#cue x files theme

[farminglesbian]

me posting on tumblr dot com

[kineticpenguin]

One thing from freshman year of high school still haunts me all these years later:

A girl told me I have a Nevada accent.

I have never been to Nevada before or since.

[winterwrites23]

Is Tumblr on desktop glitching for anyone or is it just me??? Whenever I click refresh or even just click on a picture, the page goes blank with an error text???

Edit: now it works just fine after 2h lol

[mcstunwanted]

me: how do i make m.ulder interact with t.ed l.asso blogs? me: well obviously he's there to investigate the cursed physical therapy room....

[exhaslo]

Hello! This is something kind of niche but I was wondering if you could write a Pornstar!Miguel x Pornstar!Fem!Reader, where he is a new pornstar and meets with her the day before their shoot. He’s like super sweet to her and they have an informal hangout/date to like be comfortable around each other. Reader tries their best to ease his worry him cuz he seems kinda shy, but the day of their shoot he’s a total freak in the sheets and it totally catches her off guard? Dirty talk, dom and all.

I love your writing so much and I know you’ll do a great job writing whatever your heart desires for this one! Thx in advance <333

No lie this sounds cute as fuck! Here we go!

Warning: MINORS DNI, Smut, rough sex, dirty talk

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

It was another beautiful day. You were ready to receive your next paycheck, but first, you had to help the new guy. A soft chuckle escaped your lips as you walked into a popular coffee shop. You were actually excited for this secret meetup. Normally, it was informal to meet your coworkers before a shoot, but this new guy? Oh, he was your type!

You were a pornstar. It is a long story on how you got into the business, but you were good at acting. A little too good. As you waited in line, you let out a soft sigh. While the paychecks were nice, you were really ready for something new. Cue, your manager making you a teacher and setting you up with newbies.

"Two extra shots of espresso." You muttered, trying to avoid groaning at the thought.

Despite the struggle of your job, you were eager for tomorrow. The new porn star, Miguel, was going to be your next partner. You saw his file and the man was huge and good looking. He was the one who actually asked to meet you in person. It was cute how shy he sounded over the phone.

"(Y/N)?" Miguel waves slowly, sitting in a corner table. You approached him with your drink,

"Hi, Miguel!" You said with a chirp, "My god, you're so tall."

"Sorry," Miguel went to shake your hand before immediately sitting down towards your comment.

You sat across from him, admiring his features. The man chose to become a porn star than a model? He was going to be an instant lady killer! Hopefully his acting was decent.

"Thanks again for meeting me. As you can tell, I'm a little nervous with this being my first shoot and all." Miguel said. You smiled,

"It's no biggie. It's kind of fun breaking the rules like this. Why don't we just chat about ourselves, get more comfortable with each other? I'm sure it will help you out a lot." You offered.

Miguel took the suggestion and the two of you spoke for hours. There was a chemistry there and you sensed it. You were disappointed when you had to leave for the night. Miguel parted ways with and kiss to your hand. He was such a gentleman! You were already imagining the slow and soft sex he was going to give you tomorrow.

It would be different for sure, but you were looking forward to it. Hopefully, Miguel won't disappoint you like all of your other coworkers. It was frustrating to work in the porn industry, but could never cum in your own videos. You always had to fake an orgasm and pleasure yourself later.

"Let's not think of the negative! Just...look forward for tomorrow," You told yourself.

-----------

"Alright, you know the rules. First shoot, newbie gets to pick the theme. We will go from there afterwards," Your manager called out to the crew.

You glanced at Miguel, seeing him nervously look around, "Hey, it's going to be okay. I promise I won't bite, unless you want me too."

"Haha," Miguel smiled towards you, "Is it okay if we do something simple?"

"You get to pick. Why not something that will get you in the mood?" You suggested and showed him the costume room, "Is there something you want to see me wear?"

Miguel looked around, his eyes sparkling at some of the outfits. He glanced back at you,

"I know what I want to do."

---------

"Mhm~ I don't have any money for this massage~ Is there any other way I can pay you?"

You laid against a soft bed, spreading your naked legs apart. Your gaze towards Miguel as you slowly rubbed your own clit. Miguel had chosen a massage sex scene. Something where he could feel your body to get you prepped. How kind and generous of him. You hummed sweetly, faking a moan as you dove your fingers towards your hole.

"No money? That's fine, I'll just have to massage one more place before you can leave."

You're eyes widen as Miguel removed his pants. He hovered over you, stealing your lips in a forceful kiss before his hands roamed your body. You pressed yourself against him, your hand heading towards his cock. Miguel grabbed your wrists, pinning them above your head before growling lowly,

"I'm giving the massage. Not you, chica (girl)"

For once, you felt a shiver run down your spine. What happened to the shy man from yesterday? You're eyes widen as Miguel's fingers started to enter your pussy. He started with one, stretching you out more than some of your coworker's dicks. You raised your hips slightly, wanting to help him get more access, but once again he pinned you down.

"Tsk, tsk, do you come onto all your massage therapists?" Miguel spat lowly, "Being such a slut?"

You shivered once more to his cruel tone. He sucked against your breasts while another finger entered your pussy. Miguel's fingers were wandering around your gummy walls, searching for that sweet spot. This was different. You're eyes widen once he curled his fingers, making you moan for real.

"That's right. Pay your bill in full." Miguel whispered.

You gasped lowly as Miguel pumped his fingers against that spot. He removed himself from your breasts, keeping you held down. His thumb pressed against your clit, causing you to squirm under him. Miguel just kept making eye contact with you. It was as if he wanted to watch you break because of him.

"What a slutty face. You like this kind of massage right?"

"Y-Yes." You whimpered, feeling your body burn with pleasure.

This was actually happening. You felt a tight knot growing in your lower abdomen. Miguel's fingers only went faster. It wasn't long until he entered a third finger that really made you break. You arched your back, moaning and whining as he wrecked your pussy with just his fingers alone. With one more curl, you finally felt that tight tension burst.

"You're getting my work area dirty, that's going to cost extra."

You were panting softly from your intense orgasm. Miguel withdrew his fingers, causing you to shiver slightly. You were feeling the need, the want. Your pussy was throbbing and begging to be filled. Miguel was the first person who actually made you cum. You gasped, forcing a smile as you saw him position his dick right against your folds.

He was fucking big! You spread your legs, teasing your entrance for him. This was just part of the job. Miguel grunted as he grabbed your legs, placing them over his shoulders. He bit against your inner thigh before pushing his dick inside you. You whimpered, arching your back as you pretended to be fine.

Miguel's dick was stretching you out. This was a first. His dick felt hot and strong. Once he was fully inside you, Miguel pinched your clit, causing you to moan and whine. He smirked, pounding the life out of your pussy, breaking you down even more.

"So fucking tight. You don't get much exercise here, do you?" He mocked.

You moaned in response, focusing a little too much on how good this felt. His dick beating against your pussy with each rough and wet slap of his hips. His tip kissing your cervix each time, threatening to remind you that this was his moment. You were his fuck toy. You whined, your eyes nearly rolling back as Miguel rubbed your clit again.

"You're going to have to come back. I'm going to have to remind this pussy that it owes me payment." Miguel grunted as he went faster.

You felt your growing orgasm once more. Miguel held your body down against the bed, pressing his dick further inside you. Your mouth formed an 'o' as you started to see stars. Whimpers and moans were all you were able to say as you cam hard against his dick. Even after a second orgasm, you still could not believe that this was happening.

"That's a good fucking sign. My little slut is finally relaxing," Miguel spat as he griped your hips tightly, cumming inside you.

Your body trembled as you felt his hot, sticky load fill you. With a pop, Miguel pulled out, leaving your pussy a mess. A mixture of your juices and his cum pouring out of your abused hole.

"Cut! Good job (Y/N), Miguel! I think that's going to be a killer!" You managed yelled out.

"Are you okay?" Miguel asked as he helped you up. You panted softly, regaining your composure,

"Y-Yeah,"

"I didn't go overboard, did I? You're not hurt?" He kept asking, giving you a towel to wrap yourself with.

"You did amazing. I'm the opposite of hurt," You told him as the two of you walked towards the showers, "In fact, you did something none of my other coworkers could do."

"I did?"

"Yes, and I would love to be your partner for ongoing shoots. If not, then...maybe we can meet outside of work?" You whispered the last part to him, feeling slightly embarrassed. Miguel just smiled,

"I would love that."

You watched Miguel enter the shower first, wondering to which part he agreed to. Unsure, you followed him into the shower, still daydreaming about his dick.

You found out afterwards that Miguel agreed to both.

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

I hope you liked it!!! Not really sure how porn videos actually work, haha

[munadrawson]

🎃🧟‍♀️💀👻

Click and Open image for HQ! [Commission OPEN] | [Cheap-bi Commission OPEN] | [Ko-fi] | [Twitter] | [Instagram] | [Bluesky]

Cue the X-Files Theme.

BONUS:

[thewriterg]

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧’ 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 chp.2

pairing(s); simon ‘ghost’ riley x fem!reader, johnny ‘soap’ mactavish x fem!reader, kyle ‘gaz’ garrick x fem!reader, john ‘bravo six’ price, werewolf!soap, harp crow hybrid!gaz, dragon hybrid!price, wraith!hybrid (?) ghost, phoenix!hybrid (?) reader

summary; easiest sail of your life or standing on the line of death

word count; 2.1k | chasin chaos masterlist

warning(s); monster au, dark twisted themes, normal cod violence, firearms, knives, combat, pinning (?), poly themes, death, r call sign is flatline, blood consumption, eventual smut, kissin, and language

A/n; We made it passed finals,

04:00 came too quickly for your liking you felt like you hadn’t got an inch of rest even if the feeling was nowhere rare nor new to you as you crouched near one of the normals you had decided to recruit for the mission the rest scattered all around the roof of the main building one eye shut another wide looking through the scope of your sniper a silencer attached to the barrel finger scattering to squeeze the trigger as the body of a shade dropped dead it was ironic you thought when you went over the file and quickly made your distaste known to the knock off shadows it was a second too late you were off your usual statistics even if it was pitch perfect to the average eye it was off to you

“Gaz what’s your visual?” You hear Prices gruff voice over your coms waiting out to hear the next move while your normals wait on your word you can see the harpy hybrid further away perched on a satellite talons digging into the disk his strong weighted wings perched well over his shoulder only for the fact you were looking for him because you wouldn’t of known he was there if you didn’t

“It’s sunny out, we’re looking peachy.” The rich warm skinned man replied trucker hat fixed fitted around the perimeter of his head protecting his eyes from the blaring sun that was beginning to set and when the new set of shades came to take over shift from their comrades to see a good chunk of them fallen the game of silence would be over and you’d be able to make noise

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

“Ghost?”

“Heard. I’ll clear the rest of the way, I’ll keep things under wraps.” The wraith stood next to Soap back pressed against the side of a building gear all black and fitting covering all skin opposite of himself who had on a short sleeve, bulletproof vest, and cargo pants that dipped in the back from his well weighted tail his voice still carrying even through his hard skull mask and a hood that covered the back of his head along with his back side exactly what he would expect the grim reaper to the brunette thought pulling his bottom lip between his teeth

“Then clear the way. When there’s an opening, that’s your cue Soap.”

“Copy. I finally get to see ya strut ya stuff Lt.” The Scott grinned at his superior canines on full display practically gazing into skull even though the man didn’t requite the eye contact himself paying the sergeant little to no mind his own gaze focused elsewhere that being on his gloved hand the subtle sound of Velcro straps being undone a sound that the soldier didn’t quite focus onto

“Ain’t a runway Mactavish”

“No? Could’ve fooled m-” The small sound of fear mixed with ambition slipped from Johnnys lips blue eyes two times as wide and pupils shrinking twice in size when Simon snatched the thick fabric from his fingers nails slightly pointed representing claws even if they were shorter than your average hybrid with claws or talons the tips of his pale hand dark slowly getting lighter as it traveled up his arm shadows singing a similar sound to when you cracked open a two liter of soda and got the first cup even though the ‘fisssss’ and ‘shhhhh’s wasn’t the least of comforting to those on the opposing side when the brunette went to open his mouth the blonde denied the request before even looking it over

“Shut it.” He responds placing his hand deliberately over the worn reddish brown bricks smoking shadows gently traveling from the tips of his fingers before the brown eyes lieutenant applied more pressure veins straining against his flesh even though he felt no discomfort the amount of shadows doubling as they traveled up and around the building hissing gently as it went to soon cause chaos and destruction

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

The site of shadows slipping through the floor of the enemy base was quite literally a smoke signal in itself as you see soldiers fall black wraps engulfing them the act of struggling to untangle themselves utterly useless it stunned you a little even though you weren’t yourself affected the sight of shadows out in the field was a sight in itself you fight a grin off your face settling for a smirk and make sure to mutter into your coms ‘show off’ before jumping down from the side of your building along with two soldiers abandoning your post the rest of six according to you headcount still cover ground from above but it’s not enough shades are crowding all around with guns that put hybrids down after one hit at least you knew now that they didn’t have any hybrids of their own forcing you to press your back against a wall after bullets fly past your temple one of your soldiers Red in the same position behind you and the other Tank crouching up against a wall across from you both you curse underneath your breath muttering into you mic

“Gaz, it’s flatline.”

“I know deity, what do you need?” The voice rings back not two seconds later and across the field Soap perks up the sign unfamiliar to him he’s interrupted before he can pounce on it

“Their coming faster than my privates can throw em, need a window to get my soldiers to the main building”

“Go now.” Ghost speaks up from beside the shadows on the wall are darker than before and their are even some slipping through the slits of his eye holes from his mask and when the lieutenant finally turn to face the sergeant his eyes are fully black and along with his eyes there’s shadows seeping from his covered lips this was more than the grim reaper this was death Soap didn’t know his expression carried shock until he went to grin almost unphased yet his voice told a different story

“Shit Lt… yer gonna be a tough act ta follow. But watch me alright?” The brunettes clothes begins to rip as he hunches over the sound of bones creaking and snapping as his canines make themselves known the act almost to swift for the blondes eyes to follow before he’s three times bigger in size ears shifted to sit almost atop of his temples, thinner coats of fur placed on the fronts of his arms traveling down to his hands yet not reaching his palms mohawk a bit longer and beard a bit thicker

“I’ll put on a good show”

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

“Run they’ve got a wolf!” You move out of the shadows quickly watching shades scatter around as things clash and shake you take your window without a thought pushing until you’ve made into the building alarms blaring yet it’s fairly empty only few soldier remaining that you could see you give your sergeants a look signaling them over with a tilt of your chin and they obey

“For now, we’re one in sync.” They nod look of confusion shining beneath the look of loyalty as you hold your palm out placing it on the area of their foreheads until their faces is covered now mirroring yours the body of a bird sitting in between the area of your eyebrows and the beginning of the nasal bone the head resting in the middle of the forehead one wing stretching around the eye the tips of the wings burning red yet it’s inner body a bold orange and the other stretched over the opposite one tail kicking out to swing over the area of the cheek down to the chin a true sign of the phoenix

The three of you split Red takes out two shades with nothing but the wield of her fists the act of the neck bones cracking under her fingertips while Tank opts for his pistol no matter is its bashing the butt in someone’s skull or shooting a bullet between their eyes the shades don’t know what the hell hit them but it fucking hard as you walk down hallway your fingers drag alongside the wall and you stop gently at the sight of shadows crawling over the wall the timing is almost perfect as an unwanted crowd stand across from you before you can even open your mouth bullets spray your shoulder is grazed as the rest of them are suddenly stopped in mid air black smoke wrapped around them as you and the shadows interlink and hold hands

“You have, exhausted my patience.” You state lowly with a twirl of your fingers before sharply pinching the bullets into makeshift spears pushing them out with force the shades try to retreat but at the end they are still, lying dead on the cold cement floor a burnt red and orange bird mask covered face the last thing they see

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

“Rats are jumping ship… keep a few alive we need the intel. Gaz, eyes on Soap?”

“He’s makin’ a scene in the center yard” The crow hybrid huffs out a chuckle a small grin resting on his face perched on a side of a building brown feathered wings spread across his back while the werewolf huffs a grin on his face before responding into his mic connected by the collar around his neck defending his honor to his lieutenant

“Not for nothin’. Destroyed the drive captain.”

“Good, get to the extraction point.” Price speaks up before dying out just as quickly while Gaz dives to the ground his wings strong going against the current of wind with a ‘swoosh’ and the canine baring hybrid didn’t stutter in steps making his way over to the harpy with a smirk before it dropped confusing the brunette as he inched towards the skull wearing lieutenant

“Haven’t heard from Deity Lt.” Gaz muttered eyebrows furrowed and Ghost’s shoulders are up and tense more than they were before and as he turns to switch on his coms Price beats him to it having overheard the harpy since he left his own line open

“Deity, what’s your status?” With not a slip of the tongue for you the captain repeated into the radio

“Deity how copy?” The complete silence on your end made them wary you weren’t an easy one to take down let alone to be took down at all so why the hell weren’t you answering your damn coms to your captains calls

“Deity” The wraith growled out now order direct and firm even if you were his downright equal you could hear the hulking echo slightly and before Gaz is taking off to cover ground from above they see the silhouette of your mask before they see you your feet a somewhat dragging behind you as you carry the weight of a three thousand pound missile over your back with a body hunched over your shoulder while you lug them both finally able to drop what you came here for, your mission you set the body on its feet staring sharply into its eyes Tank it was Soap recalled yet the position of the soldier standing up straighter with every passing moment until he was letting out a breath nodding his raven colored head of hair confused the Scott was he not just injured? Did he not just look like utter shit slung over your shoulder mere minutes ago? And was that blood smeared around his lips? The uncertainty of it all made him itch while Kyle was quick to come to your aid that you waved off before he could inch to close it confused him it was unusual to say the least I mean sure you’d roll your eyes to the point he’d tease they’d get stuck but outright refusing was rare he didn’t push it though chalked it as the adrenaline from the mission hadn’t gone yet

“Can you lug around three thousand pounds, half a mile” Your eyes were hooded yet sharp as you turn to question the mohawk wearing mutt gaze piercing through him that reminded him of a skull wearing lad and he stares at you for a second before cracking that grin nodding his head but you don’t spend an extra second before murmuring to your privates who go to regroup with the rest of their equals before you begin the walk trailing besides Ghost reaching to give him something that Soap can’t quite see before he realizes it’s a part of gloves when he’s shoves them over his fist the sight of you both with black hoods that sway behind your back the side view of the the Grim reaper and Phoenix was truly ethereal and by the look in Gaz’s eyes

He agrees

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

www.everyoneiscoocooforcoacopuffsbecauseofdeity.com//

I’ve been on break since Tuesday @ 2:30pm we’re gonna act like im not posting this on Saturday @ 9am 😊

[lesinquietes]

Summary: With Dynamight’s help, you solved the crime. He isn’t quite finished with you yet, though.

Adult!Bakugou x Forensic Detective!Reader

⚠️ fluff. suggestive themes.

I Previous l Next l

You close the manila folder on your desk and lean back in your chair. A breathy, content sigh leaves your lips. The case has been solved. The evidence has been retained. All that’s left is to file the associated documents. Then, you can head home for the evening. Another job well done.

You gaze out at the cityscape. The sunset sprays beams of brilliant yellow and orange towards your office building, reflecting off the large glass windows. The streets are busy with people and cars. Soon, you’ll join the bustle, conforming for the sake of commuting home.

Sometimes, when you sit here like this, you consider how small everyone is compared to the rest of the universe. Most actions that seem supermassive are actually minuscule and insignificant. In the grand scheme of things, you wonder if the job you’re doing makes a difference. Maybe not wide scale, but arguably, Japan could stand to be safer. Heroes do a lot of the rounding up these days, but you think local detective work is still important.

“Hey.”

You perk up. Speak of the devil.

You glance away from the view to greet Katsuki Bakugou, the hero who spent his time protecting you throughout your most recent case. He’s leaning against the door, arms folded arrogantly over his chest. At once, a smile graces your mouth. As soon as you submitted your conclusion about the primary suspect — with enough evidence, to boot — the Captain of your force implored Bakugou to make an arrest. Of course, the rowdy blonde didn’t capture the villain without beating him to a bloody pulp first. Normally, you wouldn’t condone such behaviour; however, given that the murderer targeted random women every time he killed, you can turn a blind eye. Men like that don’t deserve mercy.

You adjust your position so that you’re sitting upright. You know he doesn’t care; you’re not sure why you do. When you’re satisfied, you raise your fists in the air and reply.

“We did it!”

The exhaustion woven into your words isn’t missed. Since gathering that first sample at the initial crime scene, you haven’t stopped working. He admires your drive to do what’s right.

“Yeah,” he grunts. “Plenty more where that came from, though.”

“True.” You acknowledge, climbing to your feet. “But that’s one down.”

And Katsuki can’t argue with that. In fact, Katsuki finds he can seldom argue with you. It’s not that you’re always right; he thinks it’s because he likes listening to the sound of your voice. It’s unique. It’s calming. It’s something about you that he’s grown excessively fond of.

At last, he enters your office, like a moth drawn to fire. He’s still dressed in his hero garb. You notice there aren’t any scuffs on his pristine skin, indicating that his battle was rather one-sided. This is the first time you’re seeing him after the arrest. Everyone knows he doesn’t talk to the News team unless he has to; reporting to the public falls on the officers assisting his cases.

“You alright?” He asks, watching from a short distance as you gather your belongings.

“Definitely.” You verify. “You?”

“Whatever.”

That’s a yes. He doesn’t like to be upfront with his feelings. You’re beginning to understand his cues, though. It’s a shame this is the end of your time together; you would have liked to continue figuring him out. Perhaps another high-profile case will pop up and he’ll be assigned to you again. You can’t lie — you’re hoping for that to happen a little harder than you should be.

You throw on your windbreaker and take your knapsack in your hand. He hasn’t moved an inch from the front of your desk. It’s as if he’s been glued in place. The only part of him that’s visibly moving are his deep crimson eyes. He’s fixated on you. But unlike when you caught him at the crime scene, he won’t glance away this time.

“Dynamight, thank you so much for your work today.” You beam at him. “Without you, I—“

“Told’j’ya before, princess, it’s Katsuki.” He scoffs. “F’r fuck’s sake, talk t’ me like a normal person.”

You feel the heat spread across your cheeks. You’re praying he doesn’t notice your change in expression, but who are you kidding? Although the man acts like he’s emotionally unavailable, he picks up on more than you think. You flounder with your response.

“It’s just, we don’t really know each other like that, so I didn’t want to—“

“‘Course we do.” He lifts a critical brow. “You’re comin’ t’ dinner with me now that this shit’s over with, right?”

Mentally, your jaw is unscrewed and on the floor. Is this reality? The Dynamight — the rudest, most impressive motherfucker you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with — is asking you on a date. All this time, you thought his flirting was a game, while deeply regretting that you hadn’t made a move before your time with him was up. Discovering that your crush is mutual reinvigorates you. Before you fuck this up, you muster a reply.

“Uh… yes!” You giggle. “Of course I will!”

You don’t know how you manage to keep a steady tone. The only thing you can’t control is your face. Fortunately, he thinks it’s hella cute. Without considering who might be watching, he strokes your cheek with his thumb to coax back your attention. He nearly melts when you shyly meet his gaze, such a small, innocent smile gracing your lips. He knows it’s too soon to kiss you. He wishes it wasn’t. Instead, he offers you his arm. Your hand feels warm against his bare bicep.

He grabs your knapsack from you — a gentleman’s gesture that’s a little rough around the edges. Thankfully, the execution doesn’t bother you; it’s the thought that counts. Katsuki thinks that might be what attracted him to you. The way you conceptualize him is different. Last week, a woman scolded him for his use of language, even though he saved her purse from being stolen. Shouldn’t it be his actions that matter? Some days, he feels like he’s back in his teenage years, dealing with Best Jeanist’s strict teachings again. People need to learn not to judge a book by its cover.

He guides you out of your office with his hand secured to your lower back. You don’t miss the stares and whispers of your colleagues. You’ll have a lot to explain tomorrow morning.

“You like Indian food?” He inquires lowly, warm breath ghosting over your face.

“Sure.”

If you make it in.

[underdark-dreams]

Incredibly excited to finally start releasing this into the wild!!

After my 2-part Rolan x Tav fic Good Night For Company, I really wanted to write a longer continuation of their story set in Act 3. And at last, here is the first chapter--multiple others planned! (With more romance soon to follow)

Note: this chapter explores darker themes than my usual work. I encourage you to check the AO3 tags if you have any doubts. They will be updated regularly 🖤

A Strand to Climb - Ch.1

Two very different heroes find themselves in Baldur's Gate at last. All Tav can think about is seeing a certain apprentice wizard again, but Rolan finds himself trying to push her away.

Tags: Angst, Physical Abuse, Mutual Pining | Word Count: 2,840 [Read on AO3]

Lorroakan liked to make Rolan wait. 

He was a man who enjoyed toying with people, and Rolan found himself the newest and current favorite toy in the archwizard’s collection. He tipped his head back to gaze up at the criss-crossing arches in the high ceiling of Ramazith’s Tower, trying to occupy his mind away from the fatigue pooling in the soles of his feet. 

Tonight’s lesson should have begun half an hour ago. He knew better than to move from his usual spot on the fine carpet, however.

Whatever Cal or Lia might think, Rolan was no blind idiot. 

He hadn't gotten this far in life without a bitter skepticism about human nature. He'd filed away every rumor he heard about Lorroakan on the road from Elturel, though he hadn’t given them any weight at the time.

The revelation that the man was even worse than what he'd heard was…a disappointment, to be sure. And a complication. 

But it did nothing to change his path or his determination to succeed. Apprenticeships with archwizards didn't drop out of the sky, even with ones as worthless and vapid as Lorroakan. Especially not to a student with Infernal blood.

And Rolan could be very patient when he put his mind to it. He’d waited many years to find himself standing here in Ramazith’s Tower, hadn’t he? He could survive another year or two as Lorroakan’s apprentice. 

Rolan gathered the thoughts around him like armor where he stood in the center of the cavernous room, awaiting the arrival of his master. 

As if on cue, the rushing portal sounded behind him as Lorroakan himself swept into the room.

“I understand my apprentice has been pawing through the merchandise.”

Entering rooms with a full sentence was another of Lorroakan’s favorite tactics. Though he expected it by now, Rolan still found himself thrown off balance by the words for a moment—no doubt their intended purpose. His mind raced to grasp what he was being accused of before he looked to his master.

Lorroakan stood on the step before him with lips drawn into the hint of a smile, an expression that didn’t reach his eyes. The man was angry.

Rolan kept his voice calm and careful. “Master Lorroakan, I should have explained. Two of Aradin’s men managed to get past the guards several nights ago, raiding for valuables. It took some time to salvage the scrolls they damaged in the process.”

“I see. And as a result, you took it upon yourself to give Klank a little upgrade, did you?”

Performing magic in the shop outside of Lorroakan’s direct orders—a mistake. “Yes, Master,” Rolan replied reluctantly.

“How clever,” said Lorroakan above him. But he didn’t sound like he thought it was clever at all.

“I know what a nuisance they’ve been to you, Master Lorroakan.”

“Don’t lie to me, boy—”

As he spoke, Rolan felt a foreign presence prodding at the corners of his mind. There were few spells Lorroakan had demonstrated complete mastery of thus far—but the ritual for detecting thoughts was certainly among them. 

Rolan knew he would face a far worse punishment than whatever was coming if he resisted. Instead, fighting all his natural instincts, he let his mind’s defenses go slack.

Lorroakan’s consciousness pierced through his own, rough and careless. It rapidly shoved through his thoughts then withdrew just as abruptly. Rolan held back a wince of discomfort at the treatment.

His master’s eyes narrowed at him, that placid smile still on his lips. 

"On your knees," Lorroakan instructed silkily.

As his body obeyed in silence, Rolan felt churning bile and indignant pride rise in his throat. If Lorroakan hoped all these trials would break Rolan's spirit, he'd find they were having the opposite effect.

Lorroakan’s voice was dangerously even. "Although I’ve expressly forbidden it, you decided to avail yourself of a bit of private study from the scroll stock while you were at it. Outside my wishes."

Though Rolan kept his eyes down on the carpet below, he heard the rustle of Lorroakan’s robes as he began to circle him. Like a cat with a mouse.

“Forgive me, Master,” Rolan said down to the floor. “I only reviewed the spells you’ve seen fit to instruct me in.” 

A second mistake.

“Oh?” Lorroakan’s voice dripped with fresh venom. “And is my instruction insufficient?”

Yes. Completely fucking useless. “No, Master Lorroakan. I only know how short your time is with more important matters…locating the Nightsong. I hoped to perfect what you’ve taught me, to arrive better prepared for your lessons.”

Surely that was sufficient for his ego? Rolan dared to hope so as Lorroakan’s steps came to a halt in his periphery.

Without warning, the red wizard's palm connected with the soft dip of his temple.

Defenses still down from his earlier mental invasion, Rolan's body jerked sideways; he caught himself with sharp nails into the carpet. The blow rang deafening and shrill between his ears.

"—suffer insolence, boy," Lorroakan was warning somewhere above him as Rolan's hearing returned. "And put those filthy claws away. Are you a man or a beast?"

"Yes, Master," Rolan gasped, hardly knowing whether he should agree or say no. The pain in his skull overwhelmed his senses in a way that must have translated as meekness. 

Lorroakan sighed, the way one might at a dear but misbehaving pet.

"Young Rolan," he tutted. "Still so willful. So much yet to learn from my wealth of knowledge. And I am generous…"

As he spoke, his polished boots moved closer into Rolan’s downturned field of vision, and Rolan felt the archmage's soft fingers under his chin guiding his gaze upwards.

This was always the very worst part. Rolan would willingly take a dozen more blows if he could avoid what came after. 

Instead, he witnessed the gleam of satisfaction in Lorroakan's eyes as he examined his past weeks' handiwork on his apprentice's face—as if the sight brought him a deep pleasure that verged on carnal. Rolan's insides turned over in disgust.

"Yet even my favorite apprentice must be trained, must be disciplined." Lorroakan's words were silky soft, but his thumb and forefinger gripped into Rolan's chin with bruising force. "You'll stay to reorganize the abjuration wing tonight, alphabetically by subject."

Rolan nodded mutely, as much as Lorroakan's grip allowed. He had just finished reordering them all by title a few days ago. But what did it matter anymore?

At least his penance appeared to have cut the evening short. Lorroakan released him without a backwards glance. 

As the archmage swept away toward the portal to take his leave, Rolan got to his feet as slowly as he could manage. He ran hands down his robes, hoping the scuffs on his knees would come out with some careful spellwork. This was the only set he had.

By the time he raised his eyes to look around, Lorroakan was gone. One of the metal Myrmidons shuffled aimlessly near the railing, quite harmless without its master's direction. Lorroakan controlled them, but he hadn’t created them; Rolan had gathered that early. 

Alone again, Rolan let out a pent-up breath. Then he turned toward the towering case of books and scrolls on abjuration. 

He'd be able to touch them, he knew, but turning a single page would result in a painful rebuke. The nerves in his right hand smarted in memory of the first and last time he'd been stupid enough to try.

Of the vast wealth of texts contained in his tower—how many of their spines had Lorroakan actually cracked open? For an archmage, he was profoundly lacking in a desire for learning, among many other qualities. The wealth of this place was wasted on one like him.

A memory came back to Rolan from the Druid's Grove, a time and place that felt several lifetimes ago now. Gale, her erudite wizard, asking him to repeat Lorroakan's name. Making those insinuations that got Rolan's hackles up in defense for his new master—and for his own judgment. 

Rolan should have listened to the words from an older and clearly wiser mind.

Would it have changed anything in the end? He'd reverently carried Lorroakan's invitation with him all the way from Elturel. No matter what he heard, there was never a chance he might have walked away from the offer. 

But he might feel like less of a fool.

Hot shame rose in Rolan’s throat. If only Tav and her wizard could see him now, he thought bitterly. The fresh bruise forming at his temple throbbed as if to punctuate the idea. Rolan pushed up the sleeves of his robe and set to work.

—

Though it was only her first morning in Baldur’s Gate proper, Tav found that her list of urgent tasks had grown longer than ever.

There was the spate of gruesome murders, the rival thieves’ guilds warring in the underground, the freshly ordained archduke and his formidable army of Steel Watchers. Not to mention the little problem of a godlike Elder Brain that had begun to test its weakened chains. 

Tav had always thought of herself as a patient person. But these past few days, her companions all seemed to be tugging her in opposite directions. Everyone was irritable and on edge, herself included.

After Lae’zel and Astarion had nearly drawn on each other over the campfire last night—a row over what to do with the cambion’s latest offer of a deal—Tav snapped. She made the executive decision that they all needed a day away from each other to clear their heads.

Yet rather than pursue any of her many important leads, here she was loitering alone in front of the message board outside Basilisk Gate.

A good bit of it was taken up with Enver Gortash’s face, looking every bit the messiah he was definitely not. There were other notices: Flaming Fist enlistment posters, a few hand-written notes for missing persons. More likely unfortunate victims in the city’s recent murder spree. 

She found her eye uselessly searching for another name altogether. It was probably stupid—did wizards usually announce their new apprentices to the public?

Just as she’d made up her mind to move on, Lorroakan’s own name caught her eye. Tav tore the pamphlet down from the board.

‘Seeking Information About the Nightsong! Report Findings to Archwizard Lorroakan, Master of Ramazith’s Tower in the Upper City, Famed and Illustrious Mage of the Sword Coast.’

Unease bloomed in her stomach. What did an archwizard want with Dame Aylin? 

She turned the paper over, looking for anything besides vague details. Nothing on the notice said anything about capture or forcible delivery, but there was a reward printed in large type at the bottom of the page.

Her brows descended at the figure. Something about the size of it only increased her sense of foreboding.

Though she’d planned to make her way to Ramazith’s Tower to see Rolan as soon as she possibly could, perhaps now she had another reason to pay it a visit.

“Hey, Tav!”

She looked around at the sound of her name. Lia stood on the top step from the Basilisk Gate barracks, a slim scroll in her hand. She followed Tav's eyes to the parchment.

“Enlistment papers,” she explained, tucking them in her belt as she descended the stairs. “They’re no Hellriders, but it’s a decent job. Plus I heard some mad cult is planning to march an army down on our heads. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?” Lia added with a wry smile.

Somehow Tav was relieved to hear Lia could joke about it. It lightened some of the weariness in her own chest. She hastily pocketed the reward pamphlet—though she thought Lia’s eyes followed the motion. Then she rounded to return the smile.

“Gods, is it good to see a friend,” she admitted. “How are you, Lia?”

“You mean besides the constant threat of murder and war, and the stupid comments about my horns? Alright, considering,” Lia chuckled.

Tav felt a prickle of anger. She supposed that was a common experience for Tieflings, but that only made it worse somehow.

Lia caught her mood. “Don’t worry about it. We certainly don’t. Besides, it’s loads better here than it ever was back home.”

Tav moved the conversation along. She asked after Cal—trying to avoid immediately turning the subject to Rolan. Even though her heart ached to know how he was. Rolan and his siblings had taken the direct path from Moonrise to the Lower City, no doubt reaching it weeks before her own party had made their winding way toward the gates.

Lia was clever enough to realize what she was doing. Tav’s close relationship with Lia’s older brother was anything but a secret at this point, after all. But the younger woman played along politely for the moment.

When they were all out of other topics to catch up on, Tav did her best to sound as casual as possible. “How’s our brilliant apprentice getting along?”

Lia’s face changed at the question. Her brow flew into a scowl, and the muscle in her jaw tightened. 

“I don't talk to him about it anymore,” she snapped.

Tav blinked in surprise, but the feeling was quickly replaced by concern. “What is it?”

Lia looked around for a moment, as if worried someone might be listening to overhear. She moved down a few steps to stand with arms crossed beside Tav.

“Look…Rolan’s proud,” she said in a low voice. “You know that well as I do. He won't ever give me or Cal a straight answer about it. But Tav, seriously? I'm not sure he's been taught a damn thing yet. Rolan always gets upset when me or Cal come by the Sundries. Like he’s scared of someone seeing us there. And every time I’ve been in, Lorroakan’s got him working the stupid counter instead of studying. And his—”

Tav was hanging on every word by the time Lia abruptly cut herself off. The two of them shared a long look.

“I don't think he’s treating Rolan well,” Lia told her. Her nails dug into the fabric of her sleeves. “I know he isn't.”

“Not treating him well how?” The concern had grown to a snake of worry coiling through Tav’s insides. 

Lia’s hands continued fidgeting over her arms. She glanced away behind the curtain of her hair, as if regretting how much she'd said. 

“Listen, just—just go talk to Rolan. Please? You should hear it from him. If he won't listen to us, maybe he’ll listen to you. Don't think he could ever tell you no,” Lia added with a weak smile, an expression that was more pained than anything.

An ominous feeling swirled around in Tav’s brain, muddling the tail end of their conversation. Her head nodded along automatically as Lia gave an invitation to her and Cal’s flat in Heapside Strands, but her ears barely caught the street name. 

Once Lia had given her a quick one-armed hug and departed, Tav stood hardly knowing where she was. A Flaming Fist jostled past her shoulder from the barracks with a backwards comment about loitering in byways. 

She hardly heard the man. Her mind was filled with images of Rolan; proud, hopeful, excited for his future. Had this Lorroakan done something to spoil the dream he’d fought so hard to achieve?

As Tav’s hand brushed against the reward pamphlet in her pocket, the fingers there clenched into a fist. The other closed tight around the hilt of the longsword resting in her scabbard.

Whatever it was, something was wrong here. Very wrong. She was tempted to march straight into Sorcerous Sundries, find Rolan, and demand the truth out of him. And if he put on his stubborn act, she could think of a few very pleasant ways to get honest answers from his lips.

But what if he was somehow in danger from this archwizard?

That thought brought her up short. Lia’s voice before had held a hint of fear; not an emotion she’d know Lia to express lightly. Perhaps rushing into the situation blind would risk causing Rolan more harm than good.

Tav felt her pulse pound at the thought of putting him in danger. She let out a breath, trying to clear her head of the tangle of emotions. None of them would help her make a sound decision. As much as she might want to, she shouldn’t go racing off straight to Ramazith’s Tower.

And she shouldn’t go alone. If some kind of trouble was waiting there—increasingly likely when she considered Lorroakan’s cryptic interest in the Nightsong—she would need her companions with her. And they were currently spread out gods-knew-where across the city. 

Though her heart fought against it, the logical choice was clear. The wisest course would be to leave this for tomorrow.

In the morning, they would pay a visit to Ramazith’s Tower…and Tav would finally get the measure of this archwizard for herself.

[girl-next-door-writes]

Here, There And Everywhere

Characters: Mycroft Holmes x reader

Summary:  Could the festive spirit finally give Mycroft Holmes the little push he needs to step out of his comfort zone and approach the one person who has captured his attention and possibly his heart?

Word Count: 1365 words

Prompt: Crowded Party, Mutual Pining, Tugging You Closer By Your Waist.

A/N: This is the fourth of my Build-A-Festive-Fics so thank you to the brilliant @russian-soft-bitch who put these prompts together for the wonderful Mycroft Holmes.

***********************************************************************

The grand ballroom of the Diogenes Club sparkled with festive decorations, casting a myriad of colors across the polished marble floors. Once a silent sanctuary of solitude, tonight it buzzed with the jovial chaos of the season for the annual Christmas ball, a spectacle not to be missed, not even by the impeccably dressed Mycroft Holmes.

Mycroft lingered along the outskirts of the room, his sharp eyes surveying the revelers. Every detail, no matter how small, was noted and neatly filed away in the recesses of his mind for potential use at a later time. The half-filled champagne flute in his hand and his stern countenance deterred would-be conversationalists, and he couldn't help but appreciate the opulence of the ambiance. Despite the crowd, he remained acutely aware of the exclusivity of this gathering.

The grand ballroom emanated a symphony of sounds, from the melodies of music to the laughter that resonated through the air. The festive scents of evergreen and spiced delicacies wafted around, creating an enticing atmosphere. The stark contrast between the usual solitude of the Diogenes Club and the lively chaos of the Christmas ball was both palpable and intriguing.

Mycroft's thoughts remained inscrutable to others as he navigated the crowd. He was polite but remained rather solitary, his inner awkwardness prevailing. Social gatherings were one of the rare things he felt he did not excel at, no matter how much he may have tried in the past. He was not good at small talk and often missed social cues which left him with a burning sense of embarrassment and inadequacy.

Overhearing snippets of conversations, Mycroft gained insight into the lives and relationships of other guests. The dialogue painted a mosaic of characters, revealing both the mundane and the mysterious that he wished to understand and, occasionally, be part of.

The lavish decorations, a testament to excess and elegance, transformed the ballroom into a visual spectacle. Unique Christmas-themed elements punctuated the opulence, adding a touch of whimsy to the grand affair. Mycroft, despite his seemingly detached demeanor, couldn't help but be captivated by the extravagant surroundings, the festive spirit sneaking in to take root.

Sipping his champagne, Mycroft's gaze gravitated to the far side of the dance floor, and in that moment, time appeared to slow. There you stood, positioned at the periphery, resplendent in your festive attire. The twinkle of Christmas lights cast a soft radiance upon your features, accentuating your captivating presence and drawing him in.

For a man whose heart was said to mirror the stoicism of his demeanor, an unusual occurrence unfolded. Mycroft's heartbeat, once measured and deliberate, now seemed to accelerate at the mere sight of you. He blinked slowly, as if trying to comprehend the unexpected flutter within his chest, a phenomenon which only seemed to occur when he found himself in your presence.

The sounds of conversation faded away, leaving only the joyous melodies of the orchestra, and Mycroft found himself drawn to you like a moth to a flame. His feet on autopilot, took him through the crowd with one sole purpose. As he approached, he couldn’t help but admire the way your eyes sparkled with merriment. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly, and he took a deep breath, allowing him to savor the rare moment of respite from the burdens of his responsibilities. In this moment, he was not the embodiment of the British Government, or the responsible older brother, he was simply a man approaching someone he admired deeply.

You observed Mycroft's approach almost as soon as he embarked on the journey toward you. Patiently, you waited until he drew closer, a small but knowing smile gracing your lips as you offered a polite nod.

"Mr. Holmes, I did not expect to see you at a party like this," your tone carried a teasing lilt, and your eyes sparkled as they met his gaze.

Mycroft arched an eyebrow, a subtle smirk playing on his lips. "One must occasionally venture into the chaos of society, if only to maintain appearances," he remarked with dry wit. The comment earned him a light chuckle from you, and in that moment, a flash of pride bloomed in his chest at the unexpected achievement.

"I see. So, for appearances' sake, did you arrive this evening with a companion?" Your gaze gracefully drifted over to the dance floor as you took a sip of your champagne, projecting a nonchalance that was in strict contrast to the curiosity stirring within your heart at such a question.

"I did not," he stated simply, his eyes studying you for any sign of a reaction to that information. "I assume you are someone's guest this evening."

A small, knowing smile played on your lips at his deduction. It was an easy leap to make; the Diogenes was, after all, a gentlemen's club, and with the greatest will in the world, 'gentleman' was not a title you could pull off.

"I am the plus one of Lord Barrington's plus one."

"A plus one of a plus one?"

"Yes. Lady Barrington was concerned her husband would be too busy discussing business to keep her entertained, and so I am here as her companion, although the two of them have yet to leave the dance floor. They look like a pair of honeymooners, very much in love, even after forty years together," you shared with a touch of warmth in your voice, your gaze following the couple as they twirled gracefully on the dance floor.

Mycroft's gaze lingered on the Barringtons, his keen observation capturing the nuances of their dance. "An impressive feat," he mused, the faintest hint of nostalgia crossing his features.

"One worth aspiring to," you responded, a subtle warmth in your tone that resonated with Mycroft's unspoken sentiments. His gaze shifted from the happy couple back to you, his usually stoic expression softening slightly as he found himself silently agreeing.

"Would you like to dance?" The words had escaped him before he fully processed the thought, his eyes widening as he weighed the possibility of the potential humiliation—whether it be from you rejecting his offer or discovering him to be a less-than-agreeable dance partner.

“I would love to, thank you, Mycroft,” you replied, your acceptance lifting the weight of uncertainty from his shoulders. Taking your champagne flute, he placed it alongside his on the nearest table and offered his arm. If he was going to do this, he decided, then he would focus and, at the very least, prove himself a competent dance partner.

Concentrating turned out to be a far more challenging task than Mycroft had anticipated once he led you onto the dance floor and held you in his arms. Swallowing thickly, he found himself looking at his feet, attempting to recall how to lead without inadvertently stepping on your toes as the two of you swayed to the music.

You gazed up at him, finding this nervous and uncertain side of him endearing. A question lingered in your mind—was it the act of dancing itself or your presence that had this effect on him?

“Relax, Mycroft. It's just a dance. I've been led to believe you're rather good at such things,” you teased lightly.

“I have?” He raised his gaze to meet yours, genuine surprise evident in his eyes.

“Rumor has it you dance rings around most of the people you encounter.”

“Ah, well, there is a very large difference between verbal tapdancing and physically doing so.” He said dryly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

“Luckily, this is more of a waltz.”

“Perhaps,” he chuckled, using the hand resting on your waist to pull you closer.

Mycroft could never accurately gauge how long the two of you remained lost in your dance. Time seemed to lose its grip as you stayed in his arms, the music guiding your movements until it came to an end for the evening. The once-crowded space had now thinned out, leaving the two of you as the sole occupants on the dance floor. Even then, he was reluctant to let you go, and the two of you continued to sway silently to the music only you could hear.

[natsumebookss]

*cue the x-files theme music*

Don't mind me, I'm just shitposting while looking at my local anime con schedule! Though I won't deny that it'd be hilarious if Touka had gone through the whole hullabaloo to get a con panel just to spread the truth to nerdy magical girls who hadn't joined the Magius yet.

(As someone who's been a panel guest before for my MLP fic, it's a helluva lot of paperwork, or at least it was for my con.)

[waddlewaddlewaddlewaddle]

Over my head (Miguel ‘o’ Hara x Reader)

Chapter 3

Pairing: Miguel x reader

Summary: y/n is a kind hearted nurse who’s life gets turned upside down as she get fired from one the most prestigious hospitals in NYC , desperate , she start filing job applications wherever. Coincidentally a stressed Miguel is looking for a nurse due to a big amount of spider people getting injured due to the surprisingly large amount of anomalies happening in the spider verse. What could go wrong is these two meet?

Themes:

•Medium slow burn

•Mutual pining

✎office romance (¿)

•Hidden romance

✎Smut available as story progresses.

•Dom Miguel x sub/bratty reader

✎Stubborn, Ill tempered Miguel.

✎ Angelic reader .

•It girl reader.

✎I try to be as accurate as possible.

•English is not my first language so bare with me.

✎badass stoic x sweet empath.

Og spanish speaker so be prepared for steamy dialogue :3

Here’s the master list for previous or future chapters.

🕸 ���｡°✩ ⋆｡°✩🕸

-“Excuse me?!”-You yell at the undeniably attractive man in front of you.

-“Excuse you, you were the one pointing at me with a knife.”- Nagged the oak tree of a man while putting his hands on his waist.

Now understanding the gravity of what you just did; your expressions and body language soften.

- “My bad , excuse my behavior. I’m just kinda nervous; I’ve never been to this part of town and you know you can never be too safe”- You babbled while searching in your purse the direction that Jessica gave you.-“Could you be a dear and point me to this direction and I’ll be on my way.”

The bronze man looked you up and down and lifted the right corner of his mouth.

-“Well Miss you’re indeed right you can never be too safe, I tell that a lot to my employees but they never listen. And in regards to the direction;you’re right where your supposed to be, you must be our new nurse. Come in , we don’t want to waste any more time.”- He concluded as he opened the door for you to step in.

“Employees?!?!?!” You couldn’t believe you just pulled a knife out at your future boss , you tried to relax yourself trying to think maybe he’s a low ranking manager or supervisor using his casual outfit as proof of your theory. As you walked by his side you couldn’t help but notice the height difference between you too, your forehead stood right against his chest leaving your eyesight infront of his ribs.

When entering the company the place seemed quite alright , it started to fit in more with your idea of a office. As you stood still waiting for this mysterious man to guide you where your infirmary was all you could gaze was at the almost infinite looking hallway ahead.

-“Shit Um, I don’t know how to proceed with this, should’ve called Jessica over”- He mumbled as he looked at you with a blank state while scratching his head.-“Do you know about the multiverse theory?Do you believe in it?”.

-“I do , why do you ask?”-You gawked at him like he was crazy for asking such questions.

-“Well do you know Spider-Man?”

-“Yeah why do you ask? Excuse me sir is this a cult?

-“No , why would you ask that.”- He hissed looking at you already annoyed. - “You know what lyla cue the sequence.”

-“Don’t worry about that , he’s like this with everyone”- said a random female hologram with pink glasses and a fur coat appearing by your side

Before you knew you line of vision was covered y a blue screen hologram, the mysterious man leaned his back against the wall while crossing his arms waiting for the screen to load.

Soon you started to hear a narration about the spider verse that in your opinion made a lot of sense , the Ai started to narrate about the origins of the spider society ,their duties and rights , its purpose in the multiverse and the importance of it. It also talked about the great deal of work and sacrifice each spider person does to keep the organization running to their best efforts. It all concluded that the multiverse needed the spider society to keep trillions of people living safe on their respective earth.Lucky for you you were glad to join and help out the spider society even if you lacked arachnid powers yourself , their morals aligned with yours that’s all you needed to know you were eager to help people who spend all their days saving lives

The bronze man glanced at you with uncertainty not sure if you believed the sequence that was just played out for you. You kept your mouth shut waiting for more of a explanation from his part, soon he started to walk towards you with impeccable posture trying to find a glimpse of dishonesty in your reaction.

-“My names Miguel ‘o’ Hara. I’m the current Spider-Man of this earth. I’m the leader of operations of this HQ, I unlike you don’t take pride in what I have to do sometimes, but I have the spine to know that it needs to be done.Plenty of spider people and myself have sacrificed everything to keep the multiverse stable, the job that you are applying for is no game and must be taken as serious as the will of my people. I understand if you’re scared and would like to back out. you should be grateful that you have a choice to decide if you want to be part of this or not. So please think things through, if you return to this HQ at 8:00 am tomorrow I’ll assume you accept the responsibility that comes with your job.”-While telling you all this he seemed to move his hands a lot and also walked back and forth but strangely no emotion was shown on his face.

You crossed your arms while looking up and down at him , you knew Spider-Man existed in your earth but you’ve never seen him ; in person nor in pictures. Spider-Man from this earth was known for being very diligent and private. No pictures existed of him and he never make public appearances. So if the man in front of you could prove he was Spider-Man that’s all the proof you needed to finish believing the whole spider society thing.

-“Prove it to me.”

-“Why should i, If you don’t want the job you should just leave.”- He argued raising an eyebrow while starting to huff up his shoulders in annoyance.

-“I know that if you give me a chance I’ll show you I’m all that you’re looking for.”- You looked up at him with fire and determination beaming from your eyes.-All I ask if for a vote of trust on your behalf.

Miguel squinted at your small figure , even though you were diminute to him; he saw in your wide gaze a passion for helping humanity that he had lost long ago. With so much misery surrounding his past ;it cost him to admit that the work he’s doing now is based more on moral obligation than hope for a better future. But after all he decided to trust you and your good vibes, he started walking in your direction towering over you like a scary beast that was going yo bite you any second.

With a flick of the wrist a blue cloth with nano pixels incorporated into it started spreading all over his body , quickly revealing a red skull like design that decorated his chest while some red stripes engulfed his broad shoulders; the suit started to reach his wrist while painting his palms red. You startled yourself when you noticed Miguel’s face was long covered by a mask that only seemed to detail only the surroundings on his eye.

You took in the view of Miguel’s now more defined body ,taking notice of the sharp blades on the side of his forearms, that’s when you finally realized that man was as serious as a heart attack.

-“Not a fucking Disney princess dress is it.”-He murmured while standing so close to you that he practically forced your back to hit the wall in fear of being cornered by him, as soon as he got the reaction he wanted he turned around and walked away.

Now standing perplexed a familiar face finally approaches you, Jessica greets you hello and finally turns off the infinite hallway illusion revealing the true spider society head quarters which showed walls up to 50 meters high , trippy drug high structures like stair cases on the ceiling or randomly located poles. As you started walking in,you saw hundreds of spider people all with different variations of the spider shoe ,some were sitting criss cross on the ceiling, some were black and white, some were 2D but most importantly there were Some truly bizarre spider things …? Like a Spider car , Spider plushie and even a Spider Lego that you almost crushed cause you were so distracted watching the Salvador Dali esque architecture.

You thought to yourself how lucky you were that you landed a job like this , where you could put in a grain of salt to help the multiverse and meet an incredibly diverse group of people but sadly you also came to realize that this job is full of responsibility and danger. God forbid a villain escaped and took you hostage an in a split second your throat is slashed open. You shake your head trying to get rid of the negative thoughts and enjoy the tour.

You and Jessica pass by the cafeteria where unoccupied spider people waved hello to you and watched as you passed by.

Finally the two of you arrived to the huge infirmary,it was almost as big as a whole hospital floor, there was a big nurses office that fit almost 12 hospital beds for any current patients you may have. Outside of the office there were another 10 small rooms, you made a mental note to separate two of those rooms for private consultations and to leave the rest as resting stations. At the end of the hallway you found a big sturdy metal door where all the delicate medicine , blood bags, oxygen tanks ,vaccine fridges and other materials would be kept.

-Jessica this is awesome! I’ve never had this much resources before. I promise you I’ll be the best nurse you’ll ever see, also if you feel ditzy or Ill come visit me right away.- your figure is seen testing the hardness of the bed while touching the soft linens that cover the mattresses that’ll hopefully stay blood free.

You proceed to check out some of the rooms built in the back of your infirmary, as you opened the door you found sterilization equipment ,surgical tools, wound care products and wearable supplies. In the other rooms there were stretchers, Wheelchairs and Surgical tables.

-“I like your enthusiasm y/n. I wonder if you’ll be able to keep that smile on your face while treating 10 patients at a time.”-Like clockwork your face dropped after hearing that , you were only used to taking care of 4 patients at a time, how were you supposed to take care of 10.-“But don’t worry, some friends of mine prepared a gift for you, there’s a box on top of your desk open it up.”

Your hands flew to open the cardboard box , inside contained 2 sphere like bots with 4 arms. Jessica quickly explained to you that these would be your new assistants, these bots had CT, MRI and x-Rays incorporated. Your arms wrapped around Jessica , you felt your abdomen press around her belly , she returned your hug and smiled.-“Welcome to the team y/n.”

🕸 ⋆｡°✩ ⋆｡°✩🕸

The next morning you took a quick shower and put on Some jeans and a cardigan to wear under your white coat. After commuting to the spider Society headquarters you arrived at 8:00 am sharp ,you also noticed some trucks unloading the materiales you asked for in your visit yesterday.

After waving hi to some spider people ,you organized everything in the infirmary unbeknownst that you’ll soon receive your first patients.

Some villain called electro did some minor electric shock on some spider people, they presented irregular hearts beats and muscle spasms. You sent them to rest with some iv fluids while sending your new robo assistants nino and kiko to monitor them and to check for interior burns.

A few moments later pavitr arrived with a busted eyebrow that you quickly disinfected and stitched up.

The rest of the day you took care of minor accidents, the majority of patients were really weak from stress , dehydration and lack of sleep. The majority of the spider society was really grateful for your help , your presence truly made a difference in the HQ; as a result the unoccupied spider people decide to host you a welcoming party in the cafeteria, as you cut some cake that was brought to you by one of your earlier patients when suddenly the corner of your vision caught a shadow moving by the hallway.

You quickly excused yourself and decided to take a closer inspection, then you walked down the hallway suspecting this is were the shadow went. The moment you reached the corner of the hallway that lead to 2 pathways you hid and looked at both sides.

Then you spotted a familiar back that you knew too well, you recognized those broad ,huffed up shoulders that were decorated in burgundy stripes; with navy blue surroundings. You watched in aw as Miguel’s back heaved up and down as if it were struggling to breathe ,soon your gaze dropped to the floor only to be met with a drawn out trace of blood.

[mysterious-moonstruck-musings]

Destiny & Deliverance: Chapter 12

Destiny & Deliverance Masterlist ||| Dieter Bravo X OFC New as of 8/04/2023

SUPPORT YOUR CREATORS. REBLOGGING & COMMENTS ARE APPRECIATED.

Series Rating: Explicit (18+)

Series Summary: Natalia Cohen is experiencing major life changes, beginning with leaving an emotionally abusive husband. She is learning how to navigate life on her own while dealing with high functioning anxiety, depression, and mild PTSD. Everything is looking up for her. She is a highly respected consultant for a major LA firm, has her best friend, Lauren, by her side, and is on her path to healing. Everything changes when she meets a handsome and broken stranger on a work trip. He turns out to be a well-known actor, with a heart-breaking past. They quickly develop a connection that will forever alter their lives. 

Warnings: Themes dealing with mental health, emotional trauma, alcohol use, and discussions about suicide. There will be fluff, tears, spicy language, and smut. This will be a slow burn type of story. Read at your own risk.

Chapter Quote: “Oh, so that’s what he’s up to. I had a feeling he was scheming.”

Dieter grabbed my hand and pulled me along behind him toward the sound. He gave my hand a squeeze before letting go to open the door. He was greeted by his sister, Gabriela, and brother-in-law, Shaun. Their kids, Sara, Samuel, and Luke filed in right behind them. All three ran over to hug their “Uncle Dieter” before taking off through the house with Shaun following close behind, already telling them to slow it down. Dieter took that time to introduce me to his sister. She gave me a big smile which looked very similar to his as she came over to wrap me in a warm hug. She stepped back with her hands on my shoulders, looking me over. She turned to her brother, “Dieter, ella es hermosa! (Dieter, she is beautiful!)”  

“Si, una amiga muy hermosa. (Yes, a very beautiful friend.)” He gave her a stern look, followed by a small smirk. 

She looked at him with disbelief and replied, “Right. I’m sure,” as she stepped away from me. 

I shifted my eyes between the two of them with a tight smile and raised eyebrows, having no idea what was happening.

“Don’t pay any attention to Gabby, she’s just giving me a hard time.” He gave his sister a pointed look. 

“Well, that happens to be one of my favorite pastimes, so I think I’ll let her continue without intervening.” 

“Now I didn’t introduce you two so you can gang up on me.” Dieter said with mock horror. 

“Why not? You and Lauren gang up on me all the time.”

Gabby laughed as she linked her arm with mine. “I think we’re going to be best friends,” she said as she led me toward the kitchen. 

“Dieter has told me so much about you. I’m surprised he wanted to have this little get together so we could meet. That isn’t something he typically does with his friends.” 

Gabby was eyeing me as she spoke. Like she was expecting some sort of reaction to her words. 

“I think of it as more of a housewarming party and he needed help cooking. Not so much to meet me…or Lauren. Lauren is around here somewhere too…helping with the food.” 

I sounded like such a spaz. I just needed to stop talking because she was making me nervous, and I was starting to ramble. I could feel my heart rate speeding up.

“Lauren, right. I’m pretty sure Dieter is trying to set her and our brother up. He was pretty insistent that Alex come meet her.” 

“Oh, so that’s what he’s up to. I had a feeling he was scheming.” I shook my head and laughed at the thought. It seemed so random. 

As if on cue, Dieter came walking into the kitchen with a handsome younger version of himself following behind him. I gave Alex a polite smile as Dieter introduced us. 

While we were all standing around chatting, Lauren came in through the back door to grab some items to take outside. All eyes turned to her, and she slowly came to a stop, freezing in place as her eyes caught sight of Alex. A shy smile spread across her face, and she gave a little wave. Dieter walked over linking arms with her, pulling her over to meet everyone. Taking special care when introducing her to Alex. 

“Alex, this is my good friend Lauren. She runs that art shop I told you about and teaches the classes.”  He turned to Lauren, gesturing toward his brother. “Alex is into art too. He likes to do sketches, but it’s just a hobby. He’s currently going to school to be a pediatrician.”  

Gabby and I silently watched the exchange. Occasionally elbowing one another or shooting each other a look. It was obvious they were smitten with the intense eye contact between the two of them as Dieter kept talking, trying to facilitate a conversation between them. 

Gabby let out a small laugh and turned her back toward the trio.

“Alex is so shy around girls. This may be painful to watch.” She said in a low conspiratorial voice.

“Lauren doesn’t tend to be shy, so maybe she’ll get him out of his shell.”

However, the more I watched her, the more I realized she was indeed acting shy. This was new. I looked back at Gabby, “You’re right, this might be painful. I don’t know what’s gotten into her.” 

We both laughed a little too loudly, which got everyone else’s attention. I cleared my throat awkwardly as all three of them looked at us. 

“Lauren, how about you get the meat started on the grill,” I blurted out. 

She gave me a panicked look. I knew she didn’t know how to work the grill. It was officially payback for all the times she would do or say something in front of Dieter. I tried to hold in a smile as I looked over at Dieter, then quickly glanced at his brother, then back to him with a raised eyebrow. He caught on.

“Alex, how about you help Lauren with that. You’re the grill master after all.” 

“Uhh, yeah. On it.” Alex said as he shook his head and walked toward Lauren asking what he could do to help. They grabbed some things out of the refrigerator before heading out the back door. As soon as they were out of earshot, all three of us burst into laughter. This day just got significantly more interesting. It might be enough to keep me distracted from my anxiety. 

Once the three of us calmed ourselves, we moved outside with everyone else. Lauren and Alex were still manning the grill, both shyly chatting with one another. Alex appeared to be showing her how to work it. I busied myself with setting the food out as it was ready. Gabby sat at the table watching the chaos unfold as she sipped a cocktail that she had made for herself and snacked on the appetizers. Dieter immediately ran over to play with the kids and surprised them with the massive water guns he had picked up for the occasion. He pulled out the extras and gave one to Shaun and kept one for himself as they all chased each other around the yard in battle mode. 

As I was setting things up, I watched Dieter. He would have made such a wonderful father. He was so good with the kids. For the first time since New York, the memory of him saying he had a vasectomy came to mind. Did he really not want kids at all? It was hard to believe after seeing him like this. I suddenly felt a sadness wash over me, wondering if it had anything to do with whatever haunted his beautiful soul. 

He still hadn’t opened up to me in detail about his issues, but I knew he was dealing with things. I knew he had been going to therapy. I could typically tell the mornings he had been. He was always more reserved and quieter, opting to have a quick workout session alone before he would really interact with anyone. I never questioned him about it. I only offered comforting gestures and support when I knew he was down. I knew he would talk to me when he was ready.

As I stood near the table watching him, I realized Gabby now had her eyes on me. Studying me. 

“He’s really good with kids, you know. I’m still holding out hope that one day he’ll finally settle down and have some of his own.”

I smiled nervously at her comment, feeling like she could read my mind. I wasn’t really sure how to respond. Clearly, she didn’t know about his minor operation. I opted for humor. 

“He’s basically a big kid himself, so it makes sense.”    

She chuckled, nodding in agreement as she turned her attention back to him. Dieter noticed us watching him. He paused slightly, giving me a questioning look before walking over, appearing to be concerned about something. He stopped in front of me, reaching out to grab my right hand from my shoulder. I hadn’t even realized it was there. It was then I noticed that my brows were drawn down together and my jaw felt tight. In my periphery, Gabby was watching us intently. 

“Do you need help with anything?” 

He was giving me an out in case I needed a break. I shook my head from side to side as I gave him a small smile and relaxed my features. I appreciated that he was still thinking of me, even with his family around. He gave me a reassuring smile and squeezed my hand as he led me over to sit at the table with him and his sister. I sat first and he scooted his chair closer before he sat down beside me. He leaned back and draped his right arm across the back of my chair, grabbing a small piece of my hair to twist around his fingers. I wasn’t sure if he was doing that as a distraction for me or for himself as he suddenly seemed nervous too. It possibly had something to do with the way his sister was watching us. Her eyes kept dropping down to his fingertips twirling my hair as they chatted. 

“So, are Anna and the gang coming later?” Gabby eventually asked him.

He looked down at the table where he was tapping the fingers of his left hand. It was his turn to draw his brows down together before answering. 

“Yeah, they're supposed to. I’m not exactly sure who all is coming though.”

Dieter had mentioned Anna and “the gang” in earlier conversations. It was his group of friends that he typically spent time with while he was in LA. They were all actors, like him. He had known Anna since they were young and at one time, they were best friends. He had said the group was heavy into partying and he was currently trying to do a little less of that. He wasn’t sure how he was going to fit into the group now that he was trying to cut some of those behaviors out of his life. He did want to try for Anna’s sake though.

I noticed Gabby gave a slight look of disapproval at his answer. It seemed like she wasn’t a fan. 

“How is she going to handle you having a new best friend?” Gabby asked with a raised eyebrow. Still sipping on her drink. 

I could feel Dieter tense beside me. His left hand moved to the middle of his abdomen. Something I noticed he often did when he was feeling anxious. I leaned forward with my left hand, giving his knee a small squeeze. 

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’m excited to meet everyone.” 

I’m not sure if I came off as enthusiastic as I had meant to, but it had the intended effect. He visibly relaxed at my touch. Gabby was studying us again. She had a curious look on her face. 

Suddenly our attention was drawn toward the grill, where Alex was rushing to put out a rather large flame. Lauren stood there, stunned. I had no idea what led to it, but the resulting scene was hilarious. The kids ran over and started spraying toward the grill with their water guns, but mostly just sprayed Alex and Lauren while he battled the flame himself with a hand towel. Dieter let out a cackle as he leaned his head on my shoulder. Once he caught his breath, he yelled toward Lauren, “I know I don’t know how to cook, mi pequeño giraso, but I’m pretty sure that ain’t it.” 

Lauren responded by flipping him the bird, to which Alex burst out laughing. 

“Well, I’m happy to see they’re bonding,” Dieter said to Gabby and me with a chuckle. 

Soon after that little incident, Alex declared the food was ready. There were a few hot dogs he had to toss, but otherwise, everything else turned out ok. Shaun wrangled the kids so that he and Gabby could get their plates going. Everyone else fell in behind them. 

Dinner with Dieter and his siblings was interesting. It seemed like they each had different silent side conversations going with each other from looks alone. However, verbal conversation flowed uninterrupted. It was clear they were all close and cared for each other. They were all easy going and welcoming to Lauren and me. It was as if we had known them for years already. I was having a good time and didn’t feel anxious at all. I could see why Dieter wanted me to meet them before everyone else. 

By the time we had finished eating, all of us, aside from Shaun, had consumed multiple drinks and were a little buzzed. Alex and Shaun took off after the kids with the water guns while the rest of us sat around and chatted some more. At one point, Dieter stood from the table. 

“Can I get you guys anything while I’m up?” Lauren and Gabby shook their heads no. I sat there for a moment, trying to remember the name of the drink he had mixed for us earlier. He looked down at me and touched the back of my hair.

“Mi Estrella? Anything?” 

“Well, the name has left me, but bring me whatever drink you made us earlier, please.” 

He briefly laughed at me, before Gabby caught our attention. She was staring at Dieter with a shocked look on her face. Her eyes turned glassy. A look passed between them that I didn’t understand. He lowered his head, looking slightly embarrassed and walked toward the back door without another word. She watched him retreat, with a bizarre look on her face. Lauren and I exchanged a glance. She had noticed it too. Gabby cleared her throat as she turned her attention back to me with a small smile on her face. I gave her a questioning look.

“Everything ok?” I asked her.

She smiled wider and looked down at the ground.

“I’ll save that one for him to share when he’s ready.”   

I wasn’t really sure how to respond, so I just smiled in return. Lauren, who was clearly sensing the awkwardness, quickly changed the subject and invited Gabby to bring the kids to one of her art classes for the younger age group. Gabby seemed thankful for the subject change. 

After several minutes, Dieter returned, followed by a group of people. I assumed this was “Anna and the gang.” It was a flurry of activity as he attempted to introduce Lauren and I to everyone. They didn’t seem very interested as they continued to talk loudly amongst themselves. None of their names really stuck, except Anna’s. She was pretty enough with her light brown hair hanging in waves down her back. She was tall and had an interesting choice in fashion. She was wearing some brown baggy cotton capri pants and a matching loose fitting short sleeve button up. It reminded me of something my grandma used to wear.

I stood to greet her, she looked me up and down as she reached out her hand.

“You must be the infamous Natalia that I have heard so much about lately.”

I gave her a warm smile as I returned her handshake, trying to be friendly, but she was making it hard. Something about her rubbed me the wrong way.

“That’s a cute little sundress. Interesting choice.”

I was a little stunned by her tone. I wasn’t sure if she was being facetious or not. Dieter picked up on my uneasiness before I could respond. 

“Isn’t it though? She was turning heads the whole time we were out shopping this morning,” he said as he put his arm around my shoulders to briefly pull me into his side, then handed me the drink he was holding. He lowered his hand from my shoulder to rest on my bare back and rubbed gently.

Anna seemed confused by his response, but she smiled anyway. I chanced a glance over at Lauren, she didn’t seem very impressed with that whole exchange. I sat back down with my drink. Dieter continued to stand and chat with small groups of his friends as they scattered about. I noticed Gabby looking at Anna with narrowed eyes as she moved around between the groups with Dieter. Gabby leaned toward me and spoke quietly.

“Just so you know, they never dated or anything. Also, she’s kind of a bitch, so don’t let her get to you. She doesn’t really care for new people that much.” 

Lauren overheard her and burst out laughing. I looked at Gabby with wide eyes. That was not what I was expecting from her. I just shook my head in agreement as I laughed. 

The three of us spent the next hour chatting amongst ourselves. Alex eventually came over to join us, which perked Lauren up. It didn’t go unnoticed that they kept sneaking glances at one another. They were both being so shy that it was comical to watch.

As day turned to night and the alcohol flowed, the recent additions to our party were getting a little sloppy and obnoxious. After overhearing comments about the kids being a buzzkill while they played in the pool with their dad, Gabby decided it was time to head out for the evening. She wasn’t in the mood to deal with them. I gave her an apologetic look as she got up to get Shaun’s attention. They got the kids out of the pool and started getting them ready to head out. 

I looked around in search of Dieter. He was over near the pergola, now lit with string lights, chatting with Anna and two others. He stood with one hand in the pocket of his shorts, the other holding a drink. His shoulders seemed tense as did the look on his face. Everyone else seemed to be smiling and having a good time, so I found it odd. I walked over and sidled up next to him. Gently setting my hand on his back between his shoulder blades to get his attention. He turned his head to look at me, giving a tight smile. I gave him a questioning look as I reached up to run my fingers through the hair at the back of his neck, causing him to relax and lean into me. 

“Your sister is about to leave. You wanna come help me pack up some leftovers for them?”  

He shook his head and told the group he would be back as he walked with me toward the back door. 

“Everything ok? You seem a little tense?”

“Yeah, I just kind of forgot what hanging out with them is like. They can be a lot sometimes. Also, my sister isn’t a fan. It probably wasn’t the best idea to have everyone here together.”

“It’s been fine. Your sister’s been hanging out with us. They’re all having a good time.”

I gave his arm a small squeeze as he wrapped a plate of food with plastic wrap. Anna walked through the back door at that point.

“You guys need any help?” 

“No, I think we’ve got it covered.” Dieter replied. 

She stood there for a moment, watching us move around the kitchen. I opened one of the cabinets to pull out some of the extra disposable foil pans to put more food in. I could feel her eyes on me as I did so.

“You seem to know your way around his kitchen.”

“Well, she’s been here for two days cooking, so I should hope so.” Dieter said with an annoyed tone. 

“Have you been spending a lot of time here, cooking, Talia?”   

I felt like she was insinuating something. 

“No, actually. Yesterday was my first time coming here.” 

Anna raised her eyebrow in response. Dieter stopped packaging the food and gave her a pointed look. She said nothing else as she made her way back outside, passing Gabby, Shaun, and the kids as they came inside. She didn’t even acknowledge them. I looked at Dieter and he shrugged, then went back to what he was doing. 

Gabby came over and hugged me in a tight embrace as she said, “It was so nice meeting you. I hope we can spend more time together very soon.” 

She turned to her brother, hugging him just as tightly. As she released him, she gave him a serious look before pointing at him to say, “Te amo hermano... y me gusta ella. No lo jodas.” (I love you brother…and I like her. Don’t fuck it up.)

Dieter blushed slightly as he laughed in response. He looked down as he replied, “También te amo, hermana.”

Dieter and I helped carry the leftovers outside to their car which resulted in more byes and hugs from the kids. Afterwards, we headed to the back yard. Lauren was still sitting at the table with Alex and another woman, who seemed to be attempting to flirt with him. He wasn’t impressed and Lauren looked annoyed. Dieter looked at Lauren, shaking his head. 

“Julia, cut it out,” he said to the woman. She rolled her eyes at him as she got up to stumble off elsewhere. 

The rest of the evening was fairly uneventful. Everyone else seemed nice enough and were friendly toward Lauren and I. Anna took it down a few notches and attempted a conversation with us. She wasn’t so bad, but she seemed to be having a hard time with it for whatever reason. 

Around nine thirty Lauren decided she was going to call it a night. She was exhausted after two long days of prepping for this thing. Alex jumped in to say he was pretty tired and going to head home as well. He asked Lauren if she was ok to drive. She said that she was. I scoffed and gave her a look that said, “Really?” I guarantee he would have offered her a ride home if she had said no. She stared at me momentarily, realizing what I was hinting at. She shook her head at me. I rolled my eyes in response. He did at least walk with her to the car. That was something, hopefully. 

Now that everyone I knew had left, I felt a little anxious, which led to a couple more drinks. Dieter didn’t leave my side after Lauren left. I think that was just as much for him as it was for me though. The more his friends shifted into party mode, the more tense he seemed. 

As the evening progressed, I noticed we were always touching in some way. It could have been anything from his leg being pressed against mine to his arm resting on the back of my chair twirling my hair. Some of his friends were giving him a hard time because he was being “boring” and not drinking more. I’m not sure what they expected from him. He was drinking and having a good time, but he wasn’t getting sloppy drunk like they were. This must be what he meant by them not being supportive.

It was close to midnight when everyone finally started to thin out. I busied myself with cleaning up while Dieter saw to it that everyone was covered getting home. Anna seemed to be lingering around to help with that also. However, I got the feeling she was waiting for me to leave too since she kept asking if I needed any help “finishing up.”  Dieter finally spoke up and told her we had it covered from here while he set her up with an uber. She seemed slightly annoyed at his response, but eventually left without a fuss.

Once she was out the door, he looked like he was ready to crash. I gathered up my things and was about to head home when he stopped me.

“Wait, where are you going?” 

“I’m gonna walk home. It’s not that far.”

“At this hour? You most certainly will not.”

“You don’t need to be driving.”

“Well, I’ll walk you then.”

“No. I don’t want to find you sleeping in the shrubbery when tomorrow rolls around.” 

I raised an eyebrow at him. He laughed.

“I’m not that far gone, sweetheart. I think I can handle it.” 

“It’s ridiculous for you to walk there and back.”

“You could just stay with me, and I’ll take you home in the morning.”

He seemed surprised by the words that came out of his own mouth. He clearly didn’t think about what he was saying before he said it. I stared at him, a little surprised too. This was a slippery slope he was on. 

“That probably isn’t a good idea...” 

“Oh come on, I can behave myself. You should know better than that by now. I’ll even make you some breakfast in the morning.” 

“You don’t know how to cook, remember?”

“I can handle the basics…”

I sighed. I really didn’t feel like walking home, seeing as the room was still spinning slightly. I really hoped this didn’t make things weird. 

“Fine, but I’m making breakfast.”

“Oh thank God. I didn’t want to do all that walking.” 

I laughed at him, “Yeah, me neither.” 

He walked over and put his hands on my hips from behind and started pushing me toward his bedroom. 

“Let’s go, then. I’m toast.”

He gave me some of his gym shorts and one of his band t-shirts to sleep in. He also had an extra toothbrush that he donated to the cause. I changed in his bathroom, then opened the door so he could come in to brush his teeth while I did the same. As we stood there, my mind wandered to all the wrong places, as usual. Sometimes it was the simplest things that made me want more. Usually, it was the domestic behaviors like this that really got me. 

I noticed he kept looking at me in the mirror as I casually looked around his bathroom. It was the first time I had been in that room, and I was trying to keep myself distracted. I noticed that it was surprisingly very clean. He probably has a maid, I thought. 

He finished brushing his teeth, then stood back in the doorway, continuing to watch me as I rinsed my mouth out. When I finished, I stood there awkwardly holding the toothbrush up, silently asking what to do with it. He laughed and took it from my hand and stuck it in the toothbrush holder. I felt a little flutter in my stomach. I don’t know why. It wasn’t like he didn’t already have a bunch of his stuff over at my house as it was. 

“What are you thinking about so hard?” He asked with a half smirk on his face. 

“I’m thinking you have a really clean bathroom for a dude. What are you thinking about so hard?”     

“That you look kind of adorable in my clothes that are like three sizes too big for you.” 

I looked down and laughed.

“I do feel like a child playing dress up.” 

We both started laughing as we walked toward the bed. The shorts were a problem. They didn’t want to stay on me, which caused him to laugh even harder. The t-shirt was pretty big, so I ended up losing the shorts before I crawled into bed. It just wasn’t going to work. 

“Don’t get any ideas.” I shot at him as I untied the drawstring and let them fall off to the floor on their own. He looked offended that I would suggest such a thing and I laughed at him.

Then he took off his shirt, acting in a shy manner, and shot back, “Don’t YOU get any ideas.” 

“Shut up and go to bed.” I responded as we both continued to laugh. 

We got settled and he turned off the lamp on his side. Lying in bed with him in the dark was not a good idea. I could almost feel the electricity in the air. I could feel his warmth radiating over to me. I didn’t think I was ever going to fall asleep, but eventually I did.  

I awoke the next morning to the feeling of a slight throbbing in my head, I most certainly had a hangover. It took me a moment to realize where I was and who was currently laying across me. At some point in the night, Dieter and I had migrated toward the middle of the bed. I was laying on my back and he was laying in the crook of my arm on his side, with his face buried in my neck. My hair was partially covering his face. He had one of his legs thrown across mine and his hand had found its way under my t-shirt and was resting on my bare stomach. Fuck. This is exactly what I didn’t want to happen. 

I laid there for several minutes trying to figure a way out of this situation that wouldn’t make it weird. To make things worse, he kept nuzzling his face further into my neck and hugging me tighter. A part of me wanted to wake him up and take things further, but I knew that was a terrible idea and I really needed to stop thinking like that. 

I finally bit the bullet and tried to slide out from under him. He groaned and tightened his grip. I put my hand on his head, giving him a small scratch, and told him I was getting up to make breakfast. He groaned again but let me slide out from under him. I wasn’t sure if he even knew what was going on. He seemed out of it.

I made my way to his kitchen and started pulling out ingredients for an omelet and took a few minutes to figure out how to work his ridiculously complicated coffee maker. I pulled my hair back in a twisty knot to keep it out of my face while I worked. As I was cooking the bacon, I heard the front door open. I turned around, confused, and found Anna walking around the corner. She froze when she saw me in the kitchen, cooking, in Dieter’s shirt with no pants. I’m sure that looked great.

“Oh, Anna, hi. Ummm, would you like some breakfast?” I offered with what I can only describe as a grimace on my face. That a way to make it awkward, Talia.

“Umm no. I don’t eat that stuff. I’m vegan, but thanks. Where’s Dieter?”

“I think he’s still in bed.” 

“Oh, well I was going to see if he wanted to go out to breakfast and catch up, but I can see that’s probably a no.” 

I smiled nervously. I wasn’t really sure how to handle this. Luckily, Dieter chose that moment to come stumbling into the kitchen, still half asleep, in nothing but his shorts. This was the first time I was getting the full view of his topless form in the light of day and Christ he looked more amazing than he did last time I saw him like this. I tried not to stare, but it was hard.

“Oh, there you are.” Anna said, rather sarcastically. 

“I came by to see if you wanted to grab breakfast, but obviously you’re covered. So, I’ll just let you two get back to it.”

“You can stay and eat with us if you want,” he offered. 

“You know I don’t eat that shit. Call me when you finally have a free minute to yourself, please.”

She gave a flippant wave as she walked toward the front door. As soon as the door closed, he leaned across the island, propping his head on his hand.

“Remind me to move the hidden key so she can’t walk in like that anymore, please. I don’t like that.”  

“I don’t think she’s a fan of me.”

“She’s not really a fan of anyone who isn’t ‘like us’. She thinks I’m lying to her about us dating and she’s also pretty damn salty that I haven’t been at her beck and call here lately. She doesn’t get the whole self-improvement thing. I’m just supposed to be fine as I was. So, don’t take it personally. It’s just her and her need to control everything.”

“She thinks we’re dating?”

“Yes, because I’ve been spending so much time with you and Lauren. It’s the only plausible explanation in her mind. Of course, I’m sure finding you here this morning isn’t gonna help that any.”

“Oh well. That sounds like a personal problem she needs to deal with,” I said with a shrug. 

“Says you. I’m the one having to deal with the fallout. I hate to just cut her off because we’ve been friends since we were teenagers. Hopefully, she’ll eventually come around and learn to be more supportive of my choices.” 

“Fair point. Maybe she will.” I gave him a small smile and went back to making the omelets. It really was unfortunate that he didn’t have more supportive friends. I could see why he would distance himself and seek support elsewhere.

He pulled himself up to sit on the counter next to the stove, watching me work. Occasionally biting his lip. Of course, he would put himself right in my line of sight without a shirt on. It was taking everything I had in me to not stare at his bare arms or chest. Add the lip biting to that and I just wanted to melt into a puddle. I felt like he knew it too.

After we ate, he started on the dishes while I put away the leftovers and all the ingredients that I had pulled out. He kept moving around me to grab things that needed washing. As he did so, I noticed that he was purposefully brushing against me in some way. Once I realized what he was doing, I turned my head and gave him an admonishing look. He responded with a big grin.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Seriously? You know why.” I had to bite my bottom lip to keep from smiling, which caught his attention. I watched his eyes drop to my lips briefly. I inhaled sharply and turned away from him. Fuck. I knew last night was going to make things weird. I needed to reign it in. I didn’t want to ruin the friendship we had built thus far. 

Once I finished, I went to change back into my clothes. He got dressed soon after so he could take me home. I felt like we probably needed some space today, so when he asked me what my plans were for the day, I lied. I told him I needed to do something to prepare for a meeting on Monday. He shook his head, then inhaled deeply. He had an odd look on his face, but I let it go. He pulled into the driveway and eyed me with a serious look as I gathered my things. He leaned over and gave me a small kiss on the cheek, like he always did when telling me bye. Both of us lingered a second longer than we should have. I pulled away and smiled tightly at him. 

“Call me later, yeah?” 

He nodded and gave a half smile in return, but he wouldn’t look at me. I let myself out of the car and headed inside. I dropped my things on the floor and immediately sunk down onto the large, overstuffed sectional. I wasn’t really sure what just happened, but the sparks were definitely still there between us. Emotionally, I was currently in a much better place than I had been, mostly because of him, but I still wasn’t sure if I was ready for that. I wasn't sure that he was either. I decided to push everything out of mind and pretend it didn’t happen. Maybe I was reading into things too much.

Next Chapter

Tag List: @rhoorl @bitchwitch1981 @readingiskeepingmegoing @runningmom94

[caliburn-the-sword]

or alternatively:

was trying to figure out a way to organically shorten mary margaret's name and give her a nickname that DOESN'T take literally forever to say and/or type and is also super affectionate for fanfic purposes. drew up a lot of blanks cause there's no way to combine her two names well since they both start with "mar-" unless it's mar mar which just sounds plain silly, so i thought why not cut off the "mar-" from each name since they're redundant and combine those halves instead?? well, you know what that gives you??

ry garet

or, when you pronounce that the way her name is pronounced

regret

like damn regina just HAD to let her vendetta show fkshfsdkh

(yes i know that meta wise she was actually named after the women that inspired the fairy tales of snow white but this is just an amusing and also completely nonsensical thought that i decided to share with the void for funsies. cue the x-files theme music)

[grenly]

*cue X Files theme*

I believe in Team Aliens this Splatfest!

[league-of-sam]

As Grim as the Reaper | Simon 'GHOST' Riley PREQUEL

Ghost x Reader, Graves x Reader

CHAPTER FOUR

Phillip Graves x AFAB!Reader!OC 18+ MINORS DNI! t.w // angst, mental health, language, violence, death, sexual themes/SMUT, military inaccuracies, language inaccuracies (google translate).

As Grim as the Reaper: Masterlist

It was overwhelming, the change.

Compared to your old base in London, the Special Ops base was like a city centre. It had hundreds of tents, trailers, and other small buildings that you assumed were the living quarters dotted around.

The airbase and several take-off points surrounded the area, and in the middle, bordered by a car park filled with vehicles, was the headquarters.

A beautiful, 20-story building, glass windows from floor to ceiling.

The atmosphere was buzzing, with people scurrying around the place, everyone with their own duties and responsibilities. Yells of orders, laughs of teammates, the booming of grenades and gunfire from the training ground across the tarmac filling the air.

A sense of belonging surrounded you as you released a long breath.

This was it.

Your new home.

"Impressive, ain't it?" A voice came from behind you.

Turning, you came face to face with a man. He had soft blonde hair, blue eyes, hands looped into a brown tactical vest with a blue crest you didn't recognise.

You glanced behind you, seeing Laswell directing someone over by the aircraft you'd not long jumped down from. 

"Yeah, it's definitely something."

He smirked, stepping closer to you and you turned to face him, "Didn't know the new recruit was a Brit."

"Hardly a new recruit, but sure." You smirked back, sticking your hand out, "Sergeant (Y/N) Price."

"Commander Phillip Graves, at your service." 

He shook your hand, raising it to his lips to place a kiss to your knuckle.

"You always this smooth with newbies, Commander?"

Before he could answer you, Laswell approached, another soldier not far behind pulling a cart with your belongings on.

"Sorry about that, honey- oh." She stopped short, "(Y/N), this is Phillip Graves, commander of our private military contractors, Shadow Company."

She nodded to him, and he nodded back respectfully, readjusting his grip as he did so.

Was every soldier here so bloody gorgeous?

You smiled at him once more, which he responded gleefully to, edging just a little bit closer as the aircraft behind you started up, the wind from the engines whipping your hair around your face.

"(Y/N) will be joining us here, permanently. She's gonna be training with Echo team until we can work out the plans for the secondary- and here comes Alex now!"

As if on cue, the man from the picture in the file you'd seen began approaching you, a woman to his left, the two of them in what seemed to be a pleasant conversation.

Your gaze pulled away from them as you heard a groan come from Graves, who rolled his eyes, stepping away as he watched them approach. Alex raised his hand in a wave as he spotted Laswell, and began a small jog toward you.

Casting a side eye to the man beside him, Alex nodded, "Graves."

"Keller."

Somehow, it felt awkward, and you felt the need to rock on the balls of your feet, hand raising to fiddle with your dogtags.

"You're (Y/N), right?" Alex turned to you, and you smiled widely, "Heard a lot about'cha. You gonna be my new guardian angel?"

"I can give it a bloody good go." You laughed, "Depends how well you'll teach me."

"From what I've seen, s'gonna be the other way around. Alex Keller-" He stuck his hand out for you to shake, "And this, is Emily Bradshaw."

You greeted the woman fondly, and she moved to hug you, whispering how she was glad to not be the only new person on site. But not a lot could be said, as then, General Shepherd approached.

"Sergeant Price, welcome to Virginia." He spoke, shaking your hand. "I trust your flight was acceptable."

"I'm honoured to be here, sir. Thank you for bringing me on board." You replied.

"Haven't you got somewhere to be, Commander Graves?" Shepherd directed.

"Of course, General." He replied, turning to leave, "It was nice to meet you, darlin'. Hope I get to see more of you."

You rolled your eyes, but a playful smirk made it's way onto your lips, along with yet more redness, "Likewise, Commander."

Watching him leave, you couldn't help but gnaw at your lip, the blush ever worsening when he turned around, walking backwards as he threw you a wink.

No time for distractions.

Concentrate, (Y/N).

"Shall we?"

Nodding, you followed General Shepherd, with Alex, Laswell, and Emily not far behind. You tried not to stare, but the CIA headquarters was so much more than you could have ever imagined. It made Laswell chuckle, the way you marvelled at everything with wide eyes.

You couldn't quite believe you'd been so lucky.

The briefing with General Shepherd went by in the blink of an eye, and before you knew it, Laswell was showing you to the living quarters. Every soldier living on base had their own room, even bathrooms were included. 

There were around 200 rooms, with the rest of personnel living not too far away.

 As it turned out, Emily was housed in the room next to yours, with Alex only a few doors down the hall.

"Right, honey. This is you." Laswell said, gently pushing you into your room, "I've got to go back to the General to sort out some final things before your training starts, so I'll leave you to it."

"Okay, love you ma. Thank you for everything." You replied, hugging her.

"It was my pleasure, sweetheart. I'll come check on you in a few days."

With that, she left you to your own devices.

Pulling your suitcases into the room with the little belongings you brought, you swung them onto the bed, and started unpacking. 

The room was sizeable, a nice double bed against the back wall, a small wooden corner table with two drawers, a simple lamp lighting the room. A bittersweet smile graced your face as you placed the framed picture of you and John onto it. 

The picture was from the day you were picking up your GCSE results at the ripe age of 16, and John had come home from deployment early and surprised you at school. It was exactly like all of those 'soldiers coming home' videos that are all over the internet - picture perfect.

There was a simple set of drawers on the left side of the room, a clothes hamper placed neatly next to it, a wardrobe for your uniforms in the corner. 

It didn't take long for you to fill those with your clothes and other items, and then you moved to the bathroom, well, it was more of a wet room.

A sink with a mirrored cabinet, toilet, and small cubicle shower, filled with all the necessities you'd need.

It wasn't much, but it was enough.

It was home.

Somehow, you'd managed to avoid the extremities of jetlag, and now, bright and early, the southern sun barely risen, you were stood out on the training ground surrounded by new recruits and other soldiers new to the CIA.

"Hey, you nervous?" a voice came as a body appeared beside you, tapping your arm lightly.

You turned, coming face to face with Emily, "A little," you laughed, "You?"

"Nah, solid, soldier! As should you be. You're the talk of the town here, (Y/N) Price, people can't wait to see what you can do."

"Not really helping the nerves, Em."

She giggled, hooking her arm through yours, "Sorry- ha. Just excited to get started! You're here filling in Echo, right?"

"Yeah, Echo 6-2, at your service." you smiled, "So if you're not a rookie, why're you here?"

"No way! I'm 6-3! Transfer from Navy. Somethin' about making a new team later down the line, but it's whatever. I'll go where they tell me! The rush of the CIA is next to none. You'll do great here."

Before either of you could say anything else, General Shepherd, along with Laswell and Alex, approached, introducing themselves and the training exercise.

It was an obstacle course that was to be completed in a set time, involving all sorts of tasks. Knife throwing, hand-to-hand combat, snipers, demolitions, firing accuracy, cleaning house. Any speciality or task that could be involved, was.

Alex explained it was a course to determine where the rookies would fit best, and where they would be able to see how good you really were.

And with joining Alex's team, he would be your partner for training.

"You feelin' ready, angel?" he spoke as he approached you.

"Angel?" You replied, raising a brow as you finished re-lacing your boot.

He flashed you a dashing smile, hand rubbing the back of his neck, "Yeah, like my guardian angel. From yesterday..."

"Right." You smirked. "Anyone tell you that you suck at flirting, Alex?"

"Believe it or not, never usually a problem. Only the real pretty girls get me all flustered like this."

You laughed, shaking your head, "Aw, you think I'm pretty, sergeant?"

Your teasing made his face turn redder than John's nose did in the winter months, and you giggled, shoving him teasingly.

"Don't worry, Alex. You're not too bad yourself. Just try not to get too distracted on the field, yeah? Kinda need you to have my six out there."

He watched you walk away from him with a shake of his head, a warm feeling in his heart that the two of you were going to be great friends.

It's what he needed...a friend. A best friend.

And Alex Keller would have no complaints if that was you.

Especially when it was your turn, and he dragged you to the start of the course. You were shaking with nerves, but the second the comms were placed in your ear and the gun made home in your hands, your demeanour changed, you relaxed.

You completely shifted, and he was more than impressed.

As was everyone watching.

Moving through the course, you broke base record after base record, cleaning house quicker than all but one person ever  in the entirety of the SAS. You passed every obstacle in your path with flying colours, your shooting accuracy and field tactics better than any of them had ever seen.

"Damn, 6-2. You sure you've only ever been a foot-soldier before?" Alex's voice floated into your ear.

"What, am I outdoing you, 3-1?" You shot back.

"I'll say!"

"Sounds like a skill issue, honestly."

His laugh bellowed as he came from behind you, shooting the rubber bullets into the opponent that had jumped out in front of you. Playfully, he shoved you down, only to pull you back up and push you onwards.

Yeah, you were gonna be great friends.

By the time you'd finished the course, a crowd had gathered, all of them intrigued by the way you moved, the way you handled yourself, the way you made it look so easy.

There was no doubt in any of their minds; you were, by far, one of the best soldiers they'd ever seen.

And you completed the entire course in record time, not one opponent able to even get close enough to dirty your clothes.

"Fuck a guardian angel, your more an angel of death!" Alex panted, walking to stand next to you as he shrugged off his tactical gear. "You're incredible, (Y/N), could barely keep up with you."

You laughed loudly, bringing a smile to his face, "Thanks, Alex. But I'm no Grim Reaper."

"Reaper." He whispered, eyes scanning your frame, "Yeah, I like that."

"Huh?"

"Y'know, some people, special people, get given callsigns in the military. I think that should be yours."

"You think I'm good enough for a callsign?"

"Angel, you deserve one. You're more than good enough." He said, sticking out his hand for you to shake. "Welcome to Echo 3, Reaper."

"Happy to be here, sergeant."

You smiled widely, Laswell giving you a proud shake of her fist, General Shepherd nodding his head impressed.

Reaper.

Angel of Death.

You liked the sound of that.