#but the idea from last night is so soft and I want the bonds between brothers to be shown

[lemonylioness]

On the Fifth Day of Kinkmas...

Silent Night - Suguru Geto x Reader

Kink: Sensory Deprivation

Content Warnings: CultLeader!Geto, Bondage, Gag, Blindfold, fingering, P in V sex, a little touch of yandere

***Minors DO NOT Interact*** ***18+ Only***

“Oh, my sweet starlight, this body of yours is artistry, and comfortable, I hope?” Your leader, Suguru Geto’s velvet voice smoothed over your ear as his fingers pulled down the blindfold in place over your wide eyes, the last piece of the puzzle of your immobility. Your wrists were shackled together in soft leather cuffs, the chain connecting them wrapped around a leg of the table you were laid out on, keeping your arms above your head. Each of your legs was hooked over either side of the table, your ass sitting right at the bottom edge, your ankles locked into place against the table legs with more leather cuffs, leaving you fully spread and unable to do anything to hide your slowly slickening pussy. A ball gag was strapped around your head, the silicon pushed between your teeth, pressing your tongue down and making drool leak out the sides of your lips. His fingertips ghosted down your naked torso, leaving a trail of goosebumps prickling across your skin. Soft whines came from behind the gag as tension rippled through your body, your thighs instinctively trying to come together to protect your most sensitive area. 

He gently hushed you, one hand cupping your jaw while the other went to tease your nipple, his fingertip tracing the circle of your areola as the bud stiffened into a peak, “Everything’s alright, sweetie, no need to worry. I just want to enjoy my gift. You did offer yourself up to me after all, it would be rude to go back on that now.”

Words too muffled to understand tried to escape as you arched under the stimulation followed by a choked moan as he pinched and tugged.

“Hush, starlight, I’m just going to play a little and if you’re good, you’ll be rewarded,” the hand on your jaw, tilted your head toward him so he could kiss your forehead, “let’s see just how much fun we can have.” 

His hands dropped away from your trembling body and silence descended over the room. Unable to tell if he had moved away or not, you debated trying to pull against your bonds and test whatever limits he may have given you, your mind screaming at you to escape while you still could though the thought was almost drowned out by how much your pussy throbbed, your clit twitching. When you had offered yourself to the leader of the group that had turned your life around for the better, something, anything to show how much you appreciated what he had done for you, never in your wildest imaginings had you pictured this depravity happening. His soft voice as he talked you out of your clothes and onto the table, as he cuffed each limb and locked them into place, had been hypnotizing to the point that you had no idea how you had suddenly ended up in such a compromising position, unable to do anything as he took away your ability to speak or see. But at the same time, it was like he was privy to your darkest fantasies, every little thing that turned you on present in this scenario as you were made vulnerable to his desires.

Abruptly broken from your thoughts by cool air fanning between your legs, a deep chuckle followed by a pat of his fingers to your stiff nipple signaled his return as you flinched from the sudden contact. 

“I left to grab some things for us to play with and when I came back, you seemed to have left as well. Lost in thought, sweetie? Hopefully good thoughts?” Geto’s voice seemed slightly off, a little colder, making you shiver as you quickly nodded your head. Warmth returned as he spoke again, “Good, glad to hear it. I want you to enjoy this just as much as I will.” 

He still hadn’t done anything to you at all between your legs, that pleasure center remaining untouched, though it didn’t seem to matter, you were still growing more and more wet as things dragged on. Being exposed like this was a turn on you had no idea existed as you couldn’t do anything to keep your modesty or hide yourself from his violet eyes. Eyes you couldn’t see, but did seem to feel as they raked over your body, laser focused on your soft breasts and oozing cunt. 

“You’re drifting again, sweetie, stay with me, I know set up is boring, but it has to be done for the rest of this to go smoothly,” you could tell he was trying to be soothing, but there was faint edge to his voice of something a little more frantic, a little more unhinged. Something that made your blood run cold and those whines started to escape again. His warm hands were back on your body in an instant, his lips brushing down the skin of your tummy in a soft line of kisses, “none of that, starlight, I’m going to take care of you as I promised. Just need to decide where to start. There’s so many options.” 

His hands began to roam, down your thighs, back up to your stomach and then to your breasts, giving each a gentle squeeze before coming to your face, cupping it sweetly as his thumbs stroked over your skin in soothing patterns before repeating the cycle again. You were starting to want him to touch you where you needed it most, begging him with mewls and whimpers as your hips bucked off the table, mindlessly searching for any kind of friction. Geto didn’t seem to be fazed by you humping the air, one of his large hands pressing your pelvis back down as he continued his exploration of your body, now using his mouth as well as his hands. He sucked one of your nipples between his lips, laving the little bud with his tongue until it was extremely sensitive and swollen. The other nipple was caught between his long fingers, being pulled and twisted, sending sparks of pain and pleasure to your core. Fighting back loud moans, you arched and yanked at your bonds, struggling to get him to slow down or stop so you could catch your breath.

This he did notice, chuckling at you as he gave you a little break from his sinful mouth, “you won’t be getting out of these restraints, sweetie, I suggest you relax and let me continue. Though looking at this mess between your thighs, I think it’s obvious you really are enjoying this too.” Finally, he gave you some attention where you needed it most, his fingers coming down on your clit in a harsh smack. You wailed around the gag, arching sharply as your pussy clenched hard enough to splatter slick on the table below you. Geto groaned at the sight and immediately repeated the action with the same results, your hips jerking in the air as a small puddle was created beneath your body. 

Drool spilled down your cheeks as you choked out mewls and whines, cunt begging for any kind of stimulation it could get as he continued to toy with you, holding your pleasure just as hostage as the rest of your body. You tried to plead with him, babbling around the silicon ball pressing down on your tongue as you grew more and more desperate. At long last, two of his long fingers slid into your fluttering hole, stroking your trembling walls until he found your spongey g-spot and pressed hard making you see stars. His fingers continued to bully it over and over and over until you could barely draw breath, overwhelmed by the ecstasy flooding your poor little brain. Thumb working against your clit, his other hand moved up to play with your nipple again as he drove you to your orgasm at a breakneck pace.

“C’mon starlight, cum for me, I want you to gush around my fingers, I want you to make a mess for me,” he leaned over your shuddering body and purred in your ear, tugging your ear lobe with his teeth as he increased his pace. A broken cry left your mouth as you hit your peak, pussy squirting clear liquids around his fingers as you convulsed and twisted. He worked you through the wave of pleasure, waiting for you to go limp before pulling his fingers out of your cunt with a loud squelch. More wet sounds followed that your fucked out mind couldn’t quite process and then he spoke again, “So sweet, my darling, god that was fantastic. I almost want to make you do it again, but I have something else in mind.” 

The soft rustle of clothing was the only warning you got before something hot and thick was swiping through your folds and nudging against your over sensitive and swollen clit. His hands hooked around your hips where your legs were bent as the tip of his cock caught on your entrance and he started pushing himself in inch by inch, giving you plenty of time to feel every bit of stretch as your pussy molded to the shape of his large erection. Your moans wouldn’t stop as your hips bucked up to meet his pelvis as he bottomed out inside of you, leaking tip pressed firmly against your cervix. 

“Good girl, taking my cock so well,” his voice was strained above you as his hips stuttered against yours, “Fuck, you feel so good wrapped around me. I bet you feel really good right now too, don’t you?” 

Dazed by what he was doing to your lower half, you didn’t answer him, too distracted by your pussy rippling around the intrusion you could feel all the way in your lungs, your slick oozing out around his shaft and making an absolute mess.

A sudden slap to your breast quickly brought you back as the sting jolted you, “Answer me. Don’t you feel good?” 

Quickly nodding, you rolled your hips, silently begging him to move. His hips reeled back, leaving you almost empty before slamming home again, deep grunts matching every thrust as he pounded into you like an animal. You squealed and writhed underneath him, fighting against the cuffs as it was all too much. You couldn’t think, you couldn’t move, you couldn’t make noise, you couldn’t feel anything except the pleasure he was forcing through your body, his cock bruising your cervix with every single thrust as his hips battered away. He wasn’t afraid to voice his own ecstasy, his voice deep and slightly breathless as he mumbled under his breath how amazing you felt and what a good girl you were, how he’d never had someone take his cock so well, rambling softly. Hand coming up to wrap around your throat, Geto held you in place, his hips somehow moving faster as he pulled another blinding orgasm from you, your sloppy, slobbering cunt strangling his shaft.

You lost track of time, losing yourself in the pounding rhythm of his hips as well as waves of orgasms. He was insatiable, refusing to stop thrusting even as you sobbed in overstimulation, your pussy gushing your juices around his shaft with every jolt of his pelvis. It felt like something else was building within you, pressure you were unfamiliar with building within your core that the endless orgasms couldn’t satisfy, until his last rough thrusts made something snap inside of you. His hips stuttered as his orgasm washed over him, his cock twitching deep within you as he released spurts of seed into your womb while your pussy convulsed and clenched around him, thick gushes of your own juices spilling from your little hole from around his shaft as you squirted and squirted and squirted, riding the high of the strongest orgasm you had ever experienced. Geto did not seem to mind one bit as you soaked his lower half, his thumb making circles around your clit as he helped you ride out the never ending waves of bliss, his half hard cock still buried inside of your fluttering walls. 

You think you blacked out. When you finally came back to yourself, you were still laying on the table, but the restraints had been removed, your arms laid gently at your sides and your legs dangling off the end of the table rather than the sides. The gag and blindfold had also been removed, leaving you fully free to go, though you didn’t think you could get up on your own let alone stand. Barely able to feel your legs, you tried to sit up, but was quickly stopped by a large hand on your shoulder.

“Hold on, starlight, don’t move too much yet,” Geto’s voice was back to earlier smooth velvet, the warmth wrapping around you like a blanket. 

Your voice croaked as you answered, raw from only being used to cry and whimper, “Is everything okay?”

His face came into your view, his lips curved in a gentle smile, his chest bare and making your mouth water, “of course, I just wanted to be able to give you a hand. I’m worried you won’t be able to stand and I don’t want you to fall, darling.”

You nodded slowly, trying unsuccessfully to tear your eyes away from his naked torso, “Did I do it right? Are you happy with my offering?”

“Oh, absolutely,” he chuckled and tucked a stray strand of your hair behind your ear as his strong hands helped you into a sitting position, “in fact, you did so well, I’m going to give you a promotion of sorts. That reward I mentioned earlier.” 

You lit up before bowing your head to him, trying to be humble, “Oh, thank you, Leader, I’m very happy that I could please you so well.” 

He placed his hand on the top of your head affectionately, “Of course. I’m keeping you. You’ll stay here and help me like you did just a bit ago whenever I need it. You’re mine now. Forever.”

12 Days of Kinkmas Masterlist

[hanafubukki]

Somehow I went from one fic idea for Malleus’ bday to now three fic ideas.😂😂

All of which are in varying degrees of completion.

One idea came to me last night, which I really like a lot! And the initial idea for it changed a little bit because I thought of a rather interesting twist to it that I also like as well.

And I subtly added the changes to fit this idea But ahhhh, I don’t know if I will be able to write it to the level of impact I would like 😭😭

Sometimes I want to shake myself, just write it, but the perfectionist in me just ajdnsjjshss

And then the right vocab or wording won’t come though I know exactly what I want to say and I want to shake myself even more.

And don’t get me started on dialogue struggles, I know what I want them to say, but how do I word or get them to say it?? And that’s another hurdle 🥲

Here’s hoping I get at least one of the three done 😭🙏

[prythianpages]

'Cause It Was Always You | Azriel x Reader

summary: After eavesdropping on multiple conversations, Azriel finally gathers the courage to confess his feelings to you, thinking he's on the verge of losing you.

word count: 1,741

warnings: I guess angst at the beginning? But I promise it ends with fluff!

a/n: Billie Eilish's Birds of a Feather has been on repeat in my head and it prompted this cute little idea. Also shoutout to @nocasdatsgay for helping me with a codename for Az.

“I fear I’ll love Lapis until the day that I die…until the light leaves my eyes…until I’m in the grave, rotting awa–”

“y/n, you’re drunk,” Feyre had giggled.

“Drunk in love,” you sang in response with a giggle of your own.

And when one of Azriel’s shadows reported the silly little smile on your face, the silly little sparkle in your eyes, he shrunk back into the ones that had remained. His heart sank to his stomach, a cold, heavy weight settling there. 

Because you were in love. 

With someone that wasn’t him.

Azriel told himself that was the last time he’d eavesdrop. And perhaps, that wouldn’t have been a lie, if it wasn’t for the pesky little shadow that followed you around. It enjoyed dancing and flitting around you. Sometimes, it’d make its presence known by weaving through your hair or slithering up your arm. Most times, it’d trail behind you, like a little duckling.

Azriel tried to call the shadow back home but it was unwavering, choosing to linger in your presence instead. The same way he wished to linger by your side. And recently, the inky traitor had gotten into the habit of summoning more of his shadows to your side, weaving an invisible bond between you and him.

Every time a shadow returned to him, it brought whispers of your laughter, the sparkle in your eyes, and the softness in your voice when you spoke of Lapis. Each word you uttered about that male tore him apart, every confession cutting deeper than any blade ever could.

“If you don’t ask Lapis out, Jasper will do it for you and believe me when I say you do not want that to happen.”

“Okay, okay! I’ll ask him out. Tomorrow.”

That was a snippet of a conversation his shadows had reported to him earlier, cutting his morning training short. It lingered with him, haunting him throughout the day. And now, he found himself unable to sleep, constantly turning in his bed.

Azriel’s stomach twists into a tight knot, the storm raging outside echoing his inner turmoil. Tomorrow. He was running out of time.  Fear and perhaps, even pride, kept him from telling you how he truly felt about you. But now, he found himself fearing something even worse. Losing you before he even had a chance to say it…

He didn’t want to wake up one day and regret his silence, regret not telling you how he felt because of pride or fear. He needed to do this for himself, to break free from the shadows of his past. He had failed to confess his love twice before, and the thought of a third failure was unbearable. This time, he couldn’t let fear hold him back. The risk of losing you to someone else was a pain he couldn't endure.

With a deep breath, Azriel steeled himself. He needed to find you, to tell you the truth about his feelings. Before anything between you and Lapis could blossom. He couldn’t let another moment pass without you knowing how deeply he loved you.

Which is how he found himself at your doorstep, in the middle of the night, clothes sticking to him like a second skin as the rain pours relentlessly down on him. His shadows stir in excitement, whispering anxiously as they hear your approaching footsteps. His heart is pounding, so fast and hard that he fears it’s going to explode.

“Azriel?” 

Your voice is still marred by sleep as you blink up at him. That traitorous shadow hovers behind you, peering at him over your shoulder. He glares at it, and it quickly hides behind your hair. You don’t seem to notice it, either unfazed or truly oblivious to the shadow that had been following you around for so long.

“Did something happen?” You speak again, brows furrowing in concern. You step back into your apartment, a silent gesture for him to follow after you and come inside. 

“I–” Azriel begins but he can’t bring himself to finish his sentence. He can’t even bring himself to move as his eyes catch the movement of your arms wrapping around yourself to ward off the chill of the downpour. The nightgown you’re wearing is thin and short. A  glimpse of your exposed skin has a warmth rushing to his face and he’s blushing.

"I—" He tries again but when his eyes meet yours, his heart leaps into his throat, choking off his words. Oh gods, he can’t do this. He’s grateful for the rain as it masks the tears beginning to sting at his eyes. He thinks he’s going to be sick and–

“Are you okay?”

His shadows push him forward, wings shuddering in response. It’s now or never. He can do this. He takes a deep breath, swallowing the lump in his throat.

“I love you.” 

The words spill out in a rush, raw and unguarded. He watches you with bated breath, his shadows whispering every nuance in your expression—from the way your eyebrows raise and your mouth parts as a gasp escapes, to the way your eyes glisten with something he’s too scared to discern.

You’re rendered speechless, the silence that follows feeling like an eternity. Azriel’s wings slump, growing heavy. He clears his throat, averting his gaze. The need to retreat is overpowering what little courage he had gathered moments ago. 

“That’s all I had to say. I should, um–I’ll be leaving now,” he stammers, so unsure and so unlike himself.

“Az–” you start, reaching out to him, but he’s already stepping back into the rain. He doesn’t think he can face your rejection, much less witness the look on your face if you don’t feel the same.

“Goodnight.”

His shadows are like a wall of resistance, fighting against him as he turns to make his leave. He asks them—begs them, even– to swallow him whole. To winnow him away and save him from further mortification. But they refuse. Stay, they insist, tugging and weighing his wings down. 

It leaves him with no choice but to walk away. Every step feels heavier than the last, the rain soaking him to the bone. Listen, his shadows urge as they continue to tug relentlessly at his wings for him to turn back around and face you. 

But he can’t. Not when the Mother has seemed to have cursed him with loving those who could never love him back.

“Azriel!”

His mind screams at him to keep going, to keep walking away. However, the plea echoed in your voice has his chest tightening. His heart overrides his mind, shadows only encouraging him further. He turns around just in time to catch you as you leap into his arms.

Your legs wrap around his waist, arms encircling his neck in a desperate effort to keep him from leaving. His own arms respond immediately, securing you to him. 

“Don’t go.”

Your breath is warm against his neck as you tighten your embrace, and his wings curl around your smaller form in response, wanting to shield you from the relentless rain. He feels you shift in his arms, pulling away just enough to look into his eyes. One hand reaches out, tenderly brushing the dark fringe from his forehead. His breath catches, and you must sense his inner turmoil because you gently smooth away the furrow of his brow with your thumb.

“I love you,” you say, your hand caressing his cheek. Despite the cold, harsh downpour, your touch is warm and soft. A balm to his frayed nerves.

His heart swells with a mixture of disbelief and overwhelming joy. He had prepared himself for rejection, for the familiar sting of unrequited love. But here you were, confessing your love to him with the same vulnerability he had shown you.

“Really?” he whispers, voice thick with emotion, eyes searching yours for any sign of hesitation.

“Really.”

“I thought I was going to lose you,” he murmurs, his voice trembling with relief. “I thought I’d never have the chance to tell you.”

“Lose me? Azriel, you’ve always had me.”

“But you said you loved Lapis? You were going to ask him out–”

“So you were spying on me!”

Azriel’s eyes widen, cheeks flushing all over again and he’s glad it’s dark enough to conceal it. “No–I–not intentionally…my shadows, they…,” he trails off, realizing how ridiculous he must sound.

Yes, his shadow refused to come back to him. But he didn’t stop the others from reporting back to him so with a defeated sigh, he says, “I’m sorry.”

“Azriel,” you giggle and he’s frowning at you, not finding the humor in the situation. “You are Lapis.”

“What?”

“You’re Lapis. Cas is Jasper and Rhys is Amethyst.” You explain, lips curling into an amused smile at the sigh of relief that comes from Azriel. How had he not realized that all those names shared one thing in common? And more importantly, that they were color coded to his and Cassian’s siphons?

“I needed a codename for you so I can gush about my feelings for you without, you know,” you tilt your head toward that nosey, barely visible shadow that had been following you around. Sensing the attention, the shadow dips and hides again, curling around the back of your neck. 

“I fear it’s yours now,” Azriel replies, almost sheepishly.

“Good,” you smile at him. “I’ve grown rather fond of it. Just as I have over its master.”

His shadows take your words as a welcome invitation, swirling and dancing around you both. Azriel’s arms hook underneath your thighs, pulling you even closer to him. Your arms find their place around his neck again.

Then, you're closing the small distance between you and kissing him. Warmth spreads throughout him, reveling in the sweet sensation of your lips against his. The rain continues to pour, but neither of you care. 

When you finally pull away, he leans his forehead against yours, his eyes remaining closed as if in fear that this is all just a dream. You gently kiss his nose, your soft voice reminding him that this moment is real.

“I love you.”

Azriel’s eyes open, looking right into yours. “Until the day that I die,” he tells you, echoing your devotion.

There’s a knowing spark in your eyes as they search his own for answers. It has his lips lifting into a smile that mirrors yours, confirming that he had been eavesdropping on your drunken confession weeks ago.  Your smile widens. 

 “Until the light leaves my eyes.”

This was a better idea in my head but hey, at least I finished it. I also don't know the logistics of having a conversation in the rain but that's the beauty of fanfic, I guess?lol Anyway, I could not get these lyrics out of my head. They were so Azriel coded for me:

I'll love you 'til the day that I die 'Til the day that I die 'Til the light leaves my eyes 'Til the day that I die I want you to see, hm How you look to me, hm You wouldn't believe if I told ya You would keep the compliments I throw ya

the way I keep fixing these lyrics but I think tumblr is glitching or something uggghh, pls ignore the random mismatched sizing

Also just wanted to point out that if Az hasn’t confessed, reader would’ve done it the next day anyway 💀

general tag list: @scooobies, @kennedy-brooke, @sillysillygoose444, @lilah-asteria @the-sweet-psycho

@daycourtofficial, @milswrites, @stormhearty, @pit-and-the-pen, @mybestfriendmademe

[dontbesoweirdkira]

Platonic Yan! Dick Grayson w/ batsis darling

A/N: I'm sorry. I love crazy Dick. WHat can sayyy..

concept: You instantly don't take a liking to Dick. Something about him makes you uncomfortable. He's obsessed with being your favorite sibling and making you love him back...even if he has to wring it out of you. (Any version of Dick)

Warnings; Obsession, intimidation and possessive behaviors

Requests: always open. please read pinned post/masterlist

Masterlist

Yandere Dick is a good big brother. He still finds time out of his hectic life to spend with all of his siblings. He remembers all of their interests, a shoulder to cry on and an overall positive reinforcement for the bunch. When you first got in the family, everyone told you over and over, just how perfect he was. There was no better brother than he.

But would i be wrong to say i love the idea of Dick Grayson having a vicious temper? I mean it's hidden perfectly behind is charming smile and good-willed nature.

From the moment you met him, you never truly felt at ease. There was just something off about him that set off alarm bells in your head. You didn't feel safe...you didn't want to be alone with him. It was a guilty feeling seeing as everyone else took to him so well. He was more than welcoming to you so you didn't know why you felt this way.

Dick could sense your unease with him, much to his dismay. He didn't like that one bit. It pissed him off really. In what world someone didn't like him? especially one of the little brats Bruce waddled in. You need to feel comfortable with him, he's a perfectionist that takes nothing less.

Yandere Dick Grayson is obsessed with being your favorite sibling. He's achieved it with all the others, you're no exception. But you avoid him at every single turn. Literally. You've rejected movie nights, dinner invitations, gifts, and other kind gestures. His self worth is rather outward and you're hurting him very badly right now. Why can't you see that? stop being difficult and love your big bro.

As time progresses you can see more cracks coming through. The others cannot possibly notice a flaw in him but you see it all. You know he's eager to be close with you but your body just won't let you. He terrifies you. Especially when you are hanging out with another sibling or texting them.

You don't ever reach out to him. You don't care about him like you did with the others. Why don't you care? You ghosted ever message he's ever sent you. He constantly asks if you're okay or if you want food but you just cannot be bothered to reply. To you it's a trap. You're scared if you give him an inch that he'll run a mile. (which he would)

He becomes visibly irritable with you. He'll grit his teeth through his stunning smile and his seemingly playful words laced with venom. They're soft enough that the others brush it off but you can read between the lines. Other times if you're eating family dinner, and he's upset with you chatting it up with someone, he'll serve you last and the least amount of food.

Dick's last resort was to just forcefully get you alone together for a brother-sister bonding experience. He tricked you in saying the others were meeting at a pizza place after their patrol and offered to drive you over since he was about to leave. You get there, awkwardly sitting at a booth alone with him. He's trying his best to strike up a conversation and patch things up but you're completely silent. You barely even look at him, your eyes are constantly scanning the room for your siblings expected arrival. Hoping one of them would come and save you.

To his glee, you had eventually spoken up but only to ask when the others were supposed to arrive. His smile dropped and the blood in his hands could’ve burst out from how tightly his fists were clenched.

This is his tipping point. You ignored him all this time and the second you decided to speak up it's about them? Something switched in Dick.

It was a strange sight to see. His eyes eyes were completely glossed over and dilated with a murderous intensity. They're wide as they shot through you. His jaw tightened as he thought about how he wanted to hurt you like you're doing with him. You wanna play mental games with him? So be it. He should torture his love right into you. He's got a perfect method aaaalll picked out. You're giving him a run for his money and he's all out of it.

"Jealousy is endearing, don't you think?" His tone was deceptively playful, you knew he was anything but happy at the moment. The unease in his demeanor was enough to cause you to shift in your seat and lean back against the plush of the booth's backboard.

You hesitantly questioned what he could've possibly meant by that to his reply of,

"I just understand your game now. You enjoy making me jealous, it's fun to you. This is all a playful ruse to get more of my attention?...Right?” He shook his head and let out a deep, twisted chuckle.

“You didn't have to do all of this, baby bird. I would've made more than enough time for you had you asked. But i forgive you, if that's all this was?" He leaned in over the table, inches away from your face. His brows furrowed and the intimidation from his eye contact was enough to make you crumble. He was a dangerous person, capable of so many things. He would physically hurt you or his siblings but he’ll find a way to make sure he was number one.

The honest answer to his question was No, this wasn't a game. You just didn't like him. That was all.

But you knew what this was. He was giving you a way out before he gave into the thoughts swarming his mind. There was only one right answer. Give up the gun, say yes, and embrace your brother. He only wants a relationship with you. He's the best there ever was at his job so please, stop being a hard-ass and love him back...

[n1ght0f-nyx]

Your last fic was so good! I return once again, i meed more of my husband.

Can we get some soft fluffy smut with per'tah? Maybe the first time they are finally intimate with each other? Can be part of the series or stand alone.

Love ya 😘

woven bonds- pert'ah (orc oc) smut

part 6 of woven bonds and smut

pert'ah x fem reader

water-lillie you keep me sane

tags/warnings- over the time you two have been together his english has gotten better, arranged marriage, human female x male orc, gentle giant, your together!, smut, very gentle man but hes huge so its still rough, heavy illusions to the idea of pregnancy, no condom obvi, virginity taking (on both sides) hes actually a total tease, pert'ah has a frenum piercing

also, feel free to request non-woven bonds-related things that involve pert'ah or my other ocs (see my masterlist) i love writing for all these characters and seeing the mass of support I've gotten over the last month!

i need to learn to stop writing so much- 3739 words

The night was quiet, save for the soft rustle of the wind outside the small home you now shared with Pert’ah. The hearth had died down to embers, casting a gentle, warm glow across the room. You could still hear the faint crackling of the last burning logs as you sat on the edge of the bed, feeling the woven blankets beneath your fingers.

Pert'ah was quiet, too, standing near the window, his broad back to you as he gazed out into the night. The silence between you both wasn’t the uncomfortable kind it had once been. After weeks of tentative conversations and quiet gestures, the distance between you two had shrunk. And yet, tonight felt different. Intimate in a way that made your heart race.

“Are you… ready for sleep?” Pert'ah’s deep voice broke the stillness, the hint of uncertainty in his words unusual for him.

You nodded slowly, your eyes drifting toward the space beside you. “Yes....im tired"

The truth was, you had grown used to Pert'ah sleeping on the floor beside the bed, wrapped in his own blanket. He had never pushed for more, always respecting the distance you’d initially demanded. But tonight, you had quietly asked him to sleep beside you. The words had caught in your throat, but they had come out, and he had agreed without question.

Pert'ah approached the bed cautiously, as if not wanting to spook you. His steps were quiet for someone his size, his large, rough hands moving carefully as he pulled back the blanket and slid in beside you. The bed felt smaller now with him in it, his presence all-encompassing and warm.

You lay on your back, staring up at the ceiling, feeling the heat of his body beside you. His breathing was slow, steady, and somehow calming.

After a few moments, you turned to face him. “Pert’ah?”

He shifted, turning his head to look at you, his golden eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. “Yes?”

“Tell me more about your past,” you said softly. “We’ve been together for a while now, but… I still don’t know much about where you come from.”

Pert’ah let out a slow breath, his eyes flickering with something you couldn’t quite read. “My past… is not so interesting. I am… simple man.” He paused, his hand resting near yours on the bed, his fingers curling slightly as if he wanted to reach out but wasn’t sure if he should.

“I was born into weaving,” he continued. “My family, we make many things. Cloth, art. From when I am small, I learn to use my hands to create.” His voice grew softer as he spoke, a far-off look in his eyes. “My father, he teach me much. Say that strong hands can create just as much as they can destroy.”

His gaze shifted to you, and the look in his eyes made your heart stutter.

“And you?” you asked quietly. “What do you want to create… with me?”

For a moment, the only sound in the room was your combined breathing. Then, Pert'ah’s large hand slid across the blanket, covering yours gently. His touch was warm, comforting, and his fingers entwined with yours as if they were always meant to fit together.

“With you?” he repeated, his voice low, thoughtful. “I want to create… peace. Home.” His thumb brushed the back of your hand, his touch tentative but sincere. “I want to make you happy. Want you to feel safe with me.”

The vulnerability in his voice made your chest tighten. You shifted closer to him, your fingers tightening around his as you rested your head on his shoulder. For so long, you had resisted, keeping him at arm’s length, but now, lying here with him, you couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

“I think… I’m starting to feel that way,” you whispered, your breath warm against his skin. “With you.”

Pert'ah’s arm wrapped around you slowly, carefully, as though he feared breaking the fragile moment. His hand rested on your back, holding you close. You felt his heartbeat, steady and strong beneath your ear.

“I never thought I would end up here,” you murmured. “With you. I never thought I’d…” You trailed off, unsure how to put your feelings into words.

But Pert'ah understood. He always did.

“We are here now,” he said softly, his hand rubbing slow, soothing circles on your back. “We can...make future together.”

You looked up at him, meeting his golden eyes. “What kind of future do you want?”

His eyes softened, his tusked smile gentle. “One where you smile more. Where we work together. You and me… mates.”

It was a simple answer, but it made your heart swell. The life you had imagined for yourself before seemed distant now, irrelevant. What mattered was the man beside you, the quiet strength in his words and the way he held you like you were the most precious thing in the world.

You shifted again, tilting your head up until your lips brushed his. The kiss was slow, tentative at first, but it quickly deepened, the space between you disappearing completely as his arms tightened around you.

When you finally pulled away, your breath mingling with his, you smiled softly. “I think… I’d like that future, too.”

Pert'ah’s smile widened, his rough fingers brushing a strand of hair from your face, his sparkling golden eyes looking down at yours he leans down, and when he doesnt see you pull back, connects, pressing his lips to yours

you kiss back, his tusks feel uncomfy against your lips, but you'll manage, its all worth it for him, you lightly press your hands against his leather sleep tunic, he had sewn two matching ones for the both of you so you had a more comfortable rest on the furs.

you pull back, looking up at him with a sweet loving smile, but one that would never compare to the one he gave back, all that man did was love you

Pert'ah's eyes lit up when you kissed him back, a warmth spreading through his chest at your acceptance. He could feel the slight discomfort of his tusks, but the way you willingly leaned into his touch, despite them, filled him with a deep longing to cherish and protect you.

As you pulled back and smiled up at him, Pert'ah's gaze followed yours, drinking in the sweetness of the moment. His smile grew wider, mirroring yours, but the intensity behind it made you feel like you were the only person in the world. His hands framed your face, gently tracing the curves of your cheeks with his thumbs, as if to memorise every detail. "You are beautiful," he said, the words coming from a place deep within his soul, his voice filled with a sincerity that left him breathless, He leaned in once more, this time tenderly pressing his forehead against yours, savoring the closeness.

The softness of the moment hung between you, a palpable energy that seemed to fill the air with anticipation. Pert'ah's heart pounded against your chest, a rhythmic reminder of the love he felt for you. His lips grazed your temple, leaving a trail of gentle kisses along your jawline, seeking permission to continue exploring the contours of your face.

And then, there was no hesitation; his mouth claimed yours, demanding nothing but surrender as his tongue danced with yours in a sensual waltz. Time lost meaning as the world narrowed to the two of you, suspended in a sea of desire and affection. When he finally released your lips, Pert'ah's chest rose and fell rapidly, his breath hot against your skin.

"I love you," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "More than anything, I need you."

In that instant, Pert'ah knew that he would move mountains, cross oceans, and defy fate itself to ensure that you remained by his side forevermore. Your love was his anchor, his guiding star, and his reason for existing. As he cradled your face in his palms, Pert'ah vowed to spend eternity cherishing and adoring you, unwavering in his devotion to the mate he had found in you.

you pulled lightly on his tunic, and with a look into your loving eyes, he gets the hint, pulling his shirt off, pulling your lips against his again

Pert'ah's tunic fell away, revealing the strong contours of his chest and the softness of his skin beneath. The warmth of his body radiated towards you, drawing you in like a magnet. As you pressed your lips against his, the sensation of his skin against yours sent shivers down your spine, igniting a flame of desire that threatened to consume you.

Their lips moved in tandem, a sensual dance of tongues and breaths that left them both gasping for air. Pert'ah's hands cradled your face, his thumbs caressing the delicate skin of your cheeks as he deepened the kiss. The gentle touch belied the intensity of his emotions, the love and longing evident in every caress.

As you kissed, Pert'ah's fingers danced over your body, exploring every curve and contour as if mapping your very soul. His hands roamed under your nightgown, finding the soft flesh of your stomach, your breasts, and your thighs, sending waves of pleasure coursing through you. He nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck, inhaling the scent of your skin and burying his nose in the tender spot between your collarbone and shoulder.

"Mine..my wife" he whispered, the single word echoing through your mind like a promise, a vow, a declaration of love. In that moment, you belonged to him, and he to you, bound together by threads of passion and devotion.

As the kiss lingered, Pert'ah's grip on your waist tightened, pulling you closer until you were flush against him. your bodies molded together seamlessly, fitting like pieces of a puzzle designed specifically for yours alone. The contact sparked a firestorm of sensations, each brush of skin against skin amplifying the intimacy and urgency of your embrace.

Time stood still as you clung to each other, lost in the swirling vortex of desire and affection. Nothing existed beyond the confines of your little bubble, where the world melted away, leaving only the pulsating rhythm of your hearts beating as one.

you kiss at his jaw and temple, playing with his hair as his kisses your neck, bruising your throat with marks, you pull your own tunic off and if he could be any more excited, he would explode, looking down at your body, your tits, your waist, your tummy, thighs and what laid between them, your sweet core

The sight of your exposed skin seemed to hypnotize Pert'ah. His eyes traveled over your curves, drinking in the beauty of your naked form, his breathing growing more ragged with each passing second. The bruises on your throat added a depth of color to the canvas of your neck, a testament to the intensity of his emotions.

His fingers traced the outline of your waist, tracing the shape of your belly button, and the gentle rise of your thighs. He couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of your body, every inch of which he had come to adore. Each kiss, each touch, each whisper of breath against his skin sent waves of desire crashing through him like a tide.

Without breaking eye contact, Pert'ah slowly lowered his head, his lips grazing your breast. His mouth closed around your nipple, sucking softly as his tongue began to circle the bud, drawing it into the wet cavern of his mouth. The sensation sent a jolt of electricity straight to your core, your inner muscles clenching in anticipation.

As he explored your body, Pert'ah's hands roamed over your skin, mapping every contour and valley, tracing the lines of your veins and the tender curve of your collarbone. Every touch, every caress, every kiss sent ripples of pleasure through you, building upon themselves until you felt like you might burst apart from sheer joy.

Lost in the haze of desire, Pert'ah didn't notice when needy tears pricked at the corners of your eyes, nor did he realize that your nails dug gently into his scalp as you arched into his touch. All he saw was the radiant beauty of your face, bathed in moonlight, illuminated by the pure, raw emotion emanating from your very pores.

"pert'ah…please…more" you plead, squirming, tugging at his hair lightly, you needed more than gentle licks, nothing about this would be light, no matter how hard he tried, but you were okay with that

Pert'ah's ears perked up at the pleading in your voice, and he lifted his head to look at you with a question in his eyes. Seeing your desperation, he smiled, a mischievous glint in his golden eyes. He knew exactly what you wanted, and he was more than happy to oblige.

His tongue flicked out, teasing your nipple with slow, deliberate strokes, drawing out a sharp intake of breath from you. You arched into his touch, your body aching for more, and Pert'ah responded eagerly.

His mouth closed around your nipple once more, this time applying gentle suction, then harder and harder, until the pressure became almost unbearable. He pinched the other nipple with his fingers, the dual sensations sending shockwaves of pleasure through your body.

Pert'ah's hands slipped down your stomach, his fingers dancing over the tender skin, exploring every dip and curve, before finding their way to the swollen nub between your thighs. He pressed a finger against you, and you gasped as he applied gentle pressure, circling the sensitive tissue in rhythmic motions.

The world narrowed to a pinpoint as he continued to tease and taunt you, the sensations building to a crescendo within you. The tightness in your abdomen coiled tighter and tighter, threatening to unleash a torrent of release.

Just as you teetered on the brink, Pert'ah withdrew his fingers, leaving you panting and desperate for more. A wicked grin spread across his face as he watched you writhe in frustration, knowing full well the effect he had on you.

"Don't worry..my love," he purred, leaning forward to capture your lips in another searing kiss. "I haven't forgotten about you."

you squirm in his touch as he pulls back, sitting back to look at his work, the glistening slick that covered your cunt like a thin film, watching you pant and plead with your eyes, he leans back on his knees and takes his cock out from behind his loin cloth, giving you a show as he pulls his foreskin back, revealing his sheen-green tip which leaked precum down onto his silver frenum piercing

Pert'ah's showy display had you squirming in place, your eyes fixed on his erect member as he stroked himself slowly, the motion drawing your gaze to the glisten of precum that trickled down his shaft, pooling at the base of his penis.

The sight of his erect cock made your mouth water, your inner thighs slickening further in response, the need to feel him inside you reaching a fever pitch. Your fingers involuntarily drummed a rhythm on his leg, urging him to take action.

His golden eyes sparkled with mischief, a challenge in his gaze that he knew you wouldn't be able to resist. He leaned forward, his hand wrapping around your thigh, fingers closing around your calf as he gently but firmly drew your leg up.

"I'm ready when you are, my love," he purred,

you nod, spread and ready for him, he his breath hot against your neck as he slowly dragged his member through the slick folds of your pussy, the tip parting your labia and brushing against your clit.

The sensation was overwhelming, every nerve ending in your lower body singing in delight as he began to rock his hips, slowly pushing his cock deeper into your depths. The sensation of him sliding inside you, the feeling of him filling you completely, was indescribable, aside from heaven and a little (alot) painful

Pert'ah's movements were slow and deliberate, allowing you to adjust to his size, his cock slowly sinking deeper into your slickened core. He knew he had to be gentle, careful not to push too hard, too fast, not yet. He could feel your body tensing up around his, the gentle pain of entry easing as you began to relax.

With a tender touch, Pert'ah cradled your face in his hands, gazing into your eyes, seeing the mix of pain and pleasure there. "You okay, love?" he asked softly, his voice a gentle rumble as he paused in his movements, waiting for your response.

You nodded, taking a deep breath, the pain giving way to pleasure as he started to rock his hips again, his cock sliding in and out of your depths in a steady rhythm, each thrust deeper and more precise, easing you into a comfortable cadence.

Pert'ah's fingers began to trace the outline of your breasts, his touch soft and soothing, drawing your attention to the sensations building within you, making it difficult to focus on anything else besides the pleasure coursing through your body.

"Good girl," he praised, his voice warm and encouraging as he continued to move inside you, filling you completely, stretching you deliciously tight around his shaft.

Pert'ah watched as you stared down at the scene below, your eyes widening as you saw his cock moving in and out of your depths, leaving a trail of wetness and evidence of your shared pleasure. A lump formed in your stomach, and Pert'ah's heart skipped a beat as he realized you were struggling to process this new sensation, this newfound intimacy between you.

His movements slowed, and he lifted your chin, forcing your gaze back up to his. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked again, concern etched in his voice, his golden eyes searching for any sign of distress or discomfort.

As he spoke, Pert'ah continued to move inside you, gentle but insistent, sensing that he needed to ease your mind, reassure you that everything was going to be alright. He wanted to be sure you knew that this was a good thing, that he was here for you, with you, and that he was going to cherish and love you for as long as you'd allow him.

His hands continued their gentle exploration of your breasts, the softness of his touch a stark contrast to the hardness of his body, yet somehow perfectly balanced, creating a rhythm that was both soothing and exhilarating, keeping you grounded as you navigated this uncharted territory.

"Y-you're doing...oh fuck..youre doing amazing," he whispered, his breath hot against your ear, his words dripping with sincerity, encouraging you to continue embracing this new aspect of your relationship, to revel in the raw power of your physical bond.

Slowly, Pert'ah began to pick up speed, his thrusts becoming more deliberate, more purposeful, driving deeper into your depths, filling you entirely, stretching you in ways you hadn't experienced before. Every stroke brought you closer to release, building pressure in your core, threatening to unleash a torrent of pleasure unlike anything you'd ever known.

As he reached the brink of climax, Pert'ah stilled, his body tensing, his hips locked tight against yours, his eyes fixed intently on yours, waiting for permission to finish what he started. "w-where...where can i..?" he huffs, squelches echoing through his cabin with each heavy thrust, his eyes were heavy, lidded as he glanced down at the imprint he formed your stomach as he thrusted inside

"shit...your...you're so gorgeous...gonna..fi-fill you up...make you a mama.." his word go straight to your core, and it just gushes, you spray all over his stomach and cock, showering him in your squirt

the room around him seemed to melt away, replaced by the primal urge to claim you as his own, to brand you with his mark, to show the world you were his and only his.

As Pert'ah watched, mesmerized, the sight of your gushing fluids splashing against his stomach and the base of his cock, his mind was reeling. This was real, this was happening, he could have a family. The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and possessiveness course through his veins.

He let out a satisfied grunt as his orgasm washed over him, his body jerking in reaction, his cock spilling its load deep inside you. The warmth of your inner walls enveloped him, milking him dry, and he collapsed against you, spent but elated.

In that moment, nothing else existed except the two of them, lost in the throes of passion, bound by the threads of their desires and needs. Pert'ah's thoughts swirled with visions of the future, of growing families, of children playing under the sun-kissed skies, of laughter and tears, of memories forged in the fire of their love.

you cry out as he overflows your cunt with his seed, pert'ah heaves and drops down on top of you, panting and whispering praises in aftershock of his first time, you smile softly, snuggling into the bed once again, not caring about the sticky between your legs, you would clean in the morning

As Pert'ah's breathing slowed, his weight shifted, and he curled around you, enveloping you in the warmth of his body. His arms wrapped tightly around your waist, pulling you closer, as if to keep you from ever escaping, to make sure you stayed right where he wanted you.

He nuzzled into your hair, inhaling deeply, filling his lungs with the scent of you. "Mine," he whispered again, the word becoming a mantra as his lips brushed against your scalp.

You felt his heart beating against yours, a steady drumbeat that echoed the rhythm of your own. The comfort of his embrace washed over you, chasing away any lingering doubts or fears. In this moment, there was no denying the power of his claim, the intensity of his possession. You were his, and he was yours, bound together in a dance of love, lust, and desire.

As the silence deepened, the only sound the soft rise and fall of your shared breathing, Pert'ah's hands roamed your body, tracing the curves, the contours, the lines. Each touch was a reassurance, a promise of the pleasures to come, of the life they would build together.

I am TIRED

[sturnprime]

SO WRONG IT’S RIGHT, chris sturniolo 🩵

from h ꨄ︎ ⎯ hi sooo streetboy!chris x richgirl!reader

i hope you enjoy 🩵 (join the taglist here)

chris doesn’t know how he ended up here. he doesn’t know how the two of you ended up with you situated on his lap, in your room of all places, when the two of you are utter opposites with entirely different ways of life. 

he’s the type to roam the streets, indulge in late nights with his friends that keep the whole city up. you on the other hand, you’re the pristine sort; the one whose dad forbids her from being close to boys exactly like chris and has done so since you were much younger. it’s an interesting dynamic and he can’t help the thrill rushing through him as you whisper for him to be quiet. it’s adorable, the panic flooding through you even with your bedroom door locked and your window wide open to simultaneously take away the smell of his cologne and provide a getaway for him if it gets to such.

his hands are wrapped around your waist, keeping you firmly in place as his lips travel the expanse of your neck and collarbone, his way of making his mark. not that it lasts long though because you’re instantly telling him he’s not allowed to mark you, telling him the sweet bruises forming on your skin like paint strokes across a canvas are only going to get you in trouble.

chris? chris doesn’t really care and when your pleading words escape your pretty plump lips, he can only seem to laugh, sucking harder. his hands grip you further and the moment a whine falls from your mouth, the corners of his mouth tug up into a smirk— a smirk that has your skin heating up within seconds. his teeth nip the skin below your jaw with purpose, his tongue quickly moving to soothe the slight sting.

“chris—“ you begin to speak but his right hand trails up to place a finger onto your lips, effectively shutting you up.

“shh angel, thought we had to be quiet, hm?” his words are laced in a mocking tone and you want to hate them, desperately want to hate even the mere idea of being with someone like him when your entire life you’ve been taught it’s wrong but there’s just something about him that throws every last one of your principles out the window.

he tilts your chin up with his finger, his calloused hand cupping your cheek as he forces your gaze to meet his. his eyes are blue, the shade you find in calming waters, but they hold a glint of fire in them. there’s a sense of challenge that dances in the pupils, almost urging you to deny him when he knows you can’t, knows he has your polished self wrapped around his finger.

his lips meet yours in a frenzy of adrenaline, his tongue parting your lips and sliding perfectly into your mouth to intertwine with yours in an erotic tango. his lips mould with yours, the slight swelling of his own locking your mouth into place as he moves you even closer, if possible. it’s as though even a small flutter of air wouldn’t be able to pass between the colliding of your chests against one another and he loves everything about it.

when he pulls away at last, his cheeks are slightly flushed and the sight serves as a reminder of exactly what you do to him. he would never have thought a girl like you could ever fuel his desire yet here you are, innocent doe-eyes looking up at him and your lips a touch bigger than when he first laid eyes on you. he wants to corrupt you, to take away every last bit of hesitance you have and crush it between his fingers until you’re begging him to prove your dad wrong, begging him to make you forget undoubtedly why this is a bad idea.

it feels so wrong yet at the same time, nothing has ever felt more right, especially not when your bodies slot together like destined puzzle pieces. it’s an invisible bond that forms between the two of you as you hear the sound of your parents’ voices from their room, a stark reminder of why this can’t be happening. none of this can be happening when they could walk in any minute, take away the soft feeling of his hips bucking up lightly. but then… why does the way his hands roam your body cause sparks of electricity to run through the course of your veins? why does it feel so fucking good if it shouldn’t be happening?

he notices your moment of slight reluctance and he wants to pull away, tell you that this isn’t what he wants so he can save the emotional turmoil that’s going on inside your pretty head but he’d be lying. he’d be lying if he claimed wanting to be apart from you now that he knows the way you whine when you’re needy or the slight gasps he can pull from you when you want more.

in an ideal world, the two of you don’t need to worry about your societal differences or just how complicated this new development is going to be. unfortunately, that world doesn’t exist but for a few fleeting moments, when he flips you onto your back smugly and you hit your bed with a little thud, it feels like any ounce of uncertainty leaves you. your only focus is on the way his fingers tug the hem of your baby tee until it’s completely discarded elsewhere. it’s not an ideal world but it still appears nonpareil.

TAGS 𖤐 @mattslolita @eyeliketoeatpoosay @chrissturniolossidehoe @middlepartmatt @raysmayhem-72 @conspiracy-ash !

[readychilledwine]

Okay I have like a slightly out of pocket request/idea that I don’t think I’ve seen before and if this is not your cup of tea you can straight up IGNORE but it’s taken over my brain 😂 let’s pretend in this story that eris and mor are mates but it’s a rejected situation bc obvs mor isn’t into males. And helion and the lady of autumn are also mates. This is post Hybern, maybe during or after ACOSF. Beron (I know ew right but stay with me now) ends up finding HIS mate. And she’s like the sweetest thing ever and she’s terrified of him. (Beron is infatuated with her because of whatever power she may have but he’s still an asshole don’t get me wrong this is not a beron redemption request) It becomes public knowledge that beron found his mate and he plans on marrying her. eris REFUSES to let another female be subjected to what his mother went through so this is what spurs the whole murder beron and become high lord plot. I have no thoughts on what happens between but eris succeeds and becomes high lord in the end, but falls in love with beron’s mate during the process and it’s mutual love and it’s angst with a happy ending. Usually fated mates is my jam but I just needed every mating bond to go wrong in this one LOL. Except for Helion and LoA of course 🫡

A Game of Fate

Eris Week - Day 7 - Free Day

Summary - After the bond between Beron Vanserra and Eris's hidden lover makes itself known, the cycle of tyranny in Autumn is put to the test

Warnings - assassination, poison, Beron, mentions of abuse, food and sleep deprivation, beron x reader mating bond.

A/n - I've been holding on to this, and I am so sorry 😭. I played with it a little bit, but I this ultimately was the version I am happiest with! Happy last day of @erisweekofficial . It feels like I'm like leaving a long-distance friend after too short of a visit.

🍂Eris Week Masterlist🍂Eris Masterlist🍂Master Masterlist🍂

The Cauldron was wrong. Eris understood Azriel's claim in every sense now. The Cauldron had to be wrong.

There was no other explanation for why his father was currently signing papers to end his marriage because you were his mate. Sweet, kind, soft spoken you. You dreamed of far-off places, peace. You once told Eris you liked to imagine what the stars whispered to each other late at night.

You were a dreamer, and you were his. Eris had hidden you in plain sight since you became his peace. You were there for him after Mor rejected the bond. You were there for him after every beating, and you loved him through everything.

And now your father had to go and ruin it. You were 505 years old, and he finally felt the need to present you as a lady to the court to be married off however Beron saw fit.

If it was a massive payout your father wanted, he had it. Everyone knew what had happened the second the High Lord of Autumn laid eyes on you. The reactions ranged from jealousy to sympathy to shock. And now, two months later, the reaction was silence.

Without even speaking, you had changed the course of Autumn's history. You had ruined Helion, Rhys, and Eris's plans. You had freed his mother at the cost of yourself and your safety. Your words behind those closed doors would haunt Eris until he died, "I will marry you only if Lady Autumn is freed and allowed to leave to wherever she sees fit, safely and with your blessing."

Eris sighed as the other two High Lords, the inner circle, and his brothers all sat in Helion's war room. Eris's boots banged with each anxious and angry step, "Any ideas," he asked. "I would have to outright declare a blood duel now, which requires gaining the support of the rest of the courts beforehand, and we do not have time for that."

"We can not declare war," Rhysand contemplated. "No other court had claim to the girl, and you have no known claim to her."

"Even if he did, Autumn court law says the mating bond trumps it," Eris's mother, Anala, said. "Especially when it is between two members of the Autumn Court. Our laws allow males to claim their mates without her accepting the bond."

"Well if that isn't misogynistic-"

"Let me know when you actually ban wing clipping, and you can bash my court's laws," Anala spat at Rhysand. "You know, as well as I do change doesn't come overnight with a dictator."

Rhysand blinked at the former Lady of Autumn before glancing at Helion. You entered the room at that moment. The air seemed to tense as you did, but Eris rushed to you, holding your elbows. "Are you alright?"

Beron has been trying to manipulate you for weeks. He played games with your mind no long talks with Eris could prepare you for. Beron was a monster, and this was only your second week continuously being with him.

Helion stared to his love, his long lost mate, and stood, "Give me a week with your mother, and I will do it." The silence was screaming as the former Lady of Autumn shook her head. "There are no other answers, my love." Helion knew the look in Eris's eyes, the ache, the desperation, and the struggle.

He knew immediately what you were to Eris and what you could be to Autumn. Helion, much like Eris, knew he could not let you fall victim next, but you had no intentions to. He had watched his mate suffer for far too long, and the rumors of Beron's so-called adoration for the female in front of him did not mask the concern the Lord of Day felt.

You and Eris held eye contact. The room noticed the wordless communication. It was a bond that could only have been built through love, trust, and years of understanding. "I can not risk you like that."

"I would be careful," your reply was so soft but filled with confidence. "He won't even know if we use small amounts."

Eris couldn't help but hold your arms a little tighter, "I will not risk you." His eyes were pleading for you to reconsider to think this through.

"Would anyone mind including the rest of us in this... touching conversation?" Rhysand picked a piece of lint off his jacket before crossing his arms.

You spoke before Eris could, "There is a plant that grows in a certain place. It is highly poisonous and undetectable. The symptoms are no worse than an allergy. It can cause death within 2 weeks."

You watched as Anala shook her head at Helion, "I know of no such poison."

"That's because I made and grow it," Eris flinched at your admission and the questions it would bring.

Helion started to laugh, "You made it?"

Eris glared at the Day Lord, "y/n has a certain.. gift.. from the Mother."

"I can combine poisons," you rolled your eyes at Eris playfully. "Create new ones with no antidote or cures." Rhys and Helion turned to each other, clearly not assumed by the new information. "I only used it once. And they deserved it."

Anala's whiskey eyes went wide, "The human smuggler. You killed him?"

"Eris did. I just provided the supplies."

Rhysand pinched the bridge of his nose. "Eris, why was this information not provided to any of us earlier? Do you understand how useful she is?" You shook your head toward the red-haired male. He seemed to calm down instantly at the sight of you. "Ah, I see. She's your lover. Not just your friend."

His mother seemed stunned at this information, "But Morrigan?"

You flinched at the mention of her name. "Has the same taste as I do, mother," Eris was only looking at you. "And I do not support this idea," his grip on your arms grew tighter. "He is not a common idiot."

"Nor am I," you declared. "I would be smart. I'll be close enough to him to make sure he gets it every day. Even after just a week-"

Rhysand finished, "He'd be weak enough to call an emergency meeting or for one of us to declare the blood duel."

You nodded at the Lord of Night, not even stopping to admire his dark beauty with the grace of Autumn and Mother Nature stood before you in Eris's eyes. There was no world where you planned to be without him, no world where you could see yourself in arms besides his.

But for a week you would not have a choice. For a week, you would play the part you were expected to, and it began before you even had breakfast the next day. You were woken up by two handmaiden ripping you from your bed in the former Lady of Autumn's private chambers and throwing your half awake and now naked self into a bath.

Every inch of you was scrubbed almost raw before your hair was washed and scented to Beron's preference of roses. You were dried and dressed in almost no time, the heavy traditional gown feeling like shackles on your figure.

No cotton dresses if this failed.

No more nights in Eris's sweaters and nothing else.

Once your hair and makeup we're finished, you were not taken to breakfast. You were taken to lessons. Beron had assumed you knew nothing of formality, nothing of etiquette. You had not been presented to his courts, so what other assumption could he have made as you were retaught the differences in dinning utensils.

You would not see food until that even came, and then the mood quickly fizzled away as the table for two was filled. The only sound in the room was meat being cut, your breathing. You knew not to speak before the High Lord addressed you. You knew he was testing you with silence.

You did not see Eris in this male. There was no sign of the life that burned in Eris's eyes. No freckle of Beron's seemed to mimic the night sky the way Eris's did. There was nothing special to you about Beron Vanserra. Not even the bond was strong enough to make you want him.

"How were your lessons," his voice was falsely sweet. "I assume based on your manners they went well."

"They were lovely, High Lord," you responded. "A good refresher for everything my mother had already taught me."

Beron glanced at you, "Are you inferring you did not appreciate me setting you up with the finest tutor in my court?"

Eris would be whispering to you to tread carefully. Beron's very body language told you this was beginning to enter dangerous territory. "No, my lord," you said softly, "But I would hate for you to waste time and resources on me when I am sure there are better things to put them towards."

Beron leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips as he cocked his head, "You know how to play. I'm going to thoroughly enjoy breaking you, mate."

And you thoroughly enjoyed watching him drink the whiskey laced with 3 drops of poison.

The next day was different. Beron himself was dragging you places without food right away this morning. He was showing you off to different advisors all day, bragging about your beauty, your ability to manipulate flowering and fruiting plants into harvests sooner.

You had used your magic so much to show off for him that you could hardly stand as he affectionately held your chair out for dinner. "You did wonderfully today," he began eating after forcing you to say a prayer to the Mother.

He didn't get to hear the silent plea you sent her. The silent begging for mercy.

You sid get to hear him start coughing as he drank his tainted whiskey that night, though.

Eris was worried for you the third day. You had been sent to bed late, awoken early. Once again, not allowed food. He had stayed by your and Beron's side in meeting that day.

His amber eyes never left your form. He was openly staring at the way you couldn't help but lean on Beron in your exhausted state.

And when Beron stole you for dinner, Eris made sure to add extra poison to his drink, watching as you played the part of the perfect mate, rushing to help him as he began to cough up blood.

Illness among the fae was rare, but when it struck, it was deadly. By the end of day 4, the Forest House was a much quieter place. Beron was bed bound due to Eris's choice to expose him to the poison morning, noon, and night.

You had warned him that this poison was aggressive in large doses. He had also tested it on more brutal lesser fae tracking to attack innocent children to see that. It was brutal, focusing on getting into the smallest cells of blood before shutting down major organs quickly and painfully. You were sat beside his father, crying, playing the part, and Eris beside you, a distraught son.

Day 5 Eris slipped the poison in a high dose into Beron's pain medication before finding you. He had cornered you into a hall closet. You had been forced from bed far too early again, forced to skip meals again.

Eris knew this tactic. Had Beron been healthy, he would continue this until your brain associated Beron's presence with food. It was a way to make you comply, to rely on him.

Eris put an end to it right that moment. He ordered you to be given food, then rest. His father refused the tea Eris offered him that night. Took weak to even open his eyes.

You had underestimated yourself and your powers, or perhaps the smug male above you had more to with it than he let on, bit day 7, Beron was unresponsive. Eris held you down on the bed you two had shared so many times before, kissing your neck and whispering words of how he'd move the very foundations of this world for you when the knock came on his door.

He quickly hid you, allowing a healer to enter. Eris faked his reaction perfectly. He fell to his knees with a strangled cry, hand on his heart as the healer moved to comfort the young heir.

Beron was unresponsive.

And by night fall, Eris truly fell over. His very blood felt as if liquid fire had been poured into him. His hearth grew brighter, hotter.

It wasn't until your heart-wrenching scream came that Eris knew without doubt what had happened. No one had prepared for the outcome of you losing your mate. No one had even questioned what it would do.

They had been so focused on saving you that they had forgotten the most important part of the bond, Beron was the other half of your soul. Grief. Guilt. Joy. Anger. You had never felt like this. You had never imagined a world where you could feel so deeply it ached and made you sick.

You pushed healers away as you held Beron's hand. You pushed Eris away as he came to kneal beside you. You didn't want to feel this, yet you did. You did as he forced you up and out of the room. You did as Beron's body was burned before his ashes were given to the trees. You did as you watched Eris take his place.

The grief only stopped when Eris concerned you that night, his hands on your hips, and he led you to another room where a separate celebration took place. Anala stood in Day Court attire, laughing as Helion dipped her, laughing as Lucien smiled at her from across the room, Elain safely tucked to his side.

Eris's middle brother stood dancing with his male lover, the two of them just swaying. Mor was there with Emerie, lips by her ear gossiping. "I ache too at times," Eris looked at her, a longing in his eyes as he did. "I wonder if I made the right choice to let her go on my loneliest nights. Then I see you."

Eris kissed your knuckles, "I see you, and I regret nothing. Not even what I did in secret."

You looked at him then, "Eris?"

"I stole the black poison. The one you never tested. Every time he and I ate together, I slipped him that one as well."

Your face fell, "You-"

"Weren't going to risk it. Not with the female I am in love with being involved," Eris drank his wine slowly as he studied your reaction.

"So no big fight needed?"

"Oh, trust me, I wanted that," he clarified. "I didn't realize it would work as quickly as it did. I wasn't sure what you had been crafting. He died before I could challenge him, but before he could break you."

The two of you continued watching Helion and Anala, continued watching Lucien and Elain, his brother, Mor.

The grief did linger, but as you took his hand, it faded more. "Let's go dance, High Lady," he whispered into your ear.

And with each spin, every dip, the raise in laughter, the ache continued to fade.

General Taglist:

@hnyclover @glitterypirateduck @slytherinindisguise @mischiefmanagers @bloodicka @starsinyourseyes @the-sweet-psycho @mariahoedt @rinalouu @sarawritestories @starryhiraeth @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium @loneliestluvr @eternallyelvish @azrielsmate3 @daughterofthemoons-stuff @meritxellao @aria-chikage @hungryforbatboys @lilah-asteria @fandomrejects @sleepybesson @tayswhp @itsswritten @milswrites @littlest-w01f

[blackbirdsblackberries]

Hey, Tira!! Anon that suggested Latina! Reader here. First of all, are you doing good? Remember to drink water, okay?

Secondly, for a neglected! Reader plot,(or maybe a one-shot, whatever you feel like writing) what do you think about magical girl! Reader? Like, there's this pink (or any other color) teenage girl/boy in gotham that fights some type of not really scary monster (maybe those from precure, as they don't look that frightening) with glitter and hearts and cute stuff and then the batfam is just flabbergasted because why?? Are they?? So cute?? And they become yandere because they just think reader is so so adorable and innocent

And maybe gotham villains have a soft spot for reader becuase they saved them for the monster thingys

And now reader has to deal with all the most powerful entities in gotham being obsessed over them

And IF it is a neglected! Reader they have to deal with the pain of being adored by the batfam as their magical girl persona, but not as their real self

OR MAYBE!! Star butterfly! Reader (i could elaborate if you want!)

Sorry for the long ask and any writing mistakes, and again, really self indulgent because I love love love magical girls!!

Hi! I love hearing from you again!!! I'm doing good, I just watched the Deadpool and Wolverine movie and it's taken a grip on me 😩

I love that idea for the plot! I was hoping to do a magical girl reader because my FYP on both Tiktok AND Tumblr has been magical girl batfam and I just finished watching Sailor Moon last night.

I'd love to incorporate that into the plot (as well as make a separate one-shot of it in a different instance).

I for sure think that the Batfam would have the mindset of "oh, they're dressed up in cute, bright colours and is fighting non-frightening monsters. That must mean they're an innocent teen playing dress up and doesn't actually know the truth about the real world"

Whether it's true or not is up to you to decide for now but I personally think that Reader would be in the middle, aware of the world around them but oblivious to how it affects themselves - or completely different then that, Reader would be completely aware of the world and struggles in real life but fights as a magical girl + with a smile on her face so she can give others hope.

For the villains I think for sure that the ones who have a proper soft spot (eg. Wouldn't get Reader involved in crimes, would work to protect Reader) would be Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Riddler, Two-Face and Penguin.

For the villains that will let Reader get into trouble so they can save them I think it would be Bane, Catwoman, Clayface and Killer Croc. (Possibly Mad Hatter).

For the villains who would purposefully incorporate Reader into their schemes I think the main ones would be Joker, Hugo Strange and Scarecrow (for two different reasons however).

For Joker he'd see it more so as a bonding experience, a way to "hang out" and "catch up". Even if the Reader is held hostage, in the middle of the battle field, etc.

For Scarecrow I think it would come moreso from a sense of morbid curiosity. How far will Reader go to help people? How does their mind work? How will they react to Fear Gas? What is their fear?

I'd definitely think Harley would love the outfit and Mad Hatter would start to think of you as Alice with your colourful get-up.

If we're talking Batman villains who aren't in Gotham (Talia, Ra, Deadshot, Deathstroke) then I feel it would be a different kind of attachment.

It would be more like "what is this colourful child doing in such a dark place?" (Even if you are already in your adult years).

Talia and Ra would see Reader as someone to train, Reader has great strength to wield and if Talia/Ra can train them then Reader will be a great asset.

The difference between the two would be that Talia grows attached in a nurturing way while Ra grows attached in a condescending way.

Eg.

Talia would think of Reader as a child for her to protect

Ra would think of Reader as a lamb that will be slaughtered without him.

Deadshot has his own kid, he doesn't care much for another until seeing Reader hurt/sad. Reader would be a substitute for Deadshot's daughter while she's with her mother.

Deathstroke, I really don't like him (sorry if you do, he just makes me feel icky), but I feel he'd have a mix between Talia's headspace and Ra's headspace.

"Reader can't survive without me guiding them. Reader needs a father to help them grow" it doesn't matter if you have a dad, he won't compare to Deathstroke. If it's such a big deal for Reader Deathstroke will just remove Reader's father from the picture.

I'd love for you to elaborate on Star Butterfly!

Dw about long requests, I literally squealed when I saw it!!

[b0r3dtod3ath]

requests for happy logan fics you say? 👀

i shall request happy logan, um i dont really have a good idea of anything tho

if u need a more solid idea maybe a younger grid kid reader x logan and um here are some possible prompts

"I don't procrastinate really, it's just that when I do, I prefer to do it last minute, that's all."

"I'm always right because who else will be?"

"I have a confession to make, and it's not going to be easy to hear. You just can't get mad okay?" (cue the confession being of the stupidest thing imaginable)

sorry theyre bad, my brain is literally refusing to function right now. have a nice day!

an: thank you for the request! i went with the third prompt. i hope you don't mind changing it so reader is a driver (it just suited the story better in my head). it's quite short as i haven't been writing for a while.

The rookie trio of 2023 was inseparable. Oscar, you and Logan knew each other since you were kids and joining Formula 1 at the same time made the bond between the three of you even deeper. But what many people didn’t know, you and Logan have been dating since the end of the season. One of the people that didn't know was Oscar.

At first the rush of adrenaline that accompanied hidden glances and stolen moments was exciting but for the long run it became exhausting. You couldn’t shake off the feeling that you were constantly lying to one of your closest friends.

As the clock struck midnight you heard a soft knock on your hotel room door. A shared tradition between you and Logan. Within seconds you opened the door just wide enough to let him slip inside. “I missed you today,” he whispered, his voice barely audible, as if scared to be heard by others in this silent hotel. His hands slid down your back, pulling you closer.

“I missed you too. But we can’t keep sneaking around like this forever, you know.” you ruffled his hair as he looked at you. “I know, We have talked about it. We are not teenagers anymore, but I’m scared of how Oscar will react”. Logan laid on your bed and set an early morning alarm to leave your room unnoticed. “But it’s starting to feel like we’re living two separate lives. I don’t want us to keep hiding who we are from everyone, especially Oscar. We’re not going to lose him, we just have to trust that he’ll understand. That he’ll see how much we care about each other” you responded.

Logan’s arms wrapped around you, pulling you down beside him. He held you close, his chin resting on top of your head as you laid together in the quiet room. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat under your ear was a comforting reminder that you were in this together. “We’ll talk to him before the summer break starts.” Logan murmured after a long silence, his voice filled with determination. Logan kissed the top of your head, his arms tightening around you. “No matter what happens, I love you,” he said softly, his breath warm against your skin. “I love you too,” you replied, scared of your friend’s reaction.

Later that month, the three of you sat at a nice restaurant as a way to close a race weekend. Oscar had been in a good mood all night, cracking jokes and telling stories. You and Logan shared a few anxious glances as you sat at the table, trying to enjoy the lighthearted atmosphere before everything changed.

As Oscar finished recounting a particularly funny story about his engineer Logan squeezed your hand discreetly, offering silent support. "Oscar," you began, your voice steady but your heart racing. "I have a confession to make, and it's not going to be easy to hear. You just can't get mad, okay?". Oscar raised an eyebrow, the smile fading slightly from his face as he sensed the seriousness in your tone. He looked at Logan’s still face, suspicion slowly creeping in. "What’s going on?" he asked, his voice cautious. Logan brushed your hand with his thumb to ease the nerves a bit. "Logan and I... we've been seeing each other, like romantically. For more than half a year now”.

There was a moment of stunned silence as the words hung in the air. Oscar blinked, slightly taken aback. "What? You and Logan?" He leaned back in his chair, processing the information. "And I didn't know?".

"It’s not that we didn’t want to tell you," Logan cut in, his voice calm yet apologetic. "We just… we didn’t want it to change anything between the three of us. We didn’t want to risk our friendship. It is very stupid of us”.

Oscar stared at the two of you, his expression unreadable. You felt a lump form in your throat, fearing the worst. "You two have been together all this time, and I had no idea”. A few moments passed before a small smile tugged at the corner of Oscar's mouth. "I can’t believe you managed to keep it a secret for that long," he said with a hint of admiration. "You know, I thought something was going on a few times, but I just brushed it off. You two did a good job hiding it or I’m just really stupid to not notice two of my best friends dating".

You let out a breath you didn’t realize you had been holding. "So… you’re not mad?". Oscar shook his head, his smile growing. "Oh, no, no. Don’t worry. I’m not mad. I’m happy for you both. I mean, it’s a little weird now knowing you are dating, but as long as you’re happy, that’s what matters”. Relief washed over you as Logan grinned "Thanks, man. We were really worried about how you'd react”. Oscar rolled his eyes, but his face projected warmth "I’m not that scary, am I?". 

August 14, 2024

[justabigassnerd]

A Safe Home

Pairing - Tim Bradford x teen!reader

Word count - 8,174

Warnings - Tim shows signs of slight anxiety (it's my fic and I pick how I self-project onto Tim Bradford), brief mentions of Tim's dad, fluff, angst, inaccurate descriptions of how fostering works, swearing, mentions of guns

Summary - after his talk with Lucy, Tim decides to move forward with the idea of fostering you

Sequel to 'Unexpected Bond'

A/N - hey y'all, back at it again with part two of my previous Tim fic (this is what happens when y'all encourage me). I had a lot of fun exploring this second part and honestly, I did have another idea pop into my head regarding this story so that may or may not happen. anyways I won't ramble, as per y'all, please send in requests, feedback, and enjoy!!!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

After spending most of the night scouring the internet in search of answers to his question, Tim had finally come up with a game plan. As soon as he woke up in the morning, he placed a call to an agency, asking to be considered for fostering and he managed to get lucky with them having an opening for an interview that afternoon. With the interview secured, Tim then called Sergeant Grey and asked for a personal day which thankfully was approved which meant Tim could put his whole attention on impressing at his interview.

After walking Kojo, Tim got back home and found an email from the agency on his phone, with a list of things he needed to prepare for the interview. He let out a soft sigh as he read that he needed a letter of reference from his boss which meant he had to go to work to ask Grey for such a letter. He was hoping he would be able to prepare everything in the privacy of his own home but he figured he owed Grey a face-to-face conversation about why he needed a reference. After making sure Kojo was settled, Tim made his way out to his truck and made the drive to the station, silently glad he was going to arrive at the station after role call meaning most of the patrolling officers would already be gone, saving him from questioning from Lucy.

Arriving at the station, Tim entered the building, making his way back to Grey’s office and knocking on the door, waiting for Grey to wave him in.

“Bradford, I thought you were taking a personal day.” Grey muses, focused on the paperwork on his desk as Tim enters the room.

“I wasn’t planning on coming in. I just needed to ask you for something.” Tim says, standing before the desk, watching as Grey’s gaze shifts, looking up at Tim.

“What is that?” Grey asks, eyebrow raised as he sits back in his chair.

“I’m… well I am planning on trying to foster a kid and one of the things I need for my interview this afternoon is a reference from my boss and-”

“Fostering a kid? I must admit I wasn’t expecting that. If you need a reference then I’ll write one up for you. I’ll email you when it’s done.” Grey says with a nod, making Tim sigh lightly in relief, shoulders sagging slightly as he visibly relaxes.

“Thank you,” Tim says gratefully.

“It’s okay, Bradford,” Grey says warmly, smiling at Tim.

“If it’s not too much to ask, could this stay between us? If the fostering goes forward I don’t want her getting overwhelmed by people before she’s had a chance to settle in.” Tim requests, receiving a nod from Grey.

“This conversation will not leave this room. I promise.” Grey assures, his words filling Tim with confidence before he nods, thanking Grey one last time before heading out of the office and back out to his truck to head home.

Upon getting home, Kojo greeted Tim happily once he got home, acting as if Tim had been away for days. Tim then grabbed his laptop, opened it up and began to familiarise himself with what to expect from the interview while he waited for Grey to send the reference. Kojo hopped up alongside Tim and flopped alongside him on the sofa.

“Hey buddy, how do you feel about someone else living with us?” Tim asks the dog quietly, reaching out to pet him as Kojo’s tail thumps against the sofa, seemingly giving Tim the seal of approval. Tim reads through what to expect what feels like hundreds of times until he notes the time and realises he should go and visit you. After closing his laptop, Tim gathers the candy and books he bought you and puts them in a small gift bag before picking it up and heading back out to the truck to drive to the hospital. Tim had an easy journey to the hospital and made his way to your room with little issues. As he approached your room he noticed that the door was closed and worry began to grab at him, worrying that something had happened to you but thankfully as he stuck his head around the doorframe, he found you lying in bed, mindlessly scrolling through the tv channels in the naive hope of finding something worth watching. However, at the movement by the door, your eyes were drawn away from the tv and when you realised it was Tim you lit up, smiling as you lightly invited him in.

“Officer Bradford, what are you doing here?” You ask, turning the tv off before focusing your attention on Tim who shakes his head lightly at your choice of words when it comes to addressing him.

“Please, call me Tim. I thought I’d swing by to check on you and I also bought you some things to hopefully help this time in hospital a bit better.” Tim says, smiling softly as he approaches your bedside, offering the bag out towards you.

“Offic- Tim. You didn’t need to bring me anything.” You say, eyes flicking between the bag and Tim.

“I wanted to,” Tim says, taking a single step closer and holding the bag up towards you so you have no choice but to take it which you do after a brief silence. When you take the bag, you place it down in your lap, slowly extracting the items and taking a moment to appreciate every single thing he has gotten you.

“I’m sorry if this isn’t really your kind of stuff. I just googled things and hoped for the best.” Tim says, concerned by your silence and already trying to backtrack and explain himself.

“No, please don’t apologise. This is perfect. Thank you.” You say, looking up at Tim with a small smile and teary eyes, gratefulness obvious in every aspect of your expression.

“You’re welcome, y/n,” Tim says softly, moving to sit down on one of the chairs that sat alongside your bedside.

“How have you been? Feeling better?” Tim then asks, watching carefully as you nod, already ripping open one of the packets of candy.

“My side still hurts if I move too much but I’d take that pain over being dead.” You say with a slight shrug, offering the bag towards Tim and motioning for him to take one which he refuses at first but after a look from you, he concedes and takes one, thanking you quietly.

“No one’s tried to bother you while you’re here, have they?” Tim then asks, wanting to ensure everything is okay.

“I don’t think anyone knows or cares that I’m here.” You admit quietly, eyes flicking from Tim to the bed cover, picking at the corner of it to distract yourself.

“I spoke to one of my friends, she’s a detective and she’s agreed to help me open an investigation into the home you’re in. I’m going to follow along with it and make sure that something happens to that home.” Tim then says, letting you know about his plans to deal with things.

“I don’t know what to say.” You say quietly yet gratefully. Your whole life you’d been constantly let down by adults who were supposed to look out for you. Teachers looked the other way when you were bullied and Stan had never lifted a finger to help you at the children’s home. But now, Tim was doing everything he could to help you. Someone you had only met the day before was already putting in the effort to help you when no one else would.

“You don’t need to say anything, kid. I want to help you out however I can.” Tim says, his voice was soft and gentle as he smiles at you.

“You have no idea how much this all means to me.” You say, wiping at your eyes to conceal any possible tears from Tim.

“I’m just doing my job,” Tim says, shaking his head softly as you smile softly, your hand dropping back down to your lap. You and Tim then spend some time talking some more, and the more you talk, the more Tim knows he wants to foster you. He knew how it felt to constantly be let down by people you’re supposed to look up to so he wasn’t going to let himself be one of those people towards you. He wanted to make sure you knew you had at least one person on your side. After about half an hour of chatting with you, Tim noticed the time and realised he needed to head back to his to get ready for his interview with the foster agency.

“I’ve got to head out. If you need anything you have my number. Take care.” Tim says, getting up and excusing himself.

“Have a good day.” You say with a smile as Tim crosses to the door, making him smile back at you softly. He longed to tell you that he was putting himself forward to foster you but he also knew he didn’t want to get your hopes up, and then for everything to fall through. He wouldn’t be able to face you going back to a home after everything you had been through.

“I’ll see you around, kid,” Tim says softly before exiting your room, making his way out of the hospital so he can head home to prepare for the interview. When he got home, Tim showered and changed into some smarter clothes before rereading what to expect in his interview so he could be thoroughly prepared for any questions that could be thrown his way during the interview process as well as forwarding the reference Grey had written to the agency. As he finishes reading up the page, Tim puts his laptop away and makes his way out to his truck to begin the drive to the agency. The drive was silent, other than the rumble of the engine and the radio playing quietly. During the drive, Tim kept going over everything in his head to make sure he had solid, planned answers ready when he was questioned. When Tim finally arrived at the agency, he got out of his truck and made his way in, making sure to take one last deep breath before walking in and approaching the woman at the front desk.

“Hi, I’m Tim Bradford. I’m here for an interview about fostering.” Tim says once he reaches the desk, smiling at the woman as she nods and types something into the computer at her desk.

“Yep, you’re good to go and take a seat, Julia will be out shortly.” The woman says with a smile, gesturing towards the seats behind Tim as he nods, thanking her before heading over to a seat, sitting down in it and pulling his phone out of his pocket to pass the time until he’s called in for his interview.

“Tim Bradford?” A female voice draws Tim’s attention away from his phone and he looks up to see a woman with a soft smile who gestures him over.

“Hi.” Tim greets, smiling as he reaches out to shake the woman’s hand.

“Hello, Tim. I’m Julia. If you just follow me into my office we’ll get this interview started.” Julia says lightly, leading Tim back into her office. Entering the office, Julia takes a seat behind her desk while offering Tim a seat in front of the desk which he sits on, waiting for the interview to begin.

“So, Tim, what was it that made you want to start fostering?” Julia starts, pulling up the forms Tim had filled out on her computer, skimming them once more before focusing back on Tim.

“I got involved in a case at work where I helped out a kid and found out she was in a kid's home. I guess I wanted to be a positive adult figure in her life and fostering her would not only give her the support she needs, but it would get her out of that home.” Tim says, making sure he’s completely honest with Julia.

“It sounds like you already have someone in mind when it comes to fostering.” Julia muses softly, receiving a nod in return from Tim.

“Yeah, her name is y/n l/n. I found her injured yesterday at work and when I learnt the whole story I just knew that I couldn’t be another adult in her life who lets her down. She needs a stable and safe environment and I’d like to be the one who gives it to her.” Tim says, studying Julia’s reaction carefully, hoping he hasn’t tripped up so soon into the interview.

“That leads me nicely to my next topic. I’ve read your reference from your boss, Sergeant Grey. So, you’re in the LAPD. Do you think your job may have any effect on your ability to care for a child?” Julia then asks, looking from the computer to Tim who exhales softly, glancing down at his lap briefly before looking back up at Julia.

“I am very good at keeping my personal and work life separate. I only work overtime when truly necessary. I believe I’d be more than capable of looking after y/n.” Tim says, keeping his voice level and trying not to take her words as a personal attack. After about ten more minutes of questions and answers between the two of them, Julia leans back in her chair, looking over at Tim.

“Well, you have a steady income, glowing reference, and you seem very committed to the idea of fostering y/n so I can’t say you’re a bad candidate for fostering but I also cannot guarantee anything, you know how it is,” Julia says, smiling sympathetically at Tim as he nods, understanding that she was simply covering her bases. He knew that she wasn’t able to make promises in case things fell through, the same way he wasn’t allowed to promise victims that everything would be okay.

“I understand. But if there is any chance I can foster y/n, I’ll be there as soon as possible.” Tim says with a nod, hoping deep down that everything lined up perfectly and he’d get to foster you. As Julia got up from her desk, he conjured another plan in his head just moments before he stood up to shake her hand once more.

“It was lovely to meet you, Tim. We’ll be in contact with an update.” Julia says as she releases Tim’s hand, watching as he nods and thanks her before exiting her office, thanking the lady at the desk as he left, the second he left the building he dug his phone out of his pocket, finding Angela’s number and dialling it, lifting the phone to his ear as it began to ring.

“Who have you killed?” Angela jokes upon picking up the phone, making Tim roll his eyes.

“Hilarious. I just wanted to ask you something.” Tim says, beginning to walk over to his truck.

“Shoot,” Angela says, leaning back in her chair as she awaits Tim’s response.

“I was wondering if there’s any way Wesley might know how to help me get approved to foster a kid?” Tim says. Upon hearing Angela’s slight gasp, and the sound of her getting out of her chair to find some privacy, he began to wonder if it was worth asking her.

“Is this about that kid in the children’s home you were telling me about yesterday?” Angela asks in a hushed tone, clearly still making her way through the station.

“Yeah… but you can’t tell anyone. I just had my interview with an agency and while I know they can’t guarantee that I’ll get accepted as a foster carer, and they can’t guarantee I’ll get to foster y/n. I was just wondering if Wesley knows anyone who could help me out or something?” Tim tries, getting into his truck and settling behind the wheel while Angela ducks into the rec room.

“I can call Wesley to see what he can do. I’ll have him call you when he can.” Angela says, nodding despite knowing that Tim couldn’t see her.

“Thank you, Angela. I owe you one.” Tim says, a smile on his face.

“I’ll hold you to that.” Angela jokes before both she and Tim bid each other goodbye before hanging up the phone. Upon ending the conversation, Tim puts his phone away and begins to drive back to his house, fingers lightly drumming against the wheel to ease the anxiety that begins to build up over the length of the drive. When he finally makes it home, he enters his house, gets changed into something comfier and heads to the living room to sit down on the sofa and encourages Kojo to come and sit with him, letting out the softest sigh as Kojo settles down across his lap, the weight helping to ease Tim’s anxieties and helps him relax. After almost half an hour of mindlessly scrolling through various tv channels, Tim’s phone buzzes and he picks it up after seeing Wesley’s name pop up on the screen.

“Wesley.” Tim greets, his empty hand reaching out to pet Kojo as a means to distract himself.

“Hey, Tim. Angela told me about what you asked. I have a contact who may be able to pull some strings but ultimately I can’t guarantee anything.” Wesley says, greeting Tim before getting to business.

“I understand that,” Tim says, nodding lightly at Wesley’s words.

“Between you and me, I think you stand a good chance at getting approved to foster her with the home under investigation.” Wesley then admits while Tim perks up slightly.

“You think?” Tim asks.

“I do. My colleague may be able to get you approved early so you can foster y/n while taking any necessary courses or training just on account of it getting her out of the home during the investigation.” Wesley says, a smile on his face.

“Wesley, I don’t know how to thank you.” Tim breathes out, grateful for how his friends were willing to help him out.

“I’m sure I’ll sure I’ll think of some way for you to repay me,” Wesley says with a chuckle, leaning back in his chair as he hears Tim let out a soft laugh of his own.

“I don’t expect anything less,” Tim replies.

“I’ll talk to my colleague and see what she can do. I’ll be in contact.” Wesley then says, bidding Tim goodbye before they both hang up, leaving Tim to continue blindly scrolling through tv channels, his anxiety now easing a little. After ten minutes of more channel surfing, Tim decides to take Kojo on another walk, just to get out of the house and of course, Kojo was over the moon with the idea of a second walk.

The second walk was longer, and Tim made sure to go to Kojo’s favourite places and spend extra time in the park playing fetch. The walk helped to clear Tim’s head, helping him feel more at ease and more hopeful that with Angela and Wesley’s help, things would work out in his favour. On his way back home, content that Kojo had been sufficiently exercised, Tim’s phone began to ring once more and upon seeing a number he didn’t recognise, he picked up.

“Hello?” Tim answers, taking in the scenery as Kojo sniffs around a tree.

“Hi, is this Tim Bradford?” A male voice on the other end of the phone asks, making Tim raise an eyebrow.

“Yes, it is.” He replies, beginning towards a nearby bench and sitting down on it while Kojo sits at his feet.

“I’m Frank. I’m the head of the local fostering agencies and I’m aware you had an interview with Julia earlier this afternoon. Is that correct?” The man introduces himself as Tim nods lightly.

“I did yes. Is everything okay?” Tim says, and he swears in that brief silence between him speaking and Frank replying, he could feel his throat get tighter, fearing the response he might get.

“So, normally we wouldn’t do something like this but we’ve been made aware of an investigation that’s beginning to happen on the children’s home y/n is in and since you were such a strong and committed candidate, we’ve decided to allow you to foster y/n,” Frank says, and Tim felt the ten-ton weight lift off his shoulders at his words.

“Really?” Tim asks, part of him wondering if this was some elaborate trick.

“Really. Of course, we request that you complete some training but we will allow you to look after y/n to keep her away from the ongoing investigation but I imagine detectives would want to get statements from her if needed.” Frank explains, making Tim nod as he takes in every word.

“I’ll do whatever you need me to do,” Tim promises, already sitting up straighter on the bench.

“That’s what we like to hear. All we need from you right now is for you to come back to the agency and fill out some paperwork for us. We contacted the hospital and they’ve let us know that y/n is cleared to be released from the hospital’s care tomorrow so you have today to prepare for y/n’s arrival. Is that okay?” Frank then says as Tim begins to stand up, walking with Kojo towards his house.

“That’s fine. Thank you.” Tim says, a small smile on his face.

“Good. You’ll also meet y/n’s case worker, Kiara while you’re there. She’ll be there to help you and y/n through this whole process.” Frank then says, giving Tim the last bit of information he needed.

“Thank you so much for all this,” Tim says gratefully, bidding Frank goodbye and hanging up the phone before hurrying back home. The second he gets home, Tim gets Kojo in the house, before heading to his truck and driving back to the agency.

When Tim reaches the agency, he’s greeted by the same woman at the front desk who points him to Julia’s office, telling him they’re waiting for him. So Tim does as he’s told, heading to the office he had been in mere hours before, knocking on the door lightly and entering upon being called in.

“Tim, just the man we were talking about,” Julia says with a smile, gesturing Tim in when she sees him. Tim enters the office, noticing the second woman who he could only assume was Kiara as he sat down on the spare chair that was offered to him.

“I’m Kiara, y/n’s case worker. It’s lovely to meet you.” The second woman confirms Tim’s thoughts as she offers a hand to him and he’s quick to shake her hand in response.

“I’m Tim. But I’m sure you already knew that.” Tim says with a soft chuckle as he settles down in the chair.

“As you know, you’ve got some paperwork to go through with you so let’s get on with that first,” Julia says, pulling paperwork out of one of her files and handing them over to Tim with a clipboard so he can read them over and sign where appropriate once they’ve talked things over. As Tim reads the paperwork over, Julia and Kiara talk him through various parts of everything, making sure he’s clear on everything being your foster parent entails, as well as being told that Kiara was going to swing by his house to do a quick check to make sure he lived in a suitable environment for you. After signing everything and being thoroughly briefed on all the ins and outs of being a foster parent, Tim was finally given the okay to leave the office and he left with Kiara walking alongside him.

“I’ll just follow behind you if that’s okay?” She asks as they exit the building, watching as Tim nods, digging his keys out of his pocket before heading over to his truck while Kiara heads over to her Mini. The drive back to his house had Tim’s anxiety digging in once more as he thought of all the worst-case scenarios that ran through his head. He knew he had no reason for Kiara to not approve him and his house as a suitable place for you to live but he could not help but think of how things could go wrong. Would Kojo throw her off? Would the fact he carries an off-duty weapon be a problem? He tried so hard to focus on the positives but by the time both he and Kiara had parked outside his house, he had convinced himself that everything was going to crash and burn. Tim unlocked his front door and stepped in, causing Kojo to come trotting over to him happily.

“Kojo, sit,” Tim commands, pointing at Kojo who obeys Tim’s command, head tilted slightly as Kiara enters behind Tim.

“You have a dog? Can I say hi?” Kiara asks with a soft smile as Tim nods.

“Kojo, come here boy,” Tim says and Kojo immediately got up and approached the two, sniffing Kiara’s outstretched hand and panting happily as she began to pet him.

“He’s lovely.” Kiara praises.

“He looks tough but he’s a big softie,” Tim admits with a gentle laugh, watching as Kojo flops onto his side for more attention.

“Well, you’re off to a good start with how well-trained Kojo is,” Kiara says as she straightens up, beginning to make her way around the house looking at everything in and around each room while Kojo follows behind her happily. Tim can’t bring himself to follow her at first, feeling rooted in place with how out of control he is in this whole scenario. After a deep breath, Tim then follows after Kiara, listening carefully to all her comments about his house.

“I know you’re a police officer so I have to ask, do you have any firearms in your house?” Kiara asks, no malice in her tone but Tim knew he wouldn’t benefit from lying.

“Yes, I carry an off-duty piece. But I lock it away when I’m not using it and I’d never encourage y/n to use it or even be near it.” Tim explains, leading Kiara to the safe he has hidden away in his bedroom and showing her the handgun he has. As he locks it back away, Tim looks over at Kiara to try and gauge her reaction but Kiara appears to be the best when it comes to having a neutral expression. By the time Kiara had done a full tour of the house, Tim had somehow convinced himself that he’d screwed the whole thing up. As he walked Kiara to the front door, she turned to face him and smiled softly.

“Your house is perfect. y/n will have a great home here.” Kiara says as Tim tries not to let his jaw drop in shock.

“Thank you so much.” He says, feeling like he’s thanked people enough for a lifetime in one day but he had to let people know how grateful he was for their help throughout this whole process. After Kiara leaves, Tim turns his attention to his phone, aware of the text he had received while he was showing Kiara around the house. He found a text from Wesley, saying he had contacted his colleague so Tim replied saying that Wesley’s colleague had helped out a lot and so he thanked Wesley and asked him to pass Tim’s thanks on to his colleague. By the time night fell Tim was lying in his bed wrestling with his conflicting emotions. He was filled with both excitement and anxiety knowing that in a mere few hours, he’d be picking you up from the hospital and officially become your foster parent.

By the morning, Tim was sure he’d only gotten a couple of hours of sleep and that Kojo was fed up with how much he’d been tossing and turning throughout the night. Tim got out of bed after Kojo all but nudged him up, showered and changed before taking Kojo on a morning walk to stretch his legs. Tim had organised a time to meet with Kiara at the hospital to pick you up after informing Grey that he needed another personal day, thankfully Grey was understanding and gave him the rest of the week off so he could help you settle into your new home and routine. So Tim wanted to spend his morning setting up your room and ensuring the house felt as homely as possible ready for your arrival with the time he had.

Once Tim had organised your room, doing the best he could with what he had, he noted the time and realised he needed to begin heading over to the hospital. So he grabbed a jacket and made his way to the front door, stopping to talk to Kojo when he noticed him lying on the floor in the hall.

“Be good, Kojo. I’ll be back soon.” Tim says, petting Kojo on the head as he grabs his keys and makes his way to the front door, heading outside and getting into his truck to drive over to the hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital, Tim met with Kiara in the waiting room of the ward you were in.

“Hello, Tim.” She greets Tim with a smile, approaching him as he meets her halfway.

“Hi,” Tim replies, noticing the bag in Kiara’s hand.

“I went by to collect y/n’s things, she’s getting changed now. A nurse will grab us when she’s ready.” Kiara explains, not missing how Tim had been looking at the bag. At her explanation, Tim nods.

“Does she know I’m fostering her?” Tim then asks, already worrying about your hypothetical reaction to the news.

“I haven’t told her yet. I figured you could be the one to tell her.” Kiara says. As if cued, a nurse enters the waiting room and approaches the two.

“y/n is ready.” The nurse says with a gentle smile, gesturing for them to follow her which they do, heading into the room Tim had become very familiar with.

“Hi Kiara, I’m ready t-” You said, back facing them as you begrudgingly turned around, cutting yourself off when you realised Tim was also present.

“Hey, kid,” Tim says softly, smiling as you mirror his smile with one of your own.

“What’s going on?” You ask, glancing between Tim and Kiara who in turn exchange a look between themselves.

“We have some exciting news.” Kiara starts, both her and Tim watching as your eyebrows furrow in thought.

“I have decided to foster you. If that’s okay with you, of course.” Tim says, watching your reaction carefully, seeing how your eyebrows furrow further before you process his words and your jaw drops in shock, tears filling your eyes.

“Really?” You ask, looking up at Tim who nods lightly at your question.

“If that’s something you want,” Tim affirms and you fall quiet for a brief second, taking a deep breath before speaking up once more.

“Can I hug you?” You ask quietly.

“Of course, come here,” Tim says, extending an arm towards you and you were quick to accept the embrace, winding your arms around his middle and hugging Tim tight. Tim felt your shuddered breaths as you hugged him, making him hold you a little closer.

“Thank you.” You whisper softly, your voice thick with unshed tears.

“You don’t need to thank me,” Tim replies in a hushed tone, squeezing you tighter before releasing you from the hug, allowing you to step back.

“Well with that good news out in the open. Are you ready to get out of here?” Kiara asks, watching as you wipe your eyes with a nod, smiling wider than Kiara has ever seen from you before.

“More than ready.” You say as Kiara hands the bag of your belongings to Tim and gestures for you and Tim to follow her once the nurse has gone over some final healthcare things with you and Tim.

“I went and collected all your stuff from the home so you should have everything. Now all that’s left for you to do is head home with Tim. I will swing by every so often just to check up on you both but I’ll let you have a few days to settle in.” Kiara explains as you make your way through the hospital, heading towards the car park.

“That sounds like a plan. Thank you for everything, Kiara.” Tim says, stopping in front of his truck with you and Kiara mimicking his action.

“It’s been a pleasure. Take care, y/n.” Kiara says, giving you a quick hug in goodbye before making her way back to her own car, leaving you and Tim alone.

“Here, hop in,” Tim says, opening the passenger side door and waiting patiently for you to ease yourself into the truck. Once you’re sat down, Tim closes the door and loads your bag into the back seats, rounding the truck and getting behind the wheel. On the drive back to Tim’s house you maintained some small talk as you watched the world passing you by. You were seeing areas of Los Angeles that you had never seen before and before too long had passed, Tim was parking on the drive to your new home.

“I have a quick question before we head in. Are you okay with dogs?” Tim asks after shutting the engine off, turning in his seat to face you.

“I’ve never really been around any dogs. The only ones around the children’s home were people’s guard dogs so they weren’t very friendly.” You explain shyly, fiddling with your fingers as you think of the dogs that would snarl and bark at you every time you dared walk past their house.

“I promise, Kojo is as gentle as they come. He’s all bark no bite. Tell you what, I’ll head in first, put Kojo in my room so he’s out of the way while you settle in. When you’re ready we can handle introductions. Does that sound good?” Tim says, explaining the plan he had formulated in his head and you nod.

“Okay, that sounds fine.” You say quietly, unbuckling your seatbelt and getting out of the truck while Tim does the same. You wait patiently for Tim to grab your bag before following him to the front door.

“You stay out here for a minute while I sort out Kojo, I’ll let you know when to come in,” Tim says as he unlocks the front door and you nod, sure you could hear the tapping of claws on the other side of the door. Tim opens the door enough to squeeze through the gap and closes the door behind him, smiling as Kojo approaches, sniffing at his legs curiously.

“Sorry about this buddy, it’s just for a few minutes.” Tim apologises to his dog, gently taking hold of Kojo’s collar and leading him towards his bedroom, opening the door and encouraging Kojo inside, closing the door before he can turn around and rush back out. With Kojo securely tucked away in one room, Tim makes his way back to the front door, opening it and smiling at you.

“Come on in.” He says, picking up your bag and gesturing for you to follow him into the house.

“Wow, this is gorgeous.” You say, awestruck by the house and everything in it.

“It’s not much,” Tim says with a light shrug, making you laugh lightly.

“Here’s better than the home I’ve grown up in.” You say truthfully, making Tim nod lightly as he stops outside your room.

“This is your room. I’m sorry it’s a bit bare but you’re free to decorate it how you want.” Tim says as he opens the door, stepping back to let you take in your new room. You couldn’t stop the tears from welling in your eyes at the sight of the room. Tim wasn’t lying, the room didn’t have much in the way of decorations, and the bedding and walls were all plain white but the idea of getting to make the room your own safe space made you emotional in ways you couldn’t describe.

“This is amazing. I can’t thank you enough Tim.” You say gratefully, taking the bag from Tim’s hand and heading into your room. You place your bag on the end of your bed and take in the beauty of your room. After exploring your room, you then head back out into the rest of the house, pausing when you hear the light scratching of claws against wood.

“Sorry, he’s used to having run of the house.” Tim apologises, noticing how you had paused in place, looking in the direction of Tim’s bedroom.

“No, I’m sorry. I feel bad he’s been locked away just because I’m not used to dogs.” You apologise, feeling bad for Kojo.

“He’ll live, trust me,” Tim says softly.

“Can I meet him? I’ll feel bad keeping him locked away any longer.” You ask, looking up at Tim who nods lightly.

“Only if you’re sure,” Tim asks, watching as you nod.

“I’m sure.” You confirm, making Tim look towards the door.

“You go and settle in the living room. I’ll bring Kojo through.” Tim says, watching you head towards the living room before he opens his bedroom door, immediately catching Kojo by the collar as he attempts to escape the bedroom.

“Whoa there. You need to be a bit calmer.” Tim lightly scolds his dog, carefully leading him to the living room where you are waiting. Tim enters the living room slowly, keeping a firm hand on Kojo to keep him under control.

“y/n, this is Kojo. Kojo, this is y/n.” Tim says, introducing you to Kojo and vice versa.

“Hi, Kojo. You’re really cute.” You say softly, reaching a careful hand out towards him, letting him sniff at your hand from a distance. After Kojo had sniffed at your hand, Tim slowly relinquished his hold on Kojo’s collar, allowing him to step closer to you. Kojo continues to sniff at you, gently licking at one of your hands while your other begins to pet him, bringing a smile to your face.

“I think he likes you,” Tim says, smiling at the interaction between you and Kojo.

“He’s so sweet.” You say quietly, scratching Kojo behind the ear as he pants happily, as he sits down in between your legs. After a few minutes of hanging out with Kojo, Tim decides to offer to help you unpack and settle in and you take him up on his offer, heading back to your room, this time with Kojo accompanying you. You go through your bag, chatting with Tim as you unpack everything. As Tim was putting a jacket of yours away in the wardrobe, he caught sight of you digging through your bag, a panicked expression on your face.

“Are you okay, kid?” Tim asks, turning to face you.

“I can’t find something.” You reply, barely giving Tim any attention as you continue to turf things out of your bag, tears welling in your eyes when you empty the rest of your bag and realise that one precious item is missing.

“What is it?” Tim asks, picking his way through the clothes you’d thrown across your bed to see if what you were looking for had somehow gotten lost in the middle of your t-shirts.

“I… I had a stuffed animal. A small sheep. I’ve had him since I was little and a friend I had gave him to me when she got reunited with her parents. Kiara wouldn’t have known I had him because I hid him in my room so the other kids wouldn’t find him.” You explain, panicked as tears well in your eyes.

“Hey, don’t panic. Tell me where you hid him and I’ll go and get him.” Tim says, gently taking you by the shoulders, and helping you maintain control over your panicked breaths.

“You’d do that?” You ask quietly and your voice thick with tears.

“Of course, I would. If this sheep is important to you I’ll go find him and bring him back here.” Tim says softly, hating the heartbroken and terrified look in your eyes. He could tell this stuffed animal meant the world to you and he was going to get it back for you.

“Thank you.” You whisper, smiling at Tim while wiping at your eyes.

“No problem, kid. Now, tell me where you hid him and I’ll get him back.” Tim says, waiting patiently for you to tell him where you had hidden the teddy. Once you’ve told Tim exactly where you’d hidden it, Tim tells you to stay with Kojo, making his way to his room, grabbing his off-duty piece just in case Stan tried to give him any grief, before making his way out to his truck and driving over to the children’s home. When he pulled up outside the home, he barely had time to pull his keys out of the engine with the speed he was getting out of the truck. He marched up to the front door and pounded on it, waiting for Stan to open the door.

“What do you want? You’ve caused enough trouble around here.” Stan snarls as he opens the door, recognising Tim instantly.

“I’m just here to pick up something that Kiara didn’t pick up when she was getting y/n’s stuff,” Tim says, holding his hands up slightly to show he wasn’t here to pick a fight.

“You’ve gone and put this home under investigation. I could lose my job and it’s all your fucking fault! I should teach you a lesson.” Stan swears angrily, stepping closer to Tim in an attempt to intimidate him.

“Try anything and I’ll have you locked away so fast you’ll never get to see this home close down,” Tim growls in response, his low tone and narrowed eyes enough to get Stan to step back, all attempt at intimidation now thrown out the window as he allows Tim to push past, heading upstairs to the room you had said was yours. He opened the door, heading straight for where you had said you’d hidden the sheep teddy. Thankfully, Tim had very little trouble finding the sheep.

“Let’s get you reunited with y/n,” Tim whispers to the small plush sheep before tucking it away in his hoodie pocket, making his way downstairs, making sure to shoot a warning glare Stan’s way to keep him away before heading to his truck and making the drive back home. When Tim arrived home, he found you curled up on the sofa with Kojo curled against your side.

“Did you find him?” You ask, perking up when you notice Tim’s arrival. Tim nodded with a smile, pulling the sheep out of his pocket and handing it over to you as you took it gratefully, holding it close to your chest as you let out a soft sigh of relief.

“Thank you so much, Tim.” You say gratefully, smiling over at him which he returns.

“You’re welcome y/n,” Tim replies, moving to sit alongside you and Kojo. You spend the rest of the day lounging on the sofa with Tim, getting to know each other more. After having a takeaway for dinner, you stand up and stretch, glancing over at Tim.

“Can I use the shower?” You ask, studying Tim’s reaction carefully.

“Of course, you can. You don’t need to ask.” Tim says softly, watching as you nod slightly, heading for your room to get ready for your shower before disappearing into the bathroom.

When you emerged from the bathroom, Tim caught sight of you padding across the hall, shivering violently as you tugged your hoodie over your pyjama shirt.

“Woah, are you okay? Are you coming down with something?” Tim asks, already jumping to the worst-case scenario at how violently you were shivering.

“No, I’m fine. I just didn’t realise how cold your shower could get.” You say with a shrug as if it was the most obvious answer in the world.

“I should’ve shown you how it works, I’m sorry.” Tim apologises, silently scolding himself for failing to show you how the shower worked.

“No, it’s fine. I know I’m not supposed to use the hot water anyway.” You say with a small smile, making Tim’s head tilt slightly in confusion.

“I’m sorry, what?” Tim asks, wanting to know why you had assumed such a thing.

“Stan always said that us kids weren��t supposed to use hot water.” You shrug, rubbing your hands up and down your arms to try and warm yourself up more.

“Okay, that rule doesn’t fly in here. You want a hot shower? You take a hot shower. You don’t have to worry about whether you’re allowed to use hot water because you will always be allowed to use it.” Tim explains, watching your reaction carefully, seeing how your head dipped, nodding shyly at his words.

“Thank you. And I’m sorry.” You apologise, making Tim feel like his heart is cracking in two.

“You have nothing to apologise for. It’s not your fault Stan is an asshole.” Tim says, resting a hand on one of your shoulders, smiling supportively at you as you lift your head to meet his gaze, shyly smiling in response as you nod lightly before a yawn spills past your lips.

“Sounds like you should get to bed. I’ll see you in the morning, y/n.” Tim says softly, releasing the light grip he had on your shoulder and watching as you head into your room with Kojo hot on your heels before making his rounds, ensuring all the doors were locked and the lights were off before retiring to bed himself.

Almost two hours after you had gone to bed you found yourself unable to sleep. You kept tossing and turning, finding the bed much too comfortable compared to what you were accustomed to. After Kojo let out a huff after what felt like your thousandth shuffle in bed you finally got up, grabbing your sheep teddy and a blanket before making your way to the living room with Kojo following behind once more.

Tim stirred at the sound of footsteps throughout the house and sat bolt upright, listening carefully to try and identify whether the footsteps belonged to you or an intruder. After a minute of listening, Tim identified the sound of Kojo’s claws tapping across the floor and felt himself relaxing, knowing it had to be you moving around with how Kojo wasn’t barking. After the house fell silent again, Tim decided to get up to check on you, worried about how he hadn’t heard you heading back to your room and he soon tracked you down, finding you lying down on the sofa, covering yourself with the blanket and using one of the cushions as a pillow with the small lamp on nearby.

“Are you okay, kid?” Tim’s voice made you jump at first, but you soon settled down when you realised it was only Tim, and Kojo settled down, his head resting on your stomach.

“Sorry the bed was ju-”

“It was too comfortable, wasn’t it?” Tim says softly, cutting you off as he crosses to sit down on the edge of the sofa.

“How did you know?” You ask, bewildered that Tim had figured it out so quickly.

“I served in the Army and did a few tours. Coming home after each one was the hardest adjustment period. And somehow the bed being too comfortable was the worst one. So trust me, I get it.” Tim says, letting you know that he understood and that he wouldn’t judge you.

“I’m just too used to the rock-solid mattresses at the home.” You say with a shrug, reaching out to pet Kojo after he noses at your hand for attention.

“If sleeping on the sofa makes you more comfortable for now. Then you can sleep on the sofa. Do what makes you feel most comfortable right now.” Tim assures you quietly, seeing how the gentle reassurance has made you feel more at ease.

“Thank you.” You say quietly, smiling at Tim as he nods.

“You’re welcome, y/n. I’m going to head back to bed but come and get me if you need anything. I’m sure Kojo will look after you.” Tim says, petting Kojo lightly before getting up, bidding you goodnight and exiting the living room to head back to his own room for the night. After Tim left, you turned the lamp off and laid back against the sofa, hand still stroking Kojo gently as you allowed your eyes to close. You had finally found a home, and it made you feel the safest you have ever felt in your whole life. And that was all thanks to Tim.

[burnyouwithacigarettelighter]

(2) TENDER LIKE A BRUISE ─── ethan landry 𖦹

ೃ⁀➷ “No other word makes my mouth as tender as your name.” — ‘Soft Human’, Emery Allen

pairing. spiderman!ethan landry x reader

warnings. swearing, mention of blood + death, mildly suggestive

summary. after that first night, ethan and you have acquired an unspoken bond. your friends sense this bond, but, unfortunately, think it’s something else entirely. (1) (2) (3) (4)

a/n. more spiderman!ethan. im really loving this au, but i also have no idea what im doing. expect some more fics, though not entirely in chronological order.

ii. 

The rest of that night went like this: you ordered pizza, but by the time it got to your apartment, Ethan fell asleep on your couch. 

So you forced him to wake up, all but shoved three slices of pepperoni pizza down his throat, then locked him in your room and made the boy rest. 

(Waking him up was far harder than you thought it would be. He slept like the fucking dead, and looked like it too, hands perfectly by his sides, staring straight up at the ceiling.)

You were cleaning up the boxes in the living room when you heard a commotion in your bedroom, alongside Ethan’s familiar, profuse apologizing. 

“Ethan?” You called out, walking down the hall. “What’s going—“ 

Suddenly, the door to your room opened, and out came Ethan, hair messy from sleep, being pinned against the hallway wall by Mindy. 

“What the fuck were you doing in—“ Mindy said furiously, her hand balling up the fabric of your (Ethan’s) shirt. 

“Hey- Hey! Mindy, put him down! I’m right here,” You said, wide eyed. You could see the pain blooming in Ethans side as Mindy man-handled him, his brows twisted taut, eyes squeezing shut. 

At the sound of your voice, Mindy let go of Ethan immediately. From your room behind her walked out Annika and Tara, who were cautiously stepping away from the two of them. 

Ethan’s hands held his bandaged side subtly, leaning against the wall like he had when you first let him into your room. 

The guilt churned in your chest — how could you not think about your friends entering the apartment with him in there? Of course Mindy would be hostile, for Ethan had never come over if Chad wasn’t there first. 

Without thinking, your hands graced both of Ethan’s arms. “Are you okay?” You whispered in his ear, and waited for his curt nod before turning to Mindy, Annika and Tara’s prying eyes.

“I’m— we—he came over to study, and he fell asleep so I…” You racked your head for a plausible excuse, so you didn’t have to tell everyone he was fucking Spiderman and that he almost bled out in your shared bathroom just three hours ago. 

“Study?” Tara cut in, raising an eyebrow. “Weren’t you at the party?” She gave Ethan a pointed look. 

Ethan opened and closed his mouth, looking between you and the rest of your friends. “I left, like, an hour in. I have Econ tomorrow, so I needed to - to study.” 

Mindy took a deep breath in, then flared her nostrils, letting the air out. “Okay. Okay, I’m sorry,” She backed away, hands in the air like she was getting arrested, “just wanted to know why this dude you don’t even talk to was sleeping in your room.” 

Then, she walked off, down the hall into the living room, hands still in the air. Annika and Tara slipped away similarly, but Annika gave the both of you a particularly long and suspicious look. 

You looked at Ethan. Ethan looked at you. 

“How’s my stitch work?” You said lightly, trying to break the silence while gesturing to his side. 

A small smile broke on Ethans face. “I think my head needs the concern more,” he said, rubbing the part of his head that hit the wall. 

“Well, I’ll get you an ice pack if it's that bad. Now sleep. I’ll wake you up when you need to leave - if Sam catches you in here, it’ll be a repeat of last time.”

Ethan grimaced, touching his nose nostalgically. “Noted.”

After Ethan entered your room, stretching and letting out the yawn he had been holding in, you closed the door, and made your way to sleeping in the living room. Any looks you got from your friends, you ignored. 

This knock-on-your-window-patch-Ethan-up-let him sleep-over-situation repeated several times.

It wasn’t one you particularly liked, however. Over time, you and Ethan grew closer. It's a little hard not to get to know each other when one is saving you from near-death, and knows your biggest secret. 

You found out how sweet Ethan was, his consideration far more than mere politeness. He was a good person, one who often put his life on the line for people he didn’t even know. So, seeing the boy in pain every time he snuck in tugged at your heart-strings. 

You didn’t exactly… know why Ethan was so good. Any time he talked about becoming Spiderman, he seemed so tense, so guilt-ridden. His voice had an intonation of loss, of pure grief that he wouldn’t let anyone touch. 

(If anything, that grief was hurting him more than the injuries you were patching him up for.) 

Besides that, even now, you two had never hung out in normal circumstances, and most times you saw Ethan, he was clad in that red-and-blue latex suit. 

It had you wondering what exactly you two were. A walking first aid kit and the hero? Or friends?

It's not like you didn’t understand - becoming so close so quickly would make everyone suspicious, so keeping this relationship on the low was absolute key. 

(But that didn’t mean it didn't hurt a little.)

Ethan coming over in secret like this had now been happening at least weekly for five months straight. During that, the nature of your relationship evolved: sometimes, Ethan’s injuries were bearable enough that he swung back out your window (to your adamant behest), or, he was awake enough to watch a movie with you in the living room, or even just knocked on your window during his patrols to say Hi.

One night, you forgot someone was home. You’d done up a nick on Ethan’s neck - a place he couldn’t reach by himself - and you’d forced him not to swing back to Brooklyn, even if his police walkie was rattling off several alarming police codes. 

“Ethan,” You said, holding the walkie up. “This is going to get you killed.”

“I’m fighting crime! Of course I’m going to get hurt.”

“And I would much rather you didn’t get hurt.” 

“Am I cutting into your study time?”

“No, dumbass, I just don’t want you to swing injured. I care, you know? About you.”

Ethan paused at that, looking at you carefully. “I — um,” his face was pink, “okay, fine. I’ll… stay. But just for tonight - next time, I’m going no matter what you say.”

“Just promise me to stay safe, alright?”

Ethan nodded, slightly hesitant. “I’ll try.” 

“Good.” You pressed the walkie talkie into his chest, “So, Chinese or Thai tonight?”

“I’m thinking Indian, actually,” Ethan said, trailing behind you into the living room. “Do you remember that place from last time? They made the best—“

Then, catching the both of you completely off guard, Quinn’s door swung open wide. 

Out came another one of her regular hookups - the prison suit guy, whose forehead stitches were now a light scar - who looked shocked at the sight of you guys and quickly scurried out. Then, out came Quinn herself, who waved the guy goodbye. 

Quinn almost ducked back into her room without saying a thing to you guys, obviously ridden with fatigue, but quickly spun back.

Quinn blinked, rubbed her eyes, then blinked again. 

“Are you two —“ She pointed to you two, jaw dropped, obviously wrong thoughts in her mind, and you were both quick to correct her. 

“No! No — we,” Ethan started and stumbled, looking at you for help.

“Econ! He came over for econ help.” You finished for him, placing your hands on your hips.

Ethan nodded vehemently, “I’m hopeless at the statistics.”

“Didn’t you ace stats in highschool, E?” Quinn said pointedly, quickly sobering. 

“Well, these— these ones are harder, okay!”

“It’s really hard,” you tried to convince her. “Everyone is almost failing this unit. I’m barely getting by with the extra textbooks I had on the subject.”

A beat passed. 

And then Quinn seemed to consider this, leaning her head against her doorframe. “Well, whatever. Now go bang or study stats, I don’t care, just be quiet. I’ve got swim practice tomorrow.”

You and Ethan both gave her a perfect, agreeing smile, and she disappeared into her bedroom. 

“Oh my god,” You whispered to Ethan first, “She thought we were—“

“She thought we were…” He repeated, eyes wide, finger tugging at one of his curls. 

“That is the funniest thing I’ve heard this week, my god.” You shook your head, flopped on the couch, and that was that. 

(Inwardly, your reaction stung Ethan a little. 

Was it really… really so implausible that you two would be, well, together?)

And about the misconception of being together? Your whole friend group believed what Quinn did, too. 

One similar night, after Ethan changed into a pair of his clothes (after the first few instances of patching him up, he began keeping clothes in your room) and you were about to put a movie on, you two had  walked into the living room, and found your entire friend group waiting for you there. 

Sure, dressing Ethan’s wounds happened often enough that they were home and asleep while you did so, but you didn’t think you two were that loud. At least, loud enough to wake the entire house. 

It was early morning, 2-am or something, and Ethan had been texting back his dad, pretending he was just coming home from a party. Ethan had to regularly assure his father that he was indeed safe and sound, something you weren’t exactly privy to the origin of. 

(There was a cloud of mystery concerning Ethan becoming Spiderman, his family’s undue concern for him, and his and Quinn’s deceased brother, Richie. You couldn’t put a finger on it, but you just knew it was all connected.)

Ethan was just behind you when you stopped at the sight of your friends in the living room, your jaw dropped. Ethan bumped into your back, stumbling and apologizing, until he saw what exactly had made you stop. 

“What the — what are you guys doing here?” You said first, at their piercing gazes. 

“We’re staging an intervention,” Quinn said, trying to be serious, before breaking and letting out an ungodly laugh. “Oh my god, you guys need to stop fucking in the bathroom!”

“What?” both of you said in shock. Your face burned red, as did Ethans, who looked at you. 

“E, I am so proud of you man, but you guys gotta be normal about this shit,” Chad said, scrubbing his face. 

“Why the bathroom, exactly?” Tara leaned back, eyes red with sleep, like she had been waiting for hours and was slowly succumbing to the fatigue. 

“Just! Hol— hold on, a sec. We aren’t fucking in the - in the bathroom, okay?” You said, arms gesturing wildly. Your face was practically on fire now, the whole room feeling a touch too warm. 

“We aren’t even together!” Ethan added on quickly, though shying further behind you. 

Annika snorted, then leaned her head on Mindy’s shoulder. “You guys don’t have to hide it. You do know we can hear you in there, right?”

What? You weren’t making any undue noise in the bathroom, you had made sure of it. Any possible noise they could hear would just be the dry bandage and Ethan’s overdramatic whining, which—

Ethan’s whining. 

“Oh my god,” you whispered under your breath, brows becoming permanently furrowed. You jabbed Ethan lightly in the side, “This is your fault, you know?”

Ethan spluttered, “How is it—“

“You’re always so loud in there, and I keep telling you to—“

“And that!” Mindy cut in, pointing at you two. “We cannot forget to mention that.”

“‘That’ what?” Your head swiveled to Mindy’s pointed finger, letting go of Ethan’s sleeve that you hadn’t realized you were holding. 

“”’That’ what”’?” Mindy mocked in an (incredibly inaccurate) impression of your tone. “Jesus, I mean all the arguing and the teasing and the touching!”

Everyone nodded simultaneously, as if your (not real!) predicament was extremely easy to notice. 

You blinked rapidly, looking at your friends then back at Ethan. “This is - so ridiculous,” you said, under your breath. 

“Is it, though?” Ethan shrugged, head tilted and considering the facts against you two. “I mean,” he explained himself, “all of a sudden I’m always over “studying” and you’re sneaking me around the house instead of letting everyone know I’m here. We spend a little too long in the bathroom together, you keep your window a smidge open for me, and you keep my clothes in your closet.” 

Well. With all that splayed out on the table, it did sound like you were hooking up. It was a great cover, if you were being honest, if only it didn’t make things so damn awkward. 

Suddenly, as if Ethan knew what you were thinking, his arm snaked around your waist and pulled you close to him. 

“Okay, fine,” Ethan started, looking at your group of friends. “You caught us. We’re, well, dating. Surprise?”

Through Chad’s cheers and everyone else’s relieved sighs (that of which they didn’t have to painfully watch you and Ethan sneak around the apartment together anymore) Ethan whispered to you, disguised as a kiss to the crown of your head. 

“This fake dating cover is gold. The perfect excuse. You’ll help your friendly neighborhood Spiderman, right?”

In response, you nodded your head slightly, then looked up at him with a plastic smile, talking between it. “Thanks, babe. I’ve become your personal nurse.”

“I was thinking more along the lines of my sidekick.”

“Just don’t ‘Death in the Family’ me, Landry.”

taglist: @iloveneilperry @backtotheshitshow @hazehepburn @powowowy @ifilwtmfc @oscarisdaddy69 @al1v3cvp1d2@bloodyeverything @l5byrinth @gojosbucket @diamondci1ty

[daycourtofficial]

peppermint latte with marshmallows 🥹🥹🥹 I just know Lucien’s first time meeting Atlas was so heartbreakingly cathartic… can we get an emotionally devastating insight into him holding and meeting Atlas was like my saviour 

Okay bestie this was so 😭🥹 to write

Order your own coffee for Gingerfucker week from this menu ❣️

Peppermint latte with marshmallows = Lucien and Atlas fluff

The Forest House was warmer than his memories of it. The walls colored more black and dreary in his mind, memories of cruelty darkening the vibrancy of Autumn.

He stood just before the doors to the dining hall, the smells of breakfast wafting through the air. Pumpkin pastries were calling out to him, his stomach nearly growling in desperation for the sweet treat of his childhood.

Mere hours ago his nephew was born. A tiny thing who looked just like every other Vanserra: bright red hair and some unseen determination.

Eris had arrived quickly after Eris’s invitation, hoping to fill the house with people his mate loved, everyone rotating in and out to talk to her before her labor began.

But that was twelve hours ago. Lucien slept in his old room last night, his head slightly throbbing from the bottle of wine he found hidden in the floorboards. His arrival yesterday felt grand - a new babe nothing short of a miracle for fae. But he woke up this morning feeling out of place and couldn’t quite shake it.

He grabbed a pastry, opting out of sitting at the magnificent table. It was stunning - thousands of years old, beautifully maintained oak.

“Lucien.” Eris’ voice was colored with surprise,

“I didn’t expect you to still be around.”

He grinned, raising his pastry in a toast. “I couldn’t leave without my favorite breakfast treat.”

Eris’ face was lined with exhaustion, but he looked almost brighter.

“I should be off.” He had no idea why he lingered overnight, unable to shake the draw of his childhood home.

“Will you see them before you leave?” He hadn’t planned on it, wanting to slip out unnoticed, an exit strategy leftover from his younger years.

“Is she awake?”

“Yes, they both are. There is no telling when Atlas will fall asleep again, though.” His brother beamed with pride at the mention of his son,

Lucien took the long route, taking his time climbing the stairs of the Forest House. They seemed much grander in his memories, even though he was well into adulthood when he left.

The walls were different - covered in paintings depicting more than just his birth court. They showed several courts - landscapes depicting a snowy night, one showing nothing but the radiant colors of Starfall.

He knocked on the door, entering after a soft voice gave him permission.

“Lucien, you rat. I didn’t know you were here.”

You looked radiant in the large, red chair. It’s surprising how long it took Lucien to realize the mating bond between his brother and you because red hues always seemed so natural against your skin.

“Come, sit.” You looked to the spot next to you on the couch, the ornate red fabric groaning beneath his weight. “And how are you?”

“You just had a babe and you’re asking me how I am?”

“Well, Lucien, I thought it was obvious how I was doing.” He couldn’t help the smile he cracked. “I’m alright, I suppose. The house looks better with you around.”

“Well, Beron wasn’t exactly known for his interior decorating, was he?” Your joke ignited something in Lucien’s chest, his long presumed father’s name not quite carrying the same weight it did when he was alive.

“Do you want to hold him?” He’s not sure if you noticed where his mind went, but he was thankful for the distraction, nodding.

Lucien looked down at the impossibly small thing, the hair even brighter than he remembered from the brief glimpses he got.

“Yeah, alright. Hand him over.”

He moved slowly as he grabbed Atlas, the tiny thing hardly caring as he shuffled into a new set of arms.

Lucien could define his brother into two people: the Eris that he knew as a child, who lifted him high into the air, helping hjm reach as high as possible for apples in the back orchard.

And then there was the Eris their father wanted him to be. The one who said and committed so many atrocities Lucien wasn’t sure where his influence began and ended in Prythian.

They were both just babies once, depending on someone else to teach them how to love and be loved.

Marigold always taught Lucien how to love. There were always glimpses of estrangement between Marigold and his brothers. They all loved her, but she always kept them at a distance.

“He looks just like Eris.”

“That’s what everyone is saying.”

By the gods was he beautiful. Just like his eldest brother in so many ways.

“He’ll be a great male.”

Lucien didn’t know which one he was talking about.

[pdriesta]

CHAPTER FIVE

“even when it’s bad, i love you”

pairing — trentxblack!girl

genre — angst, angst and more angst

word count — 10k

summary — y/n and trent's once strong relationship is strained by his growing distance and her unexpected pregnancy. as they clash over their future, y/n faces the painful choice of leaving behind the love and they love they worked so hard creating. will they overcome their struggles and rebuild their love, or will their fractured bond break beyond repair?

an — i loved writing this chapter!! i've grown to love them so much i wanted to make sure i accurately represented their love. let me know you thoughts!

masterlist

the thought of marriage had been lingering between them for a while now. it wasn’t the same as before, not like when they first got engaged. back then, everything felt like a whirlwind—a rush of love, passion, and excitement about building a future together. but now, after everything they'd been through, marriage had taken on a new meaning. it wasn’t just about the idea of becoming husband and wife. it was about commitment, about choosing each other every single day despite the hardships. 

y/n had been thinking about it more often lately—about being his wife, about what that truly meant. she would catch herself daydreaming, imagining what it would be like to say "i do" to him, to have that promise feel real again. sometimes she’d lie awake at night, her hand brushing over the empty spot on her finger where the engagement ring used to sit, and it made her stomach twist. not with regret, but with longing. she missed the weight of it, missed what it symbolized for them, a reminder that they were in this together, no matter what.

and this morning, as she stood in front of the mirror getting ready for work, those thoughts weighed heavier than usual. she smoothed out the fabric of her blouse, adjusting the way it tucked into her tailored pants, her belly slightly pushing against the waistband now. she could feel trent’s eyes on her from across the room, but she didn’t turn around just yet. she was lost in her own head, thinking about how far they had come, but also how much further they still had to go. they weren’t perfect, not by any means, but they were trying. and that had to count for something.

as she ran her fingers through her hair one last time, she glanced at her reflection, the absence of her engagement ring nagging at her in the back of her mind. it had been months since she’d taken it off. months since she’d handed it back to him in tears, feeling like they were too broken to deserve it anymore. but things were different now. they were healing, slowly but surely, and as she stood there, she realized how much she wanted to wear it again. how much she needed that reminder that she was his, and he was hers.

her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of soft footsteps behind her. turning around, she found trent standing in the doorway, his hair still tousled from sleep, and wearing a loose hoodie with joggers. his eyes darkened as they raked over her figure, lingering on the way her blouse hugged her body, her growing belly just barely noticeable under the fabric.

"you look so damn sexy, baby," he murmured, his voice low and filled with heat as he walked toward her. she bit her lip, feeling her cheeks warm under his gaze.

“thanks,” she whispered, her eyes dropping to his lips before she glanced back up to meet his eyes. there was something different in the air this morning, something heavier, charged. she turned back toward the mirror, pretending to focus on adjusting her clothes again, but her mind was on him.

A few minutes later, she padded downstairs to find him seated at the kitchen island, his legs spread wide, leaning back in his chair as he absentmindedly scrolled through his phone. there was an ease about him, but she knew better. trent was never truly relaxed these days, not with everything on his mind. but the sight of him like this, so effortlessly handsome and so hers, made her heart skip.

she turned toward him then, finding him seated at the kitchen island, his elbows resting on the countertop as he absentmindedly scrolled through his phone. his hoodie was soft and rumpled from sleep, and his joggers hung low on his hips, making him look so effortlessly handsome that her heart swelled with affection.

“hey,” she called out softly, stepping closer to him. trent’s eyes lifted immediately, locking onto hers with that familiar warmth that always made her stomach flip. “where’s my engagement ring?”

the question hung in the air between them, and she saw the way his entire body tensed. his hand instinctively went to his pocket, the motion so subtle she might have missed it if she wasn’t paying attention. for a moment, he just stared at her, his mouth opening slightly as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.

“it’s just… i want to wear it again,” she continued, her voice quieter now, more vulnerable. “i know we still have a long way to go, but… when i wear it, it’s a reminder that we’re doing this together. that we’re trying.” 

trent swallowed hard, his eyes searching hers for a long moment. “it’s… uh,” he stammered, clearly caught off guard. “it’s been at the jeweler’s. getting cleaned.”

y/n raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a soft, knowing smile. “getting cleaned?”

he nodded a little too quickly, his hand still lingering near his pocket, and she couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped her. “you’re a terrible liar, trent,” she teased lightly, stepping closer until she was standing between his legs.

he let out a breathy laugh, his nerves showing through in the way his hands fidgeted in his lap. “i just… i wanted to do this right,” he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. “you deserve more than just me giving you the same ring back. i wanted it to feel… special. like it did before.”

her heart swelled at his words, the sincerity in his voice making her chest tighten. she reached out, her hand resting on his knee as she leaned in closer, her lips brushing softly against his. “trent, i don’t care about any of that,” she whispered, her voice gentle but firm. “i don’t need a big gesture or a new ring. i just want to be with you. fully. i want to be your fiancée again.”

he looked up at her, his eyes wide and filled with emotion, and for a moment, he didn’t say anything. the weight of her words seemed to hit him all at once, and his breath caught in his throat. “you… you want to be my fiancée again?” he asked, his voice shaky, almost disbelieving.

y/n nodded, her eyes never leaving his. “yeah,” she whispered, her fingers tightening around his knee. “i do.”

trent’s hands reached out, gently cupping her face as he pulled her closer, his lips pressing against hers in a kiss that was soft, almost tentative. it felt like the first time all over again, the way they were both cautious but full of longing. when he pulled back, his forehead rested against hers, his breath shaky as he whispered, “you’re everything, y/n. you know that, right?”

she smiled against his lips, her heart swelling with love for this man, the father of her child, the one she wanted to spend forever with. “and you’re everything to me,” she whispered back, her hands sliding up his chest to wrap around his neck. “we’re gonna be okay. i know it.”

trent’s arms tightened around her, pulling her into his lap, his lips finding hers once again in a kiss that was deeper, more urgent. they still had a lot to figure out, still had so much to talk about, but in this moment, with her wrapped up in his arms, it felt like they were on the right path. like they were finally moving toward the future they had always wanted.

as she pulled back, trent’s hand rested on her growing belly, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “have they kicked yet?” he asked, his voice filled with awe and excitement.

y/n laughed softly, her hand covering his as she shook her head. “not yet, but you’ll be the first to know when they do.”

trent grinned, his eyes shining with pride as he leaned down to press a soft kiss to her belly. “i can’t wait.”

they shared a quiet moment together, the room filled with a sense of peace that had been absent for so long. as y/n stood to finish getting ready for work, she couldn’t help but glance back at him, her heart filled with so much love she could hardly contain it. 

she was going to marry him. she was going to wear that ring again, and this time, it was going to mean even more than it had before. because now, they knew what it took to fight for each other. now, they knew what it meant to truly love.

and that was all that mattered.

as trent pulled her closer, their lips meeting in a kiss that was anything but gentle, y/n could feel the weight of their past slipping away, replaced by something stronger, something real. his hands slid down her waist, gripping her tighter as he deepened the kiss, his breath hot against her lips as he teased, “you’re not getting that ring back just yet.”

y/n smiled against his mouth, her fingers tangling in the soft curls at the nape of his neck, the teasing edge in his voice making her pulse quicken. “we’ll see about that,” she whispered, leaning in to press another kiss to his jaw, her lips brushing his skin in a way that made him shiver.

“i mean it,” he breathed out, his hands slipping under her blouse, fingertips grazing the skin of her lower back. “when you get it back, it’s gonna be better. it’ll be… right this time.”

she pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his eyes, searching them for a deeper meaning. there was something there—something unspoken, simmering beneath the surface. the way his gaze softened, the way his hands tightened around her waist, like he was holding onto something more than just the moment. something important.

“what do you mean, ‘better’?” she asked quietly, her heart skipping a beat. her voice was soft, but there was an edge of curiosity laced through her words. trent hesitated, his eyes darting away for a split second before meeting hers again, the corners of his mouth pulling into a small, knowing smile.

“you’ll see,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with an emotion she couldn’t quite place. “i’ve got something planned. just… be patient, okay?”

y/n raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “something planned? like what?” she pressed, but he only shook his head, that teasing grin growing wider.

“you’ll ruin the surprise if you keep asking,” he said, his voice light but the seriousness in his eyes told her that whatever he had in mind, it was something big. something that meant a lot to him. and to her.

a flicker of excitement sparked in her chest, a warmth spreading through her as she realized what he was hinting at. trent was planning something special. something that wasn’t just about getting back the ring, but about them, about their future.

“okay,” she said softly, her heart swelling with love as she leaned in to kiss him again, slower this time, savoring the way his lips moved against hers. “i’ll wait.”

trent chuckled against her mouth, his hands sliding up her sides before resting gently on her belly. “you better,” he whispered, pulling her closer until there was no space between them. “it’s gonna be worth it, i promise.”

his words hung in the air between them, full of promise and possibility, and y/n couldn’t help but feel a rush of anticipation. whatever trent had planned, she knew it was going to be more than just a moment. it was going to be the beginning of something new, something that would make everything they’d gone through worth it.

as they stood there, wrapped up in each other, the future felt brighter than it had in a long time. and though she didn’t know exactly when or how, she knew one thing for sure—trent was going to ask her to marry him again.

and this time, she would say yes with her whole heart.

the rest of the day passed by in a blur of work calls and emails, but y/n’s mind kept wandering back to trent’s words. he had something planned. something special. and as much as she tried to push the thought to the back of her mind, the curiosity gnawed at her.

by the time she got home, the need to know had completely taken over. she had to find it—if he’d hidden the ring here, she’d track it down. her eyes darted around the room, mentally noting every spot it could be.

she started with the dresser, pulling open the drawers carefully, sifting through his clothes. nothing. she moved on to the closet next, checking the pockets of his jackets, her brow furrowed in concentration. still nothing.

she was mid-rummage, standing on her tiptoes to check the top shelf, when she heard the familiar sound of the front door opening. panic hit, but before she could even pull herself together, she heard trent’s voice from down the hall.

“baby?” his voice called out, full of amusement.

y/n froze, one of his jackets still clutched in her hands. her eyes widened as trent appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame with a grin that only grew wider when he saw what she was up to.

he didn’t say anything at first, just stood there watching her. his damp curls clung to his forehead, fresh from his shower after training, and his fitted hoodie hugged his frame in all the right ways. “what are you doing?” he finally asked, his voice thick with amusement.

y/n dropped the jacket and quickly turned, her heart racing as she tried to play it cool. “oh, nothing. just… organizing.” she smiled sweetly, attempting to mask the fact she’d been snooping.

trent raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. without another word, he walked over to the bed, casually kicking off his sneakers before collapsing onto the mattress. he stretched out, arms behind his head, still watching her with a lazy grin.

“organizing, huh?” his tone was teasing, eyes glinting with amusement. “looks like you’re trying to find something.”

y/n’s eyes narrowed playfully, her hands landing on her hips as she faced him. “maybe i am,” she admitted, stepping toward him. “so… where is it?”

trent let out a low chuckle, shaking his head as he settled into the pillows, his gaze never leaving hers. “you’re still on about that?” he asked, his voice full of affection.

“yup,” y/n replied, moving closer, her curiosity getting the best of her. “you said you had something planned, and now you expect me to just sit here and wait? that’s cruel.”

trent grinned, watching as she came closer, his eyes following the way she leaned over him, trying to coax the information out. “i never said it’d be easy.”

y/n rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. “come on, trent,” she teased, her fingers gently tracing along the hem of his hoodie. “just give me a little hint.”

trent smirked, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her down onto the bed with him, her squeal muffled as she landed beside him. “you’re not gonna stop, are you?” he asked, his voice full of amusement as he leaned over her.

“nope,” she replied, popping the ‘p’ as she wriggled under his grip, her laugh light and playful. “i’m not giving up until you tell me.”

trent laughed softly, his fingers brushing against her waist as he shook his head. “you really think you’re gonna get it out of me?” he teased, his eyes gleaming with challenge.

y/n smirked, slipping her hands up to his chest, gently pushing him onto his back as she straddled his hips. “i think i have my ways,” she murmured, leaning down until their faces were inches apart. “maybe i’ll just have to work a little harder.”

trent’s breath hitched slightly, but his grin never wavered. “you can try,” he whispered, his voice rougher now. “but i’m not cracking that easily.”

y/n pouted dramatically, though her eyes twinkled with mischief. "we’ll see about that," she murmured, her hands sliding under his hoodie as she teased, brushing her fingers over his skin lightly. trent groaned softly, his hands moving to her hips, gripping her firmly.

"you're playing a dangerous game, baby," he rasped, his eyes darkening as y/n leaned in closer, brushing her lips against his, but just when he thought she'd give in and kiss him, she pulled back, giggling.

"you think you can resist?" she asked sweetly, standing between his legs now, her fingers still teasingly trailing over his chest. she raised an eyebrow, her eyes glinting with challenge. "where is it, trent?"

he let out a low chuckle, his hands moving to the back of her thighs, gently pulling her even closer. "you really think you're gonna get it out of me this way?"

"maybe," she teased, leaning in just enough to make his heart race before pulling away again. "or maybe… i'll just have to keep trying until you break."

trent grinned, leaning up, their faces mere inches apart. "go ahead, try your best." but the second their lips brushed, he felt the shift in the air, and all the teasing melted away as their kiss deepened, the warmth between them impossible to ignore.

trent grinned, leaning up, their faces mere inches apart. "go ahead, try your best." but the second their lips brushed, he felt the shift in the air, and all the teasing melted away as their kiss deepened, the warmth between them impossible to ignore.

y/n's hands slipped from under his hoodie, tangling into his curls as she kissed him back, no longer teasing, no longer holding back. trent's grip on her hips tightened as he pulled her flush against him, the heat between them building. the soft brush of her lips became more insistent, her breath hitching as trent’s tongue slid against hers, deepening the kiss. his hands roamed up her thighs, his touch setting every inch of her skin on fire.

but just as quickly as the intensity had risen, y/n pulled back, her forehead resting against his, both of them breathing heavily, lips swollen from the heat of the moment.

"where is it?" she whispered, a breathless laugh escaping her as she stayed just inches away from his lips. her fingers traced along his jaw, the closeness driving him mad.

trent chuckled softly, his forehead still pressed against hers. "you're relentless, you know that?"

"i know," she grinned, her fingers playing with the hem of his hoodie again. "but you love it."

"yeah," he murmured, leaning in, his lips brushing her ear as his hands tightened their grip on her hips. "i do."

y/n’s breath hitched as his lips trailed along her jaw, a soft hum of approval escaping her. but still, she couldn’t resist, her fingers pressing lightly against his chest, keeping just enough distance between them to keep him wanting more.

"so, where's the ring?" she asked again, her voice teasing, but her body giving away how much she was enjoying this game.

trent’s eyes darkened as he looked up at her, his hand sliding up her side, pulling her even closer. "you’re gonna have to be patient," he whispered, his voice rough with desire. "i told you, you’ll find out when the time is right."

"patience isn't my strong suit," she smirked, leaning down, her lips ghosting over his once more. "but i guess i’ll have to make do."

he groaned softly, the tension between them palpable as he pulled her down onto him, his lips catching hers in another heated kiss. this time, there was no teasing, no playfulness. just need.

as their lips moved together, y/n could feel his heartbeat matching hers, fast and hard beneath her touch. his hands moved under her hoodie now, his fingers tracing the curve of her waist as he deepened the kiss, pulling her even closer until there was no space left between them.

but again, y/n pulled back, a mischievous glint in her eye as she stood, sliding out of his grasp, her fingers trailing down his chest as she did.

"keep teasing me like that, and you’ll never get the ring," trent warned, his voice thick with amusement, though the heat in his gaze betrayed his playful tone.

y/n smirked, standing between his legs again, this time letting her hands rest on his shoulders. "i think i’ll find it," she whispered, leaning in just close enough to let her lips hover over his once more, "whether you want me to or not."

trent let out a low groan, his hands grabbing her by the waist and pulling her into him once again, but this time, y/n didn’t pull back. her lips met his in a kiss that was slow and deep, her body melting into his as they both gave in to the moment, the world around them fading away.

"i guess you’ll just have to keep looking," he murmured against her lips, his voice low and rough, making her shiver as she leaned into him, unable to resist any longer.

she smiled, her lips brushing his one last time before pulling away completely. "i will," she whispered, her fingers lightly tracing his jaw as she stepped back, her gaze still locked on his, "and when i find it, you're mine."

y/n woke up to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. her hand instinctively moved to rest on her belly, feeling the gentle rise and fall of her breath. her eyes landed on a folded note on the pillow beside her. she picked it up, already feeling a smile tug at her lips as she recognized trent’s handwriting.

be ready, beautiful. tonight’s for you. i’ll pick you up at 7. wear something that makes you feel as beautiful as you are. - t

a warmth spread through her chest. she ran her fingers over the note, the words lingering. after everything they’d been through—the struggles, the tears, the doubts—trent always found a way to remind her that she was his world. the anticipation built throughout the day, a quiet excitement bubbling under the surface.

by 7, y/n stood in front of their mirror, smoothing her hands over the soft fabric of her blush pink dress. her braids were styled loosely, falling down her back, and she felt her baby bump growing by the day. but there was something different about tonight. it wasn’t just the note or the dinner—it was the way trent had been looking at her lately, the way he seemed to hold her a little closer, as if he didn’t want to let go.

the doorbell rang, and when y/n opened it, there he was—trent, standing in a tailored suit, holding a bouquet of her favorite flowers. his eyes locked on hers, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. they just stood there, drinking each other in.

“wow,” trent breathed, stepping closer. “you are breathtaking.”

y/n blushed, feeling her heart skip a beat. “you don’t look too bad yourself.”

trent’s grin was soft, his eyes filled with something more than just admiration. it was love, deep and enduring, the kind that had weathered storms and come out stronger. he kissed her gently, his hand instinctively resting on her belly for a moment before pulling away.

“ready to go?”

she nodded, her curiosity piquing as he led her outside. the drive was peaceful, the city lights twinkling as they passed by. when they reached the restaurant, y/n expected them to head inside, but instead, trent took her hand, guiding her toward a private entrance. they stepped into an elevator, and y/n’s breath hitched when the doors opened.

the rooftop had been transformed into a dream. fairy lights hung overhead, casting a warm glow over the intimate space. a candlelit table was set up by the edge, the city skyline twinkling in the background, and soft music played in the air. it was perfect—like something out of a fairytale.

“trent…” y/n whispered, her voice catching in her throat. “you did all this?”

trent smiled, his gaze soft and filled with love. “for you. you deserve it all, y/n. every bit of it.”

they shared dinner, laughing and talking as they always had, but there was something about the night—about the way trent kept looking at her, his eyes full of emotion—that made y/n’s heart race. after dessert, trent stood, taking her hand and leading her toward the center of the rooftop, where the lights shone the brightest.

his hands trembled slightly as he held hers, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breathless. “y/n,” he started, his voice thick with emotion. “i’ve been thinking about this for a long time, and i don’t think there’s a way for me to put into words just how much you mean to me. not completely. not in the way you deserve.”

y/n’s chest tightened, her fingers gripping his hand a little tighter.

trent’s voice was soft, almost reverent, as he continued. “we’ve been through so much, haven’t we? we’ve had our highs, our lows. we’ve fought, we’ve broken, but we always found our way back to each other. and through it all, you… you’ve been my constant. the one thing i knew i couldn’t lose.”

his hands moved gently to her waist, resting over her belly. “and now… now we’re bringing two beautiful babies into this world. i watch you every day, y/n, and i see how strong you are. how you carry all of this with so much grace, even when it’s hard. you amaze me.”

trent paused, his voice growing more emotional. “there were moments when i didn’t think i deserved you. moments when i thought you’d be better off without me. but you stayed. you fought for us. and it made me fall in love with you all over again—not just for who you are, but for your strength, your resilience, the way you love with everything you have. and now… now i get to be a father because of you.”

y/n’s eyes were already welling with tears, her heart aching with the depth of his words. but trent wasn’t finished.

“i know i haven’t been perfect,” he continued, his voice cracking slightly. “i know i’ve made mistakes. but you—you never gave up on me. on us. and i want our kids to grow up knowing that love isn’t perfect, but it’s real. it’s something you fight for.”

trent’s voice dropped to a whisper, his thumb brushing softly over her belly. “i look at you, and i see the mother of my children. the love of my life. and i know now, more than ever, that i want to spend the rest of my life making sure you know how much you mean to me.”

before y/n could say anything, trent stepped back slightly, reaching into his pocket. her breath hitched as he dropped to one knee, pulling out a ring—new, yet so familiar.

"y/n," trent whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "will you finally let me be the husband you deserve? will you marry me, not just as the mother of our children, but as the woman who’s always had my heart? i don’t just want to be the father of our kids—I want to be the man you can count on, the man who spends every day of the rest of his life showing you how much you mean to me. not just now, but forever."

y/n’s heart shattered in the best way, her tears falling freely as she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “yes, trent. yes, i’d marry you a thousand times.”

trent slipped the ring onto her finger, standing and pulling her into his arms. his lips met hers in a kiss that felt like home—like every promise they’d ever made, every vow they’d ever spoken, was wrapped in that one moment. they kissed as if the world had stopped turning, as if it was just the two of them, suspended in time.

when they finally pulled back, their foreheads pressed together, their breath mingling in the cool night air, trent whispered, “you’ve always been my everything, y/n. and you always will be.”

on the way home, neither could keep their hands to themselves, touching, brushing fingertips against skin, stealing soft, breathless kisses between stops at red lights. when they reached the door, it was as if a dam broke; trent pressed her against it, hands framing her face as he claimed her mouth with an intensity that had her clinging to him, breathless, as though the weeks apart had only deepened his hunger.

“are you okay?” he asked between fervent kisses, his voice rough, tinged with worry as his hands slipped down her sides, savoring every inch.

she looked up at him, voice barely a whisper, filled with need, “don’t hold back... i want you... i want to be with my fiancé.”

he let out a low, helpless groan, and she felt his resolve snap; without another word, he swept her into his arms, pressing another heated kiss to her lips as he carried her up the stairs. each step was a test of control, her arms wound tightly around his neck, her lips never parting from his as she tugged at him, desperate to close every inch between them.

inside the room, trent laid her down gently, his eyes darkening with a kind of reverence as he looked over her, one hand trailing down to where her stomach held the beginning of their future together. “my whole life is here with you,” he murmured, brushing his thumb tenderly over her stomach, his gaze never leaving her. “our twins... it’s unreal.”

the emotion in his voice stole her breath, his touch reverent, as though he were touching the most fragile thing in the world. she shivered, arching beneath his touch, feeling every word, every gentle stroke settle deep within her heart. “trent…” her voice broke, thick with the weight of her feelings, her fingers finding his face, tracing the line of his jaw as she gazed up at him with everything she had.

trent's hands roamed y/n's body like he couldn’t get enough, his fingers tracing every curve and dip, lingering over the soft swell of her stomach. it was still small, barely noticeable beneath his touch, but the idea of their baby growing inside her captivated him, a possessive hunger building deep within.

“you have no idea how obsessed i am with this,” he murmured, his voice low and reverent, his lips brushing against the skin of her stomach as he kissed her there, right where their child was nestled. “with you. with our babies.”

y/n’s breath hitched, her fingers slipping into his hair, pulling him closer as she stared down at him, her heart racing. his words, the way he looked at her like she was the only thing that mattered, melted her insides. “trent…”

he pressed another kiss to her stomach, his hands sliding up to grip her hips, holding her firmly in place as he gazed up at her, his eyes dark and full of longing. “i think about it all the time,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. “you carrying my babies… you have no idea what that does to me.”

the intensity in his gaze sent shivers down her spine, the heat of his breath igniting every nerve in her body. “i didn’t think you were this into it,” she admitted, her voice soft as she traced his jawline with her fingers, mesmerized by the fire ignited in his eyes.

trent chuckled, his breath warm against her skin as he pressed another kiss just below her navel, his fingers tightening on her hips. “i never stopped wanting you,” he muttered, his voice rough with desire. “even when you were away… every time i saw you, all i could think about was this. was you… with our babies.”

his words made her shiver, heat pooling low in her belly as she looked down at him, eyes wide with both surprise and longing. “you mean that?” she asked quietly, her fingers trailing over his shoulders, her heart racing as the air thickened with tension.

“every word,” trent whispered, his hands moving to cup her stomach gently, his thumb stroking over her skin with the utmost care. “i love you like this… knowing you’re carrying my child, that you’re ours now. completely.”

y/n felt her heart swell, breath catching in her throat as he spoke. the way he looked at her, the reverence in his touch, was overwhelming. she felt cherished, adored, and the possessiveness in his gaze only intensified her yearning. “you don’t even know what you do to me,” he murmured, his lips brushing over her skin as his hands slid back up her body, pulling her closer until their faces were inches apart. “these babies… it makes me want you even more.”

“trent…” she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper, filled with urgency.

“i want to be with you all the time,” he continued, his voice rough with need. “i think about you every second. about this.” his hands moved down to her hips again, fingers digging into her skin possessively as he pulled her flush against him, their bodies perfectly aligned, their breaths mingling. “and when i see you… looking like this, carrying our babies, it drives me crazy.”

the intensity of his words ignited a fire within her, her pulse quickening as she felt every inch of him, the raw hunger and love intertwining, consuming her. “you’re mine,” he whispered, voice thick with emotion. “both of you. always.”

y/n kissed him then, hard and deep, her hands slipping down his back, needing to feel him closer. she let herself get lost in him, in the warmth of his body against hers. trent groaned into the kiss, his hands tightening on her hips as he pulled her even closer, their bodies moving together in perfect harmony, their connection electric.

“i love you like this,” he murmured against her lips, voice thick with desire. “i love everything about you… everything about us.”

y/n's heart soared at his words, her breath coming in short, heated gasps as she pressed herself closer, wanting to feel every inch of him. “i love you too,” she whispered, voice trembling with longing. “always.”

trent’s lips moved to her neck, pressing soft, open-mouthed kisses to her skin as he shifted, rolling them over until he hovered above her, his eyes dark and filled with raw desire.

“i need to feel you,” he muttered, voice thick with need as he stared down at her, hands trailing over her stomach again, brushing over the small swell. “i want to be with you… completely.”

y/n’s breath hitched, heart racing as she stared up at him, body trembling with anticipation. “then take me,” she whispered, voice low but laced with longing, her hands gripping his shoulders, urging him closer.

trent groaned, lips crashing into hers, letting himself go as he surrendered to the fire building inside him. his hands roamed her body with a newfound urgency, igniting a heat that had been simmering for weeks. he wanted her, needed her, and the thought of her carrying his child only amplified the desire swirling within them.

“you’re my everything,” he whispered against her lips, voice thick with emotion as he moved with her, their bodies melting together in perfect sync. “forever.”

trent's breath was ragged as he moved with her, fingers tightening on her hips as he groaned into her ear. his forehead pressed against hers, their bodies entwined, the room filled with nothing but their heavy breathing and the raw heat between them.

his gaze fell to her hand, to the ring gleaming on her finger, and his heart swelled with a mix of love and desire. a soft, breathless laugh escaped his lips, brushing his thumb over the ring as they moved together, a relentless dance of passion. “i’d marry you tomorrow, you know,” he muttered, voice husky and sincere as he kissed her deeper, wanting her to feel every ounce of love he held for her. “if you didn’t want that big wedding… i’d have you as mine right now.”

y/n barely registered his words, lost in the moment, her mind hazy with the intensity of it all. her fingers dug into his shoulders, holding on as though he was her only anchor, her lips parting to let out a soft moan.

trent groaned, lips brushing the shell of her ear, planting hot kisses along her neck. “maybe we skip it all, yeah? we don’t need the fancy day… i just need you. you and our babies.” his teeth grazed her earlobe, sending shivers down her spine. “we can make it official right now, y/n. i’ll take care of everything.”

she gasped, the heat of his words igniting her, her body trembling beneath his touch. "my baby is speechless. so lost in this, huh?” he whispered, voice low and teasing, lips brushing against the side of her neck. “can’t even answer me."

y/n whimpered at his words, her body arching against his as she clung to him, overwhelmed by the intensity of their connection. trent’s touch was electrifying, his every word making her feel cherished, desired, and utterly consumed by him. she could barely think, her mind hazy with the warmth of his skin against hers, the way their bodies moved together in perfect harmony.

“trent…” she breathed out, her voice trembling as her hands slid down his back, desperate to feel him closer, to hold onto this moment and never let it go. “i… i can’t think when you’re like this.”

he smirked against her skin, lips trailing down her neck, planting hot, open-mouthed kisses as he pressed his body more firmly against hers. “good,” he whispered, voice low and rough, filled with satisfaction at the effect he had on her. “don’t think, baby. just feel.”

and she did. she felt everything—the heat of his breath on her skin, the way his hands caressed every curve of her body, the way their hearts seemed to beat in time with each other. she felt the weight of his love in every touch, every whispered word, as though he was pouring all of himself into her, claiming her in the most intimate way.

her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as she tilted her head back, giving him better access to her neck. trent took the invitation, his lips and tongue leaving a trail of fire along her skin, making her gasp and arch into him.

“you drive me insane,” he muttered against her skin, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and adoration. “every time i look at you… i want you more.”

y/n's heart pounded in her chest, her breathing coming in ragged gasps as his words wrapped around her like a tight coil. she was lost in him, in the way his body pressed against hers, in the way he made her feel so utterly wanted.

“i’m yours,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, but she knew he heard her by the way his grip tightened on her hips, pulling her even closer.

trent lifted his head, his gaze locking with hers, his eyes dark and filled with emotion. “say it again,” he demanded softly, his voice thick with need as he hovered above her, every inch of him vibrating with tension. “i need to hear it.”

y/n swallowed hard, her breath catching as she looked up at him, her heart swelling with love, with desire, with the undeniable connection they shared. “i’m yours, trent,” she whispered again, her hands cupping his face, her thumbs brushing gently over his cheeks as she stared into his eyes. “always.”

trent groaned, his lips crashing into hers, their kiss urgent and consuming, filled with all the passion and love they had for each other. his hands roamed her body, gripping her hips, pulling her even closer as he deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding against hers in a heated dance that left her breathless.

trent’s hand traced the outline of her face with reverence, his fingers trembling slightly as though he couldn’t believe she was truly here, in his arms again. he stared at her, eyes dark and brimming with emotions he’d held back for too long. the look in his gaze, intense and brimming with longing, was enough to leave her breathless, her heart racing with the sheer weight of what lay unspoken between them.

“i missed everything about you,” he breathed, his voice hoarse, each word carrying the weight of the days and nights he’d spent without her. “your laugh, the way you look at me… just having you beside me, y/n.” his hand splayed across her back, pulling her closer, as though afraid she’d slip away if he let go.

the air between them grew heavy, thick with a need neither could hide any longer. he kissed her, soft and slow at first, savoring every second, as though he was memorizing every detail of her taste, her warmth, the familiar way her lips parted beneath his. his grip tightened on her waist, his fingers pressing into her as if anchoring himself, grounding himself in her, letting the sheer presence of her melt away all the distance, all the loneliness.

y/n’s hands found their way to his face, her fingers trailing over his jaw, tracing every contour, every familiar line. “i thought about you every night,” she whispered, her voice shaky, her words a confession as she leaned into him, her body fitting perfectly against his. “i’d fall asleep trying to remember what it felt like to have you close… it felt like you were just slipping away.”

trent’s breath hitched, and he pulled back just enough to look at her, his thumb brushing over her cheek, gentle yet desperate. “you’re my everything,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with an aching intensity. “you, our babies… all i wanted was to come back to you, but now i can’t wait anymore.”

his words ignited a fire within her, a desperate need that had been building up since the moment he’d left. her hands fisted in his shirt, pulling him down, her lips crashing against his with a fervor that matched his own. every kiss, every brush of his skin against hers, was filled with all the moments they’d lost, all the yearning they hadn’t dared to voice.

“i need you,” she whispered against his mouth, her voice trembling with the weight of it, her heart pounding wildly as he wrapped his arms around her, his touch firm, grounding, real.

he responded with a low groan, his body pressing against hers with an urgency that spoke of the weeks they’d been apart, the nights he’d lain awake thinking of her, the ache that only grew with each passing day. “you’re everything to me… you and our babies,” he murmured, his voice rough and filled with love, each word a promise. his lips brushed against hers, insistent, pouring every ounce of love and longing he had into each kiss, his movements growing more fervent as if he could somehow make up for every second they’d lost.

they moved together with a rhythm that was both tender and desperate, each touch, each kiss an affirmation of the love that bound them together, their connection deeper than words could ever convey. the heat between them built, igniting like wildfire as their breaths mingled, filling the room with the raw, electric energy of two souls reuniting, of two people who had been kept apart far too long.

her fingers trailed down his back, pulling him closer, pressing herself against him, each movement charged with the love and longing that had built up in his absence. “i can’t let you go again,” she murmured, her voice breathless, filled with a vulnerability she could no longer hide.

trent’s gaze softened, his eyes dark with love as he leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers, his hands holding her like she was the most precious thing in his world. “you’ll never have to,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “i’m here… for you, for them, for us. nothing’s ever taking me away again.”

they moved together in a slow, passionate rhythm, each touch an unspoken vow, each kiss a promise to cherish every second they had, to hold on tight and never let go. the intensity of their love, the rawness of their need, filled every corner of the room as they gave themselves to each other, finally, fully, and without reservation.

their desire for each other overwhelming as the heat between them built to an unbearable level. trent’s hands slid under her thighs, lifting her effortlessly as he pressed her against the bed, his body fitting perfectly against hers, their breaths mingling as their lips never parted.

“i love you,” he whispered against her lips, his voice hoarse and filled with emotion. “you and our baby… you’re everything to me.”

y/n's heart swelled at his words, tears pricking the corners of her eyes as she pulled him closer, her fingers gripping his shoulders tightly. “i love you too,” she breathed, her voice trembling with the weight of her emotions. “so much.”

and with that, they lost themselves in each other completely, their bodies and hearts entwined, every touch, every kiss, every whispered word a testament to the love they shared. nothing else mattered in that moment—just the two of them, their connection, and the overwhelming sense of belonging they felt in each other’s arms. the room was filled with the quiet hum of their breaths, the intensity of their passion giving way to a peaceful calm as they settled into the warmth of each other.

slowly, their movements slowed, the heat between them melting into something softer, more intimate. y/n curled against trent’s chest, her fingers tracing gentle patterns along his skin as his hand

they stayed in the quiet, warm comfort of each other for a moment longer, their hearts slowing as they savored the intimacy. trent’s hand never stopped moving, fingers tracing over her back, soothing and protective, grounding her in the present.

eventually, y/n lifted her head slightly, resting her chin on his chest as she looked up at him, her eyes soft but filled with curiosity. “do you really want to elope?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, the question hanging in the air as her fingers absentmindedly traced over the ring on her finger.

trent glanced down at her, a playful smirk tugging at his lips, but the seriousness in his gaze made her heart skip a beat. “i mean it,” he said, his voice low but sincere. “i don’t need a big wedding, y/n. i just need you. i’d marry you right now if i could.”

y/n’s breath hitched, her fingers stilling as she stared at him, the weight of his words sinking in. “you really mean that,” she whispered, more a statement than a question.

trent nodded, reaching down to cup her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek in a tender gesture. “i’ve never been more serious,” he said softly, his eyes searching hers. “i don’t care about the big day, the flowers, or the crowd. i just want you. i want us to start our life together as soon as we can.”

she shifted slightly, resting her head back against his chest as his thumb continued its soothing path over her skin. “i love the idea of it,” she admitted quietly. “but… our families. i can’t imagine doing it without them. they’d never forgive us, you know.”

trent chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. “yeah, i thought about that too,” he sighed. “they’d probably never let us live it down. especially your mom—she’d have me on the phone every day.”

y/n giggled, picturing her mom’s reaction if they ran off to get married without telling her. “she’d definitely give you an earful,” she teased, looking up at him with a soft smile. “and your family… they’d want to celebrate too.”

he nodded, his eyes reflecting the same understanding. “you’re right,” he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “we can’t forget about them. they deserve to be there when it happens.”

y/n’s fingers traced the lines of his jaw as she sighed softly. “so, maybe we take our time,” she suggested, her voice thoughtful. “wait until the next break… if your incredibly talented self doesn’t get called up again.”

trent smirked, rolling his eyes playfully. “oh, here we go,” he teased, lightly nudging her. “humble as always, aren’t we?”

“hey, i’m just being honest,” y/n laughed, her voice light and teasing as she pressed a kiss to his chest. “i know how busy things get for you. between the season and everything else… maybe it’s better to wait.”

trent sighed, pulling her closer as his hand slid up to tangle in her hair. “you’re probably right,” he admitted softly, his fingers brushing through her braids. “we’ll wait. but don’t think i’m not serious about marrying you as soon as we get the chance.”

y/n’s heart warmed at his words, her eyes meeting his as she felt the certainty in his gaze. “i know,” she whispered, her voice soft but filled with love. “and when the time’s right, we’ll do it. with our families there… and maybe a bit of elopement magic mixed in.”

trent grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he leaned in to kiss her. “sounds like a plan, mrs. alexander-arnold,” he murmured against her lips, his voice full of affection.

she smiled into the kiss, the future feeling brighter than ever as they held each other, the idea of their wedding—whenever it came—something they would cherish forever.

and as they lay there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the thought of eloping lingered like a quiet promise, foreshadowing a day they both knew would come when the timing was just right.

the evening was quiet, the soft glow from the television casting shadows across the room, but neither of them was paying attention to it. y/n sat curled up on the couch, her legs stretched out, resting in trent’s lap. his hand moved gently along her ankle, the touch soothing, but there was a weight in the air—something that had been there for months but felt different tonight.

she bit her lip, glancing at him from under her lashes, and when he met her gaze, she saw it—the same unspoken thoughts swimming in his eyes. she shifted slightly, her fingers tugging at the hem of her shirt, her heart racing with the question she had been holding onto for so long.

"trent," she whispered, her voice barely breaking the silence between them.

his hand stilled on her ankle, his full attention on her now. "yeah?" his voice was soft, but there was a cautiousness in it, like he already knew something was coming.

she took a deep breath, her fingers twisting together nervously. "i’ve been thinking… about the proposal." the words hung heavy in the air between them, and she watched as trent’s brow furrowed slightly, his grip on her foot tightening just a fraction.

"what about it?" he asked, his voice still calm, but she could see the worry flicker in his eyes.

y/n hesitated, trying to gather her thoughts. "i just don’t understand why you did it… when you were in such a dark place," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "it didn’t feel like the right time for us, and i’ve been wondering… why then?"

trent’s gaze dropped to her legs in his lap, his hand resuming its gentle path along her skin, as if the motion helped him think. "i thought it might fix things," he admitted, his voice quiet, almost like he was ashamed to say it. "but that wasn’t the main reason."

she waited, her heart pounding as she watched him, needing him to explain, needing to hear the truth.

trent exhaled slowly, his eyes lifting to meet hers, the vulnerability in his expression breaking down the walls she’d built in her mind. "you were my lifeline," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "when everything else felt like it was falling apart—football, the pressure, the noise from the media—you were the one thing that kept me grounded. every time i’d walk through the door after the worst day, i’d see you, and it was like… it all got quiet. you made it all go away."

y/n’s breath caught in her throat, her heart aching at his words. she hadn’t known, hadn’t realized how much he had needed her, even when he had been pulling away.

"but you were distant," she whispered, her voice trembling. "you weren’t… you weren’t yourself. i thought you didn’t want me anymore."

trent shook his head, his grip on her leg tightening as if he needed to hold onto her, to keep her close. "i know i pulled away, and i hate that i made you feel like that," he said, his voice raw. "but every night, when i came home, no matter how tired or stressed i was, i knew you’d be waiting for me. whether it was a light kiss or… or something more, you were always there. and in those moments, the weight didn’t feel so heavy anymore."

her throat tightened, tears pricking at her eyes as she listened to him, realizing how much she had meant to him, even when she’d felt like they were falling apart.

"and you still want all that with me?" she asked softly, her voice barely a whisper, but the vulnerability in her question was unmistakable.

trent’s eyes softened, and he nodded, his thumb brushing gently over her ankle. "i want everything with you," he said, his voice filled with certainty. "you, our babiess… our family. i want it all. i want to marry you because you’re my home, y/n. you always have been."

her heart swelled at his words, the sincerity in his voice breaking down every doubt she had carried. she blinked back the tears that threatened to fall, her fingers reaching out to tangle with his. "i guess we did things a little backward," she whispered with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. "should’ve gotten married first."

trent chuckled softly, his hand moving to cradle her foot in his lap. "yeah, well, knowing me, i had to make it more complicated," he teased, but his eyes were still filled with emotion, with love.

y/n shifted slightly, her other hand coming to rest on her belly, her fingers tracing small circles over the bump that was just beginning to show. "so, what about baby names?" she asked, her voice soft, but there was a playful glint in her eyes.

trent raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "you’ve thought of some already?"

she swallowed, glancing down at him, her fingers resuming their soothing motion. "i want one of our sons to have your initials... t.a.a.," she said, her voice a mixture of warmth and certainty, even as she saw his expression shift with uncertainty.

trent’s gaze dropped, his jaw tightening slightly as he seemed to wrestle with the idea. "y/n… i don’t know if that's fair to him," he said, his voice low, almost hesitant. "i don’t want him to feel like he has to carry that weight, like he’s got to be anything more than who he is… like he has to be like me."

she reached for his hand, her fingers weaving through his as she brought it to her lap, resting it over her heart. "trent, listen to me," she whispered, leaning down so their foreheads almost touched. "our son won’t have to live up to anything other than what he wants to be… because of you. you have a heart so full of kindness, patience, and love. that’s what he’ll see. he won’t admire you because you’re a footballer; he’ll admire you because you’re his dad."

he exhaled, a shuddering breath escaping him as her words sank in. "but the pressure… what if he feels like he has to follow in my footsteps, like he’s got no choice but to be in the spotlight, to face everything i went through?" his voice broke slightly, revealing a vulnerability he rarely shared.

she cupped his face, her thumbs brushing against his cheeks as she spoke. "he’ll look up to you because of who you are, not because of what you do," she said firmly. "and you would never let anyone or anything force him to be something he’s not. our son will have his own dreams… and with you as his dad, he’ll have the courage to chase them, whatever they are. you’ll give him that, trent."

he looked at her, his eyes glistening with the weight of her words, and for a moment, the fear melted away, replaced by something warmer, something closer to hope. "and you really believe that?" he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, as if he needed her to believe it for him.

"i do," she nodded, her voice unwavering. "i believe it with everything in me. you’re going to be an incredible father… and our son is going to love and admire you for all the right reasons."

trent closed his eyes, his hand gripping hers tightly as he let her words sink in. for the first time in a long time, he felt a glimmer of peace, a reassurance that maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t be passing on any burdens.

"so," she whispered, her voice softening, "what do you think about tatum? tatum alexander-arnold." her smile was soft, her thumb brushing over his knuckles, grounding them both in this gentle, quiet moment.

trent’s smile grew, a lightness filling his eyes as he repeated the name, testing it. "tatum alexander-arnold," he murmured, the syllables like a promise. "yeah… yeah, i like it."

y/n’s heart fluttered at his reaction, her hand squeezing his gently. "and what if we get girls" she asked with a teasing grin. "you get to name our princesses, right?"

trent smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes, but there was something deeper there, too. "yeah," he said quietly, his voice softening. "i’ve been thinking about that for a while, actually."

y/n tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "oh? do you already have a name? what’s the name you’ve been keeping to yourself?"

trent looked at her for a long moment, his hand still resting on her leg, his gaze tender. "rowan," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "after your aunt."

y/n’s breath caught, her chest tightening at the mention of her late aunt, someone she had been so close to, someone who had been like a second mother to her. she blinked back the sudden rush of tears, her heart swelling with emotion as she looked at trent. "rowan…" she whispered, her voice trembling. "you remembered?"

trent nodded, his thumb brushing gently over her skin. "i remember how much she meant to you," he said softly. "and i got to spend time with her before she passed… i remember the way she looked at me and said, 'take care of her. protect her.'"

y/n swallowed hard, her eyes filling with tears as she leaned forward, cupping his face in her hands, her forehead resting against his. "you’re gonna be the best dad," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "our kids are gonna have the best parts of you… the parts that make you who you are."

trent’s eyes fluttered closed, his hands coming up to cradle her face as well, his heart pounding in his chest. "and you," he murmured, his lips brushing against hers lightly. "they’ll have the best parts of you, too."

she smiled softly, her tears mingling with his as she pressed her lips to his in a slow, tender kiss, the promise of their future wrapped in every touch, every whispered word.

when they pulled back, their foreheads still resting together, y/n felt a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in so long. "you know," she whispered, her voice soft but playful. "we’re really doing this backward. baby first, marriage later."

trent laughed softly, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "guess that’s just how we do things," he teased, his eyes shining with love.

y/n chuckled, her hand resting over his heart. "i want them to have your name," she said softly, her voice more serious now. "tatum alexander-arnold, rowan alexander-arnold… i want them to carry your name."

trent smiled, a sense of peace settling over him as he looked at her, his heart so full it felt like it could barely contain it. "tatum and rowan…" he murmured, his smile widening. "that sounds perfect."

y/n nodded, her hand squeezing his. "it does," she whispered, her eyes shining with love.

and in that moment, trent knew—he had everything he could ever want, right here, in this room, in her arms.

next

© PDRIESTA 2024

[boytearscore]

reason. — johnnie guilbert.

summary: completely unable to show your own feelings to the world after growing up being mocked by your sensitiveness and tears, you face the coldness of your best friend’s roommate (johnnie) without letting it get to you, until one day watching a movie with both, he smiled at you for the first time.

warnings: mention of anxiety, depression, past traumas, psychal abuse, daddy issues, emotional blockage, angst, comedy, strong female lead, a bit of fluffly? we’ll see. (jake as your best friend.)

author's note: i got this idea last night while listening to ''nervous'' by the neighbourhood, strongly recommend you to vibe with it when reading. don't know if it will become a series, though. i'm just testing waters for now.

it was a saturday night, you and your best friend jake were hanging out all day together but he wasn’t feeling like saying goodbye yet. so to change things up a little, he invites you to watch a movie at his house.

“before you say no…” he immediately knew why you rolled your eyes and made his best puppy face. “i got your favorite chocolate at home, a whole box. you can even pick your weird thriller movies, plus it’s way cooler to watch it using our movie room. not tryna brag though.” he laughs and purse his lips. “pretty please…?”

you sigh, giving in. jake was the only person who you would do anything for. he’s been with you through tough times just as much as you’ve been with him and that created a bond between you two that no one could break.

as you both get in the car, you start driving and a few things go through your head while jake was picking a song.

the reason why you didn’t like to hangout at his house was his roommate, johnnie. you both never got along, everything began since the first day you’ve met. you couldn’t help but notice how caring, happy, sweet and all smiles he was around everyone, but you. there’s no explanation, the moment he laid eyes on you, he did nothing but be mean and cold.

but you weren’t some sensitive girl who cries when a boy says mean things, you grew up with that your whole life. no father to rely on, mean brothers and a non confrontational mother. people used to call you ''crybaby'' and that infuriated you, they spitted mean words at your face, saying you were weak and too soft, even using psychal abuse to make you cry on purpose, so much so that you’ve just hardened with time. 

you made a promise to yourself, to be a mirror. to give people what they give you and nothing else.

and that’s exactly what you did with him as well, it seemed to be working, so you didn't really care.

johnnie was in the kitchen next to the living room, grabbing a soda when you and jake arrived. he looks over at the door as you come in, rolling his eyes at the sight of you.

“so fucking nice to see you too.” you give him the same eye roll and proceeded to enter the house, throwing yourself on the couch and letting a sigh out.

johnnie scoffs as you sit down. “how long are you staying for?” he asks, sitting on the couch in front of you and grabbing his phone. 

“want me to leave soon?” you ask him, sarcastically smiling.

“i do want you to leave soon.” he finally looks up from his phone, giving you an annoyed look and you shrug. 

“then i’m staying for a looooong time.”

johnnie just ignores your teasing tone and sips his doctor pepper.  “what exactly are you doing here, anyway?”

you didn’t feel like engaging his little back and forth thing so you just ignored his question and then turned to jake that was just laughing, used to the bickering. he didn’t mind it. it was actually entertaining to him, although he was pretty sure you both would ended up fucking at some point.

“if you sleep while we’re watching the movie i’ll draw a penis on your face.” you threatened jake with your best scary face.

he laughs even harder when you threaten him and johnnie suddenly lets out a snort, but quickly composes himself when you notice.

that surprised you, he never really was a part of conversations when you were around, only to make sarcastic comments or be mean, but this was different, however you brushed it off, it’s not like you care anyways.

“you wouldn’t dare.” jake says, raising an eyebrow at you, a smug smile still on his face.

“watch me.” you whisper to him with squinty eyes, an evil smile creeping on your lips, he just sticks his tongue out at you, jokingly rolling his eyes. 

“fine, i won’t sleep. happy?”

“we shall see, my friend.” you get up and walk towards jake grabbing his hand, the perks of having a rich best friend is that he has an entire movie room in his own house, and of course a whole box of your favorite chocolates. 

as you two start heading to the room, you can’t help but turn your head back a little, looking at johnnie.

“you coming?”

johnnie looks up from his phone, watching you walk off with jake, and is surprised when you turn to ask him if he’s coming. he stands up and puts his phone in his pocket. 

“i guess so.” he mumbles, walking behind you both. he doesn’t say anything else as you three head to the movie room.

you were the first one to enter the room, immediately sitting at the huge comfortable couch, jake was right behind you picking snacks and a soda. he throws the box of chocolates in your lap, giving you a wink and sitting next to you with a diet coke and chips in hands while johnnie got himself comfortable next to jake. you grab your phone connecting to the projector and picking the movie. it was a psychological thriller mixed with comedy, very weird and gory to say at least.

johnnie rolls his eyes as you pick the movie. “course you would pick something like that.” he mutters under his breath. jake laughs and playfully shoves him.

“c’mon, johnnie! give it a chance. thriller movies are fun.”

“you can just leave, though.” you finally reply to johnnie still eyeing the projector screen reflecting on the wall. he roll his eyes and just stays quiet while jake is still laughing. “i’ve heard there’s gross scenes, i’m so excited!” you shake jake’s arm while the movie starts, laying your head on his shoulder and eating a piece of the chocolate bar. 

johnnie groans quietly, watching the screen while trying not to look the proximity between you and his roommate. he didn’t even know why it bothered him so much. 

20 minutes of movie has passed and things already gotten weird and gross, you stared at the screen mesmerised while jake frowned with a disgusted face.

“how can you even enjoy this?” johnnie asks quietly to you, watching as a character behaves weirdly in the scene.

“aw, is that too much for you?” you stare at johnnie, doing the voice adults usually use to talk to children. “do you want me to switch to a cartoon?”

johnnie’s face turns red from embarrassment, but he hides it by rolling his eyes and leaning back into the couch, looking back at the movie.

“i can handle it just fine. i’m just saying i don’t understand how you like that crap.” he mutters, a hint of a blush still on his cheeks.

“since you wanna know so bad…” you start sipping jake’s diet coke, he gives you a dirty stare and you just laugh, proceeding to talk. “it’s not about the gore stuff, it’s about the deep meaning of it, why is the character doing that? i love to contemplate and understand their reasoning, it makes me feel connected to my human side. that’s all.”

johnnie is a bit taken back by your explanation, he honestly expected some stupid answer, not a thoughtful one. he stays quiet for a moment, thinking about what you just said.

“so…  you like these kinds of movies for philosophical reasons?” he says, trying to understand.

“precisely.” you murmur, looking at the screen again.

“reasons...” he whispers to himself lost in thoughts but the scene unfolding in front of you three made his eyes pop, the character insists to engage an “action” with a girl who’s on her period.

“aaaand that's bad timing for all the things i just said, there’s no explanation for that.” you point at the screen, laughing. “this one is just a weirdo, i guess.”

“agreed.” johnnie lets out a quiet laugh. 

johnnie’s laughter was something you’ve never heard before, and that made you smile a little but as soon as you realized it, you turn to jake biting your smile away, he looked utterly disgusted and was dramatically holding back a gag as the scene continues.

“ew, that’s disgusting.” he says, looking a little sick.

“didn’t you accidentally drink your own pee before?” you ask jake, laughing out loud.

“hey!!” jake shoves you lightly, a look of embarrassment on his face. “we promised not to talk about that again.”

johnnie lets out another low laugh, enjoying the interaction between you and his roommate.

“my bad, man.” you say acting like you regretted it. “still a sensitive topic, huh?”

“you’re an ass.” the red head boy rolls his eyes but he’s still laughing as johnnie is watching the two of you, his eyes going back and forth between you and jake, his lips curved in a small smile and you noticed right away, it wasn’t a mean one like always, it was genuine. 

“hey…” you smile at him, not resisting his sudden cuteness. “for someone mean as hell you kind of know how to smile nicely.”

he looks a bit startled, not expecting you to notice his smile and actually say something about it. johnnie can feel his face heat up a bit.

“i’m not always mean, you know.” he tries to defend himself, his voice lacking the usual coldness.

this time, both of you and jake stare at him with a “really?” face. 

“not always around other people, maybe…” you say, shrugging. “to me, yes.”

johnnie’s face turns from a light shade of pink to completely red. he stutters, trying to think of a good comeback but fails, just sitting in an embarrassed silence.

the room turns quiet, just the voices of characters in the background. no one dares to speak. probably because johnnie never smiled around you before, or because you complimented him for the first time, or… because you almost told him how you feel. usually jake is the one who has to listen to you vent, not that johnnie’s behaviour actually wounded you, but because you just didn’t understand his reasons, so you finally ask him.

“why do you hate me so much?” your eyes are glued to his, not giving a fuck about the movie you were so excited to watch for ages.

johnnie suddenly feels the weight of your question hit him. he fidgets a little, feeling a mix of guilt and defensiveness rising within him. he glances at jake, hoping for him to get him out of the situation somehow, but jake just shrugs and motions for him to answer.

he takes a deep breath, his eyes locked with yours. “i… don’t really hate you.” he mutters, barely above a whisper.

you frowned confused. “then why do you act like you do?” this question wasn’t planned though, your heart spoke for you.

he looks away from you, avoiding eye contact, struggling to find the right words and feeling vulnerable under your gaze.

“i… i don’t know. it’s just... easier, i guess. i don’t know how else to act around you.” he finally manages to get out, his voice shaking a bit.

“maybe start by not being a dick.” your tone is sarcastic but you had a smile on your lips, hoping both jake and johnnie couldn’t tell you were trying to light up the mood with your usual ironic humour to not make them uncomfortable. 

jake lets out a laugh, feeling a bit more at ease with the sarcasm. johnnie, however, looks visibly frustrated. he clenches his fists, struggling to keep his cool.

“easier said than done.” he mutters under his breath, his tone cold again.

the smile on your face dropped, something inside you wanted to know his reasons badly, to dig more and more until the truth finally would show itself. 

“what’s that supposed to mean?”

johnnie notices the smile dropping from your face and feels a pang of guilt. he runs a hand through his hair nervously, avoiding eye contact with you again.

“you wouldn’t get it. it’s just… it’s easier for me to be mean to you than anything else, okay? i don’t know why, but it is.” he says in a low, frustrated voice. “does that satisfy your curiosity?”

“sure.” you whisper, giving up on understanding his heart. maybe that’s why you were so obsessed with trying to figure out misunderstood movie characters, they reminded you of people in real life. they reminded you of… johnnie. you wanted to be able to find out why he’s like that with you, but he built walls around him when it comes to your presence. no matter how hard you try, he never will let you in.

you sigh, letting your head fall on jake’s shoulder again and paying attention to the movie in silence, he watches you put your head on jake’s shoulder, feeling a mix of disappointment and frustration. he wanted to say more, to explain himself further, but he couldn't find the words.

jake wraps an arm around you, sensing the tension in the room, and squeezes your shoulders gently. he glances at johnnie, trying to give him a subtle ‘fix-this’ look, but johnnie just looks away.

the rest of the movie continues in tense silence. johnnie remains quiet, lost in his own thoughts, while jake tries to lighten the mood with occasional jokes or comments about the movie.

you, on the other hand, was fighting a war inside your head. it’s either caring about the conversation that just happened or move on completely, you were divided between those two things, but then the past rushes through your head, when you used to care and show everyone how much you were hurt. in order to change, a lot of tears were shred.

and that’s why you are the way you are now, if people don’t wanna talk, you do not force them to, why tell them how you feel if they don't care and probably will use it against you at some point? plus it’s not like you had hoped things would change between you two.

the credits start to roll, signalling the end of the movie. jake looks between you and johnnie, noticing the lingering tension in the room.

“well, that was definitely something.” he says, trying to lighten the mood again and johnnie just nods silently, his gaze fixed on the now-empty screen.

“he killed everyone in order to get the life he wanted.” you start talking. “he also drank his friend’s bath water and went down on his sister while she was on her period.” you bite your lip and smile at jake. “i’ll be thinking about that for a while…”

jake burst into laughter, remembering the scenes you mentioned. “yeah, that was pretty messed up. but the whole drinking the dirty bath water scene made me lose my shit!” he laughs again, wiping a tear from his eye.

johnnie tries to not show a reaction, but he visibly cringes and lets out a soft “ugh” at the memory.

“bro, the slurping sounds got to me.” your laugh was so loud and genuine that jake couldn’t help but laugh with you as he nods, clutching his stomach from laughing. 

“dude inhaled it like a chocolate milkshake."

johnnie can't help but crack a small smile, enjoying the friendly banter between you and jake, but he still keeps his comments to himself. 

suddenly the room is quiet again and before things possibly get uncomfortable, you get up.

“alright, that’s my queue.” you give jake a small hug and take the box of chocolate in hands. “i’m taking these with me thank you very much.” jake hugs you back, still chuckling at your laughs. johnnie watches silently as you get up and head for the hall, a mix of disappointment and relief showing on his face.

“leaving already? you can crash here, you know.” jake says, sensing your intention to leave.

“nah, i’m good.” usually you’d actually do that, but sleeping in the same house as johnnie wasn’t the best move right now. “text me later, yeah?” you smile at jake and leaves without looking at johnnie.

he stayed silent as you left, watching you go without another word. he felt a mix of emotions, frustration, guilt, and a hint of sadness that he couldn't quite explain. jake glanced at him, sensing his inner conflict.

as you drive home, a million thoughts go through your head. mostly about him. and the worst part is that you didn’t even know why, but that was sort of okay, no one was there to watch you being vulnerable, so the questions naturally got to you.

why do you care so much about it?

why does your heart kind of sink everytime he doesn’t just tell you how he feels?

you don’t care about people who don’t care about you, why is that different when it comes to johnnie?

when finally home, you find yourself rewatching the memories from earlier, the way his voice softened, or the brief smile he let you see. it’s as if you caught a glimpse of the real him, and you can't stop wondering what lies beneath the icy exterior.

just when you think things would finally settle down in your head, your phone lights up, jake was calling.

“are you home yet?”

“yeah, what’s up?” you pick up right away, trying to hide your anxiety, but jake could sense something off just by the way you spoke.

“everything okay? you sound a bit off."

“i’m okay.” you fake a laugh, jake was your best friend after all, he knows exactly everything about you, including when you try to hide your pain and feelings. in fact, he was the first person to notice them and not judge you for that. “don’t worry about it.”

jake is still not convinced by your fake laugh.

“bullshit. i know something’s wrong. don’t try to hide it from me."

“it’s just…” you sigh, what’s the point of hiding it, anyways? you don’t need to be strong in front of him, jake would never hurt you like everyone else did in the past. “i care more than i’d like to…” you finally confess, hoping he would get what you mean without making you explain any further. 

jake is quiet for a moment, understanding what you’re talking about instantly. he’s not surprised, jake could feel the tension between you and his roommate today. and how you seemed affected by it.

“it’s about johnnie, isn’t it?” he lets out a soft sigh on the other end of the phone. 

“don’t say his name…” you tell him in a whisper, cringing with the possibility of johnnie finding out you’ve been talking about him. “i feel like there’s something underneath it.” you explain, laying on your bed and staring at the ceiling. “you know i don’t care about people being mean to me, got over it a long time ago. i just give it right back, not giving a shit. and i tried that to him for years, but the way he looks at me…” you close your eyes, taking a deep breath. “i can’t figure that look on his face, jake. and it’s driving me insane.”

“yeah, i get it, but here's the thing… i know for a fact that he doesn't hate you." jake pauses for a moment, trying to figure out the best words to say. "he’s just… confused when it comes to his own emotions, you know? he’s got this whole mean act going on because he doesn’t know how to deal with feelings.”

“i would get it…” you begin to say, collecting your thoughts not to show the quavering voice . “if he acted like that with everyone, sure, that’s understanble, but it’s only with me. what the fuck did i do to him?” you almost yell the last part in frustration.

jake listens to your words, feeling your frustration through the phone. "i don't know, man. he’s never really explained his reasons to me either.” he ponders for a moment, wondering if he should tell you. “hey, can i ask you something?"

you got confused for a second, thinking he was about to make a joke or change subjects.

“sure.”

"have you ever considered that maybe... just maybe... johnnie is a dick to you because he likes you?" jake waits for your reaction with a small grin on his face, knowing your tendency to never consider the obvious.

and react you did, frowning and squinting your eyes so hard that for a second your head started to hurt. 

“what kind of nonsense are you onto about, dude?” you blurt it out, finally laughing. jake laughs at your reaction, finding your disbelief amusing.

"i mean, think about it for a second. it fits all your theories, doesn’t it? why else would he be so mean only to you? maybe he’s trying to hide his feelings by being cold."

“too much weed inside your rotten brain, jake. that’s what it is.”  you said still laughing and continued to tease him a little “i’m gonna put you in rehab or something.”

jake chuckles, still enjoying your denial.

"hey, you’re the one who can’t stop talking about how johnnie looks at you. i’m just planting the seed of thought, man. you never know." he pauses for a moment before continuing. “and just for the record, i’m not smoking anything at the moment. thanks for the concern, though."

“well, your seeds are just rocks and they’ll never grow anything but disappointment.” you tell him catching your breath from laughing so much. “but i do feel better now.” jake probably could tell you were smiling because he went quiet for a second, and that made you smile even more. “thanks for being my best friend, yeah? you’re my anchor.”

jake grins, happy that he was able to make you feel better.

"that's what best friends are for and just so you know, you’re my anchor and my sister." he chuckles before continuing. “but i won't stop planting those 'rock seeds' of mine. maybe one day they'll turn into an exotic flower or something."

“yeah, a toxic one.” you hear his laugh and roll your eyes. “i’ll go to bed now, talk to you later, okay?”

"sure, get some rest. and think about what i said." jake teases you before continuing. “sleep tight, darling."

you roll your eyes after hearing the ridiculous pet name, remembering when it started. one time you told him he gives father vibes to you, so he just calls you that because in his words “messing with your daddy issues is fun”.

after you hang up the phone, the room falls silent once more, and your mind begins to wander to the conversation you just had with jake.

now the stupid rock seed of thought he planted in your mind refused to disappear. the sentence  “maybe he’s trying to hide his feelings by being cold” playing in an infinite loop inside your head.

as much as you tried, the thoughts kept nagging at you, refusing to be ignored. you sigh, realizing that sleep would elude you until you figured this out.

an hour ticked by and you tossed and turned in your bed, no matter how hard you tried, you couldn't stop thinking about johnnie's behaviour and the possibility of him somehow “liking” you.

memories of the way he looked at you, the way he softened, only to revert back to his aloof self seconds later, it was so confusing.

eventually, the morning sun began to peek through your window, signalling the start of a new day. you felt exhausted and frustrated, with no answers and no sleep.

as you drag yourself out of bed, you feel the exhaustion weighing down on you. the lack of sleep and the endless loop of thoughts about johnnie had left you feeling drained.

you head to the bathroom and splash your face with cold water, trying to jolt yourself awake. but even as you look at your reflection in the mirror, the thought of johnnie's hidden feelings still lurks in the back of your mind.

“well, now i’m fucked.”

you whisper to yourself, feeling defeated.

[coffeewithcocoa]

Hi💕

Can I request male reader x Alastor were they are enemies by day and lovers by night? If you can thank you💕

:0 THIS ONE! THIS ONE RIGHT HERE IS BEAUTIFUL!

Playing Pretend

Alastor x Male Reader

Warnings: Fluff//Romantic Relationship//Female DNI

Sorry if it’s not perfect or too short😅

—————————————————————

You and Alastor hated each other. No, Correction. You guys pretended to hate each other. It’s not for the reason you think but it’s just because he wants to keep his, ‘big, bad, scary, overlord’ self. He’s actually a big fat softy when and behind closed doors.

He’s been like this since you’ve joined the hotel, as bad as that may seem when it’s clearly not. Like said before, behind closed doors this man’s a big fat softy. Giving you, hugs, kisses, cuddles and much more. The only time you guys fought was in the morning. Why?

It’s so that he wouldn’t show weakness to the blind sinners eyes. Alastor thinks they’re clueless and don’t deserve to see an overlords soft side. Plus he still has Vox to worry about. Showing a soft side around him would cause everyone In pentagram city to see him as a damn joke. So when you guys got into an established relationship he made you swear to only show him love at night, in private, when everyone’s asleep.

It worked for you perfectly though since you weren’t the one for touching anyone who doesn’t have a good bond with you. That’s kind of why Alastor fell for you in the first place. The moment he laid a finger on you when you were knew you almost blew his head off, almost.

You’ve changed, sure, but you still would do that if you didn’t crave or want touch in that moment. A subtle noise made you snap from your thoughts. The jazz noises that filled the room now being mixed in with your boyfriend’s return from working that night.

Charlie has been making him up and down with more and more ideas for the hotel, hoping that it would get more patrons. “Good evening, Cher.” He showed his true voice towards you. It was tired and craving a break.

“Evening.” You replied. Knowing he wants a break but he wouldn’t get one till he allows himself for one. You went back to what you were doing before he arrived in your room, reading. Silence came between you as the room was still filled with the jazz you’d left on. Your voice breaking the short silence, “Charlie I’m assuming?”

“As much as I care for the doll she’s just a little too talkative Cher.” Alastor answered with a small hum. His lovely grin, that covers his face everyday, faded as he moved further into the room. Your head turned, placing the book down to stand up. “Is there anything you’d like me to do?” You asked going over to the radio that played the genre that your lover enjoyed when he was alive.

“Hm. Just your presence is fine.” The smile he had finally gained confidence again. Going back to its original bright self that everyone is familiar with. Alastor’s hand was focused on his dress coat. He may need it for when he was working or when it was morning but wearing such a thing around you felt weird. Yes he likes being neat and tiddy but he just wants a break.

Your foot steps being further away from him when he started and you being right in front of him when he finished made his gaze turn to you. A small smile placed into your face as you wrapped your arms around his neck. “I hate waking up.” Alastor knew the answer to that and he on the same boat as you. “I know Cher. We do it because it’s to protect an innocent, handsome, sinner such as yourself.”

He has a way with words. And you hated it. Thats the only thing you really hated value him though. Everything else was something someone wanted really bad but he happened to fill up the categories perfectly! “I understand but why in front of all the others?” It was pretty obvious as to why the others didn’t know about the relationship going on between you too, but wouldn’t they be the first to know?

“Ha! They would be the last ones to know about such a thing Cher.” The speed that he can change moods scares you quite a bit. Even with it being as simple as him being tired to him enjoying the presence he brought to the room.

—————————————————————

Sorry that it’s quite short. I’ve been tired and busy and nothing exactly came into mind once I got to this point, hope you like it though!<333

[licnheartedd]

happy birthday, james potter

jegulus microfic | 861 words | age gap + parenting au

═══════☆═══════

Regulus has never baked a cake before, and he’s not sure why he believed today would be the perfect day to learn. There are already a handful of failed attempts scattered across James’ kitchen. Some of them are…edible, but none of them are perfect. James deserves perfect on his birthday.

Technically Regulus isn’t supposed to be here at all. He’s supposed to be in class while James is at the museum with Harry, but taking one day off to treat his boyfriend on his birthday can’t do any harm, right? The countertops are almost entirely hidden by spilled ingredients and empty packages, but he finds space and perches on the counter with a mixing bowl in his arms.

The last batter was too thick, and this one seems suspiciously too runny, but he has no idea how to fix it. He even went as far as to call Barty and Evan, then Remus and Sirius—all of whom were entirely unhelpful. And now James’ kitchen is a mess.

Before he has a chance to put the next batch of cake mix in the oven, or even think about cleaning up, he hears the front door open and freezes in place. James is home.

Harry makes it to the kitchen first, walking right up to where Regulus is sitting and staring up with that wide bug-eyed stare Regulus has gotten so used to in the past year.

“Hi, buddy. Where’s your dad?” he asks, climbing off the countertop and swapping the mixing bowl out to pick Harry up instead. When Harry points over Regulus’ shoulder, he freezes up all over again.

“Please don’t be mad,” he begs softly, not daring to turn around to face James. His boyfriend has never been angry with him before, but there’s a first time for everything, right? And knowing Regulus’ luck, he has probably ruined James’ entire birthday.

James doesn’t say anything, but only a moment passes before Regulus feels familiar arms around his waist and a comforting chest against his back. He leans into James’ embrace instantly, struggling to fight off a smile as Harry wraps his arms around him too. This is his favourite place to be—in the arms of his family.

“Why would I be mad, baby?” James mumbles, pressing a kiss to the top of Regulus’ head. “You made cake!”

“I made a mess,” Regulus points out with a soft laugh.

One of the agreements within their relationship is that Regulus isn’t allowed to spend money on James until he finishes his degree and goes back to working full-time. It’s done wonders for the health of the bond between them, but Regulus still wanted to offer James something as a gift.

“Harry has made worse messes with much less time. We can clean it up together,” James insists. He lets go of Regulus as Regulus lowers Harry to the ground, and the two of them—three, if he counts Harry “helping”—make quick work of the baking disaster.

═══════☆═══════

Hours pass, all of which Regulus spends no more than a few feet away from James. They decorate the house together for his birthday, drop Harry off with his grandparents for the night, and kill the last bit of time before the party breaking in James’ new mattress.

“You really are getting old, you know.” Regulus has taken to straddling James’ lap on the living room couch despite the dozens of party guests around them. No matter how popular James is, Regulus knows he will always be at the centre of his boyfriend’s world. It’s as if the rest of the party doesn’t exist.

“I’m still a couple of years off forty! I’ve still got some youth left in me,” James argues. “And in fifteen years, when you’re this age, you’ll be saying the exact same thing.”

With laughter spilling from his lips, Regulus drops his head onto James’ chest, allowing James to wrap his arms around him in a warm embrace. If anyone is judging them for the blatant PDA, they don’t say anything

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to give you anything for your birthday,” he mumbles against James’ neck, eyes fluttering shut as James’ fingers trail up and down the length of his spine.

They had to throw out all of the cakes Regulus attempted to make, and ended up buying one at the nearest supermarket instead. James had insisted that it’s the thought that counts, but Regulus still wishes he had done more.

“There is…one thing you could give me, but it’s entirely up to you.” Regulus lifts his head again, gazing at James with intense curiosity. “Move in with me.”

A moment passes between them, and Regulus is certain his heart beats twice as fast as it ever has before.

“You really mean it?” he whispers, voice laced with trembling disbelief.

“I really mean it,” James promises.

Another moment passes. And then; “Absolutely. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

One of James’ hands comes up to hold the back of Regulus’ head, and then they’re kissing. It must look as intense as it feels, because someone whistles and a few people laugh just before they pull apart, breathless.

“Happy birthday, Jamie.”

this microfic is based on james and regulus in be good to me (i beg of him) because i missed them <3