#but i'm like if i concentrate hard enough i can block out the i in mierda and pretend he said merda

[thewardenisonthecase]

as a latin american myself, the urge to latinze lucanis is ever so tempting

[mindmelter]

A Body Stealer Tale: Magic Hands

People looked at me oddly, questioning why I wore black gloves at the beach. I assure you there's a good reason for it. My hands are just too powerful, they can accomplish almost anything I desire. It was a gift I was born with. Wearing gloves would block the power so I wouldn't use it by accident.

Just like now, the weather was becoming cold and the sky grey. So I took off one of my gloves, and with a simple wave of my hand, the weather became sunny and perfect for a beach day.

After a while, the beach started to get more crowded, and that was when I noticed this group of guys playing soccer on the sand. One of them caught my attention the most. He was an absolute hunk in white speedos, his muscles glistened with sweat as he showed off his soccer skills by doing kick-ups. He was exactly my type of man.

I took off my right glove and snapped my fingers, and just like that, everything and everyone around me stopped in time. The distant sounds of conversations and the sounds of waves ceased.

Everything became dead silent.

I walked towards the frozen hunk, he was about to kick the ball, and the ball was frozen mid-air. I casually pushed the ball out of the way and stood in front of him to give the hunk a closer inspection. I just had to cup a feel of that body before wearing him. So I took off my left glove, and gently caressed his muscular sweaty chest. I pinched his nipples a little and even twisted them—I knew I would feel that later.

My hand slowly moved down towards his white speedos and found its way inside. I grabbed his shaft and pulled his huge dick out. He was very well hung, 8 Inches soft I would say. I kneeled right there on the sand and started to suck him off. His cock and balls were musky, which only added to the flavor. It was hot to suck this frozen hunk right in front of his friends. He became hard inside my mouth in less than a minute.

Though he wasn't aware, his body still responded to sexual stimulation. However, he couldn't climax in this state, so his body kept accumulating sexual energy. I continued sucking and pleasuring this frozen hunk's body until I was certain he had stored a lot of sexual energy, just waiting to be released."

I stood up and walked behind him. I then concentrated and pressed the tip of my index finger on his nape, a faint glow formed at the part I was touching his nape—a clear sign my power was working. I then slowly ran my finger down his spine, until I reached his coccyx. Leaving a glowing opening right where I ran my finger.

I then started pulling open his back like a suit. Inside him, you would expect to be dark and hollow, but there was only a bright light inside of him. I pulled open his back until there was enough space for me to step inside. First, I inserted my legs inside his, then I put on his upper body, and for last, I put his face on.

As soon as his face slid into place over mine, I felt the opening on his back sealing and that's when I suddenly was hit by a strong wave of sexual pleasure—All the pleasure I gave his body while he was frozen resumed as soon as the body-stealing process finished.

I let out a deep baritone moan as my knees weakened and my new huge hard cock started spurting cum at the sand. This was my favorite trick, nothing like experiencing orgasm in a different body.

I looked down at my huge cock still pulsating and shooting its last drops of cum. At last, I pulled his white speedos back up and snapped my fingers, resuming time. The soccer ball fell to the sand and his friends looked confused at me, expecting me to kick the ball to them.

"Sorry guys, I think I'm just going to relax a little. See you guys later." I put my sunglasses on and walked to the beach chair I was lying before. As I relaxed on the chair, I allowed my new tattooed hands to explore my new muscles. My nipples were aching but that didn't stop me from playing with them. This guy had sensitive nipples, so I couldn't help but moan.

People started to give me weird looks. I guess it was weird for a man to be moaning while playing with his nipples in public. So I made a gesture with my hand, making everyone at the beach ignore me and think I wasn't doing anything wrong.

Now that I had some privacy, I began exploring my new body in earnest. I pulled off the white speedos and stroked my huge shaft, moaning like a madman while no one batted an eye.

There was nothing like a relaxing day at the beach.

[clandestineloki]

Cold Flower (NSFW)

A/N: My public apology for going dormant on Tumblr for nearly 5 months.

tw: jotun!loki dom!loki, sub!cottagegirl!reader, loki’s cock is big but his size kink is bigger, corruption kink, praise kink, manhandling but very cutely if i may say!!, unrealistically fast paced because loki is horny ) >:D

read it on ao3!!

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The grass tickles your ankles as you step through the bushes, careful not to step on any pretty flowers in your path.

Sunset is nearing, and you've only gotten so much as a few ferns. But you don't mind. The forest will bloom when it wants to, and even if you haven't collected any flowers for your work you're having a wonderful time looking around at all the birds and the deer and the butterflies and nature; just getting away from the busy life in the village is enough of a treat.

Stepping through a clear patch, you look around for any deer traps. What deer traps? The ones that have hidden nets that burst out from the ground like flytraps and scoop up any poor being that just happened to be there, leaving them trapped up in the air by a rope tied to a tree.

Now that you think of it, a clear patch in the middle of the forest means one thing: a deer trap has been set off already.

Right above where you stand.

Realizing the danger of being anywhere near a threatened or harmed deer, you’re ready to bolt out of the woods when you look up, and see a net that’s filled with leaves, branches, and stray grass reeds.

And dangling out of the net is a leg— a leg that looks less like a deer’s… and more of a person’s.

You gasp in horror. Someone’s caught in it!

Running around the tree, you find the rope suspending the trap buried in the ground. You rummage for your shears and hastily cut it, grabbing the rope to pull it down with your weight and let the trap sink to the ground slowly.

When it does, you run over, cutting away as much of the net as you can, digging through the leaves until you reach someone covered in an enormous fur cape.

You gingerly pull it back, and stare in awe.

It’s a man, with dark hair and sharp features, no doubt very handsome despite the scratches and cuts he’s sustained. The linen top he’s wearing is littered with twigs.

Softly, you brush away the twigs when you touch his wrist and freeze.

And quite literally, because his skin is as cold as ice.

Almost as if he were a corpse.

“Sir! Sir! Please wake up!”

When Prince Loki’s eyes open and adjust to the glare of the sun— and the silhouette blocking it out— his breath hitches.

Is this Valhalla? Am I… dead?

Surely, he must be. For above him kneels the most beautiful girl, almost shimmering in the golden light, it’s definite that you’re an angel.

“Hello? Sir? Can you hear me?”

An even lovelier voice for a radiant woman. He nods, and you let out a sigh of relief.

“Oh, thank goodness!” You lean forward, brushing away twigs from his face and cloak. “I thought you had died! I hate those deer traps, they’re dangerous and they're so hard to see! It almost killed you! Are you alright?”

“Yes- Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.”

It’s as if he spoke without thinking, eager to hear more from your pretty lips. You catch your breath, kneeling back down, and he sits up to get a better look at the captivating face of his savior.

“How long have you been up there?”

Loki brushes his hand against his cheek. “I'm not quite sure- ah-”

He hisses when his fingers graze a wound on his temple, and he retracts his hand to find a few specks of scarlet.

“Probably not long, I'm still bleeding,” he shows you his hand, and you gasp.

“Oh, no,” you take a closer look at his face. “My house isn't far from here, I can help you clean up and get some rest. You must be exhausted. Are you alright with some porridge and biscuits? They're all I have the ingredients for and the farmers’ market is a bit far so I'm sorry if...”

Loki honestly can’t concentrate on what you're saying. He nods along, but he's rather focused on you.

As he tags along behind you as you retrace your steps to your home, Loki whispers a thanks to whatever Gods led him to be graced by your beauty in this moment, regardless of the circumstance. He had just been hunting for sport, unaware of the trap that had pulled him up into the tree so suddenly and rendered him unconscious.

Now, he's found something— no, someone— better; a much more rewarding, delicious little prey.

“I just realized I haven't introduced myself."

Loki looks up just as you say your name, timidly holding out your hand. He takes it after a moment.

“Loki,” he replies, once he finds it in himself to speak.

“Like the prince?"

He recoils a bit in surprise. “Yes- Yes, like the prince. Uh-"

“How are you feeling?" you ask, dabbing the cloth lightly against his wrist.

“They don't hurt if I don't move."

“Okay. Let me know if it does.”

Loki nods, watching you silently tend to his wounds, before he hisses softly.

You flinch, pulling away. “Oh, I'm sorry-"

“You really don't know who I am?” Loki asks.

A second passes as you look down at him, brows furrowing as you sit down next to him on your bed.

“I can't recall. Sorry, have you ordered flowers from me before?"

“You run a flower shop?”

“Yes, that's why I was in the woods. I was looking for fresh flowers and came across you up in that trap.” You tilt your head. “What were you doing in the forest, anyway?"

“I was... hunting for deer, and the last thing I remember is hearing something above me snap.”

“Hunting… Is that what you do for a living?”

“Well, no. My brother and I do it for sport."

“Oh."

Loki stares at you blankly. “My brother, Prince Thor."

You nod.

Loki chuckles. Your pretty little head hasn't registered it.

He leans in close, brushing his lips against your ear, and whispers very slowly:

“I'm Prince Loki."

And the reaction he gets is the cutest. Your lips part as your eyes widen, to which he grins.

But he doesn't expect you to fling yourself off the side of the bed and onto the ground, bowing down to him.

“Your Highness!” you squeak. “I'm so sorry, I didn't know!! I-”

“Darling, please," he chuckles, shaking his head. “That isn't necessary-"

“I'm so sorry, I'll get some tea, do you want anything from the market? Please, allow me-”

Loki bends down, lifting you off the floor in a princess carry and sets you down on the bed.

“Please, don’t stress yourself. You saved my life.”

He takes your hand, kissing it softly as he smiles up at you.

“Thank you, pretty angel.”

Your eyes widen as you stutter out tiny breaths. Norns, aren’t you the most adorable?

“I don’t think you believe me.” He stands up, pretending to be offended by your silence.

“No!” you cry . “I mean- I do believe you! It’s just- I was surprised, I didn’t think-”

“Didn’t think what? A prince would just be out in the woods for no reason?” He laughs, leaning down to you. Before you can respond, he chuckles again. “That’s alright,” he steps back, “you just need a little… evidence.”

Loki closes his eyes, and lets himself shift into his true form: blue skin, dark green patterns across his biceps. He hears the tiniest gasp of amazement from you as the magic also heals his wounds and cuts (and hopes that he’ll hear more of those cute noises very soon).

When he’s done transforming, he opens his eyes and stares down at you.

Dear Norns.

He knew he was already taller than you in human form, but this was just delightful. You’re much tinier than him, staring up at his stature with those wide doe eyes of yours.

“You are-” you blink a few times in shock. “You are the Jotun prince.”

He smiles even wider. “That’s right.”

“And… I… just saved the Jotun prince.”

He starts laughing, leaning down to whisper in your ear.

“Clever girl.” He knows he’s downright cruel, teasing you just because you’re so cute. “And do you want anything in return for ‘saving the Jotun prince’?”

“Well, I don’t know-”

Loki walks closer to you, and stands between your legs as he drops his cloak to the floor and leans down, drawling his next words very slowly.

“You deserve something… special. Something downright… pleasurable as a reward for saving my life. Something that you’ll remember for the rest of yours.”

He chuckles darkly when your breath hitches in realization.

He wants to make love to you.

“What?”

He pushes you down on the bed, trapping you in with his large body as he takes your wrists in one of his hands.

“You’ll feel undeniable bliss. I’ll take you over and over and over again until I’m sure you’re truly satisfied, because you’re such a sweet little angel saving my life and cleaning me up and looking so fuckable.”

You mewl, no doubt keening from his dirty words. He cups your chin.

“All you have to do is say yes. You don’t even have to do anything~”

His thumb brushes over your quivering lips, and push into your mouth. Loki grins as you look up at him, nodding slowly.

“Use your words, angel,” he teases, pulling his thumb away from your mouth.

It takes you a few moments to catch your breath. “Okay…”

He wanted to make you beg. He wanted you to say please, please fuck me so he could flip you over like you weighed nothing and take you over and over again like you’d asked but the way you whimpered withered away the last of his patience.

He had to make you his.

Loki captured you into a passionate kiss, muffling every last sound your pretty lips made so that only he could hear. He pulled away only to push you down on the sheets again, forcing his tongue into your mouth as you twitch in his hold, unable to comprehend how dizzy you are from just a kiss.

The two of you pull away for air as his dark green irises watches your eyes glaze over with submission. He grins, unbuttoning his white button-up and tosses it elsewhere.

He grins as you stare at his chest. Your tiny hands reach for him, tracing over the markings and patterns.

Loki hisses, taking your hands in one of his. You whimper as he stares down at you.

“I’m sorry,” you mumble, “Did that hurt?”

“No, no.” His voice softens as he leans in, kissing your nose gently, his other hand pushing your dress up your thighs. He kisses your cheek, then presses his lips against your ear. You shiver at his ice-cold breath.

“It doesn’t, angel. It’s just that if you keep doing that, I won’t be able to resist flipping you over and pounding you into the sheets until you’re dripping with my cum and you can’t think.”

He pushes his knee against your crotch, making you squeak like a pathetic little mouse. Loki grins.

“I will be doing that, mind you,” he teases. “But I simply have to get a taste of your pretty juices first~”

Your skirt bunches up against your twitching hips as Loki stares down at your dripping cunt.

“Oh," Loki chuckles. “You're already wet for me, angel, isn't that adorable~?"

You mewl, bashfully covering your face as he grins at your embarrassment.

“Stop teasing..."

Loki shakes his head, pouting in mockery. “Only if you stop being so cute when you're flustered. But until then…”

He places his hands on your thighs, pulling you closer to him as he lowers his face to your mound.

“... I'll enjoy fucking you until you submit to me.”

Your eyes widen as he licks your folds very slowly, and you whine shakily.

“Prince Loki..."

Loki grins, kissing your pretty cunt wetly and pushing his tongue into your dripping hole. And your helpless whimper of pleasure as he devours your pretty pussy whole is the cutest and most captivating noise he's ever heard.

He draws it out of you again, and again, and again, drinking every bit of your slick, even if poor little you are just getting wetter and wetter.

You're panting now, and Loki is equally as short of breath, only ever breaking away from you to watch your pretty face scrunch up so cutely. Loki licks his lips, nibbling on your thighs and making you squeak and tremble in his icy grip.

“You're such an adorable little angel," Loki grumbles. "Makes me want to eat you up like a little mouse, hmm?”

He holds you down firmly as your moans tickle his ears. The way your little hole squeezes around nothing is just so cute, he just has to stuff you full after he makes you come far too many times than you can handle.

“Aww,” Loki chuckles as you whimper breathily, thighs thumping helplessly against the bed. “Little angel can’t take it anymore?”

He brushes a blue finger against your dripping folds, sinking into your hole for the millionth time making you squeak and sob in sensitivity.

“P-Please…” you mumble, glazed eyes pleading for a moment of rest.

He sighs, forgetting you’re just a pure little thing having her first time, and gently scoops you into his arms to press a few kisses to your cheek and whispering your name.

“Have I thanked you enough already~?” He teases, and you nod, nuzzling into his hold though you shiver lightly.

Loki’s heart skips a beat. He feels you cling to him tighter and he feels your little ass grinding against his cock.

“Well,” he muses, “I believe my kingdom will be overjoyed to find that an angel like yourself saved their prince, hmm?”

“Huh?” you ask, still pleasure-drunk as you settle into his lap, as if you perfectly fit in his hold.

“I said,” Loki chuckles his icy breath tickling your face, “My kingdom would be overjoyed to find a pretty thing like you saved the royal prince, wouldn't they?"

“Mhm..."

“And they'll throw a week-long celebration...” he continues, trailing kisses from your cheek to your shoulder. “All for you~”

“R-Really?” you gasp as he begins sucking on your skin, sure to leave marks after. “A whole week? That's too much-!”

Loki laughs against your shoulder, holding your hips down so he can feel your hips grind against his cock. “Nothing is too much for a perfect little angel like you~"

Loki licks the bite mark he's so carefully placed on your skin, then looks up at your glazed eyes and twitching pout.

“Would you like to come back with me to the palace?"

The look of confusion and bashfulness across your face makes his cock twitch against your bare folds.

“Me?! With you?!"

“Do you abhor the idea of that?”

He knows he's being mean and he knows you don't hate the idea, but Loki just can't resist seeing you so embarrassed and stuttering to apologize.

“No! I didn't mean that! I was just surprised-"

Loki shakes his head with a little chuckle, and brings you closer to his face to kiss the crease between your eyebrows.

“I know, I know. I was just teasing."

“Don't be mean like that!”

Loki laughs darkly when you cross your arms.

In a flash, he’s got you on your hands and knees before your pretty head can even figure out what’s going on.

“And if I do, what are you going to do about it?”

You shiver at the dark growl in his voice.

You're so far deep in this haze all you can see is blue.

“Your highness-!”

Loki presses your chest against the bed, leaving your pretty ass on display, purely his for the taking.

“You’re just a little mouse that can’t hurt anything, hmm? Just so innocent, and weak, and ready to be ravished.”

A cold, thick finger traces your wet folds, and you whimper, burying your face in the sheets as he tickles your hole until you’re shaking with need.

“Maybe I’ll take you back home with me… and make you my wife.”

Loki shoves his finger all the way in, knocking the wind out of you because you swear you can feel him in your tummy.

“Your- Your wife?” You ask, voice higher and breathier.

“Yes~” he mocks your airy voice. “My pretty wife, who won’t have to get her pretty hands dirty ever again, who I’ll take care of, and protect, and fuck every single night.”

Loki curls his finger, reaching that sensitive little part in your cunt that effectively leaves you a mumbling, drooling mess on him.

When he’s gotten you wet enough, he draws his finger back (to his cute little angel’s momentary dismay) and forces your thighs apart with his body, the head of his cock twitching against your folds.

Loki will forever remember the gasp you let out when you feel just how big he is.

“Do you want to be fully mine? Do you want me to fuck this little hole of yours with my cock until you’re screaming for me?”

You whine at his dirty words, slurring something that sounds like a yeah, and he knows he’s got you exactly where he wants you.

“Really?” he chuckles, fingering your little hole one more time to slicken your folds. “Do you think I’ll fit~?”

And with the dirty wet noises that tickle his ears as he sinks all the way in he gets his reply.

“Oh?” Amused, he runs an icy finger up and down your bare back. “She can take it, after all. What a good girl~”

Loki barely gets the praise out before the prettiest whimpers fall out of your mouth like sweet honey, your poor cunt clenching down on him as your voice gets higher and breathier by the minute.

“Please-” you hiccup, turning to look at him with those pretty teary eyes.

His vermillion eyes stare you down cruelly as he grinds his hips down into your ass, making your head fall onto the sheets as you slur out a moan.

His cock feels so heavy inside you and by the way he laughs quietly you know he knows just how big he is compared to you.

And the way he pins you down harder lets you know he loves it.

“Oh, you just feel so good around my cock,” Loki groans, pulling back and thrusting into your leaking little pussy.

Poor you, already sensitive beyond imagination as this handsome blue prince ruins any other man for you with the way his cock stretches you out better than anyone ever will.

Not that anyone else will get the chance to. Loki’s decided it: he will take you home to the palace and make you his wife, and everyone will bow before their new princess.

Loki can't resist you any longer. He beats your poor cunt like the beast he is until you're whimpering and bucking against him helplessly.

“Feels... weird..." you shudder and gasp, tears leaking from your eyes as he sinks deeper into you, his huge cock hitting all the good spots inside you as your pleasure takes over your senses.

“Oh, is she close? Is this perfect little cunt going to come all over me?”

Loki's dirty words make you whimper and nod dumbly.

“Yeah," you sob.

Loki laughs at how blissed out his little saviour is and stops,pulling out slowly and groaning when he hears the sinful squelching as your juices drip onto the sheets. He turns you on your back, pinning your wrists to your sides, and captures your lips in his as he sinks into you once more.

“I missed these pretty lips," he smirks into the kiss, taking you for himself.

“Y-You just kissed me a few minutes ago..." You sigh dazedly, though you love the attention he's giving you.

“Still can't get enough of you. You're just so sweet~" Loki licks your lips, thrusting harder and making you squeak and link your fingers through his.

“Say my name."

“Loki...”

“Gods," he throws his head back, almost moaning at how submissive you sound. “Surrender to me, darling."

His hands snake down to the back of your thighs, lifting them and pressing them to your chest, quickening his pace.

Your eyes scrunch up as you nearly scream in pleasure, wriggling away as if you could escape from him.

“Surrender to me, angel~" he grins, kissing your neck and marking you up. “A pretty angel like you deserves to be pampered like this every day. Imagine that? You'll never have to lift a finger, I'll do all the work, I'll do all the fucking.”

Loki accentuates that last word with a hard thrust into your hole, making your eyes blur over with tears as you mewl helplessly in the Jotun prince’s tight grip.

“Awh, don't cry," he teases, kissing your nose when he gets a sinfully great idea.

He stops his movements, making sure he's buried all the way inside you before he flattens his tongue against your soaked cheek and licks your tears away.

You gasp, stunned for a moment before you keen and twitch helplessly, whining loudly as he does the same to your other cheek.

And your poor little cunt just clenches down again.

Loki growls, his primal instincts taking over because you're his ideal mate and you're nothing like he's ever seen. The sounds in the room get filthier and filthier as he loses control and rams into your poor hole.

“What do you say, angel?" Loki asks, letting go of your wrist before his hand makes its way down to your clit, rubbing the little bud and making you scream and tremble in his arms. “Be my- fuck- be my bride? Be my pretty little princess?”

“Yeah,” you mumble, chest heaving as your eyes flutter shut.

“Are you close?"

“Mhm..."

“Cute little mouse," he chuckles, pressing open mouth kisses to your neck as he rubs your clit. “Let go for me now, angel."

It’s a sight from heaven as you orgasm all over him, soaking his cock with your juices and helplessly thumping your thighs against the bed because Loki won't stop thrusting in and out of you.

Loki growls, pinning you to the bed. He stills, and you gasp at the feeling of his warm, thick cum filling you up. It makes you feel even more full than you already do and it makes you dizzy with even more pleasure.

It becomes too much for your melting brain to handle when he pushes deeper into you and you gasp, attempting to kick him away.

A firm, cold hand grabs your ankle and spreads you wider, and you whine shyly when he grins at you with a cruel glint in his eyes.

“Stay with me, darling," Loki teases, gripping your hips possessively and holding you still on his cock so he can finish filling you up.

It feels like hours before he breathes again, but it's only been seconds for him, already wanting another round with you.

But the prince resists, setting your sore legs down slowly and carefully sliding out of your cunt.

You sigh in exhaustion, but your breaths falters in embarrassment when you feel just how much he pumped into you, dripping out of your twitching folds and onto the bed.

A tiny drop even lands on your ass and Loki chuckles at your wide eyes, leaning down to kiss your lips and whisper a dirty promise that he'll fuck you down there too next time.

“Next time?” you ask, lips parting.

“Yes," he teases. " I've decided it, you're never leaving my side, my guardian angel~”

And he scoops you into his side, letting you rest before he has a few more rounds with your pretty hole— then he'll take you back home to the palace and convince you to stay. He'll show you the library. He'll let you lose yourself in the royal gardens all day if you wish! As long as you return to his chambers each night and let him please you the way you deserve to be.

But he's fallen for you already and the whole kingdom will burn in a blaze of sapphire dust if anything or anyone ever keeps him away from you.

[miirohs]

a little sugar and spice [v.s.s]

pairing: OPLA!Sanji Vinsmoke x Fem!Reader wc: 0.7k cw: n/a an: *in dj kahled voice* another one- also i started reading the manga! this was lowkey inspired by this one reel i saw in a series called cheese church- chessus bless guys!

"Finally awake?"

Sanji stood there, towel thrown over his shoulder as he mixed something, pausing for a moment to look at you.

There was a brief silence, in which you coughed, trying to fish a response out.

"Did i fall asleep here again?" You groaned, the sticky feeling of the leather ever present as you pulled yourself up sluggishly.

"You did, i'm not complaining. I got a lot-" He pointed to the chopped vegetables sitting to the side, "-of meal prepping done. It's just as quick as i remember it being."

"Speaking of which, when did i fall asleep? The last thing i remember was coming in here for something," You muttered, trying to recall any more you could.

"Nothing much. You came in here for a glass of water, and eventually you fell asleep on the couch," He said, smiling widely, "you tried to help me with the pastries i was making too, but you kept messing with the batter."

You shrugged, getting up and stretching.

"You want something to eat?" He asked, wiping his hands on the towel, "You haven't had anything since yesterday." Before you could protest, he gave you a pointed look, "And don't you try to protest love. As i recall, you drank the entire bar dry last night and started professing your love for m-"

"Shut up," You flushed, mouth opening and closing as he gave you a victorious smirk.

"Still, you know i'm not wrong." "Why you.... you know what? I'm not sure you'd be able to make what i want," You said, sticking your tongue out at him, "i'm very choosy about what i eat."

He gave you a deadpan look, rolling his eyes, "What? Fancying yourself a picky eater today love? I assure you, i can make anything you can imagine."

You thought long and hard, biting your lip before it hit you.

"I want a grilled cheese."

"A grilled cheese?" He let out a little laugh, putting down his knife, "Are you sure thats all?"

"Yes. That's all i want. A grilled cheese," You said, slamming your hands down on table, eyeing him up and down. "If you don't make it, you're not man enough-"

"Challenge accepted," He said, quickly putting away his other tools, "I'm assuming you know where the cheese is. Go get it-"

"Already on it," You said plainly, opening up the cabinet. Among various bottles and boxes, there sat a wrapped block in the back, wrapped with twine.

"Found something!" You pulled it out, coughing as he took it from your hands. Unwrapping it, he whistled, showing the block of cheese to you.

"Mold. I wonder how long it's been back there." He said, and you groaned, seatings yourself on the island in front of him. "Aw bummer, what are you gonna do now?"

Sanji chuckled, placing the block on the counter, "You know we never waste any food love, so now we just salvage it as best we can."

Within minutes, the sizzling of the bread filled the kitchen, and the aroma of melting butter and toasting bread wafted through the air. Sanji's concentration was evident as he flipped the sandwich with precision, ensuring it was golden brown on both sides.

As you reached for the cheese, he swat your hand away, shooing you off the counter.

"Sit down, you need to be more patient cause perfection doesn't rush itself." You huffed, sitting back down at the island, tracing the pattern of the counter.

The sound of ceramics being placed on the counter made you look up, grilled cheese and a mini green cake looking right at you.

"There you go, love. One grilled cheese, as you asked!"

"Mmm, this is amazing, Sanji," you exclaimed, stuffing the food in your mouth, "You really outdid yourself with this one."

Sanji's seemed satisfied as he watched you enjoy the sandwich, retreating to get something from the back.

"I'm glad you like it, love. By the way-" He returned, smaller plate in hand, "- i have something for you to try."

You didn't respond, looking at the mini cake he handed you.

"I'm guessing you're wondering what that is?" He said, and you nodded.

"It's a mini matcha cheesecake. You should try it," He urged you, and you obliged, taking a bite.

"Hmm. It's good..." You replied, wrinkling your nose.

"You're not telling me something," He said,

You glanced at Sanji, "Well, it's good, but it's missing something."

Sanji arched an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Missing something, you say? What could possibly be missing?"

"Sugar," You replied.

Sanji's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Sugar? You think my cheesecake needs more sugar?"

You nodded, a playful glint in your eye. "Definitely. It's got that nice matcha bitterness, but it needs a little sweetness to balance it out."

Sanji gave you a smile, clearly enjoying the banter. "Sugar would throw off the delicate flavor balance, but let's see if I can meet your sugar quota."

With a flourish, he reached for a small jar of powdered sugar and lightly dusted the cheesecake with it. "Now, give it another try," Sanji said, pushing the plate back to you.

You took another bite. "Mmm, that's much better," you declared with a satisfied smile.

"I guess i just didn't use as much sugar as i usually would, since you're so sweet."

"Don't forget i've got a bit of spice in me too," You rolled your eyes, leaning in closer.

"Indeed," He muttered, sealing the distance between the both of you, kisses tasting with the faintest hint of some kind of sweetness unknown to you.

"Hey Sanji I thought i smelled something really good cooking and- Oh!" You both tore away from each other, Luffy watching you as Zoro stood behind him, annoyance scribbled all over his features.

"First thing i see this morning-"

You hopped off the counter, blowing Sanji a kiss as you ran from the kitchen. Your departure was followed by an angry rupture and laughter, resounding loudly through the halls.

"Wait- You idiot why would you do that?!"

"Well i wasn't the one initiating PDA this early in the morning!"

[bellaxgiornata]

Seeking Forgiveness [Part Seven]

Pairing: Matt Murdock x Fem!Reader Word Count: 3.6k

[Full summary and installment list for this series can be found here.]

Warnings/tags: 18+ contains angst, emotional hurt, delayed comfort, pregnant Reader

a/n: I have finally gotten this update up for y'all! It's been written and sitting waiting for over a month, but now that I'm not trying to write holiday fics (though I might still write that Owen Sleater one), it's back to business as usual! Feedback is always appreciated!

Fidgeting with the beer bottle between his fingers, Matt wasn't paying much attention to the room around him. Which said a lot about his current focus considering how loud Josie’s bar was this evening with the crowd that had filled the space tonight. He also wasn't paying any attention to the conversation Foggy and Karen had struck up a while ago at their table about a client they'd met with earlier today. Because despite the fact that Matt was currently sitting with the pair of them drinking back his beer, his attention was entirely elsewhere this evening. On you a couple of blocks away in your apartment.

Admittedly there wasn’t very much that he could pick up on at this distance where he sat at Josie’s, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself from trying to hear what he could–even if he knew he shouldn't be invading your privacy like this. It was already bad enough he always stopped by at the beginning and end of his patrols, always wanting to make sure things were alright. Though deep down he knew he kept doing it because he was desperate to feel connected to the pair of you somehow. He just couldn't seem to stay away despite that being what you seemed to want him to do. 

His eyes narrowed in concentration behind the lenses of his glasses. It sounded like you were cleaning up whatever dinner you'd made in your kitchen, which made sense considering the hour. You usually ate around this time after work. As he listened to the faint sounds of dishes clinking together, he wondered what you’d made to eat tonight. You'd been craving pesto pasta like crazy but constantly kept forgetting to add the items to your grocery list. Something Matt only knew because of his new habit of lingering on your rooftop as Daredevil, not because you'd actually spoken to him recently and told him yourself. For which he kept chastising himself about doing, except he couldn't seem to stop eavesdropping. 

Like right now.

Despite you making it clear you wanted nothing to do with him for the time being, he had tried calling you repeatedly in the hopes of finding a vastly healthier and less invasive way to stay connected with you, but you'd only answered once and it was to ask him to stop calling. You told him when you were ready to talk that you'd reach out to him. Which meant he hadn't tried to show up at your apartment as Matt Murdock, trying to respect your wishes. But that ultimately put him in a difficult position, because not communicating with you meant he couldn't prove himself to you–couldn’t prove how sorry he was for what he’d done. He'd been back and forth on that for the past two days, constantly feeling like the clock was ticking on him finding some way back into your life to show you that you and that baby were what he wanted.

An abrupt, loud snapping noise sounded directly in front of Matt’s face and he jumped in his chair, blinking rapidly a few times behind his glasses. The noise instantly had broken his concentration from his thoughts and your apartment, something that had taken him quite a few minutes to lock in on in the first place considering the distance.

“Matt, buddy, you in there?” Foggy asked.

Matt cleared his throat, forcing a smile onto his face at the sound of his friend's voice. Gradually and begrudgingly his attention and senses returned to the bar around himself.

“Yeah, sorry,” he replied. “Was just zoning out, I guess.”

“Thinking about her again, aren’t you?” Foggy solemnly asked.

“Kind of hard not to,” he muttered.

He felt Karen’s hand land gently on his shoulder before giving it a comforting squeeze. He glanced in her direction, sending the tense smile her way. Despite how much he'd screwed things up with you, and how much Foggy and Karen cared about you, they'd still been incredibly supportive of him. They'd even been understanding of his initial angry outburst at the office for which Matt had guiltily apologized for numerous times by now.

"She's doing alright," Karen assured him. "Though I'm guessing you already know that."

Matt ducked his head, awkwardly running a hand across his mouth as he felt the guilt burn within him. There was no point in denying it. You had to have already figured it out yourself when he'd left that stuffed narwhal at your apartment after you'd gone back to sleep the other night. It wasn't as if he'd expected that to make you feel any differently about him, but he hoped you knew that he was still here. Still around. Still thinking about the both of you. Still wanting the both of you. 

"Yeah, I stop there at night," Matt admitted awkwardly. "Not for long," he lied, "just enough to know things are alright. That she doesn't need anything. And to uh…hear the heartbeat."

Truthfully it had become his new favorite sound, even more than the beat of your own familiar heart. It was muffled but strong, faster than the usual heartbeats he heard all day long. 

"Have you tried just showing up?" Foggy asked curiously. "You know, the way people usually do, not the way you usually do? Just to see what would happen?"

Matt shrugged, shifting in his chair. "I've thought about it," he answered. "I'm just always torn between respecting her boundaries and wanting to show her that I'm still here for her. That I want to be. But I'm always afraid if–” he paused, wincing as the thought crossed his mind. “I'm afraid if I do, it'll only upset her more. Push her away from me even further.”

Karen hummed in thought beside Matt. The sound caught his attention, his head tilting a bit to the side towards her. The noise almost sounded like one of disagreement. 

“What?” Matt asked. 

“I think,” Karen began carefully, “that she's actually a bit conflicted.”

Matt's attention focused entirely on Karen now as he straightened in his chair. His brows rose up curiously onto his forehead, eager for her to elaborate. 

“Conflicted?” he asked curiously. “Conflicted how? About what? Me?”

“Yes,” Karen answered with a faint nod. “I mean she obviously still loves you, Matt. That doesn't just disappear overnight. Ideally I think she'd want you to be raising the baby with her from the way she talks. Going through all of this with her. But she's still hurt. And she's scared. And she, well, obviously still doesn't believe her and the baby would be a priority to you.”

Matt twisted in his seat, fully facing Karen. “So what're you saying?” he pressed.

He heard the way the air shifted as Karen shrugged beside him. Her lip suddenly caught between her teeth where she lightly chewed it for a moment. The pause was killing Matt, his hand tightening around the neck of his beer bottle. 

“I'm saying I think you should find an excuse and show up at her place,” Karen eventually replied. She held up a finger as she quickly amended, “As Matt, not you-know-who. Don't push her boundaries, just show up long enough to show her you're still here, like you’ve been wanting to do. That you're not giving up. I think she needs that more than she's letting on to you. Maybe…find some sort of way to show her you're trying to be a supportive future father and partner.”

“Okay,” Matt mused, running a frustrated hand through his hair and mussing it as his thoughts began to race. “Okay,” he repeated. “So don't show up with apology flowers. Noted.”

“No, but maybe bring her something else that might help her,” Karen suggested lightly. “Something that might be useful during her pregnancy. To show her you're serious about things with her and the baby.”

“Oh!” Foggy exclaimed, excitedly slapping a hand to the table. “Like an excuse to just show up and see her because you're dropping something off!”

Matt sighed deeply, swiveling back around in his seat. He leant his elbows onto the uneven wooden table as he began to rub his palms together in thought. What could he possibly bring you that might be useful for your pregnancy? Something you might actually be grateful for and need? That wouldn't make you curse him from daring to darken your apartment door?

This was something he'd have to give some thought to tonight. 

Willing your mind to quiet, you lay on your side beneath the sheets of your bed which you'd tugged up to your chin. It was a little after one in the afternoon and you'd been hoping to take a brief nap after lunch, something you couldn't do during the weekdays because of work. Your body usually wanted to give up once this time of day hit, probably partly because of pregnancy fatigue but also because you hadn't been sleeping well lately. 

It was damn near impossible to get comfortable when you laid down even though your stomach wasn't quite that large yet. But the hormones in your body responsible for relaxing your muscles and ligaments during pregnancy were also responsible for the fact that sleeping on your side killed your hips and knees far more than side sleeping ever had in the past. You didn't just wake up to pee or possibly vomit now, sometimes you just ached horribly and couldn't find a comfortable position to sleep in. Which often led to your mind racing and keeping you awake for part of the night. 

Truth be told though, everything on your body hurt lately. You often had headaches–another perk of early pregnancy–along with constant back and hip pain. Your breasts were still quite sensitive and tender, too. The one bright spot through it all this week had been an appointment you had coming up with your obstetrician. The one where you could get your blood drawn and in another week or so, you'd know whether your little devil would be a boy or a girl. It had been on your mind all week, your excitement barely contained and adding to your inability to sleep. 

Trying to push the thought of the baby's sex from your mind, you squeezed your eyes a bit tighter shut. The light from the sunny afternoon was still slipping in past your blinds, making your room almost too bright. The sounds of the city traffic bustling below your apartment weren't helping right now, either. 

But it was an unexpected knock at your apartment door that had your eyes inevitably flying back open. 

Raising your head from the pillow hesitantly, you blinked hard a few times. You hadn't been expecting anyone to stop by today. Brows knitted together, you pushed the sheets off of yourself and ran a hand over your eyes. Moving slowly along the bed, you gradually pushed yourself upright and set your feet on the floor, noticeably moving slower than if you hadn't been almost eleven weeks pregnant. 

Rising to your feet, you sluggishly made your way out of your bedroom and down the hall. Stopping in front of your door, you undid the locks before turning the handle and pulling it open. The sight of Matt standing before you in one of his fitted tee-shirts with an awkward smile on his face took you by surprise. Your eyes widened as you felt your own pulse increase at the unexpected appearance of him. Gaze dropping down, you saw he was carrying an almost comically large shopping bag in his left hand.

“Matt, what are you doing here?” you asked, one hand gripping the door tighter. “I thought I–I asked you to give me space for now?”

“Yes, you did,” he replied awkwardly, that smile on his face growing more nervous. “But I…I really don't want to stay away because I was still hoping you could give me a chance. To prove how sorry I am.”

Shoulders dropping at his words, you lightly blew out a breath. “Matt–”

“Hear me out, please,” he begged, cutting you off.

An earnest look crossed his face as his dark brows drew together above his glasses. Lips pressing together, you released the door from your grip and crossed your arms over your chest. 

“Fine, talk,” you demanded.

“Look, I–I know you want me to stay away,” he began in a rush, as if he was afraid that you wouldn't give him enough time to explain himself before you slammed the door in his face. “And I want to respect that, I do. But I can't walk away from the both of you. I can't . I won't abandon my child and I won't abandon you. I want to prove how sorry I am to you, sweetheart. I want to prove that you can depend on me, that I want this. Because I do.”

“Matt, I already told you that I'd let you have a relationship with your child,” you reminded him. “I'm not telling you to abandon them.”

He shook his head quickly, his hand readjusting on the plastic bag he was holding. It crinkled loudly in his grip and briefly caught your eye again, making you wonder what the hell was in the bag. But when he spoke again, your attention returned to his face.

“You might not see it that way,” Matt countered, still shaking his head, “but to me it's no different. And I won't walk away from you or my own child.” His face grew more solemn as he added softly, “You know me, sweetheart. You know how I grew up, how it affected me. All I'm asking is that you just…just give me a chance to make amends. I made a massive mistake and I hurt you. I was an asshole and I want to fix things. So just…can you at least consider giving me that chance? Please?”

Inhaling a deep breath, your eyes scanned over his anxious, pleading face. Your heart had dropped in your chest the second he'd mentioned his past. Because of course you knew how Matt had felt abandoned by what his father had done, willingly going and getting himself killed when he won that fight instead of losing it which ultimately left Matt alone in the world. You also knew how he'd formed a bond with Stick, his mentor who'd abandoned him the moment Matt displayed his care for the man. You also knew about his toxic relationship–the only other he'd ever had–where his ex had abandoned him because he wouldn't kill his father's murderer. And then of course, you knew how much pain he'd felt when he learned that his mother had been a nun at the orphanage he grew up in, making him feel unwanted because he'd only accidentally overheard the truth as a grown man years later.

Matt Murdock struggled with feeling unloved and unwanted because of his abandonment issues from almost every important figure in his life. And now he was afraid he'd be condemning this child to a similar trauma. The thought of that caused your heart to twist tight in your chest. 

“I'll think about it,” you answered quietly. 

“Thank you,” Matt replied in relief, his expression visibly relaxing.

Your eyes dropped back down to the large bag in his hand, your head tilting to the side as you curiously studied it. Matt let out a nervous huff of a laugh as he shifted on his feet. He extended the bag out towards you and your brows jumped up onto your forehead. 

“I uh, I brought you something,” Matt said, his tone returning awkward. 

For a moment you just stared at the bag in his outstretched hand, unsure what to make of him bringing you anything right now. Slowly and hesitantly you reached out, grasping onto the handles of the bag. Though you let out a surprised gasp when Matt let go and the weight of its contents startled you, almost causing you to drop it entirely. Your other hand darted out, grabbing onto the bag and catching it before it could slip from your grasp. Drawing it towards yourself, you peered inside. 

“It's a pregnancy pillow and a weighted blanket,” Matt explained, running his now free hand across the back of his neck. “I know you have had trouble sleeping lately and I thought they'd help. The weighted blanket should help relax you and the–the pregnancy pillow should help with body pain and the weight of your belly when you're farther along. I actually spent a while researching them. Who knew there were so many shapes?” He chuckled nervously, his hand still rubbing the back of his neck. “Figured this one would work the best for how you sleep–or, how I remember you always sleeping, at least.”

Your jaw dropped as you stared back at Matt, the heavy bag still held in your hands. While the gift was thoughtful and sweet, there was only one explanation as to why he'd brought these particular items which were meant to help you sleep, especially when you'd had a hard time doing exactly that lately.

“Have you been spying on me again, Matt?” you questioned in disbelief.

He hung his head immediately, his shoulders dropping at the accusation. You already knew the answer before he even said a word and your mouth fell open wider.

“I'm sorry, I shouldn't,” he apologized shamefully. “I know I shouldn't. But I mainly just check in first thing when I go out at night and–and then once more before I go home. To make sure you're safe and alright because I worry. And I–” he broke off, nervously chewing his bottom lip. “I like to listen to the baby's heartbeat,” he confessed quietly.

Something about the way he'd admitted that last bit had disarmed you. That wasn't what you expected him to say and you momentarily felt your heart soften to him. But your upset about him eavesdropping on you soon washed back over you again, your hands curling tight around the bag.

“I don't like that, Matt,” you warned him. “That makes me uncomfortable knowing my ex is listening in to whatever I'm doing in here and I don't know about it.”

Matt nodded solemnly in response. “I understand, I do. I'll try my best to refrain, but if something brings me nearby at night I…admittedly have a hard time not picking up on things.” He shrugged faintly, his covered gaze still downcast. “I'm just tuned into you and it's sort of a habit by now after how much time we've spent together.”

An awkward silence settled over the both of you at his explanation, the pair of you standing there wordlessly. You weren't about to invite Matt inside–especially not after just learning that –but you could also tell he clearly didn't want to go, either. Though after a moment he shifted his weight between his feet before he glanced up in your direction once again. His lips were twisted downwards at the corners, guilt and sadness barely hidden on his face. You fought to ignore the urge to draw him into a hug at the sight.

“I'll let you go, I can tell my visit isn't exactly what you want, but can you think about what I asked?” he questioned. “About giving me a chance to prove myself?”

Blowing out a breath, you slowly nodded. “I'll think about it,” you told him softly, “but I'm not making any promises, Matt.”

He shot you a tense smile, nodding his head once as he took a step back into the apartment building hallway. Something tugged at your heart knowing he was leaving, but you quickly tried to ignore that feeling, too.

“Hope those help,” he murmured, briefly gesturing to the bag.

Without another word, Matt turned and made his way down the hallway and back towards the elevator at the far end, his cane tapping lightly along the floor. You watched his retreating form for a moment before you forced your eyes away. You didn't know quite what to make of his surprise visit. 

Closing the door of your apartment, you locked it again before dragging the heavy bag back to your bedroom. You were still tired and had every intention of attempting that nap despite the unexpected interruption, and admittedly you were curious about the items Matt had brought you. Would they actually help you fall asleep?

It was a few minutes before you'd managed to unpackage the incredibly soft, gray weighted blanket and spread it over your bed. You'd put the pregnancy pillow up on the bed underneath the blanket afterwards before you'd climbed up onto the mattress and slipped beneath the blanket. Immediately you wrapped your legs around the pillow and snuggled up to it, feeling the pain in your hips instantly lessen in this position. You sighed in relief, letting your eyelids gently drop as you felt the weight of the blanket relaxing you, just as Matt had claimed it would. 

With a soft, contented hum, you nuzzled into your pillow and felt that wave of exhaustion begin to overtake you. But as you lay there waiting for sleep, you couldn't help but imagine it was the weight of Matt's arms wrapped around you, comfortably sinking you further into the mattress. And if you kept your eyes closed and tried hard enough, you could imagine it was Matt's thick thigh that your legs were wrapped around, wedged between yours just like you'd slept many nights in the past with him. 

Which was how you finally found yourself drifting comfortably to sleep–imagining you were safe in Matt’s arms, the place you so desperately missed being. 

Tag List: @mattmurdocksstarlight @just-going-through-the-motions @paracosmic-murdock @yeonalie @auroraslibrary @1988-fiend @will-delete-this-later-probably @two-unbeatable-beaters @danzer8705 @ragamuffin285 @callmebrooklynbabes @spookyboogyuniverse @peachy-aisha @stevenknightmarc @nerdytreeflower @fucktthisworld @remuslupinwifee @kmc1989 @thychuvaluswife @mywellspringoflife @thornbushrose @yarrystyleeza @shiorimakibawrites @marvelcinematiquniverse @vallovesthedilfs @scoliobean @this-is-music @mattmurdocks6thscaleapartment @ashlynhasmanyhyperfixations @swissy23 @babygorewhore @that-girl-named-alex @warsaur @lareinaisabelle @pazii @senjoritanana @mischiefmanaged71 @xxdrixx @jess-rye @hannahbohen @theclassicvinyldragon @karolamurdock @theoraekenslover @mr-underhills-things

[Some tags aren't working, I never fully know why. If I've misspelled yours, please feel free to let me know! Otherwise it's just tumblr being a pain and not tagging for unknown reasons because this always happens. I'm sorry!]

[skippingstonez]

Can I request a sky or wild x reader where reader has a crush on them and Link is unaware. And the reader has a tendency to draw him, and somehow he finds the sketchbook and goes through it to see the numerous drawings of him. But he didn't know the reader even drew in the first place, I think it would be really cute

*starts writing this, intending to use Wild*

Sky: *over dramatically breaking down my door* Change it

Me: But-

Sky: *raising the master sword menacingly* Change. It.

Me: Yes sir!

A Sketchy Confession

(Sky x Reader)

Warnings: None, but Sky insisted it gets a little steamy at the end and who was I to tell him no <3

You bit your lip, chewing on it unconsciously. The pencil in your hand marking the paper repeatedly in an attempt to capture the landscape ahead of you. You huffed, erasing some of the lines before trying again. The tiny body of water rippled, disturbed by a leaf that had fallen from the tree above you from the warm summer air. You debated whether or not to add the newest addition. Having almost completed the drawing you had set out to do well over an hour ago. 

Soft footsteps approached, breaking your concentration in a need to know who had finally found you. 

Sky walked past the small fence of Wild’s house to where you were sat by the little pond beyond the stable. He was just wearing his white shirt and pants. The usual green tunic and chainmail likely left back inside the house. The blue detailing by his collar pulled out the blue of his eyes as they spotted you.

You closed the small notebook resting on your knees as he sat down beside you. Forcing your face to remain calm and relaxed as his knee bumped against yours.

“Nice hiding spot.” He chuckled, “I thought you'd gone with some of the others to check out the shops.”

“And give up the opportunity for some peace and quiet? No thanks, think I'll keep hiding here for a bit.”

Sky laughed, leaning on your shoulder. “Mind if I join you? Legend’s trying to help Wild organize his stuff and I'm not about to get caught in the crossfire.”

“Not at all. But if someone finds us I'm offering you as a sacrifice to their shenanigans."

Sky clutched his chest, dramatically gasping as if he was mortally wounded. “Ugh fiiiiiine, I guess that's fair.” He pulled out a small knife from his pocket and a block of wood a size bigger than his hand.

“What have you been up to out here anyway?” 

“Just keeping busy,” you answered, pushing the notebook to the side nervously. The only one in the chain that had seen the inside of it was Legend due to an unfortunate mix up which he still hung over your head. 

Wars, being really big on keeping notes and journaling, had given all of you little notebooks as a way to encourage you to do the same. Most of the chain quickly forgot about it in favor of their own preferred hobbies. Legend and Wild seemed to be the only others to use it frequently enough for you to notice which led to you and the grumpy Vet getting them mixed up one day. 

Journaling had never been your thing. Words were tricky enough in normal conversation let alone trying to express the thoughts running through your head at any given moment. Still, you felt bad not using the small gift which is how it ended up as a sketchbook rather than a journal. 

Drawing had kept you sane, especially so on the hard days. Sketching out the thoughts and feelings that overtook your mind. Unfortunately, after using it for sometime, it had seemed that there was a particular someone filling up most of those thoughts. So much so that the notebook was now full of sketches and quick doodles of the knight sat directly beside you.

Something which, after a rather charged chat with Legend about, you refused to let Sky, or anyone else in the chain know about. You'd rather get stabbed by a Lizalfos than die of embarrassment.

“What are you making?” You asked, redirecting the conversation away from the item tightly in your hand.

“Oh this?” He held up the piece of wood. “Not quite sure…any requests?”

You thought for a moment before answering. “Have you done that flying bug thing in your bag?”

“Oh you mean my beetle? That's a great idea! I'm gonna go grab it for reference. If I'm not back in 5 minutes just know,” He paused, throwing an arm around your shoulder. He pulled you close to him and you just knew your face was likely turning red. “It's probably Legend’s fault.”

You snorted, shoving him off as he got to his feet and made back towards the house. He turned back, shouting over his shoulder. “Wish me luck” He said with a small salute. You rolled your eyes but saluted back. The butterflies in your stomach fluttered around at the thought of spending time with him.

Alone.

You smacked your face lightly. You needed to get a grip on yourself before he came back. You grabbed the notebook, stuffing it deep down into the depths of your bag. 

__________

“Make sure you've got everything,” TIme’s voice rang out. “Once (Y/N) and Wars get back we’ll head out.”

Sky finished stuffing the last of his things back into his bag, clasping his sailcloth over his shoulders. He gave his surroundings a final scan, double checking that there wasn’t anything left behind by mistake. 

He got to his feet, stretching his arms over his head with a quick huff.

“Sky! Let's get going!” 

“Coming!” He strolled over to where Legend and Four were headed towards. A quip about Legend’s new hair color already poised on his lips. 

Something on the ground caught his eye, making him paused to take a closer look. It was a book. It's dark brown cover having nearly blended in with the bark of the tree.

He picked it up. The lack of title or name making it near impossible to distinguish whose it could be. 

“Sky come on!”

“Coming!”

He mused over the small book as they walked. Flipping through the dozens of drawings that covered its pages. 

The detail work was exquisite. Each line carefully crafted to enhance every feature within the confines of the picture. Sky didn't know much in the way of art, but the little he knew helped him understand just how much work had been poured into each one.

And there were a lot.

“Here I thought Wars was the narcissistic one.”

Sky nearly dropped the book as Hyrule appeared next to him.

“Clouds above Rule! You startled me.”

“Do I wanna know why you have a book full of drawings of yourself?”

Sky rolled his eyes, snapping it shut. “It's not mine. Don't suppose its yours is it?” 

Sky handed it over, letting Hyrule flip through some of the pages. “Nope, definitely not mine. Hey Vet!” Hyrule called out. 

Legend’s head snapped towards them from where he was by Four, pausing to let the two of them catch up before walking beside them. “Need something?”

Hyrule handed him the notebook, “Don’t suppose we can add drawing to your list of random talents could we?”

Legend opened it up curiously before slamming it shut again. His head swiveled to the back of the group before glaring at Hyrule. “Where the hell did you get this?”

Hyrule shot a finger towards Sky who immediately wished he had kept his mouth shut. Legend glared at him, waiting for a response.

“I-I found it as we were leaving this morning. I didn't know it was yours-”

“It's not.” He snapped.

“Wait if it's not yours then whose is it?”

Legend looked towards the back of the group again as if afraid of getting caught. Sky couldn’t help but try to follow his gaze only for Legend to slam the small book into his chest.

“Gee Sky, a book full of drawings of you. It's an absolute mystery as to who it could belong to.” His voice was overflowing with sarcasm that Sky was not appreciating. Sky crossed his arms, narrowing his gaze towards the Vet. Hyrule awkwardly looking between the two of them.

“I already told Hyrule, it's not mine.”

“Oh you have got to be kidding me.” Legend groaned, rubbing his temples. “Please tell me you aren’t that oblivious.”

“Excuse me! I am not oblivious! Now are you gonna tell me who it belongs to or not?”

“By the three… you seriously need me to spell it out for you Bird Brain? There isn’t a single person in this group you can think of that this might belong to?”

“Obviously not since I still have it! I don't recall anyone here talking about being able to draw so please, enlighten me.”

Legend grumbled, obviously frustrated about the current situation. “Try the girl back there that's painfully head over heels for you.”

Hyrule snorted, hands slamming over his mouth to keep in his laughter.

“(Y/N) doesn't draw.”

“Obviously, she does Sky. Or did you not look through the damn thing?”

“But…no. No, she would have told me!”

“You’ve got to be kidding me Sky. She's embarrassed. Did you really expect her to waltz up, show you the dozens of drawings she's done, of you no less, and actually admit she's the one that drew all of them? She might as well have just confessed her love while she was at it.”

Sky's mind went blank.

Was Legend really telling the truth? Had you drawn these and not told him? 

No. No you would have told him. Surely Legend was mistaken and it was someone else's. Maybe it was a shared notebook and that's why there were so many of just him?

Sky couldn't even convince himself that his reasonings were true. Deep down, he knew Legend had to be right. Even deeper, he wanted him to be right.

Because if the Vet was right, and you had drawn all of these. Then was the Vet also right about your feelings for him?

“You… you think she likes me?”

Legend tugged so tightly on his hair he was surprised it didn't rip out of the man's skull. 

“For fucks sake Sky! What do you think?”

“Buddy” Hyrule chimed in with a pat to his shoulder. “Come on, surely you suspected as much right? I mean she practically grows hearts in her eyes when you're around.”

Really? If that was true then how had he never noticed anything? 

“Alright let's stop here for now and take a break.” Wars announced, handing a few chores out before everyone could scatter.

Legend and Hyrule walked away, having been out on scouting the perimeter. Leaving Sky to think about their conversation. 

There was just no logical way that this was yours. He forged the Master Sword, defeated countless numbers of monsters, puzzles and a God for Hylia’s sake. Surely he would have noticed if his companion had a crush on him or at the very least had been drawing him for weeks on end.

“Uggghh where is it!?” Sky looked up, watching you practically dump out the entire contents of your bag. He got to his feet, making his way over to you quickly to try and help whatever problem had arisen.

“What's wrong?”

“I can't find my notebook! I swear I put it in here last night but I can't find it!”

Notebook?

Sky paled, shoving the notebook into his bag before you could see.

“Oh,” he said nervously. Why was he feeling so nervous all of a sudden? “Do you want help looking for it?” He offered. His mind yelling at him that the one he had just shoved in his bag was the same one you were looking for. That Legend had been right. That you were the one that had done those wonderful drawings.

Hylia, Legend was right.

“No!” You said a little too quickly. “No, it's fine. I'm sure I'll find it eventually..” You began shoving things back into your bag. Not caring about keeping anything organized. “But thanks, I appreciate the offer.”

You walked off, shoulders sagging slightly.

Sky's heart raced in his chest as the realization of it all slammed into him like a Loftwing at full speed.

You liked him. 

Goddess how had he not seen it until now? You, wonderful, beautiful you, liked him.

He walked to the edge of the small clearing, taking out the notebook again when no one was looking.

He flipped through its contents once more. Admiring all the work you had done. He knew he needed to give it back, and he would. 

But what was the harm in waiting a day or two?

Just until the perfect moment presented itself.

Then he'd give it back.

And hopefully more.

___________

“Sky? You over here?” 

“Here!” He could see you approach out of the corner of his eye. Placing the shirt he had been scrubbing at for the past few minutes on the rock beside him.

“Oh uhh sorry I can come back later!” You stammered. Hand raised to cover your eyes when you realized he was shirtless. 

Sky chuckled. “Come on (Y/N) we all know you’ve seen worse. I'm just trying to get some of the blood out from earlier.” He said, motioning to his pieces of clothing drying nearby. He waved you over, patting the ground next to him. 

You walked over sheepishly. Kneeling down with a respectable distance between you and the knight. “Want any help?”

“Nah that's okay. I got most of it out already. Buuuut~ I'm actually glad you're here!” He leaned over for his bag. Shuffling through before pulling out the small brown notebook. “I believe this belongs to you.”

He pushed it into your hands and your heart skipped a beat. You snatched it up, quickly flipping through the worn pages to confirm that this was indeed the one you had misplaced the other day.

“Sky this is…You found it! Oh my goodness thank you!” You hugged it tightly to your chest. Relieved to have your drawings returned to you. 

“Why didn’t you tell me you could draw?”

Your heart skipped again and this time you wondered if it was because it had finally cut its losses and simply stopped working. You didn’t dare meet his gaze. Keeping your eyes distinctly on the grass between you and him. You forced yourself to swallow, willing your voice to work.

“You...you looked through it?”

“Well…yeah?” Sky rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “Only because I didn’t know it was yours! I found it on the ground and I was just trying to see who it belonged to! But then I saw all the work you put into those drawing and they were just so beautifully detailed that I sorta just kept going and-”

“Hold up,” You interrupted, having no clue where to begin unpacking all of the information he had just spouted at you. You were mortified at the thought that he had seen all of those drawings you had done of him. Not to mention- wait had you heard him right? ”You like them? You don't think..ya know, that it's kinda weird?”

Sky cocked his head. His eyebrows raised in confusion as if you had just spoken an entirely different language. “Are you kidding!? (Y/N) those look amazing!”

Heat invaded your cheeks and you prayed that he wouldn’t call you out on the obvious red spreading over your face. He shifted closer, a hand coming to grab at the notebook which you clutched onto tighter. Sky tugged at it again, giving you an incredulous look. You pouted but let him take it back.

He flipped through a few pages before pointing to a sketch you had done back in Wild’s era. The small field of wildflowers that overlooked a small village on the coastline. “I mean seriously (Y/N) do you see these?”

He turned the page, pointing to a rough sketch of War’s scarf wrapped around his sword. “I never even realized that scarf of his had some of those embroideries on it!” He flipped through some more pages, pointing out drawings on each page. He eventually paused, placing the book face open on your lap.

The only drawing on the page was one of the man beside you. He was standing against a tree, his hand outstretched in front of him as a small red bird fluttered around his head.

Sky leaned over, hovering his head over your shoulder. “That one’s my favorite.” He whispered. A soft smile on his lips as he admired the drawing in your lap. 

You replied just as softly, “Mine too.” A finger traced over the soft lines of the bird. Recalling how you had sat there for over an hour to memorize every detail of the scene laid out before you. His hand covered yours, running his thumb over your knuckles.

“They’re amazing (Y/N).” You looked up, his face right by yours. The proximity alone making you blush furiously as his words stirred something in your chest. “You are amazing.”

His lips pressed against yours, taking you by surprise. 

You let your eyes slip close, moving your mouth against him. A feather-like touch brushing up the length of your arm. His hand coming to hold your face to his. Your fingers twitched towards him, only brave enough to rest just above his knees. You didn’t dare go any higher than that. The heat coming from him only serving as a reminder of the lack of clothing between your bodies.

A gasp escaped you as Sky pulled away. His mouth agape, chest rapidly rising and falling from the small pants that he let out. You pulled your eyes away from his slightly reddened lips, catching his eyes that stared back in disbelief. 

You both let out a breathy laugh, turning your face away into his shoulder. His lips pressed into your hair as you both sat there for a moment. 

You pulled away, unable to hide the stupidly large grin on your face. You closed the notebook that had stayed put on your lap. Holding it protectively to your chest. 

“Thank you Sky”

His mouth curved into a small smirk, “It was just a kiss (Y/N). No need to thank me.”

You hit his shoulder, rolling your eyes as he snickered. “Not that bird brain.” You stuck your tongue out at him for good measure and nodded towards the notebook. “For this.”

Sky’s face softened for just a moment. That smile that you had fallen in love with making a short appearance before morphing into an expression you had never seen grace the Skyloftian’s face. 

“Ya know (Y/N),” His arm snuck around to rest behind you. Supporting his weight as he leaned back in. “Seeing as you're quite the artist, maybe you should draw me.”

You snorted, “How much of that notebook did you actually look through? Because I'm pretty sure I have already.” You tapped him on the nose. Leaning away, only for him to follow after you.

“Mmm~ I'm aware.” He purred, glancing down at your lips that you chewed on nervously. “And you did such a good job too.” He snatched the notebook from your hand, tossing it lightly to the side.

“Hey!” You tried to grab it and he caught your hand. Lifting it up so he could place a light kiss to the inside of your wrist.

“You could draw me like this if you’d like.” Another kiss on your wrist as he looked up to your eyes. Your heart thumped wildly in your chest. Breath catching in your throat as the tip of his tongue flicked over where his lips had just been.

“Sky-”

“Would you like that?” His hand pressed against your back. Pushing you closer to him till you were sat on his lap. You braced your hands against his shoulders. Fingers brushing along his collar bone that had him shuddering beneath you.

“Is there something else you'd like as well?”

“I…I want..”

“Tell me what you want.” His voice was breathy by your neck. The smallest trace of his lips grazing over the sensitive skin that made you shiver. His hands gripping onto your hips. Your mind already imagining the small circles of his thumbs pressed against another part of your body.

“Sky please..” you whimpered shamelessly.  You slid your hands across his chest, letting your nails drag lightly across the expanse of skin. His chest rumbled, chuckling while his mouth traveled just below your jawline.

“Please what?” He teased, pulling a small moan from your lips as he kissed right below your ear. 

“Use your words baby bird” He whispered into your skin.

“Kiss me. Please.”

His lips slammed onto yours, yanking you forward till you were pressed flat against him. Your hands tangled in his hair, giving a short tug that had him groan into your mouth. When you did it again he shot forward, your back hitting the damp grass with him hovering over you. His forearms trapping you in place as he slid his tongue over your bottom lip. 

*Ah-hem*

You both froze at the sound of Time clearing his throat. Both glancing up to see the man standing a few paces away. His arms crossed over his chest with his signature scowl of disapproval.

“I suppose it's a good thing I didnt send Wind to come collect the two of you. Now,” his face lightened ever so slightly as you both quickly sat up. “If you two lovebirds would keep it together, the rest of us would like to get moving soon.”

“Yes sir..”

“Sorry Time..”

Time just stared as you both scrambled to your feet. His face lightened into a softer, more contemplative smile as he twisted the ring around his finger.

Sky quickly grabbed his bag, throwing on a spare shirt while you grabbed the two still drying nearby, along with your notebook. Time walked off, muttering something about his wife being right that you didn't quite catch.

Sky's whole face had turned pink, adamantly avoiding your eyes. You stepped closer, holding onto his arm as you reached up and kissed his cheek.

“Just so you know,” you said. Beginning to follow after Time. “I’ll definitely be taking you up on that offer.” You winked as Sky's face turned the color of his Loftwing. Standing there dumbfounded for a moment before rushing to catch up to you.

His hand rested on the small of your back, letting you lean into his side as you walked back.

“Maybe we wait till the next inn though.”

[girlgenius1111]

i can take care of myself

barca femeni x reader hiding an injury

got a little stuck on the next part of pop back up, so enjoy this and tell me what you want to see in that :)

If you were to find a positive in the situation, it would be that there was too much noise from the crowd for anyone to hear the crack your ribs made as they broke. You'd been trying to block a shot, but your opponent hadn't seemed too worried about taking a high kick, and had slammed her foot, full force, into your abdomen.

You'd crumpled almost immediately, but the ball wasn't cleared well, so you staggered back to your feet, breathing hard. The pain felt like it was splitting you in half, every inhale agony, and you wrapped one arm around your stomach, trying not to double over. You were having a hard time concentrating, but suddenly the ball was back at your feet, and without taking the time to consider that you might be doing more damage, you lept forward, sprinting down the field. Adrenaline had taken over, and the pain in your side dulled briefly.

You were fast, passing several defenders who were caught off guard by the change of possession. There were still a few left, though, and you knew you needed to pass. You found Ona on the overlap, and cut in towards the box. She hit a perfect cross, and you launched yourself into the air, just barely getting your head on it. It was enough, though, and it sailed just passed the opposing goalkeeper, into the back of the net.

When your feet hit the ground again, your ribs erupted in pain, the temporary relief gone.

"Fuck," you groaned, collapsing to your knees. Your teammates were running to your side to celebrate, but were startled at your collapse.

"What is it? What hurts?" Ona questioned, the first to reach you. You reached out, grasping onto her forearm, and taking a throbbing deep breath.

"Ribs, just a bit. I'm fine," you gasped, rising to your feet just in time to catch an uncertain look on Ona's face, before your teammates were tackling you with hugs. You gritted your teeth as every touch to you sent a jolt through your body; you couldn't go off. There was no doubt in your mind that at least one of your ribs was broken, but the team was out of subs. You needed to win this game, and trying to beat another champions league team with only 10 players left for 15 minutes didn't seem so doable.

"Vamos chica!" Aitana shouted in your ear, as she jumped on your back. You bit back a groan, and mustered up a smile as Pina and Patri appeared at your side. Alexia and Irene were there too, but they were both looking at you much more sharply, eyes clocking your every movement.

As you and the girls let go and began to jog back to your positions, your captains stopped you.

"Are you okay? That was a hard hit," Alexia said, looking down at you.

"You look like something hurts," Irene continued.

You knew that if you told the truth, they'd make you go off. If you lied, and they found out, they'd be furious. You're only choice was to lie, and make sure they didn't find out, not even after the game.

"All good!" You said, shooting them both smiles before pushing past them to return to your position. They must have believed you, because they let you go, and you were able to finish the remaining 15 minutes.

It was agonizing, and you were close to tears by the end of the game, but you held it together until the final whistle. Instead of staying on the pitch after the game like you normally did, you were the first in the locker room, showering fast and changing before any of your teammates made it back.

Everyone was celebrating the win, talking and joking loudly, so they didn't notice when you slipped out, heading to your car. All you had to do was get back to your apartment, throw some ice on your ribs, and rest.

In the back of your mind, you knew everyone would find out eventually; there was no way to hide this for the entirety of the healing process. You weren't really thinking clearly though, brain muddled with pain

You took off your shirt when you got inside your apartment, allowing yourself to look at your abdomen closely for the first time. The left side was already bruising, a purple tint to the skin clearly visible. You experimentally pressed a finger to the area, letting out a hiss of pain, and immediately pulling your hand away. Definitely broken.

You got some ice, and laid on the couch, placing it as gently as you could over the contusion. You weren't really sure what to do now. It wasn't feeling any better; if anything, it was getting worse, every inhale, every small twist was uncomfortable.

As the discomfort grew, your resolve to keep this a secret weakened. Really, you just wanted someone to come and take care of you, not that you’d ever admit to that, or ask for it. It was lonely in your apartment, all alone, and the pain wasn't helping. You fought back tears, knowing that crying would only make it hurt worse.

In an attempt to distract yourself, you pulled your phone out of your pants pocket, intending to scroll through tiktok until you could move better. Instead, you unlocked your phone to several missed calls from about half your team. You were fucked.

Ignoring them further would only prompt them to come over, so you bit the bullet, and called Alexia back.

"Pequeña, where did you go?" She questioned upon answering, completely forgoing a greeting. She sounded mad.

"I went home," you replied.

"Why did you leave so fast?"

"I was tired. Long day," you said lamely.

"No, something is going on. What's wrong?" Alexia insisted. Her ability to read you was infuriating.

"Nothing is wrong, Ale, I promise," you told her.

"Then you won't mind if I come over to make sure?" She asked, frustration clear in her tone.

"I really want to go to bed, Capi," you started, but she interrupted.

"I'll be there in 5 minutes," she said, before hanging up the phone. 5 minutes. She must have already been on her way before you'd even called her back.

There wasn't much you could do. Alexia had a key, you knew she wasn't afraid to use it, and you also weren't sure if you could get up off the couch. So, you awaited your captain, knowing that she would figure out that you were hurt the minute she laid eyes on you. All the fight had gone out of you, and you had no energy left to convincingly hide your injury.

When Alexia knocked on the door, you sighed, before calling out to her.

"Use your key," you instructed. You heard her fumble with her keys as she responded.

"Why can't you let me in?" She questioned.

"I can't really get up," you told her. She cursed quietly in response, before the door swung open. She was wearing her Barca sweats, and she looked furious. She walked in, pausing to shut the door and take her shoes off, before making her way to the couch.

Stopping in her tracks, her jaw dropped at the state of your ribs.

"Dios mío, eres estúpido? Why didn't you tell anyone about this?" Alexia questioned, dropping to her knees next to the couch. You looked at her pathetically, shrinking under her hardened gaze.

"I didn't want you guys to have to play 15 minutes with only 10 players, we were out of subs," you argued, shutting your mouth when your words only seemed to aggravate her more.

"This happened then? Before your goal? And you played the rest of the game?" She asked incredulously, reaching out to run her fingers over your rib, her gentle touch starkly different than her tone. Still, you shied away from her hand, whimpering in pain at the movement.

"Stop moving," she told you, resting a hand on your shoulder. "I don't even know what to say. How could you put yourself in danger like this? You could have gotten hurt even worse. You don't even know what is wrong, you need scans and a doctor," she ranted, closely examining the fast forming bruise.

"Ale,"

"No. You complain all the time about us treating you like a child, yet you do something so reckless, make such an immature decision, I don't know what you expect."

You'd never really seen Alexia this mad, not at you. She had a soft spot for you, as most of the girls did, and normally you only saw her anger directed at people who'd been too rough with you. You knew that everything she was saying was true, but her words still stung, and you blinked back tears, staring hard at the ceiling.

She wasn't paying attention though, pulling out her phone and typing quickly. It rang in her hands, and she answered. You could hear Lucy on the other end, and you cringed, knowing that if Alexia was this mad, Lucy wouldn't be very much fun either. Alexia spoke quietly to Lucy, telling her that she needed help getting you to the hospital for scans, and that Irene and Mapi were already on their way. At this, you groaned, and Alexia shot you a look. She hung up, then, and you avoided her gaze.

"The girls will be here soon, and they'll help me get you to the hospital. I don't want to hear a single complaint, pequeña, not even one," she informed you. Her tone was still so upset, and you hated it. "How much does it hurt?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at you as if daring you to lie to her.

"A lot," you said, trying to keep your voice steady.

"Well, you probably have several broken ribs, so I'm not surprised. What were you thinking, y/n, honestly?" Now, she sounded disappointed, which was worse than angry, worse than upset. Your lower lip trembled, and you squeezed your eyes shut, willing yourself not to cry.

"I'm sorry. I know you're mad but can you yell at me later?" you asked, voice cracking. When you opened your eyes to look at Alexia, her expression had softened completely.

"I'm sorry, pequeña, you're right, I can absolutely yell at you later," she said, and you huffed out a laugh before crying out as your diaphragm jumped, jostling your injury.

"No no, don't move, don't laugh... don't cry, pequeña" she said, panicking slightly as you began to cry; it was a nasty cycle, crying because it hurt, and it hurting because you were crying.

Alexia stood, sliding onto the couch as gently as she could, pulling your head into your lap.

"Hurts, Ale," you whined at the movement.

"I know, I know, just try to relax your upper body, take slow breaths," she instructed, hand running through your wet hair. She was amazed at how fast her anger with you had disappeared; the minute you'd started to cry, it had evaporated, and all she wanted to do was wrap you in a hug. Unfortunately, that would probably only make you hurt worse, so she settled for laying a hand on your forehead, thumb moving back and forth rhythmically.

"I'm sorry," you cried, overcome with emotion at your own stupidity.

"Alright, y/n, it's okay, focus on breathing. I'm not mad anymore, okay?" she assured you, and you blinked up at her, not sure if you believed her words.

"Idiota, y/n," a voice called, as your front door swung open once again. You didn't have to look to recognize Mapi's voice, and as you heard multiple pairs of footsteps entering the room, you figured the other girls had arrived as well.

"Cállate María," Alexia snapped, glaring at Mapi before her attention refocused on you. Mapi grumbled, but listened. The faces of Irene, Lucy, and Mapi appeared above you, looking down with varying levels of anger and concern.

"Everyone be nice, she's in pain," Alexia scolded, seeing how you cowered under the glares of your teammates.

"Count on Alexia to let y/n off the hook," Mapi said under her breath, rolling her eyes, but softening her expression. You were only half paying attention as Irene and Lucy inspected your ribs, their faces pinched with worry.

"She's not off the hook, but yelling at her now isn't going to do anything," Alexia defended.

"She needs to go to the hospital," Irene said quietly, and Lucy nodded in agreement. You didn't appreciate being spoken about like you weren't there.

"Do I get any say in this?" you tried, but when everyone turned to stare at you in disbelief, you folded quickly. "Hospital sounds good," you revised.

"That's what I thought," Lucy replied harshly. You glared at the wall behind her, not quite brave enough to glare right at her.

"Pequeña," Alexia called, drawing your attention back to her worried green eyes. "Can you walk?"

You hesitated. You were sure you could, but it would hurt. You didn't really feel like giving anyone anymore reason to be mad at you, though, so you nodded your head.

"Yeah, just help me get up," you responded. It took all 4 girls to get you standing, trying to move your upper body as little as possible. By the time you were on your feet, you were sweating, and your jaw was clenched.

"Y/n," Irene started, exchanging looks with the other girls.

"I'm fine, let's just get this over with," you cut her off. She nodded uneasily, and her and Mapi began to walk you towards the door.

"I wouldn't want to rush this too much, y/n, the sooner you get home, the sooner Alexia goes back to being mad at you," Mapi teased.

You winced, knowing she was completely correct.

-----

2 uncomfortable car rides, several scans, and a multitude of scoldings from different doctors, later, you arrived back at your apartment. You were feeling much better now, the drugs the hospital had given you working wonders.

You'd settled on your bed, propped up against the pillows, eyes drifting open and closed. Irene and Lucy made sure you were settled before leaving. Alexia still didn't let them yell at you, claiming you were "too high to really appreciate it," but you knew she just felt guilty for being too harsh earlier.

"You can go too, guys, I'm fine," you tried to tell Mapi and Alexia. Mapi was perched on the edge of your bed, watching amusedly as Alexia hovered over you.

"Oh, you're fine. Did you hear that, Ale? She's fine," Mapi mocked, and you groaned.

"I don't want to hear that phrase leave your mouth again for a while pequeña, because you clearly aren't," Alexia responded, not finding Mapi's comment as funny as Mapi herself did.

"This is exactly what I didn't want," you cried, shifting uncomfortably.

"What is?" Mapi questioned, suddenly more serious than she was a few minutes ago.

"This, you guys," you mumbled, clearly feeling the effects of the pain relief. "You shouldn't need to take care of me, I can take care of myself,"

"Si, because not seeking medical attention for multilpe broken bones definitely fills us with confidence in your ability to take care of yourself," Mapi replied, rolling her eyes.

"Is that why you hid it? You didn't want us to take care of you?" Alexia asked quietly, eyes searching yours.

"Didn't want to be a bother," you replied, seeming suddenly more alert than you had been a few seconds ago.

"Estúpida," Mapi stated, very matter of factly.

"María!" Alexia scolded again, but Mapi cut her off.

"You couldn't be a bother. You're just a kid," she said, and your lips pursed unhappily at that. "Si, you are, you are only 19. Asking for help doesn't make you a bother."

"Mapi's right, we're here because we want to be, we want to help you, y/n. You don't need to do everything yourself." Alexia insisted, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. You didn't look very persuaded. "Just try to let us help, please?"

At this, you nodded hesitantly. Somewhat satisfied, Alexia carefully tucked you in.

"Sleep. We'll wake you up in a couple hours for more medicine." Your eyes widened.

"You're staying?" You asked, voice unmistakably vulnerable. Both girls smiled reassuringly at you.

"Of course we are," Mapi said, tone leaving no room for doubt or argument.

"Okay," you stated, body relaxing against the pillows, eyes already sliding shut.

Alexia and Mapi exchanged triumphant looks. It was a step for you, clearly. They weren't even sure they'd still need to yell at you tomorrow.

-----

:)

[seedsofagony]

Dessert (KnY ♡ Hotaru)

Cherrytober Day 7: Against A Wall // Pegging

Series: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Characters: Haganezuka Hotaru

Word Count: 434

Summary: modern au, x reader (f wearing feminine clothes), date night, against a wall (door), clothes stay on, oral sex (reader receiving)

Notes: I just love the idea of an awkward, eager Hotaru ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅

Disclaimer: Underage, ageless, and blank blogs will be blocked. For everyone 18+, FUB free or filter my unique tag for this event: #sweets🍒24

Hotaru was quiet during dinner—not unusual for him, especially because, at this point in your relationship, you're well acquainted with what that means. You finger your earring as he fumbles his keys in the door, his shoulders a tense broad line. He clearly has something on his mind, and you know that something is you.

Door finally unlocked, you follow him into the foyer. But as soon as you close the door behind you, he has you up against it, your teeth clicking together as he crushes his mouth to yours. You can't help but smile through the kiss—not just because you were right (maybe a little), but because your sweet, awkward firefly wants you so damn much.

You paw at each other—your hands in his soft curls, on his chest, pulling his shirt out of his waistband by the fistful; his calloused hands on either side of your face, your breasts, hiking up your skirt. He only pauses when your hem is bunched over your hips and he discovers you aren't wearing any panties. You grin at him, and it's enough to set him back into motion.

He drops to his knees and buries his face between your legs. Moaning with satisfaction, you lean against the door and thrust your hips forward as he sucks and laps at your clit. It has to be said, the man is a natural. Hotaru knows exactly what you want and how to make you cum honey-sweet on his face. He plants wet, tongue-dragging kisses one after another on your puffy bud, and it's not long before your legs begin to shake as you stand on the tiptoes of your high heels.

Pressing your head against the door, calves trembling, you tangle your hands in his hair. "Baby, I'm gonna cum…"

You can actually feel the heat rising in his cheeks between your thighs, but he only quickens his pace, sucking your clit just the way you like it. He chases your high, never wavering, concentrating solely on you. Your breath quickens, the pitch of your whine rises, and you cum, spasming hard for his hot, hungry mouth.

Hotaru sits back on his heels as you sigh luxuriously, sliding down the door to collapse in a heap on the floor. He wipes his mouth before leaning in to kiss you softly.

Lingering, parting slowly, you take the opportunity to tease him a little. "What brought that on?" you ask, as if you didn't know.

Hotaru blinks. "I…" he looks away, furrowing his thick brows. He looks back at you, flushed, eyes bright with determination. "I wanted dessert."

[cosette141]

You, Me, and Who You Used to Be | CS Fic (CSSS 2024 Gift for BelovedCreation)

Merry Christmas!!

I'm your Santa this year!! :) 🎄🎄

Using your prompts of pining, Enchanted Forest, and angst with a happy ending, I give you:

Summary: (CS movie divergence) After getting her parents back on track, Emma’s magic returns. But before she can conjure a portal home, Killian is abducted. Alone in a world she knows nothing about and with no idea how to find Killian, Emma enlists the only person—or rather, pirate—who would be as motivated to save Killian as she is. However… Killian’s past may just be what destroys the future. CS

AO3

Words (so far): 5k+

NOTE: This is currently only the first chapter of this fic - long story short, the fic I spent weeks on just was not coming together, so I last minute changed to this one. It was an idea I had written the beginning of years ago that I remembered when I was trying to find something to align with the prompts you gave me :D so I knew it would be perfect to write for your gift!! I spent the past week working super hard on this trying to get it finished for you in time, but it was getting so rushed and you do not deserve a rushed gift!! So I decided to give you the first 5k words now, and I'll be updating it with the rest over the coming weeks! :)

Chapter One (under the cut!)

A/N: Story context: This is a canon divergence of the CS movie, which begins right after Emma gets the wand from Rumplestiltskin. (He does not send him to his vault of do-not-touch things in this version tho. We’ll pretend Elsa gets to Storybrooke some other way lol. I’ll also be ignoring Marian, which, the show pretty much did when it just ended up being Zelena anyway lol. 

Emma smiled at the faintly glowing wand in her fingers, feeling the warmth of the return of her magic, lighting a glow in the vast dining room of Rumplestiltskin’s castle. 

Everything was back on track.

Including herself.

Perhaps she had been trying to take the easy way out, blocking her magic from returning so she could go back to New York with no ties left behind. 

But more than anything, it was Killian’s smile now that made the warmth inside her grow even more, and if it wasn’t her imagination, made the wand spark a little brighter.

“It works,” whispered Emma, staring at the wand in awe, eyes snapping to Killian. “My magic is back!”

“I knew you could do it, love.” said Killian softly, a relief in his eyes, like it was for both the possibility of getting back home, and for the fact that he still blamed himself for her powers being taken in the first place. 

“Ah, the Savior, of course,” murmured Rumplestiltskin from his perch on the edge of his dining table. “I should have known you would have magic of your own.”

Emma suddenly realized just how much Rumplestiltskin knew. “Is it a problem that you know…?”

“It would be,” he agreed, but lifted his hand, where a potion bottle materialized. “However, I have spent the past few hours mixing myself a Forgetting Potion.”

Emma smiled. “Good. Well, let’s do this, then.” She then lifted the wand, about to attempt to bring forth the time portal.

“Wait, wait, wait,” said Rumplestiltskin, jumping down and pushing her hand with the wand down. “Not in here. You might bring any number of my possessions with you.”

Emma winced, eyes finding the myriad of scary-looking things in the castle, wondering just how catastrophic that could be. 

She looked from Killian’s raised eyebrow to Rumplestiltskin. “So where do we—“

But not a second later, Rumplestiltskin’s castle was gone, and suddenly they were outside. Trees, greenery and blue sky replaced the walls of the Dark One’s abode. They weren’t too far from the town below, and not far off was the sea. But they were in an empty enough area of the forest that no one should see anything, and nothing should come with them.

 “Well,” said Killian, giving her another smile, “ready, there, Swan?”

Emma nodded. She lifted the wand again, concentrating on her magic, on the emotion in her chest, bright and raw. The tiny flicker of a portal, like a zipper drawn in the very fabric of the air, appeared before them. 

Killian grinned. “That’s it, lo—” 

He was cut off with a grunt, and Emma’s eyes snapped to him, her concentration broken and the tiny beginnings of the portal fizzled back out of existence. 

Emma’s heart stopped. 

They were no longer alone. 

A burly, muscled man had his arm around Killian’s neck in a chokehold, his other arm pinning Killian’s left arm to his side. Killian let out an angry, surprised snarl, jerking hard against the grip. 

“Hook!” cried Emma, jamming the wand in her back pocket to hide it and running toward him, only skidding to a stop when three other thugs suddenly flanked the first.

“Sw—“ began Killian, his right hand scrabbling at the hold around his neck, but his airway was quickly cut off. Red rushed to his face, and Emma’s heart froze.

“Sorry, darlin’,” said the man’s raspy voice. “We got direct orders to bring Captain Hook in. He stole from us last night, and now he gon’ pay. Pretty stupid to show yer face in the open like this, without yer crew, no less.” A dark chuckle. “Shoulda sailed away when he had the chance.” To someone behind him, he shouted, “Lucky catch, men!”

Killian struggled against them, something angry and feral, landing a blow to the man's gut. The man growled and stumbled, and Killian reared back to hit him again until the man snapped, “Stop fightin’ or the wench dies!” That made Killian freeze, staring at her with icy horror. 

For a moment, Emma and Killian stared at each other, and it felt like time stood still.

Panic rushed through Emma's chest.

Magic.

Magic.

But she had no idea how to use her magic.

And if she took even a step forward, she'd get a sword through her in seconds.

Killian grunted as a second thug grabbed him on his other side, ripping Killian's sword from his sheath.

Panic rose even sharper in Emma's chest.

Killian swallowed, eyes locked onto her. “Go—home,” Killian managed, his eyes pleading and broken, with something in them that looked like goodbye, only making Emma’s eyes burn. 

“Hook—!” breathed Emma, running for him, but froze when three swords pointed in her direction, so close to her it made her stumble back, falling to the ground.

And by the time she made it back to her feet, they were gone.

-.-.-.

Dark had fallen.

The air had chilled. 

But none of it gave her the cold dread inside her chest. 

She’d searched for hours.

But those men obviously knew this forest better than she did, and it was easy to get lost in it. 

Too easy.

She let them take him.

Emma kicked herself.

She should have done something.

She should have done something.

She should have been spending all the time back in Storybrooke learning magic instead of shoving it away.

Because now Killian was gone, and it was all her fault.

She got them stuck in the past.

She was the reason Killian stopped trying to free himself from those bastards.

She was the reason that they may never see each other again.

Emma couldn’t stop seeing his eyes. 

The resignation.

The defeat. 

The horrible, utter sadness.

She was now alone, and she’d never felt this alone in her entire life. 

It was one thing to grow up being alone. 

And it was another thing entirely to find people, to fall for people, and to have them ripped from you.

It was an entirely different thing to know what it felt like to not be alone.

And ever since meeting Killian, more or less after he decided to become a part of something , he’d been practically glued to her side. He’d voluntarily gone back to the land he hated more than anywhere, he’d given up his revenge, he’d found her in freaking New York City —an endeavor Emma still didn’t know how he managed to do—and how he managed to find her in a world he knew hardly anything about?

Emma stopped on the path, feeling the chill of the air. 

Even the air felt different in the Enchanted Forest. It felt… unearthly, which, wasn’t exactly off point. The magic in the land seemed to crackle like a charged atmosphere. The animal sounds, the nightly coos and caws were different, and all this different was unsettling and…

She really, really didn’t want to admit she was scared. 

But Emma didn’t have Mary Margaret with her this time. She didn’t have a princess squad to help her through. And, she didn’t have Hook.

Killian, who was god knew where. 

He might even already be—

No , said a firm voice in her head, trying to quell the hair that raised on the back of her neck at the thought. They wouldn’t have kidnapped him if they were going to be quick about it. 

The idea of him suffering at all…

Emma swallowed, hard, trying to shove down the rush of panic that shook her fingers.

How the hell was she supposed to find him?

She was a complete outsider. 

She not only wasn’t from this town, she wasn’t from this world , and she wasn’t from this time, not by a long shot. 

She was trapped thirty years in the past, and Killian could be anywhere. 

“Go home.”

Emma shut her eyes at Killian’s echo.

Go home.

He wanted her to go home.

He wanted her to leave him here, conjure the portal, and go home.

The very fact that he thought she would made her chest hurt, because how could he think she’d leave him here?

But…

“You really thought I’d let you drown?”

“Given our history, can you blame me for being uncertain? ”

Here she was thinking how he could possibly think she didn’t care about him, when…

“Do you even care about them? Or anyone in this town?”

He said anyone.

He meant me.

And replaying it all, how could she think he’d know she did?

All she’s done since he saved her in New York, was walk away from him.

But she did care.

She more than cared.

And now, she may never —

No.

Emma opened her eyes, ignoring the burn in them.

Determination set into her face, Emma made up her mind without hesitation. 

There was no way she was leaving here without Killian.

The thought of returning to life without him, living without him…

It felt wrong. 

Something about him in her life just made sense. Even now, she felt like something was missing, and suddenly she was wondering how she ever considered leaving her family, leaving him, to go back to New York. 

“Go home.”

She couldn’t go home when he already became her home.

But… 

How on earth—or, how in the Enchanted Forest—was she supposed to find him?

And before they did something terrible and irreversible to him?

“He stole from us last night. Now he’s gon' pay.”

Emma blinked. 

Killian didn’t steal anything from anyone; she knew he hadn’t. He’d been too concerned with messing up the time continuum.

He hadn’t stolen.

But Emma had a pretty good feeling who had.

And Killian was currently paying for his crime. 

Emma smiled grimly, a plan unfolding in her head. 

She started walking, faster this time.

She just hoped the Jolly Roger was still in port. 

-.-.-.

Emma clung to the shadows when she entered the town. 

Thanks to Rumplestiltskin returning her clothes, she was no longer wearing the ragged dress and cloak that they had stolen, and was back in her jeans and leather jacket. Something that, Killian’s voice reminded her, hasn’t come into vogue, ever. So… she had to be careful. They just fixed the timeline; they cannot ruin it all over again.

But Killian was worth that risk.

As she clung to the dark areas of town, Emma was reminded of a younger her, living on the streets, dodging shadowy corners to pitch black alleyways. It was evening, the sky blackening with an array of stars, but the town still bustled with life, mostly around the taverns. 

Emma passed the tavern she and Killian had found his past-self in, and Emma risked a look inside, but he wasn’t there. 

Her heart quickening, Emma suddenly worried he wasn’t even in town.

She picked up her pace, following the path past-Hook had led her down when he’d been her inebriated guide. 

Emma emerged from the cover of an alley, looking up to see the sea, and ships of all sizes moored at the docks. And among them—

Emma felt relief flood her. 

The Jolly Roger. 

She smiled despite herself, picking up her pace. As she got closer, she could see the crew retracting the anchor—

They were leaving. 

Her heart pounding, Emma began to sprint. 

With grunts of heaving, two members of the Jolly’s crew were lifting the gangplank.

It was halfway up when Emma got to it, flinging herself off the dock and onto it, barely making the jump. She slid down the wood, landing in a heap on the deck. 

“What in the blazes—?!”

The two men nearly dropped the gangplank, but managed to finish shutting it, faster, as if worrying that someone else was going to attempt Emma’s jump. 

Her entire body throbbing from the mistreatment, Emma slowly picked herself up from the deck. She quickly noticed at least a dozen pirates were staring at her in shock. 

But a voice broke through the din, and Emma would recognize it anywhere. 

“Well, you don’t bloody see something like that every day.”

-.-.-.

Despite her protests, Emma had been manhandled by two of the crew members and dragged into the Captain’s Quarters a moment after she’d seen him. He’d witnessed her reckless jump onto his ship, but hadn’t said a word to her yet. 

She was currently in the chair opposite his desk, two burly hands on her shoulders keeping her pinned down, and Hook was in his chair behind the desk, staring at her in silence. 

“What are you doing aboard my ship?” he said finally. 

Emma flicked her eyes to the pirate holding her down, then back to Hook. “I’ll tell you, but only you.”

Hook sighed, then flicked his eyes to the man behind her, giving a minute nod and a slight roll of his eyes. Then, when the door clicked shut, he gave her a pointed look.

Emma let out a breath, her heart beating in a frenzy. This Hook was not half as drunk as he was when they last met. His gaze on her was cold and measured and there was no trace of the softness Killian had now. It unnerved her, this air of danger he held, sitting before her. Waiting. 

But Emma swallowed, trying to remember, this is still Killian. Just… buried under two hundred years of pain and resentment. 

It didn’t make her feel better. 

“I need your help.” said Emma at last, holding his gaze. 

His brow lifted, like that was the last thing he’d expected her to say. “My help?” he echoed, lips twisting a little in amusement. “I’m a pirate captain, lass. You’ve mistaken me for someone who gives. Pirates take.”

Emma resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the irony that all he’s done the past two years was give. 

Worry fluttered in her stomach, suddenly wondering if her Killian was all right.

And when did he start being ‘her’ Killian?

Emma let out another breath. “Yeah, that’s actually what brings me here. All I need to know,” said Emma slowly, “is who you stole from last night.” 

She’d thought it through; if she could just get the name or the place of the person who he’d stolen from, she could go find Killian without Hook ever needing to know she was from the future. 

Hook paused. 

Suspicion suddenly gleamed in his eyes. 

He stood, and rounded his desk until he was standing before her. 

The suspicion only deepened in his eyes.

Emma could feel the danger radiate off him like a cologne. 

She was trying not to shrink under his intense gaze when he leaned even closer, his face inches from hers. He searched her eyes.

“You,” he whispered. “I remember you.”

Emma’s heart skipped. “You do?” she breathed. 

She should have known it was irrational to think he meant he remembered knowing her. 

Because his eyes narrowed, coldness in the blue. “You owe me a nightcap, love.”

Emma froze. “Oh,” she said, biting her lip. “Didn’t blame the rum, huh?”

He leaned back slightly, but looked no less predatory. “I’m guessing this is from you as well,” he said, brushing the metal of his hook to his cheek where Killian had hit him. 

Emma winced. “Not exactly—“

He was suddenly in her face again, eyes narrowed, colder than ice. “You were trying to get me drunk. To get on my ship,” he muttered. “Why?”

Oops.

Emma tried to think fast. 

She did not like a version of Killian that scared her, and this one did exactly that. 

As if to prove the point, he raised his hook, tracing her jaw until the tip was underneath her chin, forcing her head up. Emma gasped reflexively, suddenly realizing how bad of an idea this had been. “Tell me,” he hissed, “or this will be rather unpleasant.”

Emma swallowed, trying to stem the rush of fear. To hell with the timeline. “I’m from the future.”

His brow rose sharply, surprise and a little confusion slipping into that cold expression. Clearly time travel was not one of the things he’d expected her to say. 

It was the second time she’d surprised him, and Emma knew he wasn’t an easily surprised man.

Before he could interrupt, she went on, wincing as the sharp tip of his hook stung. “I’m telling you the truth,” she said quickly, fear sending a shiver down her spine. “I’m from… about thirty years in the future. I think. It’s really hard to keep track with all the curses," she finished, which even to her ears sounded like she was crazy.

“Time travel is unheard of.” said Hook, dismissing her whole story.

"You spend two hundred years on an island where time doesn't even exist and this is too crazy for you to imagine?" snapped Emma exasperatedly.

He ignored her. “Now, what are you really doing on my ship? Clearly if you’d gotten what you wanted, you wouldn’t have been daft enough to return.” His eyes looked her up and down, his brow lifting when his eyes reached hers, and Emma glared at him. “And if I had gotten what I wanted, that night would not have ended with you injuring me.” A cold smile. “Well, not in the traditional way, anyway.”

Emma huffed out a breath, almost forgetting just how innuendo-clad he once was. “Look, I’m telling the truth . I need your help to—“ She gasped, the tip of his hook digging slightly deeper. 

“You will tell me what I want to know,” said Hook quietly. He removed his namesake, and Emma winced. “I’ll give you the night to think it over. Lie to me again," his voice lowering, dipping into the personification of danger as his gaze bored into hers, and she tried not to shrink under it, "you’ll be walking the plank in the morning.” He moved away from her, and Emma realized she'd forgotten how to breathe.

“Hook—“ began Emma, but Hook simply barked, “Jenkins!”

The door opened, and one of the men who had dragged her down here walked inside. 

“Take her to the brig.”

Emma’s heart pounded. “No— Hook,” she said quickly as he sat nonchalantly back at his desk. “I need—“

Emma was grabbed from behind and forced out. 

He didn’t look up as they took her. 

But when he thought she was out of sight, she saw him briefly touch his fingers to his lips, something unreadable stirring in his eyes.

-.-.-.-.

Emma waited until she was left alone, and the ship had quieted down enough to suggest the crew was asleep.

They’d bound her hands in front of her, which was their first mistake. 

Feeling a sense of deja vu, Emma felt along the ground until she found something useful. Finding something sharp and thin enough to work, she quickly got to work on the lock to the cage. 

The trouble was opening the door without it creaking, which took her plenty of precious minutes. 

Once free, she left the brig, and quietly made her way to the armory.

It was good that she was familiar with the ship after Neverland. Plenty of hours on the water had her nervous energy getting the better of herself and she’d done some extensive exploring. She’d paced the ship enough to know where its creaky boards were, so she was inside the armory in silence quickly. 

Emma grabbed the first blade she could find—a knife—and freed her hands, then took the gag from her mouth. 

Gripping the knife in her shaking hands, Emma left the armory, walking down the hallway to the door at the very end. 

The Captain’s Quarters. 

Feeling plenty of uncertainty, but needing to know where Killian was, Emma slowly reached for the door handle, glad the ridiculously loud chorus of snoring from the crew covered much of the noise she made. 

Slowly and without breathing, she opened his door. 

Emma shut it just as quietly, and the noise of the snoring was muted. 

Emma turned. 

The cabin was dark. 

And there, lying on his bed, was Hook. Asleep.

She could see him breathe beneath the blanket. 

Carefully, and avoiding every creak in the floor she knew of, Emma crept up to his bed. 

Then, she held the knife an inch from his throat, opening her mouth to wake him.

“Do I need to explain what a nightcap is to you?”

Emma jumped a mile in her skin.

Hook’s eyes were open, and he looked from the knife at his throat to Emma. A raised brow, he deadpanned, “You escaped.”

“You underestimated me.” she countered. He lifted his brow as Emma continued firmly, “I need you to help me.”

“Help me?” he echoed. His eyes flicked from the knife to her eyes. “You’re taking your life in your hands threatening me, lass.” he said dangerously.

“I’m trying to save your life!” snapped Emma.

His brow hitched higher, again flicking his eyes pointedly to the blade, then back at her. 

Emma sighed, removing the knife from his throat. 

He still didn’t move, eyeing her still suspiciously. “How is it you think you’re saving me?” he asked. 

Emma sighed shortly. “Look. I told you I was from the future. I am. I’m from your future. And I didn’t get sent to the past alone.” She took a breath, hoping telling him wouldn’t implode the timeline. But she was scared, she was alone, and without his information, she would never be able to find Killian. She could only hope that after she saved Killian, he’d still exist when they returned to their time. 

Emma sighed. “When I got sent here, you came with me.” she said finally.

Confusion kneaded his brows with honest puzzlement, and for the first time he looked almost like her Killian. “I… what?” he managed.

Emma sighed shortly. “You— future you,” clarified Emma. “You’re here, in the past, too.”

Hook looked lost in thought for a second. Then— “That was bloody real?”

“What was?” asked Emma.

He sat up, regarding her with both suspicion and shock. “The dream I thought I had of you, up until you foolishly returned.” Emma glared at him flatly as he went on, “I saw…”

“Yourself,” finished Emma impatiently. “Yeah. You punched yourself.” At his very perplexed expression, she went on, “I told him—you—it was a bad idea. So, blame yourself.” He blinked in utter confusion. But, at least, he seemed to believe her story. “Look,” said Emma, “we were on our way back to the future when some huge guys kidnapped him because they said he stole something and he needed to ‘pay for it’.” she finished in a bad facsimile of Killian’s abductor’s voice. Her eyes burning into Hook’s, she said, “What did you steal? Who are they and where did they take him?”

“You’re telling me,” said Hook slowly, “that there is a future version of me out here?”

“Yes,” said Emma through gritted teeth. “Now what did you—“

“Tell me, love,” said Hook casually enough, though the coldness in his words was back. “What is my future?”

“I can’t tell you that,” she said exasperatedly. “Already I need to get you a Forgetting Potion to make sure you get to that future.”

He stared at her for a long moment, a million things happening behind guarded eyes. But finally, his brow lifted a fraction. “And I’m just supposed to believe this?" 

Emma groaned. “What proof do you want?” she said impatiently. “Your father abandoned you and Liam; you used to be in the Royal Navy; you became a pirate after what happened to Liam in Neverland; you’re currently on a suicidal mission to kill Rumplestiltskin for taking your hand and Mila—“

“Stop!” 

Emma froze, having been angrily ticking off the trivia on her fingers, to see Hook’s eyes with more emotion than she’s seen from this version of him yet. 

“How do you know all that?” he breathed. For once, his voice lost Hook’s edge, and he sounded like Killian. The danger evaporated from him in seconds, replaced with something almost... lost. “It’s—it's been centuries since—"

“You told me.” said Emma simply. 

“I… told you,” repeated Hook flatly, words rolling off his tongue like something foreign. The edge in his voice swiftly returned as he demanded angrily, “And why the bloody hell would I do that?” 

“How should I know?” snapped Emma, her anxiety getting to her and sharpening her own tone.

He rose to his feet, and Emma did not like the feeling that he was attempting to use his height over hers to intimidate her. He leveled a look at her, with something different in his eyes, something dangerous in a new way. “Tell me one thing, lass," he began, voice casual-sounding, but underlined with something that sent a shiver down her spine, "and maybe I help you.”

“Why wouldn’t you help me?” exclaimed Emma, standing her ground. “You’d be helping you!”

“That remains to be seen.” He stepped toward her, and damn it he didn’t even need the hook to be imposing. “Tell me, lass.” Another step, and Emma felt her back hit the wall, not even realizing she’d been retreating. His gaze bored into hers. “Do I get my revenge?”

Emma swallowed, suddenly feeling a familiar sense of dread as to when the past version of Rumplestiltskin had asked about whether or not he found Neal.

When the silence spread a little too long, she whispered, “Hook—”

“Do I, or not?” he demanded, voice clipped. Cold.

Dangerous.

Emma felt paralyzed.

The Hook—the Killian —standing before her was completely hellbent on getting his revenge. He’s been at it for centuries, and the anger and pain in his eyes overpowered the blue in them, so much so it was hard to remember that Killian and Hook were the same person.

And here, Hook was his vengeance right now.

There was hardly a spark of him.

If she told him the truth, that he not only doesn’t kill his crocodile, but chooses to live peacefully in the same town as the monster? Gives up not only his quest for vengeance, but turns into a hero?

And worse yet, that he lets go of Milah?

For her?

From the amount of anger she’s eliciting from him right now, she doubted he’d be happy to know that information in particular.

So, she decided to tell him the truth.

Or…

Part of it.

“No,” she said finally, watching his brow shift dangerously. “Not yet.”

He searched her eyes, his face like stone. “Not yet?” he repeated, voice low, almost threatening.

Emma swallowed the fear slipping down her spine, hoping she was still as good of a liar as she once was. “Not yet,” she confirmed, which, still, wasn’t a complete lie. She took a breath, holding his gaze, preparing herself. 

And she lied.

“I’m helping you get your revenge in the future,” she said smoothly. “The Dark One is currently living in a realm without magic. He’s vulnerable. I’m helping you get there.” She swallowed, her entire body rigid. Hook was pin-silent as Emma finished, “We accidentally got sent to the past on our way there. That’s why I need you to help me. If you don’t, you will never get your revenge.”

Emma fell quiet, holding her head high, clinging onto confidence she didn’t feel in the slightest.

Killian could read her like an open book.

If this version of him was as perceptive as he comes to be…

If he found her lying to him…

Again …

Emma tried to ignore the fear prickling in her veins.

He held her gaze, pinning her to the spot with his eyes alone. Watching her eyes carefully, his narrowed. 

Finally, he said, “Why are you helping me?”

Emma tried not to flinch at the obvious distaste in his voice. She thought fast, and found something that held nothing but truth. “Because,” she said, “you did me a favor. I’m repaying a debt.”

His brow lifted. “Quite the debt.”

Emma felt something stir in her chest, thinking of all that Killian has done for her. “It was quite the favor,” she said quietly.

His brows kneaded with question, like he wasn’t sure why he would bother to do her a favor.

Emma was quickly becoming irritated with this version of Hook.

“How are you helping me?” he asked then, gaze boring into hers, almost as if he was trying to poke holes into her story to see if it would leak. “Why do I need you?”

It was spoken so carelessly.

And it hurt.

Emma was surprised at the sudden burn behind her eyes.

She’d brushed off Killian’s affections, his obvious devotion to her, more times than she could count. 

And here he was, looking at her like he couldn’t have cared about her less.

How could she have wasted all the time she had with him?

Getting him back now was the longest of long shots, for—and it made sharp fear race down her spine— he could already be dead.

Blinking away the emotion, Emma huffed out a breath, trying not to appear as hurt by his words as she was. “I’ve got Light Magic,” she snapped, making surprise lift his brow. “You’re trying to kill the Dark One. Do the math.”

He stared at her for a long moment, eyes narrowed, danger rolling off him in waves.

Finally, he spoke.

“I help you, and, him,” he muttered, uneasily over what to call his future self, “get back to your time,” he said slowly, “and then I will get what I want most?”

Emma felt the ghost of a smile touch her lips, for she didn’t have to lie for this one. “Yes.” 

He most definitely will. 

-.-.-.-. TBC

@belovedcreation-kitr-headcanon @cssecretsanta2020 @belovedcreation

[andreas-river]

Are request open for a Ghost, Soap, and König reacting to Reader slipping drawings of them anonymously at first until they catch them in the act and then confess they love drawing them because they are special? Feel free to make it Platonic or Romantic <3

A/N: hello Anon! I'm really sorry it took so damn long to make your request, but I was struck by a writer block and well.. I'm finally free! I hope. Anyway, I hope you'll like it!

Warnings: angst, mention of insecurity, fluff, no body description so gn!reader, it can be read as platonic, but romantic too.

════════════════════════════

• Simon "Ghost" Riley

The first time it happened was when he was undressing to take a well-deserved shower after a long and stressful mission: a folded piece of paper slipped out of his pocket and fell to the floor beneath him.

He was surprised to find no words written on it, as he had expected, but only a drawing of himself: it was a pencil sketch, and he was almost mesmerized by the gray strokes of graphite on the paper.

It was... beautiful.

He had never seen himself like that, and yet this drawing was more than just a portrait of him in his usual mask: it was something else.

And it happened again and again, until he was sitting in front of four drawings in a row: the same subject - himself, but in different positions. But he noticed the similarity of the line, how the details were concentrated in the eyes or in the pattern of the mask.

This led him to wonder who this artist might be, who might have the opportunity to be so close to him, and who might have made him let his guard down so low that he never noticed who might be slipping sheets of paper into his pockets.

And that was when a light bulb went on in his head.

The next day, he and the rest of the task force were called in for a briefing on the next mission, and that's when he noticed your presence at his side, realizing only now how comfortable he felt with you. But he stayed focused, waiting for the meeting to end, and noticed that as everyone stood up he felt your hand brush against his pocket, and before I could withdraw it, he blocked it with his and watched everyone leave, until the room was deserted except for the two of you.

On the other hand, you had always been quick and smart enough to never get caught in the act, but as you watched Ghost slowly turn to you with a confused look on his face, you realized that he had caught you.

"Explain yourself."

He watches you sigh and then look up at him again.

"I often draw in my spare time, even small sketches like the ones... you received."

He felt genuinely confused, unable to understand your intentions and whether they were really genuine.

"I used to draw a lot more when I was a kid, and I only drew what was special to me. Like now."

He tilted his head to the side, taking in your words one by one. Her eyes widened at your confession.

"I... am I special?

You nodded, a wide smile on your lips and your eyes slightly shining, looking at him almost in awe.

He had never felt so special before.

◇

• John "Soap" MacTavish

He had never felt so appreciated in his life: he found himself looking at a drawing he had found in his pocket when he returned to his room.

It was a portrait of his face - and though it was not hard to admit how beautiful it was, he began to wonder who had given it to him.

There was no signature, and nothing in the drawing gave him any clue as to who the mysterious artist was.

This led him to spend days, then weeks, trying to figure out who it was: but he never succeeded, and he periodically found himself with new drawings that ended up on his bedside table. He kept them in a perfect pile and often found himself looking at them before bed or in his spare time.

But finally, Soap had the opportunity: he was going to get his things, and as he entered the room, he saw you tucking a folded sheet of paper into one of the pockets of his vest, watching as you tried to be as quiet as possible.

And you hadn't heard him coming, you just felt your heart beating so fast it took your breath away. You felt something brush against your shoulder, making you jump in fright: you found yourself face to face with Soap, who was looking at you with a smile on his lips.

It was impossible that he hadn't seen you.

"Hey - I'm sorry, um-" you found yourself stuttering, trying to apologize even though the words were coming out of your mouth nonsensically.

He approached without a word, his silence and intense blue eyes sending a shiver down your spine.

His words were a whisper, but they had never been so clear. "I would like to see your artistic side more often."

◇

• König

You had never been able to express your feelings through words or even gestures: you had always been introverted, letting your actions speak for you.

It was only in recent years that you had discovered a new form of expression, one that allowed you to express your thoughts, your passions, and everything that you liked on a single white piece of paper.

A paper did not judge, did not give opinions, but rather gave you space and safety to let out what was yours.

Lately, this need had led you to draw the same person over and over again, taking up almost half of your sketchbook.

König was one of the closest person to you, and there had been countless missions you had faced together, as well as moments in which you had shared yourself - often in the silence of the night.

So you had found yourself giving him some of your drawings, hoping it would be a message that he would appreciate and somehow show him how important he was to you.

And indeed, barely a week passed: König was a person who paid attention to what was going on around him, and in fact, your actions were not unnoticed by him. After a few days, he had noticed your drawings, but had decided to wait for the right time to tell you about them, which was not long in coming.

As usual, you were sitting outside, it was night, and the two of you kept each other company, talking about various things. It was there that König found his opportunity.

You did not expect the way he told you about it: you could feel the smile in his words, his eyes almost gleaming, and how much he appreciated your actions.

And that was all you needed, happy that your actions - and more - had been recognized.

[readyforthegarden]

Breakable Heaven - Part Seven

Pairing: Danny Wagner x Female Reader

Synopsis: Being the maid of honor in your best friends wedding is already stressful enough without the best man being the ex-boyfriend who tore your heart to shreds. Stumbling across a dating app with dates for hire, you take a chance, inviting a perfect stranger to pretend to be your boyfriend for the weeklong celebrations. But how long can the charade last when the champagne starts pouring and feelings start growing?

Warnings: drinking, swearing, smut: fingering(f!receiving), penatrative sex. being accosted by a drunk person, slapping 18+ MINORS DO NOT INTERACT!

A/N: Thank you everyone for your patience as I worked through a little block and got back into the rhythm! I'm hoping to be back on Wednesdays because that means the very last update will be on Valentines Day which is ALSO Wagner Wednesday, and how cute is that?! Anyway, this chapter is hot and heavy right at the beginning, so enjoy!

WC: 6747

There was no awkward conversation, no uneasiness between you and Danny the next morning, like you thought there may have been. There really hadn’t been time for conversation. Danny kept true to his promise of keeping up, small periods of rest, slight dozing before another round. You were sure you couldn’t continue on, yet the next morning, you were pressed back against the shower tiles as Danny’s long fingers pumped in and out of you, moaning prayers in the shape of his name into his mouth. 

Your hair products and the steam from the hot water filled the bathroom with a lavender haze, one you simply refused to try and fight. Your fingers gripped into his slick skin trying to keep yourself upright as your knees buckled beneath you. Feeling his back muscles flex under your grip, you whined as his thumb pressed against your clit, rubbing small circles around it. 

“You make the sweetest sounds, honey.” Danny mumbled into your mouth as you gasped when he curled his fingers inside, hitting that sweet spot that made your toes curl.

“God, Danny,” your panting was becoming more rapid, and you tore your mouth away from his to rest your forehead on his shoulder, concentrating on the feeling building in your sore muscles. Shivers ran down your body, and you weren’t entirely sure if it was from the cool tiles or the beginning ripples of your orgasm shooting through your body. Your answer came as Danny pressed down with his thumb, directly on your clit, letting the friction of his thrusting hand rub it and send you into oblivion. “God, fuck!” you lifted your head only enough to bite down on Danny’s shoulder as your walls clenched around his fingers. Your legs felt like jelly, and Danny’s arm slid between you and shower tiles, holding you upright as he let you ride it out. 

“I’ve got you, I’ve got you honey,” he whispered softly, pressing small, chaste kisses above your ear, inhaling your lavender scent. Releasing his shoulder from your mouth, you tucked  your head into his chest as the warm water sprayed down around you, trying to catch your breath. You barely registered him sliding his fingers that were inside of you into his mouth, cleaning them off before wrapping around your waist and holding you up more firmly.

As you stood in the shower, you could feel his hard length pressing against your abdomen, twitching between you as one of his hands slid down your back and began gently kneading one of your cheeks. Raising your head, you looked up at him with tired eyes that betrayed everything you were about to say.

“I could go again,” your voice was meek, yet laced with desire, and Danny smirked down at you. 

“We don’t have to, baby,” he brushed water off your face. You could already feel the ache of want starting up. His fingers, you had learned, were incredibly talented, but they were no match for the real thing.

“I want it, Danny,” you lifted your chin the best you could and puckered your lips, meeting him in a kiss before trailing your lips down the curve of his jaw. “I need to feel you one more time,” Danny’s eyes flickered darkly before he kissed you roughly, cupping your face in his hands. When he pulled away, he turned you and pressed you back against the tiles, colder now to your skin since you’d been fully in the hot water. He tugged your hips back, using his own knee to spread your legs a bit further apart before running the head of his cock up and down your slit, gathering your wetness. 

You tried to hide the quiet, sharp hiss as he pressed into you, your muscles sore and beginning to ache. Danny froze, one of his hands leaving your hips and pulling your damp hair across your back and leaning forward, pressing a kiss to your shoulder blade. 

“Honey, I mean it, I don’t want to hurt you,” Danny murmured to you. A small whine left your throat as you wiggled your hips. 

“You won’t,” you sighed as he stilled your hips. “Please,” Danny continued peppering kisses down your shoulder before leaning into your ear. 

“You stop me if you need to, okay?” he continued softly. “Promise?”

“I promise.” Danny kissed your cheek before straightening up, sliding against you again before gently easing himself inside you. At last, you felt him fully inside you, and you sighed. Have you ever felt so complete with anybody else? Had anyone else been able to satisfy you as many times as Danny had and yet have you so insatiable? Your body shivered as Danny slowly withdrew from you and pushed back in, a soft moan falling from his lips as he slid back into your warmth.

“So fucking good,” he groaned, the grip on your hips tightening. He quickened his pace, and you could feel your body sliding against the wet tiles with each pump of his hips, your cheek sure to have an indent line from the grout. The fire was alive and well in your belly, though you weren’t quite sure that it had ever been put out since you and Danny had finally gotten your hands on one another. 

The soreness between your legs lingered, but the push and pull of Danny’s cock was intoxicating, you couldn’t care about anything else, you didn't have the capacity to think about anything as his hips picked up pace, sharp breaths spilling out between his grit teeth. 

Needing to feel another part of him, you moved one of your hands from the wall of the shower, reaching blindly behind you, your fingertips grazing the skin of his abdomen, scratching at the hairs that led down to his pelvis. Danny let go of your hips with one hand, grabbing your wrist and holding it behind your back, a slight tug that stretched you and caused you to moan loudly. The echo in the bathroom was lost on you, though to Danny’s ears it rang through them, he wanted to have the sound of your voice sighing and moaning and whimpering playing in his ears at all times. It made his heart beat madly in his chest, urging him to do whatever he could to hear it even more. 

“Danny,” his name on your lips and tongue was heavenly, he squeezed his eyes closed, committing it to memory, your exact tone and timbre, so he could play it on loop in his mind the next time he was alone at night. His hands had already done the job of memorizing your body, and he found himself amazed and gratified that everywhere he touched, he fit perfectly. His hands cupped the swells of your hips and the dip of your waist perfectly. His body fit with yours like a puzzle piece, and he found himself thinking at one point if it was possible you had been made for one another.

Unbeknownst to him, you’d thought the exact same thing in the night, tangled up in his arms and legs, both of you catching your breath between pressing sloppy, lazy kisses to the other's skin. You fit so well against him, and you couldn’t help but notice how perfectly full you felt with him inside you. 

You could feel Danny getting close, his thrusts were getting faster, less rhythmic. He was grunting into your ear, coaxing himself along while all you could do was whimper and moan, everything coming out staccato from the jostling of your body. 

“Give it to me, please Danny,” you gasped out, looking over your shoulder the best you could. His eyes were still screwed shut in concentration but he gave you a little nod, his wet curls bouncing as he did. All too soon, Danny withdrew himself, panting sharply as he came on your bare back, the sudden warmth on the cold skin of your lower back causing you to gasp.

Hearing splashing, you saw out of the corner of your eye as Danny stepped back, going to the shower wall next to you and leaning back against it, panting. One hand rested over his heart, the other his stomach. His eyes were still shut, and you took the opportunity to gawk at him. He looked like a statue of some god from another time, muscles defined as if chiseled from stone. His head tilted back, causing his curls to fall back away from his face. His jawline was sharp as his mouth hung open, taking in as much air as his lungs could in the humid space. You felt he was the most beautiful thing you’d ever seen. 

After a few moments, his eyes slowly opened, immediately finding you and his lips turned up into a smile as he watched you blush from getting caught. You pushed away from the wall yourself, stepping over to him and wrapping your arms around his waist, leaning up to leave a trail of kisses along his chest and neck. His hands rested on your upper back, and once he had enough breath in his chest, he leaned down and kissed your lips.

“Satisfied, honey?” smiling against his lips, you nodded, pulling back. You looked up at him, tired eyes glimmering. 

“For now,” you replied softly, watching him smirk back. 

“Well, let’s get you cleaned up again, I think some breakfast will do us good.” Danny eased you back under the spray, making sure to grab your washcloth and load it back up with soap, giving your body another rub down with it. 

Once both of you were properly cleaned and rinsed, you realized you’d run late for the scheduled brunch that morning. You and Danny ran around as much as your exhausted bodies would let you, throwing on clothes and halfway drying your hair. 

Danny’s hand slipped firmly into yours as you walked down to the restaurant, and you couldn’t help but feel there was something different in his grip. There was more purpose behind it as his fingers entwined with yours and squeezed gently. You walked closer to him, too, as your steps fell in line with one another. You hadn’t cared that your hair was still damp or you only threw on a bit of mascara with your dress, because Danny’s curls were still as damp, and he looked down to you and grinned and suddenly it didn’t matter anymore. 

It wasn’t until you entered the small banquet area that you got anxious, seeing everyone already seated and eating, chattering amongst themselves while you and Danny walked in. 

“There they are!” Mike grinned. “Good morning!” you and Danny smiled and took your seats, saying your good mornings back. The table was set up family style, and Danny wasted no time grabbing your plate and beginning to pile scrambled eggs onto it, checking silently if you wanted bacon or sausage before placing a few strips on your plate with a smattering of mixed fruit and a slice of toast. He loaded his up as well and dug in as you sipped from the water glass in front of you, catching Olivia’s eye. She looked at you like a cat that finally caught a mouse she’d been chasing, cornered and ready to pounce.

“I’m surprised you’re sitting so well,” Olivia smirked over her champagne glass at you when she finally opened her mouth. Taking in your confused expression, she set down the glass before leaning close. “I came by your room last night to see if you were okay.” A fire red blush ignited on your cheeks, spreading down your chest. “I had the lobby give me a spare key card.”

“You didn’t,” you shot a look at your best friend, who only continued to grin more.

“I opened the door after you didn’t answer, and heard enough to know you were fine.” she grinned. “More than fine, actually.”

“Liv,” you shot her a look, softly warning her. “We’re at breakfast.”

“Oh, I know, you’re famished.” she winked, nodding to Danny who had nearly wolfed down his entire plate already. She then leaned in closer. “And it confirmed every theory I’ve had.” you looked at her puzzled again. “The dick was so good he left you brain dead.” Olivia batted her lashes. Clearing your throat, you realized she wasn’t wrong. Quite a few times last night you were left speechless. 

“You’re absolutely right, Liv,” you nodded, stabbing a piece of melon with your fork and shoving it in your mouth, chewing as slowly as possible so you didn’t have to engage again. It wasn’t until Danny was going for a second helping that you really looked up from your plate again, noting two other empty place settings towards the other end of the table. You nudged Danny’s elbow and he looked at you, slightly offended you almost made him spill food on the table until you nodded and he followed your vision.

Mike cleared his throat and caught both of your attentions as Danny settled back in his chair. 

“I kicked Gavin out of the wedding.” he informed you and Danny. “After you left dinner, he started going off on the rest of us and I just couldn’t do it anymore.” you nodded and looked down at the table. You couldn’t help but feel a little guilty for the way things went down.

“Don’t you dare,” Olivia reached out, grabbing your hand under the table and clutching it in hers. “I know that look, don’t you dare feel like you’re responsible for that dicks behavior.”

“Olivia is right,” Mike agreed. He looked you dead in the eye as he spoke again. “And I’m sorry that you dealt with it for so long.”

“Thank you,” you accepted Mike’s apology, knowing it was heartfelt. 

“That leads me to another situation, though.” Mike glanced at Danny. “I’m short a groomsman.” Danny blinked a few times before Olivia sighed.

“Danny, will you step in please?” Olivia gripped your hand like she was begging you instead. “I cannot have an uneven line up in my photos, it will haunt me forever, please?” Danny’s eyes were wide.

“I-I don’t even have a suit, I don’t-”

“We’ll figure that out, and I’ll pay for whatever it takes.” Mike joined in on the pleading. “Please, Danny?” Danny looked from the couple down to you. You just gave him a small shrug, not wanting to force him into anything he wasn’t comfortable doing. 

“You won’t have to awkwardly make small talk with any of the other family or dates,” Olivia chimed in, trying to sweeten the pot. 

“Okay, I’ll do it.” Danny smiled softly. Agreeing to be in the wedding of people he’d only known a week was a little crazy, but then again, here he was, head over heels for someone he’d known just as long. In Danny’s opinion, time was an illusion. After breakfast, Danny was whisked off, back into town to try and find a last minute suit to match the rest of the groomsmen, and you were taken back to Olivia’s room with her and the other bridesmaids, going over the itinerary for the next day.

You couldn’t help your mind wandering as the planner started rattling off details you’d memorized before you set foot in the vineyard. Every time you moved, there was a tender feeling in all of your muscles, and you kept remembering images of Danny surrounding you. His face glancing up at you from between the valley of your breasts as he marked a path down your body, his doe eyes shining with mischief. His strong arms wrapped around you as he sat on the edge of the bed, helping guide your body in a rhythm while your hands were tangled up in his curls. You felt like Danny was your first taste of something addicting, and you couldn’t wait to get more. 

It wasn’t until you felt a push on your shoulder that you left your memories, looking over to Olivia, who was smirking at you once again. You hadn’t realized the small meeting was over, and the other bridesmaids had left, leaving you and your best friend alone.

“Whatcha thinking about?” she grinned, batting her eyes and leaning forward.

“What do you think?” you rolled your eyes. 

“You have skipped all the details for so long, and now I’ve heard it myself, you have to tell me!” Olivia squealed. 

“Fine,” you sighed. “That man is the best I’ve ever had. He’s loving and caring and in the same breath he’s this sexy force of nature. He’s unlike anyone else. Danny is very good at finding all the buttons to press exactly when you need them pressed.”

“Sounded like it,” Olivia waggled her eyebrows. She continued to ask her questions, and this time you answered, sparing a few details here and there. Meanwhile, Danny was having a conversation of his own while waiting in a fitting room alone.

“You’re what?!” Sam’s brows were furrowed in disbelief as Danny shrugged on the other end of the screen. “Daniel, that’s insane.”

“I know, I know, but I couldn’t let them down.” Danny smiled sheepishly. “Besides, it means I can spend more time with her and I don’t have to walk aimlessly around while she’s busy during the cocktail hour.”

“I guess, man,” Sam sighed. “If anything, this’ll make a good story for Jake and Josh. I may have let slip what was going on with you this week.” Danny shook his head at Sam’s apologetic grimace.

“It’s fine, it’s fine.” Danny grinned. “I uh…I think you’re all going to meet her soon.” Danny watched as there was movement on the screen, and Sam glanced back to the camera with wide eyes. “I may have taken your advice, made a move.”

“Daniel!” Sam grinned back. “What did she say? Did she say yes?”

“Um..” Daniel tried to fight the smile and Sam laughed loudly. “One thing led to another…and then another…and then another…”

“So she does feel the same for you then?” Sam smirked.

“I’m pretty confident she does, yeah.” Danny felt a small blush warm his cheeks, thinking of the way you looked at him in the shower this morning. It was more than lust and desire, there was something deeper behind your eyes, and he knew he felt the exact same. In fact he was itching to get back to the hotel and see you again. 

“I’m happy for you, Daniel.” Sam nodded. “You look really, really happy and if you’re jumping into someone's wedding just to help her and her friends out, she must be an amazing woman.”

“She is.”

“Hey Danny, I’ve got another suit for you!” Mike called from behind the door. 

“Okay!” Danny turned back to Sam’s bemused face. “I’ll talk to you later, Sam.”

“Bye lover boy!” Sam waggled his fingers towards the camera on his phone before hanging up, leaving Danny to toss his phone onto the chair in the dressing room, opening the door and taking the suit Mike handed him.

“I think that one will work, it’s not quite perfect, but it’s close enough I don’t think Liv’s eye will twitch when she looks back at photos.” Mike laughed as Danny closed the door to start getting dressed.

“I’m glad you guys didn’t come back to dinner last night.” Mike’s voice was muffled through the door. Danny tugged on the dress pants, zipping them as he listened. “Gavin and Naomi started to argue with Olivia and I, and my parents. Even my dad was upset and finally snapped, and told them to leave. It was a nightmare.” 

“It wouldn’t have done anyone any good for us being back there.” Danny shook his head, though Mike couldn’t see it. He buttoned the shirt closed before pulling on the suit jacket. “I think I’m allowed to say it now, but if I could’ve, I would’ve knocked Gavin out, given the chance.” 

“Me too.” Mike sighed. “It’s unfortunate it had to be this way, but we couldn’t stand by and let his behavior continue. My parents and his parents will just have to deal.” Danny checked himself in the mirror before opening the door and stepping out.

“What do you think?” Danny stood in front of Mike, who looked him up and down and nodded.

“Works for me,” he said. “We’ll get you a dark green tie and socks and we’ll be on our way.”

Back at the vineyard, once Olivia was done pumping you for details, you made your way back to your room, picking up the trail of clothes that had been left behind in the rush. The bed had been remade, and you felt a bit of embarrassment that the housekeepers had to step over your discarded panties and clothes and change the twisted and tangled sheets. 

You had changed into some cozier clothes, popping an ibuprofen to help your sore muscles before settling into the couch in the living area, turning on the TV to occupy your time. Getting bored easily, you only later half an hour before you turned it off again, getting up and wandering back to the bathroom. 

It took less than a second for you to turn on the faucet on the jacuzzi tub, grabbing the bottle of complimentary bubble bath and pouring a good amount under the running water. Padding back to the bedroom, you grabbed your phone and earbuds, putting together a playlist on your music app while the tub filled. Once you were happy, you put in your earbuds and pressed play, stripping down and lowering your body into the hot water. 

“I don’t know another way to explain it, Sam.” Danny sighed into his phone. Once he had parted from Mike, Danny decided to call his best friend back, walking his way slowly up the stairs to your room. There were still things he wanted to talk through in his newly limited free time. “I feel so…like full when I’m with her.”

“Daniel, you’re in looooove.” Sam’s voice was sing-songy as he replied. Danny stopped in his tracks, staring at the floor in front of him. Normally he would think the accusation was ludacris, how could he be in love with someone he barely knew? But the flutter in his heart told him Sam’s teasing was true. 

“I am,” Danny grinned. “It’s insane but Sam, I’ve fallen absolutely in love with her.” 

“Yes!” Sam cheered. “It’s about time you opened that heart back up.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Danny chuckled, rolling his eyes and continuing on towards your room. 

“I can’t wait to meet her,” Sam continued. “Tell her all your embarrassing stories from school and tour.”

“Hey, don’t scare her off before we’ve had a chance to make it official.” Danny muttered as he slid his keycard in the door. The living room was quiet, and Danny figured you were still with Olivia. 

“It’s better to come from me, you know how Josh gets excited when he tells stories, it’s a lot of embellishment.” Sam reasoned with an indignant sniff. There was noise on the other end of the line and he paused. “What was that?”

“I don’t know.” Danny also paused, hearing a humming noise coming from the bedroom. He draped his garment bag over the arm of the couch and stepped closer to the doors, opening them slowly. Nothing greeted him but a perfectly made bed, and he furrowed his brow before glancing at the bathroom, seeing a light escaping through a crack in the door. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, will you please stand? With every guitar string scar on my hand, I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover!” Danny slowly peeked in, glad Sam’s call back was only audio as Danny’s eyes were greeted with you, eyes closed and relaxing under a mountain of frothy bubbles. He could see the earbuds nestled in your ears and your shoulders swaying as you sang along to the song. “My heart's been borrowed and yours has been blue. All's well that ends well to end up with you. Swear to be overdramatic and true to my lover!” Danny winced slightly when your voice went sharply off key on the word true, exclaiming it as dramatically as the blonde songstress who wrote it, but his grin remained plastered to his face. 

“Jesus,” Sam cringed into the phone. “Are you still in love after that?”

“Yeah,” Danny nodded, though Sam couldn’t see. “Yeah I am.” A squeal echoed in the bathroom as Danny focused back on you. You’d opened your eyes, startled by his sudden presence and took the earbuds out, staring at him with a deep scarlet blush as you placed them on the side of the tub.

“How long have you been there?” you asked quietly. 

“Not long at all,” Danny answered simply. “I heard some noise and just wanted to check it out.”

“I’m okay.” your eyes went to the phone in his hand and you covered your mouth. “Are you on the phone?!”

“...Yeah,”

“How much did you hear?” you asked, biting your bottom lip.

“Everything!

“Nothing!!” Sam confirmed as Danny denied. You could hear Sam’s voice over the phone and put your hands over your whole face, groaning before sucking in a deep breath and letting your body slide down the tub and submerge yourself fully underwater. Danny laughed to himself before leaving the bathroom.

“Alright, I gotta start getting ready for this rehearsal dinner. If I don’t talk to you tomorrow, I’ll see you next week?”

“For sure, Daniel. Have fun, be safe!” Danny could practically hear the wink in Sam’s voice as they hung up. Danny could hear you resurfacing in the bath and starting to let it drain. He wasn’t quite sure what to do with himself, so he settled on sitting on the bed, waiting for you to exit the bathroom. When you did, you were wrapped in a robe, your damp hair hanging around your shoulders. You still had a sheepish blush about you as you made eye contact with him.

“Safe to say you won’t be asking me for harmonies any time soon, huh?” you chuckled, trying to ease your embarrassment. 

“Actually, I thought you were amazing.” Danny pushed back, a smirk on his face as you rolled your eyes. “In fact, I think you should replace Josh in our band.”

“Oh yeah?” you moved forward, climbing onto the bed and making yourself eye level with the little liar. “Maybe you’ll win a grammy with me in the band.”

“I’d love another one.” Danny grinned as you bumped the tip of his nose with yours. 

“Oh, you already have one?” you quirked an eyebrow. “Damn, Mike and Olivia have no idea they’ve got a superstar in their wedding.”

“I’m happy to help,” Danny shrugged. You shifted, moving from your hands and knees to straddling his lap. “Sam said you must be amazing to be worth all this.” Danny smiled as he wrapped his arms around your waist. Your eyes shone up at him, a small smile gracing your lips.

“You told him about me?” your voice was soft but excited. You had been at the disadvantage that Olivia was literally with you on this trip, but Danny’s friends were states away. You hadn’t really thought of him talking to them about you or even the wedding, since it was supposed to be more a secret on his part.

“Once or twice, yeah.” Danny looked at you, brushing a damp wave away from your face. “I figured I better tell him before he sees me walking through the airport holding hands with some strange girl when he picks me up.”

“True,” you shrugged. “Though what a story we could make up for that, huh?”

“Mm, went to a vineyard, got drunk, hooked up with this girl and brought her home.” Danny nodded. “Sounds solid.”

“Oh no, you’d have married me to bring me home,” you shook your head. “I want that rockstar money, and sit in the penthouse I’d think you have while you work your ass off on tour.”

“Oh, my new wife would be sorely disappointed when she got back to see my one bedroom condo.” Danny laughed. You faked a desolate sigh, sitting back with a pout.

“She’ll live, I guess.” the two of you devolved into a fit of giggles. There was a small feeling of uncertainty that lingered between you, at least, in your heart. Joking about a fake future with Danny left you wondering briefly if after the wedding tomorrow, if that very next morning, he would still be interested. You weren’t immune to the fact the both of you were in a bubble of proximity, and that had a major impact on things. 

What if you boarded that plane back home and once there, he realized he just got caught up in the act? 

“Speaking of weddings,” you cleared your throat, rolling your shoulders back and ignoring the nagging feeling in your stomach. “We should start getting ready for the rehearsal.”

“Yeah,” Danny agreed softly. His hands were still on your waist, and his body was in no rush to move. “We should,” neither of you shifted a muscle, content to stay as you were for a few seconds longer. Finally you broke the connection, moving to get off the bed.

“If I don’t do something with this hair now, it’s going to frizz.” you sighed, walking back into the bathroom, leaving Danny to get ready in the bedroom by himself.

“If we have to walk down this aisle one more time tonight I’m going to hang myself from the rafters.” you groaned, leaning on Thomas, who’d been upgraded to best man in the wake of Gavin and Naomi’s departure. 

“I’m sure we only have to do it a few hundred more times before Olivia is satisfied.” Thomas replied with a yawn.

“I’m starving, dinner was supposed to be an hour ago.” you whined, feeling your stomach grumble.

“Okay, just one more time guys! I just want to make sure we have the timing down perfectly!” Olivia called out, passing everyone to situate herself at the end of the line. Her long, white silk dress cascaded around her already making her look like a beautiful bride in her panic. As you glanced forward at the start of the procession, you caught Danny’s eye as he was turned slightly  where he stood next to Mila, talking softly. When he noticed you, he sent you a wink, making you smile before the music started, and he turned back around at attention, linking arms with Mila.

Olivia’s one more time turned into three more, and finally she was satisfied enough to release you all for dinner. You were back on Danny’s arm, walking with your hand in his back from the chapel to the small restaurant banquet room, dreaming of whatever entree was being served. Olivia and Mike were only a few steps ahead of you both, talking and laughing when suddenly Olivia gasped, stumbling on the stone pathway.

“Oh god dammit!” she cried. Rushing over, you feared the worst, that she’d broken her ankle and would have to hobble down the aisle in a cast or brace. Luckily Mike had caught her, and he was staring down at her shoes, lifting up the hem of her dress. “I knew I should’ve waited for tomorrow to wear these! Now my wedding shoes are ruined!” you looked at where she nodded, the small heel of her pump was broken, hanging off the back of the shoe.

“Don’t worry!” moving back, you handed your small clutch to Danny after sliding out your keycard. “I brought a bunch of stuff in case of an emergency on the wedding day, and super glue was one of them! It’s just in our room, I’ll be right back!”

“Do you want me to come with you?” Danny offered, turning back as you moved to the staircase, you shook your head with a smile. 

“I’ll be right back!” your own heels echoed on the stone steps and Danny and Mike escorted Olivia into the restaurant. You had two things on your mind as you made your way to your room. Retrieving the super glue from your emergency bag, and getting back as quickly as possible to dinner to find out whatever was causing the mouthwatering smell in the lobby. You hadn’t noticed a shadow looming over your own once you turned the corner towards your room, and was startled when a hand grabbed your upper arm. A sharp gasp pulled from your throat as you spun around to see Gavin standing there, eyes red, and clothes rumpled. “Gavin, what are you doing here?!”

“I-I need to talk to you,” he looked as if he’d been crying, and you pulled yourself from his grasp as he swayed a bit, the stench of whiskey on his breath.

“You’re drunk, Gavin. You shouldn’t be here, Mike and Olivia kicked you out.”

“Naomi left me.” he ignored your speech, only looking at you with what you could only describe as the worst attempt at puppy dog eyes you’d ever seen. 

“Good for her,” you rolled your eyes, turning around to leave him in the hall and finish your mission, but he grabbed you again, this time winding his arms around your waist tightly.

“She wasn’t you, babe.” Gavin sniffled. “I’m so sorry I ever wanted her, I’m sorry babe.” you grimaced as he started crying again, feeling nothing but disgust for the man trying to hold onto you. Your palms flat against his chest, you tried to push yourself out of his grasp, but Gavin was strong.

“Gav, let me go,” you demanded, trying to keep calm. 

“Come back to me?” Gavin leaned in towards you as you moved away, trying to shuffle out of his grasp, but only managing to turn yourselves around. “Baby we were so good together, I’m sorry I lied, you were the best thing I ever had.”

“Gavin, that’s very nice, but I’ve moved on, I’m not interested.” you pushed his chest again, but he was solid. It was like slow motion, as Gavin closed his eyes and leaned towards your face, lips puckered. 

“I think I’m gonna go check on her,” Danny told Mike and Olivia after they joked you must’ve gotten lost on your way back to your room.. You’d taken a bit longer than it should’ve to get a tube of super glue. He was starting to get concerned that maybe the stone floors had taken you out as well. Getting up from his seat, he placed his napkin on the table next to his plate, and left the restaurant.

As he made his way up the steps, he thought to himself about making you even later. Surely a few moments of kissing couldn’t cut into a simple shoe repair time that much. Danny nearly skipped up the last few stairs, giddy at the idea of pressing you against the door and smudging that perfect berry lipstick you wore. As he turned the corner, he stopped dead in his tracks. He saw you, wrapped in Gavin’s embrace. Gavin’s face was close to yours, his eyes flickered up and he smirked before leaning in closer. You didn’t seem to protest the movement, though he couldn’t see your face. Danny turned around, feeling his heart shatter in his chest.  

Of course you would get back with Gavin. Of course Danny would let down his walls, and let himself fall in love with a perfect stranger and think that it meant anything. Of course he would blindly follow his heart straight into heartbreak. Danny’s feet moved of their own accord, taking him back downstairs and straight out the front doors, the cool night air hitting his face. He couldn’t go back and sit with everyone just yet.

A sharp smack echoed in the hallway. Gavin stumbled back from you, hands now cupping his cheek. Your nostrils flared in anger, hand stinging from the harsh slap that had been long overdue. 

“Don’t you ever think you can kiss me,” you seethed at your ex. “Ever again. You’re a sad, drunken loser, and I am so happy to be rid of you.” Gavin just whimpered and sniffled, still slightly in shock. “Now fuck off.” 

Pushing past him, you continued your journey to your room, making sure to lock the door behind you before searching for your emergency kit. You gave yourself a little time, one, to make sure Gavin had left the hallway, and two, to shake off your adrenaline. Tonight wasn’t a night for fighting with your ex, it was Olivia and Mike’s night, and you weren’t going to draw attention away if you didn’t have to. 

When you made your way back to dinner, glue in hand, Danny’s seat at the table was empty, and you looked at it puzzled.

“Where’s Danny?” you asked as you sat, holding out your hand for Olivia’s pump and trading her for a pair of flats you’d grabbed before leaving your room.. She smirked as she took the offered shoes and handed you hers. 

“Probably counting down the seconds until it doesn’t look like you two had a quickie.” she winked as you rolled your eyes. 

“I would have had to see him to have a quickie, Liv.” you laughed. “He’s probably in the bathroom.” 

“Suuuurre.” Olivia giggled, looking unconvinced as she took a sip of her champagne. You got to work gluing her heel back to her shoe, holding the pieces together tightly for a few minutes until Danny finally rejoined you at the table. 

“Hey,” you smiled at him, and he only returned it in a nod, barely a twitch of his lips. Your eyebrows knit together in confusion at his sudden mood change. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just took a walk outside for a few minutes.” Danny answered, reaching over his plate for his glass of water. “Not feeling very well.” you frowned and pouted, your hands full as he picked up his fork, pushing his food around his plate a bit. 

After a bit, you were finally full, having fixed the shoe and let it set, and dug into your meal. Mike’s father stood up, clinging his glass with his fork and catching everyone's attention.

“I know tomorrow will be full of speeches so I’ll keep this brief.” he said, “Aside from a few less than ideal situations, this week has been a beautiful reflection of the love Michael and Olivia share with one another, and the love that they share with their closest friends. I’d like to raise a glass in a toast to that, what brought us here today, and keeps us going for all of our days; Love. To Love!” 

Everyone raised their champagne glasses up, repeating the sentiment before sipping the bubbly spirit. 

“To love,” Danny muttered to himself, watching you out of the corner of his eye as you giggled with Olivia over something. He clenched his jaw as he swallowed down the sweet liquid, the bubbles falling flat on his tongue. ‘More like heartbreak.’ he thought to himself. Having enough of the merriment in his state, Danny pushed back from the table, catching your attention.

“Everything okay babe?” Danny’s heart splintered at the pet name, something he once longed to hear from you know feeling hollow. Danny cleared his throat as he stood and nodded.

“Yeah, I think I’m just going to go and lay down,” he answered. 

“I’ll come with you,”

“No,” Danny stopped you from getting up from your seat. “You should stay, enjoy dessert. I’ll be fine.” you looked hurt, and that hurt Danny, but he couldn’t stand the thought of being alone with you right now. And that’s where he left you. He made his way back to your shared room, changing out of his clothes and into his pajamas before climbing into bed. It was too late to really call Sam, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to admit the embarrassment to him quite yet. Danny settled against his pillow, closing his eyes and trying his best to ignore the wafting scent of lavender coming from yours only a few inches over. All he had to do was make it through tomorrow, and it would be over. He’d wake up early, book a flight home after the reception, and spare any more awkwardness for both of you.

He just had to make it through the wedding.

Taglist: (feel free to add yourself!)

@joshsindigostreak @sinners-go-to-drink-the-wine @ascendingtostardust @sammysprincess @sammykiszkamyass @belovedsamuel @sunfl0wer-power @indigo-starcatcher @sammyscherub @earthlysorrows @allieisacrybaby @losfacedevil @xserenax-13 @sarakay-gvf @shutupdevvie @myownparadise96 @watchingovergvff @gretavanfleetposts @josiee-gvf @joshkiszkatoothgap @madneedshelp @gardensgatedaisy @demonrat444 @dannyandthekiszkas @tearsofbri @paleshadow-ofadragon @happy-harpy-stuff @like-a-woman-in-a-dream @starshine-wagner @objectsinspvce @josh-iamyour-mama @mountain-in-springtime @cal-a-bungaa @capturethechaos @gvfpal

@allybjt @hippievanfleet @weightofbrokenbells @joshkiszkasbadussy @malany-gvf @ruby0antlers @samofthedawn @sacredjake @aim4thedoublee @diditallforyouu @gvfmarge @highladyofasgard @sammysvanfeet @gold-mines-melting @earthgrlsreasy @mountain-in-springtime @forcebond301 @stardust-and-shadows @llightmyllovee @gretavangroupie @comesofarsomehow @infinisonicosm @indigofallingsky @hellowgoodbye @hearts-hunger @fwzco @dharma-divine33 @lightsofthe-living-gvf @ascendingtothestarsasone @klarxtr @ofthecaravel @musicspeaks @radmads-gvf @the-starcatcher @shineforever19 @earthgrlsreasy @demonrat444 @misshunnybee @valleydollgvf @brookes-so-done @age0fwagner @amethystars @mindastreamofcolours @peaceloveunitygvf @gvfsstardust @imleavingyoufornewyork

[beesmygod]

"A GHOST STORY" IS A WEBCOMIC I MAKE THAT I WILL BE RE-POSTING, GRADUALLY.

the top row is from 2013. the bottom row is the re-draw from 2018. man what the hell was i on when i was doing the shadows in the re-draw. i've never had a good grasp on how top make shading effective and i'm lucky people paid this comic any attention lol. AVGN voice: WHAT WAS SHE THINKING!!!!!!!

one thing i tried to do in the re-draw was make my sound effects more visually consistent: no more red unless it's influenced by magic or the sound being onomatopoeia'd has a strong association with the color red (like a siren) and using palooka BB for clunky, "heavy" sounds. typesetting is not my strong suit, at all. it's a harder thing to get an education on outside of classes specifically designed for it and i think a lot of it is intuition. i did not pay enough attention to how i did my sound effects early on, wielding them haphazardly without enough care about HOW the sound actually sounds. and by extension, how to transfer those nuances onto the page.

part of that is because typesetting is very boring lol. it's the least fun part of the process for me because it involves a lot of minuscule futzing with font sizes, angles, outlines, ect looking for something that "looks/feels right". or at least right enough. and i have to do it without hearing any other sounds or else i can't concentrate. anything involving words requires me to lock myself in my office and run simulations in my brain like i'm super-computing.

actually, one good thing about revisiting these old pages is that i'm becoming more aware of the things i do think about while making pages now. i def was just thinking "GET SOMETHING ON A PAGE IN ORDER FOR THE STORY TO PROGRESS" at the time. which is good! but the bare minimum for comics. getting the idea onto the page and shipping it is all it takes to make a comic. but im trying to make good comics, which as it turns out, is really hard.

this comic does get better, i swear (I HOPE!!!). for a while i paced my comics way too fast bc i was convinced people would get bored with me if i wasn't constantly delivering hits ("hits"). which is a way, way too cynical approach to art and one's view of their audience. i have been trying to slow my pace, which has been detrimental in some ways but the story i want to tell is a little more deliberate than i was allowing myself at the time.

---

♥ read the comic: A Ghost Story ♥ support the comic for as little as $1 a month on Patreon ♥ pay what you want for the re-draw of the first chapter on itch.io

you can block the tag "#AGS repost" to keep this off your dash

[lover-also-fighter-also]

Axe-throwing date for Skye and Mila :DDDDDDD

Ask list here

Heyy Cady! Thanks for the prompt. And as promised, here is the story for ya! Sorry if it's really short or less detailed.

Additional tags: @somerandomjewelleryonthefloor @choicesmc @choicesficwriterscreations @dutifullynuttywitch @storiesandfolklore

Mila stormed out of the house, fuming with anger and disappointment. She had enough with Rory's and Carlos's attitude, and the election was threatening to tear their friend group apart. 'Gods! Why can't these two put their damn egos aside and focus on the bigger picture for once?' she muttered, kicking a stone so hard it fell ten feet away in the snow. Sighing, she makes her way to the park and flops down on one of the benches, closing her eyes for a moment.

'Mila?'

Mila opened her eyes and saw Skye looking at her, with a concerned look on her face. Mila immediately plastered a smile, trying to ignore the turmoil of emotions inside her.

'Hey Skye, What are you doing here?'

Skye shrugged 'Just…escaping from home for a while. What about you? Are you okay?'

Mila fiddled with her hands 'Not really…you know, all the election stuff, going out of hand. Ajay and Erin suggested Rory and Carlos to team up but both are as stubborn as mules! You were right, maybe both of them should drop out. At least the drama would end and we can go back to being normal.'

Skye rubbed her back comfortingly, as Mila came down from her rage, and gradually leaned into the touch. 'So…what's been going on with you, Skye? This whole election drama has been getting to you too.' Skye gave a nonchalant look. 'Oh, you know…I'm sort of used to all of these things. It's you I am worried about. You had enough being pulled on both sides.'

'Who said we both can't worry about each other?' said Mila, giving a weak smile. Skye smiled back 'At least I will have you, you have made sure of that.' she said, giving Mila a kiss on the cheek, leaving a black lipstick mark. Mila blushed. There was a pregnant pause between them before Mila spoke up.

'So…were you headed somewhere or did you come to the park to blow off steam?' Skye's eyes light up in excitement, 'Well, I heard there was a travelling carnival a few blocks away from here…and get this, they have axe-throwing! It spews out red dye when we hit a bulls eye.' Mila grins. 'Why am I not surprised that it's your favorite thing?'

'I was gonna go there alone to blow off some steam…but you look like you could use it too.' said Skye. 'It doesn't have to be a date or anything…' she adds, blushing. Mila laughs 'Relax Skye, I know what you mean. And yes, I would love to go axe-throwing with you.'

'G-Great!' said Skye, trying to hide her excitement but her brown eyes were shining with delight. 'Let's go then', gripping onto Mila's arm.

A few minutes later at the carnival, Mila and Skye pay for the axe-throwing and stand at a distance from the targets, each having 5 turns.

'That's another bulls eye for me!' said Skye, almost jumping in delight as the red dye spewed out.

'How are you getting them right on target?' asked Mila, as she missed a few paces away from the bulls eye. Skye grinned. 'I just imagine Brian on the face of the target and take a swing.'

'Lucky you.' said Mila, smiling. 'But it's hard to imagine anyone on the target.' Skye looked at her, and thought for a moment. 'Hey, how about you look at it this way. Think of the situation that you are mad at and take your swing at this angle…' she held Mila's hand so that she was holding the axe the right way. Mila squinted her eyes in concentration

'Take this! Election Drama!' she swung the axe at the right angle and it hit the bulls eye. 'Bingo!' screamed Mila. 'I did it!' Skye laughed despite herself. 'You are so dorky you know?' Mila grinned unabashed 'I take that as a compliment.' She aimed for her next axe 'Why do you have to be so damn stubborn?!' It hit the bulls eye again.

After a while, they both sat down, sweating despite the cold winter. 'That felt good.' said Mila, wiping her forehead. 'Really good.' said Skye.

'I had a good teacher.' said Mila, looking at her happily. 'But you know what would make this better?'

'What?' said Skye, surprised. Mila grinned 'How about a kiss?' Skye blushes 'Well…then a kiss you shall receive.'

They both kissed, long and soft till they reluctantly pulled apart for air. Mila's lips were coated with black lipstick. 'Mm…better than any dessert in the Golden Griddle.'

Skye smirked. 'Don't let your parents hear that!' Mila shrugged. 'Eh, I don't mind saying it out loud for them to hear.'

[psychotic-nonsense]

(Part 1 and Part 2 for context)

(( also very brief tag to one @lunaraquaenby and @steddieficfanatic bc they were real sweet about my last installments :] ))

There's a knock at the door.

Wayne's not back yet. Almost midday, which unnerves Eddie considering that night job of the old man's. They've only been living together for a few weeks now, so maybe he doesn't grasp Wayne's entire schedule yet, but he's seen a pattern. He thinks midday is the perfect time to be worried.

Eddie wasn't even doing anything special, just taking the time to appreciate old books in their prime and listening to the radio in his room, letting the sound whisk him away. It's been nice slowly rebuilding his attention span, he appreciates reality more and more. But that just means the knock - and it's soon following sequel - terrify him twice as much.

Eddie's sure he's overreacting, as he gets out of bed and mentally prepares to tell the person off. There's an old metal bat by the front door, and Eddie's half tempted to go full redneck with the shotgun under Wayne's bed. But if push came to shove he couldn't do shit.

So he just tucks the "I'll take a message" excuse under his tongue. Wraps the metal in his hand and pulls whatever courage he can from the memory of ST1 Steve. Just as the door pounds again, harder now, right as Eddie swings it open...

"Hey big brother, long time no see! How're you-"

"Sorry, Wayne Munson's not here right now-"

Both men have their eyes closed at the start of the sentence. Both men immediately snap to eye contact soon after. Both men freeze mid sentence.

The man outside - raggedy, greasy, bruised - takes one look at this boy before him and first remembers Elizabeth. Then takes a longer look, and fears intruder.

Eddie - scared, anxious, frozen - takes one look at the man before him and first hopes father. Then takes a longer look, and realizes it's Al. Wayne's brother.

Al's grin immediately falls when he sees Eddie. His brief glimpse of heartache doesn't escape the boy, before it hardens into a mask of anger. He was leaning casually on the doorframe, but now straightens to have just one hand on it. Positions himself in an attempt to tower over the boy, despite being shorter. "You ain't Wayne," he growls.

'Two can play at that game, old man,' Eddie thinks. He's always wanted a real father, but based on what Wayne has told him, this isn't even close to one. He puts on his own mask of distaste and boredom, keeps his slouch to appear relaxed and unaffected. Keeps the bat hidden behind the door. "Again, he's not in right now, sorry about that, man." He raises an eyebrow, the picture of condescension. "I can take a message for you, if you need."

Al's scowl deepens, as he releases a dry chuckle. "Will you now?" he sneers. He shuffles a little on his feet, pretends to look around for a bit, before turning back to glare daggers at Eddie. "And, uh, who exactly do you think you're talking to, little man?"

Oh god, this shit. Eddie's annoyance becomes reality real quick. It's one of the ones who think they have authority wherever they go, he's well and sick of these types of people. How glorious that the closest thing he's had to the male side of his biology is one of them.

Eddie hums his own little sarcastic laugh, fakes checking his nails. "Not sure, really, didn't seem too important," he emphasizes. Looks back up with a daring little grin Ronnie used to call the shit-spitting type. "I'd love to know though."

This, it seems, breaks Al's concentration. His mask slips, eyes going legitimately dark. Eddie always thought that description only applied in fanfics. Perhaps he was just lucky enough to never meet anyone to fit the description.

"Al, Munson." He goes to surge past Eddie. "The man of this place is my brother, and I'm here to speak with him, not some freak little runt-"

"Sorry." Eddie stabs the bat hard into the doorframe to block him from getting a single step inside. Hits hard enough to actually startle the bastard. "Like I said, he's not in right now, and he's trusted me - Eddie - with staying here. I'm afraid that you'll have to settle with leaving a message or coming back later, hm?"

Finally, the mask comes off entirely. Al drops every pretense to stare at Eddie with pure malice. Enough to actually make the boy's heart scare into a stumble. Eddie can hear the wood of the doorframe groan under Al's fingers, too afraid to look away and give the beast the power it craves. "Listen, kid. I just got outta prison, and I came here first thing to see my only remaining family. You wanna try and get in the way of that, you'll see what I can do to you."

And Eddie - imagining the bloody sailors outfit to bless him with its snark - lets himself breathe out a laugh hard enough to make Al's eyelids flutter. "Please," Eddie spits like the bile his brewing words feel like. "You're just like me. A runner."

Al actually flinches at that, so Eddie powers on. "You'll do just enough to get your way, before hightailing it outta dodge when it doesn't. I'd love to keep this verbal, don't get me wrong, but you're fighting fists to metal. Tell me, runner, who really comes out of this the victor?"

They're practically nose to nose by the end of Eddie's little speech, each word urging him forward like a nail into a coffin. Whether it's for 'son' or 'father,' he's not sure. Still, Al's fuming by the end of it. His nails are raking against the wood at this point.

"You little fucking shit..." Al's hand snaps down to grab the barrel of Eddie's bat, startling his life to flash before his eyes-

"Al."

The presence of another voice makes them both whip towards it, rage and fear. Both feel a violently different sense of relief when they see it's just Wayne. Tired, sagging, annoyed - 'vulnerable' urges Al's mind, 'pissed' says Eddie's heart.

"Wayne!" Al's mask snaps right back into place. He turns around all jovial and light, like he didn't have Eddie nearly by the throat a millisecond ago. Opens his arms wide as Wayne trudges to the porch. "There's the man of the hour! You look rough, big brother, long night again at that plant-"

"Albert. Theodore. Munson." Wayne spits with each step up the stairs. Uses just a glaring head turn to force the younger brother to the side. "Get. Off. Of my. Porch."

Al stares up at Wayne all wide eyed at first, but the second the words are spoken he gets this stupid innocent confused look instead. "Heh heh, uh... what'cha mean, Wayne-"

"I mean," Wayne snaps again, making Al flinch, "get off my property, before I make you. I am too damn tired to deal with your shit. You fucked your own life up, you fix it. I ain't your god damned charity case anymore."

He finally backs up from towering over Al, moving to make his way inside. Eddie scrambles back to give him room, which of course draws attention back to him from the younger brother.

"Well, what about this runt?!" Al snaps, picking himself up off the railing just as Wayne steps inside. Stays far enough away, but not too much to not glare and point at Eddie over Wayne's shoulder. "You don't call that a charity case?"

Wayne sags briefly, before turning around to face Al, blocking him from coming in with just an arm on the open door. Al flinches again, and based on the glimpse Eddie saw, Wayne's face is enough to kill. "My nephew has done more for his own life in 3 weeks than you have for yours in 42 years. Don't you dare call him that."

And for the first time, Eddie sees something actually genuinely human in Al's expression. Confusion - "Nephew? The hell you mean, I'm your only..." - then slow, agonizing heartache - "So... so don't that mean he's Lizzie's-"

"Don't flatter yourself, either." Wayne immediately snaps, not caring one bit how Al fully cracks down beneath his words. "This young man couldn't be less related to ya. And thank the heavens above for that."

Then Wayne slams the door in his brother's face.

Eddie is leaning hard into the kitchen counter, hardly moved from his position this entire interaction. He's white knuckled holding the bat, eyes watering as the weight of all that just happened really hits him. His nerves are wailing and running, ears ringing with the sudden silence, waiting for something more to happen.

The second the door slammed, Wayne sagged hard against it. Knees buckled, forearms the only thing keeping him up, chin fallen to meet his panting chest. A mess, tired and worn down. How fucking cruel, to deal with whatever hell was at work to come back and save his pathetic fake nephew from his useless real brother.

"I..." Eddie's throat croaks out. Guilt and fear and sorrow and agony force it out of him. "I'm so sorry, Un- Wayne, I-I didn't mean..."

"Don't..." Wayne whispers. Every bit of his power earlier has left him, leaving behind an weak and exhausted old man. Hell, the one word looks like a Sisyphean level of work, impossible and helpless. His every breath rattles as he prepares to speak more. "Don't apologize..."

Eddie can feel his face begin to crumple, those stupid whimpers begin to escape his lips. Pathetic, to beg for comfort from the man who has nothing left to give. He hesitates to steel himself, and forces himself to Wayne's side. Offers his arm to help his uncle - fake Eddie may be, Wayne is real to him.

He sees Wayne's face, shadowed with pure tiredness. Eyes sunken and droopy, chest heaving, words slow and slurred. Eddie throws everything aside in that moment, to help comfort the man who's more of a father to him than anything beyond this trailer door, and this reality. He can see Wayne wants to fight it, but the second he takes the offered arm, he sags hard into Eddie's side.

"You ain't him..." Wayne finally mumbles a few minutes later, once Eddie's got him in fresh clothes, in bed, with water, and taken some pain relief. It's right as Eddie is throwing a blanket over him, so it takes him aback at first. To meet those worn, old, weathered eyes and see nothing but pure love makes Eddie's sappy, lonely heart weep.

"You ain't ever gonna be, you hear me...?" Wayne urges in a whisper. "Not you... Not my Eddie..."

Wayne's fallen to slumber by the time Eddie processes it. He doesn't see the tears, the crumpled face, the wince as Eddie forces the sound down to keep quiet. He doesn't feel Eddie's hand rest on his shoulder, its limpness as it rises with his breath, the heartbeat within it that steadily syncs with his own. He doesn't hear Eddie whisper, "I know, Uncle... I know..."

But he does sense the last click of their connection. Circumstance or time or blood be damned. They're family now. Nothing is going to change that.

[mothertaeraesa]

zb1 maknae line as studio ghibli characters

pairing: maknae line × gender neutral reader

genre: bulletpoint format, studio ghibli au, fluff, slight angst

warnings: none

word count: 1.7k

author's note: these scenarios are loosely inspired by each of the characters and their respective movies, as well as all of these can be read as platonic or romantic

maknae line | hyung line

shen ricky | haku, "spirited away"

Your chest heaves in slight panic, as you bring your knees towards you for at least some kind of protection

One moment, you're traveling with your parents to your new home and everything is going fine

And then the next, you're stopping and heading towards a tunnel that popped you out at an alley filled with lanterns and food stalls

Now, your parents are pigs and you feel hopelessly alone

It causes tears to prick the edges of your eyes, and you bury your face into your lap with a shaking head

This has to be a dream, this cannot be real

Maybe if you tried hard enough, you'd wake up in the car with your parents talking to one another while this was all just from a midday nap due to the exhaustion of moving

But you try to concentrate on waking up and nothing happens

You had already tried to cross back through the tunnel, but the high tide had blocked off the path

Just as you're about to allow them to stream down your face, the snap of a twig and the heavy rustle of bushes has you freezing and on high alert

Turning your head towards the intruder, you're about to let out a scream, but the young boy is two steps ahead of you and covers your mouth with his hand, effectively silencing you without a peep

He squats beside you and presses his side into yours, bringing his own finger to his mouth to signal for you to keep quiet

You're too paralyzed with fear to disobey and can only nod, as he seemingly pauses and waits for something to pass

After a moment, the stranger removes himself from you and digs around in his clothes before holding out a bun for you

When you turn away silently, not wanting to take food from a stranger like your parents had, the boy insists and places it into your hand

"Here, eat this. It'll keep you safe." He speaks for the first time, voice low before he pulls out his own and takes a bite

You hesitate, tears finally falling once more at how overwhelming everything is, and the bun is too warm and smells too comforting not to eat any

"Do you know your name?" The boy asks once he notices you slowly taking bites from the bread

"My, my name is Y/N," you manage to whisper with a sniffle

"I'm Ricky."

kim gyuvin | pazu, "laputa: castle in the sky"

Clutching onto Gyuvin's waist, you keep your eyes screwed shut as you try not to think about how high up you are

While heights usually wouldn't be an issue for you, the turbulent lightening storm had really tested your limits

Burying your face into his back, you murmur for him to let you know when things have calmed and it's safe to look again

The boy just hums in acknowledged agreement, as he tries to fly you both to the agreed-upon location

He hoped that things would go smoother from now on, and the two of you would have no more issues on your way to Laputa

Some time passes by as Gyuvin navigates and you hold onto his back for dear life

"Y/N, I think we've arrived." He finally says, landing cautiously and tapping your shoulder lightly

Pulling away, you take in the sight of the lush fauna around you both with a hitched breath

Laputa was more beautiful than you could imagine despite how deserted it was, but then again, the place had been viewed as a myth and almost secret utopia

Gyuvin glances over at you with a grin, admiring how awestruck you were by everything

"C'mon, let's go check it out," the boy suggests while getting out of the plane, helping you as well

The green grass feels plush beneath his feet, and he can't help but be in disbelief himself

Taking his hand, you drag Gyuvin after you with a laugh that he immediately reciprocates

Neither of you could finally believe that you had made it and were finally here

All of the cat-and-mouse chasing with Goliath had finally been rewarded with the final destination of Laputa

You both hurry over to the edge, gazing down at the clouds and paths below

A friendly robot passes by, and both you and Gyuvin give it a tiny wave before glancing at one another and giggling quietly

Intertwining his hands with yours, the boy tugs you along the field, pulling you into him and his chest

You hit it with a tiny thud, but Gyuvin catches you and wraps his arms around your waist, protecting you while you two hit the ground with a laugh

He keeps his arm out for you to rest on, as you lay on your backs for a much needed break and watch the clouds role by

park gunwook | sho, “arrietty”

Park Gunwook was completely and utterly bored

Sure, he enjoyed spending time at his mother's house and visiting with his great aunt and housemaid, but there were only so many cheek pinches and wide smiles he could take before his face ached

He had nearly read every single book in the house, and it was getting to be just a bit too hot to stay in the meadow all-day

So here the boy was, dragging his feet and wandering aimlessly in search of something to pique his interest

It happens in a flash, but out of the corner of his eye, Gunwook thinks he's spotted something moving across the floorboard and near the vents

The boy pauses in his tracks, head tilting as he attempts to make out what he had seen without disturbing it

Creeping over slowly with light steps, Gunwook crouches down and gets to his hands and knees

He pokes his head around before he spots it; a small person holding a sugar cube and struggling to get the item back through the vent's grates

Out of all his years of living Park Gunwook has yet to see such a sight, but it seemed his boredom had disappeared in an instant as a wide grin spreads across his face

You try and use all your might to get both you and the sugar cube back to your home, but you feel as if you're being watched

Turning around quickly, the sight of the human boy has you scrambling and forgetting the cube in an instant

You don't have it in you to scream, but you're scurrying along towards the vent faster in order to not be caught

Clearly, you don't do too good of a job because the boy continues to get closer

"W-Wait, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you!" Gunwook says suddenly once he notices how terrified you seemed to be by your frantic movements

You manage to slip through just in time to avoid the huge hand coming your way, and hide in the shadows of the vent so he can't see you

Everything tells you to run back to your family, tell them what happened, and start packing your things to find another neighborhood house, but you're too tired and the adrenaline has made you fatigued

"I'm, I'm sorry, please come back..." Gunwook attempts with a frown, saddened at how quickly you ran away

Maybe his eagerness had gotten the best of him, but he truly just wanted a friend

You don't make it known that you're still around, but the sight of the sugar cube being slipped back in through the grates as you still

Waiting for footsteps, they don't come until about a minute has passed

Gunwook dejectedly begins to stand up and walk away before he sees you hesitantly peek through the grates with a small wave

han yujin | sosuke, “ponyo”

“Yujinnie!” You draw on, calling for the boy as you attempt to finish packing up the boat. "Hurry up or I'll leave without you!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming. Please don't leave without me!"

You glance up from securely fastening the picnic basket into place to see Yujin hurrying towards you; backpack flapping around, captain's hat on his head, and bangs falling into his eyes

"You know I was just joking," you say with a giggle, hoping in the boat and taking a seat

"I know... I just don't like making you wait." Yujin admits with slightly red-tipped ears, handing his things for you to take as he prepares the boat for departure

Once everything is all set, you and Yujin set off, the town flooded from the massive storm from the night before

Things are relatively peaceful though, as other people float around on their own boats while you wave and pass by

You allow Yujin to steer and take charge, opting to point out where to go instead, and the boy eagerly listens

"Yujin, look!" You point out, swaying the boat a bit in excitement

Jellyfish, turtles, and other various sea creatures swim below the surface and through the crystal-clear water

The both of you go on like that for a while, Yujin captaining and you just enjoying the sunny day

After a while, you two stop for the simple lunch of sandwiches and tea that you had prepared before chugging along once more

The chirp of the birds and woosh of the water eventually lulls you to sleep, as you fold your arms on the edge of the boat and rest your head silently

"Isn't it beautiful out, Y/N?" Yujin asks a few moments later, eyes round at the scenery around him. "Y/N?"

At the lack of response, the young boy turns his attention to your sleeping figure with a tiny tug at the corner of his lips

Suddenly, the boat slowly comes to a stop in the middle of the water

Yujin looks around puzzled before realizing the boat had run out of fuel

Throwing another glance at your unmoving figure, the boy takes off his captain's cap and gets into the water without hesitation

He begins swimming and pushing the light boat along to where you both had been planning on meeting his mother at the senior center

Although it may seem like a lot of work to do alone, he didn't want to wake you, he wanted to prove to you that he was reliable

And that he would do anything for you

[shadowcatzone]

xingyue child after all the trauma (tm)

Xingyue child buying/sharing lunch with yanqing bc the stupid kid used all his money for swords again and didn't buy food. Despite knowing probably that if they keep feeding him he'll keep wasting all his money on swords rather than starving once or twice and then learning his lesson.

(They probably get any money spent back from jing yuan but don't tell yanqing)

Xingyue child adjusting yanqings age like a slider depending on who asks and what will get them the most benefit out of it. Wanna go to some sort of amusement park? He's 9 so he only pays half. Wanna watch a martial arts movie? He's 14 actually so old enough. Wanna get out of trouble quickly? "Sir, i'm just the attendant of jing yuans young son. You'll have to take any complaints to his father."

(They might get in trouble with jing yuan for this, but they're rather scolded by their "uncle" than a stranger)

Xingyue childs first priority being bailu, second priority yanqing. If something, anything, goes wrong, they'll pick up bailu, (and yanqing, if necessary) then make a run for either the artisanship commission or divination commission.

(Then they'll wait any danger out on a rooftop or in the forge until jing yuan or yanqing come pick them up)

Xingyue child playing with bailu. Neither of them really needs to pretend that they're younger than they actually are, but they will. Both are over 18 technically. Neither is fully grown. Both will absolutely throw a temper tantrum if only to throw off suspicion. Then they'll shit-talk about the preceptors.

(Included but not limited to: playing in yanqings room when he isn't there, playing in jing yuans room when yanqing IS there, playing in the study when jing yuan isn't there.)

Xingyue child trying to fight (and defeat) dan heng, ultimately getting defeated without dan heng making a single attack. Man's just dodging while xingyue child exhausts themself and ultimately falls on their face. Decides that dan heng is mean and will never fight him again (until the next opportunity arises) pouting all day afterwards.

(Jing yuan says he could at least block them. Dan heng claims that would be unfair, considering he's much stronger than them. Jing yuan sighs, dan heng is as stubborn as dan feng)

Xingyue child insisting on calling blade "yingxing" or "dad". That's a problem(tm), kafka never had to fix blade that often, not even during/after the story quest on the luofu.

(Because no one wants to leave the child alone with blade, even though he hasn't done anything to the child and it's unlikely that he will)

Xingyue child most likely picking up smithing (and tinkering) like yingxing and so they try to. Create. But they want blade to show them how, look at what they made, how is it etc. Nobody wants that, least of all blade, but the moment dan heng says he doesn't want it, blade will willingly go, if only to upset dan heng.

(Dan heng will be forced to go as well, to make sure "our child is okay. I mean, your child. I mean, my- no- their child. The child of dan feng and yingxing." Cue beet-red dan heng)

Bonus: xingyue child happily working in the forge, concentrating so hard on whatever they're making. Meanwhile, blade making out with dan heng, occasionally stopping mid-kiss to tell xingyue "you're doing great, keep it up." "Careful with that part, it can be difficult. You'll know what i mean" "just a bit more... [xingyue], heat the metal up a bit more.". Also, pushing his fingers into dan hengs mouth, to make sure he doesn't close it.

(If xingyue child noticed any of that (most likely not) they didn't let it show)

Also, cue blade abruptly stopping when he hears xingyue child call out "done!" Then runs over excitedly. Blade pretends nothing happened. Dan heng pretends the forge is too hot.