#could cook with her and she would teach her things. but then she'd just be gone for random periods of time and it was utterly inconsistent

[starmocha]

I know you once said xavier would be overprotective about his starlight and even send her to an all girls school and he almost killed jeremiah because she had a crush on him lol

and sylus would be more relaxed, he would trust his little birdie (considering she's been boxing since she was 3 lmao*) and kinda sulk in secret once she'd found herself a s/o but still trust her judgment

but what about the boys? because none of the dads fit into any kind of misogynistic trope

cause I see caleb fully supporting 8 year old little pilot in trying to get closer to his crush at school, can see him teaching little pilot to make some yummy food so he can share it with her and stuff

all good

i can see zayne doing his best to hide the tightness in his chest the second snowdrop admits to having a crush

because that's his sweet little boy growing up and this parenthood thing really is weird, he's both happy and sad but not in a bad way he's just feeling a little bittersweet, like just the other day this kid was trying to avoid nap time by kissing his dad's cheek and trying really hard to wrestle his way out of his dad's arms, wym he's got a crush? but after processing the news he does start to find it cute, especially if history repeats itself and snowdrop grows up to date his childhood sweetheart

and with raf I just see him going no, absolutely not 🙅‍♂️ he's too young! he's only 8. he barely even got his scales yet, no. nope. that's his little fishie, he'll tell mc. he used to be so little in fact he could fit in his palms like this 🤲 and he made that little fishie with a lot of love and care, as she's very much aware, ok, no. he's their precious cutie patootie. there'll be no dating and no crushing until he's old enough--

cut to the next day and he's supervising a "date" between his coral and coral's crush. they wanted to eat ice cream after school, and the crush's mom had already arranged it with mc over the phone and raf does admit to himself it's all freaking cute

but he's watching and he's not letting anyone break his fishie's heart

and mc's just 🙄

OOH, THIS IS A CUTE QUESTION 😭

Caleb — The way to a girl's heart is with braised chicken wings, Caleb jokes, telling his son that was how he won his mom over. (Cue MC elbowing him in the side about lying to their son like that). They still proceed with this cooking lesson with Caleb helping his son make the cutest little bento lunchbox with neatly packed rice and a generous amount of the aforementioned braised chicken wings, along with fresh fruits and sweets.

As his son is beaming with pride at the creation for his crush, Caleb quietly whispers to his wife, "At the very least, if his heart gets broken, he can comfort himself with the food."

He gets elbowed again.

Zayne — He is surprised, because this is the same boy who was upset to learn about White Day. Zayne supposes enough time has passed that his son would start to feel differently about girls, or maybe just this one girl.

At first it wasn't obvious that his son has a crush, but Zayne did notice how his son would stop by the hospital often after school instead of heading straight home. He was being very inquisitive, and Zayne would catch his son chatting with Uncle Greyson often, seeing the way the little boy's ears would turn red.

One day, Zayne's shift ends early so during a drive home with his son, the boy finally asks his dad, "How did you get Mommy to fall in love with you?"

Again, he sees the red ears, but Zayne hides his smile to avoid embarrassing his son. Zayne didn't even have to say much before his son confesses that Uncle Greyson mentioned how Zayne had offered dating advices to him before when he had his own crush on his Miss Hunter (now wife).

Zayne nods poignantly, mentioning how as a cardiac surgeon, he supposes he is very knowledgeable about all matters concerning the heart, including love.

His son stares at him.

Zayne smiles.

"Dad, did you just make a dad joke?!"

"Your mother fell in love with my sense of humor."

The boy groans. For once, he is doubting his father.

Rafayel — Rafayel finds out when Coral's teacher calls the both of them to express her disapproval about the boy calling one of his classmates "Cutie."

The two of them are confused, so that night over dinner, they carefully ask their son about that, and he just nonchalantly says, "That's what Daddy calls Mommy, right?"

"Uhh... yes?" Rafayel wonders why his son seems so calm.

"You call her that because you like her, right?"

Rafayel and his wife look at one another, and for some reason, they both felt embarrassed by the boy's frankness. Rafayel could even feel his own ears warming up.

"Um... correct?"

"I called her "Cutie" because I like her," the boy explains matter-of-factly, "She is my cutie."

Rafayel and his wife aren't even sure what to do in this situation as they just stare at their happy little fishie cheerfully eating his dinner as he switches the conversation over to talking about his favorite cartoon.

[spacedace]

I've seen the concept of Jason being adopted by various people other than Bruce while he was still a little tire stealing Crime Ally kid a few times, but I've yet to see anyone put forth the idea of Duke and his family taking him in.

Like, depending on the continuity Jason and Duke are only like 4 or 5 years apart in age, and we know for a fact that Duke was a terrifyingly brilliant kid already shaping up to be able to take down the Riddler in a battle of wits at the age of 9. Now throw in protective older brother Jason into that mix who didn't think twice about trying to steal the tires off the Batmobile and then try and hit Batman with a damn tire iron when he was caught.

Just imagine how terrifying it would be with the two of them growing up constantly feeding each other's unhinged Fight God and the Devil in a Waffle House Parking Lot at 3am and Win energy. Imagine the chaos they would cause. The terror they would strike into the hearts of their enemies- all before Duke ever even gor his powers.

They would be unstoppable. Just a pair of two of the smartest motherfuckers you've ever met who know they're smarter than you, and the only thing sharper than their minds are their vicious verbal take downs.

Also I just have the imagine in my head of Doug Thomas, half asleep early one Saturday morning stumbling into the kitchen after following the smell of breakfast to see his 8 year old son happily stuffing the most delicious looking pancakes imaginable into his mouth. Blinking in confusion as he realizes it's not his beloved wife cooking but some scrawny kid in worn out clothes, covered in engine grease and bruises manning the stove like a seasoned line cook - complete with the most foul mouthed swearing even Doug, a construction worker, has ever heard in his life and a cigarette tucked behind the kids ear.

And Doug has a moment where he's just staring, full on Who's Goddamn White Baby is That? when Duke pipes up to explain:

"This is Jason! I caught him trying to steal your catalytic converter this morning. His mom's dead and his dad is a deadbeat so he's gonna stay with us now!"

And oh. Well. Shit. He knows that look in his son's eye. Knows he's already lost the fight before it evan began. It looks like it's theirs. It's their god damn white baby now.

He's gonna have to call Elaine.

(Elaine, for her part, goes through the full range of human emotions when she gets home to realize that the boy Duke has decided they're adopting is the Todd boy Elaine has been trying to track down for months now.

She's Jason's social worker, not that she's been able to really do her job and help him when he's managed to stay under the radar of every single vaguely responsible adult in a ten mile radius. The one time he had been picked up by one of the few decent cops in the city and Elaine thought she was going to be able to finally finally help him, Jason had managed to climb out of a window of the precinct bathroom and disappear into the night.

He'd managed to steal the hubcaps of six different patrol vehicles while he was at it. Just to rub it in that there was nothing they could do to stop him.

Point was, the kid has been her damn white whale for almost a year. And now she walks into her home after a maddening unhelpful phone call with Doug about needing paperwork to adopt a child only to find the boy she'd spent so long looking for teaching Duke how to take apart and reassemble their toaster in the living room.

She isn't sure if she wants to laugh or cry.

She is sure that there's no way she's going to be able to convince Duke that they can't just adopt his new friend, not when she can tell that both boys have already gotten attached to each other in the scarce few hours they've known one other. Or when her husband is just sitting there eating delicious pancakes with such resignation in his eyes.)

[perfctvelvet]

Hey, I'm sorry if this is a weird request but could you please do Madelyn Cline and Sydney Sweeney x dom!reader threesome and reader is like mean and degrading them?

Pairing: Dom!Reader/Sydney Sweeney/Madelyn Cline

Summary: Reader indulges her girlfriend Sydney in a fantasy of hers. She just didn't know she'd be so into it. WC: 0.9k Content: 2nd POV, implied FWBs, threesome, D/s elements, oral sex (reader receiving), degradation. A/N: Format is cooked because I have no laptop of my own right now so yay

After the week you had, you knew you deserved not one, but two girls pleasing you in the way you need. You could've called anyone over to your place. When scrolling through your phone your fingered hovered over the name of a contact you knew to be so eager to please.

"You can come over tonight, but bring a friend."

If you told Sydney to jump for you, she'd ask how high. You aren't sure what made her that way with you or how it happened, but you took advantage of it without guilt. She had plenty of gorgeous friends to bring with her and your heart raced wondering which one of them she would bring. She had pulled up to your door with a new, but slightly familiar face. Madelyn. You have seen her around, mostly with Sydney and rarely in person. She was Sydney's good friend, but she didn't carry the same reputation as Sydney. It made you wet thinking about how Sydney was more than willing to offer up a new friend for you to use. Just 10 minutes after inviting them in and you were relaxed against your couch, glass of wine in hand, and two pretty girls between your legs.

You flicked through Netflix as if you were just having a regular Friday night. Part of the thrill, especially for your eager slut like Sydney, was that you acted like they were invisible; just toys to fulfill your needs.

Sydney's wet, soft pink tongue lapped at your clit. She loved the way you tasted. It was intoxicating. She always worked hard to make you whine and moan louder for her, but somehow she never managed to make you budge to her liking. Instead of being discouraged though, she just worked harder to hear you praise her. You do praise her, but not before

degrading her to see how much it'll motivate her.

"C'mon Syd, you can do better than that. Stop giving me those useless kitten licks and make me cum. Be a good example for your slut friend."

After that she went from licking your clit to sucking on it all while her friend Madelyn was licking your slit, her tongue prodding at your hole. She was good, but it's clear she didn't have as much experience as Sydney in being a mouth slut. You sort of enjoyed it, seeing that it was an opportunity to break in a new slut and add her to your roster.

You peel your eyes away from the TV and look down at them doing their very best to please you. They were trying everything to hear your filthy words turn into one of praise. Madelyn's tongue began to slip dangerously closer to your asshole, something she thought would work, but you didn't take well to the teasing.

"Aht-aht slut," you grab the back of her and move her lower so her tongue was pressed against your asshole. "No teasing. Sydney you need to teach your friends better before you bring them to me."

Sydney hummed in affirmative against your pussy before wrapping her lips around your clit, trying to make up for her mistake. You knew she was working hard, but she could come harder. And what motivated Sydney greatly was making her feel like she was doing her best.

"Two fucking greedy whores...you're lucky I even let you touch this pussy." They can't get enough of your taste, still licking and sucking through the verbal abuse. "You'll never be able to get more than this if you two don't make me cum more than once tonight."

Madelyn expected this to be a one time thing, but the possibility of more exploration and play excited her, making her eager to be the one that pleases you the most. Her friendship with Sydney was becoming a rivalry as it was every woman for herself when it came to receiving your praise and pleasure. She moves up and her tongue tries to get a taste of her clit despite Sydney have her soft lips wrapped around it. Madelyn was giving her a run for her money and you were impressed. Their two tongues began to dance around your clit, neither one of them wanting to share, but you forcing them to.

"Be good," you say sternly. You were now concentrating on your pleasure more than putting them down. Playing nice together will help them achieve their reward, but they were too blinded by a lust-fueled jealousy that made them fight for your clit. Your legs trembled as you felt the familiar pit in your stomach begin to ache. You grabbed a fistful of both of their hair and began to grind.

Your hips moved sloppily and you weren't even sure who's tongue was giving you the most pleasure, but it didn't even matter.

"Don't fucking stop! You're going to make me cum!"

Each girl felt like your message was directly for them and not the other. You truly didn't care who was the one making you cum when you felt the sweet release crash into your body. A weeks worth of tension just slipped out of your mind and you were filled with pleasure.

In your state of bliss you watch how Sydney and Madelyn's tongue began to meld together and they sloppily made out with each other over your cunt. You stare at them with a half-lidded gaze, the two of them sharing your arousal and moaning at the sweet taste of you. It was so hot that you almost had a word of praise on your lips for them...almost.

"Don't think we're done just because you've made me cum once."

You were serious about needing to cum more than once. But, truthfully the most fun part was watching Sydney and Madelyn do their best to be the one to impress you the most. Sloppy kisses and dripping arousal, they just wanted to hear you lobby your filth at them.

[tinyshyteacup]

Taglist: @kellynickelsgirl00 @i-doutt-it @beth-isnt-home @darylandbethfanforever9 @brianna-merlim @pumpkinkpieandtomato @smashleywow @imadisneyprincessiswear @clementineslawyer @pandaofsilentdeath @dixonsbridexx @imadisneyprincessiswear @staley83 @death-in-a-tar0t-card @straw--b3rry

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

TW: cussing, Merle is well ... Merle, angst, walkers (Zombies), gaslighting, manipulation, Woodbury, the Governor.

Part 8

Between Brothers - Part 9

The next morning, you were still marveling at the strange luxury of waking up in an actual bed when a crisp knock echoed through your apartment door. You padded out of your bedroom, noting that Merle's door across the small hallway was still closed.

You opened the door to find a polished brunette woman, clipboard in hand and a practiced smile on her face.

"Good morning! I'm Rowan, sort of the Governor's right hand around here," she said brightly, her voice carrying the kind of cheerful efficiency that belonged in corporate offices, not the apocalypse. "I wanted to talk to you both about how you can contribute to our little community."

The sound of voices must have roused Merle, because his door creaked open and he appeared behind you, shirtless and scratching his belly, eyeing the woman with his usual blend of suspicion and crude assessment. Damn, even the office girls in this place got some meat on their bones, he thought, before his attention shifted protectively to you. But ain't none of 'em got what my lil doe's got.

"Merle," you said quickly, your cheeks flushing as you turned to face him, "put a damn shirt on."

"What's the matter, sugar?" Merle drawled, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he noticed your flustered state. "Ain't nothin' you ain't seen before. 'Sides, maybe the lady here appreciates a man who ain't afraid to show what God gave him." He flexed slightly, clearly enjoying your discomfort.

You rolled your eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. "Really? ... You're impossible."

"Aw hell, honey, you're cute when you get all proper on me," he chuckled, but made no move to cover himself. "Tell you what, I'll think about puttin' on a shirt if you ask real nice."

"Come on in," you said politely to Rowan, trying to ignore Merle's teasing, your accent thicker with embarrassment. "Would you like some coffee?"

"Oh, that's sweet of you, dear, but I can't stay long. Lots to organize!" Rowan bustled in, immediately taking charge of the small space, seemingly unfazed by Merle's state of undress. "Now, Merle, the Governor mentioned you'd be working security - patrols, supply runs, that sort of thing. Very important work."

"Damn right it is," Merle drawled, puffing up at the recognition. "Ain't many folks know how to handle themselves proper out there."

"Exactly!" Rowan's smile turned to you. "And for you, dear, we have some wonderful opportunities. There's the community garden - we always need help with the vegetables. The childcare center could use another gentle hand. And of course, there's cooking duty, laundry rotation, mending clothes..." She rattled off the list like she'd memorized it.

You blinked, your brow furrowing slightly. "Those are... those are all very nice, but what about patrols? Or supply runs? I've been out there with Merle for months."

Rowan's laugh was like tinkling bells, dismissive and patronizing. "Oh sweetie, that's dangerous work. Wouldn't you rather stay here in Woodbury? Leave all the rough stuff to the men who have the training and experience. You'd be much more suited to the nurturing roles - helping with the sick, teaching the children. That work is just as important as the other work, of course." Her eyes flicked meaningfully to Merle.

"Besides, I'm sure your man wouldn't want anything happening to such a pretty little thing."

"Oh, we're not—" you started, but Rowan steamrolled right over you.

The way Rowan had called him 'your man' sent an unexpected thrill through him, even as he watched you try to correct her. Damn right I'm her man, a voice in Merle's head insisted, though another part of him knew it wasn't that simple. Should be, anyway. Girlie needs somebody to look after her, and ain't nobody gonna do it better than me. She'll come around eventually. Just gotta be patient, let her see what she's missin'.

"Now, I know it might seem limiting at first, but you'll find that the gentler work here is deeply fulfilling. There's real satisfaction in creating a proper home environment." Rowan continued.

Something uncomfortable twisted in Merle's gut at her words, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why. 'Course I don't want nothin' happenin' to her, he thought, his eyes fixed on your face as you tried to speak up. But she's tougher than this bitch gives her credit for. Hell, she saved my damn life.

"I'm not trying to rock the boat," you said carefully, glancing at Merle with a mixture of frustration and uncertainty. "But I mean, I've been living outside the walls, isn't that experience?"

Merle watched your face, seeing something flicker there - confusion, maybe irritation. That's it sugar, he thought. Don't let this pencil-pusher tell you what you can and can't do.

"Oh, I know you have, honey, but that's survival. This is civilization." Rowan's tone was so sweet it could have given you diabetes. "We have systems here, roles that work. Besides, don't you want a break? Time to get your bearings?"

"I'll... think about it," you said finally, your voice smaller than Merle liked hearing it.

"Wonderful! I'll put you down for garden duty to start. Very peaceful, very safe." Rowan made a note on her clipboard. "Merle, Martinez will find you after breakfast. He'll show you how we do things here."

After Rowan left, you were quiet as you helped Merle adjust the straps on his prosthetic - Milton had dropped it back to Merle last night, but every strap had been undone.

"Penny for your thoughts, lil-doe," he said, watching your face in the small mirror above the bathroom sink.

"It's just..." you started, then shook your head. "The jobs she mentioned for me. They're all very... traditional, aren't they?"

Merle felt a flicker of something that might have been doubt. "What you mean by that?"

"Cooking, cleaning, childcare. While the men do all the protecting and decision-making." Your accent made the words sound softer, less accusatory than they might have otherwise. "I swear I saw a woman with weapon yesterday during our tour."

Shit, Merle thought. She's got a point there. Did see a girlie with a rifle. "You think that Rowan gal was trying to pigeonhole you?"

"Maybe. Or maybe I'm overthinking." You finished with the straps and stepped back. "What do you think?"

Merle was quiet for a moment, turning the prosthetic to check the fit. Truth was, part of him liked the idea of you safe in a kitchen or garden, away from anything that could hurt you. But another part - the part that had watched you handle yourself on the road, seen you make tough choices when you had to - knew you were capable of more. Softer than butter on the outside, but anyone who can burn off a man's stump without flinching ain't no delicate flower. He thought to himself.

"Tell you what, sugar. Let me get the lay of the land first, see how things really work around here. Then we'll figure out what's best."

Smart play, Dixon. Don't rock the boat too early. But keep an eye on things.

An hour later, Martinez arrived with the swagger of a man who knew his worth in a dangerous world. He was compact and moved with the confidence of someone who'd survived through a combination of both skill and luck.

"Ready to see how we do things around here, Dixon?" Martinez asked, his rifle over his shoulder.

Merle sized him up with the automatic assessment of a man who'd learned to judge threats quickly. "Lead the way, amigo."

Martinez led him to the wall first - an impressive structure built from stacked shipping containers, their rusted metal surfaces painted with watch numbers and sector markings. Above the containers, old truck tires had been stacked and wired together, adding another six feet of height and making it impossible for biters to get past the rubber surfaces.

"Smart setup," Merle admitted, running his eyes along the fortifications with interest. "Containers give you good solid base, tires make it hard for them dead bastards to climb. Who thought this up?"

"Combination of ideas," Martinez said, leading him along the perimeter. "Governor had the vision, we had the manpower to make it happen. Took us three months to scavenge enough containers."

"Bet that was a bitch," Merle said, examining the welding points where containers had been fused together. "These things weigh what, eight thousand pounds empty?"

"About that. Had to use a crane truck we liberated from a construction site. Pain in the ass to get running, but worth it." Martinez kicked at one of the containers. "Thing is, biters can't push 'em over, can't climb 'em, can't dig under 'em worth shit."

"What about the gaps between containers?" Merle asked, pointing to the seams.

"Welded shut, then reinforced with steel plates. Governor insisted on redundancy - if one section fails, the whole wall don't come down."

They walked further along the perimeter, Martinez pointing out details that spoke of serious tactical thinking. "See them kill holes? Spaced every ten feet, angled downward. Biters mass up against the wall, we can thin 'em out without exposing ourselves."

"Now that's smart," Merle said with genuine approval. "Most folks just build a wall and hope for the best. This is military-grade thinking."

"Governor's got experience with this kind of thing. Knows the difference between a fence and a fortification."

As they walked, Martinez peppered Merle with questions about survival tactics, combat experience, the kind of shop talk that built camaraderie between fighting men. "So you been out there long? Must've seen some serious shit."

"Long enough to know what works and what gets you killed," Merle said, his chest puffing with pride.

"We got Six-hour shifts," Martinez explained. "Two guards per section, overlapping coverage. Radio check-ins every sixty minutes."

Merle nodded approvingly. "Not bad setup, though I'd have positioned crossfire points here and here." He pointed to spots that would provide better coverage. "And them rifles y'all are carryin'... when's the last time anybody cleaned 'em proper?"

Martinez raised an eyebrow. "You got experience with weapons maintenance?"

"Son, I was cleanin' guns before you were out of diapers." Merle's tone carried the condescension of a man who'd grown up with firearms as tools of survival. "Military don't always teach you boys how to really maintain your equipment. Just how to follow orders and march in pretty lines."

"I wasn't military," Martinez said evenly.

"No? What then - street gang? Cartel?" Merle's tone turned knowing, drawing on every stereotype he'd ever absorbed. "Bet you boys thought you were tough shit with your fancy automatic weapons and your turf wars."

Martinez's jaw tightened, but he forced a smile. "Something like that. But this ain't the old world, Dixon. Different rules now."

"Rules don't change human nature, amigo. Strong survive, weak get eaten." Merle was warming to his theme, feeling superior and confident. "Good thing for y'all that you got somebody who knows how to really fight joinin' the team."

"Damn right," Martinez agreed. "Man with real combat experience is worth his weight in gold these days. Most of these civilian types, they panic first time they see biters."

"Panic'll get you killed faster than anything," Merle said, examining one of the rifles leaning against the watchtower wall. "This piece of shit's been fired recently but not cleaned. Bolt's gonna jam on you when you need it most."

"Show me," Martinez said, genuinely interested.

Merle field-stripped the rifle with practiced efficiency, pointing out carbon buildup and improper lubrication. "See this? Firing pin's gonna stick. Probably already misfired once or twice, am I right?"

"Yeah, actually. Johnson mentioned it yesterday."

"Course he did. Gun don't lie, but it'll sure as hell get you killed if you don't treat it right." Merle's hands moved with the automatic competence of decades of experience. "You want this thing to work when them biters are climbin' your wall, you maintain it proper."

They continued the tour, Martinez carefully feeding Merle's ego while taking mental notes. Every display of tactical knowledge, every piece of weapons expertise, every story about surviving in the wasteland - it all painted a picture of a dangerous man who could be useful.

"What's your ammo situation?" Merle asked as they examined another section of the wall.

"Better than most places. Governor made sure we stockpiled before things got really bad. Plus we got a guy who can reload shells if we're careful with the brass."

"Smart. Ammo's gonna be the new currency soon enough," Merle said. "You boys ever deal with raiders? Living ones, I mean."

"Couple times. Nothing we couldn't handle." Martinez's tone was casual, but Merle caught the slight tension.

"Raiders are worse than biters," Merle said with authority. "Biters just want to eat you. Raiders... they get creative. Torture, kill, or worse. Takes a special kind of bastard to handle that business proper."

"You sound like you know from experience."

Merle's grin was cold and humorless. "Let's just say I ain't above doin' what needs doin' to protect what's mine. Sometimes you gotta be the monster to keep the real monsters away."

Martinez nodded approvingly. This was exactly what the Governor wanted to hear - that Dixon had the stomach for the darker work that kept Woodbury safe.

"I bet. That girl of yours she seems... sweet. Innocent." Martinez's tone was carefully neutral. "Must be nice, having someone to come home to."

Sweet don't even begin to cover it, Merle thought, images of you flashing through his mind - the way you'd carefully cleaned his wounds, the soft sounds you made in your sleep. Got curves in all the right places too, not that any of these bastards are gonna get the chance to notice.

"She's special, alright," Merle said aloud, his voice carrying a warning edge. "Real special."

The tour continued with more technical discussion - patrol schedules, weapon assignments, communication protocols. Martinez was impressed despite himself with Merle's knowledge. The man might be a racist asshole, but he knew his business when it came to survival and combat.

"Governor's got a real setup here," Merle said as they finished examining the perimeter defenses. "Man knows how to build something that lasts."

"He's always looking for the right people to help maintain it," Martinez replied. "Men who understand what it takes to keep the peace. To handle the problems that civilian leadership can't stomach."

"Every community needs somebody willin' to do the hard jobs," Merle agreed. "Jobs that require a certain... flexibility when it comes to methods."

Martinez smiled. Perfect. Dixon was already thinking like an enforcer, already separating himself from the "civilians" who couldn't handle the brutal realities of their world.

"Your girl's lucky to have found someone who takes that seriously." Martinez said with conviction.

The praise hit its mark, and Merle practically glowed with satisfaction. This is what I been needin'. Place where folks understand what I bring to the table. Where they appreciate a man who knows his business.

"Governor's got a good eye for talent," Martinez added as they finished up, filing away every word for later report. "Knows how to spot the real deal when he sees it. Knows how to reward men who prove themselves useful."

Merle preened under the praise. "Damn right he does. Takes one to know one, I reckon."

"Man with your skills, your experience... I got a feeling you're gonna fit in real well here. Maybe even move up the ranks, if you prove yourself."

"I ain't afraid of hard work," Merle said, his chest puffing with pride. "Always been the kind of man who earns his keep."

As they walked back toward the residential area, Martinez felt satisfied with his work. The tactical talk had done exactly what the Governor said it would - made Dixon feel valued and respected without being too obvious about it. The man's ego was thoroughly stroked, and he was already starting to see himself as part of Woodbury's inner circle.

The Governor had been right - looked like the girl was the key to controlling Merle Dixon. All they had to do now was keep stoking that fire, keep making him feel like his value as a man depended on his usefulness to Woodbury.

That evening, the main street of Woodbury was transformed for a community dinner. Tables stretched down the middle of the road, lit by lanterns and string lights that gave everything a warm, festive glow. The smell of real food - grilled meat, fresh bread, actual vegetables - filled the air like a promise of better times.

You'd changed into one of the dresses Rowan had dropped off. It was simple, brought out your eyes, but you where just grateful it was clean.

Merle's throat went dry when he saw you emerge from your bedroom. Jesus, he thought, his eyes tracking every curve the fabric clung to. Look at her. Like somethin' out of a damn magazine, Bet she'd arch her back real nice if I put my mouth on her. Keep it together, Dixon.

You took a seat at one of the long tables with some of the other residents, chatting quietly about the meal preparations and the children running between the tables. Merle found himself at a different table with the Governor, but his eyes kept drifting back to you, watching the way you smiled at something one of the residents said, the way you tucked a strand of hair behind your ear.

"Don't you two look wonderful tonight. Merle, I hear great things about your first day." The Governor smiled as he handed Merle a beer, his smile warm but not quiet reaching his eyes.

"Just doin' what needs doin'," Merle said, but he was practically glowing with pride.

"Martinez tells me you have some ideas about improving our defenses. I'd love to hear them." The Governor's attention was like a spotlight, making Merle feel important, valued. "A man with your experience... well, that's exactly what Woodbury needs."

"I got plenty of ideas," Merle said, leaning back in his chair with the confidence of a man who knew his worth. "Been thinkin' about your weak points, your sight lines. Y'all got good bones here, but you're missin' some key defensive positions."

As they talked shop, Merle felt himself relaxing under the Governor's attention. This was what he'd been missing - respect, recognition of his skills. Not just being tolerated or endured, but actually valued.

"Your patrol routes could use some adjustment too," Merle continued, warming to the subject. "And that armory of yours - hell, some of them weapons ain't been cleaned proper in months. Give me a week and I'll have your boys shootin' straighter than they ever have."

"That's exactly the kind of leadership we need here," the Governor said, his voice carrying genuine admiration. "A man who knows how to take charge, how to protect what matters."

The Governor's eyes drifted meaningfully toward where you sat, chatting with the other residents. "Speaking of protecting what matters... it's wonderful to see her settling in so well. She looks happy, peaceful. You've done right by her, Merle. Not every man could keep someone safe in times like these."

The praise hit Merle like good moonshine, warming him from the inside out.

"She's somethin' special, that one," Merle said, his voice thick with pride and possessiveness. "Don't make 'em like her anymore. Soft as hell, but tough as nails when she needs to be."

"A woman like that brings out the best in a man," the Governor continued, his tone carefully calculated. "Makes him want to provide for her, protect her. Give her the kind of life she deserves."

"Hell yes," Merle agreed emphatically. "Girl like that needs a man who can take care of her proper. Someone who knows how to handle business, keep the wolves away from the door."

The Governor nodded approvingly. "Exactly. And when a man provides that kind of security, that kind of protection... well, a woman appreciates it. Shows her gratitude in all the ways that matter."

Merle's pulse quickened at the implication. His imagination ran wild with possibilities, thinking about you looking at him with something more than friendship. Bet she'd be real grateful. Bet she'd get on her knees and—

"'Course, takes time to build that kind of trust," the Governor added casually. "A woman has to see a man in action, see that he can deliver on his promises before she truly appreciates what he brings to the table."

Emboldened by the Governor's words and the admiring looks from other residents, Merle felt a surge of his usual brass confidence. He pushed back from his table and strode over to where you sat, the alcohol and praise making him bold.

Without warning, he reached and put his arm around your shoulders - a possessive, claiming gesture. His fingers brushed against the soft skin of your neck as it moved around you.

Soft as silk, he thought. Wonder if she's this soft everywhere.

You jumped like you'd been shocked, your body going rigid under his touch. "What the hell are you doing?" you hissed, your voice low but sharp with surprise and confusion.

The residents around you went quiet, their conversations dying as they sensed the sudden tension. A few eyes from other tables turned to you both, the moment stretching awkwardly. Merle's face stuttered, embarrassment and wounded pride warring in his chest. His fantasies crashed down around him as he realized he'd badly misjudged the situation. But he covered it with his usual crude humor, his laugh rough and forced.

"Can't blame a man for wantin' to show off his favorite girl, can ya?" His voice carried just enough lewdness to make it sound like typical Merle, but you could of swore you saw something flickering in his eyes. "Hell, if I don't keep an eye on you, half the men in this place probably gonna try to snatch you away from ol' Merle."

Your expression shifted from surprise to clear exasperation, your eyes rolling skyward as you let out a frustrated sigh.

"Really, Merle?" You scoffed.

Play it off as a joke. That's it. Just Merle bein' Merle. She'll come around once she sees what I can do for her. Governor's got the right idea - show her I'm a provider, a protector, then she'll be putty in my hands.

The Governor had followed him over and chuckled indulgently, as if watching an amusing but harmless display.  "Careful Merle, the world's full of people who'd take advantage of a gentle heart like hers. Men who might promise her things they can't deliver, make her think the grass is greener somewhere else."

Something in his tone made Merle's protective instincts flare like a struck match. The idea of some other man putting his hands on you, making promises to you, taking what Merle had fought so hard to protect ...

Over my dead body. He thought Any sonofabitch tries to take her from me gonna find out real quick what kind of man they're dealin' with.

"Ain't nobody gonna take advantage of her while I'm around," Merle growled, his hand tightening slightly on your shoulder.

But before the Governor could respond, you spoke up, your voice carrying an edge that surprised everyone but Merle.

"Boys, I appreciate the concern, but I'm not helpless." Your accent made the words sound deceptively soft, but there was steel underneath. "I've made it this far, haven't I Merle ?"

The flash of spirit in your eyes, the way you straightened your spine and lifted your chin - made heat curl low in Merle's belly. There she is. My fierce lil-doe with her claws out.

Merle barked out a genuine laugh, relief and pride flooding through him like a tide. "Governor, let me tell you somethin' - you don't want to get on the bad side of her, Looks sweet as pie, but she's got fight when she needs it." He grinned at you with something that looked almost like respect.

The Governor's eyebrows rose with interest. "Is that so? Well, that's even better. A woman who can handle herself when necessary, but knows when to let her man take the lead."

"'Course, she's gentle as a lamb with folks who treat her right," Merle added, his voice taking on a possessive warmth. "Ain't that right, sugar?"

You gave him a look that was part exasperation, part something else he couldn't quite read. But you didn't move away, and that felt like a victory.

"I should probably get back to helping clear these tables," you said, your voice carefully neutral.

The Governor watched you walk away with calculating eyes before turning back to Merle. "She's something special, that one. A woman like that... she deserves a man who can give her everything she needs. Security, comfort, a real future."

"That's what I'm plannin' to give her," Merle said, his voice thick with determination and desire. "Soon as I find my brother, soon as we get settled proper... gonna make sure she never wants for nothin'."

And when I do, when I prove I'm the man she needs, she's gonna be mine in every way that counts. Governor's right - it's just a matter of time.

The Governor smiled, satisfied that his seeds were planted deep. "I believe you will, Merle. I believe you will."

While the men continued their political posturing, you found yourself drawn into conversation with Milton, who'd appeared at your elbow with his nervous energy.

"Fascinating social dynamics," he murmured, watching the interplay between Merle and the Governor. "The way leadership structures form in crisis situations..."

"You study people?" you asked, genuinely curious.

"Among other things. But lately, I've been more interested in the biters themselves." His voice dropped, becoming more intense. "I have a theory that they might still be... aware. Trapped inside their own bodies, remembering fragments of their old lives."

The words hit you like a physical blow, your breath catching in your throat. Your own beliefs, the ones you'd carried from your home, had always taught that the soul was sacred, that consciousness was precious. The idea of those poor souls trapped in rotting flesh, aware but unable to escape...

"That's..." your voice came out as barely a whisper, "that's horrible."

Milton nodded eagerly, not noticing how pale you'd gone. "Exactly! If I'm right, if there's still some part of the person left inside, then what we're doing - the killing, the destruction of the bodies - it might be mercy. Or it might be murder. The ethical implications are staggering."

Tears pricked at your eyes, your heart breaking for every walker you'd seen fall, every shot fired, every blade that had found its mark. Were they screaming inside those decaying shells? Were they begging for help that would never come? Had you been killing people ?

"Excuse me," you mumbled, standing abruptly. "I'm gonna get another drink."

Later that night, back in your shared apartment, the weight of Milton's words crashed down on you. You'd held it together through dinner, through small talk, through the Governor's penetrating stares and Merle's weirder then usual behavior. But now, in the safety of four walls and a locked door, you couldn't hold back anymore.

The tears came in quiet, broken sobs as you sat on the edge of your bed, your hand pressed to your mouth so you wouldn't disturb Merle, who you assumed would most likely make fun of you.

All of Milton's words echoed in your head - the possibility that every walker might still be in there, trapped and screaming.

Merle found you like that when he walked past from the bathroom, his expression immediately shifting from post-dinner satisfaction to alarm. The sight of you crying hit him like a punch to the gut, stirring up protective instincts.

Jesus, what the hell happened? Who the fuck made her cry? His mind immediately went to violence, to finding whoever had upset you and making them pay.

"Hey now, lil' doe, what's got you all torn up?" He sat beside you carefully, his voice gentler than you'd ever heard it. The mattress dipped under his weight.

"Sugar, c'mon talk to me. What happened?" He kept his hands to himself for now, though every instinct screamed at him to touch you, make it better somehow.

"Milton," you managed between sobs, your accent thick with emotion. "He thinks... he thinks they're still in there. The walkers. Still aware, like there trapped..."

"Aw, hell, honey." Merle's voice was rough with understanding. "That crazy scientist got you thinkin' too hard about shit that don't matter."

Gonna find that pencil-necked little bastard and show him what happens when he upsets my girl. Gonna make him sorry he ever opened his mouth.

"But what if he's right?" You looked up at him with tear-stained cheeks, your heart breaking all over again. "What if every time we... what if we're hurting people who can't escape?"

The sight of your face, streaked with tears, made something crack inside Merle's chest. He'd seen you scared, seen you tired, seen you angry - but he'd never seen you like this before.

Merle was uncharacteriscally quiet for a long moment, studying your face in the lamplight. Most people would have dismissed your tears, called you weak for caring about the dead. But he'd seen your strength, knew the size of your heart.

Too good for this world. And that little shit had to go and poison her mind with some crazy theories.

"Honey'," he said finally, reaching out to brush a tear from your cheek. He used the pad of his thumb to wipe away the moisture beneath your eye. His fingers, calloused and rough from years of hard living, moved with surprising gentleness against your soft skin.

"You got the biggest heart of anyone I ever met," he continued, his thumb tracing along your cheekbone without him really realizing what he was doing. The gesture was tender, protective, nothing like the crude way he'd thrown his arm around you at dinner.

"But you can't carry the weight of that shit. You'll drive yourself crazy."

Another tear spilled over, and this time he caught it with his knuckle, his touch feather-light.

"Listen to me, lil' doe." His voice was serious now, more serious than you'd ever heard it. "Even if that nutjob's right, even if there's somethin' left in there... what we do ain't cruel. It's mercy. We set 'em free."

You leaned into his touch despite yourself, the movement pressed your cheek more firmly into his palm, desperate for comfort, for someone to tell you it was okay to feel this way.

"It just hurts to think about," you whispered, and another tear slipped free.

"I know it does, sugar. I know." Merle's arm came around you carefully, tentatively, ready to pull back if you objected. When you didn't, he drew you closer, his hand settling on your back with the same careful pressure he'd used on your face.

"You ain't gotta carry this alone, sugar'," he murmured his lips close to your ear. "Ol' Merle's here. Ain't goin' nowhere."

[ellieputellas]

puppy love | ona batlle x reader

headcanons — Ona Batlle as your first love You and Ona Batlle have been best friends since childhood, always knowing each other better than anyone else. But as the years pass, hidden feelings begin to surface, and what once felt like innocent puppy love starts to bloom into something more.

contains: 10k+ words, firstlove!Ona, artist!reader, fluff, childhood best friends, friends-to-lovers, longterm yearning, some angst... not too much i promise, occasional use of y/n, cursing masterlist | please do not repost or plagiarize this.

firstlove!Ona and you met when you were both 7 years old. She was a new student at your school. At first, she was quiet and reserved, which made you want to take her under your wing; something about her drew you in. So, you would hang out with her during recess and sit beside her during class. It took her some time to open up but you were determined to be her friend.

firstlove!Ona wasn’t sure what to think of you at first. She was used to being alone, content with her own company—until you came along, full of sunshine, with that gummy smile and endless yapping. You were the sunshine she needed in her life. She decided that maybe it wasn’t so bad having a friend.

firstlove!Ona admired everything about you. She loved how you always took charge of class activities, acted so mature and polite to your teachers, and did so well in art class, teaching her different coloring techniques. You were her idol, and she wasn’t shy about letting you know.

firstlove!Ona grew fiercely protective of you. You were sunshine and always full of smiles and giggles. You also loved dressing up to school, with big bows and multicolored clips all over your hair which, for some reason, meant all the lame, insecure boys in your school loved to pick on you. Ona decided that as long as she was around, no one would dull your sparkle.

firstlove!Ona kicked your bully in the nuts after he stole the new pretty, blue ribbon clips out of your hair, calling you lame and girly. He was older than Ona, taller than her too… but that didn’t stop her. She chased him to no end with the most frightening expression an eight-year-old could have.

You watched as the nine-year-old boy keeled over in pain as Ona stood close by, panting after she had run after him. The boy cried out as Ona smirked in satisfaction. "Don't ever mess with her again." She barked at him.

You rushed over to Ona. "Are you okay?" To which she just smiled at you genuinely and said, "Of course, I got your clips back."

firstlove!Ona would draw only two things in art class: you, or you and her together. The teacher would ask everyone to draw dinosaurs. She would draw you two as dinosaurs. Cat? You two riding a giant cat. Her family? Her family… with you inserted there somehow. A rainbow? You two underneath a rainbow.

firstlove!Ona didn't have a concept of a crush or romantic love back then. But all your teachers noticed just how much the little girl admired you.

firstlove!Ona would often insist that you play house with her. Your favorite part of playing house was cooking “food” with her, which was just the two of you mixing soap, coins, and loose beads in a large bowl. But, Ona’s favorite part of playing house was being the husband while you were the wife. She’d brush your hair and hold your hand because, to her, that’s what husbands did. And, whenever other kids tried to tell her that she couldn't be your husband because she was a girl, she'd threaten to kick their balls too.

firstlove!Ona loved your movie dates at her house, especially when you two watched Disney princess movies.

"Ona, you can be Princess Belle and I'll be Princess Ariel!" You said, playing pretend after watching Beauty and the Beast on one of your play dates. Ona frowned. "Ew, I don't want to be Belle!" You frowned back. "Why? She's so pretty, just like you!" You teased. "I don't want to marry a beast," She exclaimed. "And I don't want you to be Ariel 'cause that would mean you'll be a fish and I can't swim that well yet." You laughed. "Then what princesses do you want us to be, then?" "We should just be our own princesses with no fish and no beasts and no princes." She exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air and you looked at her like she was crazy. "No prince?" You frowned. "Can we be princesses with no prince?" "Yeah, duh! It's better to have no prince so we don't have to spend all our time kissing them and we can just play all day!" She exclaimed proudly.

firstlove!Ona was already very competitive at an early age. She was the best at playing tag in the playground, never letting anyone beat her. Well, except you. Even if you were almost twice as slow as she was, she would purposely slow down her pace just so you could catch up and tag her.

"It's so unfair when you two play." One of the kids in the playground said. "Ona always just lets you win." Ona frowned at her. "You're just bitter 'cause you run like a grandma." "Well, we still don't want you to join us anymore." The kid said, crossing her arms. "You're not our friend anymore." "Good! We'll go ahead and find friends who can run faster." Ona shouted.

firstlove!Ona loved to play football. She would move so well with the ball that the parents in the playground would think that she was older than she was. (You weren't as good as she was, but that was fine. You were more than happy being her cheerleader.)

firstlove!Ona hated it when the boys she played football with would say they had a crush on you. The more they said you were cute, the more she was determined to be better than them just so you would focus on only her and not on them.

firstlove!Ona's parents quickly realized how skilled she was in football and decided to enroll her in some basic classes near your school. She was excited but quickly got disappointed when she learned you weren't joining her.

"But why can't she join me?" One complained. Her parents sighed exasperatedly. "Ona, your best friend has other interests; you can't expect her to do everything you want to do." They tried to reason out to the eight-year-old. "And her mom already told me that she isn't interested in football." "But she likes being with me when I play football." She pouted. "She can just sit in the side of the field and watch me play." "Ona, her parents are not going to let her sit around all afternoon at the side of a field to watch you play. Besides, her mom said she's taking some art classes nearby so you can visit her after, okay?" Her mom explained to which Ona just scoffed.

firstlove!Ona started playing with local boy’s leagues in your town since there wasn't a local girl's team. She was starting to get more and more popular in school due to her football skills but she never wanted to hang out with anyone else except you.

firstlove!Ona secretly hated your new friends from art class. She hated how you had inside jokes that she never understood. She hated how you had matchy bracelets with some stupid girl named Carla. She hated how she saw Carla brushing your hair after your art class. She basically hated Carla ever since Carla bid you goodbye with a "Bye, Bestie!" which was off-limits to her. She was your best friend, not this stupid girl.

firstlove!Ona tolerated your art friends just so she could be around you. All the other girls tried to be nice to Ona too but they always did think she was kinda gross for always being covered in grass and mud, and that she was too clingy and possessive of you.

firstlove!Ona was invited to her first group sleepover for your ninth birthday. She hated it; it felt like your art friends were suddenly invading activities you used to do only with each other but since you liked them, she was forced to suck it up. They made you happy, at least.

"Let's play Truth or Dare!" Carla exclaimed. "I'll spin this bottle and if it lands on you, you choose truth or dare." All the girls chuckled and yelped, making Ona roll her eyes. She hated how shrill and loud your friends were. Much to Ona's surprise, the bottle spun to face her. She groaned, unwilling to play with her clueless nemesis Carla. "Truth, I guess." The girls all thought of their question. Your other friend Julia finally asked. "Who is your crush?" Ona looked confused. "My crush?" Julia nodded. "Crush means someone you like." “Oh yeah, I forgot what it meant.” Ona just shrugged. "I guess, then it's Y/N." The girls laughed as you awkwardly looked away from Ona, feeling a little bit shy and embarrassed. You didn't know why but her answer made you a bit flustered. Ona looked confused. "Why are you laughing?" "Crush means like-like, silly. Like someone you wanna marry or someone you wanna kiss." Carla explained. “Not just your best friend.” "Oh," Ona frowned. "Then it's still Y/N." The girls laughed again and you hid your face in your hands as you grew red at your best friend's answer. "It has to be a boy, Ona! You can't have a crush on a girl." Carla exclaimed, still chuckling. The other girls laughed, thinking Ona was stupid. But Ona genuinely met what she was saying. Ona gave her a stank face. "Then I don't have one, I guess."

firstlove!Ona felt shy after the whole Truth or Dare game. She decided to stay silent for the rest of the night, conscious of what she said around your friends. They already looked at her weirdly whenever she hung out with you after your art class with her muddy boots and grass-stained shorts. She didn't like how she felt like she had given them another reason to find her weird.

firstlove!Ona also felt shy about her gift after she had seen all of the drawings and friendship bracelets your friend had made for you. All she was able to prepare was a letter about how much she loved being your friend even if you liked drawing and she liked football. She tried to make it fancy with glitter and stickers but compared to your friend's gifts, it looked so messy.

"Ona, are you still awake?" You asked as you saw the girl standing by her overnight bag instead of beside you and the other girls, who were already drifting to sleep. You walked over to her to see the letter with purple glitter and Hello Kitty stickers all over it. "What's that?" Ona looked down shyly at it. "It's my gift... but I don't know if I want to give it to you. It's so ugly." You frowned. "No, it's not." You pouted. "Well, it's my birthday and you have to obey everything I tell you to do and I want you to give me your gift." Ona hesitated but decided that she wasn't one to go above birthday law so she handed it over. She watched you genuinely smile as she read your letter. It made her feel less insecure about it. You smiled at her, holding the letter to your heart, not caring about the glitter getting on your favorite unicorn pajamas. "Ona, this is my favorite gift ever." Ona beamed in joy. "Really?" "Well, duh! It's so sweet and I like the Hello Kitty stickers, especially this one where she has flowers." You pointed it out. You paused before continuing. "Also, I'm sorry my friends laughed when you said I was your crush. Honestly, I think you're my crush too." Ona felt her face get warm as you said it. "Oh... that's nice." She smiled. "Does that mean you're my girlfriend?" You thought about it, not sure exactly how it would work out. You’ve only heard about girlfriends and crushes from TV shows, and you've only ever seen girlfriends with boyfriends. "Is that allowed?" Ona frowned. "Why would it not be allowed?" You shrugged. You couldn't argue with that top-tier argument. "Okay, I can be your girlfriend."

firstlove!Ona went home after that sleepover, beaming to her parents that you were her girlfriend. Her mom tried to ask if she meant “girl-SPACE-friend” but Ona got mad, insisting that she actually meant girlfriend with no space and that you were going to get married.

firstlove!Ona grew fond of kissing your cheek and holding your hand. She was too giddy over the fact that you were her girlfriend. Even if she had no clue exactly how girlfriends worked, she was just happy because that meant you liked her more than you liked Carla, which was more than enough for her.

firstlove!Ona frowned when you tried to tell her that your parents said you were too young to be girlfriends and to understand what a relationship was.

“That’s stupid,” Ona complained. “We watched Hannah Montana. We saw her have a relationship. We totally get it!” You sighed, shaking your head in disapproval. “Yeah… but my mom said I have to wait until I’m in high school before I even think about dating.” “Fine, just as long as I’ll be your bestest friend, over anyone else.” She pouted, making you promise.

firstlove!Ona was getting so much attention for her football skills. By the time you were 10, there was not a single person in her age group in your town — boys and girls — that was on her level. It didn’t take long until everyone was talking about the tiny girl who played like a beast.

firstlove!Ona learned about different celebrations she could do online. She thought of which creative one she could do just in case she gets a goal. While watching a teen movie, she saw some guy playing basketball wink and blow a kiss at a girl he liked. Ona somehow decided that that was the coolest thing to do. So, she started being greedy with the ball and the goals, just so she could do her little loser-ish celebration and blow you a kiss.

firstlove!Ona naturally caught the attention of La Masia scouts. They would watch her games, taking several notes. Suddenly, football got serious for Ona. She would start training more and there was more pressure for her to perform well. It was more than the twelve-year-old girl could handle.

“What if I just give up?” Ona’s voice was barely a whisper, muffled by the blankets you both huddled under. Her words seemed to hang in the air, heavy and uncertain. You moved closer to her in the bed, resting on your side so that you would be facing her. Ona was resting on her back with her arm resting on her forehead. “I’m scared... I’m scared I’ll disappoint everyone, even if I train all day and barely get any rest. It feels like I’m not enough. Maybe this isn’t meant for me.” You frowned, feeling a knot tighten in your stomach. This wasn’t the Ona you knew; the Ona you knew never doubted herself and was confident almost to the point of cockiness. All the pressure seemed to be getting to her. “Quitting… but you love football? How can you possibly give up on it when you love it more than you love me?” You joked to lighten up the mood but Ona took it seriously and lightly smacked you as if to reprimand you. Ona turned on her side to face you and now you were both face-to-face. “But now… I don’t know. It feels like I’m not enjoying it anymore. I feel insecure.” Her voice shook a bit. It was hard seeing Ona like this. You had never seen her so… small. It was weird because Ona’s energy and passion was never small. Not even quiet, seven-year-old Ona acted like this. It hurt seeing your best friend struggle with something that she did so well. You reached over to gently touch her face. “Ona…” You started. “I know it’s hard… but everyone just has their eyes on you right now because of how good you are. These scouts and coaches from all over… they’re here because you are worth it. They wouldn’t be here if they didn’t believe in you.” ”And… even if they don’t pick you or even if you do decide to quit, I will be there. I’ll still be your number one cheerleader — on and off the pitch.” You smiled at her. “I’m here for you, no matter what.” And for the first time that evening, Ona gave you a small smile. It wasn’t the usual huge grin that was accompanied by a sparkle in her eyes, but it was something. And that was enough.

firstlove!Ona did the best she could in her next games and it showed. She was dynamite on that pitch and everyone just knew then that her future was secured.

firstlove!Ona started training in La Masia just before you two entered high school. She was still studying at your school but she was taking fewer classes and doing more training, which she didn’t mind. She was learning so much and improving exponentially, completely thriving on the pitch. Off the pitch, she was also doing pretty well. She made a bunch of friends from La Masia who she would enthusiastically tell you about whenever you got time together. The only thing Ona hated about being in La Masia was that so much of her life was now occupied by football. She'd wake up early to train, then it was class, then it was more training. She barely got time to be around you.

firstlove!Ona was so busy that she was one of the last people in sophomore year to find out about Pascual.

"Who the fuck is Pascual?" Ona asked your mutual classmate and friend, Julia. "Where did she meet him?" Julia rolled her eyes, realizing quickly that Ona had been busy for a while. "He's our classmate, Ona." She answered. "He's been our classmate since we were 10." Ona frowned. She never paid attention to the other people in class that much. She spent most of her time with you, after all. So, naturally, this Pascual guy was never on her radar. "And now what is it that I'm hearing that he's pursuing her? Who does he think he is?" Ona said loudly, not giving a fuck if anyone in the school hallway could hear. “Bet he’s like some lazy dumbass, just like everyone who has a crush on her.” "He's actually really nice and pretty smart. I know he even volunteers…” Julia went on and on talking about Pascual, seeming to approve of the guy for you. Julia noticed Ona clenching her jaw and frowning, causing her to roll her eyes. “He’s actually great, Ona. You're just too in love with your best friend for you to see that." Ona didn’t bother denying. She just rolled her eyes.

firstlove!Ona always knew she enjoyed being close to you, relishing the time spent together. She always knew she loved you… a lot… as a friend. But when the whole Pascual situation came to light, something shifted in her. She started to see you in a new light. Thoughts of you consumed her more and more, and with them came feelings she hadn’t anticipated—jealousy, possessiveness, clinginess. It was as though her obsession with you, something she’d always brushed off as just what best friends felt, was now much more intense, more undeniable. What once felt natural, and familiar, had become charged with a different kind of energy. It just felt… different.

Ona and you sat side by side, eyes glued to the screen as you both watched the new MTV show your friend had recommended. Ona shifted uncomfortably, clearly awkward about watching a show centered on two childhood best friends who’d started dating, especially with everything running through her mind lately. “Karma’s kinda annoying, not gonna lie,” you said, crunching on a chip. “Like, Amy’s so obviously in love with her, and Karma still doesn’t get it. How can she be that oblivious?” Ona’s gaze flickered toward you for a moment. She bit her lip, her expression thoughtful. “Yeah… so clueless.”

Later that night, Ona and you lay cuddled up in bed, updating each other about each other’s lives. You’d both been pulled in different directions by your hectic schedules, but you always made the most of the time you had together, finding ways to stay close even when things got busy. “And, my friend invited me to volunteer as an art teacher at the orphanage where he volunteers at. So, I might try to do that soon.” You shared, humming thoughtfully. “I’m thinking of doing it soon. He said I’d be really good with the kids.” The words hung in the air, and Ona’s mind immediately went to what Julia had said about Pascual. So, is she hanging out with this guy? Does she like him? “Hmm? Which friend?” Ona asked as she knitted her eyebrows together as she tried to keep her voice casual. You noticed the change in her expression immediately. You two had been friends for so long that you could always tell when something was on her mind. “Pascual, from class,” you replied, keeping your tone light. “You should come too, teach football and stuff. The kids would love it.” Ona nodded, but her gaze remained distant, still thinking about that Pascual guy. You chuckled to lighten the mood before reaching out to touch her arm. “I’m sure the kids would love to be around a future football star.” She rolled her eyes and chuckled, all thoughts of Pascual fading away. “You think too highly of me.” She responded, trying to play it cool but the pink on her cheeks gave her away. “But sure… I’d love to volunteer.” ”Look at us both, a couple of philanthropists.” You joked. “Who would have thought the same Ona that kicked kids in the nutsack would be volunteering?” Ona smiled and sighed. “You know, I have this new friend from La Masia who would be so into volunteering too.” She brought up thoughtfully. “Maybe I should invite her to join us.” “Ooh, is she the girl you said who plays really well?” You asked and Ona’s eyes sparkled. Ona nodded. “Aitana’s like next level on the pitch. She literally plays like Iniesta,” She gushed. “And even outside the sport, she’s so amazing. She’s, like, their class top student and she reads so many books…” You hummed, thinking about how Ona used to gush about you like that before. Now, it was some girl named Aitana. So, now, it was your turn to be jealous.

You lay on your side with your back turned to Ona, trying to drift to sleep. But no matter how much you closed your eyes, your mind was still buzzing with thoughts: the show you’d watched, the conversation about volunteering, the conversation about Ona’s new idol from La Masia, and just... everything. You haven’t done a sleepover with Ona in a while and all these thoughts paired with her proximity were just making your hormones go haywire for no reason. “You awake?” You turned around, surprised to find Ona’s eyes wide open, staring up at the ceiling. She looked over at you, her expression soft but thoughtful. You gave her a small smile. “Yeah…” She hummed, eyes flickering in consideration before she finally spoke. “How about you cuddle up to me? You always said my warmth makes you feel drowsy.” She offered nervously. “I could use some of your warmth too.” Her offer was light and casual but Ona was actually feeling nervous as she said it. Ona’s arms had been craving your presence ever since she got to your house but she was afraid it would be too awkward to just hug you or cuddle with you. She knew she was being ridiculous because you two used to literally live in each other’s hugs. Lately, though, everything felt different. The emotions and feelings swirling inside her were more intense and mixed with the strange rush of puberty, it made her feel shy and unsure. But she still couldn’t resist it; she missed having you pressed against her. You nodded, beaming. “I’d love that.” You shifted closer, resting your head against her chest. Ona wrapped her arm around you, pulling you in, and you instinctively placed your hand on her stomach. It was a simple gesture, but it made her acutely aware of the connection between you both—each touch felt loaded with meaning.  Once she had gained enough confidence, she started brushing your hair with her hand, her gentle fingers soft against your scalp. “Remember when we used to be girlfriends…” She asked with a light tone. “We had no clue what we were talking about but I genuinely was so into it.” You laughed at that childhood memory. “Yeah, my mom was so confused when I told her.” You recalled. “She really had to sit me down and explain what the difference between girl friends and girlfriends was.” Ona chuckled at that, the sound warm and relaxed, but then fell quiet for a moment. You could feel her hesitating like she was choosing her words carefully. “Do you think you’d ever have a relationship? Like, with a boyfriend or... a girlfriend?” She asked it so casually, but you could sense the weight behind her question. Especially with the way her voice trailed off towards the end. You’d never really talked about your sexualities, and the last time crush you had, as far as Ona remembered, was on the lion from Lion King from when you were both seven. So, it always left her curious but afraid of asking you about it… afraid that it would make her have to talk about her own sexuality which she never really wanted to think about. ”Hmm, I don’t know. There isn’t really anyone I like.” You responded vaguely. “Why? Do you like someone?” You waited with bated breath. You didn’t know for sure what you wanted to hear but it still made you anxious. Unbeknownst to you, Ona was sharing the same nervous feeling that you felt. She wondered if you could hear her heartbeat against her chest. “Uh…” She started, her voice faltering. “No one.” She sounded unconvincing which you took note of but you didn’t push any further. Huh, could it be that Aitana girl? “But I’m glad you’re my first relationship, even if it wasn’t a real one,” Ona said, going back to your conversation about your childhood memory. “That just means whoever comes next is still the second.” You rolled your eyes, the slight jealousy you felt fizzling out. She was the same, old possessive best friend you had, and somehow, that brought you comfort.

firstlove!Ona felt annoyed whenever she would see you with Pascual. She hasn’t felt that jealous and possessive over you since Carla from your art school. It was obvious to everyone how much Ona hated Pascual, bullying him for seemingly no reason. Well, obvious to everyone but you.

Ona seethed when she saw you sitting with him during lunch. Without a second thought, she stormed over to your table, where you were laughing with Pascual and the rest of your friends. Ignoring everyone, she fixed her gaze on him, her jaw clenched. She tilted her head slightly to the side, gesturing for him to move, as if the space beside you was her birthright. “Move,” She ordered in a low voice. “That’s my seat.” Pascual was used to Ona’s possessiveness. He knew how clingy she could be, and to be honest, he never minded when she wasn’t around—because that meant more time to get to know you. But when Ona was around, he knew he would not have the opportunity to get a word in without Ona basically glaring daggers at him. He sighed, trying to keep his cool. “I got here first.” “Tell it to someone who cares,” Ona shot back. Pascual muttered under his breath, but he gave in, scooting over to the other side of the table with a resigned sigh. Meanwhile, you were oblivious to the silent war playing out just inches away. You smiled at Ona, wrapping your arms around her in a warm hug. “Ona, I missed you,” you murmured, completely unaware of the charged atmosphere. Ona, however, didn’t take her eyes off Pascual. Her lips curled into a small, almost imperceptible smirk as she raised her eyebrows, silently daring him to say something. It was clear she wasn’t just competing for a seat.

On another occasion, Ona leaned uncomfortably close to Pascual as he tried to focus on drawing you. Pascual automatically stiffened up to Ona hovering around him again. She was always like this whenever she was around — too intrusive, too intimidating, too there. What made it worse was that Ona had just come from training, her freshly showered hair still damp, and the droplets were slowly dripping onto Pascual and his sketchbook. Each drop seemed to drive him a little mad, the cold wetness only adding to his growing irritation. Pascual looked up at Ona and gave her an incredulous look. “What, Ona?” “Huh,” Ona said, eyeing the drawing with exaggerated curiosity. “Who is that supposed to be?” Pascual sighed, exasperatedly as he pointed at you who was sitting across the table too focused on your own drawing. “Isn’t it obvious?” Ona huffed, pretending to think. The drawing was pretty decent — better than she could ever do — but she was never going to let him know that. Instead, she narrowed her eyes at the sketch and loudly asked. “Why’d you give her a fivehead? You hate her or something?” You looked up curiously, previously oblivious to the exchange. Ona was giving you an innocent smile while Pascual was trying hard not to snap at your best friend as he muttered. “It’s just the angle.”

The poor guy liked you so much, even though you were completely oblivious to his advances. And despite your best friend making his life a living hell at every opportunity, he still tried—harder than anyone could’ve expected. Ona skipped obnoxiously to where you were sitting in the front of the class, beside Pascual. It didn’t help that he always ended up next to you. That was another reason Ona couldn’t stand him. She was always a little late to class because of her training, so the seats were usually already taken by the time she arrived. And today, of course, you were stuck with him. “Congrats on getting the best grade!” Ona chirped, throwing her arm around your shoulders before plopping herself down in your lap. "You're so smart. I’m so proud to be your best friend.” Pascual couldn’t help but roll his eyes at her usual attempt to rattle him. He was used to it by now, but that didn’t make it any easier. Ona caught the eye roll, and a mischievous spark lit up in her eyes. She glimpsed at the paper on his table, snatching it without his permission. "Huh," she said, examining the grade with exaggerated interest, "87... that's nothing compared to my best friend’s 95." She flashed a knowing smile at him. "Guess she’s too smart for you, huh?" Pascual frowned but grew flustered by the comment. “I distributed the papers and saw you got an 83 so…” He wanted to snap back but it came out softer and meeker than he intended. Ona just smirked, taunting him. “And what about it?” Pascual opened his mouth, ready to fire back, but stopped himself. He could’ve said something—he could’ve retorted—but he didn’t. Instead, he looked at you, your smile more than enough to make him swallow his pride. He knew better than to engage in one of Ona’s little mind games, especially when she was already enjoying herself. He had been working so hard on making his slow courtship of you for a year and there was no way he was going to blow it now.

firstlove!Ona was pretty content with how clueless you were with Pascual. At first, it did anger her whenever he was around, always so desperate for your attention. But now, it brought her happiness whenever she’d go to you and he was around because that meant it was another opportunity to embarrass him in front of you. Although, you never really minded their interactions, chalking it up to just banter, even going as far as to cluelessly think they were starting to be friends.

firstlove!Ona was practically seething when she got to school and saw Pascual hovering over your locker, presenting you with a red rose. She looked at your face with your doe-eyed expression and your cheeks flushed, shocked by a friend’s sudden confession. Ona had to take herself out of the scene, knowing she would react badly if she let herself watch it unfold.

firstlove!Ona finally stopped running from her thoughts, forcing herself to confront the feelings she’d been denying for so long. She’d always laughed off the jokes about her being in love with you. She never really thought too much about it, chalking it up to just banter. But now, seeing the way he looked at you—seeing how she felt when he did—it hit her harder than she expected. She wasn’t just annoyed that some guy liked you. She was hurt. And it wasn’t just about friendship jealousy—it was something deeper, something that made her feel exposed, vulnerable, like a part of her she’d never wanted to face was staring back at her, undeniable.

firstlove!Ona decided that tormenting the guy who liked you wasn’t going to be enough. This time, she actually wanted to show you that she could be better was better than him. She wanted to splurge on a bouquet of flowers but she had already blown her allowance on new football socks. So, instead, she hopped the neighbor's fence just to pick flowers from their large garden. She could get in trouble but she didn't care. She wanted to give you a bouquet of flowers that would put Pascual’s rose to shame.

The first thing you noticed when Ona came over to your house for your study date was the beautiful array of flowers she had tied together with a ribbon. You gushed at the different flowers — lavenders, marigolds, poppies. They were so stunning. “W-what? These are so stunning! What is this for?” She'd smirk and shrug, nonchalantly as she unconsciously tried to hide the scratch on her arm she got from scraping it on the fence after the neighbor's dog chased her out of the garden. “Just wanted to show my appreciation for you.” The blush on your cheeks grew and you quickly turned around to hide it from Ona. “Let me put this in a vase. Hold on.” You said as you scurried. Ona casually followed you to the kitchen, looking around your house to see if you had a rose displayed anywhere. “So, I heard Pascual gave you a rose the other day.” You paused, feeling odd that she was suddenly bringing it up after she had brought you a bouquet. “Yeah, it was weird.” You said, shivering from the recollection of the awkward interaction.” She practically beamed at your response. “Yeah?” “Yeah, I had no clue he liked me. I genuinely thought he was just around me because he was sad and had no friends.” You responded honestly as you filled a vase with water. “I had to give the rose to Julia just cause I felt weird bringing it home with me.” You sighed. “Anyway, I don’t wanna talk about it. I just feel bad for the poor guy but also… grossed out, y’know.” You said frankly. Ona couldn’t hide her smile, shaking her head. She couldn’t believe how clueless you were with him but she was still happy now that she knew Pascual was finally out of the picture.

firstlove!Ona moved out of your school during your junior year, a decision driven by her desire to focus more on her football career. She was fully immersed in the La Masia system now—training with some of the best, living and breathing the game. At first, it felt like a punch to the gut, not seeing your best friend every day. But you quickly realized it wasn’t all bad. If anything, it meant Ona was on the rise, becoming a bigger deal with each passing day, and that was something to be proud of. Besides, no matter how packed her schedule was, Ona always made time for you. The moment her training sessions ended, she’d sprint to your school, barely taking a breath. firstlove!Ona was slowly becoming a football celebrity in your community. Now, whenever she’d visit school, there were people always hovering around you to get a glimpse of the U17 Spain player. It made you proud. But… you didn’t like how girls were always fawning over her. They would be running to you in school, asking you if Ona was single. Whenever you two were out, there was always someone making eyes at your best friend. It was amusing, at first. Then it got repetitive and annoying, always leaving you feeling uneasy.

“Hi, Ona. My friend is, like, a really big fan.” A girl said to Ona, completely not even acknowledging your presence. She pointed back to their table across the restaurant where a bunch of other girls were giggling. “She was wondering if she could ask for your number.” Ona looked over to the table and saw a pretty girl with long brown hair waving back at her. It was undeniable she was stunning but Ona just... wasn’t that interested. She was here to have dinner with you after all. And to her, there wasn't anyone else more stunning than you. Ona shot a look at you, gauging your reaction. But to you, it read differently. You thought Ona didn’t want to give her number out because you were there. You shrugged awkwardly at her. “Go ahead, Ona. She looks cute.” Ona awkwardly chuckled, not sure how to feel about it. She was honestly kind of disappointed that you even encouraged her to do it. “Oh, uh okay…” She said, causing the girl to smile widely and jump up. You looked down at your salad bowl, suddenly losing interest. "Here, I'll write it down and tell her to text me that she's the girl from the restaurant or whatever."

Ona was driving you home after the dinner. After she gave out her number, you grew quiet, not wanting to talk much about anything anymore. She was confused as to why you were suddenly acting out when you didn’t seem to be affected by it initially. Could she be jealous? Ona looked over to you. You were staring out of the window, silent. But, why would she be jealous? “So…” Ona said cautiously, drumming her fingers on the driver’s wheel. “I assume the salad was bad?” You just hummed out a response, not even bothering to look at her. You sighed. “You should have just let me go ahead,” You said, shifting awkwardly in your seat. "I told you I could have just taken the bus." She frowned. “Why would I let you take the bus?” ”You could have stayed and chatted with those girls.” You muttered under your breath. “That would have made them real happy." To your shock, Ona chuckled. You turned to her and saw the expression on her face. She looked amused. You looked at her questioningly and she just shook her head, smiling. “What?” “Nothing,” She smiled, locking eyes with you. “You’re just being cute right now." You blushed and looked away, feeling your heart thump faster at how she looked at you. Ona chuckled at your reaction and said. "Glad to know I'm not the only jealous, possessive one..." And just like that, you knew that she knew.

firstlove!Ona knew at that moment that you shared the same attraction she had for you. She didn’t know how serious it was on your end but it was just satisfying to know that her feelings (or at least, her attraction) were somehow reciprocated. A year ago, she had finally come to terms with the truth: she had a crush on you. At first, the idea of being in love with her best friend had felt confusing, almost impossible to process. But over time, she stopped fighting it. She had always loved you and that never seemed to get in the way. Why should it now? firstlove!Ona was just pissed off that you have avoided her ever since that night in the car. She didn’t say anything other than you were cute for being jealous but the feeling of being caught was too much for you to confront; you hadn’t even fully accepted the fact that you were down bad for your best friend and she was already figuring out?!

Julia laughed as you told her the story about that night, clearly amused by your confusion. You hadn’t known who else to turn to; you figured your mutual friend of nearly a decade might have some valuable insight. She shook her head, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah, we all saw this coming. Honestly, I’m surprised it took you two a decade to figure it out.” She shared. “I was going to push your heads together if it took any longer.” You groaned, frustration creeping into your voice. “What does that even mean? How could you know when I’m not even sure myself if I have a crush on Ona, or if it’s just some weird version of best friend clinginess?” Your friend raised an eyebrow, leaning back on the bed’s headboard. “Did you feel this way about me when I had to spend a semester in Granada with my grandmother?” She challenged your theory. “And were you suddenly jealous when I came back and started dating Carla?” You paused. “No…” “Then obviously, it isn’t just some sort of friendship clinginess.” Your friend explained it to you. “I’ve known you two since we were children and I genuinely think I learned the concept of crushes because of you and Ona.” “What do you mean?” You asked, falling backward on your bed and covering your head with a pillow. Julia’s voice softened, but there was a certain conviction in it. “Ona practically walked around with heart eyes for you. And you—well, you ignored every boy who liked you. You just wanted to be around Ona. All the time.” She smirked, though there was a hint of exasperation in her tone. She reached over to grab the pillow off your head to stare you down, making sure every point she said was heard. “I seriously reached a point where I was fed up with you two. It felt like I was third-wheeling 24/7.” You knit your eyebrows together as you listened to your friend. “But what do I do now? I obviously can’t go to my best friend and tell her I like her? I don’t even know that for sure.” ”Look,” Julia said, looking you straight in the eyes. “You have to realize that there has to be a reason that, after all these years, after all of the boys who courted you, you never seemed interested in any of them. You always just wanted to be around Ona. All the time” You fell quiet, thinking it over. Everything she was saying was true. You never had a crush in your life. You never showed interest in anyone. Whenever someone asked where you’d see yourself years from now, you often would mention still being best friends with Ona. It had to mean something. Julia squeezed your hands gently, her voice earnest. “There’s a reason for that, you know?” You stayed silent for a while before sighing. “But… what if I’m wrong? What if I tell her I like her, and it turns out it’s just some kind of puppy love? What if I lead her on?” Julia sighed, the sound filled with both frustration and understanding. She took your hands in hers, her grip firm. “It would break Ona’s heart, yeah. But honestly…” She paused, looking you dead in the eye. “I think Ona’s always been preparing for that possibility. She knows what’s at stake, and she’d rather give it a chance than keep guessing. I’m sure she doesn’t want to spend another 17 years second-guessing herself.” Your heart ached at the thought of breaking Ona’s heart, but Julia’s words carried a certain truth that you couldn’t ignore. Judging by Julia’s statements, Ona had more to lose in this; you could easily break her heart. But that didn’t mean it was exactly riskless for you. Julia’s gaze softened. “You owe it to both of you to take the chance. You need to allow Ona to love you without that barrier of friendship between you two. If it doesn’t work out, at least you tried, right?” You nodded, making it a silent promise to yourself that you would take your emotions seriously and that you would be honest with Ona once you got the chance. You looked up at your friend. “Julia, promise not to tell her... while I'm not ready yet, at least?" "Ugh, fine but if you two get married, I get to tell everyone how dumb you two were," Julia said with an eye roll.

firstlove!Ona was clueless about your emotions, second-guessing herself after the whole interaction. Did she make a mistake in thinking you were interested in her? Did she completely fumble the bag? She had no clue how to go about it until she realized she could bait you into revealing yourself. firstlove!Ona started sharing more and more photos of her and Aitana, trying to see how you would react. She would post photos of them in training, eating ice cream after school, hugging each other after a game. She’d try so hard to get a reaction but you never seemed to mind. In fact, it felt like you were back to your clueless self, oblivious to what she was trying to do. It was obvious to everyone just what Ona was trying to do, even Aitana called her out on it, saying she was done with being used as bait for her crush. It probably would have worked for someone who wasn’t you. firstlove!Ona didn’t know that it was working but not in the way she wanted to. You did get jealous but instead of thinking that Ona was trying to make you jealous, you thought that she was moving on. You thought she had finally found someone who liked her and wasn’t afraid to admit it just at the very moment that you were gearing up to confess. You started avoiding her, restricting her from all your social media just so that you would see less of her with her new crush. You decided that you would only reach out once you’re ready to talk it out with her. But for now, you had to shut her out. firstlove!Ona got an angry call from Julia as soon as she woke up, one random day.

“Are you and Y/N seriously still not talking?” Julia’s voice blared through the phone, loud enough to make Ona wince. Ona blinked away the sleepiness, squinting at the clock beside her bed. “Julia, it’s three in the morning,” she groaned, rolling over and burying her face in her pillow. “I’ve got training in two hours. Couldn’t this have waited?” Julia groaned back. “Do you even remember what day it is today?” Ona blinked, trying to shake off the fog in her mind. “Uh… Tuesday?” ”ONA BATLLE, IT’S YOUR FRIENDSHIP ANNIVERSARY.” The frustrated girl shouted over the phone, causing Ona’s phone speaker to crackle at the volume. “And you two haven’t said a word to each other in A MONTH!” Ona winced, groaning into the phone. “Great. Thanks for the reminder.” She let out a long sigh, dragging herself upright. “But, how is it exactly my fault? She’s the one who has been dodging my calls? Why should I try to make the first move in greeting her when she hasn’t even reached out to me at all?” Ona rubbed her forehead in frustration, trying to calm herself down. Once she spoke again, her voice was quieter, more defeated. “I’ve tried, Julia. I’ve been trying for years. But… I’m tired now.” “I’m just… trying to adjust with being okay with being just friends again.” Ona continued silently. “I can’t chase after nothing forever, Julia. I don’t have it in me anymore. It’s been ten years. I can’t keep chasing after her anymore. At some point, I have to stop.” Another long pause. Ona thought maybe Julia had hung up, but then, her friend spoke again—quiet, almost reluctant. “I promised not to say anything but obviously, I was stupid for promising that.” Julia muttered, the words heavy with something Ona couldn’t quite place. “But… it’s not nothing, Ona.” Ona furrowed her brows, feeling a pang of confusion. “What are you talking about?” Julia groaned, exasperated. “Ugh, I’m done dealing with both of your oblivious and mopey asses. I’ve done my part and it’s too much already. You two figure it out yourselves.” Before Ona could respond, the line went dead. Julia had hung up.

firstlove!Ona couldn’t get Julia’s words out of her head. It’s not nothing. She had no fucking clue what Julia meant exactly but there was a part of her that couldn’t help but wonder if that meant that you… No, we’re not going through another round of what-ifs, Ona. She said to herself. Focus on training now and berate Julia to be more clear later.

firstlove!Ona couldn’t keep herself focused no matter what. In the morning, she practically missed every instruction her coach said. In class, she spaced out during Spanish lessons that she hadn’t noticed the teacher was already growing red in the face, trying to catch her attention, until Aitana basically kicked the back of her seat. It was so bad that her coach sent her home, refusing to include her in afternoon training until she sorted herself out.

firstlove!Ona headed home that day, feeling defeated. She thought about you the entire day but still couldn’t come to a conclusion as to what Julia meant, and what she wanted to do with your relationship now. Sure, what Julia said gave her hope but that quickly fizzled out every time she would check her phone and there was not a single notification from you. She obviously was misreading the situation yet again. Was this the end of the line for the two of you?

firstlove!Ona stormed into her house, practically stomping in frustration.

“Ona?” Her mother called from the living room as Ona slammed the door behind her. “Why are you home so early?” Ona sighed, already feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her. “Coach sent me home,” she muttered, not bothering with any excuses. “Didn’t do well in training. Couldn’t concentrate.” Her mom looked at her sympathetically. “Aw, my baby.” She started toward Ona, arms open for a hug, but Ona remained rooted to the spot. “Does this have anything to do with—” ”Let’s not talk about her right now, please.” She cut in, her voice low but firm. Her mom pouted, looking at her daughter with careful eyes.“You two are best friends. It’s really sad that you’re not talking anymore, especially when I practically raised her like my own.” She smiled wistfully. “I even know what kind of juice she likes and doesn’t like.” Ona winced at the memories. “I… I don’t wanna think about her for now.” She said with a strained voice. There was a long pause as her mom considered her words. Then, after a beat of awkward silence, she hesitated before speaking again. “Hmmm, well, then you might not want to go upstairs to your room.” Ona’s eyes widened. “Mom… what did you…” Her mother’s eyes softened, but there was a hint of guilt there. “If you don’t want to talk to her right now, I can just send her home, sweetheart.” She offered gently, but her voice carried a subtle note of apology. Ona groaned, rubbing her face with both hands. The last thing she wanted was to confront this right now, but she knew she couldn’t keep avoiding it. She needed to face the situation head-on. “No, it’s fine,” she said, her voice quieter now, resigned. “I’ll… talk to her.” Her mother nodded, her face filled with understanding. “You know I’m here if you need me.” She gave her daughter a soft smile before walking away. Ona stood there for a moment, collecting herself, steeling her nerves for what was coming. She wasn’t ready, but maybe she never would be. She still had to face the situation eventually. Might as well get it over and done with.

firstlove!Ona didn't know how to talk to you. She didn't know how to face you after you two haven't talked in a month, which was basically centuries in best friend time. She didn't know how you'd react to seeing her again. Were you pissed off? Sad? She sighed, knowing she wouldn't find out until she opened that door.

The door creaked open and you nearly jumped off of the edge of Ona's bed. You waited with bated breath for her to enter, feeling yourself grow anxious. You finally see her. You didn't know why but you expected her to look different even if it had only been just a month; she still looked like the same Ona you knew, except maybe a bit tanner. You cleared your throat, feeling uneasy as she entered, closing the door behind her. "Hey…" You said with a soft voice. Ona leaned her back against the door, crossing her arms across her chest. "Hey." She responded with a cold voice, avoiding eye contact. You bit your lip, hesitant about what to say. "I haven't seen you in a while…" You started. "Julia told me you were doing even more training since you're gearing up for some big game." Ona just nodded, keeping her eyes on the floor. Again, you two fell silent, filling the room with words left unsaid. "Ona…" You started again, choosing your words carefully. "I'm really sorry I haven't reached out in a month. I really should have said something instead of just disappearing on you." Still, she didn’t respond. You exhaled shakily and pressed on. “I just… I didn’t know what to do.” Ona’s brow furrowed slightly at your words, but her eyes remained distant. “That night we had dinner…” you hesitated. “Even before that, I’d already been feeling weird... no, not just weird... insecure.” Her gaze finally lifted, confusion evident. “Why?” You rubbed your arm nervously, your words faltering. “I felt like we were drifting apart. You were spending so much time away from me, and then… then you were giving girls your number.” You paused, your throat tightening suddenly. “I know it sounds stupid, but I felt upset. I thought maybe you were going to forget about me when you got famous or that we wouldn't be friends anymore.” Ona’s jaw tightened, and she muttered under her breath, “Bullshit.” “What?” you asked, blinking in surprise. “You can’t even tell me what you’re really feeling,” Ona said, shaking her head. “Besides, I don’t know why it’s such a big deal that I gave someone my number. You told me to do it. And then, when I realized and pointed out that you weren't being genuine about wanting me to give my number, somehow I became the bad guy.” You sighed, feeling the guilt twist in your chest. “I wasn’t upset with you.” “Then why?” She looked at you with an almost pleading look. “I was upset with myself,” you admitted. The words felt heavy. “I hated how I reacted, how I got upset that you had realized what I was feeling... and I hated that I didn’t understand why I did react like that.” Ona tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. “And why did you?” You hesitated, biting your lip. Then, softly, you confessed, “I was jealous. I didn’t even know why at first… I just was.” Her expression shifted, cautious but curious. “And it wasn’t just that,” you continued. “I felt the same way whenever you talked about Aitana. I know how ridiculous it sounds, but I couldn’t help it." You sighed, running a hand through your hair. "When you started posting all those pictures of you two, I felt like I was being replaced. And instead of talking to you, I just… shut down.” Ona sighed, her voice quieter now. “Look, about Aitana—” You cut her off, shaking your head. “No, I got it. Instantly got it." You said. "And, I saw you two playing online last week. She’s amazing. I’m happy for you both." Ona laughed dryly, catching you off guard. “I’m not dating Aitana.” “What?” you asked, completely thrown. She shifted uncomfortably, rubbing her arm. “I only posted those pictures to get your attention. To make you jealous.” Your brows furrowed in disbelief. “Why would you want to make me jealous?” Ona scoffed, her lips curling into a small, bitter smile. There was a moment of silence before she looked at you again, locking eyes. “I think you know why.” Her voice came out low and quiet as if she didn't want you to hear.

Silence stretched between you, thick with unspoken feelings. “I mean,” you stammered, trying to piece your thoughts together. You were just stumbling with your words. “If you had started dating, I would’ve congratulated you. Aitana seems like a great person, and you two would—” “Are you trying to push me toward someone else again?” Ona interrupted, shaking her head as she looked down with a dry laugh. You raised your hands defensively. “Sorry, sorry. I’m just… I’m still figuring all of this out.” You sighed, running a hand through your hair. “I’ve thought about us a lot over the past month—how I feel about you, about us.” Her eyes softened, but her guard didn’t drop. “Then, why didn’t you answer any of my calls?” “Because I was scared,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. Her stare was making you nervous. “I thought if I talked to you, I’d lose focus. I wouldn’t be able to sort out my feelings and I'd just fuck up. But I'm glad I took my time...” “And what now?” Ona asked, her voice cautious. “I realized that I like you,” you said, the weight of the confession lifting slightly from your chest. "I like you beyond just as friends." Ona’s eyes widened, but she stayed silent, waiting for you to continue. You took a deep breath, letting the words spill out. “I feel so stupid for not realizing sooner. You’ve been so obvious about it, but I was clueless. And worse, I didn’t even know my own feelings.” You laughed bitterly. “I’ve always liked you, Ona. But I never thought of it as a crush because… well, we’ve always been so close. It felt like we were already together. I never thought I’d have to say it out loud.” You swallowed the lump forming in your throat before continuing. "And, I was scared that if I had said something, it would do more bad than good." You confessed, being completely vulnerable. "We already were there for each other all these years. I was scared that if I had said anything before, it would drive you away and I would lose you. And I didn't want to lose you." Ona stepped closer, her expression unreadable. “And now? What are you trying to say?” Your lips trembled as you laughed nervously, tears stinging your eyes. “I’m asking if you still want to be my best friend, even after everything I said." Ona’s face fell, disappointment flashing in her eyes. “Oh.” “But—” You reached for her hand with some hesitation. “I also want you to know that I think I might be in love with you." Her lips parted in surprise, her breath catching. Slowly, Ona stepped closer, her eyes searching yours. A smile grew on her face as she took your face in her hand. Without another word, she leaned in, her lips confidently capturing yours. It felt firm and sure as if answering you without using words. Just like that, your insecurities melted away. Suddenly, everything was back to before. No, it's even better than before. It was what you've always wanted, even back when you didn't know that you wanted it yet. When she pulled away, her lips curled into a small, teasing smile. She looked at both your eyes and you gazed into hers, taking in the moment between you. Ona chuckled. “Took you long enough.”

a/n: my first fluff fic <3 please be nice. i appreciate reblogs, comments, likes and messages or requests! i'm open to following this fic up if i get enough inspiration later on <3 taglist: @allaboutnayeli @shayepe @tsaynsp @acrypa24 @iliketozoneout @yapileon @kelseyaparker19 @wosocity @pitchsidestories @micaluvssoccer @lenorelovesgirls @marialife03 @jana22188

[romanoffsbish]

A Master Lesson in Patience

Natasha Romanoff x Fem!R

Request | Natasha’s plans to spend her morning wrapped up with you are interrupted, but truth be told, that only made the climax sweeter | WC: 1,536

Warnings: Subby brain wave - Needy R.

Smut: Mommy (N) | Dove (R) | Somno (CNC) | Fingering -> Fisting (R) | Restraints (Spreader/Ties) | Teasing | Overstimulation(Punishment-Vibrator) | Orgasm Denial | Dry Humping -> Thigh Riding (N)

"I'm gonna stop if you don't cum," Natasha smirked at the desperation in your eyes. It wasn't fair, but she wanted to test your trust in her, but really she was testing your patience.

The redhead had no intention to leave you in an unsatisfied state. Actually, she'd had no original plan to leave at all. It was her day off and she was spending it on the self care she was encouraged to take by a relaxed Fury.

——

Pleasuring you endlessly was the most euphoric thing she could do. It always made her feel better after a long day, coming home to you and a home cooked meal never get old. Especially not when she kept the spark alive by eating you out on the same table for dessert.

Today though she chose to wake you up with a mind blowing display of head, she had your legs trembling before your eyes even opened. You woke up to the sound of your own moans, involuntarily leaving your throat as she gave your cunt the tongue lashing of a life time.

Then she pulled away abruptly, your hips thrashed of their own accord and you cried. Natasha shushed you with her thumb in your mouth as she'd answered the work call, your tongue swirled over the coarse tip, slightly tasting your essence as she spoke on the phone.

You were oddly content to have this break, it gave you time to wake up so you could enjoy the glorious moment with more of a conscious build up. Her voice was jumbled, like when you watch a cartoon and the adult's conversations are unintelligible. The kids didn't get it, and neither do you, as she was blurred above you.

"... I was in the middle of something extremely important," she yelled down at the receiver, saying exactly what she wanted to to the man who just screwed the both of you. Ironically taking your chance at being screwed into the mattress anytime soon. "Oh detka..."

You felt the sickeningly sweet sigh on your face and your eyes glistened. "Natty please..."

The redhead placed a kiss to the corner of your lips, teasing you as two of her fingers slid into your warmth, where her tongue just resided.

The threat weighed playfully on her tongue, and just as your walls began to flutter she made sure you knew your chances were slimmed.

Especially when she increased her speed while calmly saying: "I have to go sign a paper. Fury said it can't be electronically, and I would've told him to fuck off but if I don't do it an innocent man loses his life over a mistake a rookie made under my supervision. Still tempted to say fuck it, but I actually think it's the perfect opportunity to teach you dove."

Your eyes widened and you shook your head, much to the woman's amusement. When she only smiled wider you resigned to glaring at her. You knew this was a test. Natasha's been training you that total patience is key. "Only good girls can touch mommy," she'd purr, and seeing as that's the only way you could cum anymore, with her skin to yours as she took your breath away with her insistent kiss, you had been struggling to remember that rule.

Just like now, you saw the mocking way she pouted down at you, cruelty etched into the amused cracks of her downturned expression. It would be nothing for you to cum in the thirty seconds you now had left on her flashing watch if only she would remove her shirt and kiss you rough. So in an expected movement you pulled the redhead down with force, your hand held her face to yours while your other slid a hand beneath her shirt to squeeze her soft breast.

When she didn't pull away and allowed you to take exactly what you needed you already knew what was coming. It both ruined and improved your high as your body was spasming wildly.

"Oh my little dove," she purred humorously against the skin of your neck as you caught your breath. "So impatient," she tutted while her fingers continued to curl within your slick depths. "I have to go now, but don't worry."

You were indeed petrified, and she was living for the way your thigh tensed under the cool metal brushing across it. "Don't cum while I'm gone," she taunted further. Watching the way you rolled your eyes at her as she got dressed.

"Goodness dove, I thought you would have learned by now," she shook her head and finished securing your arms to the bed. "Don't roll your eyes," she commanded as she secured your legs in the spreader. Then she flashed you a smile, and winked as she slid the dial up on her phone. "Or test mommy's patience."

"You're mean," you croaked, and she chuckled hotly, "Only because you were naughty first."

Then she was gone, and you were in shambles.

The signature should have only taken her twenty minutes if she rode her bike, but she took her Cadillac instead, reving up the engine so you knew your fate. Then she was gone for a length of time you could no longer register.

Natasha sat in your driveway, a neapolitan milkshake in hand with her phone propped up on the dash. Her eyes swirled with delight at the sight of you convulsing on the soaked bed, your eyes screwed shut as the overstimulation on your walls rarely ceased. While she waited for the paper earlier she was playing with the speed. Every time you came close to release you'd cry, desperate for her to kiss you dizzy.

In those moments she would sympathize, and give you about three ten second intervals of stillness. Then she'd turn it up slowly as her boredom took over, she'd force moans out of you again as she ran it up to it's quickest speed, your hips rose and so did her cunts heartbeat.

Yet she took her time getting home, on her way she stopped for fuel: a small fry and a shake. While sat in the drive thru she listened to you through the speakers of her car. The lady handing her the food was red in the face as Natasha left the line with a smug smirk.

Natasha's own cunt pulsed with need at the thought of someone else hearing you. Knowing damn well that you'd shrivel up like a rollie pollie under the same knowledge. Her bashful little dove, overstimulated to the point of tears, and still in such desperate need of a release.

The redhead turned her seat warmer on low and watched you crying as her hips rocked. She dipped her fries into the shake and mindlessly ate them all down as she felt the coil in her stomach tighten. She was so close, as were you, but only one of you could cum; neither did. 

Natasha stilled her hips and bit her lip hard. The woman was a masochist, if that wasn't obvious, but moreover she was a romantic. If she was going to climax, it would be with you.

The redhead raced up the stairs, leaving the greasy trash in her car, and stripping off her clothes on the way to you, leaving behind a scattered mess of fabric. As she entered the room she moved just as swiftly, she ripped the vibrating egg from within your cunt and replaced it with her fingers, and you screamed as the intense vibration moved to your clit.

Pressed directly into the bundle so that your vision went white before fading into stars. The redhead kissed you hard, the condensation on her fingers chilled your skin and you gasped. The woman wasted no time on slipping her tongue into your mouth and grazing over your aching teeth as her cunt pressed into you. You both moaned as your releases hit, you came around her fingers, well maybe, you almost thought it was her entire fist, but you were practically numb and rightfully confused.

Then you felt her rip away from your lips and you both glanced up to see her soaking hand.

"Holy fucking shit," she chuckled breathlessly, opening her hand to watch as strings of your arousal connected her fingers. "You are absolutely filthy detka. My entire fist." You laid there with your mouth agape as she proudly marveled at the sight of your sticky mess.

The redhead greedily cleaned her hand, and then generously shared the wealth as she leaned her body against yours and kissed you. It was sloppy, and full of the teasing love that made your very worlds spin around. Natasha needed you more than she'd ever admit, but you would always feel it. In her kiss, or the way she softly cleaned you up, and cuddled after.

Or with the words she whispered when she pretended to think you were asleep, knowing the whole time you weren't: "I love you Y/N." It was just a front, because she'd already let that slip the first time she took you to her bed. But at your closed wedding, she only said: "I do."

And you do too, love her wholeheartedly.

—

[taeaura]

What would the dynamic in the family be if Thomas's first and potentially only child is a female? Will she have a hard time because of her circumstances, will she be regarded as more of an unwanted child because she was born a girl, and therefore, getting insults about being useless, or will she be handled with care?

This is a wonderful question!

How Thomas + The Hewitts Would React to a Daughter

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･.

Thomas:

Thomas never thought he'd have the privilege of having children, he was always focused on the job at hand. When that changed, however, Thomas was thrilled - Anxious, but thrilled. He didn't care if the child was male or female, they were his child, and he would love them as such.

Honestly, Thomas seems like such a girl-dad. Idk why, that's just how he reads to me.

In fact, he'd be more protective of a daughter than a son - Especially if she inherited some of his traits {such as his skin condition}. He'll love her to the ends of the Earth just as he would a son. I don't think Thomas would teach his children gender roles; He'd be more focused on their survival and fulfillment than some irrational societal performance. He never fit into society anyway, and he fit the gender roles just fine?

He'd rely on Luda Mae for a lot of parenting guidance: Doing her hair {by this I mean literally just taking care of it}, dressing her {as in finding clothes that suit her}, and discussions of puberty. He does NOT feel comfortable explaining that {not that he really could, anyway.}

What he will teach his child{ren} no matter the age or gender, is to be strong. Mentally strong more than anything. He wants his children to be able to survive, but not be forced to. He'd work himself to the bone if it meant his partner and {their} children could be comfortable, and safe.

He'd also sew his child{ren} stuffed animals, blankets, and some clothes - with guidance of his momma of course 🫀 He loves family very very much.

Luda Mae:

Gosh, Luda Mae would be in the seventh Heaven! She's wanted a daughter her whole life, having a granddaughter is even better. She'd offer to help with everything: Clothes, hair, babysitting, anything you could think of. And you know she'd be ever so protective of her granddaughter - Men will go nowhere near her without proving themselves fit {Thomas would hold the same view}.

Really wants to teach her how to cook, sew, bake, sing, and take care of the house - Traditionally feminine things, y'know? Luda grew up traditional, it'll most likely bleed into her granddaughter. She'll always call her "Sweetheart" - "Baby" - "Angel" - anything endearing and sweet, really. Very very affirmative of her granddaughter dearest 🫀

Luda will sing lullabies, read to her, probably invite her to tea with Kathryn/Tea Lady. She's a very comforting grandma :)

Now, I know we're having fun in la-la-land, but we gotta go back to TCM 2003 for a minute.

Luda Mae is a strong, independent, and direct woman. She will NOT tolerate ANY disrespect - Never. If her granddaughter acts out, consequences will be appointed.

Hoyt:

Now, I know what the immediate answer SEEMS to be: "Oh, Hoyt would hate that Thomas had a daughter instead of a son - He's a misogynist who hates all women!" And listen, I thought this too UNTIL I re-watched the TCM 2003 movie just to make sure. During one of the final scenes: 1:12:10 - 1:28:40, Hoyt can be seen peering over Henrietta and Luda Mae, looking down at the {unnamed} baby. He seems very affectionate {for Hoyt} - Smiling and cooing at her {Yes, the baby is confirmed female "She's mine"}

The truth is, I don't think Hoyt would mind it all too much. Would he have preferred a nephew? Yeah - But he loves his niece just the same. He'll teach her how to shoot, how to hunt, throw a punch, be strategic, and he'll definitely teach her a.."wide vocabulary."

He'd definitely be the type to say "this type of stuff ain't for women, young lady." For example:

"Now ___, I know you wanna get yer hands dirty like yer daddy and I, but this type of game isn't for little ladies like yourself."

Depending on how sassy Thomas' daughter is, Hoyt's tolerance for her will differ. If she's a foul-mouthed sassy sailor, Hoyt's patience will decreased as compared to an "innocent naive angel."

He's also..terrified, to say the least. He'll be wayyy more cautious about his remarks around Tommy's daughter - Afraid of how Thomas {and Luda Mae} will react.

Oh - and Hoyt will be one of the first to offer advice and protection for his niece, especially if she starts dating:

"He called you what? - Ugly? Hell, let's see this fella; See how 'ugly' he can get."

"Now ___, don't you be dating any soy-boys, make sure a man can take care of ya real nice, y'hear?"

He loves her, but he's not an affectionate {or kind} guy.

Henrietta:

God, she is so so so jealous - She's always wanted kids, but never had the opportunity to have some of her own. She'll definitely offer to babysit any chance she gets. She'd offer the same things as Luda Mae, just more often. Oh! And she'd be a wonderful..aunt? Second cousin? Idk what she would be in relation to Thomas' daughter, but she'd be wonderful at it! Always open to talk, and very very supportive.

{Uncle} Monty:

Would not care. At all. Leave him alone and he's all good 👍

"Stop staring at me with them bug eyes.."

"Girl, would you get me a beer?"

"Thomas! Get your daughter to stop taking my damn cane!"

"If you keep touching 'im {the dog}, he'll bite you."

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･.

Okay yay! Sorry for Henrietta and Monty's parts being short, I just don't see huge influence with the two of them - Plus Hen's basically Luda Mae 2.0, just less strict.

[kbstanny]

Thanks For Nothing (Rafayel/Reader)

✿Fandom: Love and Deepspace

✿Pairing: M/F

✿Rating: NSFW

✿Tags: smut, jealousy, orgasm denial, possessive behaviour, taunting, rough sex

✿Word count: 2,360

Rafayel's bodyguard has been neglecting her duties, so he decides to teach her a lesson.

✿A/N at the end!

"I should fire you!"

Rafayel was furious. More furious than she'd ever seen him, stomping across the kitchen as she prepared his dinner. His latest exhibition for his newest collection had been going ever so well, but an altercation had brought a sour end to the night. An altercation that never would have happened if his bodyguard had been paying better attention.

So he'd brought her back to his home, demanding that she make recompense for her carelessness by cooking him dinner. And, feeling guilty, she obliged.

"I pay you well, really well! I take you out to lunch, to museums, I give you more than you deserve and you just throw it back in my face!" He was ranting, his hands on his hips as he huffed and puffed, his cheeks all red. She couldn't help but find the sight a little amusing.

"Rafayel, relax. You're fine, aren't you?" She couldn't take him all too seriously, as Rafayel, like usual, was overreacting. He did not like her answer, or her tone.

"Anything could have happened! I could have been killed! And nothing would have happened had you been doing your job!"

"Nothing did happen! You have a little bruise on your back, that's all!" She retorted. She hadn't realised at first just how upset he was about the whole thing.

He walked right up to her, a scowl on his face.

"It's not little!" He tugged up his shirt to show her the purple mark, no bigger than an egg.

"You've shown me a hundred times already."

"I'll show you a hundred more! Until you start taking being my bodyguard seriously!" He pouted in that childish way that sometimes made her squirm, or smile, depending on her mood.

"I am sorry, Rafayel." She spoke with a sigh, placing a lid on the pot of simmering stew. "But this is gonna taste so good you'll forget all about it." She smiled at him, but he didn't return it, his eyes narrowing, going silent for a few moments.

"You were trying to get under my skin back there, with that guy." He accused, his voice losing its childish whine, taking on a tone more sinister. "I know you were. You were all over him."

Rafayel didn't back away, looking down his nose at her, nostrils slightly flared. "Sat there, sipping wine at the bar like butter wouldn't melt. Throwing yourself at any handsome idiot who gave you attention."

She scoffed at him, folding her arms, looking straight back up at him with a challenging gaze. "And so what if I was?" She challenged. "You're not my boyfriend, I can do as I please." Her eyes lit up with a playful flare. "Are you jealous?"

He took a small step forward, and when she tried to step away, she realised she was caged in, pressed tight against the counter. Yet she wouldn't drop her guard, staring back at Rafayel unphased. Anger twitched across his face.

"You'd love that, wouldn't you?" His hand trailed up the split in her dress, his long fingers dusting delicately against the plush skin of her thigh. She looked radiant in her dark sequin gown, not at all professional, completely unequipped to protect her client, save for one secret weapon. Though it didn't stay a secret for long.

Rafayel plunged his hand up her dress, yanking her gun from its holster in one swift motion.

"I'm afraid stew isn't going to make up for what you did." There was a mischievous glint in his eye, one that actually frightened her. She gasped, reaching out for the gun, but he held it high.

"That's not funny, put that down!" She commanded, but Rafayel only laughed.

"What's the matter, Miss Bodyguard? You don't like feeling unprotected?" He teased, cocking a brow. She groaned, wrestling fruitlessly against him, but he only held her gun higher.

"Rafayel! Stop being stupid!"

"What's stupid is flirting with some random guy at work while your boss is watching." He chided. "Were you gonna go home with him?"

"What? No!"

"I bet you would've. He was getting real touchy with you." Rafayel teased, leaning in closer, smoothing his hand up the opening of her dress, cupping her hip.

He looked her in the eye. He was smiling, dangerously at first, before his devilish expression twisted into that familiar, boyish grin. He placed the gun atop a tall cabinet — out of the way. She released a breath, unaware she'd had one trapped in her throat in the first place.

With his newly freed hand, he grabbed her other hip, lifting her up so that she was sat on the counter before him.

"You fucking asshole." She spat, shoving him away, though he barely budged, laughing, his hands still holding her hips.

"You can't seriously think I was going to shoot you? I'm an artist, not an assassin."

His eyes had softened some, though much of the bitterness he'd harboured in them before had evolved into lust, and he drank in her figure with a lascivious gaze. She noticed a tent growing in his pants.

"I never know what stupid thing you're going to do next."

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, whatever." Rafayel closed the gap between them, catching her lips in a quick but passionate kiss, pulling her forward to press her core flush against his bulge. She huffed, and her arousal swelled.

Goddamnit. How did he have this sort of control over her? No matter how mad at him she was, just one flash of that smile, one wink of his impossible sunset eyes and she folded.

His hands smoothed up from her hips, to her waist, then to her back, locating the zip to her dress and pulling it down slowly. Rafayel broke the kiss, sliding the garment down her shoulders to reveal her breasts.

His slender fingers cupped at her bosom, gently pinching her hardened nipples, slowly teasing her cunt with his clothed erection. She moaned, her lust dampening her underwear. Rafayel chuckled.

"Getting worked up already huh?" He teased, and she curled her leg around his thighs, pulling him closer. Rafayel pinched her nipples tightly, earning a little squeal from his bodyguard.

"You're lucky I still wanna fuck you. Seeing you with that guy really put me off." He stopped pinching to unbutton his pants. She scowled.

"Get over it would you?" She jabbed, swiftly sliding down her panties.

He tutted, pooling up her dress at her waist and spreading her legs, baring her glistening cunt. Rafayel parted her folds with his thumb, gently circling her clit with the digit.

"You have such an attitude. You really should be more grateful, considering you're such a bad bodyguard."

She whined, heat flushing over her body as Rafayel touched her. She looked back at him, defiant, she couldn't take his smug expression despite how turned on she was.

"A... a waiter tripped into you– and you fell over!" She huffed the words out through her mewls. "It's hardly like– you were attacked!"

At that, he slid a finger inside of her, expelling the words from her mouth in one simple motion. She gasped from the pleasure, her mouth gaping like a fish, and he grinned at the sight of her. He gave her little time to adjust before sliding in a second finger, pumping in and out of her mound at a fervent pace.

"What was that? You got something to say?" He taunted, but she could only whimper, her defenses melting against him with ease. "Yeah. That's what I thought."

She'd been over this routine with Rafayel a hundred times already: They'd fall out over something ridiculous, more often than not it was his fault, but it didn't take them long at all before they were all over each other again, extinguishing their squabbles over sex. It usually worked a treat, and she certainly wasn't complaining. Any complaints she might have had poofed into dust with one click or pump of his fingers. She was completely wrapped around them, at his mercy.

"You're so wet for me, cutie." He chimed, picking up the pace. Rafayel's voice was smooth and composed, yet the look in his eye was anything but. There was a fire in his gaze that burned so bright it put his Evol to shame.

She moaned, her eyes shutting as she desperately tensed around him, trying to draw as much friction as she could with her lubricious walls. It was akin to trying to grasp a slippery bar of soap in one's hands. Rafayel drew his fingers out of her with a resounding pucker.

He quickly whipped his erection out from his underwear, readying it at her dripping cunt. He was very thick, especially at the head, with more than enough length to satisfy her aching lust. Rafayel brought his tip to her lips, coating it in her wetness and sliding himself teasingly against her folds. Impatient, she tried to slide herself around him, but he stopped her with a firm clamp to her thigh.

"Nuh-uh. If you want it, you'll have to say please ."

She looked up at him, scowling despite her desperation, and he sent a shit-eating grin back at her. Rafayel was loving every minute of this. He knew she wasn't capable of refusing him.

For a few moments, she was silent, but as a particularly persuasive jolt of pleasure shot down her spine, she soon changed her mind.

"Please." She whined, her tone earnest but scathing. It was good enough for Rafayel. With a shaky breath, he entered her.

By now, she was used to the glorious way he felt inside of her. She loved the initial pinch of his fat head against her walls, no matter how aroused she was, he always required a little bit of adjustment. Just one stroke and she was filled instantly, so satisfied she could have orgasmed merely from the warming sensation of him inside of her. Once Rafayel's cock was completely engulfed, he began to fuck her, and far from delicately.

One of his hands snaked its way to her backside, spreading its grip over her rump and hip, guiding her movements. His other hand roamed to her chest, bouncing and massaging her breasts. She moaned, loud, wrapping her legs around his hips to keep him close.

Rafayel dipped his head, catching her mouth in a quick kiss, one with a heat that lingered on her lips, before he trailed those kisses down her neck, to her collarbone, nipping at it restlessly. She had to muffle the sounds with her palm, her eyelids squeezed tightly shut as she tried to compose herself. But Rafayel quickly snatched her wrist, pinning her arm to the wall behind them.

He sank his teeth into the tautest section of her neck, biting harshly, before soothing the bruise with his tongue. The sounds of his grunts and groans reverberated against her, making her sensitive skin ripple like the sea beneath a skipping stone. She clung desperately to his back, her only outlet for the intense pressure in her body.

He pulled away, looking back at her, though he didn't cease, pounding feverishly into her pussy. Rafayel looked a little disheveled, with his hair touseled and clothes sticky from the heat, but compared to her he was the picture of perfection. She looked a mess, with angry bruises peppering her skin, which was hot and sticky from sweat.

"You like that, don't you?" He purred, knowing full well what her answer would be. "Aren't you a lucky girl?" He pinched her nipple, tightly. "Aren't you lucky that I'm fucking you after what you did?"

"So lucky." She slurred, her fighting spirit had melted entirely at the command of his hips, moaning uselessly as he slammed into her. Rafayel looked intense, as if he was about to burst any minute. He took a firm hold of her jaw.

"Good girl." His voice was deceptively soft, the condescending tone all but undetectable when his arousal was so potent.

Then somehow, Rafayel managed to thrust even faster, his hips jackhammering into her at a dizzying pace, making tears sting her eyes and her thighs quiver uncontrollably. A big, hard knot formed in her stomach, sending a wave of heat that wracked her form.

"Ra- Raf- I'm!" She rasped, but he came first, shooting streams of hot and sticky spend deep inside of her swollen core. He heaved heavy breaths, pulling out of her with a wet thunk. She still hadn't finished. She'd been so close, and still she was so expectant, clenching her walls and whining at the loss of pressure as his seed oozed out of her.

But still he huffed and puffed, a dazed grin on his face, looking back smugly at the desperate mess he'd created on the counter. She wanted— needed him back, badly.

"I'm so close Raf, can you just...?" She gestured, a little frustrated. But Rafayel made no effort to assist her, wiping his cock down and tucking it back into his pants.

"And where were you tonight? When I needed you?" Her heart sank at his words.

"You can't be fucking serious–"

"Oh, I'm completely serious."

And one look his way confirmed that. She was so mad she thought she might cry.

"It hurts, doesn't it? When someone isn't there for you when you need them most? When you're waiting, desperately, for them to come back and finish what they started, to do their job, but they never do?"

He was taunting her now, but she said nothing, staring daggers at him. The thick bubbling of the stew filling the tense and silent kitchen. He sauntered over to the pot, taking a spoon and sipping the meaty broth. He hummed.

"Mm. Y'know, you're right — this might actually be good enough to make me forget all about it." He grinned, grabbing a bowl and dishing himself up. She stared back at him, rage bubbling behind her eyes, but her body was frozen in place.

Rafayel looked unphased, taking his bowl and walking away. "You can go now." And with that, he switched off the kitchen light and retired to his room for the night.

A/N: Sorry I made him so mean 😭 hope you enjoyed anyway! I think I'll write a sweet pt.2 to make up for it

[wileys-russo]

childhood sweethearts (13) II a.russo x reader

playlist one two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven twelve

childhood sweethearts (13) II a.russo x reader

the next few weeks seemed to pass by in a blur and before you knew it you'd blinked and it was the end of the month already.

you and alessia went from only texting when you needed something to texting every day, and then calling most nights if you weren't together, speaking about everything and nothing for hours, stomachs often aching from how hard you'd make one another laugh.

you appreciated the way she seemed genuinely interested in your job, asking questions and listening along intently as you recounted your days.

it surprised you to learn that if she wasn't a footballer she might have pursued teaching, though some of the horror stories you'd spun her about your time at uni and on placement steered her well away from that.

your heart warmed seeing how good she was with the kids when she did the friday football program, well all of the arsenal girls were, and with the program a raging success an agreement had been made between the arsenal academy and the school to offer discounted holiday programs for during the break.

you'd gone to see every single one of her games since the last, alessia's heart bursting to see you sat up with her family every weekend with her jersey on and her last name across your shoulders cheering her on just like old times.

and you were even learning to actually enjoy the game, though thats not to say you still wouldn't groan and complain when alessia would flick on a premier league game to watch after dinner occasionally.

her brothers had relentlessly teased her for it but she brushed them off, trying not to take to heart the jokes that if she didn't lock you down soon someone else might beat her to it.

neither of you had dared to broach that conversation just yet.

her mum was thrilled to see how close the two of you had become again, her parents picking you up most games or taking you out for a drink with them all beforehand, and always inviting you to family dinners afterwards.

and in turn your own mum insisted on both of your families coming together again like old times, and it filled you with joy to see how much time she spent with carol once more.

with the short distance between both of your apartments it seemed to become a routine of sorts that every couple of days one of you would drop by to see the other.

nights were spent taking turns cooking for one another, watching movies or sometimes just talking for hours until you'd both realise the time and need to hurry back home.

alessia had been wanting to ask you to stay the night for a little while now, but not wanting to push things too early on and just enjoying your company in anyway she could she'd hold her tongue every time you'd start to pack your things back up to leave.

but you'd always be sure to walk one another home which inevitably ended in the two of you kissing goodnight, and unbeknownst to alessia every single time you did you had to hold your own tongue not to ask her to stay.

you were yet to put a label on anything, and most of your 'dates' seemed to consist of cosy nights in, nothing super fancy or high maintenance.

you'd not clocked any sort of issue with it either, having known the girl for years it seemed almost silly to even feel the need to go out, much preferring how comfortable the two of you were around one another now you were both clearly trying to get things back on track.

well you didn't see an issue, not until rory opened her mouth one afternoon.

"wait you've not gone out? watching movies together or cooking dinner isn't a date!" your best friend rolled her eyes from where she lounged on your bed, having come over to help you with your quarterly closet clean out.

"anything can be a date if its with the right person!" you argued, holding up a dress to your body as her eyes narrowed and she pointed to the keep pile. "maybe once you're actually dating, but last time i checked the two of you were still dancing around that big question!" you blushed a little at her words and threw a cardigan at her.

"oh this is cute! can i have this?" you chuckled but nodded as she dropped it into the 'rory' pile which you knew was mainly the only reason she'd offered her 'help'.

"but anyway. if its classed as a 'date' it needs to be a bit more than just the two of you lounging about one of your apartments, thats just hanging out and one could argue that would be something strictly platonic!" rory pointed as you sighed at her dramatics.

"we make out, thats not platonic." you shot back with a glare as she ooohed. "and do you braid each others hair and swap secrets too?" the girl cooed as you threw a heel at her head causing her to shriek.

"sorry ro and how many relationships have you been in? oh just one? shut up!" you flipped her off and turned back to your clothes. "okay if anything its because i am in a long term committed happy and healthy relationship i can call this behavior out." rory started, pushing herself to sit up more.

"the two of you are acting like a) just best friends hanging out, or b) an old married couple. neither of which i know you want to be! you're both in your early twenties you should be going out and spending time together doing fun stuff! not curled up watching the same movies you've loved since you were teenagers. at least go to the cinema and see something so you leave the house!" rory tossed a pillow at you which you side stepped.

"so what i should ask her out to do something then?" you asked with a small frown, playing with the sleeves of your hoodie, which was actually alessia's hoodie. "yes! do exactly that. not that i can really blame you for not wanting to go anywhere super public with her but theres loads of stuff you can do to get around that." rory shrugged.

"what do you mean you can't blame me for not wanting to go anywhere super public with her?" you questioned with an air of confusion. "well because she's a fucking celebrity you head case!" rory laughed at you.

that took you off guard as you paused your sorting, moving to take a seat on the edge of the bed with a frown. "well shes not really a celebrity, shes not like an actor or anything." you challenged more so for your own sake.

"please! elite athletes can be just as famous as actors or singers or whatever, if anything even more so because they're more relatable to the general public. for god sakes she's won the euros and made the finals of a world cup you idiot!" another pillow smacked you in the side of the head as you shot the girl a glare.

"she also does sponsorships, ads, she's a branded athlete with adidas, she has a management agency, she's on a professional contract with a huge salary no doubt, and she plays on a global stage for fucking england!" rory ticked off on her fingers with a scoff.

"well yeah but-" you fell quiet at that, head ticking over as it dawned on you that rory was right. "come on just look at her instagram! as if you don't notice the thousands of people obsessing over her." rory chuckled pulling out her phone.

"i hardly use it! case in point you have to text me to like your posts." you rolled your eyes as rory moved to lay down shoving her phone in your face.

"see? she's got like nearly a million followers and look at how many people interact with her posts. she probably gets like a hundrd dm's a day of randoms asking her out, maybe even from other celebrities!" rory laughed nudging her shoulder into you.

"see she met david fucking beckham and it looks like he's the fan in the picture!" rory gasped clicking into one of alessia's more recent posts.

you knew rory didn't mean anything bad by all of this but as you scrolled through the hundreds on hundreds of comments on alessia's posts you chest tightened with an uncomfortable anxiety you'd not felt before.

"god and then theres tiktok and twitter and whatever else. i liked one video about less and it took me days to get rid of the edits of her on my feed." rory shook her head with a grin, grabbing back her phone off you and switching apps.

"see?" she searched up alessias name on tiktok and your eyes widened even further as she scrolled through the hundreds of edits. "jesus christ she is a celebrity." you exhaled, pushing rorys phone away and collapsing onto your back, moving so your head rested on your best friends thigh.

"well duh, what did you think? she's that same little ten year old playing for the school team with all the boys?" "no! i hadn't really thought about it is all. to me she's just...well she's just alessia."

"and that is very sweet of you but also very naive. i don't know how i'd cope if jack was getting that many girls in his comments, thank god he's just a measly banker." rory joked but at her teasing words you felt a stabbing sensation at your chest.

"but hey what have you got to worry about? all they can do is wish, you've already got the girl." rory shrugged tapping on your forehead as you simply hummed, caught up in your head.

did you have nothing to worry about?

~

you looked up from the pan of vegetables you were frying off hearing a knock at your door, lowering the heat and quickly washing your hands.

"hi lessi." you greeted the blonde as you pulled open the door, stepping aside as she hurried in, the weather below zero this week as she shivered.

"hello, aren't you a sight for sore eyes." alessia sighed happily, your lips meeting sweetly as she pulled your body into hers. "mm no one more." the blonde grinned pecking your lips a few more times making you smile.

"dinners almost done. how was training?" you left her to unravel herself from her many layers as you returned to the kitchen, hearing her join you shortly after.

"this morning? yeah it was good! nutmegged leah like ten times, she was fuming." alessia grinned taking a seat at the bench. "thats when you kick it through someones legs right?" you asked, moving the sauce off the heat.

"sure is, look whose learning. maybe we can get you into a sunday league team next!" alessia winked teasingly as you playfully rolled your eyes. "yeah you'd love that wouldn't you." you grabbed her out a bottle of water from the fridge.

"then i had a shoot this afternoon for adidas, that was fun. i just get awkward in front of the camera but the photographer was really nice!" alessia shrugged casually, taking a long swig of water as you hummed, that weird feeling from yesterday returning as you tried to push it away.

"one to ten, how hungry?" you questioned, two bowls in front of you as you grabbed the rice, having made a stir fry.

"mmm like a six? had a late lunch, some meeting with some magazine about some article. luca said we probably won't go forward with it, they've got a reputation for twisting peoples words to create drama that isn't there." alessia recounted as you again only hummed, a slight frown on your face as you dished up.

"thank you gorgeous." the taller girl leaned in to kiss you in appreciation as you handed her the bowl, eyebrows furrowing a little as you turned your head so her lips met your cheek instead.

brushing it off assuming you were probably just tired after a long week she followed after you into the living room. "no!" you warned as she went to sit on the lounge, lowering herself instead to the floor with a roll of her eyes.

"it was one time." the blonde huffed with a pout as you handed her a small handful of napkins, having knocked over a bowl of soup all over your lounge last week. "one time was enough." you smiled taking a seat beside her.

"get a dining table then and we wouldn't have this problem." alessia pinched your cheek as you mocked her and flicked on the tv. "less!" you complained as she plucked the remote from your fingers, flipping channels.

"nooo." you groaned in realization as she put on a mens game, manchester united playing against some other team you didn't know, only recognising the familiar uniform of the russo's childhood team.

"yesss." alessia mocked happily, sighing as she placed a mouthful of stir fry in. "this is really really good, thank you baby." the girl kissed your cheek again as a comfortable silence fell between the two of you as you ate.

it was during this time that alessia picked up maybe there was something going on with you. normally you'd spend the entire game either making comments, asking questions, complaining about how long halves were or teasing her for 'yelling at the players like they can hear you'.

but long after the two of you had finished eating you were still quiet, eyes not even on the tv as you seemed a little lost in your own world. "hey." you snapped out of it as a warm hand squeezed your knee, looking up into a pair of concerned bright blue orbs.

"you alright?" alessia asked, hand still on your knee as you nodded. "i'm fine babe." you forced a tight lipped smile, gently pushing off her hand and grabbing your empty bowls. alessia watched you go with a frown, now almost certain something was going on for you.

initially she didn't want to force it out of you, but as you both sat up on the sofa now and you subtly shuffled a little further away from her alessia couldn't hold her tongue any longer.

"you don't want to finish it? they're up by two!" you frowned at her as she turned the tv off, turning her body to face you. "i know you said you're fine, but i can tell somethings up." alessia started, reaching out for you as you flinched away.

"see! have i done something?" the girl asked as worry flashed across her face and you shook your head. "no no its just-" you struggled to get out your words, groaning and dragging your hands down your face.

"fucking rory." you muttered cursing out your best friend for causing this swirling sea of doubt in your mind. "you're fucking rory?" alessia misunderstood, pulling her hands back with a frown as again you shook your head.

"no! god no, disgusting." you pulled a face of disgust as alessia breathed out in relief. "its not something you've done, well not...directly?" you winced as the frown returned to the strikers face. "i don't understand."

"okay, well can i ask you something?" "of course." "do you consider yourself a celebrity?"

"thats...a loaded question." alessia exhaled as she thought it over. "i don't personally think about myself in that way but i can see why i'd be perceived that way." alessia answered after a moment to contemplate.

"but why do you ask?" alessia asked both concerned and curious as to where this was coming from. "its stupid." you huffed, falling down onto your back as alessia grabbed your ankles, pulling your legs to rest over your lap, relaxing when you made no move to pull away.

"if its bothering you its not stupid, please." the striker requested softly as you sighed. "well rory was talking to me about how its weird we don't ever go out on dates, and then she made some comment about understanding why i wouldn't want to because you're a celebrity." you paused as alessia nodded for you to continue.

"then she showed me your instagram and tiktok and there was just so many comments and i promise i don't dismiss any of your achievements but i guess i never really took a moment to realise just how many other people appreciated them too." you frowned as everything rolled through your mind.

"see! its stupid. of course you're going to get thousands of comments and fans and edits, you're an international football superstar." you threw your hands up, cheeks burning up a little.

"you jealous of all the fangirls love?" alessia teased as insecurity flashed across your face and she quickly realised that was the wrong thing to say.

"hey no i'm sorry, look at me." soft hands grabbed yours and tugged you to sit up. "first of all, its not stupid." alessia promised sincerely, eyes not leaving yours.

"but it is something we have to speak about, and probably should have already spoken about." alessia sighed in realisation, taking your hands into hers again. "social media is...complicated. people think they know me or i owe them something just because im a public figure." alessia started with a frown.

"every little thing i post gets picked apart whether its of me, a holiday, a place, a friend, my family, anything. people find out which cafes i go to for coffee and show up there hoping to see me, follow me to restaurants when i post im out eating with friends, take sneaky videos when im out in public and post them. it can get very invasive and a lot of people have no concept of privacy or boundaries!" alessia warned as you nodded slowly.

"so i guess if we..." alessia gestured between the two of you with a wince as you nodded to show you understood what she was saying. "...then thats something you'll have to know is there. its not going away, if anything the more tournaments i play in, ads i do, sponsors i get, interviews, articles, club trophies, the attention and the fans and the eyes will grow." alessia spoke firmly, still keeping a hold on your hands.

"but i'm not trying to scare you, i just need you to know that its there. i would always do my best to protect you but some things are out of my hands and out of my control, i can't stop what people think, post, say, much as i wish i could." alessia sighed, bringing your hand up to her mouth to kiss your palm.

"please say something." alessia laughed but it was clearly full of nerves, her face falling as you gently pulled your hands out of hers. "its just, this is all very new. i know you're still you, but i guess the thought of having thousands of people all watching everything you do and picking it apart or obsessing over you and wanting you in comments is overwhelming." you admitted, biting your bottom lip as alessia nodded.

"i know. it overwhelms me too but i promise like you said i'm still me, none of this changes that. and if anything ever bothers you like this please just come talk to me about it, i will always listen." alessia promised, relief flooding her body as took her hands again.

"thank you. i'm sorry for being a downer!" you smiled apologetically as the blonde hurriedly shook her head. "never. but you also did raise another very good point!" alessia started as you tilted your head curiously.

"as much as i love our dinners and movies, we've not really been out on a proper date. so can i please take you out on friday night? i'll be at the school for the program anyway so we could go out right after or we could come back and get ready or we could-" you cut her off as you pressed your lips to hers, silencing her worried rambles.

"i'd love to go out on friday lessi."

~

"someones popular today." you bumped your shoulder into alessias as she broke away from your students who'd been clinging to her all afternoon, leah now running a game as she started to break them up into smaller groups.

"i like kids but i do not know how you deal with all the questions! an angel of patience." alessia sighed bumping you back with a smile. "just an angel in general." you teased, catching the girls eyes quickly flicker down to your lips momentarily.

"excuse me miss russo we are in a professional environment, behave yourself." you warned, kissing her cheek quickly when no one was looking and walking off to calm a small argument which had broken out over team names.

"saw that russo." the smile couldn't even be wiped off alessia's face at katies teasing, the irishwoman standing where you previously had as she poked and prodded at the younger girl.

"so when are you bringing your girlfriend to a team night out then?" katie sung out with a grin. "she's not my girlfriend." alessia sighed, smile dropping as katie frowned. "oh, well no one to blame but yourself there. i see the way she looks at you! smitten." the girl clapped her on the back.

"i want to its just, we've got a complicated history." alessia mumbled with a frown. "ah! who doesn't. all ya can do is not repeat past mistakes. i know none of my exes would turn up to a bar to come pick me up wasted out of nowhere!" katie reminded as alessia winced recalling that night.

"god don't remind me, never again." alessia exhaled with a shake of her head. "well then get your girl russo! you'll never know until ya ask." katie shrugged.

"we're going out tonight, i'm gonna take her to that little darts bar its pretty quiet and i think i freaked her out the other day with the whole thousands of fans thing." alessia then explained the conversation you'd had.

"mm yeah, not something i can offer ya any advice on there less. i've always dated the famous ones!" katie winked jokingly, jogging off as the whistle blew.

"did i hear darts bar tonight? i'll tell the girls!" alessia's head whipped around as beth stood behind her, racing off toward leah before alessia could say another word, the girl throwing her head back with a groan.

"alessia! you're on our team!" she was snapped out of it by small hands gripping at her shorts and shirt, tugging her onto the field as she met your eyes on the other side of the oval, a smile sent her way before you returned to your conversation with your coworker.

it wasn't for another hour that alessia was finally able to track you down alone again, and by this time beth had spread the word and the plan was made, far too late for alessia to say a word as katie gave her a sympathetic look.

"hey! can we talk for a second?" you looked up from speaking with chloe, wishing her a good weekend as she walked off and you nodded, gesturing for her to follow after you back into your classroom.

"did you drive here?" you asked as alessia took a seat on top of one of the desks as you started to pack up yours. "no leah gave me a lift."

"perfect, i'll drop you home and then we can get ready separately. i assume you'll want to drive tonight though?" you smiled teasingly, it being no surprise that alessia preferred to be the driver of the two of you.

"look about tonight-" alessia started, watching as you paused, worry flashing across your face for a moment. "i'm not cancelling." the blonde was quick to assure you as you visibly relaxed a litte.

"we just might need to change the plan? beth kind of overheard me talking to katie about it and then assumed it was a group thing and invited a bunch of the girls and its hardly a date if my entire team is there too and-" alessia started to ramble.

"less!" you cut her off as her face blushed red. "i don't mind if the others are there, really. i know you were excited to show me this place, maybe we could just get dinner somewhere else together and then meet them there later?" you suggested as her face lit up.

"yes! god your mind is brilliant." the striker pushed herself up off the desk, her body suddenly pressing yours against your own desk. "well they don't just pay me for my good looks here." you teased, again catching her eyes flicker down to your lips.

"we're still in a professional environment." alessia stated as if to remind herself more than you. "mm i guess i'm off the clock now, its after four." you grinned, hands falling to clasp either side of her face.

"you know i never thought i'd be kissing a teacher in a classroom." alessia tutted, lips curling into a smile as you let out a laugh. "didn't realise this was something you were into? didn't peg you as someone with a teacher kink." you teased, closing the gap between the two of you.

"only if the teacher is you." alessia mumbled against your lips, hands squeezing your hips as you let out a small laugh, pulling away and hugging her tightly, chin resting on her shoulder.

"i'm gonna miss when this program is over. next term its dancing instead of football!" you groaned quietly, feeling her body vibrate with laughter against yours.

"are you trying to dance with me right now?" you laughed as she started to sway the two of you back and forth. "yeah can't you hear the music? would be rude not to." alessia accused sarcastically, pulling you forward a little and taking your hand.

"i seem to remember you used to be a terrible dancer, two left feet." you grinned as she adjusted your hands, one interlocking with hers as the other rested on your hip, yours on the small of her back.

"hey thats not true!" alessia huffed, eyebrows furrowing in offence. "yes it was, remember when you tried to learn the tango to win a bet and-" you were cut off as her lips pressed against yours again. "we promised never to speak of that again." the girl warned mid kiss, starting to dance with you again.

"oh less!" you winced as suddenly she stepped on your foot, eyes widening as she let go of you and stepped back, but her foot catching on the desk she went flying to the ground.

like a domino effect as her body smacked into one of the desks it toppled over, taking down the entire row as alessia winced each time one hit the ground. a moment of silence passed before your body dropped down to the floor, clutching your stomach as waves of laughter ran through you.

"its not funny!" alessia groaned, though after a moment even she couldn't hold back her laughter, the two of you eventually laid down on the floor unable to stop, wiping away small tears which formed as you tried to calm down.

"oh wow, did your students do that?" alessia gasped as she looked up and saw the galaxy of stars all over the roof once the two of you finally calmed a little.

"no i did, makes it way easier to get them to calm down after lunch sometimes. i turn all the lights off and draw the blinds, then i get them all to pick a star and stand under it, close their eyes count to ten and make a wish for the future. works nearly every time!" you smiled fondly, alessia stealing a glance at you.

"its cool the school lets you decorate like this, i wish our classrooms were this colourful and lively. i might have actually paid attention!" alessia shrugged as you kicked her gently. "you did pay attention, just to my work so you could copy off of it." you poked her with a smirk.

"they give us some freedom just no budget, almost all of this is self funded." you explained as alessia's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "wait really?"

"yeah, a lot of the stuff needed to actually run a cohesive program isn't deemed as so. like name tags, the reading books, plants, most of the stationary, the posters, all bought by me. then activities like when we have snacks on movie days, end of term pizza parties, none of thats covered by the department either." you shrugged as if it was no big deal.

"wait so you personally buy all that stuff?" alessia asked in disbelief as you nodded. "well yeah, just because the department doesn't think these kids need this stuff doesn't mean they don't deserve it. a public school education shouldn't set them back on resources and opportunities compared to a private one just because of money, i like to think im doing my bit to mend the gap when i can." you looked back up to the ceiling with a smile.

"what was that for?" you laughed as alessia quickly pecked your lips. "because teachers deserve more money. but i can't help that so i figured a kiss was the next best thing!" alessia grinned cheekily as you grabbed her shirt, pulling her mouth back to meet yours again.

though as she pushed herself up and moved to hover over you, you leapt away from one another at the sound of someone clearing their throat.

but both of you sighed in relief as you realised it was only leah who stood with a smirk and a bunch of flowers in her hand. "sorry to interrupt. but less left these in my car and i wouldn't want to steal them from their rightful recipient." leah spoke as the striker hurried to her feet.

a silent conversation seeming to be had between the two blondes through a series of facial expressions alessia accepted the flowers and leah sent you a smile before leaving, closing the door after her.

"for you." alessia blushed bright red as you stood, accepting them with your own cheeks tinted rosy pink. "they're beautiful." you swooned, placing them on your desk and pulling her into a tight hug.

"well beautiful girls deserve beautiful things."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

fourteen

[27spoons]

Hi could you do older Nat being your mom headcanons

this is. like. all over the place. have some single mom!adult!nat hcs (and some cool aunt!van hcs for shits and giggles)

def was not planning on becoming a mom. it was likely the product of a one-night, some guy whose number she never got and name she never knew.

that being said, she either didn't know she could love something as much as she loves you, or thought she'd be too fucked up yo try.

once you're there, though? once you're real? the first time she holds you she fucking breaks down sobbing—because you're hers. you already had her eyes, now you just needed a name (it's the first thing that comes to her head. she never bothered giving you a name while you were in the womb, because if something happened before she got to meet you... well.)

she's all in, tho. like, from d1. she doesn't attend 'mommy-and-me' classes, pta meetings, or any of that shit. but she's like... your BIGGEST fan. supports any and all endeavors. you wanna be an astronaut? hell yeah, she knows a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy who knows someone who runs a space camp for teens. you're trans? high five, let's go pick out some clothes and shit. changed your mind on being an astronaut, and you wanna be a musician? wicked. she's got an old six-string she can give you.

no curfews. not bc she's a chill mom (she is), but bc she doesn't trust that system. think it just breeds resentment. she'd rather you text her when you're drunk than lie about it.

on that note, she would pick you up from a house party if you were too intoxicated to drive. in fact, she would rather you text her to pick you up. she doesn't mind, and would rather you call her than drive home yourself and "fuckin' kill an old lady, or something."

doesn't know how to cook for shit. her specialties are: frozen pizza, kraft mac & cheese (SPECIFICALLY kraft. she grew up on the great value shit and thinks it tastes like ass), some weird meal she made out of leftovers (which, surprisingly, never tastes that bad), and fried eggs (makes a MEAN sunny-side up).

very non-traditional take on parenting that pisses off a lot of the other parents at your school. 100% says some shit like "you don't owe me shit just because i raised you. that's my job as your mom. you're your own person."

emotionally closed off 95% of the time. but when she does crack open? fucking emotional damage. it's always smth small. fixing your hair, murmuring that she's proud of you (without having an actual reason to say it), or even just when you catch her looking at you with nothing but motherly love in her gaze, like she never thought she'd get the chance to watch you grow into the person you've become. (see: she's proud of you)

never tells you much about her parents (im thinking you meet her mom like. once. then never again cus she started talking abt nat's dad), but also never talks shit about them. just says that her life wasn't 'the best'.

teaches you how to fight after you get picked on at school. not just physically, but how to stand up for yourself. how to tell someone to fuck off and mean it.

doesn't trust school counselors. or therapists. or cops. or any adult authority figure. she can fuck up, it's literally in the job description of 'mom' that you won't be perfect all the time, but god help anyone else who does.

catches you smoking cigs/weed once and, unsurprisingly, doesn't berate you or get mad at you for smoking it. she just gets mad at you for not telling her. tells you that if you wanna smoke, fine. just talk to her so "you don't get ripped off by some asshole selling you oregano." also makes you swear you'll talk to her if you ever start using harder stuff—god forbid you ever end up in a rehab facility like she's done countless times.

that being said, if nat is ever... 'out of the picture' for any length of time, 'cool aunt' van is there. let's just imagine that nat and van stayed in touch cus they were childhood besties. you spend like. anywhere from two weeks to two months with her whenever you go over, depending on the reason for nat's disappearance. van teaches you a bunch of shit about old tech. shows you her favourite vhs tapes. calls you "lil' dude" regardless of your gender. gives you noogies. is more hesitant than nat is when talking abt the substance stuff. usually just awkwardly laughs and deflects with some vague pop culture reference you're too young to understand bonus: if you're queer, she gives you. like. a full history on queer media and legalization across the globe. also helps you find your style. tl;dr: cool aunt van is always there to lend a hand when nat can't be around. she loves her "lil' dude".

awkward with affection. doesn't really know how to hug you (see: never had parental affection growing up so she doesn't know how to give it), so you usually have to initiate it—she will always return the hug, however.

shows her love in other ways that even she doesn't notice: memorizes your class schedule. slips some cash in your coat pocket when you say you're going out with friends. buys you little knick-knacks when she's out shopping bc she thinks you'd like it. and will always listen to you cry or complain or yap even if she doesn't know what to say, because that's what moms do—they listen.

shows up to your school high at 10am on a tuesday morning (wearing sunglasses, obviously), and tells your shitty ex off. just because she can.

rides the line between "cool mom" and "deeply traumatized guardian who's doing the best with no guidebook and too much damage" like she's an olympic athlete. because, yeah, she's far form perfect. she's gonna fuck up a lot. but she cares. and she stays, despite all of her trauma telling her to run. and, for her? shit, that's the biggest thing she could ever give you.

--not 'nsfw' but like. substance abuse stuff under the cut--

listen, if we're talking about older, post-rescue nat who has been thru hell and back, we can't ignore the fact she's deeply entangled with substance abuse.

she never hides the fact she used to use. doesn't glamorize it or lecture you about it either. just tells you straight up: "the comedown fucking sucks. it's not worth it." will also answer any* questions you have (*she may be extremely vague with the answer, but she will answer it).

keeps her chips tucked in the back of her nightstand. doesn't show them off (or even tell you she has them), but she touches them sometimes. just to remind herself. maybe she keeps them next to a photo of you, like an example of a direct reason she needs to stay sober.

if she is still using, it's not in front of you. she'd rather chew her own arm off than let you see her do a line or shoot up.

if she's sober, it's bc she's really trying. like... really trying. sometimes you hear her cry in the bathroom at night. sometimes she relapses. but she never lies to you about it. she won't tell you outright, but she won't lie if asked.

keeps narcan in the house. shows you how to use it and where it is. "just in case." she won't elaborate. you already know why.

sometimes she checks your pupils when you come home late or go out with people she knows use. not* to scold you—just because she knows the signs (*but she will ask if you trust the person you got it from. if the answer is no/uncertain, she doesn't sleep all night. checks in regularly to make sure you're breathing).

if you do try something, she doesn't get loud. no, she'll sit you down and give you the harsh reality of where this path could lead you. gives you fentanyl test strips. not bc she doesn't trust you, but because she doesn't trust other people. shows you how to use them, but reminds you that "even if there's no fent in it, you could still overdose. it's not fun."

sometimes she'll ask you to tag along to her NA meetings. not bc you need it, but bc she wants you to see that she's trying.

when she's sober, she's better at showing love. clumsy, but better. when she's not... she checks out a little. emotionally, mentally, physically... you can feel the gap even if you're sitting right next to her.

doesn't say she's sorry much. just tries to do better.

and, despite all the chaos and havoc it can bring, she never, NEVER, lays a hand on you. she's yelled a few times, but would sooner perform surgery on herself with a rusty razor in a back alley with no lighting before hitting you.

a/n: i've never lived with an addict but i've got my own experience with working w/ addicts and addiction. if anyone is struggling, pls know that help is available. can usa uk aus . if you don't have access to resources, please tell a trusted friend or family member. recovery is hard and a very long road, but it's so worth it.

[sesshous]

random dating hcs ᰔ mona, alhaitham, gaming

genre: fluff (no prns)

a/n: dating headcanons... drabbles... blurbs (not rly sure what to call these) also mona in the new cat event!! i love mona, she was the first five star i ever wanted and the first one i ever got, so i'm happy she's at least getting some more screentime haha ♡

mona

mona isn’t the most… responsible with her money. while she does have money set aside, the vast majority of her income goes to her life’s interest: astrology. but even with her lack of money, mona still wants to do things with you! … just without a hefty price tag.

mona loves to stargaze — befitting of an astrologist. she loves taking you around different heights of mondstadt! mona knows all the best spots that have a good view of the night sky — pointing out all the constellations, rambling on to you about what they mean… she’ll even make some copies of her own star charts to give you for future reference.

not really a known fact about her, but mona is actually a pretty decent cook! she'd want to prepare you a filling (and cheap), but very delicious meal rather than go out to eat. sometimes, she’ll end up lecturing you on market prices and ways you can prepare meals for a low cost — she wouldn’t want you buying overpriced ingredients when you can get just as good ones for a cheaper price!

and yes, if you ask her nicely she can create and show you reflections other than constellations with her hydromancy… just for you though. she wouldn’t want people to think her hydromancy is all just for show.

(brownie points if you share the same interest in astrology. you’re basically a match at that point.)

“hm? of course, i knew we were destined to be together — the stars never lie.”

gaming

the absolute sweetest! with how much he talks about you, people of liyue have to be living under a rock if they don’t know the two of you are together.

no has no shame with pda gaming will want to hold your hand everywhere you go. or have his arm around you. or hug you — he literally never gets embarrassed about giving you affection! he’s very into physical touch, he finds it’s comforting. i’d like to think he’s warm to the touch too — with or without the pyro vision. great cuddling material for cold days! (… hot ones too — you just have to wear breathable clothes so you don’t overheat.)

you don’t have to be into it as much as he is, but gaming would definitely want to teach you the basics of wushou dancing! he’s always there to help show and guide you through the movements — he likes to think he’s a pretty good teacher! he'll joke about putting on a duo performance… just a joke of course, haha… unless—?

oh, and man chai loves you! i like to think man chai acts more well behaved for you than he does with gaming, (he blames it on all the treats you give him) but he’s so glad you too get along! … even if man chai does steal take more of your attention when you’re together...

“y’know, i'm starting to think man chai likes you way more than he likes me! … but it's you, so i don’t blame him though, haha!”

alhaitham

alhaitham as quite the reputation for being… unapproachable to say the least. to people, his words and gaze seems judgemental, so how could someone stand to be around someone like that? lucky for you, you're able see past what those people seemingly think of him!

the books alhaitham reads aren’t made for the average’s person leisurely reading — their complex and lengthy — but alhaitham feels a kind of… fondness when you ask him to read out loud whatever book he's currently reading to you! …even if you do end up becoming a bit sleepy due to the content of the book (he thinks it’s cute. will he say that to you? … maybe teasingly.) he also will read and take book suggestions from you if you have any for him! he doesn’t just read non-fiction (and if it’s from you, really he’s open to anything. anything.)

because of alhaitham’s day consisting pretty much on a schedule, he finds himself finding ways to incorporate you into it with his free time. he prefers to spend time with you in more quiet and secluded places around sumeru away from people, but i actually feel like he wouldn’t be opposed to dates in public! going to the likes of places such as the grand bazaar to see what people are selling or watching performances that are put on in the theatre (though most of the time it’s you dragging him out… he does find it entertaining to see your face light up at all of the sights)

on some occasions, he’ll bring you along with him when he’s invited out for drinks with cyno, kaveh and tighnari. (try your best to tease him in front of them, but he’ll always have a playful quip right back at you.)

"really? because sometimes i think you love using me more as a pillow than an actual boyfriend. i’m only joking dear, i love you too.”

[kazzsk2]

The trope about a dude adopting a kid and finding hope about life again but make it a video games concept where you (the player) are a traveler that has a terminal illness and you found a abandoned kid that gives you hope for the future

The colors are still a wip

Initial sketches + close ups

More lore

Basically, the game takes course over 5 years and it sections it in 5 arcs. Each arc, you teach the girl something valuable for the future and, depending on the choices you make, the girl acts and does certain things differently.

An example is is that you teach her how to approach strangers in this post apocalypse world. This leads to her either being immediately hostile to those you run into or more social to strangers.

At the end of each arc, she runs into a situation that forces her to use what you've taught her and it can be either good or bad depending on what was learned. There's also minor missions like teacher her how to cook, traverse hard courses, and trade with folks.

During each arc, you also learn more about her past and her circumstances. Depending on what your reaction to this new found knowledge is will affect how much she trusts your judgement. Less trust means she will only do the opposite of what you do or be less helpful in certain situations.

At the good ending, you learn that she's the cure that could save you from your supposed terminal illness. She has magic that could remove it from your body, but it's ultimately your choice whether you want her to save you or not. She'll be fine with it either way because, in this good ending, you've taught her how to value life and that everything must come to an end (and she'd be generally happy just to save your life).

In the neutral ending, she saves your life without asking you and you two go on to ride in the sunset. Not sad, but not exactly as good feeling as the good ending.

Im not sure what the bad ending would be yet. Maybe both of them die, or she abandons you. Maybe she dies due to not listening to one of your lessons and it costs her life. Then you're forced to traverse that last year alone, facing what you could've and should've done better, before dying alone from your illness.

Idk, but I feel like it'd be a cool game.

[icarusflewsworld]

Rhysand & Cassian & Azriel X OC

Hello, here is the prologue of a fanfiction on the world of Acotar where our three favorite Batboys are the mates of a single woman.

I hope you like it! Don't hesitate to let me know if you prefer the OC to become y/n and/or gender neutral.

Also, I apologize for any mistakes you might find, I'm just a French girl doing her best with Google Translate and her average score of 5 in English classe.

Happy reading!

Summary : We are just after Feyre became Fae and was able to get out from under the mountain. She tries to forget what happened by trying to live happily with Tamlin. Their wedding is also in preparation. Tamlin's spies let him know that Hybern possessed the cauldron and wanted to destroy the wall and that Rhysand was looking for the Book of Breathings to nullify the Cauldron's power. When Feyre learned it, she asked Tamlin and Rhysand to form an alliance. Then, they all find themselves heading to the Archerons' manor to organize a meeting with the human queens.

But Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel would never have thought to meet their mate in Archerons' manor and to share her with their brothers.

Luxiana is Feyre's best friend. She taught her everything, including how to hunt and survive. Luxiana has a complicated past. She seems fragile at first glance but is in fact extremely badass. She live in the Archerons' home.

Number of words : 1 345

Prologue

Luxiana would have done anything for Feyre. She reminded her of what she was like as a child. How fragile she'd been and how much she'd needed help. Someone had helped Luxiana and saved her, but no one had been there for Feyre. So Luxiana had taken on that role. Feyre was only nine and Luxiana was thirteen, but they had become best friends. 

Feyre thought of Luxiana as her big sister, as the one Nesta doesn’t want to be, as the one Elain should be. Luxiana had taught Feyre everything. She had taught her to hunt, to cook, to fish, to make money, to save, to hold on. She'd taught her absolutely everything, without ever asking for anything in return. Sometimes, causing herself troubles, she even gave Feyre all her money so that she and her family could live a little longer. If Feyre had achieved everything she had done, it was thanks to her best friend. 

She knew that Luxiana would do anything for her. In fact, she had crossed the wall to rescue her after Tamlin had kidnapped her. When Luxiana had arrived at the high lord's house, she had expected to find her best friend tortured and bloodied, but Feyre had never looked so alive. She assured Luxiana that she had to pay her debt for killing a fae and that she needed to stay with Tamlin. She had even sworn that she wasn't unhappy. So Luxiana believed her and left her there. She regretted it at the moment Feyre returned home, saddened by the fact that Tamlin had sent her away. 

Feyre loved this high lord, or so she thought. When Feyre had left to find him, she had made Luxiana promise not to come looking for her and to live happily ever after. 

Feyre had thanked her for all the things she had taught her and all she had done for her. For the coins Luxiana gave her to please herself and her sisters. For the hours she'd wasted trying to teach a ten-year-old girl to hunt and butcher beasts. For the bow and arrows she'd given her, including the one she'd used to kill the wolf fae. Without Luxiana, Feyre would never have met Tamlin.

Luxiana had cried a lot. She had accompanied Feyre to the wall that day but hadn't stopped sobbing all the way. Not only because she knew she'd probably never see Feyre again, but also out of guilt. Because without Luxiana, Feyre would never have met Tamlin. Without what she'd learned from her, she wouldn't want to leave her family for a fae and a world full of danger. Luxiana had cried because she knew she would no longer be able to protect the one she considered as her little sister. 

“I'll take care of your family for you,” Luxiana had promised as she gave Feyre one last hug, knowing fullyl well that this was the only thing her best friend was worried about.

Feyre had laughed, relieved. She couldn't ask this of anyone, not like her mother had, and especially not of a girl who had already sacrificed so much for her, but she knew that Luxiana would take care of her sisters for her, no matter what she said.

Feyre had thanked Luxiana and then she had crossed the wall towards a high lord and a life she knew nothing about. 

Luxiana had stayed, waiting in the bitter winter cold. Fighting vehemently against the irrational urge to grab Feyre by the scruff of the neck and lock her away somewhere safe. She was even ready to go and live with her, to make sure she was happy. 

But in the end, she had turned back, reassuring herself as best she could with the idea that Tamlin, the high lord, would take care of her just as he seemed to have done during those few weeks and just as he had done with Feyre’s family. She hated this fae because he had stolen her best friend, but she liked him for the caring man he seemed to be with her. 

Luxiana also hated Elain and Nesta. She hated them for all the things they should have done for Feyre and their family but chose not to. Luxiana understood that everyone reacted differently to their own unfortunate experiences, but she couldn't help feeling irritated by the two older sisters. But when Feyre left, she began to spend more time with them. She began to understand them. She needed to know them and to be close to them to protect them if needed. 

The Archeron sisters had even offered Luxiana the chance to move into the family home, given the constant presence of their sister's best friend nearby. So, against all odds, Nesta, Elain and Luxiana ended up becoming friends, living in the same house. 

But no friendship could replace the void Feyre's absence had created in Luxiana's heart. Not even Josher, her best friend. And the increasingly difficult missions Kaden entrusted her with didn't keep her busy long enough to keep her sadness at bay, only replacing it with exhaustion. 

After all the horrible things that happened to Luxiana, she finally had found a family in Josher, Kaden and Feyre. She could see herself finishing the rest of her life with them by her side. So when Feyre left, it was as if a part of her heart had been ripped out. The hardest thing was not knowing what had become of her best friend. If she was happy and healthy. 

But Feyre hadn't been. Feyre had been trapped under the mountain for three months and had even died there. She had suffered and almost regretted not bringing her best friend with her and forbidding her to come. She was convinced that Luxiana would have got her out of there with a few genius ideas, and the only thing that kept Feyre from fully regretting that decision was the knowledge that Luxiana was safe and happy away from everything she was going through. 

Fortunately, Feyre had received help from certain people, including Rhysand, the high lord of the night court. She hated him, but Rhysand had saved her life against Amarantha. Feyre knew he'd only done it because it was in his interest to kill Amarantha, but he'd nursed her back to health and helped her through her trials. Feyre lived in constant fear that Rhysant would come to claim his due. 

“A favor.” He had asked her in exchange for his help. “One day I'll come and ask you to do something and you'll have to do it without question.” Feyre was dying, so she'd agreed. 

Rhysand, for his part, had only asked for this because he didn't want anything from Feyre. He simply wanted her to think he was helping her in exchange for something, not because he knew Feyre could put an end to Amarantha's curse and, consequently, to his nightmare. He certainly didn't want to show his weaknesses or entrust his hopes to the wrong people, least of all to the girlfriend of his sworn enemy: Tamlin. 

That said, and Rhysand didn't know why, Feyre looked familiar to him. As if he'd seen her in a dream. He felt an irritating need to protect the human as if she were someone who meant a lot to someone he cared about. As if Feyre were some kind of sister or best friend. 

But Feyre was Luxiana's best friend. She missed her sisters, but she missed Luxiana the most. So when Tamlin learned that Hybern was planning to destroy the wall to attack the humans, and when Feyre found out, she wanted to defend her family and her best friend more than anything. 

Feyre had asked Tamlin and Rysand to put their grudges aside to save the humans. To become allies in battle. Having the same common enemy, they agreed. Rhysand needed Feyre and a place to contact the human queens, and Tamlin wanted to please Feyre.  

So Tamlin, Feyre, Lucien, Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel went to the Archerons with moderate animosity.

[yandere-fics]

♡ Nora Fake Kidnaps Her Darling ♡

♡ You had been so good for her in the last three months you'd been dating, always listening to what she told you was good for you, there was just one thing you wouldn't relent on, going outside. She'd tried her very best to convince you the nice way, kept you extra long when you were at her apartment, pleasuring you the way her reason for living deserved, offering food and sweets to get you to stay longer cause she spent so long cooking so you couldn't leave yet, having you bring more stuff over each time you stayed so you would start to think living with her would be perfect but it was just so hard to pin you down. There was always a reason you needed to leave, a reason that she was just paranoid, you had pepper spray, and as far as you had been tested, there was no supernatural who was your mate so you'd be fine. You didn't know what she knew, in the last month you'd been together she'd eliminated ten people who had tried to follow you home. She couldn't let you know about those, you'd be terrified she was stalking you or might not even believe her, nor could she allow them to get even close to you so then you might believe her about how dangerous it was. The next option would be to create a scenario that might scare you away from the outdoors but where you were never in any real danger. Then you'd come running into her arms and allow her to do what she was meant to do, protect you. She'd keep her apartment nice for you to move into. ♡

♡ You were painfully easy to take as well, all it took was walking up behind you and wrapping her hand over your mouth. You tried struggling a bit but the drugs kicked in faster than she expected. Perhaps that should be her next step after you come crying to her, feeding you more so they won't kick in nearly as quick. She almost wanted to keep you like this, that wasn't what she had in mind though, it would scare you too much so sadly she carried you back to her apartment and tied you to a chair with a bag over your head so you couldn't see where you were, you'd recognize your apartment if you saw it since you'd been there several times by now. And if you ever misbehaved she could say something to you that she said as the 'kidnapper' and you might start to worry, just to make you stay in her arms instead of anywhere else. Enough to doubt yourself and trust her because no one would take care of her reason for living better than her. Two days of taunting you with a voice changer on, keeping you constantly awake and sleep deprived, fondling you in a rough way that she never would have if this wasn't to teach you a lesson, and occasionally partially lifting the bag to shove her tongue in your mouth before you were worn down and after that she let you pass out and left you in an alley to pretend she found you and took you to the hospital. You readily agreed to move in with her in a heartbeat. ♡

[blondeaxolotl]

don't know if you already did this but how does murray and sirena feel about Jamil dating Floyd...and whoever dating Jade

I've talked about Murray and Sirena's thoughts on one of their sons dating someone in general, but how'd they react to specific characters!

Murray is on a neutral stance on however Floyd or Jade end up dating, her only rule is as long as they're not an asshole and don't make my son miserable I'm cool with them they can stay. You'd have to be a SPECIFIC kind of a bad to make Murray of all people not like you, doesn't matter who you are (It'd also be the one time where Murray becomes a strict parent for once, if she thinks the person her son is with is bad for them, she's immediately go "You're not allowed to see them anymore, end of story.")

So Murray's thoughts on Jamil dating Floyd would be neutral at first as expected. Like oh cool my son's dating someone and they seem decent, good for him. She basically already accepted Jamil into the family. Though Murray's head would perk up after hearing Jamil knows how to cook, Murray comes from a foodie family (and was the one who taught Floyd and Jade how to cook) so hearing her son got with someone who's not only a decent person but ALSO KNOWS HOW TO COOK?? YAHOO!! It'd give Murray a chance to learn what Jamil knows about cooking and what dishes he can cook, while in return she'd teach some tricks and possibly how to cook new meals to Jamil as well. This is probably the best outcome for Jamil, even though he doesn't enjoy cooking as much as Murray (unless he's cooking for Floyd), it's the easiest way to get along with what could possibly be his future mother-in-law and get on her good side without an issue. (For Jade I'll use both Azul and Vil as examples)

If Jade ends up dating Azul, Murray wouldn't be surprised really since they did grow up as childhood friends, and seeing them close to the point of dating would be no surprise for her. She already liked Azul and thinks he's a funny kid. And he was already considered a part of the family, now that he's straight up dating one of the tweels he's basically given a spare key to their house and can now enter and be welcomed into it whenever he feels like.

If Jade ends up dating Vil, Murray would probably be the only person to not give a single flying fuck that Vil is a famous model/actor, Vil is just another person to Murray and ofc she has a neutral stance on them at first. Vil would not have an issue with Murray accepting them as Jade's partner, but I think a small problem that'd cause trouble at first is when Murray finds out about Rook. In the Coral Sea, it is very not uncommon for a merfolk to be stalked by something and that usually means danger. So finding out about Rook would cause Murray's alarms to go off thinking her son could be in danger, and Vil would probably have to force Rook to come introduce himself and show her he's no danger at all, because if he doesn't that might risk Vil and Jade to break up. But after finding out Rook is no trouble Murray would go back to her normal "Oh okay cool" state and just accept Vil into the family with no issues anymore. So like, funny enough Vil might be only one who struggled with being accepted by Murray JUST because of Rook and I think that's funny as fuck.

Now with Sirena, unlike Murray who's full on "okay cool" with any person that her sons end up dating. Sirena would like to first get to know the person before she decides if she likes them or not and if they're a good fit for her son. Sirena is probably the parent you'd have to work at least a little bit harder to get her approval but in the end she will be the most supportive if it works out.

Her thoughts on Jamil dating Floyd, first thing she'd think after seeing Jamil is aw he's very pretty how cute. Though after talking for a while and witnessing how Jamil is with Floyd, she'd quickly take a liking to him after noticing how loving and patient Jamil is with Floyd, kind of like how Sirena is with Murray. Made her start seeing a bit of herself in Jamil after noticing their similarities. Sirena's biggest worry was if the person Floyd was dating is able to handle his mood swings. Since Sirena knows how to handle both Murray and Floyd's mood swings (meaning, a LOT of patience) she was worried the person who Floyd ended up with might not be able to and therefore would end up breaking his heart because of it. But hearing how Jamil is one of the few people who knows how to deal with them, she felt instant relieve and the weight on her shoulders vanished completely. After they get along, Sirena constantly tells Jamil if he needs any help with Floyd, she's there to help and might even tell him about the silly things Floyd has done when he was a child while she does so (usually Murray is the parent that embarrasses her sons but sometimes Sirena has to do it as well)

Now with Jade

If Jade ends up dating Azul, Sirena would be OVERRR THE MOON SUPPORTIVE WITHOUT HESITATION. I've mentioned before how Sirena and Azul's mother used to be high school besties when they were younger (and they are kinda the reason why the tweels and Azul started hanging out after they reconnected). So hearing that her son is dating her bestie's son has made her overjoyed completely, not only do their kids get along, but they're also dating? How cute! I do not doubt Sirena and Azul's mother gossiped about it for a good while they're happy to say the least.

Now if Jade ends up dating Vil, I think Sirena would have the most normal reaction to suddenly finding out your son is dating a famous model/actor "Huh what the fuck". Think she had to process it a little, she was aware of who Vil was already (since, who wouldn't be) but finding out her son was dating them was a whiplash she wasn't prepared for at all. After the shock factor, Sirena would take a moment to get to know Vil just like how she did with Jamil, and learn okay yeah Vil does seem to love her son and treat him well and she's happy with that, but it might take her some time to get used to and have the shock turn down from finding out now a famous model is part of your family. Sirena also got a bit spooked by Rook (not as much as Murray though) but calmed down pretty quickly after Rook casually waved at her and she waved back after she noticed him, of course calming down more after Vil introduced Rook to them, she finds him strange but not a danger so I guess that's another thing she will have to get used to lmao

Yeah that's about it, Murray and Sirena in the end are supportive of whoever Floyd or Jade start dating, even if one of them might be shocking. Just as long as they're good for them, they're happy and proud

[your-favourite-yapper]

i just realised that i need to know all of your hope lupin thoughts!! or ill turn into a little piece of crumbled paper and then set myself of fire and turn into ash and then fly away w wind

pls don't turn into a little piece of crumbled paper and then set urself of fire and turn into ash and then fly away w wind 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 we need u kas

My main hcs for her are like, based on her look / aesthetic ?? I think she was a bit on the short side (5'4 or 5'3) but I don't think she felt small ?? If that makes sense?? she moved and acted like someone who's never been told to take up less space : elbows on the table when it was meal time, gesticulating w her hands when she talked, legs spread out on the grass when they were picnicking in the garden?? Am I making sense ?? Her hair was an absolute riot I fear thick long curls (im on the fence bn dark brown and remus getting his almost sandy hair from lyall or making it light brown and giving lyall dark brown hair ) I don't think she paid much attention to it? Or like "tame" it? she'd let it frizz up in the rain and fluff in the mornings (bed headed lupin family...its a sunday and its lightly drizzling...baby remus has his face smushed onto both their chests...im not ok) she'd tie it up in a red scarf when she cooked and twisted it into a lazy bun w a pencil when she read (the lupin family all squished into a small couch w hope reading to her boys .. baby remus trying to read along...lyall falling asleep..)

For her clothes I think she had that effortless muggle thrift store style (she found most "wizards clothes" funny and ridiculous (but also vv cute and she loves seeing lyall in his ministry of magic robes..even got a tiny ver for remus...)) cordoury skirts..red or orange jumpers...woolen mittens (hope always wantedto learn how to knit so she could make the whole fam matching jumpers but she never learned and the only things she can make are mittens and socks..), all her clothes pockets are filled w nonsense (chewed pens, hairclips for remus to play w, old receipts, a small polaroid..) her shoes imo were old asf and were like, wellies or boots.

I know it seems like she's the quintessential vanilla smelling girly but I think she would enjoy more floral scents like lavendar??

I think she lovesss plants and greenery but has the opposite of a green thumb,... all her plants fie,... she genuinely just sucks at gardening..

I think she was also incredibly curious abt magic (or at least was before the greyback attack) always asking questions and making lyall do silly charms to make remus laugh,..her favourite were the cooking charms and potions and she always dragged lyall into the kitchen w her on weekends so he could make the bread rise faster... I also think she appreciated the Wizarding world bc it gave her and her fam like a stable source of income?? (Imo even w the wizarding job (which (again imo) lyall quit a couple months after greybacks attack) the lupins werent vv rich or even like upper middle class?? Maybe lower middle class and i also hc that lyall was a bit poorly in his health in general (sickly old man) so wo the ministry job (at least, in hopes opinion) lyall probably wouldnt have gotten a job that allowed him to work normla hours wo like, being super bad for his health (also hope used to be a preschool teaching assistant (i hc that she dropped out of highschool bc #rebellion, so she couldnt be a full blown tr (not sure if this is how the teaching world hierarchy goes)) but after having remus she left and all the kids were sooo sad :( all of them were crying she was litr the best teacher('s assistant) ever) (she left the job by choice bc she rlly wanted to be able to focus on remus and raising him and enjoying parent hood (another hc of mine is that her parents, while not neglectful defo spent ALOTT of time at work and away from home so this led to like, an awkwardness? Bn her and them that even after having remus didnt go away (they died like 3 months after remuss birth bc i say so)) + around this time was when lyall got like, promoted and stuff so they werent rlly in need of that extra source of incoms)) after the attack tho I think she defo got a bit resentfull?? Of magic/ the wizarding world (in particular lyalls job) Bc in the end it was the reason why remus got bitten