#but now i gotta look people in the eyes afterwards and see their warmth and it makes me want to bare my teeth

[mugloversonly]

Meaningless? (I love you)

“You’re breaking up with me?” Steve whispered.

Eddie knocked on his door for their usual Saturday date and said he wanted to call off their “arrangement”.

“Steve, don’t be mean” Eddie sighed as he wiped his eyes.

“Mean? My boyfriend dumps me out of the blue and I’m being mean?” He scoffed. He opened his mouth to say something else but frozen when he heard a sob tear out of Eddie’s throat before he covered his mouth to smother the rest.

“Fuck you Steve Harrington.” He whispered. “I’ve been waiting months for you to call me that. And the first time you do is because you won’t be getting your dick wet anymore?” Eddie marched up to Steve and shoved a finger into his chest.

“What are you talking about?” Steve asked now throughly confused.

“Steve, we’ve been fucking for months and I’ve been waiting for you to see me. Really see me. But it’s like you look at me and all you see is a willing toy.” He shuddered a breath.

“When was the last time we hung out one on one?” Eddie asked.

“Last week!” Steve exclaimed ready to defend himself. But Eddie scoffed.

“Steve, you came over to ‘watch a movie’ but didn’t even bother to pretend to sit down before your tongue was down my throat. You got dressed and left before we even caught our breath!” Eddie shouted. Steve went to speak but Eddie barreled right over him. “And the time before that when I came to your place, I barely had my shoes off before you dragged me up the stairs. Afterward you tossed a wet wash cloth onto my chest and ran to the kitchen. When I came down to talk to you, you kept your back to me and said bye in the most dismissive tone I’ve ever heard. What about that would make me feel anything except used?”

Steve didn’t have a response. He really liked Eddie and he thought they’d been dating this entire time, but he was starting to see what Eddie saw.

“You don’t hold my hand in private, you won’t even sit next to me in public. We’ve never cuddled! Not once! You won’t kiss me without it leading to something more. We never spend time together one on one unless it’s to fuck. And you have the audacity to sit there and act surprised that I don’t want to be a meaningless fuck for the guy I’m in love with?!”

Eddie’s eyes widened as he slapped a hand over his mouth. The tears that dried during his rant picked up again in rivers down his cheeks.

“Eddie” Steve whispered, his heart in pieces. He stepped forward to take Eddie’s hand but he watched in horror as Eddie shook his head and backed up until his back hit the door.

“I didn’t mean to say that last bit.” Eddie whispered. “I’m gonna go.” He turned to yank the door open but Steve couldn’t let him leave just yet.

“I’m in love with you too Eddie.” He said confidently. Eddie froze with his head bowed.

“Steve…please don’t. Don’t say things you don’t mean.” He whispered.

“I’ll prove it.” He said smiling softly when Eddie turned to him.

“How?”

~~~

Steve led the way to his room after reassuring Eddie multiple times they weren’t going to do anything.

“Gotta say Steve, standing in your bedroom right now is not making me feel better.” Steve snorted before gesturing to the closet.

“Open it.” He said. Eddie warily opened the door and was immediately assaulted with the scent of flowers. Bouquets of all shapes, sizes, and flowers littered the floor. Dozens of candy boxes were stacked in a neat pile. A bin of letters sat to the side. He reached in and pulled a letter off the top. It was addressed to him with a little heart by his name.

“Steve, what is all this?” He asked as he turned around.

“Proof.” Was the reply. Eddie stared at the letter in his hand before gingerly opening it.

To my dearest Eddie,

I’m not good with words, that’s all you. But I’ve been meaning to tell you for a while that you are amazing. The light to my dark, the sun to my moon.

Most people would look at us and think of you as the moon but to me, you lead me from the dark, your glow fills me with warmth, and I want nothing more than to bask in it. Your light is so bright I want to do everything to reflect it back to you even a fraction of the amount.

I love you,

Yours Stevie

Eddie didn’t realize he was crying again until Steve handed him a tissue.

“They’re all like that.” He admitted when their eyes met. “I’ve written one nearly every day since I knew I loved you.” Eddie looked back at the box, there were way more than he would have expected.

“When did you write the first one?” He asked shyly.

“The day you woke up.” He replied. Eddie’d been in a coma for three weeks after the upside down.

“But that was months before we even started…” he trailed off. “You’ve been in love with me for that long?” He asked in awe as he stepped closer.

“Yeah.” Steve whispered.

“Why didn’t you ever give me the letters? Or the flowers or chocolate?” He asked now even more confused than he was when he arrived.

“I didn’t know if this was a thing guys did. I didn’t want you to think I was treating you like a girl.” Steve explained. He wrapped his arms around Eddie and kissed the top of his head. “But I didn’t realize that I was making you feel like you were a meaningless fuck. You’re not.” He pulled back to look deep into his eyes. The hazel shined with unshed tears. “I will never forgive myself for hurting you, but I promise to do everything I can to make it up to you okay?”

“Okay.” Eddie whispered shyly. “I trust you.”

“Just to be super clear, if you never wanted to have sex again, I would still want to be with you. In fact,” Steve pulled him from the closet. “Can we start over? We’ll go slow, go on dates, and I can do all the things I’ve been wanting to do but was too scared?”

“I’d like that.” Eddie said with a smile. He kissed Steve on the cheek. “I’m not going to lie, I like having sex with you. But I’m really excited to be wooed.” He chuckled.

The next few months were better than Eddie could have imagined. Steve told all their friends they were dating, sat next to him at every opportunity, took him on dates, and held him close.

They cuddled, kissed, and held hands all the time now. Soft kisses just to kiss. Hard kisses that lead to making out but no further.

And when they did finally go all the way again, Steve held him tight to his chest well after their sweat cooled. He carried him to the bathroom and washed him in the shower, slowly as if he was a precious gem. When they were in a hurry, Steve took the time to wipe him off with the wet cloth and helped him redress.

Eddie told Steve he didn’t have to do anything he didn’t want to, but when he thought back to the closet full of flowers, chocolates, and the box of letters filled with words of devotion, he knew Steve wasn’t pretending.

And the next time Steve called Eddie his boyfriend, he knew it wasn’t a desperate attempt to keep him around, but a joyful declaration of their love.

steddie au where eddie thinks they're just hooking up because steve never treats him like all his previous girlfriends, but steve thinks they're dating and the relationship is only different because it's Gay. he's just trying to follow eddie's lead without making a fool of himself (he keeps buying gifts and flowers then shoving them into the back of his closet because he doesn't want eddie to think he's "treating him like a girl")

[famewolf]

practicing vulnerability around people who are not my husband is so exhausting, but it's good work (I promise to myself)

[kodamaghost00]

30 Charlie headcanons

———————————————————

[Disclaimer!!]

I know Chaggie is canon but for the sakes of this post Charlie will be single. [Im a passionate chaggie shipper pls don’t kill me]

This post will contain: NSFW,Sfw, Fluff, Smut

It's also Genderless for the girls,gays and theys! You're a new resident at the Hotel in this scenario.

———————————————————

Let’s begin!

Her favorite nicknames for you are “Sunshine” and “Pumpkin”. And everything sweet in general.

She makes you breakfast every morning and gets excited when you do the same.

Loves morning cuddles. She’d stay in bed just enjoying the embrace and warmth of your body.

Would not really understand your interests but enjoys seeing you being happy. So she will engage and learn about your interests and hobbies. “So you’re into that? Sounds interesting, Sunshine!”

She is definitely an early sleeper. She wants to get the most out of a day as possible.

Listens to 2017 white girl music on a daily basis and you guys vibe all the time.

After she got to meet Rosie she always went to her for advice or help in general.

She gets very flustered and ashamed when people as about her sexual life and declines to talk about it openly.

She likes PDA a lot though. Showing off her perfect partner with kisses and hand holding? Fuck yeah!

She definitely confessed her love to you first. She gave you flowers and a love letter wich read “Please be mine and go on a date with me!”. With an adorable doodle next to it.

She’s more of a dog person but loves KeeKee with her whole heart.

She’s is surprisingly dominant in bed. She pins you down aggressively but afterwards asks you if you are okay with it.

She is very flexible so there are many poses you guys could try out.

She enjoys oral a bit more than anything else. Seeing you shutter under her control makes her feel very reassured.

She definitely goes into her demon form when she’s close. Her tail wrapping around her waist trying to keep her composer.

Great at aftercare. She makes sure you feel reassured and comfortable once you’re finished. Cuddles and kisses are a must.

“Are you comfortable pumpkin? Would you like a towel?” And also whispering reassurance to you is important. “You did great by the way… you look so cute!”. A total sweetheart.

She is great with all sorts of people. Even the ones who are really disrespectful to her. So sometimes you keep those people in place.

Won’t curse until she needs to. She isn’t really going hard on the curses when she does curse. A simple “Fuck you” or “Motherfucker” is enough for her.

She absolutely adores kids. She also wants at least two in the future.

Gets shy easily. When you compliment her hair or her big round eyes she gets flustered right away.

In her emo phase she definitely said “ITS NOT A PHASE!” and now she looks back on it and laughs every time.

Hopes she will see Emily again one day. They definitely had a great time together.

If you’re not able to sleep at night she’s singing you to sleep. With your head on her lap and her playing with your hair.

LOVED the Barbie movie and rewatched it twice. And cried at the ending.

She is an hardworking woman so she’s encouraging you to help her out a lot. Trying to make you feel included!

When she gets overwhelmed she locks herself in her room and cries herself to sleep.

“Hey Charlie…? Are you okay…?” You asked knowing she’s feeling down. “Y-yeah! I’m fine pumpkin… don’t worry!!” “You don’t have to pretend my love…”

She sighed as she opened her door. You see her puffed up eyes so you open your arms wide. “Come here…” she hugs you deeply. “Thank you…”

You kiss her forehead as she embraces the hug. “No need to thank me sweetheart.”

———————————————————

MASTERLIST

Yes I know no one asked for this but I love Charlie so you gotta listen to me rant about her. Give my girly more love and attention! So as always I’d love to get some requests for characters, I’ll try to do all of them but there’s so many! Thanks for reading my dear friends and have a lovely day/night!

- Your Ghost ༼ つ ╹ ╹ ༽つ

[saint-felicias-writing-corner]

I'm still working on getting my new dedicated writing space up on Tumblr, and in honor of finishing You're the Two, my longest story to date, I wanted to share a snippet of some content that DIDN'T make it into the story. Maybe I'll find somewhere to repurpose it, maybe I won't, I don't know yet.

For those that read the story, this would have taken place about midway. I don't remember why I ultimately decided against using it.

== Cut content from You're the Two ==

The throb of the bassline pounded through the packed club’s floor, stomped and reverberated by the throng of sweat glistened bodies writhing together on the dancefloor, limbs and torsos bare and wet, sliding together like sex on display. 

Eddie fidgeted in his seat. “I’m not sure about this, Buck.” The man looked terrified as he watched the dance floor.

Buck laughed. “We’re not dancing, Eddie. We’re just… watching. You’re really telling me this is your first time in a gay bar?” Buck scanned the counter across the way looking for Tommy, who was currently fetching their first round of drinks. 

“It’s not just dancing, Buck! It’s all of it. This isn’t who I am.” Eddie picked at his shirt, a sheer black thing with golden filigree. 

Buck smiled and watched the hints of tanned skin peek out from behind the lace and thread, like swirls of creamer sliding through black coffee. The moment he saw the shirt, he knew he had to see Eddie in it. And the man didn’t disappoint. He rested his hand reassuringly on Eddie’s arm. He could feel the small tremble in the other man ease at their connection. “That’s why we’re here, remember? We gotta figure out *who* you are now!”

“I’m not this though,” Eddie lamented, brown eyes wide and reflecting the rainbow hues of the dancefloor. 

“Then we’ll have a drink, a laugh, and a story to tell afterwards.” Buck pulled Eddie’s distant gaze to him. He swallowed hard, throat suddenly parched as those chocolate brown eyes focused entirely on him. Where were those drinks? “Try? For Tommy? For me?” Buck’s pleading voice was drowned by the loud electronic remix, his words safely tucked into Eddie’s ear alone. 

Eddie smiled his small, uncomfortable, out of place smile. The one that Buck realized was one of his favorites not more than a week ago. “One drink…”

That was okay. Buck had enough smile for the both of them. “I’ll take what I can get.”

Was that a blush? Buck couldn’t tell with the lightshow, but he swore that the apples of Eddie’s cheeks had reddened a bit. The gaze pinning him released its hold, scanning around the club with the same relentless drive. Buck watched Eddie explore, searching his face for any signs of enjoyment. 

Instead, he saw recognition flash through brown eyes, then seething rage.

“What’s wrong?” Buck followed the sightline of Eddie’s hawklike glare to the area near the exit. 

“That’s him.” The warmth in Eddie’s voice had evaporated. 

Buck tried to locate ‘him’ in the group of people moving through their vision, but nothing sparked recognition. He reached for Eddie’s arm, but the other man was already pushing himself to his feet and stalking toward the exit. So he called for him instead, but his voice was quickly swallowed by the music around them. *Him*. He searched for Tommy while trying to keep Eddie’s position in the crowd. Buck watched as Eddie muscled his way through a trio of talking patrons. The rainbow lights reflected briefly in the slosh of their disturbed drinks. He didn’t even offer an apology. *Him.* Who was Eddie talking about?

He didn’t register Eddie’s name leaving his lips. Buck watched, mixed shock and horror, as Eddie approached a couple near the exit. They had appeared to close before Eddie had interrupted. Buck watched as the darker skin man gestured angrily, pushing at Eddie’s chest. The moment of separation was all his companion needed. He pushed past the two of them and scrambled for the door, knocking over a drag queen in his hustle. Eddie tore after him, beelining toward the exit. 

Tommy set their drinks down on the table. “Where’s Eddie?”

Buck stood up, hand bracing against Tommy’s arm. “Call Athena… I think Eddie’s running down the guy that jumped him.”

“What? Evan, wait!”

Tommy’s voice suffered the same effect as Buck’s. The barest hints of the words listed against his ears as he danced through the crowded club, trying desperately to fold his six foot two inch frame into enough contortions to avoid interrupting conversations. A litany of ‘sorry’ and ‘excuse me’ peppered his brief interactions as he squeezed past, more successful in some cases than others. 

The hot California air clawed at him the moment he passed the entrance, stopping just long enough for the bouncer to wrap a paper strip along his wrist for re-entry. The air stank of smoke, the outdoor smoking patio already filled with socializing clubbers. Buck scanned for Eddie, blatantly ignoring the way he was being sized up by those already present. 

“Eddie!” The name tore from his lips, ragged and concerned. Those that weren’t interested in his body were suddenly interested in the possible tea. Lover’s quarrel? Bad breakup? They speculated amongst themselves ask Buck called again. 

A loud thundercrack ripped through the air, silencing conversations in its wake. Buck’s fearful gaze flew skyward, but the emptiness of the night sky, devoid of stars, greeted him. Two more thundercracks soundend in quick succession. Panic set in, the outdoor crowd tossing their cigarettes in ashtrays and frantically worming their way back into the club. Buck hopped the small divider between patio and sidewalk.

“Eddie!” His voice carried more purchase. 

Street lights twinkled off golden filigree in the distance. Buck rushed to his friend, his long legs carrying him quickly. Eddie looked tired in the streetlights, hollowed out. 

“I had him, Buck.” Eddie’s voice was a whisper.

Buck pulled him into a hug, one hand along Eddie’s shoulders, the other curling through his hair. “It’s okay. We’ll get him.” Eddie’s trembling arms wrapped around Buck’s waist and he drooped his head on Buck’s shoulder. Buck soothed again, stroking along the back of Eddie’s neck. A question gnawed at him. 

“Eddie? Why are you wet?”

“I had him…” Eddie repeated, tone muted and slurred. He sagged against Buck. 

Buck lowered his hand from shoulder to waist. The warmth of Eddie’s blood, dark crimson in the streetlights, coated him. 

“No.” Buck shook his head, his tone firm. He muscled Eddie against him until he could walk him to the wall of the club. He’s back in the middle of a street, watching his best friend collapse under a sniper’s shot. Buck gently poured him against the brick. Eddie’s heart was slow and sluggish against his body. His own heartbeat was enough for the both of them. If only that was how it worked. He pulled at the snaps to Eddie’s shirt, stripping away the fabric to see the damage. 

“I… knew you always wanted me,” Eddie rasped, a pained smile on his lips. His eyes danced over Buck, tracing him. 

Buck pawed at his tears, replacing them with smears of Eddie’s blood. He needed to tell him to save his strength, but the words couldn’t come. They locked themselves tight within his throat. But his hands moved, rending bits of his own shirt to press against the wounds.

Eddie pressed his hands over Buck’s. He groaned as he clamped Buck’s hand down against the wound, pushing the fabric of the thin shirt against it. 

Buck swallowed. He forced training to overtake panic. It was Eddie. He had to be flawless. He barely registered Tommy’s small ‘oh, god’. Part of him, the trained part, notes that Tommy followed up that brief moment of panic by dialing 911. 

“Give me your shirt!”

Tommy dropped to his knees beside Buck, already tearing his shirt over his head. He rattled off their address to the dispatcher as he tore the shirt in half. He joined Buck in applying pressure.

Eddie’s eyes didn’t close this time. Buck waited for them to close. He waited for him to slip away again. But he didn’t. His eyes stayed trained on Buck and Tommy. Even after the 133 showed up and pulled them away from him, those brown eyes stayed open and focused.

[ffauthor]

Michael afton x reader + William pt.2

This one is more of a william afton x reader one!

(Doctor!william)

Read part one here:

You were laying on a bed, William was standing next to you on your left side, and michael was sitting in a chair on the other, holding your hand softly. After putting the chard back at the shelf at your foot end, he made his way towards you, gripping a small flashlight out of his pocket. He moved your hair out infront of your eyes, giving you a quick peck on your forehead before he held his hand on your head, flashing the flashlight into your eyes, making you move his finger afterwards. "Does anything hurt you still?" He asked, looking down at you with a kind smile, yet worry could be read over his expression. You shook your head carefully, your head still pressed in the pillow.

"You've been very lucky, love." By this michael shook his head, the grip on your hand tightening. "I still dont understand why you did that, y/n. It could've turned out so much worse!" Followed by, "you really scared the shit out of me. Don't you ever do that again." Michael still had a faint red color around his eyes, sniffing his nose quietly. "I'm sorry -" you tried to apologize, but william just shook his head down at you. "Don't love. And michael, keep your voice down. You're scaring her." Michael's eyes widened slowly, letting your hand go. Making you look towards him, the warmth is now completely replaced with the cold, windy atmosphere. You didnt say anything, just letting the quilt feeling swallowed down. "Will?" Your voice was sore, raspy even. "Hm?" William was looking at the machine, connected to one of the tubes stuck in your hand. "When can I go home?" William looked back down at you, a small sad smile on his face.

"I'd like you to be here for atleast two more days for observation, then. Because ur lucky ur amazing man of a partner is a doctor, we can try and get home." He was playing with roots of your hair, his white jacket softly scrooving across your skin. "But. That is, if ur stable enough. And even then, we gotta take it slow love. Meaning no pizzeria for a long time." You nod your head, smiling slightly.

"Now, scoot over. Ive got about a hour until I have to do rounds again" you could hear the annoyance in his voice, he'd rather stay here with you at all times, holding you close and protecting you at all costs then leave you for even a split second. You did as told, scooting over just a bit for william to get in with you, holding you softly against his chest, but still with a protective hand over you, his head laying atop of yours.

You smiled, softening against him as you watch michael swallow, looking down at the floor. He was probably still upset about the scene that went through before you were here. William yelling at michael outside your room, ofcourse blaming him for you getting hurt, even when you tried to convince william it was your fault, he wouldnt blame you. He would never, you were his after all; nothing could make him blame you or look negatively at you.

It made you grab michaels hand softly, making him hesitantingly interwine your hands together, as he looks up at you, seeing you smile softly at him. "Come on, silly." You mumble, using your strenght to pull michael of his chair, him standing up his own, not wanting you to do anything that could hurt you. You scooted closer to william, making michael get in at your otherside, his hand carefully at your back and the other awkwardly resting on his own hip, his leg pulled underneath yours.

This is exactly what you needed, laying in a bed with the two people you love the most, even tho you wish to forget the accident that brought you here.

[impaladolan]

grayson does a ‘girlfriend reveal’ w/ y/n and in the video she rarely speaks and kinda doses off. he knew she is very shy but not this shy 🙈

Blurb Alert! - Grayson Dolan

; i’d be really shy too

Shy Baby :

"I'm not very good at these things, Gray.." Y/N nervously spoke, fiddling with her fingers as Grayson set up the camera, focusing the lens on her. Her eyes were cast to the floor, and he could sense her apprehensive demeanor from a mile away.

"Just pretend like you're having a conversation with me, baby. And when it's all said and done, and you don't like it, then we'll scrap it." He circled from behind the camera to his spot next to Y/N on the grey sofa. He slid his hand into hers and planted a few light kisses on the back of her palm.

Y/N smiled, though she still felt the anxious feeling prickling at the back of her neck, as if she was giving an unprepared speech in front of millions of people— which wasn't too farfetched in this case.

Grayson released her hand with one last squeeze before curving it around the small of her back, an ecstatic and cheesy grin glued to his lips.

Grayson had been waiting for this moment for what seemed like ages. After helping and tagging along in Ethan and Kristina’s video about their relationship, he felt a little jealousy afterwards. He was saddened to think that his brother would move on with life, and he’d be alone for the first time ever.

But, here he was now. The girl of his dreams on his left that wore a sheepish blush and a dainty smile that he craved daily. She always looked so graceful and innocent, she hadn’t a flaw in Gray’s eyes. You could tell by just the way he looked at her, that he was absolutely enamored with her and her beauty.

“Ready?” Grayson asked, fixing his hair in the large tv-like view finder.

“I think so..” Y/N nodded, warily crossing her arms over her chest. She watched as Grayson started the little intro, trying her best to keep a nice smile.

They did three separate takes, each one slightly different than the other. Grayson wanted to be sure that Y/N was comfortable with everything, he didn’t want to force this on her.

Y/N kept quiet though, only speaking if she needed to. For the most part, she just watched Grayson talk. It made her smile to see him, he was definitely in his element.

“You okay?” Grayson asked, standing to turn off the camera. He gave her a questioning look and grabbed her hand to help her stand too.

“Mhm, it’s just all very new to me.” She looked to the ground again, nibbling on the inside of her lip. She felt Grayson’s hand smooth at the side of her neck, his thumb softly running back and forth against her cheek. This brought a darker blush to her cheeks, his hand forcing her to look up at him again.

“If you don’t want this video, you’ve gotta tell me. I wouldn’t care, Y/N. We don’t have to explain ourselves to anyone.” His comforting words made her heart sink deeper for him, as if she wasn’t already crazy in love for this guy.

“Thank you, Gray.” She placed her hand atop his, feeling the warmth of his skin on hers.

[ray-ray-writings]

(Yes I know this is my second ask but shhh I had several ideas)

So you know how everyone goes on about Dream having both his human form and his blob form? Or some of the side aus where Quackity has his tiny fuck form when he’s on low health?

I’d humbly like to present to you, Pig Techno.

He gets on low health or maybe he’s just forced to transform every once in a while and you’ve got this teacup pig in your arms with the tiniest tusks. He just sits in your lap and “guards” you. Requests you take him everywhere with you so he can keep an eye on people by headbutting your ankle incessantly until you pick him up. Will get onto people later about things they did while he was pig. He makes tiny little snuffles and oinks and wiggles his little hooves around but he’s just so tiny and cute and you gotta love him.

Just Hold. Hold the pig. hold the tiny scarred baby. Acknowledge it’s your boyfriend but then ignore that fact as you kiss his little snoot and give him the best headpats.

(Alternatively Dadza turning into a crow from time to time and you walk around with this ominous sign of death on your shoulder but it’s just Philza tired as fuck and needing a place to rest.)

Again thank you for your wonderful writing! Ever love-🌻

(Please always feel free to send in asks. Ily very much 🌻 and I love interacting with you and reading your asks so please always feel free to send stuff in!!!!) (P.S. This is the last one for tonight! Hope you all have enjoyed!! Maybe more tomorrow, again idk because school is heckin stressful. We’ll see)

This is so so so so so so so so cute!!! Thank you so so so so much for this idea. 

So I imagine you’re like at home, sitting on the couch reading a book in front of the fireplace when you feel something smack against your ankle. It startles you a little bit and before you can look to see what it was, you get another smack on the leg and a small oink fills the air. You instantly know what has happened and you set down your book, reach down, and pick up the small pig and set him on your lap. “Are you okay?” You’d ask, your hand coming down and resting on tiny Techno’s back. He lets out a small snort and closes his eyes, as tries to bury his face against your thigh for comfort and warmth. You let out a small laugh, “Okay then. I’ll just cuddle and take care care in this form then” You get another snort in response. “Fair enough then”. You pick up your book once more and go back to reading, the hand that is resting on Techno subconsciously begins stroking up and down. At one point, he lets out an oink and you tear your gaze away from your book to look at him, “What?” you ask. He looks from you to the book and then back to you, “You want me to read to you?” another oink. “Alright then” and so then you begin reading out loud. Soon enough the small snores and squeals that you get when Techno is this tiny fill the air as he sleeps. 

If you are out in public and he’s a tiny pig, you have to be holding him. It’s the law… Okay it’s a Techno law. There was only one time that you didn’t follow this law and the bruising that appeared on your ankles after Techno smashed his face into them several times trying to get you to pick him up made sure that you never broke this law again. Also if you’re out in public, people have a tendency to coo over the small pig that you call your boyfriend. They never get to see Techno like this, so small and so unintimidating. So they coo over him and try to pet him, but Techno usually doesn’t let them, snapping at their fingers when they get too close to him. But once you scold him, Techno begrudgingly let’s them pet him. And he will never ever admit it but it actually feels kind of nice to be adored like this. Sometimes when you’re out in public and you’re seated somewhere, he will sit in your lap and cuddle you. These are the times where he doesn’t care the kind of scolding he gets, he will not let anyone near the two of you when he’s snuggled into you. Quackity once almost lost a finger because of how hard Techno had bit him with his tusks. Everyone tends to stay clear after that. And even if they don’t, Techno does have a stern talk with them when he’s back to normal.

I have an obsession with putting things on my shoulders okay? So like imagine you’re out walking with Techno in your hands and your arms get tired or maybe you have to carry something else and can’t juggle your boyfriend and the stuff so you just reach up and put him on your shoulder. Luckily he has enough balance and grace to sit himself down on your shoulder and remain there until you take him off. It would be so cute to see okay? Like you walking around with a tiny pig on your shoulder. You could ask questions out loud and Techno would give you small snorts, oinks, and squeals in response and although you may not understand entirely but you always get the gist. Techno always really appreciates how you act like everything is normal when he’s in his tiniest form. You don’t find it weird or off putting, you just accept it 100% and keep going. 

Something that you and him both love is snoot kisses. At random times you’ll pick him up and bring him close to your face and press multiple kisses to his snout. Sometimes Techno expects them and gives you little snorts and grumbles of appreciation but sometimes he doesn’t. The more surprised he is, the louder and higher pitched squeal you get. When he squeals it always makes you giggle and it makes him grumble in distaste afterwards, but he secretly loves it. You just give him lots of snout kisses because you both love it and it’s one of the easiest ways to show affection when he’s like this. It’s just very very cute. 

Bonus: Philza sees how much you take care of Techno when he’s like this and asks if he can come to you when he reverts to his tiny form and of course you say yes! So every once in a while, you’ll be walking around the SMP and suddenly a bird lands on your shoulder. It startled you the first few times, but now you’re used to it. People will look out their windows and see your cheerful self strolling around but there would be this big looming bird on your shoulder staring out around the world. Something really funny that I think happens is that sometimes Tommy will run up to you and be like “Y/N! Have you seen Phil? I can’t find him! Also, nice bird when did you get that” and you can’t help but chuckle, “No, no I haven’t seen Phil. Maybe he’s hiding so he can take a break… I’m sure he’ll be back soon and when he does come back he’ll find you… And my bird? Oh thanks! He’s not really my bird, he just comes and visits me sometimes” Tommy approaches you and tries to pet the bird but Philza snaps his beak and him and Tommy jumps back “I’m afraid he’s not feeling very friendly right now maybe next time… Now run along Tommy, go play with Tubbo okay?” Tommy glares at the bird but gives you a nod and runs away. Once he’s out of ear shot you begin laughing and Phil who is sitting on your shoulder begins cawing, which is the way he laughs in this form. “We got him good huh Phil?” You ask once you calm down and begin moving down the path more. He lets out a single caw and you know he’s agreeing with you. 

(Small note, I almost feel you get the nickname of Y/N small animal tamer and just anyone that turns into an animal or another form after taking a bunch of damage comes to you and just vibes with you until they heal and can turn back into their full form.

[h2bakugou]

hitoshi x reader where denki and reader have been friends their whole lives, and after introducing the two, both hitoshi and y/n start going to denki about their feelings for each other and how much they struggle

denki eventually gets sick of it and starts finding different ways to get them together (eventually ending with them being like "oh i didn't think you liked me" and finally dating

maybe a bonus scene of denki's reaction to seeing them together and being like "hecking finally"

- 🪶

a/n: hii love!! this is a really cute idea omg i love this sm <3 i hope you enjoy it!!

summary: denki's been your childhood friend since, well childhood. when he introduces you to a certain lavendar-haired boy, you find yourself opening up to denki about your crush, and so does someone else.

key: (y/n) - your name / (f/n) - first name / (l/n) - last name / (e/c) - eye color / (h/c) - hair color / (y/q) - your quirk

warnings: swearing, fluff

word count: 2.1k

;cut for length;

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The electric blonde has been your childhood friend for years. You grew up together, you told each other pretty much everything. There was the occasional talk about crushes, boys, girls, and whatever else you could talk about while growing up.

You'd always been there for each other, and now you were both attending U.A., and being in the same class had been proven to be a bit of a task for Mr. Aizawa.

The day had pretty much just started, and Denki had asked you to come with him on your first break. You were almost always hanging out with him anyway, so you were a bit confused as to why he'd wanted you to come with him.

"Hitoshi!" Denki called out, alerting both you and the lavender-haired boy of your presence.

"Oh, hi Kami-" Hitoshi falls silent as he stares at the person beside Denki. You.

Shinso feels the world stop for a few seconds as he stares at you. He's honestly speechless.

Much like you are. You'd heard about this boy now that you've heard his name, and staring at him, you can feel your heart swell in your chest. He's so handsome.

"I thought I would introduce you two! Maybe we could all go hang out together this weekend since we won't have classes." Denki's sudden plans that would include this cute boy makes your face heat up. You begin to feel self-conscious, flattening your uniform, or tucking a strand of hair behind your ear as you glance at Denki.

"We're off for once?" You question.

"Yeah! We could go do laser tag, or watch a movie in my dorm?" Denki offers, grinning. His intentions had been pure, just wanting to introduce two friends.

"Oh, I totally forgot! Hitoshi, this is (Y/n), (Y/n) this is-"

"Hitoshi, Shinso." Hitoshi speaks up, and your heart throbs in your chest at the sound of his voice. It's oddly charming. And so is the soft scent of sage and teakwood that surrounds him. It had to be his cologne, whatever it was though, you enjoyed it.

"It's nice to meet you." You speak up, extending a hand to shake. Shinso glanced own before placing his palm in yours, giving you a gentle handshake. His touch is electrifying and sends sparks coursing through your veins as you pull away.

"Yeah." Shinso looks back at Kaminari, who's beaming at him, a shit-eating grin on his lips. Kaminari was reading Shinso like a book.

"Well, we've got to get back to classes! We'll talk our plans over later!"

And with that, Kaminari is yanking you back down the hall, running to make it back to class on time.

During lunch, your phone pings, signaling you've been added to a group chat. You immediately recognize Kaminari's number, his contact labeled 'kami :D' popping up followed an unknown number.

who's that?

The number asks. You see Kaminari typing a response.

It's (y/n) dummy, add them into your contacts🙄🙄

You realize this number must be Shinso, so you decide to type a reply.

it's shinso right? i'll add u too ^^

You quickly add Shinso's contact into your phone and put a purple heart beside his name. Kaminari glances over at your phone and giggles.

"A heart already? You just met!" Kaminari teases and you're plastering your hand over his mouth to keep him from speaking too loud.

"Shut up! I just think he's sweet! Besides do we need to talk about your contact info for-"

"Okay! Okay!" Kaminari quickly shushes you, not wanting his current crush to find out about whatever their contact info is.

A few days go by, and after your hangout session with Kaminari and Shinso, you find yourself falling for him more and more.

But Shinso is the one that drops the first hint to Kaminari.

"So is (Y/n) seeing anyone?" Shinso asks, helping Kaminari clean his cartilage piercing.

"What like romantically?" Kaminari asks, sitting up with his ear turned to face Shinso while his cold fingers brushed against his ear.

"Yes, you idiot. Do they have like a boyfriend or girlfriend?" Shinso asks. He's nervous.

"Nope! (Y/n) hasn't talked to me about a crush or anything. They're always showing me these fictional people though. Why? You know someone that likes them~" Kaminari wiggles his brows at the purple-haired boy.

"Shut up. 'm just askin'." Shinso is finally done with the cotton swab and tosses it before letting Kaminari go, his fresh piercing all clean.

Suddenly a knock on the door pulls them away from the conversation and Kaminari is on his toes opening it to reveal you in some goofy pajamas.

"I'm ready for pizza and mario-" Your face contorts in horror as you stare at Shinso on his bed, out of uniform in something dark and mysterious, a loose dark plaid button-up and dark jeans.

"Nevermind! Sorry for bugging you!" You yell and run back to your dorm, hiding your face in embarrassment.

"Wait! I wanted pizza!" Kaminari calls out to you in the hallway but you don't turn around.

Shinso's face is red when Kaminari turns back to look at him.

You looked so cute, and so effortlessly- You weren't trying to impress anyone, yet you looked stunning. In nothing but some silly matching pajamas that Denki most likely had a pair to match, you looked so cute.

"You didn't tell me you ate pizza and played Mario Kart..." Shinso says, faking hurt in his sentence.

"Oh shut up! Go to their dorm and see if they wanna come back up, I'll get it set up." Denki sighs.

Shinso's on the move, making his way to your dorm thanks to Kaminari's excellent directions. Knocking on your door, he feels nervous, anxious even. His heart's pounding in his chest and then cool air washes over him as you open your door.

"Kami I'm sorry I-" You freeze as you stared at the boy in front of you.

"Ohmygod." You say quietly, quickly hiding yourself behind your door.

"Hi!!" You speak up, glancing at him from behind your door.

"Why are you hiding behind your door?" Shinso asks, a small smile on his lips.

"Your pj's are cute."

It echoes in your head, over. and over. and over again.

Your pj's are cute.

You slowly reveal yourself and look away.

"So, did Kami send you down here?" You ask quietly.

"He did, he wants you to come back up, and if it's alright with you, I'd like to hang out too, though I don't have any cool pj's to wear."

Shinso's voice calms you down, though your heart still seems to beat faster and faster.

"I actually, um, hang on. You can come in!" You allow him into your dorm, and he doesn't decline.

He glances around, admiring the pictures of you and Kami. He giggles about how silly young Denki looks with his hair all crazy and spiked up.

"You guys have been friends for a while it looks."

"Since kindergarten! He shocked me on accident, and when he apologized, we just sorta clicked. Been besties ever since." You search through your drawers and eventually find a kitty onesie that was a bit too big for you.

"I think this should fit you."

"It's kitty onesie, though you don't have to wear it!"

"Did you say kitty?" Shinso's ears perk up and you nod. He graciously takes it and the two of you leave to return to Denki. Shinso changes in his bathroom.

It smells like you, and Shinso has to stop himself from smelling the hood every five seconds as he leaves. You just smell so sweet, it's kind of alarming how soothing it is.

You all play and it's a great night, until Denki decides to play a scary movie after. You're sandwiched between the boys but begin to doze off about halfway through the movie.

Your head leans on Shinso's shoulder while you doze off, and he notices right away. He glances at Kaminari who only gives him a reassuring wink.

"You're stupid." Shinso whispers.

"They like to cuddle~" Kaminari suggests.

Shinso graciously lays an arm over you, hugging you to his chest as you readjust in your sleep. You're so warm, and Shinso begins to doze off too.

When you wake up in the morning, you've been covered up by a fuzzy blanket, but the warmth radiating under you is the most alarming.

Your sleepy eyes open to see the purple-haired boy you have a crush on, under you. Your eyes widen but you don't move away. Instead, you lay back down, not wanting to wake him.

His arm rests around you, and his breathing is so calming. It lulls you back to sleep.

You don't talk about that night much afterward, until you're knocking on Kami's door at one in the morning after a bad dream.

"Is Shinso single?" You ask quietly.

"Yeah, why ya askin' me though?" Kaminari hugs you, your head resting on his shoulder.

"I'm too nervous to ask him." You giggle.

"So you like him?"

"Yeah. He's really sweet, and super cute too." You admit, pulling away to stare at your best friend.

"I'm totally not his type though."

"I'm going to beat you up." Kaminari jokes. You shake your head and laugh.

"He's gotta be into like super hardcore goth punk rock-"

"You're so oblivious." Kaminari interrupts you. You roll your eyes and get comfortable on the edge of his bed, snuggling with one of his plushies.

"Just go to sleep, you idiot." You throw another plushy at him.

"You're in my dorm! I can and will kick you out." Denki huffs.

"As if. You need my snoring as your white noise." You tease him.

"You're so mean to me." Denki pouts.

By the same time next week, Denki's heard Shinso's confession about his crush on you, and every little detail about what both of you had to say about the other.

And Denki was honestly tired of it, endearingly of course. So he was setting you two up.

"I need you to meet me here at two. Wear something cute." Is what the text had said. You repeated it as you put together a cute outfit.

Shinso had received the same text and was just wearing something casual like he usually did.

However, when you both spotted each other and not Denki, you began to realize what was happening.

"He's not coming, is he?" You spoke softly, staring at the attractive boy in front of you.

"I guess not." Shinso looks over at the cafe you're standing outside. It's a cat cafe.

"Well, if you're not busy, wanna grab a bite to eat?" Shinso offers, nodding toward the cafe.

"I'd really like that, actually. Thank you." You smile. He offers his hand and you take it gracefully, smiling at how warm it is.

Shinso's phone pings halfway through your piece of cake with a message from Kaminari.

nows ur chance dude, ask them out

Shinso swallows his fear and looks up at you. You're so beautiful, even all dressed up, you look adorable.

You're petting an all-white kitty that's laying in your lap.

"Hey, (Y/n)?" Shinso gets your attention.

"Mhm?" You hum, smiling at him.

"Do you wanna, maybe do this again sometime?" He asks, a blush on his cheeks.

"Like, as a date?" You ask, your own face heating up.

"Yeah. As a date, and as a couple." He glances over at a pretty black cat that begins to nudge your arm for a few pets as well.

"I'd like that." You smile, your heart swelling.

"Then it's settled."

Afterward, neither of you can contain your excitement. Walking back to the dorm with your hand in his, Kaminari is elated.

"Finally." He sighs.

"Finally?!" You both say in unison.

"You should've confessed the day you met. I had to listen to you two being sappy about one another for two weeks straight."

Both you and Shinso feel flustered at Kaminari's comment.

"But it's okay. I love you two so I'll tolerate it. But you two better get along or no more pizza and Mario Kart. You'll have to deal with Bakugou, and I don't think you'll enjoy buying a new controller every time you want to play."

Kaminari was genuinely happy to see you both together, and both be happy.

"Thanks, for you know." You nudge him while sitting on his bed, Shinso was gone, using the bathroom.

"What are you talking about. I didn't help. You two just finally confessed. You did that on your own."

"Yeah but, you made me feel confident about it." You smile.

"That's what I'm here for!" Kaminari smiles.

You couldn't ask for a better friend, or a better boyfriend.

»»————-　★　————-««

masterlist

[endlessymphony]

only one || s.b

sirius black x non gryffindor reader

summary - who isn’t in love with Sirius? messy love confessions and awkwardness. wc - 1.4k

based on this prompt — “I chose you. I’ll always choose you, no matter who comes in the way. There’s no one else.” found here

warnings - the usual cussing

a/n - ngl, this is purely self-indulgent. also had to make a reference to my favourite headcanon- french speaking Sirius.

Sirius Black was notorious for having people fawning over him constantly- it often seemed like everyone wanted him, but how could you blame them?

not only was he utterly charming, bred and born to have perfect manners and an eloquent way of speaking that would have anyone weak in the knees. he was also incredibly attractive, but it wasn’t like that went unnoticed.

everything around you faded away, as if there was a singular spotlight pointed at Sirius, illuminating him. in that moment, he was all that you could see. voices around you were muddled, all of your attention focused on this boy, you had long forgotten about your dinner by then.

“merlin, it’s like he was carved by the god’s himself.” you mumbled to Lily, who was seated next to you at the dinner-table. you couldn’t take your eyes off him, almost like you were deep in a trance, eyes trained on the way he carded a hand through his gorgeous dark hair. you could’ve died then and there.

Lily chuckled, nudging your shoulder, knocking you free from your trance. “stare any harder and you’ll burn a hole into his head.” you snapped out of it and felt heat rushing to your cheeks, eyes flickering down to look at your plate. “you don’t think he noticed, right?” you mumbled, biting at your bottom lip- a nervous habit you picked up. “not this time, y/n.” she answered, picking at her food, pushing it about the plate with her fork.

“why don’t you just go talk to him? just the two of you this time?” it was common for you to hang out with Sirius and the other marauders, but never alone.

“no!” your voice was a little too loud, people briefly glancing at you, “why would I do that? he wouldn’t even want to talk to me.” you were practically whisper-screaming at Lily, stumbling over your words. “he could have anyone in this school.”

“you could be that someone.” she quipped, giving you a wink. you sighed, turning to fully look at her and raising an eyebrow. “I have a hard time believing that, Evans.” shaking your head, you looked back at your plate and mirrored her- pushing your food about with your fork before setting it down. “don’t think he would look at me like that.”

“well… surprise! it seems like he’s doing just that right now, again.” Lily’s voice was sweet, but almost mocking. your eyes widened slightly, “why would you play with me like that.” you looked up, ready to roll your eyes at her but made eye-contact with Sirius instead. “fuck. he is looking at me, isn’t he?” you were frozen, face managing to get even hotter as he flashed you a smile. his eyes were soft, gaze almost… fond?

it felt like you were in heaven. you gave him a small wave, fingers trembling as you raised your hand. looking away just as quickly as you had looked at him in the first place.

“what the fuck.”

“careful, y/n, I think you need to breathe.”

“no shit.”

the next few days were uneventful; the moment that you had shared with Sirius on repeat in your brain, head feeling dizzy whenever you recalled it. that wasn’t the first time you had caught him staring at you, but you just brushed it off as him zoning out, or something along those lines.

you were sitting on Lily’s bed, running a brush through her hair- she always had you do her hair for her. “just wanted to let you know that you’re invited to tonight’s study session.” she turned to look at you, and you paused. “you’re coming, right?”

“I can’t leave you stranded with Potter.” a chuckle passes your lips, “and for that, you’re a saint.” Lily hums, turning back to face the wall so you can finish helping her with her hair. “you like him, don’t you?” you mused, teasingly. “maybe I’m growing a bit fond of him, but if you tell him that, I’ll hex you.” “my lips are sealed, Evans.”

you found yourself lounging in the chair closest to the Gryffindor fireplace shortly afterwards. the warmth kissing at your skin as you stared at the flames, tuning out the conversations happening around you, that was until you felt a hand on your shoulder. it must’ve been an hour or two that had passed. you looked up, a bit startled by the sudden pressure against your skin.

“Sirius.” you said with a smile, attempting to contain the nerves, feeling like you could possibly vomit.

“y/n.” he replied, a smile coming to his face as well- almost like he was mirroring you. “mind if I?” he began to sit on the arm of the chair, “not at all.” you replied.

“so…” you started, looking down at your lap, beginning to fidget with your fingers. “do you often stare at me like that?” Sirius cut you off, the smile on his face growing playful. “stare? like what?” your face was flushed once more, he had quite a talent for doing that to you.

“like how you were staring at me in the great hall.” his voice was like honey, sweet and thick. you felt his words choking you, pressure building in your throat and chest. “I was just zoning out, Lily was talking my ear off.”

you brushed him off, like you always do. it’s easier to run from situations like this, rather than confronting them head on. what if he was making fun of you?

“mhm, sure.”

Sirius hummed, his hand trailing down your arm, coming to rest on-top of your hands which were interlocked. you looked up at him, puzzled as to what he could possibly be doing. “that’s a shame, you know I often find myself staring at you.”

it felt like you were choking for real this time.

“you what?”

“I stare at you, y/n.” he said cooley, nonchalant. “when you look as pretty as you do, it’s hard not to.”

“cut the crap, Sirius, you’ve gotta be joking with me.” your tone was icy, eyes sharp as you stared at him, attempting to analyze his facial expression. he was completely serious- eyes soft as he stared back at you.

“you’re right about the fact that I can have anyone I want.” Sirius started, thumb brushing against the top of your hand. “but, I chose you. I’ll always choose you, no matter who comes in the way. There’s no one else.”

before you could reply, he stood up, offering a hand out to you. “can I walk you to your dorm?”

a “that would be lovely.” was all you could manage.

the walk was mostly quiet, the only thing making much noise was your footsteps against the tile flooring. Sirius’ hand gingerly brushed against yours, his eyes meeting yours once again, seemingly asking for permission without speaking. you nodded, and he smoothly slipped your hand into his, fingers intertwining.

you reached your dorm, hands still clasped together. “thank you.” you stared down at his feet, feeling awfully shy all of a sudden. “about earlier-“ he begins, you look up and chuckle. Sirius’ face flushes, were you laughing at him? “I like you too, if that’s what you were gonna ask.” you managed to contain yourself despite the butterflies that were bumping around in your stomach, making you feel like you could fall over any minute, your knees threatening to give out.

he cupped your face gently, eyes flickering down to look at your lips.

“may I?” “you may.”

Sirius leaned in and kissed you, the both of your eyes gently falling shut as your lips met. you couldn’t contain the giggle blossoming in your chest when you bumped your nose against his- Sirius much more experienced compared to you.

in this very moment, to him- you were all that mattered.

he pulled away and your eyes fluttered open to reveal him staring at you through half-lidded, dark eyes. “wow.” you were breathless, speechless, lightheaded.

Sirius released your hand from his, lips pressing sweetly against your forehead- close to your hairline. "Goodnight, mon amour.” he mumbled, breath hot against your skin. you noticed the pet-name he gave you, smiling like an idiot.

“Goodnight, Siri.” you cooed, leaving him there dumbfounded as you turned on your heels to open the door, and walk into your dorm.

every part of you felt like it was on fire.

you smiled even wider to yourself, arms wrapping around your chest as you spun yourself around, giggles bubbling into the air.

“goddamnit, Sirius Black, you’re the only one who could make me feel like this.”

tags 🏷- @miss-starkov @wizardwheezes @seekinglumos

click here to join my taglist!

[siancore]

Concerned Friend

Summary: Sam is a little tense after a disagreement with Sarah. Bucky goes to check on him. He is, after all, a concerned friend. But they're both hot for each other and things escalate quickly. 

Pairing: SamBucky

Rating: Explicit 

Words: 1,853

AO3 Link

It had taken Bucky a while, but he had finally begun to see Sam’s point of view on things. Sam had a lot of weight to carry, not just with his family and community, but with wider society. And society wasn’t always gentle, caring, or understanding to him. Bucky had come to find some understanding after Sam, not being able to take any more of his shit, had scolded Bucky and told him what for. Afterwards, they had talked. Sam had explained how their world was set up to benefit the people who looked like Bucky at the expense and oppression of those who looked like Sam. Bucky had wanted to reach out and hold Sam when he saw all of the pain behind his eyes. But he didn’t. That wasn’t something that they did.

Even now, as Bucky decided that he was going to go to Sam to comfort him after yet another disagreement with Sarah, he wasn’t quite sure of how he would do that. He figured just letting the guy know he was there and that he cared would suffice.

Bucky tread lightly on the small steps, but still alerted Sam to his presence as he set his feet on the decking below. The younger man was busying himself by tinkering with the boat’s engine. An oil rag slung over his shoulder and a wrench in hand.

“You come to tell me to go back and talk things through with Sarah?” Sam asked while not turning to look at Bucky. “Since y’all are besties now.”

Bucky shook his head, even though Sam didn’t see the gesture.

“Nah, not gettin’ in between that. Just came to see if you’re alright,” Bucky proffered as he stepped closer to Sam. The aroma of Sam’s natural scent mixed with his cologne and a hint of engine oil did something to Bucky. Made his stomach feel tight. Made him feel lightheaded in the best way. “Just wanted to check on you.”

Sam let out a sigh and then turned. The light streaming into the bowels of the craft glinted in Sam’s eyes and Bucky’s breath hitched. Sam was so beautiful it hurt to look at him sometimes.

“Thanks, man,” said Sam as he leaned against the engine and folded his arms across his broad chest. Bucky secretly loved when Sam did that. Was real hard for him not to stare when Sam did that. He was so gorgeous.

“So, you’re okay?”

“Sure,” Sam replied, as he rolled his head back, trying to ease some tension in his neck.

Bucky watched the way Sam’s skin became taut and inviting. He always made the simplest action look incredibly attractive. He was incredibly attractive, and Bucky found himself on the verge of salivating. He had gone to Sam trying, in his way, to offer comfort, yet instead he was ogling the man and thinking what it would be like to taste every inch of his skin.

A moment passed between them until Sam lifted his eyebrows and gave Bucky a questioning look.

“You needed somethin’ or you just came down here to stare at me?” asked Sam as he placed the wrench aside, trying to lighten the mood as the air was now thick with tension.

A different tension than what Sam was feeling before. This had the hairs on their arms standing up and their stomachs somersaulting. Bucky watched as Sam’s gaze fell to his lips briefly before he swallowed hard. Unbeknownst to Sam, Bucky could hear the faint beating of Sam’s heart. Bucky instinctively moved closer, and Sam’s heartbeat quickened.

“What do you need?” asked Bucky carefully, clearly, as he closed the distance between them. By the time he was reaching his flesh hand up to caress Sam’s face, it was too late to pull away. He couldn’t pull away. Sam had that affect, drawing him in, even when he hadn’t realized it.

A delightful quiver rippled through Sam’s body as Bucky ran his thumb over Sam’s bottom lip.

“What’re you offering?” asked Sam, his voice low and laden with desire.

Bucky smiled crookedly at Sam before leaning in and pressing a tentative kiss to his lips. Sam responded by parting his lips and allowing Bucky’s tongue entrance. Bucky moaned and then licked into Sam’s mouth as he slid his hand to the back of Sam’s head and pressed their bodies together. The kiss was wet and hot and almost desperate. Bucky kissed Sam with focus and Sam kissed him back like he would cease to exist if he stopped. They drew apart after a moment, each clutching the other’s shirts and breathing warmly against each other’s lips.

Bucky rubbed his nose against Sam’s and smiled, before bringing his mouth to Sam’s neck. He nipped and sucked a moment while Sam let out pleased little whimpers.

“Damn, Buck. Didn’t know that mouth was actually good for somethin’,” Sam teased, still finding the presence of mind to talk shit the other man.

Bucky laughed near Sam’s ear, causing him to shiver, before he sucked Sam’s earlobe into his mouth and said, “Baby, you got no idea.”

Their lips crashed together once again before a breathless Bucky snaked his hand between their bodies, rubbed Sam’s arousal through his jeans, and asked, “Want me to show you?”

Sam relished in the feeling of Bucky rubbing him through the coarse fabric until he finally remembered Bucky had asked him a question.

“Yeah,” said an equally breathless Sam. “Shit, yeah. Okay.”

Bucky smiled and pecked Sam’s lips chastely before dropping down to his knees in front of Sam. He ran both hands up under Sam’s shirt, enjoying the warmth of Sam’s skin.

He palmed at Sam’s abs and then said, “Hold this up, Sammy. I want you to watch me.”

Sam felt his cock jerk and did as he was told. He held the hem of his shirt up as he watched as Bucky unbuckled his belt and drew his zipper down. Bucky smiled up at Sam as he pulled Sam’s jeans off his hips. He rubbed Sam through his briefs and Sam moaned. Bucky thumbed the area where Sam’s precum left a darkened, damp spot.

“Already hard and wet for me, uh?” Bucky teased before kissing Sam’s navel.

“Do you ever shut up?” asked Sam with no heat behind his words.

Bucky let out a small laugh as he reached his flesh hand into Sam’s underwear. Both men held their breath a moment at the contact. Bucky’s hand was firm and warm, Sam’s dick was hard and hot.

“Jesus, Sammy,” said Bucky as he took Sam’s stiff length from his briefs. It was long, thick, and a shade darker than the rest of him with a smooth pink tip. “You really are pretty all over. I knew you would be.”

The butterflies in Sam’s tummy wilted from the flash of heat that rose up as Bucky licked his wet tongue over the tip of Sam’s dick.

Bucky made a humming sound as he licked once more and said, “Shit, you taste good, too.”

Sam was not one to ever look a gift horse in the mouth, but he was starting to throb and Bucky was down there, holding his dick and giving running commentary.

“You know,” said Sam as he placed his hand to the back of Bucky’s head. “When you’re givin’ a blow job, there’s usually not this much talkin’. You done this before, Buck?”

Bucky let out a little amused huff and started to stroke Sam’s shaft before saying, “Wilson, if I didn’t fall from that goddamn train when I did, I probably would’ve been given a court-martial from all the cocks I sucked.”

“God, Barnes. Why do you have such a morbid sense of humor?”

Sam’s question went unanswered because after one more delightfully deft stroke, Bucky licked the entire length of Sam’s dick, from base to tip, and then wrapped his pink, wet lips around his crown.

“Shit,” said Sam as Bucky’s warm mouth enveloped him and he placed his hand firmly at the bottom of Sam’s shaft. Bucky gripped him with the perfect amount of pressure as he began to suck him off, bobbing his head while working his hand up and down. Drawing more moans and curses from Sam.

Bucky moved his tongue over Sam’s smooth, dripping head, drinking him up before swallowing his entire length. Sam cursed again as he felt his cock slide down Bucky’s throat. Sam instinctively thrusted his hips forward a little before Bucky pulled off his dick and stroked it. He looked up at Sam while kissing his shaft. A tear ran from the corner of Bucky’s eye and Sam wiped it away. He watched as Bucky licked his tip and lapped up the precum as it dripped from Sam’s thick, veiny cock. He watched as Bucky devoured him again, sucking his swollen dick and humming.

Sam’s eyes rolled shut as he relished in the feeling of Bucky’s skillful mouth. As Bucky sucked him harder, work his hand over him faster. Licking and sucking and humming. Stopping only to strum Sam and tell him how gorgeous he was. How good he tasted. How he tasted better than anyone else. How Bucky could suck his pretty cock all day. How he made Bucky hard. How Bucky was so, so hard for him. And then he would take Sam between his swollen, pink lips again and suck hungrily. Greedily. Bringing Sam closer to his release.

Sam felt the heat pooling as his balls tightened. He tapped Bucky’s shoulder to let him know he was about to come. Bucky pulled off just far enough so that he could open his mouth and place his tongue under Sam’s spurting tip as Sam came in his mouth.

“Fuck,” Sam murmured as he looked down at the sight of Bucky taking his load, all thick white streams of it, and swallowing it up. “Shit, Buck. Get up here.”

Bucky let go of Sam’s shuddering dick and then stood. Sam pulled him in for a messy, hot kiss. Moaning as he tasted himself on Bucky’s lips. Sam’s spent cock was still out as he reached between their bodies and began to unzip Bucky’s jeans.

“You don’t gotta,” Bucky whispered as he kissed Sam’s neck.

“Fuck that,” said Sam as he took hold of Bucky big, hard cock and began to jerk him off. “You deserve it after that.”

Both men smiled and shared another kiss. Bucky was already dripping and close to coming. He knew it would only take a few skillful strokes from Sam and he’d be spilling his seed. The pair held one another as Bucky moaned unashamedly at the precipice of his orgasm.

“Fuck, Sammy. Sammy,” Bucky cried out, about to come undone.

Sam kissed his sweat drenched brow.

“Thanks for coming to check on me, Buck,” Sam whispered as he held Bucky close and finished him off.

Bucky came with thick ribbons of white covering Sam’s fingers before he kissed Sam’s lips once more. He rested his brow against Sam’s as he fought to catch his breath and said, “Any time, baby.”

[hxnmantii]

Good little Kitten

tw: Dacryphilia, edging, pet play, a bit of degradation, mirror sex, humping, foot job (?), a bit of praising as well, Mentions of Master

Rating: M for Mature (+18)

Pairing: Sub! Kageyama x Gn!reader

A/n: Dom! Tobio this and Dom! Tobio that but what about Sub!Tobio hmmm?? Pillow Prince! Tobio?? Representantion people. Anyways this is my first fic for @ultimate-astridwriting event as well as my first smut I’ve written on here so please look forward to it. Creative criticism and comments are appreciated!

It all started with the stupid nickname Kitten. His teammates started calling Kageyama that after coming to the realization that he was not only obsessed with milk but had similar behavior traits of a cat. It didn’t really bother him much though. As long as it didn’t intervene with you or volleyball, he didn’t give a rats ass what they called him unless it was ‘the king’ but even then he became used to the insulting nickname. The real problem that sparked the flame was when you started calling him kitten, one of his teammates running their big mouthes to you about it.

Ever since then you slyly tuned into buying more cat items, coming home each day with something cat related whether it was stickers, thigh highs, or a cat bottle. Kageyama accepted the gifts nonetheless because he enjoyed the extra attention that came with it. That why he was unsurprised when you came home today carrying another baggie from the store.

“Y/n what’s in the bag?” He asks, his blueberry eyes watching your every move. He just knew that you were up to something, the ridiculously big smile on your face evident to that. You shimmy towards him before pulling out your lug for the day. A realistic looking black tail that ended with a silver metal plug, matching kitten ears and a collar met his curious glaze and he froze. To say that he didn’t even have the heart to ask what it was an understatement. At this point he just grateful you haven’t tried to feed him cat food.

“Who is this all for?” His voice meeting a range of disinterest although internally he was all over the place. It didn’t effect your excitement in the slightest for all you did was lean in closer. He audibly gulps.

“For you, babe.” You say as you push the stuff towards him only for it to meet his refusing hand. He pushes it back to you, an awkward smile on his face so he can politely decline.

“Oh..uh no thank you. I’m not into cosplay.” You giggle. You drop the cat toys on the couch to place your hand on his cheek and caress his cheekbones, his head naturally leaning into your touch. The smile never leaves your face as you watch him soak in your warmth. He look up only for his eyes to widen at the soft look of lust and adoration on your face. He can’t help but turn away from your daunting glaze, his cheeks turning a light pink. Of course, You don’t accept that because you slide into his lap and force him to look into your eyes by firmly but gently gripping his chin.

“It’s not cosplay silly. It’s pet play!” Your eyes are only met with confusion. His innocence was both pure and daunting. With volleyball being his main priority over everything expect recently you, it’s not a surprise. You explain to him what pet play was and how you use the tail. The color of tomato was understatement of what color he turned but you continued to stroke his cheek in hope that he was relax again.

The idea of completely surrending himself over to you whilst you coddle him and call him a good kitten but make him act like a cat gets him undeniably excited. He would never confess out loud though. But you knew, you always knew. Understanding Kageyama was like reading a book, his expressions that he could never hold back, telling you all that you needed to know. His dick twitches which doesn’t go unnoticed.” C’mon baby what do you say?”

“I want to be your kitten, Master. Please let me be your kitten.” Your Cheshire Cat grins returns and you hop off his lap to sit next to him. Piling up the toys into the bag, you wordlessly nod towards the bedroom and he’s instantly up and walking at almost an excited speed walk.

You meet him in the room to see him patiently waiting for you on the bed. You tsk while shaking your head disappointedly. “This won’t do. Kittens don’t sit on the bed especially not if they’ve been outside. Get down.”

No questions asked, he’s on the floor immediately although confused. He’s seen cats sleep on the bed so why was he not allowed on the bed. He wanted to ask questions but he was too embarrassed at his lack of knowledge on this topic to even muster enough courage to look at you. His eyebrows unconsciously furrow in concentration. You chuckle.

“Baby,” his eyes snap up to met yours, your amused glaze reigning down on him. “You’re thinking too hard about this. Not everything I tell you is going to be just like what a cat would do, okay? Remember this is just foreplay.”

“Yes Master.”

“Good.” You crotch down to his level, a smile decorating your face. You caress his face before running your hands through his black hair and similar to a cat he hums happily, leaning into your wispy touch. Your eyes widen. He was too damn cute.

"Such a good kitten," you whisper. Once again taking your place above him. "Strip and stick your ass in the air."

He hesitates momentarily, another bright red blush blooming across his face as his eyes drag towards the floor and he starts pulling his clothes off one by one, the silence only furthering his embarrassment. You leave him to it so you could bring the body length mirror from out the closet. Standing in front of him, you block him from looking at himself yet.

"You're going to look so cute as my kitten, baby." You whisper whilst putting the black cat ears on, the collar following afterwards. You then move behind him, the tail and lube in your hands. "Color?"

"Green" he mutters. You smile and rub your hands up and down his back in attempt to soothe his nerves. It's not like he hasn't taken anything bigger but exploring new kinks always made him nervous. "Okay kitten, i need you to keep your eyes on me. The whole time. Understand?"

“Yes Master.” You can hear him gulp before he lifts his head up to meet your eyes in the mirror . You give him a reassuring smile before drenching your hands in the slippery liquid and sticking your index finger. Immediately, you’re rewarded with a low moan. His moan spurs you on as you continue to slip it in out of his tight hole, making wet lewd sounds that only made his dick harder.“P-please more Master” He ask. In response, you kiss his strong back. “Of course my cute little kitten since you asked so nicely.”

You slide in your second finger next to the first and search for that spongy spot. You know you find it when he lets out a high pitched moan, arching his back more so he could meet your thrusting. You took it upon yourself to grab his dick and match your finger’s pace. His moans only getting louder.Every whine and mewl was absolute heaven to your ears as he allowed himself to be immersed by the pleasure he was receiving. Oh god he was almost there. The way you expertly fucked his hole while stimulating his dick at the same time had him closing his eyes, his arms getting weak with each bolt of pleasure.

His dick pulses. The ending was right in hindsight but just as he was about to cum, you stop and take your fingers off of him. He cries out, his eyes snapping open into the mirror. His tear filled eyes meet your disappointed ones. “What a bad kitten. Didn’t I tell you to keep your eyes on the mirror?” His frown deepens as he nods. “And aren’t you suppose to tell me when you come? Tsk tsk That’s two rules you just broke baby. Now I’ve gotta punish you.”

“W-wait I didn’t mean to...please..” His ocean eyes filled with tears that pulled your heartstrings and you almost considered not punishing him, almost. You unexpectedly stick your fingers back in his hole and add a third finger. A high pitch mewls escape his lungs as he grips the floor at the overwhelming pleasure. Quickly he was brought back to that high and once again he was pleading to cum. You continue the abuse on his hole only to snatch your hands out of his hole again. “Color?”

“FUCK! GREEN! PLEASE GO” You place a kiss on his ass and rub his hips soothing, watching his every expression through the mirror as you slide the large metal plug in. He lets out a silent moan at the feeling of being so full so quickly, his legs trembling with the new weight that kissed his prostate. At this point, his tears had spilled over, racing down his fac as he releases a shaky breath. “You did so well kitten. I’m so proud of you. Just look at how cute you look with your tail.”

He didn’t know when but at some point he had let his head fall to the ground. He slowly lifts his head and forces himself to sit upright, the tail sliding in deeper and putting more pressure on his prostate. The overwhelming pleasure makes him double over and he lets out a pussy throbbing moan. It was just too much so instead of looking at himself, he turns to look up at you with the biggest puppy eyes while grabbing your leg. Any humiliation he had earlier was thrown out, his only concern now being the ache in between his legs as he humps your leg pathetically. You can’t help but chuckle.

“It seems like your team has gotten it wrong. You’re more like a bitch in heat than a cute kitten.”

“Ahh p-please Master...I’ve been good..g..ood...I’m your good boy pleas.” You shake your head. You spoil him absolutely rotten. Removing your leg from his grasp, you salutner over to the bed.

“You’re lucky you’re pretty. Come sit in front of the bed.” Without telling him, he crawls to sit in front of you. He’s a trembling mess due to the tail still putting pressure on his prostate. A shiver runs through you as his tears run anew.

“You may cum but only from the tail and my foot.” He whines but comes closer none the less, grabbing your foot to apply pressure to his tortured, weeping dick. To make it a bit more fun, you turn on the vibration tail and he screams out in pleasure, almost cumming right then and there. You watch in amusement as he struggles to buck his hips against your foot, sobbing out incoherent words about cumming.

“Oh god ‘lease...ahhh p-lease can I-I c..um” he sobs.

“Go ahead kitten.” He sits back on the tail and allows the vibration to set him off. He’s cum hard, the fluid flying across his chest and almost touching his face. The aftershocks shake his body violently allowing him to let out one prolonged moan. You allow the vibration to run until he’s whimpering out from overstimulation. Immediately,he’s in your arms, breathing harshly in the crook of your neck.“You did so good baby. You’re such a good boy. Can you lay on your stomach for me?”

He silently nods and weakly moves onto his stomach so you could remove the tail. He lets out a high whine as you slowly pull the large butt plug out before helping him sit back up into your arms. You pass him the water that had been sitting on the nightstand while getting out the baby wipes and cleaning his body. He puckers his lips and you happily indulge, giving him a soft kiss before taking off the ears and collar.

“Thank you.” He whispers bashfully. You smile at him and run your hand through his hair; his hum of content vibrating into your chest. “Now let’s move to the bed okay?” He nods again and lifts himself into the bed, your worried self following. He pulls you into his chest and you snuggly up, the both of you falling asleep with smiles on your face.

[earliebirb]

nosedive

steve/tony, fluff, (newly) established relationship, 3250 words

Tony stares absentmindedly out the airplane window as he puts his phone up to his ear, watching people run back and forth, performing last-minute engine checks. Some of the guys look sweaty and out of breath.

From the comfort of the air-conditioned Stark Industries private jet, he feels a slight twinge of sympathy for the people having to suffer in the humid summer heat.

He loosens his tie and sinks deeply into his seat, closing his eyes with a massive yawn as he listens to the ringing tone. He hadn’t been able to sleep very well throughout his five-day stay in Tokyo, too anxious about the contract to rest properly. 

The ringing tone goes on for a few more seconds before ending with a click, replaced by an achingly familiar voice greeting him in his ear. 

“Hello?” 

Tony’s eyes spring open. Outside, an aircraft marshaller walks by, speaking rapidly into his walkie-talkie.

“I had a blueberry muffin for lunch today. One single blueberry muffin.”

“...What?”

“It didn’t even taste that good. I couldn’t finish it. Too dry.”

“Tony, that’s not good. Is that all you had for lunch? You should really eat—”

“The meeting went well, by the way. Mr. Watanabe finally signed the contract, everything went as planned. My ride to the airport, however…”

“I told you things would go smoothly, you had nothing to worry about. You’re a brilliant negotiator—”

“The traffic? Fuck. I had to keep shifting in my seat to avoid pins and needles.”

“That sounds awful, are your legs okay—”

“Did you know that Tokyo is number nineteen on the list of cities with the worst traffic congestion in the world? I know that, because I looked it up on the way to the airport. But boy, did it feel like it deserved the number one spot. I think I lost feeling in my ass.”

“I did not know that. And, uh, is your ass okay—”

“Thank God for my private jet. These plush seats are the best things I’ve ever spent my money on.”

“That’s objectively not true, and you know it—”

“Then again, I think these seats in particular were Pepper’s choice? We remodeled the airplane’s interior like… two years ago. I couldn’t be bothered to meet with the airplane seat people and I just told her to pick whichever looked best. I had much more important things to tend to, like sewing up the holes in JARVIS’s Christmas stocking.”

“I am concerned about how you sort your list of priorities—”

“Hm, that’s right. I think it was around two, three weeks before Christmas and I didn’t want JARVIS to be upset about the whole stocking thing, you know?”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t have—”

“Also, you’re right, the single blueberry muffin was a bad idea because now my stomach won’t shut up. So I’ve ordered some pasta for my in-flight meal. Robbie’s making it, you’ve met Robbie—”

“I’ve met Robbie, yes, he’s—”

“Larry’s replacement after he resigned. Gotta say, I was sad to see Larry go. Guy worked for me for seven years. But then there was that thing with his grandma, and he had to leave, so… But! Robbie makes a mean carbonara, maybe even better than Larry, don’t tell Larry I said that—”

“I don’t even know Larry like that, how would I—”

“Mr. Stark, we’re ready to go.” The pilot—Paul—emerges from the cockpit, staring at him in anticipation.

Tony nods and makes a few rapid gestures with his free hand that he supposes Paul is only able to interpret perfectly after years and years of working for Tony. The gestures roughly translate to something like “Copy, I hear you, just let me wrap this up and then I’ll let you know when I’m done. Capiche?”

Paul—bless him—just gives him a curt nod and retreats back into the cockpit. 

“Anyway,” Tony takes a deep breath and puffs his cheeks out with the exertion of his exhale, “I called because… I got a feeling, Steve.”

“A… feeling?”

“Just— A gut feeling. A feeling in your gut. Inside of me. Like a hunch?”

“Okay,” Steve says patiently, his voice low and warm, “what are you feeling?”

“I… got a bad feeling. Today. A few hours ago. The feeling came to me when I was sitting in traffic, and I just— I feel like something bad’s gonna happen today, Steve. I can feel it in the air. In my heart. In my gut. In my joints.”

“Your joints? Like… the feeling old people get when it’s about to rain?”

“Okay, maybe not in my joints. Also, are you calling me old, grandpa?”

“I did not, you told me you felt something in your—”

“Anyway, so yeah. Where was I? Oh, right. Feeling. Bad feeling. Like, like, I don’t know, something bad’s gonna happen. Like an accident. Like a plane crash.”

“God, please don’t say that. You’re scaring me, Tony.”

“And I guess, I just called because I… I feel like I need to do this before the plane crashes and I die a violent and fiery death.”

“Nothing bad’s going to happen, Tony—”

“Like, if I didn’t do this today, maybe I’d never get to do it, you know? And, uh, okay, I’ve honestly been ranting to stall for time, but the longer I keep it in the more nauseous I feel, so maybe I’m just gonna do it now so I can die in peace—”

“Do what? And stop saying that—”

“Look, I’m trying to be brave and honest here and— Wait, actually? Maybe I’m being a coward because if the plane actually does go down, I won’t have to face the consequences of my actions, so I guess I’m just going to say fuck it, and say that I love you.”

“The plane is not going to— Wait, what?”

“I, uh. Love you. I’ve known it for a while now. And, uh, I know we’ve only been dating for like, a week, but—” Tony blinks. They’ve only been dating for a week. 

“...Fuck.” Tony can feel his own pulse starting to race. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

“Tony?”

They’ve only been dating for a week. What is he doing? What the hell is wrong with him? Normal people don’t do this. 

“Fuck. Shit, I mean— Uh, I’m sorry. That was super weird, huh?” Tony laughs nervously. He closes his eyes, gritting his teeth and cursing his stupid brain. Of course it’s weird. He always gets too attached to people way too quickly. No wonder Pepper was his only long term relationship. She was the only person who could put up with him—everyone else just got weirded out. “Uh, see you tomorrow? Or not. Fuck, sorry, I’m just gonna hang up before this gets—”

“Tony, wait.”

“...Yeah?” Tony says, hyper-aware of how breathless he sounds. His heartbeat is ringing in his ears. Everything is going to be fine. Right? Right. The worst thing Steve could do is… break up with him.

Oh, God, that is the worst case scenario. He really should’ve just kept his stupid mouth shut. 

“Tony, are you freaking out? I feel like I can hear you freaking out from all the way over here.”

“No, I’m not, of course I’m not. Who says I’m freaking out? You have no proof. I am calm, I’m calm as a clam, is that the saying? Did I get it right? Or was it happy— Anyway, I am absolutely calm, I’m the calmest I could possibly be. Any calmer and I’d be asleep. I’m—”

“Tony. Breathe.”

Tony forces himself to drag in a slow breath as he grips the arm of his seat with his free hand, focusing on the soothing hum of the airplane’s engine.

“Look, Tony, I—”

“No, listen. I’m sorry I jumped the gun, I hope I haven’t weirded you out or anything. You really, really don’t have to say it back to me. I mean it.”

“Tony—”

“No, in fact— Please don’t say anything. It’s fine. Let’s just pretend this never happened, okay?”

“But—”

“Drop it, Steve. Please?” Tony pleads. Clearly, his brain hadn’t been firing on all cylinders. That is the only reason that could explain his temporary lapse of judgment. “Look, I feel like talking about it more right now is going to send me spiraling into a panic attack.”

“...Okay. Fine.”

“Thank you. Uh, I’ll see you when I get home. If I get home. If the plane doesn’t crash. Haha.”

“Would you please stop saying that? It’s not funny.”

Tony latches onto the change in topic like a lifeline. “It is objectively true, you know. In order for me to be able to see you tomorrow, the plane has to land safely, and unfortunately, some things are just beyond my control. Like, who’s to say the plane won’t explode mid-air and—”

“The plane is going to land safely and you’re going to come back home to me in one piece. This is non-negotiable, Tony. You hear me?” Steve demands, his voice all hard authority and no-nonsense, like there will be Consequences should Tony fail to comply. 

As if he could ensure Tony’s safety with the force of his willpower alone. 

Come back home to me. 

That sounds good. Really good. Tony closes his eyes and pictures Steve’s baby blues in his mind’s eye. Warmth flowers in his chest.

“I hear you.”

“Great.”

“Awesome. I, uh, I gotta go now.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow.”

“See you.”

Tony hangs up and lets Paul know that he is done with his phone call. The jittery feeling left over from his call with Steve refuses to leave him, however, so he pulls up the drawing application on his phone and begins sketching something just to give his brain something else to fixate on.

He tends to lose track of time when he is hyperfocused on a project, so he isn’t exactly surprised that the next time he becomes aware of his surroundings, the plane is already well up in the air, his sketch of what looks like a flying coffee pot is almost finished, and Robbie is placing a plate of spaghetti carbonara on the table in front of him. 

“Spaghetti carbonara. With extra cheese.”

Tony’s mouth waters as he eyes the mountain of grated Pecorino Romano sitting atop the pasta. He sighs dreamily and smiles up at Robbie.

“You’re a lifesaver.”

“Enjoy, Boss.” Robbie grins and slips back into the kitchen.

He only realizes just how truly famished he is after taking his first bite, and proceeds to finish the rest of his meal with gusto. Afterward, he spends the majority of the remaining flight time sleeping, the result of post-carbonara food coma and his sleep-deprivation finally catching up to him. 

It’s well past two in the morning when Tony finally makes it to his floor in the Tower, which is why he is surprised to see Steve sitting on his couch, one of Tony’s fantasy novels open in hand. 

“Steve, what are you doing here?”

Steve’s head snaps up at the sound of his voice. Tony frowns. “Actually, why are you awake at all?” He is usually an early sleeper, unless—

“Nightmare?” Tony gives him a sympathetic smile. It wouldn’t be the first time. In the early days of their friendship, Tony and Steve would sit together in the living room whenever they had trouble sleeping, talking to each other until the sun came up.

Steve shakes his head, closing the book with his eyes still trained on Tony. “No, I was just… waiting for you.” Tony blinks. 

“It’s…” Tony glances at his watch. “Half past two. In the morning.”

“I know, I just…” Steve stands up, shoving his hands into the pockets of his sweatpants. He ambles over before coming to a stop right in front of Tony. “I wanted to see you.”

Tony stares at him uncomprehendingly. “You’ll see me later anyway.”

“I couldn’t wait any longer. I didn’t want to go to sleep without seeing you first,” Steve says, low and earnest. His gaze wanders around Tony’s face, as if he were cataloguing each and every facial feature and trying to locate any changes he might’ve missed during his absence.

“Oh.”

Steve steps closer, arms snaking around Tony’s waist and pulling him close. His next words are whispered against Tony’s shoulder.

“I knew you’d make it home safely.”

“Uh, yeah.”

“You were wrong.”

“I was… wrong.” Tony swallows. “Uh, turns out the bad feeling completely disappeared after I woke up from my nap on the plane, so I suspect that perhaps the bad feeling I got was due to my severe hunger and sleep deprivation. I mean, I’ve heard about hallucinations caused by hunger or exhaustion, but this was—” 

Steve presses a soft kiss to the column of Tony’s neck, effectively cutting off Tony’s ramblings.

“Tony,” Steve whispers against his skin.

“Yeah?” Tony squeaks.

“Please don’t call me before a flight and say that you think the plane is going to crash, ever again.”

“Right. Noted. I’m sorry.”

“Apology accepted,” Steve says, pulling away slightly and loosening his hold around Tony.

Tony allows himself to relax, letting out a quiet sigh. This thing with Steve is so new and delicate that every single physical contact still sends his heart fluttering, butterflies going crazy in his stomach.

Which makes, in retrospect, his abrupt love confession—as truthful as it was—that much more insane. God, Stark. Never do that again.

Except, it turns out that Steve only pulled away to slide his hands down the back of Tony’s thighs, wrapping his hands around them, and then lifting him up without warning.

Tony yelps, and in his alarm, promptly locks his ankles around Steve’s waist. When Steve begins moving, Tony quickly wraps his arms around Steve, resting his chin on Steve’s shoulder.

“Uh, Steve?”

“Hm?” Steve says, calm and nonchalant, as he begins walking away from the elevator. 

“Um— Wait— My suitcase—”

“Leave it. It’ll still be there in the morning.”

Tony blinks, staring dumbfoundedly at his lonely suitcase, abandoned by the elevator. It becomes smaller and smaller with every step Steve takes. 

“Where are we going?”

“Your bedroom.”

“Why are you carrying me there?”

“Because I want to.”

“You know it’ll be faster if you just let me walk, right?”

“Maybe. But you won’t be in my arms.”

“Um.”

“Bear with me, will you? I missed you.”

“I, uh, missed you too.”

Steve hums, satisfied. Tony lets himself settle more comfortably in Steve’s arms.

When Steve has successfully carried him to his bedroom, Tony fully expects Steve to deposit him on the bed. 

That is not, in fact, what happens. 

Instead, Steve turns around and begins walking backwards towards the bed before sitting down on it. Tony, still seated on his lap, swallows and pulls back slightly to look at Steve. 

“Look, Steve, as much as I’ve missed you, I’m kind of tired right now. I mean, don’t get me wrong. This whole carrying thing? Great. Very romantic. Ten out of ten. But I’m just not in the mood for sex, you know? Like, I’m not even sure I would be able to get it up if—”

“We’re not going to have sex.”

Tony blinks.

“We’re not?”

“We’re not. I’m just here to tuck you in.”

“Oh.”

Steve reaches up and begins undoing his tie. After setting it aside on the bed, he begins to unbutton Tony’s shirt. He takes his time, one button at a time.

“So…” Steve begins with a deep breath as he unbuttons the final button. “Did you mean, uh, what you said to me? On the phone?”

Tony closes his eyes, feels his own cheeks heating up. “Steve—”

“I’m sorry, Tony, I know you told me to drop it. But— I feel like if you did mean what you said, I owe it to you to… set the records straight.” When Tony opens his eyes again, Steve is looking up at him, blue eyes solemn.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean… We have only been together for a week. Well, eight days. In fact, we’ve only been on one date. And it was interrupted. By giant lizards.” Steve chuckles incredulously. 

Tony remembers that day very well. They were in the middle of dessert at Tony’s favorite Italian place when they received the call to assemble—something about giant lizards wreaking havoc in Central Park.

The lizards had green, gunky blood that got into the nooks and crannies of the suit. It had taken forever to clean.

“But Tony…” Steve gathers the material of Tony’s unbuttoned shirt in both of his fists, pulling him closer until their noses are only inches apart.

The second their eyes meet, Steve smiles the sweet, lopsided smile that never fails to make Tony’s stomach flip.

“I need you to know that… I didn’t have to date you to know that I loved you. I figured that a long time ago.”

Tony stills, breath frozen in his lungs.

“I guess, what I’m saying is… I love you too. I’ve loved you for a very long time, Tony. Even way before—” Steve breaks eye contact, looks down as he clears his throat. When he speaks again, his voice is tight. “Way before we got together. I’m talking… years before.”

Tony still finds it hard to breathe. “Oh.”

“Yeah,” Steve says, the word more breath than sound. He meets Tony’s dazed gaze. “So you don’t have to worry about… jumping the gun. Not with me. I’m in it for the long haul.”

“...Okay.”

“Okay.”

“Good.” Tony feels a lightness growing inside of him, spreading outwards to his extremities.

“Good.” Steve smiles, warm and impossibly fond.

“...Glad we’re on the same page.” Tony’s gaze drops down to Steve’s lips.

“We are.” Steve inches closer, nose brushing Tony’s. He then tilts his head ever so slightly and takes Tony’s lower lip between his, kissing him so tenderly Tony’s heart feels like it’s about to burst with it.

Steve’s warm hands slide up Tony’s naked back under his open shirt, sending goosebumps breaking across his skin. Tony buries his hands in Steve’s hair and relishes the feeling of the soft strands caught between his fingers. They stay caught up in each other for a few moments, capturing and releasing each other’s lips until the need for breath becomes too unbearable.

They break apart eventually, accompanied by soft chuckles. Steve smiles up at him, lips slick and cherry red, courtesy of Tony. He reaches up to caress Tony’s right eyebrow with the pad of his thumb, fleeting and affectionate.

“Get some rest, okay? You must be really tired. I should probably go to bed, too.”

Tony looks down at his lap, clearing his throat. “Uh, I know that we haven’t done this before, but…”

Steve waits patiently for Tony to gather his thoughts, hands stroking up and down Tony’s sides.

“Do you want to stay with me tonight?” Tony finds the courage to meet Steve’s eyes, holding his breath.

Steve’s blue eyes are gazing at him intently, looking at him like he’s the only person in the world worth his sole, undivided attention.

Tony swallows. “No sex. Just to sleep. If you—”

“Yes.”

“Yeah?”

“I would like that very much.”

“Okay.”

“Okay.”

“Good.” Tony feels his own lips slowly curve up into a smile, wide and unbridled. 

“Good.” Steve nods, lips twitching, his eyes never leaving Tony’s. 

Tony grins, feeling near giddy with delight. “Glad we’re on the same page.”

“We are, sweetheart.” Steve looks up at him, blue eyes fond and smile radiant. “We definitely are.”

[iwaisuke]

confessions; but not remembering it

ft. kita shinsuke, sakusa kiyoomi x sick fem!reader

genre: fluff

masterlist

a/n: this has been sitting in my drafts for a while and then i rushed bc i was getting tired 🙃 also. sakusa's is a little ooc. sorry ab that

-» ˚⸙͎۪۫⋆

» the clean yet musty smell of rain filled the gym as the boys practiced. it was a surprisingly humid and rainy spring day today here in the country side of hyogo

» "achoo" you had been sneezing and coughing all day. you also had a terrible headache but took some medicine to see if it would help. the spring allergies really getting to you

» you didnt reay have the time to be worrying about yourself. As a 2nd year manager of the inarizaki team, (recommend by suna) and the boys working so hard practicing for nationals there was no way you'd let this little cold get in the way. you had to work just as hard as everyone else!

» "hold on, im about to hang up your jerseys to dry"

» "i got you guys some fresh towels!"

» "i can run and grab that coach. im headed that way anyways"

» the coach called for a short break to rest up for a bit. everyone was sore and exhausted from practicing every day. "here. i filled your water bottles up!" handing them to all the boys. "y/n you're all wet" akagi sounded concerned.

» "hm? oh its alright. I'll dry off in a minute. i took the shortcut to the drinking fountain to refill your waterbottles instead of taking the long way" you nonchalantly said. "so you ran through the rain like an idiot?" suna threw a clean towel over your damp hair and ruffled it. "suna!! stop!! you're gonna ruin my hair"

» "like i said. its alright" you reassured the boys.

» kita, on the other hand had noticed your fatigue. although he wasnt as perceptive on peoples feeling and thoughts as well as others, he could easily pick up signs like yours. he admired you dearly for how hard you always work for the team. how you willingly did anything to make them smile. how you always put others first before yours. needless to say, he had a bit of a crush on you.

» "l/n san. i think you should take a break too. there's no need for you to be running around for us while we're resting" kita assured you. "i still have a few things left on my list to do.. but afterwards I'll take a break!" kita let out a sigh. you were stubborn sometimes and kita knew you were the kind of person to not stop until you're finished.

» "I'll be right back. i gotta grab the laundry"

» making an excuse to leave, your heart was beating fast. you knew kita's words were the kind he'd say to anyone, but it made your heart feel fuzzy when he'd look out for you.

» the stone cold captain who you thought he was, actually was so kind. he was just a little awkward like you, and a little blunt with what he said sometimes. but you learned the great qualities he carries and how much he actually cares about others well being. he was a hard worker and you couldnt help but absentmindedly fall for the captain.

» running up the stairs to the second floor of the gym, you felt a shift in your step. head becoming dizzier than it was just 5 minutes ago. legs trembling, you started falling before feeling a presence behind.

» kita's arm wrapped around your waist, supporting you in efforts to not letting you fall over. "i told you to rest l/n san" kita said sternly. "you wont benefit anyone if you keep overworking like this."

» you knew kita was right, but you really didnt want to rest knowing you'll be letting the team down by not working hard.

» "i promise I'll rest as soon as im done with this one thing" pleading with kita. he let out a sigh, knowing you really wouldnt until you did finish so he allowed you to do so.

» finishing grabbing all of the dry jerseys and bringing them downstairs to pass out to everyone, you didnt really notice atsumu and osamu spiking volleyballs at each other until aran yelled

» "y/n! watch out!" honestly, you were too tired to move out of the way so you figured, it do be like that sometimes, and allowed the ball to hit you.

» or... so you had planned the ball to hit you.

» kita stood in front, blocking the impact of the spike that you had prepared yourself for. there was agitation in kita's eyes. more than you usually noticed when then twins were miss behaving. concern washing over, he looked you straight in the eyes

» "... is there something wrong kita san?" lifting up his hand to your forehead, he let out a sigh. "why didnt you tell me earlier you had a fever", then walking over to the coach meanwhile atsumu and osamu come over to apologise for being reckless.

» "get your stuff. we're going home" kita said bluntly.

» "huh? but practice is-"

» "please l/n san. for me"

» kita would only take yes for an answer this time. no if's ands or buts. so here you were, walking home with kita. only the sound of raindrops hitting your shared umbrella being heard.

» muscles starting to ache a little more and your legs becoming more tired than they were when you left the gym, you began to walk a little slower every step

» "get on my back l/n" "its ok kita san, i can walk. its already enough that you're walking me home" "i didnt ask if you wanted to. im telling you to"

» you couldnt tell if it was the fever that made your face warmer or if it was kita's words. nonetheless, you got on kita's back. he was a lot stronger than he looked and you couldnt help but stifen at being so close to your own crush like this.

» "relax. I'll make sure you get home." he reassured. you leaned into his back, warmth seeping in, your eyes began to feel heavy.

» "kita san" "yes?" "thank you for always watching out for me"

» a comfortable silence was met as the sound of rain filled your ears.

» "kita san" "hm?" "did you know..." your voice softened "i like you a lot kita san"

» did he hear you correctly? if he wasnt paying attention he wouldve missed what you had said, being drowed out through the pitter patter of water. now his heart thumping louder than ever before.

» "l/n san-" he was about to go on but was met with the gentle rise and fall of your chest and the soft snores of you on his back, knocked out from exertion. kita let out a light chuckle, finally relieved you were resting.

» you had missed the next day of school, but when you came back the whole volleyball team bombarded you with love.

» "WE'RE A FAILURE TO NOT NOTICE YOU FEELING SICK" atsumu cried. "how could we let our one and only precious manager get ill for taking care of us" akagi, clearly dissapointed in himself. "please let us know when we can take care of you too y/n" aran said.

» "its no big deal. really!" waving your hands in defense. "it was just a small cold. but i do have a question though"

» all the boys gathered around to hear what you had to say

» "how did i get home?? i really dont remember what happened after i almost got hit by atsumu"

» it shocked the guys honestly. you genuinely didnt remember a single thing due to your fever. "wait? you don't remember kita taking you home?" suna replied, your face becoming red. "k-kita san took me home-?" "yah. he left in the middle of practice to do so" osamu added.

» immediately, you got up to find the captain that apparently took you home the other day. he was in the storage closet cleaning and grabbing the equipment for todays practice.

» "kita san" "oh. l/n. glad you're feeling better" his smile brightened the musty closet. "about that, im sorry for troubling you and having you take me home the other day. i honestly dont remember what happened after i almost got hit by atsumu. my mind was really fuzzy that day, but im truly thankful for you going out of your way for me. it really means a lot"

» kita was dumbfounded. you really dont remember? "no need to apologize l/n. it was my responsibility as a captain. and afterall, what good would i be if i couldnt even take care of the person who means the most to me"

» your heart raced. 'person who means the most to me' ? cheeks blushing a rosy pink, you were internally thanking the musty store room from being dim.

» with arms full of equipment, kita walked by you and stopped.

» "by the way l/n san. did you know?"

» ears perking up at the vague yet familiar line

» "i like you a lot too l/n san"

» now we all know sakusa HATES germs and for the past week and a half, he's been telling you to keep up with washing your hands, wearing a mask at all times even when you eat omi it doesnt work like that. pls especially since you are prone to getting sick easily no matter how hygenic you are. your immune system just hated you. PERIODT

» you remembered sakusa scolding you for running out of hand sanitizer and then the next day you were out of commission. bed ridden with laryngitis, cough, slight fever, the whole works. it was like your body was making fun of you or something

» you texted komori, asking him to take notes in class for you and relay homework information while you were at home resting up. but there was one request you had and made komori PROMISE.

» DO NOT TELL SAKUSA YOU GOT SICK

» "he's probably gonna notice your absence y/n. he'll find out about it either way"

» "well if you dont tell him then he wont know. its not like he even cares about where i am like that"

» "thats what you might think. but i know he's gonna say something i can garuntee it"

» the next day at school, sakusa did notice your presence missing. it was quieter not having a 3rd person in the group of friends. not having you around to talk to him when komori was gone.

» pulling out his phone to text you, he asked where you were that day.

» "on a family trip :D !!! forgot to tell you, but I'll tell you all about it when i come back!" you wrote, attaching an old selfie of a different trip you went on to make it more believable.

» you had hoped this silly cold would get better in a day, but soon that day turned into 2 and then 3 and then 4... you pretty much missed the whole week of school at that point

» Friday rolled around and komori was on his phone all day. sakusa noticed his cousin fidget in his chair more than usual and it irked him to see him like that

» "what's with you today?" one eye raised, sakusa finally asked. "uhhh nothing really" komori wasnt very good at keeping secrets lets just start off with that, but he was trying his best.

» "well clearly somethings wrong. you're fidgeting." "well haven't you noticed somethings been different all week?" komori hinted

» sakusa sat there in thought. nothing's been different? he ate the same breakfast he usually does every morning. all his studies have been well. there were no tests this week so there was no reason to be anxious like komori was and even if there was, he would've done well anyways.

» "just tell me what it is." sakusa was starting to get annoyed. "y/n..." komori started. "y/n?" "do you know where she's been this week?"

» did you not tell komori about your family trip? you usually told komori everything, but then again you didn't tell him either until he asked you about it.

» "she said shes on a trip?" he nonchalantly said. komori's eyes started watering. "A TRIP TO THE HOSPITAL THATS WHAT IT IS" he blurted out. komori didnt mean to let it slip , he was just so worried about your well being.

» "hospital?? what are you talking about. did she get injured on her trip?" "no omi. shes been sick all week and her mom just texted me saying she went to the hospital today because shes had a fever for 3 days straight. there is no family trip"

» sakusa's heart shattered. you were sick and didnt even tell him?

» before both he and komori knew it, his legs were running faster to get to the hospital than he had ever imagined he could ever run.

» and there you were. fast asleep in a bed with an IV drip. your face flushed, forehead sweaty and shallow breaths escaping your chapped lips. you were a hot mess but sakusa didnt care. stepping to your bedside to greet your mother she explained to him that she had to go to work and asked if he could watch over you until she gets back.

» sakusa said yes without even hearing the whole thing. his heart and mind saying yes to whatever it took to get you to feel better.

» gosh how he hated hospitals, but what he hated even more was the fact that you were in the hospital and he didnt even know.

» the doctor came in for their evening round and ensured sakusa that you were indeed getting better! your fever had broken not too long ago and your body was working extra hard to heal itself up!

» "is there anything i can do to help?" sakusa asked. he felt helpless in this situation just watching your face distort in uncomfort every now and then, and coughing your lungs out.

» patting sakusa's shoulder, the doctor told him that just being here for you is enough. "you gotta be a strong boyfriend for her alright son? she'll be able to go home tomorrow first thing in the morning if her fever doesnt come back"

» sakusa slumped in his chair at your bedside, the doctors words ringing through his head. 'boyfriend huh?' he thought to himself. "if i was her boyfriend..." he whispered to himself, "i would be a failure for not even knowing my girl was sick..."

» to kiyoomi, you were beautiful. even now in this sad state you were in. deep down he locked these growing feelings he had for you inside of him because he always felt like you were a better match with someone else and after this stunt you pulled of lying to him about going on a family trip, it only made him feel worse.

» it was now night time and you finally began to stir in your sleep, the fever finally gone. sakusa reached out to move some hair that was stuck to your face, fingers tracing the outline of your jaw. your eyes slowly opened and met with his dark orbs.

» "y/n?" "saku- wait this is just a dream. omi wouldn't be here. he hates hospitals" you let out a forced laugh and then a sigh through your sore throat.

» you reached out to sakusa's hands that were resting on the side of your bed. "omi would never let me hold his hand because he'd say im passing germs to him so hopefully dream omi wont be the same" you were aimlessly talking to yourself, not even realizing that this really wasnt a dream.

» he squeezed your hand in return. hoping that you wouldnt let go any time soon. a funny smile appeared on your face just at the thought of him. "even if you're stupid for not realizing how much i like you... i cant wait to see you again omi" you whispered before falling asleep again.

» sakusa didnt know what to do. he sat there frozen in his chair. it was his first time hearing you call him omi. heck. you literally just confessed to the boy. his brain was running wild. groaning in distress he let go of your hand to step out for a breath of fresh air now that you were back asleep.

» it was 5am and your mother came back to the hospital and thanked sakusa for staying by your side. He left in a hurry to make sure you didnt see him there.

» Monday rolled around and sakusa was waiting outside of the school gates for you. he had planned on asking you about your "trip"

» "good morning sakusa!!" your bright and cheery voice rang through his ears. honestly he was trembling inside. the memory of you confessing to him still fresh in his mind.

» "how was your trip?" you stopped dead in your tracks. "haha... it was good !! sorry i forgot to get you a souvenir" you were trying to play it cool but sakusa could tell you were forcing yourself. "i wouldnt want a souvenir from where you came from so its fine" sakusa's words threw you off. "i - im not sure im understanding what you're saying sakusa?"

» you felt a tug on your hand. "dont you mean omi?" his voice husky as he whispered into your ear. cheeks flushed, your brain felt like it short circuted. you've always tried your hardest to not let it slip that you want to call him omi since he hated when people called him that.

» sakusa smirked at your cute reaction he got out of you. letting go of your hand he began to walk into the school leaving you at the gate dumbfounded. "and by the way. you're just as stupid for not realizing how long ive liked you too"

-» ˚⸙͎۪۫⋆

thank you for your order! enjoy~!

[caramelcal]

His Favorite Secret.

“I’m tired of being your secret.”

You can find the rest of the prompts here.

i really took this and ran with it huh...IT’S 4.3K WORDS

warnings: mentions of sex, gangs, alcohol, bondage

kinda obsessed with this gang!luke idea. also, i’m not sure if i wanna make “bambi” the reader or an oc, it works as either i believe? bambi is a nickname btw and i honestly feel like making more parts based on this concept tbh 

kinda wanna make another part LMAO idk what i’d do it on though </3

Luke was better to her than anything you could possibly expect. He was surprisingly gentle when it came to her, hugging and caressing her that seemed impossible for the way he was and the life he lived. People saw Luke as the 6-foot-odd man that could rip you apart without an issue, without even breaking a sweat but he was so much more than that.

He was so much more than the leather jacket-wearing gangster that everyone depicted him as; heartless and stoic. He was a great lover if he let people in, and she had never been loved that way with anyone before. Surely though, with his life, there were complications to their relationship.

He was different from other people, more violent, more dangerous. The gang, which was run by Luke and three of his closest friends, Calum, Ashton and Michael, was well-known and feared among many, but they were left alone by the police. The police were aware that they existed, but they didn’t do anything about it. There were more cons to arresting them than there were pros.

Luke’s life made everything very interesting. He was rich, of course, and after a while of them dating she had moved into his condo. It was massive, bigger than any house she had ever lived in before and it was just for the two of them. It was a luxurious life that she had not experienced before, and she was still getting used to it.

If there was one thing about Luke that she had learned, it was that buying her things was his love language. He never had been great at the romantic side of their relationship considering he hadn’t had a girlfriend in a long time and normally just had one-night stands, but he tried his best. That didn’t meant that he ever softened up during sex, though. 

Another thing about his life that made stuff interesting was that Luke had to drop things for work. Sometimes stuff would go wrong on a run, or other gangs would try stuff with them and he would have to leave. It was understandable, but still frustrating for her, especially the one time where an emergency had occurred right in the middle of them having sex.

Luke had been very busy the past few weeks, having to deal with numerous issues with the gang and barely having enough time to spend with the needy girl who craved his attention. There had been issues in the club, that was what he had said, but he didn’t go into much detail on the matter, he never did. He liked to keep his relationship and gang life very separate from one another. 

A lot of the mornings this week she had woke up alone, void of the warmth she liked to cuddle into in the morning. At least she was getting him all to herself this weekend, she thought. After barely spending anytime with her that weekend, Luke had promised they would spend the weekend together, even if the club was set on fire. Calum, Ash and Mike will deal with it. 

“Bambi?” The nickname fell from his lips when he stepped in the front door. She brought her eyes up to look at him, happiness filling her features. She hadn’t been expecting him home for another few hours, but she definitely wasn’t complaining.

Running over to him, she jumped, knowing full well that he would catch her as her arms wrapped around his neck. Her head snaked into the nape of his neck, comfortingly taking in the scent of her favorite person, his arms holding her protectively close to his body. They were alone, thankfully enough. After all, she really hadn’t thought out her jumping hug because her short skirt had ridden up, showing off her underwear which Luke most definitely would be furious if anyone but him saw.

“Welcome home,” She whispered into his neck, hand coming up to play with the hair on the back of his neck. Her eyes fluttered, eyelashes tickling the skin on Luke’s neck as he rubbed her back, taking in the comfort of having the smaller girl in his arms.

He walked forward so that he was fully in the house, using his leg to kick the door shut behind him before walking towards the middle of the room near the couch. He slowly lowered himself until he was sitting down on the plush cushions, the girl now in his lap, still being held closely.

“Bambi?” Luke started, making sure that the girl was listening, to which she hummed into the side of his neck, not willing to move just yet, “I know you wanna hug and kiss and stuff right now but we don’t have much time to pack your bags, you have to stay at the safe house for a few days.”

Almost immediately, the warmth of her face was gone from his neck, and her hands were no longer playing with his hair. She was still held tightly on his lap, mostly because he held her there with a semi-firm grip, her looking up at him with furrowed eyebrows and sad eyes.

This wasn’t the first time this had happened. In fact, it had happened quite a few times and each time it made her rather frustrated. She had to remove every single piece of evidence that she even existed in the apartment, and get hidden away in a safe house for the entire weekend, on the edge of town, where she wasn’t allowed to leave until Luke got her himself.

She hated the safe house.

“But you said-”

“Bambi,” Luke cut her off rather firmly, sending her a look which she knew meant that there were no arguments in this. She almost wanted to whine, to argue with Luke and tell him that he said this was going to be their weekend together, just them, no gang stuff, but now she wasn’t even going to get to see him at all this weekend, “I need to have a few low levels over to go over plans, and they’ll be over tomorrow which means we can’t let them know you’re here or that you exist. They still can’t fully be trusted yet, which means that they could be moles and I’m not putting you at risk for that.”

His speech was ended in a soft tone, looking down at her with a small amount of sadness for the girl. His hand comfortingly raked through her hair, piercing blue eyes looking at her but her eyes stay looking down. Slowly, without saying anything, she climbed off of his lap and started to retreat to their bedroom.

“Bambi? Where you goin, baby?” He called out, looking at the girl who stopped in her tracks, looking over her shoulder.

“I’m packing. That’s what you wanted me to do, was it not?”      

Not many words were exchanged afterward with the girl silently packing away every aspect of her life into two duffle bags. She wasn’t even allowed to properly live in her own house, no decorations, photos in frames, nothing. Everything she owned had to be easily removable so it looked like she didn’t even exist in her own home.

Luke watched her from the bedroom door, leaning against the frame coolly as he analyzed her movements. He knew she was frustrated, but she had to know he was doing this to protect her, she should have anyway. Rather harshly, she finally zipped up the duffle bags, throwing them over her shoulder and walking straight past Luke without acknowledging him.

He understood that she was frustrated, but was she really angry at him?

She was quickly at the door, grasping at the handle when Luke had snapped out of his thoughts, walking over to her quickly with ease, taking a grip on her arm.

“You okay?”

“Dandy,” She replied bluntly, looking away from the slightly concerned man, almost as if she was itching to get away from him. Normally, even if she wasn’t happy about being sent away to the safe house, she still gave him a goodbye kiss, but it appeared that he wasn’t going to get one of those tonight, “Gotta go. Wouldn’t want to keep Jacob waiting, would we?”

She walked out of the apartment without another word, but Luke’s eyes were on her retreating figure, “We’ll speak about this on Sunday, okay baby?”

He barely even seen the nod that she sent him before she disappeared down the hallway.

. . . “Please, Jacob,” She pleaded with the driver, with puppy eyes and everything but he tried his best to remain stony-faced. Jacob was the only driver that Luke trusted Bambi with, he had grown up with the boys too, childhood friends with Michael apparently, who Bambi had never even met before.

Jacob was the leading driver for the gang, one of the getaway drivers for bigger and more important heists or events, but normally he just got called in for private transport of any important members of the gang. He, as well as practically anyone who had ever met the girl, had a soft spot for her, and she knew that.

“You do realize if I take you there that I am directly disobeying orders of the leader of one of the biggest gangs in California?” He asked ridiculously, shaking his head with his hands placed firmly on the wheel.

“Jacob-”

“No,” He replied firmly, looking at the girl through the rearview mirror, seeing her begging eyes and sad face.

The man knew that everything was frustrating for the girl, especially when she had to get up and move out of her own house just so that Luke could host meetings and debriefings for the gang.

“Please, Jacob. I’m going to be cooped up in a safe house for three days without talking to anyone, at least let me go to Anna’s for a few hours. She’s been my best friend since I was three, she’s trustworthy.”

The black-haired man didn’t reply for several moments, and a frown fell onto the girl’s face before he started to signal off the highway. It was a familiar road, the one that she had taken many times before to her best friend’s house, and honestly, she had never been happier to see it. At least she would get some enjoyment this weekend.

“Thank you so much, Jacob, just tell me how I can repay you,” The girl said once she was out of the car, bouncing lightly in excitement while she stared at the man who was still inside the car.

He gave her a small smile, one that showed he knew how much appreciation she felt towards him before his eyes turned to the door behind her, “Just enjoy yourself and make sure he doesn’t fire me for this.”

“Consider it done.”

It was nice to see Anna again, it had been two weeks since their last meet up and they had both missed each other greatly. Anna was drinking alcohol, but the smaller girl wasn’t. It wasn’t like she was afraid of what Luke would say if she did, because she certainly wasn’t afraid of Luke, but even though she was angry she didn’t want to disappoint him.

Not that she had exactly abided by his rules anyway, considering she was with Anna right now instead of locked inside the safe house. The safe house had slowly become the girl’s own personal prison, it was bare, bland, and had nothing for her to entertain herself, and there was no company. That’s what she hated most about it, the lack of social interactions she could have while she was in there.

“-we were talking about the weather and shit right? Then he asked to see my tits! I was like are you being serious right now?” Anna rambled on, talking about another failed love interest that had been using her for her body. Anna never seemed to be lucky in the dating apartment of life, but she was a successful girl, and a beautiful one at that, she would get there. 

“Was he?”

Anna scoffed, taking another drink of her alcohol, “Yeah! He blocked me after I sent him pictures of minecraft chests and asked him what ones were his favourite.”

The smaller girl let out a laugh, looking at her best friend who had a sly grin on her face, trying to hide it with the glass in her hands. 

“Speaking of guys though, how’s Mr. Hemmings then?” Anna jokingly asked the girl, cocking an eyebrow with a smirk on her face, swaying to the music that was loudly playing in the background.

“He’s good, I mean he’s doing good,” The smaller girl quickly corrected herself before her dirty-minded friend could make a joke about their sex life or ask about it. Anna hummed lightly, still smug and still swaying to the music, “I was supposed to be going to the safe house, but I’m here instead, I don’t think he’s very happy.”

“Girl, you’ve been here for nearly two hours!” Anna cried out in shock, eyes wide at the clear defiance that the small girl had for her 6-foot-odd gang leader boyfriend.

“And?”

“He’s bound to know by now! He’s not going to bust through my doors with his gang and shoot the place down is he?”

The girl shrugged lazily in reply, letting some of her hair fall in front of her face as she smiled at her friend, “Yeah he does know, he’s been blowing up my phone for an hour and a half.”

Anna fell dramatically against the back of the couch, hand still tight around her glass of lemonade and pink gin. Her free hand was laying across her forehead with her eyes shut, “Oh please tell me you’ve replied.”

“Nope.”

“Oh come on, I really like my door, believe it or not, I don’t want him or any of his gang members kicking it down!” Anna cried out, giving her best friend a pout to which she just laughed lightly in response.

“He won’t knock your door down, he probably won’t even come. He’s too busy debriefing his gang to even spend time with me and instead shipped me out of the house. Why does he care whether it’s yours or the safe house?”

However, she couldn’t have been more wrong because less than ten minutes later they heard a roaring engine speeding down the road. Anna, who shared a quick look with the smaller girl, got up and looked out the window, seeing no other than Luke gets out of his very expensive sports car and towards the house, “Guess you were wrong.”

He threw the door open, thankfully not breaking it down, his eyes quickly landing on the small girl, grabbing her and pulling her off of the couch, planting her by his side. His grip was tight on either side of her hips, almost as if it was a warning to stay by his side and cooperate for once in her life.

“Anna,” His accented voice wrung through the room as he gave the blonde a curt nod. She waved back awkwardly, maybe too hazed by the alcohol in her system to stay anything intelligible back, and Luke seemed to realize this, “don’t stay up too late, get a good sleep, okay?”

“Aye captain, yes sir,” She saluted him back with a smile on her lips, almost diffusing the tension in the room but it was barely a second later where Luke’s grip retightened on his girlfriend’s hips.

“Okay, good night.” He bid her farewell, walking out of the house with his slightly anxious girlfriend behind him. It seemed as if suddenly she was filled with regret and guilt, especially after seeing how angry Luke was with her.

“It isn’t Jacob’s fault I-” She started when the door shut behind them, the cold wind of the night surrounding her.

“Don’t,” He spoke gruffly, turning around to look down at her with angry blue eyes before grabbing onto her wrist and dragging her over to his car.

Luke hadn’t even locked his car when he had rushed inside to Anna’s house, not that he would be too bothered anyway, it wasn’t like anyone was going to steal the gang leader’s car, especially not in this neighborhood. He didn’t speak another word to the girl as he took her around to her side of the car, letting her get in before he leaned over and strapped her in, closing the door without a single word and getting in his own side.

He started the car up and the only noise heard in the car was the engine as it roared to life and they began to speed down the street. His blond hair was messy, jaw ticking with his eyes glued to the road, never once straying to the girl in the passenger’s seat. Her eyes, however, never strayed from him, picking up every sign that he was furious with her. His posture was rigid, he was impatient, breathing loudly and not even acknowledging her existence beside her; he was seething.

She wasn’t sure if they arrived too fast or too slow to the safe house honestly. Luke still didn’t utter a word, getting out of the car and slamming the door behind him. She knew not to move already, she knew that Luke didn’t want her to move and honestly she didn’t want to aggravate him further.

True to her belief, Luke opened her car door, undoing her seatbelt before pulling her out of the car. His eyes didn’t stay on her as he stormed into the house, a tight grip on the smaller girl’s wrist. She tried to get his attention, for him to say anything to her as he entered the house but it appeared he wasn’t in the mood to talk.

The main room was still dark, but just the feeling of being in here makes her feel sick. She wasn’t overexaggerating when she said how much she hated the safe house. It felt as if she was defeated, back where she didn’t want to be, somewhere she hated, and with her boyfriend furious at her.

In the time that she had been thinking of how much she loathed the building she stood in, Luke had let go of her wrist and wordlessly made his way towards the front door again. The thought of him leaving her here, frustrated and alone all weekend made annoyance bubble in her stomach and before she can help herself she’s shouting over at him, “So that’s it? Are you just going to lock me in here and leave again?”

Luke stilled, but he doesn’t bother to reply or even look at his girlfriend, just standing there like a statue. She can’t find it in herself to regret the words that come out of her mouth, especially after she awaits the nonexistent reply, causing annoyance to bluster in her stomach. Her eyes roll and her arms flail slightly before they slap against her thighs with a low scoff falling out of her lips, “Typical.”

“Excuse me?” Luke turned around, his voice hard and powerful, one that would normally make her shake, make her look up at him with wide eyes unsure of what to say. Their eyes meet, his blue piercing into hers. He took a step forward, tilting his head slightly with an eyebrow raised, almost as if he’s encouraging her to repeat what she had said moments before, “What did you say, Bambi?”

Her mouth was agape as she stuttered lightly, any feeling of bravery that she had mere seconds ago fizzling away into nothingness. Her eyes darted from one of his eyes to the other, looking at the expectant and slightly smug face as he looked at the stuttering girl in front of him. She tried her best to find the right words to say but she had, ultimately, been rendered speechless.

“Come on, if you’re so big and brave, baby, why don’t you speak up a little? Tell me what you said.” He walked towards her until he’s right in front of her, chests barely ten centimeters apart. Two of his fingers make their way under her chin, pushing her face up until she had no other choice but to look him in the eye, holding her face in such a way that she can’t move easily.

Silence filled the room once more, simply with the two of them staring at one another. Luke stared down at her with a slight smugness and with her looking up at him still frozen almost. When he does talk next, he muttered quietly, almost condescendingly with anger trailing in his voice, “You ruined an important meeting tonight all because you couldn’t follow a simple instruction-”

“Well, believe it or not, I don’t like to be locked up in a house for days on end like a caged animal,” She doesn’t even register that she’s speaking until she’s finished, the words flowing out of her mouth cutting off Luke’s lecture.

“This house is to keep you safe,” His grip on her jaw doesn’t loosen at this point in time, blue eyes swimming with rage. In all of their time together, he doesn’t remember his Bambi giving him this much attitude or a time where she’s tried to argue with him like this. Sure, there were times where they had disagreements or times where there had been a little bit of attitude but he had quickly sorted that out.

“I was safe at Anna’s and I was happy. Isn’t that what you want? For me to be happy?” Her voice is quiet, bottom lip threatening to quiver. She hated how she cried whenever she got frustrated, and right now she’s barely holding back from her eyes becoming glassy. She’s frustrated and annoyed, but she doesn’t want to look like a baby right now, especially when this was her first fight with Luke.

“Don’t try and guilt trip me now, Bambi. It isn’t going to work tonight.”

“I hate it here! I hate constantly having to move into this stupid fucking house where I have nothing to do and no one to talk to! It doesn’t even fucking have wifi or anything! It’s dumb and all because you’re paranoid!” After she finished shouting, she ripped her head out of his hold, standing back and away from him, back coming in contact with the marble counter of the kitchen island.

Her arms are crossed over her chest, and as Luke processed her words, he shook his head. His next words are low, like it’s a warning, “Don’t shout at me like that.”

“I’m not-”

“Listen here, doll, because I’m only going to tell you this once,” Luke doesn’t even let her finish before he’s talking. His voice is forceful and strong, something he normally reserved for when his men do something stupid like ruin a drug run, “You don’t call the shots here, I do. I’m in a gang and there are a lot of people that would put a bullet in your pretty little skull just to get to me,” He pressed a finger against her temple, hard enough for her to feel the pressure but not enough for it to hurt her, “People die in this lifestyle and I send you here so it doesn’t happen to you. Don’t tell me that I’m paranoid because I’m trying to keep you safe.”

“I get it, I do-”

“Then why won’t you just do what I say?”

“Because I’m tired of being your secret.” She whispered, looking up at Luke’s blue eyes sadly, tears gathering in her own eyes. His head dipped a little, shifting his weight onto his hands which are on either side of her, trapping her against the kitchen’s island counter.

It took Luke a few seconds to finally muster up words, and just from his tone she can tell that he’s disappointed, maybe in himself, maybe because of how she thought of their relationship, “You aren’t my-”

“Then why have I never met Cal? O-Or Mikey? Why is the only time I’ve ever met Ashton an accident? And why do you constantly send me away even if it’s only people you trust going to be there? And-”

“Bambi,” Luke groaned lightly but got cut off straight away when the girl continued to rant, barely even realizing that he had tried to cut her off.

“This was supposed to be our weekend and you just sent me away. I was so excited to finally get a whole weekend of you to myself but no, I was shipped off to this shithole again-”

“This was all because you just wanted me to yourself?” Luke asked incredulously, an eyebrow raised at the girl whose eyes snapped up to meet his.

“That’s what you want, Bambi? You got it.” Luke said, his eyes staying on hers, never wavering as he commanded. He pushed back, hands off the counter and now standing at his full height, towering over her with his eyes never leaving hers, “Hands out. Now.”

“Luke what-”

Her eyes frantically search his face, eyebrows knitting together in confusion. She can feel her heart rate pick up, beating loudly in her chest.

“No, Bambi. You’ve done plenty talking tonight. No talking unless I ask you a question, got it?”

She nodded her head, gulping down the thickness in her throat as a thick leather wrapped around her wrists, constricting them. Her mouth parted slightly, she hadn’t even seen or heard Luke take off his belt, but now she can’t even part her hands anymore.

His head dropped to her neck and she can feel her stomach flutter simply by his breath fanning over the skin on her neck. His hand made its way up to the nape of her neck, grabbing a handful of hair and yanking on it so her neck is fully exposed to him, “You’ve me all to yourself tonight, Bambi. And you’re all mine.”

[cranetreegang]

The Hardest Things are the Honest Truths: Lucio x FemApprentice

A/N: So, I love Lucio. I don't know why, but I just do. I wish there were more scenes of him reflecting on his past though. So that's what this is. Just a brief roast session with some fluff afterwards. RIP my poor baby boy... but he gotta hear it. I have some more parts for Lucio that I'll hopefully post soon. I've also been working on a Julian piece that I'm really excited to share soon! Anyways, any feedback is always welcomed!

Summary: The Apprentice, Evie, wonders if she made a mistake binding herself to Lucio. She hopes that her faith in him isn't misguided, and seeks consul from those who knew him.

Word Count: 2300

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I watched Lucio play with his two dogs with a hint of a smile. Seeing him like this almost made the earlier fiasco seem misplaced. The look of disappointment in Asra’s eyes was not something I could shake off though. Had I really made such a grievous error in binding myself to Lucio?

“You seem troubled.” Nadia had managed to stand next to me without me noticing. I hid my surprise well and I nodded quickly.

“There’s a lot about magic I’m still learning. I think today just proved it.” I said.

“Mistakes happen. Although, this mistake was a fairly large one.” She smirked.

I let out a defeated sigh. “Indeed it is.” I agreed.

She frowned then turned around to leave. “I recommend the bath house. It might serve you well to help clear your head.” Nadia said over her shoulder as she left.

It didn’t take a genius to get the hint. Lucio, still distracted with his dogs, didn’t notice Nadia and I’s exchange. I bit my lip on whether to let him know I would need some time alone. I figured he wouldn’t care, so I headed towards the bath house.

I got to the marble room and was taken aback by its grandiose. The room had pillars at the far edge that overlooked the city below. The sun was beginning to set, giving the steaming waters a warm evening glow. Smells of lavender and incense filled the air and I felt my shoulders begin to drop. A bath was a good idea after all.

I stripped myself of my clothes and sank below the warm waters. I emerged with a relieved sigh. I went back under the waters then emerged once more. I faced back towards the entrance and froze at the sight of Lucio.

I dove under to hide my bare self. “What’re you doing here?” I hissed.

Lucio gave a dazzling smile that I was sure won over his fair share of enemies. “I was wondering where you went. I got worried.” He said; seemingly genuine.

“So, you thought it best to just watch me as I bathed?” I grimaced.

“What? No! I only just arrived. I swear.” He had his hands up covering his eyes, but he lowered them with a smirk. “I mean, it’s not like you have anything to be embarrassed about. You have a very... ,” he paused, his glowing eyes dancing with want, “beautiful body.”

I felt the heat of his words overcome the warmth of the waters. Before I could say anything, the doors opened.

“Evie!” Portia greeted with a beaming smile. She walked past where Lucio stood. I wasn’t sure how to warn Portia of Lucio’s presence. She didn’t give me room to talk as she launched into a story about her day and began to undress. She joined me in the bath and sat across from me.

I nodded along with her story, but would steal glances towards Lucio, who seemed content with sitting at the bath’s edge. His feet kicking in the water absentmindedly.

“And then they expect me to clean it all up! It’s outrageous.” Portia huffed.

“Couldn’t agree more.” I debated about leaving when the door opened once more and Nadia strolled in. Even in the steaming waters, my body had gone cold. She spared Portia and I a raised brow.

“I’m to assume the Count isn’t here?” Her question had an edge that made me inwardly flinch. Lucio was shaking his head while mouthing, ‘Don’t say I’m here.’, as if anyone but me could hear him.

“The Count? As in, Count Lucio?” Portia wondered.

I spared her an awkward smile. “You and I both had a long day.” I bit my tongue for a moment. If I say he’s here, then Portia would be upset with me. If I lie, then that could be even worse. “I don’t see Lucio here in the bath with us.” A semi-lie, but better than the truth. He technically wasn’t in the bath with us. Lucio gave me a pleased grin, which I tried to ignore.

Nadia nodded before disrobing. She held herself regally and effortlessly as she glided into the bath. I was envious of her ability to be noble in practically any setting. Lucio’s eyes were eagerly trailing after her. His hand reached out to touch her, but he resisted at the last moment.

“I’m glad to see you’re taking full use of the bath house, Evelyn.” Nadia sat between Portia and I. She swirled her white wine in a glass that probably cost more than anything I had ever owned.

“It’s quite nice. Very relaxing.” I hummed. At least it would be relaxing, if Lucio wasn’t hovering around us.

“So, what’s this about Count Lucio? What’s going on?” Portia inquired.

Nadia smirked as she rolled her head over to me. “Go on. Explain what you did.” Her voice purred.

“Yes! Tell them how you rescued me from that awful room.” Lucio encouraged.

I let out a quiet sigh. “I was investigating the Count’s murder. And… I ended up finding Lucio still in his room.”

“He was alive?!” Portia screeched then covered her mouth at her outburst. “I mean, was he alive?” She said, her voice muffled behind her hands.

I shook my head. “Not exactly. He was stuck between the world of the living and death. So, I… helped him by…,” I bit my lip and I couldn’t bring myself to look at Porita’s curious gaze.

“Go on. Tell her.” Lucio was now laying behind me. He had his head propped up by his golden arm while his other hand swirled in the water next to me.

“I bound Lucio to me.” I finally said.

“You did what?!” Portia exclaimed. “Did he threaten you? Was he going to hurt you if you didn’t?”

“Hurt you! I can’t believe she would suggest such a thing.” Lucio scoffed.

I shook my head. “No. He didn’t. I was just trying to help.”

Nadia let out a chuckle between her sips of wine. “And now you have Lucio attached to you. I couldn’t think of anything worse.”

Portia nodded in agreement. “And I thought my day was bad. You clearly win, Evie.”

Nadia and Portia both giggled. Lucio plopped down next to me with a disgruntled huff.

I bit my lip as I looked between Lucio and Nadia. For everyone reacting like this, one would assume I had shackled myself to the most vile man in existence.

“Nadia… I hope you don’t think of this as inappropriate. But, I was hoping you could tell me about Count Lucio.” I said.

Nadia and Portia exchanged glances to one another, concern spread across both of their faces.

“You don’t even know who I am?” Lucio sputtered before calming down. “Oh, sweet Evie, I could tell you all about me. It’s my favorite subject, you know. ” He ran his finger down my shoulder to my elbow. He pressed his nose against my hair as he whispered, “You need only ask.” I had to contain the way his ghostly touch made me shiver. I was thankful he moved away from me, but he was still too close for comfort.

“Quite amazing. You bound yourself to someone you didn’t even know. I can’t tell if you’re naïve, idiotic, or selfless.” Nadia’s eyes were downcast. “But, I suppose if you did know, you wouldn’t have done it.” She swirled her glass in thought. The setting sun glinted against the fine crystal, making it dazzle. “I don’t recall much of my time with him. But, from what I remember, Lucio was… how to best put it?” Nadia hummed in thought.

“An Egomaniac?” Portia blurted out then covered her mouth again. “I’m so sorry, your grace.”

Nadia laughed and nodded. “No. That’s exactly it. Selfish. Entitled. Volatile.”

“Rude. I heard he loved to throw things at the servants anytime he was annoyed.” Portia chimed in.

Out of the corner of my eye, Lucio was completely taken back by their words. I felt a bit sorry for him. “He doesn’t sound like a good person.” I sheepishly said.

“That’s because he wasn’t, sweetheart.” Nadia chuckled. “He was only interested in what best served him. He didn’t care about what I, or anybody else wanted. Especially not the people of Vesuvia. Even though he claimed otherwise. His incompetence has led to a decline in the city, that I’m now having to fix. ” She scoffed. “The only thing he might’ve really cared about were his dogs. If that.” Nadia took a long sip of her wine, the cup was nearly finished.

“He cared about his hair.” Portia giggled.

“Ha! Yes. His looks. I will admit, he was very easy on the eyes. And very, very nice in bed.” Nadia had a playful smirk toying on her lips. “Although, needy. I couldn’t have any fun without him. He was always so desperate for any kind of attention.”

Lucio crossed his arms in an obvious pout. I felt their words slicing into me as if they were speaking ill of me.

“Surely, there must’ve been something about him that wasn’t completely terrible?” I asked, begged really, for any kind of redemption for him.

Nadia frowned, her mind years away. “If there was, I don’t remember." She met my eyes with a soft smile. "Perhaps, you’ll find something in him worth saving. Because I never could.” She finished her glass then rose from the warm waters. “All this talk of my dear husband makes me in need of another bath.”

She stalked out of the water and put back on her silk robe. She spared me a sideways glance. “If Lucio were a whore, I would’ve paid good money for him.”

“And as a Count?” I wondered.

She smiled, the answer laid within her ruby eyes, before she sauntered away.

Portia also got out of the bath. “I suppose that was a long enough soak. You coming?”

I looked from her then down to the deflated form of the Count. “Not yet. I need a few minutes to process… well all of it.”

Portia gave me a pitying smile. “I’m sure it’ll work itself out. Don’t fret!” She smiled sweetly at me. She left the room and I was alone with Lucio, who was sulking next to me.

“That was pretty brutal. Are you alright?”

Lucio’s brows furrowed and he shook his head. “I was alone in that room for three years. Not one person came to see me. Not one. And to find out it was because they all despised me.” His head fell and he looked on the verge of tears. I placed my hand on his. The energy between us briefly merged together and he jolted in place.

“What are you doing?” He asked, his glowing eyes wide with suspicion.

“I… trying to… comfort you?” I felt silly as I explained myself. He stared at our hands then back to me.

“I don’t need your pity.” He spat.

“I’m not pitying you.” I quickly said. “I’m empathizing. What they said, I could feel that it hurt you.”

“You felt…,” he let out a huff as he rolled his eyes, “Of course you did. This bond we share. Seems we’re more linked than I originally thought.” Lucio frowned.

“Seems so.”

There was a long pause between us. I wasn’t sure how to break it, but Lucio did it for me. “Do you think less of me now? Do you think I’m a-a-a self-centered, idiotic, whore?” Lucio snarled with disgust.

“Were you?” I asked.

He looked offended then grimaced. “I… I didn’t think so. I don’t know.” He was quiet as he hesitated on what he wanted to say. “Being alone in that room… I didn’t have much else to do, except think. And the only thing I could think about was if things went… differently. ”

“What would you of’ve done differently?” I wondered.

He wrapped my hand with his and stroked over the top with his thumb. He let out a sigh then whispered, “I don’t know.”

“Well, if you don’t think you’re an incompetent whore, then what do you think of yourself?” I asked.

Lucio stared into the sunset as he thought over my question. “I’m not sure.”

I furrowed my brows as I thought over what to say next. He was lost. A feeling I recognized all too well. “I see it as you have two options. You can either pout and deny what they said. Or, you can accept that you lost yourself at some point. And do something about it.” I stated.

“Pout or change.” He chuckled, but it was bitter and didn’t reach his eyes. He looked at me. “What should I do?” He asked quietly.

I was surprised he would ask me, a stranger by all accounts, for advice. “I don’t believe you want to be all those things they said.” I confessed.

His brows rose. “You don’t? How? It seems to be the common opinion of me around here.”

I bit my lip as I wrestled with my confliction to tell him the truth or not. But, the truth was what he needed right now. “I believe you’re capable of changing. I don’t think you’re truly evil at heart. I think you care about more things than yourself. I believe you can take accountability for your past actions, and move towards a better future.” I paused before adding, “But, you’re the only one who can make that choice. No one else can. I can help you, but I can’t force you to change. That’s something you’ll have to do.”

Lucio was silent, pondering over my words. “That’s quite an optimistic vision you have of me.” Lucio’s eyes fell and he leaned his head on my shoulder. “Perhaps I can try to make it come true.” He whispered.

“I want to help you.” I whispered back to him. “We’re in this together now.”

“Mhm… together.” He squeezed my hand. “I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”

“Me either.” I whispered.

He moved closer to me with a soft sigh. “Stay with me a while longer?”

“Of course.” I laid my head against his and we watched the sun dip below the horizon.

[samsoleil]

okay okay so. homeschooled au. essentially, sam and dean were homeschooled by john and now they're codependent (surprise surprise). let's pick up (more or less) where we left off, huh?

Sammy doesn't know how to freaking talk to people. Actually, correction: Sam talks to people like people talk in books, like people talk on TV. Dean swears, every time he meets someone new he has the same routine. This bubbly, "Hi, how are you?" that they saw in a TV show in Michigan, "I'm Sam, and this is Dean" from a book he read in Wisconsin, and that's about it.

It's still new, seeing people. But he's getting better every day, pausing for less and less time, and sure, he still hides behind Dean a lot of the time, but he's still small enough that all the moms coo like the news presenters when they see something cute. Dean's been watching the news in the cafes they go to, trying to figure out how to say "I'm sorry, he's shy" the way they do in Nevada, which is where they are now. Dean's not the biggest fan of talking, gets tired as hell afterwards, but he can fumble his way through a conversation with the waitstaff without adopting that deer-in-the-headlights look Sam gets when they go off-script.

The only people they really need to talk to are each other, and Sam and Dean manage that just fine.

Once Dean's finished ordering for them (the waitress asks if he's from out of town and he names the nearest city he knows, but she doesn't call him out on the accent, so he must be doing a pretty good job), he turns back to Sam, seated unhappily on the bench across from him, intently reading the menu.

"Sammy," Dean calls, and Sam looks up.

"It's Sam," he says, routine.

Dean raises an eyebrow and fans his fingers, palm facing Sam, tilting his hand from left to right. Sam's nose crinkles, then scrunches his mouth to the side and cocks his head towards the kitchens.

And yeah, Dean feels the same way. It's not the safest, going around in public like this, but they've gotta eat somehow. It's been two weeks since they were meant to meet back up with Dad, and every day has left Sam feeling more and more anxious. But they're being careful. They know how Dad usually evades people, CPS and the police and those hunters that they met when Sam was 7, and they've bastardised it into their own version. Two steps forward, one step back.

Sam asks him how he's doing, the same fanning motion, and Dean copies Sam, who softly kicks him under the table. Dean exaggerates his response, groaning in pain and reaching underneath to rub his knee, and Sam rolls his eyes but he's smiling, just slightly, so Dean calls that a win.

God, he doesn't know the last time Sammy smiled. It’s a scary thing to think, that Sam just stopped smiling one day and Dean didn’t even notice. Sammy looks the same as he always has, until Dean actually looks and realises that he’s grown older without him realising. And it's awful, but whenever Dean looks at Sam, he pictures the way he looked in that motel room. Not when Dean walked in, but after, when Dean told him they were leaving and Sam looked at him like he'd discovered the holy grail, or something. Dean sees it superimposed on top of him, all Sam's ugly crying made beatific by that relief, the rush Dean had felt when he saw it.

(He'd fallen apart after Sammy fell asleep, still curled up in his arms and so, so small. He'd felt something break, leaving him doubled over and aching, burying his face in Sam's soft hair and just breathing him in, warmth and life and Sammy. Dean's never been so scared. He hopes he never has to feel that scared again.)

Pulling himself out of his thoughts, Dean huffs out a breath and starts tapping his pointer finger against the table, and Sam glares.

"Sleeping ugly?" Dean asks, and Sam rolls his eyes, all attitude.

"I slept just fine, thank you," he says, and they both know it's a lie. "You should- you should be more patient."

And that's when Dean knows something's wrong, because Sammy was the one to pick that one. He read about the cardinal virtues in one of Bobby's books, and spent the next weeks cajoling Dean in Latin.

"Temperantia," Dean says, "Dude, what gives?"

Sam gestures that he doesn't want to talk about it, but that's not an option at the moment, sorry, kiddo. Sam pulls a bitchface, which quickly disappears when Dean widens his eyes, looking over Sam's shoulder, and Sam wriggles around in his seat to see their pancakes making their way towards them.

"Alrighty, then!" their waitress, Isabelle, says brightly. "I've got one vanilla with fruit and one choc chip."

Dean nods his head towards Sam. "That one's vanilla."

"Thank you," Sam says with careful precision as the waitress places the plate down in front of them.

Dean watches the lady serving them bite her lip to hide a smile.

"You're welcome, sweetheart," she says, and Dean looks at Sam to see his mouth shaping the words.

"Thanks," Dean says, and she gives him a warm nod before leaving.

When she's gone, Sam takes a large enough bite of his pancake that he has a reason for not answering. And Dean's stomach is growling, so he guesses they're eating first. Except neither of them have ever been any good at eating slowly, and this is the first meal they’ve had since yesterday night, so this won’t stop Dean for long. Plus, Dean’s rushing.

“Sibling tax,” he says, claiming an apple slice from Sam’s plate. Sam sighs around his mouthful, and Dean will never admit it, but fruit goes ridiculously well with choc chip pancakes, what the hell.

When he’s finished, he places his knife and fork in the centre of the plate, like they do in those cooking shows, and he waits for Sam to be done. It doesn’t take long, and then Sam is pushing away his plate in favour of fidgeting, hands half forming nonsensical words and phrases. Colours, how are you, storm, guest, storm. Dean just waits. Temperantia.

Finally, Sam confesses. “I’m practicing.”

“Practicing what, talking? Sammy, you know how to talk.”

“With you,” Sam says, but the emphasis on the ‘you’ is just slightly off and yeah, okay, maybe the kid does need to practice. “I can’t- I can’t talk to anyone else.”

“And practicing with me helps?”

“It tells,” Sam says with a shrug.

“I don’t have a tell,” Dean protests.

“You do.”

“I don’t!”

“Do.”

“Don’t!”

“Do.”

“Well, then, what is it, Mr Pokerface?”

Sam’s hand curves sadness into the air, and Dean isn’t as hungry anymore. Because, fine, Dean blames himself. Dad brought it up all the time, how difficult it was to teach him how to read, how long it took him to talk. And he’s just fine at it now - yeah, it’s tiring, but that’s because nobody else is as smart as Sam, so every conversation just goes so slowly - but Sam, for all that he’s the biggest geek Dean has ever met, has always found it harder to talk with people that aren’t Dean. Even when he was talking with Dad, half the time he’d be restarting the same sentence until it came out the way he wanted it to.

And Dean knows that he’s the reason why. Because for all his life, he’s been so caught up in talking with Sam that he’s never thought about Sam talking with anyone else.

“It’s not your fault,” Sammy says, “Practice makes perfect. I’m a quick learner.”

The kid’s got a point, because Dean’s pretty sure he knows more than Dean does at this point. And that’s not Dean being jealous. He’s proud, so proud that it sometimes hurts. He couldn’t be jealous, not when it’s Sam. Not when he sees him at every age, yammering on about whatever at a hundred miles a minute but still taking the time to explain it to Dean. And if Sam’s right, then Dean’s smart, too, just in a different way. And Sam hasn’t been wrong about Dean yet.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that one before,” Dean says, rolling his eyes. “Bitch.”

“Jerk,” Sam returns, and Dean leans across the table to trace a circle around his heart.

Sam lifts his hands to bat Dean away but when Dean gestures for Baby on his chest through his shirt he instead grabs Dean’s hand in his, resting them there for a second, and Dean loves him, he loves him.

“Gold,” Sam says, eyes big, and Dean pulls a face at him.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” he replies, tugging his hand out of Sam’s softly and pulling it back.

He mentally shakes himself, blinking, and Sam settles back in his seat. Chapter closed on that conversation. Sam’ll keep practicing, Dean will keep giving him shit; between the two of them, they’ll turn Pinocchio into a real boy. Sam spears a strawberry with his fork and eats it, pulling a face. He’s full, but they don’t want to waste food. Maybe they can get a container to go or something. Dean nods at Sam and the frown clears.

Dean looks around, making eye contact with Isabelle. She nods acknowledgement and weaves her way to their booth.

“Migist?” Dean asks, and Sam nods, pushing his plate slightly further away.

“Anything I can get you boys?” she asks, and Dean puts on an easy smile.

“Yeah, could we get the leftovers to go?” he asks. He’s pretty sure he’s read that phrase before.

Isabelle smiles, amused, and shit, Dean’s said it wrong, god, she’s going to know-

“You know, you boys are the just the most polite little things,” she says, and okay, Dean doesn’t have that much of a babyface, seriously. “Sure thing, I’ll bring you a container with the bill.”

“Calm down, weirdo,” Sam says when she’s gone, the little shit.

“You try next time,” Dean shoots back.

Sam expresses that that isn’t fair but, uh, last time Dean checked, taking turns was polite. That earns him another kick.

Once they’ve paid the bill (and tipped 20%, thanks Sammy. People in movies actually have money to spend, you twerp), they step out into the late afternoon air. They drove all night and slept most of the day, but Dean is strung out from all Sam’s nervous energy. They’ll stay another night before they venture forth.

“But soft?” Sam asks, finger tracing Baby in the air.

Dean takes a second to mentally calculate how far they have to travel. They’re heading to Uncle Bobby’s place and, yeah, it’s been forever since they last saw him, but they don’t really have anyone else who’s on better terms with them than their dad. And, yeah, it’s 1.4 thousand miles in a line, but that’s not the pattern they’re making. They’ll dip past the Crow reservation and stay there for a night or two, then go from there. A thousand miles, give or take. That’ll take, what, 15 hours? Check-in’s usually around 4pm.

“Midnight,” Dean says, and Sam groans.

“You have the damned spot,” he accuses.

“It’s not gonna kill you.”

Sam’s expression says he finds the truth of that statement dubious, but Sam’s not the one driving. Dean’s blessed with the ability to pass the hell out literally wherever, so he’s had no trouble sleeping, even with Sam pressed against his side as a wriggling pile of heat. Dean’ll be fine, Sam can sleep in the car.

Sam sighs in acceptance. Dean ruffles his hair, but it’s not enough, not really. He ducks down slightly to pick Sammy up, and he comes easily, hugging Dean back just as tight. He feels Sam bury his face in Dean’s neck, feels his hummingbird heart against Dean’s chest. Sam gets worried easily. Dean hates it. He knows Sam hates it too, but for different reasons than Dean. Sam just hates having to rely on people. What he doesn’t get is that it doesn’t matter how smart he is, he’ll always be Dean’s little brother.

“C’mon, kiddo,” Dean murmurs. “Let’s head home.”

Dean feels Sam’s mouth brush against his skin when he replies.

“I’m already home.”