#but i figured tonight would be fun considering. some of you may be in need of a pick me up. perhaps. some feel good moments

[submattsmxmmy]

Dead dove: do not eat 💖 Hiii, it's @ariestrxsh and this is my secondary account. Here is my contribution to kinktober. I know the Ghostface trope has been done so many times, but I figured it would still be a fun little smut to write in honor of Halloween.

👻🎀 content warning: smut, degradation, predator/prey dynamic, restraints, knife play, blood play, ghostface!matt, ghostface!chris, slutty!reader

👻🎀 author's note: idk if this would be considered a dead dove: do not eat fic, but it certainly contains some rather dark material, so i'd rather label it that way to be safe. also, my reader's slutty nun outfit may offend you if you're religious, so please scroll and don't read if it's going to upset you.

👻🎀 summary: you're throwing a halloween party at your house in a remote area. the night becomes like a thrilling, real-life horror movie after your friends, matt and chris both show up dressed as the infamous ghostface.

masquerade

"What are you guys going as tonight?" You asked Nick, Matt, and Chris as the four of you aimlessly wandered around the Halloween store that was littered with all the decor you could dream of for the party you were throwing later. You'd done most of your holiday shopping a few weeks prior, but you just needed a few final touches to complete the vibe you were going for.

"I'm going as Stu Macher," Nick responded, fiddling with some tacky Halloween decoration. "I'm going as Ghostface," Chris confidently replied, and your gaze softened as you pictured him in one of those sexy masks.

"Hey, what the fuck, Chris? I'm going as Ghostface," Matt slugged Chris in the arm. Your breath caught in your throat, and your lips fell open as you pictured them both in the Ghostface costume. "Relax. That'll make it more fun. Then no one will know who's who," Chris smirked. "People already have a hard time telling us apart," Matt rolled his eyes.

"What are you going as?" Nick asked you, ignoring his brothers. "Well, I'm going to be the only one out of the four of us who isn't going as a Scream character. But it's going to be a surprise," you told them, wandering over towards a giant cauldron that caught your eye.

"What are you going to use that for?" Matt asked. "Punch bowl! Isn't it perfect?" You asked, picking it up and cradling it in your arms as the four of you continued through the store. "Can you at least give us a hint about what you're going to dress up as?" Chris playfully poked you in the side.

"All I can tell you is, it's gonna be sexy, and you're gonna thank God when you see me in it. I'm trying to get laid tonight," you proudly stated as the four of you headed over to the checkout counter to pay.

Nick, Matt, and Chris dropped you back off at your place, which was out in the middle of nowhere, so you could finish setting up, and so they could change into their costumes. You thought it was fitting you lived in a secluded part of your town's national forest and didn't have any neighbors for miles.

You'd just finished putting out the last of the decorum when people started trickling in. You had fake spiderwebs strewn in every corner, a smoke machine, and a black light.

You were just thinking about how excited you were for the boys to see you in your glowing slutty nun outfit when the doorbell rang, and as you pulled open your creaky front door, you saw Nick covered in fake blood accompanied by a pair of Ghostfaces, the whites of their masks lit up by the black light. "Look at you!" Nick gasped as you gave them a twirl. Chris and Matt's eyes were immediately drawn to your exposed chest and your bare thighs.

"Please, Mr. Ghostface, don't kill me!" You jokingly shrieked, placing your hands on your cheeks and making a fake surprised face. "You look really good," one of them said to you. "So do you guys," you seductively replied, nibbling on your lower lip and looking at the three of them, but especially Matt and Chris. You had a bit of a thing for masked men.

They shuffled into your house, admiring the way you had decorated. More guests started arriving, and the party started to really take off. Nick started hitting it off with a guy you worked with who was dressed as a skeleton, which left you, Matt, and Chris alone.

"You guys wanna scare Nick tonight?" Matt asked menacingly, tilting his head in his ghostface mask, which had no business being as hot as it was. You bit your lip at him.

Chris could tell you were entranced by the costume. "Like the mask, sweetheart?" Chris asked in a deep, menacingly voice that was strikingly familiar to that of the original Ghostface, taking his 'prop' weapon and running the edge along your cheek, but the metal was sharp and cold. "Shut the fuck up. Oh my god, is that a real knife?" You asked him, staring wide-eyed at it.

"Yeah, why does that scare you? Or do you like it?" Chris said in a spooky voice. You narrowed your eyes at him. "Neither. You guys are so immature. Have fun scaring Nick. I'm gonna go enjoy my party and try to find someone to hook up with. Try not to cut anyone with that thing."

You rolled your eyes at them and pushed past them, trying to hide the effect they were having on you. Both sets of eyes traveled to your ass as you walked away. "Why don't we play a prank on her instead?" Matt inquired. "Yeah, she could use a little loosening up," Chris responded.

You couldn't deny that the way Chris had put that blade up to your cheek while he was dressed like that was having a rather strong effect on you, an effect so strong that you desperately wanted to turn back around, grab them by their solid black robes, and beg them both to rail you while they wore their Ghostface attire.

You'd always found them both attractive, but they were your good friends, and most nights that the sexual thoughts about them creeped into your psyche, you were able to will it away, or something you'd never admit out loud to - sometimes you'd just take care of the aching between your legs really quickly, and the thoughts would usually dissipate on their own, but tonight was different.

You could feel a damp warmth between your thighs as you sauntered off in another direction to greet some of your other friends, but even as you asked them how the party was and tried to get your mind off of the Sturniolo boys, you found yourself peeking over your shoulder, stealing glances at them, and losing your inner battle with yourself to fight off your urges.

It had been so long, and you were so horny.

"I think that guy over there is checking you out," your friend who had animals ears on nudged you and glanced off in the direction of the punch bowl you'd bought earlier. Your eye caught a tall man with zombie makeup on that you didn't recognize grabbing himself a cup of spiked punch, his gaze flicking up at you every few seconds. You thought he was kind of cute.

"Go talk to him," your friend urged you, lovingly squeezing your arm. You took one more glance in the direction of where Matt and Chris had been standing just moments ago, seriously considering trying to pursue one of them instead, but when your eyes scanned over the crowd, you didn't see either one of them. You'd missed your chance.

"Okay, fine," you whispered to your friend, rolling your eyes and working up the courage to approach him. You took a deep breath and headed in his direction.

"Hey, do I know you?" You asked, grabbing yourself a red solo cup and serving yourself some alcoholic punch. "You know, some would say your costume is offensive," he said, ignoring your question and motioning towards your exposed breasts in your very ungodly outfit.

"Then why don't you rip it off of me?" You flirtatiously shot back. He looked unamused with you.

"Hey, so, what's the deal with your friend?" He asked, taking a sip of his drink and his gaze looking past you to where you were previously standing. "Oh, my friend," you said in a slightly disappointed tone, realizing you'd just approached and been very forward with a man who had been interested in the girl standing next to you the whole time.

You started back off in the direction you came from, and your friend glanced over at the embarrassment in your expression. "What happened? Was he a dick to you?" She asked, concern in her eyes while she cradled your face. You could understand why he was looking at her instead of you.

"No, nothing like that. If you think he's cute, you should go talk to him. I'll be right back," you responded, feeling your face get hot. You pushed past a crowd of people to get to the bottom of your staircase, and you hurried up the steps before your tears could fall.

It wasn't so much that you were upset about not getting the guy. You weren't even that interested in him. It was a combination of a few things, really.

It was the humiliation of misreading the situation, the insecurity you felt about not being as pretty as your friends, and the constant self-doubt you had about whether you really were a slut like everyone called you and if any guy would ever want you again because of it.

Through your teary vision, your bedroom door caught your eye. You stopped dead in your tracks, sniffling and wiping away your tears as alarm bells went off in your nervous system.

Your bedroom door was wide open, and you swore you'd shut it before the first few guests had arrived. You walked through the door frame cautiously, overwhelmed by a sensation of having eyes on you, studying your surroundings to see if anything else was out of place.

You shrugged off the feeling of being watched, chalking it up to the fact that it was Halloween, and you had been watching a lot of thriller and horror movies in the couple weeks leading up to your party.

You made your way over to the bathroom sink, setting down your red solo cup on the cold countertop and peering at your reflection in the mirror. You didn't want to spend Halloween night sulking in your bathroom while your two hot best friends were downstairs, strutting around in their sexy Ghostface attire and probably finding other girls to sleep with.

You cleaned off the eyeliner that was smudging on your bottom eyelid, glued the corner of your eyelash back down, and readjusted your breasts in your costume.

After fixing the imperfections with your wardrobe, you decided you weren't going to let the night end without taking a stab at trying to have sex with whichever one of the Sturniolo brothers you saw first, excluding Nick of course. You were done pretending like you weren't completely taken with them.

Your gaze flickered over to the reflection of your partially open closet door in the mirror. Again, you could have sworn you'd left it closed. Filled with dread, you slowly tiptoed out of the bathroom, past your bed, and over to your closet. You rested your hand on the round, metal door knob and slowly pushed it shut.

You realized how ridiculous you were being, rolling your eyes at yourself and letting out a sigh at how jumpy you'd been lately. You turned back around and started to head out of your bedroom when all of a sudden, you heard the sound of the closet door creaking open again.

Before you could spin yourself around and identify the threat, you felt a gloved hand cover your mouth and a cold, sharp blade resting against your neck. "What's your favorite scary movie?" The way his voice came through sounding just like Ghostface had you both scared and turned on.

Your eyes rolled back in your head, and you let out an audible moan against his palm, causing him to pull his hand back. "What was that?" Chris accusingly asked, speaking like himself again. "What the fuck? How do you make your voice sound like that?" You asked in a shaky voice.

He chuckled in your ear, avoiding your inquiry. "Answer me first. What was that sound you just made?" Chris posed the question again. "Nothing. Real funny, Chris. Let me go," you responded.

Another figure appeared in the corner of your eye as Matt walked around in his Ghostface costume, shutting your bedroom door closed. Your heart dropped as you watched him lock it and make his way back over to you. "Let you go? Are you sure you want that?" Matt cooed, running the back of his gloved hand along your cheek and tilting his head down at you. You gulped.

"Is this turning you on?" Chris whispered into your ear. "Gross," you rolled your eyes. "Only one way to find out," Matt menacingly replied. "Why don't you check her, Matt?" Chris smirked under his mask.

Your mouth fell open, and a strangled whimper came through as Matt reached between your legs, lifting up your skirt and slipping his fingers into the waistband of your panties. Immediately, he felt the wetness leak through his glove.

"Oh, she's soaked. Her clit practically has its own heartbeat," Matt relayed to his brother, drawing circles on it with his fingers and talking about you as if you weren't in the room with them. "I bet she'd like it if we took care of that. Don't you think?" Chris wondered, dragging the blade across your collar bone and between your partially exposed breasts.

You couldn't hold back your delighted sounds as they both put their hands on you. It was like a dream come true. Your prayers had been answered. You'd fantasized about them each separately, but the idea of having them both take you on at the same time didn't even seem like an option until now.

"What's turning you on so much? The mask? The knife? The fact that it's me and Matt?" Chris cooed at you, pulling your top down to reveal your tits. He took the knife and started running the sharp edge against your nipples that stiffened at the touch. You immediately shuddered and let out a whimper.

"All of it?" Matt wondered, continuing to play with your pussy that was becoming wetter by the second. "Answer him, slut. What's got you all wet, hmm?" Chris growled into your ear. Of course, it hurt your feelings to be called that, but there was something about the way Chris said it so endearingly that it didn't seem like he was trying to do anything other than turn you on, and it was working.

"Nothing, it's completely unrelated," you lied, biting your lip to hold back another moan, but your attempts failed, and your head fell back against Chris' chest. You felt his hard cock against your backside, and it twitched at the way you struggled to keep yourself composed. "Yeah, mine's unrelated, too," Chris replied sarcastically, staring down at your tits as he continued to tease them with his knife.

You felt Matt's fingers slip into your hole as he started to fuck you with them. "You want us to stop?" Matt asked. You nibbled on your lip and softly shook your head no. "That's what I thought. She's such a little slut," Chris said to his brother. "Don't you know it's always the slut who dies first?" Chris rasped into your ear.

"Oh, she likes that," Matt cooed, feeling your pussy start to throb around his fingers. You tried to hide your reactions, but your body language couldn't keep your secret from the two pairs of Ghostfaces who manhandled you.

"You still never told us your favorite scary movie," Chris pointed out. "Blair Witch Project," you hesitantly answered. "Mmm. That's a scary one. Especially when you live out here," Matt replied. Chris leaned over to Matt and whispered something in his ear that you couldn't quite make out.

"Lay on the fucking bed, slut," Chris responded as they both let you go. "We're gonna go have a little chat in the other room, and you're gonna lay right here and behave," Matt ordered you. "And if you try to run, you're gonna be really sorry," Chris said, waving the knife in your direction.

They both disappeared behind your bathroom door. You heard the sound of Chris and Matt arguing behind the wooden barrier about who was going to have their way with you first, but you had another idea.

When they both emerged from the bathroom, you were gone, and on your nightstand was a note that read: "come find me in the woods, mr. ghostface. xoxo, your prey" with a heart drawn below the lettering.

"Oh, that sneaky bitch thinks she can be in charge of her own fate. We're gonna have fun with her tonight," Chris told Matt as he picked up the note.

They both disappeared out of the room, down the stairs, and out the backdoor towards the dense treeline behind your house with a flashlight Matt had snagged off your kitchen counter.

All they had to do was listen quietly for a few minutes beneath the blanket of stars and clouds, and then they heard you, crushing twigs and leaves under your weight as you tried to stealthily make your way through the forest.

All of a sudden, you were lit up by the flashlight Matt held in hands. "Gotcha," he said in a menacing voice. You froze and stared at them both, unable to move a muscle. "Think you're so slick, huh?" Chris asked in a low, sexy rasp.

"You know what would make this so much more fun? If she had to guess who's who while we take turns fucking her," Matt suggested, taking a few steps towards you. "And if she guesses wrong, we'll make her bleed," Chris laughed, closing in on you as well.

You'd never seen this side of the two brothers, but it excited you more than you were willing to admit.

You started slowly walking backward until you backed into a tree, and you swallowed hard as you felt its rough trunk under your palms, realizing you didn't have anywhere to go.

"Please, Mr. Ghostface. Spare me!" You whined, but you couldn't hold back your smirk as Matt pulled the knife out of his robe and cut your costume from your body. You gasped as the fabric fell the floor in front of your feet. You'd never imagined your night would go like this. In fact, this was hotter than anything you could have ever dreamt up.

"We told you that you'd regret running." It was that same ominous, threatening, and sexy voice that Chris had used earlier in the night, so that must have been him. "I thought we told you to behave," said the other, sounding just like the first one. Fuck, you thought.

You watched as the boy with the knife started to cut a hole in his robe, and your eyes widened, and your jaw fell open as you realized what he was doing. You watched as his dick poked through the black fabric, staring you down. He handed off the knife to his brother.

"Since you like to run, one of us is going to have to hold you still," the second one said pinning your wrists above your head with one hand with the other, he held the blade up in front of your face. You saw yourself in the reflection of the sharp metal accompanied by the man in the Ghostface mask beside you, and it sent goosebumps across your flesh.

He closed the distance between the weapon and your breasts, and he started tracing your nipples again with the knife's edge. Your chest rose and fell as your breath quickened. You peered at the boy who was settling between your legs, grabbing ahold of his big, veiny cock with his gloved hand as he started pumping it back and forth a few times, making sure it had reached its full potential.

He hiked up your leg, wrapped your thigh around his waist, and pulled your panties to the side before sinking it into your heat and stretching you out. "So tight," he groaned deeply, feeling the way you gripped his dick. You let out a few loud moans as you adjusted to his size, taking every inch of him.

"That's it. Take it like the slut you are," he gruffed, picking up the pace and wrapping his gloved fingers around your neck. "Like that?" The boy who was holding your wrists cooed as he dragged the sharp object across to your other peak.

You loved the way both Ghostface masks reflected your fear back at you as well as your pleasure, their empty eyes, and their contorted mouths, taunting you. You glanced back at the brother who was between your legs, focusing on his thrusts. His fast and powerful thrusts.

Every time he bottomed out in you, a desperate mewl escaped your lips, filling the atmosphere. The masked man started to mimick the sounds that poured from your mouth while his brother fucked you, and you adored every second of it.

You loved the way they were feeding your sick fantasies, holding you at knife point, wearing their sexy costumes, and fucking you dumb while they degraded you. Your sounds became louder, more urgent, and less inhibited. You could feel the intensity building.

"Scream for me, bitch," the man between your legs chuckled. His mean words, his hand around your throat, the movement of his hips, and the cold, sharp metal dancing across your skin were enough to cause you to snap.

You hit the point of no return, clenching around the mystery man's rod, sending him to the same fate shortly after. You could feel his twitching cock filling you up as your orgasm took its course, the two of you moaning in unison while you finished together. Your legs grew weak as you came.

"Oh my god, Chris. Matt. Whoever you are," you breathlessly panted. You thought for sure you'd be able to tell them apart by now, but you had no idea, and you found it all the more enticing.

"Such a good girl for me," he cooed, slowing down his thrusts, pulling out, and watching his seed flow out of you. He stared down in awe at the mess he made, taking in the sight and savoring it while his breathing pattern returned to normal.

"I've been waiting for this," the boy to your left said as he switched places with his brother. He took the knife, hooking it into your panties and slicing the delicate material, watching the fabric fall to the ground and revealing your pretty pussy to him.

Then he cut a hole in his robe like his brother had done, and you peered down at his gorgeous cock poking through the tear in the material.

He roughly pried open your legs, guiding them open with the blade. He dug into the inside of your right thigh with his gloved hand and rested the knife on your lower stomach. You couldn't keep yourself from admiring his big, throbbing dick, and you sharply inhaled as you felt him slip his tip into your entrance.

"Oh, fuck," he moaned as he bucked his hips forward, his entire length vanisihing into your tight hole. Your eyes flicked back up to his Ghostface attire, taking in the incredible view of being fucked by a man in such a sexy mask.

The man beside you restrained your wrists, pinning them above your head again. "Alright. Time to guess. Who am I?" The boy beside you asked in his creepy Ghostface voice, tilting his head at you as he tightened his grip. You innocently peered up at his mask, searching for some kind of hint in his demeanor.

"Chris, is that you?" You asked uncertaintly. "Wrong. Remember what happens when you guess wrong?" Matt cooed, running his gloved finger along the underside of your chin. Your eyes were glazing over, your lips fell open, and your cheeks were flushed.

Chris applied more pressure to the knife, running the blade along your lower stomach and drawing blood. You let out a satisfied whine as you felt the release of the knife cutting you. The warm, sticky red fluid glistened in the moonlight as it slowly dripped down your abdomen.

"So pretty," Matt whispered, brushing your messy hair out of your face and his eyes dancing between your desperate expression and the way the blood looked so beautiful on your skin. Moans began pouring from you again as Chris fucked you senseless up against the tree.

"Please, Mr. Ghostface. Harder," you begged, your eyes lazily rolling back into your head as your breasts bounced to the cadence of his thrusts. "Cock dumb little slut," Chris menacingly chuckled at your pathetic pleading, but he still gave you what you so enthusiastically craved, relishing in your desperation for him.

You loved feeling helpless and giving yourself over so willingly to both brothers as they used you for their own pleasure. Your whimpers became louder and fuller as you neared your tipping point again.

"Harder," you cried out again before your orgasm took over. Your gaze danced between both of their masks, and your pussy started rhythmically throbbing around Chris' cock as he delivered a few more monumental strokes. You felt a wonderful, relieved feeling in the pit of your stomach as you came unraveled under the control of both boys.

Your brows pinched together, your knees weakened, and your stare began to lose its focus until you couldn't concentrate on anything except for the pure pleasure and ecstasy coursing through you. You were pumped full of Chris' cum as his cock twitched inside of you, and as you came down from your intense adrenaline rush, you felt all your muscles relax.

Both men chuckled, removing their masks and revealing their identities to you. Sure enough, you had guessed wrong. Chris leaned in and chuckled into your ear.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. You may have guessed wrong, but we're going to spare you. You're worth way more to us alive than dead."

[luimagines]

Since requests are open... may we perhaps have the Chain with an SO who's really into astronomy and space? Just the biggest star and planet nerd to ever walk Hyrule.

(Totally not inspired by my own geeking out over how gorgeous the night sky is in TOTK, nope, not at all).

I'm going to have to do some research for this one. ^.^* But I'll do it for you, Nordic!!

Masterlist

Content under the cut!

The ship rocked softly back and forth on the seas, cradling the sleeping heroes as the moon gently draped the bedazzled sky with it's softer toned light.

Wind was still awake, as were you. Both of you were trying to keep the course of the ship on the right track.

Your lantern light was the closest thing you had for a light source to look at your maps and charts. You consider yourself lucky to have this on hand. Only Wind seemed as well versed in the stars as you were, hence the agreed upon decision to leave you both to your devices while everyone else went to sleep in the hammocks the small ship provided.

Wind was silent as he stood by the wheel.

You mapped out the course for the next island you were to make land, following your previous notes and comparing them to a map you had purchased before you had set sail.

A short sigh escaped your lips as you started to pack up. You couldn't keep doing this. Your eyes were strained and the moon made it difficult to see the needed stars for you figure out if you were going the right direction. You'll give it an hour or two- let the moon move further across the night sky and then start recharting what you needed.

"Going to bed?" Wind asked quietly.

You shook your head. "I'm tired, but I'm not going to leave you alone just yet."

An bitter chuckle tumbled from your lips as you stretched. Your spine and ribs popped and cracked from the needed release of strain. You saw Wind flinch but ignored it.

"If only it wasn't the full moon tonight. It would make this a lot easier."

"I can't even see the Farore Constellation." Wind sighed in despondent agreement. "I know these stars... but we're technically sailing over an island right now, so I doubt I'd actually be of much use as a navigator."

You snort. "That's why I'm up with you and not sleeping in the hull of the ship with the other guys."

There's no other sounds afterwards. There's a moment of stillness, save for the callings of the wind and the waves in their frequent call and response symphony.

"I've actually never been on a ship before." You admit, breaking the moment.

Wind jolts, almost as if he was startled awake. He tilts his head with a cheeky smile growing on his face. "Really? You're a natural at navigating. I never would have guessed."

That sets your frustrations at ease for a bit. You sit down against the railing, turning your body to talk to more experience sailor. "I just like looking at the stars for fun."

"Fun?" Wind gets a credulous look as he giggles. "I just knew the stories I was told as a kid. But I wouldn't say that comparing them to maps was fun."

"I know the stories too, sir and it's fun for me." You rolls your eyes playfully. "It just means we make a good team. I wouldn't be able to steer the ship for the life of me."

"You literally just turn the wheel left or right."

"I'd steer us right into a cliff face."

Wind giggles again.

"You actually know what you're doing but I actually know where we're going." You grin. "It works out."

"I guess so." Wind shrugs. "Better us than any of the others guys."

"They'd capsize the ship."

"Don't joke like that. Bad luck."

You smile. You don't necessarily believe in luck, but you've heard sailors to be the suspicious sort. You'll let him have this. "I retract my statement then. How far along are we following The Star of Demise?"

"About 15 knots, why?"

"Change coarse to sail towards Nayru's Trident." You grin. "We'll hit land fall by morning."

"Perfect."

[littlemisssilly]

Hey!! This is just a little something I wrote to be purely self indulgent,, anyway enjoy some Vox x Situationship!Reader :>

Warnings: a lot of angst (fluffy ending though!), mentions of Valentino being violent/abusive

[Note: I am aware this may be slightly OOC but! I don’t care this is for fun lol]

Replacements and Repairs

— When Vox gets his screen smashed, he can’t replace it alone. Unconveniently for him, the only person around to help is you.

Vox cringed as he fumbled his way up to his penthouse, so uncomfortably uncoordinated it would have had his head spinning if it wasn’t currently smashed to thousands of shards. He was completely blind in one eye and partially in the other, making the simple action of getting into an elevator, pressing the button, and getting access to his own damn house much more difficult than he would’ve liked.

Damnnit, Valentino, he cursed in his mind; which was already a glitching mess considering the damage made to his hardware had also affected his software. He’d have to change his screen, most definitely, which was impossible because Velvette was out of town and his new assistant had just been murdered in the latest extermination. So there was no one. No one, except for one person.

You.

He groaned inwardly, dreading the concept of having to phone up his - were you a friend? - sure, he’d call you a friend, because it actually physically hurt him to think any harder than he already was doing. Clawed fingers fumbled blindly at the elevator buttons until he found what he only hoped was the top floor. Vulnerability was not his thing, and the concept of you seeing him like this? He wasn’t feeling fantastic. In fact, he was beginning to feel ill.

But he knew without a doubt that you would come. It was that genuine care he constantly felt radiating off of you that proved to him that you weren’t going anywhere. He couldn’t figure out why.

For whatever reason, you never wavered. You were electric, with a witty tongue that he just thrived off of. And now you’d have to see him like this.

No, maybe he could wait until the morning. He could wait until Velvette came home again. Vox recalled the last time he did that, then recalled the excruciating pain he woke up in, and frustratedly decided against it.

Fuck it. He’d just have to call and hypnotise you after.

His screen no longer functioned as a phone, so he reached for the handheld one in his pocket and eventually found your contact. Hesitantly he dialed the number, stumbling through the door of his penthouse and onto a nearby couch. His head really hurt now.

You were in bed, tired eyes blinking through a yawn when your phone buzzed, moving slightly across the chipped wood of your bedside table from the vibrations. Lazily you picked it up, only to find the exhaustion leave your body when your eyes met the screen and saw that it was Vox calling. What did he want past midnight? It wasn’t the first time he had called so late, but you had thought for sure he told you he was staying in tonight, so he wasn’t out getting shitfaced. Was he at home getting shitfaced? No, Vox was much too busy to spare a night he hadn’t specifically scheduled. You sighed - the man was so unpredictable - and nervously answered the call.

“Vox, hey,” your soft voice crackled through the phone speaker, and the overlord winced, his head sensitive to volume.

“Doll, I need you to come to the penthouse right now.” he replied, cursing the way his voice glitched with each word.

You frowned from your side of the line, sitting up in bed. You were half dressed, coat discarded lazily on the corner of a chair, your hair unruly and shirt wrinkled. Yes, it wasn’t anything new to get a call from the TV demon this late at night - but this sounded different. A sickening feeling bloomed in your stomach as you began to ramble a string of concerned words.

“Of course, are- are you okay? What’s going on? I’ll be right there.” Things like that tumbled past your lips as you pulled your shoes on. Vox never asked for help - you paled at the thought that something bad had happened to him.

Vox cringed at your words, knowing that there was no going back at this point. He leaned back in his chair in a desperate attempt to accommodate his discomfort, slipping his jacket off his shoulders and to the side. Satan, he was an idiot. A complete and utter idiot. If only he had kept his mouth shut in the middle of one of Valentino’s episodes - Vox knew better, yet he screamed at him anyway. The moth was never one to hold back in the midst of an outburst. And Valentino was stronger than he seemed.

Minutes passed. Vox waited. You arrived, pushing windswept hair out of your face as you closed the door gently behind yourself. You stifled a horrified gasp, practically running up to him as you took in the damage. Vox would’ve been embarrassed, only for the pain he was currently in.

“Tell me what I need to do,” you whispered, fingers reaching out to steady his twitching hands. Vox tensed at the unprompted touch, hands jerking away and up towards the back of his head. He grit his teeth hard, clawed fingers searching for discreet buttons near the base of his neck.

“There’s a replacement screen in my bedroom, it’s with all the tech, you’ll know where it is,” Vox said, struggling against his failing machinery. “All you have to do is hold this button here for twenty seconds, then this screen will turn off and you can screw it off. Got it?” Shaking hands pointed at the button he was instructing you to, and you nodded anxiously.

“Yes, of course. Yes, okay, I can do this,” you mumble, reassuring yourself that you weren’t going to somehow kill the overlord in the process of doing some replacement work. This would be fine, right? You swallowed. Your fingers reached for the button tentatively, pressing down on the sleek ridge in the screen for twenty seconds. Vox went limp in your arms, his body completely switched off.

Shit, don’t panic! you thought, trembling as you readjusted him to be more upright. You could almost pretend he was sleeping as you hastily went to retrieve the replacement. You knew exactly where it was. You had been in this room plenty of times, after all, and yet it had been a total shock when Vox had called for this purpose. Maybe he was beginning to trust you? You quickly shoved the thought aside, internally berating yourself for thinking about the complexity of your relationship instead of getting to his side faster.

The changing of the screen itself was particularly easy, despite how unnerving it was to see him headless. You decided you never wanted to do that again - and pressed the same button at the base of his neck once more when the new screen was fully screwed on.

A minute passed where a blank blue screen was the only light source in the room, his system clearly rebooting after needing an entire replacement. You stayed dutifully by his side, careful to stay far enough away that you wouldn’t startle him upon waking up.

When his systems started up again and his face was displayed back on the screen, he initially gasped for air and blinked hard, wildly searching the room around him. Piercing red eyes quickly met your gentle ones and he instinctively relaxed, looking up at you from where he sat slumped at an angle.

You smiled earnestly, feeling out of place in such an open moment with Vox - you almost felt like you should’ve left. But you didn’t.

“You okay? Did I do that right?” you asked, careful to be quiet in fear of overstimulating him after a full reboot. It felt right to be quiet anyway, given that the penthouse was so dark currently. There were no lights on, only the dim blue hue emanating from Vox’s screen and the streetlamps that glowed through large glass windows. It felt easier to be encased in the dark, alone with him; like the two of you could say or do whatever you liked and it was okay because you wouldn’t feel exposed.

He broke your eye contact, eyes searching his palms, small cuts littering here and there from the broken glass. Vox looked up at you again, sitting there so loyally, and he would’ve groaned in humiliation if it weren’t for the sweet look on your face.

“You did it just fine,” Vox was quiet for a moment. “And thank you.” he added after quick consideration, ready to hypnotise you into forgetting.

But he couldn’t do it. The second he met your eyes again he couldn’t do it, because you were good, maybe the only good thing in his life. You cared about him without him needing to manipulate you into it. And that was rare, and he didn’t know if he would ever get that again; so he sat up instead, beckoning you over to his side on the couch.

You obliged, sitting close to him, placing a kiss on the side of his new screen before allowing him to wrap an arm around your shoulder as you cuddled into his side. His fans kicked on at the action, whirring gently in the background. You didn’t say anything, just merely concealed giggles as he huffed, sliding a defeated hand down his screen.

“I hate you,” he muttered, and you rolled your eyes.

“I like you too, idiot.” you chirped, grinning to yourself in the darkness.

Neither of you knew what the morning would bring. But you’d stay in the dark for a while, and that would be okay.

[strvngeweather]

WHAT YOU NEED.

a one shot.

🍷PAIRING: collegeartnerd!taehyung x black!reader. 🍷GENRE: College AU, smut 🍷WORD COUNT: 1.7k 🍷WARNINGS: Smut, consumption of alcohol, swearing, drunkness, non-consensual kiss 🍷SUMMARY: After getting your heart broken by Jin, Taehyung, the local art geek, provides a worthy distraction from the heartache. 🍷AUTHOR'S NOTE: So I had no plans on posting this because it's not ... great but, I decided to anyway because I may continue it as a series. Thanks for reading <3

You knew better than to get involved with Jin.

He had been your first love – still was. He was the bad boy who wooed you, the head cheerleader, in high school and the rest was history. Everyone had warned you about the relationship. They said that it wouldn’t last, that he would end up leaving you high and dry, and that attending the same college as him was a romantic death wish. But you knew you and Jin were different. You knew that you had a love that would stand the test of time. You knew that deep down in your heart, that Jin was the only man for you.

You had been wrong. So wrong.

Your first mistake was believing that a guy like Jin could be tied down. Your second mistake was coming to the hottest party of your college career just a month after Jin broke up with you in a Denny’s parking lot at two in the morning.

He had spent the entire party cozying up with some blonde girl with a bird tattoo on her arm. Every time he put his arm around her or kissed her or whispered something in her ear, it was like he was taking a piece of your heart and shattering it.

“Here,” your best friend, Lea, shoved a red plastic cup full of a dark brown liquid into your hands. “You need a drink.”

“I need Jin.” You realized how pathetic you sounded but you didn’t care.

“You need a drink,” Lea repeated. “And you need a fuck.”

You shook your head, taking a gingerly sip of the drink; you winced as the alcohol hit your taste buds. It was strong, burning as you swallowed. “What the hell is this?”

“Rum and coke. Mostly, rum though.” You tried to give the drink back, but she shook her head, forcing the drink back into your hands. “Drink it,” she demanded. “Screw him! Tonight is about you having fun. It is not about Jin. So, you drink that drink, you climb up on a table, you shake that beautiful ass of yours and then you fuck the brains out of someone else.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you should consider a career in public speaking?”

“All of the time.”

You obeyed your best friend, quickly chugging the drink and heading to the kitchen for a refill. She was right, you figured. You couldn’t spend the entire party sulking over a guy who no longer cared about you. This was college, for crying out loud, you deserved to have some fun. 

And fun you had. The night slipped away from you like a thief. One drink turned into two and two turned into three and soon enough, any thoughts of Jin were out of your mind. It had been the first time in the last two weeks that he wasn’t on your mind.

It was just too bad you were never on his.

You had gone to the kitchen to pick at the lukewarm finger food the host had put out. Most of it was gone but you took what you could from the vegetable platter. The kitchen wasn’t exactly packed but it was crowded enough to where he hadn’t noticed you. And because he hadn’t noticed you, he had no problems telling his friends how he really felt about you.

“So, you broke up with Y/N?” This was Hoseok. A frat boy that was obsessed with penis jokes.

“Yeah,” Jin replied. “Had to let that clingy bitch go.”

His words knocked the wind out of you like a sucker punch. You could feel the sting of tears in the back of your eyes but there was no way you were going to cry. Not here. Not now. You slipped out of the kitchen quietly, pushed your way past the other partygoers, and ignored the sound of your name being called by Lea. You made a beeline for the staircase, heading up it and into the nearest bedroom. You took a seat on the edge of the king-sized bed and wept to yourself.

“Are you okay?”

You jumped at the sound of a deep voice. You thought you had been alone but as you turned around, you saw the outline of a figure sitting on a bean bag chair. “I’m sorry. I thought I was alone.”

The figure got up and you could see who it was now: Taehyung Kim.

Taehyung was an art major that everyone seemed to love. You shared a class together and saw him on campus a few times but didn’t interact often. You two just didn’t run in the same circles. Most people had agreed he was exceptionally handsome, but you were always so preoccupied with Jin that you couldn’t fathom finding anyone else attractive. But as you looked over him now, you realized that they had been right. Taehyung was handsome. Really handsome. And that voice – good, God! Had it always been so velvety?

Taehyung came and sat next to you. “My bad, I just needed a place to sober up from the craziness downstairs.”

“You’re drunk?” He certainly didn’t look it – or sound it.

“Mhm,” he hummed, laying back on the bed, and placing his hands behind his head. You noticed the way his dark blue shirt lifted, getting a peak of his toned stomach. “Not super drunk but the buzz is buzzin’, ya know?” That earned a laugh out of you which forced a smile out of Taehyung. “Anyone ever tell you that your laugh is sexy as fuck?”

You laughed again. “You are drunk.”

“A little,” Taehyung admitted. “I’m a little bolder when I’ve got liquor in me. But I’m not lying, you’re sexy as fuck.”

“I thought you said my laugh was.”

“That too.” He got up, running a hand through his dark, wavy, locks. “I’ll leave you alone now. I don’t wanna disturb you or anything.”

‘You need a drink, and you need a fuck.’ Lea’s words rang through your head. You had your drink and Taehyung did seem like the perfect candidate to get your fuck. No, you thought. This was too crazy. You had just met him officially for the first time tonight and as far as you knew, he had some goth girlfriend who he loved dearly. You watched him go, cursing yourself for thinking of hooking up with a random person tonight. His leaving was clearly a sign from the universe that you needed to deal with your heartbreak in a more mature way. 

After about ten minutes, you got up to leave. When you opened the door, Taheyung was on the other side. “I think I forgot my phone,” he said.

“And something else.”

“Something else?” He cocked his head to the side.

You nodded and did something completely out of character. You kissed him.

And he kissed you back.

His lips worked against yours in a feverish manner, his tongue slipping inside. The only person you had ever had sex with was Jin so you were trying hard to keep up and if Taehyung could tell, he certainly didn’t let on. He left a trail of kisses from your chin to your clavicle, stopping at the top of your breasts to suck and bite at the flesh.

His hands roamed your body before settling on the curve of your ass, softly groping the fleshy area before moving down to the end of your dress and pulling it up over your hips. His lips found yours again, taking your bottom lip in between his. He placed an arm around your waist and used his other hand to gently rub your core through your panties. A moan escaped your lips as he pushed your panties to the side, his fingers sliding up and down your already-soaked slit.

“Can I taste you?” He asked between kisses.

You muttered out a yes or at least you thought you had. You were too busy trying to keep your composure as his thumb worked against your clit and his middle finger pumped in and out of you.

Taehyung guided you to the bed, laying you down and sliding your panties off. He settled in between your legs. You felt his lips against yours, his tongue lapping at you, his hands forcing your legs to open wider. You gripped the bed sheets feeling your pussy tightening; an indescribable feeling bubbled up in your lower stomach and just as you felt you were about to burst, Taehyung stopped.

“Wait, why did you –” You paused once you realized he was slipping off his jeans, followed by his briefs. He stroked his hard dick, placing the head at your entrance, and rubbed it up and down your slit.

“Tell me you want it.”

“I want it.”

“Say it louder, baby. No one can hear us.”

“I want it.”

“You want what?” Taehyung rubbed the head right on your clit.

“I want your dick,” you told him through a moan. “Please.”

“Good girl,” he replied before sliding it all the way into you.

A throaty yelp escaped you as he began to pump in and out. He pushed your legs back as far as they could go, fucking you at the perfect angle. Your body shivered in pleasure beneath him. It had been a good year and a half since you had been fucked properly. Looking back, you should have seen the signs with Jin. Despite being so young, the two of you walked around like an old married couple, and sex with him was almost like a chore and you had settled into that thought – accepting that this was what sex would be like for the rest of your life.

But Taehyung was proving you wrong.  

“Oh, fuck, oh baby,” Taehyung moaned. The room was filled with the sound of your moans and his dick slamming into your wetness. “I’m going to cum, baby.” He sped up but made sure to place his thumb on your clit, working it until he felt your juices soak his dick even more. He waited for your eyes to roll back and your moans to heighten into a whistle tone before he pulled out and came all over your thighs and stomach.

He lay on the bed next to you, the sound of heavy breathing filling the air.

“Taehyung,” you managed to get out after a moment, but he didn’t hear you. He had already fallen asleep.

You contemplated getting up, going downstairs, and slipping out of the party but you didn’t. Instead, you scooted closer to Taehyung, cuddling up next to him, and to your surprise, he woke up just long enough to wrap his around you and whispered, “Sleep well,” before both of you drifted off into slumber.

[hannie-dul-set]

plz matthew for the reverse harem hell

[a losing game]. seok matthew may not be the most perceptive person in the room, but even he could notice the underlying competition going on within the publication office. well, it can’t even be considered underlying because even if there’s no explicit declaration of war from any party—

“s—seonbae, this is for you!”

“nice hair clip. it suits you.”

“are you free tonight? do you wanna grab dinner together?”

the gifts, the flowers, the compliments, the attention can all be considered as firearms and attacks in this funny, seven-way tug-of-war.

“oh, actually—” 

and seok matthew simply can’t miss out on all the fun.

“sorry, hyung!” target locked. calculating move. matthew quickly maneuvers past the flower bouquet wielding kim gyuvin and the observant kim jiwoong to cut in between you and hanbin. he arms with himself with an easy smile, bright and wide as he throws an arm of your shoulder, pulling you into his chest in a half-hug. “she’s already eating out with me.”

matthew decides that he has won this skirmish when hanbin’s face freezes. “oh,” his editor in chief says, followed by a pause, finished by a laugh and the resumption of his smile. “oh! well, i hope you two have a nice dinner!”

“hahaha, yes, thank you, hanbin,” you force out, a streak of discomfort in your expression even though you’re smiling as politely as you can, and it’s just too out in the open for matthew not to notice. 

“if you’re gonna be out late, my line is always open if you need a ride home.”

with that, hanbin shuffles back to his desk, and matthew is declared victorious. at least until you wiggle yourself out of his grapple and look at him with the same strained, same forced politeness that you were giving hanbin earlier. “haha, anyway,” you cough out, and matthew bites down his tongue because it would be inappropriate to laugh at you right now. “i still have some articles to copyread. if you’ll excuse me—”

“oh, i already did them, seonbae! the papers are on your desk!”  

now, matthew isn’t even sure he likes you. and quite frankly, he doesn’t care to know. he’s just in this fray because he’s irredeemably competitive and doesn’t like it when he’s left out of things.

“gunwook! why would you— i never asked you to—”

“hold on.”

oh. he has one more reason.

“there’s something in your hair.” reaching out to the side of your temple, matthew gently bristles away some hair out of your face and very boldly unclips the hair clip that jiwoong allegedly got you. it’s a frontal attack. the silence in the office is tense. “you’re prettier without it.”

you look at him. then your eyes dart down to his hand, holding the accessory. then look back up to meet his eyes again— confused, flushed, and flustered.

“uhm— oh, uh— thanks…?”

the last reason that your reactions are always cute and funny whenever he strikes an attack.

the tension is palpable. matthew hums and goes on with his day until daybreak comes, and it’s finally evening. meaning, it’s time to have dinner with you and he can finally escape from the drilling stares jiwoong has been sending him all day. you finally come back to the office— gyuvin in tow, and while you were out, matthew was doing some thinking.

if he thinks you’re cute, wouldn’t that mean he likes you? but he doesn’t think he’s as passionate as ricky or as earnest as hao when it comes to you. he’s just having a bit of fun. a bit of excitement to spice out the usual boring day-to-days in the publication office. 

well, he can just confirm his feelings over dinner. and so he does. you’re both sitting by the window at this nice thai restaurant he recently discovered. the vibe is nice. warm lights. good food. a live band in the corner. and seok matthew is currently very intently staring at your face— brows furrowed and all— because he’s trying to figure out if thinking that you’re still pretty even after a full day of work means that he does indeed like you.

“what?” you prod, setting down your water on the table because his staring interrupted your hydrating. “is there something on my face again?”

“yes.” now, you’re just giving him an opening to make an attack. matthew simply cannot help himself. “prettiness.”

this time, matthew doesn’t get the same reaction as he usually gets in response to his attacks.

huh.

you set down your fork. you wipe your lips with a napkin before setting them down, too. you’re looking serious. you don’t look flustered or uncomfortable at all and it’s starting to scare him a little. his heart rate picks up. his palms get sweaty. and for some reason, you’re looking like you’re just about to break his heart in the worst way possible.

“matthew.”

wait—

“there’s something i want to tell you.” 

—if he’s scared of getting his heart broken—

“i’m dating someone.”

—wouldn’t that mean he likes you?

“h—huh?” matthew stammers. “come—come again?”

you pressed your lips together, a sharp inhale before repeating, “i’m dating someone already.” wow. he shouldn’t have asked you to repeat that. “i only agreed to see you tonight to tell you this...so that you’d stop...you know, trying anymore.”

matthew is quite for a moment. “is...is it hanbin hyung?” he asks after the pause, and you don’t respond. “jiwoong hyung?” but your phone answers his question for you in the form of an incoming call from someone that he didn’t even think was in the competition.

“taerae?”

right when he had just realized his feelings, seok matthew just realized that he had lost.

“sorry, i need to take this.”

maybe he’d lost more than just this dumb competition. maybe this had been a losing game in the first place.

send me a kpop boy (txt/enha/zb1/bnd/dream) to toss into reverse harem hell! [taerae]

[doumadono]

Hiiiii, sweetheart.

Emergency Request here...

As you may know I got stood up by a a person I considered... My friend. The person was my friend since junior high school, despite some "turbulence" in past I kept in touch with her.

I got stood up on New Year's eve. I prepared something warm to eat, snack, drinks... I even planned some nice movies to watch and games to play... And she didn't show up nor she picked her phone. I saw her being online but that's all...

Eh, I feel a little pathetic if I can be honest.

I just... I need some comfort from Erasermic... I just want my two fav men to cuddle me or something like this.

Proszę, dziękuję i pozdrawiam. 🐺💎

Our very own New Year's Eve - Erasermic x Reader

A/N: I'm still angry that you had to go through such a disappointing experience, especially from someone you considered a friend for so long (but I told you before what I think about her). Your effort to create a warm and welcoming New Year's Eve atmosphere speaks volumes about your kindness and thoughtfulness. It's completely understandable to feel hurt and disappointed. Please, don't waste you time on someone acting like a total jerk. I hope this little piece will cheer you up, even if a little bit ♥

EMERGENCY REQS MASTERLIST

As the early morning light streamed through the windows, Aizawa and Yamada returned home after celebrating the New Year's Eve with their fellow UA teachers. The sight that greeted them was unexpected - you curled up on the couch, a gentle sob escaping your lips as you cradled one of your cats on your lap.

Aizawa's brow furrowed with concern, his strict demeanor ready to address the situation, but Present Mic placed a calming hand on his shoulder, guiding him to the side. "Shota, let's figure out what's going on first." In a hushed tone, Present Mic whispered to Aizawa, "Our kitty is visibly upset, and the last thing she needs is us being stern. We need to show her love, not discipline."

Aizawa's usually stern expression softened, concern etching lines on his face.

Yamada, with his ever-present energy, approached cautiously. The sight of you in distress tugged at his heartstrings. "Hey, kitten, what happened?" Mic's voice was gentle as he sat beside you, his hand reaching out to stroke your hair.

You looked up, tear-stained eyes meeting his concerned gaze. "I-I got stood up by a friend," you managed to choke out, the hurt evident in your voice.

Aizawa's brows furrowed, a protective instinct rising within him. "Why didn't you call us? We would have come back immediately," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of anger and worry.

You sighed, a shaky breath escaping your lips. "I didn't want to ruin your night. You were having fun with your friends."

Aizawa's stern expression softened slightly at your words.

Mic was quick to intervene. "Babe, your happiness is our priority. You should've called. We're a team, remember?" Hizashi took your hand, squeezing it reassuringly, while Aizawa wrapped his arms around you in a protective embrace.

"We're here for you, always," Aizawa murmured, his usually gruff voice surprisingly gentle.

Mic planted a soft kiss on your forehead. "Let us make it up to you. How about a New Year's celebration of our own tonight? We'll have dinner, music, drinks — whatever you want."

You looked up, confusion evident in your eyes. "But New Year's Eve is already over."

Mic grinned, his infectious energy returning. "Who cares? It's our house, our rules. Besides, I'm declaring a second New Year's Eve celebration tonight. We're going to make it unforgettable."

Aizawa rolled his eyes but couldn't hide a small smile. "He's impossible, but he's right. We'll make sure you have a fantastic night to remember."

And so, the duo spent the morning turning your living room into a makeshift celebration space.

In a hushed conversation away from your earshot, Present Mic convinced Aizawa that showering you with affection was the best way to ease your pain. "Let's show her all the love we've got," he insisted.

Present Mic, determined to lift your spirits, took charge in the kitchen. He prepared a feast that would rival any high-end restaurant, showcasing his culinary prowess. The savory aroma filled the air as Aizawa joined in, silently supporting his friend's efforts. The dining table was adorned with an array of dishes, each one carefully crafted to appeal to your tastes.

As the evening progressed, Hizashi decided to add a sweet touch to the celebration. "Hey, sweetheart, how about we make those chocolate cupcakes you love?" he suggested, an optimistic glint in his eyes.

Despite your initial reluctance, the sadness pouring out of your existence, you found yourself nodding. Hizashi guided you through the process, his infectious enthusiasm turning the task into a shared experience. Mixing ingredients, laughter echoing in the kitchen, the cupcakes baked to perfection, their rich aroma adding to the ambiance.

After the delicious dinner and sweet treat, the three of you migrated to a cozy set of couches. Hizashi pulled you gently between them, his arm enveloping your shoulders. Aizawa's legs intertwined with yours, his rough hand tenderly caressing the curve of your hips.

Present Mic pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, whispering, "You mean the world to us, you know that, kitty?"

Aizawa added, "We're here for you, no matter what."

You felt a comforting warmth envelop you, surrounded by the two men you cherished. The presence of your cats, peacefully napping nearby, added to the serenity of the moment.

"Tonight's about leaving behind what hurt you and embracing what brings you joy," Hizashi murmured, his fingers tracing soothing patterns on your arm.

Aizawa, not one for excessive words, simply nodded in agreement, his gaze conveying a depth of understanding.

The ambiance in the room was a delicate blend of warmth, laughter, and the lingering scent of chocolate cupcakes. As you snuggled between Aizawa and Present Mic, the conversation continued, weaving an intricate tapestry of shared moments.

Hizashi, his voice gentle, broke the silence, "You know, those cupcakes taste even better with your smile."

Aizawa, offering a rare smile, added, "He's right. Seeing you happy makes everything worthwhile."

You couldn't help but smile, feeling a surge of gratitude for the two men who had orchestrated this evening of comfort and joy.

Yamada grabbed a throw blanket, covering the three of you as you leaned into his embrace. "Now, let's continue this night with some chill vibes," he suggested, grabbing the remote to cue up your favorite show.

As the opening notes of "Home Alone" filled the room, Hizashi's fingers tapped the tip of your nose. "One of the best holiday movies, right?" he mused, his eyes reflecting the flickering light of the TV.

Aizawa, arms still wrapped around you, chimed in, "Classic. The kid's resourcefulness is impressive. If my class was in charge there, those burglars would pray to be sent right into the Tartarus."

Shota's remark caused Hizashi to choke on the sip of his coke. "Shota, dear Lord, ease up on the kids. They're nice kiddos!"

"Yeah, I wish they could ease up on me, so I could get some damn rest," the black-haired man grumbled.

You giggled, resting your head on his chest, rising and falling slowly with each breath he took.

The movie played in the background, the familiar scenes casting a nostalgic glow over the room.

You released a contented sigh as the movie came to an end. "Boys… Thank you."

"That's not the end!" Hizashi grinned at you, leaping out from under the covers, leaving you exposed. You nuzzled closer to Aizawa, seeking warmth.

Aizawa's hands reached around to your back, rubbing it gently as he planted a tender kiss on your lips.

Just as Present Mic returned, he huffed a little, looking a tad offended. "I was gone for thirty seconds, and you're already claiming our girl yours, Shota?!" He presented you with three glasses and a bottle of champagne. "I was keeping this hidden for a nice occasion, and it arrived today! Shota, come here and open it for me. You know I'm a bit clumsy."

Aizawa efficiently opened the champagne, the cork popping with a satisfying sound. He poured the sparkling alcohol into the glasses, handing one to you as you gracefully got up.

Present Mic, raising his glass, declared, "To you, my loves! To my sweet, charming kitty." He reached his free hand out, rubbing your cheek, "And to my one and only, handsome as hell Eraserhead." He grinned at Aizawa.

Shota acknowledged with a nod. "To you guys. May this year be better than the last."

You raised your glass, a smile playing on your lips. "To my handsome pro heroes, always ready to serve and protect. To my two absolutely cute boys that can turn into wild tigers in the sheets!"

Aizawa scoffed a little, but Present Mic playfully pointed out, "Look at that, kitty, you made Aizawa blush!"

Shota downed his champagne and glared down at you, his thumb rubbing against your lips. "So how about we move to the other part of the celebration now, kitten?" His tone was low and seductive, causing a familiar tingling in your abdomen.

With a mischievous grin, you nodded. "Yes, please. Let's celebrate our very own New Year's Eve." You bit your lower lip, adding, "I can't wait."

[darimurtales]

THE SHI'GEN | divergence act one

Obi-Wan slowly entered the Darimur Clan's hideout— which was pretty empty considering. He looked around for any sight of Beridin, and only heard what sounded like muffled arguing. He moved in further. "We will have time for celebration when we win the war." Beridin pushed, her voice emanating from behind a silk screen. "My dear daughter. You must learn that there are small victories to be cherished before there is triumph!" Kullian sighed, folding his arms. He was dressed in clean white and red robes, and his tails were draped around his neck. He grinned when he saw Obi-Wan enter. "Hello General! You're just in time, we're getting ready for the party!" "I wasn't aware there was a celebration." He told the Twi'Lek. "Well, you have plenty of time to get ready. The head family must always be ready before everyone else." He chuckled, glancing over to where Beridin was changing. He leaned closer to Obi-Wan. "If my daughter wasn't a Jedi, tonight, three men would contest for her heart. And you would be the one to dance with her first!" Obi-Wan felt his skin flush. "Why is that?" "Because, you're the first to see her."

As he said this, Beridin stepped out in a shapely, flowing gown to match the robes of her father. She spotted Obi-Wan and jumped out of her skin, blushing hard. "What are you doing in here?" She squawked. "O-oh I- I came for the uh- the briefing, but your father explained tonight is a uhm- party?" His hand rested on the back of his neck, grinning awkwardly. She wouldn't make eye contact with him. "Yes, there is still a briefing." She confirmed through gritted teeth, eying her father. "You look beautiful, cherub." Beridin's father pecked her lightly on the forehead, which softened her a bit. "How lucky am I to have such brave and equally beautiful children." He said this with a belly laugh, before tapping Beridin's nose and heading over to a corner. He had found clothes to hand to Obi-Wan. "The party begins at moon-high, Lae Lae I expect to see you at the reception on time!" He dropped the folded clothes in Obi-Wan's arms and put a firm hand on his shoulder. Kullian winked at him before heading out.

Beridin groaned, which caused Obi-Wan to chuckle. "Did you want to wait for the others?" He asked, looking to the floor as she adjusted the dress. "No, I can re-brief the boys later if that's okay. Let's just get this over with." She sighed. She opened a hollow map and he stepped forward, setting the clothes down. "Lae Lae, by the way?" He jived. She frowned. "It's a nickname." —Beridin seemed a bit embarrassed by the situation, he thought now maybe it wasn't right to poke fun. "...It must be confusing to experience your own culture after growing up with the Jedi." He said, the proceeding to rest a hand on her own. She looked up at him, her gaze softening. "Not many get the privilege to see their families again. We do have some time to breathe, and you deserve the break."

She searched him, a small grin of appreciation claimed her face. The two shared a moment. Despite this, it was difficult for her to relax. She cleared her throat. "The north walls have a lot of damage, I sent a scout earlier to assess it and figure out what we need as far as boarder protection." Her finger moved to the bridge. "The bridge has been fully repaired, Republic forces should be able to scout the forests tomorrow." Then to the outskirts. "I'm sending a few tasks forces out tomorrow to scout the area, check for any stragglers, this may become a regular assignment after the war." A river was not too far from where she was pointing at. "We'll need more fresh water for the people in Lessu, the Union destroyed all the basins, so this will be a priority." She looked up at him, and then he looked at her. "Anything else I should consider do you think?" She genuinely valued his input.

He rubbed his chin. "I wish all our fronts would move this swimmingly." He said with a smile. She folded her arms. "My father did share a concern with me earlier today during the ceremonies." He waited for her to continue. "He's worried Republic forces are pulling out too early. And once the Union sees Ryloth vulnerable again-" "They'll just come back." He finished her thought for her. She nodded. "I can't say I don't also share this anxiety. The 498th can certainly hold them off, but I'm not sure for how long." He almost forgot she wasn't returning to Coruscant with him. "Then you need more troops." "Anything that the Republic can get us to be honest." She adjusted her dress again. "I'll speak to Master Windu and the Colonel in the morning, I don't want to put all this on you." She added. "It's not a problem Beridin."

"I know- but I know you have a lot on your plate. And I also want you to know that I really appreciate your willingness to help." She blushed a bit as she said this. "What are friends for then?" He smiled reassuringly. Another silence ensued. She cut it off. "Alright, you should change- and I have to go find my family." She said this with a playful eyeroll, and handed him his clothes to change into. "I'll see you tonight." She added, before slipping past him. He watched her go. "Beridin." He said, and she turned half way. "You look marvelous." He said with a soft smile. She blushed, smiling coyly. "Shut up." She giggled as she said this, and then exited the cave.

Obi-Wan chuckled to himself, shaking his head. He began to remove his robes, when he heard faint footsteps approaching and jumped out of his skin. It was Anakin. "Whatcha doing?" He said, folding his arms, obviously amused he startled him. He has just finished slipping the silk top on. It was a bit tight. "How do I look?" He asked jokingly as Anakin walked forward. "Like a street performer." Anakin jived. "Now Anakin, lets not be disrespectful to their culture." Obi-Wan warned. "Is this for an occasion?" "Yes, the party." "There's a party?!" He pointed to the capital, which could be seen faintly lit up in the distance. Anakin's face lit up. "Where'd you get those?"

instagram | wattpad

[panandinpain0]

Oh yeah one more (again, a problem is showing 💀) remember when I asked abt songfics? While not rlly a songfic, could I get one where it’s (tom holland’s) Peter Parker x Male Reader inspired by Jet Lag by Simple Plan and Natasha Bedingfielf (stan Nat Bedingfield) where Peter is abroad on a long mission and y/n is just stuck at home rebuilding the death star with Ned, but they really miss each other a buttload

Time Difference

Shuuuttt upppp- I'd never heard of this song before but I listened to it and have so many ideas for this fic- I'm in love.

I haven't done many songfics so I hope I didn't format this weird or anything-

I'm considering this as like a part 2 of Roses- established relationship and all that.

I skip a view verses just because they don't work with the story- but the bulk of the song is included!

BOLD is (Y/N)'s texts and normal are Peter's.

@@@

Requested by: @mailmango

Peter Parker x Male!Reader

---

Hugging each other tightly, Peter kissed (Y/N) as they said goodbye. Peter was about to go on a mission abroad, but as far as (Y/N) knew it was just a trip for his internship to meet some amazing scientists and engineers in Europe.

He'd be gone for three weeks- which was far too long for teenagers in a relationship. But off he flew, and (Y/N) went back home, waiting for the text that he had landed.

What time is it where you are? I miss you more than anything

Peter hung upside-down from the hotel ceiling, something he often did when feeling anxious. Other than a dim lamp in the corner, his phone was the only light in the room, shining a blue light over his face.

He smiled a bit at one of (Y/N)'s texts, before sending one back. They would usually be on FaceTime but this was their way of acting like they were going to bed even though they weren't.

"What time is it for you?"

"early"

Peter rolled his eyes with a smile.

"You need to get ready for school."

"and you need to be getting some sleep!"

He could imagine the exact look (Y/N) was making with his face, sad that he couldn't be there to see it in person.

Instead of hitting the FaceTime button like he wanted so badly to do, he just said what he was feeling.

"I miss you"

"i miss you more 🫶"

I'm back at home, you feel so far Waiting for the phone to ring

(Y/N) was over at Ned's house, supposedly studying. In reality all he was doing was nervously glancing at his phone every few seconds.

"Why can't you call him, again?" Ned asked for the hundredth time, sick of his friend not paying attention.

"Because he might be at some important meeting! Or he might be asleep, I don't know- this time difference is screwing me up." (Y/N) bit his nail as he tried to focus on his work again.

He felt bad for treating Ned like this, but he didn't always do this. He just hadn't gotten the call that he usually got around lunch time so now he was anxious.

Picking up his phone he sent Peter a quick text message.

"i'll call you before i go to bed- stay safe and keep having fun!"

Biting his lip he shook his head after it sent, putting his phone down and looking at his notebook. It felt like Peter was a whole planet away, not just an ocean.

When Peter finally saw the text message he wanted to kick himself.

"Kid, come on, we've got to get you some first aid," Tony insisted, trying to get Peter to follow him. They'd just finished fighting and they were both roughed up.

Tony knew the second he got his hands on his phone, Peter wouldn't be available anymore (and would likely ignore his injuries to make sure his boyfriend was okay first).

"I'm so sorry (Y/N), we can definitely call tonight- emergency meeting happened before I was able to call :("

The reply was instant.

"dw babe, i can wait <3 it may come as a surprise to you but i can be very patient"

It's getting lonely living upside down I don't even wanna be in this town Tryna figure out the timezone's making me crazy

When Peter wasn't nervously hanging upside down like a bat on his ceiling, he was adventuring the cities he went to with his fellow Avengers (well- eventually fellow Avengers he hoped).

But everywhere he went he was reminded of (Y/N), things to buy him or pictures to send him- all he wanted to do was be with (Y/N).

Cuddling, watching a movie- and he missed his friends too. As he fell asleep one night he thought about a movie night with (Y/N), Ned, and MJ- or sitting at lunch with them.

Not to mention the time difference was throwing both boyfriend's out of wack-

You say goodmorning when it's midnight Going out of my head, alone in this bed

Peter lay in his bed, wide awake despite the late hour. He didn't often sleep with (Y/N), no matter how many times he wanted to web over to his house after patrol. (Y/N) didn't know about Spider-Man yet, and Peter didn't know when he'd tell him.

But they'd often fall asleep together during hang outs. They'd stay up all night texting/calling and then snuggle together in person- and it'd been two weeks without that.

Peter was feeling alone in the big empty hotel bed.

Suddenly his phone went off and he picked it up.

"morning babe! got coffee and thought of you <3" (Y/N) sent with an attached picture of him at the coffee shop they would frequent together.

Peter sent back a picture of him (it was obvious he had to use the flash of his phone because of the dark of the room) holding a thumbs up with a tired smile.

"Can't wait to go there together when I get back!"

I wake up to your sunset It's driving me mad, I miss you so bad

The couple always sent pictures of the sky to each other, even when Peter was in Queens with (Y/N).

(Y/N) had become lonely, even with his near constant contact with Peter. He missed holding him, his hand. Kissing him.

So he went up to the roof of his apartment building, where he and Peter would relax together often.

He didn't want to cry- it's not like Peter was off at war. He was safe with Mr. Stark and his security team, having fun. He should feel happy for Peter, but he felt like Peter hadn't told him the whole truth about the trip.

Regardless, he took a picture of the sunset he'd been watching and sent it to Peter with a text;

"wanted to share my sunset with you. i can't wait for you to come home"

He wanted to add an "I love you" but decided against it. They hadn't said it yet and that'd be a pretty shitty way to start saying it.

Maybe when he gets back (Y/N) will tell him.

The first thing Peter did when he opened his eyes was reach for his phone- as he had the entire trip. That was the text he woke up to- sent only ten minutes ago.

Standing up from his bed he opened the windows, looking out at the city they were in. The sun was still rising, so he took a picture of it and sent it back.

"My sunrise to your sunset. Poetic, if you ask me"

And my heart-heart-heart is so jet lagged Heart-heart-heart is so jet lagged Heart-heart-heart is so jet lagged Is so jet lagged

What time is it where you are? Five more days and I'll be home

"Only five more days!" (Y/N) announced as he opened the door to his room, going straight to his calendar to mark it off.

Ned and MJ, who had followed behind him, dropped their backpacks and found a place to study.

"Then you'll finally be tolerable again," MJ muttered, clicking her pen as she waited for (Y/N) to sit down with them.

"Oh no, they'll be worse together. I say at least a week of constant PDA and love-sick phrases," Ned corrected, nodding assuredly.

(Y/N) basically jumped out of his skin as his phone went off, quickly pulling it out of his pocket.

"Five more days <3"

Smiling brightly, (Y/N) texted back.

"five more days!"

MJ groaned as she thought about Ned's response and kicked (Y/N) in the shin.

"Ow!"

"Get your ass out of the clouds and help me with my calc homework," MJ ordered with a glare.

Rolling his eyes (Y/N) joined them on the floor, pulling out his stuff.

"You can't tell me you're not excited for Peter to be back," (Y/N) said towards Ned, glancing up at him.

"I am- or I will be, once he's back for at least a week. I'm counting it as four weeks because he'll only get out of the clouds, as MJ said, after a week of you."

"It won't be like that guys, I promise. We can be in a relationship and still be present with our friends!" (Y/N) protested, opening MJ's calculus book.

Ned and MJ shared a look, doubtful. (Y/N) saw and became even more determined to not hoard Peter all to himself when he got back.

I been keeping busy all the time Just to try to keep you off my mind

The next few days were unbearable for (Y/N)- well, for Peter too, but those last days were packed with fighting so he was distracted.

Desperately trying to find things to keep his mind off Peter, he decided to rebuild the Lego death star with Ned (who just wanted to make sure his friend was okay).

It worked for a while, and when they finished it was late- but he still had two days to wait for Peter to come home.

Ned went back to his house with a joyful goodbye- over the last couple of weeks the one-on-one time he had with (Y/N) was usually filled with talking about Peter, but he got a few gems like tonight out of it.

Reading books, painting with MJ, doing puzzles with Aunt May- none of it helped (Y/N) much.

So agony was what was left for the next few days.

I miss you so bad (I miss you so bad) I miss you so bad (I miss you so bad) I miss you so bad (I wanna share your horizon) I miss you so bad (And see the same sun rising) I miss you so bad (And turn the hour back to when you were holding me)

(Y/N) stood with Aunt May and his friends in May's apartment, rocking on the balls of his feet anxiously. Peter had taken Mr. Stark's private jet and he said that Happy would be driving him to the apartment.

A little welcoming party was set up; cake, his favorite dinner, his favorite movie ready to be booted up. Now all that was left was Peter.

The door swung open and once (Y/N) saw his face, he held himself back from launching into his arms.

Aunt May greeted him first, inspecting his face (which was covered in cuts and bruises). (Y/N) was taken aback- what happened in Europe?

When the shock wore off and May was finished greeting him, Peter pulled (Y/N) into a hug as he got close enough.

They rocked back and forth, Peter smiling from ear to ear and (Y/N) frowning with concern.

"Are you okay? What happened?" (Y/N) whispered into his ear, running a hand through the back of his hair.

"I'll explain everything later, I promise."

(Y/N) was okay with that- as long as he got an explanation later. He let the worry go for a second to pull back and give Peter a peck on the lips. He was gonna tell him-

"I missed you."

He chickened out.

"I missed you too," Peter whispered back.

"Promise we'll talk later?"

"Promise."

Hardly separating the whole night, the boys ate dinner with their small family- and enjoyed themselves the whole time.

The heavier topics could be saved for later, because now was the time to be happy that they were together again.

---

Whatdya think? I think this one was pretty good.

Hope this was good mango!

-Author Max <3

[lizmindpalace]

English love affair

This is inspired by English love affair by 5SOS and sort of by Lost in reality It is basically what I wanted from the UR+ card "A misty town". Pairing: Obey me Lucifer x f!reader.

Summary: Lucifer does not pay enough attention to you, and you are growing tired about it.

Word count: 7.3 K

Status: Complete.

Warnings: None, really, just some little innuendos. Pure fluff. Summer vibes.

This is 100% self-indulgent because the few last months were really tough for me and my heart was in need of some comfort.

Find it on AO3 and Wattpad.

The lights had turned down a while ago, the windows were open, and the sound of a light rain had drowned any noises around the house, but not the pictures burning in his brain. Heavens tears were dripping on the windows' glasses, beating them in synchrony with his heart, both the rain and his heart beat, slowly increasing their pace, as he kept wandering in that distant land, more than seven thousand miles away from home and days ago in time. 

It had all started on a weekend in May, the nights were clearer, and the heat had reached its maximum. He had been doing some paperwork that had to be submitted that same night, even if it was Saturday. It was hard enough to get to focus on something that dull while the temperature made his cheeks blaze and his brain slow down, but it became harder when he decided to open the windows so he could get a bit of the late spring breeze and then had to contemplate how the other inhabitants of the house looked to be enjoying the weather, playing around, abandoning the house for a night out with the promise of leaving a unforgettable memory for the years to come. 

Among the joy radiating from his brothers, as if it was a dark cloud in a clear blue sky, he could perceive a shadow that had a despondent face hidden between colourless fingers.

"Cm'on, MC, let's go to the casino, the drinks are on me".

"Sorry Mammon, but I'm not feeling like going to a casino tonight".

"She'd rather go to the spa with me".

"Or to the collectible merchandise pop up store for the new comedy 'I wished I lived in my Otome game and then it came true and now finally I'm living the life I wanted ' that is only open for limited time with me!"

"Actually, no boys, I think I'll pass tonight, and I'll stay here and wander around the garden, you guys go out and have fun, bring me some souvenirs".

 After a few moments of disagreement, the crowd vanished, the breeze had scattered them as though they were tree leaves, leaving only a shadowy figure under the tree, in complete silence and loneliness. 

"You should go out and have fun too, MC". 

"I did not feel like it". 

The man sat down by your side, and looked at the reddish sky, it was the closest you could have to a sunset, you looked at it as well, it was pretty but not as much as the stunning sunsets from the human world; you loved the Devildom and you had learnt to think of it as home, but sometimes you really felt homesick about the human world. His gaze met your glistening eyes. 

"May I know the cause of your sorrow?" he asked with a soft voice, despite the fact his usual severity was present, you could tell he was worried, maybe he was afraid that you were not taking care of yourself. 

"I'm not sad". You tried and he rolled his eyes at you.

"I presume you are homesick. Perhaps we could arrange that Diavolo allows you to go to the human world for a week, or a couple of weeks if possible, I consider that would solve any problems regarding your mental health". 

You panted but nodded.

"Whatever, you'll let me know, right? You should go back to work, it looks like it is very important". 

He frowned. 

"You certainly do not seem happy with my resolution, but I'm not able to help you further if you do not tell me what the issue is".

"It's nothing, I mean, what could be wrong? I've always loved to spend my Saturday nights alone in the darkness, I mean, that's what you have a boyfriend for, right? That's just the ideal date: being all alone in the garden while he complies with his owner's orders, and that is as well the perfect definition of a boyfriend, the kind of boy who is working in his office all day and night long, and he ends up being so tired it takes him a second to fall asleep, and in addition, he forgets you exist".

You were not that kind of person, but lately everything felt like too much, he was never around when you needed him, and you had started to feel really bad about it, and yes, maybe you were homesick too, you longed for the human world's summertime.

"I beg your pardon?" Lucifer looked at you, he was confused, and he could not believe you were behaving like this and expressing your feelings in such way. 

"You never spend time with me anymore! I'm tired of being broken hearted, it is like you take me for granted all the time".

 Those words sent a different kind of pain to his chest and a bitter taste to his mouth. Had he been that thoughtless? Had he been so careless? He knew well his six brothers, lower range demons, some of the angels and even Diavolo himself and all members of the student council had fallen for you, and you had chosen him, you were dating him and not the other way round, as much as that expression hurt his pride, he would not care less; and yet, it did not sound like he deserved such honour. 

His face remained calm, but his heart was beating faster than ever. 

"I apologise about that" he whispered, he was almost wordlessly, he could only reach out for your hand as answer. 

"It's ok, I did not mean to throw a hissy fit about that". You said after some moments of silence. "It is not important. Go back to your work, I will listen to your advice, and I will go out and have some fun instead, being locked up here is getting on my nerves".

You let his hand go and rose, then walked towards the house of lamentation, vanished into your bedroom. Lucifer sighed, and returned to his office as well, he left the window open so he could keep an eye at the entrance and at you, he did not think you would dare go out alone despite your words, he was sure you acknowledged how dangerous it was to venture yourself into the blackness of the Devildom streets, but he would like to check in case you did or something else happened.

 The hours in front of the monitor had affected his already tired eyes, he blinked several times, he was almost blind. He rubbed his eyes when a cloud in his eyes came to life, and moved around as if it was an actual being. He approached to the window and noticed it was not an effect of the light, but it was his human going out as he had suggested. But why were you dressed like that? 

A short sparkling dress indicated what your plans were, Lucifer did not want to think too hard about it. He did not want to be possessive, but it was his true nature, he could not help it, and he would be lying if he said that the mere thought of you being seen by everyone like this did not make his blood boil, or maybe it was the thought of you meeting someone attracted by you who would make you think was a better option than he was. Which was another thought he was not being able to bear, even if they were probably right about it.  

"So... are you going out after all?" He had decided to casually interfere, now that he was coming closer his pace was slow, and he was glad you didn't see when he literally ran out of his study so he could get to you before you finally left, his demeanour was calm, but fire flowed through his eyes. 

"I am". You said nonchalantly, hanging your bag on your right shoulder, looking at the pocket mirror in your hand, and approving the way you looked. He approved it too, but he did not approve you were going out and all of those demons got to see you too. 

"May I know where you are going?"

"You have interest in me all of a sudden?" You teased him, with a tiny smile. You had known what his reaction was going to be all along. 

"MC..." 

"Asmo said he had changed his plans and he would be in a bar with some of his acquaintances, I felt like dancing, so see you later, have fun with your work". 

Lucifer looked astonished at you, his mouth and eyes wide open. 

"No" he said, it took him less time than you had expected, it had been a long time since the last time he had talked to you in that way, determination impregnated in his voice. 

"Sorry?" You frowned, looked at him in feigned confusion. 

"You're not going there".

"And why not? Just because you don't want me to go?" You mocked him. 

"Just because you're going somewhere else". 

You frowned again, trying to catch your thoughts because you were now clueless about what his words meant, but he did not hesitate, and soon he had you against the closest wall with no way out, his lips so close to your collarbone, you could feel his warm breath in your skin, sending shivers throughout your body, leaving you like a little inoffensive sheep cornered by a wolf; showing you why he was called the avatar of pride and the ruler of the underworld. 

" You have five minutes. Pack your things up, we're leaving for a whole week".

A smile was drawn on your lips, lightning up yours and Lucifer's faces as well, there was some kind of complicity between the both of you that made your hearts race, then, you bit your lower lip and nodded after he whispered into your ear "it's an order, attendant". 

You did as you had been prompted. You hurried upstairs and got some clothes in your bag, as well as some basic supplies. Soon you had a backpack with you, and you were waiting for Lucifer to knock at your door.

Which he did, sort of. He did not wait for an answer and just entered your room, taking your bag. 

"But what about your work? And Diavolo? And everyone else?, they could get worried if we just leave like this". 

"They'll have to deal with it".

He took your hand in his and hurried out the house of the lamentation, dragging you along with him.

"You did not even tell me where we're going". 

He remained silent, you imagined you were going somewhere near the devildom, but once you saw you were coming closer to the border with the human world, you knew.

"Didn't we need some kind of authorisation from Diavolo to leave the Devildom?" 

Lucifer shrouded. He never stopped until you two were walking down the wet pavement, surrounded only by orange buildings whose white mouldings stood out in the gloom of the night.  You were trying to figure out where you were, but nothing gave you the slightest clue about it. 

You had no option but to follow the man inside the orange building and then to the single bedroom for two. You looked through the window while he arranged everything related to your stay there. You saw the fancy houses and cars parked outside of them, it was really Lucifer like, you did not have a single clue where you were, until the blue and red flag let you know. 

"Is this Mayfair?"

He smiled. 

"You wanted to go to a bar, didn't you?" 

You did not notice when he got rid of his coat, still wearing his devil every day clothes, he forced you to leave again. 

The pub was overflowing with people and loud catchy music, you could get lost in such a crowd at any second, because the lights danced leaving blindness behind. 

Fortunately, the so-called avatar of pride never let go of you, and soon you noticed you two were swinging to the beat of the music in the background, he had placed your arms around his shoulders and his hands held you in place with a grasp on your hips. 

Your body had captivated him, but once your foreheads were close enough, your eyes stole his complete attention, you could see yourself in them, being unknown in such a crowd was revitalizing, his movements let you know he was enjoying himself more than ever, and you realised how much mistaken his brothers were when they thought Lucifer did not know how to have fun. Maybe it was the fact he had already drunk three glasses of wine, you did not expect him to get drunk off human alcohol, considering that demonous was at least fifth times stronger, but he was proving you wrong. 

His always earnest, composed, paper like face, was now cheerful, his sharp teeth stuck out of his lips, as if they were thirsty for blood, your blood. In addition, a distinct gleam was radiating from his eyes, the kind of gleam he had when you were around and you pretended you weren't aware of his gaze, and that he would hide away when he realised you had noticed. This time he was not trying to skulk it, it was in plain sight, as he wanted you to notice. It felt as though he was devouring you using only his eyes, and you could feel your legs shaking, almost making you fall to your knees and hit the floor.

Summer heat impregnated your bodies and your minds, Lucifer's demonic personality stood out on the changing environment surrounding both of you. Your movements had made the two of you get closer. His hands on you lower back, yours in his hair. He would not say it out loud, but you could perceive he was waiting for more, for the next step, but he doubted, because you were sure he did not want to harm you and that was why he would patiently wait, although you were sure, it would not be for so much longer. 

It was your turn to take his hand, to take the initiative to let him know it was fine, you got to the silent streets, where you hailed a taxi, what a blessing the taxi had some kind of compartment and the driver was not able to see the kisses you were stealing from your demon, and how he was devouring your mouth in return. 

The car stopped and you two hurried your way upstairs to the flat Lucifer had got for you, something burned inside you, you wanted to be closer to him, even closer since you were already closer than ever already, your kisses were preventing you from getting to your bedroom, the avatar or pride was slowly ousting the avatar of lust and taking his place. The door opened as if welcoming the two of you. You did not notice when Lucifer was over you, staring with his lustful eyes at you, as if you were his prey with no way to escape. 

You wanted to say something, but your senses were preventing you from thinking, you were not able to remember your actions either, so probably you had managed to say Lucifer's name, because he had also heard a whisper, his name slipping away from someone's lips, he left your neck for a second, leaving the heat behind for a moment, staring at the darkness, something was wrong, something felt odd, he had recognised that voice. 

"For hell's sake..."

You let totally go from Lucifer's grasp and stood up. 

"It's not fair you thought you could have MC all for yourself!"

"And all the fun". Asmodeus seconded Belphegor. 

He rolled his eyes at his brothers, your cheeks reddened, while you were trying to recompose yourself, hoping no one had seen your previous scene. 

"Of course, no one would like to invite the otaku shut in along, I had that coming". 

Lucifer sighed, took his hand to his forehead and rubbed it in frustration, shutting his eyes close. His plans had been spoiled in the worst of ways. 

"What are you doing here?" Lucifer did not try to hide his annoyance. A tiny smile was drawn on Satan's face. 

"How did you know we were here?" You finally asked.

Lucifer got his phone out of his pocket and checked it carefully because Satan's gaze suggested he knew something he did not. 

"We have an alert when you leave for the human world, you know, and as every time you do it you bring MC with you, we just wanted to check she was fine". Satan replied, the cunning smile never fading. 

"So, we should all have a sleepover, since it's too late to go out now".

"Or we could all join Lucifer and MC in their activities, I think they were having fun". 

You blushed again, failing at hiding it and your eyes meeting the floor.

"I think the sleepover would be better, there are always snacks in a sleepover". Beel commented. "And human snacks, which is even better". 

"I think it sounds like a good idea, the eight of us can have fun that way. I'll just go to put my pajamas on". 

You panted once you were alone in your bedroom for the night, even if you pretended a sleepover with all of them was a good idea and you loved all seven of them, you had really been looking forward to spending some time with Lucifer, alone. It tasted as if you had swallowed disappointment. You looked yourself in the mirror and forced yourself to smile.

Throughout the night, Lucifer and you were only able to exchange looks while his brothers were not paying attention, because they would always interfere when you were trying to speak, but with a single blink, he let you know he would find a way. You were trying to focus on the board games, and at the end you managed to have a good time when you were singing karaoke together. None of you knew when you had fallen asleep on the floor. 

The morning came sooner than expected, it was summer, school was supposed to be over, so why were they forced to wake up at that time in the morning? 

"Lucifer, for g- Diavolo's sake, what do you think you're doing silly? We had a blast last night, I have barely slept, and I need my sleeping beauty".  

The demon whose arms were crossed over his chest looked annoyed at them, he was not happy, he was not even joyful, even considering the fact he was getting to punish his brothers, one of the things he enjoyed the most in the world. 

"That's the consequence of leaving without authorisation, Diavolo called me when he noticed none of you were at home, and I had to promise him, this would do some kind of good to the Academy in order to cover the expenses, so we're going to the museum, and you'll submit afterwards a detailed report about it. I've booked tickets for the first tour in the morning, so stop complaining; haste your breakfast and hygiene, we're leaving soon". He looked at his watch in his wrist before speaking again: "and that's in fifteen minutes, so hurry up, or you'll never see the sunlight of the human world ever again, I guarantee you". 

Lucifer's threats were always serious, his punishments would always be something to remember, the crowd showed disapproval during the next fifteen minutes and during the walk towards the museum that took them about thirty minutes, but Lucifer remained silent, he was concentrating on something the others were not able to tell. 

All of them, strolled together along the corridors and through the white marble halls of the museum, the guide explained every single detail in every single painting and sculpture, that outlined human genius from different times and places. There was something about humans, it did not matter where they were from, how they looked like or what language they spoke, they were all the same, just fascinating. All of the demons admired the way they were able to expose their feelings and true colours in those art pieces, it did not take long for them to get lost in the world created by the human's eyes, they soon realised it was as captivating as you were.

A couple of hours passed by in complete calm, Lucifer himself was not able to believe he was having some time in peace, and the weight on his shoulders was slowly vanishing. 

"Lucifer?" A whisper broke the silence everyone was in, it felt as though blood had stained the white veil of the wedding dress everyone dreamed of you wearing in their fantasies. "I cannot find MC". Beelzebub raised his voice, he had not been able to help it, fright and confusion were drawn on his face.

Lucifer finally paid attention to him, now the same expression could be read in his face: bewilderment, if he had to describe it. He looked around, looking for those red cheeks he knew so well.  

"She does not pick her phone either". 

He had been staring at his phone now, he had been thinking of calling you as well, hearing that made him freeze. Even if he knew the human world was safer than the Devildom itself, your whereabouts were always a reason of concern. 

"Remain calm, everyone" Although the one who had to take that piece of advice would have to be himself. "I'll go check with the guard, I'm sure she's in another room or in the toilet, stay together, I don't want more disappearances". 

Everyone remained quiet and silently agreed to his instruction, Beelzebub suggested the tour guide to give them the lunch break at that moment so they could stay together in a single place. The six brothers sat in the museum's café, they were trying to have lunch but instead they kept staring at the entrance, waiting for Lucifer, they expected to see MC by his side wearing a shy smile. 

But that did not happen.

"Now Lucifer is taking an awful amount of time".

"Leave it to me, I'll call him". Mammon suggested after hearing Asmo saying what he was thinking. 

"Beel, why is Lucifer's phone in your pocket?" Satan raised an eyebrow in suspicion. 

"Oh no, he was so worried he forgot about it. And now if he gets lost, he won't be able to enter the food delivery app, he will starve to death". Everyone could see Beel was really worried about that scenario, he even left his chips by his side for a moment, his face showing worry.

"Let's wait a little longer, and then we'll go back to the flat if they don't show up soon". Satan said and everyone agreed in silence.

It was a shame they were trapped inside when the day outside was so beautiful.

"Are you sure we should be doing this?" You asked a bit worried.

"That's why we escaped from the Devildom in the first place, isn't it? Stop worrying about them and enjoy me instead". 

Your cheeks blushed and Lucifer remembered why he had fallen so hard for you, those colours that made you different to anyone else had captivated him. You kept walking together, you were now far away from the museum.

"I know, but they'll be worried, what if they make this bigger than it is?"

"There was no other way, and I would appreciate if you changed the subject, I don't want to think of them at the moment". 

You sighed.

"I thought you were the adventurous kind; you know, the girl studying abroad in the Devildom, falling for the bad guy, you should be enjoying this". He snickered at you, and you rolled your eyes at him, but just after a moment, you joined him and laughed, he was somewhat right. 

You surmised he was completely right after all, and you should enjoy your little adventure by his side, after all, his brothers had been the ones to show up without permission and without invitation and had spoiled your little time off. You took his hand in yours while you walked down the street after reflecting on this. 

The fresh summer breeze was slapping your face, messing with your hair while your eyes fought to stay open, it made you feel at home, at ease, the feeling got stronger when you remembered you were with your lover, as if you were complete, your heart danced, and your blood rushed through your veins to reach it out. 

"Fancy some tea? What? We're in London, aren't we?"

"Are you really offering me tea even considering this heat?"

"Would you rather have an ice cream, instead?" Lucifer said and your eyes shone while you nodded in approval. The both of you reached out to the park, it was greener than ever before, and the trees danced to the beat of the wind, Lucifer got you an ice cream that handed to you, and you suggested to sit down in the swings, he looked at you as if you were one more of his childish brothers, but at the end, he gave up, he smiled once you two were slightly moving back and forth, enjoying the good weather and your dessert. The sound of the tree leaves reminded you of a waterfall, the sun warming your body and the sound of people gave you the sort of relaxation, you had been longing for so long.

"Did you leave your phone at the flat as I advised?"

"They'll find it on the bedroom's vanity". 

"Good, Satan won't be able to track us down this time". 

You shared his devilish smile, knowing you had got your way this time. 

"May I try yours?"

Lucifer frowned at you, your smiling face produced some kind of affection to his chest that changed his behaviour every time, it was weird to be seen in public like that, but no one knew him there, he remembered, so he obliged and fed you with his own ice cream. 

"Try mine..." you made a grimace when he refused. "Don't make me force you". 

"I would like to see you try".

"Sta-"

He groaned, irritated. 

"I can do it. There's no need to do that". 

He licked your ice cream while you chuckled, perhaps you were actually of the adventurous kind. 

"It has a good taste, I think it's almost as sweet as you, although..."

You could not help yourself, seeing his lips move like that, you wished you were the ice cream instead, and therefore, you hurried to steal a kiss from him before he started talking. He blushed, he had not been expecting it, you had caught him off guard, it felt different in comparison to the night before, when you were anonymous, since now everyone around was looking at you two, or at least that's what he thought. 

He froze for a second, his pride sheltering him, as if he was in a bubble, a bubble you were breaking with your daring actions, he was completely red, almost out of control when a light split the sky into two, drops falling from the sky started landing on your faces, lowering the temperature, you looked up, definitely there was a huge storm coming. 

You did not mind, as long as you could keep holding your beloved one as close as you were now, however, he cared, because he stepped away, and took an umbrella from his coat. 

"You didn't bring yours, did you?"

You shook your head. He sighed. 

"We should seek shelter before it's too late, we can continue whatever we were doing there".

You stared at the sky, that morning when you looked at yourself in the mirror you had been glad of your choice of clothes, black shorts and black sneakers with a shirt with hues of red, you felt pretty and according to the summer, now that the sky was graying out, you were regretting your choices for the day, perhaps it was not appropriate enough now for the approaching storm. You looked at your bare legs with worry, but then another thought came to your mind, you noticed you had been wearing matching colours and you failed at hiding a smile when you realised it. 

You did not want to leave but the grasp of Lucifer's hand made you rose and start walking again down the streets, leaving the natural scenario behind.

"You take it" he forced you to take his transparent umbrella, you looked up and noticed how the drops fell on it, it was a nice umbrella, you could not help but smile while seeing the sky above, crying over you. The calm suddenly changed though, since soon you noticed the light rain turned into a heavy downpour. 

"Come here, you're getting wet".  You gestured at the space by your side, under the umbrella.

"I'm fine, you cover yourself". 

"I don't want to look after a sick demon when this is supposed to be fun, unless you're doing this because you're too embarrassed to be seen with me in public, which you could openly tell me, I'm not willing to beg for your attention ever again, we can leave things like this right now". 

Lucifer took a deep breath, and then after a moment of hesitation, a step closer to you, and then passed his arm around your shoulders, while you kept holding the umbrella. 

"If we walk slow enough none of us will be wet". 

"And if I keep you this close you won't be cold". He whispered. 

You smiled, made him stop in the middle of the street and carefully, placed your arms around his neck, leaving another kiss on his lips. The only thing covering you both was the see-through umbrella and the raindrops falling over it.  Everyone around was looking at you and his cheeks were red as were yours, but you could not care less, you liked it when you made him blush. Even if it was only a side effect of his prideful character. 

"You're being very naughty today, aren't you? I think I will have to do something to correct that behaviour". He leaned in and kissed you roughly this time, as if he was trying to demonstrate he could do better than you at being naughty, while he was demonstrating you, he would not care about his perfect image being scratched by you, he had made that decision, even if there was a chance you were encountered by his brothers again showing affection to each other like this. "I missed you, and I promise you, I'll never let work take over my time like this again". 

He looked around after leaving you breathless, people had started to pass you by, ignoring you, however he must have seen something, because he stopped. "They found us". He took your hand and simply started to run without giving you any opinion on the matter, the umbrella no longer preventing the water from getting into you, making your body freeze, almost producing pain, and two minutes later your hair and clothes were soaking wet, leaving you tired after that little race. You took the red bus after you had stopped, although you had no idea where it was going to. 

"I think we lost them again" Lucifer shook his head, plumping up his hair using his hand. Everything in him was hypnotizing and you could not help but admire his wet hair falling over his forehead, his bright red eyes thinking of something you could not imagine, giving him a mysterious look. You could tell there was some kind of malice in his grimace, he was having fun, he was a damn sadist after all.   

"So, who was following us?" You asked trying to get out of your thoughts, trying to remain calm, you looked at the window, attempting to catch a clue of what was happening. 

"My brothers, of course".

"How did they find us?"

Lucifer shrugged as if it was no important at all, and then held your hand in silence for the rest of the trip. 

Some blocks later across the wet London streets, Lucifer held you by the waist, helping you to descend the bus steps so you would not get wet by stepping into the puddles, as if you could get wetter. 

He took you through another narrow hallway, another tall building showing in front of you and covering the sky, and the rain, the only sound that could be heard were your sloppy steps. He led you upstairs, never letting go of your hand, it was silent. You did not stop climbing until you reached out the roof, the wooden door opened before you, leaving the two of you outside, under the no more gray sky, but rather painted in pink and orange hues, due to the fact the sun was coming back.  The view was spectacular, the whole city of London could be appreciated from there, the wind hit your face, reminding you it was not a dream, you were there in flesh and blood. 

"I'm glad it was here on time."

You glanced over at the table by the balcony, there was pizza and chips, as well as some drinks, you noticed then you were actually starving. 

"Be my guest", he gestured and helped you to have a seat. 

You soon were taking a big bite to your pizza slice. The feeling of being chased and your head revolving around was slowly decreasing thanks to the fact you were getting some energy from your meal, and now you were all of a sudden laughing.

"What is it the matter?"

"I cannot believe they followed us all the way here". 

"My brothers have always shown some kind of protective affection towards you, it was just logical, although inconvenient, especially when you're trying to have a date". 

Your face blushed, and then you stared at your pizza.  

"How did you get the food?"

"Beel, he was quite helpful this time... Listen, it might not be the kind of date you were expecting, and I promise you..."

"Stop right there" you cut him off. 

"I only wanted to spend some time with you, some quality time with no paperwork just you and I alone, no matter what we're doing, and I am very fond of pizza, so I won". 

The fairy lights over your head suddenly turned on, as well as the lights coming from the distant city, you could see the reflection of the sun on the Thames, little ships travelling down its course with their bright flags and lights standing out the growing darkness. It was the phenomena you had been missing, one of the few things that the Devildom could not equal, Lucifer admired the landscape as well, it was likewise, one of his favourite things from the human world, the balance between light and darkness, good and evil, just as it was comprised in its inhabitants. 

"I just wanted to make sure you still..." you interrupted yourself, leaving the sentence unfinished, as if you were choosing the correct words to deliver your message.

"I still and I will always love you, MC". 

You could not help but smile even wider, you were not able to look at his eyes, you felt like a teenager again, maybe even worse, your legs shook every time you thought of him, your checks reddened when you saw him, and your voice stuttered when you talked to him.  You wanted to tell him you loved him as much, but for some reason you could not get the words out of your mouth.

" I love you too, Lucifer". You finally managed to whisper.

Some fresh music started to sound in the background as if magic had produced it. 

"You wanted to dance, didn't you? We've been interrupted every time".

He rose before you could say anything, and dragged you along, soon he had you spinning around the floor, you both laughing because it was something embarrassing (even more embarrassing for the avatar of pride), although you decided he was just enjoying himself as much as you were, which was not usual for him, and you concluded that once in a while, leaving his brothers without surveillance in the middle of the human world creating chaos, was not that bad. 

Your body danced to the rhythm of the music for longer than you imagined; his grip on your waist, your hands around his neck, his perfume invading your senses, even standing out the smell of petrichor, the gift that rain had left for you; the sun had totally set when you separated your dreamy eyes from his, and the moon was now shinning over your heads, with its silver light falling over you, casting living shadows over the floor, the stars were sparkling as much as your eyes were. Your hearts were racing, he was not able to take his eyes off you, or his hands, you were both in some kind of trance, you were sure he had managed to cast some sort of spell on you because your brain was not able to command your limbs, they were only controlled by the electricity of his contact. 

 You did nothing to stop him when his kisses became warmer and more intrusive, or when his hands fought the resistance of the fabric of your clothes; your breath hitched in your chest due to the anticipation with every single kiss and touch, you let yourself fall into his trap of love and seduction, letting the sparks fly in the middle of the fire and the rain. That night, you allowed him to take over your body and soul, you were his prisoner, and you did not want to escape. 

 The music produced by the scattered raindrops on the glass roof woke you up, it was late, but not that late, the stars were still visible, and the sunlight was barely perceived in the horizon. Everything was quiet, then you remembered who you were with when you felt his warm embrace and soft breath under you. 

"Don't leave".  He said, showing some kind of vulnerability he would have hidden if he had been fully awake, that made you heart melt as he had done with your mind and body just a few hours ago, he would not say it out loud, but his heart was completely strung out. "I need your angel eyes". 

You snickered and hugged him back. After that night you would not be able to leave him ever again even if you tried. Why had you waited so long to elope?

 You softly kissed his lips. It took several minutes for you to get up, none of you wanted to let go the other, but at the end, the responsible side of Lucifer finally showed up. So, you were forced you took a shower, while he took care of making breakfast. 

You fixed your appearance in front of the mirror. Lucifer casually walked in to inform you "It's time for breakfast, and then we'll have to leave" and held you from behind and kissed your cheek, then you two stared at each other in the mirror, your faces looked filled with joy and Lucifer particularly, looked as if he had come back to life after being dead for some centuries.   

You nodded. Something was wrong with Lucifer today because he was spoiling you too much, the English breakfast before you was not only appetizing to your eyes, but also to your tastebuds. 

"The breakfast was amazing". You smiled at him once you had finished. 

"I am glad to hear you enjoyed it". He nodded behind his cup of black coffee. 

"Thank you". You smiled at him and he, as a natural effect, smiled back at you. "I enjoyed this little trip. Even if it was just a night, instead of the seven days you had promised". 

"I apologise about it, I will find a way to compensate it". 

You agreed with his statement, you would have liked to stay longer, to do something else, but it was time to go. 

The way back on the bus was calm, people was minding their own business and you enjoyed the trip looking at the buildings and the crowds outside. 

"Who was following us before we took the bus yesterday?"

Lucifer chuckled and you raised an eyebrow.

"No one was following us, I just sort of felt creative".

You hit his arm and laughed. 

"I knew your brothers weren't capable of doing so, they are good boys, you just have to be a bit more patient with them". 

"What are you, their lawyer?"

"Please?"

 He sighed. 

"Fine, but you'll be responsible for their bad behaviour if you insist on defending them". 

You nodded. You knew they would get into trouble often, but it was part of the fun. And most of the times it was nothing serious. 

You soon arrived to the Mayfair place where you had first arrived the previous night, a crowd was reunited there and there were some ambulances as well, the street was automatically cosed and Lucifer had to double check it was the correct street, hoping it was the incorrect one, but deep down knowing it was not, he could almost see the scene before his eyes: he could see Mammon starting the problem, Levi and Asmo panicking about it, Beel being too busy eating to notice, Belphie smelling the smoke and deciding it was not worthy enough to wake up, Satan rolling his eyes. Lucifer moved his head in disapproval, sighed in frustration and wasted no time and started to think of an appropriate punishment, whereas you almost fell in his arms when you finally realised the flat and the whole building where you had been staying had been burnt to dust, and it had only taken them a night alone. 

"I'm glad you'll get to do the cleaning this time, my little apple-pie". Lucifer whispered into your ear, when you finally met the dusty faces of his six brothers, then he chuckled.  

Definitely, you would look for a way to stop acting as their attendant and- what? Lucifer had called you his little apple-pie? For some reason you decided to change your mind. Maybe you could wait a bit longer and keep up with your duties as their attendant.  

-

The way home was as bittersweet as the chemistry that produced those strange feelings inside him towards you because Lucifer was mad at his brothers, and they were fearing for their fate and the punishment Lucifer would give them but there was as well an unobtrusive smile drawn on his lips because of the memories of your previous night together. He was less severe this time, maybe because of what you had told him or maybe for some other reason you were not able to tell, but maybe it was the happiness you two were sharing and weren't able to hide away. With time things settled down, life became what it used to be before your little adventure, although you weren't wretched anymore and every time and then, when Lucifer noticed he was not giving you enough attention he would find a way to have some time alone with you, he would count the days until he could bring you back to him. 

"Are you going to sleep or are you going to stare at me all night?" You said, you were not able to sleep because he was not sleeping either and you could feel his red eyes on you even in the dismal darkness. 

"Your picture haunts me in the dark while I'm falling asleep, it is not my fault". He sometimes felt like a rag doll, whose pieces belonged to you, and you could manipulate as you wished, and for some odd reason he was fine with it, he had given in, and stopped trying ways to turn it around. 

"Oh, shut up, if we want to ride the London eye, we'll have to wake up early". You softly smiled and hugged him, truth be told, you weren't able to escape him anywhere either, not even in your dreams. He kissed your scalp and closed his eyes, you were right. 

This was the first day of your second trip together and you could not wait for the adventures to come by Lucifer's side, under the rain in the misty town of London. 

- Note: I took the idea of the pet name "apple pie" from some post here on Tumblr because I found it adorable, I just cannot remember who was the user who came up with it, so, if you're the one, let me know to give you credit here :3

[emilou-keen-gear]

Title: A Costume Story

Characters: Fenton, Drake, Launchpad, and Charity

Word Count: Appox. 2300

            Drake perused the costumes in the Halloween store, the more he looked the less he was looking forward to the party that night at the McDuck Mansion. Everything he looked at just didn’t look all that great. They were either too gimmicky or cheap-looking or silly. And the scary costumes just looked way too bloody. Couldn’t there be something in the middle? Or a nice-looking costume that would bring out his dynamic side? Something heroic?

            He had contemplated going as Darkwing Duck since it would be the easiest costume for him, but the thought that the party wasn’t just for McDuck family members crossed his mind. The last thing he needed to do was to let his secret identity out.

            Drake was frowning at a space alien costume and must have had a strange look on his face because a sales associate approached him.

            “Excuse me, sir. Can I help you with something?”

            Drake considered just waving her on. He really didn’t need any help. But then again, there were hundreds of different costumes to look through, and the employee might know exactly what he was looking for.

            “Ah…yes, I was looking for a costume but I haven’t seen anything I liked,” Drake said. “I’m looking for something…bold. Something more on the strong and courageous side.”

            The sales associate smiled. “I have the perfect thing. There’s some Gizmoduck costumes up front, although you should hurry because they’re almost gone.”

            Drake thanked her angrily and stomped away. He had to circle around the store a couple of times before cooling off. Of all the costumes to have suggested…

            Once again looking through the costumes, Drake was about to give up and look at a different store when he heard a familiar voice. Looking through the cracks between costumes on the other side of the shelves, he could see blue and white hair and feathers moving along at a wandering pace.

            “Are you sure that’s the costume you want?” Charity said, speaking to her phone to her ear. “Well, I just want to be sure considering this is the first time you’re dressing up for Halloween.”

            Drake could guess who she was talking to. Launchpad. He had heard of Launchpad’s so-called “curse” and how he spent every Halloween for the past fifteen years. It was almost unbelievable, that is, unless you knew Launchpad.

            “Yes, I’m going to dress up with you,” Charity said. “Mom’s not up for our usual Halloween traditions this year, so I’m getting a costume, too. It’ll be fun. I’m going to hang up now. See you tonight.”

            Drake perked up and peered closely at the costumes she was now starting to look through. An idea popped in his head. Perhaps if he found out what Charity and Launchpad were dressing up as, he could “coincidentally” come in something similar. It may even bring him and Charity closer.

            Charity grabbed a costume and dropped it into her shopping basket, and then started rummaging through another stack of costumes. “Come on. Please say the right size is here. No. No. No. No. Aha. The last one. Of course. Whew.” She dropped it in her basket.

            Drake dropped lower to get a better look, seeing that she had put in a costume of Jessie from Toy Story. He nearly squeaked with excitement. This would be perfect. If he could figure out what Launchpad was dressing up as, then he could choose a different character. A part of him even thought that Charity would read into the “coincidence” of them having matching costumes.

            As he tried to see what the costume was under the Jessie one, Charity picked up the basket and headed to the front of the store. He thought of calling out to her and talking to her to find out, but it would have less of an impact if she knew that he knew beforehand. He would just have to guess based on the location of the costumes.

            Once Charity had exited the isle, Drake circled around and looked at what costumes were there. He found the Jessie costume and was certain she had grabbed the first costume close to the Jessie one. There were about a dozen different costumes from all the different movies, so he would have to make a good guess.

            From what Drake knew about Launchpad, he would dress up either as Woody or Buzz. And the Woody costume was close to Jessie’s. And the Buzz’s? Drake looked for a little while, and found it the farthest away from Jessie’s costume—on the floor and in a box since the costume was larger than the others.

            Drake inwardly whooped. This was perfect! Not only was the costume just the theme that Drake was wanting, but if he showed up as Buzz Lightyear at the party, it would look as if he and Charity were a couple. And perhaps that might put some ideas in Charity’s mind.

            Drake snatched up one of the Buzz Lightyear costume boxes and slowly made his way up to the register. He wanted to give Charity enough time to pay for her things and leave without her knowing what his costume was. This was going to be a fun Halloween surprise.

***

            Fenton had never bought a Halloween costume before. As a kid, his mother always made one for him or he just used an old one from one of his cousins. As an adult, he never dressed up. He had always been busy with school or inventions, and really hadn’t seen the point since nobody invited him to any parties anyway.

            But this year, he felt more included in the McDuck family and friends group. He was one of them now. He most looked forward to talking to Charity. Although she didn’t know the McDuck family all that long, she was a part of them now and would be at the party. That, more than anything, was why he was looking forward to Mr. McDuck’s party that night.

            As Fenton walked into the Halloween store, he spotted her. It felt coincidental that he saw Charity just as he was thinking of her. And she was buying Halloween costumes.

            In an instant, he was able to take in the scene with more detail than anyone else, thanks to his Gizmo-lense, contacts that simulated the same technology as his Gizmoduck helmet. The computer in his contact lenses zeroed in on the costume in Charity’s hand, enhancing with just a thought from Fenton’s mind.

            Jessie from Toy Story. Charity was going as Jessie from Toy Story. It was one of the few animated movies that Fenton recognized since it was something from his own childhood. Especially Buzz Lightyear. He had especially fixated on the spaceman toy. He was brave and strong and confident—everything Fenton had always wanted to be as a hero.

            And he had to admit, Buzz Lightyear and Gizmoduck did look a lot alike. Putting on a Buzz costume might be…familiar.

            And if Charity was Jessie…

            Fenton’s cheeks heated at the thought. Not that she would suddenly decide to date him just because he dressed up as Buzz Lightyear, but that kind of scenario would have optimal flirtation points. The two of them could quote the movie together. He was certain he could makes a few jokes to make her laugh. And—of course—he was the perfect person to imitate Buzz’s “Spanish Mode” from the third movie.

            Quickly ducking into the store before Charity could see him, Fenton sought out where they kept the Buzz Lightyear costumes. He ended up navigating through the entire store—his Gizmo-Lenses were of no help when it comes to retail—but he found the box. With a skip in his step, he bought his first Halloween costume, believing that this would be a great night.

***

            Drake was at the party right on time with his costume still in the box. He hadn’t even had a chance to try it on. He was led by Mrs. Beakley to a room where he could change. As he was putting the costume on, he was glad that he hadn’t put it on before the party. It was made of a type of foam to give it an armored look, and it was difficult to put on every piece from the plastic-bubble space helmet down to the space boots. But in the end, he thought it looked really good on him. He just hoped he wouldn’t have to use the bathroom for the entire night.

            As he descended the stairs to the foyer where dozens of people were mingling, eating and dancing—yes, Scrooge McDuck had invited several of his business associates just so he could count this party as a tax write-off—Drake looked for a certain lovebird, excited to see the look on her face when she saw him.

            But he didn’t see her as he was looking for someone in a Jessie costume. However, he did locate someone else in a Toy Story costume. At first he didn’t think anything of it, but then he recognized the person in it.

            He marched up to the person and spun him around so they could meet face to face.

            Their space helmet bumped together.

            “Oh, hi, Drake. Nice costume,” Fenton said with a bright smile and a wave.

            “Don’t ‘Hi, Drake’ me. You stole my idea,” Drake accused.

            “Huh?” Fenton asked, bewildered. “I would never break copyright or patent laws. What idea was I supposed to have stolen?”

            Drake wasn’t sure what made him more frustrated: how polite Gizmoduck was or his stupid face. “My costume!” he exclaimed. “You stole my idea for the costume I was going to wear.”

            “Me? I didn’t even know you were going to be wearing that,” Fenton said. “How was I supposed to have stolen your idea?”

            Drake narrowed his eyes. Could Fenton have come up with the idea the same way Drake had? “I don’t suppose you ran into a mutual friend of ours and so happened to have a peek at her costume, would you?”

            By Fenton’s reaction, Drake was right on the nose.

            “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Fenton said nervously. But he was also far to moral for his own good, and wouldn’t let the lie lie. “I may have…seen Charity at the store while she was buying some things…but that doesn’t mean anything. I would have decided on Buzz Lightyear anyway. We have a lot in common.”

            Drake snorted. “You? Really? Buzz isn’t a science nerd. When’s the last time you did something more physical than carrying around a bunch of text books.”

            “I have a gym membership, although I mostly use the elliptical machine since I’m working on endurance training,” Fenton said before clearing his throat. “And Buzz is more than just a jock. He’s a space ranger, which means he must need to have a background in higher maths and at least the basic sciences. Astronauts don’t just have to be strong, they have to be smart. And Buzz Lightyear isn’t the type to go skulking around in the dark and brooding.”

            Drake felt that one. “I obviously have more in common with Buzz. I’m totally more like Buzz Lightyear.”

            “I contradict that statement,” Fenton argued. “I’m more like Buzz.”

            “No, I’m Buzz Lightyear.”

            “No, I’m Buzz Lightyear.”    

            “I’m Buzz Lightyear.”

            “I’m Buzz Lightyear.”

            “Wow, way to get in character guys.”

            Fenton and Drake wheeled to the side as Charity’s voice interrupted their squabbling. And they gasped in surprise.

            Charity had a bemused expression on her face, which was the only part of her body that could be seen, peering out of a small square cut into the large, green T-Rex inflatable costume she was wearing.

            “Although I think you may be overdoing it a little. Everyone is staring,” Charity said, waddling toward them with her long dinosaur tail wagging behind her.

            “Uh…wha…what are you?” Fenton asked, not sure what else to say.

            “I’m Rex,” Charity said with delight, holding up her tiny T-Rex arms.

            “B-b-but I thought you were going to be Jessie,” Drake said. He was about to admit that he saw her buying the costume but kept his beak shut.

            “No way. This Rex costume is the best,” Charity said, giving a little hop. “Besides, all the Bo Peep costumes were gone.”

            “Then who is Jessie?” Fenton asked, not bothering on hiding how he knew.

            “Oh, she’s coming,” Charity said, giving a whistle. “Yo, Jessie. Get on outta here.”

            Giving a long, loud whoop, “Jessie” came galloping over, holding a wooden-broom horse between his legs and pretending to ride. “Yeeeeeeee-haaaaaaw, howdy ya’ll. What have we got here? A couple of space men, I see.”

            “Launchpad?” Drake and Fenton said together, both feeling absolutely foolish.

            “Jessie’s his favorite character,” Charity said, smirking as if she knew exactly what had happened. "It was really hard for me to find a costume in his size.”

            “Well…uh…it looks good on you,” Fenton said, recovering from his shock.

            “Gee, I’d thought Buzz or Woody would be your favorite,” Drake said. “You always like the heroes.���

            “Jessie is a hero, one of the best. Plus, we have a lot in common,” Launchpad said.

            Drake and Fenton looked confused.

            “We both have red hair, duh,” Launchpad said. “Plus, every time I hear her song, it just plum near makes me want ta cry.” He took off his hat and put it to his heart.

            “Enough of this,” Charity said, smacking Launchpad with her tail. “Come on. Let’s party, guys.”

            As Launchpad was racing off to check out the snacks, Charity called, “Oh, and Buzz.”

            “Yes?” both of the said as they turned around, Drake taking umbrage that Fenton was doing the same thing as him.

            “Play nice tonight,” Charity said before grabbing their arms and following after Launchpad.

***

End of story.

I've had this idea for a long time. I was going to make it into a comic, but since I was doing a bunch of Halloween short stories, this felt much easier. It's a cute story that doesn't fit exactly in my TSoF universe, but I sort of liked a rivalry between Drake and Fenton continuing even after my story.

[ask-will-and-nico]

Will nodded. “If you want, I can just help you do it tonight,” he said. Nico gave him a pointed look. “I am not going to make you clean after working all day,” he deadpanned. Will gave him a sheepish smile and shrugged. He wasn’t as nervous about being separated from Nico if he was just going to be in his cabin, so he agreed. Now, Nico needed to figure out how to get the rest done after dinner. He could get most of it done while Will was at the infirmary before dinner, but he couldn’t exactly draw a bath and get warm drinks ready hours in advance. He’d probably only need a half hour, tops, to finish the last minute stuff. Maybe he could ask Austin and Kayla to distract Will for a little while after dinner so Nico could light some candles, draw a fresh bath, and make them some drinks. He smiled to himself. He was going to be such a good boyfriend tonight.

-

Will nodded. "Sounds good. Hey, wanna try some?" He asked. Nico shrugged. "Just the sauce, not the fries. They're probably all soggy thanks to you." He licked his spoon clean and took some for himself. "Holy crap, that's good." Will laughed. "Yeah, it normally goes on rice, but I didn't wanna double-carb, and I didn't wanna have to choose. It's like chili fries, but not." Nico rolled his eyes. "Y'know, this is may be as culturally offensive as breaking the spaghetti in half for some people."

-/-/-

“Well, considering there’s about, what, a dozen campers here including us, I don’t think I have to worry about that at the moment,” Will said. Nico snorted, using his spoon to steal some more of Will’s curry. Will rolled his eyes and pretended to be annoyed by Nico’s actions. Nico knew he wasn’t though, so he didn’t stop himself. “You know you can get your own, right?” Will asked. Nico shrugged, putting his spoon in his mouth. He could, but it was much more fun to just steal food from his boyfriend. Nico would stop if Will was truly annoyed with him, but he wasn’t.

Once they finished lunch, Will pressed a kiss to Nico’s forehead and promised he’d meet him for dinner. Nico nodded, heading back to his own cabin. He had a lot of cleaning to do. Nico wasn’t normally much of a deep cleaner, though he tried to keep up with himself when his cabin started to look a bit messy. But he knew Will appreciated having a well-cleaned cabin (the Apollo cabin often hosted cabin-cleaning day four times a year), and Nico could respect his boyfriend’s desire for a clean space. He started with stripping the sheets on his bed before moving into the bathroom, ready to scrub everything clean.

[camoooh]

Got tagged by @guywiththeroses (thank you ily) to answer some questions lets fuckin goooo 🤙

1. If you were to attend a costume party tonight, what or whom would you go as?

hmm. probably 80's boy george because hello, fun

2. What are your choice of toppings on a hamburger? And do you prefer gas or charcoal grilling?

whatever's going really, i like lots of sauces, gotta have lettuce and tomato on it too. i love cheese but it doesn't like me so probably not that, rip. and gas/charcoal like what's better for cooking with or for the taste? i wouldn't know the difference for either tbh

3. You are chosen to have lunch with the President. The condition is you only get to ask one question. What do you ask?

no question, just a staring contest. he who wins, takes the oval office. i'm your president now, i'm going to fix it all (i don't even live in the U.S)

4. It’s your first day of vacation, what are you doing?

making sure the car has petrol, worrying I've left something behind, figuring out the layout of the building, finding all the exits

5. What is your concession stand must-have at the movies?

Nothing, i used to smuggle in my own stuff

6. Which do you dislike most: pop-up ads or spam email?

spam emails die quietly in my inbox that i never check. pop ups count as jump scares and make me violent

7. What do you think Captain Hook’s name was before he had a hook for a hand?

Captain gurrrl what shampoo do you use, your hair is luscious

8. Rock, paper, or scissors?

rock

9. How long was it from ‘the first date’ until the proposal of marriage? How long until the wedding?

i have never been engaged/ married

10. Which is worse, being in a place that is too loud, or too quiet?

Both can be equally as awful depending on my mood

11. What is one quality that you really appreciate in a person?

noticing and remembering small details

12. At the good old general store, what particular kind of candy would you expect to be in the big jar at the counter?

this post is very american but growing up in england it was always a big ole jar of humbugs

13. What is the most distinguishing landmark in your city?

the volcano probably

14. Everyone hears discussions that they consider boring. What topic can put you to sleep quicker than any other?

Agreeing with Dane on this one, celebrity gossip switches off my brain so fast. i don't care

15. How many times did it take you to pass your drivers test?

in NZ there's three exams to get your license, your learners (like a written exam) which i passed first time, restricted license (can drive but within curfew and no passengers) i had to take 3 times, and full license (go for it, no restrictions) which i passed first time. i taught myself to drive so i'm not surprised it took a few attempts

16. If you had to have the same topping on your vanilla ice cream for the rest of your life, what topping would you choose?

not really a sweet/ ice cream person but i think strawberries would be good with it, or fruit in general

17. What food item would need to be removed from the market altogether in order for you to live a healthier, longer life?

tbh my diet isn't what's stopping me from living a long healthy life, its cigarettes

18. You are offered an envelope that you know contains $50. You are then told that you may either keep it or exchange it for another envelope that may contain $500 or may be empty. Do you keep the first envelope, or do you take your chances with the second?

eh fuck it take the chance, go for the $500

19. If you had to choose, which would you give up: TV, or internet?

i already don't watch tv, i just stream everything, so give up tv i guess

20. Who is your dream girl or boy from movies/tv?

tbh i don't really have one? i always just look at characters and go yeah wow they're cool i'd like to be buddies with them

21. Have you ever met a celebrity?

nope

22. What kind of lunch box did you have as a kid?

didn't eat lunch, the times i did have food it was just loose in my school bag lmao

23. What would you rather have, a nanny, a housekeeper, a cook, or a chauffeur?

a cook, i hate cooking with a passion, need someone to make sure i eat right

24. Would you rather be trapped in an elevator, or stuck in traffic?

traffic, easy, you've got music and a comfy seat, and lots of people in the same situation, its chill. stuck in a lift? i'm laying on the floor and accepting my fate. this is how i die

25. Lets say a brick fell on your foot, and your kid is standing right next to you, what is your ‘cleaned up’ swear word?

I will straight up swear in front of a child, they'll live. but sometimes its fun to blurt out random words that aren't even relevant, like "mozzarella!" or "traffic cone" or "Azerbaijan" (the last one i've used a lot recently it's just satisfying to say)

this was fun, i tag @echoanddust and whoever else wants to join 🤙

[foundinshades]

What we are, exactly, is usually catagorized as a “Freudian Trio”. While I resent most of his basis in psychology, I admit that I grew intrigued by Sigmund Freud’s idea of what makes a person. Id, Ego, and Superego. The emotion, the temperament, and the logic.

Atlas, Orian, Me. I wonder about the implications.

How does a trio like that work is also in question. Traditionally, in all scenarios, there must be some kind of pair. A third is a middleground, a balance of two extremes. Sometimes it’s fun, in the way that zodiac signs and Myres-Briggs personality types are fun. In some ways, simple categorization is what can help you learn more about yourself, or at the very least, assure a part of yourself that you desperately hope to be true.

Sometimes though… sometimes it hurts. In a way that a makes you feel like you know less than you did before. When the sun is too bright and a star is too distant and the moon pulls tides to drown you. When a category feels more like a sentencing to a crime you have yet to commit. The same way as a stereotype, an assumption rather than something you yourself proclaim. I start to make proclamations before you have the chance to make an assumption.

Here is the synopsis:

My personality type is INTJ, though some friends claim otherwise (“You’re too nice, it doesn’t quite fit,” they would say. I try not to disagree). My zodiac is Scorpio, the scorpion (“I wouldn’t have expected that!” A date would exclaim. I don’t go on a lot of those anymore). I’m a Ravenclaw, if Harry Potter could still be considered relevant. I have a 128 IQ, unofficially tested. I am a water elemental. My favorite color is green, though I am told I am more represented by purple.

Unfortunately, that might be all.

Beyond these, I don’t think I know who I am.

I’ve had my fair share of philosophical crisises. I at least know that the things that are happening around me are real. I know that I am the only one in control. On a good day, I at least know that I am real.

I don’t get many good days anymore. This might be in part due to my excessive pondering over categorization. The more I grow, the more difficult it gets to put myself in place. Up to this point, the only thing I was completely sure of is the people I surround myself with. Two very specific people in fact. Sorting them is easy as breathing, sometimes. Of course, I mean Orian (Virgo, labrador, stars, griffendor, pathos, Ego). Of course, I mean Atlas (Scorpio, orange tabby, sun, hufflepuff, ethos, Id). It’s easy, and it’s just as easy to fill in the gaps. J (Scorpio, black shorthair, moon, ravenclaw, logos, Superego, everything that they are not). Those two refer to the three of us as soulmates, whatever that may mean, if it means anything at all. There are so many cases where this amount of joint links, this many compatible categories, so much connection, would be the cause of romance. You see interwoven webs so complicated that your mind has to make up the rest. It mixes the reds and the purples and the greens. It writes poetry likening people to celstial figures. It sings and dances and sometimes the art and music escape into reality just barely, not enough to be more than a trick of the light.

Sometimes, whether I like it or not, my mind does the same.

But for your sake, I genuinely hope you are reading for the study of it. I hope you are specifically here, tonight or today, for nuance and the exploration of my mind, instead of theirs.

I hope that I don’t need to lower your expectations.

Because… despite first impressions, despite your assumptions, this will not be a love story.

______________________________________________________________________________

With gratitude,

J. Greene

[pezboisworld]

The Bridge

August Rush: After Evan finds his parents.

In the kitchen Lyla put Evan to work drying and stacking dishes. A mostly calm exchange outside of being interrupted by the Reverend’s wife. Then Lyla had to reassure the woman that washing up was no problem considering the late notice invitation of herself and Louis. A quick routine conversation that Evan observed curiously. A curious look Lyla new of well. She had not been a natural talker, like Louis. This was something she had learned to do when she started teaching. For all of Evan’s curiosity he didn’t stop to ask her anything. Enjoying the friendly silence between mother and son too much to break it.

“For tonight, did you want to stay here?” said Lyla as she passed Evan a rinsed plate to dry. “There is still some paperwork I’ll need to do with Mr. Jefferies before I can bring you home.” The words come out of Lyla’s mouth before she realized it. She isn’t sure there is a ‘home’ for Lyla to take Evan back to. There was nothing in Chicago left for her. Evan was in a program at her alma matar and could not be expected to transfer out of Julliard now. Louis had settled a good life for himself in New York since they last met. All the Connolly brothers had transplanted here. Everything Lyla wanted was in New York.

“Here.” Evan said. “Me and Art are going to have a sleepover.”

Lyla may have heard something about that. In the morning Jefferies was planning to come by and take Arthur into child services. It stuck in Lyla’s mind because it was the first time the kid had looked shy and scared since he entered the reverend’s home.

“Sounds fun.” Lyla replied as she leaned her shoulder against Evan playfully. “We’ll figure out what’s next tomorrow.”

“Can I call you mom?” Evan asked. Looking up at her with Louis’ same big blue eyes.

Lyla nearly dropped the pot she was washing on the kitchen floor. “I would love that!” said Lyla as her voice cracked. “But I don’t think I’m ready yet, angel”.

“Can I hug you, instead?”

“Yes, of course you can hug me.” Lyla said with a laugh. “Hug me whenever you want”

The two hug. Evan squeezing her like he was afraid his mother could disappear again. They don’t let go for what feels like hours. A part of Lyla was afraid of Evan slipping from her fingers again.

[zepskies]

Yeessss we love a refill. 😂

(LOLL girl no worries. You strike me as a fun drunk. Plus, the other night I had one strong glass of wine and that somehow did me in for the night. I guess that's what I get for trying a "Super Tuscan" red. 😂😂)

Aww you're amazing. Thank you so much, my friend!! 🥹 And best believe, I saw you released two parts of a new Russell story and they're already bookmarked in my TBR. 💖💖

Now, on to the rest of your lovely comments on the ESC finale!

Loved that little moment of jealousy there. How do you like tasting your own medicine, Russ? 😂

Right?! Lmao all that Reenie teasing coming to bite him in the ass.

I absolutely loved their pizza and movie date at home. And they already shared so much with each other 🥹 The fact he felt secure enough to open up to her after this short amount of time says a lot, considering Dory hasn't even told her the story yet. I love them 😭🤍

Aw I'm so glad you loved it! I felt like they needed something low-key that allowed them to reconnect and be there for each other after all the chaos. I debated if having Russ open up like this was too soon, but since she was so honest with him about her past trauma, I thought he would feel that kindred spirit connection, enough to be honest himself.

I haven't forgotten about the "oh, my brother thought I killed our dad" part of the story though. 😂😂 When I eventually write another story for this series, I want to incorporate that reveal somehow when we finally dive into Ashton Shaw in the show. (Maybe I'll read ahead in the books. 👀)

Honestly, in this day and age, it's always best to wait for renewed consent (even though I'm pretty sure she wouldn't have minded in the least lol). Loved that he recognized that and hesitated!

Right? 🙃 Exactly what I was thinking in having him hesitate, even though you're right, she would NOT have minded. 😂 I still thought that little moment of her pulling him down to join her was needed. 💜

Poor girl 😂💕 The morning after is always a tad awkward – especially if everything is still in the balance of will they/won't they and nothing *sexual* has happened yet 😅

LOL exactly. It's a bit of an odd situation all around, even though they've already shared some romantic moments. 😅💜

Absolutely adored this exchange! ❤️ Oooof, and that smut may have been my undoing for tonight! Holy hell!!! 😮‍💨🔥🌶️

Ahaha I had to research bullet sizes and everything. 😏❤️‍🔥

Honestly I'm really flattered you enjoyed the steamy parts, because I feel like smut writing is my weakest link, though I do my best. 😅😂 You write it so well, so that's an extra special compliment coming from you!

Again, she's so cute 😆🤍 I do hope they work something out. I don't think Russell would've necessarily taken the "big" step, knowing her feelings on this, if he hadn't planned to try and make it work somehow ❤️

Lolll she's trying her best to be slick! 😂 Yeah, I think Russell already knew his connection with her was different, and worth pursuing, he just wasn't sure about the reality of how it was going to work until this moment. 💜

Perfect ending, friend 🥹💚 (You know I love a bit of drama and angst in an ending lol) I loved this series so goddamn much! It fit so well with every character and gave so much that the show didn't (like that awesome family reunion of the three Shaws). Can't wait to get into the one-shots over the holidays 😍

Aww thank you! I wanted to be realistic with his lifestyle potentially posing a problem, but at the same time, both of them being willing to figure it out and try to make this work. 💕

I so appreciate you for saying that ESC felt authentic within the Tracker world, because that's something I always try to do, but it was challenging with this new show/world and how much we still don't know about the Shaw family. (But I HAD to include that reunion. 🥹)

I so hope you enjoy the little bonus one-shots whenever you get to them!!

Merry Christmas, my friend!!! I hope you and your family are having so much fun. ❤️❤️

Every Second Counts - Part 5

Pairing: Russell Shaw x F. Reader

Summary: One date with your best friend’s brother leaves you wanting more, even though his questionable job and vagabond lifestyle make you want to guard your heart. When your brother falls into trouble, however, Russell is the one you trust to help you find him. 

AN: I thought about breaking up this chapter into two parts, but for some reason it didn’t feel right. I hope you enjoy the finale! I think this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for…

Word Count: 7K

Tags/Warnings: 18+ only! Fluff, angst and hurt/comfort, ‘90s movie reference, mutual pining and tension, and a strong dose of smut.

💜 Series Masterlist

Part 5: “Damn Worth It”

You borrowed Russell’s cell to call Dory from the hospital. You let her know that Charlie was stable and resting, and that Russell was bringing you home.

You should’ve known that when you two got there, you wouldn’t have the kind of privacy you craved. Colter and Dory were waiting in his car, parked in your driveway. They met you in front of your house, where Dory pulled you into a big, swaying hug. She cried, you cried, and her brothers hung back to watch the warm scene.

Dory pulled back to get a better look at you. She hesitated to touch the bandage above your brow.

“God. Are you okay?” she asked.

“Yeah, I’m…I’m fine,” you sniffed, wiping at your face. “Come on, let’s go inside.”

Dory actually had your keys. After she handed them to you, you took in a steadying breath, and you unlocked your front door without incident this time. You invited everyone in.

Even though you told her not to, Dory began straightening up a bit for you. She had Russell take out the trash while she washed the dishes.

Meanwhile, you pulled Colter aside in the living room. You led him to sit with you on the couch.

“Can I at least give you $1,000?” you asked. It was all you had left in your savings, but the man had literally saved your brother's life, and yours as well. “I know it’s not much, compared to what your jobs usually get you—”

“Please,” Colter said. He touched your arm. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you and Charlie are safe.”

You teared up all over again, but you gave him a smile and held his hand with both of yours.

“Thank you,” you said.

Russell happened to spot the cozy little scene from the doorway. He couldn’t help staring, and trying not to frown.

When Colter caught sight of his brother loitering (and that look on his face), Colter tried to hide most of his smile. He let go of your hand, patted your shoulder and stood. You followed him to the kitchen, where he went to check on Dory. Russell filtered in behind you both.

“Hey, wanna grab some lunch?” Colter asked his sister.

She gave him a raised brow. “Wow, my brother actually wants to hang out with me instead of rushing off to the next job?”

He gave her an amused look. “I’ve got some time.”

Dory was happy to hear that, but her expression dimmed when she turned to you.

“Would you want to go? Or do you need to rest?” she asked.

“Oh, I need to get cleaned up, and then sleep for about ten years,” you said. “But you go, D. Have fun.”

She frowned. “I don’t want to leave you here by yourself.”

“Well, she won’t be,” Russell chimed in. “I’m gonna hang out here for a bit, clean up and take little power nap myself.”

At that, Dory slowly smiled, both amused and suspicious. Her gaze slid back to you.

“Are you sure?” she asked. You read the double meaning laced in her tone.

“Yeah, definitely,” you said with a smile, and the beginnings of a warm blush. “You guys go ahead.”

There was a knowing gleam to her own smile, but Dory shrugged and gave you one last hug. She and Colter said their goodbyes to their older brother before they headed out. It left you alone in the house with Russell for the first time since this all began.

“Um, you can use the guest bathroom if you want to shower,” you told him. “Towels are under the sink, and feel free to borrow any of Charlie’s clothes if you need.”

“It’s okay, I’ve got a bag in the car with some stuff,” Russell said, tossing a thumb over his shoulder. “I take one wherever I go.”

“Smart,” you nodded. “Very prepared.”

A strange silence stretched between you two, until you couldn’t take it anymore.

“I’m just…gonna go clean up,” you said. “We can order some food after?”

“Yeah, sounds good,” he said. He was amused as he watched you scurry off, after giving him another smile over your shoulder.

Though he’d be lying if he said he didn’t feel a small trill of nerves himself. It brought him a little bounce in his step as he headed out to his car to grab his stuff.

By the time you were done showering and drying your hair, Russell had ordered a pizza (and a side of fries). You padded out into the living room in an old college shirt and pajama shorts. He tried not to linger his gaze on your smooth, bare legs. 

“Sorry, forgot to ask if you’d want something else to eat,” he said. 

“Pizza is perfect,” you said. At this point, after almost a full day without food, you’d eat sliced bread out of the bag. You gave him a teasing look. “I’d ask you if you wanted a beer, but I’m afraid it’s not up to your standard.”

“Well, that’s okay. I happen to have brought a sample for you, just like I promised,” he said, with that grin of his you’d come to expect.

He retrieved a case of homebrew from his car, but you had to add some ice cubes into a tall glass before you joined him back on the couch. You poured the contents of a bottle into the glass.

“Sorry, I know this is sacrilege, but I can’t drink warm beer,” you said.

“I can’t fault you, though I didn’t really peg you for a pizza and beer kind of girl,” he said. He tipped a swig of beer into his mouth, right from a lukewarm bottle. He was a purist.

You quirked a brow at him and took another bite of your pizza slice. 

“Why not?” you asked, after swallowing a mouthful of pepperoni and mushroom.

Russell shrugged. “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

“No, no. I want to hear this,” you said. “What, because I teach college students?”

Russell looked over at you and leaned on his elbow, resting above his knee. 

“You’re a college professor with a handful of degrees,” he said. “I’ve got a GED and a give ‘em hell outlook on life.”

You shook your head at that. 

“We’re different. That’s not a bad thing,” you said. “And like my brother, you’ve fought for this country. You’ve saved lives, including mine. I’d say that’s pretty damn special.”

His head tilted at that. He didn’t want to remind you that, just like you saw today, he’d taken lives too. Perhaps just as many as he’d saved. You could debate the quality of those lives, but in the grand scheme of things, he knew what he was. A trained killer.

He rolled his shoulders, feeling a familiar weight.

You didn’t like the pensive look on his face, so you aimed to distract him.

“Want to watch a movie?” you suggested.

Russell inclined his head. “Sure. What you got?”

That was how the two of you ended up finishing the box of pizza and a case of beer while laughing at Tommy Boy, of all things—one of the best '90s buddy road trip comedies of all time. Apparently Russell had never seen it before, but you enjoyed watching him experience it for the first time. He had a deep, infectious laugh that made you laugh just by proximity. 

Later in the movie, the reluctant, unlikely duo of Tommy and Richard hit a deer, and tried to transport it in the car. Russell both laughed and cringed when the animal woke up and thoroughly wrecked the car from the inside. You noticed his reaction and nudged him in the arm. 

Russell held in a grunt of pain when you unintentionally hit his injured shoulder, bandaged underneath his gray henley. 

“What if that was the Chevelle,” you teased. 

He cast you a playfully chiding look. “Woman, don’t even joke.”

You laughed and squeezed his forearm in a friendly gesture. But he thought there was more than just friendliness when you shot him that little smile. He decided to take a chance. 

“Come ‘ere,” he said. He slid a hand around your waist and guided you closer until you came to lay against his side. You allowed yourself to rest against him, splaying your hand flat against the firm wall of his chest. Your heart tripped up faster, but you also relaxed more fully for the first time since you got home. You let out a long breath, and you used the remote to lower the volume on the movie a little.

“Do you think Charlie will be able to get past this?” you asked quietly. “Think he’ll be okay?”

Russell hummed as he thought back to his conversation with your brother in the hospital. Charlie was still young, but he seemed to realize what he’d done, and what he needed to change. He wouldn’t have volunteered himself for rehab if he hadn’t.

Russell brushed your arm with his thumb. “Well, I think he knows what he needs to do. If he’s anything like you, then he’ll be all right.”

Your mouth tugged upward, though you considered his words with a sigh.

“He hasn’t had it easy,” you said. “He was barely eighteen when our parents died. Suddenly he had to be an adult. In fact, he almost didn’t finish high school. Had to take care of the funeral, had to get a job, had to take care of me…and I didn’t always make it easy on him.”

Russell’s lips curved in light of your faint smile. Then, your expression dimmed.

“He pulled me out of the car,” you admitted. Russell looked down at you.

“You all were there?” he asked. 

“My dad was driving. We’d just gone out to dinner as a family,” you said.

You hesitated as the scenes once again filtered through your mind. Some things were hazy. Others, you could see with perfect clarity. You remembered how your parents argued about the best way to get home while the pouring rain beat down overhead, half-drowning out their voices.

You remembered what the flash of a red stoplight looked like through the car window, with streams of water coming down, and a dead leaf stuck to the glass.

You remembered the sound of horns blaring in your ears, the crunch of metal on metal. Your mother’s scream. The feeling of being suspended, and then ricocheted painfully through time and space.

Then the smell of exhaust, and the metallic tang of blood.

“We were heading through a terrible storm,” you said, after letting out a long breath through your nose. “By the end of the night, it was just me and Charlie in the hospital.”

He’d broken his arm, but thanks to him, the only thing you really walked away with were a few cuts and bruises, and the memories of that day. They were like old scars, painful and tender at the touch.

Russell shook his head, his brows knitting together. “I’m sorry.”

“Yeah,” you breathed. “And I’m sorry too. I know you understand what it’s like to lose a parent.”

The movie played on as that new weight settled between you. Russell fell into his own thoughts as he continued to rub your arm in comfort. His own past wasn’t like yours, but he did understand some of your pain.

“How much did Dory tell you about how we grew up?” he asked.

You shifted a bit, so you could see his face too.

“I know your dad took you all to a cabin in some sort of compound in the woods, when you all were still pretty young.”

“He taught us to live off the land. Drilled us, really,” Russell explained, noting your raised brows. “Yeah, he was…well, a paranoid bastard, to be frank. We still don’t know all of why, and what drove him to move us out there.”

“Dory said he was…eccentric,” you said. Russell snorted.

“He was a piece of fucking work,” he said. “Half the time I hated him, if I’m honest.”

That part was hard to admit, even if it was true. Your hand soothed across his chest, more comforting as you listened. Russell’s lips quirked. He liked that about you, that you were willing to listen without judging him, or his family. Maybe that was another reason Dory seemed to love you so much.

“But one night, it was like he snapped,” he said.

For a moment, he was lost in the memory. His father’s anger, and the damn crazy look in his eyes. 

“What happened?” you asked quietly.

Russell glanced at you again. “I don’t think you wanna hear this right now.”

You shook your head. “No, I do.”

He hesitated, but that earnest look in your eyes got him. Still, he surprised himself when he actually told you. He explained it the best he could, the way he saw it in his mind’s eye.

Their mom had been missing, hadn’t come home yet. Then his dad had torn around the house like a man possessed, until he told them it was time to leave for their own safety. Dory had been scared, especially when he grabbed her, yelled at her.

That was the one thing Russell couldn’t tolerate. So he snapped, yanking the older man back and shoving him away. It was one of the first times Russell had ever defied his father.

Ashton Shaw left them then, heading out into the night and the rain. Maybe he’d realized what he was doing to his own kids, his own family.

Colter wanted to follow after him, but Russell stopped him. Being the eldest, he took on the responsibility, even if he’d been reluctant. We’re better off without him…

He was barely sixteen at the time, but Russell knew he’d seen his father arguing with someone—a man he’d seen before, talking with his mother. And then…

“I watched him die that night,” Russell said.

Your hand clenched in his shirt, reminding him that you were still in his arms, still listening. He remembered that scene, looking over the cliff to find his father’s broken body down below. 

“He fell, and I couldn’t stop it,” he said. “And to this day, I still don’t know what all that was about.”

He’d been reluctant to tell even Colter that it still haunted him sometimes; that night, and the not knowing.

You pulled yourself up further so you could meet Russell’s gaze.

“I’m so sorry,” you said.

The movie had long faded into the background, but at least it gave some white noise for the next heavy beat that passed between you two. His eyes eventually fell away from yours.

“It’s old history,” Russell said at last.

“It’s not just history,” you denied softly. “It’s your life.”

He didn’t know what to say to that, so he just hummed in agreement. He encouraged you to relax against him again, with a warm hand on your back. You settled and released another contented sigh. Even though Russell’s story weighed on your heart, you did feel closer to him. It made you feel like you understood Dory better too, and even Colter.

Russell rubbed your arm. “You doin’ okay? You’ve had a long day.”

“Day and night,” you agreed. Your eyes closed against your will. “But, yeah…I think I’m okay now.”

At that, he smiled. He laid a kiss on your forehead.

“Good,” he said.

A few minutes later, Russell heard your soft, deeper breaths in sleep. He chanced grabbing a throw blanket laid over the back of the couch. He managed to toss it over your body, but he made sure it covered you. You shifted in your sleep and curled up more comfortably against him. 

Russell smiled down on you fondly. He’d learned a hell of a lot more about you in just the past couple of days, but ever since he met you, he’d been picking up on the important things. The things that made you the woman you were.

And he wanted more, he realized. He wanted more time with you.

That turned out to be the last real thought he had before his eyes closed on him too. 

Russell didn’t wake again until the credits on the movie were rolling near the end. You were still knocked out. So he carried you, blanket and all, over to your bedroom.

He smelled the remnants of your floral shampoo and body wash in the air, likely coming from the bathroom. It was an intoxicating mix, one that had infiltrated his nose ever since you came out of the shower today. 

It was only 6:00 p.m., but it might as well have been midnight. He laid you down toward the middle of the bed. There was still space on the other side. Very tempting.

She did offer, he thought, remembering what you’d said at the hospital. And yet, he hesitated.

Before he could make a decision, you made it for him. Your hand reached out to hook in his shirt. 

Russell looked down at your sleepy smile. 

“Get over here,” you said, tugging him downward. He chuckled and wrapped his hand around yours. He allowed you to guide him over, and he somehow managed to roll onto the other side of the bed without crushing you. 

“Reflexes like a cat, I tell ya,” he quipped.

You giggled softly. He took off his first layer of defense (his pants), leaving him in his henley and boxer briefs. He settled into bed behind you and slipped an arm around your waist. He fit in snug against your back.

“Mmm,” he sighed. His lips pressed behind your ear, smiling there. “Feels nice.” 

“Mhmm,” you agreed.

He couldn’t see your smile, but you held his arm in place. For the first time in a while, you weren’t alone.

In the early morning, you woke up to warmth and closeness. The man in your bed snored lightly, mouth parted in sleep while he faced you. You smiled.

How could a man who felt dangerous, in more ways than one, also make you feel safe? It was a wonder. Though when an idea hit you, you carefully slid out of bed.

Russell eventually roused in his own time. He blinked awake, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He stretched out his limbs in your very comfortable bed. This sure beat rusty motel springs.

He realized that he was alone in the room, but he heard you puttering around the house. He allowed himself to doze some more.

A few minutes later, you returned to greet him with a couple of mugs, drawing him back into the waking world with the rich smell of coffee.

“Aww yeah, that’s the stuff,” he said. He groaned as he slowly sat up.

You laughed and sat beside him on the edge of the bed. “Good morning.”

“Morning,” he said. His voice was deeper and rougher with sleep, washing down your spine pleasantly.

He accepted the mug you offered him. He took a sip and hummed in pleasure at its bold flavor. It wasn’t as sweet as he usually liked it, but it was exactly what he needed right now.

“I just did a little sugar and creamer. That okay?” you asked. 

“It’s good,” he nodded. And you looked good, he noticed, with your bed-tousled hair and an open robe over your tank top and little shorts.  

“Do you want to meet Dory and Colter for breakfast?” you asked. “Dory texted me this morning.”

Russell’s brows shot up. 

“Colt stuck around?” he asked.

“Yeah, Dory asked him to stay at her place last night,” you said. Russell hummed in response. 

A bit of an awkward lull fell between you. You’d felt bolder yesterday in the hospital, but now, you weren’t entirely sure what you were doing with a man who just slept somewhat-but-not-altogether platonically in your bed.

“Um, I’ll just…get ready then,” you said, pointing to the bathroom. “You…take your time.”

He cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah.”

He peeled back the covers and climbed out of your bed, away from the sheets that smelled like you. 

You watched him go when he headed across the hall back to Charlie’s room. You sighed and beat your hand against your own forehead in frustration. What the hell am I doing?

You’d literally invited him into your bed last night, but he hadn’t done anything more than hold you while you slept. It was incredibly kind, and it said a lot about him, despite his rough-around-the-edges exterior. You were just a little disappointed that he’d been a perfect gentleman about it all. 

You rolled your eyes at yourself. What did that say about you?

You shook your head and resolved to freshen up. There was still a cut that the ER nurse covered with a butterfly bandage above your brow. You cleaned it up and applied a new bandage. Then you put on some makeup to cover the ugly bruise on your cheek and the dark circles that lingered under your eyes.

God, look at me. You actually wouldn’t blame Russell for not being into you enough to make a move. 

A bit disheartened, you changed out of your pajamas to slip on a nice, but comfortable dress over your bra and underwear. Afterward, you paused to stare at yourself in the mirror for a moment. What exactly do you want here?

“Hey, uh—” Russell’s voice startled you, making you flinch. Maybe you were still jumpy.

He raised an apologetic hand. “Sorry. Just thought I’d ask if you want some toast or something. I don’t think my stomach can wait ‘til we meet up with Dory.”

You smiled faintly. “Sure, go ahead. Whatever’s there, you’re welcome to.”

Russell paused, tilting his head. There was something off with you. He saw it, and felt it. 

“Hey, you okay?” he asked. 

“Yeah,” you said, glancing away. 

Russell’s spidey senses began to tingle. He approached you and laid a hand on the counter, inches from yours. 

“You sure?” he said. He took in your hesitant face, then the pretty dress you had on. The color matched your eyes. Soulful eyes.

He smiled when you let him see them again.

“Can you see the bruises? I think I covered them up well enough,” you said. You turned to look at yourself in the mirror again, touching your jaw carefully. 

Russell’s hand raised to find your cheek, earning your attention with wider eyes. His thumb swept across your skin as you started to blush.

“You’re beautiful,” he said with a smile. “Don’t you worry about that.”

Your face warmed further, despite your smile. 

“Yeah, the makeup helps,” you quipped. 

“I didn’t say anything about makeup,” he replied. Though he grinned and made a show of looking closer at your face. “Although, have your lashes always been that damn long?”

You laughed, but he didn’t let go of you. Instead, his hand drifted down to your neck, cradling your jaw. His thumb brushed over your lower lip this time, smudging your lipstick a little. Your eyes met his, but they’d already lowered, to the path of his hand. You were tempted to nip at his thumb, or better yet, suck it into your mouth.

Perhaps he read the thought crossing your face. Because when those darkened eyes flicked up to yours, he finally bowed his head to kiss you.

You took in a deep breath, and you melted into his mouth with a moan of wanting. A craving from the depths of your heart, finally being fulfilled.

You didn’t let yourself think anymore. You gripped the front of his shirt and pulled him closer. He cupped the back of your head, tangling his fingers into your hair as he deepened the kiss. His tongue invaded your mouth, and you let him in. You met his every kiss with the same fervor, claiming him right back, demanding just as much.

Your hands slid up his chest and helped him shrug off the green jacket first, then his shirt (Led Zeppelin this time). He hooked an arm around your waist and brought you flush against him, so he could turn you around and walk you back to the bed. 

You clung to his bare shoulders and savored the feeling of his warm, calloused hands burning up your thighs and ass, bunching the skirt of your dress. You helped him get it over your head and toss it onto the floor along with his clothes. 

As he held you by the waist, his gaze dipped for a moment to take you in, from bare thighs and hips and lacy panties, all the way up to your breasts cupped in your bra. Through panting breaths, you smiled and blushed at the heated depths of his green eyes. You felt like your heart was beating in and out of rhythm.  

But you managed to get a hold of your nerves long enough to drag your hands down his chest, down to his belt. You unclipped it for him and took your time in sliding the entire belt out of its loops. Then you let the brown leather fall to the floor. 

Russell raised a brow at you, smiling. Taking your challenge for what it was, he unbuttoned his jeans himself and aimed to step out of them, but he had some trouble when one of the pant legs got caught around his ankle and sock-covered foot.

“Shit,” he muttered as he stumbled a little. “Hold on.”

Unable to help a small giggle, you grabbed his left arm to help steady him. He hissed in pain, but he cleared his throat to cover it. You gasped as you realized what you’d done. You noticed then that he had a bandage tightly wrapped above his elbow, right below one of his tattoos.

“What’s this?” you asked in concern. You held his arm with both hands. “Did you get shot? Did you get this looked at when we were at the hospital?”

Russell staved off your questions with a gentle hand on your shoulder.

“It’s okay. This is old, just still healing up,” he said. 

You frowned up at him. “You got stabbed, shot, what? When did this happen? I thought you worked in private security.”

“A couple months ago. I got, uh, grazed. Don’t worry about it,” he said. “Sometimes the job gets a bit dicey.”

He could tell though, that you weren’t going to let it go easily. 

“Let me see,” you said, trying to peek under the bandage. Russell laughed and gathered you into his arms to stop your attempts. Your concern warmed him, but it wasn’t necessary. 

“I’m fine, sweetheart. I promise. Can we focus on the fun part, here?” he said.

Your brows furrowed. You opened your mouth to reply, but Russell saw the testiness in your eyes. He dipped down to kiss you, swallowing whatever snippy remark you were about to make.

You weren’t the only one giving into a craving here. Russell’s was bone-deep, molten in his blood, and getting to see you, to feel your soft body under his hands was already so much better than he’d imagined. His hold tightened on your waist, his fingers pressing into your skin.

A shudder ran up your spine at his touch. You circled your arms around his neck and let him continue ravishing you, then laying you down onto the bed. 

While you were careful about avoiding the bandage, your hand did drift down his arm, and further still, to palm at the straining bulge pressing against you. And Jesus Christ, did it feel generous. He grunted at your touch and paused with his lips against your jaw. 

“Well hey there, cowboy,” you said, adopting a more sensuous tone. “I had a feeling you’d be packing. What’s that, a .45, or a 38 Special?”

Russell’s eyes blinked wide. Then he erupted with deep laughter that made his shoulders shake. Aside from throwing a punch, your brother must’ve taught you something about guns too. 

“Well thank you, kindly,” Russell said, putting on a bit of a southern drawl, just to tease you. “But you’re about to find out, naughty girl.”

You giggled as he began to kiss your neck, languid and sloppy. He blazed a wet trail down the column of your throat and between your breasts. His beard rasping against your skin made you shudder a little, but it wasn’t unpleasant. In fact, you quite liked that a lot.

He slipped a hand underneath you to unclip the black lace. You arched into him so he had easier access. 

He slid the bra from your body and tossed it somewhere behind him. Just as he’d imagined, you had beautiful tits. His lips explored each of them in turn, squeezing supple flesh and rolling your sensitive, hardened nipples with his tongue and fingers. 

It was a prequel, you thought, for what talents that mouth might have further down. You had to moan just at the idea, your fingers clenching in his hair, but also at the sensations he was drawing from your body wherever he touched. The man clearly knew what he was doing.

He traveled lower still and laid slow, occasionally nipping kisses across your stomach, hips and thighs. His fingers hooked around your panties and lowered them down your legs. You felt his warm breath panting against your thigh. You glanced down at him and tensed in anticipation. 

“Still good?” he checked, squeezing your hip. You smiled and reached for his hand. Russell gave it to you, brushing his thumb over the back of your hand in affection. 

“I think I’m about to be,” you said cheekily.

He smirked. His other hand smoothed up the inside of your thigh and slipped past your folds, finding wetness that already coated his digits.

“Goddamn. You’re soaked,” he said, just a hint teasing. “Bet if I put my mouth on you, you’d fuckin’ drown me.”

Again, he stopped whatever smart quip you were about to levy at him next when his fingers found your clit. You let out a gasping moan instead.

He decided that he already loved that sound. He endeavored to pull it from you, again and again when he began working you open with his fingers and pumping them inside you. He enjoyed seeing you writhe and arch against his hand. Your hands squeezed his arms, his shoulders, trying to anchor yourself.  

His thumb circled and strummed your clit in a rhythm only he could hear in his head, until you couldn’t help biting your nails into his shoulders when you came. You shuddered your release as your core throbbed with warmth and slick around his fingers. 

“Fuck, that’s my girl,” he said. His voice rasped deep with arousal. “Wouldn’t even mind if you did drown me.” 

You huffed in response, unable to form speech just now.

Next time, Russell thought. He slipped his fingers out of you and licked them clean, making your eyes widen. He smirked and stroked your thigh as you came down, a shuddering mess.

After taking a second to regain your breath, you pulled him down for a kiss, both grateful and fueled by a passion you couldn’t put into words. What you felt for this man was instinctual, from the moment you saw him. And yet, it was also so much more. It was raw, and real, and maybe even beautiful.

The thought spurred you on as your hands moved with purpose down his body. Your nails caught at the waistband of his boxer briefs as you tried to roll them down. You got it halfway down his thighs, enough to let his hardened length spring free. You bit your lip at the mere sight of him. Goddamn.

Your hand slid around his cock, near its weeping head. You used the beads of wetness there to work your way smoothly down to its base. Russell’s body tensed above you, just before he groaned low in pleasure.    

You pushed at his chest to have him let you up. 

“Your turn, baby,” you said. It would be one hell of a challenge to get your mouth down that beautiful 44 Magnum, but you were more than willing to try.

To your surprise, Russell shook his head and guided you back down.

“Let’s pin that one for next time too. Wanna be inside you already,” he said.

You blinked, but then you nodded in breathless agreement. He kissed you deeply, devouring you with his teeth grazing your bottom lip. His tongue soon slipped out to soothe it.   

“Condom?” he panted, between kisses. 

“Oh, yeah. Um…bathroom, bottom drawer,” you whispered, though you weren’t sure why you were whispering. 

“Okay, two seconds,” he said.

He left you in the bed, quite literally hot and bothered, and very naked. You crossed your arms over your breasts on reflex while you tried to recover. Your core was still tingling, and your heart was beating fast, though you couldn’t stamp out the smile forming on your face. 

You heard the sound of foil unwrapping and clothed rustling. When he came back to the bedroom, you finally got a full picture of what you were in for. You unconsciously licked your lips as your gaze dipped down his body, and the indeed impressive package at full mast, and full display. 

A grin curved his lips when he caught you staring. He climbed back onto the bed with just a bit of struggle with all the blankets coiled about. He pushed a heavy blanket out of his way, accidentally shoving it to the floor.

“Back to business,” he said.

“Oh, yeah,” you agreed, and you welcomed him back, sliding your hands up his arms and shoulders. You hooked your thigh around his hip as he found his way back between your legs. Holding his bearded face in your hands, you pulled him in for another kiss that reignited you both. 

He sunk his hand into your hair and treated you to another slow, deep kiss. Until your thigh tightening around his hip urged him to satisfy what you both had been wanting and waiting for.

He grabbed your thighs and angled you higher. Then he lined himself up at your entrance. Looking into your eyes, your breaths mingling together, he sheathed himself a little at a time. A keening moan fell from your lips.

He started with shallow thrusts, giving you time to adjust. But that in itself was a torturous tease. It made the coil in your lower belly start to tighten again. Pleasure began to thrum inside you, ever slowly. Your head tipped back into the pillows with a gasp.  

“God, Russell, please,” you uttered. You squeezed his arms on reflex, your heels digging into his ass. 

“I know, baby. Gonna fucking wreck you, I promise,” he said with a grin. 

You huffed in amusement. That was a hefty promise.

Though a moan tore from your throat when he finally bottomed out, stretching your inner walls. He groaned along with you. His lips fastened to your neck as he gave you deeper thrusts.

“You feel so good,” you said raggedly in his ear, raking your fingers through his hair. You felt every damn inch of him.

“You too, baby. So damn good,” he gritted out. “Tell me what you want.”

He raised your thigh a bit higher, his fingers pressing into flesh.

“Ugh, fuck,” you gasped, as he hit a particularly delicious angle. “Whatever you want to give me.”

“You sure about that?” Russell asked, panting against your neck. Your nails dragged down his back between the muscles in his shoulders, hard enough to earn a halting groan from him.

You nodded emphatically. “Yes!”

His lips hinted at a smile. “Okay, hold on."

Before you could even respond, he pulled out of you all the way, just so he could guide you over onto your stomach. He pulled you up onto your hands and knees. As he ran a hand down the gentle slope of your back and around the curve of your ass, you breathed harder in anticipation.

“So damn beautiful,” he muttered.

You glanced at him over your shoulder. You unconsciously bit your lip as your heart couldn’t help but swell at his words. Russell met you with a look that betrayed his desire, making your lower belly tremble as well.

He parted your cheeks and slotted himself between your thighs from behind. You once again felt the head of his cock nudging at your entrance, and then pushing back in with one deep plunge. Both of you let out moans of relief at the feeling.  

Pretty soon, he was pounding into you deeper and faster than before. Oh, fuck yes…

You clawed at the headboard, trying to find something to keep you stable. Russell’s arm slid around you for a solid support. You held onto him right back with one hand while he continued to drive into you, earning each and every sound coming out of your mouth. He’d finally angled you just right, so he could hit that special spot inside you with every thrust. Your pussy clenched on him in response, making him grunt in pleasure. 

“Fuck, you’re close. I can fuckin’ feel it,” he said, panting. He laid a biting kiss where your neck met your shoulder. You cried out in both pain and pleasure, your inner walls once again squeezing on him. 

“Yeah,” you nodded, breathless. “This time, you’re gonna come with me.”

You reached back and tangled your fingers into his hair. He held you to his chest and squeezed your breast a bit roughly. You uttered a wanton sound. You dragged his hand down your body to part your folds. You used his fingers to press against your clit. 

He picked up your hint, and then took control, massaging you with his fingers. There you began to tremble from the inside out. Warmth emanated from your core and spread outward, down to your toes as you came even harder on his cock. 

Russell wasn’t far behind. His voice joined yours as his body locked up, and he spilled hot into the condom. You almost wished he’d come freely inside you, so you could really feel him. Regardless, your body was boneless when he lowered you down onto the bed afterward.

“Holy shit,” you breathed.

He chuckled and kissed your shoulder, before he fully pulled out. Panting for breath though you both were, you managed to twist onto your side and reach a hand for his cheek. Your fingers slipped higher from there, cupping the back of his neck. Your thumb swept tenderly across his cheek, and you guided him down for a proper kiss.

Russell obliged you, his lips meeting yours plush and wet. He brushed strands of your sweaty hair away from your forehead with affection.

Somehow, that last kiss was softer than all the rest.

One thing was for sure though. There was no way you two were making it to breakfast. 

“I kind of feel bad now,” you later confessed. 

You and Russell were taking a few minutes just to recover under the messy sheets. He held you while sitting up against your headboard. He almost craved a smoke. You’d given him a damn workout. 

He smirked at the thought. Admittedly, his mind was more on focused on the scenes replaying in his head than on what you were saying. 

“Dory doesn’t get to see you guys that often,” you continued, “and who knows how long Colter will seriously wait for us to get out of bed.”

Russell’s attention drifted back to you at that.

“Come on, it’s not like they know why we’re running late,” he said. You gave him a knowing look. 

“Are you kidding? They were already suspicious when you brought me home yesterday,” you replied with a laugh. 

Russell grinned and rubbed your arm. He knew you were probably right, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. 

“Yeah, well. That was damn worth it,” he said.

You smiled. You rolled your head over on his shoulder, so you could see his face, but you became contemplative as uncertainty crept in. You let in a breath to gather your courage, and you decided to take a chance. 

“You know, drug dealers aside, Laramie isn’t such a bad place to live,” you pointed out. “We’ve got a movie theater, a couple good outlet malls, a new Tex-Mex restaurant that just opened down the street. I’m gonna have to find a new bar though.”

Russell smiled at you. He knew what you were suggesting.

He sighed as his amusement faded. 

“Look, even if I stay…” he hesitated.

He looked into your eyes and saw the vulnerability there. You were being honest with him, putting your heart into his hands. The least he could do was be honest. He covered your hand where it rested on his chest.

“If I’m on a job, I could be gone weeks at a time. I won’t be able to tell you where I am or what I’m doing. That’s gonna be hard on you,” he said. 

He knew his friend Doug made it work with his wife, but their relationship wasn’t without friction because of the job he and Russell shared.

“I can handle it,” you said firmly. 

“You just had a little freak out over a scratch earlier,” Russell pointed out, with a gesturing hand at his bandaged arm. 

“Okay, that’s different,” you said.

You wouldn’t say it now, but there were things that still concerned you about his job. You had a strong feeling that "private security" wasn’t all it entailed. However, after what he’d done for you, after what he’d done for Charlie, you knew that Russell Shaw was a good man.

There was something good here, and you didn’t want to lose it this time. You shifted in his arms, so you could face him.

“Look, we can sit down and figure all that out,” you said. “But do you want to at least try? Or…am I reading this wrong?”

Russell stared back at you ruefully. He raised a hand to touch your cheek, grazing your soft skin with his fingers. 

“No, you’re not,” he said. 

In fact, what he felt already ran deeper with you than he’d like to admit. He let out a long breath through his nose. 

“Okay,” he said at last. “If we’re gonna do this, let’s do it right, I guess. I’ll book a motel here in town for now. If things go well, I can…I don’t know, find an apartment.”

Your answering smile broke him down further, even as it warmed him inside. You turned over to circle your arms around his neck, and as an added bonus, pressing your bare breasts against his chest. You kissed his cheek with a happy hum. He laughed at your enthusiasm. He also accepted your sweet path of kisses that led to his lips. 

He groaned when it became not so sweet, with your tongue slipping hotly against his. His hold on your hips tightened.

“Uh oh. Baby, we can’t do this now,” he chuckled, even though your hand was already wandering down his body and under the sheets. You both were supposed to be getting ready to meet his brother and sister for lunch. 

“Five minutes,” you said against his lips. All the while, you were pushing him back onto the bed. You began to kiss down his chest, and lower still.   

Russell snorted. Right. 

But he wasn’t about to argue with you. He had a gut feeling…one that made him almost certain.

He’d found where he wanted to be. 

AN: Well, then! I hope you enjoyed the "happy ending." 😘 I always get a bit sad at the end of a series, but thank you to everyone who's followed the ride on Every Second Counts. Let me know what you thought of how it all shook out here at the end between her and Russell! 💜

Read the Sequel:

Want more ESC? Read the next one-shot, Lost Time (18+):

Summary: When Russell takes longer than usual on a job out of town, you realize how hard it is to live half a life with him.

▶️ Keep Reading: Lost Time

Series Masterlist

Ko-Fi Me ☕

Russell Shaw Masterlist

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Russell S. Tag List:

@kazsrm67 @letheatheodore @agothwithheavysetmakeup @jacklesbrainworms @foxyjwls007

@wincastifer @ades106 @iamsapphine @simpforbuckyb @roseblue373

@brianochka @branj19 @hazel-eye-coffee-shop-girl-blog @globetrotter28 @charmed-asylum

@waywardxwords @deanwinchestersgirl87 @this-is-me19 @rachiem4-blog @sweettimelady

@leigh70 @clinicallydepresso @xiphoidbones @skoveu @nyotamalfoy

@kmc1989 @jackles010378 @emily-winchester @waynes-multiverse @jessjad

@my-stories-vault @deans-spinster-witch @syrma-sensei @stellasfictionalworld @ultimatecin73

@jesllianaquilesrolonsworld @pieandmonsters @lhymer1995 @taehyungxjungkookistaekook @lovelystoriesaj

@nicksalchemy1 @spnwoman @onlyangel-444 @sexyvixen7 @illicithallways

@wolkenprinzessin007 @alwaystiredandconfused @carpenterswife @cheynovak @grilledcheeseandtomato

[peachcitt]

show us the ot4 stuff please!

sure thing :)

as you can see, i took this au very seriously while just starting out

thanks for asking!!<3