#but sun was in the kitchen along with everyone and the game was about to start

[maudiemoods]

How many dreams have you had of moon hunting you down? I've had 3!

[honeydjarin]

MOUSE IN THE KITCHEN

OPLA SANJI X SHORT!READER

Luffy isn’t the only one with a penchant for sneaking into the kitchen.

request: Hiii, if you want to I'd like to request a Sanji x short reader, where they try and help him out in the kitchen but can't reach anything. No pressure, just wondering

genre: fluff

word count: 2,000

a/n: normally I avoid any sort of specific physical features in my fics in order to make them as inclusive as possible, but as someone who must climb the shelves at the grocery store in order to reach anything, this request spoke to me. This one is a little silly and nothing but fluff. I hope you enjoy!

It’s late. The sun sank below the horizon long ago, leaving no trace of the adventures and games that took place during the daylight hours. Everyone else on the Going Merry is asleep. You really should be sleeping too, and you had been, not too long ago. 

You don’t know what it is that stirred you from your slumber. Perhaps some noise as the ship rocks on lazy waves, or a crew mate talking just a bit too loud in their sleep. It doesn’t matter, really. What does matter is the thoughts that worm their way into your mind the longer you lie awake. Thoughts of something light, something sweet, something to satiate a craving, your body convinced it’s time for breakfast despite your mind knowing dawn is hours away. It doesn’t take long for the hollow ache in your stomach to drive you from the comfort of your hammock and up towards the galley.

You know the kitchen on the ship well. You know which floorboards creak and which are safe to step on, where the chef hides traps for Luffy and how to circumvent them, where all of the ingredients to satiate your sweet tooth are hiding. 

Just thinking about the reason for your intimate knowledge of the ship’s kitchen is enough to send heat racing up your neck and settling beneath your cheeks. You press your fingers to the skin where your burning blood pools beneath the surface, taking a moment to relish in the sugar sweet feeling of a simple crush—a single name swirling through your brain is all it takes to leave you giggling quietly in the night.

Sanji, the newest member of the Straw Hat Crew. Sanji, the one who will never let another go hungry, not even a stranger. Sanji, the man with sun soaked hair and a honey dipped tongue. 

Sanji.

Sanji.

When the chef first joined the crew, you admired him. He was caring and steady, he knew what he believed in. With his handsome looks, quick wit, and open flirtations, it didn’t take long for that admiration to slip into something that felt sweetly like affection. You couldn’t help but want to spend more time with the cook, hoping to join him in the activities that bring him the most joy so that you might better understand him. It didn’t take long for you to become nearly as familiar with the galley as he is. 

You step into the kitchen, closing the door quietly behind you. You leave the lights off, not wanting to risk anyone else catching you in the galley (or getting the idea to grab a snack themselves). Instead, you stand in the dark, waiting for your eyes to adjust. Moonlight spills through the windows of the room, bright enough to see by, if you’re patient. 

It isn’t long before you’re able to move again, walking along a familiar path towards where Sanji stores all things sugary. 

There’s a sinking feeling in your stomach that you’re doing something you shouldn’t. Like if you have to sneak around then you’re in a place you don’t belong. This is Sanji’s space, cataloged and organized to best suit his needs and ensure the crew has enough supplies to last between islands. It feels strange to be in the kitchen without the sound of his laughter or the smell of something delicious cooking on the stove top. 

Sanji’s presence is the piece that makes this space feel so comfortable. Without him, it feels too large, hollow. The galley has no life without its chef. You never really thought about how the kitchen would feel without him in it, and can’t help but hope it isn’t a feeling you become used to.   

You know if you wake up the cook he will make something for you. He would rub the sleep from his eyes, only half succeeding, before asking what he could make to help satiate your craving with a smile. You would feel guilty the whole time. 

It’s better to sneak through the galley for something you can find on your own than to disturb Sanji’s sleep. 

The first thing you search for is chocolate. You crawl onto the countertop, balancing on your knees as your feet dangle over the edge, before opening the cabinet in front of you. You eye the chocolate chips, the miniature sweets sitting at a level seemingly so easy for the rest of the crew to grab. You doubt any of the others would have to climb to reach them. 

Unfortunately, the only chocolate on the shelf is unsweetened. The lack of added sugar may be perfect for baking, but they won’t be sweet enough for your taste on their own. 

You begin to drop down from the countertop, fully intending to continue your search for the perfect treat. Your feet drop to the ground quietly, and you land in an almost crouch. Perfect, the ship is silent, as it should be. You straighten up, intending to continue your search, but your knees, still tight from your recent slumber, crack as you stand. The sound rings out in the otherwise silent kitchen like a gunshot. 

Maybe your creaking joints wouldn’t be a problem in a normal kitchen, but Sanji, who has ears attuned to any slight sound coming from the Galley (thanks to Luffy’s many attempts to raid the space at odd hours for food), surely heard the pop in his sleep. You may as well have knocked down all of the pots and shattered all of the dishes. 

It isn’t long before the sound of hurried footsteps and frustrated grumbling reaches your ears. The door to the galley slams open, lights flickering on just a moment after, leaving you squinting as your eyes adjust to the room once more. 

“Luffy, I swear if you touched any of the food I’ll—oh.” Sanji’s voice carries through the kitchen, his accent thicker than normal, sleep still clinging to his words. Your name rolls off his tongue, and you think it sounds sweeter in his sleep-addled voice than any chocolate could taste. 

“Sorry, Sanji. I didn’t mean to wake you. I was just a little hungry,” you confess. 

“You could have woken me up,” he says, just like you knew he would. “I’d have been happy to cook something for you.” 

“I didn’t want to bother you. You deserve to rest. Especially when you already wake up so early each morning to make breakfast.” 

Sanji hums, stepping farther into the kitchen. He looks more awake now than he did when he first arrived. His eyes don’t stray from your own as he speaks, no longer concerned about the state of the galley. 

“For you, love, it’s never a bother.” The smile he offers you sends your heart fluttering in your chest. “Anyway, I’m awake now. What would you like to eat?” 

He’s too good to you, too gentle. How could your heart ever stand a chance?

“I was just planning on eating a little chocolate, but it seems like there's only the unsweetened kind right now.” 

“Ah, of course. Only something sweet would be fitting for my sweetheart.” 

Your breath catches in your throat. His. He called you his. 

You bring your hand up to your mouth, trying to hide the growing grin that spreads on your lips as you nearly melt from his words. The warmth blossoming in your chest will surely turn you into a puddle on the floor, and then Sanji will know just how much his words affect you (if he doesn’t know already).

“Can we make something with chocolate in it?” you ask.

“We?” Sanji repeats, as if he didn’t expect you to help him in this task. His gaze softens, eyes gleaming with something like affection, before adding. “Of course we can. How do strawberry and chocolate hand pies sound? I picked up some fresh jam at the last port.”  

“It sounds perfect,” you say. It’s far more than you hoped to find during your late night search. When you got out of bed, you never would have guessed what kind of sweet you would find in the kitchen. You definitely didn’t expect to spend time baking with Sanji.

The two of you work comfortably together, only speaking when Sanji provides specific instructions or when you need clarification. The hazy fog of sleep still hovers over the both of you, even if you’re both awake enough now to function.

“Could you grab the chocolate chips for me?” Sanji asks. 

It’s a simple request, one you can easily complete. You know where he keeps the chocolate chips, the unsweetened treat seeming much more appealing now that they’re going to be baked into something.

You make your way back over to the counter, situating yourself below the cabinet where the chocolate is stored. Then, you place your hands on the cool surface, preparing to make the climb. You’re certain Sanji knew this was the path necessary for you to take to reach the ingredient too. There’s no way for you to reach the chocolate chips without being higher up. 

As you jump, using the force of your arms to help pull yourself up towards the counter just like you’ve done in other kitchens many times before, an unexpected force settles on your shoulders, pushing your feet back towards the ground.

“None of that, sweetheart. There will be no climbing on the countertops in my kitchen,” Sanji reprimands. He’s gentle in his scolding, the uptick of his lips and gleam in his eye letting you know he’s not really mad. “Sorry, I thought they were a bit lower.”

He doesn’t seem sorry. 

You open your mouth to protest against what could only be meant as a jab about your height, but only a squeak comes out. Sanji’s warmth seeps into your back as he presses close, the shape of his hand burning into your hip as it settles there. You can feel the way his body stretches as he reaches up, leaning further into you, before easily grabbing the bag that seemed so far out of your reach. Any words you might have had to tell off the man for doing something for you when you could easily do the task yourself (as long as you could climb on the counter) fizzle out. 

Sanji doesn’t look at you as he reaches for the chocolate, but the easy smile on his lips morphs into a lazy smirk. His thumb rubs slow, intentional circles where his hand remains steady on your hip, as if he was soothing a startled animal, coaxing you to stay close instead of running away, something you just might have done if he wasn’t purposefully grounding you while your thoughts soared. 

Oh no, you think. He knows.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Sanji was already aware of your feelings for him—you’ve always worn your heart on your sleeve—but you had tried not to make your feelings for the chef too obvious. 

Sanji pulls the chocolate chips down, but he doesn’t step away. He still holds you close as he bends, his face lowering until it’s right beside yours. Then, without warning, his lips are pressed to the curve of your cheek. 

The kiss is quick, feather-light, but you’re certain he can feel the way your blood burns just beneath the surface of your skin, his quiet mumble of so warm the only confirmation you need, even if you weren’t meant to hear. 

“Sorry, sweetheart, I just couldn’t help myself.” Before you can react, Sanji steps away from you, taking you in for only a moment longer before turning back to the task at hand. With how smoothly he acted, there’s no way he hadn’t planned that little stunt he pulled.  

He definitely knows.  

Sanji is already placing the hand pies in the oven by the time you’re finally able to move again, and you can’t help but feel almost frustrated that the chef didn’t give you a chance to return his affection. 

You’re left waiting impatiently as he sets the timer, the miniature pies now the last thing on your mind. Sanji doesn’t seem to understand—you’re craving something sweet, and as far as you’re concerned, the sweetest thing on this ship is him. 

a/n: thank you for reading〜♡

[dilfl0v3rss]

what about ony who's quiet and shy in person dating and extroverted reader but in the bedroom he's nasty and dominant ?

i love love LOVEEEEEEEE THISSSSSSS😩

the two of you were often compared to the sun and the moon. you, being the more outgoing and giggly type. always laughing and making people smile. while ony preferred to stay to himself, always shying away from human interaction. people honestly don’t even think he’d leave the house if it weren’t for you.

you were basically his voice sometimes. whether it be sending his food back when it’s done wrong at a restaurant or letting people know when he’s tired and wants to go home from a party, you were the one to do it. people often get the idea that your control in public was the same at home, but they were completely wrong.

you tried to convince your friends on many occasions that ony was a completely different person at home, but you’re often met with “yea right” and “sure girl. whatever you say”. the two of you were at erens house hanging out. you were seated on his lap as you talking with your group of friends while playing uno.

“nigga you can’t put a draw two on a draw four!!” you yelled at connie as he looked up at you in confusion. “girl since when?” the room lit up with laughter at his mistake as you pulled two cards from the deck and threw them towards him. “that’s two for your mistake too. since you tryna cheat.” you felt a pinch on your thigh, causing you you quiet down instantly.

“m’ready to go.” ony’s breath fanned onto the crook of your neck. you smiled to yourself as you continued playing the game. “uno bitchessss!!!” sasha yelled as she held her one card in the air, basically letting everyone see her card. luckily for her it was a draw four so everyone decided to just end the game right there. “a win is a win right mami?”

connie’s arm went to wrap around hers but she swiftly stood up from her seat on the couch. “no. im the only winnerrrr.” you opened your mouth to speak, but another pinch to your side reminded you of what needed to be done. you stood up from ony’s lap, looking down at him texting on his phone. “you ready to go?”

“awww don’t drag him away from us nowww. he was having fun. right o?” eren faked a pout, pushing out his bottom lip. “oh hush. if y/n says it’s time to go then ony’s gonna go. she’s the boss.” mikasa high fived sasha as eren and connie gasped, holding their hands on their chests while feigning surprise.

“oh you running shit like that y/n?” “right ian know you had it like that.” you giggled as ony stood up behind you. from the looks of it they were right. you were about to walk out of the house empty handed while your boyfriend held your bag and jacket.

you popped your tongue, holding your weight on one leg as your hands raised to your hips. “y’all know i run shit over here. got him holding my stuff and everything. he know wassup.” your friends laughed as you stood with confidence in front of them. eventually laughing along with them as you walked out of the door. little did they know, ony was a completely different man at home.

“aahhggg it’s t-too d-deep daddy” you were bent over the kitchen island, nails scratching at the table as you tried to crawl away from ony’s brutal pounding. “shut the fuck up. thought you ran shit. seems like you only running from shit” he chuckled as pulled your head back by your hair to deepen your arch. his hips jackhammered into your ass while you choked on some of your moans.

when you first got home you went to the fridge to grab a bottle of water, bending over to reach in the back of the fridge. ony walked up right behind you, pressing his print on your ass causing you to instantly stand up. “wha-” “sh sh sh. bend over the counter for me princess.” a shiver ran down your spine as you turned your body around and bent over. giving your boyfriend a full view of you panties under your miniskirt.

now you were here. hair tangled around his hand as his other hand was wrapped around your throat. “open up mama.” he whispered while pulling your head back further. you outstretched your tongue from your mouth, brown eyes locking with each other before you felt his warm saliva trickle down towards your throat. before you could swallow, his mouth met yours in a wet kiss. tongues soaking each other in his spit as your moans flowed from your mouth to his.

ony was very different when if came to fucking you. always letting his more dominant side show when it was time to pleasure his woman. “that’s is mama. keep takin this dick.” his hand moved from your throat to your stomach, pushing you back harder onto his dick so you can feel him deeper. “mmfuckkkk. i l-love you!” you screamed as you felt your orgasm quickly approaching. the urge to pee clouding your brain as you tried to push yourself off of him so you didn’t make a mess.

“unt uhh, where you goin? let me have it.” his thick fingers laid on your clit, rubbing in circles at a quick pace as you squirted all over his dick and the floor. your legs grew weak, giving out from under you as you slumped onto the counter, but before you could doze off to sleep, you felt ony’s rough palm lightly tapping your cheek. “stay with me pretty girl.” he helped you regain consciousness before lifting you back up to his chest. “you good?” worry filling his voice as he rubbed your stomach. “y-yea.”

before you knew it he was fucking his dick back into you. eyes widening and body twitching as he stroked inside your overstimulated pussy. “good because daddy didn’t cum yet and i got a lot t’give you. and princess….” you looked up at his face which was already turned towards you. gold grills shining in the dim moonlight as he smirked down at you. “i love you too.”

[chrisevansonly]

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐱: 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐧

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐜 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: marriage and raising a family is never easy, there are bumps and waves along the way, but even the sun has to come out after a little rain…

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: slight angst, mentions of anxiety and mental health, crying, fluff

𝐀/𝐍: alright everyone we are GETTING BACK TO THE FLUFFY GOODNESS AGAIN, and welcome to chapter six, i’ll be honest idk how many chapters this will have yet, so bear with me, this also seems very shitty writing to me so i apologize if it is💀

🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️

Why did you feel so nervous, it wasn’t as if a stranger was coming to your home, no it was Charles, your Charles. The father of your beautiful little boy, and your husband, whom despite everything you loved with your entire being, of course your heart still hurt from the argument a few days ago but you had to recognize that you were in the wrong just as much as he had been 

The kitchen smelt like notes of caramel and hazelnut as you brewed a fresh poot of coffee, Matteo’s favourite cinnamon scones on the island awaiting his father who was arriving any second now

“Maman, où est papa?” the toddler asked softly, not wanting to interrupt your meticulous place setting at the breakfast nook 

“Il devrait être là dans la seconde, mon amour”

Matteo smiled, sticking to your side wanting to help you as much as he could, it had been a rough couple of days for the little boy, not understanding that his parents were fighting and it wasn’t his fault. Something that you and Charles needed to discuss because the older he got, the more anxious he became.

-

“Est-ce que papa est déjà là?”

You frowned, brushing some of the unruly hair out of the toddlers face 

“Pas ce soir mon amour..”

“Why!”

It wasn’t a surprise to hear Matteo get so upset it had been about two days since he’d seen him, far too long in his mind 

“Because Maman and Papa are just having some time apart..”

Matteo looked up at you, his eyes sad as the began to gloss over, sending your heart into a bit of a panic as you watched the gears turn in his brain trying to figure out what that meant 

“Est-ce à cause de moi?”

He sniffled, wiping his nose with his sleeve as you quickly scooped up the young boy into your arms 

“Petit amour, ce n’est pas ta faute et tu n’as rien fait de mal”

You paused for a moment 

“I promise you Matteo it is not your fault, sometimes parents just need a cool off so we can have some space and then come back stronger than before, I promise you baby papa and maman love each other so so much, and we love you so much more.”

Matteo stayed quiet but snuggled further into your chest, and you knew in this moment you and Charles needed to figure things out and do it fast.

-

Charles arrived at the house rather quickly, eager to see his little boy and even more excited to see you, he missed being home with the two of you, and was hoping today he could finally come home and work to put this behind him, he would do everything in his power to do that.

“Papa!!”

You looked up in time to see Matteo run off to the front door, straight into Charles’s arms, happy giggles spilling from his lips 

“Tu m’as tellement manqué petit prince, papa t’aime tellement.”

“Papa je t’aime tellement, tu m’as manqué encore plus!”

Charles smiled pressing kisses to the little boy’s face as they spent a few minutes reconnecting, it made you feel guilty, thinking back on it maybe you should have fixed this problem right when it happened. Not wanting to interrupt them you waited until Matteo took off with his father’s phone to play games, leaving the two of you in the kitchen together, a soft smile on Charles’s face, yet there was evident worry in his eyes. 

“Mon amour…”

Deciding against the slight hurt that remained in your chest you walked over and wrapped your arms around him, closing your eyes as your head rested against his chest 

“I’m sorry..”

“No please, don’t apologize, I shouldn’t have pushed you..”

Shaking your head you looked up at him

“I threw my anxiety in your face and-and I know how important racing is to you and you want to show Matteo everything but-”

“But nothing amour please, I understand why you are scared, Matteo is your baby as is he mine and it was wrong of me to push and push when you weren’t ready and I saw that from the very first time I brought it up…”

He paused just enough to catch a tear that slipped down your cheek before he continued, his thumb remaining on your cheekbone gently 

“I should have never raised my voice at you like I did, I made a promise to you and I broke it, something I swear to you I will never do to you again, all I can say now is I am so sorry amour…tu es mon soleil, mes étoiles, ma lune et le plus beau cadeau que j'ai jamais reçu. Je ne veux jamais te perdre.”

Charles didn’t have to say anything else in the moment, because you were quick to press your lips to his, his hands holding onto your face gently, cradling it as if you were made of porcelain. A kiss that brought you back to your wedding night, one that was filled with so much love you thought you might pass out, but god would it have been worth it. 

“I love you, so much Char…come home please and-and we’ll figure out the rest another day.. I should have never made you stay away from us like that, I’ll kick myself for it…”

“No enough, I’m not mad at all baby I don’t blame you..come lets go have a movie day with Teo”

Nodding your head you let him lead you to the living room where Charles was quick to order your favourite lunch, while recruiting Matteo to make the couch into the comfiest movie watching space you’d ever had. A smile coming to your face at the excitement in his eyes, and excitement you’d missed seeing from him the past few days. 

There really was nothing better in the world than having your little family back together, even if there was still much to be discussed and talked about but for right now, this was just perfect. Matteo settled in between the two of you, a happy smile on his face.

“I love you Maman, I love you Papa” 

Charles looked over at you before pressing a kiss to your forehead, letting you settle onto his shoulder comfortably, everything was absolutely perfect, there was nothing that could come between the three of you again.

He would make sure of it, no matter what he had to do.

ʚlittle karter taglist

@goldenalbon @goldenmclaren @a1leexxa @treehouse-mouse @therealcap @wintfleur

english translations:

Maman, où est papa? - Mom where is daddy?

Il devrait être là dans la seconde, mon amour - He should be here any second my love

Est-ce que papa est déjà là? - is Daddy here?

Pas ce soir mon amour - Not tonight my love

Est-ce à cause de moi? - Is it because of me?

Petit amour, ce n’est pas ta faute et tu n’as rien fait de mal - Little love, it’s not your fault and you have done nothing wrong

Tu m’as tellement manqué petit prince, papa t’aime tellement. - i missed you so much little prince, daddy loves you so much

Papa je t’aime tellement, tu m’as manqué encore plus! - Daddy i love you so much i missed you even more!

Tu es mon soleil, mes étoiles, ma lune et le plus beau cadeau que j'ai jamais reçu. Je ne veux jamais te perdre - you are my sun, my stars, my moon and the greatest gift i’ve ever gotten, i never want to lose you

[joanquill]

Valentine's Day Headcanons

How the Moriarty brothers and Sherlock ask their significant other to be their Valentine's and how they would spend the day with them.

Albert, William, Louis James Moriarty, and Sherlock Holmes

Albert James Moriarty

The day Albert was planning to ask you to be his Valentine, you were out on a mission.

Ever the opportunist, he took the chance to surprise you when you came home.

When you entered the manor, the entrance was lit with romantic candlelight, rose petals on the ground, and Albert holding a bouquet of roses as soft music played.

Albert happily showed you what he had prepared for your evening.

The dining room had a table decorated, sporting candles and flowers in the middle. It even had neatly folded napkins, as if you were in a high-end restaurant.

The bathroom even had a bathtub filled with bubbles and scented candles.

By the end of dinner, he asked you to be his Valentine, which you happily agreed to.

He definitely has something grand planned for the occasion.

Unfortunately, some nobles started making their move, making you and Albert work on a mission.

Nothing says romance like hunting down corrupt nobles <3

Luckily, you two finished before the end of the day and had time for Albert's plans for Valentine's.

It might be weird to see you two run towards the train station while laughing, but you both didn't care and were relieved to catch the last train.

The rest of the trip went smooth sailing... if you ignore the fact that you forgot to pack some essentials.

Nothing a shopping trip couldn't fix.

Either way, it was a Valentine's you couldn't forget.

William James Moriarty

I think William's way of asking would be either of the two, simple and sweet, or a full-on treasure hunt... or both!

He will ask you on a library date inside the manor to unwind and relax for the afternoon.

The only thing is, the book you picked had a note inside.

It was a riddle, and you could tell at first glance it was William's little game.

You looked for him and saw him acting innocent as he read his book in his nook.

You playfully rolled your eyes as you played along to his game, making William hide his smile as he tried to focus on his book.

Each clue was filled with memories and inside jokes only the two of you shared, leading you to the last clue, which only told you to turn around and answer a question.

You did as it said and saw William holding a basket of lilies and your favorite things.

He asked you to be his Valentine's, and you happily said yes.

On the day, you and William visited Durham University and enjoyed the sights and date spots his students happily suggested.

While you two enjoyed the day, you didn't expect avoiding his students to be a side quest.

You also heard some of them joking about catching their professor on a date, hoping he would heed their advice.

Good thing William came prepared with disguises.

As the sun was about to set, William led you to the university, letting you guess what his last surprise was.

While sneaking into Durham University to use the observatory for stargazing was not one of your guesses, it was definitely a delightful experience.

Louis James Moriarty

He practiced asking you in person countless times in front of the mirror.

How to approach you, making sure he was saying it right, not fumbling in his words, and asking you confidently.

In the morning, he tried to approach you, but he either backed out at the last minute, you two were busy with chores, or someone else was in the room.

He tried to ask again at lunch while you were preparing the food, but Master Jack entered the kitchen, offering a helping hand.

Night came, and Louis was practically defeated.

But he settled in leaving you an extra treat during dinner to ask you instead.

It didn't help his nerves when you sat beside him at the dinner table, though.

As Louis prepared everyone's desserts, you had an extra small plate of elegant chocolate-covered strawberries with chocolate syrup writing: "Will you be my Valentine's?"

In shock, you looked at Louis, who was facing away from you as he gave everyone their dessert.

You smiled as you waited for him to finish.

As Louis gave the last dessert, he hurriedly over to his spot, trying to avoid your gaze as he sat down.

You softly tugged his sleeve and whispered yes, making Louis freeze up as he tried to settle down his burning face.

Fortunately, everyone thought he just had too much to drink that night.

For Valentine's Day, Louis prepared a cozy date for you two to enjoy in the manor. (his brothers made sure no one would bother you two on the day)

Cooking together, making chocolate, trying new recipes, dancing while no one's looking, reading books, snuggling under the covers, and just spending the whole day together sums up your Valentine's.

Sherlock Holmes

Romance isn't exactly this man's forte.

You were walking to 221B Baker Street as Sherlock asked you, but you were surprised to see no one was there.

You carefully walked up to their flat and saw the surprise on the table.

He will most likely leave a real human heart in a glass container with a card saying: "Will you be my Valentine's?" to ask you.

How is it still beating in there? You will never know.

But hey, at least he's got the spirit!

When you check the card, you see it had instructions to open a specific drawer.

Debating whether to ignore or follow along and be greeted by a human brain, you complied and opened the drawer carefully.

Inside were paper iris flowers, a small teddy bear, chocolates, and a pen with another card written Yes and No on it.

You circled yes.

You found out he, John, and Miss Hudson were hiding nearby, unsure how to face you if you didn't agree (despite already dating)

If there isn't a case during Valentine's, he'll likely have a date all over London. He'll take you to places and spots he saw or visited during investigations and wanted to take you there.

During your date, he'll probably get you the most random stuff he wants to give you, ranging from random flowers to a peculiar antique he'd think you like or wants you to have.

When a case does come up, he'll try to put it on hold. But you could tell he really wanted to take it, so your date became an investigation.

He still tries to make it romantic and fun for both of you, thanking you for letting him work, but you reassured him it was still fun watching him deduce and work on a case.

[agentmaxa]

Late to the Game (Uswnt x Reader)

Not Requested

Sorry for any mistake, please enjoy.

"Kelley I swear if you don't-

"Sorry Y/n, I can't hear you from all the way down there."

Kelley teased the youngest player of the national team by resting herself on Y/n while propping herself up.

The 17-year-old let out a huff, as the teammates around them laughed at Kelley's antics. Only a handful of them had seen the look in Y/n's eyes that told them this was about to take a turn.

Taking a large step to the side Y/n caused Kelley to fight gravity which was a losing battle.

O'Hara basically face-planted it on the turf and everyone burst out laughing.

Y/n chucked along as Kelley got up.

"You think that's funny?" Kelley teased.

Y/n replied, "Absolutely hilarious."

Causing O'Hara to purse Y/n while shouting, "Get back here shortstack!"

-----

Y/n went to get a ball from off the sidelines, picking it up in hopes of doing a few tricks to pass the time during a small break in practice.

Until O'Hara bumped into Y/n by accident. "Oh, sorry L/n-"

"It's fine-"

"Guess I just didn't see you from all the way down there."

"It's one freaking inch," Y/n said exasperated, over the fact that Kelley kept pointing it out.

Kelley chucked to herself, "That's what she said."

On any other day, Y/n would have found that humorous as well.

But not today.

"That's it!"

Y/n tackled Kelley to the ground, putting her in a headlock, and attempting to give Kelley a noogie.

They tossed with each other for a few minutes gaining the attention of most of the team.

"Hey look, they're starting a new line of mini WWE Wrestlers for the national team."

Sam and Sonnett joked as they saw Y/n and O'Hara's roughhousing had turned into a little bit of a wrestling match.

Unfortunately, for them, Kelley and Y/n had also heard the comment.

Partially out of breath, Y/n looked at Kelley, "Truce?"

"Truce."

The two grinned and Sonnett and Sam soon realized their mistake.

"Nonononon- wait!"

Nothing was stopping Kelley as she tackled Sonnett to the ground while Y/n pursued Sam.

Chasing her, Y/n gained enough speed to leap onto Sam's back dragging her down to the ground the two laughing as they stayed there for a little.

Only interrupted by the whistle calling the whole team to circle up.

Y/n and Sam got up but saw Kelley had sat on Sonnett's back keeping the woman down.

"O'Hara, I'm warning you."

"I'd like to see you- AAAHH!"

Kelley tried to grasp onto something but Sonnett managed to throw Kelley off and get up.

"How's it feel being down there for a change?" Y/n teased.

"Pretty nice actually, maybe move to the left a bit. You're not blocking the sun enough, mini."

-----

Getting ready to leave for the plane, Y was packing some final things.

"Ready to leave already squirt?"

Letting out a heavy sigh, Y/n turned to O'Hara.

"Almost."

"I'm still not sure how you're okay with this."

"Do I have a choice?"

Kelley shrugged her shoulders.

Y/n wasn't going to the World Cup. Reason being there were more players with more caps under them to choose from. Y/n had done the camps and games but just didn't make the cut.

"I mean I know it's not the worst thing possible for you but just saying you've proved your spot more than enough."

"Let's be real here Kels you just need me so you have a headrest."

"That too."

"Just don't lose too badly out there."

Kelley dawning a hurt expression, "I see how it is."

The woman took Y/n by surprise, taking them both down, and roughhousing ended in fits of laughter.

-----

Y/n was woken by the blaring alarm, "Nnnnooooo."

As tempting as the snooze button was Y/n knew being late wasn't an option.

Gathering some belonging and packed luggage Y/n heard a familiar voice from just beyond the bedroom door.

"Sweetheart you up?"

"Yeah, I'll be downstairs in a few Dad."

Getting everything ready, Y/n left a few things by the front door and headed into the kitchen to see Dad and Papa.

"Ready for another camp, sprout?"

"Yeah, although I do wish you'd stop calling me that. The sprouting has stopped in case you haven't noticed."

"And did I ever say anything when you called me Pop-pop?"

Y/n laughed, "I haven't called you that since I was like eight."

"Your point?"

Y/n let out a chuckle, "Okay Pop-pop. I need to get going, don't want to miss my flight."

"Wait, I packed you a small snack."

"Dad small or normal people small?"

Y/n teased Dad knowing sometimes he over-packed.

"Har-har. I just want you to have options."

"Love you too, old man." Y/n kissed his temple as he drank his coffee grabbing the bag that had the 'snack' in it.

Y/n looked down a little as Papa could kiss the top of Y/n's head.

Hurrying out of the house Y/n heard one of them say, "Call us when you land!"

"Always do!"

-----

Y/n walked into the hotel lobby, not seeing anyone else yet Y/n just checked in with the receptionist.

Heading up to the room, Y/n double-checked for any messages left by the team.

Hearing the elevator open to the room floor Y/n walked out and then did a final check on messages from anyone and saw one from Ash.

'Do you have a tall twin by chance?'

Not even replying Y/n looked to the elevator to see Ash and Ali already trying to figure out who just walked past them.

"Hey, guys."

"Bubs?!"

Ali and Ash both said the nickname they personally had for Y/n, shocked that this was the same person.

"A few inches taller but yeah."

Ash, without warning, ran towards Y/n, clinging to Y/n like a koala to a tree.

"No growing up anymore!"

Y/n lightheartedly chuckled, thinking about how Dad and Papa nearly had the same reaction when noticing the very late and sudden growth spurt.

"Don't worry, I think this is as tall as I go."

Y/n put Ash down. Ali was looking at Ash and Y/n with a smile, noticing Y/n must've only been an inch or two taller than Ash.

"It better be." Ash acknowledged that Y/n was the tallest out of the three.

"Alright, come here bubs." Y/n smiled at Ali, not used to leaning down while hugging the majority of the team.

"It's good to see you guys again."

"I didn't know Sam was here." The three heard Crystal's voice, the hug ending.

Y/n turned around, "Hey Dunn."

The woman just put a hand on her hip, "Well if this isn't a surprise."

"Believe me, I'm still getting used to it myself."

"I'm gonna miss my short buddy."

"I mean I'm pretty sure that just means I give better piggybacks."

-----

Giggling and laughter were heard through the hallway to the cafeteria.

Everyone turned to see who was making the commotion.

Suddenly Y/n came through the doorway with Dunn piggybacking. Both laughed at the situation.

Nearly every person froze. Not seeing Y/n since the last camp before the World Cup.

Dunn got off of Y/n's back, giving the young player a pat between the shoulder blades.

"Shortstack?!"

"Hey, Kels," Y/n said nervously as Kelley's jaw went slack.

"You're.... you're..."

"Tower of Power 2.o?"

As Kelley continued to fumble Sam walked up to Y/n, "Damn, yeah. Welcome to tall people club."

Sam smiled seeing Y/n was still around an inch shorter than her.

While everyone went back to what they were doing before the chaos, Sam and Y/n sat together with Kelley, Sonnett, and a few others.

"Hitting your head a lot?" Sam inquired.

"Not as much, mainly when I just don't think about it."

"Don't worry, you'll learn to auto-duck."

Y/n chuckled, "I think I'll just miss the lost bed space. My bed feels so small now."

Sam nodded in solace.

"The price we pay."

"Were you bitten by a radioactive spider?"

The whole table kind of froze and slowly turned to Kelley.

"Not that I recall?" Y/n answered a little confused

"I'll find out soon enough."

"You wanna tango with my extra muscle, O'Hara?"

While not the most notable change in Y/n, the growth spurt caused Y/n to eat more and in turn, needed to work off more food. It also meant more time in the gym to work out some muscles.

Kelley thinking Y/n just meant the height difference mumbled, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall."

Y/n shrugged the woman off.

"Well, none of that matters because now I get to ride all the grown-up rides!"

The enthusiasm caused the room to erupt in laughter.

[sunarots]

so high school ━━━ atsumu miya

39. petty ♡

The sun peaks through Atsumu's curtains, brightening up the darkness behind your eyelids. You groan, rolling over to pull Atsumu closer to you. When you reach out and feel nothing but the bed, you sigh knowing that you should probably get up if even he was awake before you.

You grab one of Atsumu's hoodies from its spot on the floor, giving it a quick sniff before pulling it down over your head. You take a quick glance in his mirror, flattening down your hair in an attempt to look the least bit presentable. You pull the door open, hearing far-off whispers from the kitchen. You try to strain and catch what's being said, assuming Atsumu's telling them about last night's confession, yet you can't hear what anyone's saying.

Rubbing at your eyes to clear the sleep from them, you make your way towards the voices. "Morning!" you call through, the talking stopping.

"Uh- mornin', angel!" Atsumu calls back to you before whispering something else. He steps in front of you before you can enter the room, a sheepish smile on his face. "How'd ya sleep?"

You smile up at him. "Pretty good. I'm starving though, can I get through?"

Atsumu looks behind himself and tightens his grip on the doorframe, pausing before stammering out a reply. "Um, why don't I bring it out to ya? Go back to bed!"

You furrow your eyebrows, trying to see past him. "What are you hiding?"

He shakes his head, tries to assure you it's nothing. "It's okay, angel. I'll take it to ya-"

You manage to get him to move out of the way, revealing to you the kitchen full of your friends. You feel yourself shrink when their eyes all set on you.

Atsumu rests his back against the counter, pulling you towards him and draping his arms around your neck whilst you faced the boys. "Tell her what ya just told me," he says, narrowing his eyes at them all.

"We are all so sorry for how we reacted," Wakatoshi starts, straightening up his posture on the other side of the room. "We acted like children. We should have heard you out."

"We thought you were making up the entire relationship, and you slipped up on the story. And then when you came in still all loving with him, we thought that... We thought so wrong. We were thinking, at least own up to it. But we should have given you the chance to explain yourself at the game. You must have felt so..." Kuroo trails off, eyes settling on the floor.

Kageyama takes a step forward, his hands shoved inside of his pockets. "When Atsumu told us what dicks we were, we snapped back into reality. I- I'm sorry. I am. I was thinking that we'd fought over nothing and I was hurt. I thought you were throwing our friendship away for a fake relationship. I feel like even more of a dick than I was already being."

You press your lips together in a tight line, a futile attempt to stop your tears from falling. You lean back fully against Atsumu and smile a little. "You guys must feel really bad if he's said the words I'm sorry."

Kageyama laughs along with you, removing a hand from his pocket and wiping the sweat from his forehead. "More exhausting than the match yesterday. Can I go lie down?"

You look up at Atsumu and smile. He uses one of his thumbs to wipe away your tears before dropping his arm back in place.

"Right, not to ruin yer moment, but I need to go to practice. Can I trust ya not to turn on y/n before I come back?"

"Depends on how much she talks about you, Tobio needs time to recover from his embarrassing loss yesterday."

Atsumu burts out laughing at Wakatoshi's comment, kissing your cheek before making his way out. Before he leaves, he turns with a wide smile. "Make sure ya talk about me a lot. Ya need revenge on them!"

You roll your eyes at him, pushing yourself to sit up on the kitchen counter. Your eyes drift over everyone, trying to fight your smile.

"So, you love him?" Kenma speaks up for the first time, leaning forward to look past Kuroo.

The smile creeps out despite your attempt to compress it. "I... I'm getting there. I'm almost there," you admit, resting your hands in your lap.

"When I ask this, it's not a dig," Tobio clarifies, clearing his throat. "Does he treat you well? Genuinely?"

You nod your head quickly. "He does. He's the best. He's such a sweetheart, nothing like what everyone says. I can tell that when he says he loves me that he's telling the truth. He shows it all the time, too. I managed to get him to watch horror movies with me. He's agreed to watch the Saw franchise, I don't know how I did that. I'm proud of myself." You turn your attention to Wakatoshi. "I can't believe you took me out of your twitter bio."

He lowers his head, Kuroo dramatising a gasp. "I'm sorry. I feel-"

"I'm only teasing. But still, that was a new level of petty, I love it," you interrupt, waving your hand. "Wakatoshi, you are now officially my number one hype man."

Tobio's jaw drops, turning his head between the pair of you. He scoffs, crossing his arms over his chest. "I can't believe how easy you replaced me. I've hardly been gone."

"Hey, be lucky any of you are even in here right now. Atsu was pissed. What did he say to you guys?"

Kenma raises an eyebrow. "You don't know?"

Shaking your head, you look around them all suspiciously. "I didn't even know he spoke to you guys. I thought he just had to do something with his team."

"He pointed out we treated you like shit. He slapped Ushiwaka with his words. He also kept calling you the love of his life," Kenma says, shrugging his shoulders. "It was gross. But he was right. We all feel like shit for what we did."

“As long as next time you guys actually hear me out, then we’re fine,” you joke, lowering yourself off the kitchen counter. “Now, how about we watch a movie? That way, we don’t upset Kags by talking too much about my boyfriend who destroyed his team yesterday?”

masterlist. previous | next

summary. after your best friend reveals he’s moving out of your shared flat, you’re presented with a tough choice: let one of the creeps who are begging you to let them move in with you, or find a cheaper flat in another area of town. a do-over couldn’t have come at a better time for you, but your only option for a place to stay is with someone your best friend knew from high school, and his two teammates.

taglist (open!). @reignsaway @yuminako @thiisisntlovely @diorzs @aboutkiyoomi @spicana @bakingcuriosity @kr1nqu @savemebrazilhinata @dazqa @sereniteav @beckxisxinxlovexwithxjin @sleezzsister @hermaeusmorax @giocriedpower @sophosphorescent @gigiiiiislife @zazathezaer @rrosiitas @iaminyourfloors @writing-for-the-hell-of-it @sillygooseymood @ellouisa17 @wakashudou @punkhazardlaw @arminswife12 @libbymeows @thomatri @nanamis-right-tiddie @xerophyides @softpia @from-mae @nymphsdomain @eccedentesiast-sapphic @luvly-writer @tojirin @corvid007 @lollbecca @ferntv @mochroialainn

[jexnkookie]

BTS: In the Secret (Idol! Jungkook x Reader) [Chapter 3]

Summary: Big Hit announces a new season of In the Soop with a twist; one lucky Army is going to join the members for an entire summer of filming, picked by a random poll. You were selected, and ready to have an amazing summer. But what happens when you win something else that's a bit more complicated; the heart of the group's maknae?

Rating: M (18+)

Chapter Warnings: None.

Tag List: @cassies-cookies @hoeinthehouse @jjeonjjk7 @kaitieskidmore97 @leetha43 @rrosiitas @whoa-jo

As the sun went down, Yoongi made good on his promise to share his whiskey with you. A bet is a bet, after all. But once the other members saw the bottles coming out of their hiding place in the kitchen, suddenly everyone had an empty glass that needed to be filled. A few drinks led to everyone sitting in the living room together, talking and enjoying each other’s company. Jungkook, however, was still stewing over the events earlier that day in the pool. It was burned into his brain, and it just wouldn’t stop until he talked to someone about it. Jin, who was seated right next to him, seemed to be the best solution. 

“Hyung?” Jungkook said softly, not wanting to draw attention to the conversation. “What game were you playing with Y/N in the pool?” 

“Just water guns. She beat me!” He laughed. “I thought I had her, but Taehyung protected her.” 

“Mhm.” Jungkook pursed his lips, watching as you sat next to Taehyung and smiled at him warmly. “They get along well, don’t they?” 

“Ah, I think I see what you’re getting at.” Jin whispered as he followed Jungkook’s eyesight to note what had his attention. “Someone in this room has a bit of a crush on Y/N. Don’t worry, hyung’s got this.” 

Jungkook’s eyes widened and his stomach sank at Jin’s words. As Jin stood up, seemingly to get everyone’s attention, Jungkook felt like melting into the couch until he was completely hidden into the cushions. Whatever the oldest member meant by that, it wasn’t going to be what Jungkook had in mind. 

“Why don’t we place truth or dare?” Jin asked the group of drunk faces. “Taehyung, you want to go first?” 

“Uh…. sure?” He question, sitting up a bit straighter as eyes fell on him. “I guess dare?” 

“I dare you to…..” Jin thought for a moment, before landing on his decision. “I dare you to kiss Y/N.” 

If someone had dropped a pin in the room, anyone could’ve heard it. Everyone held their breath, not knowing how you would react. Jungkook’s eyes grew even wider as he stared at you, his heart beating fast in his chest. As he focused on your face to gauge your reaction, ready to jump in if you were showing signs of being uncomfortable, Hoseok watched him in a similar way. Understanding how sensitive Jungkook really is, Hobi wanted to make sure he was ok while also respecting his decision not to reveal his feelings. 

“Hyung, c’mon, Y/N doesn’t have to do this.” Taehyung pouted, before turning to you. “We’ve just been drinking, and we play dumb games when we drink…” 

“No, it’s ok.” You said, smiling politely. “I don’t mind. It’s just one little kiss, what’s the harm?” 

“A-Are you sure?” Taehyung clarified, his big brown eyes looking into yours in surprise. “It’s really ok if you don’t want to.” 

“Seriously, what’s the big deal?” You giggled, clearly influenced a bit by Yoongi’s whiskey. “Watch, we’ll do it right now.” 

To say Jungkook was fuming would be an understatement. Watching you lean towards Taehyung and give him a quick, innocent peck on the lips, making the man’s cheeks blush, was more than he could take. Even though you clearly meant nothing by it, and Jungkook knew you were just playing the game, he had had enough of the show. The room felt heavy to him, like he couldn’t breathe under its weight. 

“I’m going to bed.” He announced bluntly, making everyone turn away from you and Taehyung to face him.

“Yeah, I uh… I think we’ve all probably had enough to drink.” Yoongi coughed before gathering up the glasses. “I think that’s a good call.” 

Jungkook glared at Taehyung, who was too busy looking at your lips like a toddler eyeing a jar of candy, to notice. The youngest member walked out of the room, trying his best not to look so obviously effected by something so small. Bam greeted him at the door of the guest house with a wagging tail, but the wagging stopped as Jungkook barged right past his pup, ready to throw himself into bed and sulk. 

He laid there alone, in the dark, trying to lighten the heaviness in his chest. His thoughts raced, and he knew he had to get you alone. Unable to sleep due to his racing thoughts, he heard the front door open and your voice giggling alongside Taehyung’s. You were obviously trying to be quiet, assuming that Jungkook was asleep, but he listened in on every word. His heart sank knowing you were with Taehyung, because he didn’t have a bedroom in this guest house. Why would he come here with you? 

“I’m really sorry.” Taehyung whispered to you, not wanting to wake Jungkook. As your bedroom was right next to Jungkook’s, he listened in to your conversation. “I hope you didn’t feel pressured to do that.” 

“No, it’s really ok!” You whispered back. “It’s just a game, right? It didn’t mean anything.” 

“Yeah.” Taehyung smiled warmly, before glancing down at your lips. Jungkook frowned at the lingering silence, wanting so badly to walk out of his bedroom and see what was happening. 

What he would’ve seen, however, is a very awkward looking you, not knowing how to excuse yourself politely from the moment. Taehyung was handsome, sure, but what had happened was an innocent game, same as in the pool. You hadn’t felt a spark, things just happened. 

“I, um.. I should go to bed. I’m so tired.” You lied, laughing the moment off. Thankfully, Taehyung smiled warmly, picking up on the hint. 

“Yeah, I get it.” His deep voice said. “Goodnight, Y/N.” 

Jungkook smirked to himself, his inner self bouncing up and down excitedly.  That’s my girl. He thought to himself, biting his lip to contain his happiness. 

As soon as Taehyung left, you felt like you could breathe for possibly the first time since you arrived back at your room. You took a second to yourself before noticing Bam, staring directly at you with his puppy eyes as his tail slowly wiggled at finally having your attention. 

“Hey, baby.” You smiled, bending down to encourage him to come to you. He did, sitting in front of you and wagging his tail more excitedly. “Why didn’t Jungkook put you to bed?” 

Fuck. Jungkook thought to himself. He was so ready to be alone in bed, he had completely forgotten his pup’s routine. Jungkook leaped out of bed, and walked out to see you on the floor with his dog. 

“H-Hey.” He stuttered, immediately going soft, but trying so hard to play it cool. “You’re still up?” 

“Mhm.” You hummed. “I should probably go to bed, but I can’t sleep yet.” 

“Me either.” Jungkook admitted. God, she’s so pretty. He thought. “I forgot to take Bam out… Wanna come with?” 

“Sure.” You replied, smiling softly as you looked up at him.

“Sure! Yeah, ok.” He said energetically, mentally cursing himself for tripping over his words. “Let’s go, Bam.” 

“Come on, baby. Let’s go outside!” You said excitedly, getting Bam wound up for his excursion. Jungkook smile widened as he headed towards the door, opening it for you and Bam to exit first before he followed. 

He stood next to you in the dark, and the silence was almost overwhelming. He wanted to talk to you so badly, but when he searched his brain for something to say, his anxiety took over and he came up with nothing. He settled for just looking over at you, as you were too distracted by Bam’s playfulness to notice his gaze. He focused on your lips, and how soft they looked. Your hair, and how it seemed to fall perfectly, even when it’s a bit messy. He wanted to wrap himself around you and hold you, to keep you warm. 

Warm. Warm. 

You must be freezing, and he didn’t even think about it. 

“Are you cold?” He asked, suddenly worried. “Here, take my sweatshirt. I’ve got a shirt underneath, it’s fine.”

“Then you’ll be cold.” You laughed gently. “I’m ok. Really.” 

“Please, just wear it.” He insisted, already slipping out of the black sweatshirt. Playfully, he slipped it over your head as though catching and dressing a toddler while you giggled, making his nose scrunch in adoration.  

“Fine, you win.” You laughed, situating the sweatshirt so it sat correctly on your frame. 

“Better?” He asked. 

“Better. Thanks.” 

“Anytime.” His voice went soft. 

While you looked at him with a smile, you realized this was the first time you had spent any real time alone with Jungkook. You couldn’t deny that he was obviously cute, and despite your short time knowing him, he had been so sweet to you. They all have been, but for some reason, spending time alone with Jungkook really emphasized how drawn you were to him for some reason you couldn’t quite put your finger on. 

“Hey.” You whispered softly, realizing just how long you’ve been looking at each other.

“Hey.” He smiled. 

“Do you know what everyone has planned tomorrow?” You asked, and Jungkook shook his head. “Well… Do youhave any ideas on what we could do? I’m down to hang out if you want, but I don’t have anything in mind.” 

“Y-Yeah, uh…” Jungkook stuttered, clear surprise lacing his voice. “I think it’s supposed to rain tomorrow so… movie day? Maybe?” 

“That sounds fun.” You smiled. “Let’s do it.” 

“Cool.” He grinned, absolutely giddy that somehow he was able to get you to himself. 

You both walked back to the guest house with Bam following next to Jungkook. You both said your goodnights and retreated to your room for the night. You felt less like sleeping than you did before your time outside, and you realized you were wearing Jungkook’s sweatshirt still. He never asked for it back. Shrugging, but feeling your heart beat a bit faster, you snuggled into it while on your bed. 

Jungkook, laying in his bed on the other side of the wall, also noticed you never asked to give it back. He wasn’t going to ask for it, he wanted you to keep it. Smiling to himself, feeling butterflies in his chest, he also struggled to sleep. His thoughts raced, and he silently hoped you fell asleep in his sweatshirt. 

Next Chapter: x

[pa-pa-patato]

Headcanons (I have not done this in hot minute)

•cuphead always had mug following him as kids

•when Boris was told he wasn’t allowed to bite he took that as being allowed to hit other kids when they annoyed him (was genuinely confused when bendy got mad at him for it)

•Alice’s mom never allowed violence or fights but her dad would cheer on his children anytime he saw the fight (will pretend scold then after if they weren’t in the wrong)

•bendy has face blindness cause I say so

•when he was younger cuphead really wanted to learn how to dance but he never had time and the time he did have was not enough since he’s not a natural

•Boris has a bite mark on his arm from bendy

•Boris also has a scar across his neck which is the reason he wear the bandana (the scar is barely visible and covered by his fire but he’s so used to wearing the bandana that he still put it on)

•Boris and Felix can smell if someone is pregnant

•Boris got used to bendy remaining him to do things like brush his teeth and fur or take showers ext. so when bendy stopped doing it cause stress and what not Boris also stopped cause he forgot

•everyone of the questers had a very realistic nightmare of bendy dying from the ink illness except for bendy

•bendy was supposed be a zanny but never was able because of his living conditions. But he’s still somewhat zanny and will sometimes quote Morden memes

•Alice used to always play dad in house game so she could marry her female friends

•cupbros once found a baby in the middle of nowhere and had no idea what to do so they just brought it hat who freaked out since demon being seen with a baby is super suspicious

•bendy loves to bath in the sun but he’s always to hot to stay long (a nudge to my other hc that he’s supposed shed his skin in the summer)

•bendy is a very slow eater so he has to hurry up when eating with everyone which usually leaves with either stomach ache or being hungry later on

•bendy wants to make dolls that look like all of the quester but worried he’ll be seen as weird and creepy

•bendys hair is magical representation of how in control he is of his magic he used wonder why his hair was always messy no matter how many times he brushed it

•once hat punished cuphead he out of anger just chewed on his desk living marks all over it

•if bendy was raised in hell he would’ve had been a child prodigy

•bendy would pull on Boris’s cheek instead of his ears cause they are sensitive

•he now pulls on anyone’s cheek when they do something stupid out habit

•Oswald and Fanny had really nosy neighbors that saw them kissing one time and tried to spread it around the neighborhood but everyone thought they were just spreading rumors

•once while they were training Boris suddenly remembered all fear and anger he felt while cupbros were chasing them and he just knocked cuphead to the ground shocking everyone including himself

•holly is trying to make a tracker so she doesn’t have to worry about where the questers are

•Boris used to be awful at cooking so much so that he somehow burned down half the kitchen trying to make noodles

•granny insists they all do an ugly sweater contest and to have a photo taken with it all of them on holidays

•cuphead once took a a little bird as a pet and was such a positive influence on him. Unfortunately he came to his bird dead on his bed after he disobeyed hats orders

•baby and snowball pretended to be each other and bendy and holly play along cause it’s so cute

•bendy can’t die from blood loss

•Boris made a small sign that said “I am not free and have a loving home” that he pulls out whenever he’s left alone somewhere

•bendy was always shamed for asking to many questions or was called annoying so he stopped asking. He now just stays close to Holly hoping she’ll ask a question he wants

•bendy also made a lot theories about the machine and his magic that he just keeps in his room not showing then to anyone even tho they could help

•Alice always wanted to be the one that proposes when she thought about getting married

•ebi wants to be friends with bendy but has no idea how to socialize

•Boris can be absolutely brutal if he wants to roast somebody it takes everyone by surprise except bendy that heard worse from him

•bendy got so happy when he realized he could hug Alice as hard as he could without hurting her

•every demon goes to all seven stages of grief when they find out about sexism and homophobia on the surface

•if Alice is flying cuphead will just pull on her leg in the direction he want her to go

•bendy once coughed out an entire knife. He never ate a knife. He doesn’t know where the knife came from. But now he has a cool knife

•mugs used to have freckles

•holly and bendy have the absolute worst taste in crushes

[angelcakestarlet]

salvatore part 3.0

richie jerimovich x reader

warnings: age gap, cheating (eventually) (guys it's for the plot i swear), drugs mentioned, swearing.

guys this part is gonna be divided into two bc it didn't fit into one post :< they've been posted at the same time, u can find part 3.5 on my acc! thanks 4 all the love cuties <3

most people would call richie an asshole, it was just his nature y'know? how he walked around with that smirk you couldn't wipe off his face, fucking with cousin, trying to 'man the ship' and take control with his abrasive voice and attitude. after you got hired at the beef though, everyone wondered to what extent of an asshole richie really was. carmy and tina were on his ass the most, gifting him a quick smack on the shoulder or upside the head whenever they caught him staring at you, eyes trailing you out the door. they knew he could be an asshole, obviously, but they wondered if he was really the type of guy to take one look at your gleaming eyes and full cheeks and not be able to help himself. everyone in the kitchen called you 'baby', there was no avoiding how obviously young you were. richie knew, of course he knew, the way you looked up at him through your long lashes. the bags under your eyes nowhere near as dark and deep as his or carmy's. you were achingly sweet, and it killed him. when you smiled at him, bidding him his daily 'good morning, richie!' he felt his teeth rot in his mouth. like he wanted to store you away in his pocket and never let anyone ruin that sparkle you held behind your eyes. yet at the same time, if it was up to him, he could be the one to do it. a reminder he felt every time he played with the ring on his left hand. god, he could ruin your life if you let him. it's not like actively wanted to, but whenever he caught a glimpse of the sun hitting your soft skin he felt something intangible. so when you came up behind the alley and sat next to him on your first day, and he saw the way your glossed lips wrapped around his cigarette he knew he couldn't help himself, he wouldn't. he saw it that day, a part of you is sick enough to want this too. from that point on, you play along. his sweet names for you, soft touches, like he wanted to guide you, teach you. 

"tell baby she can't be ringing in the orders all at once, cousin!" carmy yelled over at richie through the expo. "well maybe if you picked up the pace, did the damn system the way it's meant to be done you'd get it done, cousin." richie yells back rolling his eyes, he was being stubborn about all of carmen's new 'rules'. "just tell her, asshole!". richie threw his hands up, exiting the kitchen to find you ringing in orders on the new tablet that only you can seem to figure out. he comes up beside you, gently pulling your hand off the screen. you turn, recognizing richie's strong cigarette and minty aroma. "cousin's being a little bitch so i'm just gonna need you to slow down on ringing in orders. alright, sweetheart?" he nods his head towards you. "oh shit, i'm sorry richie i forgot you guys were short staffed today! if you want i can help back there-" richie chuckles at you stumbling over your words. "no no, don't worry about it, doll. you keep your pretty little self up here-" he grabs your shoulders facing you back towards your tables, "and let me worry about what's going on back there". you let out a small laugh and agree, feeling his big hands gripping your shoulders. "keep raking in those tips, baby!" he yells back as he makes his way back into the kitchen. "yo, you told her, cousin?" carmy questions as richie walks back into the hectic kitchen. "yeah fuck off, she's doing great out there. that face brings in the big bucks man" sydney throws her head back at his words, "richie you can't be saying that! i think even the way you look at her is an HR violation." "syd, fuck off, i am HR" he responds with a cocky tone making sydney roll her eyes.

it was a few days after the day of the game, and the little show richie put on to protect you from some drunk asshole. he had laughed to himself the entire way home, imagining your 'boyfriend' picking you up that night. and every night after work as a matter of fact. how you'd go home to him and lay in bed thinking about richie. his hands, the scruff on his face, the shadow his figure casted over you when he stood behind you, the way his gaze imprinted on you, and the way his voice changed when directed towards you. richie could always clock the want in your eyes, almost like you would surrender yourself to whatever would fall from his mouth. finding out about your boyfriend just confirmed his suspicions; you were just the type of girl who's looking for someone to take good care of her. 

it was the following friday night after a particularly stressful shift at the beef (when wasn't it) and tina had rounded everyone up, convincing everyone to head to the bar. "ugh, but tina i'm all sweaty" you frowned, always wanting to head out looking your best. "baby throw on a dress and some lipstick and i promise you'll look just fine, mija." she came up to you, reaching up to flatten your fly aways with her small hands. "plus who you trying to look good for anyways, richie?" she laughed but then quickly noticed your red face and paused. "what?" you asked slowly with a nervous tinge. "don't tell me you got the hots for richie, girl." she looked at you, eyebrows as crinkled as ever. after your lack of response she let out a long sig, "ay no, niña. i love that boy, i really do but he is bad news. plus baby he's too old for you, my god, and you're too pretty. no no no you stay away from him." she ranted on before you could even get a word in. "no, tina! i don't, I promise!" you exclaimed, she stared unconvinced, "plus i've got a boyfriend". "hmmm, okay, i'm watching you girl. go get ready." her tone still sounded unconvinced, just a bit more at ease knowing you're at least 'taken'. you quickly composed yourself in the dim fluorescent's of the beef's bathroom as everyone made their way to the bar. slapping on some lipstick, your hoops, and trying to manage as much of your hair as you could. "wepa!! look at you, come on let's go before everyone gets drunk by the time we get there" tina pulls you off into her car. 

pt 3.5 up now!!

[rai-chuuuu]

helloo can i request Boyfriend Things with Nct127 members<3 thanks

╰┈➤ nct (127) boyfriend things !

boyfriend things... (0.7k words)

pairing ; every member x gn!reader

warnings ; I dont even know????

TO THE PERSON THAT REQUESTED JAEHYUN AND FOOTBALL PLAYING Y/N, I AM SO SORRY FOR THE WAIT. I'M NOT TRYING TO AVOID THE REQUEST BUT I'M SO STUMPED ABOUT IT 😭

Taeyong - If there’s one thing you should know about Taeyong, it’s that he tries to spend tons of time with you. Even if his schedule is almost full, he gives his best effort. After long days, expect to do some stuff like play games, have a movie marathon, or even go shopping. When it comes to little things, it depends on the weather. When it’s sunny outside, Taeyong will take you out to enjoy the sun and how it feels. On the contrary, he loves staying inside and napping with you when it’s raining or snowing.

Johnny - Despite Johnny helping almost everyone he knows, he helps you out the most. His aid ranges from assistance with getting something to kind words and affirmations. It comes from a state of care. He makes sure to take care of you and treats you like a prized possession. No matter how sweet that is, there’s a downside. When going out to an amusement park, Johnny always drags you along on drop-off rides. Whether or not you’re scared of heights, it’s something you should prepare for.

Yuta - Something sweet Yuta does is rest on you. Because he doesn’t use a pillow, there are times when he prefers lying on you for comfort reasons. It’s extremely cute, but he always manages to wake you up since he wakes up earlier. You should always expect to be out a ton on off days, mainly due to disliking staying inside. You always have fun with Yuta, so that’s what really matters. 

Doyoung - Similarly to Taeil, Doyoung has a good memory, so he knows exactly what to get you every single time. If you said you enjoyed a certain dish or outfit, it’s something that he’ll give you, even if it’s years later. It’s extremely impressive and always such a surprise to you. On a good day, you’ll catch Doyoung in the kitchen baking a treat for the both of you. He has to put that baking talent somewhere, you know. 

Jaehyun - Jaehyun enjoys taking care of you more than—almost—anything. It doesn't really matter what he does in particular, but it’s always nice to be treated nicely. Honestly, the only bad thing about Jaehyun is that he’d brag about a lot of things, although they're not even that serious. It’s really him trying to show off to impress you, which is pretty sweet. Whenever this happens, he seems to get a bit embarrassed after it. You can always tell when his ears get red.

Jungwoo - He gets you all kinds of Snoopy-related items solely to remind you of him. Jungwoo has given you accessories, kitchen sets, and so much more that is just... Snoopy. You don’t know if he mainly does this to you or if it’s normal, but there’s not much of a complaint. Jungwoo would try to scare you with his imitation skills, which work a lot more than they really should. Sometimes you know it’s him doing it, but it’s the fact that you don't expect it that gets to you.

Mark - For someone who mainly takes out the trash and helps with laundry when it comes to the group, Mark is weirdly insistent on helping you with chores. You could be doing the dishes, and he’ll ask if you need help, but he will still do them if you say no. The only “bad” thing he would do is offer to take you out to get something you want, then take you to a totally different spot to eat his favorite food with him. It’s not the worst, but it is a bit odd.

Haechan - Haechan likes to keep the place clean, which is always handy when you don’t actually feel like doing anything. He likes to tidy up with music, which is always a nice touch. There’s just something about him that makes me want to believe he would torture you in the weirdest ways, like making you watch his dancing without music, which is oddly uncomfortable. There isn’t a reason for this. It just happens. Haechan would probably eat your food but say that you “just forgot you already ate it” to get away with it.

[fandomfucker]

Poly Judgement Day x reader where reader has an anxiety disorder that acts up randomly one day and they try to calm reader down?

I would like to preface this by saying this is what helps me with my anxiety. Everyone is different and different things help but this is what helps me to calm down. The symptoms and stuff are also based on my own experiences. I hope you enjoy!!

TRIGGER-mentions of an anxiety attack and anxiety symptoms

Word count-1,865

It had started off a glorious Saturday morning. Finally, being able to sleep in after two full weeks of non-stop work or travel. I woke up to the sun streaming in through the cracks in the blinds onto my partners and my shared king beds. We liked to sleep in one bed more often than not so when we all moved into our house together, we decided that the second living room upstairs would be our bedroom and had a door installed in the entryway and two king-sized beds pushed together for room for all five of us to sleep together.

I woke up on my stomach, sprawled across two of my partners like a starfish. My head and right hand rested on Dominik's chest and my legs were off to the other side, resting on Finn's lower thighs and knees. I looked across from me to see Rhea still fast asleep, her head resting on the other side of Dom's chest. Deciding I wanted coffee, I rolled over onto my back, facing Finn, who was awake and on his phone.

"Good morning," He whispered to me trying not to wake the others, his voice still thick with sleep. 

"Mornin'," I smiled sleepily at him, raising my hand to rub at my eyes. I looked around, noticing that we were a member short. "Where's Damian?" I asked whispering, still not wanting to accidentally wake up the other two who were still cuddled up so cute.

"In the kitchen makin' breakfast. Said he'd come get us when it's ready." Finn informed me. I nodded slowly and yawned, causing Finn to laugh lightly at me. I scowled and slapped his chest lightly in mock offense before shifting my position to lay more on him than Dom with my head on his shoulder so I could see his phone.

I watched him scroll through TikTok for the next several minutes, occasionally seeing an edit of one or more of us and liking it before sending it to me so that I'd be able to re-watch it later on my own and repost it. 

“Ooh wait go back,” I whispered to Finn, scrolling back up to the previous video on his feed. It was about a new horror movie coming out. Just then, Damian waltzed into the room wearing nothing but his underwear and a ‘kiss the cook’ apron Rhea had given him as a gift for Christmas last year. 

“Are you not freezing?” I asked him, scrunching up my nose a little as I wrapped my blanket around me a bit tighter, my bottom lip starting to quiver a little. 

Damian just scoffed at me, smiling and shaking his head lightly. “Breakfast is ready downstairs.” He gestured towards Rhea and Dom who were still asleep, “You two go ahead, I’ll wake them up.”

Excitedly, I rolled on top of and over Finn to get off the bed before he even had a chance to move a muscle, taking my fuzzy Halloween cat blanket with me. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed Damian’s cheek as I walked past him, muttering a small ‘good morning’ and ‘thank you’ before making my way downstairs.

Damian had already set out a prepared plate for each of us in our usual spots, along with our preferred drink. I bounced over to my spot, gripping my coffee mug with both hands. It was iced coffee, always iced coffee, but I favor the mugs.

I took a long slow sip, savoring the flavors Damian decided to surprise me with this morning. “Strawberry and chocolate?” I asked as I saw him walking into the kitchen/dining room, along with my other three partners in tow.

“Nope,” Damian replied smugly. “Raspberry and white chocolate with a splash of cheesecake.”

Damian and I have a ritual-esque thing where every morning Damian makes me a coffee and I have to guess the flavors in it. It’s all just fun and games and bragging rights but we enjoy it. However, the more weird flavors they come out with the harder it is for me to guess. We had so many of the little syrup bottles at this point we could open our own coffee shop.

“The fuck?” I replied, in both shock and nausea. “Who in their right mind would make a cheesecake coffee syrup flavor? I mean, don’t get me wrong this is delicious but come on people.”

All four of them burst into laughter at me as I grumpily dropped into my seat. Taking the silverware that had been placed next to my plate, I began to cut into the chocolate chip waffles Damian had so graciously made us.

After actually drowning each piece in maple syrup, I shoved several pieces into my mouth at once. I groaned lightly in pleasure at the taste as my partners all smiled in amusement.

“Good (Y/n)?” Dominik asked me, a teasing lilt to his voice. 

“Mmhmm!” I nodded in satisfaction. “Very,” I spoke, my voice muffled by the copious amount of waffle in my mouth, rocking side to side in my seat a little bit in my ‘happy dance’.

Damian smiled at me in thanks as he began to dig in along with the rest of my partners.

After breakfast, the five of us lay lounging around in our living room. The boys were all focused on the TV, watching a tattoo competition show while Rhea scrolled through her mentions on social media and I read a book on my Kindle. I was sat next to Rhea on the couch with my back against the armrest with my thighs on hers, my feet resting in Dominik’s lap next to her. Finn and Damian were cuddled together in the armchair next to the couch.

As I read my book, I noticed that my heart rate had started to pick up and my palms became sweaty. My hands started to get that all-too-familiar tingly feeling that started when my hands would go numb. I cleared my throat, trying to just push past the growing anxiety that had come up out of nowhere.

I tried to submerse myself back into my story but found my thoughts to be too much and too fast to focus. I scooted a bit closer to Rhea, laying my head on her shoulder, hoping to ground myself a little.

My breathing started to become shallower like I was breathing through a straw while someone was sitting on my chest and I felt the all too familiar lump in my throat that made it hard to swallow.

"You okay baby?" Rhea asked me, concern written all over her face as she noticed my signs.

I nodded in response, "Yeah, I just don't feel too good right now."

Dominik frowned and reached over Rhea to put the back of his hand on my forehead to check for a fever. After a few seconds, he turned his attention from my face to the concerned faces of our partners, shaking his head softly to indicate that I didn’t have a fever.

“What doesn’t feel good (Y/n)?” Finn asked me softly, not wanting to scare me from answering.

“I just feel like I c-can’t breathe and my hearts too fast and now I’m starting to feel lightheaded and-” Rhea cut me off before I could finish, pulling my face to the crook of her neck as she stroked my hair. 

I lifted myself up to straddle her hips, getting as close to her as possible, as I stuck my face in her neck. She stroked my hair with one hand and drew circles on my back with the other.

I grabbed Dom’s outstretched hand from beside me and brought it close to my chest, between Rhea and me, as I absentmindedly played with his fingers, tracing the tattoos I knew better than my own.

Finn got up to go get me one of Rhea’s hoodies, knowing her smell would calm me down. The boys would try new colognes all the time but Rhea’s perfume was a constant. And due to her always smelling the same, her scent became a grounding source for me. Having my nose in her neck helped but being fully encapsulated by it was best.

Dominik stroked one of my hands with his thumb as I continued to hold it, bringing his other hand up to brush the hair out of my face. I saw Damian out of the corner of my eye get up and walk over to the bookshelf to grab my coloring book and markers.

Dom removed his hand from my face to reach over and grab the TV remote off of the coffee table. A few seconds later and his hand was stroking my temple as the laughter from my comfort show, Impractical Jokers, played quietly throughout the living room.

Finn came jogging back in with one of Rhea’s Motionless in White hoodies, my favorite of hers to steal. I pulled myself away from Rhea just long enough to slip the hoodie over my head before my face was back in her neck.

“Hey, it’s okay, love. Let’s do your breathing exercise, mhm?” Rhea spoke softly to me, still stroking my hair. 

Damian came back over to ua, sitting himself down on the floor next to Rhea's foot, just below where I was sitting. I heard him set my coloring supplies on the coffee table before feeling his hand on my lower back.

“Breathe in for four. Hold for four. Breathe out for four. Hold for four. Breathe in for four. Hold for four. Breathe out for four. Hold for four.” Rhea coached me as we did my breathing box exercise. It had been something I’d thought stupid when my doctor recommended it but now use on a semi-regular basis.

“Good job, Darling,” Rhea whispered into my ear as I slowly started to pull myself away from her, being able to breathe again. My hands had started to regain feeling again and feel less fuzzy while the lump in my throat grew smaller. I turned myself around on her lap, my back against her front, and folded her arms across my hips like a human lap belt.

Dominik was on the couch next to us while Damien and Finn were both on the floor in front of me. “Can I have my coloring book please?” I whispered to both of the boys in front of me. 

“‘Course, Love,” Finn replied sweetly, handing me the book as he placed the box of markers on the couch next to me against the armrest where I was originally sitting.

I smiled in thanks as I flipped the book open to the last page I’d worked on. As I switched my main focus between the show and my coloring, I took a second to appreciate my wonderful partners.

Rhea’s arms wrapped around me, her thumbs stroking my hip bones while she nuzzled my neck. Dominik next to me who kept one hand stroking my thigh. Damian and Finn in front of me, each massaging one of my feet. 

I’m so incredibly grateful for each of them and wouldn’t have been able to get over my anxiety without them.

[p1nkcanoe]

Bratty Mountain. He deserves to be on the other side of it for once, as a little treat you know? He's acting up, testing the new ghoul to see if he means buisness (he does)

Ace Up My Sleeve

[ phantom x mountain smut ]

summary: phantom is perpetually horny and refuses to ask anyone for help. mountain is determined to change that. warnings: masturbation, rough oral sex, teasing words: 3982

!! Phantom is described as being a young ghoul. Although the ‘teenager phase’ is mentioned, Phantom is a fully mature ghoul and is nowhere near actually being “young”. The phrase refers to the idea of being newly summoned and getting used to a new body and its urges.

Click here to read on Ao3 or read below:

Phantom has been settling in well. He’s a quick learner, gets along with everyone, is never angry, he’s truly the perfect ghoul to have around. Not to also mention that he’s sweet and energetic, charming in all the right ways, but he’s also young. Really young. Even for a ghoul he’s far younger in his years than anyone else. Where some ghouls in the den are pushing multiple millennia, Phantom can’t possibly have more than 200. Even Sunshine, who at one point had been the youngest, just added a revolution to her 800-something. And there’s nothing wrong with a young ghoul. He’s well past maturity–responsible and independent–but he’s still in what Copia once described as the equivalent of the ‘teenager phase.’ 

He eats through everything they have in the kitchen, rifles through the pantry and the freezer just to grumble about there being ‘nothing good’, stays up for days at a time playing video games on the console he stole from the common room until someone has to turn it off and tear open his curtains… but he’s also unbelievably horny. And it’s painfully obvious. 

The smallest things turn him on. He’d popped a boner at the sight of Cumulus walking past his room towards the laundry in a plain cotton bralette, excused himself from their lake day last week right after Rain rolled his shorts up impossibly higher while sunning on the lawn, and even yesterday the smallest sliver of Swiss’ exposed tummy while he reached upwards for his morning stretch sent the ghoul into a stuttering, inarticulate loss for words between bites of his waffle. Everything gets him worked up and not once has he asked someone to help him. Mountain is going to change that. 

It’s late at night when Mountain considers making his first move. He’s walking through the halls with a handful of dirty dishes when he hears the ghoul groaning in frustration through the heavy walnut door that guards his bedroom. The gap between the floor and the bottom edge of the door gives him away, evidence of worn floorboards and leveled stone underneath. It’s a rookie mistake to not invest in some sort of soundproofing. It’s not the first time the earth ghoul has heard him, but usually he doesn't sound so… exerted. It’s clear he’s been at it for a while with no sign of release, and Mountain stops right outside that door, listens as he groans and grunts and curses between gritted teeth and listens to the little fap fap fap as his hand flies over his shaft. Even with the door closed he smells delicious. He almost bends at the waist to set down his dishes and invite himself in but something in his head tells him not to. He shouldn’t. He doesn’t want to scare him. He doesn’t want to embarrass the ghoul or make him uncomfortable. A ghoul’s bedroom is their sacred space, afterall. So he shakes off the thought instead and finishes taking his dishes to the sink. He goes to bed and dreams up more natural approaches to getting the ghoul on his dick. 

Turns out it’s a lot harder than it seems. 

—

He finds his first attempt in the common room, where the game console has been returned due to popular demand, and Phantom sits engrossed in one of Dew’s first-person shooters. He fails to acknowledge when Mountain saunters in and settles in one of the armchairs, lounging lazily with his arms up and his legs spread. He’s fresh from a nap and dressed solely in an old pair of gray sweats. He hadn’t bothered to throw on a shirt or pull on a pair of boxers, especially after being woken up to obnoxious game noises, and had instead toyed around with himself in the haze of waking up in the middle of the day. He sits, watches with faux interest, and his cock sits pretty against his thigh–just enough to be obvious but not alarming to anyone else who may wander through. 

Phantom plays on obliviously. His fingers mash over buttons and drag against the sticks of his controller and the character on screen barrels through a line of enemies. Combo x4, the screen reads, and Phantom makes a pleased noise to himself. 

“What’s the game?” Mountain asks, forcing himself to sound interested in the game he’s watched Dew play for hours at a time. Phantom turns his head, catching Mountain’s eyes before letting his eyes flick down his torso and towards his hips. He opens his mouth but his voice paralyzes in his throat when he sees it. “It’s– oh, um,” he stutters, glues his eyes back to his controller and his equally as paralyzed fingers. The screen lights up with red. 

You Died, Press x to Retry. 

“You okay?” 

Phantom goes red in the face, mashes the x button more times than necessary to respawn, and Mountain smirks. “Yeah, yeah, I’m cool.” 

Phantom stumbles around for the right buttons to press. He walks into walls, accidentally throws out his selected weapon, and keeps getting penalized for damaging allies. He’s doing terribly, and it makes Mountain want to laugh out loud. In the span of the next three minutes he manages to die in game two more times and make so many mistakes that his teammates end up kicking him from the lobby altogether. But even when the title screen shows back up and the message appears in front of his face he never gets angry. He fumbles around for the controls again and clears his throat when Mountain spreads his legs a little wider. 

There he goes, Mountain thinks when Phantom hastily adjusts his body from sitting criss-cross on the carpet to sitting back on his butt against the couch with his legs crossed tight to hide his little boner. It’s too easy. Just to get him worked up a little more, Mountain adjusts himself in his pants, grips at himself to a more comfortable position, and Ant audibly curses under his breath, drops his eyes to his lap. He waits for the ghoul to make a move. He can see it in the way his hands shake that he wants to. He’s fighting himself. 

Do it, he wants to say. Get up. Touch me. He waits another handful of agonizing minutes and finally Ant makes a move– “I’m gonna go to the bathroom real quick.” He pushes himself up to his feet and shuffles awkwardly into the hall. By the time he comes back Mountain is gone. 

—

His second attempt hadn’t been much of an attempt at all. In fact, it had been completely unintentional the effect he’d had on the ghoul. 

The entire pack had gathered together for a movie night of some random romantic comedy that the girls had suggested. They’d spent an hour setting up pillows and blankets into comfy nests where ghouls and ghoulettes could cuddle up together for the duration of the film. Phantom had chosen a spot on the floor and fit himself snugly between Aether’s side and the bottom edge of a couch, Mountain had decided to take over the loveseat on the far side of the room. He’d fluffed it up with pillows and the velvet throw from his own bed, and by the time it was time for the movie to start Sunshine had decided his spot was now their spot to share. And he didn’t mind. Her warmth pressed into his side and her head on his chest is always a pleasant feeling. 

It takes about forty minutes for Mountain to lose interest in the film. It’s not like it’s a bad movie– it’s actually really good–but Sunshine is beginning to get handsy and when she slips a warm palm under his shirt to pluck at a nipple he can’t help but get a little distracted. 

When he pulls her in by a hand under her chin she chirps in surprise when he bites at her lip and immediately soothes it with his tongue. They fall into it after that, pressed together as close as possible on a cramped couch, and they’re quiet about it for the most part so nobody pays them much attention. But Mount can feel it–those mismatched eyes. They’re burning into him from across the room and it makes him smile against soft lips. The ghoulette sucks on his tongue. He drops his hands to her ass and squeezes. She lets out a giggle and the kiss goes dirty. 

He takes quick little glances across the room, catches the other ghoul’s eyes over and over, and stares back with hooded eyes when the ghoulette latches onto his neck. Mountain hisses at the scrape of her fangs against his jugular, rolls his eyes back, and Phantom never looks away. Mountain watches from the corner of his eye as the young quintessence ghoul tries to act like the movie is interesting, as he tries to act like he isn’t infatuated by the couple just a few feet away, but he fails. Miserably. 

Mountain grabs at Sunshine’s thighs, gropes her soft skin and forces her closer and closer to where he needs her to be until she settles right over his chubby cock and begins to subtly grind. The groan that escapes past his lips is accidental and someone from the floor throws a pillow that hits him in the side of the head, but he’s too far gone to just stop there. He breaks away from Sunny, gives her a goofy smile, and guides her away carefully so that he can stand. Phantom’s eyes burn holes into him the entire way. He apologizes to his pack in a way that doesn’t reflect his true intentions, offers the ghoulette his hand to go finish what they’ve started in a more private setting, and wiggles his eyebrows at the young ghoul when he excuses himself. Phantom shifts against Aether’s side under the eyes of the earth ghoul and Aether grunts, pulls him closer with an arm behind his back and traps him there. 

Mountain disappears into the darkness of the hall. 

—

The third time he catches Phantom alone and vulnerable, he’s sure he’ll break him. He times it all perfectly. Everyday around 9:00 after dinner has been cleaned up and the pack starts settling down in their rooms, Phantom heads into the bathing room to brush his teeth and freshen up before bed. Mountain’s memorized his routine, the products he uses to keep his skin smooth and hydrated and in which order he applies them, knows that he spends approximately ten minutes standing at the vanity on his phone while his facemask dries, and always finishes by applying some kind of oil to his two-toned hair. It’s a little after nine when Mountain hears the pad of his feet pass his bedroom and push open the massive door that guards the bathing room. 

Right on time; like clockwork. 

Mountain allows the ghoul a handful of minutes to get into his routine and busy himself at the vanity. In the meantime, Mountain strips down bare and pulls his towel from the hook behind the door, wraps it tightly around his waist and tucks it at the hip. He lets it hang a little low just for emphasis. 

Phantom is applying the same green salve to his face when Mountain walks in. He offers the ghoul a hello and gets a muffled one in return as he applies the mask to the skin above his lip. He doesn’t receive any more obvious attention apart from casual glances through the mirror, but Mountain knows he watches as he drops the towel from around his waist and wades into the bathing pool. 

It’s innocent, domestic and familiar, and Phantom pays him no obvious attention. And so Mountain goes through his own routine of picking a bottle of sweet smelling soap from the vast selection on the pool’s edge and squirting a generous amount into his hand, spreading it into his hair until it gets all bubbly and slippery, and then wading deeper into the pool to dunk his entire body and wash it all out. The surface of the pool gurgles when he goes under and the air blooms rich with lavender and bergamot. Mountain emerges from underneath and wrings the water from his thick hair with his hands, reaches for the bottle again to lather his body with soap. He puts on a show, touches at his skin deliberately and slowly, and shines up the smooth planes of his chest and patches of dense hair. Phantom watches him in longer glances now and Mountain watches right back with dark, sultry eyes. Inviting. Alluring. He backs himself up against the edge of the pool and leans back. The suds stuck to his skin slide down with thick droplets of water. He should dunk himself, cleanse himself of the excess, but he doesn’t. Instead, he drags a hand through the suds and drops it to his half hard cock, stroking himself with the slick and moaning softly at the pleasant stimulation. 

At the sink, Phantom has gone rigid. He actively tries to ignore the sight behind him but when he looks up into the mirror to brush his teeth he can’t help but take a little peek. Mount keeps rubbing at himself and groaning through his teeth when he squeezes at the head. It’s a sight too hot to ignore and Mountain is practically begging him to become his voyeur when he throws his head back and pulls at himself deliberately from root to tip. Water splashes up onto that gorgeous chest. His tail swishes back and forth below the surface. Phantom grips the edge of the vanity so hard his knuckles turn white and his claws squeak against dark marble. His toothbrush stays bitten between sharp teeth… and he watches unabashedly through the reflection. 

When Mountain brings a hand up to pull and pluck at a pebbled nipple Phantom finally caves, but not fully. He drops the toothbrush from his mouth and it clatters into the bowl, rolling around the curve before settling somewhere at the bottom, and he grabs at his chubbed cock through his flannels. Mountain grins. He’s been putting on shows for the ghoul all week but just the sight of the ghoul giving in just enough to touch himself makes flames lick at his belly. 

He surprises himself when he opens his mouth, lets his head hang low, and moans out into the peaceful lull of the bathing room- “Ahhhh, Ant-” He hears the sharp intake of the smaller ghoul’s breath. “I know you want it. Can see it on your face. On your body…” 

This is it, he thinks. He’s got him wrapped around his finger, all he has to do is-

There’s a clatter of objects. A sudden and hurried noise. And Mountain looks up to watch as Phantom gathers up all of his things and hurries for the door. The bulge in his flannels is obvious and sticks out even more with his clear lack of underwear. “Goodnight, Ant,” Mountain says, a tinge of disappointment laced into his words. “Night,” Phantom mumbles back. The door closes heavy behind him and Mountain rolls his eyes. 

So close… 

He might as well finish getting himself off. 

—

Mountain feels wholly defeated when he shuffles back into his bedroom. He hangs his towel up on the hook, pulls on a pair of boxers and a tshirt from the drawer, and gives himself a once-over in the mirror. His hair is still wet. Droplets drip from messy strands and soak little circles into the fabric of his tee. His cheeks are flushed and rosy, evidence of his recent orgasm, and his lips are bitten red. He doesn’t feel tired but he looks it. 

He’s about to head to bed and peel back the sheets for an early turn-in when there’s a knock at his door. His brow furrows, his door should be unlocked. Nevertheless the ghoul walks across the room, where he twists the knob and pulls it open to a much unexpected guest. He doesn’t get to mutter a word before Phantom invites himself in and grips the earth beast by the neck, shoving him into the cold stone of his wall. 

He looks angry, disheveled. Like he tried too hard to think about something and ended up cracking. Phantom kicks the door closed behind him, gets all up in Mountain’s face… the best he can with their significant height difference. He smells like soap and mint and lust. Mountain snickers despite the press of sharp claws into the sides of his neck. 

“You finally come to your senses, bug boy?” 

“You think you’re so smart, teasing me all week, getting me all worked up…” He fixes his eyes to Mountain’s mouth where he licks over a sharp fang and pulls him closer until they’re centimeters apart. “I knew exactly what you were doing.” 

“Then why didn't you do anything about it?” 

“Because I didn't want you to think you were in control.” 

“Then prove it.” 

The young ghoul grips the taller by a horn and pulls him down roughly to smash their lips together. Mountain moans at the taste of his tongue between his lips. He tastes like toothpaste and something sweet and intoxicating. Mountain tries to deepen the kiss, to slide his tongue against the other’s already in his mouth and he yelps in surprise at the feeling of a fang catching on the soft inside of his lip. He smells it first, rich and metallic, and then tastes it when Phantom licks at him hot and wild and slides it into his mouth. 

The grip on his horn is unrelenting. It pulls and twists and forces the ghoul to comply with its movements to keep the teasing beast at bay. But even more is the pressure on his neck. He adjusts his fingers and readjusts again, never completely letting up on the pressure, but then he finds Mountain’s carotid artery and hones in on that sweet spot between his jaw and his ear and Mountain starts to go fuzzy. He goes brainless, drunk off of the floaty feeling in his head, and chases the taste of the other ghoul on his tongue. Any ounce of previous defiance and surprise flies out the window only to be replaced with something confusing that he wouldn't quite call submission, but the unexpected dominant demeanor definitely is intriguing. He goes fuzzy in the brain, and weak in the knees, lets his eyes fall closed, and right when he’s about to tap out that hand around his neck releases him and he floods with sweet, sweet oxygen, gasps, and moans lazily into his mouth against open lips. 

When he opens his eyes he looks straight into mismatched ones. Locked on. Predatory. Consuming. This was not at all the way he expected this to go, but who is he to complain with another ghoul’s hand around his neck? 

“Get on your knees. Suck my cock and finish what you started.” 

Phantom pulls away just enough to help force the massive ghoul to his knees and Mountain groans. The ache at the base of his skull feels like lightning down his spine. He knows he should keep his mouth shut–just fall to his knees like he’s been told to–but he can’t. He looks up despite being forced to look downwards, snickers between fangs still laced with poison. “I’m surprised you're not taking care of it yourself. Tired of jerking yourself to the point of exhaustion?” 

Phantom growls. A pretty rumble from deep in his chest. 

“You talk too much. Too confident. Doesn't anyone ever tell you to shut your mouth?”

“This is unlike you. Who knew the new guy had it in him?”

“You don’t know anything about me.” 

With a final shove Mountain’s knees hit the floor. 

“I know enough, like how you’re scared to ask for help getting your dick wet.” 

Phantom scoffs, pulls himself out of his pants and gives it a few pulls. He has a gorgeous cock–speckled pink and gray in an irregular pattern and shiny at the tip–Mountain can’t wait to put it in his mouth. 

“I’m not scared, but you didn't ask either.” 

There’s some truth to that, so Mountain shrugs in a passive sort of surrender and lets his tongue loll out past his lips when Phantom inches him closer by his massive, curling horns. “That’s what I thought,” he mumbles and slides into that hot, wet mouth. 

Mountain knows he is in for it when Phantom slides in wholly to the hilt, when he holds Mountain there for a few seconds just to see his eyes well up and sting, and then lets go of himself to grab onto that other horn. He grips Mountain’s head like he’s an object for his pleasure; a toy. The earth ghoul grips the bottom hem of his tshirt in his fists, tries not to touch, but he starts to shake when Phantom forces him impossibly deeper and buries the earth ghoul’s nose in his hair. Mountain struggles to breathe, but he breathes in the heady smell of Phantom and hums around the obstruction in his throat. 

After a long and torturous minute Phantom pulls out. He rubs the ruddy head of his cock against swollen and spit-slicked lips with little turns of his skinny hips, moaning at how easily it slides against messy skin. He’s going to fuck his face. Mountain knows it. His own cock jumps in his boxers and he holds back a little noise in his throat. For once, he holds his tongue. 

Phantom does exactly what Mountain thinks he’s going to do. He pulls him back onto his cock and holds him still, uses his mouth like a toy to get off, and Mountain lets him because maybe he deserves it. All of his teasing, and his attempts to seduce the young ghoul into his bed, had caught up with him. He relaxes his throat as much as he can, flattens his tongue against the bottom ridge of his teeth, and takes it. 

“Fuck,” Phantom curses. “You’re a lot more pleasant when you’re on your knees. Quiet. Pliant. It’s music to my ears.” 

Mountain knows he isn’t quiet like Phantom said. He’s making all kinds of wet noises and drooling down his chin. He’s even gagged a couple of times when Phantom’s cock jabbed at the spot in the back of his throat, but he knows what he means. If he was in control of his body he’d probably pull off, spit something snarky back just to test the ghoul and find out how dedicated he is, but he can’t. He looks up through lashes stuck together by tears, catches sight of Phantom’s lip between his fangs and his brow scrunched up in pleasure. It makes his belly burn, he wishes he’d make a noise and stop trying to act like Mountain doesn’t feel good. 

Mountain wraps his lips around his shaft, flexes his tongue, and tries his best to suck. The effect it has is devastating. Phantom groans out loud and beautiful, pulls Mountain down hard on his cock and buries it deep just like he knows he likes. He throbs against his tongue, hot and heavy, and Mountain thinks he’s going to bust. He hopes he does, his throat is starting to get sore–it’s not every day another ghoul barges into your room and forces their cock all the way down your throat. He tries to swallow around him but it’s a futile attempt. His throat spasms, he chokes a little, and Phantom pulls out with teeth clenched tight. 

“Get on the bed. Strip. I’m gonna make you regret ever underestimating me.” 

His tshirt hits the floor before his knees unglue themselves from wooden boards. 

[obsessivestar]

'What If It's All A RomCom?' - a Ted Nivison x Reader

{{- Welcome to Chapter 4! Gonna ditch the Story Description from here on out. If this is your first chapter, I'd recommend reading Chapter 1, Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 first! Or just read this one if you want the good shit, up to you ;^) -}}

//General Warnings: 18+ fic, Reader implied to be afab and under 5'5.

Chapter Warnings: Heated language. Heavy kissing. Mentions of Jackbox (Idk if that should count as a warning but the game is in this chapter so if you don't know of it you might get confused)\\

> Word count: 4.7k (I'm so fucking sorry LMAO)

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@k-k0129

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Chapter 4: You Don't Wanna Kiss Me?

The shots we had just done looked very pretty, actually. The crew had gotten this one beautiful shot of the extras throwing around the ball on the left with Ted and I along the flagpole on the right, the bright sun giving this shadowy effect to us all. Good. This way, you can't see how absolutely embarrassed I was with how close Ted was to me; practically had me pinned against that pole. It did make for an excellent shot though, and I could tell Tanner was proud. I didn't want to ruin that for him.

Once we all moved inside, Ted and I finally got to take part in some scenes where we'd be speaking to one another. These next scenes had extras moving around with packed bags and boxes, simulating a large group of friends helping each other move in. Ted and I would be discussing graduation in the scene over by the kitchen table. He and Tanner had apparently made some adjustments to the script earlier in the morning as the personality of 'Mason' needed to be tweaked for Ted's more extroverted personality. I didn't mind it, any new context didn't change my own lines and we were free to improv if need be. Ted would even start the scene by picking up a box from the front door to bring to the kitchen table to make the scene feel more natural. I liked how much Ted was willing to adapt to everything for the production, I'm sure Tanner appreciated it too; and I appreciated getting to see Ted move some more.

Oh man, I'm not actually starting to like this guy, am I?

I have to control my thoughts for the scene to continue. These casual takes are relatively easy to get through when my brain isn't arguing with itself. We shoot several different scenes together, some where we're talking alone and some where we're in a group setting, once again doing any necessary retakes until the sun starts to set once again and Tanner decides to call it for the day. As the film crew once again packed up and dispurse to their own accommodations, I found out who that 5th mystery member of the editing team was. It was Dan, the guy that had almost hit me with the football earlier. He apologized to me more, but I reassured him all was okay and that I wasn't upset with anyone. The interaction had got me thinking about how to wind the night down without us all retreating to our bedrooms. We had ended the 2nd day of filming a little earlier than we wrapped up yesterday, so we had the free time. I pitched the idea to Tanner once everyone else had left, and he loved the idea, so we got everyone else together and met up in the living room.

Tanner was the one to suggest bringing his PC down from his room to play Jackbox, a party game where you use your phones as controllers to connect and play some entertaining mini games. We'd all have to be together for the next 3 weeks anyways; it felt like the perfect ice breaker. At this point, everyone had changed into their own clothes, including Ted, who was wearing a black sweater and some casual dark grey pants. He looked pretty comfy, actually. The couch we were all on was like one giant sofa, all connected together in the shape of a sharp U with a large flat screen TV mounted up on the wall adjacent to us. I had sat myself near one of the corners on the left side, pleasantly surprised when Ted chose to sit next to me. The scent of pine I had caught on him earlier was a little stronger now, even though he wasn't sitting all that close to me.

"Did you put more cologne on?" I ask with a smirk, sitting up a bit more on the couch as he got comfortable next to me. "Yeah. I sweat a lot sometimes and I don't want to smell." Ted admitted, sounding a lot more relaxed than I'm used to hearing. He might've been a little tired from the long day we've had.

"That's actually why I'm sitting over here. Tanner smells like shit, like, almost all the time, so..." Ted jokes, giving a tired grin to Tanner who was setting up his PC to connect to the TV. "That's cap, chat. That's so cap." Tanner casually responds, plugging an HDMI cable to the side of the TV, then moving to sit at the far left end of the couch. Dan had chosen to sit somewhat in the middle part of the large sofa, more on Tanner's side so Joe could sit next to me.

"If you want to sit next to (Y/N), you can just say that." Tanner speaks up again, moving his mouse and keyboard onto the coffee table. I blush to myself, pulling my hands into my own long sleeved shirt. If Tanner of all people is starting to comment on...whatever's between Ted and I, it must be noticeable to literally everyone else. So it can't just be my imagination. "No, see, she doesn't smell like gym socks, so that's fine. I'll take vanilla over gym socks."

"I smell like vanilla to you?" I scoff, turning my head to him and raising a brow.

"It's not 'to me'. I just know you use vanilla."

"What do you mean I use vanilla?"

"You have a little spray bottle that says 'warm vanilla sugar." Ted spreads his thumb and his pointer figure to estimate the size of the bottle. I'm flabbergasted because he's right.

"How the fuck do you know that???" Joe asks, sounding about as confused as I am.

"Because I saw her put it in her bag!"

"Why were you--" a chuckle escapes me. "How do you know exactly what it's called?"

"You left it on the counter this morning and it scared the shit out of me because I thought it was, like, a little container of piss at first, so I looked at it!" Ted admitted, gesturing over to the kitchen with his arm. Everyone in the room starts laughing, myself included. His logic makes no sense sometimes. "And then I saw you put it in your bag, so I know it's yours!"

"Imagine it was actually was a container of piss though. Like, sorry, I left it there." Joe jokes, grinning over at Tanner. "Yeah, sorry chat, I was saving it for later." Tanner continues the joke, laughter once again filling the room. "Man, we should start a podcast." My friends are an interesting pair, I tell ya. I was surprised to see Dan and Ted weren't phased by our strange humor. They seemed to fit right in our strange friend group.

Tanner got the first game up so we could test some of the types of minigames this series had to offer. We quickly realized the trivia ones weren't very fun for us, mostly because we didn't know what any of the answers were. Quiplash gave us some good laughs but got old very quickly, and Tee K.O. was fun, but the creativity didn't last. The ones that really entertained us were The Devil's And The Details, Talking Points, and especially FixyText. There was something about the more cooperative ones that were an absolute blast, especially if I was ever paired with Ted. We'd be pushing and yelling at each other whenever one was trying to stop the other from committing a selfish act in one game, then get close together and share the screens of our phones as we created the funniest text replies in another, snickering and whispering to each other to plan ahead. I think we really blew everyone away with our fake presentations, too. Whenever we were paired up for a game, we'd be inseparable. Sensational, even.

But as always, time is fated to pass and it eventually got rather late in the night. As the last awards of the night are given, I realize just how much closer I had gotten to Ted. I wasn't leaning on his shoulder or anything, but we were practically stuck side by side together with our knees up to our chest, sharing the award we were giving out. I could tell Ted was getting tired as his voice was the lowest I had ever heard it. It was kind of...hot, actually. Especially this close. Dan is the first to say goodnight and head upstairs, with Joe helping Tanner pack away the PC to bring upstairs as well. For a little while, it was just Ted and I.

On that couch.

In that living room.

Downstairs.

Alone.

"You look tired." I speak softly as I look at Ted, who had put his hood up earlier. I could see the subtle bags under his eyes from this close.

"You kept me up past my bedtime.." Ted muttered with a tired smirk, keeping his eyes on his phone. He was checking all of his social media for the night, switching from Instagram to Twitter. "I didn't mean to keep you up.." I chuckled a little, sticking my own phone into my baggy pockets. "You're a big boy, you can make your own decisions."

"I know, but you were staying up, so.." Ted sniffles to stifle a yawn, looking over at me as he wipes one of his eyes with his hand. "Your fault."

"My fault?"

"Mhmm.."

"It's my fault you chose to stay up with me?"

"Yeah. Exactly."

"It sounds like you wanted to stay up with me, Teddy.." I shoot him a gentle grin, taking the opportunity to tease him. "I wanted..." Ted pauses to allow himself to yawn, stretching one arm out while covering his mouth with his free hand before continuing. "I wanted to make sure you'd lose."

"You wanted to make sure I'd lose."

"That's right."

"That's it?"

"That's about it."

"You wanna know what I think?"

"Prolly not a whole lot..."

"I--fuck off, I think--" I let out a cackle, lightly smacking his shoulder. "I think you wanted to stay up with everyone, not just me."

"Not just you?"

"No."

"No?..."

He stops stretching and looks at his phone one last time to close Twitter, then slips his phone into his sweater pocket and turns his head again to look at me. Our eyes meet and the room goes quiet. Ted has this relaxed half-smile as he looks at me, his eyes subtly moving left to right to suggest he's looking at both of my eyes. I return the tired smile, taking the quiet moment to gaze into his earthy orbs. As our gazes stay fixed on one another, I can feel a pit of anxiousness grow in my stomach like a slow, blooming flower. He just admitted it, didn't he? He wanted to stay up for me, with me. I can't deny this any longer. Ted is...a very handsome looking man. I can't break my gaze away. I turn my body a bit more towards him to make my neck more comfortable. His eyes wander along my blushing cheeks. I wonder if his gaze would go any lower, but he returns his stare to mine. I shouldn't. I can't even find the willpower to say anything, but he isn't speaking either. He isn't speaking, he isn't teasing me, he's stopped teasing me. Why has he stopped teasing me? He's so...he's so...

"(Y/N)"

I hear my name come from Joe's voice, startling Ted and I a little. I look over the couch to see Joe standing at the stairs, giving me a knowing smirk. How long has he been standing there? I look at my phone and realize it's nearly midnight. We should all be going to bed. I look over at Ted again, but he's already off the couch, cleaning up the empty bottles and cups to the kitchen. Son of a bitch.

I get up to help clean up, as Ted missed a cup since his hands were full. "Hold on." I tell Joe, heading into the kitchen with Ted. It's all one big room, so Joe can still see Ted and I in the kitchen. As Ted's putting the bottles in the recycling, I start putting the cups in the sink. There's a moment where we both reach for the same cup and his hand slightly rests on top of mine. His hand is surprisingly colder than I anticipated. We look at each other and chuckle quietly, then Ted removes his hand so I could put the cup in the sink.

"Clearly I am fuckin' tired.." He mutters and looks at me with a tired smile. "Don't stay up so late next time.." I pester him a little, returning the smile as I move away from the sink.

"I probably will.."

"Right, and it'll be my fault, yeah?"

"It'll absolutely be your fault."

I roll my eyes at his response, not even making an effort to hide the blush on my cheeks.

"Goodnight, Ted."

"G'night, stinky.."

A little laugh slips out of me, finally joining Joe at the stairs. Before we're even out of Ted's sight, Joe is already badgering me about that exchange. He whispers in a criticizing tone, but I can barely hear him over our stepping until we get to the upstairs hallway.

"I literally told you. I literally told you not to flirt." Joe huffs, picking up his tone now that we were likely out of earshot. "No no no, you didn't tell me not to flirt." I shake my head and waggle my finger in Joe's direction. "You told me not to sleep with him, I'm not sleeping with him."

"That's not what it was about to look like." Joe's whisper becomes raspy, like he's quietly yelling at me.

"What do you mean?? I didn't start flirting, he did."

"Did you not feel how fucking close you two were the whole night? He looked like he was about to kiss you just now!"

I look over at the stairs, as if I'm able to look at Ted through them. I think about his eyes and his smile. God, his smile. His stupid smile. "He was?.." Once again, I find myself smiling. It seems I can't even hide these feelings from Joseph. Not sure why I thought I could, Joe's see's everything, especially if I'm involved. He may know me better than I know myself. He's my best friend.

He snaps his fingers in my face to wake me from my gaze, furrowing his brows at me in frustration. I let out a huff, shrugging my shoulders at him. I'm not going to dance around him anymore. I know he has good intentions, but I see him as a brother, not a father. "Well, so fucking what? What do you want me to say, that I think he's ugly?"

"I'd know you're lying to me."

"Exactly! What are you gonna do if it actually happens? I have to kiss him tomorrow anyways. If something else happens, it happens. I don't know what to tell you that'd make you feel better other than I'll be fine."

Joe takes a deep breath, turning his head away from me for a moment. I could see his thoughts through his body language. He was unsure at first, but a mischievous smirk began to take over his expression. I saw Protective Brother Joseph leave his body in favour of Gossiping Best Friend Joseph.

"...okay, you two would be pretty hot together."

I let out a louder laugh than I probably should've, quickly covering my mouth as Joe playfully shushes me. I know Joe just doesn't want me to get hurt, I acted the same way with him when he met his husband. We love each other like family. "But you have to promise me you'll tell me first if anything happens. I need the tea."

"Oh you know I will.." I grin at him, moving over to my door for the night.

"Night, Joe." "Night (Y/N)."

I enter my bedroom and plop right down on the bed, letting out a content sigh. I take out my phone to glance over social media one last time. I see Ted had posted a photo of the 5 of us earlier, and I see just how close I was to Ted. I take a screenshot of it and rest the phone down on my chest, unable to contain my smile. I giggle to myself, knowing what's coming. I fall asleep wondering if I'll be ready tomorrow. There's a very good chance I could freak out.

Turns out, we both might've been freaking out.

The morning comes and goes, mostly because some of us had slept in. By the afternoon, we're having to turn the lights down and close the blinds to simulate it being much later in the night. We've got a bunch of RGB lights and even a light-up disco ball on the ceiling to make it feel like a party. This is the first scene in which Ted and I will be sharing a kiss. I actually really like how the scene is set. Ted and I are sitting in a circle with a bunch of the extras playing Spin-The-Bottle. Of course, after a few spins, the bottle will be pointing for us to kiss. We have to act like we're nervous, which probably wasn't helping. When it came to filming the actual kissing scene, we had to sit down beside each other, turn our heads and kiss, but it had to be slow. We have to linger on it, really show the tension building up just for it to burst with that very first kiss.

But for nearly a whole hour, we couldn't do it.

Maybe it was all the extra eyes, maybe it was the weird angle we were at, I had no idea. Sometimes Ted would be ready and I'd mess up, sometimes I'd be ready and he'd mess up. It was a whole ordeal. I felt bad for everyone that was waiting for us to get this. No one appeared to be mad, but one kiss was taking over an hour. Even I'd start to feel a little frustrated if the leads couldn't wrap it up. We almost get it at one point, but I choke at the last second and start laughing, which makes Ted start laughing as well. He grabs my face and starts shaking me, chanting. "We have to kiss, (Y/N)! This is our job! You need to kiss me, God damnit! Look at my lips and kiss me!" We both were becoming hysterical, so much so that Tanner finally decided to call for a break. I was relieved, actually. As hard as I was laughing, I was embarrassed. I thought I'd be more prepared for this. Perhaps getting this comfortable with Ted was a mistake, now I can't do my job.

As everyone's leaving to grab lunch or touch up their hair and makeup, Tanner approaches Ted and I as we get up from the floor. I half expected him to encourage us to get the kiss over with in front of everyone, but he has a different idea. "Okay, this is going to sound insane, but hear me out..." Tanner begins, gesturing to the both of us. "I'm gonna get the camera rolling...and then I'm just gonna leave it there."

"Leave it there?" I ask, raising a brow. "What do you mean?"

"I just...I feel like all of the eyes watching are making this a little harder for you guys.." Tanner admitted, clasping his hands together. "I can bring another camera and go outside with everyone, I want you two to be comfortable. You can take your time and, yknow, Ted could look at the shot afterwards.." Tanner trails off, probably looking for a specific reaction out of either Ted or I. Ted didn't seem to mind the idea at all, looking over at me with a shrug. I look down at my shoes, sort of clicking them together. So Tanner wants Ted and I to kiss on camera...alone.

"But if you want to wait, we can film something else..." Tanner speaks up again, looking at me with a concerned expression.

"Are you okay...?" Ted pauses, lightly touching my arm with one of his fingers, almost like he was...caressing me. I turn my head up to look at Ted, watching as he tilts his head. "....with that?"

"Yeah, I can do it this way." I finally answer, giving Ted and Tanner a smile. "He probably needs a refresher on how to kiss a woman anyways..."

Ted chuckles and shakes his head at me, though Tanner is satisfied with the answer. "Alright, I'll just set it up and give you two the reigns.." Tanner speaks, moving over to the camera. He adjusts a few things on it, then takes a step back and shoots us some finger guns. "Shout if you need me."

Ted and I watch as Tanner collects the rest of the team and brings them outside, watching one of the bigger crew members pick up an entire camera and hoist it on outside.

Now, it was just Ted and I.

In the living room.

Alone.

On camera.

"Alright, go sit where we were before, I'll make sure the camera's in focus.." Ted instructs, pointing over to the floor. I can't help but blush, only because It sounded like a command. I wonder if he's the type to talk you through it...

Stop it. It's just a kiss.

I go and sit back on the floor, criss-crossing my legs as I watch Ted fiddle with the camera. After a moment, he lets out a sigh and steps back. "Alright. You're in focus. It'll adjust to us." He speaks, coming over to sit next to me. I can feel my heart start beating out of my chest once he sits down. This is really happening. I know I have to do this for Tanner, I want to do it for Tanner, but it's...harder now. For some reason, it's harder now.

"If you want, we could just...talk first.." Ted spoke to me in a condecending tone. Our eyes meet once more and I get that same pit in my stomach that I had last night. No. I'm not gonna let him have this. He got me yesterday on that fucking pole, I'm getting him today. "We could...talk about last night.." I offered, shooting him a little grin. He cracks a smile, gliding the tip of his tongue along his top teeth briefly.

"You wanna get into this on camera?" Ted asks, nodding at me with am embarrassed little smile.

"What!? You're the one that offered to talk!" I start laughing, tilting my head at him mockingly. "You don't wanna kiss me, Teddy? You afraid to kiss me?"

"Fuck you."

"You don't wanna kiss me?"

"This film is going to fail because of you--"

"You don't wanna kiss me?"

"and your--and your giant fucking ego."

"You don't wanna kiss me?"

"Are you done, princess? Are you fucking done?" Ted's swiveling his head in my direction to mock me back, a permanent grin on his face. "Shut your mouth, I'm comin' in."

"You're not doing shit! That's not the tell!"

"Hey."

"'Hey' what?"

"Hey."

"What?"

"Shut your mouth."

I raise both of my eyebrows at him and scoff. Before I can think of another sarcastic remark, he does it. His eyes wander down to my lips, lightly nibbling on the end of his own bottom lip, then he returns his gaze to mine. That's the tell. He's about to lean in, but I don't let him.

My body moves on its own, darting towards him so our lips could finally meet for the first time. All of the tension that had been building between us finally begins to melt as our lips continue to connect, slowly at first. It's not enough. I unravel my legs and sit up on my knees. Ted reacts by placing both of his hands on my waist, pulling me in closer to cause a breathy moan to escape into our kiss. My hands reach up to hold both of his cheeks, his glasses caressing my face as our lips caress each other's tenderly. I can feel the heat radiating off his cheeks, my own warm blush making my breathing pick up. I can't pull away. It feels like his lips were meant to be attached to mine. I can feel his breathing on my chest, his stubble along the palms of my hands, his fingers gripping my lower back, his tongue gliding along his lower lip into mine, his cologne, the tension. The tension. All of it was making me stir crazy. His lips, his kiss, I could lose myself in him. I could truly lose it. I don't want to stop. I want to run my fingers through his hair, I want to bite his stupid lip, I want to be louder.

But we're on camera. Tanner's camera. We have to stop. I have to...

I'm the one to break the kiss, hearing a quiet pop and an airy moan from Ted in response. I connect my forehead with his for a brief moment, keeping my eyes closed until I pull away to look at him. The tip of his nose tickles mine, his hands still wrapped around my waist. We share a quiet moment, steadying our breathing. I don't even know if this kiss was supposed to be this heated, but it's what Tanner's getting. All he wrote was 'Kara and Mason kiss' in the script. He can work with this.

"...I think we got it.." Ted is the first to speak up, but he doesn't remove his hands from me just yet. I can't help but let out a laugh, leaning my head back for a moment. "What? What did I say?" Ted asks, smiling through his teeth.

"No no, I just..." I take a few breaths through my laughter, letting go of his face to wave my hand a little. "I-I think that's the quietest we've been together so far.."

"Oh yeah? We should probably get louder then.."

Now that. That is something I didn't think I'd hear out of Ted, certainly not to me. Did he forget we're supposed to be shooting a scene?

"Camera's still rolling, Teddy.."

"...FUCK!"

Ted nearly throws me off of him and struggles to get up to go turn off the camera. I'm absolutely killing myself laughing as I pick myself up off the floor. No way did the fucker forgot we were filming. He JUST said 'we got it'.

"You forgot!?"

"Can you cut footage on this!?"

"You fucking forgot! Oh my god, you sad fuck!"

"Shut the fuck up!" Ted laughs, trying to sound angry with me as he pauses the film on the camera. "Tanner's gonna see that!"

"Hell yeah he is! Great Job, Teddy! You sleazy mother fucker.."

"Me? Me!? He's gonna see you being a fucking slut!"

"Oh I'M the slut!? Really?!"

"Yeah!"

"Really!?"

"Yes!"

"Your hands on my fucking waist? I'M the slut!?"

"Your tongue in MY mouth!"

"You started with it!"

"I did fucking NOT! I felt yours first!"

"I felt YOURS first! YOU started with it!"

"Started with what?"

Tanner suddenly steps into the room, startling both of us. He must've just stepped in from outside, I didn't even hear him close a door. He's got no idea what we're yelling at each other about. "Have you guys kissed yet?"

Ted and I look at each other again as I struggle to contain my laughter. All I can do is nod, pointing in Ted's direction. "Ask him about it. It's on there." I manage to speak after a little while, walking passed them to head outside. I lightly touch my lips as I open the screen door to get outside. The last thing I hear is Tanner asking Ted about all the yelling, and a final huff from Ted himself.

Truthfully, I needed to head outside to compose myself. I could still feel his hands on my warm cheeks, placing my own hand on it to feel just how hot they had become. I couldn't believe he forgot he were filming, he seemed very into...all of that.

What would've happened if the camera wasn't there?

__________________________________

|| Chapter 1 || Chapter 2 || Chapter 3 || Chapter 5 || Chapter 6 (smut) || Chapter 7 || Chapter 8 || Chapter 9 || Chapter 10 (smut) || Chapter 11 || Chapter 12 || Chapter 13 || Chapter 14 (smut) || Chapter 15 || Chapter 16 || Chapter 17 ||

[eccentricgrace]

BOOK -WORMS || BatFamily

summary: somebody keeps rearranging jason's meticulously ordered bookshelves. the weird thing is, nobody is allowed in the library except for him and alfred. right?

tags: humor, domestic fluff, banter, nerd jason todd, big sister cassandra cain, secret menace alfred pennyworth

wc: 9,250

cross-posted on ao3 under the same name!

In the Before, Father had plenty of rules. Pain is the most valuable language. Words are meaningless in comparison. The mind is more reliable than the heart. She had learned all of these rules, committed them, made them a part of her— and she thought they were supposed to feel wrong, to make her feel bad. When the opportunity presented itself, she chose to be brave. She broke the rules. She left.

Cassandra liked being a Wayne more than she liked being a weapon. She liked the word “family.” She liked having siblings, and a Bruce, and an Alfred. She liked midnight milkshake runs with Steph and Duke teaching her how to play board games—she was really good at the one with stacking blocks in a tower, even better at charades.

She loved her new family before she could put the word “love” to it, and she was determined to learn the new rules, the ones made for better things, for safety, for the new word love. She practiced often, used what she knew, and did her best to fill in the blanks. 

She knew that Alfred expected everyone to eat at the same time for dinner by his eyebrows furrowing at an empty seat, so she would remind everyone to come to the table five minutes early. She knew that Bruce worried for everyone to come home without injury on patrol by his tight frowns, the dimples of his chin, so she did her best to avoid taking hits and to pull her siblings away from the danger.

She also learned rules by making mistakes. This was her least favourite way to do it, because it always made someone sad or upset. For example, the rule about the manor’s library. 

Cassandra had been in there several times before she knew she had broken this rule. She liked to wander the halls, poke her head in different rooms. She had done so often when she first moved in. There was no part of the manor that was left uncharted. 

The library was quieter than any other room. Its doors were always shut, drapes always pulled in to keep the sun from streaming in through the windows. Shelves and shelves of books on the two-story walls that were left untouched. 

Cassandra never stayed in there for too long, because while Alfred had been very patient in teaching her how to read, it didn’t come easy to her. But sometimes, she would sneak in for the quiet— she would run her fingers along the leather covers, or sit in the chair next to the fireplace. (It was the most comfortable in the entire house. She sat in every chair to test.)

The trouble came when she fell asleep there, curled up tightly in the armchair. She had heard the library doors creak open, she had woken up, but she also knew the footsteps— and Bruce wasn’t a threat.  

She hadn’t thought to get up until Bruce’s voice cut through the silence like the time Dick accidentally dropped a wine glass on the kitchen floor. A sharp, broken, brittle noise.

“What are you doing in here?” Bruce choked out. 

Cassandra opened her eyes. Took in his distant expression, his open mouth, his tense shoulders, his shaking hands. Wrong. 

She sat up slowly. Blinked, to show she was listening.

“This—“ Bruce paused. He was quiet for a moment, and his face took the form of upset-blankness. “This room is off-limits. Nobody told you?”

Cassandra shook her head, frowning deeply. She made a fist and rubbed a circle over her heart. SORRY.

“It’s fine,” Bruce said tersely. Sullen eyes, sunken eyebrows, set jaw. Not fine. “Not your fault. I think Alfred needs help in the kitchen. After you?”

Cassandra didn’t ask why the room was off limits, because she didn’t need an answer. If Bruce had a rule, he had a reason. She snuck out quietly and trailed to the kitchen, and ignored how Bruce took ten minutes longer to join her.  

The library was not to be entered. She understood that, and didn’t go in again. It seemed like that was the end of it.

And then suddenly, the rules changed.

She was delighted to meet Jason for the first time.

She’d known a little about him, mostly what Dick had told her when she first arrived. He told her about how Bruce adopted him, and how their brother Tim showed up… and then he got quiet, and his shoulders shifted, and he told her about the brother they had lost. 

(“His name was Jason,” Dick said. His eyes were so sad. “You would have liked him. He made B laugh.”) 

As it turned out, Jason wasn’t dead, but was very alive— and the mood was tense for a while. Everybody's actions were so loud and Cass spent a lot of time in her room, but it eventually leveled out.

“Alright. Who’re you?” Jason stood across from her, leaning one hip against the fridge. His arms crossed, his jaw clenched. Nervous. Cornered. “I leave for a while and all of a sudden the goddamn household’s in a state of exponential growth.”

Cassandra all but beamed at him. She pointed to herself. Tapped her nose and dragged her hand out in a folded shape, then raised it in the air. She pointed to herself, hit one hand’s two fingers against the other hand’s two fingers, and quickly spelled out her name. 

ME - BIG SISTER. ME - NAME - C-A-S-S-A-N-D-R-A.

She must have been too excited, because Jason’s eyebrows furrowed, his eyes squinting. Confused. She looked around the kitchen to find paper and pencil, but stopped when Jason spoke up again.

“Hold on a second. Say it slower,” Jason said.

She happily repeated the actions slower. Then she slid her hands over each other, mirrored her two first fingers together, and pointed at him. NICE - to - MEET - YOU.

“Oh.” Jason scratched the back of his neck. “Hi. Nice to meet you too, I guess.”

Cass crossed her arms in an x-shape over her chest, and then pointed to Jason. She wiggled her index finger questioningly. 

HUG - YOU? 

Jason’s eyebrows rise. His eyes twitch momentarily. His shoulders lift. Surprise. 

As Red Hood, Bruce called him violent and dangerous, a potential threat. Someone to keep an eye on.  But when Cassandra saw him,  she saw a scared animal backed into a corner. She knew how it felt. She’d been in corners before. 

When Dick asked her what she thought of Jason, she smiled. 

She told him he gave good hugs.

After that, Jason didn’t come to the manor often. Visits were few and far between, many people not even noticing he had shown up before he slipped away again. And that was curious, of course, but even more curious– everytime Jason came over, his first stop was the library. He would walk in, the doors would close behind him, and Cassandra would sit outside and wait for him to leave. 

One time, he caught her on his way out, an armful of books in his arms. He screwed up his face. “The hell’re you doing on the floor?” 

She curled her two fingers over and tapped them on her index. SITTING.

“Well, yeah. No shit. I can see that.”

WHY - YOU - GO -to - LIBRARY?

Jason raised an eyebrow and pointedly nodded down to the precarious pile of books he was holding.  “I like to read?”

Then he left, leaving her with more questions than she knew how to answer.

It was like this about once every month.

She noted the routine with suspicion: Jason came to the manor, he greeted Alfred, spent little time catching up with everyone, slipped into the library, and left with a new armful of books. But nobody in the Wayne household ever went into the library, and that had been a rule. It seemed as if she was the only one noticing this repeated offense.

The fourth time she watched Jason leave, she decided to ask someone. Maybe the rule had changed and they simply forgot to tell her. 

She found Dick in the kitchen. Her older brother was always the easiest to ask, she found. He was very patient with her while she searched for the right words. He smiled and he never seemed annoyed or frustrated by her questions. He was nice.

She tapped him on the shoulder and swiftly slid out of the way when he jumped up in surprise.

“Hi!” Dick laughed quietly, holding his chest. “You spooked me. Everything okay?”

She tilted her head to the side, a small frown on her face. She moved her hands quickly as she signed.

LIBRARY - RULE - WHAT?

Dick furrowed his eyebrows, quiet for a moment while he thought. Then he shook his head. “I’m not understanding. What library?”

HOME.

“The home library?”  Dick clarified, and frowned when Cass nodded. “It doesn’t have rules…”

Cass scrunched her nose and shook her head vehemently.

BRUCE -  LIBRARY - SAY - NOT ALLOW  - FINISH.

Dick watched the signs and then his face slackened in understanding. He leaned back on the kitchen counter like he was suddenly exhausted. “Oh. That rule.”

Cass sighed.

Sometimes being a Wayne made learning the rules very hard. 

“A couple years ago,” he explained. “Back when B had just adopted Jason. It took him a long time to get comfortable, and the library was his safe haven, I guess. You could always find him in there; it was his favourite room in the manor.” 

Cassandra remembered to nod, showing that she was listening and that she understood.

Dick smiled, and his eyes glisten, a certain distant quality to them. Not quite sad, but almost sad. Remembering, Cassandra decided.

“When he finally settled in, he was pretty protective over it,” he explained, the smile brightening. “I wasn’t even allowed in. I remember one time I went in there to borrow a book for a case— I guess I put it back in the wrong spot, because he waited at the door just to scold me about it. He was pissed.”

“B was allowed, but he never really went in there. He liked to give Jay his space,” Dick chuckled, and it faded away as he scratched at the back of his neck. “After he… well, you know how Bruce gets when he’s grieving.”

She did know. He would not smile. He would throw his punches harder. A small furrowed line would permanently rest between his eyebrows. He got quiet-sad. Angry.

Cassandra frowned at the thought. She nodded again, this time in agreement, and then thought for a long moment, her hands hesitating in the air. Dick waited patiently for her to find her words. She liked that about him.

SAD - ANGRY - STILL?

Dick shoulders sank, the light in his eyes dwindling. He still smiled. Fake. “Honestly? Sometimes it’s hard for my heart to remember what my brain can see. I’m not even sure if that makes sense, and it’s sort of silly. I just know on bad days, it’s easier when he’s here. You know?”

JASON - STILL - GO-to - LIBRARY.

“Yeah, he probably does,” Dick murmured, looking away. 

Cassandra was about to shake her head, was about to repeat her words. There was no ‘probably.’ Jason did go to the library, he went every single time he came to the manor. Surely she hadn’t been the only one to notice. He spent a lot of time there, too.

Dick’s phone chimed, and he startled, straightening his spine. He blinked a few times, energy pouring back into his movements as he laughed and pulled his phone out of his pocket. “That’s work, I’m probably late. Anyways. Was that all you wanted to talk about?”

Cass hummed softly. She opened her arms for a hug, and when Dick happily copied the motion, she fell forward to knit herself to his chest. She then pulled away, quickly signing.

THANK YOU. STAY - SAFE. I LOVE YOU.

She watched him leave for work.

Cassandra loved when Jason came over. 

Her family are good people, but they are also often sad, and serious. It doesn’t take her long to figure out that, when Jason was at the manor, everybody acted lighter. Less likely to argue, less stress in their eyebrows, less tension in their shoulders. Bruce wouldn’t scowl as much. Dick smiles were even more frequent and genuine. Tim would spend less time in front of a screen. 

His appearance in the manor was that of a missing piece pressed into a puzzle, and even though it’s crooked, doesn’t quite fit, the picture is more complete. Cassandra noted this change because it was unspoken, and the things left unspoken were always, in her opinion, very important.

The next time Jason came over, he once again had found refuge in the library. Cassandra waited patiently outside of the room and lingering in the hallway for the whole duration of the visit, which in turn lasted forty-three minutes and twenty-two seconds. She counted each one.

He held no books this time, which worked well for Cassandra, because if the routine followed that meant he would be back again soon. She greeted him with a wave, and he jerked a nod back before he followed the hallway towards the exit.

Tim poked his head around the corner as soon as the door shut. He’s narrowing his eyes in suspicion. “He keeps doing that.”

Ah. She had not been the only one to notice.

Cassandra nodded at him, and he rolled his eyes. “You’d think he’d finished reading all of the books in the library by now, but he keeps coming back.”

She neglected to tell him that she had seen him take out the same books multiple times before. That would be counter-intuitive to the mission. Instead she decided to do some more investigating. She tilted her head innocently.

YOU – ALLOW - in-LIBRARY?

Tim immediately began to glower, his eyebrows pulled in deep, his lips pulled into a tight frown-like line. Annoyed. Her little brother was adorable.

“No,” Tim said, crossing his arms. “I’ve only been in there one time, and then he gave me a lifetime ban.”

Cassandra blinked. 

WHY?

“He’s got a personal vendetta against me!” Tim huffed, now throwing his arms up. “First, he had a whole fit because he found out I used SparkNotes on all of my assignments, and then he complained because I wasn’t handling the books ‘respectfully’ enough— which, whatever, because at least with my online PDFs I can actually highlight on them without him bursting a blood vessel.”

He had finished pacing around the hallway, and now just looked at Cass with his face full of disinterest, his foot tapping quick against the wooden floor. “I’m not the only one banned, either. I think Alfred is the only person who’s free to roam.”

That will be who she talked to next, then. 

DAMIAN?

“I will give my entire trust fund to Damian’s cow if that soul-sucking demon is allowed to touch Jason’s books,” Tim said blankly. “Seriously. He’s weird about his library. He gets tetchy.”

Interesting.

She signed a thank-you towards him and then promptly disappeared. 

Cassandra had been watching Alfred dust the bookshelves in the library for twenty silent minutes before he suddenly cleared his throat. One hand tucked primly behind his back, he turned to look directly at her.

“Mistress Cassandra,” he greeted, raising an eyebrow at her. “You haven’t investigated my work like this since we first became acquainted. Is something troubling you?”

She brightened and shook her head, sitting down on the couch in the library. She gestured to the seat next to her enthusiastically.

Alfred blinked, nonplussed, and set the duster down. He took a seat at her side, politely placing his hands in his lap. “What can I help you with, my dear?”

JASON.

Alfred’s eyebrows raise with genuine surprise. “Master Jason is troubling you?”

She shook her head emphatically, pinching the air with her middle and pointer finger to her thumb. NO.

“Well, that is a relief,” Alfred murmured. “Had he been bothering you, it would have been quite a shock.”

Cassandra flexed her fingers, looking down at her hands in deep thought. She wasn’t exactly sure what questions she wanted to ask, or how to ask them. This was the tricky thing about words— she had so much in her head and none of it fit quite right when she tried to put it in front of her. 

She was grateful for the choice to speak, and grateful for Bruce teaching her how, and grateful that her family learned how, too, but it was still hard. Frustrating. 

“Take your time,” Alfred said clemently. “Use small words, if that is easier for you.”

Cassandra nodded slowly, and formulated her thoughts together. She knew a few things: Jason was protective over his library, he had a system to organize the books, and that he came over frequently to swap out books. 

JASON - LIBRARY - EXPLAIN?

Alfred’s eyes watched Cassandra closely as he spoke, and then he nodded, a faint smile on his face, because he always seemed to understand her no matter how few words she used. 

“I see,” he said simply. “Shall I tell it from the beginning?”

Cassandra nodded, and happily leaned back in the chair, folding her legs up to sit crossed. Alfred didn’t tell stories often, but she thought that he was very good at it. 

“Yes… I remember it like it was yesterday.” Alfred looked up at the ceiling, his eyes sparkling with mirth. “That little boy was so polite. It was clear to me that he had been very scared of doing something wrong, so he was very tentative. He was always willing to help around the manor, though.”

Jason still liked helping Alfred in the kitchen, Cass noted. Of her brothers, he was the only one who Alfred willingly let help with the cooking— not even Bruce was allowed to stand in there for longer than a minute before he was politely shoved out.

“I caught him glancing at some of the decorative books, old relics and things that were really quite dreadful to read, and it had occurred to me that the young man hadn’t been shown the family library,” Alfred explained, a warm smile on his face. “I’d never seen the boy light up as brightly as he did when I opened the doors.” 

Cassandra tried to imagine it: her little brother, much smaller, beaming over the shelf-to-shelf literature. She liked to imagine that he had been skipping his feet around, dashing from corner to corner of the room to scan every inch. 

It was a nice image —it made her very happy.  She could see why Alfred loved the memory so much. 

“I of course told him that he was more than welcome to browse any of the titles, and then I made myself sparse so he’d feel comfortable to explore on his own.” Alfred chuckled, shaking his head. “When I returned to call him for supper, he had fallen asleep, piles of books— that were taller than him, mind you— surrounding his chair, a volume of Shakespeare poetry open on his lap…”

Cass grinned. 

“Needless to say, it became his safe space,” Alfred confirmed with amusement. “He spent days reorganizing every title to his own needs, and explained it to me in great detail so that I could continue to maintain it with him.”

Alfred looked over the shelves with a bittersweet smile. “He was very proud of it. I’m quite honoured that he shared it with me.”

Her grin eased into something thoughtful as she looked over the bookshelves. She understood the importance of a ‘safe space.’ When she was overwhelmed, she liked to crawl up into the attic’s rafters, where it was dark and damp, echoey enough to hear every incoming sound, and small enough to only fit herself. 

Jason visited the manor for his ‘safe space’ often. She connected this with what she had noted of him when he entered every time— his relaxed shoulders upon leaving, his unclouded gaze, his jaw lax. Peaceful. 

And when he left, subsequently, there were shifty eyes, his lips pursed in a firm line, his gate closed in one straight, quick path to the exit. Always quick to leave. Tense. Like he didn;t believe he was welcome.

Cassandra thought back to one of her most early realizations upon becoming a Wayne.  Words, while available, were not always used. But she understood far more than words— bodies have always been the easiest language to her— and right now it spelt out ‘problem’ in big raised eyebrows. 

So, she laid the pieces out in front of her, and put them together again:

Everybody missed Jason.

Her other brothers were happier when Jason visited home.

Jason visited home most often for the library. He liked his library a lot, and made constant efforts to maintain it.

There was her solution, then. Bruce would be pleased with her application of detective skills. Her lips uptick with a smile.

“Mistress Cassandra,” Alfred spoke up, raising an eyebrow. “You look positively devious.”

Cassandra’s eyes sparkled with mirth. She touched her pinky to her forehead and brought it out. IDEA. 

Alfred hummed, looking at her with a great deal of speculation. The raised eyebrow lowered, and he very casually looked off to the side. “Well, I make it my mission to assist.”

Cass waited until the night before Jason was set to visit again. The halls were dark and quiet, and nobody was awake to witness her as she slipped through the doors. 

She picked out one book. Just one.

She moved it one spot to the right. 

Cassandra went to bed satisfied with her work, excitement dancing along her belly.

The next time Jason showed up, he was roped into dinner. Alfred was serving a sunday roast, which meant that it really hadn’t taken much convincing on Dick’s part to get him to sit at the table. 

They ate, Cass watching with a quiet glee as Jason argued back and forth with Tim about trivial things, neither of them actually angry– shoulders raised, but gently; eyes sparkling with mirth, not gleaming sharp; hands gesticulating wildly, not clenched at their sides. It was a nice evening.

As expected, Jason retreated the moment he finished wiping his dishes clean in the sink. Cassandra tailed behind, unnoticeable, as he went to the library. 

Cass watched as Jason methodically returned each book back to a particular shelf. He strolled to the other end of the room and knelt down, tilting his head. He ran his finger along the shelf, mumbling titles to himself, and then paused. 

He pulled one out and tucked it under his arm, and then moved to a different shelf. There was no fumbling in the way he moved. It was calculated. Every single book had its own place, and Jason knew each one like the back of his hand. 

He put three books away with little thought, and for a moment, she doubted her plans. Jason walked directly past the shelf she tampered with and put another book in its proper spot. As he stepped back, he froze.

Jason hesitated, pulling the book out of its improper spot. He turned it over in his hands, looking at the cover with bafflement and suspicion. He slowly pushed it back to the left empty space, where it was supposed to be. 

She smiled to herself. 

Yes, this plan would do nicely.

She’d finished her patrol, her hair was wet on her neck from the shower she’d had, her stolen clothes from Stephanie clean and loose on her body. She was going to the kitchen for a snack, but immediately rerouted when she heard the quiet, bewildered sounds from the library.

“Okay!” Jason’s muffled voice shouted through the door. “What the hell!”

She creaked the door open and poked her head in, looking at him with wide eyes. Jason looked over to her, his arms full of books that he’d been pulling with disgruntlement.

“Cass,” he said gruffly. “Have you seen anybody in my library? Messing with my books?”

She cataloged him, first. Distracted eyes, busy hands. His shoulders dropped, his waist relaxed. He didn’t suspect her at all. He was just very, very confused.

Cass shook her head honestly. She hadn’t seen anybody at all, unless she counted her own hands. 

Jason grunted and went back to refilling his books. He moved each book with great care, and the efficiency that came with understanding a system so thoroughly, and for such a long time.

With the last book put into place, it’s well into the night. Everyone else had most likely left for patrol, with Alfred acting as support from the cave. Jason picked up his things to leave— his jacket, his motorcycle keys.

He gave her a serious expression. “Hey, you have my number, right?”

She nodded.

“Good. Keep an eye out for me. Text me if you catch them,” Jason said, his face grim like he was looking for a criminal, and not a nightly book re-arranger. 

She nodded again, mimicking his expression. Pressing her lips firm, furrowing her eyebrows deeply. She flipped two fingers onto the back of her fist. of- COURSE.

Then, Cassandra realized that he had left without getting books. 

Which meant he would be back soon— so she got right back to work.

(“…Mistress Cassandra,” Alfred cleared his throat. 

She looked back at him with wide, innocent eyes.

“I know you’re aware of the importance this library’s organization has to Master Jason,” Alfred said succinctly. “So I do believe your intentions here are pure, yes?” 

Cassandra smiled at him, and nodded. She put a finger to her lips. “Shhh.”

Alfred’s eyes crinkle at the corners, and his lips perk upwards in a prim line. Amusement. He quietly closed the doors. 

By the time she had finished, the sun had fully  risen. She left the library without anybody noticing, and fell asleep still giggling to herself at what was to come.)

An entire wall of books was resorted into rainbow order. Her favourite was the purple section. There were fewer covers that were purple, and it reminded her of Stephanie. 

Her family found the results in the morning, while she shoveled bits of fried egg into her mouth. A very audible and undistinguished gasp from the hallway, coming from Alfred, was what alerted them.

Dick immediately got up, leaving his silverware to clatter at the plate. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and walked over. “Alf? What’s wrong? Is everything— what the fuck.”

“Language,” Alfred chided lightly. 

Cassandra joined them, standing at Alfred’s side. Dick was striding up and down the library, looking at the shelves with wide eyes, mouth dropped, his hands tugging uselessly at his hair.  Shock. Disbelief. 

Cassandra pulled out her phone.

little Brother jay 

👋👋👋📚📚📚📚📚📚📚❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️ [9:43am]

Fuck yes Cass this is why you’re my favourite [9:43am]

😇😇😇😇😇❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ [9:43am]

Dick’s phone rang, and he pulled it out from his pocket like it was a live grenade. “Oh shit.” 

He accepted the call and Jason’s voice rang clear through the speaker. “HEY, ASSHOLE.”

“It wasn’t me!” Dick declared loudly. “I am innocent, your honour—“

The revving of a motorcycle. Honking of cars. Jason continued to shout. “HOW BAD IS THE DAMAGE? DICK, DON’T ANSWER. I’M ASKING CASS.”

Cassandra pleasantly held up both of her hands towards her in an L-shape, bending her index fingers, and then flipped them out. 

“Large,” Dick translated miserably.

“FUUUUCK. WHEN I FIND OUT WHO’S DOING THIS, YOU’RE SO FUCKING DEAD.”

“I would like to have it back in the open that I’m not the culprit,” Dick started.

“WE’LL SEE ABOUT THAT. BE THERE IN FIVE.”  Jason hung up the call.

They stood in silence for a moment, all looking at the books in varying degrees of emotion. Cassandra was admittedly quite proud of herself. It had taken the entire night to reshelve, and she did have a moment surrounded by piles of books where she was unsure if she’d be able to finish by the time Alfred woke up— but she persevered. 

Dick meanwhile looked like he was watching his own death happen in real time. 

“I think I shall see to the kettle,” Alfred murmured, and then succinctly left the library. 

As expected, Jason entered the manor five minutes later.

The front door being shoved open was loud enough to hear across the span of rooms between.  Heavy footsteps sounded across the hallways, a straight-shot charge to the library. Determination rigid in his shoulders, his gait, his path. 

He shoved off his helmet and tossed it onto one of the sofas, and pointed to Dick, who was still standing frozen in the room. 

“Out,” he demanded, and Dick raised his hands in surrender while he scurried out of there. 

Jason turned back to the rainbow bookshelves. He crossed his arms, took a deep breath. Held it. Slowly looked at Cass, his face serious, set. “Report.”

ALFRED - DICK - FOUND - LIBRARY. 

“You didn’t see anyone go in? Nothing happened before that?”

Cassandra shook her head. She hadn’t seen anybody go into the library. She would know— she was in it. Loopholes, she learned, were not the same as lying.

Jason grunted and looked back at the shelves. 

She tapped him on the shoulder. 

NEED - HELP? 

Jason looked at her thoughtfully. “I’m gonna have to teach you how to organize it all. There’s a system. D’you like reading?”

Cassandra scrunched up her nose, tilting her head to the side. She held out her hand and waved it in a sideways pendulum motion. KINDA. READING - HARD. D-I-S–L-E-X-I-C.

“Ah,” Jason said, nodding his head once. “Well, as long as you’re careful with ‘em, I don’t give a fuck. One time Dickie came in here for a case and he bent a fuckin’ spine. It was a first edition, too. I told him if he did that shit again, I’d break his spine just so he’d know how it felt.”

Cassandra nodded sagely. 

“Anyways. Let’s get started. We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Jason huffed. “So, first things first…”

Jason’s system was extensive and particular, much like the majority of his mission plans. He started with a general overview of something called the Dewey Decimal System, which Cassandra had never heard of before in her life. There were nine main classes, and then subclasses that further specified where a book’s place was. He had only liked to use the first part of this system for his own organization.

He then entertained Cass with a lengthy rant about how the Dewey Decimal System was rooted in a multitude of issues because of its dated origin, and he didn’t like it. (“Also, I just refuse to deface the spines with an ugly fuckin’ sticker. I don’t even need a sticker anyways,” Jason grinned. He tapped his head with a worn copy of Little Women. “It’s all in my big-ass brain.”) 

She nodded, amused, and did her best to keep up. He had her pull all of the books down from the shelves. Eventually Alfred came in with tea, and immediately began to help her. They would pass them carefully to Jason, who would sort them on the floor by their first classification: genres.

Between her and Jason, they cleared the shelves all relatively quickly, and soon the entire library was littered with half-formed stacks of books. 

NOW - WHAT?

“We’re gonna start putting ‘em back,” Jason said, standing up with a grunt. He picked up a large stack of volumes. “These are all nerd shit, science and philosophy, stuff like that. You put them on the shelf, alright? Careful, it’s heavy.”

Cassandra lifted them easily from his arms and slotted them back onto the left-most bookshelf. Then she moved books on religion, and then business, law, etiquette, and then filled more shelves with books written in different languages, Old English, Spanish, German, French, Arabic, Punjabi, Romani, Latin, Greek. Encyclopedias on medicine, on art, on music, on geography. 

Alfred worked on previous shelves she’d filled, micro-organizing by topics, names, collections, etc., pulling out publications and moving them one way or another. 

Cassandra’s arms were heavy and there was sweat on Jason’s brow, but he was beaming by the time that they got to the far left of the library. 

“This is literature,” he explained. “This is the best part. This is the only part of the library that’s not done in alphabetical. Because it’s my shit, and I always know where it is.”

“I sort by author name, series, how rare they are, and how much I like them,” he said, standing tall, a gleam in his eyes. Happy. Proud. “I’ve read every single book in here, and this system has been years in the making.”

Cassandra clapped her hands, smiling brightly at him. YOU - MOVE - BOOKS. I - WATCH.

Jason grinned. “Sure. But pay attention, alright? You’re a certified helper if this shit happens again. You’re the only other person but Alfred and I that haven’t committed book-sins in here.”

Cass nodded, and watched carefully as Jason began to work his magic. At the very top, Jane Austen’s entire collection of works, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Daniel Keyes’ Flowers for Algernon, S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders,  C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, titles by a Virginia Woolfe, a Charles Dickens, an Andrew Clements, a Jerry Spinelli, a Katherine Patterson, a Robert C. O’Brien…

“Some of these B bought for me,” Jason explained as he’s shelving them. “He used to take me to these massive bookstores around the world for my birthday, and he’d just follow me around for hours while I picked out more books than I could even carry. I keep some of ‘em at my apartment, but most of them are still here.”

NO MORE? 

Jason’s face shuttered, the calm dwindling away into something bitter, disgusted. A small downturn of his lips, his eyes narrow, his shoulders hiking up slightly. All very subtle changes– but not for Cass.

“No,” Jason smiled, his teeth sharp. The smile was weak, it didn’t meet his eyes– it was more like he was baring his teeth. Discomfort. “I’m not fifteen anymore.”

Cassandra frowned. Tried to find the best way to sign, he would take you anywhere if you asked, and, he misses you so much, I can see it in every way that he moves. But words are hard, and painful, and this was too important. So she stayed quiet. She’s becoming more like a Wayne every day.

When Cassandra awoke the next morning and made her way downstairs, arguing chorused from the breakfast nook.

“I didn’t do it,” Damian’s voice said, snide and short, Cassandra caught a glimpse of his nose turned up and his arms crossed. Annoyed. “I’m far too mature for such asinine activities. Perhaps it was Drake, he has a passion for being a nuisance.”

“Brat,” Tim seethed back. His eyebags are dark and heavy. He has his hair pulled back in a messy half-bun, but it doesn’t disguise how greasy it is. “I’ve been working on a case all week, I haven’t even left the cave. And before you even ask, I already checked the security feed, the cameras around the library were offline the entire night.”

They both looked at Dick accusingly, who startled, raising his shoulders in defense. “It wasn’t me, I wasn’t even in the city! I just drove in this morning.”

Cassandra stepped into view, and they all huff over their breakfast plates. She caught Tim’s eye and held her hands out and up, and then pointed out, her eyebrows furrowed.

WHAT - HAPPEN?

“The library’s messed up again,” Tim explained. Lips pursed, shoulders dropped low, back hunched over, eyes hooded and blank. Irritated. Tim never liked when there were mysteries he couldn’t solve. ���All of the books are backwards or something.”

Yes. Because last night, she turned each book so that the spine faced the wrong direction. It was much faster than her other tricks, but effective. 

“Alfred wouldn’t do it. It wasn’t Bruce,” Dick reasoned, scratching his chin. “He never goes in there anymore.”

“I don’t go in where anymore?” Bruce walked in, sipping at coffee from a chipped Father’s Day mug. His hair was wet and combed back, he smelt like Eucalyptus and mint. Freshly showered. He brought Cass in for a side hug when she scooted closer to him.

“The library,” Damian said, stabbing at a roasted potato on his plate. He scowled. “Tim tried to pin the blame on me, but I didn’t do it, Father. He’s lying.”

“Damian–”

“I never tried to pin anything on you,” Tim defended, rolling his eyes, “I just said it couldn’t be Dick, and it couldn’t be me.”

“It very well could be you,” Damian shot back. He furiously chewed his potatoes, swallowed, and then pointed his fork accusingly at Tim. “If you were the only one in the cave, then nobody else could have erased the footage!”

Bruce held up his hand. His eyebrows creased, looking at the both of them with great consternation. “Boys, settle down. Footage of what? What happened to the library?”

Cass tugged at his sleeve, and he immediately turned his attention down. She held her hands out pressed together and folded them open.

BOOKS.

“Are they destroyed?” Bruce asked, his voice going gruffer. A twitch of his left eye, his chin wavering. Worried. She quickly shook her head to ease his fears.

“There’s been someone who keeps going into the library,” Dick spoke up hesitantly. “They’re, uh. Moving around the books.”

“We don’t know who,” Tim added, sinking into his seat. “Cams are being wiped, we can’t catch anybody.”

Bruce pressed his lips together for a moment. It’s quiet, except for the faint scraping of silverware against ceramic. 

He grunted finally, looking down to his coffee. He glanced back up. “Is Jason… aware?”

“Yeah,” the table chorused. (Cassandra nodded.)

“I see,” Bruce said slowly. He sat down at the head of the table. He filled a plate and set it at the empty seat beside him, motioned for Cass to sit down. He filled his own plate.

They ate silently, Cassandra munching on her own plate of scrambled eggs, of oat flapjacks– Bruce had given her extra blueberries on top, which was her favourite. Tim got up for another mug of coffee, and when he sat back down, Bruce cleared his throat.

“Tim,” he called. “Any running leads?”

Tim sat up straighter, and shrugged. “I have a few pieces of transient evidence that point to Mad Hatter, but it was cleaned up on the scene by a cop that’s being investigated right now. It’s been a while since we’ve seen him, but the—”

“On the library, Tim.”

Tim paused, looking up in surprise. “The—? Uh. No. I don’t have any leads. I don’t think it’s anybody at this table, because none of us are allowed in the library. Maybe Stephanie? Duke wouldn’t pull a prank like that.”

“Brown isn’t allowed in the library either,” Damian cut in, giving Tim the side-eye. 

“Yeah, but, it’s Steph,” Tim reasoned. 

Cassandra shook her head, lips pulled into a frown. NOT - STEPHANIE.

Tim sighed heavily, slumping back into his seat. He mumbled into his coffee. “Alright, fine. No leads.”

Bruce made a small verbal noise of acknowledgement, and turned to Cassandra. He very minutely narrowed his eyes. She stared back at him. 

His left eyebrow ticked upwards. A silent question.

She blinked slowly. The corner of her mouth lifted.

“Hm,” Bruce grunted. He looked away and began slicing neatly at his breakfast.

Cassandra finished her breakfast and sent a new message to Jason, another string of book and blinking alarm emojis. He sent back an angry face and a thumbs down emoji, with a note saying he would be there later today.

Jason arrived as expected, and upon walking into the library, he only sighed. An obnoxious, loud sigh, with his head tossed back, his arms falling dramatically to his side. 

“I can’t leave for more than a minute without someone touching my shit, huh?” 

“We really don’t know who’s doing it,” Dick said apologetically, standing safely at the doorway of the big room. His toe doesn’t even cross the threshold. He put his arm on Tim’s shoulders. “Not even Tim has a hunch.”

“There’s an easy explanation for that,” Jason called out as he began to rifle through books to check their proper place. “Timbit, are you a suspect?”

Tim glared. “I didn’t touch your books, Jason.”

Jason flipped him off. He turned around and craned his neck, and his eyes met Cassandra’s. He jutted his chin out. “Hey. Come here.”

Cassandra walked in pleasantly, ignoring the blatant shock from her brothers behind her. She tilted her head in question. 

“You start on the left side, alright? It looks like they’re all in the right place, just… backwards, for some fuckin’ reason,” Jason explained, furrowing his eyebrows. He shot his head to the doorway. “You two idiots. Get in here. VIP pass.”

Dick’s eyes widened, and he hesitated before fumbling forward. He flexed his hands, looking around the room like it had been his first time ever walking in. His eyes settle on Jason, a grin on his face. “You’re letting me help?”

“Yeah. Whatever,” Jason mumbled. He looked to Tim, who was still dubiously staring at the open room ahead of him. “Tim. You just gonna stand there all day?”

Tim narrowed his eyes and carefully stepped in, walking around slowly on the balls of his feet, Like a cat exploring new territory. 

“Both of you work in the other language section,” Jason pointed to the middle shelves. “Don’t move the books around. Don’t open them. Don’t breathe on them. All you’re doing is putting them back in with the spine out. If you break any of these rules, I will know.”

“Yessir,” Dick saluted. He very happily began to fix the backwards books, smiling to himself as he did so. He touched each book very carefully, much like Cassandra did, the contents being precious and fragile. 

Alfred stopped by with pastries, hardly batting an eye at the surplus of people in the library. He set down the tray, wiped the coffee table clean, and exited just as swiftly. Cassandra had a sneaking suspicion that he had told Bruce that everyone was convening, though, because moments later Bruce very quietly poked his head in through the doorway.

He lingered, watching with bright eyes, kind lines crinkled softly at the edges, his lips pressed together like he had eaten something sweet. Fondness. One of Cassandra’s favourite emotions to recognize. It made her heart feel light, and made her feel full and happy and safe.

Jason caught him before he could disappear down the hallway. 

“Hey, don’t think you’re getting away without helping,” Jason spoke up, glaring half-heartedly. He motioned pointedly to the shelves. “These were your books first. Come help us fix this mess, one-percenter.”

Bruce opened his mouth, closed it, and then obediently walked in. He kept his hands easily to his sides. “Where do you need me?”

“Social sciences. Next to Cass,” Jason grunted, and focused back on his own shelf.

Bruce took his spot next to Cassandra, giving her a look. Very quietly and under his breath, he said: “I assume you have a motive?”

Cassandra nodded once, smiling at him. 

He grunted again, and began turning books the right way around.

Damian joined them later with both Alfreds in tow– the cat in his arms, and the butler with more refreshments. He looked around the library with raised eyebrows. “Why is everyone gathered here?”

“We’re helping Jason fix his books,” Dick explained cheerfully. 

“We’re doing free labor,” Tim corrected.

“Can it, richboy. You could use some free labor,” Jason said indifferently. He turned to Damian. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see what all the fuss was about,” Damian sniffed. He absently scratched the cat’s chin. “Every time we’re all in a room together, there’s often a chance for a funeral to take place.”

“Not every time,” Jason said dryly. “But whatever. Put the cat down, I’m putting you to work, too.”

“Excuse me?” Damian said, stepping away with narrowed eyes. Alfred (cat) held protectively in his arms. “I’m not a butler.”

“Damian,” Bruce lamely chided.

“Sorry, Pennyworth,” Damian acquiesced with an eyeroll. “Your role in this family is undervalued and highly appreciated.”

Alfred (butler) looked very amused as he nodded. “Yes. Well, I accept your apology, Master Damian.”

“Now you have to help,” Tim smirked. “Penance for disrespecting Alfred. Come on, demon-brat. Pick up a book.”

Damian scowled, but set the cat down. Without a word, he stuffily marched over to Dick and began helping him fix the shelves, grumbling under his breath. Moody, Cassandra thought with utmost joy.

It was a big library, but they are a big family. Not so good at communicating, but good at teamwork. Focused. With everybody helping, the shelves are fixed within a few hours, bantering and nudging shoulders all the while. 

“Will you be staying for dinner, Master Jason? I’ll be making shakriye, if you would like to assist with the recipe,” Alfred said simply, as he led everybody out into the hallway. 

“I’ll stick around,” Jason grunted. “I’m camping out in the library all night, actually. I’ll find which one of you is betraying me. Fuck you, Tim.”

Tim threw his hands up, scoffing. “I didn’t even say anything!”

“You hardly have to, Drake,” Damian drawled, walking close beside Dick. “Your presence is more than enough.”

“Guys,” Dick chided lightly, smiling wide. “Keep it friendly.”

And behind them, Bruce walked with his hand on Cass’s upper back, his eyes soft, attentive. 

Cassandra smiled at all of it, feeling warm, feeling happy. She set the table with Tim. Dick helped Damian with his math homework. Jason and Alfred worked in the kitchen. Bruce looked over company paperwork. All of them in the same place, relaxed, content, a puzzle with its picture complete.

“Alright, theories?” Dick asked, sipping at a glass of water. “Who do we think is doing it? We’re all a detective family, we’re smart.”

“It's Tim,” Damian answered shortly, dipping his spoon into the stew.

Tim gave a blank stare, looking resolutely unimpressed. “It isn’t me. Don’t be ridiculous. I still think it’s someone outside of the house, my bets are on Steph. She’s cool with Jason.”

“Brown would never betray me like that,” Jason scoffed. “Use your fuckin’ brain. I’m literally her favourite.”

“I dated her!” Tim argued. 

“Then she broke up with you,” Jason shot back, giving a shrug. “So. Now I’m her favourite. It’s a street kid thing.”

Tim rolled his eyes again and took a bite of stew. “Her favourite is Cass.”

“Ah,” Dick clicked his tongue, nodding passively. “Yeah, that’s true, Jay. She’s really close with Cass.”

Cass flushed, tilting her head to the side. Again, she half-signed with one hand: NOT - HER. 

“Well, you heard it,” Dick gestured over to her, grinning. “If Cassandra says it isn’t Steph, then it isn’t Steph. She knows everything.”

“Told you,” Jason said firmly.

“Wait,” Tim frowned, swallowing his food. He looked at her, speculative.  “Dick has a point though. Cass, you pay attention to all kinds of weird stuff that goes on around here. Have you seen anything?”

Cassandra blinked at him innocently. 

Everyone looked over, the only sounds at the table being that of silverware clinking against the ceramic plates, people slurping at stew. 

She shook her head simply. HOUSE - QUIET.

“Okay,” Tim said slowly, frowning more. “Well. That’s… a dead end, I guess.”

For whatever reason, they never seem to suspect her.

Her brothers were silly, and foolish. She loves them.

Despite Alfred’s insistence, Jason wanted to sleep in the library. 

Cassandra didn’t move any books tonight. The memory of all of them fixing each cover properly together was fresh in her mind, and she liked the way Jason’s shoulders weren’t hiked up to his ears after dinner had finished. His eyes didn’t scatter uneasily over each hallway, checking low at every corner. He was no longer moving through their safe home like someone hunted. 

This was to say, when she awoke the next morning, the library was supposed to remain untouched. 

little Brother jay

You awake? [7:02am]

👍👍😊❓[7:03am]

Library. Cmere [7:03am]

Cass frowned slightly and slid out of bed. She quietly headed out of the hallway and down the stairs, listening to the sounds of the house waking up. 

The heavy doors to the library are shut, so she must pull to open them, and when she poked her head in, everything looked… normal. She didn’t spot any discrepancies, nothing out of place.

Jason was sitting in the most comfortable chair. The one near the fireplace. The one that had started all of this for her, a lesson in grief and rules and love. 

His body curled in comfortably, his head tilted down into a book, white-striped hair hanging over his eyebrows. For a moment, Cassandra imagined this very scene, but years earlier— trying to picture a Jason with crooked teeth, with smaller hands, trying to picture a Jason she didn’t have the chance to meet.

With everything lost, and everything found, there was so much love here, and Cassandra could see it in a way that nobody else could. 

Jason flickered his eyes up from his book. “Cass,” he said neutrally. His shoulders relaxed in a practiced line. His face, falsely blank. Cassandra knew then that he had figured it out, who had been moving the books.

She didn’t so much as blink, didn’t tense, didn’t fret. She watched him, curious, waiting. 

Jason didn’t say anything, only lamely tilting his head in the direction of the couch before looking back down. He was one of the few that didn’t always use words with her. He knew that she knew what he would mean.

She did. She slipped forward like ink and sat quietly on the couch, folding her hands in her lap. She watched her little brother while he flipped each page carefully.

She counted fourteen pages before Jason closed his book, setting it in front of him. He stared back at her for a long moment.

“Why?” He said, his voice gruff.

It was a reasonable question, she supposed. Why would she move his books? Why would she sneak into and disrupt his designated safe space?  Why would she break the rules?

Cassandra flexed her hands, squeezing her fingers into her palms. She stared down thoughtfully, her eyebrows furrowed in concentration. She let out a quiet sigh.

It was hard to use words verbally. Mostly impossible. It took more energy than was worth, and it made her head hurt. But this seemed important—to her, and to Jason. 

This one word, aloud. 

“Family,” she whispered slowly. Her voice was hoarse, quiet. 

Jason blinked. Surprise and confusion flashed over his face, and Cassandra watched and noted each minute detail. Eyebrows high on his face, but creased together. A frown tugging at his lips.

She would need to explain further, which is equally hard, but she will try. She will always try, for her family.

She brought her hands up:

YOU - LIKE - BOOKS, she explained, her signs choppier than normal. A pause between every word. ME - BIG SISTER - to-YOU - WHEN - ME - HELP - YOU - WITH - BOOKS. 

She nodded with finality, proud of herself. 

“So,” Jason said, and his eyebrows are still furrowed, but there’s an emotion in his eyes that Cassandra can’t place. One that she doesn’t quite have a name for. It made her feel like she was sad, but happy, and found. “You mess with my shelves so I come over?”

Cass hesitated, and then nodded again. The statement was true— but it was much more than that. She always missed him, yes, but— but this wasn’t for her. She looked at the shelves, determined, and turned back to Jason.

BEFORE. YOU - Cassandra brought her hands in front of her, palms down, fingers out, and she shook them. Her shoulders draw upwards in discomfort. NERVOUS. NOT - FEEL - SAFE - at - HOME.

“That’s not—“ Jason argued, his shoulders tensing. Cassandra gave him a firm look, and the fight left him with a resigned sigh. “Okay. Whatever. Continue.”

Cassandra exhaled. LIBRARY - MAKE - YOU - FEEL - SAFE.  

YOU - MAKE - FAMILY -

Cassandra frowned, looking at her own hands. The air was still and silent between them as she chose her next word. She moved her open hands in a circular motion, closing at the bottom. 

UNBROKEN.

She emphasized: ONLY - IF - YOU - HERE. SAFE.

Jason went quiet for a long time. She let the silence wash over both of them, taking in his forcibly lowered shoulders, hardened misty eyes. 

Cassandra didn’t mind, neither did she pressure. She simply allowed herself to be seen, to be quiet and still but also there. Being there was a privilege she hadn’t known in the Before, and was all the more willing to partake in it when she learned the comfort of just… knowing she wasn’t alone. Knowing she could make other people feel not alone. 

However long later, Jason sniffed. Subtly swiped his hand against his cheeks, cleared his throat. His eyes red, darting up skittishly. His vivid green caught her deep brown, and held. She gave him a small, sincere nod.

I see you. 

Jason swallowed, his throat bobbing, his eyes faltering with emotion. He raised his hand, his palm facing towards himself, and he let his fingertips brush against his chin. He swung his hand down, his palm facing up. THANK YOU.

Cassandra smiled at him.

Jason looked down, his hands thumbing back over his book. He sniffed again, and let out a small shaky sigh. 

“This is one of my favourites,” Jason spoke up, giving a forced shrug of nonchalance. “I think you’d like it. It was in French, originally, but uh… this one was translated to English. I’ve had it for years. It’s good, it has pictures and stuff…”

He looked up, pausing, drawing a breath. Hesitation. Waiting. Nervous. Cassandra sat up a little straighter, trying to show her interest as she leaned forward. She quickly brought a hand to her chest and rubbed her open palm in a circle over her heart. PLEASE?

“It’s called The Little Prince, it was written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,” he explained shortly, his words stilted, his eyes flickering back up to her one last time before he cleared his throat and read.

“Once when I was six years old I saw a magnificent picture in a book, called True Stories from Nature, about the primeval forest…”

Jason had a nice reading voice. With every sentence she understood him a little better, why he loved books so much, why he spent so much time here. With every page she had scooted closer, until she was curled up on the arm of his chair, looking over his shoulder to see the illustrations. 

He read her the story cover-to-cover, and then she shot up to grab another, and another. 

They nested in the library for hours, eating the snacks Alfred snuck in, letting the world fall quiet around them until it was reduced to fireplace ash and ancient upholstery. She leaned his head on his shoulder, closed her eyes, and smiled, because she thought surely, it couldn’t get much better than this.

And then Jason stayed for dinner.

[thewordswewrite]

The Drought of an Ocean

Chapter 16 - Epilogue

Pairing | Finnick Odair x Fem!Reader

Story Summary | Finnick Odair was the youngest victor to ever win the Hunger Games but that didn’t earn him respect as a mentor, at least not until she came along. When a dejected volunteer from District 4 puts her life on the line, Finnick will do anything he can to protect her.

Chapter Summary | 10 years later...

Chapter Warnings | N/A

W/C | 1.7k

Taglist | @lem0ns77   @lostintheendlessvoidthatislife @curlycarley​   @bela-nov​ @lilylovelyxo​   @jaydiann @shynypeacekitten​ @dd122004dd​ @jyessaminereads​   @aquawhore420   @qallaghereid  @bazzaza​ @zulpix-blog​ @mrsjna​   @americanstarlette @lou-the-confused-bisexual​ @maxinehufflepuffprincess​ @cecepop15   @pavard-leto-girl  

A/N | Alright so this is actually the end BUT asks are open for oneshots for the missing 10 years between chapters 15 and 16! Thanks everyone so much for reading and following us on this journey!! -Smoe

Donations |  Link

|Masterlist|

In her dreams, the more and more she had as the years went on, she was at the beach–their beach–and as she sat watching the waves hit the shore, and the sun began to rise over the horizon painting the waters red with its color, for a moment her stomach would drop. Her chest began to tighten until she cupped the water in her hands, finding the illusion to only be the sun’s rays mirrored across the horizon. She would bury her feet in the sand, letting the seafoam lick at her ankles as birds called overhead. It wouldn’t be long until she felt a presence beside her, the comforting pressure of arms wrapped around her middle that bled in from reality.

This morning the feeling was just that: a feeling. She shook her head, laughing to herself about her chronic morning-person of a husband. It was hard not to think of his teasing words as she pulled her limbs back towards her body at the center of the mattress. She rubbed out a crick in her neck before pulling open the curtains and letting the sun shine into the room. 

Humming a light tune, she padded a few feet down the hall to the next room over where she opened the door just a touch to peek in. Her heart leapt in seeing the empty bassinet until she remembered the abandoned space in her own bed. She couldn’t say she was used to their routine but six months of it almost daily was starting to ease her panic. Over a year ago, for the second time in her life, Finnick held her as she cried–this time tears of joy–and nine months later their little starfish was brought into the world during a storm that drowned her screams.

With her own stomach rumbling, she set off to the kitchen to prepare a bottle, something Finnick still hadn’t mastered as he’d rather let the bottle get ice cold than risk any pain to their daughter. He’d been especially careful in everything he did since their daughter was born, their household of two made a family of three; from baby-proofing the house, reading the limited parenting resources he could get his hands on and above all, keeping the both of them within reach at all time, safe in his care. As a gesture to both their future as a family and their newfound freedom, he’d discarded his trident, a sign of all that he had done, been forced to do, in the remnants of the Capitol. 

Filling the kettle at the sink, she could just make out the form of her husband, cradling their baby girl out by the shore, through the window. Before returning to the stove, she opened the window to tend to her flowers, a window box secured by Finnick at the start of the season was full of blooming Primroses after Peeta sent seeds in one of his letters. Though she was never close to Katniss, she had grown to know her sister while she recovered in District 13 alongside Peeta. The girl was caring and had impeccable bedside manner, her hands steady when changing her IV, smiles came easy when she saw the bobbing blonde head of the littlest Everdeen sister. It was terrible what happened, she had been walking close behind Katniss when they tried to infiltrate the Presidential Palace, then the first round of bombs hit…the second.

She closed the window with a sigh and put the kettle on the burner. At the table there was a short stack of open mail, a rarity considering all that had happened, which Finnick had already sorted through. She smiled to herself, recognizing Peeta’s blocky script even before picking up the letter, an extra blush spreading across her cheeks at the greeting to the Odairs. It was mostly business as usual, Peeta filling them in on their simple life in 12 and in turn asking about them, especially now that they had a little one to update on. A year had passed since Katniss and Peeta visited and four since they backed Katniss’ decision to take down Coin and thus inciting their exile. It was a privilege to have anyone to share their pregnancy with, most of all given what they’d been through and lost to get there. 

She was about to put the letter in the drawer with the rest when she saw the small scrawls on the bottom of the page.

‘Saw this and thought of you, then of her but Peeta didn’t approve. Good luck - Katniss’

Riffling through the pile of mail, she couldn’t figure out what the note was referring to but she didn’t often know what Katniss was referring to; better to ask Finnick later. She grabbed the warmed bottle and stuffed the letter in her pocket to bring with her before slipping out the back, the screen door creaking closed behind her.

The morning was beautiful, a cool breeze contrasting the already warming sand, with rays of sunlight just finally rinsing fully above the horizon. Her bare feet sunk into the uneven ground, as she made her way towards her husband and daughter who watched the waves together.

“Here, breakfast.” She placed the bottle in his awaiting hand, taking a seat next to him on the blanket he had laid out. 

“Oh, thanks. I hadn’t eaten.” She rolled her eyes at him and his smug smile. They sat a while in a comfortable silence as their daughter ate, falling back into a slumber with a full belly when the bottle was gone. 

Pulling the letter out of her pocket, she handed it to him, absentmindedly stroking her daughter's silk soft hair, “Did you see this?”

Finnick chuckled softly, “I’m sure Peeta was mortified but I thought it was funny.” She raised an eyebrow at him as he slowly pulled back the blanket their daughter was comfortably swaddled in. They both braced for her to wake but as Finnick carefully shifted to show his wife, she only clung to her prize tighter and let out a sleepy breath. Cuddled in her daughter’s arms was a small stuffed bear, the mouth a zigzag of white stitching mimicking teeth. She used to think if she ever saw a bear again it’d be too soon but looking down at the stuffie clutched in her daughter’s tiny hands she couldn’t help but smile.

“Never thought Kat would be the one with a sense of humor, huh? You two are too alike,” She huffed with a smile, shaking her head in disbelief.

He hummed in response, “You know she hates when you call her that.”

“And you hate it when Peeta calls you Finn but here we are,” She followed Finnick’s gaze as smiled down at the dozing infant, too lost to truly hear her,  “Here we are.” Save for the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the beach around them seemed to disappear, their small family the only thing in the world. Her heart clenched in her chest, still seeing that nineteen year old boy who had taken a chance on her even behind the worry lines and the scars. It was a miracle that they were here at all–the odds stacked against them from the beginning–let alone together in the life that they had made. 

The air was heavy for a moment, Finnick on the verge of saying something multiple times before he finally got out, “I never thought we’d get this. Especially not her,” He clutched the baby tighter to his chest, kissing her forehead before inhaling deeply, “not after we lost–”

“We lost…a lot, and I never thought I’d want what I have, but I’m happy.” Finnick stared up at her, a familiar and unsure expression that often crossed his face, even after all this time, as if to ask, ‘are you sure?’ She reached to tuck a stray strand of blonde hair back in place, landing with her head resting on his shoulder. “I love our family, you and Ondine.”

“Our little wave.”

In an attempt to break the tension, she huffed a sigh, “Doesn't feel so little when you have to push her out of your…” She trailed off mumbling to herself as she began to stand up. “Let’s go, I’m starving, and you’re cooking!” Before she managed to take a step, she was pulled back by a  hand clutching the hem of her shirt. 

“We got this too,” Finnick fished another piece of mail from his back pocket, not bothering to make eye contact as he handed it over and immediately turned his attention back to his daughter. She eyed him suspiciously before taking the cardstock, his demeanor suddenly tense. The page was covered from top to bottom in words, some she didn’t even know and when she looked up from it Finnick was already awaiting her reaction. The confusion must’ve been clear on her face, for he explained, “It basically says…we can go.”

“Go where?”

Finnick held their daughter tighter to his chest, stroking her cheek as he answered, “Our exile is over. Katniss and Peeta’s too.” He was biting his lip, his brows furrowed. She placed a firm hand on his shoulder, urging him to look at her. 

“Go where?”

Finnick sighed, “Home? Back to 4.” She tipped his chin up with her index finger gazing into his worrisome eyes. With her thumb, she smoothed out the wrinkle between his eyebrows, something that never failed to make him laugh. 

Her whole life sat before her, the culmination of all that she’d experienced and everything that she shouldn’t have survived. Every step of the way they had tried to tell her story, the twists and turns and all the endings, happily ever after written out for her when martyrdom didn’t cut it. But for the first time in her life, the pages ahead were blank and she was the one with the pen. She managed to have it all: her life, her family and now, her freedom. Looking around at what her and Finnick had built together, she smiled, her heart clenching and eyes watering at the realization.

“We are home.”

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