lacing with yours in a comforting grip. “You don’t have to talk about it if you’re not ready,” he said softly, his thumb brushing over the back of your hand. “Sleep a little bit more. I’ll wake you up, later”

You hesitated for a moment, then gave in to the exhaustion that had been weighing on you. You turned back onto the pillow, feeling Joel’s warm presence beside you, and let your eyes close.

As you drifted off, you felt Joel’s hand still holding yours, his thumb gently stroking your skin.

A little while later, you woke up to the sound of hushed voices in the next room. Blinking sleepily, you realized Joel was no longer beside you. The warm spot where he'd been lying was now cool, and the faint murmur of conversation piqued your curiosity.

Quietly, you got out of bed, slipping on the oversized shirt Joel had given you the night before. You moved toward the door, careful not to make any noise as you approached the source of the voices.

You leaned closer to the doorway, straining to hear the conversation.

“I just want to make sure she’s okay,” Joel said, his voice tinged with concern.

Tommy sighed, the sound carrying the weight of the situation. “I saw her this morning,” he replied. “She was at that old cabin near the outskirts—the one we used to take Ellie to when she was younger.”

Joel was silent for a moment, likely processing the information. “And she’s alright? She didn’t try to come back?”

Tommy hesitated before answering. “She seemed... lost, Joel. But she didn’t make any move to come back to Jackson. She knows she’s not welcome here anymore, but she’s not exactly stable either.”

You felt a pang of guilt hearing this. Despite everything that had happened, part of you couldn’t help but feel sorry for Lori. She had lost so much, and now she was completely alone.

“Do you think she’ll stay out there?” Joel asked, his voice quieter now, almost as if he was speaking more to himself than to Tommy.

Tommy let out a weary breath. “I don’t know. She’s unpredictable. But as long as she’s not causing trouble in Jackson, we might be able to avoid any more problems.”

Joel didn’t respond right away, and you could feel the tension hanging in the air. You knew he was torn, worried about what Lori might do next but also reluctant to push her further away.

Tommy spoke up again, “I know you care about her- “

“Don’t” Joel cut in sharply, his voice rough with emotion. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "It's not about that, Tommy”

Tommy nodded, understanding the weight behind Joel's words. "You can't carry all this on your own. She made her choices, Joel. You can't save everyone."

Joel looked away; the strain evident in his clenched jaw. He wanted to protect everyone, to make sure no one else got hurt, but deep down, he knew Tommy was right. Lori was a wild card, and he couldn't control what she would do.

Tommy placed a hand on Joel's shoulder, his voice gentler now. "You’ve got something good here, Joel. Don’t let the past mess that up."

Joel sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as he ran a hand through his hair. "I know, Tommy. I just… I don’t want her to come back and cause more trouble."

Tommy squeezed his shoulder, then released him, giving Joel space to process. "We'll keep an eye on her. If she comes back, we'll deal with it. But right now, you need to focus on what’s in front of you."

Joel finally nodded, the tension slowly easing out of his body. "Yeah, you're right."

But as the conversation faded, you stepped out from where you'd been standing, your heart heavy with the burden of what you'd overheard. You didn’t want to cause more strain between Joel and Tommy, but the mention of Lori staying out there worried you just as much as it did Joel.

you quietly stepped out from the shadows of the hallway, making your presence known. Tommy’s eyes flickered towards you, surprise momentarily crossing his face before it softened into something more understanding.

Joel noticed Tommy’s gaze shift and turned to see you standing there. His expression instantly softened, but there was a flicker of worry in his eyes, as if he was concerned about what you might have overheard.

Tommy offered a small nod in your direction, a silent acknowledgment that you were part of this now, whether Joel fully accepted it or not. "I’ll give you two a moment," Tommy said, his tone gentle as he glanced back at Joel.

"Thanks," Joel muttered, his eyes never leaving yours.

Tommy patted Joel on the back before turning to leave. As he passed by you, he gave you a reassuring smile, one that carried the weight of unspoken support. Then, with a final glance at Joel, Tommy walked out, leaving the two of you alone.

The room was quiet now, the only sound being the faint crackle of the fire in the hearth. Joel’s gaze was heavy on you, filled with concern and an emotion you couldn’t quite place. He took a tentative step towards you, his hand reaching out as if he was unsure whether he should touch you.

"Hey," he said softly, his voice low and full of meaning.

"Hey," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper.

Joel took another step closer, his fingers brushing against your arm. "You heard us, didn’t you?"

You nodded; your heart still heavy with everything you’d overheard. "Yeah, I did."

Joel let out a slow breath, his hand sliding down your arm to take your hand in his. "I didn’t want you to worry."

You hesitated for a moment before stepping closer to Joel, letting him wrap his arms around you. His embrace was warm, but the tension in the air was undeniable.

After a few moments, you pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a serious expression. “Joel,” you began, your voice quiet but firm, “where’s this cabin Tommy was talking about? Where did Lori go?”

Joel’s expression tightened, and he sighed heavily. “It’s an old place, just outside Jackson. We used to use it as a lookout spot, but it’s been abandoned for a while. Lori… she’s been staying there since she left.”

You nodded, processing the information. “Is she okay?”

Joel rubbed the back of his neck, clearly conflicted. “Tommy saw her this morning. She’s alive. That’s what matters for now.”

You felt a knot forming in your stomach, a mix of guilt and concern churning inside you. “I feel like this is my fault,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

Joel immediately shook his head, his grip on your arms tightening slightly. “Don’t you dare think that,” he said, his voice filled with conviction. “Lori made her own choices. You did what you had to do to protect yourself. This isn’t on you.”

“But she’s out there, alone,” you argued, the worry evident in your tone.

Joel’s expression softened, and he cupped your face in his hands, his thumbs gently brushing your cheeks. “You didn’t push her away. She wasn’t safe to be around, and you know that. We can’t save everyone, no matter how much we might want to.”

Joel’s eyes flickered with something unreadable, a mix of emotions he seemed to be wrestling with. He didn’t answer right away, as if he was carefully choosing his words. When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet but steady. “Lori… she was important, yeah. But not in the way you’re thinking.”

You felt your heart tighten in your chest, but you held his gaze, needing to hear the rest.

“She was a part of my life, a part of my past,” Joel continued, his hands still gently holding your face. “But that’s what it is—my past. We went through things together, things that bonded us in a way, but it was never like this.” His eyes softened as he looked at you, his voice dropping to almost a whisper. “What I feel for you… it’s different. It’s real, and it’s now.”

You searched his face for any sign of doubt, but all you saw was sincerity and something deeper—something that made your heart ache in a way that was both painful and comforting.

“Lori’s out there because of her choices, not because of anything you did,” Joel added, his thumbs brushing against your skin in a soothing motion. “And if she ever decides to come back, we’ll deal with it together. But right now, I’m here with you, and that’s what matters to me.”

You nodded, feeling a sense of relief mixed with lingering guilt. “I just… I don’t want to be the reason she’s hurting.”

Joel shook his head again, his expression firm. “You’re not. And you can’t carry that burden, okay? She left you out there to die.”

Joel’s words hit you like a punch to the gut, the reality of the situation sinking in even deeper. He wasn’t sugarcoating it—he was telling you the harsh truth you’d been trying to avoid. Lori had left you to fend for yourself and abandoned you in a way that had nearly cost you everything.

“She made her choices,” Joel continued, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “And those choices weren’t about you—they were about her. She’s got her demons, her reasons, but that doesn’t excuse what she did. You did nothing wrong by protecting yourself.”

You looked down, the guilt still gnawing at you, but Joel’s hand moved to your chin, gently lifting your face so you had to meet his eyes. “Listen to me,” he said, his voice soft but unwavering. “You’re here, with me, because you survived. Because you fought to live. Don’t let her take that away from you.”

A tear slipped down your cheek, and Joel was quick to wipe it away with his thumb, his touch tender. “I know it’s hard,” he whispered. “I know it’s gonna take time to let go of the guilt. But you have to try, for your sake. For us.”

You nodded, feeling a little more of that heavy weight lift off your shoulders. Joel was right—you couldn’t let Lori’s choices define you or what you had now with him.

“I’m trying,” you said, your voice trembling. “I’m really trying.”

Joel’s expression softened even more, and he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to your lips, as if sealing a promise. “That’s all I ask,” he murmured against your lips.

You kissed him back, but this time his lips didn’t taste to a sweet fruit you crave on summer but like the bitter liquor you drank after a hard day as it a sip could take your demons away.

Joel pulled back from the kiss, his gaze lingering on yours with a mix of concern and affection. He could sense the turmoil still brewing inside you, even as you tried to put on a brave face. He sighed, brushing a hand through his hair, clearly reluctant to leave you like this.

“I’ve got to head out for patrol,” he said, his voice laced with reluctance. “But please… don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone.” His eyes searched yours, silently pleading with you to stay safe, to not let your guilt drive you to something reckless.

You nodded, giving him a small, tight-lipped smile. “I’ll be fine,” you assured him, but even as the words left your mouth, you felt the knot in your stomach tighten.

Joel hesitated, as if debating whether to push further, but eventually, he nodded. “I’ll see you later,” he said softly, his fingers lingering on your arm for a moment longer before he turned to leave.

You watched him go, your heart heavy with the weight of everything unsaid. As soon as the door closed behind him, you felt the quiet settle in, amplifying the thoughts swirling in your mind. You couldn’t shake the feeling that you needed to do something—something more than just waiting and hoping things would get better.

Your mind kept drifting back to Lori. Despite everything Joel had said, the guilt gnawed at you, relentless and unyielding. She was out there, alone, and even though you knew she had made her choices, you couldn’t help but feel responsible.

The more you thought about it, the more you realized you couldn’t just sit here and do nothing. You needed to see her, to talk to her, to try and make things right in whatever way you could. Maybe it was foolish, maybe it was reckless, but you felt like it was something you had to do.

You couldn’t bear the thought of a woman out there alone, just as you were not long time ago. You didn’t want anyone to go through that pain.

Without giving yourself time to second-guess the decision, you got up and quickly changed into clothes more suitable for the cold outside. You grabbed your jacket, slipping it on as you glanced around your small home, making sure you had everything you needed.

You knew Joel would be furious if he found out what you were planning, but you couldn’t let that stop you. This was something you had to do, for your own peace of mind. You left the house, pulling the door shut behind you, and started making your way toward the outskirts of Jackson, where you knew the old cabin Lori had been staying in was located.

As you walked, the snow crunched beneath your boots, and the chill in the air seemed to match the cold knot of anxiety in your chest. You couldn’t predict how Lori would react to seeing you again, but you knew you had to try. You had to at least make the effort, even if it was dangerous, even if it meant facing whatever might come next on your own.

The journey to the old cabin where Lori was staying felt longer than it actually was. Every step you took was weighed down by the uncertainty of what awaited you. The cold bit at your skin, the wind whispering through the trees like a warning, but you pressed on, driven by a need to confront what had been gnawing at you since she left.

The cabin finally came into view, tucked away in a secluded area surrounded by thick trees. It looked as worn and isolated as you remembered, with smoke lazily curling from the chimney, indicating that someone was inside. You hesitated at the edge of the clearing, taking a moment to gather your thoughts and calm the racing of your heart.

With a deep breath, you moved forward, your footsteps careful and deliberate as you approached the door. You paused, hand hovering over the wooden surface, the reality of what you were about to do sinking in. But there was no turning back now. You had come this far, and you needed to see it through.

You knocked lightly, the sound echoing in the stillness. For a moment, there was no response, and you wondered if she was even there. But then, you heard movement from inside—a shuffling of feet, the creak of old floorboards—and the door slowly opened.

Lori stood in the doorway, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw you. She looked different, more worn and tired than the last time you had seen her, but there was still a fierceness in her gaze, a hardness that hadn’t been there before. She didn’t say anything at first, just stared at you as if trying to decide whether to slam the door in your face or let you in.

“What are you doing here?” she finally asked, her voice flat, but with an edge of suspicion.

You swallowed, trying to steady your nerves. “I came to talk,” you replied, forcing yourself to meet her gaze.

“Can I come in?”Lori’s eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, you thought she might refuse. But then, with a sigh, she stepped aside, allowing you to enter. The cabin was as sparse as you remembered, with only the bare essentials scattered around—a small table, a few chairs, a cot in the corner, and the fire crackling in the hearth. It was warm inside, but the tension between you made the air feel heavy.

Lori closed the door behind you, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall, watching you with a guarded expression. “Does Joel know you’re here?” she asked, her tone laced with suspicion.

You shook your head. “No,” you admitted. “I came on my own.”

Lori raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical of your motives. “Why? What do you want?”

“I want to talk,” you said, your voice steady despite the nervousness you felt. “I wanted to see if… if there’s any way, we can work this out.”

Lori’s expression hardened at your words, and she shook her head almost immediately. “I’m not going back,” she said firmly. “There’s nothing for me there.”

“Lori, please,” you implored, taking a step closer. “You don’t have to do this alone. We can find a way to make it work. You don’t have to stay out here, isolated from everyone.”

She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head again. “You think it’s that simple?

“I don’t think it’s simple,” you replied, your voice softening. “But I don’t think it’s impossible either. We’ve all made mistakes. We’ve all done things we regret. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep punishing yourself.”

Lori’s gaze softened for just a moment, a flicker of something vulnerable passing through her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by that same hard look. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” she muttered, turning away from you and staring into the fire.

“I know you’re hurting,” you said, taking another step closer. “I know you feel like you’ve lost everything. But running away won’t fix it. It won’t make the pain go away.”

Lori’s shoulders slumped slightly, and for the first time since you arrived, she seemed to waver. She didn’t respond, just stood there, staring into the flames as if searching for answers in the flickering light.

“You don’t love him,” Lori said, her tone laced with bitterness. “I bet every time you see Joel, you wish he were the one you lost when this world went to shit.”

Her words hit you like a slap, the accusation stinging deep. You stood there, unable to respond immediately, the truth of her statement gnawing at you. Lori finally looked up; her eyes hard as they met yours.

“Am I wrong?” she pressed; her gaze unwavering.

You swallowed hard, trying to find the right words, but the guilt you had been carrying made it difficult. “It’s not like that,” you finally said, your voice shaky.

“Isn’t it?” Lori challenged, standing up and taking a step closer to you.

You felt your chest tighten, her words cutting deeper than you expected. “Lori, you don’t understand,” you started, but she cut you off.

“No, you don’t understand,” Lori spat, her voice rising. “You’re just using him to fill the void left by whoever you lost. You’re not in love with him—you’re in love with a memory.”

Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. You could feel your resolve crumbling, the truth in her accusation tearing at you. But deep down, you knew it wasn’t entirely true. Yes, you had lost someone, and yes, the pain of that loss was still with you. But what you felt for Joel was real.

She took a step closer, her eyes fierce and unyielding. “I know it because I had my Joel before,” she continued, her voice breaking slightly as she spoke. “I lost him when the outbreak happened, and I spent years crying over him, wishing he was still here.”

You could see the pain in her eyes, the same pain that had haunted you for so long. “And then Joel came along,” Lori went on, her voice now softer, tinged with regret. “I wanted Joel to be my lover because I felt broken, and he was the only one who made me feel whole again. But it wasn’t fair to him, and it wasn’t fair to me.”

You felt a pang of empathy for Lori, understanding now that you weren’t the only one struggling with feelings of loss and confusion. But that didn’t make her words any easier to hear.

“Lori,” you began, your voice trembling as you tried to find the right words, “I know what you’re saying. I know I’ve been holding on to the past, and maybe I haven’t been fair to Joel. But what I feel for him...I love him and he loves me.”

Lori's expression shifted, the hardness in her eyes softening ever so slightly. You could see the conflict within her, the struggle between the pain she carried and the understanding she was trying to find.

"The world is too shitty for us to be fighting over a man," you continued, your voice steadier now. “We’ve all lost so much, and I know you’re hurting too. But this... this isn’t worth tearing each other apart.”

Lori looked away, her gaze falling to the floor as she let out a long breath. “You’re right,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “We’ve been through too much to waste our energy on this.”

There was a long silence between you, the tension slowly ebbing away as the weight of your shared pain settled between you. Finally, Lori looked up, her eyes meeting yours with a mixture of resignation and acceptance.

“I just... I just wanted to feel like I mattered again,” she said, her voice breaking. “And Joel... he made me feel that way, even if it was just for a little while.”

You took a step closer, your heart aching for her. “You do matter, Lori. To Joel, to Jackson. But you can’t find your worth in someone else. You have to find it in yourself.”

Lori nodded slowly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I know,” she whispered. “I know that now.”

The two of you stood there for a moment, the crackling of the fire the only sound in the cabin. It wasn’t forgiveness, not completely, but it was a step towards understanding—a fragile truce in a world that had taken so much from both of you.

“Come back to Jackson,” you said gently. “It doesn’t have to be like this. You don’t have to be alone.”

You looked at Lori, seeing the pain and confusion in her eyes. The firelight cast flickering shadows across her face, highlighting the raw vulnerability she was trying to hide. Her question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of what had happened between you.

“I know what you did,” you said quietly, your voice steady despite the memories that threatened to surface. “And I won’t pretend it didn’t hurt, or that I wasn’t scared. But I also know that this world has twisted all of us in ways we never could have imagined.”

Lori’s gaze dropped to the floor, shame and regret evident in her expression. You took a deep breath, knowing that what you were about to say would expose a part of yourself you usually kept hidden.

“I’m doing this because I don’t want to be the kind of person this world wants me to be. I don’t want to be consumed by hate, or let fear rule my decisions. And I don’t want you to be that person either. We’ve lost so much, Lori. But we don’t have to lose ourselves.”

She looked up at you, her eyes wide and searching, as if she was trying to understand why you would offer her this chance at redemption. “But how can you forgive me?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “After everything I did... how can you just let it go?”

“I’m not letting that go,” you replied, your voice soft but firm. “But we keep moving forward. We can’t change what’s happened, but we can choose what we do next. I’m choosing to believe that there’s still good in you, and that you deserve a chance to find it again.”

Lori blinked back tears, her tough exterior cracking just enough for you to see the pain and guilt she carried. “I don’t know if I can,” she admitted, her voice barely audible.

“You can,” you assured her. “It won’t be easy, but you can. And you won’t have to do it alone. Come back to Jackson. We can figure it out together.”

Lori hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. “And what about Joel?” she asked, her voice laced with fear. “What if he doesn’t want me back?”

“Joel’s angry,” you said honestly, “but he’s also someone who cares deeply about the people in his life. If you show him that you’re willing to change, I think he’ll find a way to understand. But you have to be willing to take that first step. Both of you will.” You paused, “Not romantically anymore, but as people living in the same place.”

Lori’s gaze lingered on you for a long moment, as if weighing your words. Finally, she nodded, a small, tentative movement that signaled her agreement. “I’ll try,” she whispered, her voice shaky but resolute. “I don’t know if I can do it, but I’ll try.”

“That’s all anyone can ask,” you said, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “Let’s go back to Jackson. Together.”

“They voted me out” she said.

Your smile faltered as Lori’s words sank in. The realization of what that meant hit you like a punch to the gut. Being voted out of Jackson was more than just being asked to leave—it was a declaration that the community no longer trusted you, no longer believed you were safe to have around.

“They… they really did that?” you asked, your voice a mix of disbelief and sadness.

Lori nodded, her expression a mixture of bitterness and resignation. “Yeah. After what happened with you, and… everything else. They decided I wasn’t worth the risk.”

You could see the hurt in her eyes, the pain of being rejected by the only place that could offer any semblance of safety. And despite everything she had done, a part of you couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.

“Lori, I’m so sorry,” you said softly, the weight of her situation pressing down on you. “But maybe… maybe we can talk to them. I can vouch for you. Tell them you’re willing to make things right.”

Lori shook her head, a sad smile on her lips. “It’s too late for that. Even if you could convince Joel, the rest of them won’t listen. They’ve made up their minds.”

You didn’t know what to say. The idea of leaving someone out there alone, especially someone who had been part of your community, felt wrong on every level. But you also knew how fragile trust was in this world, and how quickly it could be lost.

“Then what are you going to do?” you asked, your voice laced with concern.

“I don’t know,” Lori admitted, her shoulders slumping as she wrapped her arms around herself. “Maybe find another group, if I can. Or just… survive on my own. It’s not like I have a lot of options.”

You took a deep breath, your mind racing for any solution that might keep Lori safe. "Come with me," you suggested, your voice urgent. "If they see us together, maybe it'll be different. Maybe they’ll understand, see that you’re willing to make things right."

Lori looked at you, her eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and doubt. For a moment, she seemed to consider it, her gaze flickering with a faint hope. But then she shook her head, her expression hardening as she looked away.

"No," she said firmly. "I can’t do that. If I come back with you, they’ll just see it as me hiding behind you. It’ll look like I’m trying to manipulate my way back in, and that’s not going to work. They’ll never trust me again, not unless I earn it on my own terms."

Her words stung because you knew she was right. Trust was fragile, especially in a world where survival depended on it. The community needed to see that she was willing to stand on her own, to prove herself without relying on someone else’s influence.

"But what if something happens to you out here?" you pressed, the thought of leaving her alone gnawing at you. "You’re safer in Jackson, with people who can help you."

Lori smiled sadly, a wistful look in her eyes. "I know the risks. But if I’m ever going to have a chance at getting back what I’ve lost, I have to do it my way. I’d rather have their approval than their pity."

You could see the determination in her eyes, the fierce independence that had kept her alive for so long. It was the same trait that made her both strong and dangerous, and you realized that there was nothing you could say to change her mind.

"Just… be careful, okay?" you said finally, your voice thick with emotion. "I don’t want to see you get hurt."

"I will," Lori promised, her voice softening as she met your gaze. "And thank you, for coming out here. For trying."

You nodded, a heavy sense of resignation settling in your chest. There was nothing more you could do, no more words that could bridge the gap between the two of you. All you could do was hope that Lori would find her way, that she would survive long enough to prove herself.

With one last look at her, you turned and made your way back to Jackson, the weight of the conversation lingering heavily on your shoulders. You knew that this wasn’t the end, not for Lori, not for you. But for now, all you could do was return to the life you had built, even as the echoes of the past threatened to pull you back.

As you walked away, Lori stood at the entrance of the cabin, watching you go, her expression unreadable. The distance between you grew, both physical and emotional until she was just a figure in the distance, a reminder of the choices that had brought you both to this point.

You arrived back in Jackson, the familiar sight of the town coming into view as you crossed the threshold. It was quiet, the usual hustle and bustle of the day beginning to wind down as the sun dipped lower in the sky. But as you approached the center of town, you could hear raised voices—Joel's voice, loud and angry, cutting through the stillness.

Following the sound, you found Joel near the gates, his posture tense as he argued with a couple of men who had been on watch duty. His face was a mask of frustration and fury, his fists clenched at his sides as he spoke.

"What the hell were you thinking, letting her go out on her own?" Joel barked, his voice carrying an edge that sent a chill down your spine. "You know damn well how dangerous it is out there!"

One of the men, looking both intimidated and defensive, tried to respond. "We didn’t think she’d go far, Joel. She’s handled herself before—"

"That’s not the point!" Joel snapped, cutting him off. "It’s not about whether she can handle herself. It’s about the fact that you let her go out there alone without telling anyone!"

The other man, clearly trying to diffuse the situation, spoke up. "We’re sorry, Joel. We didn’t think—"

"No, you didn’t," Joel growled, his anger barely contained. "And if something had happened to her…"

The rest of his sentence trailed off as his gaze shifted, and he finally noticed you standing there. His eyes narrowed, but unlike usual, his expression didn’t soften. Instead, there was a mix of relief, anger, and something else you couldn’t quite place.

"Where the hell were you?" he demanded, his voice low and rough as he took a few steps toward you.

You opened your mouth to respond, but the weight of his anger and concern made the words stick in your throat.

"I was…" you hesitated, knowing how furious he would be when he found out. "I went to see Lori."

Joel's eyes widened in shock, and then they darkened with anger. He ran a hand through his hair, pacing slightly as he tried to process what you’d just said.

"You what?" he finally said, his voice dangerously quiet. "You went to see her? After everything that happened?"

You nodded, feeling small under the intensity of his gaze. "I had to. I needed to talk to her, to make sure she was okay. She’s out there, Joel, and she’s all alone."

Joel’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, he looked like he was struggling to keep his anger in check. "And you thought it was a good idea to go out there by yourself? Without telling anyone?"

"I knew you’d try to stop me," you admitted, your voice wavering. "I thought if I went alone, I could handle it."

"Handle it?" Joel echoed, incredulous. "Do you have any idea how reckless that was? What if something had happened to you? What if she had—"

"She didn’t," you interrupted, your voice firmer now. "I’m fine, Joel. I’m here, and nothing happened."

"But it could have," Joel shot back, his voice thick with frustration. "You can’t just go off like that, not when there’s so much at stake."

You could see the fear behind his anger, the desperation in his eyes as he looked at you. He was scared, not just for you but for everything you represented in his life. And that fear was fueling his anger now, making him lash out because he didn’t know how else to deal with it.

"I’m sorry," you said softly, stepping closer to him. "I didn’t mean to worry you. I just… I couldn’t leave things the way they were."

Joel sighed, his shoulders slumping as some of the tension drained out of him. He looked at you, his expression torn between anger and something softer, something more vulnerable.

"I can’t lose you," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

“You won’t, but you need to stop being an asshole to everyone” you said.

 Joel blinked, taken aback by your bluntness. He opened his mouth to respond but closed it just as quickly, clearly struggling with his emotions. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh, rubbing the back of his neck as he looked away.

“I know I’ve been hard on everyone,” he admitted, his voice low. “But it’s just... I’ve been so damn scared of losing you, of losing anyone else. It’s like every time I think about what could happen, I—”

“—you push people away,” you finished for him, your tone gentle but firm. “But, Joel, you can’t protect everyone by building walls around yourself. You have to let people in, let them help you. We’re all in this together, whether you like it or not.”

“And you need to stop being weak” he said, as if he had found the words to get back at you for something.

The words cut deep, and you felt a surge of anger and hurt rise within you. You took a step back, your hands clenching into fists at your sides as you struggled to keep your emotions in check.

“Stop being weak?” you echoed, your voice trembling slightly. “Joel, I’m trying my best to handle everything that’s been thrown at me. I’m not perfect, but I’m not weak.”

"Being weak got your boyfriend killed, right?" Joel’s words echoed in your mind, the pain of them mingling with the pain of your past. It felt like a knife twisting deeper into a wound that had never fully healed.

“Don’t you dare use that against me,” you said, your voice shaking with a mix of anger and sadness. “I’ve been trying my hardest to move forward, to deal with everything that’s happened. You can’t just throw my past in my face like that.”

Joel’s face softened, his eyes wide with regret as he saw the effect of his words. He reached out as if to bridge the gap you’d created, but you took another step back, shaking your head.

“No,” you said firmly. “You can’t do that. You can’t keep using my pain to justify your own frustrations. We both have our struggles, and we both have to face them. But that doesn’t mean we get to hurt each other.”

Joel’s shoulders slumped, his anger giving way to a weary sadness. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly, his voice breaking. “I didn’t mean to—”

“Just stop,” you interrupted, holding up a hand. "Are this how things are going to be between us?" You asked, no payback, just a tense voice.

"What do you mean?" he asked, regretting lacing on his voice.

"Every time I do something you don't like you will throw something at me?"

Joel looked away, his gaze shifting to the floor as if searching for the right words. The weight of your question seemed to hit him hard, and he struggled to meet your eyes again.

“No,” he finally said, his voice low. “That’s not what I want. I don’t want to hurt you. I just... I’m dealing with a lot, and sometimes I don’t know how to handle it. But that’s no excuse for pushing you away or being unfair.”

You could see the conflict in his eyes, the internal battle between his pain and his desire to make things right. It was clear he was struggling, and for a moment, you felt a pang of sympathy despite the hurt he’d caused.

“Then we need to figure out a way to communicate better,” you said, trying to keep your voice steady. “If we keep doing this, hurting each other, it’s never going to work. We need to be able to talk without tearing each other down.”

Joel nodded slowly, his expression softening. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’ll work on it. I just… I need to do better. For us.”

“Joel, I… I think we need to take a step back,” you began, your voice gentle but firm. “We can’t be together as a couple right now. Not until we’ve both done some healing—on our own.”

Joel’s brow furrowed, and you could see the hurt flicker across his face. “What are you saying?” he asked quietly, his grip on your arms loosening.

“I’m saying that we’ve both been through so much, and we’re still carrying all that pain,” you explained. “It’s not fair to either of us to try to make this work when we’re still so broken inside. We’re just going to end up hurting each other more.”

Joel looked down; his jaw clenched tightly. He was silent for a moment, clearly struggling with your words.

Joel’s silence stretched, and you could see the emotions warring within him. Finally, he looked up, his eyes meeting yours with a mix of sadness and resignation.

“I get it,” he said quietly, his voice rough. “I do. It’s just… hard to accept. I don’t want to lose you, but I understand if we need to take a step back.”

You nodded, feeling a mix of relief and sadness. “I don’t want to lose you either, Joel. That’s why we need to do this. We need to heal separately so we can be better for each other, if we decide to come back together.”

Joel sighed heavily, rubbing a hand over his face. “I’ll try to do better. For myself, for us. And… I’ll see the therapist. Maybe it’ll help.”

“I think it will,” you said softly, giving him a reassuring smile. “It’s a good step. For both of us.”

Joel nodded, his expression softening a bit. “Okay. I’ll give it a shot. But just know… I care about you. A lot.”

“I care about you too,” you replied, your voice wavering slightly. “And that’s why we need to do this. We need to take care of ourselves first.”

With a final, heavy sigh, Joel gave you a small, bittersweet smile. “Alright. I’ll see you around then.”

You took a step closer, closing the distance between you, and reached out to gently touch his face. His eyes met yours, filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty.

Before either of you could say more, you leaned in and pressed a soft, reassuring kiss to his lips. It was a gentle, tender gesture, a promise that despite the distance you both needed, the feelings between you remained.

Joel’s eyes closed momentarily as he returned the kiss, his grip on your shoulders tightening just enough to convey his emotions. When you finally pulled away, you could see the depth of his feelings in his gaze—a silent acknowledgment that while things were changing, the connection between you was still strong.

“Thank you,” he said quietly, his voice barely a whisper. “For understanding. For everything.”

You gave him a small, encouraging smile. “We’re both doing our best. That’s all we can ask of each other.”

Joel nodded, his expression softening with a mixture of gratitude and sadness. “I’ll see you around,” he repeated, a bit more firmly this time.

With one last, lingering look, he turned and walked away, leaving you standing there with a heavy heart and a sense of resolve. You knew it would be hard, but you were hopeful that with time and effort, both of you could find the healing you needed.

++

When Joel woke up, the world seemed disjointed, fragmented. He was greeted with concerned faces, but the familiarity of their voices felt distant. As the days passed, it became clear that Joel had lost significant portions of his memory. He struggled to piece together the events leading up to the ambush, and his sense of self was clouded by confusion.

The emotional impact was profound. Joel had always been someone who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, but now he found himself grappling with an added burden: the loss of his own past. He could remember fragments—snippets of conversations, fleeting images—but the continuity of his life felt like a puzzle with missing pieces.

In the midst of this struggle, Joel faced the raw, unfiltered emotions that had been buried under layers of anger and pain. Without the anchor of his memories, he found himself confronted with feelings he had tried to suppress or ignore. The realization of what he had lost, both in terms of his past and his relationship with you, hit him with an intensity that left him vulnerable and exposed.

The days were a whirlwind of emotions for Joel. He felt anger at his own helplessness, frustration at not being able to remember crucial parts of his life, and deep sadness for the connections that seemed to have slipped away from him. His interactions with you were strained. He knew you were important, but the specifics of why were obscured by the fog of his memory.

Joel’s struggle was evident in the way he reached out for fragments of normalcy. He would sit quietly in the corners of the community, trying to piece together his past by observing others. Conversations with you were tinged with an awkward formality, as if he were trying to bridge a gap that couldn’t be fully crossed.

As time went on, Joel began to lean on you more, searching for comfort in your presence. Your patience and support became a lifeline for him, a way to ground himself amidst the confusion. He struggled to reconcile the past he could no longer fully recall with the present he was living through.

You, too, found yourself grappling with the new reality. Seeing Joel in such a fragile state was heartbreaking. You wanted to help him, to be there for him, but the dynamics of your relationship had shifted. The boundaries you had set were still in place, but the lines between them were now blurred by Joel’s struggle and your own feelings of helplessness.

Despite the pain and frustration, there were moments of clarity and connection. The more Joel leaned on you, the more he began to remember the warmth of your presence, the comfort of your touch. Though the memories of your shared past were fragmented, the emotional bond between you was something that transcended the gaps in his recollection.

++

Joel’s journey through therapy was arduous. Each session was a test of patience and introspection, peeling back layers of his past and the wounds he had kept buried. The process was slow, and the progress often seemed incremental. He confronted painful memories and learned to navigate his emotions, guided by the therapist’s steady support.

Despite the difficulties, Joel showed up for each session, driven by a desire to heal and a growing understanding of the importance of addressing his issues. He learned to articulate his feelings and confront his fears. The therapy sessions began to shift something within him—a deeper recognition of his own vulnerabilities and a burgeoning sense of hope.

In the midst of this, Joel's thoughts frequently returned to Lori and you. He knew that if there was any chance of reconciliation or understanding, it had to start with bringing Lori back into the fold. His own healing process had taught him the value of second chances and the importance of confronting unresolved issues.

One crisp morning, after several weeks of therapy, Joel set out to find Lori. He had been keeping tabs on her location, and while he understood the risks, he was determined to make things right. When he finally located her, she was in a makeshift camp on the outskirts of a small, struggling community.

“Lori,” Joel said, his voice carrying concern as he approached her. “We need to talk.”

Lori looked up; her expression wary but curious. “Joel,” she said, her voice tinged with both surprise and apprehension. “What are you doing here?”

Joel took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “I’ve been working on myself. Trying to make things right. And I think... I think it’s time for us to address what happened between us.”

Lori’s eyes softened slightly, though she remained guarded. “And what does that mean?”

“It means,” Joel said, taking a step closer, “that I want to try and bring you back to Jackson. There’s a chance for reconciliation, but it starts with making amends.”

Lori studied him for a long moment, the hesitation clear in her eyes. “Why would I go back there? They’ve already decided I’m not welcome.”

Joel nodded, understanding her reluctance. “They might have voted you out, but people change. And I think there’s a chance for you to make things right. I can vouch for you. I’ve been through a lot of my own healing, and I believe in second chances.” He paused “And I believe on her” he said, referring to you.

Lori’s gaze softened further, the walls she had built around herself starting to crumble. “And what if they don’t want me back? What if they still see me as a threat?”

“We won’t know until we try,” Joel said firmly. “I believe in giving people a chance, and I’m willing to stand up for you.”

After a long pause, Lori finally nodded. “Alright. If you’re willing to vouch for me, I’ll give it a try.”

Joel offered a small, hopeful smile. “Okay. Let’s head back to Jackson.”

The journey back was quiet but filled with a tentative sense of hope. When they arrived, the tension was palpable. The community was wary, and the reception was far from warm. However, Joel’s presence and the commitment he showed in standing by Lori’s side made a difference.

Lori had to prove herself, and the community had to come to terms with her return. Not only because she was a threat to you in a moment. But the fact that she was given a chance was a testament to the power of redemption and the possibility of new beginnings.

Joel’s own healing continued as well, bolstered by his actions and the steps he took to make amends. His relationship with you remained on a path of gradual recovery. While there were still challenges to face, the progress made was a testament to the strength of the bonds that held the community together and the resilience of the individuals within it.

In the end, Joel’s journey was a reflection of the broader struggles and triumphs of a world striving to rebuild itself, one step at a time.

while you were in the infirmary tending to a few minor injuries and organizing supplies, Joel walked in with Lori at his side. The atmosphere was quiet, the usual hum of activity in the infirmary providing a backdrop to the scene.

You looked up from your work, your hands wiping off the last traces of blood from a bandage, and saw Joel approaching. A lump formed in your throat as you took in the sight of Lori walking behind him, her posture guarded but resolute.

“Hey,” Joel said, his voice carrying a note of cautious optimism. “I brought Lori here for you to check on her. She’s been having some issues with her leg.”

You nodded, trying to mask your apprehension. “You’re back” you said, feeling a lump forming on your throat.

Lori nodded as she moved towards the examination table with a hesitant but determined stride. She glanced at you, her expression a mixture of anxiety and hope.

you greeted her softly, trying to sound as neutral as possible. “How’s it been? What happened to your leg?”

Lori took a deep breath, her voice steady despite the uncertainty. “It’s been a rough few days. Just a scrape that’s gotten worse.”

As you began to examine her leg, you noticed Joel standing nearby. You could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on you, anxiety mingled with a sense of unease as you tried to focus on the task at hand.

“Looks like it’s inflamed,” you said, carefully cleaning the wound. “I’ll need to get some antibiotics on it and make sure it doesn’t get any worse.”

“Thank you,” Lori said quietly, her eyes meeting yours. “I know it’s been complicated between us.”

You offered her a small, strained smile. “It’s okay. We all have our struggles. I’m just glad to see you making an effort.”

Joel watched the interaction closely, his expression a mixture of concern and relief. He understood the complexities of the situation and was grateful for the chance to make things right.

As you finished treating Lori’s leg, you couldn’t help but feel a pang of discomfort. The process of healing was never straightforward, and the emotional weight of the past few weeks lingered in the air.

“Thanks,” Lori said, standing up with a tentative smile. “I appreciate it.”

“No problem,” you replied, trying to sound as sincere as possible. “If you need anything else, just let me know.”

Joel gave you a small, appreciative nod. “Thanks for taking care of her.”

You watched as Joel and Lori left the infirmary, a mix of emotions swirling within you. The path to reconciliation and healing was long and often challenging, but moments like these—where you faced the past and worked towards a better future—were steps in the right direction.

You hoped that in time, things would settle into a new normal. For now, you focused on the present, knowing that the journey of healing for everyone involved was far from over.

As you were lost in your own thoughts, you didn’t hear the steps approaching.

Joel walked back into the infirmary a few minutes after leaving with Lori. His demeanor was different now, less tentative and more determined. He approached with a sense of urgency, his expression revealing his frustration and a touch of exasperation.

You looked up from the stack of bandages you had been organizing, noticing the intensity in his gaze. The uncertainty and lingering doubts you had been grappling with seemed to settle around you, making your heart race a little faster.

“Hey,” Joel said, his voice cutting through the quiet of the infirmary.

“Hey” you said, avoiding his gaze. “I see Lori is back” you added, not wanting to sound bitter because you weren’t. You could see everyone was trying to make better version of themselves.

Her, Joel and you.

There were broken versions hoping to be fixed.

Joel’s eyes followed your gaze to the door, still looking a bit out of place in the infirmary. He took a deep breath before speaking, clearly trying to manage his frustration.

“Yeah,” he said, his tone carrying a tint of relief and irritation. “She’s back. I know it’s been a lot to take in, and I get that you’re unsure- “

“I’m not.” You said, voice trembling even when you felt sure about your feelings towards Joel.

Joel's expression softened as he heard the tremble in your voice. He stepped closer, his frustration giving way to concern and understanding. “Then what is it?” he asked gently, searching your eyes for the answer. “You seem sad today.”

Joel’s frustration was evident as he took a deep breath, trying to keep his tone even. “I’m tired of this,” he began, his voice steady but laced with underlying frustration. “I’m tired of you doubting what we have, of you questioning whether or not it’s worth it. I’m tired of feeling like I’m the only one trying to make things work.”

Your gaze fell to the floor, feeling the weight of his words. You had been struggling with your own fears and uncertainties, and it was clear that Joel’s patience was wearing thin.

“Joel, it’s not that I don’t care,” you said quietly. “It’s just—”

“Just what?” Joel interrupted, his voice rising slightly. “Just that you’re scared? I get it, I really do. But we can’t keep going in circles like this. I’m here, and I’m trying. But if you’re not on the same page, if you’re not willing to fight for us, then what are we even doing?”

His words hit hard, but they also struck a chord of truth. You had been hesitant, afraid of getting hurt again, and it was affecting your ability to fully commit to the relationship. Joel’s frustration was palpable, and you knew that this conversation was long overdue.

“What else I have to do to prove that you’re it for me?” he asked.

Joel’s question hung in the air, heavy with emotion. You could see the intensity in his eyes, the way his frustration was mixed with desperation. He had been fighting for you, for the relationship, and now he was asking for something in return—your commitment, your belief in what you two could be together.

You swallowed hard, the weight of his words pressing down on you. “I know you’ve been trying, Joel,” you began, your voice soft but steady. “And I see that. I see how much you care, how much you’re willing to do for us. But… it’s not just about proving something to me. It’s about proving it to yourself too.”

Joel’s brow furrowed, his gaze never leaving yours. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… we both have our scars,” you continued, your voice trembling slightly. “And I’m scared, yes. But I think you’re scared too. Scared of getting hurt again, of losing someone else. And that’s why we keep going in circles, why it’s so hard to fully trust in this.”

Joel’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t interrupt. You could see that he was listening, really listening, to what you were saying. He took a deep breath, his gaze steady and intense. Walking towards you, he cupped your face in his hands “I could hit my head a hundred times,” he said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of his emotions, “and I would come back to you each time.”

You looked up at him, a mix of surprise and emotion swirling in your eyes. His words cut through the uncertainty you’d been feeling, touching on something deeper and more enduring than just the day-to-day struggles.

“Why?” you asked softly, searching his face for the meaning behind his declaration. “Why would you keep coming back?”

Joel’s expression softened, and he stepped closer, his hand gently resting on your arm. “Because you matter to me more than anything,” he said, his voice earnest. “I know we’ve got a lot to work through, and it’s not going to be easy. But every time I think of us, it’s like everything else falls away. It’s always you.”

You swallowed, feeling a lump form in your throat. “And you?”

Joel nodded, a small, sincere smile on his lips. “And me. Even when things get tough, or when I mess up, it’s you I want to be with. It’s you I want to make things right with.”

The sincerity in his words struck a chord within you. You could see how deeply he cared, despite the flaws and the struggles that had come between you. It was a reminder that, despite the difficulties, there was something real and lasting between you.

“I’m willing to try,” you said, your voice trembling slightly but full of conviction.

Joel’s smile widened, a look of relief and affection shining in his eyes. “Deal,” he said softly, pulling you into a gentle embrace.

"How is therapy going?" you asked.

Joel shifted slightly in your embrace before pulling back just enough to meet your gaze. His expression was a mix of vulnerability and hope. “It’s… it’s going. Not easy, but I’m trying to face things I’ve been avoiding for a long time.”

You nodded, giving him an encouraging smile. “That’s good to hear. It’s important to confront those things.”

Joel sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, well, it’s more than just talking about it. It’s about figuring out how to move forward. I’m learning that it’s not just about fixing what’s broken, but understanding why it was broken in the first place.”

“Sounds like you’re making progress,” you said gently.

Joel’s eyes softened as he looked at you. “It is. And having support—like you—makes it a bit easier. I appreciate you being here, even when things get complicated.”

You gave him a warm smile.

Joel's gaze lingered on yours, a mix of determination and affection in his eyes. Without a word, he gently cupped your face in his hands, his thumbs brushing against your cheeks. The warmth of his touch conveyed everything he couldn’t put into words.

He leaned in, his lips finding yours in a tender, lingering kiss. It was soft and deliberate, a silent promise of his commitment and his feelings for you. The kiss was more than just an expression of love; it was an affirmation of the bond you both shared, a way of showing that despite the challenges, there was still something deeply real and enduring between you.

When he finally pulled away, his eyes searched yours with a mixture of vulnerability and hope. “I just needed you to know that,” he said quietly. “You’re important to me, and I’m not giving up on us.”

You smiled, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over you.

“Let me love you” he whispered on your lips.

When Joel whispered those words, so close that his breath mingled with yours, it sent a shiver down your spine. His vulnerability, laid bare in that simple plea, tugged at something deep inside you. For so long, you had both danced around your fears and uncertainties, but here he was, asking for a chance to break through all of that.

Your heart swelled with a mixture of emotions—relief, love, and a lingering hint of that old fear. But as you looked into Joel’s eyes, filled with a hope that you hadn’t seen in him before, you felt something inside your shift.

You leaned in, closing the small gap between you, and let your lips meet his in a gentle, lingering kiss.

rushed and desperate, as a silent promise between the two of you.

But then, you pulled back just slightly, enough to catch your breath and regain some sense of where you were. “We are in the infirmary, Joel,” you whispered against his lips, a soft smile tugging at the corners of your mouth. Your words were a gentle reminder of the boundaries you still needed to respect, even in the midst of everything you were feeling.

Joel let out a small, breathless laugh, his forehead resting against yours as he tried to gather himself. “Yeah, I know,” he murmured, his voice laced with both amusement and a lingering desire. “But I needed some kisses from my favorite lady.

You chuckled softly, feeling a warmth spread through you at his words. “Well, your favorite lady is very flattered,” you replied, your tone teasing as you brushed a hand through his hair. “But I think she might need to get back to work before someone walks in on us.”

Joel sighed dramatically, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “Fine, fine. I’ll let you get back to your work,” he said, though he didn’t make a move to step away just yet. Instead, he pressed one last, quick kiss to your lips, as if he couldn’t resist.

“See you later, then,” he murmured, his voice filled with affection and something deeper, something that spoke to the connection you were slowly rebuilding.

“Later,” you echoed, your smile lingering as he finally released you and took a step back, his eyes still warm with unspoken feelings.

As you returned to your work, your thoughts kept drifting back to Joel. The way he had kissed you, the way he had spoken to you—it was clear that he was committed to making things work between you two. And deep down, you knew that you were too. The road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but you were both willing to walk it together.

Time passed quickly as you immersed yourself in your tasks, trying to push away the thoughts of what had just transpired. But the memory of his touch, his words, lingered with you, making your heart ache in a bittersweet way.

Later, as the day began to wind down and the infirmary grew quieter, you found yourself thinking about what the evening might bring. Would Joel come by to see you again? Would you two have a chance to talk more, to start building something real and solid between you?

Just as you were finishing up for the day, you heard the door to the infirmary creak open. You turned, half-expecting it to be another patient or one of the other medics. But when you saw Joel standing there, leaning casually against the doorframe with a soft smile on his face, your heart skipped a beat.

“Hey,” he said, his voice low and warm. “Thought I’d come by and see if you needed anything.”

You smiled, feeling a familiar flutter in your chest. “Hey yourself,” you replied, wiping your hands on your scrubs. “I was just finishing up.”

He took a step closer, his eyes never leaving yours. “Good timing, then,” he said with a slight grin. “Mind if I walk you home?”

Your smile widened, and the idea of spending more time with him made your heart swell with affection. “I’d like that,” you said softly.

As you and Joel walked through the quiet streets of Jackson, the cool evening air wrapped around you like a comforting blanket. The sounds of the community winding down for the night were all around—distant chatter, the occasional clatter of dishes being put away, the soft hum of generators. It was a rare moment of peace in a world that had seen so much chaos.

Joel walked close beside you, his presence grounding and reassuring. Neither of you felt the need to fill the silence with words; the simple act of being together was enough. Yet, the unspoken connection between you was palpable, a gentle reminder of the kiss you had shared earlier and the emotions that had been laid bare.

As you approached your house, your home came into view. The warm glow of the lantern inside spilled out through the window, casting a welcoming light on the porch. You hesitated for a moment, not quite ready for the evening to end, and it seemed Joel felt the same.

He stopped a few steps away from the door, turning to face you fully. His expression was softer now, the earlier intensity replaced by a quiet tenderness that made your heart ache in the best possible way.

“I know things have been… complicated,” Joel began, his voice low and earnest. “But I meant what I said earlier. I’m not giving up on us. We’ve both been through hell, but I want to make this work. I want us to work.”

You felt a lump form in your throat, his words hitting you with a depth of sincerity that left you momentarily speechless. But you knew he was right—this was something worth fighting for, and you were ready to face whatever challenges came your way.

“I want that too, Joel,” you finally said, your voice soft but steady. “We’ve been through so much already. We can get through this too. Together.”

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he reached out to gently take your hand in his. His touch was warm and comforting, and you felt a sense of calm wash over you as your fingers intertwined.

For a moment, the two of you stood there, holding hands in the soft glow of the lantern light, the world around you fading into the background. It was just the two of you, standing at the edge of something new and uncertain, but also something beautiful.

Finally, Joel broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. “Can I… come in?”

You looked up at him, your heart racing as you considered the question.

With a small, hopeful smile, you nodded. “Yeah. I’d like that.”

Together, you walked up the steps and into the house, the door closing softly behind you. Inside, the room was warm and inviting, a small oasis in a world that had taken so much from both of you. As you stood there, taking in the familiarity of your surroundings, you felt a sense of peace settle over you.

Joel didn’t say anything as he gently pulled you into a kiss. Joel’s arms wrapped around you with a gentle yet firm grip, pulling you closer as his lips met yours. The kiss was tender, filled with all the unspoken emotions that had been building between you—the longing, the pain, the hope. It was a moment of pure connection, where words weren’t necessary because everything you needed to say was conveyed in the way he held you, in the way his lips moved against yours.

As the kiss deepened, you could feel the weight of the world outside fading away, leaving only the two of you in this quiet, stolen moment. Joel’s hand slid up to cradle the back of your head, his fingers threading through your hair, anchoring you to him. The way he kissed you was both gentle and possessive, as if he were afraid to let go, as if he needed this as much as you did.

“Need to…” He whispered against your lips, sounding almost desperate, running his hands down your waist to your ass.

Your breath became heave, feeling his hands roaming all your body as if you were the most precious treasure for him. Joel started leaving small kisses on your neck, as his hand travelled down the curve of one of your hips, gripping your skin all over the material of your clothes. He whispered your name against your skin, leaving goosebumps traced on it.

Your arched your back, moaning his name, making Joel go crazy. He grabbed you by your hips, effortlessly lifting you up to sit on the edge of your table, with him standing between your spread legs. Kissing Joel for real felt like driving in a dead-end street, like crushing your bones against the waves of the sea just to be brought back to life. And he also felt like the sun at the end of summer burning deep down your legs being carried out by passion and desire.

A gasp escaped from your throat, Joel’s mouth moving over yours in slow motion, savoring the taste of your lips to never forget it again. Your kisses felt like eating the sweetest fruit in summer.

as your legs spread, giving him closer access to you. As the kiss deepened, the feeling wasn’t just magical, but it was hot, with his tongue against yours. There wasn’t a proper way to get closer, but you wanted him closer, you wanted to feel him on top of you.

Joel slowly detached his lips from yours, looking flustered at the intensity of the kiss you had just shared.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

You quickly nodded, as you traced your hands on his hair down to his neck and rapidly connected your lips with him. This time it was even hotter, now there was desperation in the touch.

The air in the room grew heavier, filled with the sound of small whines slipping from your lips as he travelled his way down your neck with his lips, you felt like his own canvas being delicately traced by his lips brushing over your skin, planting tattooed kisses on his way.

He was capturing every second of this in his mind, the taste of your mouth, the softness of your skin, and the sound falling out from your lips, as he didn't stop taking every visible inch of your skin in his mouth. Every touch sent shivers straight down where you wanted him the most.

A slow moan escaped from your lips as he hit the hot skin of your neck.

"Everything's f-" You shut him down by furiously attaching his lips back to yours. His hand left the back of your neck, traveling down your chest as he remembered how every inch of your body felt under his touch and he smiled against your lips. The ache between your tights intensified at that, all while his hand pushed under your skirt and brushed where you wanted to be touched the most.

"Oh" you breathed.

Joel stopped kissing you for a moment to look at you, and he had a small smirk on his lips because he knew what he was doing. Leading not only by the desire but because of the mixed feelings he had for you.

And at that moment, breathing heavily against each other's faces, he kissed you again, and this time he went for it. He grabbed your bottom lip between his teeth as his hand rose higher on your tight.

He grabbed your waist, pulling you closer in a quick motion, your hand on your back holding your tight. You fell against his chest, falling apart under his gaze and touch. His lips pressed against you with a crazy need.

Your heart was beating so loudly in your ears when he kept caressing every inch of you, making you spin. His palm smoothed over the curve of your waist down to your bum and gripped it tightly, moving you even closer to him.

You let out a whine at that, and one your legs was pulling him on hold, kissing down his neck. You could feel him clenching under you.

He let out a groan, while you moved your hand along his chest down to his jeans, his own hand leaving your body to grasp your hold against him. He groaned low against you.

He stopped kissing you to meet your eyes briefly.

“I want you,” he said, capturing your lips as his teeth grabbed your bottom lip and his hand cupped the side of your face.

“You can have me” you whispered, resting your forehead on his.

He leaned forward, capturing your lips as he unbuttoned your blouse, your hands working on his jeans, and planted kisses on his mouth. Kissing him deeply as one of your hands rested between you two, as you wrapped your hand around him.

His hands on your hips to hold you right there. The air in your lungs was trapped in a bubble of incredible pleasure, but it still found a way to escape in rushed moans against his mouth as you both kept devouring each other.

He groaned against your mouth, lips parting, unable to utter other things instead of whimpers that drove you absolutely crazy.

Your whimper got stuck on your throat when you felt his finger pushing through your hot entrance. You were already soaked and Joel lost his mind at the feeling of you squeezing around his finger. He attached his lips once again, drinking your moans as he started pumping his fingers, slowly then building up the pace. Your lips attached to his neck, leaving traces of your kissed on his skin, claiming him, possessive and graceful.

"Fuck….Bedroom," you whispered softly, not breaking the kiss.

Once you stepped in your room, you were lying on your back with him on top, taking your lips back to his again.

You placed your arms around his neck and opened your legs so he could go closer to you, moaning at the sensation of him against where you wanted him most.

You kept your lips attached as he ground his hips against yours, sending electricity running through your body. He groaned into the skin of your neck, yanking his jeans and underwear off. Your gentle grasp on him caused him to whimper.

He drew you closer to him by your hips as you continued to devour one other, you couldn't stop the joy and the dazzling fireworks traveling up to your lower stomach were stronger than your thoughts. You were utterly out of breath, and you wanted him so bad it ached that you felt your lungs would catch fire.

You couldn't really comprehend what he was saying on the skin of your chest because your mind was consumed by the overwhelming desire to have him as you needed right now.

He paused kissing you and spreading kisses on your chest for a moment to gaze at your parted lips and your chest rising and falling as a result of him, and he couldn't lie, he felt proud of his lasting control over you.

"Are you going to f-"

You couldn't finish before he snatched your lips back, dragging you around his waist and grinding himself against you, making you moan against his lips. With such want, you could feel the aching growing up between your tights.

"Don’t be a brat” he huskily whispered in your ear, making your knees weak.

Before you could fire your retort, his fingers teasingly caressed your core. He seemed to be having a good time and enjoying every second of you squirming under him. Your head fell back to the bed, a gentle but irritated murmur from your lips. When he saw your reaction, he smiled, and you felt the delicate touch of his fingers stroking across your core.

"Oh," you whimpered, out of breath.

His soft lips caressed every single area of your skin on your chest, just over your red bra, with an agonizing slowness that made you insane and roll your eyes of pure pleasure. The one he unhooked with one hand so swiftly you gasped, a sound drowned out by the sensation of his lips over your nipples while he continued to pound on you at your core.

He greets you with a laugh, his cheeks exposing his dimples, and his eyes shining at the sight of you.

"Joel, please…" you grumbled.

He sucked on a nipple, causing your back to arch as he gripped your hips to the bed before meeting your eyes, absorbing every inch of your face lost in the joy of the moment, stroking your checks with his thumb.

You gripped the gem of his t-shirt to remove it, leaving no barrier between the two of you.

He moved between your tights, spreading them apart once more, and welcomed himself into you. You hadn't had him since that night when you confessed to him, and he felt even bigger than you remembered, and you both gasped when he began thrusting inside. He pushed his forehead against your neck, kissing you softly over the skin.

"You're beautiful like this," he said into your ear, "God I could just-"

He could complete it since he focused solely on making you pleased picking up his pace and thrusting quicker. He was completely inside you, feeling like he was breaking down your defenses as he pushed it on and on. You were out of breath, and all the air in your lungs didn't feel quite enough. You bucked your hips, allowing him to move even more quickly. And that's exactly what he did, giving you everything you asked for.

As your nails left red lines on his naked back and he thrust his hips harder into you, you could feel the heat spreading all over your body, like diesel meeting fire, causing an imminent explosion.

You struggled to breathe, but it didn't matter since the surge of ectasis he gave you was enough to make you feel alive. His finger traced the patterns over you, leaving hot flames all over your skin, and you clutched him, trying to appreciate this closeness before it was ripped away.

And he continued to rock into you. The sounds you both produced were completely hot, forcing your blood to rush into your checks as you continued to toss your head back to give him permission to mark the skin of your neck.

"Fuck me…" you said in ecstasy,

"I’m doing it" he retorted.

You grasped for his hair to hold him tight against your lips, kissing the warm skin under his ear as if you wanted him to hear you, panting for air, feeling your climax come so close that you trembled against his body. Not long after, your world spun around you, and you tightened your grip on his waist, feeling the release as you cursed in his ear, forcing him to release after you. His push grew sloppy, sending small sparks up your tights, till he came to a halt and you saw a delicious sight.

He kissed your temple for a few seconds longer, enjoying the sweat drips on your skin. Finally, you looked into his eyes. His brow eyes' delicate brightness sent thrills down your spine, leaving you with a lump in your throat.

 Joel chuckled as he caressed your warm face, his touch on your skin radiating affection. All of the tension and resentment that led you to have sex before disappeared into the void.

"You can stay with me," you whispered as leaned in, his lips brushing against your brow. “You're exactly where you should be."

The next day, you and Joel were assigned to patrol together, as usual. The morning air was crisp, the kind that stung your cheeks but made you feel alive. The sun was just starting to rise, casting a golden hue over the frost-covered ground. The two of you walked in a comfortable silence, the familiarity of the routine settling between you.

As you reached the outskirts of Jackson, Joel suddenly veered off the usual path. You followed him, curiosity piqued, until you realized where he was leading you. Your steps faltered slightly when you saw the familiar spot—where you had buried your boyfriend, the place where you had said your final goodbye.

Joel paused a few steps ahead, turning to look at you. His expression was serious, yet there was a softness in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. “I know this is hard,” he said quietly, “but there’s something I need to do. Something I need to say.”

You nodded, unable to speak as the weight of the moment settled over you. Joel took a deep breath and stepped closer to the simple marker that marked your boyfriend’s resting place. He knelt down, his hand resting on the earth as if he were speaking directly to the man buried beneath it.

“I know you were everything to her,” Joel began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “And I know I’m not trying to replace you. But I care about her. I want to be there for her, protect her, and make her happy. I just… I need your permission to do that.”

The sincerity in Joel’s voice made your chest tighten, and you felt tears prick at the corners of your eyes. You had never imagined a moment like this—Joel, who was usually so guarded, so tough, asking for the blessing of a man he’d never met, all for you.

“I know I wasn’t very gentle to her at the beginning but now she is everything for me, and I promise you that I will live every day of my life for her.”

“I know I wasn’t very gentle to her at the beginning,” Joel continued, his voice thick with regret. “But she’s everything to me now. And I promise you that I will live every day of my life for her. I’ll protect her, cherish her, and give her the kind of love she deserves. I swear it.”

You watched as Joel’s hand lingered on the ground, his thumb tracing small circles over the earth as if sealing his vow. The sight of him, this strong, stoic man who had been through so much, baring his soul in front of your boyfriend’s grave, made your tears fall freely.

Joel stood up slowly, his movements deliberate, as if he was giving the moment the gravity it deserved. When he turned to face you, there was a determination in his eyes, but also a softness—a quiet understanding that this wasn’t just about him, but about the both of you moving forward together.

He took a step closer, his hand reaching out to wipe away the tears on your cheeks. “I hope that’s enough,” he said quietly, his voice trembling ever so slightly. “I hope I’m enough.”

You took his hand, pressing it against your cheek, feeling the warmth of his touch soothe the ache in your chest. “You are, Joel,” you whispered, your voice thick with emotion. “You are more than enough.”

With those words, something shifted between you—something deeper, more profound than before. It was as if, in that moment, you were finally laying to rest the ghosts of your past, giving yourself permission to embrace the future you wanted with Joel.

Joel leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead, and then to your lips. The kiss was tender, filled with a promise that went beyond words. It was a kiss that spoke of new beginnings, of hope, and of a love that was both fragile and unbreakable.

“I lost my mind for you,” he repeated, his gaze intense and unwavering. “And I would always go back to that just to love you.”

You cupped his face in your hands, your thumb brushing gently across his cheek. “And I would choose you every time,” you whispered, your voice barely above a breath. “Through everything.”

Joel’s eyes softened, and he pulled you into another embrace, his arms wrapping around you with a tenderness that spoke volumes. You stood there, holding each other, finding solace in the shared silence and the comfort of each other’s presence.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape, you both knew that while the world outside was still harsh and unforgiving, within the space you created together, there was a sanctuary, a place where love, even in its most fragile form, could flourish and grow.

I tagged everyone interested in more parts or or the ones who commented, but I couldn't tag everyone because all got mixed (again) if you don't want to be tagged you can tell me, if you want to be tagged, you can also tell me. I tried to add everyone but I don't know If I did.

💌 tags: @dreamtofus @paperstarzzz @chewie-bars @hotleaf-juice

@riedswifts @dizzyforyou @prideandaesthetic @chateaujoon @pascalions

@18dmlk @orcasoul @whirlwindrider29 @frogjumps-world @camy-nyancat @sarahhxx03 @jasminedragoon @cuteanimalmama @eleganthottubfun @skysmiller @nana90azevedo @astralqueenoc

@missladym1981 @persephone-girl @darka-moon @beltzboys2015-blog @sptbear @joelsteinfeld @astralqueenoc @bishtrouille

@locaparapedrito @wolfbook87 @picketniffler @axelspin @pedrotease @mclibs23 @feliciab1990 @swornkisses @stupidthoughtsinwriting @kirsteng42 @lostfleurs @guelyury @devonispunk @harriedandharassed @wolfbook87 @niffala @animechik555 @gypsystarchaser42 @geralallfandoms @s-a-v-a-n-a-34 @goodvibesonly421 @negansbestie @bambisweethearts @jessthebaker @tuquoquebrute @somedayheaven @ashleyfilm

[sukunasweetheart]

Thinking of breakup angst with sukuna...

Thinking of the build up towards it, the way you have been fighting over the littlest things for months now

It leads you to think about how self centered he can be, how you always feel like you loved him more than he loved you and how crushing it felt to have that realisation fall upon you every time

He can be so career focused sometimes, with the long business trips, work parties, etc. always working vehemently to get higher, threatening to leave you behind

And one particular night, the argument gets so heated that you dont get a wink of sleep afterwards, only staring blankly at nothing as you try to calm the chaos in your head. Sukuna heads out without a word the next morning, and you make the final decision in your head, alone, by yourself.

By the time sukuna comes back home with the intent of reconciliation, he finds that youre packing the remainder of your belongings into a suitcase in the bedroom, ready to move out of his home.

"what the fuck is all this?" he asks, his tone coming out harsher than he means it to be.

"what do you think? i'm breaking up with you. i'm moving out," you can barely stop your voice from wavering. you've cried too much this week.

"oh, come on. you know you don't mean that," he reaches out to grab your arm, but you withdraw away from his hand so fiercely that it even surprises him.

"don't you talk to me like that," you speak firmly, "like i'm being dramatic. why won't you ever treat me seriously? i am leaving, sukuna."

you continue your work, neatly folding up some of your shirts. you're already almost finished. he looks around, and the house looks half empty.

oh. you really mean it. you're really trying to leave.

"no, you're not. you're not leaving. not after everything we've been through together," he tells you defensively, grabbing your wrist, stopping you from folding your last shirt, trying to get you to look at him again.

"like what? constantly yelling at each other until our throats are sore? i'm really sick of it. and i'm sure you are, too."

"don't put words in my mouth. i may have gotten sick of our fighting, but i've never gotten sick of you," sukuna hisses, refusing to let you continue packing your things. you feel yourself getting swayed by his words.

"well, i am. i've gotten sick of you," you say quietly through gritted teeth.

"oh yeah? say it to me properly then. look at me dead in the eyes," he demands, voice getting lower.

"you heard me. i don't need to say it again." you pull away from his grip and try to get this last shirt folded. he grabs you again, by the hand this time, and the piece of clothing unravels once more.

"no, i didn't hear shit. convince me that you really want to leave me - and i'll let you go."

in a fit of anger, you turn to face him completely, but your resolve crumbles away when you see his expression. not the one you'd assigned to him in your own mind, but his true features, under the bright bedroom lights.

he looks serious. he looks concerned. he's asking you to tell him it's not true. tell him that you want to stay.

"...let me go. i'm leaving..." you say, voice finally breaking. like a broken faucet, your eyes begin leaking tears relentlessly and your throat closes up in that painful way that you hate, but nothing compares to the pain in your heart at the thought of really breaking up with this man here and now.

he lets you go...

and calmly takes your things out of the suitcase to put them back. you didn't miss the relief in his eyes that showed up for that split second.

"bring it back! i hate you," you attempt to raise your voice, but really, it's only just your ego speaking.

"you can't even say that you hate me in the correct tone. we're not breaking up," he mutters, hanging up your coats and putting them into the closet.

having been defeated, your legs give way and you sit down on the side of the bed, sobbing.

through the blur of your tears, you watch as he meticulously goes through your suitcase, putting everything where they belong. and you sob harder. he knows too much. he arranges your creams, perfumes and accessories in the perfect order on the dresser. he spends a good fifteen minutes, putting all of your belongings back where they should be.

and by the time he gets back to you, he's like a different man. the mattress dips from his weight as he sits next to you, bringing a box of tissues with him to wipe your tears away.

"we can talk tomorrow since we're both tired today," sukuna tells you as he dabs your eyes with the tissue, "i'll take the day off." you just sit still without responding. now that he mentioned it, the fatigue seems to fall upon you suddenly, like a brick. he coaxes you under the sheets.

soon, you find yourself in bed, in his arms. it's been a while since the two of you had cuddled so intimately. you feel oddly shy, the same way you did all those years ago when you first started dating him. there's a special kind of warmth that sukuna's body emits - and you're surrounded by it under these blankets.

"i'll try to do better... so don't go anywhere," he speaks with a softer tone.

because, it's true, he can't imagine living a life without you.

those are the last words you hear before you drift off to sleep.

the next morning, he's still in bed with you, and you're pleased to see he kept his word about taking the day off. checking the mirror, you're horrified and embarrassed about your swollen eyes from all the crying last night.

sukuna takes a look at you and chuckles without ill intent. but in your flustered state, you slap his arm until he's saying "my bad, my bad" in between laughs.

there's still some awkward tension between you and him, but going through breakfast together seems to melt some of that away, until you're ready to bring up yesterday's event.

it goes better than you'd expected, and after the discussion, the only thing that's left is to wait and see whether things will change for the better or not. whether his promises are empty or not.

"i didn't realise that you were so lonely. 'm sorry," he apologises as he plays with your hand, "i may work a lot, but you're always on my mind, doll."

it's like a huge weight off your shoulders.

and he begins to be more like his playful self again, after the talk.

"i'll need you to tell me that you love me today. since you told me you hated me yesterday," sukuna says with a smirk, hugging you from behind.

"well, you need to earn it," you shoot back, rolling your eyes.

"alright. will you say it back if i say it first?"

"sure."

"i love you."

"..."

"now that's not fair, is it?" he tickles you without mercy.

you burst out in laughter, thrashing around uncontrollably, trying to push him away.

"okay, okay! i love you!" you tell him in between breaths.

seemingly satisfied, he lets you go and pushes his face into the crook of your neck. he'll never let you go.

the following day after work, sukuna comes home earlier than usual, and he doesn't wear a grumpy expression in front of you. he greets you with a hug and kiss. it's a small gesture, but it makes you happy.

and slowly, the relationship begins to rekindle itself.

[mintmatcha]

cw: cisfem reader, sex work mention, slight blood mention

“You don’t belong here.”

The man jumps, surprised, then dissolves into a chuckle as he brings his drink to his lips. There's something familiar about this face, hidden under the swollen cheekbone and bruised fat lip, but you can't place where you know him from. You apparently marvel too long, as the stranger cheeks grow redder by the second.

“Is it really that obvious?”

“Um, yeah.” You gesture up and down him, “You’re stiff as a board and you tried to order food.”

The stranger scoffs into his drink, genuinely insulted for a moment before he dissolves back into his smile. There's no airs about him - a rare occurrence for the clientele here- and that knows you a bit off guard. "What’s wrong with ordering food?"

You ignore how the bartender shoots you a look when you slip into the seat beside your tall blonde and simply gesture to the place as if it explains itself- dim mood lighting, men in suits, women in dresses that barely cover anything. There's a woman on stage, perched on all fours and writhing ever so gracefully, arching her back as she slinks on the floor. Her quirk activates for a moment and her skin shimmers with a kaleidoscope of colors, a fairy under neon lights.

This place has the decency to call itself a gentleman's club. It has polished glasses and comfortable seats, but that doesn't change what it is. It's a strip club. Through and through. It's lacquered shine doesn't change anything underneath. It still reeks of malintent.

"What’s wrong with ordering food?" he repeats. He places his drink down and you take it before he can react, bringing it up to your lips with a playful grin. When he doesn't protest, instead just watching you with wide, wide eyes, you take a sip. It's strong enough to make your chest bloom with heat.

"I don't think they have food here."

"They do," he replies.

"Then you're going to pay six thousand yen for three bites of food." Your lipstick clings to the rim as you hand it back to him.

"Well," he sniffs, flinching at his own crinkled nose. It must be broken; there's flecks of dried blood lining his fulcrum. "Have you ever tried it?"

"Clearly not."

He takes a long chug from his drink and finished the glass. When he gestures for another, your lipstick has smudged on to his cheek. "Maybe it's worth the money then."

You laugh, and it's not your normal practiced giggle. It's real and loud enough that the bartender shoots you another look. He knows what you're supposed to be doing here, and it's not hanging with the slummiest man in the room. When you meet his eye, there's a bit of a silent conversation between you two.

I know, you try to tell him, Let me have my fun.

"What are you doing here?" You turn back to your current play thing. The man shrinks slightly, a sheepish smile creeping back onto his face.

"Long night," the stranger mumbles, "Needed a drink and, well-"

He looks towards the stage, where a mouse eared girl spins on her pole, dark braids the only thing covering her tits. She's short and thick in the places that make you look longer than you should

"Some pretty things to look at?" You finish for him.

He tears his eyes away and back to you. You don't miss how they flicker down, how they soften when you scooch closer.

"Does that make me a bad person?"

"I think it makes you a guy," you shrug. One of the better guys, in fact. The unashamed ones get grabby and mean; this one talks to you like he considers you a person.

"What's your name?" he asks suddenly. You debate giving him your real one for a second, but then you adjust your legs and feel the bite of your stiletto straps on your ankles.

"Star."

"I'm Taishiro."

You regard him again, soaking in all the little details about him. He's tall- insanely so. There's a fair amount of muscle on his frame and you think maybe, under those bruises, he's pretty.

"You a boxer, Tai?"

"Y-yeah. Yeah, I am," he hesitates, "How'd you know?"

"Well, your nose is broken, so you definitely fight, but you aren't a hero," you gesture to his clothes. Oversized sweatpants, and a loose long sleeve - he looks like someone that's cut weight lately. "I know all the heroes in the area, and you aren't one of them. I would have remembered your pretty face."

The stranger draws back a bit, brow scrunched with confusion, but a smile creeping across his face. He must not get compliments much. You slyly check his finger for a ring and find it empty. Good, but that doesn't mean anything. Lots of men take off their rings.

"And you aren't a bad guy or a villain. You don't have that scent to you."

He also doesn't smell like anyone else. If he slept next to someone, there'd be lingerings of them.

"Villains have a smell now?"

"To me, they do." You nap the side of your nose, "It's a quirk thing."

Your quirk sounds more useful than it is. There's a scent to bad intentions, something that lingers

He rolls his head to his shoulder and finally relaxes fully. "You can sniff out crime? Full on McGruff the Crime Dog?"

You mirror him. Ear to your shoulder, a slight grin tugged onto your lips, you say: "A dog? Are you calling me a bitch?"

The stranger blanches. His hand flies to his face so quickly that you're worried he's going to hit himself.

"Oh, geez, I didn't-"

You lean forward with a tinkle of laughter and pat his thigh. The muscle is tight and corded through the thick fabric. Messing with him is easy. Too easy. You almost feel bad for riling him up. "I'm teasing. I'm like a bloodhound."

"How does it work?" Taishiro asks, "What do I smell like?"

He smells like home cooking, with spices and herbs you can't quite place. It's homey, it's warm, it's familiar in ways you can't quite place. There's an edge in there you can't quite place, not quite sour or sweet, but just off enough that you know he's not being 100% truthful with you. You suspect his name isn't what he says, or his boxing career isn't exactly that.

You can't judge. Your name clearly isn't Star.

But, then again, he moves so earnestly that you have a hard time assuming he's bad in anyway, especially next to some of these men. One of them, an older man you unfortunately recognize, keeps looking at you. His smell is sweet in the same way rot is.

"It's a secret," you reply, "Just keep on behaving and you won't have to worry about it."

He laughs at that, big and booming enough that a couple of the girl walking around look your way, and you can't help but join it. You think, if you had met him anywhere else, if you were someone else, you'd pursue this further, let something develop between you.

But you aren't anyone else.

"Can I buy you a drink?" he asks, suddenly, and you suddenly are hit with the guilt of reality.

"I gotta be honest with you." You peel your hand from his thigh. "I don't come to strip bars for the tits, baby."

"Do- do you work here?"

"Men buy my time." He stares at you blankly and you sigh. "My companionship for the evening. And my boss is going to get mad if I don't start schmoozing paying customers."

Taishiro furrows his brow, then widens his eyes as the realization hits him.

"Oh. Oh." He swallows and nods, clearly thinking this through. Just as you start to get up, he reaches for you, wide, wide, wide hand on your hip to keep you in place. "How much?"

Something inside you sinks. You should have expected this. "I didn't think you were interested in that."

"I'm not-- I mean, I am, but not like- well-" He staggers through his thoughts, "I just want to keep talking. Really. Maybe even split my food, if you want, but I don't- not that kind of companionship- just, like, normal companion stuff."

You sniff. He still smells the the truth, for the most part. You're not sure if you pity him.

"Two hundred thousand yen for the night," you say. "Ends at sun up- no exceptions."

"Oh," he perks up, head tilted like a puppy again, "That's it?"

"What does that mean?"

"I thought it was going to be--" he pauses and shakes his head, thinking better of it, "Yeah, that's okay."

"Do you think I'm cheap?" you gape.

"No, I just--" he laughs again, clearly embarrassed. "You just look really, really, really expensive?"

Despite yourself, with a roll of your eyes, you smile too. "Nice save."

He mum les to himself, rubbing the back of his neck. Most of your clients are experienced with this life, but the new ones are always like him. Nervous. Scared. You step closer to him, trailing your fingers down his arm. You both watch your manicured nails trace loose patterns.

"You really want to spend that kind of money to just have dinner with me?"

You'd fuck him. Of course you would. You expect him to crumble under the flirtations, just like the others did.

But he surprises you when he nods.

"Yeah, I am," Taishiro says, "Is that okay?"

You shrug. "It's your night. Anything you want is okay."

The hand on your waist squeezes tighter, but it's not sexual. It's comforting, almost normal.

"I guess I'll..." he says awkwardly, "Get cash?"

"Cash is good."

-

Taishiro knows this is a bad idea.

A horrible, awful, terrible idea.

Using his real name was stupid; he's lucky you incorrectly guessed his career. If he wasn't so thin right now, you might have recognized him. He'll if he's not careful, you could figure him out anyway.

If the media gets word of this, his career would be ruined. His poor interns would never meet his eye again. The headlines flash in his mind: FATGUM CAUGHT WITH PROSTITUTE. OR ESCORT. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Well, he's sure they'd be more creative than that.

He shakes it out of his head. This isn't about sex. He's just... lonely. So, unbearably lonely. It's just a dinner, just something to stop him from going hone and wallowing by himself again. Sure, you're the prettiest thing that's ever talked to him-

He shakes that out of his head too.

[g1rld1ary]

I feel like you’d eat up this idea so much but Camp Counselor James Potter!!

Where its semi frenemies to lovers after James unexpectedly becomes head camp counselor alongside reader, thus forcing them closer as they have to work together. I’d imagine James as a sports/swim instructor who the campers adore and reader as an arts and crafts teacher who James has liked for years since they met at camp (even before they became counselors.)

summer friends - camp counselor!james potter x camp counselor!reader

wc: 2816

cw: swearing, implied fem!r but i don't think any pronouns, alcohol, throwing up (once)

part TWO

first of all thank u so much for the compliment anon i hope i am doing it justice!! i actually love this idea and so there's gonna be more parts because i have so many fun lil camp ideas already HOWEVER we don't rlly have summer camps where I'm from so if u wanna see anything specific (activity/trope etc) please request!!! love u xoxo

It was stinking hot already. The clock in your car was broken so you weren't sure exactly what time it was, but you were sure it was too early to have sweat dripping from your brow. Nine, maybe. Still, nothing could bring down your present mood, not the sweat, not the early morning on a weekend, not even that your Fleetwood Mac CD kept skipping during The Chain. No, you were in the best mood you'd been in in a while and nothing could ruin it.

You were headed back to camp. Your camp. It was your first year as head counselor at the camp you'd grown up in and you were filled to the brim with excitement and drive to make this summer as magical as the ones you had growing up. Pulling into the dirt parking space you sighed contently, glad to be back where you belonged.

It was weird to see the camp almost empty. You'd been a general counselor before so you'd seen the camp without kids, but being one of the first there in the morning was peaceful. You waved cheerfully at one of the cooks who'd been working since you were a kid, laughing as he tried to return the gesture over the boxes he was hustling into the kitchen.

You broke into a jog to catch up with the camp director who you needed to meet with, smiling widely when he greeted you. You made small talk as he led you around the camp, giving directions to some of the staff setting up in between his extended spiel explaining your duties. You really were trying to listen but you couldn't help your eyes darting to each movement in the corner of your vision. The other head counselor should have been here already, and it wasn't like him to be late. Michael was one of the many kids you'd grown up with through summers, and he was just as devoted to camp as you were, so it wasn't surprising he also made head counselor, but it was surprising that he was now late.

"Where's Michael?" You asked when the director took a breath. He turned to look at you, one eyebrow raised slightly.

"Didn't we tell you? Michael had a health scare, he can't work this summer." You could feel your mouth hanging open. The two of you had been talking about this for years, dreaming of becoming the head counselors.

"So who's—"

"Nothing like the fresh air, is there?" Your shoulders tensed just by the timbre of it, you could recognise that voice anywhere.

"Potter," You turned to greet him, ponytail swinging behind you.

"No need for last names, love, I saw your braces phase," James retorts and you huff, rolling your eyes dramatically.

"Yeah, yeah, and I've got pictures of your acne. So you're really my partner this summer?" James didn't bother replying, his cocky grin saying it all. You felt the director's eyes on both of you and refrained from another snip in fear of it undermining your leadership, but still shot James a dead-eyed smile to let him know you weren't done.

You were dismissed to settle in until the other counselors arrived for briefing after a few other business matters (for which both you and James stayed civil and responsible) and all but ran to your car, eager to get the moving in part over with as quick as possible.

After so many years of making camp your home away from home, you'd pretty much nailed the routine of packing and unpacking, and your part of the four-girl cabin was taking shape very nicely if you did say so yourself. You even had time to stick up the photos you'd printed out, which usually took at least a week to happen. You were just wiping the sweat off your face with the hem of your t-shirt when someone cleared their throat. You didn't need to guess who it was.

James was leaning against the doorframe, looking unfairly unperturbed by the heat.

"Sorry your dream boy couldn't be here," He said and you couldn't quite tell if he was joking.

"Michael and I—"

"Relax, I was talking about your real boyfriend, remember?" You paused at his statement, studying your painted fingers intently.

"We broke up," You said quietly, not daring to look at James in fear of him teasing you about it. You consequently missed the flash of curiosity (and maybe relief) that passed across his features.

"Sorry," He said awkwardly, still under the doorframe.

"It's fine. He's a dickhead."

"I could have told you that last summer!" He laughed, then slapped a hand over his mouth as he realised it might have been too far. You managed a small laugh yourself, if only to make him feel better about his misstep.

"Yeah, yeah. Last summer you also thought swallowing gum would fuse your insides together."

"And I stand by that! You should just learn to listen to me," He crowed, eyes sparkling with mischief. You rolled your eyes again, pushing yourself off the bed to reapply your deodorant.

"If I ever start listening to you, take it as a sign I'm losing my marbles," You said, ducking under the arm James had stretched across the doorframe, "Now come on, everyone'll be arriving." You don't stop to see if he's following, marching out of your cabin and toward the dining hall where the counselors would convene. James watched you go for a moment with a soft grin before jogging to catch up and bother you some more.

The dining hall was already buzzing with energy and noise and the campers hadn’t even arrived yet. You smiled as you watched the counselors meet and mingle, some of them being kids you’d grown up with almost your whole life.

“Everything the light touches is our kingdom,” James’ whisper appeared from behind you.

“You are so lame.” You don’t bother looking at him, convinced you knew exactly what face he’d be pulling. “Now make yourself useful and greet everyone.” You might have been a little rude, but it was clear to you that this job wasn’t nearly as important to James as it was to you. Head counselor was something you’d been working towards since you’d started at camp, and you would like to keep the gig through college if James didn’t ruin it for you.

A booming noise silenced the room, and you were surprised to know it came from James. He started off the address for you outlining all the boring housekeeping notices you could recite in your sleep. They were almost exactly the same every year, except for James’ insistence on being the funniest in the room and making jokes after every other statement.

“As you know if you find any contraband in the camper’s belongings report it to the camp director, especially if it’s an illicit substance, as there may be serious discipline. However, if it’s alcohol, slip into into my cabin ‘coz god knows I’ll need a drink after dealing with the kids and this one.” He gestured over to you, receiving a ripple of laughter throughout the room. You grit your teeth, trying not to react and be the bad cop of camp.

“Just so we’re all clear,” You faked a laugh, “None of the campers or counselors will be ingesting or posessing alcohol while at camp. Right guys?” You locked eyes with the camp director, trying to bring him down from the conniption he was on the verge of. It worked, mostly, and you took over from James, shooting him a warning glare as you rushed to finish listing off the timetable for the coming evening and next day as campers arrived.

In his defence though, James wasn’t exactly wrong. Although the camp director could never ever find out for the sake of all your jobs, there was definitely a stash of alcohol that all the counselors contributed to and had access to, though strictly when there was no risk of campers or higher ups finding out. Like tonight. Every year before the campers arrived the counselors held a campfire right out in the forest; far enough away that there was almost no risk of the adult-adults finding them, but close enough that drunk walks back to the cabin weren’t quite impossible.

That brought you to the campfire. You’d been stuck in meetings and doing last minute admin all night and you really needed the break. You could only look at schedules and spreadsheets for so long anyway, add James to the mix and you were going absolutely crazy.

You’d snagged a spot next to Lily, hugging her tight as you reunited.

“I can’t believe you’re stuck with Potter,” She said, taking a sip from some ungodly drink one of the counselors had mixed. You laughed as you pulled away and greeted Remus quickly, taking the can of cider he offered.

“I’m just thanking my lucky stars it wasn’t him three years ago.” You shook your head resolutely, “At least now I’m sure he’s human. I just hate that he’s gonna make me bad cop all summer.” Remus cocked his head in confusion and Lily asked for clarification so you continued.

“You know, James is always the funny one, James is always the chill one. I’m the one who’s gonna have to spoil the fun and enforce the rules.”

“That’s not true though, you might be the one sticking to the rules but you’ve been here just as long. Everyone knows and loves you, and you’ll have just as much fun even if you aren’t quite as go-with-the-flow,” Lily said, a comforting hand resting on your arm.

“Prongs might surprise you,” Remus said, clearly taking a different approach, “I think when it matters he’ll step up to the plate.” You looked at him for a moment, considering his philosophy. You chanced a glance over at James to see him halfway through a game of beer pong — losing badly in fact, and sighed. If he, the head sport and swim counselor, was losing at a game consisting of throwing then he must’ve already been smashed.

He caught your eye at just the wrong (or right) moment and waved you over with such excitement that you excused yourself from the conversation to see what he wanted.

“Sirius needs a teammate,” He said simply, gesturing for you to go over and play. You shook you head furiously.

“So you’re asking the arts and crafts leader? I have zero coordination.”

“Yeah, and? You’re competitive and that’s all that matters. Consider it our head counselor bonding time.” You looked at James for a moment, weighing out the pros and cons in your head. You figured it couldn’t be that bad even if you embarrassed yourself, and you really didn’t want the other counselors to think you had a stick up your arse after getting the position. So, you reciprocated the high five Sirius had offered and got in position.

The game went shit, as could have been assumed. You really didn’t have an ounce of coordination, your throws missing most of the cups. Sirius was better, making your team at least not totally hopeless, but the two of you were no match for the machines that were James and Marlene — though both significantly worsened by their inebriated states. You were providing the trash talk though, which seemed to keep everyone entertained

“Ok new game!” James clapped after you’d downed the last drink, “Sirius, switch with me.”

“What! But I like my partner!” You high-fived Sirius again at his declaration, now sufficiently buzzed from the shitty beer you’d been using.

“Yeah, we’re doing just fine, Potter. Worry about yourself.” It came out a bit louder and more aggressive than you intended, but James didn’t seem to mind — none of you were sober enough to be picking up on the intricacies of human communication. James mimed a stab to his heart dramatically.

“You kill me,” He groaned, leaning on the folding table in despair. You laughed loudly, holding up your hand in the shape of an L to rub it in. After rubbing it in for a moment you conceded, stomping your way to his side of the table, patting Marlene on the shoulder as you swapped places.

“Alright, Potter, let’s get this round over with so I can kick your arse again.” James’ grin was practically blinding as he brightened up, getting ready to play another match. You might’ve been getting a little too competitive, but it was camp and you were drunk, so everyone around the table was matching your energy tenfold.

“Are you actually capable of getting a ball in a cup? You’re genuinely so terrible at this,” James laughed as he said it but you took it personally, shoving him aside.

“Piss off, dickhead. Just because you’re a big shot athlete or whatever.” You must have finally struck a nerve in James as he was quiet for the rest of the game, still much more skilled than you but his energy significantly dampened. Even when you won, he only offered you a weak smile and a pathetic high five. You felt bad for a moment and opened your mouth to apologise, but your inebriated brain was distracted by music playing, running over to Lily to ask her to dance.

You were at the stage of being drunk where everything was perfect. The day’s heat had mellowed out into a dreamy summer night, a soft breeze rustling the leaves above you all as you danced and drank, reuniting after a long year apart.

You might’ve overdone it slightly though, which found you a little ways away from the rest of the party, emptying your stomach into a bush where hopefully none of the campers would stumble across it. Looking past your unfortunate accident you caught a glimpse of a dark shape on the bank of the river. Narrowing your eyes you tried to make out who it was, but settled on getting closer instead. You hesitated when you made it out to be James.

“Hey, Potter. You alright?” You called awkwardly, a little unwilling to get too close.

“Hm?” He looked back at you, voice uncharacteristically quiet. “Yeah, fine.” You sighed. He was clearly upset about something and you couldn’t just end the conversation there, no matter how much you didn’t want to have a DnM with James Potter on night one of camp.

Reluctantly you got closer, taking a seat next to him. You watched the lake for a few minutes, black except for the silver from the moon. It was peaceful when there weren’t so many people around, it was one of your favourite things about camp, just being outside and disconnected from the rest of your life.

James broke the silence first.

“Do you… Are you mad that I’m co-head counselor?” You chanced a glance at him, surprised at the vulnerability in his voice. James wasn’t usually one to get sappy or personal like that, especially not with you.

“No?” You replied, “It wasn’t what I imagined, obviously, but it’s not like I hate you. You’re just mildly infuriating like 80% of the time.” James snorted, and you got the feeling he’d intended to wallow a bit longer. But James was James and he couldn’t stay moody for too long, it wasn’t in his nature.

“I can work with that.” He smiled his blinding grin, and you could have sworn you could see it reflecting off the water.

“We have to be a team though,” You affirmed; now was as good a time as any for you to address it. “I know that your whole bright and lively class clown thing is effortless for you, but I don’t wanna be the bad cop all the time, okay?” James was deep in thought for a second, then a cheeky grin crept onto his features.

“You think I’m bright and lively?”

“Shut up.” You rolled your eyes, but you weren’t sure you weren’t returning his smile. “Come on, let’s get to bed. Neither of us can afford to be hungover when the kids get here.”

You and James wandered back towards the cabins, both hazy and giggly from the lasting drunkenness and the (at least temporary) smoothing over of your tenuous relationship.

PART TWO

[lxdymoon0357]

Hello!!! This is a Sadistic Beauty request, I was wondering if you could write a fluffy trauma recovery fic where the reader helps Minho to heal and comforts him after a nightmare.Just lot of cuddling,verbal comforting,praises,pet names or any thing similar to that. Basically Minho getting showered with lots of love.

I hope your having great day btw 💜

(Warnings: mentions of rape, non-con sex, nightmares, choking, breaking bones| FRICKING SHORT.)

© Writing belongs to me, Lxdymoon0357. Do not plagiarize, but reblogging, liking and commenting is deeply appreciated.

Heart tells bad tales..

Minho stayed on the floor, his eyes scratched and raw by his own hands as Wookyung smirked over him, Minho's panic caused bile to rise in his throat. Every single cloth on his body was torn, nipples piercings on display for Wookyung's sick fantasy.

"Are you fucking cryin'?" Wookyung asked, smirking as he shoved Minho's head on the floor, rubbing his cock on Minho's hole gently making Minho also throw up but he kept it within him,

"It-Let me go..Ple-please!" Minho almost begged, no matter how pathetic he looked, he could see and feel your sight on him from the chair you sat on a few feet further away..you just looked..disappointed.

He couldn't stand disappointing you, but he was forced down, his foot broken as he tried to crawl away from Wookyung who only tightened his grip around Minho's throat, blocking airways as he simply forced himself inside Minho's holes, as Minho simply felt his dignity slip away.

Tears clouding in vision as he choked to try and get some oxygen, his head started to go dizzy and blurry as he felt his chest suffocate-

No! This couldn't be happening, NO..! He was losing you, but it's not his fault! It's NOT his fault!! Why aren't you helping!?

"Minho...!" he suddenly opening his eyes, breathing heavily as he turned his head a bit, you were sitting there gently shaking him in your pajamas as she you gently rubbed his tummy, helping him sit up.

He swallowed, trying not to shudder as his mind replayed the image of Wookyung. “I’m fine,” he breathed, “It’s fine. I’m fine… Go back to sleep.”

You promptly sat up, groggily switching on the lamp on his bedside table. “Not buying that. Did you have a nightmare?”

Your voice was soft, endearingly scratchy with sleep and understanding. Minho suddenly couldn’t keep his eyes from welling. “…Yeah,” he whispered. “Can you hold me?”

Reaching up to gently ruffle his hair, you nodded. “You didn’t have to ask, Min, come here.”

With that, he shuffled over, burying his head in your neck. “I don’t want to talk about it yet,” he mumbled, eyelashes fluttering against your skin as he tried to withhold tears.

"Don't want to talk about it-" he said immediately, his eyes tearing up as he leaned back on the bed, propping yourself on your elbow a bit as he laid his head on your chest to listen to your heart-beat, trying not to cry. He was a man after all!!

But he couldn't stop them softly crying into shoulder chest, neck and shoulder, anywhere he could reach easily, his hands digging into your back to make sure he was okay,

"Woo-Cha...He-He was hurtin-" he could barely formulate words as he cried more so you gently ran fingers through his hair, "It's okay..You don't have to tell me.." you whispered

Mnho felt himself relax slightly as her hands found his messy hair, his breath shuddering as he tried to keep himself from sobbing,

His voice cracking every time he tried to speak, so he kept quiet..As your finger ran through his hair or on his nape, Minho leaned into the touch, his head instinctively falling to the crook of your neck again.

Your fingers running through his hair as he whispered out what happened, as you nodded to everything he said, pecking his lips and kissing him when things go too bad and he couldn't form words.

"Shhh, I know-It's okay. You're doing so good." yu whispered as he cried, trying to get out words..You gently let him drink water, gently patting his back, hoping he was feeling okay..

It's not the usual habit of nightmares, it's hard to forget how his dignity was stolen, how he was forced into things he shouldn't have ever felt..But he could almost feel himself be happier with you..

[fratboyharrys-gf]

𝐓𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 | 𝐇.𝐒.

we could call it even, you could call me babe for the weekend || masterlist

SUMMARY: two former lovers who had been separated for four years find themselves back in their hometown for Christmas and unexpectedly cross paths. As they reconnect, they rediscover their love for eachother and must decide if they want to give it another chance.

WARNINGS: not proofread

WORD COUNT: 3.9k

A/N: this is the longest thing i’ve ever written and idk how i feel about it… also this was kinda rushed towards the end because i haven’t put anything out in a while so i wanted to finish this im sorry 😭 ALSO… the ending is kinda abrupt I just didn’t know how else to end it without dragging it on for a long time, but i can always make a pt 2 if anyone wants!! please comment and reblog! thank youu <33

y/s/n - your sisters name & y/m/n - your moms name

After pushing through the large crowds of people for what felt like hours, Y/N finally arrived at the store she had been looking for. She was back in her hometown, and even after living here for 18 years, she's never seen the mall this packed before. Apparently everyone else was doing last minute Christmas shopping as well.

The mall was filled with people shopping for presents and the air was filled with a loud buzz of conversations and holiday music. It was starting to get late and the sun outside was starting to set, the sky getting darker by the minute.

Y/N quickly walked through the store, scanning the aisles for the perfect gift for her friends and family. As she walked down the aisle, she noticed the countless number of people doing the same thing as her, bustling around with purpose as they searched for gifts. She picked up a few items, but put them down again, not quite satisfied with any of them.

That's when she saw the most perfect thing for her little sister. It was a small white giraffe plushie with pink spots all over, and she knew her sister would love it.

She didn't even notice that another person was reaching for it until she grabbed the plushie at the same time as him. The hand had a small tattoo of a cross, and rings all over his fingers. No way.

Y/N looked up at the person who the hand belonged to, and she was right. It was Harry. Her ex boyfriend from four years ago. They dated for about a year and broke up after he went on X factor and started to gain fame.

Her heart skipped a beat as she looked into his eyes. It had been four years since they had broken up, but she couldn't help the butterflies that she felt erupting in her stomach when she saw him again. He looked a bit different from how he had looked all those years ago, his longer hair framed his face perfectly, and he had tattoos. A lot of tattoos. He looked good. The way his fingers brushed against hers as they both reached for the same thing sent a shiver down her spine.

"Oh, uh." She cleared her throat awkwardly and looked away when she realized she'd been staring. "Sorry. You can take it."

Harry was still staring at her as he shook his head, "No, it's alright. I don't need it. You can have it." He paused, not so subtly checking her out. "Are you visiting for the holidays too?" There was a hint of something in his eyes that she couldn't quite place, but she thought she saw a flash of nostalgia there.

Y/N blushed a little when she felt Harry's eyes on her, raking over her body. She crossed her arms over her chest and glanced away again, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "Yeah, I'm visiting for a few days to see family and some friends." She said, her voice sounding slightly strained even to her own ears.

He nodded in agreement, a warm smile brightening his features. "Me too." He couldn't help but glance at her lips as he felt another wave of nostalgia wash over him. "Uh... you look good." He said, his voice barely above a whisper.

She blushed more at his words, "Thanks, you too." She spoke quietly.

Harry's eyes flicked back up to hers, noticing the light shade of pink that dusted her cheeks. He couldn't help but feel a little bit of satisfaction in the fact that he can still make her blush after all of this time. He shifted on his feet, feeling a little bit awkward now. "So, uh, how've you been?" He asked, scratching the back of his neck nervously.

"I've been... good. Yeah," she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, "I've had some... not so good relationships, but other than that, everything's been good." She offered a small smile, "What about you?"

Harry raised an eyebrow, a hint of jealousy flashing in his eyes at the mention of her past relationships. Despite having broken up years ago, and the amount of girls he's been with since her, he couldn't help but feel a little bit possessive, even after all this time. He knew he didn't have a right to feel this way. After all, he had been the one to break up with her.

"Oh, uh," he said, quickly looking away and trying to push down the feeling of jealousy that had flared up at the mention of her other relationships. "That's nice. I've been good too. Y'know, just... busy with the band and stuff." He paused, not really knowing what to say next.

The silence between the two of them felt suffocating. They had broken up years ago, but the tension between them now was almost palpable. Y/N shifted awkwardly, feeling like the weight of their history was pushing down on her.

"So... you're back in town for how long?" She asked hesitantly, trying to break the tension.

Harry shrugged, looking down at the floor as he played with his rings nervously. "Just a few days." He said, not looking up. "I'm staying with my mom and Gemma."

There was another beat of silence, which gave Y/N the chance to think about if her next question she had in mind was a good idea or not.

She decided to just go for it.

"So, uh... would you guys wanna come over on Christmas for dinner? I mean... I'm sure my mom would be happy to see you guys. It's been a while."

Harry's eyes snapped back up to hers, clearly surprised by her question. They had been best friends since basically birth, and ruined it by dating eachother. Before the breakup, their families spent pretty much every holiday together.

"...I'd have to ask my mom if she wants to. But uh... yeah, I'll let you know..." He nodded a bit.

"Alright, yeah, uhh..." She gestured to her phone with the hand that it was in. She didn't wanna say it. Y/N was too scared to ask for his number.

"Yeah, sorry." He put his hand out for her phone, which she quickly unlocked and went to the keypad to call someone and then handed the phone to him. He added his number and saved the contact before handing it back to her.

"Thanks." She whispered, smiling awkwardly at him as she took her phone back and put it into her back pocket. "Uhh, I'm gonna go. I need to get shopping done. You can have it by the way." She said, talking about the stuffed animal that still sat on the shelf next to them. "Bye!" She left before he could convince her to take it.

He chuckled and shook his head as he watched her go. She was still as stubborn as she was when he last saw her.

The days flew by pretty quickly, and before Y/N knew it, it was Christmas morning. Harry had texted her the day before that they'd be able to go over for dinner, so she got ready for that.

Y/N took her time getting ready, trying to look her best. She put on a long sleeves red dress with tights to keep her warm and did her makeup carefully, wanting to look presentable in front of her ex and his family.

The doorbell eventually rang, and Y/N took a deep breath before answering. When she opened the door, Harry was standing on the other side, along with his mom, and his sister Gemma, who was carrying a little girl on her hip.

She focused her attention back on Harry and her breath hitched. He was dressed sort of casually, but he still looked extremely handsome. Her eyes flickered down to his hands, and he was holding three gift bags. He brought gifts for them.

"Harry, you didn't have to." Y/N spoke as she stepped aside to allow them in. She felt incredibly guilty, since she didn't get them anything.

"It's no problem." Harry said, his eyes skimming over her red dress and his lips curving into a small smile. "We wanted to bring you all something."

Gemma glanced at Y/N's dress, a knowing smile appearing on her lips, "You look amazing, Y/N." She said, her eyes flickering between her and Harry.

"Oh, thank you, Gemma. I missed you so much." She stepped up to her and hugged her, mindful of the baby on her side.

"I missed you too." Gemma replied, hugging her back with one arm.

They pulled away, and Y/N moved to hug Anne as Harry closed the door behind them. "I missed you. Merry Christmas, Y/N." Anne hugged her tight.

"I missed you too. Merry Christmas." She smiled and pulled away after a moment. "How've you been?"

"I've been good. How about you?"

"Good!" Y/N nodded and her mom spoke up, "Guys, dinner is done!"

When she turned around to look into the kitchen, Y/N saw Harry and her mom having a conversation as he set the bags somewhere off to the side, probably to open after dinner.

She sat at the table while Harry, his mom, and his sister all said their hellos to her mom and her sister. Y/N heard Harry tell Y/S/N that she grew a lot since he last saw her, which was true, because when he saw her last, she was three. She was now 7.

As Harry spoke to her sister, Y/N glanced at her mom, who gestured for her to go up to him, since he was the only one she hadn't hugged yet, and she was the only one he hadn't hugged yet.

She thought about it for a minute before standing up and smoothing out her dress before walking up to him, "Hi." She smiled nervously as she watched him ruffle Y/S/N's hair playfully, causing her to giggle. He looked up at her and smiled. "Hey."

She hesitantly wrapped her arms around his neck, she felt very uncomfortable doing this, but all of the tension in her body disappeared when he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Thank you for coming." She whispered, resting her chin on his shoulder.

"Of course." He whispered back.

She stayed in this hug with him longer than she did with Anne and Gemma. She felt safe in his arms, even if it reminded her of all of the good memories they once shared.

Y/M/N began to set the table, and Harry eventually pulled away just to help her, Y/N followed behind, grabbing the plates and silverware from the cupboards.

After setting the table, the three of them sat down with everyone else. Y/M/N sat next to Anne, leaving only two seats left that were right next to eachother. Y/N sighed as she sat down in one of them and watched Harry sit in the other.

They all talked and ate for a while, when Harry noticed Y/N's leg bouncing anxiously. He looked away from it for a few minutes before resting his hand on her thigh, rubbing it gently with his thumb as he took a bite of his mashed potatoes. Her leg immediately stopped bouncing.

After dinner, they cleaned up their dishes and put the leftovers in the fridge. Y/M/N grabbed the bags from earlier and gave one to Y/N, one to Y/S/N, and kept the bag that was for her.

Everyone sat back down at the table, and Y/S/N opened hers first. She pulled the pink tissue paper out of the pink gift bag, before pulling out a plushie.

The one Y/N was going to get for her the other day.

"Yay!" Y/S/N squealed happily. "Thank you!" She ran up to Harry, Anne, and Gemma, hugging each of them.

"Of course, sweetheart." Harry chuckled, ruffling her hair again.

Y/S/N then went back to her seat and waited patiently for her mom or Y/N to open their gift as she held the plushie close.

"Harry," Y/N whispered to him, causing him to turn his head to face her. "How did you know?" She asked.

He shrugged, "You're welcome."

"No seriously, I told you to get it."

"I know. I was gonna get it for Olivia, but I found something I think she'd like better." He gestured to the small girl in his sisters arms, who was holding a small monkey plushie. Harry smiled and looked back at Y/N, who said, "Well, that was very thoughtful of you. Thank you."

"Of course," He smiled, "now open yours."

Y/N listened to him and pulled the tissue out of the gift bag that sat in front of her.

The bag seemed quite heavy, so she knew there was something more than a small gift inside. She pulled whatever was at the bottom of the bag, out of it, and revealed a big book with a red leather cover.

"What's this?" She asked as she examined the book.

"Open it." Harry spoke from the chair next to hers, a smile on his lips as he watched her.

With a confused expression, Y/N opened the book, and she was shocked to see what was inside.

The front of the book was a handwritten note, asking her to forgive him after everything that went wrong after the breakup, then she flicked through the other pages, revealing pictures of the two of them from when they were babies all the way until right before the breakup. Y/N was speechless. She skimmed through the entire book before looking up at him, tears in her eyes.

"Do you like it?" Harry smiled nervously. He was worried she'd think it was weird or something.

"I- how?" She asked quietly, still in shock. "You didn't throw them out." She spoke in amazement, flipping through the pages again.

"Obviously I didn't throw them away." He chuckled a little, "I made this right before everything happened. And... I wrote the note last night. But... I found it in my bedroom yesterday, so, yeah."

Y/N pulled him into a tight hug, to which he immediately reciprocated. She thanked him and told him how much of a thoughtful gift it was a million times.

-

Harry, Gemma, and Anne were getting ready to leave after the dinner was over. Everyone was saying their goodbyes, and as Harry hugged Y/N again, he asked her, "Would you wanna hangout tomorrow? I was thinking we could go to the movies or something."

Her eyes widened a bit in surprise, but she smiled at him and said, "Yeah. Sure, I'd love to. What time were you thinking?"

"Is noon okay with you? I could pick you up then." Harry returned the smile when she pulled away from the hug, his hands still on her waist.

"Yeah. Sounds good." She nodded in agreement. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Great. See you tomorrow." He gave her a soft smile before saying his last goodbyes and walking back out to the car.

-

The next day, Y/N woke up early and got ready to meet up with Harry. She put on a nice outfit and did her makeup and hair, trying to look nice for him. She didn't know why she was putting so much effort into how she looked, since they were only hanging out and watching a movie together, but she couldn't help herself.

At 11:50, Y/N heard a knock at the front door. She took a deep breath before walking over to answer it.

As she opened the door, she saw Harry standing on the other side, looking as attractive as he always did. He smiled when he saw her, glancing down at her outfit, before looking back up at her. "Hey." He said, his voice soft.

She felt her cheeks heat up when his eyes scanned over her outfit. She quickly looked away, trying to hide the way his gaze was affecting her. "Hey," she responded, trying to keep her voice casual. "Ready to go?" Harry asked her, and she just nodded.

Harry chuckled at her response before gesturing for her to follow him out to the car. He opened the passenger door for her, waiting for her to get in before closing it and walking over to the other side.

Once they were both in the car, Harry glanced over at Y/N before putting the car in reverse and pulling out of the driveway.

The drive was mostly silent as they made their way to the movie theater. Y/N looked out the window, trying to distract herself from the fact that she was alone with Harry, but she could feel his eyes glance at her from time to time.

Finally, they arrived at the theater, and Harry found a parking spot near the entrance. He killed the engine and looked over at Y/N, his gaze studying her face.

Y/N could feel her heart skip a beat as his gaze lingered on her. She tried to look back at him casually, but she could feel herself blushing underneath his intense stare.

Harry smiled as he saw her blush, his eyes studying the way her face flushed at his gaze. He watched her for a few seconds before reaching out slowly and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, his eyes dropping to her lips for a second.

Y/N felt her breath catch in her throat as his hand brushed against her cheek. She couldn't help but stare at him, her eyes flickering between his lips and his eyes. The air between them suddenly felt tense, until Harry cleared his throat and looked away. "We should probably go see the movie." He said, trying to break the tension. He looked back at her, his eyes seeming to soften for a moment, before he opened his car door and climbed out. 

Y/N followed suit, feeling somewhat disappointed but not even knowing why. The two of them made their way into the movie theater and headed towards the counter to buy the tickets.

Harry was the one to walk up to the counter and buy their tickets. Y/N stood back, watching as he paid for the two of them. When the man at the counter handed him their tickets, Harry turned and held one out to her, his fingers slightly brushing against hers as she took it from him.

She looked a the ticket in her hand, and saw that it was for the movie, The Fault in Our Stars.

She had talked about wanting to watch it yesterday evening during dinner.

"You remembered." She spoke quietly, not looking up from the ticket.

"Of course I did." Harry smiled at her, his expression softening. He gently took her wrist in his hand before walking to the counter to get food.

"Want some popcorn?" He asked her as they stopped in front of the counter. Y/N thought about it for a couple seconds before nodding. She hadn't had food before they met, so popcorn actually sounded really good.

Harry ordered a large popcorn, as well as two sodas. When the person behind the counter handed him the food, Harry thanked her and they headed over to their designated theater to watch the movie. 

The two of them found their way into the theater, sitting in their seats that were all the way in the back and that were next to each other. Harry motioned for Y/N to sit, and he sat next to her. The trailers started playing, and Harry put the popcorn in the seat next to him, then the sodas in the cup holders. 

Y/N looked over and saw that they still had 20 minutes until the movie started, and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

The two of them were quiet for a few minutes until Harry cleared his throat and asked her, "Are you excited for the movie?" He turned his head to look at her. Y/N looked back at him, her eyes meeting his. She nodded as a small smile appeared on her lips. "Yeah, I am." She replied. "I heard it's really good but also sad."

Harry chuckled softly, "Yeah, I've heard that too. Pretty sure it's a bit of a tear jerker."

Y/N smiled at that, her mind suddenly wondering what would happen if she started crying during this movie. The thought was sorta embarrassing.

-

After the credits finished rolling and the lights came back on in the theater, Harry slowly turned to Y/N who looked to be crying quietly next to him.

He shifted in his seat so that he was facing her, a concerned expression on his face. "You okay?" He asked her quietly, holding her face in his hands and gently wiping her tears away with his thumbs.

Y/N sniffed and nodded, her tears still falling slowly down her cheeks. "Yeah, I'm okay." She said, her voice soft. 

Harry stared at her, his expression gentle and understanding. He continued to cup her cheeks in his hands, his thumbs rubbing over her tear-stained skin as his eyes dropped to her lips once again.

The two of them sat there for a second, neither one of them speaking or making a move to leave the theater. Harry's hands were still on Y/N's face and his eyes were still on her lips, his gaze becoming almost hungry as he studied them. Y/N could feel her heart beating quickly in her chest, the moment between them seeming almost electric.

Harry continued to look at her lips for another second, his thumbs brushing against them lightly, before he finally raised his gaze back to her eyes. 

"Can I kiss you?" He asked quietly, his voice gentle and almost hesitant, like he was worried that she might reject him.

But she nodded.

He wasted no time before crashing his lips onto hers for the first time in four years.

His lips were hot and urgent against hers, the kiss passionate and full of longing, like he had been waiting for this moment for so long. Y/N grabbed onto his shoulders to steady herself as he pushed his tongue into her mouth, his hands moving from her chin to her waist.

He grabbed her waist and pulled her onto his lap, his tongue still searching her mouth as she straddled him. His hands moved over her body, mapping it out as if he was trying to memorize each part of her, like he didn't know if he would ever get to do this again.

“Y/N I missed you so fucking much,” He muttered against her lips before kissing her again, “thought about you every single day.”

“I missed you too.” She mumbled as she kissed him back.

They eventually pulled away, and Y/N got off of Harry’s lap, smoothing her hair down awkwardly as he stood up and fixed his hair as well.

He looked down at her and chuckled, bringing his hand up to her lips and wiping away the lipstick that smudged around her mouth with his thumb.

She couldn’t help the smile that grew on her lips as she looked into his eyes, which were focused on getting all of the smeared lipstick off of her.

They were almost distracted enough to not think about how stupid this is. Almost.

“Harry-“ Y/N got interrupted by Harry as he placed a finger over her lips and said, “Shh, not right now. Let’s get you home, okay?”

“Okay…”

taglist: @nikkimartinez23 @elliedafish @meadowwitchpinklight @howling-wolf97

join my taglist here!

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

Hi. I have a pretty specific request for Kaz x reader. Basically, the reader was a part of the dregs for some time, well acquainted with Kaz, Nina and Inej (and Jesper, though I don't remember when he dropped studies and joined, but like yeah). After some time (2 years?) the reader is sent off to a job that causes them not to run into the main group a lot. For half a year they almost disappear (maybe swindling people in the harbor or watching some other Dregs’ territory). When they return all is good, new scars were definitely made and all, but that's a part of the job. They did mess up their leg though, having the knee crushed by a heavy object. They didn't get to heal it and after half a year its pretty hard to really fix. Unfortunately, they were known for their dancing and athletics as well as hand to hand combat before. That was why thy were seen as a valuable asset in the first place. And in the Dregs it’s not uncommon to overlook or hide injuries. So, though it's clear that something is wrong, they downplay it, afraid of being seen as weak or useless. But they struggle on the daily. I mean, from experience, that kind of an unhealed injury is hard to manage - they don't know how to sleep without pain flaring up bc the usual positions just don't work anymore, they have to relearn walking the stairs in a painless manner, whether changes are number one enemy, riding in anything is a nightmare bc the roads are bumpy, sitting apparently can cause pain too not to even mention walking. And all the fighting and acrobatics aren't as effective. They try to make others forget, trying to dance with Nina and Jes and sparring with Inej as if nothing happened. They want their life and self worth back

Before, they were known for keeping Kaz at a distance, which doesn't change at first. They still bicker, the reader is still distrustful. But I think he would be helpful. Not out of kindness, especially at first, but out of convenience. He can’t have them messing things up and so it starts small with offhand tips. Just enough not to have them get killed. Later, perhaps, they start talking more and the reader isn't sure if Kaz is still just the ruthless asshole they have to work with

To be fair, I don't have much plot. I just have my love for bittersweet stories and my messed up leg to provide inspiration. Also, don't care what you do with the gender, I used they/them to make in neutral but I don't really care. I know this request is long. No pressure if you don't like this scenario

-☆

My apologies for this taking so long. I was just scared that I wasn’t gonna do this justice. I hope it’s at least somewhat close. 🥺😫

Broken dreams

Playing a part was always hard. Fitting different masks. Making sure they didn’t slip. Always a smile. Always a careless, wild girl. But she just died last year. She was beaten. Broken to bits. Tossed aside. Left to die in that ally. To rot. Forgotten. Would anyone have come looking for you? Would have missed you? Grieved you? They killed the innocent girl that day. Left a broken shell of a woman in her way.

“Come on one more”, Nina pulled at your hand breathlessly. You quickly shoot her a smile, pushing the demons running in your mind aside. “We just sat down”, you chuckled while in reality, the idea of being up on your feet was making you want to turn to the side and vomit. “Oh, come on, we used to dance all night long, remember?”, she tossed her head back, downing her drink. “Jasper always steps on my toes, I need you to save me from that”, she cackled. Your eyes followed Jasper who was turning Wylan around. How much has everything changed in the time you were gone? It felt as if you no longer belonged. As if this version of you didn’t belong here anymore. “Are you feeling okay?”, Nina’s worried eyes watched you and you instantly nudged her, “Morning my freedom now that you’ve pretty much left your boyfriend for me”, you teased her. Happy to see her laugh. Off the hook then. “Lead the way”, you urged her. You could dance. Then down half the bottle of painkillers. Snatch one of the absolute bottles from Kaz’s drawer. It would work. You just had to pretend for a bit longer.

The pain was unbearable once you finally excused yourself. Sobbing the whole way back to the den. The agony felt like tongues of flames. No longer just in your legs. All over your body now. You slumped against the door. Letting yourself breathe. Trying to breathe. Only twenty sets of steps. It used to be only. Now it felt like twenty too many. Ot aggravated you. You wanted your body back. Wanted your freedom back. Wanted to be able to do things that others did. You just wanted it all to stop.

“Back early”, the voice makes you halt. Eyes growing big, you wipe your face before turning around, “Been a while since I drank so freely, Nina is also too persuasive”, you shoot a somewhat dazed smile at Kaz, who’s leaning against the the hallway arch. “You used to dance till early morning sun”, his words meet the target in a blind shot. Making your eyes sting once more. “You used to be more quiet. Don’t want to crawl back to your hole?”, it’s bitter. So bitter because he had learned to live with his pain. You were jealous of that. You had hoped that by watching him you would learn some tricks. How to navigate things that were easy once but brought you pain now. You learned to walk down the stairs because of him. Of watching him.

“You’ve changed”, Kaz’s eyes don’t leave you as he speaks. “Rich coming from you”, you let out a chuckle, locking the outside door. “You’re defensive”, he continues to push, “You were never defensive with me. We argued. You tested my patience but you never bit me”, you hear the sound of his cane, then the smooth steps. “Why are you biting me now, YN?”, Kaz asks. “Don’t make everything about yourself, Kaz”, you turned around swiftly, feeling your legs dip slightly beneath your weight. But you bite back the cry of pain, stepping forward. Hoping to escape him. But Kaz’s cane comes in front of you blocking your way.

“You don’t get to walk away”, he grunts, turning his head to you. “I’ll ask this once”, his voice low, lethal, “So take your time to think”. You can feel him. Feel his eyes when he asks, “Who hurt you?”. The anger takes flight within you. Sending traitorous tears falling down your cheeks, “If I have an idea they would be six feet under”. He had played his part. Made you open the throbbing wound up for him to see. “They captured me. Broke my knees. I couldn’t…”, the words tumble freely, as you hide your face in your palms. “Why didn’t you say anything?”, his tone is blank, emotionless.

“What was I supposed to say?”, you crock out in frustration, “I was worthless then. I was of no use”. Kaz clenches his jaw, “So you hide the truth from me?”. You can’t help but growl in frustration, “I did the job you gave me. I got you what you wanted, what else do you want from me for fuck sake”.

And it’s a matter of heartbeats as your back hits the wall, Kaz’s cane now pressed against your chest, “I don’t give a fuck about the job”, he spats, veins visible in his tense neck now. “We could have gotten you a good doctor, could have…”, he grunts, “Did anyone look at the injury at all?”. You look at him for a moment. You could lie but what’s the point? “Some passing by a doctor”, you admit, “Fixed what he was able to, wished me luck, and left”.

Kaz shakes his head as he steps back, “How bad is the pain?”, “You want to bask in it?”, you clip right at him. “I should throw you out. Make you pay for ruining your own body so carelessly”, he hisses, “Legally you are mine. I own you. So your legs are mine to worry about”. You scoff, “How sweet of you, my gods”. Kaz’s gloved hand catches your jaw, the touch starts you both it seems. “I’m mad at you because you should have spoken up. I would have helped you. Would have dropped everything and made my way to you”, Kaz snarls through gritted teeth, “You’re starting physical therapy from tomorrow. That’s an order”, he steps back, pulls at his west. You blink up at him, knowing that you should say something. Anything. He would have come to you. But was it true? “If you ever pull anything like this ever again…”, Kaz doesn’t finish but you know well what his words imply, “I’ll see you in the morning at my office. Think well about the features of people who attacked”.

[miwiheroes]

Mike and El's conflict is not just about him not being able to say 'I love you.'

It's about the fact they just don't understand each other anymore. Even if he was truthful about loving her in the end, it doesn't matter. Their relationship's building blocks are still broken. Here's why:

"I guess I just don't really understand."

"I mean, you've seen it, I've been bullied my entire life."

"I know what it's like."

"I understand"

"Just please don't tell the others okay? They won't understand."

"Eleven would. She always did."

"No. You don't."

"What don't I understand?"

"I am different." "You think I'm a monster too."

I really don't think anyone truly realises what the Mike and El fight in season 4 does to their relationship. Yes, it is basically all about how El tells Mike that he isn't loving her in the way that she needs, and that Mike just thinks of her as his superhero rather than a human being. However, this is a total break down in their relationship as a whole.

Their whole relationship was built in season 1 and 2 on a certain type of shared trauma, attachment to the person who gave you care, fascination and most of all, understanding. Mike was attached to her in season 2 and season 1 and had the first inkling that he might have liked her because he thought, 'finally someone who understands me'.

That understanding is gone. I repeat, it is gone. In this scene, with the broken diorama, it is established that the fundamental building blocks of their relationship too, are broken.

Many people think that by the end of season 4, Milkvan is completely fixed. Because Mike said 'I love you' and y'know what, let's say he meant everything he said! What if he did mean that he loved her? (even though that's not the case but walk with me here).

That still doesn't resolve everything.

Wait. But that was their only problem, right? That was all their argument was about, right?

Wrong. Their argument was also about El not understanding Mike, Mike not understanding El. And this part isn't fixed. Mike still calls her a superhero in his speech even if he is truthful, he still makes her feel like she's not a human being.

But:

"You make [me] feel like [I'm] not a mistake at all. Like [I'm] better for being different. And that gives [me] the courage to fight on."

Mike likes the words that Will says, and if he believes the lies that he's telling him, then that means he also likes having that sense of understanding between him and El. But in reality, it's not there. He feels warmth for feeling like he's being understood/ he understands someone else, but it's not El. It's Will.

"I am different. I do not belong." vs. "You make [me] feel like [I'm] better for being different."

When Mike finds out that it's not El that he makes feel like she's not a mistake, and that it's actually Will, he's gonna have a lot of questioning to do. Because, as Finn said:

"There's probably a mutual understanding and acceptance there, I think." (in relation to someone asking about mike's feelings here)

Mike will find that understanding he craves so much in a relationship. Will already believes that Mike understands him and makes him feel like he's not a mistake. Mike will find that understanding with Will, because it's mutual.

Uh so yeah, this is truly why I think for Mike's arc and El's arc, it makes no sense for them to be endgame, because they simply don't understand each other. But it's not anyone's fault.

[ask-adamsapple66]

Fight With Lucifer

Behind the scenes, Adam, Hazbin Hotel @ 7:45pm.

Adam sat there on the floor of his shared room at the hotel with Lucifer. Lucifer had just left in an angry blaze of fire, they had just had their worst fight ever since getting together.

Adam covered his mouth to muffle a sob, his eyes watered with tears. He fucked up, he really fucked up and he knew it. Why didn't he pick up on the fact that Lucifer was actually getting pissed off and not playfully pissed off?

How can you possibly be this useless? It's no wonder no one would ever willingly want you. Lilith's voice echoed in his mind.

Adam: What the fuck is wrong with me?

You're a stupid useless piece of shit that's what.

Adam got up off the floor and went to the bathroom, he looked himself in the mirror and hated what he saw. What did Lucifer even see in him?

Temporary insanity probably.

Adam: Shut up.

Don't be surprised when he asks you for his ring back, you clearly don't deserve it.

Adam: SHUT UP!!

Adam hauled off and punched the bathroom mirror as hard as he could shattering it into many broken pieces. A physical representation of his heart right now.

His hand was bleeding but he didn't care. He wrapped it in a little gaze and walked out. Adam looked at the bed.

Their bed.

He couldn't sleep there, it would be too cold and lonely.

Adam walked out of their room and into his old room, he wouldn't sleep there either he just wanted to grab his angelic steel blade if he was going to go out.

He grabbed his blade and made his way to the hotel, he couldn't let himself feel sad around others so he placed the comfortable mask of anger on. Adam was angry at that fucking fat jester Christmas tree, pissed at that douchbag Michael for saying whatever it was he said, and more than anything Adam was furious at himself for being so fucking stupid.

But that's nothing new is it?

When Adam passed Alastor in the hallway the radio demon sneered at him.

Alastor: What's the matter, trouble in paradise?

Adam: Fuck off asshole.

He wasn't in the mood to deal with him.

Alastor: What, your short little-

Adam saw red, he turned and stabbed Alastors hand to the wall with the blade, the radio demon actually yelped in pain.

Adam: Do not fucking talk about him like that. Next time it will be your heart, if you even have one.

Adam removed the blade and stalked away and left the hotel. No one in the city bothered him as he walked around at night, people may not mind getting beaten and dying but they didn't want to permanently die. Seeing the angelic blade on his hip kept people away.

Adam went into the Heaven Embassy, he may not be able to go down to Greed and fuck up that fat prick, but he can call down the other one.

There was a phone on the desk in the Embassy, Adam picked it up and he got ahold of Peter.

Peter: Hello, Heavens Gate this is Peter.

Adam groaned: Yeah, it's me get Michael down here.

Peter: Adam?

Adam: No it's Santa Claus.

Peter: Yeah it's you Adam..... Look I can't just get Michael to-

Adam: I DON'T FUCKING CARE IF HE'S GETTING A BLOWJOB YOU TELL THAT SON OF A BITCH TO GET HIS UGLY MUG DOWN HERE!!! AND NOT A HOLOGRAM EITHER!!

Peter: ...... One moment.

Adam didn't have to wait long before he was told to go to the nearest room where Michael looked pissed to see him.

Michael: What do you want?

Adam: The fuck did you say to him?

Michael: Who?

Adam growled and glared at him: WHO DO YOU THINK!?

Michael: Oh, him? Please, what's the matter did he get his little feelings, I know how short he can be with people, is he-

Adam had heard enough and punched Michael in the eye so hard it already started to bruise.

Adam: That's for whatever you said to him and what you just said now asshole!

Michael: You are going to regret that! Extermination Day is coming, maybe someone will finally finish the job so you can return to the filthy dirt where you belong.

Oh, maybe you should just stand outside and let someone do you in.

Adam: Lay the fuck off of him, or I'll be sure this finds it's way through your fucking eye.

Adam held up the blade.

Michael: That a threat?

Adam: More like a promise.

Adam turned to leave as Michael called out to him one last time.

Michael: What does he see in you?

Adams heart clenched in his chest, he wondered the same thing.

Adam: Fuck off.

Adam left, he didn't know if he just made things worse but Michael deserved a good punch in the fucking face for more than just today.

He didn't know how long he was walking around for, but the night was very dark the only light coming from the moon in the sky. Adam, found himself at the park.

Adam walked over to where their tree was and he felt his anger melt away and sadness creep back in.

A + L inside a heart carved into the tree. Adam remembered the day Lucifer did that.

Adam was leaning against the tree, the day was actually cool for once.

Adam: What are you doing?

Lucifer: Scoot over for a second.

Adam didn't question it and did as he was told, Lucifer sat down on his knees and used his claw to carve into the tree. Sure it was a little cheesy, but Adam was touched that Lucifer wanted to do something like that.

Lucifer: So we can always find our spot.

Adam: Our spot?

Lucifer cupped one of his cheeks: Yeah, our spot where we can come and just be together.

Adam: I love that Luci.

Lucifer smiled: Good.

He leaned in and kissed Adam under their tree.

That was one of the first times they came here for a date. Adams eyes welled up with tears as he gently touched the carving.

Fuck, he was so stupid......

Well you come by is honestly.

Adam walked away from the tree, it hurt too much to look at it. He sat down in front of the pond, there were a few ducks there swimming around. Hell ducks were like the ones on earth only they had horns for some reason.

One came over and Adam picked it up, it quacked at him and he smiled sadly, lip quivering. He'd never be able to look at one again without thinking of Lucifer.....

He placed the little duck in the water and it swam away. His eyes landed on his engagement ring again.

Adam wouldn't blame Lucifer if he wanted his ring back. Lu deserved someone better than Adam.

Some soulmate he turned out to be.....

Like you ever deserved him.

That one wasn't Lilith, it was him. He didn't deserve everything Lucifer did for him, he didn't deserve his kindness, and he sure as shit didn't deserve his love.

So if he wanted his ring back........ Which he probably did, Adam had never seen him that mad, Adam wouldn't put up a fight.

Adam pulled his knees to his chest as tears fell from his eyes.

Lucifer deserved to be happy, even if it wasn't with him.

@the-king-of-hell-66-6

[praisethegabs]

TAKING CARE

pairing: leon kennedy x reader synopsis: he needs comfort and someone who cares about him, and you know he won't say it. at least, not out loud. author's note: another request, i think it's very cute. it's my first attempt to write a drabble, and here it is. this was heavily inspired by a conversation i had with my friend today! i hope you like it, anon 💓 warnings: just fluff in general with a small angst, no use of y/n, second person (you) word count: 934

Leon was a terrible liar.

You were his partner for years, and you were always there with him during assignments. You knew him better than anyone else and there was nothing he could hide from you. Your relationship with him was something very unique, and you knew you were the only person he truly trusted.

But oh lord, it was very hard to gain his trust.

That's why you didn't even cared having him laying on your couch on a Saturday night after almost one month away from home. He was tired just like you were and yet, he seemed bothered with something.

"Is everything okay?" you ask him, sitting on the floor, crossing your legs as you observes him.

"Yeah, I'm fine" he says, his arm resting on his face as he tries to protect his sight from the lights. "Just tired"

"You're a bad liar, Kennedy" You smirk, trying to provoke him as you poke his waist, making him groan a little. "Come on, big guy"

"I hate you" he muttered to you, slaping your hand from his waist, before he glances at you, getting more comfortable on your couch.

"You love me" you smirk, still poking him, which makes him sigh a little, rolling his eyes as he gets slightly annoyed by your insistence.

"Have you ever had this feeling... like... you don't belong to anyone else?" he asks you, sitting on your couch, sighing deeply. "Like... you're not destined to be with anyone? Always alone and this kind of bullshit?"

"Wow, I've never thought of that... why?" You raised an eyebrow, the smirk on your lips fading away, as you notice some sadness in his piercing blue eyes.

But he seemed hesitant for a moment, trying to find the right words to express himself, which was something he had a lot of trouble to do. Leon was a low profile person. He always kept things for him instead of opening himself up with others, so telling someone how he felt was a big deal.

"I mean, recently I've been asking myself if I'm not a lovable person, y'know? Like there's something wrong with me, like I don't deserve to be loved..." Leon avoids your gaze, focusing on your plant instead. You knew it was serious.

"Since when you've been thinking about this?" You ask him, joining his side on the couch, trying to gain his attention.

"I don't know... it's been a while. I feel like I won't end with someone, I won't have an happy ending, like everyone else. You know, everyone I ever cared about ended up betraying me or hurting me... which makes me ask myself if I'm not worthy of love" he finally looks at you and you can notice he's trying his best to not break in front of you.

How can you show him you care? How can you tell him he's worthy of love and he deserves all the happiness in the world? No matter what you say, he won't believe you. He's so broken inside, he's so shattered into a thousand of pieces that words can't fix him. How can you convince him he deserves only the best, when all he sees is pain and suffering? He was hurt before, and he tries so hard to hide it, but sometimes, when there's only you with him, he finally allows himself to be vulnerable. But this? This confession? Well, it's not like anything else you heard before.

So, with just an simple gesture, you just involved him in your arms, in a tight hug that could melt him inside you, where no one would hurt him again.

And when he feels this hug, when his skin touch yours, he knows he can be whatever he wants with you. He can be vulnerable, he can be everything he isn't while he's with others. Deep down, all he needs is someone to rely on. You.

"I have something to say, and I want you to hear me very carefully, Leon" you said, touching his face so he can look you in the eyes, and he just nods. "You're the most beautiful, lovely and bravest man I've ever knew. And by beautiful, I mean inside and out. You're worthy of all love of the world, you deserve to have an happy ending like everyone else and don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise"

He smirks, even there's sadness in his eyes. He nods again, a few tears dropping from his eyes as he bury his face in your neck, seeking comfort. Gently, you start to stroke his hair, leaning against the couch to be more comfortable as he lays on your chest, breathing more calmly.

"Thank you" he whispers, closing his eyes as he can hear your heart beating calmly inside your chest, your fingers still playing with his hair. "For everything"

"What can I say? I love you, jerk" you smirk, looking down at him, his face buried on your neck, but a soft smile on his lips. "And you better remember that"

"I will. Always" his breath on your neck makes your body shiver, and he notices it, makes him smile even more.

This is the unique relationship you have with him. The only person who knows his insecurities, the person he always seeks when he needs comfort and assurance. By the end of the day, it's you he'll always want to be with.

"By the way, I'll always take care of you" you whisper to him, even though you knew he's asleep now. He's snoring softly and you know he's in peace. "Always"

[sosa2imagines]

Broken Hearts. Part 23

Warning- Mean exes, guns, violence, angst.

Lloyd's command echoed through the room, his voice filled with menace. “Drop your weapons! Now!”

The tension was palpable as Steve and Bucky locked eyes with Lloyd and Nick, their gazes intense and defiant. For a moment, the only sound was the shallow breathing of the two groups.

Then, Steve broke the silence, his voice gruff and laced with challenge. “You really think you can take us down?”

Bucky's menacing grin widened as he stared down Lloyd and Nick, his gaze fixed on Nick. “Well, well, well...” Bucky drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “The infamous Nick Fowler. What an honor. I can't wait to pull the trigger on this one.”

Steve's gaze, however, was locked on Lloyd. His eyes were unflinching, his expression intense. He paid no attention to Nick, his focus entirely on Lloyd, who returned the glare with equal fire.

Nick stood his ground, his voice resolute yet measured. “We won't back down. You're outnumbered, and you know it.”

Bucky's anger flared. “She's mine!” he roared, his voice echoing through the room.

Nick's words were firm, challenging Bucky's claim. “You don't own her!” he asserted. “You abducted her against her will. That's not love, it's an obsession!”

Bucky let out a sardonic chuckle, his grip on his gun still steady. Steve's anger was palpable, how dare they question the depth of his love for you? He wouldn't let them take you away without a fight.

Bucky's face contorted with possessive anger as he growled, “She belongs to me.” His words were filled with an almost feral intensity, and his gun was aimed directly at Nick's heart.

Lloyd sent a silent signal to Ari via the comms, “Now!” and Ari nodded swiftly, understanding the plan. He swiftly took your hand, guiding you towards the exit.

“No! She doesn't get to escape!” Bucky's voice thundered through the room as he shot out the lights, plunging the area into darkness.

With the lights extinguished, Steve and Bucky retreated to another room, leaving Nick and Lloyd in the pitch-black gloom.

Lloyd spoke into his earpiece, attempting to reach Ari through the comms. “Ari, come in... can you hear me?” His voice was a hushed whisper.

There was a moment of silence, each second feeling like an eternity as Lloyd waited for a response. Then, finally, Ari's voice crackled through the earpiece, filled with tension. “I copy. What's your status?”

Lloyd let out a sigh of relief at the sound of Ari's voice. “We're in the dark,” he replied quietly, “but we're safe for now. What about Sugar? Is she with you?”

Ari's reply came promptly, his voice still filled with urgency. “Yeah, we're both in the shadows, safely hidden. But we need to find a way out of here, and fast.”

Steve and Bucky knelt behind a wall, both silent and attentive. Bucky murmured, his voice a hushed whisper. “They're going to escape. We have to stop them.”

Steve nodded in agreement, his eyes fixed on the source of the approaching footsteps.

With lightning speed, Steve and Bucky charged forward towards the open door, where they had heard the footsteps. Catching sight of Ari and you fleeing, Steve lunged toward Ari, his voice filled with angry hostility. “Come back here, you little bitch!” he roared, firing off random shots in your direction, causing you and Ari to split apart.

“Run!” Ari urgently shouted at you.

You hesitated, but followed Ari's command and quickly dashing away in a separate direction. Your heart raced as adrenaline coursed through your veins, fear and urgency fuelling your movements.

Fear consumed you as you dashed forward, only to suddenly crash into Bucky. He swiftly spun you around to face him, his warm breath grazing your face as he drew close, his voice low and imposing.

“Where do you think you're going?” he growled, his grasp on your arm increasing slightly. You attempted to break free, desperately tugging against his firm hold.

“Let go of me!” you protested, your voice wavering from fear and anger. Your heart pounded against your ribs, each beat an echo of your growing panic.

“I said let go!” you pleaded vehemently, but Bucky disregarded your request, pulling you even closer against his firm form. His iron grip refused to loosen, his face showing no sign of yielding.

“No!” he hissed with stern finality. “You're not escaping.”

Despite your valiant efforts to break free, Bucky's stature and strength rendered your struggle futile. He yanked you even closer, his voice dropping to a deep whisper, his breath hot against your ear.

“You're mine,” he asserted, his command laced with possessiveness. “Do you understand? You belong to me.”

As Bucky started to pull you away, he let out a whistle, signaling to Steve to follow suit.

However, Nick was the first to catch up to the two of you, sprinting to intercept.

Nick stood resolute, his expression intense as he confronted Bucky. His firm command rang out. “Let her go, Barnes!”

Bucky's reaction was immediate, his hold on you tightening. His eyes narrowed as he shot a furious look at Nick. “Stay out of this!” he snapped back, his voice tinged with possessiveness. “She's mine. I'm not letting her go.”

Nick remained unmoving, his gaze resolute as he stared down Bucky. His voice was unyielding, laced with anger. “I said, let her go,” he repeated firmly and launched himself.

Caught off guard by Nick's unexpected attack, Bucky's grasp on you involuntarily loosened, allowing you to break free.

The ensuing brawl escalated instantly as Nick and Bucky traded punches, their bodies engaged in a fierce struggle for dominance. With every impact of fist against flesh, the room felt tighter with tension.

You retreated, watching the heated battle in bewildered shock. Your heart hammered violently against your chest, unable to process the unfolding situation.

Nick held Bucky down, his voice firm as he instructed you, “Run! Head towards Lloyd!” He gestured urgently in the direction of where Lloyd was located. You nodded, wasting no time in sprinting off down the corridors, your legs moving as fast as they could.

Your heart thumped wildly in your chest, a mix of fear and adrenaline coursing through your veins. In the distance, you could still hear the ongoing fight between Nick and Bucky, their grunts and thuds reverberating ominously off the walls.

In the dim light, the outline of Lloyd's shape came into view, filling you with a mixture of relief and trepidation. Drawing a deep breath, you called out to him, your voice quavering as you cried, “Ll…Lloyd!”

The sound of your voice registered instantly, and Lloyd swiveled to face you, his tone laced with a touch of relief. “Sugar!��� he breathed out, recognizing you rushing towards him.

Overwhelmed by emotion and fear, you leaped into his embrace, wrapping your arms tightly around his neck. Clinging to him as if he was your only anchor amidst the turmoil, you buried your face onto his neck, tears streaming down your cheeks.

Lloyd held you against him gently, his touch tender as he comforted you, rubbing your back with soothing motions. “It's alright,” he murmured with a calming reassurance, “You're safe now.”

“Shhh,” Lloyd whispered gently, his deep and soothing voice trying to calm your frayed nerves. “It's alright. I have you now. I won't allow them to harm you.”

As he held you tight, he could feel the weight of your sobs against his chest, the tremors of your body a sign of the surge of adrenaline still coursing through your veins.

The sound of gunfire echoed through the air, jolting you out of your weeping. Startled, you clutched tighter to Lloyd, taking refuge in his protective embrace.

Lloyd glanced in the direction of the noise, his grip on you becoming even more secure. “Hold on,” he murmured, his voice soft yet urgent. “We need to leave this place.”

Suddenly, Steve appeared, pointing a gun at both of you. His finger trembled on the trigger as he fixated his gaze upon you two.

Steve's voice was cold and dangerous as he commanded, “Let her go.”

Lloyd held you firmly, refusing to relent his grip. “She's not going anywhere,” he stated firmly, his arms a fortress around you.

As Steve's finger tightened on the trigger, his expression hard and unyielding, he repeated his demand once more, his voice filled with even greater urgency. “I said let her go!”

Ari swiftly drew his gun and commenced firing at the surroundings, generating a momentary diversion designed to divert Steve's attention. He cried out, “Go, go, go!” urgently signalling Lloyd and you to capitalize on the distraction.

Not wasting a moment, Lloyd seized the opportunity and swung out with a forceful kick, successfully knocking Steve off-balance from the unexpected attack.

In a seamless motion, he immediately followed through with a powerful punch aimed straight at Steve's face, effectively knocking him back and onto the ground.

Without giving Steve an opportunity to recover, Lloyd swiftly connected with a second punch, this one aimed at his jaw with bruising force. “Ari, take her away and don't look back!” he commanded urgently.

Ari acknowledged Lloyd's directive, his focus shifting as another gunshot echoed through the vicinity, causing you concern for Nick's safety as well. In a panicked tone, you protested, “No, I'm not leaving you!”

Lloyd turned back to you, his voice resolute, “Don't worry, Sugar. I will return to you. It's a promise, but you must go now.”

With a tinge of sadness, you reluctantly allowed Ari to guide you away, your heart gripped with a mixture of fear and worry. Though you wanted to remain, you knew the importance of following Lloyd's instructions.

Leaving him behind, you could feel the weight of farewell, your heart heavy with anticipation of his promise to return.

You allowed Ari to lead you by the hand, guiding you out of the compound as your heart thumped uncontrollably, desperately trying to drown out the sounds of combat reverberating from inside.

The thoughts about Lloyd and Nick consumed your mind, their safety now uncertain and unknown.

The flurry of emotions coursed through you incessantly, an overwhelming mix of worry, fear, and adrenaline coursing through your veins, leaving you feeling utterly overwhelmed.

The anguish consumed you as you trailed behind Ari through the dark corridors, fighting hard to maintain composure.

Once outside, your emotions surged out uncontrollably, and you collapsed onto the ground, sobbing for both Lloyd and Nick.

Ari hastened to your side, dropping down beside you and gently pulling you into his arms, his own worry for his friends mirroring your own.

A wave of guilt washed over you, and you couldn't help but blame yourself for the perilous situation your friends found themselves in. Your mind swam with regret and responsibility, the weight of the events weighing heavily upon your conscience.

Ari, seeing your self-blame, took it upon himself to attempt to console you. He held you close, his voice a soothing balm in the midst of turbulent emotions.

He stroked your hair gently, his touch reassuring as he spoke softly, “It's not your fault, you know. None of this is on you.”

His tone was filled with empathy and understanding, his words a soft murmur in the midst of the chaos unfolding.

He held you closer, his embrace firm and protective, attempting to quell the tumultuous storm of emotions that raged within you. “There was nothing you could've done,” he added gently. “They're going to be alright. They're strong. Trust me.”

The sound of an explosion, startled you both.

Your heart dropped as the blast rang out inside the facility, immediately followed by a second one. Panic clutched at your chest, and you gasped out the words softly, “What was that?!”

Ari's face mirrored your fear and concern as he took your hand firmly in his, his gaze fixed on you with steadfast worry.

He squeezed your hand gently, his touch a silent reassurance. “I don't know,” he replied, his voice steady but tight with tension. “But something's definitely not right.”

He paused, his expression dark with worry as the sounds of chaos continued beyond the walls.

Sensing your distress, Ari swiftly pulled you into a firm embrace, shielding you from the sight of the burning compound. Your body trembled as the heat from the flames reached you, the echoes of explosions carrying in the distance.

He held you close, his arms acting as a protective barrier, surrounding you with his strength and warmth.

From the distance of the burning structure, you noticed a weary figure stumbling towards you, its silhouette limping and smoke-tinged.

A soft cry of relief escaped your lips as you recognized the figure as Nick, his attire scorched and burned in several places on his body. His exhaustion was evident in his expression, yet there was also relief on his face as he reached you.

With a firm yet gentle hold, he pulled you into his arms, enveloping you in a tight embrace, his grip steady and secure.

He held you close, his body trembling slightly. “You're safe,” he murmured, his breath hot against your ear. “Thank God.”

His eyes met yours, a mixture of weariness and concern evident in his gaze, and a hint of something more that remained unspoken. He continued to hold you, as if drawing strength and comfort from the contact.

Despite the comfort of Nick's embrace, a sense of unease crept over you, and you instinctively looked over his shoulder, searching for any sign of Lloyd. Concern and worry for his safety filled your thoughts.

“Where's Lloyd?” Your voice was laced with trepidation as you pressed him for a response. Panic gripped you as Nick remained silent, his lack of response fueling your worry.

Nick's silence and the sadness etched on his face only heightened your anxiety. “Why aren't you saying anything? Where is he?” you repeated, your desperation growing with each passing moment.

The sense of dread intensified as Nick exchanged a somber glance with Ari, and your body suddenly felt drained of all color. The silence between them was deafening, a potent indicator that the outcome was far from good.

Your heart pounded in your chest as you struggled to break free from Nick's grasp, driven by the intense need to find Lloyd. “Let me go!” you implored, your voice cracking with a mix of terror and worry.

Nick, however, held you firmly, refusing to release his grip on you, his arms like iron bands around your flailing form.

Your desperation mounted as you let out a scream, his name ripping from your throat. Instinctively, you attempted to break free from Nick's hold and make a dash towards the burning compound, determined to reach Lloyd.

But Nick's grip on you was steadfast, keeping you firmly in place, despite your struggles.

Your body strained against his hold, but Nick stood firm, not allowing you to go any further. In a low, urgent voice, he tried to reason with you, his eyes filled with both sympathy and determination.

Your body sagged in Nick's arms as the weight and reality of the situation washed over you. All the emotions - fear, despair, and grief, came crashing down at once, and you couldn't hold back the tears any longer.

With a strangled sob, you slumped against him, your body trembling as you broke down, crying in his embrace. “LLOYD”

Nick held you tightly, his arms wrapped around you like a cocoon, offering comfort and security in the midst of chaos and despair. He didn't make any attempts to stop your tears, he just held you close, gently stroking your hair as you wept against him.

Your heart was shattered and your voice choked with sobs as you clung to Nick, pleading desperately through your tears, “Please, Lloyd needs me...I want Lloyd...he promised...Lloyd...” the words tumbling out between broken cries.

Nick's expression mirrored your grief as he held you tight, his own emotions running high but suppressed for the sake of comforting you, as so did Ari.

Part 22- Part 24

Taglist- @imyourbratzdoll @blackhawkfanatic @ordelixx @sapphirebarnes @ilovetaquitosmmmm

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[vulpixisananimal]

(Ramos) [A:3 C:53] [Thai belongs to @lavender-tea-dragon]

(You were humming more than happily as you dug up another clump of crabgrass and threw it in the bucket. Your garden was such a mess! You had been away training to be a defender for a few years now and yeah you did come back to visit, but it had been a while.)

(And you can't exactly. . . Think too hard on why it wasn't kept very well. Besides, it's winter now. Most of the seasonal plants were gone, only leaving the hardy evergreens and such. You made sure to figure out which plants were dead and which were just hibernating, and continued.)

"We're ready to help!" (You turn, Isabeau and Siffrin, no, Asterion had changed into clothes more ready for gardening. You wave them over.)

"Thanks you two." (You smile.) "You're sure you want to help?"

"O-of course." (Aster nodded, and walked over.) "I like your garden, and want to help. . ."

"Awww." (You rub your neck.) "W-well, uh, come help me clear out this old gardening box then."

"Real nice of Nille to make a new one." (Isabeau commented, joining you and Aster in clearing out the old broken box.)

"Y-yeah!! It really took me by surprise, it was so nice!!" (You beamed.)

"She is a very nice lady. . ." (Aster hummed.) "She helped me some with rock crafts. . ."

"Aww, y'coulda asked me buddy!" (Isa chuckled.) "You know I'm always up for that."

"Y-yes I just, ah. . ."

"Nervous?" (You ask, you were digging into the soil to separate weeds from the good dirt.)

"I, yes. . ." (He mumbled, looking away.) "I feel, behind, so. . ."

"You and me both, buddy." (You laugh, Isa and Aster laugh too.) "I'm happy to help anytime too, alright Aster?"

"And once you're comfortable I'll be ready and waiting for ya!"

"Thank you, both of you. . ." (Aster chuckled.) "I think, Wolworth has been a wonderful place to be, it is a nice town."

"Glad ya think so!" (You dig out another clump) "Anything you wanna do while you're here?"

"I'm, not sure. . B-but, I believe Null wanted to go to that, tea place? Maybe later today?"

"Oh yeah the Tea-vern! I went once, nice place. Would Null want a drinking buddy?"

"Haha. . . I, don't think so. Null is, the solitary type."

"Well just look out for flying chairs while you're there." (You chuckle.)

(The three of you continue, laughing, talking, discussing what to do with the garden next. Although, in honesty it was really only you discussing that, the other two just listened. Eventually all the weeds had been removed, next was the soil, which could be reused, then replacing the garden box. . .)

(You sit back on the grass, panting.) "Hard work. . ."

"Yeah, no kidding." (Isa agreed.)

"D-do, do you need a second?" (Aster said as he handed you some water.)

"Please." (You drink, and hand it back.)

(You lean back. Feeling the crisp winter air, the soft warmth of sunlight on a clear day, the wind through your hair. . . You could hear the chitter chatter of little animals going about their day. You could hear a soft conversation Aster and Isa were having. You could hear distant voices, too. . . You tune those sounds out, listening deeper.)

(You could hear the wind, you could hear a rustle of leaves. In fact, you think you can hear voices in the house, too.)

(You breathe in, out. Just like Siffrin does. You needed to relax, after all. Just relax, and listen to the world around you. Just relax, just relax, just relax. . . . . . .)

|You can see why Bright One likes them. . .|

(??!??!?!?!?!??!!)

(What was that?!?!!?!?)

(Your breath catches, just for a moment. Okay, maybe you were just, hearing things? Calm down, can't be going crazy now, Rams, haha.)

(You breathe in, and. . .)

(It's hard work, wow did Ramos do this all the time?)

(T-there it is again? What, what was-)

|Stars, they are a hard worker. Perhaps you should-| (-effinatly underestimated them, there's a lot to Ramos you s-) |Can't know who you-| (-ope they can forgive yo-)

(Your eyes bolt open and you shake your head. You slap your face for good measure, then pinch yourself.)

"Water." (You reach to Aster, who passes you the water. You drink some, then splash some on your face.)

"U-uh, everything alright, buddy?" (Isa tilts his head.)

"I-" (You freeze up. Crab, oh craby crab crab. You needed to tell them, of course, but, you. . . O-okay.) "I, uh. . ."

"Take your time." (Aster says calmly.) "Are you overheating?"

"N-no, not that, I think. Just. . ." (. . . Here goes nothing.) ". . . I-Isa, where you thinking about, if, I did this kinda hard work all the time?"

"H-HUH?!?!?" (Isabeau raises his arms, surprised.) "I- whuh?!?"

"O-OKAY!" (OH STARS. You turn to Aster.) "A-and, uh, did you-"

"Nnnoonononothanksplease-" (Aster sunk down and looked away.) "I, uh, p-private thoughts please."

"Crab- s-sorry-" (You rub your face again, that, that couldn't have been anything, right?) ". . . . . I- uh, okay. O-okay."

"You, u-uh, everything, alright?" (Isa asks a second time.)

". . . N-no, no idea, but. . . I'm, going to try that again." (You take a shaky breath, then lean back.)

". . .O-okay!" (Isa laughs nervously.) "Whatever 'that' is, just, uh, be careful?"

". . . Yes, please, be careful. . ." (Aster sounded, shaky. . .)

(You close your eyes, breathe, breathe, tune out the world, the sounds, everything around you, and relax. Just relax, just relax, just relax-)

|-rangest things, you don't know if they could read your thoughts bu-| (-How did they know?!? Are they reading your head right now?!? O-or are y-)

(O-okay this was, too confusing to try and keep up with. Okay, try and. . . Think about, Isabeau, Isabeau, Isabeau. . .)

(-ust just be a fluke! Yeah! Just had a weird intuition, that's alright! You breathe a sigh of relief. If Ramos could hear your thoughts, t-then that would ruin that surprise Bonnie was cooking up! You couldn't wait for it, when they talked about baking a cake like that-)

"Crab." (You groan, and collapse back into the grass, covering your face with your hands.)

"W-what is it?!? What's going on?!?" (Aster was at your side, worried.)

"Did something happen? Or. ." (Isa was walking over.)

(You groan again, and part your hands a bit, making awkward eye contact with Isabeau.) ". . . . S-so uh. . ."

"Uh-oh." (Isa bit his lip.)

"Y-y'know, that, thing Perci could do? Just, read thoughts, no need for contact?"

"UH-OH-" "S-stars above, please, don't say it. . ."

"U-uh. ." (You look away.) ". . . Thanks, for the cake?"

"NooooOOO!!!" (Isabeau covered his face and joined you in the grass.)

(Asterion sits down, massaging the bridge of his nose.) "Oh. . . B-but, is that not, good news? That you can do that?"

"I, I mean. . ." (You rub your face.) "I guess it is but, just. . . W-well, it just, came out of nowhere! Y'know?"

"Well haven't you been working on your mind craft stuff?" (Isabeau sat up again, looking over.)

"Yeah, but I don't think I was, close to doing that." (You sit up, too.) "Every time I tried copying what Perci could do, nothing happened."

". . . Hmm. . ." (Asterion had his chin in his hand, thinking.) ". . . Oh it. . Could be to do with either, gardening, or being home, O-or emotional shock. . ."

"True! Didn't you do gardening to help calm down before exams, Rams? Like, volunteer at that nice community garden!"

"Yeah I did!" (Change, Isa had a good memory for that.) "Though I hadn't for a while by the time you guys came along."

"Aww, why not?" (Isa pouted a little.)

"I just. . . Wasn't interested?" (You shrug.) "I dunno, just was too focused on training and stuff."

"Ha, fair enough!" (Isa patted your back.) "Hey how 'bout we ask M'dame about this later when she comes back, alright?"

"Oh, yes!" (Asterion put a hand on yours.) "No need to worry about it when we can relax and enjoy some time gardening together. Yes?"

"Heh, you're right." (You stretch, and put your focus back in gardening mode.) "Alright, let's get dirty then."

>>>

(Siffrin) {Mal Du Pays} <Null> |Asterion| [Loop] [(Saffron)]

<Huh.>

<You're not sure what you expected from the Tea-vern, but this wasn't it.>

<It was a two-story building, two big windows in the front, and one of them was boarded up. Looking in the other, the place looked like a very. . . By the books rowdy tavern kind of place.>

<Except. It just served. Tea.>

<. . . . Well, when in Vaugarde. You walk in.>

<You were alone in your adventure, today. You didn't want to be around people. That also meant you could dress in the outfit Isabeau made for you. It felt very, very nice. You even had your katana with you, just in case of trouble.>

<The inside of the Tea-vern was just as rowdy as it looked outside. Games, yelling, groups of people. You ignore it all and go to the bar. Tea bar? You could see Thai going from place to place; managing boiling kettles, taking some orders. It looked like he was completely in their element.>

<There were a few people to one side of the bar, and one person, head down, sitting by himself. You sit a few seats away from both. A few moments later, Thai caught your eye and ran over.>

"Well if it isn't Mx.Savior themself!" <He leaned on the bar.> "Come to try the best in the biz?"

"You talk big." <You chuckle.> "What teas you got? I like strong tea."

"Alright well!" <They stand up and crack their knuckles.> "We got black tea, green tea, chai tea (which name is just tea-tea but WHATEVER), ice tea, herbal tea, lemon tea, rooibos tea if you're a dork, matcha tea, oolong tea, early grey tea. AND if you want some spicy alcoholic tea I got a toooon of specialty in house blends."

"That's quite the list." <You chuckle, alright, a real tea guy.> "Hmm, one of the blends. Any recommendations?"

"Ugh, you're making me choose a favorite?" <They roll their eyes.>

"Try the 'Black n' stormy tea'" <Says a very, annoyingly, frustratingly familiar voice.>

<Stars above, of course HE was here.>

<You whip around, looking at the other person at the bar. Perci. Blinding- of course you didn't recognize him with his head down and back to you! He was looking at you, smug smile on his face.>

"You." <You go to get up, murder in your eye, hand to the sword.>

<He held up a hand..> "Oh calm down? I'm not here for a fight, not today. We have a truce, don't we?"

<You pause.> ". . . . Right." <You stay there for a bit, still threatening to strike anyways, until you sit again.>

". . . You two got beef or something?" <Thai had crossed his arms.>

"Of a sorts." "You could say that."

"Cool. If ya do fight just let me get betting set up." <They rolled their eyes.> "So, want a black n' stormy? It's pretty strooong."

"Perfect." <You huff.>

"You got it boss." <Thai stuck out his tongue then got to work. Getting the tea all ready. What a performance, stars. You couldn't imagine working like that.>

". . . Betting?" <You glance at Perci.>

"It's something Thai does." <Perci answers.> "Bar fight happens, he takes bets on who wins. Then once the fight's over they kick out the people who started it."

"Noted." <You look away again.> "A surefire way to get you kicked out, then.

"Ha!" <Perci laughs and sips his tea.> "So what brings you here?"

"Invited." <You talk flatly.> "Saved Thai the other day, when sadness attacked."

"Ah that makes sense." <Another sip.> "I was surprised to learn how big that attack was."

"I thought you'd know everything in this town. Considering who you are." <You shoot him a nasty look.>

<He grinned.> "Oh usually~ but I was a bit preoccupied."

"Right." <You huffed.> "Like you would have helped, or cared if people died."

"Oh I'm hurt! Don't forget, Null, this is my home!"

"Siffrin." <You glare at him.> "Not, Null."

"Oh yes, my mistake~" <He took another sip from his tea, giving you the smug side eye of an absolute bitch.>

"Here ya go Savior!" <Thai dropped by, a sizeable cup of tea placed in front of you.> "No charge."

<You blinked.> "What?"

"Hero privilege." <They said in a mocking voice.> "Plus Ark'll beat my ass if I charge a savior."

<You shake your head.> "Ha, fair. I'll just leave a big tip."

<Thai laughed and headed off to the next customer. You take a sip of the tea. . . It tasted sweet, and strong, and had a bit of bitterness to it. There was some gin mixed with it that burned down your throat. Perfect.>

"Good?" <Perci couldn't help but chime in, could he.>

"Unfortunately."

"Ha, cheers. Then." <He held up his drink.>

<You give him a look, then reluctantly raise your own.> "Cheers then, to. . . What, rivalry?"

"No." <He smiled, gently.> "To our safe travels?"

". . . Better, but. . ." <You think for a moment. . Ah, of course.> "To the Stars."

"Ha, to the stars." <You both take a drink.>

<. . . Something felt, familiar about that.>

"So." <Perci leaned his head on a hand, voice slurred a little.> "Mind if I ask something?"

"Yes." <You chuckle, giving him a look back.> "But you'll ask anyways."

"Why a sword?" <He laughed.> "I like a sword or two as you know, but why?"

"I like it." <And it reminded you of that home that never was.> "It's not a crime to try a new weapon, isn't it?"

"You're right you're right. Just surprised is all." <He waves a hand dramatically.> "But at this point I shouldn't be surprised by anything you do."

"Haha!" <You smile a little.> "I'm actually right with you there. You'll never believe who Ramos is dating now."

"You could have stopped at dating and I'd be surprised." <He had his head in both hands now.> "Who?"

"Our host." <You said, taking another sip.> "In possibly the most disgustingly sweet show I've seen."

"No!" <Perci laughed.> "Ahaa! When I first met Ramos, romance was the last thing on their mind!"

<STARS! What are you doing, Null. You're just talking about your life to the enemy! Idiot.> "Well you would know, wouldn't you."

"You know it~" <He chuckled, then took a sip of tea.> "So, yourself- well, Siffrin, Isabeau, and Ramos, hmm?"

"Ugh, yes. Unfortunately." <You grumble.> ". . . You know that from when you looked in Isabeaus mind, didn't you."

"Maybe~" <He chuckled.> "It was quite the sight to see. Isabeau and that sadness of all people! Blood, if I was you I'd just die at that point."

<. . . . . . . Sadness?>

"Oh, you didn't know?" <He laughed, again.> "I thought it was obvious! Stars, that presence in your mind was only just a few steps away from that one bonded to dear Mirabelle. I wonder how you tamed it, or should I say, how Isabeau tamed it."

<You drink the rest of your tea. Your face felt hot, and you felt annoyed.> "What do you mean."

"Oh come on, that's not too hard to understand, is it?" <He couldn't stop laughing.> "That thing has all the signs of a tamed sadness! Quite the feat, I have to say. Or. . ."

<There was a pause, he looked at you, like time was slowing down.> ". . . Maybe it's not tame at all."

<You stand up.> "Thanks for the drink, Thai."

"Aww, leaving already?" <Thai called from across the bar. You just wave. You need to leave. He was getting to you.>

"Take care, Null." <His voice was so annoying.> "Don't go dying now~"

<You don't respond. He was taunting you. He wanted something from you. Or he wanted to get in your head, under your skin. You wanted a nice day in a place that no other headmate would step. Yet he was here, ruining it.>

<You couldn't forgive him for that fight. So cocky. So forceful. He wanted in your head, and he didn't care about your safety. You nearly died from all those loops! He did not care.>

<There was a tingling down your spine. It felt, familiar somehow- wait.>

<It felt like time slowed down. Your vision changed, you tuned out the people around you, the voices around you. There was something, danger. You turn, a glass was flying at your head. Your hand moved faster than your mind.>

<You raise your sheathed sword, and knock the glass out of the air.>

<Your vision returned to normal, you felt weird, sick, dizzy. That, that took only a fraction of a second of time yet it was stretched to so much longer. The shards of the glass fell at your feet. There were cheers, looking around, it looked like some of the tea-vern goers were impressed.>

"ALRIGHT! WHO THREW IT!" <Thai yelled out to the crowd. No-one came forward.>

<You look at Perci. He had his head down.>

"It's fine, Thai." <You huffed.> "Someone just got a little excited is all."

"UGH, sure okay." <Thai pouted.> "Hey get back here sometime! I got waaaay more tea stuff to show off."

"Sounds like a plan." <You wave goodbye again.> "Take care."

<. . . . You'll figure out what that was, later.>