#but if someone asks to see his feathers or to lift something really heavy he doesn’t want to be a dick and say no

[dragonanon]

Oh look another TADC OC because why tf not

Huckley is the largest member of the digital circus crew, he’s got Kinger and Jax beat in height by at LEAST a good foot and some change, if not more! Despite his imposing size and build however, Huckley is the textbook definition of a gentle giant; dude can lift wholeass trucks with one arm, yet will actually cry over tiny kittens being cute.

Do NOT mistake his gentle nature for weakness however, as he will not hesitate to serve a beat down if his friends or loved ones are in danger. Jax had to learn this the hard way lol. Huckley is over all fiercely loyal to his friends and family, and he will tolerate absolutely ZERO fuckery happening to them.

In his free time, Huckley enjoys lifting weights, watching and playing football, and watching romantic comedies. (He’s a sappy boy who likes to laugh lol)

[i-dared-myself]

Protection Coming From The Woods

In which an angel meets his soulmate

18+

You blink at the man sprawled across the forest floor, limbs out at different angles. His blond hair is on the longer side, and he has a smattering of freckles across the bridge of his nose.

A pair of massive wings stick out from his back, grey feathers drooping onto the dirt. You rub at your eyes to check that you’re not imagining things.

“Hello?” you eventually say. You look around for a stick to poke him with. “You alive?”

He doesn’t respond.

You manage to locate a stick, although it’s more of a log, and attempt to heave it over to him. It’s a lot heavier than you can lift, so you settle for a twig barely longer than your index finger.

You use it warily, leaning as far away from him as you can whilst still in stick-reach. The branch brushes his shoulder and he stirs.

You flinch back with a shriek.

“Oh my- You’re alive!” You press a hand to your pounding chest. “I don’t know why I would have preferred you dead, but… It’s because the government’s gonna find me, isn’t it?”

He lifts his head, leaves clinging to his hair. “W- What?”

“They’re gonna dissect you, and they’re gonna interrogate me.” You’re hyperventilating now. “Shoot! This is so bad- I’m gonna- We’re gonna-“

“Who are you?” he asks, eyes locked on you as you panic. “How did I get here?”

“Please tell me you’re a cosplayer,” you beg. “I can’t deal with this!”

He slowly stands. He wobbles and his wings are still dragging on the ground, but he stands. 

“I don’t understand.” He frowns and looks down at himself. “I feel so… Who are you?”

You tug at your hair. “I’m sorry, I’m sure you need mental support right now, but this is horrendous. The government is gonna lock me away forever!”

His eyes narrow a fraction. “No, they won’t. Because you’ll take me with you, and I’ll keep you safe.”

“What?” You gape at him in shock. “Why would you do that?”

“You can’t feel it?” He traces a hand down his chest. “The connection? The bond between us? It’s calling to me.”

“You’re crazy.” You shake your head and back away. “I found a crazy man in the woods and he’s going to murder me.”

“No!” he insists, holding out his hands in a calming motion. “This happens sometimes! Sometimes an angel is chosen to protect someone!”

You pinch the bridge of your nose in exasperation. “All I wanted was a quiet walk! I wanted some fresh air!”

“What’s your name? I’m Felix.” He smiles brightly, nose scrunching up. “And I’ll protect you, so don’t worry.”

You tell him your name with a heavy sigh, giving up on any hope as he walks to your side. One of his wings goes out to shield you.

“I don’t see what I need protecting against,” you weakly say. Your mind is still reeling. There’s a winged man standing next to you.

“Neither do I, but there must be something if I’m here with you.” Felix squints at you. “Any vengeful relatives?”

“No,” you reply.

“Father in the mafia?” 

You shake your head. “No.”

“Mother in the mafia?” Felix tries next.

“Really not. She volunteers at a rescue shelter.” You start to walk back to the parking lot. You hear Felix rushing to follow, leaves crunching under him.

Somehow you are able to smuggle him into your car, putting him in the backseats. There was no way he would fit in the front with you.

The elevator ride up to your apartment is harrowing, narrowly avoiding the old lady a couple doors down. You and Felix duck behind a wall and he giggles quietly until she leaves.

“Shut up!” You smack his shoulder as you both sprint to your door. You unlock it quickly and shove Felix inside first.

Felix watches you shut the door, raising his eyebrows. “This is quite the place you have.”

You look around your home, frowning slightly. “I know it’s not much, but it’s good enough for me.”

“No, I like it!” he promises. “It’s very you. Your things really prove that this is your house with your style.”

You smile softly and brush your hand over his cheek fondly as you pass. “Thanks, Felix.

Felix freezes, entire body tensing in place.

“Felix?” you warily ask. “What’s wrong?”

He stares down at you, pupils wide. “I’m sorry, I-“

“Felix?” You take a step back as his fists clench and unclench. When he tugs at his hair and gets closer to you, you continue backwards.

“I don’t-“ He rubs at his face and groans. “Oh, this is bad.”

“Just tell me what’s happening!” you exclaim. “Felix!”

He curls into a ball, wings wrapped around himself. “I need you to listen to me very carefully-“

“Holy shit do you have a bomb strapped to your chest?” you hiss under your breath, scrambling away. You trip backwards over a wayward slipper and let out a cry as you fall.

Felix crawls atop you, thighs on either side of your waist. His mouth is parted as his breaths come out ragged.

“So my friend Hyunjin was tired of me being lonely, and because he’s what you would call a Cupid he decided to find me a soulmate,” Felix rambles. He pauses to swallow, throat flexing. “And- And I guess it’s you, and he teamed up with Changbin and Minho to send me here and-“

“Soulmates?” You blink at him. “Felix, you sound crazy. Actually this whole thing is insane so I guess I’ll believe you.”

“And if you tell me you don’t want this I promise I’ll go and leave you alone but once you meet your soulmate it’s pretty much that-“ Words are tumbling out of Felix’s mouth almost too fast for you to track. “And I’m so sorry for involving you in this but Hyunjin is a little-“

“Who are these people?” You glance to make sure that the door is shut.

Felix presses his entire body to yours, mouth above yours. His hips gently rock against you and he buries his face in the crook of your neck. “Please? Please, please, please. But if you don’t want to I’ll leave right now and you’ll never see me again and-“

“Felix.” It seems like that thousandth time you’ve said his name, yet this time it sounds different. The word is heavy and lingers in the air.

His pink tongue darts out to wet his lips. “So…”

“Fuck me and then we can go deal with this friend of yours.” You stroke his hair soothingly, tucking some of it behind his ear.

“Gonna be so good,” he murmurs as he pulls his shirt off over his head. You have no idea how he manages it with the wings sticking out of his back, but then he’s reaching for his pants next.

“Yeah?” You hum as you settle back. He peels your sweater off before you kick your legs to help discard your pants and underwear. “Gonna treat me good?”

Felix places his hands on your inner thighs and brings his mouth down on yours. His lips move desperately as he tilts his head against you.

“Felix,” you urge, “just do it already.”

He ruts his hips at your pleading tone, squeezing his eyes shut. “Right. Yeah.”

“Do we need protection or…” You gesture unsurely at him. You’re still not entirely sure what he is.

“Not sure,” Felix mumbles as he buries his face between your legs. His tongue swipes over you and you both moan. “Don’t wanna, though.”

“What?” You clutch at his hair as he eats you out. “Felix- What does that mean?”

“Means I don’t wanna.” He lifts his head enough to look you in the eyes. “I’ll fill you up and everyone will know you’re mine and if Hyunjin says anything I’ll tell him to fuck off, for you.”

“I’m… flattered I think.” You struggle to form words as he plunges a finger into you as well. “But why would he say anything? Why would he know?”

“He knows about these things,” Felix responds simply, to your frustration. “And I would rather not talk about him right now as I fuck the love of my life.”

“I guess you can come cum inside me then. I’m on the pill anyways, but I wasn’t sure it would work with you.” Your hips rock up before you know it when his tongue curls around your clit. “Felix, I’m so close I-“

He adds a second finger, and that’s what makes the pleasure overwhelming. Your back arches as you orgasm, Felix working you through it.

“I’m about to fuck you right now, and I really want you to say that you want this,” Felix seriously says as he nudges his cock against your entrance. “How are you feeling, love?”

“I want this.” You spread your legs wider for him.

Felix throws his head back in relief as he finally sinks into you. His wings flare out as he groans. The stretch is intense, and he waits a minute for you to adjust.

You tap his arm. “I’m good now. Fuck me good and fill me up.”

His hips seem to thrust of their own accord at that. Felix shudders and a bead of sweat drips down his neck.

“I’ll be so good,” Felix whispers against your mouth as he rocks his cock in and out of you. “Everyone will know you’re mine and I’ll protect you forever.”

You reach for your clit, but he shoos your hand away to circle the bud himself. He coos gently at you as you get closer to the edge again.

“Mine, mine, mine.” Felix’s nose runs down your collarbone. His tongue slides down your skin before his teeth nick at you. 

“Felix!” you yelp as a particularly harsh thrust drives your own hips into the hardwood floor. “Careful!”

“Shh, I know,” he shushes lovingly with that deep voice of his. His wing stretches out to drag a pillow within arms-reach so he can tuck it beneath you. “Is that better?”

“Mhm.” Your hands shoot out to claw at his shoulders. “I’m so close, please!”

“Me too.” Felix’s rhythm is becoming less steady. He applies more pressure to your clit until you’re cumming again, and that pushes him over the edge as well.

He groans as he spills deep into you, his sweat-slicked body falling to yours. He pants softly as he pulls out of you.

“I love you.” He presses kisses to your knuckles. “I don’t care if it’s too soon or if it’s the sex talking, but I love you. Hyunjin was right to pick you for me.”

Felix looks upward with a pleasant smile that makes his freckles scrunch up. “Give Jeongin his money, Hyunjin.”

“What?” Your jaw drops. “Were they watching this whole time?”

“No, Chan wouldn’t let that happen,” Felix hurriedly assures you. “But they get the gist of what happened.”

“When I meet this Hyunjin I’m either gonna punch him or thank him.” You sigh.

“I’m going to thank him,” Felix brightly says, gazing at you fondly.

[french-unknown]

𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐔𝐕𝐀 𝐁𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐎𝟑 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐒

✔️ : complet 🔥 : smut

[ masterlist ]

✧ 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐲 @𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐯𝐚𝐍𝐢𝐧𝟔𝟔𝟔 🔥✔️

words : 10,199 Stolas is curious when Blitz starts licking him, but not in a sexual manner. As he tries to ask what Blitz is doing, it causes the imp to flee out of shame. Left with confusion and worry, Stolas looks into what could be going on with his impish lover.

✧ 𝐀 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐲 @𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐯𝐚𝐍𝐢𝐧𝟔𝟔𝟔 🔥✔️

words : 106,112 It's not easy being in love with someone when you can't do anything about it. Blitz is doing a little better for himself as time has gone on and is more in touch with his feelings. But when he finds out that Stolas now has a boyfriend, he can't help feeling crushed. Nonetheless, he still wants to be there for someone he considers a close and dear friend. Stolas meanwhile is wondering why the sparks of romantic love are not what he thought they were. Especially since his boyfriend is just so wonderful and doting to him. Yes, he's still in love with Blitz, but that's beside the point. Right?

✧ 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐲 @𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 ✔️

words : 10,391 The last thing Blitzo wants is Stolas finding out he made a pillow out of stolen feathers. It's a good thing the Goetian Prince would never come get him when he's sick and accidentally see it, right? Sharing gifts made from your own feathers is an incredibly intimate gift, but Stolas is utterly elated to make a new down feather pillow for his beloved Blitzy (who was shit at sewing and had collected the wrong feathers), whom he is now lovingly nursing back to health. But he's got to be sure Blitzo understands how important this gift is.

✧ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 @𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 ✔️

words : 10,910 I.M.P. wrecks their van and doesn't have the funds for repairs. So they try out a new fundraising app, date selling. For 24 hours, Blitzo is going to be at the mercy of the highest bidder, and he doesn't understand just how bad it could have gone, if Stolas hadn't have snatched that deal up in 26 seconds. Stolas just wants to spend some wholesome time with his favorite little Blitzy. Blitzo can't comprehend that, and the longer they go without getting intimate, the more anxious he gets. He has to come to terms with the fact that making Stolas feel good is more important to him than he thought.

✧ 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐲 @𝐀𝐣𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫 🔥✔️

words : 25,770 If Stolas was really, truly honest, he wanted to find love. But it would be a grave mistake to admit that to an Overlord. Stolas lifted his chin and looked out the window again, this time feigning disinterest as he tried to remember what he wrote. “Someone who sees me for me and not as Prince Stolas. Someone family-oriented is essential. Confident and charming. Loyal. It would be nice if he had a creative side.” “A Prince Charming,” Vox supplied. The smog of the city hung heavy in the red sky. Ignoring the heat he felt creeping up his neck, Stolas said, “I suppose so.” or Married at First Sight: Hell's Edition, set a year before canon. I figured signing up for Married at First Sight would be a very Blitz thing to do.

✧ 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐲 @𝐀𝐣𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫 🔥✔️

words : 20,963 Ozzie’s was a fucking disaster and, even though Blitzø knew it wasnt all his fault, Stolas had barely texted him since. Now he didn’t even want to get his monthly dicking down. “Ugh,” he groaned into the wood. If only Stolas would forget the whole thing ever happened. … Blitzø flipped open the Grimoire and skimmed the pages as fast as he could. Stolas had all kinds of dumb spells in here. There was surely something to make him forget that stupid mistake— Bingo. or Blitzø tries to wipe Stolas's memory of Ozzie's

✧ 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭, 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐲 @𝐀𝐣𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫 🔥✔️

words : 19,929 Sometimes Blitzø played roulette. He’d go out to the bar without cash and see if he could steal 10 drinks before he got the shit kicked out of him. Or he’d spin the wheel on the night’s hookup and whether they’d be able to keep his mind from wandering. And then there were times like tonight.

✧ 𝐢'𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐲 @𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 ✔️

words : 10,994 They were still feeling it all out, learning how to date, live together, and work together without everything becoming too much of a tangled-up shitstorm. It was whatever — still kinda new, casual, low-pressure. Blitzø didn’t wake up every morning, look over at Stolas all curled up with crust in the corners of his eyes and drool half-dried in his feathers, and realize that he understood exactly what all those sappy ballads on the radio were wailing about. And he DEFINITELY didn’t have to constantly ignore that pulsing pit in his stomach, scarily deep and black as blood, that insisted it was all going to blow up one day (just like everything else, everyone else) and when it did, it would be entirely his fault. So, y’know. Nooooo big deal. - It's been nearly a year since Stolas was disowned by the Goetia family, losing his riches, his home, and his job. It's also been five and a half months since Stolas and Blitzø officially became a couple. Blitzø is still struggling to feel like he deserves any of it. Well, he knows one thing for sure. His boyfriend wants a winter under the stars, and Blitzø is gonna figure out how to give it to him, one way or another.

✧ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 @𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 🔥✔️

words : 19,392 A mission topside may not be the best time to indulge in a little phone sex with a horny prince.

[lemonrin-i]

Fondness

Pairing: Floyd Leech X Reader

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

Summary: A submission for the @twst-charity

Floyd being protective over the Prefect Post-Chapter 3

When the Prefect first arrived at NRC, they quickly realize that nobody truly respected them on campus.

Ace and Deuce somewhat respected their position as the Prefect, but that’s mostly because they were friends, and while Jack saw the importance of their title, that was mainly due to the fact Jack was a goody-two-shoes.

One time, during lunch, The Prefect saw a meek first-year being pushed around by a second-year for his lunch money. And the Prefect– who had naively thought that they could make a difference– had stepped in, head held high and demanding that they left him alone.

Their confident demeanor was soon shattered when the bullies immediately laughed at them. Loud enough to attract unwanted attention from a few bystanders.

The Prefect’s ears went warm and the sudden attention on them made them sweat. They remembered that when Crowley gave them the role of prefect, he merely gave them that role as a way to turn them into his little errand runner– not because he thought they could benefit the school environment in any way.

What’s worse was that the meek first year that the Prefect came to defend started to join in on the teasing. Probably in hopes of getting away from their radar and setting their attention on someone else, someone much weaker than him, someone with zero magic capabilities and therefore was incapable of defending themself.

It was only after Jack interfered that the bullies relent. Scoffing at him as he bared his teeth at them, muttering under their breath that they were just joking around.

That day, the prefect finally realized something as Jack asked if they were alright.

They were completely and utterly helpless.

That was. . . Until today.

The Prefect didn't pay it much mind, they were usually found hanging around their friend group and Deuce and Jack can be a rather intimidating duo so no one dare approached them. What was strange was the fact that students were starting to run away from them.

Now, the Prefect knew Jack and Deuce would never harm anyone. Sure they would ruffle some feathers but they’re far from scary– quite the opposite.

But after a while, the Prefect began to realize that it wasn’t those two they were running away from.

It was the Prefect.

The realization had dawned upon them when they were having lunch alone. ADeuce got in trouble again and were now staying behind in Alchemy while Jack had club activities.

Floyd Leech had decided to accompany them for whatever reason– The Prefect wouldn't say they were close with Floyd but they got along pretty well, as least. . . they hope they did?

People tended to stay away from Floyd due to his rapid mood swings and the fact that he was one of Azul’s scary henchmen. While Jade kept his intention subtle and was meticulous, Floyd was his polar opposite. Not even Azul could keep a tight leash on him.

But for the Prefect, they didn’t really mind. Between trying to keep Grim and their friends out of trouble, Floyd was nothing. In fact, he can be very easy to read sometimes once you get to know his patterns– Unlike Jade, who keeps his cards close to his chest.

They couldn’t help but note that Floyd can be quite cuddly at times too. His physical affection varies to the point the Prefect has it memorized. When Floyd’s excited, he would lift the Perfect off their feet and give them a big squeeze or when he’s tired to which he just plops his head on their lap or put his entire body weight on the Perfect.

While Floyd had a hard grip and was quite heavy, the Perfect found it strangely. . . adorable? Yes, Floyd can be scary and intense but his physical affection was also his way of communicating his excitement and they couldn’t help but be fond of it– despite it potentially being bone-cracking.

So yes, the Prefect would say they are close enough.

Out of the corner of their eye, they see one of their bullies. They both shared eye contact before the bully's face suddenly contorted into a horrified expression and they made a run for it. The Prefect had never been more confused, since when did they have Jack and Deuce's level of intimidation?

The Prefect turned around to look at Floyd, who was unusually smiling “That was weird”

“Yeah” He smiled even wider “It was”.

[lifeofalegacy]

Life of a Legacy Chapter 4

“See? I’m fine.” Grian huffed as he met back up with Scar and Mumbo in the ER’s lobby.

Rolling his eyes, “Your wing is almost completely wrapped in gauze,” Mumbo pointed out. “And if I’m not mistaken, there’s some pretty heavy bandages peeking out from under your sweater.” 

Ok. So maybe Grian was oversimplifying a little bit. “Well, I don’t have a concussion.” That’s not to say the nurse who was treating him hadn’t taken one look and gone to put on a layer of gloves to treat all his wounds. Or how she had desperately tried to make sure Grian was ok as she had to practically pour antiseptic onto his wing. That hadn’t been fun. 

“You said you weren’t anywhere near the fire when it happened? How fast was this bike going?” 

Scar crossed his arms. “Well, if that’s where the bar is then I’m thoroughly disappointed. Grian, you should have told someone earlier! Hell, you should have been here last night to get all of this treated. Most people from the fire only had minor injuries! You’re one of the worst cases I’ve seen, and you weren’t even there!” Another failure on Scar’s part, just add it to the list. He wasn’t able to save everyone alone, he wasn’t even able to save his friend. Some hero he was. 

“I was told I will be fine.” Besides when they had to pop his arm back into its socket, and the nurse had nearly demanded he get an x-ray to see if anything was broken. Listen, he loved his friends, but they could truly be overbearing at times. Especially during times when all Grian wanted to do was curl up in his bed and sleep for days. “A few days' rest, no heavy lifting, maybe a few weeks for new feathers, but I will be ok. No cracked ribs, no head injuries, just some nasty scrapes and bruises.” 

“If you say so mate.” Mumbo matched Scar’s frustration. “Still, please tell someone next time? We’re here for you.”

Last night had been a wreck, with Jimmy’s sobs still echoing in his head. He was older, more responsible. Grian didn’t have time to tell people. And ironically, he couldn’t tell them now.

“Ok...” 

“Grian.” Mumbo placed his hand on the other’s shoulder, the one wrapped in less bandages. “Promise me.” His gaze stared straight through Grian’s soul, as if he were draining it. 

“Jeez! Fine, I promise.” He shook off his friend, and tried to ignore the creeping guilt. Forcing his mind off of it, Grian began to look around the lobby. “Where’s Jimmy?” 

His brother had been surprisingly cooperative when they told him Vex had sent a car to drive them to the hospital. Apparently Gem had rattled some sense into his brain during their phone call, and Jimmy revealed he’s avoided the EMTs the day before. He knew that girl was smart.

When Jimmy had asked about why Grian needed to go to the ER, the elder had been… cagey at first. Until Scar shot him a look that rattled the windows in his brain and he spewed out his story about being hit by the bike. In retrospect, it was a pretty good story. Believable, but not too common that any of them would know what the injuries looked like off the top of their heads.

However, Grian had been under the assumption that Jimmy had been cleared by the paramedics on scene, so finding out his brother could also be hurt shot him through the heart. On the other hand, Jimmy finding out his brother was suffering and had to sleep on the floor made the other feel like absolute trash. Mumbo had just muttered something about apples not falling far, but guided them to the car just the same. 

“I think he’s fine. Got out wayyy before you did.” Mumbo said. “He went across the way to the store to pick up some lunch. Scar offered to go with him, but he said he needed some time alone.” 

“You being hurt really messed with him.” Scar muttered guiltily. 

Shaking his head, Grian led the two out of the ER on a quest to go track down his brother. There were like, four stores Jimmy could have gone into. 

With a sigh, Grian pulled out his phone and shook his head. “Why is it always hospitals that have no service?” He turned to his friends. “Any clue which one he went in?” 

Both Scar and Mumbo cringed and shook their heads. “No clue mate. He didn’t seem in the mood for small chat when he got out.” 

“I don’t think The Market Place sells food?” Scar guessed. “It’s more like an… herbal medicine store?” 

Grian looked between the remaining options, “Let’s start at Hen’s Grocers.” 

The store was chilly compared to the bright sunny day outside, and Grian took a look around, but how was he really to know? Jimmy ran off often, and had been for years. The brothers were much the same, preferring to avoid the problems rather than outright face them. So if Jimmy was running, then there was a problem. 

“Any ideas on how to find him?” Mambo asked. “Because–”

“Energy drink section.” Grian blurted out loud enough that even he startled. Scar looked over at him in bewilderment. “He, uh, goes there a lot…” No he didn’t? Why would he know that? Why would he say that? 

“You good there Grian?” Scar asked, raising an eyebrow. 

He felt fine. “Yes…” 

Before the group could make their way to wherever Jimmy might be, Jimmy emerged from the aisle, carrying an energy drink and a boxed sandwich. He was worrying his lip, and glancing around every few seconds as if checking for someone. That was not good. 

“Jimmy!’ Grian called out, and he saw his brother visibly relax at the sound of his voice. 

After quickly running his items through check-out, Jimmy hurried over to them, meeting his brother with a tense smile. “Hey.” 

“Hey, why’d you run off like that? I thought you’d wait in the lobby, is everything ok?” Now he was looking around for whatever had Jimmy paranoid, his feathers fluffing against his will. Mumbo noticed immediately, coming around Jimmy’s other side to protect him. He glanced around. 

Jimmy’s eyes were red, and his cheeks swollen from rubbing at them. He shook his head and leaned closer to Grian. “The nurse I saw, he, figured out about…” His wings twitched. “So, it’s just paranoia.” 

Placing his hand on Jimmy’s shoulder, the other muttered words of comfort. “You’re going to be fine, it’s just one person, and he can’t say anything.” 

Behind Jimmy, Mumbo’s eyes widened, but he stayed silent, instead taking a step closer to the younger avian. 

“I just want to go home, Grian.” 

“Let’s go then.” 

---

Scar had been at this for hours, ignoring the growing amount of emails his computer pinged with every minute. But at this point, how could he not? 

It was fascinating, the way she moved. He suspected the cameras weren’t truly doing her any justice. The air seemingly under her control, and not the other way around. Xelqua’s movements were light, gentle, yet rumbled with the power of a thousand suns when she turned it on her enemies. She was everything a hero had needed to be, wrapped up in one tiny powerful flutter. 

Even though Cub had encouraged Scar to look into his predecessor a long time ago, the newer hero had never truly felt it necessary. The way the two fought were like night and day, and on top of that, Scar found himself firmly planted on the ground. Unlike Xelqua, he didn’t truly rely on his powers for combat. Sure, the whole walking, running, and jumping bit was a nice perk he got to use for a few hours at a time before his body felt like it was shutting down, but it wasn’t exactly the same. But boy was he regretting not knowing about her now. 

Even if the two were nothing alike, she was fascinating. Everything about her had an other-worldly quality, from the way she fought to the weapon she used. It shone like its own light source, and amplified her voice to the point she herself became the weapon. Most of the footage that remained of her had faded into obscurity over the years she was missing, but now that she had miraculously returned from the dead, people were posting her all over the internet. Her takedown of the Zombie King, saving the people in Flight 346 from total annihilation, volunteering at the lost kid’s home for the holidays, it was all resurfacing. Everyone was buzzing about Xelqua. He’s seen her up close, and it was incredible. 

Scar leaned back in his chair, and looked out the glass wall of his office into Vex Co. Everyone out there needed a protector. Xelqua seemed to agree. 

Were they really that different? Scar would love a chance to know. 

Yet, in the days since the Town Hall incident, no one had seen hide nor hair of her. Once again, it was as if she had vanished into thin air. Scar had been doing his best, not only to cover everything, stopping muggings and busting convenience store robberies, but also to keep an eye out for her. 

To say he wasn’t worried when she showed up to the scene of the fire with already scratched up legs would be a blatant lie. And when she fell, not jumped, but fell from that balcony with Grian’s brother, Scar’s heart had caught in his throat. Sure, he was no expert in avian flight, but she shouldn’t have hit the ground that hard. The way she skidded, purposefully landing under Jimmy so he wouldn’t touch the pavement was heroic, but largely stupid. 

Up close, Xelqua wasn’t anything like she was in the videos, and Scar wanted to know why. 

When the office was closing up, nearly everyone gone, a few lamps on here and there, Scar finally built up enough courage to talk to Cub about his thoughts. 

“Maybe she was just out of practice,” He tried, not really paying attention to his friend’s swirling doubts and conspiracies, instead scrolling through something on his phone. “Or she hit her head when some of the rubble fell. It’s not like we could see into the building.” 

“I know, I’ve thought about all of that.” Scar replied tightly as the elevator let them out onto the ground floor. As the pair stepped into the cold night air, Scar already felt himself searching around for Xelqua. “But I saw her up close. I watched the way she spiraled, and how she took off. It was nothing like in the videos.”

“So you’re finally taking my advice then? Learning how to be a proper hero?” Cub smirked, finally looking over at the other. When that didn’t get the lighthearted response he was expecting from the other, a frown slipped onto his face, and he shoved his phone into his pocket. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?” 

“Yes, and I feel like you’re not serious enough.” Shaking his head, he refused to look over at his mentor. “Everyone thought she died Cub. I read all the theories, watched the videos about her last battle. But suddenly, out of nowhere, and exactly when we needed her, she reappeared? It’s strange.” 

Cub had to choose his next words carefully, he knew that. When Scar got his mind set on something, it was nearly impossible to sway him, no matter the cost. He placed a hand on the other’s arm, stopping them. “It’s very strange. I’m not arguing with you about any of this, but I’m also not entirely sure what you’re getting at.” 

Scar wasn’t either. He’d been thinking about Xelqua all day, thousands of questions circling his mind, but they hadn’t condensed into anything really important. Where was she? Probably living her life in the city away from the spotlight. How did her microphone work? Magic, like anything else in this world. 

“There hasn’t been a single avian with flight in this city within the past 25 years. Did you know that?” He’d learned that during his deep drive spiral after lunch today. 

Cub and Scar had worked together for years. Scar had practically been hand picked from the group of interns he worked with during his grad school days. The older had helped him along his path to greatness, even recognizing the struggles Scar went through on a daily basis. Many a night had been spent going over grueling paperwork and admitting secrets before Cub had truly decided Scar was the one he wanted in charge. Further, those secrets had culminated in the creation of Scar’s super alter ego, his boss encouraging the other even during the first few rough patrols. Without Cub, Scar would be neither the CEO of Vex Co, or Hot Guy. Put simply, they knew each other very well. 

“I know you haven’t been sleeping,” Cub said coldly. “Even if I’m not your “guy in the chair” for a night, I do still get all the notifications from your suit.” 

“In all honesty, I thought I turned that off.” 

“Every night Scar. For hours you are out there. When you started this, you promised me that you would never let it get this bad. That you could balance this!” Rage filled the usually stoic man’s voice. 

“I’m– I’m fine.” 

“Fine? You think I haven’t seen the way you wince when no one’s watching, or how for the first time in years you’ve been exclusively using your powered wheels feature on your chair? I know, I know your curiosity is something I cannot truly stop, but you need to cut back. Your body cannot take the strain you are putting it under, and your magic is going to give out one of these days.” Taking a few steps from his friend, Cub planted his face into his hands. “Please Scar. I love that you want to help people, and right now Xelqua is at the top of your list, but for her sake, and the sake of everyone else, take a step back. If she wants to be found, she’ll be found.” 

He was right. Scar knew Cub was right, but that didn’t mean he liked to admit it. Not only had he been pushing his body and powers to the extreme these few night, the metal nanites swirling around in his bone marrow and blood stream keen on following any command he gave them, but he really was pushing the amount of rest he needed before any document he signed could be dismissed under the clause of insanity. Mumbo had been trying his best, offering Scar more coffee than a regular-sized person could have, and Grian had tried to take over some of the meetings once he returned to office. Their pity was something Scar hated, but he truly cherished their loyalty. 

And they would understand him if they knew.

“Tomorrow night, I’ll rest.” He said, staring Cub down. “But please Cub, one more night. I know I’ve got enough left in me for one last search. If I can’t find her tonight, then I’ll stop looking.” 

The other hated not getting exactly what he wanted, but in terms of how Scar compromised, this was a generous offer. So, Cub had no other choice. “Fine. But I’m on mic, and you have to listen to me if I deem something too dangerous for you to do in this state.” 

“Deal.” 

---

Grian was never particularly good at “taking it easy.” He just wasn’t wired for it, always needing a project to work on, or someone to talk to so his thoughts wouldn’t get too loud. So, to be cooped up (ha) in his apartment, forbidden from anything kind of strenuous action was truly nightmarish. He’d already reorganized his socks three times, and his ties twice, brushed poor Maui more than appreciated, pruned his bonsai tree to the point where he was worried he may have killed it, and scrubbed his kitchen so many times with so many different chemicals he was sure he made mustard gas in there somewhere. If he asked Mumbo or Scar to come over, he knew they’d come running. Even Impulse, or Joel, or even Bdubs would all be there for him, but he couldn’t. That would be admitting weakness.

These past few days were tortuous. His friends were all clingy, which he loved at first, because that meant they were safe with him. But that quickly turned suffocating. Except Jimmy. He could never be suffocated by his little brother. 

Jimmy had finally returned back to his apartment the day before, complaining about needing to do his own laundry in his own washer, which, fair enough. He had also had plans for tonight that Grian knew he didn’t want to bother his big brother with, so he retreated. 

That left Grian alone. With his thoughts. Great. 

Shaking his head, Grian tried to focus back in on whatever stupid gameshow cable had on tonight, and found a sheep staring back at him. Wow. The Game Network was really scraping the bottom of the barrel for ideas now, weren’t they? He really didn’t like the way that sheep was looking at him. 

He let out a long suffering groan. What else was there to do? Any more cleaning and his skin would fall off, any more organizing and his clothes might disintegrate, and if he just sat there then he would explode. 

“Groceries!” Grain exclaimed to no one, startling poor Maui off the couch. “...Sorry.” 

He could just go buy his groceries, and maybe even pick up some new bandages for his wings. The ones from the hospital were scratchy and started to pick at Grian’s new feather growth. 

The sky was a brilliant orange by the time Grian made his way outside, and he stopped to marvel at it for a second. Clouds crawled by at a snail’s pace, and he could see the way the last of the sun rays caught the little water droplets. It seemed quiet, pleasant.

He could be up there.

Shaking himself, he continued on his way to the store, trying to ignore the buzzing feeling in the back of his head that had settled after the fire and not faded since. 

The doctors hadn’t found anything wrong. 

Street lights clicked on as he walked, and highschoolers around him began their daily walks home from the library or whatever small coffee shops they chose to study at. He remembered picking Jimmy up many times from the library when he had stayed too late. His little brother had always been afraid of the dark. 

But that darkness paid him no mind as mindless chatter filtered through Grian’s ears, and he picked up a piece of gossip or two that would have made him gasp if he knew the person. Walks like this usually helped him clear his mind after a busy day of putting out Scar’s fires, or listening to another one of Mumbo’s four hour lectures on the benefits of potato based proteins, whatever that meant. Besides, it wasn’t like he would be completely alone out here, the city had a hero to protect it. 

Tilly’s, the local grocery store, was always a bit more expensive than Grian preferred on a daily basis, but it was close, and he did like their local selection of produce and sweets. Even Netty had a small section for her cookies in the corner of the bakery section, specially restocked every morning. 

It was a treat to fully shop there, one that Grian decided he had earned after that week. Besides, if he finished his shopping for the week here, then he could spend the next day asleep, which sounded quite pleasant. 

He’d been at it for a few minutes, now stuck on picking which kind of apple he wanted to bring home when a familiar voice sounded behind him. 

“Hey man! Funny seeing you here.” The accent itself was enough to tell Grian exactly who was talking, and the pure swagger the man spoke with only confirmed it. 

“Hi Ren.” Grian turned cautiously, apples still in hand. “How are you doing?” 

He was wearing his teal-tinted glasses again, but had switched out the formal suit for a red hoodie and a pair of sweats. Interestingly, he also wore a beanie that pinned his ears down, leaving no trace of who Grian knew the man was. 

“Fine! Busy though. Doc and I have been working our butts off alongside legal to get our end of the deal finalized.” Pulling out a list that was much too long, Ren grinned up at the other, canines on display. “I’m actually really glad you all accepted it, having that old building was just making me sad. We used to use it for research, but after the extension to headquarters, it’s just been sitting empty. Part of me was worried we’d sell to a developer that would turn it into… apartments.” His eyes glazed over in pure terror for a second, and Grian found himself letting out a laugh against his will. 

“We don’t need any more of those now, do we? Roads can barely support traffic as it is.” Grian bagged up his apples. He waffled for a second, sighing and turning towards the other man, wings drooping. “By the way, I’m sorry for any of the weird vibes you were getting from me during the meeting. I really am happy that we are developing Mumbo’s plans after years of working on them, I just wish Scar would have brought me into the loop earlier. I am totally cool with it now though.” 

“Glad to hear it. Not like I helped your fears or anything, I was a bit too intense, I will admit. Just got excited to see another hybrid so high up.” That crooked smile was contagious, and even if Grian was still weary of the man, he was warming up quick. “Speaking of, are you ok?” Ren cringed, and gestured behind Grian, “Sorry if it’s personal, just, your wings weren’t that beat up last time I saw you.” 

Ah. Of course. Grian had hoped no one would mention his injuries, maybe just making their own fatal assumptions, but he was never that lucky. 

“A bike…” Might as well stick with his story, “took a corner too fast, and I was around it. Skid me nearly 3 meters down the pavement.” 

Ren sucked in a pitying breath. “Beezus man! That’s awful.” 

“No, no. I should have been paying more attention, but the fire was happening, and my brother worked at Town Hall, so I just was completely out of it.” Maybe some details should be kept under wraps, but if they were working with Ren, then Scar or Mumbo might accidentally let something slip, and he didn’t want to make anything awkward. 

Ren’s face morphed into horror. “Is he ok?”

“He’s fine, in fact, I think everyone in Town Hall escaped with minimal injuries for what it was.” Grian hadn’t actually said it out loud, nor let himself feel the pride he should after realizing just what he did. Everyone was ok in the end. He let himself smile, just a little. “The nurse actually said I was one of the worst cases they got relating to accidents from the fire.” 

Ren let out a whistle. “Well, that is impressive. Xelqua and Hot Guy really did an amazing job, and I’m glad your brother’s doing well.” 

“Me too.” Looking down at Ren’s cart, he let out a surprise laugh. Ren raised an eyebrow at him. “Woah, are you preparing for a party or something? That’s a lot of… meat.” He trailed off as he thought about what he was saying for more than a second.

With a bitter grin that showed off all his sharp, sharp teeth, Ren spoke. “Nah, the full moon’s coming up, you know what that means.” He scratched at his ears from over his beanie. 

“Sorry, dude.” Really, he should have realized it sooner. “Curse features suck.” 

“You’re telling me. It’s actually why I’m shopping up here. Most of the stores in South Herotopia are already banning Canids from shopping there for the week, even though the full moon is in two days. I’ve got quite a few sick and old neighbors that can’t make the trip up here themselves, so I volunteered. Got to make sure they’ll have food, you dig?” 

A pit formed in Grian’s stomach. He’d heard about Dog Hybrids before, but was never close enough with one to have a conversation like this. Ren… didn’t seem like some of the more horrid stories he’d heard, about how Canids turned into flesh-seaking beasts when the moon rose full. But then again, no one was truly themselves after the Reckoning, were they? 

“Stores still do that?” Grian asked quietly. “After all these years?” 

Ren scoffed. “Not just to us, there’s more than a few who are trying to ban cat and monster hybrids as well. It’s insane.” 

“It really is.” Grian had it rough, he really did. Living with two broken wings attached to him, lugging them around day in and out. But in the grand scheme of things, he was lucky. Lucky in a way he preferred not to think about when the news pushed another piece on hybrid attacks. It was never an avian’s whose mugshot they showed. 

“Ah, sorry to bring the mood down, and interrupt your shopping.” Ren’s voice was still casual and light, but Grian could tell he was just putting it on for show. 

Grian scoffed. “You didn’t ruin anything. I just hope these next few days treat you well. It’s really admirable what you’re doing for your neighbors.” 

Ren paused for a moment, and a tiny, real smile graced his face. “Thanks, I think I needed to hear that.” He hummed for a second before pulling out his phone. “Listen, I know you all agreed to buy the building off of us, ‘site unseen,’ but if you want to see some of our old projects before we clear everything out, just give me a call. Can I put my number in your phone?” 

“Would Doc really be ok with that?” Grian handed his phone over to the other, watching him tap at the screen. “I’ve heard he’s kinda private about the work Perimeter does.” 

Ren paused his typing and bit his cheek before shrugging. He looked at Grian with an expression the other couldn’t fully place. “Doc… doesn’t need to know. He’s a great scientist and engineer and everything, but he takes our work a little too seriously sometimes. I miss being able to talk about what I’m doing, and besides, this is a lot of our old projects, we haven’t touched them in like, two years. If you want, you can invite the Big Guy and your boss too. I like meeting new hybrids.”

“Mumbo and Scar? Oh, Mumbo isn’t a hybrid–” 

“Really?” 

“Yeah, I know, he’s just massive, but I think he’d love to see where his big development is going. He’s been waiting for years for it to get put through. And I don’t know how accessible your building is, but Scar’s a vex, so I think you two would actually get along really well.” 

“...I thought Cub was a vex?”

Grian hadn’t been paying attention that much when Scar took over, so he had no clue about the selection process. He liked to think that Cub wouldn’t base leadership just off of species, but then again, what did he really know about the man? Either way, Scar was absolutely the right choice. 

“They both are. Vex Co and all of that.” Grian took Ren’s phone from him and began to press in his number. His smile slipped a little as he made an important decision. “Listen, I know we don’t really know each other that well, but if you end up needing anything from the Central stores and can’t make it up here, feel free to reach out. I’m right on the red line bus, so it wouldn’t be a bother to me. It really sucks what’s happening down there.” 

Ren’s beanie shifted as his eyebrows raised in surprise. “Thank dude. That’s really generous.” And there was that bright look again, the one that Grian had assumed was his default. 

“Of course.” Sticking out the phone to the other, Ren took it and began to place it in the tote bag in the cart. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite make it…

And Grian was practically already moving before it fell, grabbing it tightly. Both froze. 

With a low whistle, Ren took it back. “Woah! Nice reflexes! Thanks.” 

“Of course.” Strange. 

The two parted ways pretty quickly after that, Grian finishing up his shopping pretty easily besides the struggle of finding non-itchy bandages in the medical section. Luckily, the painkillers we had been taking were doing their job, and his dislocated arm was already feeling better after a few days of taking it easy. So, as night settled over the city, he hoisted his grocery bags up onto his shoulders, and walked home. 

—

“This is not what we agreed to Scar.” 

The moon had long since rose over Herotopia, and Scar sat atop one of the tallest buildings, just scanning the darkness. He was tired, and sore, and felt his magic already flickering, causing him to stumble across some of the rooftops. But he didn’t care. 

“You’ve been out there for hours, already stopped 3 muggings and returned a lost kid to their parents.” Cub’s voice voice through his headset. “Come back.” 

Cub wouldn’t understand. That buzzing sensation Scar felt every time he put his mind to something, that wouldn’t fade until he got it or crashed out. He’d tried to explain it to his mentor many times before, but he didn’t understand.

The two of them were close, but could never be the same. 

“Just a bit longer.” He muttered. 

He ignored the cutting words Cub returned to him, admonishing him for not caring. But Scar did care. 

Hermitopia didn’t have a protector. Not really. The police were… there, kinda, and private security details easily ran most of corporate protection, but it wasn’t enough. No one was there for the people. Muggings ran rampant, murders even worse. It didn’t use to be like this. But it was all Scar knew. The terror, the fear, the descent of society into a world that didn’t trust each other, and the consequences that came with that. 

So, instead of lamenting and weeping, Scar decided to do something about it. He wasn’t nearly as impressive as the last hero, but he was decent enough with a bow, and had the know-how to build technology that generally improved his physical characteristics. 

Overall, he’d been doing really well at it. Most of the population liked him, and he’d saved a lot of lives over the past few years. Not all of them, sure, and those would forever haunt him, but those he could save returned home to their families and friends, and that was something to be proud of. Town Hall had been the first time in a long time that he felt truly powerless to save people. 

The last time had been Grian’s sister. 

Maybe Cub was right. It was late, and he was tired, and his mind was starting to wander to places he didn’t like to think about. 

“Are you listening to me?” 

Scar let out a long-suffering sigh. “What do you think?” 

“Jesus…” Scar could hear the way Cub shook his head. “Scar. You told me a few hours. It’s been more than that, on top of the fact you’ve been out every night for who knows how long. Please.” 

That buzzing feeling turning to crackles. “I can’t. You know I can’t.” 

In the distance, a flash of pink swooped between the buildings, and Scar leapt to his feet. He lifted his glasses, trying to see it again. 

“I know you can’t, but this is hurting you.” 

Come on, let me see you again. Be real.

“Please…” Scar muttered to himself, taking out a zipline arrow and slotting it onto his bow. He was ready, he was right. 

“Scar?” 

There. 

A flash of pink, and Scar knew he had to act. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow Cub.” With that, Scar took out his earpiece, muffled angry yells getting shoved into his pocket. He knew Cub would forgive him. 

But for now, there was a bird he had to find. 

—

It was late. Really late. But for some reason, no matter how hard he tossed and turned and tried to make himself comfortable, Grian couldn’t sleep. Ever since the fire, it was like there was this buzzing energy in the back of his head that he couldn’t get to go away. When Jimmy was there, he was able to focus on that enough to get at least a few hours a night, but not anymore. 

He’d tried all the normal sleep aids. A nice cup of tea, warm milk, melatonin, he even put on an old dvd of ocean sounds to try and drown out his feelings. None of it worked. So, after another hour of staring blankly at the ceiling, Grian made the tough decision to kick the blankets off, and get out of bed. 

No good decision will ever be made after 9pm. Grian knew that, after all, Pearl had practically pounded it into his head after she found out what he did in high school. 

But no good decision was going to come from stewing in his misery at all hours of the night either. Passing by Maui’s bed at the end of his, Grian made his way out into the living room. Large windows framing a perfectly clear night sky over a dark city met his gaze, and he paused for a second to really take it all in. 

It wasn’t often that Grian got to truly appreciate how beautiful the city was when everything was still. Most of the time he was forced to deal with it’s people, it’s bus delays, it’s litter and it’s prejudice. But in the silence, it was almost like he could see what it once was. How people used to get along, how arguments breaking out on the street were few and far apart. He’d never been alive for that, born less than a year after the curse took effect, but he could imagine. 

In the distance, some buildings had lit their roofs pink in honor of town hall and the fire, many more now publicly raising funds to try and rebuild the monumental building. But in the dark, lit only by a mostly-full moon, Grian could pretend those lights were flying. 

Subconsciously, his wings spread out, fluttering a bit in the imaginary wind. The feathers were ugly, brown and scruffy, like a swan’s might have been if it got stuck in its baby stage forever. The ugly duckling truly was a haunting story. And sure, he had managed to grow a nice looking secondary here or there, but his primaries just never came in right. Some tried to, but they bent and broke easily, leading to a lot of pain and bloodied bedsheets in the night. Now, if Grian ever saw one trying, he’d just pluck it before the disappointment turned painful again. 

It wasn’t like that a few days ago.

Grian knew he couldn’t dwell on what he did, taking such a precious heirloom and using it so recklessly had almost cost him his ability to use his arm. Not to mention the growing anxiety and confusion he knew the city was feeling due to his actions. Everything he did that day was stupid, and dangerous, and he should never even touch that damned thing again–

But you flew. 

“And I saved Jimmy.” Muttering to himself, gods, Grian was losing it, wasn’t he? The lack of sleep toying with his brain, pushing him towards desires he’d never even toy with in the day time. 

That heirloom cost him his family, nearly cost him everything. But it was also the only thing that saved his brother. 

It was nice to fly. 

Moving before he could psych himself out, Grian pulled open the drawer he had haphazardly shoved the microphone in during his rush to get to Jimmy. Its crystals were still covered in ash and dust, their shine barely coming through in the moonlight. 

Overall, it was something incredibly gaudy, and flashy, and everything Grian wasn’t. But it was perfect for its previous owners, people who just wanted their voices heard, who weren’t afraid to show off and do ridiculous stunts to get noticed. A woman who do anything to protect her family, and a girl who would do anything to keep her mother’s memory alive. 

“I’m not actually going to do anything with it,” Grian muttered as he put on his shoes and quietly made his way up the staircase to the roof. As expected, it was completely empty, with a cool breeze blowing through the night. “It’s just nice to pretend.” 

Pretend what, exactly?

That wasn’t a question Grian wanted to answer, especially not at 2am. But deep down, he knew. 

He was jealous. Jimmy could fly, and Pearl was able to at least glide. They hadn’t been hit with the curse as badly as he had, their feathers looking properly developed, feeling resistance when the wind blew against them. Sure, maybe his jealousy was a bit selfish. Flying did mean that Jimmy would have to live his life in terror about anyone ever finding out, fearing that someone would overhear and snatch him off the street. 

Jimmy was never truly interested in flying, but at least he had that option. Grian didn’t. 

But for a few minutes, he did. His feathers had caught the wind, and he glided like it was the most natural thing in the world for him. 

The damned bandages were itching again. With a groan of frustration, Grain stuck out his wings to carefully peel them off. All of the open wounds had scabbed over, and even if his back was a bit sore here and there, he was doing exponentially better than after the fire. Trying to ignore how some feathers caught in the adhesive and ripped out with a hiss, Grian forced himself to open them fully. 

The breeze easily blew through them, shifting the fluff every which way, something he had no control over. Avains were supposed to guide the wind with their feathers, bending it to their will to cut through the air. That bitterness bubbled up again. 

In his hand, the microphone glowed lightly, scattering its pink across Grian’s sleep shirt and onto the roof. Grian thought it lucky that no one would be out this late to see the strange way the sparkles amplified the light more and more with each passing second. 

What?

But the time Grian realized the microphone was hot, it was too late to let go. His body physically wouldn’t listen to him as the heat spread up his arm, burning his shot nerves. This time, he managed to keep in the scream as it hit his chest and neck. Without the adrenaline or panic from the days before, he could feel the way his bones popped and shifted beneath his skin, and how his wings were pulled apart and put back together roughly, feather by unnatural feather. His head ached something fierce, and his eyes were overcome by not the pink he knew, but a toxic looking purple. 

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the light and heat faded, and Grian settled into this unfamiliar body once more. Unlike last time, this had been an accident, and his brain wasn’t twitching with instincts he couldn’t fully comprehend. 

Opening his eyes, the moonlight let him look upon himself with a mix of horror and anticipation. These clothes were not his, and that was terrifying in a completely different way. To be unknowingly changed in all ways, to the point not even his pajamas remained.

With a deep breath, Grian spread out his unfamiliar wings, and felt the resistance from the wind. If he shed a few tears in that moment, no one would know. The pink feathers that surrounded him were correct, unlike his own useless brown. Angling them up, he was pulled to his feet by the air. 

“Why did I do this?” Grian shook his head, staring out at the city horizon through tears. It was tortuous, knowing this is what he could have been if he wasn’t born wrong. Sure, escaping reality was fun for a few moments, but only hurt more once it all came crashing back down. 

A particularly hard gust of wind hit him, and Grian found himself stumbling along the roof, speeding dangerously close to the edge. His heart sped up at just the thought of being here. Just a little spike of adrenaline. 

Transforming back would suck. Grian knew it sucked from personal experience. So… why not get something he wanted out of this first? 

His legs shook as he looked over the edge of his apartment building. Bracing himself, he climbed up onto the ledge, trying to ignore the way his body desperately wanted him back on solid ground. That wasn’t him right now. He didn’t have to worry about falling. 

And wasn’t that a fantastic thought? 

Maybe the way he stepped off into the air was a little too cocky. He was missing some feathers after all, and the soreness in his entire body hadn’t faded yet. But when the pain of his feather’s catching air passed, Grian couldn’t help but feel ecstatic. He was actually doing it! Sure, he had to remind himself to flap his wings, and maybe it was more of a slow downward glide than true flying, but there he was. 

Any terror about being seen was stomped down by the way he cut between the buildings, feeling the air rush past him. His eyes were watering at the unfamiliar sensation, but he couldn’t care less. Steadying himself, Grian willed a large flap, and he began to ascend. A childish giggle escaped his mouth. 

Continuing his little journey, he weaved around some of the tallest buildings in the city in a figure eight, just getting the hang of turning. In his enchantment, Grian hadn’t noticed the blur of teal and orange that lurked atop, watching him closely. He even got the courage to point himself downward, letting his body catch some real speed before gently pulling back up in a large arch. Below him, the last buses of the night were finishing their routes, late night shifts changing hands, and night owls finally finding some peace and quiet in the world. 

It was truly everything he’d dreamed of. 

But as the night got later, and that initial rush of excitement began to wear off (though Grian suspected it would never truly go away), he began to look for somewhere to land. At that point he had no clue where he was, and his muscles were starting to ache. If he wanted to go home easily, he’d have to figure out the best direction to beeline in. 

Spotting a mid-level building a little bit ahead, Grian figured he would be able to get his bearings and catch a break. Unfortunately, he still wasn’t 100% on the landings. 

Doing his best to circle slowly down, an unlucky gust of wind knocked him off course at the last minute, and Grian found himself stumbling to keep his footing before promptly landing on his ass. At least he almost landed on his feet that time. 

Brushing the dust off his clothes, he made his way over to the edge, swung his legs over the side of the building and pulled out his phone. Clicking open to the map app, he tried his best to orient which way he was looking. There was a pretty big intersection in front of him, and he knew he was still somewhere within the centre part of the city. 

Behind him, a man landed silently, years of practice under his belt. He watched the other with curious, prying eyes. Finally, a voice rang out across the rooftop.

“Hello?”

Grian shot to his feet, whirling around in terror. His hand went to the mic on his belt before realizing he had no clue how to actually use it. 

“Woah! Calm down, I’m not going to hurt you.” 

Hot Guy. 

The hero had come onto the scene a few years ago, wearing surprisingly little for the type of work he got up to. Tinted glasses framed his face, obscuring any chance at figuring out who he was. Not that Grian really cared. After all, he did good work. The news gave him a segment during the end of every week, covering the publicly reported stats of how many muggings, break in, and other crimes the man had handled. And it was a lot. 

So sure, he trusted the man. As Grian. 

But he wasn’t Grian right now. In fact, he wasn’t quite sure who he was in general, and having a prying hero wasn’t going to help anything. So, while working with him the other day was nice, he wasn’t looking for anything more than that. Grian took a shaking step towards the edge.

“Wait! Please.” Hot Guy sounded almost desperate, and took a shaking step towards the other. “I just want to make sure you’re okay.” 

What. 

“What?” Grian actually said that out loud, pausing his retreat. Actually, no! How the hell did this guy know where he was? “How did you find me?” 

The hero immediately slumped, looking a bit sheepish. “I’ve been keeping an eye out for these past few partols, hoping I’d run into you. I managed to catch a glimpse of you around the Iver Tower…” 

“So you followed me?” That was… freaky. Grian hadn’t had any clue anyone was watching him. Sure, there was the risk that someone might glance something quick out one of their windows, but to know he was stalked? 

“Yes…” In every interview Hot Guy did, he was confident, well spoken, and not this shaking mess trembling before Grian. “I’ve been going out every night to see if I could see you. My partner told me to just let it go, that you were fine–” “Your partner is right.” Whatever he had to say to get out of this conversation as quickly as possible. 

“--But I say how hard you hit the ground.” Hot Guy finished. “Your feathers were everywhere, and you left a streak of blood across the asphalt. Now, I’m no expert, but I do have some experience getting roughed up, and having a full-grown man use me as a toboggan would do some pretty heavy damage.”

Oh. Yeah, maybe Grian chose to forget that Hot Guy and nearly the rest of the city had seen how he completely failed that landing when dragging Jimmy to safety. So what? It wasn’t that strange of a way to land, and he’d been able to pull himself to his feet afterward. Sue him if it wasn’t the perfect, graceful fluttering steps of the old days. 

When he didn’t get a response, Hot Guy laughed, nervously. “I just, are you okay?” 

His wings twitched nervously, and Grian felt the way his bare skin hit the air. “I’m… healing. Uh, nothing I haven’t handled before.” Because he wasn’t supposed to be him. 

Even in the dark, Grian could see the prying look in Hot Guy’s eyes, raking him up and down, as if searching for something. He could see the awkwardness drying up the longer he stared at the other, coming to his own conclusions. Grian didn’t want to hear them. 

“Well, if that’s all, I’m going to go.” Backing up, his heels dangled off the edge of the building. Sure, it was show off-y, but Hot Guy actually thought he was a hero. 

Speaking of, the hero shook himself. “No, please–”

“Sorry babe, you’re out of questions for the night. Thanks for your concern.” With that, Grian let himself drop. 

He had no clue how to properly right himself from this position, and after stepping realized he was much too close to the ground. Oops. In trying to look cool, he made himself look like the most foolish baby bird stepping out of the nest for the first time. FInally, and just in the nick of time, his wings caught the air, and he went from perpendicular to parallel. With that, he shot one last look towards the building he’d stepped from, and saw Hot Guy had rushed to the edge, watching him. Great. 

What was less great was that he now had to get home without the hero following him, and Grian heavily suspected he might. On top of that, while he had mostly managed to figure out where he was, he still wasn’t entirely sure how that got him back home. 

No good decisions are made after 9pm. Even if they’re fun in the moment. 

This time, Grian flew near the rooflines of each building he passed, making sure no one in them could risk seeing him. The whole time, he kept his head on a swivel, checking to make sure that blue and orange clad man was nowhere to be found. By the time Grian spotted his apartment building, he was fairly sure he was alone. Unless Hot Guy could turn invisible, and then he was doomed. 

Speaking of doom, Grian cringed at the thought of having to make another landing, but knew he had a better chance at succeeding this time. So, trying the spiral technique again, he managed to avoid any rude gusts, and felt his feet hit the roof. Sure, he had to jog a bit to keep from falling, but he stayed upright! Absolute win!

In the horizon, the very, very beginnings of morning was peaking above the horizon, and Grian knew the rest of his day was about to be miserable. Not like Scar would punish him if he called out though–

No. There was too much to do. 

Taking the microphone in hand, Grian braced for the explosion to tear through his body. That heat began to creep, and maybe he was just tired, or getting used to it, but it didn’t quite burn as much. Then came the shifting of his entire skeletal structure, and oh. There it was. 

Panting as he laid on the rooftop, Grian tried his best to grab onto the memories he’d just made. The good ones at least. 

“This can’t happen again.” He muttered to himself. 

Grian was always good at lying. Especially to himself. 

Chapters: 1 2 3 4 5

[sugoi-writes]

A Morningstar - Angel!Lucifer (Samael) x GN! Reader

---

A/N- Some of my fluffiest works are written at 3AM when I'm at my lowest, YKNOW? So keep in mind this is loose, dialogue heavy, and just... Fluffy? Feel good, with bits of angst as well. This glosses over/ignores the canon, Lilith/Eve/Adam, I just... High key Angel Luci is so precious and just wanna treasure this mess of an Angel. This is just indulgent fluff dhdbdbs

(If you want to feel the sense of longing that Angel!Luci feels in this fic, listen to Wildflower by Billie Eilish-- it's SO heart wrenching to me, and perfectly captures the way Lucifer struggles with his feels-- Feels like it's a GOOD Canon!Luci song, too!) Dhdjdjsj ENJOY ❤️

---

You glanced over your shoulder when you heard the rustling in the bushes, hands pausing mid preening,"...Samael?"

The angel from on high peeked from his hiding spot sheepishly, smile wide and betraying his mischievous mood," Did I scare you~?"

You laughed, soft and warm like the autumn breeze, shaking your head," No, I'm afraid not. But, I can pretend if you'd like~"

The angel's cheeks glowed with a golden hue as you laughed again, lips jutting out in a dramatic pout," Where's the fun in that?"

You pat the ground next to you, chuckling," C'mon now, Sammy. You know I'm just kidding~"

Like an animal offered fresh food, Samael flew to your side eagerly. His robes danced, billowing like a ball gown as he lowered himself to the ground, hands splayed in the grass beside you," I know~ Just like I know I'll get you... Someday~"

The two of you laughed as he began tickling you, heads thrown back from the strife. In all of your play fighting, Samael had always known your weak spots, exploiting them as you cackle uncontrollably. You find yourself falling backward until you land on the ground, patting Sam's leg to tap out. Ever the good sport, the angel lets you breathe, watching as your eyes flit to the stars above you.

Sam wasn't far behind you, allowing himself to fall in a similar fashion at your side. His head came so close to yours that his halo bathed your hair in a golden light, as if allowing you to borrow it. He turns his head towards you after a moment, smiling all the same during your brief silence," Hey-- Lift your head for a moment!"

You look back to him, brows raised questioningly. When he rolls his eyes and reassures," It'll be nice, I promise", you can't help but oblige. When you finally tilt your head up and off the ground, you startle when you feel the rustling from below. When you look, you could see one of Samael's many wings, waiting expectantly for you to lay back down. Once you do, you relax fully, eyes fluttering at how soft his feathers were. You were cushioned all around, between the wings and the tall, bright clover grass that you laid on, you felt at peace. You returned to looking at the stars above you, smiling blissfully.

"They're truly beautiful, you know. The stars, that is...," you sigh, absolutely enraptured with the sight. Sam hums beside you, nodding in agreement.

"They are... Could you imagine how long that would've taken for someone else? Each star, handcrafted and made to look more dazzling than the next... But they're like you... They don't live forever." Samael's expression fell for a moment, before that trademark smile returned," B-But that's okay! Lots of beautiful things don't last forever... And, if it were up to me... I'd want to be a star too."

"Really?" You ask, turning to look over at your angelic friend," A star? I honestly thought you would've said like... A bunny... Maybe a duck? I know they're your favorite..."

Sam snorts childishly as he's caught red-handed," It's true, it's true... Ducks are... well, adorable! Irrationally so. But... I don't know. There's just something so... Breathtaking about stars. How they hang so high in the sky, lighting the way... Shining, dazzling, and spreading joy... That's what I want to do. I want to spread joy. Make people smile..."

"You've made me smile plenty already~" you coo, making Samael laugh dreamily.

"True, true... But if I could do that all day, everyday... I would become a star in a heartbeat."

Samael reaches a hand towards the Heavens, smile wide and full of wonder," And, if anything were to ever happen to me? I'd just-- poof!"

"Poof?" You question, eyebrows wide with worry.

"Well, yeah! When stars die, they... Explode? Most of the time, anyway. They make these startling, beautiful colors and displays; like a final act, y'know? A big BANG!!! If I were to die... I'd like it to be like that, y'know?"

You sit up, scooting closer until you're snuggled against him, laying your head on the angel's chest. You feel him stiffen below you, breath shallow as you lay a hand just above where his heart should be. He was warm, impossibly so... radiating a heat that was as intense as it was comforting. You ran your fingers over his well-woven, pristine robes, eyes heavy as you mull over his words.

"I don't like thinking about you dying, Samael..." You say after a while, worry dripping from your voice," It... frightens me. To think something could to happen to you."

You feel shuffling beside you, until your body is enveloped by large, gentle wings, bringing you impossibly closer. He didn't let you lament against him for very long.

"Well, it's great thing I can't die... You know? I never will. Because God, well... He made us this way. And-- even though you can--"

"Will--" you corrected, smile faulting.

"Even so-- I'll be there when you do. And I'll be sure to scoop you up; nice and safe in my arms. Straight to the pearly gates!!!."

You look up to him, eyes serene and sentimental," You promise, Sam? You'll take care of me when I do?"

The golden-blooded angel can't help but look away, your natural beauty far too much for his fragile, foolish heart. A shy pinky finger is offered to you, which you take tendering in turn.

"O-Of course! Who better than me? I've carried you before, and I will again! Someday... But not too soon, I hope."

You laugh as the thought crosses your mind, your fit dying down into a content hum as you let the fuzzy, warm feeling fester.

" I wish I were a star, too...," you remark, hoping to change the subject back to the sky above you," They're so beautiful...," you finish dreamily, staring up at the wide, star-clustered sky.

"Hah-- Why would you want to be less beautiful than you are now?"

You blink, mind going blank as his words wash over you," Wh-What was that?"

"I-I mean-- uhh--" Sam stiffens again, laughing awkwardly as he looks away from you," I mean-- God made you in his own image, right? You know, humans are... Special. Because even with as many stars in the sky, each one of you-- all of you-- will be so different. So beautiful, in your own ways. Ways that angels can't be; will NEVER be. I just... don't understand how you would seek to be something less beautiful than you are now. You're... You have been--," Samael struggles, mind crossing with visions of the past, present, and possible future.

"You will be-- a-are... One of the most beautiful humans I've seen, to boot... So... That answer just surprises me, that's all..."

You sit up in that moment, looking to Samael with wide, curious eyes," You... Think I'm beautiful, Sam? More beautiful than a star?"

The angel, still stammering and flustered, can't help but nod," I... Is that... wrong? I-I don't know, I... Just always felt that way. Specifically about you, that is. God made you so... Perfect. I don't understand why you would want to change that. To be something so much more inferior to you…"

"But you-- you wanted to BE a star, Sam. Don't you think you're beautiful, too?" you ponder, leaning over him. Your hair framed his flustered face, making you feel much closer than you already were. The gold that festered in his cheeks made his hair look much paler in comparison.

"N-No! Well, not like you are-- uhh, humans are," Samael explained, the words feeling strange but true on his tongue.

" I... I don't view angels the same way I do stars. Nor like humans, we... we have finite purposes. Jobs assigned to us. We are to perform and do these things, serve the Lord, and a litany of other things... For forever. Meanwhile you-- you have free will! You will grow, live, experience things-- haha! There's sooo much you don't know, and yet: you'll still continue on. You get to live as you like. You'll get to choose what fulfills your life, and... It's just... it fascinates me. How different you can be. A life that is limited is much more enchanting and amazing than one that will never change or end. So, yes... If I were able to, I would become a star. Because at least then... I could be half as beautiful as you."

"And not a human...? You'd never wish to be a human?" You ask, soft as a whisper as the angel gazes up to you.

"N-No... No, I could never hope to be as beautiful as you. A-As uhh-- humans! So no, I'm-- I'd be content to be a star... Maybe one that lights the way, y'know?"

You feel your heart squeeze, almost fluttering with a feeling you've never experienced before. You feel... warm all over, head soft and unfocused as the first few beams of dawn begin to light up the sky. Just above your head, a cluster of morning stars blaze on, as if to create a crown just for you.

"Samael...?" You ask, smile chaste and honest as you stare down to the angel below you. Said angel feels his spine tingle, swallowing audibly,"Y-Y...yes? Yes, what is it?"

"Thank you. For sharing how you feel... And... For calling me beautiful. If it means all the same to you... I find you quite beautiful, too. Much more than a silly star in the sky~" You lean down, hesitating for a moment, before placing a kiss to the angel's pale cheeks. A flourish of color fills his face suddenly, mouth agape at the gesture. You hadn't realized how much more the words mattered when they came from you.

"I-I-I-- uhh-- Y-Yeah!!! Hahah, yeah, o-of course! Why-- ANYONE would agree! That you– YOU’RE beautiful, not me, haha! They-- they'd simply be lame, BLIND if they couldn't see your worth-- Y-Your beauty!"

You can't help but chuckle as you watch Sam unravel beneath you still, laying your head back down on his chest as you allow him to bristle and fidget below you. This gesture, to Sam's relief, spares him the butterflies he gets when he gazes into your eyes.

"Sam?"

"Y-Yes?"

"I mean it. Thank you. And... can we lay like this? Just a little longer?"

Samael's hands hesitate, but eventually wrap around you as you hum in approval," O-Of course... anything for you." After what felt like a few moments, Samael could hear the sounds of your breathing slow, heart beating just as leisurely as you drifted off into slumber. Sam didn't dare to move a muscle, watching as the stars melted away under the sun's intense gaze.

"...that's what I want to be... A star. A morning star,” Samael whispered to no one, eyes filled with a longing that has always been etched into his core.

Sam runs a hand hesitantly through your hair, sighing as he feels you nestle closer to him," ...a sign that the day is just beginning. A new start, a new cycle... Hope, joy… I want to be that. I want... I'd like to be that for someone. Heavens, I want something new... To be a part of something new."

Sam dares to look down to your sleeping form, feeling his chest tighten at the adorable sight before him. With one cheek smashed against his chest, you looked much like a small animal, getting cozy and comfortable before a long rest. He was oh-so tempted to touch your other cheek, to feel with his hands how soft they were…but he held himself back from such a tender, foreign gesture.

He exhales shakily, eyes falling closed," I wish... I could be a part of yours, y’know. More than I am now. I want to watch you shine…”

Samael can see visions of you dancing across his mind, visions of what you had to gain or lose by being his friend. And Heavens, even more, if he were so lucky. One vision appeared that always frightened him. Your visage distorted, with large, proud horns protruding from your head. The image made him shiver from the implications… Before his visions' hand reached for yours, kissing your demonic knuckles affectionately.

“...Because I know you'll be the brightest of them all."

[ladychota]

Masked Love

Pairing - Loki x Female Reader

Warnings - None, just fluff really (but lmk if you want me to add something)

Summary - You attend an Asgardian masquerade ball and meet a man who immediately piques your interest.

Word Count - 1.2k

Masterlist

The mask lies heavy on your face, its feathers tickling your temples and the jewels irritating your skin. You wish for nothing more than to take it off, but what's the point in a masquerade ball if you don't wear a mask? 

Besides, you're rather looking forward to the anonymity. Being able to go to a royal ball without fear of being judged for your social class or looked down upon for your family's status.

Your heels clack against the marble floors, each tile polished so much you can see your face in them. Your dress follows you like a loyal dog, the hem brushing your ankles delicately. The hallways are lit by hundreds of thousands of candles - some wall mounted, others hanging from the ceiling in stunning chandeliers; all emit a warm, welcoming glow. Guards stand both sides of every doorway, a spear clutched tightly in one hand while the other holds a round shield embellished with the Asgardian crest.

You hurry past them, excitement bubbling inside you as you walk through the huge, golden doors into the ballroom.

It's filled to the brim with people, each and every one of them in glittering ballgowns or slim, satin pieces; fine tuxedoes or traditional Asgardian robes. The room is alive with chattering and drinking, the air filled with the melodic sounds of laughter intertwining with music.

Walking down the stairs, you can't seem to take your eyes off the scene: it's picturesque, to say the least. You wander over to the side, watching as couples move to the centre of the ballroom, the orchestra beginning to play.

It feels magical.

You sigh and tear yourself away, heading towards the buffet as you wonder when you'll get a chance to do that. Perhaps you should go speak to someone, ask if they'd give you a dance. But, then again, you're not sure if you could deal with the rejection.

The buffet table is huge and filled to the brim with delicacies and foods you've never before seen. You're slightly overwhelmed at the choice, not sure what you should try and what you should ignore.

But then something catches your eye. Correction: someone.

A little ways across the table, a man stands holding some sort of half-eaten tart, his piercing green eyes set on you. Although, he doesn't look at you in a way that suggests he means harm; it's more of a soft look. You offer him a smile and continue searching the table, attempting to find something that looks tasty.

Your eyes - for some reason - land on the man again, your cheeks heating up at the realisation he's still looking right back at you. He points to his tart then brings a hand to his mouth, making the motion of a chef's kiss. You can't help the grin that plasters itself on your face.

Scanning the table once more, you spot something that looks rather like the pastry he's holding. You lift it up, point at it and tilt your head slightly, silently asking if it's the right one. He nods.

You take a bite, your eyes widening at how tasty it is. It's sweet, but not so sweet that it's sickly. The pastry is buttery and flaky and perfect in every way. The man grins as you nod in agreement.

The music stops and everyone starts to clap; you quickly finish the pastry and join in, listening to someone announcing the next dance. In your distracted state of trying to peer over the heads of way too many people to see if anything interesting has happened, you lose sight of the man.

You turn around, searching for him; perhaps he hasn't gone far. Perhaps, if you find him, you could talk to him properly. Or perhaps he's gone to dance with his partner. You sigh, but jump when you feel a tap on your shoulder.

"Apologies, I did not intend to scare you, my lady," Your eyes meet with the piercing green ones you'd been searching for, his thin lips curved into a soft smile. He wears a plain, black, satin mask and green robes decorated with gold. His hair is long and midnight black; you can't see his face but you're already swept away at how stunning he is.

"Do not fret, I was merely distracted," You smile. "Oh, and thank you for the recommendation. It really was delicious,"

"It's no problem at all, they just so happen to be my favourite,"

The announcer once more signals the end of the dance and the beginning of a new one, inviting people to the centre of the ballroom.

The man grins, holding out a single hand and bowing slightly. "Would you care to have this dance, my lady?"

Your stomach flips and your heart flutters as you slide your hand hesitantly into his. His hold is gentle as he leads you to the centre of the ballroom, sliding his arm around your waist.

The music begins and you're whisked around the ballroom, your skirt swirling around your ankles and your body pressed flush against his. You seem to lose track of your surroundings as you step in time to the music, falling head over heels into his beautiful green eyes.

His moves are graceful yet precise, his grip firm as he sweeps you to the floor and back up to your feet. Your breath comes in short, quiet, unbelieving gasps, a smile seeming to be permanently stuck to your face.

The dance finishes far too quickly for your liking, the last note of the music playing as you sweep into a final, deep curtsy. Applause erupts around you, bringing you back to reality as you stand and take the man's hand once more. He pulls you in close, whispering in your ear:

"How would you feel about going to the gardens?"

He pulls away as you murmur: "I'd like that,"

He smiles and pulls you from the ballroom, weaving through the crowd and taking you into the moonlit gardens. 

As soon as you come to a stop, a single note of laughter falls from your lips. "That was the best thing I've ever done, thank you,"

"No, thank you, my lady. It truly was wonderful," He replies, his hand still clutching yours.

You smile at each other for a moment, butterfly wings tickling your insides.

"Say, I never caught your name," He acknowledges, bringing your hand to his lips and kissing it softly.

"Well, would that not defeat the point of a masquerade?" You answer, feeling your cheeks beginning to burn from his gesture. "But, if you must know, it's Y/n,"

"Y/n... a pretty name for a pretty woman. I am Loki, it's lovely to meet you,"

"And you also, Loki,"

He reaches up and brushes a hair behind your ear. He cups your cheek and leans in, stopping only a breath away from your face.

"May I?" He murmurs.

"You may,"

At your words, he finally closes the gap, pressing the sweetest of kisses to your lips. Just like the dance, it ends much too soon.

His demeanour seems to change as his eyes land on something behind you. You turn around to see a muscular man with blonde hair beckoning him over.

"I fear I must go," He sighs, seeming to sag. "Though I wish to never leave you,"

You smile, brushing a hand across his face. "It's alright. Go, we shall see each other again,"

Loki takes a breath, looking between you and the man before his face lights up. "Do you know of Stargazing Hill?"

"Of course,"

"May I meet you there tomorrow at sundown?"

Your grin grows wider - if that is even possible. "I'd love that,"

"Me too," He chuckles softly.

"But no masks, alright?"

Loki nods. "I look forward to seeing you fully, my beautiful lady."

[gouraminnow]

How do you think the baby harpy would do with the Straw Hat Pirates

Birds of a Feather <-Fic this ask is referencing, Marco adopts a harpy

Heehee I'm kinda surprised how many people like this OC, I didn't think she'd be as popular as she is. Thank you!

Honestly? Probably not as well. Adjustment would be harder. She only latched onto Marco bc she thought he was another harpy. Anyone she's certain is human probably wouldn't be approached.

She's also way out in the snowy wilderness. It's a big hike for anyone without wings, though Nami and Robin might be interested enough to go looking. Sanji would follow. Chopper too, maybe, the cold weather and heavy snow aren't gonna bother a reindeer. Zoro gets lost. Lol. Lmao.

Robin and Nami have the best chances of luring Wes(the harpy) closer, but she might approach Chopper directly out of curiosity if he's in his normal form. From there, maybe Nami takes interest, she's the one who insists on rescuing the kids during the Punk Hazard arc after all. Robin is most likely to already be familiar with Harpy lore.

In terms of how she gets along with each crew member...

Luffy scares her at first. Really freaks her out. He's loud and energetic and gets in people's faces and she does NOT know how to deal with that. Neither of them understand each other and there's a good chance he'd keep prodding at her bc he's curious. Might think her distressed noises are funny- puffing up really big and making high-pitched squeaking sounds until someone(probably Nami) smacks him upside the head about it. From there, he's good, Luffy is emotionally intelligent this is just a weird species he's never encountered before. He's more of a bug guy than a bird guy. After she adjusts, they're buddies, happy to rough-house and take turns chasing/being chased. Wants to try and perch on the figurehead with him. WILL wrestle him over meat, and Sanji insists Luffy is being a bad influence.

Zoro, in canon, is good with kids. Thinking of his introduction and that bit in Water 7 where he's roped into baby sitting duty lol. He would probably intimidate her at first, but I can see her kinda. Gravitating toward him once she's comfortable. One day nobody sees her for awhile, and everyone starts getting worried until somebody checks the crow's nest and she's perching on the bar of his weights while he lifts, chirping and twittering. He'll grunt and go "woah... really?" "uh-huh" etc. the way some people do in response to baby babbling.

Nami adores her. She's a stern but loving big sister, another who says Luffy is a bad influence. Luffy whines when Nami lets her get away with something he'd be smacked for, and Nami yells that acting like a baby doesn't make him one. Peels tangerines for her, teaches her how to care for the trees... gets her a set of her own drawing utensils when she finds her going through her cartography supplies. Buys cute little outfits for her. Wouldn't be able to teach her to fly directly, but Wes will grow to be very knowledgeable regarding how weather affects flight because of her influence. Nami originally wants to find another place for her to stay. She doesn't think their dangerous life is fit for a kid. But... there aren't many safe places to leave her, and everyone's attached now so...

Usopp thinks she's great! He's another she ends up enjoying goofing off with, sometimes scaring him deliberately when she realizes how much of a scaredy cat he is. She learns that she can get him to squawk by hiding in cabinets and jumping out at him. He draws with her, build her a new fishing rod, and tells her stories. There's an "incident" when they first find her, before they realize how little of their language they understand- Usopp spends around half an hour crafting an epic yarn for her, full of embellished twists and turns. She watches attentively, eyes following his hands as he gesticulates wildly. When he's finally finished, she just blinks slowly and wanders off. Poor guy deflates a little bit. But she'll understand him eventually, it's okay.

Sanji is kind of like those jokes about parents who don't want a cat but end up adoring it. He thinks they should find someplace else for her, somewhere less dangerous- but finding her drawings about what happened coupled with the reveal of her being malnourished under her feathers... well, if someone's hungry, he feeds them and that's that. Seeing her snap up his cooking in a flash softens him up pretty fast, as does watching her grow healthier and less timid. Verbally explains all his steps while cooking if she's in there with him.

Chopper is her cold-weather bestie and the one she trusts the most at the beginning, solely because he isn't human. Lets her watch him tend to other crewmates so she gets used to the idea that they're safe. Changing forms startles her at first, but quickly grows to like his more deer-like form because she can ride him while he prances around deck. She hangs off of him when they're playing tag because he's faster, but when she grows up they swap- she learns to fly while carrying his littlest form.

Robin is a very calming presence, and one she warms up to quickly because she doesn't pressure the kid into interacting- opting to sit in place reading while Wes curiously putters about. She's the first human crewmate she voluntarily snuggles up with- yes the others would be jealous. The most likely to be familiar with harpy lore, curious to see how she grows. Tied with Usopp at bedtime stories. Uses her ability to preen the kid's feathers more efficiently- chuckling when she melts into the countless hands.

Franky is another one who would freak her out, at first. Yeah he's friendly and encouraging but he's very loud about it, and she doesn't understand him yet anyway. So to her this huge guy keeps screaming and swinging his big hands around. Warms up to him quick though, and joins others in trying to copy his silly pose. He straight up bawls over her backstory though, and wants to spoil her rotten. Lets her try to preen his ridiculous hairstyles, and tries to give her cola. Sometimes he'll open up his abdomen hatch and instead of the cola people expect to see, she's stuffed herself in there. This iconic shitpost is Franky @ Wes:

Brook scares her too, but not for long. Lots of harpy mythology mentions that they enjoy singing, so I'm just gonna say that as soon as he starts playing she's curious enough to approach. He's very giddy about this, encouraging to chirp along to his music, and teaching her to sing once she gets better at speaking. Loves seeing her prance around to his songs. Much more hesitant to let her try to preen his hair than Franky is- even MORE hesitant about letting her gnaw on him. Unfortunately for Brook, he's like a walking cuttlebone to her... big calcium deposit...

[yumikk101]

Blueprints of the Heart Part 4

Featuring: Kaveh×Reader/rivals to lovers/fluff

The atmosphere between you shifted; the air, once heavy with tension, now felt lighter, charged with something unspoken yet thrilling. Kaveh let out a long sigh, raking a hand through his golden hair, clearly relieved to have finally voiced the storm of emotions he had kept hidden for so long. You could feel his guard lowering, just a fraction, in a way you’d rarely seen before

A small laugh bubbled up from your chest. “I never thought I’d see the day when the Kaveh would actually admit he’s envious of me,” you teased, trying to break the lingering tension with some humor. “I was starting to think you were infallible”

He gave you a wry smile, the corner of his mouth lifting in that endearingly cocky way that always got under your skin. “Oh, don’t let it go to your head. I’m still leagues ahead of you when it comes to architectural theory,” he shot back with a playful glint in his eyes

You rolled your eyes, stepping closer until the tips of your shoes nearly touched his. “Yeah? Last I checked, the genius of the Academia had trouble even balancing his budget. Who was it that you asked for help drafting plans last week, hmm?”

Kaveh let out an exaggerated groan, throwing his head back as if your words were a mortal wound. “Okay, okay, you win this round,” he conceded, though the warmth in his gaze never wavered. “But don’t get used to it. I’m only letting you have this victory because I’m feeling generous tonight”

You both laughed, and the sound echoed gently in the quiet night, mingling with the soft rustle of leaves. The stars above seemed to shine just a bit brighter, as if nature itself were leaning in to listen to the two of you banter. For a moment, it felt as though time had stopped, the world narrowing to just the two of you

But then, Kaveh’s laughter faded, his expression softening into something far more tender. His gaze lingered on your face as though he were memorizing every detail. “You know,” he said quietly, “I might joke about being leagues ahead, but the truth is... I’ve always admired you”

You blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in tone. “Admired me? That’s rich, coming from someone who never misses a chance to criticize my work"

Kaveh’s cheeks flushed a faint pink, a rare vulnerability breaking through his usual confident demeanor. “You’re right, I have been hard on you,” he admitted, voice softer now. “But only because... well, maybe I was trying to convince myself that I was better, that I didn’t have to worry about someone like you catching up”

Your breath hitched as his words sank in, but before you could respond, he reached out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear. His fingers lingered just a moment too long, his touch feather-light but sending sparks down your spine

“I’ve been an idiot,” he continued, his voice dropping to a hushed tone. “All this time, I was so wrapped up in trying to outdo you, trying to prove I was better... when really, all I ever wanted was to be close to you”

Your heart skipped a beat. “Kaveh, I—”

“Let me finish,” he interjected softly, taking a step closer. His gaze was so intense that it felt like he was seeing straight into your soul. “You drive me crazy, you know that? You challenge me in ways no one else ever has. Every time I think I’ve figured you out, you surprise me again. And it’s... maddening. But also... exhilarating”

You stared at him, your breath caught in your throat. The vulnerability in his eyes, the raw honesty you’d never seen before, made your chest tighten. Kaveh had always been your rival, the one you were supposed to surpass, but now... now it felt like he was offering you something infinitely more precious

“You’re so stubborn,” you murmured, your voice barely more than a whisper. “Always trying to prove yourself... when you don’t need to. Not to me”

A soft smile curved his lips, his eyes crinkling at the corners in that boyish way that made your heart flutter. “I guess... what I’m trying to say is...” He took a deep breath, his voice almost a whisper. “I’m done pretending that this is just rivalry. I’m done hiding how I feel”

Your eyes widened, but before you could react, Kaveh leaned in, his lips hovering just inches from yours. The world seemed to pause, the air thick with anticipation

“I’m in love with you,” he confessed, his voice barely audible, like he was afraid saying it any louder might break the moment. “I’ve been in love with you for so long, and I was too stubborn to admit it—to myself, let alone to you”

You felt your heart swell at his words, warmth spreading through your chest like a sunrise after a long, cold night. “You... idiot,” you whispered, your voice shaking with a mix of disbelief and joy. “You think you’re the only one who’s been hiding feelings?”

His eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he looked as if he couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing. “Wait... you mean...?”

“Yes, you dense genius,” you laughed, tears of relief pricking at the corners of your eyes. “I’ve loved you, too. Through all the banter, the arguments... every time you challenged me, every time you drove me up the wall. I think... I’ve loved you for longer than I even realized”

A grin broke out on Kaveh’s face, one so radiant it felt like the stars themselves had dimmed in comparison. Without another word, he closed the gap between you, his hands cupping your face as he pressed his lips to yours in a kiss that was as tender as it was passionate

For a moment, everything else faded away—the pressures of your careers, the debts, the rivalry that had once defined you both. All that existed was the warmth of Kaveh’s lips on yours, the feel of his heartbeat pounding against your chest as if it had been waiting for this moment all along

When you finally pulled back, breathless and dazed, Kaveh rested his forehead against yours, a soft, contented smile curving his lips. “So... rivals to lovers, huh?” he teased, his voice a playful whisper

You couldn’t help but laugh, brushing your nose against his. “Yeah, well... I guess we’re both a little stubborn like that”

“Good,” he murmured, his eyes shining with a mix of mischief and adoration. “Because I don’t plan on letting you go. Not now, not ever”

[dilfdemolisher]

Let The Light in - Part 1

Chapter Summery - You have a discussion about your future patrolling with Tommy and meet your new patrol partner

Content - Mentions of canon typical violence, very brief mentions of suicide, recalling someone’s death, emotionally constipated reader<3, not proofread so probably spelling errors, shitty writing, use of ‘—‘ indicates timeskip, it’s either specified or not but use context clues to figure it idk, reader is not given any physical description and if I accidentally did please let me know I want to make my writing as including as possible, no use of yn but is called “hun” once.

Word Count - 2.6k

Jackson, the wonderful peaceful town, one that seems too good to be true. Nothing like your life for the past 20 years, filled with blood, havoc and destruction. A town you yourself have a hard time believing isn't a figment of your imagination, that maybe the knife wound you survived months ago really took you out and now your body’s rotting somewhere while your mind conjures a reality to help you find peace.

Or maybe you really did stumble upon Jackson a few months ago and you're lying in bed, covered in a warm feather duvet that the older women on your street had made you as a welcoming gift, only for a few weeks later for her to pass away in her bed. A death that is merciful and natural. Not one by getting ripped apart by infected, or shot through the skull by raiders, or even yourself. It was bizarre to see somebody live their full life, something not many achieve.

Yet that may be your fate, it's bold to assume that you will be able to spend the rest of your life here, whether you don't because you are exiled or it all comes crumbling down from raiders, infected, God knows what. But it's nice to think, not for too long though because your alarm is blaring in your fucking ear.

Yup this is definitely real

You rub your eyes and arch your back to stretch your spine out and groan, trying not to let the comfort of your pillow persuade you into spending the day in bed and leaving your duties unfulfilled. After sitting up and pushing the button on your alarm clock you start your morning tasks; brushing your hair and teeth, getting dressed and drinking a glass of water to remove the sticky feeling in your mouth that developed overnight.

You gather what you need for your patrol with Tommy, a man who welcomed you into this town (not before pointing a gun to your head first though) with a fair amount of kindness. More than you expected considering you were the one wandering their territory after specific warnings not to by the older couple you'd encountered several miles back.

Tying up your boots before slinging your backpack over your shoulder and stepping outside. The cold early morning summer air blankets you as you walk towards the gates to meet Tommy as you do twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays and your third patrol of the week you do with Jake on Saturday, despite your distaste for him which wouldn’t exist if he could pull his weight better instead of leaving you to do all of your heavy lifting; so you much prefer your patrols with Tommy, whom you see small-talking a guard while waiting for your arrival.

“Hey there thought you weren't coming.” He says with an unserious manner and a grin. “God I fuckin’ wish” You say deadpan, Tommy responding with a chuckle.

“Everything all good? I'm ready to head out.” You ask.

“Yup.” he states, handing you your rifle that you once regularly hauled around before being accepted into the community. “Thanks.” You say before being stopped by the sight of Dave, the man who primarily runs the stables bringing two horses to you.

“Hey guys.” The older man says to formally announce his presence, handing the respected leads to you. “Ah thanks bud you didn't have to bring ‘em for us” Says Tommy. “Well I was up, and if I wait around in this weather for too long my joints get stiff.” He says, shaking his head in discomfort.

“Oh? The old man got sore old man joints? Who woulda’ guessed?” Tommy says looking up at him and down playfully with a smile

“Oh fuck off you’re not too far behind me are ya, just wait till your kiddo starts crawlin’, your be looking just like me.” He smirks. “Oh tell me about it, Marias been counting the greys in my hair lately as a ‘calming activity’ she says it is before bed.”

“Oh trust me I know all about getting greys look at me” He laughs before continuing. “Well, I don't wanna keep you much longer, you still coming to the stables later hun?” He looks towards you.

“Uh-huh, sorry I wasn't there last night. I just got a bit caught up in some housework” You apologise.

“Don't worry about it, not tryna hound you were just wondering 'cause Ellie came around after dinner asking for Ya.”

Oh shit, you were supposed to meet her there. Fuck.

“Oh yeah- I- I'll tell her I'm sorry it completely slipped my mind”. You speak a bit mumbled while shuffling your feet in the small patches of weeds that you stand on.

With silence in the air after your sentence Dave walks away with a smile, leaving you and Tommy to mount your horses and head out.

————

“Bit of a chilly morning today huh?” Tommy declares, breaking the silence that's held you between for the first few minutes since you stepped out of the gates.

“It is, can't say I’m complaining though. This summer's heat has been kicking my ass.” You laugh. “Thank God for the running water y'all got because I sure as hell don't miss being all gross and sweaty from the heat.”

Tommy lets out a light chuckle in response then stays silent, uncharacteristically so. You take a glance towards him, he's looking at his horse's hooves with a solemn look on his face, watching as it takes each step forward and leaves a print in the grass as he walks.

“What?” You say. Tommy brings his head toward you. “Are you planning on bringing me out here and dumping me or something?” You joke attempting to lighten the mood but he still stays silent before he takes a deep breath. “I recognize that you do a lot, I do I-” He communicates before clearly trying to get his words in order. “Marias have been swamped lately, between taking care of the baby and helping manage the community”. He takes another breath before continuing. “What I'm tryna’ say is I'm not gonna be on patrols for the next few weeks to help Maria around.”

Oh, That’s not what you were expecting.

Tommy looks at you while you continue to stare at him in surprise so he takes your lack of verbal response as a cue to continue.

“My brother Joel, y’know the one who stopped in for a bit with Ellie this winter?” He continues to stare back at you in hopes of a response, but you just give him a hum and look forward toward the end of the trail you're reaching. “We’ve been talking about a job for him to do now that he and Ellie are all settled in and we agreed that patrols would be best for… his type of skill set.” He says while ending his sentence with a pause.

“So I’m gonna be patrolling with him, is what you're saying?” You ask, looking towards him.

“Yeah-I uh am. I trust you, you're one of our best and I don't worry ‘bout ya out there. My brother can take care of himself but I like to know he's with someone he doesn't have to supervise.” Tommy admits. “Plus I hope he won't be as much of a dick to yuh, 'cause you're a girl y’know? No offence.” He stutters out, attempting to backtrack.

“Um, none taken. I get what you're saying” You say a bit awkwardly, staying mute for a moment while trying to formulate your next sentence. “So when, this Thursday?” You ask, staying professional. At the end of the day, this is a job and despite Tommy and Maria's insistence on getting comfortable here, you remain stubborn in your ways. It is not easy for you to forget the strenuous life you had been living, at least not yet, you'll still keep your guard high.

Tommy's face morphs into an amalgamation of confusion. “Is that all?” He asks.

“I don't think it's my place to complain about my coworkers, and what am I gonna say Tommy” You huff. “No don't help your wife and child keep, doing patrols with me and tell your brother to go fuck yourself?”

“Well I fucking hope not.” Tommy says with a glare, clearly offended by the sudden spike in your attitude. “You sure seem to have an issue though.”

To be fair, you did come across as a bit harsh. Tommy looks at you a moment longer, probably waiting for a continuation of your apology that wasn't coming. “Alright then.” He grunts and kicks the side of his horse faster, bringing the animal to trot and walking in front of you, keeping physical distance between the two of you.

You’re not sure if you should make a formal apology to Tommy or stay silent, Tommy’s a fairly confrontational man but you know you couldn't give the apology that's warranted even if you tried. So staying as silent as possible for the rest of your patrol it is.

————

“Ellie?” You yell entering the stable, hay scrambling around your boots as you walk further looking for the girl.

“Back here!” You hear her voice yell from the back of the stable. You already know that she’s with her favourite horse Shimmer, despite her insistence that she doesn’t pick favourites her actions heavily contradict that.

“Shocker you're with your favourite.” You speak as you come into her view. “Shocker you didn't forget about me again.” She bites.

You raise your hands in surrender. “Fair enough I deserve that.” You admit. “I meant to apologise to you yesterday after my shift with Tommy but I felt a bit weird knocking on your now ya’know?”

“Why would you feel weird?” She inquires, to your surprise her demeanour wasn't accusatory, but confused.

“I'm going patrol with Joel tomorrow? I just figured meeting him for the first time whilst apologising to you wouldn't be the best impression when my life's gonna be in his hands tomorrow.” You answer.

“You’re going on patrol with Joel tomorrow?!” She exclaims. You’d been wrong about your assumption that she'd already known.

“Yeah we are.” You confess a bit awkwardly. “I figured he told you already.”

“No he hadn’t.” She says with a smirk. “I hope you two don’t kill each other.” Grinning even more with the added statement. Now you're the one to be confused, unsure of the meaning behind her sentence.

“You guys would just like, totally butt heads is all.” She clarifies with a smile still sitting on her face. “But no he didn't tell me, he doesn't tell me shit ever actually.”

“Oh… well do you think Shimmer needs any brushing?”

Ellie giggles at your obvious deflection from the conversation. “Sure I guess.” She says, not pressing you further on the matter. In all fairness you're not sure what else she could ask, that's about the extent of it all.

Just that you're going on patrol with Joel tomorrow.

————

“Hi.” You say pulling your hand out, waiting for it to be shaken.

“Hey, I'm Joel.” He says pulling his own hand out of its pocket and shaking yours.

“I’d introduce myself but I'm sure Tommy told you and gave you the rundown.” You say with a bit of a nervous chuckle tailing it.

“Oh-uh yeah, he has.” He says “My Ellie told me a bit ‘bout you too, she says you showed her how to pick out the horse's hooves?” He asks a bit awkwardly, but you can't be upset when you yourself have yet to master the polite small talk that's needed in a community like Jackson.

“Um yeah I did. I help around the stables a bit, I like horses.” You say matter-of-factly. “Sometimes I help around with the dogs too, but that's usually just meal prepping for them.”

“Oh yeah. I've seen dogs that eat as good as those guys but I guess kibble ain't available huh.” He says, referencing their diet of fresh meat and produce.

“Yeah not really.” You quip.

You both look at eachother, standing parallel, both with hands back in your pockets. You rock back and forth on your feet before speaking again. “Well uh- are you ready to hit the road.” You say, clearing your throat near the end.

“Yeah for sure I’ll grab the horses for us.” He raises his hand and points with his thumb toward the stables.

“Okay.” You nod, watching him as he walks away.

————

The ride to the power plant was silent, it didn't need much communication considering your jobs were fairly simple. The only mind Joel paid to you was the occasional glance he'd steal at you, probably from being uncomfortable and wary in your presence.

You ride side by side about a few thousand yards away from your destination, you embrace the ambiance and ride in comfortable silence while scanning your surroundings for any signs of trouble, while rounding the bended trail, you spot a pair of infected crouched over an object to your right.

“Joel.” You say just quiet enough for him to hear, more quiet than necessary. You’re sure that they wouldn’t be able to hear your call to Joel over their growling and the rustling of their frenzied movements still, you nod your head towards the sight of the infected as he takes a look.

“Stay here.” He grumbles while dismantling off his horse.

“No.” You get off your horse as well tying her next to the tree that Joel’s started a knot around for his horse. You see his glare at your face through your peripheral vision. “What?”

His mouth turns into a frown, his eyebrows collapse down towards the centre of his face. The line on his forehead becomes much more prominent while giving you a look to kill before walking away. You follow him towards the infected and pull your machete from its sheath and see that Joel has pulled his hatchet out of his.

With a brief moment of eye contact and understanding between each other you both bring your horses into a fast trot, drawing your weapons and preparing for the bloodshed. You ride toward the two and can't help but feel a rush of adrenaline, this is what you are good at, what you are equipped for. You were in your element, you felt alive.

As you reach the infected you take charge, movements fluid and precise you take down the infected. Joel stays behind and watches, silently as you execute the infected, him the other.

The moment of intensity quickly dies down as the two of you stay still with heaving chests before the silence is broken by Joel.

“Let’s go”

[potassium-pilot]

FFXIVWrite 2023, Prompt 22: Fulsome

It was a beautiful day in Amaurot's central park. Hythlodaeus and Hades were in a grassy area nearby a pond, Hythlodaeus sitting on the grass while Hades paced.

"I believe you mentioned something about creating something, yet all I'm seeing you make is anxiety for yourself", Hythlodaeus quipped.

"Don't pressure me!" Hades snapped. "I need to ensure that the vision in my head is clear."

"There's really no pressure, Emet-Selch. Relax."

Hades growled to himself, then let out a sigh and lifted up a hand. "All right. Now, my vision is at hand, the aether is at my disposal, its purpose is clear.

Come to me, my creation!" He snapped his fingers.

Before the two of them appeared a bird with gray feathers, heavy eyebrow bones, large pupils, and a comically oversized beak hanging off of it. Hythlodaeus' jaw began to slowly lower itself as his mouth spread into a large smile, everything prepared for him to give the biggest laugh he has ever given.

"If you say...a word right now, I will end you", Hades seethed.

The poor lavender-haired man did everything in his power to hold back his laughter as he remarked, "It's-it's really quite good."

"Shut up."

"I mean it! The aether is the perfect amount for its purpose. The plumage looks nice and warm. The beak should be sufficient to keep lesser populations in check."

"The beak" Hades defended, "was smaller in my head. Much the same for the eyebrow bones."

"Come now, Emet-Selch...it's really quite..."

"Sorry I'm late", called Helios, the current Azem, as she ran to the two of them, "I was in the middle of--aw, who's this? It kind of looks like you, Hades."

Hythlodaeus fell into the grass and laughed so loudly, releasing all the pressure he built up trying to assure Hades of its validity.

"It does not!" Hades argued shrilly.

"Yes it does. Look at it- constantly furrowed brow, gray, looks like it's ready to accuse me of something. It's you to a tee!" Helios cooed.

"And it's gone!" The creature was struck with lightning and fell helplessly to the ground stunned before Emet-Selch returned the aether back to himself.

"That was yours?!" Helios exclaimed regretfully.

"Yes, and may no one ever see it again", Hades answered bitterly.

"Emet-Selch, be reasonable", Hythlodaeus tried to assure with a smile. "Few can create perfect concepts on the first try."

"And there's nothing wrong with it looking a bit like you."

Hades scowled. "Not with that description."

"It was a very handsome creature", Helios tried to appease him.

"Azem..."

"It was! Nice defined face, striking eyes, very intelligent."

"Come off it, Azem."

"Looked ready to help me. Seemed like a nice creature, albeit misunderstood."

"If I remake it, will that make this stop?"

"Yes."

Hades sighed. "Fine."

"Come sit with me, Azem", Hythlodaeus invited to a spot next to him with a pat on the grass. "This is a prime viewing spot."

"Well, far be it from me to skip out on live theater." Helios sauntered over next to Hythlodaeus and took her seat on the ground. Hades closed his eyes.

"All right, what's he doing?" Helios asked Hythlodaeus in hushed tones.

"If it's anything like before, right now, he's trying his best to picture what he wants come to life."

"Ok. What comes after that?"

"After that will be several fake attempts for him to create it only for him to go back to revision it."

"All right, and then?"

"He'll start pacing about as he overthinks what he's doing."

"Gotcha. Ooh, what's he doing now?"

"I believe he's coming over to yell at us."

"Oh."

Hades stomped towards them and lectured, "It is rude to be commenting on someone's creation process! I can hear you!"

"Our apologies. Please, return to your process, most eminent Emet-Selch. I await your creation with bated breath", Hythlodaeus bade.

Hades sighed exasperatedly and returned to what he was doing. He followed the process as Hythlodaeus outlined to Helios until finally, he snapped his fingers and a new creation was born yet again. Helios got up and rushed to it to kneel.

"Yay!" Helios cheered happily.

"I made its bill too big again", Hades complained, his face in a scowl, his arms folded, staring angrily into the ground.

"A big bill may very well serve its purpose, Hythlodaeus reminded him. "Actually...it looks bigger, does it not?"

"More akin to a shoe than a bill". Helios noted.

"Could be both."

Helios extended her left arm. "Do you like people? You can't be that alike to your creator", she teased. Hades rolled his eyes.

To her credit, the bird bonked the top of its head against her hand. "Ah-ha! Well, you're friendly, at least. That much is nice."

It brought its head back and stared upward to Helios, its imposing looks making Helios giggle. "Ah, you're a good bird", she complimented before returning to smiling and engaging in the staring contest it seemed to long for.

Hades tried to bring his dour eyes to the creature, but his look softened slowly. Helios was smiling brightly at the creature, engaging with it, complimenting it for some reason. Without him realizing it, his frown became a very slight smile. Hythlodaeus looked up and noticed it well, smiling to Hades as Hades smiled as Helios.

"Perhaps it's not so bad. I can't care for it in Elpis, but perhaps if I foist it upon a researcher, its concept can be studied further."

"I agree. I'll take it there for you, if you'd like", Helios offered.

"And let you slither out of work? I think not", Hades snarked.

[wqterlillypdfs]

atwow characters + their love languages

pairing: neteyam, lo'ak, kiri, tsireya, ao'nung x fem!na'vi!reader

summary: a valentine's day special - one love language for each of the characters listed above!

word count: 1.8k

warnings: some kissing, obviously very fluffy and romantic but other than that nothing else, also some use of Na'vi language which i am not fluent in so i'm sorry if i messed some stuff up! also characters are aged up by three years just cuz

a/n: suprise!! and happy valentine's to all of my lovely followers <3 take this as a gift from me to you! i hope this makes some of yall without someone special to share your day with a little less lonely! either way, i love you all! if you want any more of these hc's for other characters send me an ask and i'll see what i can do! and again, happy valentine's day my beloveds! 💝💖💞

NETEYAM + ACTS OF SERVICE

His heart melts whenever you’d do things for him

It could be as simple as helping put away his hammock 

To him, it’s almost as if you’re helping lift the burden of future Olo’eyktan

It’s really a sign of how much you care, the fact that you’d take time out of your day to help with his workload?

He couldn’t ask for anything better

• ᣞ ˳ ꒪ ۫ ⁎ ♡⃝ ˳ ꒪ ۫ ⁎ ᣞ

It had been a long and stressful day for Neteyam, his warrior’s training was getting more gruelling by the day and it felt as if his father just wouldn’t stop going at him. All he wanted right now was to return home to you and wrap his arms around you. When his Ikran finally lands in High Camp, he wastes no time in rushing to your shared tent, pushing back the tent’s flap only to find you sitting cross-legged on the floor.

You looked busy.

“What are you doing, syulang?”

But as he moved around to look at your face properly, he also saw exactly what had been keeping your hands so busy. You were organising his arrows, going as far as to add fresh new colourful feathers to the back of the shaft.

“I had nothing to do,” you started, “and I just thought your arrows were looking a bit shabby.” You shrugged your shoulders as if it was nothing, just a small gesture out of the pureness of your heart. And maybe it wasn’t that big of a deal at all, but to Neteyam? It meant so much that you’d go out of your way to do something for him, so that he wouldn’t have to.

He doesn’t waste a second, picking you up off the ground and wrapping you in a warm embrace, rocking you back and forth gently. “Thank you,” he whispered into your hair.

You giggled at his actions, “it’s really not that big of a deal ‘teyam.”

“Well, it means the world to me.”

LO'AK + WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

Babyboy needs that constant reminder that he’s doing his best

“Thank you for doing….”

“That means so much! Thank you.”

“I’m proud of you.”

“I see you.”

We all saw the way he got absolutely rizzed up when Reya said that to him so 👀

Also u know that one scene when Reya throws the shell and Lo’ak goes to get it? When he resurfaces he immediately goes “Reya!” and waits for her to acknowledge his achievement.

HE’S SO BABY-

• ᣞ ˳ ꒪ ۫ ⁎ ♡⃝ ˳ ꒪ ۫ ⁎ ᣞ

It had been merely a few months since the Sully’s set foot on the sandy coasts of Awa’atlu, but nonetheless you and Lo’ak had grown incredibly close with each other. With you as his mentor and friend over those months, it was hard not to grow fond of him. But right now, the two of you were busy searching the shallow rock pools for some fish.

You decided it was about time for Lo’ak to learn how to spear-hunt properly. If he wanted to join the hunting parties, this skill was vital.

The spear in your hand began to feel heavy with how much you were using it. Your eyes flicked back up to Lo’ak, a frustrated frown marring his features. He mumbled something under his breath in agitation, and you felt your heart twist softly at how much he was beating himself up for it.

“Hey,” you started, trying to grab his attention which he gave to you without a second’s hesitation. “You’re doing really well, just try this…”

You adjusted Lo’ak’s grip on the spear ever so slightly, “and loosen up a little,” you encouraged.

The boy looked up at you with watchful eyes, you could tell he was soaking in as much information as he could - but in some deep part of his brain, he felt his heart set off at your casual compliment.

You’re doing really well.

He thought about the words for a moment, smiling to himself. You noticed immediately.

“What’s got you smiling like that?”

You watched Lo’ak struggle with his words, a deeply toned blush spreading across his features, “nothing.” He tried to hide it as quickly and casually as possible.

“Okay.” You said giggling, deciding to go easy on the teasing just this once.

KIRI + QUALITY TIME

Kiri wants nothing more than to spend all the time in the world with you

She’s literally stealing you away at any moment she can get

Late night walks on the beach are her favourite

Loves, loves, loves just cuddling with you and talking about your day together

• ᣞ ˳ ꒪ ۫ ⁎ ♡⃝ ˳ ꒪ ۫ ⁎ ᣞ

It was a slow quiet night in the forest, the crowd in the eating hall was starting to die down at last. You searched the remaining crowd expectantly, trying to look over the heads of the Na’vi in front of you when you felt someone sneak up behind you.

“Boo!”

Although you knew full well who it was, the suddenness of the surprise still caught you off guard. You laughed at her playful behaviour, wrapping your arms around her waist.

“I missed you,” you confessed - and rightfully so. You had spent the entire day in classes and running errands and yet all you had yearned for is to spend time with Kiri. and anyways, you knew full well that she wanted nothing more than that too.

“Then let’s get out of here.” She said easily, taking your hand in hers as she steals you away from the eating hall to spend some alone time with you. Kiri led you through the forest, the bioluminescent glow lighting up the night.

Now, the two of you lay underneath the stars, your head resting comfortably on the mossy ground below, one leg thrown over her as your hands were intertwined. The stars glimmered and shone, twinkling to create the perfect ambience for the moment. You played with her fingers softly, enjoying her presence.

She asked you of your day and you told her everything, the good and bad - and she listened. Kiri was fully content with being with you, just bathing in your presence. She couldn’t have asked for anything more

TSIREYA + RECEIVING GIFTS

Tsireya loves giving and receiving gifts more than anything i just know it

She’d absolutely MELT if you ever gave her a gift of any sort

Especially if it’s handmade just for her, she loves personal gifts

Honestly though, you could gift her seaweed and she’d love it because “it’s the thought that counts”

• ᣞ ˳ ꒪ ۫ ⁎ ♡⃝ ˳ ꒪ ۫ ⁎ ᣞ

You looked down at the little leaf package in your hand. The crisp green wrapping held together by a woven piece of string which you had decorated with Tsireya’s favourite coloured beads. It was a gift for the girl who you loved the most. You had wanted to give it to her on the day of her Iknimaya celebrations but it still wasn’t ready yet - so now on her 17th birthday you decide it’s the right time.

The beach is basked in the soft golden glow of the setting sun as you wait for Tsireya to arrive. This was your spot. The one you two shared. If one of you was upset and had disappeared, the other would know exactly where you were. Right here.

You heard the sound of sand shuffling behind you, you immediately knew exactly who it was. Two hands reach up and cover your eyes from behind. 

“Guess who?” 

It was obvious. Her sweet scent paired with her honey voice? Who else could it be besides your Tsireya.

“Hm..” You hummed in faux contemplation. “Ao’nung? Is that you?”

She scoffed before laughing sweetly. “That’s not even a compliment.”

Her easy way of talking and making you laugh eased your nerves significantly. She sat down next to you on the sandy beach, placing her hands in her lap as she looked at you expectantly. “So why are we here?” She asked.

You mustered up as much courage as you could, “Well, firstly, happy 17th birthday,” She smiled immediately, “I wanted to give you this first, before the whole celebration and everything…”

Your voice trailed off quietly as you handed her the leaf package, watching her features that immediately light up at the sight.

“Oh oeyä sum,” My seashell. It was a nickname she gave you long before either of you even professed your love for eachother.

She carefully unwrapped the leaves of the package, revealing an intricately carved bracelet inside. Each bead was carved and softened from a seashell, with a heart shaped crystal in the centre of the bracelet like a charm.

Tsireya’s heart damn near actually melted at the sight. “You made this?” She asked, as if it was impossible to believe “for me?” But the Metkayian girl knew full well that you’d go to the ends of the earth just for her.

“Just for you.”

AO'NUNG + PHYSICAL TOUCH

Boy is never not touching you

And it doesn’t have to be in an intimate way

He’s always just having his hands linger a little too long

Or holding your hand under the table

He’s playing with your hair when you lay down on his chest

His friends are SICK of it but he couldn’t give a shit

Would kill and maim just to get to hold you for a second

• ᣞ ˳ ꒪ ۫ ⁎ ♡⃝ ˳ ꒪ ۫ ⁎ ᣞ

The day was beginning to come to its end and you had no other intention in mind than to find Ao’nung and fall asleep in his arms.

The entire day consisted of gentle, lingering touches. Just a soft brush as he walked by, hand barely touching yours but enough that it made you want to turn around and hold his hand properly. You tried to distract yourself as you walked across the spongy walkways of Awa’atlu in search of your lover.

You grew increasingly frustrated as the minutes passed, and just as you let a huff escape past your lips - you felt the soft comfort of two strong arms snaking around your waist, Ao’nung’s head coming to rest in the crook of your neck.

“Missed you,” he murmured, pressing a lingering kiss to the curve of your neck.

You hummed in response, “Yes, I could tell.”

Ao’nung turned your body around to face him in his grasp, it was hard not to get lost in his ocean blue eyes. Silently, without a word, he led you away from the vulnerability of the open walkways in the village and to a secluded part of the beach. He sat with his back against a thick mangrove root, your body situated between his legs with your head resting on his chest. His hands busied themselves as they played with your soft hair. All he wanted in this moment was you, just to hold you, to know that you were his.

The two of you talked of your busy days exactly what had kept you from seeing each other. Ao’nung complained about his warriors training and you listened contently as his hands slipped down to play with your fingers. “And you?” He asked in return when he finished talking.

You didn’t answer immediately, instead pressing your body further into his wanting to be enveloped by all of his warmth. You wanted him to wrap his arms around you like a comforting blanket.

“It’s better now that I’m with you.”

atwow taglist: @ssc7514, @nao-cchi, @fens-mire, @thatfangirl42, @fanboyluvr, @4xrina

if u wanna be added to my general taglist, or a specific fandom taglist just let me know!

[elysianightsss]

Lumberjack!Techno x reader

My wife has them

Warnings: NSFW hints, domestic moments.

“How many bunny?” Your lumberjack asks grabbing three packs of rice before you even got a chance to glance at the shopping list.

“You can’t just-“ you start but your boyfriend places a peck on your lips as he puts the food in the shopping cart.

“What’s the next item on the list?” He asks moving behind you his large hands on the handles either side of the cart, his colossal muscular form enclosing around your figure. Your eyes glance over the paper in your hands, but you know when you get so distracted by something you read the same thing over and over again.

Your were repeating the same word in your head ‘pasta’. That word sits in the back of your throat but you can’t quite get it to come out, not with the chapped plump lips of your man running across your neck. His thick fingers pulling down the material of your top to kiss your shoulder.

“Tec.” You squeal nudging him with your elbow while glancing around to see if anyone was looking your way. Not that it would matter if someone was, your expeditionist.

“Next item.” He hums inhaling your scent his tongue swirling over your skin as he sucked a hickey on your neck. His hands rough and curious as they searched your body.

“Control yourself for five minutes man.” You say trying to hide your smile as you push the cart forward.

“How can I?” Techno whispers slipping his arm around your shoulder, “you can’t say that when you look like this.” He gestures to your jeans and his t-shirt that was hanging from your body.

You shake your head with a muttered “Jeez.”

Waiting in line you fiddle with Techno hands, testing to see how large they are compared to yours. Unsurprisingly the size difference was monstrous. The beefy lumberjack tugs on your pinky, happy to have you against him regardless of where you are.

The man you approach looks your boyfriend up and down with a lip bite and you instantly get defensive. Techno unpacks the shopping cart onto the conveyor belt, his muscles rippling as he grabs the food and places it down.

“Do you have all the bags you need sweetheart?” He’s looking at your man, ignoring you completely and you squeeze Technos arm by accident. He looks at you and then the man before speaking.

“My wife has them.” He grunts, before glancing at you his hands gripping yours quickly and slyly that even you had to take a second to process it. The ring that was sitting on your index finger was now playing as a wedding ring.

“Right.” The annoyed sound of the shop worker seeped into your happy moment.

“Go on bunny.” He smirked with a peck to your cheek and a tap on your bottom. You head to the end of the till and start packing the shopping up. Techno joins you soon enough lifting the heavy bags off the end and into the shopping cart like they were feathers. You have to look away or you’ll get even more flustered at the sight of your man’s strength.

“Cash or card love.” The man purrs, you can’t help but let you head jerk to the side, squinting. The audacity!

“Card.” Techno grunts pulling out his credit card and tapping the card reader before shoving it back into his leather wallet then his jeans. Your eyes wander to the way they curve around his ass and he notices. “All yours bunny.” He smiles softly, tapping the underside of your chin with the curve of his index finger.

“Here.” The cashier’s glum tone interjects another happy moment, he’s really starting to piss you off. You grab the receipt out of the man’s hand with the biggest fake smile you could muster.

“Thankyou.” You make sure to flash the rock that’s sitting on your finger faking it til it makes it. The light catches it and the man’s eyes hone in on it before they meet yours with a glare.

“Come on bunny, let’s go home.” Techno’s arm is back around your waist as you move to push the cart.

“Have a nice day!” It sounds more sarcastic than sincere and it’s partially yelled out.

“Ignore him.” Techno whispers, his grip tightening. You realise that not only were you being territorial but so was he. Your mind goes back to that moment, the last time someone flirted with Techno.

“How dare you?” The accusing tone rings throughout the diner, it has your head snapping toward where it came from. Your eyes widen at the sight of your lumberjack pointing a thick finger at a woman who looks as shocked as you were. “I’m a taken man,” he shakes his head backing away from her.

You were so busy being jealous you didn’t even notice Techno’s possessiveness rising to the surface. The same possessiveness that had your man rushing to put the food filled bags in the truck and sliding into the drivers seat next to you. His large hand on your thigh slipping higher until he’s knuckles deep in your cunt listening to your beautiful moans echoing around him.

Tags:

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@angelicadiabolus

[cjsinkythoughts]

The Conversation

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Avenger!Reader

Word Count: 7661 (Don’t come at me - you guys asked for it)

Warnings: !FATWS Spoilers!, Cursing, Fluff, Feelings, I Dunno What Else, This One’s Pretty Chill, Except The Ending, But You’ll See When You Get There

A/N: Here it is! I was hesitant about posting it because that means we’re getting closer to the end and I’m such a nostalgic bitch! I’m definitely gonna cry next week when the last episode comes out! Anyways, I’ve got a few things to talk about:

I think this is one of the most important chapters I’ve written and I’m excited to see your reactions to it. It is longer, but you guys asked for that, so you got it! Also, I’m loving the Asks, Comments, and Reblogs. I try to respond to all of them. I have work in a little bit, so I won’t be able to until after, but I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Ask me anything; about my series, the show, any of the movies, personal stuff, I really don’t care. If you’re not comfortable, that’s totally fine! Every like means so much to me!

I know it’s not the end yet - we’ve got one more episode and a list of One Shots to get through - but there’s a definite feeling of this series coming to an end, and I just want to thank you all for the support and love you’ve been giving it! I’ve really enjoyed writing these characters and this story! It’s very, very special to me and I’m glad I’ve been able to share it with you lovely people!

On that note, be kind to yourselves and others! Thank you again for reading! Excuse any mistakes - this isn’t beta’d! Enjoy and stay tuned!

FATWS Masterlist

cjsinkythoughts Masterlist

!SPOILERS UNDER CUT! (Sorry for the gifs I just love them so much and he’s so pretty and this part is technically two parts so...you get four!)

“Louisiana.” Bucky hummed, looking around the airport.

You rolled your eyes. “You’re not gonna find anything interesting about Louisiana in here, doofus. Let’s call an Uber.”

“An Ooper? What the hell is an Ooper?”

You giggled, shaking your head and grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the luggage carousel. “Uber. It’s like…a taxi service. But there’s an app on your phone to get a driver instead of waiting for one on the street.”

“Oh.” He blinked, tilting his head. “That’s…helpful.”

You laughed again, stopping in front of Carousel 3, where your flight from New York was assigned. You went back to New York to grab a bag with clean clothes and other necessities, along with taking a real shower for once. It was nice to be back in the States, as much as you loved traveling. It’d been a crazy few weeks and you were ready to just relax.

“Do you think there were any problems with Sammy’s present?”

Bucky shook his head. “Nah. Especially considering they know who we are.”

You snickered at his slight grumble. They had had…problems at the other two airports - first the one in Sokovia then JFK in New York - considering Bucky’s entire arm was metal. It’d taken a full hour before they actually let you go, and by that time they had to give you a new plane because yours had left.

“Seriously. Who else has a fucking metal arm and has 1917 listed as their birth year on their Driver’s License?” You giggled again. That was also true. They thought he was messing with them. It wasn’t until you stepped in a few minutes after they asked Bucky to step to the side, seeing Bucky get frustrated, that they realized Bucky wasn’t pulling their legs.

“Well, we’re here now and that’s all that matters.”

He nodded in agreement, watching for your bags, his hand finding yours when he realized how many people there were. “Do you know where he lives? I didn’t even think about it.”

“Yeah, don’t worry. He invited me over once. I declined, but I saved the address.”

“He…invited you over?” Bucky frowned.

You gave him a look. “I’m sure he invited you, too. You just never checked his texts.”

He licked his lips, tilting his head. “Yeah, no, I know, but I mean…why didn’t you go? Weren’t you two just talking about how you wanted to meet his nephews the other day?”

“Yeah, but I had gotten a tip on Wanda at the time and I didn’t want to miss the chance that she was there. He told me it was fine. I still felt really bad. I could tell he was a bit disappointed. I think it was one of the boys’ birthdays. Or something. I don’t remember. Is that bad? Yeah, probably. I really should remember. Maybe I should keep track of birthdays on my calendar or something.”

“Doll.” You looked up to find him giving you a magnificent smile, teeth and all. “You’re rambling.”

“Oh. Am I? Sorry. I didn’t realize.”

He shook his head quickly, squeezing your hand. “Don’t apologize. It’s cute. I’m just not used to you talking so much. You kinda did on the phone sometimes.”

You shrugged, pushing down the heat crawling up your neck at his words. “I rambled a lot to Steve.”

“Oh.”

His face fell, making you scrunch your eyebrows up in confusion, nudging him slightly to grin at him. “It’s nice to have someone to ramble to again, though.” There was that smile again. You were stopped from saying anything more when you noticed some kids pointing and chattering excitedly at a gleaming silver box coming around the corner on the conveyor belt. “There it is.”

He looked over his shoulder, dropping your hand and stepping over to grab it, lifting it effortlessly. You didn’t know what was in it or how heavy it was, but you were sure it felt like a feather to him.

“Alright. Got our bag, sweetheart?” You lifted up the duffle in answer and he jerked his head towards the doors. “Let’s get outta here, then. Call that Booper or whatever.”

“U-B-E-R! Ub-er!” You threw your hands up, following him as he started walking towards the exit. “What’s so hard about it?!”

He just gave you a little smirk over his shoulder.

***************

Bucky kept asking the Uber driver questions about his job. The guy was super nice and patient the whole time, a thick southern accent lacing his answers. Southern hospitality was no joke and apparently had no limit as Bucky asked about his experiences, listening intently and telling him his own stories of taxi drivers in NYC.

When you got to Sam’s sister’s house, Bucky, being Bucky, tipped the driver half of what you paid for the ride, thanking him for his time and energy, before getting out.

“You’re so adorable, you know that?” You teased him as you stepped up the porch stairs and knocked on the door.

He rolled his eyes, a tint of pink dusting across his cheeks. “He was nice.”

You hummed at his defense, the smile never leaving your features. After a moment, Bucky raised his fist to knock again. “Jesus Christ! Don’t fucking knock their door down!” You grabbed his wrist and lowered it.

“Sorry. I forget sometimes.” Bucky informed you absentmindedly,  tilting his head to peek in the window. “I don’t think anyone’s home.”

“They’re probably at the docks, then.”

Bucky raised an eyebrow. “The docks?”

You nodded, gesturing for him to follow you. “Yeah. They have a boat, remember? He talked about it last week.”

“Oh right. The one he’s trying to convince his sister not to sell.”

“Yeah.” You confirmed. “I’m pretty sure it’s that way. I don’t know how far, but we can call the Uber back-”

Bucky scrunched up his face and shook his head. “Nah. I don’t wanna bother him again. We can walk.”

You gave him an incredulous look. “It’s literally his job to drive people around.”

“Well, yeah, but what if he’s got other people to drive?”

You lifted his metal knuckles to your lips. “Trust me, Buck, I’m sure he’d rather drive you than anyone else.”

“Thank you?”

Swinging your now linked hands, you gave a firm nod, letting him know it was, in fact, a compliment. “You are so very welcome.”

The walk was a lot longer than you thought it was, and you ended up on Bucky’s back after he kept complaining about how you “shouldn’t be walking this long” and you were “injured” and you “needed rest’”. You’re not sure how a shoulder wound affected your ability to walk, but you relented and let him carry you the rest of the way to stop his whining.

“You forget, you did pull your thigh.”

“That was, like, three weeks ago! Yeesh!”

You finally got to the docks, which were bustling with people. Bucky set you down and raised an eyebrow which you shrugged in reply to, before heading over to where you spotted Sam with a few other older men.

“How do we get it off the truck?” You heard Sam ask, pointing to a large boat engine part in the bed of a beaten up truck. Scoffing as Bucky lifted it up without breaking a sweat, you leaned against the truck. Bucky grunted and set it down, looking at Sam.

“You’re welcome.” What a punk. “Just dropping this off.” Bucky lifted the case and set it where the engine was previously, Sam coming to stand on the opposite side of the truck as you. “You can sign for it and I’ll go.” You snorted, shaking your head, making Bucky shove your shoulder - the uninjured one - playfully. “I called in a favor from the Wakandans.”

Sam looked at you curiously. You shrugged and shook your head. “Don’t look at me, Sammy. He wouldn’t tell me what it is. He’s all hushy hushy about it until you say so.”

Before Sam could reply, there was a squeak and hissing over at the boat where steam was coming from a few pipes.

“Sam!” You knew that was Sarah from pictures Sam showed you. You stayed up by the truck, pulling yourself onto the bed while Sam tried fixing the pipe, Bucky butting in to show him how to do it properly.

“Why didn’t you use the metal arm?”

You saw Bucky lift up said metallic limb. “Well…I don’t always think of it immediately. I’m-I’m right handed.” Letting out a laugh, Bucky turned around and scowled teasingly at you. “And what’re you laughing at?!”

“Nothing!”

“Well then get your ass over here!”

You rolled your eyes, hopping down from the truck as Bucky asked if Sam wanted help with the boat. You leaned against a wooden post, grinning when Sam looked at you.

“I don’t have any plans.”

Sam gave a small smile, jerking his head back. “Yeah.”

You jumped down onto the boat to follow him, looking over your shoulder and stopping with an amused eyebrow raised as Bucky introduced himself to Sarah. “I’m Bucky.”

“Ah…Sarah.”

“Sarah.” Bucky repeated her name, before walking towards you, a grin still on his lips.

“Careful, Barnes. That playboy Steve warned me about is coming out.” You nudged him with a smirk, ignoring the feeling of your stomach dropping.

He rolled his eyes, kissing your head as he passed you and Sam to go where Sam was gesturing. “Don’t worry, Y/N. You’re still my doll.”

Sam raised an eyebrow, falling into step besides you and lowering his voice. “Conversation?”

“Hasn’t happened.” You informed him through clenched teeth as he groaned.

Sam gave you a list of chores that needed to be done to clean up the boat, giving you a quick tour and letting you know where all the tools needed where. You set to work immediately.

Sanding down, replacing old parts, cleaning, polishing and painting over the things that didn’t need replacing. They didn’t let you do any heavy lifting because of your stupid shoulder, but you were still able to help.

Sam had turned on some music for you to listen to, so you danced around the boat while cleaning. Turning your head when you felt a pair of eyes on you, you smiled when Bucky snapped his head back down to the wood he was sanding down.

“Gonna dance, Barnes?”

He looked back over, shaking his head. “Nah. I’m good watching you.”

Rolling your eyes, you got back to work, continuing to bop to the music, fully aware that he was watching you now.

A little while later, you were repainting the edges of the boat orange, when you looked over and noticed Bucky playing around with a paint scraper…sitting right on the edge that you had just finished repainting a few minutes ago.

“Buck!”

He looked over, eyebrows raised. “Yeah?”

You bit your lip, trying to hold back your mischievous grin. Shaking your head, you waved dismissively. “Never mind!”

He gave you a confused sort of pout, before shrugging and continuing to fidget with the tool. It wasn’t until later when he got up to help Sam tear the metal plating off the edge that it came to light with Sam chuckling and raising an eyebrow.

“Sit in something there, Barnes?”

“What?”

Bucky craned his neck back, eyes widening when he saw the orange paint on his ass, contrasting with his jeans. You let out a cackle and he whipped towards you, pointing at you accusingly, although the small uptick of his lips let you know he wasn’t really mad.

“Y/N!”

“No, no, no!” You laughed, sprinting across the deck, shrieking when he grabbed your waist and spun you around. You gasped when he grabbed a paint brush and painted an orange stripe right down the front of your shirt. “James!”

“Justice, sweetheart.” He breathed in your ear with a chuckle.

You shook your head, wiggling out of his hold. “This is a nice shirt!”

“You should’ve thought about that before.” He smirked, crossing his arms. Your eyes caught sight of Sam behind him, who raised an eyebrow and the bucket of paint he was holding. You nodded with a little giggle, making Bucky’s eyes narrow. “What’s so funny over there, do - holy shit!

You guffawed as orange paint dripped down his head, Sam standing innocently behind him with the now empty bucket behind his back. “Samuel!”

“Oops?”

“I’m gonna kill you!”

“Try me old man!”

“Fuck!

“Doll!”

“Oh my God!”

Paint, orange and white since those were the only cans they had out, flew across the deck, paint brushes being used like fencing swords.

You found out too late that wet paint was a little bit slippery and you slid on a huge puddle, sending you, not onto the ground below, but over the side of the edge into the water. 

“Doll!”

“Cher, you good?!” 

The three of you looked at each other, stunned for a moment, before bursting into fits of laughter and you nodded. “I’m good!”

The boys helped you get back up onto the dock, Sarah appearing with towels she conjured up out of thin air. “Let’s get you into dry clothes. Do you have-?”

“We’ve got some. We got a bag.” You told her with a grin, facing the guys. “You two should clean up some, too. Sammy, you’ve got a little something right there.” You pointed to your cheek, his own having a giant white splotch from his temple to his jaw. “And Buck?” You sniggered, gesturing to the whole of him. “You’ve got a lotta something right there.” 

“Ha. Ha.” He looked down. His top was practically tiger print, drenched in orange with white here and there, and his ass still orange as well. His hair, which had been plastered to his forehead, was starting to dry now, and it only made you laugh some more thinking about what a pain it’d be to get it out. For him, at least.

“God. Can’t even have a relaxing day on the boat with you two.” Sam jested once you finished up and joined him and Bucky, who had just finished dumping out some water buckets. Bucky had changed his shirt and it looked like they tried wiping their faces, but Sam still had small lines of white down his face. “How ‘bout a couple of drinks? Surely you can’t ruin that too.”

“Ruin?” You gasped in mock offence. “Sammy! I just made the day more…interesting.”

Sam chuckled, ruffling Bucky’s hair, which still had orange streaks in it. “Let’s go get some beers.”

************

You chatted for a bit, mainly you and Sam with you asking how Sarah and the boys were while Bucky with your legs in his lap, just listening to you two and sipping at his bottle. You had his hand in your own lap, wiping it down with a rag due to the paint that got on it.

“You’re lucky this is vibranium, you know.” You commented off handedly. “If it was your other one, it’d definitely get stained.”

“And who’s fault is that?” Bucky shot back with a teasing grin.

“Sammy’s.”

Sam spluttered. “Wh-what?! You started it!” You laughed, shaking your head.

Falling into a comfortable silence with just the water and birds chirping as your soundtrack, you downed the rest of your drink, which Bucky took as finished. “Well,” you moved your legs to let him stand up. He leaned forwards to clink his bottle against Sam’s and you stood up and stretched. “Gotta catch our flight tomorrow. Get a hotel room for the night.” Sam gave you a look to which you rolled your eyes at as Bucky set down his bottle and grabbed his jacket. “Crash, you know?”

“So you’re just gonna set me up like that, huh?”

“Well I don’t wanna make it weird for your family.”

“Just stay here.” You laughed as Sam babbled on about how nice the people were here, grabbing the jacket Bucky handed to you. It was getting a bit chilly from the breeze on the water and the sun going down. Plus, that water was cold.

“But don’t flirt with my sister.”

You cackled at Bucky’s face, that turned serious, his head shaking. “No.”

“‘Cause if you do I’ll have Carlos cut you up and feed you to the fish.”

“Can’t hold back the dog, Wilson. It’s been stuck in a kennel too long.”

Bucky turned to you, grabbing your jaw and squishing your cheeks together. “You know what? You need to shush. You’ve been snippy all day.”

You just smiled as innocently as you could with your lips being held by his metal fingers. “You’re too fun to mess with.”

He pecked your nose. “As long as I’m the only one you’re messing with. I’ll be right back.” He let you go and spun around, maneuvering around the boat in a way only a trained assassin could do.

“Oh my God, please! Please just put me out of my fucking misery! You’re killing me, cher.”

“What?” You gaped at him.

“Don’t act innocent!” Sam huffed, giving you a pointed look. “If I have to watch you two make googly eyes at you one more fucking day with neither of you doing anything about it-”

You rolled your eyes. “Oh come on, Sammy-”

“Don’t ‘come on, Sammy’ me! And don’t come at me with that ‘he doesn’t like me back’ bullshit. If you think for a second that boy wouldn’t follow you to the depths of the fucking ocean, you’re blind as a bat, woman.”

You shrugged, pushing up the sleeves of Bucky’s too big jacket. “It just…hasn’t come up.”

He deadpanned, shaking his head and standing up. “That’s it. I’m done. You two are driving me insane. I’m gonna lock you in a room until you have the conversation that needs to be had the next time either of you does something stupid.”

“Yikes. That’s gonna be quick.” At his look, your smile dropped and you nodded. “Okay, okay. I’ll…I’ll bring it up later.”

“Tomorrow or nothing.”

“Sam-”

Sam tilted his head, brow creasing. “Is it still Steve? Is that what this is still about? Because he’s gone, and he’s been gone and you need to get over it-”

“No. It’s not…” You sighed. “It clicked the other day. When we were hanging out. Steve left and, yeah, I might always love him, but Bucky…God…I love Bucky, Sam.”

The man grinned proudly. “I’m glad to finally hear you admit it. So what’s the problem?”

“It’s still complicated, right? I mean…he’s his best friend and I’ve never dealt with stuff like this before and-”

Sam’s smile dropped and he groaned again. “Imma head out. I can’t take this. Dumbass and dumberass. I swear to God.” You sniggered a bit as he grumbled, walking towards the ramp to climb off the boat, just as Bucky reappeared.

“Hey-”

“Nope! Not right now, Barnes! I can’t handle it! I can’t!”

Bucky gave you a weird look. “What’d you do?”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “Nothing.”

“Well, c’mon, doll. Sarah said she’s gonna make gumbo for us, whatever that is.” He held out his hand as you walked over. 

“You’re such a city boy.” You teased lightly, taking his hand and letting him help you pull you onto the dock. You shoved the sleeves of his jackets up again since they slipped from the first time. “Let’s go get some dinner. I’m starving.”

******************

“We have the couch and a mattress we can pull out, I just have to make Sam get it from the attic-”

“That’s alright. The couch is fine.” Bucky waved dismissively while you nodded in agreement.

Sarah raised an eyebrow at you two. “For both of you?”

You blinked, exchanging a look with Bucky, before shrugging and turning back to her. “Yeah.”

“Don’t fight it, Sarah.” Sam peeked out from the hall. “They’ve got a weird relationship.” You stuck your tongue out at the man while Bucky rolled his eyes, dropping your duffle bag by the couch. “How mature, Y/N.” Sam mimicked your action.

“Uhm…okay. Let me set up the couch for you then.”

Once everything was set up, you and Bucky thanking her for dinner - delicious and you’d never seen Bucky smile so much, the boys having kept him highly entertained throughout the meal - and for letting you crash, Sam and Sarah headed to their rooms, the boys already having been tucked in for the night.

“Are you gonna sleep on the floor?” You asked quietly, sitting down on the couch and doing the things for your night routine you didn’t already do in the bathroom.

“I think I’ll be okay.” He sat besides you. “I’ve been doing fine the past week or so.”

You smiled at him. “That’s good. Alright.” You stood up and stretched. “Let me just make sure everything’s in the bag and ready-”

You yelped when his arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you into his chest, shifting down to lay against the couch’s arm. “Do it in the morning.” He yawned, looking up at you tiredly. “I wanna go to sleep.”

“Then go to sleep, Buck. I’ll be right back.” He shook his head, his hold tightening as he sunk deeper into the couch.

“No. I fall asleep better with you.”

You rolled your eyes but grinned, settling down with your legs between his, your chin resting on his sternum so you could still look at him. He beamed, but you could see the exhaustion settling in, and he grabbed the blanket Sarah left over the back of the couch and draped it across your back, over both of your legs, before his arms crossed snugly under the covers at the small of your back.

“Dinner was nice tonight. I haven’t had a meal cooked like that in ages.” You hummed.

He nodded in agreement. “I think that’s the first time I’ve sat around a table with a family since the 40′s.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Did you like it?”

“Yeah...kinda makes me wish I had my own.”

“Your own what?”

“Family.”

You bit your lip, shyly avoiding his gaze. “You’re my family, Buck.”

A light kiss was pressed to your forehead, his fingers bringing your gaze back to his. “There’s no one else I’d rather have.” The room lapsed into silence again, the clock ticking on the wall, the low sound of crickets outside.

“You have really pretty eyes.” You mumbled, tilting your head slightly as you studied them. They always held so much emotion in them, especially in contrast to when you first met him as Soldat. They matched the water you fell in, and you wouldn’t mind falling over and over into them.

“Yeah, well, you’re just really pretty inside and out, so I think you’ve got me beat, doll.” He whispered back.

“You know who else is pretty? Sarah.”

He nodded with a hum. “That’s true. But I meant what I said. You’ll always be my doll.”

“So you’re not gonna ask her out?”

He gave you a weird look as you traced his sharp jawline absentmindedly. “Nah, sweetheart. It’s just…some harmless flirting. Except on Sam’s part.”

You gave a soft huff of laughter. “Yeah…he’s gonna strangle you. It is nice to see you like that, though. Flirty. Relaxed. Happy.”

“You make me happy, sweetheart.” He hummed, nosing your temple. “The road trip helped. I’m learning everything from you. Maybe not the flirting, but the carefree part.”

You blinked at him, finger stopping for a moment as you thought. “Oh…”

You felt his fingers dance up your spine, making you shiver slightly. “What I would give to know what’s goin’ on inside that pretty lil’ head’a yours, doll.”

“I just think it’s funny you’re learning how to be carefree from me…when I just started learning how to do it myself.”

“Oh yeah?”

You nodded, your finger continuing its path down his jaw. “I think it started with the goats.”

“The goats?”

You nodded again, resting your cheek on his chest, watching your finger move up from his chin. Once you got to the end of his jaw, you lightly scratched his scruff. “In Wakanda. Our goats.” You weren’t looking at him, so you didn’t see the way he physically melted at your words, his eyes going soft, his lips turning up slightly.

“Our goats, huh?”

But your tired brain wasn’t really processing what he said, instead focusing on the features your finger was now tracing - over his lips, up his nose. “You’re pretty too, Buck. Did you know that? Inside and out.”

He craned his neck to kiss your forehead. “Go to sleep, cuddle bug.”

Nodding, you nuzzled into his chest, finger feeling over the bumps and indents on the dog tags resting near your head. You tried going to sleep, but you kept shifting, your mind not shutting off.

“Hey, sleepyhead, I’m trying to, you know, sleep.”

“Sorry.” You apologized meekly. “I just…I dunno. I can’t.”

“Are you comfortable?” He peeked open and eye to look at you questioningly. You nodded. “Is it too hot? We can take the blanket off. I know I’m a walking furnace-”

You shook your head. “No. I don’t know why. I just can’t sleep.”

He licked his lips thoughtfully, before cradling your head and guiding you back down to his chest. “Lay down, sweetheart. Relax.” He stroked your hair, moving his head down to rub circles in your back muscles, pressing down harder when he felt knots. 

You hummed, your eyes closing. “That feels good.”

“Shshsh. Just go to sleep.” His lips pressed against your head once more, lingering a bit longer than they usually do, as you felt yourself drift off. You cuddled his side, throwing a leg over his waist, before nodding off, only barely hearing his words. “Attagirl. There we are.”

******************

“Doll?” You felt a shift underneath you and groaned, your eyes barely cracking open. “Hey, sleepyhead…it’s okay. I’m just gonna slip out from under ya, alright? Gonna go help Sammy with somethin’.”

You raised an eyebrow, letting him move you against the cushions as he sat up on the edge of the couch. “Sammy?”

“Yeah.” He bent over and kissed your cheek. You stretched out your limbs, about to rub your eyes, when he stopped you, kissing the inside of your wrists. “No. Not you, doll. Go back to sleep.” 

“Bu’...’m gonna help.” You slurred out, looking at him with confused, squinty eyes.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s okay. Rest. You can help when you wake up again. Okay?” You mumbled out an “okay”, bringing the covers up to your chin and snuggling deeper into the cushions. “There ya go, cuddle bug. Good girl.” There was another kiss, one to your temple this time, before you slipped back into unconsciousness.

******************

The next time you woke up was because of a clatter in the kitchen. You yawned and sat up, stretching, eyebrows furrowing when you realized Bucky wasn’t with you. It took you a moment to remember your conversation, which you half thought you dreamt.

“Boys!”

“Sorry!”

You chuckled at the shouts, rubbing your eyes. “I am so sorry!” Sarah apologized, looking over at you from the stove. Trying to make the boys breakfast before school. Do you want anything? Eggs? Cereal? Toast?”

“Uh, cereal’s fine.” You stretched out your back again, before throwing back the covers and standing up, a little shakily.

“You wouldn’t happen to know where Sam went, would you?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Uh, I think him and Bucky went to fix something on the boat. I don’t for sure, though.”

Sarah groaned. “He probably went to fix the stupid water pump which doens’t need fixing. Dumbass.”

You chuckled, padding over into the kitchen. “Yeah. I just work with him. I can’t imagine growing up with him.”

“Trust me; some days you want to throw him in a box and send him out to sea. Bowls are in that cupboard.”

You snickered, moving over to grab a bowl from the cupboard she pointed to. “That’s how I feel with Bucky. Sam is less often, but when those two get together…it’s a full zoo.”

She laughed at that, nodding as she got out the milk and a few boxes of cereal for you to choose from, handing you a spoon. “That I believe.”

“Thank you.”

“Of course.”

You started pouring your cereal, watching in slight amusement as she got the boys ready for school. “Bus is here! Get out the door! Bye! Love you! Make sure you take those extra lunches to-!”

“Yeah, mom! We know! Love you too!”

You gave a slight smirk as she huffed, looking around the kitchen at the pans and dishes left out. “Kids, huh?”

She gave you a smile. “Yeah. They’re a handful, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything. How about you? Any thoughts of kids?”

“Me?” Your eyes widened, nearly choking on your food. “Oh God no. Not right now, at least. I don’t even have a solid house right now. My life’s too off the walls for that.”

“And Bucky?”

You raised an eyebrow as she leaned on the counter. “Bucky? What about Bucky?”

“Does he want kids?”

“Uh…I dunno.” You shrugged, clearing your throat as you remembered your talk last night. “Kinda makes me wish I had my own.” You quickly pushed his words aside. “He hasn’t told me.”

“Wait, wait. You two…aren’t together then?”

You blinked, your eyes widening again. “Together? Me and Bucky? No…why? Did Sam say something?”

Her expression morphed into one of disbelief, crossing her arms. “Sam didn’t say anything. You guys did. Are you seriously expecting me to believe you aren’t together?”

“We’re not! I mean - he was flirting with you yesterday-”

“Right, okay. Honey, that’s flirting. And it’s harmless. The way he follows you like a puppy and you look at him like he hung the stars? That’s feelings. And that’s a lot more impactful than flirting.”

You frowned in contemplation. It was really that obvious? You were really that blind? This whole time? You knew Sam knew - but you just figured that’s because he’s been there since it started. And Sharon knew for the same reason. But Sarah? The woman you just met the day prior and had barely had a conversation with?

“It’s, uh…” You chewed on your cheek, swirling your cereal around. “It’s complicated.”

Sarah didn’t look impressed. “Do you like him?”

“I’m kinda in love with him-”

She shrugged, not letting you finish your bashful statement. “Then I don’t see what’s complicated about it.”

And that was that. She turned to clean up breakfast, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

You thought it was more complicated than that. I mean…you were in love with your best friend. Who left you. With the guy you had feelings for who just so happened to be your best friend/crush’s best friend. And now you were completely in love with your best friend’s best friend, but your best friend still had a piece of your heart.

But…you loved Bucky. And he was here. And Steve was not. And when you put it that way…you guess it wasn’t so complicated after all.

******************

You snickered as you walked up behind Sarah, the woman berating the men for not leaving the water pump along like she asked.

“Hi, Sarah.”

Sam shot Bucky a warning look, who grinned, but you were surprised to see Sarah ignore him, sending you a knowing glance instead, before turning back to Sam. “I told you specifically that the water pump was not the problem, and yet, here you are.”

“Yep, Samuel.”

You chuckled, Bucky shooting you a wink. “Yeah, Samuel.”

Sam narrowed his eyes at you, turning to Sarah. “In our defense, you were supposed to be done long before you woke up.”

You nearly facepalmed at his “defensive” and you were trying so hard to hold back laughing as she told Sam off, sending them away.

“I don’t wanna hear a peep from you.” Sam pointed at you, but that only made your chortles come out, and you didn’t even bother hiding them. “She’s a very mean person.”

“It’s tough love.”

You giggled as they started arguing, slipping an arm around their waists, their arms instinctually coming up to your shoulders.

“Oh my God. A prowess?”

“Yes, Y/N. A prowess.”

“You know, maybe if you someone let me help-”

“Hey, woah! You were tired! I let you sleep! I was being nice!”

“Too late now. I’ll be lucky if Sarah lets me within a hundred feet of it!”

“She got you so good, Sammy!”

“I agree with Buck for once! You’re too snippy right now! And c’mon man! Stop flirting with my sister!”

“It’s my natural charm.”

“Charm? What charm?”

“Ouch, doll! That one hurt!”

****************

“Okay.” You stepped out of the bathroom, walking over to the couch and setting the bag down on it. “I’ve got everything packed. We’ve got a little over an hour until we need to head out which gives you two time to go set something up for Sammy and maybe even a bit or training before we leave.” 

Bucky frowned. “You’re not gonna come out?”

“I will in a bit. I just got a phone call I need to take.”

Sam narrowed his eyes. “Government call?”

You gave a mocking smile. “Can you guess what they want to talk about? It’s okay. I’ll survive. It’s only a phone call, so I can always hang up. Pretend I didn’t have good service. I do it all the time.”

“I’m sure you do.” Sam chuckled. “In that case, I’m gonna go grab some stuff and get the shield.” As he walked out, he made sure to mouth at you behind Bucky’s back ‘conversation’ making you swallow thickly. You were planning on talking to Bucky anyways, and with Sam’s insistence…

“Okay, so, I was thinking when we get back-”

“Can I talk to you?”

Bucky stopped digging through the bag, blinking at you in surprise at your sudden burst. “Uh…well, we already are, so yes.” He chuckled, straightening and crossing his arms.

“I wanna have the conversation.”

He was left stunned, once again, his mouth opening and closing and his weight shifting form one foot to the other. “Like…that conversation? R-right now? Are you sure?”

You winced at her nervousness. “Sorry, sorry. I know it’s kinda…I just…I need to talk about it. Now.”

“Okay, okay. No, that’s fine. Don’t apologize. I just wasn’t expecting it.” Bucky cleared his throat. “That’s all.”

“Okay…” You breathed with a small nod. You opened your mouth, but Bucky shook his head.

“I hafta say this first; I didn’t mean to hurt you by telling you about Steve. I-I dunno what I thought. That it’d give you closure or something. I dunno. But it hurt you and I’m sorry. That wasn’t my intention.”

“Buck-”

“I was jealous. And guilty. And mad. And upset. I still am. Kinda. I guess. I dunno.” Bucky shook his head, running his hand through his hair and all you could do was gape at him as he started confessing to you. “Remember when we danced? In Madripoor? Doll…I don’t wanna dance ever again if it’s not with you. I fucking love you, Y/N. And not in the way we’ve said it before. I’m in love with you. I have been for-for a while now. I just - you were Steve’s. Steve loved you and you loved Steve and that was that and I was just the broken childhood best friend. But Steve left and he told me to take care of you and I didn’t know what to do with that, because you still love Steve. I think. I dunno. And I didn’t want to break what we have because you’re all I have left of him. You and that stupid shield. You’re my family. My home. I really meant it when I told you that. And that’s why I couldn’t tell you. Because it means too much for me to break what we have because I fell in love with my best friend’s girl. You know?”

He looked at you with pleading eyes, begging you to understand, but your brain was still trying to process what he was telling you.

“Oh God…” He groaned. “And now I just told you everything and you’re looking at me like that wasn’t what you wanted to hear and now I’m thinking this wasn’t the conversation you were thinking it was going to be-”

You were moving across the room before you could stop yourself, pulling him by the teal Henley you knew was comfortable having worn it to bed before when you visited him in New York, and slanting your lips over his.

His breathing hitched and he froze, and for a hot second you thought you made everything worse, but then he was kissing you back and his hands were on your hips and he was pulling you closer and it felt so fucking good you didn’t want to pull back for air.

“Shut up.” You muttered when you finally did pull back, your forehead against his, your eyes clenched shut. “Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up.” You pulled back to look up at him, chests heaving against each other, your eyes prickling. “I’m not good at this. I’m not good at opening up. I only ever was good at it with Steve but Bucky…I’ve been doing it with you. This whole time and I didn’t even realize it until the conversation in the car.”

He reached up to cup your cheeks, wiping away the relieved tears that were falling from the weight you were finally getting off your chest.

“I love you. I’m in love with you. How could I not be? After all that time in Wakanda? I was never Steve’s girl, Bucky. I wanted to be. Dammit, did I wanna be, but I wasn’t. Not really. And he’s gone. But you’re not. And I don’t know why it took me so long to see that. That you’re the one in front of me. You’re the one who held me when I needed it once he left. You’re the one that would listen to my rambles that I’m just realizing was most of our phone calls. You’re not just the broken childhood friend. Don’t ever think that. I don’t pick up the phone at five in the morning after searching for a friend until two for just anyone. Even Steve’s best friend. And I’m such an idiot because I’ve been pushing away my feelings all these years for Steve and then I let them out with you at the wrong time, because I love Steve, Bucky, but I’m not in love with him. Not since I fell in love with you. And I know it doesn’t make sense, but Steve was the first one I cared about and that’s just how I feel and I can try to explain, but-”

His lips crashed onto yours again and you could taste the salty tears that were pouring down your cheeks, but you didn’t care. He was holding you and he was kissing you and it was even more perfect than you thought it’d be.

“You’re adorable when you ramble, but Jesus Christ, shuddup, doll.” He breathed. “Just tell me you love me. Tell me you love me just a fraction of how much I love you.”

You looked up into those ocean eyes, your own shining with earnest affection. “James Buchanan Barnes. I love you.”

“That’s all I need to know.” He murmured against your lips, holding your head against his, still wiping away your tears. It felt like with each one that fell, you felt lighter and lighter. Like they were taking away every fear and anxiety you held within you for the past six months.

“Alright! I was thinking we could just set up in these trees out here - holy shit! Is it done? Did you do it? Did I miss it? Has the conversation been had?”

Bucky chuckled as you giggled. “He has the worst timing.” The last two words were loud enough so Sam could hear, although the man heard the whole sentence. 

“I’m gonna take that as a yes!” Sam cheered. “Halle-fucking-lujah! Finally! I was that close to locking you two in the attic.”

You shook your head at Sam’s personal celebration, drowning the rest of his words out as you looked at Bucky, who swept his thumb over your cheek catching one last tear, before pecking your lips.

“I finally get to kiss where I really want to.” He spoke softly, kissing your lips again. “Are you mine, doll?”

“I thought you said I’d always be your doll.” You answered cheekily. He grinned, kissing you again, pulling you against him by the hips.

“Okay, okay! That’s enough! We get it! You’re in love, finally, but I don’t wanna see it anymore! Now will you come help me with this shit?”

Bucky left one more lingering kiss on your lips, before you pushed him away reluctantly. “I’ll be right out.”

He nodded, moving over to help Sam carry the things he’d gathered.

You watched them put it all up from the window, gnawing on your cheek as you spun your phone in your hands. Coming to a decision, you tossed your phone in the duffle bag and walked out with it just as the boys finished.

“That was a quick phone call.” Sam raised an eyebrow.

You shrugged. “Didn’t call them. If they really need me, they’ll find me.”

Bucky grinned as you set the bag down under a tree, pecking your lips when you got close enough for him to grab by the waist to hold you against him. You rolled your eyes, shoving him playfully away and giggling as Sam let out a groan.

“Alright. Let’s see what you’ve got, Sammy.”

~

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Bucky knew he needed the tough love talk Sam was giving him. He needed to hear it. Because, deep down, he had known it all along, he just refused to believe it. He tried doing it. Making amends. He knew he wasn’t though. And of course he knew immediately who that one person would be.

“And hey.” Bucky looked at him. “Let me tell you what. Telling my girl all that you told her? That’s a good start. I’m proud of you. Both of you. You’re already happier. I can see it in your eyes.”

Bucky chuckled, shaking his head as he thought of the gorgeous woman he nearly let slip through his fingers. He looked over to the house, where she was inside somewhere getting ready after suddenly deciding she needed to shower before they left. “I was stupid.”

“Yeah you were. You both were. I’m so relieved it’s over.” Sam nudged him. “Treat her right, Buck. She deserves it.”

“I know…I just hope I can.”

Sam shook his head. “Uh-uh. Don’t do that. You were just starting to use that cyborg brain of yours! She chose you. And before you say anything,” Sam cut Bucky off from speaking as he opened his mouth to object. “She chose you before Steve left. It just took her dumbass this long to realize it.”

Bucky nodded, a small smile on his face. “Yeah…okay…” Before he could say anything, the goddess herself stepped out, jogging over, looking absolutely amazing in her jeans and his t-shirt. “Good talk.”

Sam laughed at his quick ending of the conversation as she came up besides them. “Talking about me?” She asked cheekily, eyes shining. Bucky couldn’t help but take her under his arm, pecking her lips. Now that he could, he didn’t think he could stop. He was addicted to say the least.

Throwing Bucky a wink, Sam shrugged. “Just all the things that get on our nerves.”

“Ha ha.” She rolled her eyes. “We better get going.”

Bucky and Sam clapped hands. “You know Karli won’t quit.”

Bucky smiled. “Ah. You call us when you have a lead and we’ll be there.”

Y/N stepped forwards to give Sam a hug. “Anytime, Sammy.”

“Eh. Anytime between noon and midnight.” Bucky corrected. “Or noon and ten. Noon and five…you better just call at noon to be safe.”

Sam rolled his eyes. “Sure, sure.”

“Not necessarily as a team.” Bucky continued, grabbing the bag, getting Y/N back in her spot at his side under his arm.

“Nope!”

“We’re not that good.”

“Definitely not.”

“We’re professionals.”

“Definitely.”

“And, uh, we’re partners.”

Sam snapped, pointing at him. “Coworkers.”

“But we’re also a couple of guys with a couple mutual friends.”

“Ones now gone and you’re dating the other.”

“So we’re a couple of guys…with a badass to help out.”

“I can live with that.”

“Perfect.”

“Oh my God.” Y/N let out that laugh Bucky could never get enough of, shaking her head at the two of them. “You forgot dumbasses.”

Sam shook his head. “Nuh-uh. That’s your couple name.”

“Dumbasses?”

“Oh yeah.” The three of them came to a stop, Bucky and his girl - God he loved confirming it now - facing Sam. “Thanks for the help, guys. Meant a lot.”

Bucky patted his shoulder. “Of course.”

Y/N shot him a wink. “Until we meet again, Sammy.”

“Until then, cher.”

Bucky couldn’t stop his grin as she wrapped her arms around his waist, the two of them starting to walk to the main road where she already ordered an Uber. He looked down at her, kissing her lips for the nth time in the past hour.

“I wish I didn’t wait so long,” he told her seriously. “But I’d wait a thousands more centuries if it meant I get to call you mine.”

She giggled, shaking her head. “You’re such a sap! But…” she moved up to kiss him and his heart stuttered. He knew he had a goofy grin on when she pulled back, but he couldn’t help it. Especially when she laughed again. “I have to agree with you on that, Buckaroo.”

[cebwrites]

CEVV I'm here to ask you per our convo the other day.....headcanons on cooking specialties/skills of the heart pirates? whichever ones you prefer ❤️ (bepo cooking lol)

a/n: EEEEEEE i get to break out the completely self-indulgent Hearts intro i did for this!! >:3= (also hi i didn't forget this or esp the kata hcs, writing brain just leaves for long periods of time and i have little say in it 😭😭)

Skills of the Heart Pirates (headcanons)

he/they law, various pronouns for other Heart members word count: 0.6k

Bepo my darling light, probably just as clumsy in the kitchen as his captain is... Bepo tries his best to help out when it's his turn to cook for the crew (along with a couple of other members) but a lot of the time he ends up bumping into things and becoming more of a hazard than a helping hand, everyone's only respite is that he isn't as fire prone as their captain is; Bepo is, however, great at washing the pots, pans, and in general the bigger cookware after meals

Penguin started out making little snacks for Shachi on Swallow Island because he'd spent a lot of time with his mom doing the the same at it brought some comfort to him - when Law and Bepo came along, it was mainly so that Penguin could make sure this weird kid who saved his life actually ate

The Tang doesn't have a designated chef in the same way that the Strawhats have Sanji, many members rotate in and out of the kitchen depending on the day but it's usually Dorie, Bas, and Laeno that are in there the most; Pengy still makes small things anyone can munch on throughout the day to keep their energy up or if someone just asks, though - it remains very much a comfort to cook for his loved ones

I vaguely remember a mention in the light novel that Shachi worked as a hairdresser and I 100% agree - it's super cute to imagine Shacchan cutting everyone's hair when it gets too long, helping crew members pick out new styles or looks for certain occasions, having a field day when it's time for Bepo's yearly molt lol, and all free of charge! It's mostly because he's doing this out of the kindness of his sweet little orca heart, but a small part is also because he gets to chat and gossip a lot with whoever it is he's working on

I'm not sure where I picked up the notion that Ikkaku was an engineer along my fandom journey, but I like the idea that it's her in charge of something super important like keeping the ship running, she also pops into the captain's office occasionally to refill their coffee and haul Law out to dinner <3

The Hearts are inked just like their captain - not necessarily all over like Law, but it's unlikely that you'd find someone without at least one tattoo be it big or small - and the one to turn to for that would be Hake! They're the artist responsible for all the work done on this crew, though they do tend to be a bit mingy about prices, you can usually get away with a decent discount by praising their work and fluffing up their feathers a bit (only works for long term crew members, terms and conditions apply)

Smaller hc time!

Uni and Clione are typically in charge when laundry day rolls around, with the latter yelling at his peers to stop goofing around with the freshly warm sheets before they get dirty again

Bepo, Dorie, Bas, and Jean Bart do a lot of heavy lifting when it's time to restock supplies, not that everyone else doesn't help out too, they just take pride in being the ones that everyone relies on the most for their size and strength in heavy lifting (it's also very amusing to see the 'small fry' squabble amongst themselves about who can lift the most)

Bookkeeping and crunching numbers is left to Hoki and Gul, when Gul isn't in the infirmary with Marl taking care of their injured since Law isn't present again

Fang (Hakugan) is really knowledgeable about foraging, he and Laeno will often go together to pick out wild game/herbs if the Tang docks at an island with lush flora and fauna

Since they spent a lot of time underwater though, the Heart Pirates end up eating a lot more seafood than anything on land, and the ones who bring home the bread there are Penguin, Shachi, and Ani

[undercoveravenger]

To Be With You

Pairing: Cato x Male!Reader

Requested: Yes

Original Request: “Being from the Capitol after Cato wins the Games and "purchasing a night with him" - at first he thinks it's for sex but you just want someone real and honest and strong to hold you and he's confused but interested”

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Winning the Hunger Games hadn’t been what Cato had expected it to be. He’d anticipated the parades and the celebrations, but he hadn’t expected the behind the scenes dealings. He hadn’t expected to be sold off to the highest bidder at all those parties like some low-life harlot.

It was another such night when his handler approached him and told him that it was time to go. He sighed, squaring his shoulders to present the same confident facade he’d used in the Arena despite the crawling sensation creeping across his skin.

His handler escorted him out of the bustling party and out into the shining silver car that would take him to his purchaser’s home. At one time he had admired the Capitol’s technology, but now he understood the truth; that this was just another cage built to make a lion into something about as dangerous as a kitten.

The vehicle came to a stop outside a rather nondescript building and his handler slipped him a small slip of paper with the apartment number on it. Cato sighed, but took it and exited the car. He made his way into the building and upstairs until he was face to face with the door of his new temporary owner. He heaved a breath and steeled his nerves, before lifting his hand to knock, knowing that the sooner he got this over with, the sooner he could go home and pretend it hadn’t happened.

He never knew what to anticipate when this sort of thing happened; he’d been met with people with dyed skin and those with scales or feathers. But when the door opened, he found himself surprised.

You were not strange or grotesque the way that many people from the Capitol were. A part of his mind registered that you were handsome, but mostly he was glad that you looked… human.

You cleared your throat and stepped aside, holding the door open for Cato.

“So,” Cato said, crossing his arms over his chest as he stopped in the middle of the room. “Shall we get started?”

“That’s not why I called you here, actually,” you said, closing and locking the door before making your way further into the living room and then settling onto the couch. You hesitated for a moment as you thought, looking up at him consideringly from your seat, “I’ve seen your interviews and been at some of the parties you’ve made appearances at. I can tell that you’re unhappy.”

Cato was confused. In the months since he won the Games, no one had thought to check in with him on more than a surface level, and now some stranger could see through his mask? “What do you mean?”

You sighed softly, cocking your head to the side, “You’re not the first Victor that I’ve been around, y’know? I’m more familiar with the nightmares than I’d like to be.”

In that moment, Cato recognized you. It had been a long time and you’d been much younger then, but he was sure that you’d been the victorious tribute from the Hunger Games several years before his own. “It’s not- it’s not what I was anticipating,” he said after a long moment.

“It would’ve been easier if being a Tribute stayed in the Arena, wouldn’t it?” You said, a knowing glint in your eyes.

Cato nodded, moving to sit beside you, finally relaxing a little now that he’d found someone who understood him. “How do you cope?”

“I had someone to help me,” you smiled softly at him. “And if you’ll let me, I’d like to do the same for you.”

Cato was stunned. Through his whole life, he had always been treated like a warrior. Like, he’d been infallible and indestructible. But now, with you looking at him like that, he felt more seen than he ever had. “I think I’d like that.” He felt his chest tighten a little when your smile widened a little.

“Look,” you started, “They’re expecting you to be here for a while, so if you want to rest, my room is through there; take as long as you want.”

The blond blinked, momentarily confused. Eventually he nodded, pushing himself to his feet and heading toward the door you’d indicated. He paused in the doorframe, turning to look back over his shoulder at you. “Are you not coming?”

You looked startled, mouth falling open for a second as your gaze turned from the book you’d just picked up back to him. “Did you want me to?”

Cato hesitated, but eventually found himself nodding. “I sleep better when I’m with someone I trust.”

“You trust me?” you asked with a raised eyebrow.

He nodded slowly, a little uncertain now that his judgement had been called into question. “You’ve done more for me in a few minutes then most of my allies did in the Arena.”

“Okay,” you murmur quietly, setting your book aside and following after Cato as he leads you back into your room.

He hesitated next to your bed as you laid down, but settled down next to you after a long moment.

As time passed and you drifted off to sleep, Cato tried to will himself after you, but the sight of you this close to him has his mind reeling now more than ever. He hadn’t ever really allowed himself to consider attraction, but now, with the faint light of the moon seeping through the massive window and casting over your face, he could feel his heart thundering in his chest and a light blush rising in his cheeks. “...Why would you want to help me?” he murmured, reaching out to trail his fingertips over your jawline.

You shifted at his touch, nose scrunching in a way that he’d never admit that he found adorable and your hands reaching out toward him. His breath caught in his chest, but he slowly moved closer to you until you were able to wrap your arms around him and curl close to his chest, tucking your face against his shoulder.

He watched you sleep for a while longer until his eyes grew heavy and his breathing slowed, finally slipping into the most peaceful sleep he’d had since the Reaping. The last thought that he could recall was that he wouldn’t mind staying in the Capitol longer, as long as it meant that he’d get to be with you.