#corinthian x oc
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can-of-pringles ¡ 8 months ago
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So um I had sudden inspiration to draw ship fanart of @practically-an-x-man 's Sandman fic series. Corinthian and Prometheus sketches 🤭
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multifandombullshitbabes ¡ 2 years ago
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yall remember that post that was abt a vampire trying to seduce an ace person n it didnt rly work cuz they dont feel sexual attraction?
well. it got me thinking. yknow how corinthian is always shown (at least with men) to sleep with them n then maybe take out their eyes? sometimes he just sleeps with them n thats it but they can become his victims.
idk if theres a reason for the ppl he chooses to kill (except for those killed out of convenience n shit like that, the ones we dont see much of in the series) but i'd like to think is because he finds their eyes particularly beautiful, in anyways possible.
so i have this OC, he's ace, and he has the most gorgeous brown eyes ever. like baby cow type of deal. its devastating right? and corinthian thinks so to. so he targets him, tries to seduce him to bed. n then my oc just goes "oh no thank you! i'm ace :) have a nice day, tho, love ur glasses!" and then he goes abt his life thinking nothings wrong ever.
except cori (thats my nickname for corinthian, if it wasnt clear) cant let it go. he loves those eyes, he wants to eat them. he wants to know that man's soul through his eyes n talking to him didnt help at all cuz he sounded so sweet, and its even better when they sound sweet.
so. cori has a stalker phase with this oc of mine (im sorry, i do not have a name. i might have a faceclaim and if yall want yall can choose a name for me but no promises) and while cori just thinks "this is just my next victim its fine", my oc's like "this handsome man is so weird, hes charming tho :)" n then invites cori to a date.
and cori's thinking his won his game of cat n mouse but then the date it at my oc's place, and its nice and warm, and he has the fluffiest brown cat, and theyre making cookies and watching scary movies together. and "suddenly" (we all know whats gonna happen) cori just... wants to postpone. he doesnt feel ready to kill him just yet yknow?.
n then months pass, they are basically dating, and then cori's gone. and my oc doesnt get it n is heartbroken. but um well. papa dream got mad at his son and had to unmake him or whatever so yknow.
to be continued >:)))
(face claim below!!!!!!!)
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this is his body type if any of yall r wondering. hes at least a head shorter than cori, cuz im weak for height differences
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mrsdesade ¡ 4 months ago
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They were a defiance of the cosmic order.
They met in a dream, a sprawling city of neon lights and endless possibilities. Lara was a dreamer herself, a soul lost in the labyrinth of her own imagination. The Corinthian, was a enigma. They were drawn to each other, a moth to a flame.
Their bond was a secret, whispered in the dead of night. They walk in forgotten corners of the Dreaming, beneath the watchful gaze of the stars. A human and a nightmare, pure rebellion against the universe.
It was a curse. It was a poison, a blight upon the Dreaming. The angels wept, their tears falling like stardust upon the world. The universe trembled in fear.
And so, the end came. By Morpheus order.
They were dragged into the heart of the Dreaming, a place of darkness and eternal silence. Trapped. As everything collapsed around them, they held each other.
The sand enveloped them, pulling them into its swirling vortex. And as the last star winked out, they were gone, dissolved into sand, into nothingness. They vanished into the void, their story, now a timeless tale whispered in the wind.
But as they were consumed by the light, they knew that their journey was far from over. Because in the Realm of Dreams, nothing is ever truly lost.
Can we please admire for a moment the Sandman themed comms I got from the talented @hikaruchen ??? I'm speechless, thanks again for working with me!✨
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thethreeeyed-raven ¡ 1 year ago
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first meeting
make me feel masterlist
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navigation | warnings : none? | dream of the endless playlist | tags : @lost-in-fiction-like-ur-mom , @knight-of-flowerss , @fangsp1der-2099
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“Miss Y/n!”
One of your maids entered your bedroom and had drawn the curtains. You sat up tiredly, rubbing the sleep from your eyes, and shielding them from the bright sun when you opened them to look at the woman.
“Yes, Prudence?” You asked her groggily.
She gave you a small smile, placing the fresh clean clothes she had folded in her arm on the chair in front of your dresser. “Your mother wants you downstairs as soon as you're ready. Your sister, the Duchess, is here for a visit.”
You sighed, already knowing what the visit was for.
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“Finally! The diamond is awake!” Violet beamed with glee, taking your hands in hers and leading you to sit next to Daphne.
“Mama, I’ve just opened my eyes.”
Violet shook her head. “No my dear, you should be excited. You're the diamond of the season!”
“Unfortunately.” You whispered under your breath, causing you to receive a whack on the arm from Daphne.
“You know, I actually quite enjoyed my time as the season’s diamond, it was wonderful!” She exclaimed cheerfully.
You rolled your eyes with exasperation. “Yes, only because you got a loving husband out of it.”
“And so will you,” Daphne took your hands in hers, squeezing them with reassurance. “You just have to try.”
But I don’t want to get married…
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Morpheus awoke with a light knock on the door.
If it was any other time, he wouldn’t have heard it. But he had been awake for hours. He hadn’t slept properly in a few days, only getting a couple of hours in.
“My lord?” He heard one of his most trusted maids say through the door.
“Yes, Lucienne?” He said exhaustedly.
“Your sister, Death, is here. Would you like me to tell her-”
Morpheus cut her off, suddenly wide awake now. “No. Tell her I shall be only a few moments.”
He rose from the bed, changing into a white dress shirt, and a pair of black trousers. The shirt was half buttoned because he couldn’t be bothered.
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“Death.”
Death rose from her seat on the plush black couch, giving her dear brother a smile. “Dream, I have been waiting for you.”
“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.” Morpheus suddenly felt guilty.
She embraced him in a tight hug before sitting back down, patting the space next to her.
“It’s been too long my dear brother, how have you been?”
Morpheus sighed, he hated having to tell people things about him. “Okay, I suppose.”
Death frowned, but shrugged it off. “So, I saw you the other night at the announcement ball. You were talking with the Viscount Bridgerton.”
“Indeed I was, though I did not notice you there. Were you lurking in the shadows?”
He smirked and Death chuckled. “Like you wish you were doing?”
They both shook their heads and the laughter ceased.
“Talking of the Bridgertons, one of their ladies has yet again been named the Diamond of the Season.” Death tilted her head. “Have you spoken to her yet? You are good friends with her brother.”
“Anthony and I are simply good acquaintances, I don’t-”
“Do friends.” Death shook her head and rolled her eyes in mock annoyance. “But perhaps you should put yourself out there, maybe try and catch Miss Bridgerton’s attention.”
“I don’t want to catch anyone's attention. I’m fine as I am, alone.”
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You had decided that balls and galas were now the bane of your existence.
Anthony stood off to the side with Kate, Daphne and Simon. All of them watching as you would be bombarded with men asking for a dance, or asking if you wanted a drink.
“No thank you.” You rejected once again.
You walked up the the four with an angry look. “Could you please do something about these animals? They won’t leave me alone!”
“Well you are the seasons diamond, men are going to be throwing themselves at your feet.” Kate responded sympathetically.
“Well can they throw themselves out of the window instead?!” You whisper-shouted.
Anthony have you a pointed look, getting ready to scold you until Simon interrupted him.
“Ah look who it is! Lord Morpheus.” Simon reached in for a handshake.
Morpheus reciprocated. “Good evening gentlemen, Duchess, Viscountess, and the splendid Diamond. You haven’t happened to have seen my sister have you?”
Anthony shook his head. “We haven’t, why do you ask?”
Morpheus sighed and leaned in a bit so no one else but your little group could hear. “She’s saying I need to get myself on the market, she’s been watching me all night.”
The whole time he spoke you couldn’t stop looking at him. You watched the way his jawline move as he uttered secret words and the way his eyes shone slightly in amusement.
You swallowed nervously, hoping no one else noticed your ogling, but of course, Kate and Daphne notice everything.
“Well Miss Diamond of the Season here was just saying how she would like all of the men to throw themselves out of the window instead of at her feet.” Kate chuckled slightly.
Your cheeks reddened when Morpheus turned to look at you. And then you gave him a sheepish smile.
He huffed in amusement at the remark, flashing you a smirk. “I can’t say you’re wrong.”
Why did you like the way his voice sounded? Why was he holding eye contact so intensely with you? 
“My dear guests.”
Once again, the interaction was cut short by another one of the Queen’s speeches.
“As you know, this is a ball to celebrate the Diamond of the Season.”
All eyes diverted to you for a few seconds before their attention went back to the Queen.
“So today, I have decided that the Diamond shall have a dance.”
Your eyes widened and Anthony laughed under his breath.
“I’m glad you find my suffering funny brother.” You glared at him from the corner of your eye.
“Come to the centre please, Miss Bridgerton.” The Queen beckoned you with her order and her hand.
You slowly made your way to the centre of the ballroom.
“The Diamond shall have a dance to celebrate their achievement, and they shall have their own choice of man to share this dance with.”
The Queen stood confidently with a smile, waiting impatiently for you to choose.
You looked desperately towards Anthony and your eyes frantically looked around the room.
You didn’t want to dance with any of these men, in fact you didn’t want to dance at all!
Morpheus’ eyes danced around the room, finding his sister.
Death looked at him and then nodded in your direction, clearly telling him that he should make himself known.
He simply looked away trying to ignore her, when his eyes locked with yours.
You raised your brows, silently asking him if you could dance with him.
He nodded once, letting you know that it was okay.
You released a breath you didn’t know you were holding, and stalked towards Morpheus apprehensively.
“Might I share a dance with you my lord?”
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bakerstreethound ¡ 3 months ago
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Single Dad Corinthian - New Beginnings | Chapter 2: Simple Joys
Chapter 1: A Walk in the Park
Relationship: Single Father!Corinthian x OC Aspen Reeves
Warnings: brief mention of losing a child, absent parents, flirty Corinthian, pining, sensual undertones, mentions of past abusive relationship for Aspen, and supportive Corinthian
Summary: A week after Aspen meets the mysterious Corinthian and his son Levi at the park, they take a chance and start talking to Corinthian. Soon enough a kinship and something more unfolds. How will it go and can Aspen tread through the waters of flirting all while tending to some still fresh wounds of loss from their younger years? How will they possibly get through a first date? Corinthian has his doubts and he finds himself falling for Aspen, been if he's not actively trying. How can he not? What happens if Aspen sees him for who he truly is? A monster on the inside and out?
All writings belong to me @bakerstreethound (Do NOT claim, copy, repost, or translate my works to other sites. I only publish here and on A03 under the same username)
Word Count: 4.4k+
A/N: It has been months, but I am so excited to present chapter 2 of this little snapshot mosaic series of single dad Corinthian and my OC Aspen Reeves. Both of them deserve a hug and Levi is adorable. Many thanks to @novaracer for beta reading and cheering me on as I wrote. I hope you enjoy! Graphic by @firefly-graphics Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated!
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It had been a week since your run-in with the man who called himself Corinthian, but you shortened his name to Cori in your contacts (you would be lying if it didn’t make you smile). The park meeting had been one of the most unexpected adventures in your life the past year. 
You fiddled with the card he left you on the bench that fateful afternoon and it pestered you for days until you gave in and said hello. You felt so stupid reaching out. Would he think you were a creep? A lonely creep was not much harm unless you became a stalker. You blanched at the thought. 
When you did text him, you realized the appointments you had to keep and he had the same, with his work and needing to take care of Levi. You did not mind waiting, but you found yourself looking forward to life, looking forward to seeing him and Levi sometime. If a week had to pass for the outcome to be that way, you would take it.
Having someone to talk to was nice and you were eager each time you heard the ping of your phone, instead of the dreaded pit of worry and anxiety that accompanied them. 
Ever since your child Sam had been admitted to the hospital two years prior in the months before his passing, the messages, texts, and emails had caused nothing but sickness and heartbreak for you and your partner.
You cringed at the thought of your partner Kai, who had all but abandoned you, leaving Sam’s care and bills up to you. You loved your child, you did, you missed going to the parks, and taking him to school. You often wondered what he would have become if he decided to go to college or learn a trade. 
You wondered a lot of things, then, but now you grasped at the possibility of wanting to be with someone new, at least entertaining the company. Your heart was not perfectly mended, albeit bruised after the divorce, but it did not matter in the slightest. You had left the apartment and donated a majority of Kai and Sam’s things except for the minimal keepsakes.
Your new place faired better for you with large windows to filter in the sun and wash your darkness away on those days when it felt nigh impossible to get out of bed, bundled in copious amounts of blankets. 
Regardless, you found solace these days between texting Corinthian through errands and hobbies like cooking, writing, and your art. The easel in your studio apartment held a blank canvas, and your cart was full of acrylics and watercolors stashed away in your art box.
Looking at them brought up memories of Kai and Sam, making your heart twinge. The passion, though, that did not fade, but your irrationality had overridden it. That was months ago, but you felt ready enough for it, but it would wait for another day. 
Your phone pings, the smile crossing your face of its own accord. 
Found this new shiny beauty at the pawn shop today, though it is not as bright as your smile. He sends accompanied by the attachment of a shiny knife. Though dull, it’ll be quite the beauty when sharpened and polished.  
I don’t have many reasons to smile, you know. 
Well, perhaps I might have to be one of them. 
You roll your eyes . Perhaps you might. I have been debating trying that new pizza shop down the street. Have you had it, yet? You breathe a sigh of relief, having dodged the flirt. You are still new to it all.
Oh, darling, I have not had enough of you. But I would like more
Is that so?
I’d kill to see that smile again, the one you flashed to Levi in the park before we officially met.
Your heart thumps faster as you send another text. Would you now?
Only if you asked nicely. 
What, do I have to be nice about it?
There are ways I could make you behave if you prefer. 
You pause. Are you certain about that? I might bite.
I like it when they bite (: 
******
The remaining weeks fly by at a steady pace, much of your interactions with Corinthian brief and flirty, with debates about the best restaurants in between. You bickered about the best brick oven pizza, thin or stuffed crust, iced or hot coffee and tea, and the most random nonsense.
You voted for the regular homestyle crust while he vies for the thin crust when it comes to a Margherita pizza. Regular crust he likes for pepperoni or meat lovers, you find out. 
This easy back and forth becomes the normal and your darker more dreary days turn brighter with the chime of a text and call. Those sounds that once spelled doom now ring with a brighter tune. 
The tune of hope. 
You do not want it to disappear but approach it with caution.
That is the day he asks you out on a date, your first official date together. You remember the confidence he exuded on the phone. 
“Aspen, darling, he drawled. “Would you like to join me on a picnic at the park? It would be me and you only, under that nice shade tree.” 
Your name on his lips sounded utterly delightful and you did not hesitate to tell him yes. 
******
You have not made a trip to the park in some time, but the memories of meeting Levi instantly hit you on the stroll over. The clouds in the sky accentuate the sun and you feel a warmth spread inside you.
Yes, you can be happy and not dread every moment of your existence wondering if you were an awful parent, if you could have done more to save Sam, could have given Kai a reason to stay.  
You shake those thoughts from your mind. Shush, Aspen. You’re here to meet Corinthian on your first date.  
First date. 
The word feels foreign on your tongue and in your mind. You barely remember your first date with Kai, but it was likely a rushed one at a cheap ramen bar, the only thing starving artist college kids could afford.
The rest of your relationship flew by in a blur and suddenly Sam was born, your pride and joy, then he vanished too soon. Five years was not long, a life cut too soon. Such is the unfairness of the world. 
Yet, the world in all its cruelty has given you a new gift, a fresh start, hope. Hope you scarcely allow yourself to feel anymore, 
It’s the feeling that flutters in your chest when you recognize him there under the old oak tree, one you admire countless times from your park bench picnics, a sandwich in hand, your satchel next to you, filled with your wallet, books, and other essentials. 
He looks impossibly heartbreaking and more devastatingly gorgeous than you remember. When you first met him, he wore white suit pants and a simple T-shirt.
Now, he is dressed in navy blue slacks, a pale blue shirt, with a simple gray sweater over it, the collar edges peaking out from it. His signature sunglasses sat perched on the bridge of his nose. His brow rose in greeting. 
Shit, you have been staring too long, more like gawking and you snapped your jaw tighter, determined not to let him get to you. 
You can do this. 
It’s a picnic another normal day. 
Who are you kidding? This is more than you could fathom or deserve. 
“Hello, darling,” He rumbles, the breeze softly swirling around you. A few leaves tumbled around you, crunching beneath your sneakers as you met him, standing fully in front of him, appreciating the view a while longer. 
He reaches for your hand, pressing a kiss to your knuckles before leading you to a place beneath the tree. 
You gasp, a giggle bursting from your lips. “You didn’t Cori.” 
He smiles. “Of course I did. It is all for you.” 
Before you are a simple picnic blanket, a simple wicker basket filled to the brim with drinks, snacks, and an assortment of fruit. In addition, there is a charcuterie board of cheeses, ham, and two loaves of bread, meticulously laid out on a simple wooden board. 
It is more than you could have hoped for. You eagerly sit on the blanket and Corinthian joins you, carefully brushing his fingers along your arm and handing you a plate. He chuckles when your hands brush as you reach for some cheese and meat and he carefully slices up some bread for you, which you gratefully accept.
The flavors burst on your tongue in a delightful manner, a low moan passing along your lips. Corinthian stiffens next to you his slice of cheese close to his mouth, jaw slack.
Hell, he loves the noise you made, and he briefly finds his mind wondering to what other noises he could possibly get you to make. He shakes these thoughts from his head as he asks, “Enjoying yourself?” 
“This is probably the best meal I have had all week.” 
He cocks a brow, his signature move. “Really?” That surprises him. What the heck have you been eating then?
“Yeah. The best I can do for myself sometimes is cereal, some taco meat on occasion, and sandwiches when I am in a pinch. It’s not the worst thing.” 
The way you shrug this off nonchalantly rubs Corinthian, prying an itch from his skin. He wants to make you good warm meals, that is the least you deserve. He wants to hold you against the cruel world, and kill those who harm you, bother you, or stand in your way. 
He reaches out to you to stroke your face with his hand, thumb dragging along your lip. “You had a bit of something there.” 
Your face warms at his touch, and you lean into him more, your gaze transfixed on him beyond the sunglasses. You wonder what emotion he conveys behind his eyes. Curiosity getting the better of you, you reach out to his glasses, but he veers out of your way. 
“Not here, darling,” he snaps, sending you shrinking. What did you do? You didn’t mean it. Panic and worry crawl along your skin. So you have been too foreward and he hates you now. 
Great, Aspen, look what you have done, ruined your once chance of something exciting in your life. Get it together you can make this work. 
“I’m sorry,” you eventually find yourself saying after an agonizing ten minutes, as you and Corinthian continue your meal, the park filling with more people. Children are playing on the playground, a group of teens starts a pickup soccer game, parents run with their children, a couple walks with a stroller built for twins from the look of it. 
You find yourself smiling as Corinthian reaches out for your hand, squeezing it gently. 
“I am sorry for snapping at you, Aspen. My eyes are sensitive and I don’t like exposing to the sun more than necessary, hence why I wear these. Should have explained sooner.”
“Oh.” 
Corinthian swallows, watching you intently. Shit he scared you off, you hate him for his outburst. He understands if you want to get up and leave, but…you don't, you stare at him longer then reach for the bottle opener, picking up the bottle of wine and champagne he bought.
He was not sure which you preferred, but champagne is usually in style, especially for a celebration and wasn’t this a celebration? 
A celebration of a colossal win or a massive failure. 
He had found you and wanted to know you more. What little part of his heart however misshapen by his creator beat stronger in your presence, filling him with a curious warmth, a warmth different beyond his bloodlust for killing.
He cared, that is what he feels when he watches you pilfer through the wicker basket, your face brightening when you produce a Honeycrisp apple. 
Without a word, Corinthian reaches out to take it from you, sliding a knife out from his holster and cutting it up in an expert fashion. Your eyes remain glued on him in morbid fascination, perusing his biceps, down to his forearms, then focusing on his hands. 
You wonder how they would feel on your sides, squeezing you gently, holding you close to his chest where you can hear the thrumming of his heart.
“Something on your mind, darling?” 
 You shrug, swallowing another bite of cheese before replying. “Not really. I was considering going to the bookstore later. I need something else to stimulate my mind while at work.
“Ah I see, work can get slow?” 
“Being a receptionist has its ups and downs throughout the week, but my boss gives us enough downtime to sneak in reading time throughout the day. It is good for our productivity.” 
“Ah, so I see,” Corinthian hums thoughtfully, interrupted by the ping of his phone. “Shit.” He glances down at his phone, mouth pulled into a thin line. 
“What’s wrong?” You take a sip of your champagne. 
“The sitter texted me saying their plans fell through so they can’t watch Levi for the following two hours. I told Matthew I needed him for longer so Levi wouldn’t disturb us.” 
“Oh, I see. Well, would it be that bad if Levi joined us?” 
“I had planned for us to go bowling.”
“He can join us.”
“Wait, you don’t mind?”
“Not at all,” you smile. 
“I wanted this to be a pleasant experience for the both of us with no distraction and people are hesitant when I mention I have a child-”
“Hey,” you squeeze his hand. “There’s no need to explain yourself. I understand how it can be, the unsurety of how people treat you being a single parent.” 
“It is not easy.”
“It never is, but we love our children regardless.” 
Corinthian at least wanted to continue pleading his case so he hurriedly explained his sitter Matthew had to rush off on an extended errand for his demanding boss, and his bosses’ assistant Lucienne who was Corinthain’s fallback was overwhelmed with administrative duties it was not feasible and Merv, well Corinthian wanted Levi to not be surrounded by dangerous equipment - equipment Merv was certain to allow Levi try out all in good fun.
“Say we skip bowling and get ice cream as a treat for Levi. Would he like that?” 
“Darling, you are wonderful. I am sure he will be delighted.” 
******
With a bowling date falling through, Corinthian set his apprehensions aside when he saw Levi running to you for a hug after opening the apartment door. “Pretty person is back. Look dad!”
“Yes Levi, I can see you’re having fun. Hopefully, you were not too much trouble to Matthew. Also, that pretty person is Aspen. Can you give them a proper hello?” 
Levi beams at you as you twirl him in your arms, giggling hysterically. “H-hii Aspen!” 
“Hey bud, you have a good day today?” He giggles when you set him back on the floor, chuckling in amusement as he steadies himself on his legs. He quickly makes a beeline for the kitchen where he climbs up on the table to watch Corinthian. 
You join him and Corinthian sets down a glass before you from which you take a sip, thanking him all the while. 
“I have a few more things to pack then we can go get ice cream.”
“Wait, we’re getting ice cream?” Levi’s eyes widen and he almost falls out of his chair with excitement. 
“Woah buddy hold your horses. We will get some after we run a few errands. You can be patient, right?” Corinthian raises an incredulous brow. 
Levi giggles, nodding furiously. “Yes, Dad!” 
“Wonderful, buddy. How about you run along and show Aspen some of the books you got from the library this week.” 
“Yeahh!!” 
******
A few hours later, you find yourself back in the ice cream parlor you eyeballed weeks ago, one you thought of going to before settling on your park bench. It was the decision that changed the course of you life, leading you to meet Levi and his father. You find yourself enjoying their company their laughter, their conversation and warmth.
You forgot that is how a family could be, how humanity could be. Laughter, joy, the simplicity of running errands. Levi is surprisingly well-behaved and jovial, staying close to Corinthian and holding your hand to not lose you in the slew of people in the aisles and sidewalks. 
Soon enough you’re laughing, full from the ice cream at the parlor, and head back to the park after dropping off the groceries. Corinthian insisted all the while that he is making you dinner sometime after hearing you adore a good spaghetti and meatballs and a variety of American cuisine like cheeseburgers and BBQ. 
*******
He can’t stop watching you, your smile as you guide Levi down the sidewalk, turning your head to be on the lookout for any strangers or creeps who would follow you back to his apartment. He likes your smile, the way laughter flows through your entire being. It lights you up from the inside out and it is a beautiful sight.
You are beautiful, he realizes, has known it since the moment he met you in the park, a well-worn book next to you on the bench, the half-eaten sandwich you likely saved for dinner or lunch the following day. 
His heart seizes at this realization, the grocery bag almost slipping from his shoulder and he almost freaking trips- trips on the sidewalk barely avoiding a yipping dog whose owner rolled their eyes at him. 
You and Levi couldn’t contain your laughter and you were even more stunning then. He wants to reach out and hold your hand, hold Levi’s hand too. He can picture the life you could have together in his simple two bedroom apartment, the one he was lucky enough to find in a pinch soon after he rescued Levi, desperate to escape the confines of the dreaming world. 
Levi who changed his world in an instant and vowed to protect and would riot if Morpheus ever found him and tried to separate them. He needs Levi as much as Levi needs him. He cares for him so much more than he can express and he does not want to lose you either. If he could pull himself into some semblance of a better person for the good of his son, he can do it for you.
He wants to be by your side for as long as you will have him. He says none of this as your walk into the library, his grocery bag full of library books to return. Levi had insisted on another outing to one of the few places he felt save, practically begged Aspen on the phone to join him and his dad again. 
Aspen complied, falling under his spell but Cornthian hopes it is because you want to see him as much as he wants to see you. The weeks have slipped away in the blink of an eye when your both near each other and he can’t explain how much more time he wants in your presence.
The late night killing sprees he completes do not hold a candle to the shine of your smile, the thrill of it all. Hell, he loves to make you smile, the easeful way your hair falls, warm and streaked with sunlight, makes you all the more alluring and he wants your smile to fall upon his face longer. 
******
The time at the park passes in a blur and you're on the way back to Corinthian’s apartment, Levi in tow, sitting atop his father’s shoulders, eyes bleary in exhaustion. The long day had certainly caught up to him between the grocery shopping, ice cream parlor, and additional park time.
You can’t blame him as you stifled back another yawn, yearning for the comfort of your bed. You almost sigh in relief when the apartment door opened, Levi murmuring sleepily that he wanted a popsicle, and Corinthian chuckled good-naturedly. 
You collapse onto the couch after taking your shoes off, relief sinking into you when the soft cushions meet your back. 
“Now this is nice.” You sigh and stretch. 
Cori smirked, Levi yawning on his shoulders as he pulled him down. 
“Time to get ready for bed, little buddy.” 
“Dad…” 
“Now, now Levi we’ve talked about this.” 
“But dad…” 
“Now now son, you know right and well you need to go to bed early tonight.” 
You smiled, continuing to listen in to their back and forth, soothed by the steady rhythm of their nightly routine, and your mind drifted, falling into thoughts you kept tightly concealed, ones that you hoped would never surface, let alone in the house of the person you have come to enjoy the company of for the past week, no month.
How time flew when you were together with him and Levi. You felt a certain kinship to Levi, healing the broken parts of your soul. You shifted adjusting yourself unconsciously, bumping up against something, or rather, someone next to you. 
Your heart raced. You try not to panic. Your heart is thrumming faster, certain you are in a dream until your eyes fly open, greeted with a room with soft light akin to a candle. 
Something, or someone stirs next to you and your first instinct is to get the hell out of there but your mind screams at you to take it slow so you do. 
Breathe. Kai isn’t here. You are safe. 
The mantra steadied you, and now that your eyes adjust to the light you can see you are in a large bedroom with a view overlooking the city, a gentle breeze blew through the room ruffling your hair. A soft sigh and groan followed from the figure next to you. Blonde, no almost platinum hair upon the bedsheets, and a nightmask around his eyes. 
Corinthian had tucked you in bed, his bed, and had fallen asleep next to you. You’re uncertain how you feel, then, but find the comfort of a warm body nice.
You liked that it was Corinthian there protecting you, watching over you, caring for you enough to let you stay. Though you had a panic about it you still find the gesture kind. In fact he was so kind you decided to return the favor and trailed your arm along his sleeping form, grasping onto his bicep. 
“What is it now, Morpheus. I have been good! Please.” 
“Corinthian? It’s me, Aspen.” 
You jostle him and still nothing. Nothing in the room made a sound, the breeze frozen on its journey through, almost stealing the breath from your lips.
Your bones felt cold, yet you can’t break away from Corinthian, his Adam's apple bobbling, lips pleading, forming words that don’t fall from his lips, until he croaks softly, “No…please don’t. Not him. Not Levi.” 
Dread falls into the pit of your stomach, awakening your irrational fears, but you shove them down, focusing on the man beside you. You nudge him again. 
“Cori? Wake up. I’m here. It’s me, Aspen,” You speak into the silence of the room, darkness convalescing down the walls, shadows playing on the cracks of the walls.
They laugh at you forming faces of your failures; you can’t save them, but you are the one who has to be saved. Can’t you do anything right? They taunt. You scream at them to leave you alone, just as Corinthian’s form jolts upright, breathing hard, a cold sweat chilling him to the bone. 
“Aspen?” Your name is a whisper on his tongue, tentative, unsure. 
You reach for his hand, squeezing tight in reassurance. “Yes, it’s me.” 
A few moments of silence pass, frozen in the low light of the room, moonlight streaming in. 
“Could you still care for me, even knowing I am a monster, an abomination?” 
“Cori we’ve known each other, have been talking for two months, now even if we only recently had our first date. You haven’t scared me off, yet. I do not think that will happen.” 
He gaffes before a bitter laugh follows. “Yet. So you will leave eventually, they all do.” 
Will you at least let me look at you? You do not sound okay” You reach for his eyemask and he turns his face from you. You’re not sure from fear, shame, or something worse. 
“I can’t let you or Levi see me this way.”
“Levi is fine, you put him to bed four hours ago, see?” You check the clock on the nightstand which chimes midnight, signaling a new day. “What’s really going on Cori? I know I have no right to prod into any more of your business. We haven’t known each other long, but would it help to talk about it?” 
He huffs, shifting before curling up. Why did you care? He is a monster, and doesn’t want you to see the true horrors he encapsulates.
Sure, he has done some things in the past that weren’t befitting of his station, but he had to claim his right. Surely Morpheus didn’t dare to track him down, yet the fear was always present, the thought of Levi being abandoned, left for dead, forgotten. 
Corinthian does not want to face that shame, so he pulls you close, taking a deep breath before replying. “Can you turn the light off, please?” 
You oblige, turning back the sheets, holding back a chill running down your spine. You hate to admit your fear of the dark but you can do this for him. A soft rustling comes from the bed and you hear the clicking of teeth, faint and rhythmic.
Your stomach turns in knots, thinking you stepped on something but eases as Corinthian feels for you, his mouth pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead, before pressing a gentle kiss to the top of your hand, then your palm, and the inside of your wrist. 
“Would you stay the night with me? I know you fell asleep earlier so I couldn’t ask and I want you to be alright.” He ignores the lump that forms in his throat as he speaks, hoping you will agree and keep his racing thoughts at bay. 
You smile, despite the pitch-black darkness as you whisper, “Of course,” all the while falling into his hopeful, waiting embrace
******
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imjustmessy ¡ 8 months ago
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ALRIGHT FIRST POST EVER
I can’t believe I’m doing this, I’m not a writer, but I was hearing Billie eilish’s chihiro snippet and of course my brainrot for the Corinthian has to show up and made me write this, again, IM NOT A WRITER, so this is probably garbage-ish but it was pretty fun to write, I added my sandman oc but it can be read as a Cori x reader too!
Warnings: angst pretty much without plot
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The sound of Waves.
Waves crashing, humid air and the rough sand against Fya’s bare feet…and tears pouring down her cheeks.
it was weird having this much awareness of one’s surroundings and senses in a dream
Maybe it had to do with the arch Nightmare standing in front of her.
“I trusted you”
She said softly to the blonde man, who was about 10 feet away from her, In the waking he couldn’t have heard her, but reality bends in a dream, or is it a nightmare?
He was just standing still, his face didn’t show any strong emotion at all, just…a slight sadness
“You knew who I was, what I was from the beginning.” He stated, looking directly at her, even with his dark glasses on she could tell where his gaze was, she clenched her jaw, her fist balled to the sides of her torso, more, hot, salty tears ran down her face
“No…I don’t know you, I don’t know you at all, Corinthian.”
The blonde’s face changes, from lightly frowned to completely blank, and his chin tilts upwards like he was talking to a lesser being, like he hadn’t shared so, so many things together, walking along a sunset, dancing drunkenly on a random street after partying all night, sharing laughs, kisses, and so much more, suddenly it all seemed like it was just a dream, dissolving as if it never happened.
“Of course you don’t.”
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ilovewhiteroses ¡ 1 year ago
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Do You Want What I Want?
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Pairing: The Corinthian x Ryan (OC) Genre: Fluff, smut Warnings: Unprotected sex, cursing Rating: 18+ Note: My dear friend, Catchy @i-like-the-eyes gave me idea for this fic, plus they inspired and named Ryan🥰
Ryan, a young musician went out with his friends, but ended up spending the rest of the night with a handsome, interesting man…  
It was a pleasant evening and the annual summer carnival was taking place in the small town. Lots of people went there, no wonder, because one could spend their time well. Ryan, a young lutenist, went with his friends who were artists themselves. Among them were painters, singers, photographers and illustrators.
As soon as they entered the event, they immediately noticed the stalls with handmade works and homemade delicacies. They went over there and some admired the wonderful wood carvings and decorative objects, while others tasted the drinks and cheeses made by the locals. They began to think about what their next stop should be.
"I know! Let's go drive bumper cars and then eat cotton candy!" exclaimed Leni, the painter, enthusiastically. Ryan and the others agreed and after spending their time there, they went for a carousel ride. The young man enjoyed the evening, he felt as if he had flown back to his childhood.
"So guys, what should we do now?" he asked his friends a bit later. There were so many other things they wanted to try that they decided to split up and everyone would go where they want to and then meet at the entrance when they are done. Ryan quickly found the restroom, which was surprisingly quite cultured, then went back to explore the carnival. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, checked it and saw a new email. The surprised lutenist sat down on an empty bench to read it.
We'd be honored to have you as our musical guest at the annual Music For The Youth event, where we present kids the beauty of music.
He smiled to himself, since lately he has been getting more and more requests and he was very happy about it. While he was on his phone, he heard a man's voice.
"Hello! Can I sit here?" he asked politely and Ryan looked up. Standing in front of him was a tall blond man wearing slacks and a suit jacket, a stylish contrast to his black t-shirt and jeans combination.
"Um, sure, you can sit down." he answered him. As the man sat down, Ryan quickly put the phone back in his pocket. The man crossed his legs, settled himself, then offered his hand to Ryan.
"My name is Cori." he said as Ryan shook his hand and introduced himself. "Your name is beautiful. I'm glad to meet you. Did you come to the carnival alone?” Cori asked.
"No, I came with my friends, we just split up for a while because everyone wanted to see things and try them." Ryan replied, rubbing the back of his head embarrassedly. He never really liked to communicate with strangers, but at the same time, he didn't want to be a jerk by turning the guy down with some silly nonsense.
"Oh I see." Cori said with a big smile and pushed the sunglasses up his nose with his index finger. "Is there a part you haven't been to yet?"
Ryan found the man's directness strange, he didn't understand why he was so nice to him. What’s the worst that could happen? He had previously taken a few Krav Maga classes, at most if he thinks the situation is suspicious, he uses what he has learned.
"Well, uh, I haven't been to the shooting gallery yet." he replied, then looked at the man's sunglasses, which made him want to slap himself on the forehead. Before Ryan could say something else, Cori jumped up from the bench enthusiastically.
"Then come, let's not waste time!" Ryan also got up from the bench and was thinking that there must be a good reason why Cori is wearing sunglasses even at night.
They arrived at the agreed location and the target shooter told them the rules.
"Okay, gentlemen. You have to shoot with this toy gun, which has sponge bullets. You have to hit these fast-moving wood ducks, but you have to be clever, because only the ones with the number wins. Well, which one of you wants to try his luck?” he asked, rubbing his palms. Cori raised his hand.
"Excuse me for asking, but are you sure about this?" Ryan asked in shock. "Aren't those sunglasses too dark?"
"Don't worry, I can see perfectly, and my other senses are also extremely sophisticated." Cori replied with a laugh.
Okay then, Ryan thought to himself and put his hands in his pockets. Target shooting guy handed Cori the toy gun, then stood aside. Cori stretched out his arm and waited for the numbered winged animals to come, then shot. After a while, he got so into the game that he even stuck out his tongue a little and fired all the bullets. Ryan was very amused by this sight, he thought it was pretty cute. The shooting gallery man showed him and Cori what prizes there were to choose from.
”Is there anything you would like, Ryan?” Cori asked kindly.
The musician started thinking. The selection was not too exciting, especially for an adult, as most of them were designed for children. In the end, Ryan decided on a red toy guitar, because it somewhat reminded him of a lute.
He started to feel more comfortable with Cori, he even went to have hamburgers with him, and found himself forgetting about his friends and what they agreed on. He quickly wrote in the group chat that he was tired and took a taxi home.
"I hope this is not a problem for you." Cori said a little worried.
"Oh, don't worry, it's happened before, they'll understand." Ryan told him, and with that, he silenced his phone. Now he just wanted to focus on Cori.
He found him very fascinating.
"Speaking of going home, would you like to walk home with me? If you’d like, we could have a few drinks, then we will see." he said with a suggestive smile. Seeing this, Ryan gulped, but was excited at the same time.
It was clear what Cori wanted.
"Okay, let's go. How about I leave this guitar here? I don't need it anyway." he told Cori, who shrugged, thinking Ryan does what he wants. As they made their way out, Ryan set the small instrument down by the entrance so a child would take it.
The streets were already dark and only the street lamps were on. Ryan wished he could see more of Cori's face because he liked what he had seen of him so far. As they got closer and closer to his apartment, Ryan's heart began to beat faster. They talked on the way. He found out that Cori is a businessman whose goal is to visit as many places and gain as many experiences as possible. There was also talk of instruments and music and, for some reason, dreams and nightmares, which Ryan didn't know what to think of, but he didn't care. He enjoyed listening to Cori, while thinking how hot his speaking voice was, how beautifully his lips moved when he spoke, when Ryan managed to catch him in the lamplight, how graceful his hand movements were while he was explaining... Ryan suddenly felt so hot as the sexual tension was getting more intense between them. He also started to feel his pants getting tighter...
They got to Cori's apartment and went inside, but he didn't turn on the light, the only source of light was the moon shining through the window. Ryan was looking for the switch when Cori pulled him close in the dark and slowly leaned him against the wall.
"Do you want what I want?" he whispered sultryly in his ear, then kissed his neck, which made Ryan’s knees almost giving out.
Of course he wanted it! Ryan had one-night stands before, but felt that this time would be different...
They began to kiss passionately, then Cori reached down to Ryan's erection and began to gently massage it. Ryan did the same to him while kissing his neck. He wanted the blond man so much that he could barely contain himself. He pulled his top off, Cori did the same, then knelt down in front of Ryan. He unbuttoned his jeans, then pulled them down to his ankles together with his underpants. The musician's dick popped out.
"Fuck, you have a nice cock!" Cori said panting as he began to jerk off Ryan, then took his cock into his mouth. Other times he did it much more sensually and slowly, but this time he was too overcome with desire. He took hold of Ryan's cock at the base with his index finger and thumb, then began to suck it, sometimes licking his balls as well. Ryan enjoyed this all with his eyes closed and ran his hands through Cori's hair. He felt close to explosion, and even though he didn't want to cum yet, he couldn't take it anymore and came, Cori could barely swallow the hot result. He took the spectacular penis out of his mouth and looked up at Ryan.
"Damn, baby, that was a lot!" he said appreciatively.
"Fuck, that was hot!" Ryan said panting, gasping for air. If the blow job was this good, how fucking amazing could sex itself be, he thought to himself. Cori stood up and pulled off his pants. Since Ryan was a bit shorter than him, he had to figure something out.
"Get on all fours!" he instructed the young man, who did so. Cori pulled his ass towards him, then grabbed his cock and slapped it against Ryan’s entrance. Before inserting it, he spit into his palm and smeared it over his cock, then slowly inserted himself into his partner. Cori let Ryan adjust to his size. Just like with the blowjob, he fucked fast, he didn't want to be gentle and slow. He wanted wild and crazy sex and he got it. Ryan's knees were pressing against the hard floor, but he didn't care. His ass slammed against Cori's thighs as he reached down to his own cock and began to masturbate. He felt that he was close again, but this time he didn't want to orgasm as quickly as before.
"Wait!" he said to Cori, who paused for a moment. "I want to ride you." Without further ado, Cori pulled out of him and laid on his back, Ryan got up from his position and placed himself on top, letting Cori’s cock back into himself. He raised his knees, put his arms behind him and continued to fuck himself on Cori's cock, who grabbed Ryan's cock and started jerking it. The apartment was loud with their lustful moans, both of them were sweating as if they had run a marathon. Minutes later Ryan was cumming on Cori's belly, and Cori was cumming into Ryan….
Ryan woke up in his yesterday night partner's bed. Cori wasn't there, so he went to look for him in the kitchen and the living room, but he was nowhere to be found. Ryan quickly got dressed and left the apartment. Although he regrets not being able to say goodbye to the handsome, blond man, he was glad that they had a crazy, sexy and fun night together.
Tags: @merry-andrews,  @demi321win-chester
@thefloatingpickle, @delicateteenagerunaway
@sadnessanninthedark, @e-dubbc11
@rayisheree, @tampire
@itsthevelvetline, @moomiman42069
@evenmyhivemindisempty, @a-h-li
@enkelimoonstone, @i-like-the-eyes
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thoughtsfromlayla ¡ 2 months ago
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Hangover.
“This… tastes like hate,” Layla grumbles as some of the brown concoction dribbles out of her mouth and back into the glass cup she drank it from. 
“I can’t believe I agreed to hang out with you last night,” Matthew caws, dunking his beak into his own brown concoction. The liquid was so close to his nose, it only made him want to throw up more than was necessary.
“Matthew, stop talking so loud,” the blue mermaid groans, her webbed fingers going to grab at her pounding head. She knew, damnit, not to steal that fairy wine from the castle cellars and yet here she was, witnessing the consequences of her own actions. 
“Perhaps you have learned your lesson now, Layla,” Lucienne almost scolds her like a mother would a child. The librarian pours another glass of brown liquid as Corinthian and Mervyn both come into the library, their faces taut with pain as well. “You got Merv to drink as well? Bad mermaid.”
“It was more like… FOMO or whatever the young kids in the Waking World say now,” Layla murmurs, gesturing generally as she drowns the last of Lucienne’s hangover potion.
She hates to admit that the concoction was actually helping with her headache. It was still there, a general subtle pain, but at least she can’t fill her heartbeat in her head and it doesn’t hurt to breathe through her gills anymore. Layla smacks her lips, tasting what she thought were beetle exoskeletons within the drink. 
“Life of the party, Lady Layla of the Lagoon,” Corinthian says smugly as he takes Lucienne’s hangover cure more like a shot of vodka instead of careful sips. As if it didn’t taste like wood varnish and went down your throat like velvet sofa linings. 
Layla groans, not bothering with a response and flopping down on the table she perched on. She still felt like a week old Sunday catch. How the hell is he unaffected by the fairy wine? Layla’s gaze turns to Mervyn as well, and while he looked worse than Cori, the pumpkin head was still better off than both her and Matthew combined. 
“Oh, you still have vomit on your tail,” Corinthian comments, picking at the flaking and dry vomit that was stuck to one of Layla’s scales. 
“Hands off,” Layla scowls, her scales her pride and joy. The tails comes up quickly before slapping down on the back of the nightmare’s hand, the sound of wet scales on skin echoing in the library of hangover victims (plus Lucienne). 
“Yeowch,” Corinthian says sarcastically and Layla watches with her own smug smile as his skin starts to welt from the force of her fin slap. “Same time next weekend?”
“Next weekend? I’ll vomit on your suit next time.” 
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overly-dramatic-artist ¡ 2 years ago
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If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
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pelinthehay ¡ 1 year ago
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another very old illustration of kieran, me and my friend’s sandman oc!!
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can-of-pringles ¡ 1 year ago
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Comic sketch commission for @practically-an-x-man of a scene from their Corinthian x OC fanfic
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mrsdesade ¡ 7 months ago
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yeah I made em' smooch ❣️
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thethreeeyed-raven ¡ 1 year ago
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Don't have the emoji for smut but I had a request that involves it: Reader isn't as experienced with sex as Morpheus is and is nervous about taking their relationship to that level; he assures them that they will get better at sexual things as they gain more experience and that he doesn't mind teaching them.
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the kingdom of dreams | warnings : insecurity, talk of sex, mention of past bad experiences, mention of past partners | a/n : hopefully you enjoy reading this, tysm for requesting☺️💗 | tags : @knight-of-flowerss , @lost-in-fiction-like-ur-mom | dream of the endless playlist
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You and Morpheus had been seeing each other for a couple of months now. Your relationship was quite strange.
Usually people this far into a relationship would have done something even a little sexual by now, but Morpheus hadn't even seen you naked.
The only thing he had seen remotely revealing was your ankle (he won't admit it gave him a bit of a rush you know where).
Morpheus had begun to notice that every time he brought up the idea of sex you would completely ignore it and change the subject. Or when he would try and seduce you, you would always shy away from his touch.
Quite frankly, it hurt his pride.
Did you find him revolting?
Currently, you and Morpheus lay on his bed cuddling. None of you were saying anything, just basking in each other's presence.
His brain had been gathering thoughts and inventing new insecurities all day, it was making his head hurt.
"My love."
Morpheus' voice was quiet and soft.
"Hmm?" You replied, your eyes still shut, taking in his scent.
"Do you-" Morpheus hesitated before carrying on. "Do you not want me?"
Your body shot up and you looked down at him in shock. "What on earth makes you say that?"
"You never want me to touch you, or even look at your bare body."
The sadness in his eyes caused a terrible ache in your heart.
"Do you not love me?"
Taking his face gently in your hands, you pressed a subtle kiss on his velvety lips. "Dream, I love you more than words could ever describe. I guess my bad experiences in the past have caused me to shy away from doing anything sexual."
"Bad experiences?" Had someone hurt you?
"No one has ever really satisfied me before, everyone I've been with was only ever concerned about getting a good fuck, so I don't really know much about sex besides the basics." You shifted your gaze from him, embarrassed.
"Darling," Morpheus rose himself gracefully. "I have had many partners in the past, I do know a thing or two." A smirk painted his face before it turned into a soft smile. "I know that I'm not great at communication, but know all you have to do is ask."
Dream leaned in and pressed a fleeting kiss to your neck.
"Thank you, my dream."
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bakerstreethound ¡ 2 months ago
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Single Dad Corinthian - New Beginnings | Chapter 2: Simple Joys (Repost)
Chapter 1: A Walk in the Park
Relationship: Single Father!Corinthian x OC Aspen Reeves
Warnings: brief mention of losing a child, absent parents, flirty Corinthian, pining, sensual undertones, mentions of past abusive relationship for Aspen, and supportive Corinthian
Summary: A week after Aspen meets the mysterious Corinthian and his son Levi at the park, they take a chance and start talking to Corinthian. Soon enough a kinship and something more unfolds. How will it go and can Aspen tread through the waters of flirting all while tending to some still fresh wounds of loss from their younger years? How will they possibly get through a first date? Corinthian has his doubts and he finds himself falling for Aspen, been if he's not actively trying. How can he not? What happens if Aspen sees him for who he truly is? A monster on the inside and out?
All writings belong to me @bakerstreethound (Do NOT claim, copy, repost, or translate my works to other sites. I only publish here and on A03 under the same username)
Word Count: 4.4k+
A/N: It has been months, but I am so excited to present chapter 2 of this little snapshot mosaic series of single dad Corinthian and my OC Aspen Reeves. Both of them deserve a hug and Levi is adorable. Many thanks to @novaracer for beta reading and cheering me on as I wrote. I hope you enjoy! Graphic by @firefly-graphics Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated!
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It had been a week since your run-in with the man who called himself Corinthian, but you shortened his name to Cori in your contacts (you would be lying if it didn’t make you smile). The park meeting had been one of the most unexpected adventures in your life the past year. 
You fiddled with the card he left you on the bench that fateful afternoon and it pestered you for days until you gave in and said hello. You felt so stupid reaching out. Would he think you were a creep? A lonely creep was not much harm unless you became a stalker. You blanched at the thought. 
When you did text him, you realized the appointments you had to keep and he had the same, with his work and needing to take care of Levi. You did not mind waiting, but you found yourself looking forward to life, looking forward to seeing him and Levi sometime. If a week had to pass for the outcome to be that way, you would take it.
Having someone to talk to was nice and you were eager each time you heard the ping of your phone, instead of the dreaded pit of worry and anxiety that accompanied them. 
Ever since your child Sam had been admitted to the hospital two years prior in the months before his passing, the messages, texts, and emails had caused nothing but sickness and heartbreak for you and your partner.
You cringed at the thought of your partner Kai, who had all but abandoned you, leaving Sam’s care and bills up to you. You loved your child, you did, you missed going to the parks, and taking him to school. You often wondered what he would have become if he decided to go to college or learn a trade. 
You wondered a lot of things, then, but now you grasped at the possibility of wanting to be with someone new, at least entertaining the company. Your heart was not perfectly mended, albeit bruised after the divorce, but it did not matter in the slightest. You had left the apartment and donated a majority of Kai and Sam’s things except for the minimal keepsakes.
Your new place faired better for you with large windows to filter in the sun and wash your darkness away on those days when it felt nigh impossible to get out of bed, bundled in copious amounts of blankets. 
Regardless, you found solace these days between texting Corinthian through errands and hobbies like cooking, writing, and your art. The easel in your studio apartment held a blank canvas, and your cart was full of acrylics and watercolors stashed away in your art box.
Looking at them brought up memories of Kai and Sam, making your heart twinge. The passion, though, that did not fade, but your irrationality had overridden it. That was months ago, but you felt ready enough for it, but it would wait for another day. 
Your phone pings, the smile crossing your face of its own accord. 
Found this new shiny beauty at the pawn shop today, though it is not as bright as your smile. He sends accompanied by the attachment of a shiny knife. Though dull, it’ll be quite the beauty when sharpened and polished.  
I don’t have many reasons to smile, you know. 
Well, perhaps I might have to be one of them. 
You roll your eyes . Perhaps you might. I have been debating trying that new pizza shop down the street. Have you had it, yet? You breathe a sigh of relief, having dodged the flirt. You are still new to it all.
Oh, darling, I have not had enough of you. But I would like more
Is that so?
I’d kill to see that smile again, the one you flashed to Levi in the park before we officially met.
Your heart thumps faster as you send another text. Would you now?
Only if you asked nicely. 
What, do I have to be nice about it?
There are ways I could make you behave if you prefer. 
You pause. Are you certain about that? I might bite.
I like it when they bite (: 
******
The remaining weeks fly by at a steady pace, much of your interactions with Corinthian brief and flirty, with debates about the best restaurants in between. You bickered about the best brick oven pizza, thin or stuffed crust, iced or hot coffee and tea, and the most random nonsense.
You voted for the regular homestyle crust while he vies for the thin crust when it comes to a Margherita pizza. Regular crust he likes for pepperoni or meat lovers, you find out. 
This easy back and forth becomes the normal and your darker more dreary days turn brighter with the chime of a text and call. Those sounds that once spelled doom now ring with a brighter tune. 
The tune of hope. 
You do not want it to disappear but approach it with caution.
That is the day he asks you out on a date, your first official date together. You remember the confidence he exuded on the phone. 
“Aspen, darling, he drawled. “Would you like to join me on a picnic at the park? It would be me and you only, under that nice shade tree.” 
Your name on his lips sounded utterly delightful and you did not hesitate to tell him yes. 
******
You have not made a trip to the park in some time, but the memories of meeting Levi instantly hit you on the stroll over. The clouds in the sky accentuate the sun and you feel a warmth spread inside you.
Yes, you can be happy and not dread every moment of your existence wondering if you were an awful parent, if you could have done more to save Sam, could have given Kai a reason to stay.  
You shake those thoughts from your mind. Shush, Aspen. You’re here to meet Corinthian on your first date.  
First date. 
The word feels foreign on your tongue and in your mind. You barely remember your first date with Kai, but it was likely a rushed one at a cheap ramen bar, the only thing starving artist college kids could afford.
The rest of your relationship flew by in a blur and suddenly Sam was born, your pride and joy, then he vanished too soon. Five years was not long, a life cut too soon. Such is the unfairness of the world. 
Yet, the world in all its cruelty has given you a new gift, a fresh start, hope. Hope you scarcely allow yourself to feel anymore, 
It’s the feeling that flutters in your chest when you recognize him there under the old oak tree, one you admire countless times from your park bench picnics, a sandwich in hand, your satchel next to you, filled with your wallet, books, and other essentials. 
He looks impossibly heartbreaking and more devastatingly gorgeous than you remember. When you first met him, he wore white suit pants and a simple T-shirt.
Now, he is dressed in navy blue slacks, a pale blue shirt, with a simple gray sweater over it, the collar edges peaking out from it. His signature sunglasses sat perched on the bridge of his nose. His brow rose in greeting. 
Shit, you have been staring too long, more like gawking and you snapped your jaw tighter, determined not to let him get to you. 
You can do this. 
It’s a picnic another normal day. 
Who are you kidding? This is more than you could fathom or deserve. 
“Hello, darling,” He rumbles, the breeze softly swirling around you. A few leaves tumbled around you, crunching beneath your sneakers as you met him, standing fully in front of him, appreciating the view a while longer. 
He reaches for your hand, pressing a kiss to your knuckles before leading you to a place beneath the tree. 
You gasp, a giggle bursting from your lips. “You didn’t Cori.” 
He smiles. “Of course I did. It is all for you.” 
Before you are a simple picnic blanket, a simple wicker basket filled to the brim with drinks, snacks, and an assortment of fruit. In addition, there is a charcuterie board of cheeses, ham, and two loaves of bread, meticulously laid out on a simple wooden board. 
It is more than you could have hoped for. You eagerly sit on the blanket and Corinthian joins you, carefully brushing his fingers along your arm and handing you a plate. He chuckles when your hands brush as you reach for some cheese and meat and he carefully slices up some bread for you, which you gratefully accept.
The flavors burst on your tongue in a delightful manner, a low moan passing along your lips. Corinthian stiffens next to you his slice of cheese close to his mouth, jaw slack.
Hell, he loves the noise you made, and he briefly finds his mind wondering to what other noises he could possibly get you to make. He shakes these thoughts from his head as he asks, “Enjoying yourself?” 
“This is probably the best meal I have had all week.” 
He cocks a brow, his signature move. “Really?” That surprises him. What the heck have you been eating then?
“Yeah. The best I can do for myself sometimes is cereal, some taco meat on occasion, and sandwiches when I am in a pinch. It’s not the worst thing.” 
The way you shrug this off nonchalantly rubs Corinthian, prying an itch from his skin. He wants to make you good warm meals, that is the least you deserve. He wants to hold you against the cruel world, and kill those who harm you, bother you, or stand in your way. 
He reaches out to you to stroke your face with his hand, thumb dragging along your lip. “You had a bit of something there.” 
Your face warms at his touch, and you lean into him more, your gaze transfixed on him beyond the sunglasses. You wonder what emotion he conveys behind his eyes. Curiosity getting the better of you, you reach out to his glasses, but he veers out of your way. 
“Not here, darling,” he snaps, sending you shrinking. What did you do? You didn’t mean it. Panic and worry crawl along your skin. So you have been too foreward and he hates you now. 
Great, Aspen, look what you have done, ruined your once chance of something exciting in your life. Get it together you can make this work. 
“I’m sorry,” you eventually find yourself saying after an agonizing ten minutes, as you and Corinthian continue your meal, the park filling with more people. Children are playing on the playground, a group of teens starts a pickup soccer game, parents run with their children, a couple walks with a stroller built for twins from the look of it. 
You find yourself smiling as Corinthian reaches out for your hand, squeezing it gently. 
“I am sorry for snapping at you, Aspen. My eyes are sensitive and I don’t like exposing to the sun more than necessary, hence why I wear these. Should have explained sooner.”
“Oh.” 
Corinthian swallows, watching you intently. Shit he scared you off, you hate him for his outburst. He understands if you want to get up and leave, but…you don't, you stare at him longer then reach for the bottle opener, picking up the bottle of wine and champagne he bought.
He was not sure which you preferred, but champagne is usually in style, especially for a celebration and wasn’t this a celebration? 
A celebration of a colossal win or a massive failure. 
He had found you and wanted to know you more. What little part of his heart however misshapen by his creator beat stronger in your presence, filling him with a curious warmth, a warmth different beyond his bloodlust for killing.
He cared, that is what he feels when he watches you pilfer through the wicker basket, your face brightening when you produce a Honeycrisp apple. 
Without a word, Corinthian reaches out to take it from you, sliding a knife out from his holster and cutting it up in an expert fashion. Your eyes remain glued on him in morbid fascination, perusing his biceps, down to his forearms, then focusing on his hands. 
You wonder how they would feel on your sides, squeezing you gently, holding you close to his chest where you can hear the thrumming of his heart.
“Something on your mind, darling?” 
 You shrug, swallowing another bite of cheese before replying. “Not really. I was considering going to the bookstore later. I need something else to stimulate my mind while at work.
“Ah I see, work can get slow?” 
“Being a receptionist has its ups and downs throughout the week, but my boss gives us enough downtime to sneak in reading time throughout the day. It is good for our productivity.” 
“Ah, so I see,” Corinthian hums thoughtfully, interrupted by the ping of his phone. “Shit.” He glances down at his phone, mouth pulled into a thin line. 
“What’s wrong?” You take a sip of your champagne. 
“The sitter texted me saying their plans fell through so they can’t watch Levi for the following two hours. I told Matthew I needed him for longer so Levi wouldn’t disturb us.” 
“Oh, I see. Well, would it be that bad if Levi joined us?” 
“I had planned for us to go bowling.”
“He can join us.”
“Wait, you don’t mind?”
“Not at all,” you smile. 
“I wanted this to be a pleasant experience for the both of us with no distraction and people are hesitant when I mention I have a child-”
“Hey,” you squeeze his hand. “There’s no need to explain yourself. I understand how it can be, the unsurety of how people treat you being a single parent.” 
“It is not easy.”
“It never is, but we love our children regardless.” 
Corinthian at least wanted to continue pleading his case so he hurriedly explained his sitter Matthew had to rush off on an extended errand for his demanding boss, and his bosses’ assistant Lucienne who was Corinthain’s fallback was overwhelmed with administrative duties it was not feasible and Merv, well Corinthian wanted Levi to not be surrounded by dangerous equipment - equipment Merv was certain to allow Levi try out all in good fun.
“Say we skip bowling and get ice cream as a treat for Levi. Would he like that?” 
“Darling, you are wonderful. I am sure he will be delighted.” 
******
With a bowling date falling through, Corinthian set his apprehensions aside when he saw Levi running to you for a hug after opening the apartment door. “Pretty person is back. Look dad!”
“Yes Levi, I can see you’re having fun. Hopefully, you were not too much trouble to Matthew. Also, that pretty person is Aspen. Can you give them a proper hello?” 
Levi beams at you as you twirl him in your arms, giggling hysterically. “H-hii Aspen!” 
“Hey bud, you have a good day today?” He giggles when you set him back on the floor, chuckling in amusement as he steadies himself on his legs. He quickly makes a beeline for the kitchen where he climbs up on the table to watch Corinthian. 
You join him and Corinthian sets down a glass before you from which you take a sip, thanking him all the while. 
“I have a few more things to pack then we can go get ice cream.”
“Wait, we’re getting ice cream?” Levi’s eyes widen and he almost falls out of his chair with excitement. 
“Woah buddy hold your horses. We will get some after we run a few errands. You can be patient, right?” Corinthian raises an incredulous brow. 
Levi giggles, nodding furiously. “Yes, Dad!” 
“Wonderful, buddy. How about you run along and show Aspen some of the books you got from the library this week.” 
“Yeahh!!” 
******
A few hours later, you find yourself back in the ice cream parlor you eyeballed weeks ago, one you thought of going to before settling on your park bench. It was the decision that changed the course of you life, leading you to meet Levi and his father. You find yourself enjoying their company their laughter, their conversation and warmth.
You forgot that is how a family could be, how humanity could be. Laughter, joy, the simplicity of running errands. Levi is surprisingly well-behaved and jovial, staying close to Corinthian and holding your hand to not lose you in the slew of people in the aisles and sidewalks. 
Soon enough you’re laughing, full from the ice cream at the parlor, and head back to the park after dropping off the groceries. Corinthian insisted all the while that he is making you dinner sometime after hearing you adore a good spaghetti and meatballs and a variety of American cuisine like cheeseburgers and BBQ. 
*******
He can’t stop watching you, your smile as you guide Levi down the sidewalk, turning your head to be on the lookout for any strangers or creeps who would follow you back to his apartment. He likes your smile, the way laughter flows through your entire being. It lights you up from the inside out and it is a beautiful sight.
You are beautiful, he realizes, has known it since the moment he met you in the park, a well-worn book next to you on the bench, the half-eaten sandwich you likely saved for dinner or lunch the following day. 
His heart seizes at this realization, the grocery bag almost slipping from his shoulder and he almost freaking trips- trips on the sidewalk barely avoiding a yipping dog whose owner rolled their eyes at him. 
You and Levi couldn’t contain your laughter and you were even more stunning then. He wants to reach out and hold your hand, hold Levi’s hand too. He can picture the life you could have together in his simple two bedroom apartment, the one he was lucky enough to find in a pinch soon after he rescued Levi, desperate to escape the confines of the dreaming world. 
Levi who changed his world in an instant and vowed to protect and would riot if Morpheus ever found him and tried to separate them. He needs Levi as much as Levi needs him. He cares for him so much more than he can express and he does not want to lose you either. If he could pull himself into some semblance of a better person for the good of his son, he can do it for you.
He wants to be by your side for as long as you will have him. He says none of this as your walk into the library, his grocery bag full of library books to return. Levi had insisted on another outing to one of the few places he felt save, practically begged Aspen on the phone to join him and his dad again. 
Aspen complied, falling under his spell but Cornthian hopes it is because you want to see him as much as he wants to see you. The weeks have slipped away in the blink of an eye when your both near each other and he can’t explain how much more time he wants in your presence.
The late night killing sprees he completes do not hold a candle to the shine of your smile, the thrill of it all. Hell, he loves to make you smile, the easeful way your hair falls, warm and streaked with sunlight, makes you all the more alluring and he wants your smile to fall upon his face longer. 
******
The time at the park passes in a blur and you're on the way back to Corinthian’s apartment, Levi in tow, sitting atop his father’s shoulders, eyes bleary in exhaustion. The long day had certainly caught up to him between the grocery shopping, ice cream parlor, and additional park time.
You can’t blame him as you stifled back another yawn, yearning for the comfort of your bed. You almost sigh in relief when the apartment door opened, Levi murmuring sleepily that he wanted a popsicle, and Corinthian chuckled good-naturedly. 
You collapse onto the couch after taking your shoes off, relief sinking into you when the soft cushions meet your back. 
“Now this is nice.” You sigh and stretch. 
Cori smirked, Levi yawning on his shoulders as he pulled him down. 
“Time to get ready for bed, little buddy.” 
“Dad…” 
“Now, now Levi we’ve talked about this.” 
“But dad…” 
“Now now son, you know right and well you need to go to bed early tonight.” 
You smiled, continuing to listen in to their back and forth, soothed by the steady rhythm of their nightly routine, and your mind drifted, falling into thoughts you kept tightly concealed, ones that you hoped would never surface, let alone in the house of the person you have come to enjoy the company of for the past week, no month.
How time flew when you were together with him and Levi. You felt a certain kinship to Levi, healing the broken parts of your soul. You shifted adjusting yourself unconsciously, bumping up against something, or rather, someone next to you. 
Your heart raced. You try not to panic. Your heart is thrumming faster, certain you are in a dream until your eyes fly open, greeted with a room with soft light akin to a candle. 
Something, or someone stirs next to you and your first instinct is to get the hell out of there but your mind screams at you to take it slow so you do. 
Breathe. Kai isn’t here. You are safe. 
The mantra steadied you, and now that your eyes adjust to the light you can see you are in a large bedroom with a view overlooking the city, a gentle breeze blew through the room ruffling your hair. A soft sigh and groan followed from the figure next to you. Blonde, no almost platinum hair upon the bedsheets, and a nightmask around his eyes. 
Corinthian had tucked you in bed, his bed, and had fallen asleep next to you. You’re uncertain how you feel, then, but find the comfort of a warm body nice.
You liked that it was Corinthian there protecting you, watching over you, caring for you enough to let you stay. Though you had a panic about it you still find the gesture kind. In fact he was so kind you decided to return the favor and trailed your arm along his sleeping form, grasping onto his bicep. 
“What is it now, Morpheus. I have been good! Please.” 
“Corinthian? It’s me, Aspen.” 
You jostle him and still nothing. Nothing in the room made a sound, the breeze frozen on its journey through, almost stealing the breath from your lips.
Your bones felt cold, yet you can’t break away from Corinthian, his Adam's apple bobbling, lips pleading, forming words that don’t fall from his lips, until he croaks softly, “No…please don’t. Not him. Not Levi.” 
Dread falls into the pit of your stomach, awakening your irrational fears, but you shove them down, focusing on the man beside you. You nudge him again. 
“Cori? Wake up. I’m here. It’s me, Aspen,” You speak into the silence of the room, darkness convalescing down the walls, shadows playing on the cracks of the walls.
They laugh at you forming faces of your failures; you can’t save them, but you are the one who has to be saved. Can’t you do anything right? They taunt. You scream at them to leave you alone, just as Corinthian’s form jolts upright, breathing hard, a cold sweat chilling him to the bone. 
“Aspen?” Your name is a whisper on his tongue, tentative, unsure. 
You reach for his hand, squeezing tight in reassurance. “Yes, it’s me.” 
A few moments of silence pass, frozen in the low light of the room, moonlight streaming in. 
“Could you still care for me, even knowing I am a monster, an abomination?” 
“Cori we’ve known each other, have been talking for two months, now even if we only recently had our first date. You haven’t scared me off, yet. I do not think that will happen.” 
He gaffes before a bitter laugh follows. “Yet. So you will leave eventually, they all do.” 
Will you at least let me look at you? You do not sound okay” You reach for his eyemask and he turns his face from you. You’re not sure from fear, shame, or something worse. 
“I can’t let you or Levi see me this way.”
“Levi is fine, you put him to bed four hours ago, see?” You check the clock on the nightstand which chimes midnight, signaling a new day. “What’s really going on Cori? I know I have no right to prod into any more of your business. We haven’t known each other long, but would it help to talk about it?” 
He huffs, shifting before curling up. Why did you care? He is a monster, and doesn’t want you to see the true horrors he encapsulates.
Sure, he has done some things in the past that weren’t befitting of his station, but he had to claim his right. Surely Morpheus didn’t dare to track him down, yet the fear was always present, the thought of Levi being abandoned, left for dead, forgotten. 
Corinthian does not want to face that shame, so he pulls you close, taking a deep breath before replying. “Can you turn the light off, please?” 
You oblige, turning back the sheets, holding back a chill running down your spine. You hate to admit your fear of the dark but you can do this for him. A soft rustling comes from the bed and you hear the clicking of teeth, faint and rhythmic.
Your stomach turns in knots, thinking you stepped on something but eases as Corinthian feels for you, his mouth pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead, before pressing a gentle kiss to the top of your hand, then your palm, and the inside of your wrist. 
“Would you stay the night with me? I know you fell asleep earlier so I couldn’t ask and I want you to be alright.” He ignores the lump that forms in his throat as he speaks, hoping you will agree and keep his racing thoughts at bay. 
You smile, despite the pitch-black darkness as you whisper, “Of course,” all the while falling into his hopeful, waiting embrace.
******
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chaosbarelycontained ¡ 8 months ago
Text
See Me Go Through Changes
North Country Boy Chapter 4
Pairing: Simon “Ghost” Riley x AFAB!OC
TW: Swearing
Words: 2k
Synopsis: Price gives Jules access to much more than her usual tech and Ghost gets the third degree.
“You need a medic?” Price asked gruffly once the Lieutenant had left the gym.
“No sir, I’m good,” Jules responded, resisting the urge to rub her aching jaw, instead placing her beret back onto her head.
Price nodded once and set off at a brisk pace. Jules followed the Captain down stark corridors, each taking them deeper and deeper into the bowels of Stirling Lines barracks. They encountered a myriad of soldiers on their journey, most of them wearing the caps and badges of the SAS or the SRR, and all of them saluted Price as they passed.
They must have taken a circuitous route that Jules hadn’t used before but they ended up in a wing that was familiar to her and where she’d spent a lot of her time during her SRR training. Stopping before a closed, unmarked door, Price paused with his hand on the door knob. He turned to Jules with a devilish look in his eye.
“Now before we go in, just remember, I don’t want you to get all over-excited on me, Sergeant, understood?”
“Understood,” Jules replied, but her tone was raised, as if her response were a question.
Price pushed open the door and then stepped aside to reveal a bank of monitors and some of the most advanced computing and remote surveillance equipment Jules had ever seen. She stepped into the room with a soft gasp and ran her fingers delicately across the top of the monitors. Her skin prickled with goosebumps in the air-conditioned coolness and she turned back to Price with a genuine smile of joy.
“Fuckin’ ‘ell! Are you flirtin’ with me, Sir?” she teased, earning her a deep, rumbling chuckle.
“If I wanted to flirt with you, Tiger, you’d know about it. I take it you like the set-up?”
“Like it? It’s mint!” Jules exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement.
“Good. I need you to make sure it's got everything you need. If anything’s missing then there needs to be a list on my desk by 0800 hrs tomorrow. Anything, Sergeant. If you need it, just ask.”
“Absolutely, Sir,” Jules said, but already sounded distracted as her attention was drawn back to the equipment before her.
“One more thing,” Price stated, pulling her focus back to him.
“Yes, Sir?”
“Lieutenant Riley,” Price began and Jules immediately stiffened. “I don’t know what’s gone on and I don’t need to, unless it compromises my team. Will it compromise my team, Sergeant?”
“N-no, Sir,” she replied, her face flushing with embarrassment at her very public loss of control.
“Good. See that it stays that way,” he ordered, but then his face softened. “Go on then, have at it,” he nodded towards the monitors and left Jules to it.
She slid into the comfortable wheeled chair, removed her beret, and lifted the headset onto her head. One swipe of the mouse and the screens before her lit up to show the familiar MOD log in screen. She tapped in her credentials but the homescreen she was expecting to see didn't appear. Instead of the SRR logo with the Corinthian helmet and sword there was a design she hadn’t seen before. The centre of the logo still featured a sword but instead of the helmet there was a skull and they were bordered by a pair of feathered wings and a laurel wreath. The only text visible was under the hilt of the sword and all it stated were the numerals 141.
Moving the cursor over the logo, Jules left-clicked on it and the screen dissolved to show a desktop layout that wouldn’t look out of place in any office in the country but a closer look at the icons showed programs that the majority of people wouldn’t even know existed. There were flight scanners, access portals to world-wide air traffic controls, drone programming systems, access to civilian emergency service and CCTV networks, both radio wave and microwave detector systems for communications interceptions, banking network portals, and pretty much anything else she would need. There, at her fingertips, were the tools she needed to monitor and even start incursions the world over. There was even the Spotify app, which made her huff out a chuckle.
Even with only the most cursory of glances over the system, Jules couldn’t see anything that was conspicuous by its absence. Her list for the Captain was, for the moment, unpopulated. Checking the time on the clock in the bottom left of the screen she noticed a small icon that she recognised but had never had the opportunity to use.
“You’re shittin’ me,” she breathed, before double-clicking on the tiny image.
The screen darkened for a moment before lighting up with a soft blue glow. An electronic chirp sounded from one of the desk drawers and Jules opened it to reveal a high end VR headset resting on a magnetic charging dock.
“Jesus fuckin’ Christ,” she squealed, picking up the tech and cradling it in her hands.
Swallowing down the knot of excitement in her throat she removed the headset she was wearing and slowly replaced it with the VR gear. Sighing in satisfaction at the new accessibility she had gained she weaved her hands through the air in a graceful pattern, relishing the lack of need for hand controllers. A few gestures later and she was walking through the streets of Kyiv and then, in a flash, had been transported to favelas of Rio. Throwing her head back and letting out an excited laugh she allowed herself to get lost in the advanced technology that she loved.
* * * * * *
“Geek,” Rob said affectionately, scrubbing his hand over the top of her head. “Computer Science though, Jules? Why the fuck did you pick that?”
“Cause I like it, knobhead,” she replied, shoving his hand away and batting at his shoulder.
The pub in Preston wasn’t that busy for a Saturday afternoon and the train ride up from Manchester that morning had been uneventful. It had mainly consisted of Jules trying to study for a seminar whilst Simon did his best to antagonise her once he’d finished with the copy of FHM he’d picked up at Piccadilly Station.
“She’s good at it too,” Simon added, catching her eye over the rim of his pint glass. “Got some mint grades on your last assignments, didn’t y’Jules?”
“Yeah, suppose so,” she nodded, flushing a little at his praise.
Rob’s eyes flickered between the pair of them and narrowed in suspicion.
“Is there summat going on wi’ you two?' ' he asked.
“Nah!” Jules exclaimed hurriedly, spluttering around her cider and blackcurrant whilst Simon just let out a short laugh and shook his head.
“Just seem a bit pally, that’s all,” Rob hummed, draining his pint.
“Y’said to look out for her while y’were away,” Simon shrugged.
“I can look out for my own bloody self, Jesus,” Jules muttered. “Fuckin’ cavemen.”
After a chippy tea and a farewell to her brother, Jules and Simon made their way back to the station. He seemed lost in thought, not speaking much as they walked onto the platform to wait. Jules leaned back against the red brick wall and wrapped her arms around herself to stave off the chill of the evening.
A shadow fell across her, blocking the light from the station floodlights as Simon leaned over her, caging her in with a devilish smile.
“Didn’t realise the thought of bein’ wi’ me was so bad,” he rumbled, one hand propped against the wall above her head whilst the other came to rest at her waist.
“Was I wrong though?” she protested with a tilt of her chin. “We’re not exactly seein’ each other are we?”
“Well I’m not seein’ anyone else, Jules,” he said, his face turning slightly more serious.
“What’re y’sayin’ Si?” she breathed.
“Just think we should start bein’ honest with ourselves, that’s all,” he replied, his chestnut eyes trailing over her face.
“What about Rob?”
“I reckon he’d be alright with it,” he said, raising his hand to cup her face.
“I reckon he would too, but I think he’d kick your arse first,” Jules laughed softly.
“I’d let him if it got me wi’ you,” he laughed with her as his thumb brushed gently over her cheek.
“Dick’ead,” she murmured, her tongue darting out across her bottom lip as he lifted her chin and tilted his head down to capture her lips with his.
* * * * * *
Ghost waited at the door to Price’s office, outwardly presenting the model of military perfection but his mind whirled in a mess of guilt and confusion. He regretted pushing Jules as far as he had, and there wasn’t much in his life he did regret. Strange how a lot of it involved her though…
“Si, stopppp!” she laughed, batting his arm away from her waist.
Price rounded the corner of the corridor, his face drawing into a scowl as he spotted Ghost. He didn’t need to say a word, simply making a gesture to enter that Ghost followed without question.
The scent of patchouli permeated his nose as they climbed the uneven stone steps of the old drapery building that housed Affleck’s Palace.
He stood at ease before the Captain’s desk as Price sat and deliberately took his time making himself comfo​​rtable. Opening his top drawer he pulled out a cigar, clipped the end with a silver clipper that Ghost himself had gifted him and then lit the tobacco. He stared at his Lieutenant with an ambiguous expression as he waited for Ghost to break the silence.
“It’s on the top floor innit?” he asked, groaning at her pseudo-innocent face.
‘I didn’t know! I swear down!” she gasped out a giggle, grabbing his wrist and hauling up the stairs behind her.
“She’ll do,” Ghost rumbled, scrunching his nose a little under his mask which made the drying blood crack away from his skin.
“And is that your professional opinion?” Price asked, a hint of sarcasm making its way into his words.
“Yeah,” Ghost nodded once.
“Si! I found ‘em!” Jules squealed, bouncing over to him with four small figurines and a beaming smile on her face.
“Want to talk about it?” the Captain probed but Ghost shook his head.
“Negative.”
“Just going to throw this out there Simon, but maybe you need to talk to her.”
Ghost shook his head again but found himself unable to meet Price’s stare. They remained in their non-verbal standoff as the seconds ticked by but Price eventually let out a huff and shook his head in defeat.
“Go on then, dismissed. Just…stop being an arse to her, yeah?”
“It’s like you don’t even know me,” Ghost retorted, trying to lighten the atmosphere a little before leaving the office.
Slipping unseen into an empty room along the corridor, Ghost locked the door and then leaned back against it before sliding to the floor. Pulling his balaclava off over his head he ran his hand through his short blond hair and probed at his throbbing nose. It wasn’t broken, although it wouldn’t have been the first time. Resting his arms on his raised knees he dropped his head and let out a deep sigh.
They had to pass through the cafe on their way back to the stairs that would take them out of the building. Jules walked beside him clutching the paper bag that held her treasured purchase. He didn’t want to leave just yet, desperate to spend more time with her.
“D’you fancy a hot chocolate?” he asked, nodding his head towards the cafe’s counter.
“Umm, yeah, we could do that,” she replied.
He ordered for them whilst she found them two seats, near the window so they could watch the world go by below.
“Here y’are,” he said, placing a mug of hot chocolate topped with all the trimmings before her.
“Cheers, Si,” Jules muttered, but he could tell she was distracted.
“What’s up, chuck?” he asked, nudging her knee under the table.
“Y’don’t…y’don’t think it’s a stupid present?” she asked timidly, nodding towards the paper bag on the table.
“Don’t be daft Jules, he’s gonna love ‘em, and if he doesn’t, I’ll ‘av ‘em,” Simon grinned, trying to reassure her. “If someone bought me Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figures for my 19th I’d be made up!”
“Is that a hint?” Jules laughed, “‘cause I’m not buyin’ you Turtles for your birthday.”
Taglist: @aykxz98
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juliusmartel ¡ 8 months ago
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Well, since i have the power to draw whatever the hell i want i did some ship art of Corinthian x my nasty oldman oc (named Philip funnily enought). Dw i also ship them with my oc's young version so they doesnt look like two +100 years old b1tches but also as 2 very gay young lads 🏃💨
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