#denis gave us visuals and NOTHING ELSE

[hgfictionwriter]

Safe Word

Jessie Fleming x Reader

Summary: Jessie and you try out a new strap. One that requires careful use and a safe word just in case.

Warnings: Smut. Size kink. Large strap. Safe word. Cunnilingus (r receiving), masturbation (j). Language.

A/N: This one’s for anyone who’s sick of my G!P fics lol. This combines a couple of requests for using a safe word and doing another size kink fic.

"Oh my gosh."

"Are you sure about this?" Jessie asked and you nodded readily.

"We have our safe word if it gets to be too much," you reasoned.

"Which is?" She asked purposefully.

"Clover," you responded. She nodded in approval.

"Good." She offered you a subtle smirk. "Gotta make sure my girl is okay."

Your eyes drifted back down to the strap that Jessie wore. Her hand was wrapped around it, but it was large enough that her fingers didn't connect as she grasped it.

You taking her strap was nothing new. She'd taken you all over this apartment; you calling her name as she fucked you so good there could be no other outcome than you trembling and cumming on her strap.

However, her newest addition was something else altogether. She'd made no secret of how she loved seeing you stretched out around her and you were very vocal about how much you loved the way she filled you up. It was really only a matter of time until a larger strap would be introduced.

This thing though, as she held its weight in her hand, you couldn't help but note how its width was almost as big as her forearm. A wave of arousal went through you at seeing her stand before you with it, but you couldn't deny there was an ounce of apprehension in there as well.

She'd just gone down on you, making you cum on her tongue twice, even, surely wanting you to be as ready as possible.

"I still think you should be on top when we start," Jessie said as she rubbed lube up and down the strap. You gave a cheeky shrug of a shoulder.

"I trust you, baby. You know what you're doing," you said. She cocked her head and an eyebrow, but couldn't conceal the smug smirk that crossed her lips.

"We'll go slow," she assured you as she pulled you to the edge of the bed. A smile crossed your face at being manhandled by her and your legs instinctually wrapped around her waist. "Mm, I'll never get tired of the way you spread your legs for me."

Your core pulsed and you grew wetter just from that statement, alone.

"God, baby, you look incredible," she said as she ran the thick head of the strap through your folds and over your sensitive nub. Your back arched briefly before relaxing back into the bed. Jessie's dark eyes were honed in on how large the strap was even against your lips. "You are going to look so stunning wrapped around my cock."

"Mm," you voiced as you dug your heels into her and pulled her closer. She chuckled and gave you a flirty look.

"Patience, my love."

She thrusted her hips gently into her fist, relishing the visual as it part your lips and stroked your clit. She wanted you dripping wet.

"Don't tease me," you pleaded as you wiggled your hips in mild protest.

She 'tsk'd you a couple of times with a pointed look.

"Impatient girls don't get my cock," she said.

"I better be the only girl getting your cock," you said with a grin and she merely rolled her eyes before offering you a wink.

"You know I'd be terrible at cheating," she chuckled. "I can't lie to you at all."

"And I love that about you," you said as you tried to push your hips into her strap, still solely focused on what you wanted.

"And you know what I love about you?" She asked slowly as she shifted her hips and guided the strap to rest at your waiting entrance. She bit her lips as she very gently shifted her hips forward. Her own core pulsed at the sight of the large head of the strap nudging at your opening before your lips encircled it, pulled tight around its girth. She smiled and finished her thought. "How well you take my cock."

"Oh fuck," you said, both turned on by her words, but also at the sensation of the strap stretching you to new limits.

"You okay, baby?" She asked, holding still inside of you.

You stared up at the ceiling in concentration, nodding rapidly. "Yes, I'm okay."

She slipped in a touch more, wanting to give your entrance some reprieve from the head and waited a few moments longer to let you accommodate.

"Oh my gosh," you said as you brought your hands up to your head, eyes still on the ceiling before drifting down to meet her watchful gaze. You chuckled breathlessly. "That's big."

"And you're taking it so well, baby," she said as kneaded your thighs, eyes lowering from yours to see how she was filling you up. She throbbed at the sight, eyes closing momentarily before she refocused and looked at you. "Tell me when."

You nodded. "Go ahead."

She cautiously rolled her hips forward, more of the strap disappearing into your tunnel.

"Oh, babe, this looks incredible," she said in awe. You barely registered her words, instead you'd pushed your head back into the mattress, jaw dropping at the overwhelming sensation of your pussy being stretched out like never before.

"Holy fuck," you breathed. A frown of concern crossed her face, but you quickly dismissed it. "I'm fine. I like it. Mm, God, you're filling me up so good, baby."

Jessie's jaw clenched at your praise as she drew back subtly before nudging a touch deeper into you. You moaned as she repeated the motion until she was as deep as she could go.

"You okay, baby?" She asked.

"Yeah," you nodded. You tested clenching and relaxing - or attempting to - around it. Then you tried rolling your hips against her, the sensation pulling another moan out of you. You clocked the smile of wonder on Jessie's face.

You reached out for her, pulling her into your embrace, a hand coming to rest just under her jaw as you kissed her and whispered. "I want you to fuck me. Show me what you can do with this big cock of yours."

Jessie kissed your hard, blistering, even, as she pushed you further into the bed. You grinned and she stood back up and drew her hips back tentatively before very carefully pushing into you once more.

The empty feeling of her strap leaving you before being filled and stretched once more was more prominent and extreme than ever and it felt amazing to ride out those sensations.

After several, tentative strokes, Jessie felt comfortable with how you were taking her and she began to find a steadier rhythm. Her pace was still slow, but her strokes grew firmer as she grew confident that you could take her.

By now, she was rocking her hips fully into you, anchoring herself with her hands on your hips as she arched her back into you.

She leaned down again, your hands immediately coming up to splay through her hair and caress her neck, capturing your lips in a heated kiss.

"You're doing so good, baby," she whispered into your kiss as she pumped into you.

"You're filling me up so good," you said. "Mm, I can barely take it."

"I could see how tight you were around it. You're doing great and taking me so well," she praised.

You gasped in pleasure as you pulled her closer to you, rocking your hips up to meet hers.

"You feel so good inside of me, Jess," you whispered.

She groaned and stood back up so she could better fuck you better. She grasped your legs and hoisted them up so her hands were on your calves, holding your legs further apart and again relishing the view of her strap sinking into you, your skin pulled taut around it.

"Oh fuck," you panted as she leaned back, trying a different angle and sliding home again.

Soon, all reservations from before left her mind as she began to fuck you with the same fervour and intensity that she normally did. Your clipped moans filled the room and she grinned wickedly at you as she repeatedly drew back to the tip and sunk back in.

Jessie panted as she thrust into you. Sweat started to form across her brow and she wrapped your legs around her waist once more before leaning over you again, tucking her head into your neck and her arms under your back to hook them over the top of your shoulders and began to surge forward to fill you.

Your fingers dug into her back, nothing new during sex. She heard you whimper in her ear and she drove deeper into you, her hips bouncing off of yours and you tensed up completely.

"Clover. Clover!"

Jessie lifted her head, taking a moment to register what was going on. When the realization hit her, a cold panic swept over her and she immediately jerked back, withdrawing abruptly from you.

"Ah, fuck," you winced, your hand coming between your legs as you closed them and rolled onto your side, curling into yourself.

"Oh Jesus Christ," Jessie said in alarm as she rushed back to you, placing a hand on your back and leaning over you to try to catch your eye. "I'm so sorry. Y/N. I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"

The tension from your face faded and your body tentatively relaxed in her arms. You exhaled.

"It's okay, Jess. It's fine. It was just too deep and it hurt when you pulled out like that," you explained.

"I'm so sorry," Jessie said, the emotion in her voice evident as she rest her head against yours and stroked your back, not sure what else to do. "I got carried away. I wasn't thinking."

"It's okay, baby," you said as you tiredly brought a hand up to her cheek. "You didn't mean to. I know that. I'm okay."

"Are you sure?" She asked worriedly as she pulled back and peered between your legs, looking for anything concerning. Though your skin was a bit red, there was nothing else of note. Still, she frowned deeply as she looked back up to you and kissed your shoulder in remorse.

"I'm sure," you said with a soft chuckle, coaxing her up to look at you. "It's alright, baby. I'm fine. You don't need to apologize," you assured her. Despite your words, guilt and worry still sat heavy in Jessie's chest.

You shifted onto your back to more fully embrace her, but the movement pulled a faint wince out of you that Jessie saw you try to suppress. Her eyebrows shot up in both trepidation and accusation and you immediately shook your head at her.

"It's fine!" You argued. You narrowed your eyes at her, "I just got fucked by a giant strap, I'm a bit tender, but I'm fine. You don't need to worry."

"I do worry," she responded immediately, eyes still scanning you for further injury or concern. You sighed and cupped her face with both hands, now speaking patiently.

"Baby. It's totally okay. We were trying something new. I knew it could be painful. We had a safe word ready and when I said it you stopped right away. That's all that matters."

"And I hurt you when I pulled out," Jessie added with a defeated frown. You rolled your eyes.

"Listen to my words...I am perfectly fine," you said as you made her hold your gaze. "You are very sweet to worry about me so much, but there's no need."

She released a silent huff as she continued to hold your gaze, studying your eyes now for any hint that you weren't being forthcoming. Still, her mouth fell further.

"What can I do to make it up to you?"

Your eyes fell shut as you laughed. "You are so dramatic. You don't need to atone."

She finally felt a hint of a smile tug at her lips and a breathy chuckle worked its way up her throat. "I think I do need to," she said.

"Hey, wait a minute," you said with a teasing smirk. "I'm the one with a bruised pussy and yet I'm the one making you feel better?"

Jessie blushed furiously, ducking her head slightly at the realization.

"I'm sorry," she said instinctively. The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them and she saw you readying a retort. She quickly spoke over you. "I'll run you a bath," she offered urgently.

"No, that's okay," you said, relaxing once more.

"Um, make you a snack?" She said with a hopeful smile.

"No, I'm not hungry," you said, your hand resting on the back of her neck and rubbing small circles at the base as she contemplated other options.

You could see she wasn't going to broach what you wanted at all, and you nudged her with your knee.

"I didn't exactly...finish," you said slowly. "I can't take a strap at all right now, but...," you trailed off. Jessie's brows were furrowed together as she listened and as you tapered off her eyes lit up again.

"Seriously?" She asked.

You chuckled. "Seriously."

"Fuck. Of course, baby. I'd love to take care of my girl," she said.

You kissed for a while, her wanting to give you more time. When you moaned into the kiss she dipped her head down and drew one of your nipples into her mouth, flicking it with her tongue as she gently suckled it. You arched into her mouth and she moaned in appreciation, her hand coming to the small of your back.

She switched breasts, taking her time as she teased it with her mouth and massaged your other with her hand. She smiled as your fingers ran through her hair.

She began to slowly trail soft, lingering kisses along your torso.

"I'm sorry I hurt you baby," she said before her tongue peeked out to tease your skin. "Let me make it better."

She stepped off the bed, stepping out of the harness and setting it aside. Returning, she gently pulled you back towards the edge of the bed.

"Are you okay there?" She asked as she got down onto her knees. You smirked and looked down your body at her.

"Very."

"Good," she said with a wink as she hooked your legs over her shoulders and began to lay feathery kisses up the inside of your thighs. Renewed goosebumps flared across your skin.

She'd already been down there earlier, but your core throbbed in need once more.

"My baby," she whispered as her kisses drew closer and closer until she began laying soft kisses along the outside of your lips.

Your back arched off the bed again and you inhaled in anticipation. Your jaw fell slack as you felt her tongue graze your folds.

"You okay?" She asked though she still laid open mouth kisses on you.

"Yes," you said breathlessly. "Keep going." You swallowed a moan as suddenly her tongue was firm up and down your folds before ending soft and fleeting. "Oh shit," you panted as your fingers gripped the sheets beneath you.

A gasp escaped you as her mouth latched onto your clit and she sucked gently while her tongue flicked teasingly across it. She smiled into you as your thighs flexed around her head and your heels dug into the back of her shoulders.

She released your clit and laid her tongue flat against you as she trailed downward until she began to very gently lap at your entrance, careful to not be too firm considering how tender you were. Even then, you could hear the wet sounds of her hungrily licking you up.

"Oh fuck," you whispered as you brought your hand to the side of her head, your thumb caressing her temple, feeling the movements of her jaw under your finger. As she began to tease your clit once more your fingers curled against her crown and she moaned in appreciation.

You could hear her breathing harder, and you glanced down to see her face redder than usual. You caught the rhythmic motions of her right shoulder. A smile slowly crossed your face and your core pulsed at the realization that she was touching herself as she ate you out.

"Fuck yes, baby," you moaned as you lifted your hips to meet her mouth more readily. She moaned in return and buried her face deeper into your pussy. "I want us to cum together," you said.

She let out a shuddering moan, muffled by your heat and you saw the movement of her shoulder quicken. Sounds of her rubbing her wetness now mingled with the sounds of her mouth devouring you.

You let out a strangled moan as your thighs locked around her head and you gripped her hair tightly in your fist. You felt your used muscles spasming as you came on her face.

Her arm movements were rapid as she humped her hand and soon she whimpered, hard and high into you as she came on her fingers.

It was several moments before your legs relaxed around her head and Jessie’s body grew slack, shoulders hunching as she leaned against the bed and caught her breath.

You felt a faint kiss on your knee before she lifted herself up to join you on the mattress, wrapping her arm around your waist.

“Thank you, baby,” you breathed as you pulled her closer to you. You gave her a sly look. “Give me a couple of days and we’ll try the strap again.”

[imaginedanvrs]

my demon gave me everything

part 9 l masterlist

summary: dark!natasha romanoff x reader. Natasha Romanoff saves the world. Morals, lifestyle and past aside, the fact is that she puts her life on the line for everyone else. And for this, she believes she’s owed something. She saves billions of lives on the regular, so why not take the occasional one for herself?

word count: 2.2k

warnings: established kidnapping, physical and psychological abuse, power dynamics, manipulation, amputation, developing stockholm syndrone

Things turn into a blur after Natasha came back. She continued to routinely feed you light meals she prepared and plenty of fluids. Everytime she did it ended with her having to be insistent that you finish what she gave you as your appetite remained stubbornly poor. Between that and cleaning your ankle, Natasha put on different shows for you to watch on the TV she had brought into the room. The redhead always asked what you wanted but you rarely answered, unable to focus long enough to decide on something. Luckily for you, Natasha had looked back at your Netflix history and knew about the shows you pirated too so she was always able to pick something you liked for you. On the days you were particularly unresponsive, Natasha would put a documentary on instead as to have something in the background. She enjoyed those too and your comfort shows were starting to grow on her. 

  The record player was back too and one time Natasha put a disk on an album you used to listen to until you asked her to put her own music back on. You thought about the music you used to enjoy and found yourself uninterested in any of it, even the songs you listened to on loop before Natasha took you. For the time being, you wanted her music instead. The redhead liked that a lot. She had been tempted to put on some of her favourite movies but knew you were in no state to appreciate new visual media so she left it for a later time. All the more reason to get you better, she had thought to herself numerous times. 

  Mostly though, Natasha held you. She had you tucked up into her chest below her chin closer than she had before, as though she actually wanted the contact as much as you did. You tried not to entertain the idea, but it proved hard when you realised you could hear her heartbeat going a little faster than it used to. Perhaps you were just imagining things. You barely spoke a word to one another. There was so much yet so little to say that you both decided to settle with the comfortable silence that often filled the space.

  Your fever was eventually under control and your hallucinations ended, but Natasha couldn’t deny that there was no improvement in your ankle. She had been giving you the maximum dosage of the medication, all the right meals and drinks and ensured the area was always clean. She had encouraged all the undisturbed rest she could yet nothing changed. 

  Unfortunately, it was too little too late. One inspection from Strange told Natasha that your foot, and in fact the entire left leg beneath your knee, was unsalvageable. “Our choices are to amputate or let her die,” Strange said simply, never seeing the point in sugar coating news of that nature. 

  You were muttering something inaudible in your sleep as Natasha and Strange watched from the other side of the room. Your infection had spread and your bones were too damaged to respond to antibiotics if they were given again. Your cells had been eroded beyond what could be repaired and only left the redhead with two options. 

  “Are Banner and Stark at the tower?” Natasha asked after watching you fall unconscious again. 

  “They’re not surgeons, Romanoff,” Strange said firmly, knowing what the widow was applying. 

  “Is that a yes?” The Russian continued.

  “Yes,” he said after a beat.

  “Okay then,” she started as she came over to you and gently picked you up bridal style. Your eyes shot open at the motion and you gave the weakest cry Natasha had ever heard. Fortunately, the intense burning in your leg was enough to drag you back away from consciousness again. “Take us there,” the redhead instructed, leaving no room for arguing.

  Strange begrudgingly opened a portal right into the middle of Tony’s lab where the scientist stood with his arms raised in protest at the intrusion. He frowned once he caught sight of you and dropped his latest ironman helmet to inspect the scene before him. Natasha placed you down on the cleanest looking table as Strange began to explain to Tony what needed doing. The redhead didn’t hear them entirely because you were waking up and Natasha was more focused on ensuring you stayed asleep. She applied two fingers to the underside of your skull and pressed inwards enough for your body to become limp once more. 

  “Nice to finally meet one of them,” Stark quipped as he came over to inspect your leg out of curiosity. Natasha contained herself to a glare the scientist’s way. 

  “You have something to replace that leg with?” Natasha asked. 

  “I’ll be able to have U make something up, but we’re gonna need a clean cut.” Tony explained. Strange tusked and began rambling that a surgical amputation was far better than a straight one, but Natasha still didn’t want any hospitals involved and knew they wouldn’t be able to provide the same kind of replacement that Stark could. 

  “Do it, and I want the rest of them kept out of this,” Natasha said as she nodded to the door. Not all the Avengers were on the same wavelength as those in that room and the redhead didn’t feel like enduring the lecture that would come with them finding you. Tony nodded and ordered a lockdown of the lab as he wheeled the table over to a more contained area that he would be able to leave you in with U to reduce contamination and collected a small needle to ensure you stayed asleep for the next few hours.

  “Thanks,” Natasha nodded to Strange without meeting his eye, knowing exactly what he was making of the scene he had been called to. He nodded back without a word, knowing it best to keep his thoughts to himself for the time being and made his swift exit back to the Sanctum just as Tony sealed the doors on the containment room. The redhead watched on as Tony looked away as U produced a rotating saw and steadily brought it down on your infected limb. 

  The machine worked steadily and precisely in building and attaching a new leg to you. Natasha watched on the entire time to see the process and also ensure you were staying in your drug induced sleep. Tony didn’t make any more remarks for the next couple hours, recognising the look on Natasha’s face that told him he’d regret it if he did. He was naturally made curious by the encounter, knowing only the brief outline of what Natasha got up to in her own apartment. He, Strange and Fury were the only ones who knew of it, just as the Russian knew of some of the practices they got up to in their own time. The four had a mutual understanding that was necessary to keep things under wraps in a worst case scenario. 

  After several long hours, U was done. The results were…impressive. Natasha examined the false leg with interest, tracing her fingers over the fleshy material and finding it to hardly differ to the real thing. The ‘muscles’ didn’t relax like they would organically and there were several freckles missing. All in all, it was perfect. The redhead wondered how you would respond to it and whether or not she should even tell you at all. Tony informed her that you would likely know anyway because despite your own doubts, you did know your own body.

*

You woke up in a bathtub filled almost to the brim with water. The surface was mostly covered with a thin layer of bubbles, as though someone had added bubblebath to it at the beginning but not enough to make the heaps last long. It was only when you went to put your head back, suddenly feeling lightheaded, that you were alerted to the presence behind you as your head fell back against something solid. 

  “Hey, lastovichka,” Natasha mumbled against you as she placed a small kiss on your forehead. A tender gesture, one out of character for the redhead you reminded yourself. Such softness didn’t come naturally to the assassin. You didn’t respond. Your throat and mouth felt too dry to even attempt a word and continued to take in your surroundings. The redhead had her legs pressed against the outside of yours and her arms slung casually around your waist. You could feel her breasts against your back as you shifted with uncertainty. You loved it when Natasha held you in her bed but in the bath things felt… different, as though you were more aware of your surroundings including that of the assassin holding you so close and reminded yourself you couldn’t trust such warm acts.

  “Come on, we’ve been in here long enough,” Natasha instructed as she stood up gradually behind you to test how you were able to support yourself. To your surprise, you could hold yourself with ease, something that would have been out of the question just twelve hours prior. Miraculously, you were better. You took your leg out of the water to examine it as Natasha dried herself on, subtly observing you in the mirror. 

  You ran your fingertips down the unmarked skin where the nasty infection had been and frowned. Surely you hadn’t imagined the whole thing? It had felt all too real and yet there wasn’t a single trace of it happening. Your lower leg did have a certain stiffness to it but there was no pain and you could move it freely without any discomfort. 

  “My ankle…” you trailed off, unable to think of how to even phrase your queerie. 

  “It’s fixed,” Natasha stated in return, confirming that it had in fact been damaged. 

  “How long was I out?” You asked, still tracing your fingers over the area. 

  “About ten hours,” the redhead answered honestly. This time you turned to her.

  “You fixed that in ten hours?” You confirmed, never expecting the technology Natasha had access to to be so advanced. The Russian hummed in response and held out her hand for you to take to help get you up. You ignored it and went to get up yourself but unceremoniously slipped back down, spilling some water over the side. You flushed with embarrassment while Natasha simply raised a brow in question. 

  Begrudgingly, you took her hand and carefully eased yourself up and out of the bath without any support of your left leg. Though it looked perfectly fine, it seemed it was unable to hold any of your weight and instead buckled under it. You dried yourself off on the tub, thankfully not needing any help with that, and managed to hop back to the bedroom with Natasha’s arm under yours. It was irritably strenuous to make the small distance given that your muscles had all but disappeared and had become unpractised in transporting you. 

  You didn’t speak to the assassin for the rest of the day, too busy processing everything that had happened in…however long it had been. There was no way of telling how long you had been ill in that bed without asking the redhead and you weren’t sure you would trust her answer if she gave you one. You didn’t trust her at all. Nor did you understand her. You wanted to though. You were exhausted by the constant turmoil of emotions she created that you were incapable of keeping up with. She was cruel, that much you knew and you had learnt that even when she seemed nice, she would turn around and throw it back at you. 

  You had really believed she was going to kill you after she told you about all the other women she had before you. You believed it was the end of the road and that she was ready to start again with someone else, leaving you to die as isolated as she wished. Then suddenly she was nursing you back to health with more ‘care’ than you had ever seen or experienced from her before. You held your breath though, not trusting that it was genuine because you had no reason to. Admittedly, you hoped more than anything that it was sincere, you just had no way of ever knowing for sure. So you decided you would continue to walk on eggshells until you could get your bearings again. 

  Natasha was very much doing the same. You were unpredictable, then more than ever. The redhead had wondered if perhaps she had pushed you too far and you no longer wanted to be loved by her and that the hatred you had felt at the start was going to come back kicking. Every time the redhead watched you, she saw no indicator of any deciding emotion, only that of conflict. Natasha had of course seen it before and it always ended up being what finally broke them. The redhead didn’t want it to happen to you and could only wait to see if what you had told her weeks ago was still true: that you hoped Natasha would complete you.

[holdmytesseract]

Against the odds

Chapter Eleven - Recovery and Revealments

a/n: So... A lot is going on in that chapter. 🤔

Word Count: 6,5k (Sorry!)

Warnings for this Chapter: mentions of past trauma, pregnancy things, FLUFF, light smut/suggestive smut, thirst, singing?

Masterlist

The first thing you saw, when you opened your eyes on this morning, was the handsome face of Tom. He was laying beside you, hand tucked underneath his head, causing the muscles in his arm to bulge. His oceanic blue eyes were sparkling in the morning light and the smile on his face was brighter than the sun. One thing definitely hadn't changed... You would never get tired of waking up beside that man. Never. "Morning." Tom's gruff, husky morning voice urged to your ears, causing a pleasant shiver to run down your spine. "Mornin'," you returned with a smile, and noticed how Tom scooted closer to you. His arms sneaked around your waist, as he pulled you against his chest and started to kiss you; both of you still somewhat half asleep. Tom's mouth moved lazily against yours, entrapping your lips gently in between his teeth once in a while. You smiled against his lips, enjoying those lazy kisses he gave you. At first, they were completely innocent and emanated from love - that was what you thought. But when Tom suddenly pulled you on top of him, slotted your hips onto his perfectly and placed both his hands on your sleep shorts clad bottom, you knew exactly what was on your boyfriend's mind and that those kisses wouldn't stay innocent.

A giggle against his mouth quickly turned into a low moan, as he bucked his hips up, straight into yours. While his palms sneaked underneath your sleep shorts to give the soft flesh a squeeze, wandered your hands down the sides of his defined torso; fingertips skimming his rips. You swallowed the low growl which escaped Tom's lips. His baby blues slipped shut at the feeling of your hands tracing his skin and the hem of his underwear.

You hooked your thumbs underneath his boxershorts, in order to free Tom from the redundant item of clothing and were about to slip one hand between his thighs, when the door to your guest bedroom suddenly burst open. "Good morning you two! Rise and shine!" You and Tom flinched, almost scared to death by the sudden interruption. At lighting speed, you pulled the covers over the both of you and slumped down on his body, providing him visual cover as well. The both of you stared wide eyed at the door, literally caught in the act. Nobody else than Chris was the intruder. "Chris!" You squeaked up. "Never heard of something called 'knocking'?!" Your brother had a smug smirk on his face now and was leaning casually against the door frame. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" He asked, causing you to roll your eyes. Of course, he knew exactly what he had just walked into... "Sorry to interrupt, but our brunch is waiting for us. I've been calling you both on no end with no response." His smile even grew. "But as I can see, you have been... busy." You rolled your eyes once again, feeling the blush already creeping up on your face. You started a desperate try to convince Chris, that this wasn't what it looked like, but well... In vain. "Chris, we didn't-" "Of course you did, Arielle!" He interrupted you immediately; a shit-eating grin on his face. "I may be blonde, but not stupid or blind. No chance in denying it, sis. And now hurry up! We gotta go!" With those words, he left the room again, closing the door behind himself. Tom, who had said nothing to this whole situation, suddenly squeezed his eyes shut and sighed. "Now that was a very close call..." "Mhm..." You agreed, burying your face in the crook of his neck. "Next time, I am just going to lock the door." "Yes, we should definitely do that, love." Tom agreed, wrapping both his arms around you. "I don't want to get up, Tommy..." The Brit chuckled softly. "Me neither, but I'm afraid we have to, if we don't want Chris to drag us out of the bed." You nodded meekly and sat up with a sigh, before you climbed off Tom.

It's been three days since Tom was in Australia now. Three days since the important conversation between the two of you - and the discovery that you were having twins. Everything that happened those past three days felt so... surreal. Suddenly was the man you loved and had left without telling him he'd be a father back in your life - almost like nothing happened. You decided to have a break, shutting down the public life and just enjoying being together. It's been three days - and you already enjoyed every second of the vacation. It felt so good. So right. You definitely needed that - and you could tell that Tom did too. Being away from the media and publicity was all you needed. That, and having Tom with you...

The man laying beside you rubbed the remaining sleep out of his eyes and rolled out of the bed. You watched from the comforting sheets, how your boyfriend stepped over to the closet in order to get dressed. You just weren't able to take your eyes off of him. His backside was just as delicious as the front, without a doubt. Oh, how those muscles in his back flexed... And that ass... No wonder it had its own hashtag. You really couldn't blame all the fans for the obsession with the Hiddlesbum... You thanked your lucky stars that you were the one allowed to touch it. A deep chuckle from Tom interrupted your train of thoughts. "Are you done staring, darling?" You looked up to meet his eyes, giggling and shaking your head. "Nope. I will never be done, ogling my handsome man. Especially not now, with all those hormones running wild inside me." You stated, biting your lip. Your eyes travelled down his trained body once again. A fresh pair of black boxers - which were currently stretched to their limits; the single button holding on for dear life, were clinging to his hips now. Tom noticed your hungry eyes, of course; a smug smile spreading on his lips. "I feel utterly flattered that you are so enamoured with my… manliness, but we really have to go, my love." Another sigh left your lips. "Yeah, I know, I know... It's just the hormones, I'm sorry." Tom quickly stepped over to you, placing a sweet kiss on your lips. "I love it, don't apologise. Now come on."

After you had made it to drag yourself out of bed and get ready, the whole family went out for brunch. It was a beautiful Sunday and the food was delicious. Tom made sure that you ate enough and especially healthy things, because you had not only one, but two babies living inside you, which needed to be fed. The weather although didn't stay nice that day. It started to rain sometime around midday, which caused you and everybody else to have lazy day inside the house together, watching a movie and playing some board games.

The first week of yours and Tom's vacation started with a beautiful day on the beach. You were laying on a big picnic blanket underneath a palm tree, clad in your black bikini, eyes closed and just enjoying the sounds of the waves and wind. Tom laid beside you in a pair of black trunks and sunglasses; one hand intertwined with yours, the other stroked lazy, comforting circles in the skin of your slightly protruding belly. You loved how affectionate and loving he was with your unborn children. He'd make a great dad - you just knew it.

The wonderful peace you and Tom were in, got suddenly interrupted by a loud splash sound, directly beside you, followed by loud giggling. Tom's touch left you on an instant as he hastily sat up. You blinked your eyes open, wanting to see what happened. The Brit was soaking wet, from his hair to his toes. The culprits were quickly identified... Tristan and Sasha were fast to flee with two empty buckets in hands, giggling all the way - and Tom was quick to follow. He jumped up, "Oh they are going to get that back!" and sprinted behind them. Of course, your boyfriend was faster than the two little twin boys and caught up to them. You witnessed with a big smile on your face, how he scooped them up - one with each arm and carried them towards the water. Tristan and Sasha were both shrieking with laughter by now. "No, uncle Tom, no!" Tristan tried to get out of the situation, but it was no use. Tom went with them straight into the water, getting the boys soaking wet as well. You couldn't suppress the giggle as you watched them play together in the water, soon to be joined by Chris and Liam. They fooled around together. So much, that you had to ask yourself, if the twins really were the kids and not your brothers and boyfriend.

About twenty minutes later emerged Tom back from the water and jogged over to you, "Done playing?" before he plopped down beside you. "Mhm. Told them I have to go back to you, make sure you're okay." You scooted closer to Tom, in order to cuddle him. "I think I've never been better." He gave you that beautiful smile and leaned down to kiss you.

On Wednesday, you headed with Tom back to the beach, but this time in order to go snorkelling - and this required an eight hours car ride. From Byron Bay, all the way up to Gladstone. Why? Well, the reason was simple. Sure, you could have taken Tom snorkelling somewhere at the beach in Byron Bay, but why show him just a few fishes and algas, when there was so much more to see? For the day trip, you borrowed your brother's car, to get to the destination. Therefore, that it would take you eight hours to get there, you and Tom got up quite early. Six o'clock in the morning, you left the Hemsworth house. The good thing was, that Tom agreed to drive, so could sleep a few hours on the way. Tom insisted, since you were growing two babies and therefore needed the rest. If you weren't sleeping, you were eating, hoovering up one Sandwich after the next. Tom saw it of course, from the corner of his eyes and started to smirk. Luckily, you had packed enough stuff to eat...

"Darling?" You heard Tom's soft voice. "Y/N, wake up, love. We're in Gladstone." With a yawn, you blinked your eyes open, rubbing them. "Already?" A sweet chuckle left the handsome Brit's lips. "Well, you slept half of the ride, in contrary to me." You smiled sheepishly, "Okay, yeah, point for you, Tommy..." and reached over to place your hand on his thigh. "Do you need a break? Shall we rest a bit?" He shook his head, lifting his hand to brush your cheek. "No, I'm good, love. Let's go snorkelling! I was looking forward to this." You nodded, "Alright." and got out of the car, just like Tom. Hand in hand you walked to the beach and to the little kiosk thingy, which provided you with gear for the snorkelling. After you changed and were ready to go, a friendly man instructed you, gave you some helpful tips and taught you how to react in certain situations. That being said, you and Tom were free to go. Nearing the shore, you could feel how excited Tom was. "I'd always wanted to see the Great Barrier Reef." You giggled, taking his big hand back into yours. "Well, now you will, baby."

Together you dived into the warm, inviting water and went on your snorkelling trip. To say it was fantastic and absolutely beautiful was an understatement. It was marvellous and absolutely magical. Yes... You'd never get tired of the breath-taking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef... You and Tom saw countless different species of fishes, corals, seashells and starfishes in every form and colour. Hence, you even saw a sea turtle! It was magnificent.

Once you stepped out of the water again, Tom had a big smile on his face. "That was wonderful, darling." You reciprocated his smile, of course. "Right? I absolutely love snorkelling here." Your boyfriend quickly pulled you against his body, placing his hands on your hips, before capturing your lips with his. "Thanks for showing me this extraordinary piece of nature." "You are very welcome." Tom bestowed another kiss upon your lips. "What now, my love?" You thought for a moment, before rubbing your belly with a smile. "I think our little Hiddles would like to have a biiig ice cream." The Brit chuckled and stopped in his movements to place a hand on your baby bump as well. "Is that so?" "Mhm." "Well then... Who am I to deny my girls - and boys? this wish?"

After having a big ice cream, which you and Tom enjoyed at the beach, the two of you drove back home. Actually, you wanted to drive the whole distance, but after four hours, Tom insisted to take over again. Way after midnight, you were back at Byron Bay and more or less fell straight into bed.

The rest of the first week of vacation was spent the most of the time on the beach, mostly with the kids; and the evenings in Chris' and Elsa's whirlpool. Just like on this Saturday evening, while Tom nursed a bottle of Australia's finest beer. If you would've been not pregnant, you would've joined him in drinking beer, but well...

You were seated on Tom's lap, back pressed against his chest, gazing out into the starry night sky; the soft, warm summer breeze rustling your hair. Tom had an arm lazily draped around you and held his beer in his other hand. You couldn't even describe how happy you were in that moment. Being away from everyone and everything - except your family. "You better stop that now, my darling." Tom's words brought you back down to earth. "Stop what?" You asked in confusion, looking over your shoulder at him. Your boyfriend put the beer bottle aside and grabbed your hips with both his hands. "Wiggling around - unless you want an accident to happen." It took you a second to understand what he meant, but once realisation hit you, you started to smirk. You swiftly moved to turn around on Tom's lap, now facing him. "An accident, huh?" You purred, tracing your fingertips from his broad shoulders down his strong pecs. "What if I want that accident to happen?" The Brit's eyebrows perked up at your words; his oceanic blues following your hands, which were now ghosting over his defined stomach. "Ohhh, I see... My girl wants to play?" You giggled at his words, burying your face in his neck, kissing the wet skin there. "Maybe..." "Maybe?" A low chuckle vibrated through his chest, sending a shiver down your spine and a hot wave of arousal through your veins. "I think it's very clear, darling." He pointed out, his hands toying with the hem of your bikini bottom. You kissed up his neck and chin, before locking your lips with his, kissing the man passionately. While Tom checked the surroundings for any intruders, you worked on slipping his swim shorts down his thighs. "Nobody around?" You asked, panting. Tom had a seductive smile plastered on his face, shaking his head. "All clear." "Well then..." You pulled him in another kiss and lowered your hips onto his, biting your lip to suppress a moan. You clawed your fingernails into his shoulders as gentle waves rocked against the edges of the swimming pool. Only the moon and the stars were witnesses to the love Tom and you made.

The second week of vacation started with a blast. It was Tuesday evening. India, Sasha and Tristan were at their grandparents for a few days, resulting in Elsa and Chris literally having the run of the house. That in return, resulted in the adults making a karaoke night...

"Okay... Who wants to start?" Asked Elsa, looking around with a smile. "I do, I do!" Liam yelled, bouncing up and down on the sofa like a literal four-year-old boy. Everybody laughed at the grown man's excitement. "Go ahead." Elsa said, nodding towards the big flat screen TV. Liam was quick to skip through the several songs, but found one he'd like to perform just as quick. A boyish giggle left his lips, as he pressed the play button. "Get ready for the performance of your lifetime, folks!"

As soon as the first tunes echoed from the little speakers beside the flat screen, standing on the TV stand, you buried your face in your hands, keeping yourself from giggling. "Oh gods..." YMCA by the Village People...

Young man there′s no need to feel down

I said young man pick yourself off the ground

I said young man 'cause your in a new town

There′s no need to be unhappy

Liam started to scream out the lyrics - and to say his singing skills were horrible was an understatement... The youngest Hemsworth man couldn't sing at all - like you and the rest all discovered very soon.

It′s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.

It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.

They have everything For young men to enjoy.

You can hang out with all the boys.

But as bad as his singing was, the even better was his performance. It was so funny to watch him dance and deliver the known YMCA moves. You and everybody else had a lot of fun watching Liam and jamming along.

Once Liam finished his performance with a sway of his hips, you, Tom, Chris and Elsa broke out in loud cheers and claps. The man on the 'stage' took a bow, smiling like an idiot, before he sat down. "Bro, you're an awful singer, but your performance was absolutely amazing." You stated, patting your younger brother on his shoulder. Everybody agreed with a laugh. "I'm next!" Chris said, jumping up from the sofa. He needed almost five minutes to look for a song to sing... So picky. "Chris, what's taking you so long?" Asked Elsa with a laugh. "Gotta find the right one..." He huffed. But in the end, he made it and found the perfect song. One that represented his - yours and Liam's heritage. Australia. And not just that... It was a song your dad already loved and listened to regularly. Men at Work's 'Down Under'.

Traveling in a fried-out Kombi

On a hippie trail, head full of zombie

I met a strange lady, she made me nervous

She took me in and gave me breakfast

And she said

"Do you come from a land down under

Where women glow and men plunder?

Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?

You better run, you better take cover"

Everyone managed to scream the refrain with Chris; the song familiar to all people present in the big living room.

Through the whole song, you wallowed in memories.

Once Chris was finished, you had to wipe a few stray tears from your cheeks. Stupid hormones. Tom noticed it of course immediately; gave you a small smile and squeezed your hand in his. You blew your brother a kiss, smiling. "Thanks for that, Chris. I love it." He winked at you. "Me too, Arielle, me too."

"So... Who's next?" Tom asked around. Four pairs of eyes landed on him, as Liam patted his shoulder. "The stage is yours, Hiddles." Tom blushed a bit, before he nodded and stood up. "So it's gentlemen first, tonight?" "Seems so." You answered, giggling and releasing quite a bit reluctantly his warm, big hand, which had enveloped yours so perfectly. You would've guessed that Tom being Tom, he was going to sing either something by Michael Jackson - Man in the Mirror, to be exactly, or a love song. Well, you were right. He indeed decided on a love song. What you didn't know - until now, was that the song was one of his absolute favourites...

"I think I don't have to point out for who I am going to sing this song." Your boyfriend announced, oceanic blue eyes meeting your Y/E/C ones.

And what could you say? Your heart already started to melt, when you heard the first tunes of the chosen song... 'Stand by Me' - Ben E. King.

When the night has come

And the land is dark

And the moon is the only light we'll see

No, I won't be afraid

No, I won't be afraid

Just as long as you stand

Stand by me

Tom was a great singer, without a doubt. His beautiful deep voice, paired with the heart-warming lyrics, sent you into overdrive. You feared that your heart might bursted because all of the love you felt for the man in the white button up and dark blue jeans.

If the sky that we look upon

Should tumble and fall

Or the mountains should crumble to the sea

I won't cry, I won't cry

No I won't shed a tear

Just as long as you stand

Stand by me

The charming Brit couldn't help himself, but to step over to you and take your hand into his once again, before getting down on one knee. Oh Lord, you almost had a heart attack at that move...

And darlin', darlin', stand by me

Oh, stand by me

Oh, stand now

Stand by me, stand by me

While you were literally flying somewhere up high on cloud nine, were the others watching the utterly romantic scenes unfold with heart eyes.

Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me

Oh, stand by me

Won't you stand by

The song ended with a soft hum; tears streaming down your cheeks. The love and affection Tom had shown you through this song was almost too much to handle. You lunged forward, hugging him tightly, before bestowing multiple kisses upon his lips. "I love you, Tommy. I love you so much."

Needless to say, was this karaoke night more than perfect.

With the week passing by and the weekend nearing, the preparations for your and Tom's Gender Reveal Party were running high. Elsa ran from one point to the next, in order to make sure everything was just perfect. You and Tom weren't even allowed to move around the house for the whole Saturday! Elsa literally trapped you in the guest room. But you didn't mind at all. The company was great. Around 4 p.m., Elsa told you and Tom to get dressed, putting on something nice. Of course, you followed her directions and changed from your cosy clothes - being one of Tom's t-shirts and way too big shorts, into a beautiful summer dress, which accentuated your small baby bump perfectly. Tom changed as well, wore now a light blue shirt, with the sleeves hitched up and black jeans shorts. He had freshly shaved and with his short, blonde-brown locks styled to perfection, he looked absolutely gorgeous. "Mhh, babe... You look so handsome." Tom smiled at you sheepishly, "Do I?" bridging the distance and wrapped both arms around your middle. "Mhm." You said, nodding and playing with the short hair on the back of his neck. "I'm not looking even as half as good as you do, darling." Your boyfriend rasped in that deep voice. "Thank you." You were blushing and tried to cover it up by slotting your lips over his, kissing him.

You would've even deepened the kiss, if a knock on your door wouldn't have interrupted your soft, slow, lazy make-out session. Pulling away from Tom's intoxicating lips, you peered over to the door. "Come in!" Mere seconds later sprung the door open, revealing a broadly smiling Elsa. "It's ready. You two can come, but-" She started, before she brought two blindfolds from behind her back. "Not without wearing these." A wave of excitement swooped through your belly at the sight. You shared a glance with Tom, both of you nodding. "Okay." The brown-haired woman quickly went to work, blindfolded firstly Tom, then you. "Alright. Are you two ready for your Gender Reveal Party?" A squeak left your lips. "Yes! More than ready!" You heard Tom chuckling sweetly beside you. "Me too." "Perfect. In that case... Here we go." You felt, how Elsa took your hand and led you through the hallway and down the stairs. Your heartbeat quickened with every step you took. This was something you always wanted - and suddenly it became reality. It was so utterly surreal, like being caught in a dream. But at the same time, you could feel it with every fibre of your body. So real, that you were sure you could touch it. The anticipation was rising within you, due to the fact that you had no idea what was about to come your way. Elsa had planned the entire party. Suddenly, you felt how Elsa's hand got replaced by another hand. A bigger one; a stronger one. Tom's hand. He gently squeezed your hand, before his thumb started to trace reassuring patterns in the skin there. This gesture caused you to smile softly. Tom was there - and he would never ever let go. "Alright... Tom, Y/N... Are you ready?" Elsa's voice urged to your ears. You nodded. "Yes!" Your boyfriend answered the same. "Okay..." You felt how somebody untied your blindfold. "Three... Two... One..."

The blindfold fell - and you got immediately greeted by cheers and 'woo's' from all around you. Your brain needed a second to take everything in; clearly a sensory overload. Your eyes darted around, taking in every inch of the beautifully decorated garden. Everything was pregnancy/baby themed. From the pink and blue balloons, which were literally everywhere, over the huge cake - which had pink and blue frosting, alongside some dummies and little shoes out of sugarpaste, to the decoration. Pink and blue paper cups, dishes and napkins. On the left side - across from the pool was a small buffet build up; also decorated with balloons and big paper cut outs. A onesie, nappy and baby bottle on which stood: Boys? Girls? Both?

It was absolutely beautiful. So beautiful, that you almost started to cry right then and there.

Once your brain registered this, you looked around the crowded garden, overwhelmed by so many people. Sure, there were Elsa, Liam, Sasha, Tristan, India and Chris, who was standing behind the big grill, preparing barbecue, but also your mom, your dad, your oldest brother, Benedict and Sophie - and even Tom's mom and sisters. Okay, they were waving at you through Skype on the tablet Elsa held in her hands, but nevertheless. They were here... They were all here. "Oh my gosh..." That was it. You couldn't hold back the tears anymore. Elsa had put this all up, just for you and Tom. Invited all the most important people in your life. Therefore, it was no wonder, that you literally ran to her first, wrapping her up in a big bear hug - but not without greeting Diana, Emma and Sarah through the screen first. "Gods, Elsa, this is amazing! How did you all do this?!" The woman just chuckled, squeezed you tightly. "Thank you so, so much, I'm so happy right now!" "This is only the beginning, sweetheart. Wait until you see the actual Gender Reveals." 

While you went to great the rest of your family, an already very emotional Tom greeted three of the four most important women in his life as well, before he went over to Ben and Sophie. "Ben, Sophie! What are you doing here?!" The Brit smiled broadly, hugging his best friend and his best friend's wife. The other Brit chuckled. "Well, we couldn't miss such an important event in the life of our dearest friend." "That's insane - and awesome. It's so great to see you, Ben. And you too, of course, Soph." Benedict smiled, wrapping an arm around the brown-haired woman, who nodded at Tom. "Likewise, Tom, likewise."

Your eyes fell on a face you hadn't seen in a long time, due to the job offer he had accepted six months back in Santo Domingo - which was over seventeen thousand kilometres away. "Luke?" Your eldest brother turned his head to meet your gaze, breaking out in a bright smile. "Hey Arielle." You quickly ran into his opened arms, hugging him tight. "Don't tell me you came all the way from Santo Domingo, just to be with me and Tom on our Gender Reveal Party." Luke's laughter rang in your ears. "'Course I did. What do you think? That I'm missing this? Hell no."

After marvelling a little while longer on the awesome party Elsa got going and talking to all of your guests - especially your parents (They were a really important part of this and your whole life.), Chris announced that the barbecue was ready, causing you to literally storm the buffet and loading your plate full with delicious food. You were just munching on a piece of garlic bread, when you felt a hand on the small of your back, sliding around to rest on your left hip. "My beautiful girlfriend is hungry, like I can see." Tom came to stand beside you, an amused smile on his lips. You swallowed the piece of garlic bread, nodding. "'Course I am. I have to eat for three. Your kids are hungry, Tommy." He giggled adorably, pressing a kiss on your cheek.

Once everyone - or well, the most had feasted off the delicious barbecue and also had a slice of the cake and the sun was about to set, it was time for the main event, like Elsa announced. "Okay, Tom, Y/N you have to stand underneath the rose arch." The rose arch in the garden - which was as well beautifully decorated. All eyes were suddenly on you and Tom, as you stood underneath the rose arch. You spotted India, who had the important task to hold the tablet, on which was Skype opened once again, showing, like before, Tom's mom and sisters. "Perfect. Tristan, your part, sweetie!" Elsa called inside the house, from which the boy emerged, carrying a way too big box for his body size. Although, it didn't seem heavy. When he came closer, you saw that it was a big wrapped box - like a Christmas or birthday present. Tristan handed you and Tom the box over with a huge smile on his face, "Thank you, Tristan." before he ran over to his dad, who ruffled his hair in an affectionate manner. Only now did you realise, that a lot of people had fished out their mobiles, filming this special moment in yours and Tom's life. "Alright you two... It's time. Open the box and reveal the gender of twin baby number one!" Elsa said, grinning from ear to ear. Yours and Tom's eyes met, as you nodded at each other nervously, but also smiling. You still didn't know what exactly awaited you, once you opened that box, but you were excited to find out. "Together, love?" Tom asked in a hushed voice, taking one end of the big bow on top in between his fingers. You nodded, "Together." and took the other end in your hand. Together, you and Tom pulled, undoing the bow, letting it fall to the grassy ground beneath you. The force of what was inside the box, managed to push open the minimal resistance of the lid - and before you or Tom could even blink, a lot of pink balloons ascended up into the sky; accompanied by the loud claps and cheers from the people around you. A girl... One of the twins was a girl... That was what Tom thought as well. "A girl! Darling, we're having a little girl!" Your boyfriend literally screamed, before dropping the box - just like you did - and scooped you up into his arms, twirling you in a circle. A surprised squeak left your lips, which turned quickly into a light-hearted giggle. After your feet touched the ground again, your hands flew up to cup both Tom's cheek, looking into his teary eyes. You had started to cry a long time ago. "Told you we'd have a baby girl." He snorted out a laugh, on the verge of crying, before he pulled you closer, kissing you sweetly. "Okay, you two lovebirds! There's still baby number two waiting for their gender reveal!" You and Tom parted once again, trying to regain some composure. "Ready?" Elsa's sweet voice echoed through the garden as well. The Brit nodded, just like you did and reached for your hand.

"Sasha? Sweetie, you're on!" Just like his twin brother, stepped Sasha out of the house, carrying the same exact box and handing it over to and Tom. "Thank you, Sasha." The young boy smiled as well and ran over to his uncle Luke. Once more, you and Tom took the ends of the bow in your hands. "Ready, babe?" "I've never been more ready in all my life." For the second time, the bow fell to the ground and the balloons broke free - but this time they weren't pink. They were blue. This time, you were the first to let go of the box, before you literally jumped into your man's arms - who caught you effortlessly. "Woah there! Careful, darling!" Tears were running down your cheeks, dripping onto Tom's blue shirt. You couldn't put in words how happy you were in that exact moment. Tom just held you, shedding tears of happiness as well. The blood rushing through your ears and the soft sobs leaving Tom's throat drowned out the cheerful noises around you. All you could hear and feel was Tom - and the tingly feeling of the product of true love inside your belly. "Told you we'd have a baby boy." Tom whispered, mirroring your words from a few minutes earlier. All you could do was laugh through your tears. This was a night to remember. An evening you'd never ever forget in your whole life.

Five days later, it was almost time for you and Tom to pack your bags and head back to London for the premiere of 'The Moralizer'. But before you'd face this section of your life again, after disappearing over a month from the scene, you were going to enjoy the last few days with Tom.

Now that you knew you and Tom would welcome a baby girl and a baby boy in approximately five months into this world, you decided to go on a small shopping tour. Not in Brisbane though. This city would've been way too big to not get noticed, so you just stayed in Byron Bay for the trip. Hand in hand and with sunglasses covering both, yours and Tom's eyes, you strolled through the relatively quiet shopping streets, with your destination being every shop, which had baby things. You made a found really quick and pulled your man immediately inside the cosy, little shop. To say your motherly instincts kicked in on an instant was an understatement... "Awww, oh my goodness, Tommy..." You literally squealed, dragging your boyfriend over to the clothes section. "Look at that!" You pointed at a tiny pair of shoes. "Look how tiny they are!" The soon-to-be dad just giggled, falling all over again in love with you. "And those onesies, ahhh!" You rummaged through the million different onesies, smiling brightly. "Don't we have enough onesies, baby?" You violently shook your head. "Nope." Once again the Brit giggled. "But haven't we ordered at least twenty different onesies two days ago?" "Yes, but you can never have enough, can you?" You stated, throwing another three onesies into the shopping basket Tom was carrying. The man took a deep breath. That was going to be a veeery long shopping trip, he thought - and was to 100 per cent right.

After looking in every nook and cranny of the shop, you and Tom walked out with three bags of baby stuff, ranging from several clothes, over dummies and baby bottles, to burp cloths and rubber ducks. Tom being the gentleman and caring boyfriend/dad-to-be he is, carried the bags of course, all the way back to Chris' and Elsa's house. "Already back from the- wow!" Chris exclaimed, when he saw his best friend, hands full with bags of baby stuff. "Y/N bought all that?" The Brit nodded at his brother-from-another-mother. "Yep." He agreed, popping the p. Chris started to laugh, remembering exactly how Elsa was, when she had been pregnant. "Bro, is that normal?" The Aussie wrapped an arm around Tom's shoulder, nodding. "Absolutely. Elsa was the same. Welcome to pre-fatherhood, mate."

Another three days later, it was finally time for Tom and you to face reality once again. Well, at least halfway. Before the premiere and all the troubles that would come with it, Tom suggested to firstly fly completely relaxed and with no stress at all back to London and visit his mom first. After that, you could start to think about how to deal with the upcoming premier. Not now. Not yet.

"Are you ready to face the world once again, Arielle?" Your brother asked you, as you sat together on the porch swing in the Hemsworth garden, watching the sunrise and sipping a cup of coffee. Well, tea for you. You sighed, rubbing the underside of your ever-growing baby bump. "Honestly? I don't know. The past three weeks were like a dream for me - us. I desperately needed this break, and now that I have Tom back by my side and regained my mental strength, maybe I am. But I really can't tell." Chris smiled softly and placed his hand on yours. "You will be. I know that. Together, you and Tom can face the publicity once again. Like Elsa already said... Show them how happy you are. Show them what you have - or well... Will have." You giggled softly at his words. "Well, it's not quite easy to hide this anymore anyway, Chris..." You said, gesturing towards your clearly visible bump. "No chance to say I only gained weight. No one would believe me that. I definitely look pregnant." "I know, sis, but please don't worry. Tom is going to look after you out there. He's going to protect you and his babies. I hope you know that now." You nodded. "I do." "Good. Now come on..." The blonde-haired man said, taking the last sip of his coffee. "It's time. Wouldn't want you and Tom to miss your flight."

After thoroughly saying goodbye to the kids, Thor, Elsa and Liam, Chris drove you and Tom back to the Brisbane Airport, where this crazy journey literally began.

Tagging: @crimson25 @kikster606 @huntress-artemiss @123forgottherest @lovingchoices14 @ozymdias @vbecker10 @coldnique @lokixryss @simplyholl @peaches1958 @lokibadguy @jennyggggrrr @stephenstrangeaddictions @holymultiplefandomsbatman @mischief2sarawr @mypsychoticlove @mochie85 @muddyorbs @ijuststareatstuffhereok89 @simping-for-marvel @lady-rose-moon @goblingirlsarah @kats72 @vickie5446 @buffyfan2833 @12-pm-510 @ladymischief11 @somewiseguy @woooonau @cabingrlandrandomcrap @alchemxx @honeyrydernot @evelyn-rathmore @stupidthoughtsinwriting @mossiswriting

[ryuichirou]

Replies

More replies~

Some of them are related to our OruVil comic from yesterday, some related to our headcanons, the rest are about various characters and ships :)

Anonymous asked:

I would love to thank you again for the Oruvil content!

It makes me happy seeing art of them even if it's not all romantic.

I REAALLLLLY adore seeing your art of them! 🌟💞

Thank you so much, Anon!! <3 I really appreciate the love they’re getting, they absolutely deserve it.

I would love to draw more stuff with them, both neutral and romantic…

blackbutlerfandomnerddomain asked:

Ortho would also do this to Vil

I low-key see him having an argument with him and suddenly he would repay a video of Vil and him boning and Vil moaning just what he's denying or if like Vil's refusing to admit he was with Rook last night and Ortho just projects a video of Rook and Vil making out

Oh Ortho, you’re way too powerful to have any relationship with – it’s impossible to win an argument with this boy… it also sounds like an episode of Black Mirror lol

I feel like Vil would know better than to lie to Ortho though – not only Ortho always has A VIDEO BECAUSE HE STALKS PEOPLE 24/7 JESUS CHRIST- but Idia was also smart/dumb enough to give him the lie detector thing, so even if Ortho has nothing to show… he still has all the proof needed to see that his lover is lying lol

Anonymous asked:

Thinking about Silver on the receiving end of a condom-user for the first time getting surprisingly disappointed by it lol like he went into it with his partner's preferences on the full front of his mind and agreed with the safety concerns for it, but by the end, he kind of wanted to feel when their pleasure peaked and filled him.. like with his father 🥰

...... the only top I could think of that (properly) used condoms off the top of my head was ortho, so that made a whole different funny image to think about hehehe

(this is related to our condom hc post lol)

Not gonna lie, when I was reading the second part of your ask I thought “oh, Trey I guess?” and then you hit me with Ortho and I screamed. A boy who only uses condoms because he finds them sexy and has no other reason to wear them whatsoever because he is a robot + a boy who should use condoms but got so used to being taken without them that he feels underwhelmed and sexy when it’s used. What a combo indeed. It also reminded me about that one Ortho vignette in which he gave Silver his medical attention…

But also, poor Silver! Of course he wouldn’t like how it feels… thank you for your training, Lilia, way to ruin his life again 😔

Anonymous asked:

I remember the overblot ships asks, how about something else? Phantom Ortho and Overblot Vil?

Sorry for the late reply, Anon! And probably for a disappointing one.

I thought I would come up with something more interesting, but to be honest combining Overblotted boys with each other is a bit difficult to me; it’s much easier to imagine them visually, but coming up with possible interactions is more tricky, especially considering the nature of the whole overblot thing and Ortho’s phantom specifically – his whole being is way too attached to Idia (literally). Maybe I’m overthinking and overcomplicating it though, I tend to do that…

Maybe Phantom Ortho could trigger a relapse in all the previously overblotted boys. And Ortho did seem upset when Vil denied his invitation to join his and his beloved Idia’s new world…

Visually though, it would look pretty good; their designs are two of my absolute favourites :(

Anonymous asked:

Idia and Azul having a double date with Vil and Ortho. Basically disaster...

… Mostly because Azul just keeps talking and talking and talking and talking and it’s painfully obvious that he uses this double date just to make sure the great actor Vil Schoenheit considers him family, because technically he is family, since both him and Vil are dating the Shrouds, which means they have so much in common, which means-

Idia and Vil would be so utterly annoyed. At least Ortho is having fun!

Anonymous asked:

Does anyone else really not like the 'VilRook as Epel's parents' trope?

Some people probably don’t; we personally like it, despite usually hating on this type of trope. We are huge haters of the whole “aww they’re family” thing in general lol

But with Pomefiore it hits different somehow. Maybe it’s because the family thing is not the only thing that they have + their interactions and relationship between all three of them in general are complex and interesting, and the family trope doesn’t simplify any of it (Plus, this won’t stop us from liking Rook/Epel...) I won’t talk too much about it though, since this doesn’t exactly answer your question.

Anonymous asked:

There’s an animated series (it’s Scott Pilgrim but different idk the series) and one clip keeps popping up on my socials involving actor characters where one suggests to the other to “go over the lines in your trailer” and it cuts to the trailer shaking. I just wanted to mention it because it reminds me of Neige/Vil (especially with Vil trying to keep everything under wraps) every time it pops up and it’s your fault <3

Anooon I’m so glad whenever someone’s blaming us for a ship they think about lol <3 You’re very welcome.

I really love that Vil is 100% professional and keeps his personal life as private as possible, but he could also get horny and try to find a compromise, and sometimes a compromise is go to the trailer and “go over the lines” lol I approve of you associating this scene with him and Neige.

Anonymous asked:

New headcanon: Jamil knows how dangerous otters can be since he had to do research on what animals could be harmful to Kalim, so the first few times he heard Floyd call Kalim 'Sea Otter', his reaction was like that one meme of the confused lady doing math.

(this is related to some of the previous replies)

LOL poor Jamil. His life is full of unfortunate and unpleasant surprises, but this? This is simply confusing. The sigh of understanding an relief he would let out when he hears that Floyd’s reasoning is simply “’cause he’s cute”. I guess Jamil gave the merman too much credit in how he picks his nicknames…

Anonymous asked:

What do you think the relationship between Floyd and Chenya would be? I've seen everything from being besties who love to annoy Riddle together to enemies who're fighting over Riddle, so I'm curious about what you think!

You know, Anon, I think there is a reason why we don’t see these two interact: the Universe won’t let them, because we won’t survive this lol Both are so chaotic that you’d never guess how exactly it would go with them. Just like you said, they could annoy Riddle together and get along surprisingly well, but could also act like two boy hamsters in one cage if you know what I mean.

A lot of it depends on Floyd actually. I feel like Che’nya is pretty chill and playful all the time, and if he gets bored he just leaves. But Floyd gets annoyed and fussy… So if he likes the weird partially invisible flying dude, they would become besties. But if he doesn’t, he would be super irritated by him lol

Anonymous asked:

do you think floyd would ever do riddle or epel in his mer form or not because they’re too….small

Oh come on Anon, as if their smallness would stop him~ If he gets a chance and he’s in the mood, he would very gladly hunt down both Goldfishie and little Guppy~

[xplrvibes]

i saw on twitter someone saying shea stalked colby and drove to his house on live🫣 according to the account it was during when he was in australia. is that true? i feel like that wouldn’t fly under the radar if it were true. i know she’s done crazy things and technically internet stalks him but i really cannot comprehend her doing someone like physically stalking him like that. im taking everything i hear on twitter with a grain of salt because that app is insane and people just say anything over there lol

It's smart to take everything you hear on twitter (or anywhere else, really) with a grain of salt, anon.

Always verify before you trust, lol.

In this case - from what I know/was told of this particular incident from the night it happened (March 12th for those curious), the version you gave me here is a partial truth.

From what I was told, Shea and her sister were out visiting her sister's boyfriend. She mentioned a few times that she didn't want to be in the neighborhood or on that street because it held "bad memories" and "his house" was on that street. They later went to a store and Shea saw a man in the store who she thought looked like Colby and remarked on it, mentioning at one point that she wanted to get out of that neighborhood so she didn't have to run into him (even though he would've been in Las Vegas at this time).

Shea has a code name that she uses on her streams to talk shit on Colby without mentioning him by name and she was throwing it around quite a bit that night. It was also visually apparent that she was in the area of the 2nd traphouse. There was no denying who she was referring to.

Now, was she stalking him in this scenario? No. She kept mentioning that she didn't want to be in that neighborhood anyway, and he was nowhere in the area at the time for her to stalk, so it's all a moot point.

It would be more accurate to say she was purposefully bringing him up even though there was no reason to, simply because she cannot stop hyperfixating on him and has nothing else to present to people as content besides her former association with him.

[docholligay]

House in fata Morgana: Door 6.5 (I think)

I have never reviewed a visual novel before, but iscahwynn made me a very generous offer and a long line of patience, knowing that we are trying something very new. To that end: Please don’t spoil me for the game at all! If you are reading this, I have only gotten through the part written above, and I don’t want to be corrected, even if I’m wrong, even if I’ve missed something, i don’t want to have anything confirmed or denied, and I don’t need any trigger warnings or extraneous explanation. Iscah would like my pure, naive experience of the game. Thank you!

Okay so the door system sort of breaks down here, and so I'm not sure I've gotten all the way to the next door, but I think I have? We'll act as if I made it.

Anyway we learn about Giselle and Michel a little bit, and a lot of it is either things we know, or things that makes sense. Though I will say that "Blood is a bond heavier than any chain" is a very cool line even if it's not one that resonates with me--Y'all are working on "if it sucks, hit the bricks" but please trust that I have historically had no problem doing that even as regards family, so this is not a thing I really understand.

BUT, none of that really matters, because what really kicks ass here is meeting with the three shades, who we know to be Mell, Yukimasa, and Jacopo. ANd the three keys thing is obvious, that's not even what is so interesting about it, what is interesting to me is the different reactions of the three of them.

Mell actually was the easiest for me to parse, because of fucking course even if he feels fear and anger he's going to let something else be the instrument of his rejection, and I do want to point out that for his whole sad little boy routine, he's the only one that HURTS Michel. This is the game telling us that our desire to see Mell as the most innocent of them is a mistake, that Mell is violent just as Jacopo and Yukimasa are, but somehow worse because his crime is in ALLOWING things to happen, or suggesting they do. it's not even HONEST in the way, say, Jacopo is here. I loved it, the way his weakness was made into a weapon, the way the game wants us to see him as culpable, too.

the hardest one I think for me actually is Yukimasa, and I'm glad they have Michel ask too, why he just gave him the key. If I had to guess, I would say that like a dog kept on a chain too long, Yukimasa's spirit is broken, and because he is a beast at core he cannot escape that. He rolls over and takes it, and hands over the key, because what else is left for his broken self?

Then there's Jacopo. And I ADORE that Jacopo's answer to the whole thing is that he is going to fight the witch himself. He basically implies that he's going to fucking shoot Morgana. I love it. He is still so angry, and so direct, and so his solution to this is that he is going to engage on any front, despite knowing that Morgana has him outmaneuvered. In some ways I would say Jacopo has learned nothing, and I absolutely adore that for him. He still thinks he can strong arm his way thorough everything.

So yeah, I'm ready to hear Morgana's tale, but I will say the rehash of the three, with a slightly different edge, was a really neat entr'acte.

[eirian-houpe]

Disparate Pathways - Chapter 49

Read previous chapters on AO3

Chapter 49 - Storm Warning

Gold couldn’t remember the last time he’d hosted a dinner party, let alone had an evening as pleasant as the one he was enjoying with Belle, Miss Lucas and her boyfriend. He had been surprised, and a little cautious and reserved, when Ruby had turned up with the town psychologist, Doctor Hopper as her ‘plus one,’ - a factor that he hadn’t even realized was a part of the invitation. The ice had soon broken though, as much due to his fondness for the friendship Belle obviously had with Miss Lucas, as the undeniably stimulating conversation and good company that Doctor Hopper - Archie, he reminded himself  - had proven to be. He smiled as he returned to the lounge to see that the girls had pulled the cushions from the couch and had made a nest of sorts, as was Belle’s wont to do, and couldn’t help but chuckle as Archie looked up at him with a visual, helpless shrug of acquiescence written in his expression.

“It’s cozy if nothing else,” Gold agreed with the doctor’s unspoken amusement.

“Stop being such a tease,” Belle demanded softy, and patted the cushion at her side. “I was trying to make things less stuffy.”

“Stuffy?” Gold almost yelped in mock offense.

“Yes, stuffy,” Belle said, practically sticking out her tongue. “Sitting on the chairs and the couch, facing each other like something out of Pride and Prejudice.”

Gold did laugh then, and nodded to the nearby ottoman, which Archie dragged into their cushioned circle to serve as a makeshift table for the tray of hot chocolate and cookies Gold had brought from the kitchen.

“A little something to warm us even more?” Gold asked as his laughter faded, then looked pointedly toward the liquor cabinet in the corner of the room.

“I think the fire, and the cocoa will quite suffice,” Belle said, raising an eyebrow Gold’s way.

Chuckling again, he teased, “Now who’s being stuffy?”

Belle protested, but all in a playfully exaggerated way, and Archie piped up, “I wouldn’t mind, actually, Gold. It sounds like a terrific idea.”

“Yes please,” Ruby echoed cheerfully, rolling her eyes as Belle gave her a side eyed look of disapproval.

Shaking his head, but feeling more warmed by the companionable banter than he was the fire, the cocoa and the promise of a splash of alcohol in his hot beverage, Gold crossed the room to the cabinet, to pull out a small bottle of fine brandy. For reasons he wasn’t really prepared to fully admit, the evening called for a little celebration.

“What do you think, Gold?” Hopper’s voice pushed aside his contemplation, and he turned with a quizzical look on his face.

“Hmm?”

“Snow or no snow?”

“I’m sure it’s cold enough,” Ruby added, drawing a nod from Belle as Gold returned to the small party and handed the bottle to Hopper with the invitation to help himself.  He pulled up one of the discarded chairs for him to lean against, and joined them in the space before the fire.  It was a frigid night, and it only promised to get colder.

“Cold enough, perhaps,” he agreed, “but I think too dry. Actually though, Miss Lucas--”

“Oh for the love of— would you call me Ruby already!” she snapped in exasperation, “It’s too late for that kind of Bul--”

“Manners cost nothing, Miss Lucas,” Gold said, with a grin, and leaned over to reach for a cup of cocoa to hand to Belle, and then one for himself, accepting the small bottle of brandy from Archie soon after.

“But—” Ruby’s exasperation, it seemed, would not let her go, however, she was interrupted by Archie’s soft voice.

“Don’t deny the man his perfectly natural affectations,” he said.

“Didn’t we agree you’d leave the psychoanalysis at the office door?” Ruby shot him a look, and Archie held up his hand in defeat, a look of apologetic solidarity on his face as he glanced at Gold.

Gold nodded at the man, then turned his attention to Belle, holding up the brandy bottle. “Are you certain?”

Belle nodded, and with quiet acquiescence, Gold tipped a small amount into his own cocoa, then placed the bottle in the chair behind him.

“As I was about to say,” Gold cleared his throat before he went on, “You are at least partly right, Miss Lucas. Given the lateness of the hour, and the temperature out of doors, I wonder if you and Doctor Hopper would care to—”

This time he was interrupted by his phone, and he frowned, pulling it from his pocket to look on the display for the name or number of the caller.

“Gold?”

He froze, Archie’s soft inquiry lost in a buzz of concern that was starting somewhere in the base of his skull. The number on the display wasn’t Jefferson’s number, and on the phone that he was carrying, it should have been.  It should only be.  Suddenly breathing faster, his heart began speeding to a painful beat in his chest. He got to his feet faster than he probably should have, almost unbalanced, and steadied himself for a moment on the back of the nearby chair, until Hopper, too, stood and came to his side. Gold murmured a soft apology as he did.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I have to take this call.”

Hopped nodded as he moved away, and vaguely heard Archie suggest to the ladies that they might clean up the cushions and straighten up the room.

His mind was spinning.  What if it were Jefferson, calling from another phone out of some urgent need.  It would behoove him to answer just as quickly if it were. He crossed the room toward the hallway, and was turning toward the kitchen as he thumbed the button to connect the call.

“What?” he snapped, blood singing in his ears even as he tried to slow his racing heart. As soon as the caller drew breath, he knew it wasn’t Jefferson.

”That’s hardly a polite greeting, now is it?”

His racing blood slowed to an icy crawl that served to finish slowing the frantic beat of his heart. The world suddenly came into a strange kind focus. Bile born of hatred rose in his throat. The mere sound of her voice, laced as it were, with sarcasm, and layered over years of bitterness pulled a flash of memory from his mind; unwanted. Unwelcome.

“Oh, please…” Her voice was mocking, the tone cruel, and she drew out the words. “Let’s finish this!”

She raised her weapon, clubbing Bae hard enough to drive him to his knees.  The light left his eyes as he caught himself on his hand, and he turned his own, cold stare toward Gold. 

“West,” he snarled into the phone.

"Oh, so you do remember me then,” she said, mocking him with cheerfulness. “You don’t call. You don’t write… So how are things with you - Duneach? Or wait… it’s not that any more, is it? Your nam—”

“What. Do you. want?” he snapped, then matching her in sarcasm, if not in cheer, he added, “And why would you ever think I’d want to fucking hear from you? Unless you’re going to tell me that you’re suffering some kind of incurable disease that’s going to eat at you slowly, because I’d gladly pay to see that.”

“Aww, Gold, I didn’t know you cared,” she sang. “How is that working out for you, by the way?  Small town bigwig… So many friends, I’m sure. ”

“You stay the fuck away from me,” he warned harshly, but she laugh, except no, it was a brittle cackle that traveled down the phone.

“Make me,” she spat.

“Oh, gladly, I can assure you.” He bared his teeth to the phone like a wild dog after prey. His voice was a hiss that seeped into the microphone. “If I so much as catch a hint of you coming anywhere close I will end. You.”

“You don’t have it in you,” she jeered. Not trying to hide her mocking behind sarcasm any more. Verbally spitting in his face. “Not any more. You’re soft… soft and slow.  How is your son, by the way and where on Earth did you hide him away…?

“You—” he began, but what breath he had that wasn’t stolen by her question was taken again by her words.

“Oh yes, I know he survived.  I know he’s still alive... ”

“You dare--!”

“ ...no thanks to you. ”

A part of him wanted to ask her what she meant. No thanks to him how? But his hatred refused to let him give her that power over him.

“Don’t you fucking dare try to blame me for this!” he growled, spittle flying with his temper. He knew it was what she wanted, and he had given her that power he had tried to deny her mere moments ago, but he could no more stop himself than he could have stopped the waves from answering the call of the moon.

“Temper temper,” she laughed. “Whatever happened to the disciplined gentleman I used to know and love?”

“You know nothing about me,” he answered with a laugh half way between derision and hysteria. “You never knew anything about me, and loved…?” He left the rest of that hanging.

“So what’s this,” she demanding, feigning jealousy, “about the sweet young thing I hear you’re dating?” She was taunting him, and he knew it. “Does she know you? I mean, really? Does she know what you were? What you are?”

“I swear on my life, West, you come anywhere near me, or my son, or anyone else I might care about, and whatever rock you crawl under won’t keep me from taking you apart piece by rotten piece and feeding you to the rest of the rabid, neighborhood strays!”

“Promises, promises,” she mocked. “Oh, and by the way, your dear mother sends her love.”

“No,” the word was an inhuman crackled on his lips. “You don’t get to taunt me with that banshee!”

“What makes you think I’m taunting you?��� West asked, almost reasonable, but for her smugness. “I’m only stalling, keeping you talking. Milah offered, but we both know you’d hang up on her in a heartbeat.”

Stupid!

The blood that had been pounding in his ears drained from him and he cursed himself for a gullible fool. She was playing him. Had been playing him all along, and he was stupid enough, and blinded by his hate for her, that he’d played right into her hands.

He raced from the kitchen to the basement door, and hardly felt the scrape of skin against the wall, nor cared that he almost fell as he misstepped with his cane. He had to know whether he had been compromised, though he was sure he already knew the answer. It was little enough security as it was.

“Well, I can tell that you’re busy, Gold,” West’s voice held the same, exaggeratedly smug tone, though now he paid it no heed, even when she said, “It’s been good speaking with you though. I’ll see you soon.”

It wasn’t her words that brought the curse to his mouth, that was poised on his lips as she cut the call, but the fact that he found she had indeed kept him talking for long enough for the signal, which had been bouncing around from place to place in an attempt to mask his location was now hovering, steady and exposed… in Storybrooke.

Crushed by self loathing, that he had been so stupid, so careless, he swung at the wall with his fist, ignoring the pain as he connected hard, punching the brick again and again as he punished himself for putting everyone - for placing Belle - in such insurmountable danger.  He continued to swing again and again, relishing the pain, even crying out with it, a stifled cry that left him leaning on the work bench that supported all of the electronic devices which had been neutralized by his hatred, and the weakness it had caused.

Breathing hard, he tried to think. Berating himself again. He didn’t have time for this self-indulgence, not if he were going to keep Belle safe, to keep Grace safe, and he had to… wanted to… needed to prove to himself, as much to Jefferson as to Belle, that he was worthy of… of what?  Their trust?

He needed to make a plan, but to do that he needed to know just how badly he had fucked up, and just how much of a dumpster fire the whole thing was. Tears of anger made his eyes ache and as the immediate rush of adrenaline faded his hand began to throb with the pain of his self harm.

He didn’t have time for that either.  Now, he had to act.

He snatched up his phone again, typing out a hurried text message to MacCalmain, warning him to stay away from Storybrooke… to keep Grace, instead, safe in New York City, where he’d instructed the man to take her, and afterwards, he hit his speed dial and listened, with increasing dread, to the sound of Jefferson’s phone ringing… and ringing… and—

Silence. 

Jefferson, or someone in his place, had declined the call. He tried again to the same effect, and then a third time, this time rewarded with a click, and a cough, and then a voice he barely recognized as belonging to Jefferson rasped out two words that left him colder than even the call he’d shared with West.

Just two words.

“We’re... coming. ”

[hotch-girl]

hi! my sweet darling h! 🤍

how are you bestie? i hope everything has been going well for you! pls! i hope this past week has been kind to you! you deserve it! i also hope that you are taking your time to rest and are drinking your water! love you so v much! i just wanted to stop by bestie! 🤍🌱

mely my actual angel of a bestie hiii!!! I was literally just thinking of you and wondering how you've been? I hope u havent been girlbossing too hard lately and that summer is treating u as it should!!! 🫶🏼💕

im doing great, ty for asking lovely! it's been so hot where I live tho that I ALWAYS need the water reminders sdjkfhd. thank u for reminding me and keeping me from heat stroke ily ❤️

wishing u the most perfect lovely wonderful weekend bc u deserve it!!! love u so much bestie and ALWAYS appreciating seeing u in my inbox MWAH <3 <3 <3

[leia505]

The Sunrise and Your Sins | Chapter 2 (NSFW)

!!!! Link to Chapter 1 !!!!

AAAHHH thank you to everyone who read my first chapter!!! I’m sorry for the super long delay on chapter 2, I’ve been recovering from a car accident so this fanfic kind of lost it’s priority bc I’ve been in pain lol. But I’m feeling better now so new chapters should be coming out faster! 

From this chapter forward, there will be explicit sexual content meant for audiences 18+ so minors please do not engage! or engage and just don’t tell me idk 

All links to car visuals and playlists and art and tags and all that jazz can be found in chapter 1 :) 

Word Count: 14k

New Tags: consensual sex, oral sex(giving and receiving), brat and dom, choking, breeding kink, face sitting 

‘You free this weekend?’ you read the text off of your phone. You groggily glance at the time, which read 3:33 AM. 

‘Depends.’ you respond back to Kuroo.  Two and a half weeks had passed since the last job he worked, meaning it had been two and half weeks since you had seen him and discussed your suspicions about your father. 

‘Friend of mine is throwing a party. Karasuno Killers are gonna be there.’ Kuroo replies. Your pulse quickens, remembering the conversation you and Kuroo had about your brother and his racing team. 

‘I’ll be there.’ you pause before hitting send, questioning if the action you were tempted to make was a good idea. ‘Are you free rn?’ you type, pressing send and locking your phone, setting it down next to you as you stared up at the ceiling. Your heart raced at even the thought of Kuroo, of the idea of being in his presence alone again.

Your phone lit up seconds later. ‘Be there in 15.’ You can feel yourself blushing, and you can’t stop the grin that spread across your face. 

You practically jump out of bed, changing into something casual. A flash of red catches your eye, and you grab Kuroo’s jacket, draping it over your shoulders. You sit back down in bed, impatiently waiting for Kuroo to text you. 

After what felt like an eternity, you finally got a text from him. ‘Here princess.’ You smirk at the use of the nickname, you were starting to get used to hearing him call you princess, and you couldn’t deny the fact that you liked it. 

Moving quietly through the house, you quickly peer over to your father’s office to see if the lights were on. Long work nights were common with him, the only downside being that the computer with access to the security cameras was in that office. Lucky for you, he seemed to be asleep upstairs, so that was one less thing to worry about. 

“Hey there.” Kuroo’s deep voice practically echoed through the quiet night, and you quickly shush him as you lock the front door. He laughs, holding the car door open for you. He shuts it behind you and goes around to his side, climbing in and starting the car. 

“So, where to?” He asks, turning to you, his elbow resting against the center console, a huge grin spread across his face. 

“Anywhere.” You say, anxious to get away from your house, away from your father. It gave you chills thinking about your brother and the connections that were beginning to form, with your father only a few feet away at times. You tried your hardest to act as normal as possible around him, but you knew that eventually he would catch on to your sudden change in behavior. 

“Are you hungry?” Kuroo asks, pulling out his phone and unlocking it. You take a peek at his lock screen, and see a photo of a black cat staring back at you. 

You shrug. “I could eat.” You say, causing Kuroo to chuckle. 

“I know the perfect place.” He says, calling someone. “Hey Haiba, you guys still open?” He pauses as the person named Haiba responds. “Perfect. I’ll be there in 20. Save a table for two.” He pauses yet again. “No you ass, not for Kenma. I’m bringing a girl.” He says, hanging up the phone. 

You laugh at the interaction between them, looking over at Kuroo as he pulls out of the driveway and through the neighborhood. Kuroo glances over at you, smirking when he realizes you were already looking. You quickly look away, staring ahead intensely. 

“You look cute in my jacket.” He says. 

“Does that mean I get to keep it?” You ask playfully, smiling sweetly at him. He laughs, a big grin on his face. 

“I’ll tell you what. You can keep it, but I will need to borrow it from time to time for races. Fair?” He says, holding a hand out for you to shake as he keeps the other on the wheel. 

“Sounds good to me.” You say, grabbing his hand and shaking it. Your fingers graze over the callouses and scars on his knuckles, and you turn his hand over to examine them. 

“Just some work related injuries.” He jokes, squeezing your hand.

“These are from working for my dad?” You ask, your voice quiet, almost out of shame. 

“Yeah.” He responds. You couldn’t hide the painful expression on your face and Kuroo quickly took notice of it. “Nothing to worry about though, princess. I’m tougher than I look, I promise.” He says, winking. Kuroo brings your hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss, making your heart skip a beat and your cheeks glow red. 

He lets go of your hand to switch gears as you enter the city. There are no shops that appear to be open and no one on the street. Kuroo slows down, pulling into a parking lot. 

“It doesn’t look like anything’s open.” You state as Kuroo gets out of the car. 

“Looks can be deceiving.” He says, shutting his car door. You let yourself out, closing the door behind you and turning towards him. He takes your hand and leads you to a small shop with a sign that reads “Haiba Ramen”. From the outside it had looked as though it was closed, but as soon as Kuroo swung the door open, you realized it was anything but.  

There were plenty of people in there, almost all of them wearing racing jackets of different colors, the style similar to Kuroo’s. The smell of ramen was strong and welcoming, your hunger growing as you entered the shop. 

“DK!” You hear someone call out. The patrons of the ramen shop all turn their heads to look at the both of you, and you were met by a chorus of greetings. 

“Someone’s popular.” You quietly comment to him as he leads you to a table away from the crowds. 

“Haiba’s part of Nekoma Crew, part time mechanic, part time ramen shop owner. He’s better at cooking than fixing cars though.” Kuroo motions towards the other patrons in the shop. “These are all racers. The store is closed to the public at 10, but stays open for friends and racers until 5. Me and the team usually have our meetings and get togethers here.” 

“Well who else would let you fuckers in this late at night?” A tall guy with silver hair says, placing two waters on the table. Kuroo gets up to greet him. 

“We’re eternally grateful Lev.” Kuroo jokes, giving Lev a half hug. Lev rolls his eyes as Kuroo sits back down.

“Hi.” You say shyly, giving a small wave to Lev, who smiled down at you. 

“You must be…(y/n).” Lev says holding a hand out for you to shake. 

You scrunch your eyebrows together, shaking his hand. “Uh, how do you know my name?” You ask skeptically, curious as to how he already knew you. 

“DK won’t stop talking about you at the shop. Sometimes it’s like he can’t shut up about you.” Lev smirks, looking over at Kuroo. You look at Kuroo with a face of fake shock, grinning from ear to ear. You see his ears growing red as he avoids your gaze. 

“Your tip is rapidly decreasing the longer this conversation goes on for.” Kuroo says, making you laugh. Lev scoffs, mockingly putting his hands up. 

“Alright, alright. I wouldn’t want to third wheel on your date any longer anyways. Now, what would you two love birds like to eat?” 

Kuroo sighs, putting his face in his hands in distress. The entire exchange made you laugh, getting to see Kuroo as a normal guy instead of a mob henchman was refreshing. Friends, not colleagues. Race cars, not drugs. Not to mention, it gives you butterflies thinking about the fact he talks about you to his crew. 

“Surprise me.” You say, catching Lev’s attention. “Make me whatever you think I’d like. Or whatever you feel like making. I promise I’ll eat anything.” Lev grins brightly, turning towards Kuroo. 

“I like her. Don’t screw this up!” Lev calls out to Kuroo as he walks away to the kitchen to start on whatever it was he would choose to serve you. 

“So you talk about me, huh?” You say, smirking at Kuroo. 

“Maybe.” He says, cheekily grinning at you. “You don’t talk about me to your friends?” 

“I...don’t have friends.” You say, shrugging. “In case you haven’t noticed, I don’t really leave the house much.” 

“You don’t have any friends?” Kuroo asks, a puzzled expression on his face. 

“Nope.” You say, taking a sip of your water. “I mean, I had friends in high school. But I sort of drifted away from them after graduation and after my brother died.” 

Kuroo nods, knowing that your brother’s death was a touchy topic. “Well, you have to have someone to talk to. Someone you consider a friend.” He says, diverting the conversation away from the dark and depressing stuff. 

You thought to yourself for a second, trying to think of a person you found yourself spending time with and talking to, or even someone that you enjoy being around. “You.” You answer, smiling at Kuroo. “You’re kinda the only person I ever talk to.” 

Kuroo smiles back at you, letting out a small chuckle. “I’m honored, princess.” Kuroo takes your hand in his, planting another gentle kiss on the top of your hand, making you blush. 

“Are you usually up this late?” You ask, getting curious about Kuroo and his life away from you and your family. 

He shrugs, rubbing small circles along your knuckles. “Some nights, if I have a job or if I’m working on something with Kenma. Tonight I just happened to get a text from a friend about the party this weekend, I thought it’d be a good way for you to get in contact with Karasuno.”

“Who’s party is it?” 

“A good friend of mine, Kotarou Bokuto. He’s the leader of Fukurodani Squad, his racing name is Blackjack.” Kuroo answers. 

“Is he…” You pause, wondering the best way to ask if Bokuto’s a criminal. 

“No.” Kuroo says before you can finish your sentence. “He’s just a racer. Him and his crew are pretty well known internationally, so all his income comes from his shop. He’s...just a really good guy. Not a bad bone in his body.” 

“Oh, so you do have normal friends.” You say sarcastically. 

“Well, Fukurodani and Karasuno are the normal teams. They don’t do the shady stuff. Seijoh Brawlers and Nekoma Crew are pretty similar, since only me and Oikawa do the jobs. Kenma gets involved every once and awhile, but it's rare. Inarizaki though, they’re literally all drug dealers. Drug dealers who happen to also be racers.” Kuroo explains. 

“That would explain why Kita doesn’t have a fancy jacket.” You say, remembering the plain black hoodie he wore the last time you saw him. “So it’s just you, Oikawa, and Kita doing the shady stuff?” 

“Yeah, mainly just us. I promise not all racers are big bad guys.” Kuroo jokes to you. 

“You’re not a bad guy.” You say, squeezing his hand gently. “You’re just...someone who works for a bad guy. Bad guy adjacent.” You smile at him, knowing that one of the things that held Kuroo back from pursuing anything with you was the fact he saw himself as the villain. The truth was, maybe the both of you were just bad guy adjacent — not necessarily the villains, but stuck being attached to the bad. 

Kuroo gives you a sad smile, squeezing your hand back. “I guess that’s better than being the evil genius.” You knew exactly who he was talking about, who the evil genius was in this morbid epic that is your life. The mastermind, the puppeteer, the dark hand behind the curtain. Your father. It was a hard pill to swallow, but it was one that you had to, which you and Kuroo both knew. An unspoken acknowledgement of the fact that sooner or later, you would have to face your demons — that regardless of what, or who, they are — Kuroo would be right there beside you. 

Your moment with Kuroo was interrupted by Lev, walking out of the kitchen carrying a plate and a bowl. “Bon appetit love birds.” He says, placing a bowl of ramen in front of Kuroo and a plate of chicken wings in front of you. 

“Thanks Lev. Put it on the shop’s tab.” Kuroo says, digging into his ramen. 

“Thanks Lev.” You say, smiling and picking up a chicken wing. It was still steaming, hot and fresh from the fryer. 

“I hope you two enjoy. DK, you gonna be at Blackjack’s party this Saturday?” Lev asks, turning towards Kuroo. 

“Yeah, we’ll be there. Do you know who the party’s for?” Kuroo asks, picking up a soft boiled egg from his ramen and eating it. 

Lev shrugs, throwing a kitchen towel over his shoulder. “No clue. That guy just throws parties for the hell of it. I’ll see you both there!” He says, walking back towards the kitchen. 

You take a bite of the chicken wing, and you instantly understand why Kuroo said he was a great cook. “Holy shit.” You say, looking over at Kuroo. 

Kuroo peers over at you with a mouth full of noodles. “I know.” He says, mouth stuffed to the brim. He finishes chewing and wipes his mouth with a napkin. “A guy on my crew named Yamamoto always gets them. Same with Bokuto.” 

“It seems like you know everyone in Tokyo.” You say, digging into your big plate of wings. Lev also left you a small bowl of rice as well as a cup of miso soup, which you also began digging into. 

Kuroo laughs, picking up more noodles from his bowl. “If they race, I know them.” 

“It also seems like everyone knows you.” You say, thinking back to when you first entered the shop, and all the greetings Kuroo was met with. 

“Well, everyone kinda does. Y’know a title like Drift King isn’t just given to anyone.” He says, smirking at you. You roll your eyes at his arrogance. 

“How lucky am I to be sharing a meal with the great Drift King.” You say jokingly. Kuroo places his chopsticks down, looking across the table at you. 

“Is this not a date?” He asks seriously, eyebrows furrowed. You practically choke on your chicken, which you place down on the table. After wiping your hands on a napkin, you look at Kuroo, who was still staring at you intensely. 

“Was it supposed to be?” You ask shyly, unsure if the miscommunication was on your end or his. 

“Well, I kind of assumed, you asked if I was free. Now we’re eating a meal together. You never really fight it when people talk to us like a couple.” Kuroo says, fidgeting with his spoon that laid in the broth of his ramen. 

You pause for a second, thinking over what he just said. You avert his gaze, staring into your miso soup which had begun to settle and separate. “Did you...want this to be a date?” You ask, looking up at him skeptically. 

“I definitely wouldn’t be opposed to it being a date.” He answers carefully, but with a tone of confidence. “But, if you don’t want it to be, that’s fine.” He says quickly, trying to avoid a bad mood shift between the two of you. 

You pondered again over what he said, and what it would mean for the two of you. Is a relationship the right thing to get into with everything going on? Would it even be appropriate for the two of you to be together? 

“This is a date.” You say, your heart pounding away anxiously as you look into Kuroo’s hypnotizing hazel eyes. He grins proudly at you, all feelings of anxiety going away as soon as you confirmed that this was, in fact, a date. “But, it is just a date. It doesn’t mean anything...specific.” 

He shrugs, picking his chopsticks up to continue eating. “That’s fair. No worries, princess. I’m in no rush here.” 

You smile to yourself, content with the conclusion that you and Kuroo came to. “Thanks. I just don’t think I’m ready for anything serious right now. With everything going on with my dad.” You say, knowing that this was something Kuroo already knew. 

“Yeah, I get it. Bigger fish to fry right now. It’s not like I’m going anywhere.” He says, winking at you. 

The two of you had continued to eat in silence, occupied with the delicious food in front of you. At one point, Kuroo had placed a small bundle of noodles into a spoon of broth, holding it out for you. 

“Aw, for me?” You say, leaning over to take the bite. The ramen was perfect, apparently everything Lev made was incredible. 

“What kind of guy doesn’t share his food with his beautiful date?” He says, making you smile. 

“I guess that means you deserve a chicken wing.” You say playfully, placing a wing in the empty bowl that once held your miso soup. “You should feel special, I really don’t share my food.” 

The two of you had finished your meals in silence, simply enjoying one another’s company. It feels as though this small outing was a break from the reality you both dread — rather than playing detective or operating within a gang, you were just a couple out on a date. 

“We better come back here one of these days.” You say, stacking your empty dishes up. You and Kuroo had finished everything, full and happy, now starting to get sleepy. The other racers in the shop had already left, and you could hear Lev cleaning in the kitchen. 

“Fine by me. As long as you still consider it a date.” Kuroo says, getting up from his seat and stretching. You get up as well, and Kuroo holds out a hand for you to take, which you do. Walking alongside him with his hand in yours, you grab onto his arm with your other hand, feeling especially affectionate towards him. 

“See you later Haiba!” Kuroo calls out as the two of you exit the shop, the cool night air breezing past your face, waking you up. 

You let go of Kuroo’s hand to open up your car door, and Kuroo walks around to his side and climbs in. As he turns on the car, the clock reads 5:05 AM. 

“It’s pretty late.” You comment, realizing how tired you had gotten. You lay your head against the car seat, turning your head to look at Kuroo. 

“Yeah, I know. Do you wanna go home now?” He asks, turning towards you to see your drooping eyelids. 

“Hmmm… not just yet. How about you drop me off when the sun comes up?” You ask sleepily. 

“Whatever you want princess.” Kuroo says quietly, starting the car. You rest your eyes as Kuroo begins driving off, feeling content as you drift off to the sound of Kuroo switching gears. You never thought that you’d ever be comfortable enough to fall asleep in someone’s car, given how paranoid your brother’s death had made you. But with Kuroo, you were just so at home, so trusting of him. You almost couldn’t believe that before your first job with Kuroo,  you just saw him as the hot guy who worked for your dad. 

Before you knew it, you were being gently awoken by Kuroo, the sun beginning to peak over the horizon. You didn’t recognize your surroundings, but you weren’t at all worried. There was never anything to worry about if Kuroo was with you. 

“Where are we?” You ask, looking around. It appeared as though Kuroo took you to a park, a bit away from the city. 

“We had some time to kill, I figured you’d want to see the sunrise.” He says, unbuckling his seat belt and turning to look out to the horizon. You do the same, sitting up in your seat and rubbing the sleep from your eyes. 

After a few moments, you recognize the park Kuroo took you to. “When I was younger, my mom would take me and my brother here.” You say, memories coming back to you. You thought it was strange, how everything seemed to be leading back to your brother lately. It almost felt like a sign. 

“I used to come here a lot too, with Kenma. Maybe we ran into each other once.” Kuroo says, leaning against the armrest. You gently lay your head against his shoulder, wrapping both of your arms around his. 

“What a coincidence that we ended up here.” You say softly, relishing the moment between the two of you. The sun’s rays were barely peeking over the horizon, giving the sky an orange glow. There was a decent amount of overcast, so it gave the sun a softness to it. It was as though the sky was still drowsy, unprepared to make its first appearance for the day. 

“No place I’d rather be.” Kuroo says, barely louder than a whisper. He tenderly places a kiss on the top of your head, staying there for a second longer than expected. 

You slowly move your head up to look at him, your faces closer than they have ever been before. At this distance, you could really study the features on his beautiful face, the dark bags under his eyes from one too many late nights, the small scar on his cheek that was most likely from a job gone wrong, his dark lashes that framed the striking hazel eyes that now stared directly into your own. 

You thought about all the other people that had stared into the same set of eyes you were now gazing into — all the women who knew him intimately, the friends who saw the good in him, the enemies who saw the evil, those whose last moments were spent looking down the barrel of a gun into these hazel eyes. To them, it probably felt like staring into the gates of hell, but for you, it felt like home. Kuroo felt like home. 

His lips slowly graze against yours, almost tentative, trying to read the situation as it happens in real time. A simple ask, a gentle whisper of a question against your lips, inquiring if this was okay. 

In a surge of confidence, your lips crash against his, urgency in your kiss, borderline desperation. Had you been pining for Kuroo all this time? More importantly, was he? 

His hand gently made its way up to your face, as yours snaked behind his neck, pulling him closer. His other hand moved underneath his jacket that you wore, wrapping around your waist. You felt the calluses on his fingertips, rough against the smooth skin of your lower back. 

The sun began beaming into the car, bringing the both of you into the light. It felt euphoric, being bathed in morning sun as you kissed Kuroo. Your heart raced in excitement as you felt Kuroo smile against your lips, and you gently sigh as he pulls away to look into your eyes. 

He grins at you, his eyes studying every detail of your face. You smile back at him, feeling pure bliss. 

“You kinda taste like chicken wings.” Kuroo says, chuckling softly. He gently runs his thumb against your cheek, admiring your face. 

You close your eyes, shaking your head at his stupid comment. You laugh, realizing that the goofiness, the silly jokes and banter that you and Kuroo share is the reason why there were never any doubts in your mind with him. Kuroo could make you laugh despite all the darkness in your life, and that is what made you feel the way you felt. Maybe it was love, but maybe it was too soon to tell. Maybe being the girl in the passenger seat was enough for you at this time. 

“Well you taste like ramen.” You say, your voice hoarse. 

“What a pair we make.” Kuroo says, placing one last tender kiss on your lips. 

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“Sweetheart, come here for a moment.” You hear your father call out to you from the hallway. You let yourself into his office, and find Kuroo sitting in the chair in front of his desk. 

“What’s going on?” You ask tentatively, sitting next to Kuroo. 

“Your dad has some questions. About us.” Kuroo says. 

“Us?” You question, looking at Kuroo. He wore a poker face perfectly, staring directly at your father with an unwavering gaze. 

“I know you two are getting close. And (y/n), sweetheart, you know I trust you. And Tetsurou, you have earned my trust over the years with your loyalty to this family. I just need to know what exactly is happening with you two.” Your father says. 

“We’re friends.” You say quickly, crossing your arms defensively. 

“Friends?” Kuroo asks, breaking his cool demeanor to look over at you. Your father raises an eyebrow, looking between you and Kuroo curiously as you try to figure out what this relationship is. 

“Maybe more than friends. Someday. Not right this moment. But a strong maybe.” You answer shortly, fumbling over your words. 

“I see.” Your father sees, nodding his head. “Are you two...being safe?” 

“Dad!” You say, embarrassed by this interrogation. 

“Yes, sir. Well, there hasn’t been anything that requires...safety, but when it does — IF! If it does, we will be safe. You have my word.” Kuroo says. You could hear his nerves getting the best of him, and you couldn’t help but find it entertaining how scared he sounds as he practically word vomits to your father. 

“Good.” Your father says shortly, awkwardly adjusting in his seat. “Now, for business...I don’t know if I’m okay with (y/n) being seen with you.” 

“What?” You ask, raising an eyebrow. 

“Our family is a moving target for a lot of people, especially the Nohebi Clan. I don’t know if it’s the best idea for the two of you to be going out in public.” 

“I understand, sir.” Kuroo says, in his eyes you could see his disappointment. 

“Dad, that’s ridiculous.” You say, getting fed up with the passivity of the conversation. “I’m going to be leading the Sakanoshita family one day. I’m a target no matter what. But no one will take me seriously when I do take over if I’m locked away all the time. People need to know me. They need to know who’s going to be the next King of Tokyo.” 

“But you just had your first job. You’re jumping into this too quickly.” Your father argues. 

“Keishin had years of training. I’m playing a game of catch up here, and I think the more experience I have, the better. I can’t run an empire from the confines of this house, dad.” Again, playing the dead brother card. It’s a tricky one to play, but it always works. 

Your father sighs, folding his hands in front of him. “You sure know how to argue.” 

“I learned from the best.” You say, smirking. 

“I’ll make a deal with you.” Your father turns toward Kuroo. “You’re getting a promotion. You’re now (y/n)’s bodyguard. She goes somewhere, you follow. If she wants to go somewhere that is potentially dangerous, don’t allow it. And you.” He turns back towards you once more. “You don’t go anywhere without him. You can go out, be social, earn your place here as a Sakanoshita. Let people learn who’s the next King of Tokyo.” 

You grin, knowing that you would be able to reach an agreement with your father. “Sounds like a deal. Kuroo and I will be going to a party this Saturday.” 

As you proudly saunter out of your father’s office, he calls out a question. “What party?” 

“Racer party. Gotta make sure everyone knows the new Sakanoshita boss.” You call out, walking out the door and down the hallway, leaving Kuroo and your father to their business meeting. 

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You could hear the party before you could see it, the music blasting so loud it could be heard from down the street. Even this far from the house, there were already cars parked along the side, all shiny and suped up like Kuroo’s. A lot of time had passed since your last real social outing, but you were at ease knowing Kuroo would be there with you. 

“Just a fair warning, Bokuto is...very loud.” Kuroo says, slowly driving past all the cars and making his way to the driveway of the house. The house was very modern, with a long driveway leading up to a white home with a balcony in the front, huge windows letting you peek in to see all the people inside. The music continued to grow louder and louder as you drew closer to the house, and the cars got nicer as well. Apparently only the people with fancy cars got the good parking spots. 

“How loud are we talking?” You ask Kuroo as he puts the car in park and turns the engine off. 

“Like...imagine the exact polar opposite of Kenma. Then make it louder. That’s Bokuto.” Kuroo explains as he gets out of the car. You do the same, walking over to his side and grabbing his hand. The two of you walk up the stairs to the door, and Kuroo swings it open without knocking. And just like that, you were officially at your first street racer party. 

“Hey, it’s DK!” You hear someone shout distantly, followed by a chorus of greetings. It was just like the ramen shop, everyone being so quick to greet Kuroo. 

“Hey everyone.” Kuroo says loudly, greeting everyone at once. He pulls your hand so you’re standing in front of him, leading the way into the party. Everyone gawks at you as Kuroo places a hand on your waist, coaxing you to walk further into the house. 

“Does everyone know you? Should I start getting used to that sort of greeting?” You ask, maneuvering your way through the crowd. 

Kuroo laughs, giving your belt loop a tug and pulling you into him, your back crashing into his strong chest. “Eventually people will start saying DK and (y/n).” He says into your ear, kissing you on the cheek. You smirk at his comment, a part of you enjoyed the attention everyone was giving you as Kuroo held you against his body. He really knew every way to feed into your ego, and you really did love it. 

“HEY HEY HEY! IS THAT MY BOY DK?!” you hear a loud, chaotic voice say from the kitchen. You and Kuroo turn your heads to find the source, and you see a tall, muscular guy with spiky grey hair grinning at the both of you. You notice the grey bomber jacket he wore, meaning that he was a racer like Kuroo and Oikawa. His appearance was a bit intimidating, and his features were almost...owl-like. 

“BOKUTO!” Kuroo yells, letting go of your hand to greet the host of the party. The two tall, well built men embrace in a hug, clapping each other on the back. You stand there, smiling at this new side of Kuroo. You understood what he meant by Bokuto making him feel more normal. 

“Good to see you dude! Hey, Lev mentioned you were bringing a girl! Where is she?!” Bokuto asks excitedly, looking around to try and spot you. 

“Right here.” You answer, moving to stand next to Kuroo. “I’m (y/n). And I’m assuming you’re the infamous Bokuto?” 

Bokuto laughs, throwing his head back. “Infamous, eh? That must mean DK’s been talking about me.” 

“I figured I should warn her on what she’d be walking into.” Kuroo says slyly, wrapping an arm around you. You found it endearing how affectionate Kuroo acts with you, making sure to keep you close. 

“Glad I didn’t scare ya away.” Bokuto jokes, grinning at you. “Well, DK here is like a brother to me, so by extension that makes you family. Both of you just make yourselves right at home, drink whatever you want and let me know if you need anything. Mi casa es su casa, as Cypher would say. Well, he probably wouldn’t say that, but it’s definitely Spanish.” 

You laugh, smiling up at Bokuto. Kuroo was right, he really is just a genuinely nice guy. Bokuto was a refreshing change from the usual dark and scary stuff  that you and Kuroo dealt with. 

“Say, speaking of Cypher, where is the punk?” Kuroo asks, looking around. 

“Upstairs with the rest of the Brawlers. Your guys are out back. Say, you guys want anything to drink?” Bokuto asks, turning to the counter full of liquor. 

“None for me. Gotta make sure someone gets home safe.” Kuroo says, squeezing your shoulder. 

“Well look at you being all chivalrous!” Bokuto says, playfully punching Kuroo’s arm. “Anything for you, (y/n)?”  

“Sure, I’ll drink whatever.” You say, unsure of what to ask for. High school parties were one thing, but what the hell are you supposed to drink at a street racer’s party? 

“One mystery drink coming right up.” Bokuto says, turning around. “Akaashi!” 

A handsome guy with short dark brown hair turns at the sound of his name. “Can you make a drink for (y/n) pretty please?” Bokuto asks, grinning at him. Akaashi nods, putting his cup down and picking up an empty one for you. He pours some random bottles of liquor and some more random juices into a cup, handing it to you. 

“Thanks.” You say, taking the cup. You take a sip, and to your surprise, it wasn’t disgusting. 

“Akaashi’s kinda the drink expert. And car expert. He’s kinda good at everything.” Bokuto says, noticing your look of amazement. Akaashi rolls his eyes behind him, but you notice his ears flushing red at Bokuto’s compliment. “I’m gonna go be a good host and do my host thing, but I’ll find you two later!” Bokuto turns away from the both of you, walking towards the crowd of people outside. 

“Oh and DK!” Bokuto calls out loudly, making plenty of people turn towards Kuroo. “I’m glad to see you’re finally off the market! No more bachelor’s life for you!” 

“Bachelor’s life?” You question, looking up at him skeptically. Prying eyes peered over at the two of you, no doubt trying to sneak a peek at the great DK and the girl that took him off the market.

“Don’t worry about it.” He answers, rubbing the back of his neck and avoiding eye contact. Of course he was a lady’s man before you, just look at him. But just how many girls were in your place before you got there? 

Kuroo takes your hand, leading you upstairs to where Cypher was. The two of you found him lounging on a couch with a bunch of other guys wearing jackets similar to his, talking and laughing with a bottle of expensive looking tequila in his hand. 

“Hola amigo.” Kuroo says in a mocking tone, sitting next to Cypher. You sit next to Kuroo, and he puts his arm around you possessively. 

“Hola lovers.” Oikawa slurs, lazily placing an arm around Kuroo. “Good to see you didn’t scare princesa away.” He says, nodding to you. 

“You’re (y/n).” You hear someone say from the opposite end of the couch. You turn your head to see a guy with tan skin and short spiky brown hair staring at you. 

“Uh, yeah.” You say, caught off guard by how many people already knew you. Seriously, how often did Kuroo talk about you? 

“Oh, sorry.” He says, appearing to snap himself out of deep thought. “Cypher was telling us about the last job and mentioned you. Just put two and two together. I’m Iwaizumi.” He says, getting up and extending a hand to you. You shake his hand, smiling at him. 

“That’s right, I was telling a story! Now, as I was saying…” Oikawa continues on, recounting the events of the job that you accompanied them on, silver tequila sloshing around in the glass bottle as Oikawa wildly gestures with his hands as the story progresses. 

“So Sly Fox had the cargo the entire time?” Iwaizumi asks, looking at us skeptically. 

“The entire time.” Kuroo says, nodding. “Speaking of the Sly Fox, where is he?” 

“Outside with your crew.” a scary looking guy with deep set eyes answers. His hair looked very unique, a bleach blonde buzz cut with two black stripes running around his head. 

“Thanks Mad Dog.” Kuroo says, getting up, dragging you with him. “Cypher, let’s go. Got some work talk to do with Sly Fox.” Oikawa clumsily gets up, taking the tequila with him. 

The three of you walk down the stairs and out the backdoor, where you immediately see a group of guys sitting around a fire pit, half of them wearing black, and the other half wearing Nekoma bombers. 

“Sly Fox!” Kuroo calls out, getting Kita’s attention. He looks up from his rolling tray, blunt in hand. “We got some business to talk about. You too, Snake Eyes.” He says, pointing at Kenma. 

Kita nods, looking over at his guys and motioning for them to leave the area. Kuroo does the same, and the Nekoma Crew minus Kenma leave. You, Oikawa, and Kuroo each take a seat around the fire. 

“What are we talking about?” Kenma asks, looking over at you and Kuroo. Kita continues to roll, and Oikawa slouches in his seat, taking sips from his bottle. 

“Yeah, what are we talking about fellas?!” Bokuto says with a grin on his face, walking up to the group of you and grabbing a seat. You couldn’t help but smile at his behavior, his charisma. 

“Work stuff, Bokuto.” Kuroo answers, giving Bokuto a warning look. 

“Oh! Got it! Say no more, plausible deniability and all that jazz. You guys let me know if you need me!” He says, getting up immediately and walking away with haste. The entire time the grin on his face never wavered, he didn’t seem the least bit offended by being kicked out of the conversation.

“Bokuto knows the stuff we do, but we keep him out of it. He’s...a bit soft for our line of work. And he knows if he hears anything, he could get in trouble. So, he stays away.” Kita explains, licking his rolling paper and sealing the blunt. 

“We got some new intel from the boss.” Kuroo says. Oikawa sits up, paying attention now that the real business talk had started. “We may know who gave the anonymous tip during the last job.” 

“Someone we know?” Kenma asks. 

Kuroo nods. “Suguru Daishou. Fangs. He’s the lead for the Nohebi Clan.” 

“Nohebi?” You ask. Everyone looks over at you. “They used to work for my dad.”

“What happened to them?” Kita asks, lighting his blunt and getting it started. 

“Daishou crossed my family, I guess he was trying to make a name for himself by taking on my dad. Didn’t end well.” You say, remembering overhearing your father’s work conversations with Fangs when you were in high school. 

“Which would explain the grudge he has, and why he tried to bust us.” Kenma says. 

“But how would he know about the move? There were no other cars on the road that night.” Oikawa points out, setting his bottle down. 

“That’s the million dollar question. We still don’t know how he knew, but we do know he has eyes on us. Which means you guys and your teams need to be careful, at least until the Daishou problem is sorted out. Sound good?” Kuroo asks, looking at Oikawa and Kita. They both nod, understanding the risk that the Nohebi Clan posed. 

“I’ll see what I can find out about Fangs and Nohebi.” Kenma says, which Kuroo nods to. 

“Thank you. The more we know, the better.” Kuroo glances at you, meeting your eyes. “Any of you guys know where Karasuno Killers are?” He asks, looking around the group. 

“Upstairs living room. You got business with them?” Oikawa asks, looking over at you. 

“Something like that.” Kuroo says, taking your hand and standing up. “We’ll catch you guys later.” 

“See ya.” You say, giving a half wave with your cup in your hand. You follow behind Kuroo, once again going through the house and up the stairs. You were keenly aware of the eyes that seemed to follow your every move, and you couldn’t help but notice that they were almost entirely female. What, was Kuroo such a hot commodity that you being with him tonight was a headline? 

“See that, you pulled the E brake too soon.” You hear someone say from the partially shut door. You and Kuroo had made it to the room that Oikawa said the Karasuno Killers were in. 

“You guys watch racing footage at parties?” Kuroo questions, slowly opening the door. Inside, there were three guys sitting on a couch in front of a TV that appeared to be playing a video of a street race. 

“Not everyone is blessed with your drifting skills, DK.” One of the guys say, getting up to greet him. He had a warm smile, dark brown eyes, and short brown hair. Him and Kuroo give each other one of those bro hugs, and afterwards he turns to look at you. 

“I don’t think we’ve met.” He says, extending his hand to you. “Daichi Sawamura. Mechanic for Karasuno Killers.” 

“(y/n) Sakanoshita.” You say, shaking his hand. He raises his eyebrows slightly at surprise, no doubt at the mention of your family name.

“Sakanoshita?” Another guy with a buzzcut and a gruff voice says from behind Daichi.

“As in the King of Tokyo Sakanoshita?!” The third guy says, his voice higher in pitch. He wore his brown hair spiked up, with a single blonde streak right in the middle.

“Please excuse these two dumbasses, they’re not the best socially.” Daichi smiles apologetically, moving to invite you and Kuroo to join them on the couch. Behind you, Kuroo shuts the door. 

“You said you’re a Sakanoshita?” The buzzcut one repeats, staring at you intensely. 

“Tanaka, chill.” Daichi warns, looking over at him. 

“Yeah Tanaka, you’re gonna scare her away.” The guy with the blonde streak jokes, punching Tanaka in the arm. 

“Oh shut it, Noya.” Tanaka says, shoving him back. “Sorry. My sister knew someone with that last name.” He says, looking over at you once more.

“You’re Saeko’s brother?” You ask him, getting his attention. He looks surprised, almost a little scared by his sister’s name being mentioned. 

“How do you know my sister?” He asks, his voice taking on a threatening tone. 

“Yeah, what’s your business with big sis?” Noya asks, eyes darting between you and Kuroo. 

“Take it easy, guys. We mean no harm, I swear it on my crew.” Kuroo says in a peaceful tone. Tanaka and Noya lighten up, but continue to stare at you skeptically. 

“Keishin Ukai was my brother.” You say, causing the three men from Karasuno to sit straight up, simply from the mention of his name. “I know he dated your sister, and I want to talk to her.” 

“No one talks to big sis. Especially not strangers.” Noya says, leaning back against the couch. 

“You’re Black Lungs’ sister?” Daichi asks, looking at you with curiosity. 

“Yeah. He raced under the name Ukai to get away from my family. And I know about the accident. I’m sorry Tanaka.” You say sincerely, looking at Tanaka. You didn’t know to what extent Saeko was injured, but you assumed that she had to have taken some amount of damage. 

Tanaka shrugs, looking away. “It’s all good. Why do you need to talk to my sister?” 

“I need to know the truth about my brother. About how he died. And I heard that your sister and my brother were pretty close, I just want to talk to her about him.” You say, nearly begging. 

Tanaka sat for a second, thinking of a response. “My sister...she doesn’t talk to many people nowadays. She hasn’t been the same since your brother passed. Black Lung was her soulmate, or whatever.” He says awkwardly, shifting in his seat. “I’m sorry, but I don’t want to put her through reliving that night just for your sake. I really am sorry, (y/n), about your brother. He was a cool dude.” 

You sigh, taking a long drink from your cup. You had a feeling it would go like this, but you couldn’t help feeling disappointed by the outcome. 

“We think we know the truth about his death.” Kuroo says, making everyone in the room look at him. “We know it wasn’t an accident.” You knew he was taking a risk saying this, telling these guys the suspicions you held. He was gamlbing with the only intel the two of you had. 

“What do you mean the truth? His death was a tragic accident and that’s that.” Daichi says in an assertive tone. 

“Daichi, it’s okay.” Tanaka says quietly, his eyes not moving from your own. “You two know the truth? Or just theories?” He questions you. 

“We...have theories. But I think that talking to your sister will help point us in the right direction. Or maybe even give us exactly what we need to prove our theories.” You say, trying your hardest to convince Tanaka. 

Tanaka sighs, looking at the TV, which remained paused on a frame of an orange Mitsubishi. “I don’t know.” 

“No one knows you.” Noya points out, getting your attention. “You don’t belong to any crew, I know you’re here with DK but you aren’t officially a part of Nekoma. Everyone knows your dad is a shady dude. And Saeko shouldn’t have to relive Black Lung’s death for a stranger.” 

“You’re right.” You say, knowing that everything he was saying was correct. You were a stranger, the idea of a dead street racer’s little sister suddenly coming out of hiding to ask a thousand questions about her brother’s death was far fetched, even for you. “You guys have no reason to trust me, or to let me talk to Saeko. But I’m desperate. I just — I need to know what happened to my brother. I’ll do anything.” 

“What do you think Saeko would want? What would she have (y/n) do to prove herself?” Kuroo asks. 

“I know exactly what she would want.” Tanaka says, sighing and sitting up. “A race. A memorial for Black Lung. We haven’t had one for a while, but the last time she had one, all the money raised from it went to...a memorial fund. For your brother.” 

“A memorial fund? For Keishin?” You question, uncertain why the son of a millionaire needed a memorial fund. 

“It goes to Saeko. Helps keep the shop open, and funds her research into what happened to your brother.” Daichi answers. 

“So I’m not the only one with theories.” You say, beginning to understand. “I’m assuming it goes to P.I.’s, buying access to private files, stuff like that?” 

“We can neither confirm nor deny that.” Noya says in a robotic tone, like it was a line he was taught to say. 

“If we do the memorial race, who’s racing?” Kuroo asks, changing the topic. 

“Me.” You answer immediately, making everyone look at you in shock. “A Black Lung memorial race, with his little sister making her racing debut. It could be big. Raise a lot of money. I know the type of power my family name has in this city.” 

“And it would prove to Saeko that you’re serious about meeting her.” Daichi points out. 

“Okay, how about this.” Tanaka says, shifting in his seat once more. “You and me, headline race. If we can get some more racers in on this, then great. If you win, you can meet Saeko. If you don’t, then oh well. At least she’ll get some more funds for her...side project.” 

“I can get some more racers in on this.” Kuroo says. 

“Perfect. We got a deal, you two?” Daichi asks, looking between you and Tanaka. You nod, sticking your hand out. 

“Deal.” Tanaka says, shaking your hand.

“Looks like we got a race to plan.” Daichi says, grinning at Kuroo. 

Kuroo smirks, getting up. “I’ll go start recruiting some more racers.” 

You follow Kuroo, getting up and heading for the door. “I’ll see you on the road, cue ball.” You say, smirking at Tanaka. You slowly head out, leaving the door cracked open. 

“HA! CUE BALL! Get it, cause you’re freakin bald!” Noya yells, cackling with laughter. You chuckle, their conservation fading out as you walk with Kuroo back downstairs. 

For about an hour or so, you and Kuroo went around the party, mingling with racers, recruiting them for the Black Lung memorial. You got at least enough people for three more races. So far, the lineup was you vs. Tanaka, Kuroo vs. Bokuto, Iwaizumi vs. Atsumu Miya from Inarizaki, and Oikawa vs. Kita. Kuroo pointed out that there would be a good turnout for the memorial given how many great racers were on the bracket, which made you both nervous and hopeful. 

“So, since when do you race?” Kuroo asks you, sitting down on the couch. 

“I’m pretty sure I can figure it out.” You say, sitting down next to him, draping your legs over his. “Gas pedal makes car go vroom vroom. Seems simple enough.” You joke to him, making him roll his eyes. 

“Sounds like someone needs a teacher.” He says, leaning closer to you. 

“Sounds like someone wants to teach me.” You say, closing the gap between the two of you, kissing him. 

A buzz from your pocket interrupts you, causing you to pull away from Kuroo and take your phone out. 

‘Call me now.’ the text read from your dad. Kuroo saw it over your shoulder, and immediately sat up. 

“Dad, is everything okay?” You ask, trying to drown out the sound of the party. 

“You need to get out of there, have Kuroo take you somewhere safe. Nohebi is looking for us.” Your dad says in a rushed tone. You hear some shuffling on his end, and your mother’s voice in the distance. 

“What? Nohebi knows I’m here?” You ask. Kuroo looks at you with concern, seemingly ready to get up and run at any moment. 

“Daishou has eyes everywhere. Don’t come home, your mother and I won’t be here. Tell Kuroo to protect you no matter what.” There’s a brief moment of silence between the two of you. “Your mom and I love you, sweetheart. We’ll see you soon.” Three beeps signal the end of the call. 

“We need to go. Nohebi’s coming.” You say, jumping up. Kuroo follows suit. 

“I’ll let the guys know.” Kuroo says, beginning to race towards the backyard where Inarizaki, Seijoh, and Nekoma were hanging out. 

You follow him out, trailing behind him as he approaches Cypher and Sly Fox. Before you can catch up to him, he’s already heading back towards you, taking your hand and dragging you through the house and out the front door. 

“Will everyone be okay?” You ask him, running to the car. You hop in, Kuroo doing the same and turning the car on. 

“Between Seijoh, Inarizaki, and Nekoma, they have Nohebi outnumbered three to one. They won’t try anything at a party this crowded. Daishou’s too smart to fight a losing battle.” Kuroo says, immediately racing away from the party, the houses of the neighborhood zooming past your line of sight. “The gangs aren’t the target anyways. We are.” 

As if on cue, you see in the rearview mirror three cars pull up to the party, and Daishou climbs out of one of them. He was vaguely familiar, you could barely recall seeing him in your father’s office, but you knew that he would recognize you and Kuroo in a heartbeat. 

“We got out just in time.” You say, looking over at Kuroo. 

“Barely. We’re not in the clear just yet princess, still need to get somewhere safe.” Kuroo says shortly, continuing to fly down the empty Tokyo streets. “We don’t know if Daishou had eyes on us as we left. And as soon as he realizes we aren’t there, they’re gonna be all over the city looking for us.” 

“So where do we go?” You ask him. 

Kuroo pauses, staring out at the freeway in front of the two of you. “My safehouse. It’s under a bogus name, in an old neighborhood. They won’t know to look there.” 

You nod, sighing and rubbing your eyes. You didn’t feel even the slightest bit tipsy from the drink you had earlier. How did the night go bad so quickly?

“Hey.” Kuroo says gently, reaching over to hold your hand. “Everything will be okay. As soon as we’re at the safehouse, we’ll be in the clear. And I’m sure your mom and dad are somewhere safe as well.” 

His reassurance goes a long way, easing your nerves and allowing you to relax a little. There was no use stressing yourself out while you’re stuck in the car, driving to an unknown destination. 

After about 50 minutes of silent driving, Kuroo finally pulls off of the freeway and enters an old, run down neighborhood. Everything was quiet, and the streetlights overhead were flickering in the darkness. 

“Home sweet home.” Kuroo says, pulling into an alley next to an apartment building. He turns the car off, going to the trunk. You get out as well, watching Kuroo as he drapes a large tarp over the car. A bright red luxury car would definitely stand out in a neighborhood like this. 

Kuroo takes your hand and leads you up the apartment complex stairs to a door labeled ‘A402’. With one of the many keys on his keychain, Kuroo unlocks the door, opening it for you. 

There wasn’t anything very special about the apartment, it seemed like the type of place a person would crash at for a night or two then leave. A small but functional kitchen, a modestly sized living area with a couch and a TV. As you continue further into the apartment, you see a quaint bathroom with a standing shower, and a bedroom barely big enough to fit a full sized bed. 

“There’s some pillows and stuff in the hall closet. And some extra clothes in the bedroom.” Kuroo says, setting his keys on the counter and pulling out his phone. As you reach for a light switch, Kuroo stops you. “Wait, don’t. We shouldn’t make it look like anyone’s home, just in case. At least until I hear back from Kenma.” 

Although his paranoia seemed a bit much for you, you knew that it was for a good reason. If the Nohebi Clan was enough of a threat to make your father go into hiding, no precaution was too extreme. 

“I’m gonna go change.” You call out to him, grabbing a spare shirt and pair of men’s boxers from the bedroom closet. You gently close the door, beginning to strip off your party outfit and changing into Kuroo’s clothes. 

After taking a moment to recollect your thoughts, you decide there was no use worrying about things that were out of your control. Your mother and father, the race that you volunteered for, even the party you just fled from. What was in your control, however, was the bed.

“I’ll put some sheets on the bed.” You shout out to Kuroo once more, grabbing the pillows and sheets from the closet. It felt almost hotel-like, the way everything was pristine and untouched. At least you knew this wasn’t the sort of place Kuroo took other girls. 

“Perfect.” You say, fluffing the pillows one last time, then stepping back to admire your work. 

“I heard back from Kenma.” Kuroo says, pushing the door open and entering the room. He flops onto the bed, ruining your perfect sheets and collapsing your freshly fluffed pillows. 

You sigh in annoyance, closing your eyes to keep your cool. “What did he say?” You ask, sitting next to Kuroo. 

“Everything’s all good. Daishou and his guys showed up, asked for us. Oikawa and Kita were waiting for them, so they barely even made it past the front door. Told them we left a while ago, and that they didn’t know where we went.” Kuroo rubs his forehead with his hands, pushing his hair back. In the dim light that radiated from the street lamps outside, you could see the exhaustion in his eyes. 

“No one got hurt? Are they still out looking for us?” You ask, your brain going a thousand miles an hour. 

“Everyone's fine.” Kuroo says gently, taking your hand. “From what Kenma knows, they gave up looking for us and now they’re trying to find your dad. I think they’re assuming I brought you to them.” 

You breathe another sigh of relief. The two of you were finally in the clear, finally safe, at least for tonight. “So we’re okay? At least for now?” 

“For now, yes. In the morning Kenma will let me know if we’re all clear to go back to your place. But for right now, we’re safe.” Kuroo says, turning over to face you, wrapping his arms around your waist, resting his head on your thigh. 

“We’re safe.” You whisper to yourself, running your fingers through Kuroo’s unruly black hair. The moment of calm being shared between the two of you is disrupted by a loud rumbling from your stomach. 

“You hungry?” Kuroo asks, grinning against your leg. 

“Maybe.” You say, realizing how hungry you’ve been all night. Is eating at parties still not cool, or was that only a high school thing? You didn’t see anyone else eating at Bokuto’s, so you assume it still wasn’t. Or maybe you were too worried about everyone staring at you to notice if anyone was eating. 

“I’ll go grab some stuff at the convenience store.” Kuroo says, getting up and grabbing his jacket. “Onigiri?” 

“And some ramen please.” You request politely, smiling sweetly at him. “Be careful.” 

“Always am, princess.” He says, leaning down to plant a kiss on your lips. 

Kuroo exits the room and you hear the front door shut and lock. You found yourself in a silent, dark apartment, alone. 

‘Might as well see if the TV works.’ you think to yourself, getting up and walking to the living room and plopping down on the couch. Just like the bed, it felt brand new, as if you were the first person to sit on it. 

After flicking the TV on, you mindlessly scroll through channels, trying to find something to occupy your mind. It felt wrong, how everything was so dangerous and scary tonight, but all that you could think of was that one thing Bokuto said. ‘No more bachelor’s life for you!’ What does that even mean? 

Grabbing your phone, you realize that you really had no one to talk to. Normal girls would text their best friend, or even just a regular friend when they want to talk about boy problems. Normal girls, with normal friends and safe lives. Maybe Kuroo really is the only person you talk to. 

You scroll through your recent messages, trying to find anyone to talk to. Dad — no. For obvious reasons. Mom — maybe on a regular day, but not right now. Kuroo — big no, for even more obvious reasons. Dentist — yeah, if you were really that desperate. 

“I guess I could talk to myself.” You mutter out loud. After a moment of lonesome silence, you sigh. “Yeah, no. I’m not that crazy.” 

What kind of bachelor’s life was Kuroo living before you came along, before that early morning watching the sunrise? You always assumed he was the no strings attached sort of guy, considering the type of work he does. But then again, the only times you ever saw him was when he was working. Maybe the Kuroo you knew was just one side, the professional side. Of course he let his guard down around you, joking and flirting when you were alone. It had been that way for as long as you could remember, since Kuroo started working for your dad. But maybe that was just another side, the side for girls he was interested in. Maybe you weren’t the only one who got to see that side. You saw two out of however many sides he has — the flirt and the henchman. Maybe you didn’t know him at all. 

The sound of the front door creaking open draws you out of your thoughts, and you look up to see Kuroo with a convenience store bag filled with food. 

“I wasn’t sure which onigiri you’d want, so I got one of each.” He says, plopping a bag filled with various onigiris onto the living room table. “And I got two ramens, spicy and regular. I’ll take whichever one you don’t want.” 

“Spicy please.” You say, chuckling at how much food Kuroo got for just the two of you. Kuroo shrugs his jacket off, leaving it on the couch. Grabbing the bag with the ramen, he walks into the kitchen, flicking the lights on. 

“One spicy ramen coming right up.” He says, pulling a pot out of the cupboard. You grab a salmon onigiri from the bag in front of you, unwrapping it and taking a bite. 

“How often do you use this place?” You ask, watching Kuroo as he fills the pot with water and puts it on the stove. 

“Once in a blue moon, really. If a job goes wrong and I need a place to lay low, I stay here. Or if I need a place to crash and don’t feel like driving home.” He answers. 

“Where do you live, anyways?” 

“Close by the Nekoma shop, same building as Kenma. We talked about being roommates for a while, but we agreed we’d probably start hating one another.” Kuroo chuckles to himself, walking back to the living room to grab an onigiri for himself. 

“So it’s just you?” You ask, trying to steer the conversation in your favor. 

“Me and Yoruichi.”

“Yoruichi?” You ask, feeling like you knew the name from somewhere. Maybe an old anime?

“My cat.” He says, grinning. “I found her on a job, actually. She kept following me around and just jumped into my car when I wasn’t looking.” 

“Sounds like a pretty good life.” You say, trying your hardest to be subtle. “A bachelor’s life.” Okay, not so subtle. 

“I knew you were still thinking about that.” Kuroo says, laughing. “You know you can just ask me stuff. No need to try and jump over hurdles trying to talk to me.” 

“I’m not really good at this.” You admit. “You know...talking. Being open. Relationship stuff.” 

“Relationship, huh?” Kuroo asks, turning to you and smirking. The pot of water behind him was at a rolling boil, letting steam into the kitchen. 

You roll your eyes, your cheeks were definitely blushing but you hope that Kuroo couldn’t see it in the dim light. “Whatever this is.” You say quietly, knowing that a real label was the last thing either of you were thinking of with all the things you both were dealing with. 

“Like I said, ask me anything.” Kuroo says, his back turned to you as he stirred the ramen. 

“What did Bokuto mean by ‘a bachelor’s life’?” You ask, getting up to join Kuroo in the kitchen. You lean against the counter opposite the stove, staring at Kuroo’s muscular back. 

“I was...definitely a bachelor. For a while.” Kuroo says, back still turned to you. 

“Like...you had…” you say, trailing off. You were torn between saying “hoes” or “bitches”.

“I had...some girls that I spent time with. Nothing serious, though. I always made sure to keep things casual.” The conversation felt tense, slowly but surely growing more and more awkward as more details were being revealed. 

“I don’t really care about how many there were.” You say quickly, reassuring Kuroo and clearing some of the tension. “I don’t care who they are either. But is there anyone I should be worried about? It felt like everyone was staring at me at the party.” The memory of all the girls at the party staring at you curiously was persisting in your mind. 

“No one to worry about, really. None of them seem like the type to backstab, especially considering soon everyone will know you’re a Sakanoshita.” Kuroo says slyly, referring to the upcoming race in memory of your brother. You knew that as soon as everyone learned of your family, your sense of anonymity in Kuroo’s world would be gone. 

“I have one more question.” You say, moving to stand next to the stove, nearly in front of Kuroo. “If those girls were nothing, and you usually keep things casual, what are we?” 

Kuroo pauses, thinking for a moment before setting down his chopsticks and turning the heat to a simmer. Turning to you, he places his hands on either side of the counter next to you, trapping you underneath him. Your heart raced as you felt your breath catch in your throat, caught off guard by Kuroo’s sudden closeness to you. 

“I’m whatever you want me to be.” He says, barely louder than a whisper, his lips hovering over yours. 

“You’re mine.” You say, your gaze bouncing from his eyes to his lips. Kuroo moves closer to you, his body pressing against yours. 

“I’m yours.” He responds, wrapping one of his arms around your waist. 

“Kuroo…” You whisper, lips grazing his. He reaches next to you, turning the stove off. In an instant, his lips crash against yours. You wrap your arms around his neck, desperate for more — more contact, more kisses, more Kuroo. The entire night Kuroo kept you close to him, never leaving your side at the party, always making sure to let his kisses linger a few seconds longer than normal. All the pent up tension was finally being released, the adrenaline rush that came with all the drama from tonight only fueled the boldness of yours and Kuroo’s actions. 

You grind your hips against him, making him groan. You were very aware of two things; his growing member, hard against your body, and the sudden wetness between your legs. 

You gently push against Kuroo, freeing yourself from underneath him. His lips stay attached to yours, refusing to break the seal the two of you made. In one swift motion, you release from his grasp, and without looking back, you calmly walk to the bedroom, leaving Kuroo standing in the kitchen alone, pining for more. 

“Are you coming or not? Make sure you turn off the stove.” You call behind you, toying with Kuroo. You grin to yourself, knowing that you were just as irresistible to him as he was to you.

You open the bedroom door, behind you Kuroo’s footsteps grew closer and closer. Suddenly, you feel his arms around your waist again, and in an instant Kuroo is in front of you grabbing you by the throat, moving you so your back is against the door, pushing you backwards to shut it. 

“Such a pretty princess.” Kuroo says, closing the gap between you two. You felt your heart rate quickening, being trapped under Kuroo’s touch like this. A light moan escapes your lips, this dominant side of Kuroo makes you want him even more. His hand wrapped around your throat, his hard cock against your leg, the whole room felt electrified. 

“Kuroo please.” You whisper, eager for more. 

“You want me?” Kuroo asks, his lips barely touching yours. He wraps his other arm around you, grabbing your ass and pulling you against his body. The only thing that stopped the two of you from being directly pressed against one another was his hand around your throat. 

“Yes.” You answer breathlessly, moving your head forward, your lips colliding with his. Kuroo breathes heavily, removing his hand from your throat and moving to grab your ass. Almost by instinct, you give a light jump, wrapping your legs around Kuroo’s waist, his hands supporting you and keeping you from falling. 

Kuroo moves backwards until his legs hit the bed, then he slowly sits and reclines backwards, careful not to drop you or break the kiss. He maintains a firm grip on your ass as you straddle him grinding your hips against his, yearning for more friction between the bulge being held back by his jeans and your throbbing pussy. 

His fingers gently graze at the bottom of your shirt, tugging it upwards. You take the hint, sitting up and removing your top effortlessly. Kuroo does the same, sitting up slightly and lifting his shirt over his head. In the dim glow of the street light from outside, you could just barely make out the dragon tattoo on that stretched from his neck down his arm. 

“Take these off.” Kuroo says, rubbing your thighs.

“What’s the magic word?” You tease. 

“Now.” He says, reaching for your neck, forcefully pulling you down to look him in the eyes. You smirk, relishing in the fact you were able to see this side of Kuroo. There was no fear within you as he tightened his grip around your throat, only more and more arousal at the sight of the great Drift King grasping for control. 

Gently, you take hold of his wrist, making him let go of your neck. After placing a small kiss on his thumb, you get up, unbuttoning your pants. Kuroo’s eyes never left you, he was hypnotized, his hand rubbing his hardened crotch. He almost looked as if he was stuck in a trance, watching you undress before him, as if you were something out of a magazine that had come to life right before his eyes. 

Reaching behind you, you unclip your bra, letting it fall to the floor, your nipples already rock hard. Kuroo lets out a small “fuck”, watching you in amazement. You turn to look at him, feeling no need to cover your nude body, no need to hide from him. You want him to see you, it turns you on watching him touch himself as he stares at you with lust in his eyes. At this moment, you wanted nothing more than to climb into that bed with him and fuck all night long. 

You take a few steps closer to him, bending down and reaching for his pants, smirking as you hear his breath catch in his throat. Kuroo moves his hands away, hoisting himself up on his elbows to watch you. After unbuttoning and unzipping his pants, he moves slightly to allow you to remove his pants — and to his surprise — his underwear as well. 

If there was a god out there, you were certain that they personally blessed Tetsurou Kuroo with a gorgeous penis. Standing perfectly erect in front of you, you stop for a moment to simply take it all in. The size, the girth, the slight lean to the left, the vein popping out in excitement, the droplets of precum gathering on the head. At just the mere sight of his cock, you felt a fire light inside of you, eager to pleasure him.  

“You just gonna sit and stare all night?” Kuroo asks sarcastically, looking down at you with a smirk. Without saying a word, you gently lick the precum off of the head, your eyes not leaving his. He gently sighs, his smirk falling as his mouth stays slightly agape. You will yourself to salivate, and in one seemingly effortless motion, you take his entire length in your mouth, the tip hitting the back of your throat. You gag slightly, trying your hardest to relax your throat to keep his dick in your mouth. Kuroo’s head falls back in pleasure, and a beautiful moan escapes his lips. 

“Goddamn, princess.” Kuroo says, lazily picking his head up to look you in your eyes. Once again maintaining eye contact, you slowly withdraw his dick from your mouth, allowing your drool to dribble from your mouth onto his penis. Kuroo’s chest continued to rise and fall heavily, watching your every move. Licking one long stripe along the vein of his penis, you once again take him in your mouth, this time creating a rhythm, your head bobbing up and down as your hand strokes the length that you couldn’t fit, letting your spit lubricate his cock. 

You begin to lose yourself in the moment, allowing yourself to close your eyes and bask in the sound of Kuroo’s soft groans as you pleasure him. 

“Come here.” Kuroo says, breaking your concentration. You slowly take his length out of your mouth, leaving it wet with your saliva. Kuroo reaches for your thighs, pulling you upwards to look you straight into your eyes as you hover over him, his wet length hitting your inner thigh.

“Sit on my face.” Kuroo commands roughly, hands wandering up and down your legs and ass, his fingers gently brushing the lips of your vagina. You shiver at the small contact made, ready for more. After planting a short kiss on Kuroo’s lips, you let him guide you until your pussy is just barely hovering over his lips, his hands securely gripping your thighs, your bare tits practically glowing in the dim light streaming in from the empty street. You felt so defenseless, exposing yourself as Kuroo stared up at your naked body, you both knew he was strong enough to hold you down against his mouth if he wanted to. 

Slowly, tentatively, you lower yourself down, your heart pounding out of your chest in excitement. Without missing a beat, Kuroo’s large hands tighten their grip on your thighs, holding you steady as his tongue furiously licks your pussy, practically making you double over in ecstasy. 

Your moans and whimpers of pleasure echo through the room, and Kuroo takes this as a signal to quicken his pace, his tongue licking fast strokes against your clit and dipping slightly into your hole. His pace continued getting faster and faster, tongue alternating between circling your clit and deeply thrusting into your hole. You were certain he was leaving bruises on your thighs, trying to keep you still against his devilish mouth. Gripping tightly onto his hair, you feel yourself beginning to come undone on top of him, your walls tightening as you grind your hips against Kuroo’s face, his nose nudging against your clit, the pace never slowing down. You weren’t 100% sure he could breathe, but you didn’t really care. All that mattered to you was reaching your climax with Kuroo’s face buried in your pussy. 

“Kuroo!” You moan out, pulling his hair a little harder as you feel your walls pounding as you hit your peak, struggling screams escaping your mouth as Kuroo continues gently lapping at your clit as you cum. It took everything in you just to stay upright, the intensity of Kuroo’s mouth never letting up even as you came. You ride out your high on Kuroo’s face, slowly releasing your grip on his head as he takes his hands off your thighs. 

As you continue to try to catch your breath, you lift yourself up, giving Kuroo room to breathe. He breathes deeply as well, looking up at you with a smirk. 

“You sound cute when you scream my name.” He says smugly, rubbing your thigh. You roll your eyes, your cheeks burning. Shifting backwards, you widen your stance to straddle his waist again, the tip of his penis just barely grazing the lips of your drenched pussy. 

“And I like you better when you’re quiet.” You say, just barely louder than a whisper. Your face was once again centimeters away from his, and his lips were still glistening with your cum. Without hesitation Kuroo’s lips meet yours, sloppy, wet kisses being swapped between the two of you as your hand takes hold of his dick, lining it up with your entrance. 

You watch as Kuroo pulls away from the kiss, his face contorting in satisfaction as you sink into him. You sigh, closing your eyes as his length slowly starts filling you up. There was only a little resistance, your walls having to stretch to adjust to his size. But even so, he felt so comfortable inside of you. It felt as if the two of you were made for one another. 

You feel your eyes roll back as you shift your hips, his dick twitching slightly inside of you. Kuroo’s hands gripped onto your ass deeply, urging you to move, to create some sort of friction. With the support of his hands, you move your hips upwards, then downwards, up, down, up, down, two bodies moving almost perfectly in sync as the room filled with the sounds of Kuroo’s moans and your screams. 

The two of you kept a rhythmic pace to maintain the high you were both building, his hands guiding your hips as you steadily let your body rise and fall against his. Fireworks exploded at your core every time your hips collided with his, the head of his dick ramming against your cervix. 

After some time you slow down, your legs were getting more and more tired as you rocked against him. Kuroo senses your exhaustion and effortlessly flips you over onto your back, getting on top of you. Lining up his rock hard cock at your entrance, he looks down at you with a malicious grin. 

“So desperate for my dick, huh princess?” Kuroo teases, letting the head of his penis rub along your soaking wet pussy, your walls clenching every time it barely grazes your clit. ��

“Just get inside me already.” You demand, your body aching for more. You were so close to reaching your second high, and you were more than ready to keep going all night if Kuroo wanted to. 

“What’s the magic word?” Kuroo says, using your words from earlier against you. He slowly lowers himself until his lips graze your hardened nipple. The tip of his dick continues to rub against you, making your pussy throb. Kuroo flicks your nipple with his tongue, before taking it between his teeth and nibbling softly, causing you to yelp at the sudden contact. Kuroo moves away from your nipple, sucking hard on the soft tissue of your breasts, leaving hickeys scattered across your chest. 

“Please fuck me Kuroo!” You beg, unable to take any more stimulation. You feel Kuroo chuckle against your skin, right before he finally lets his tip enter you. He pushes into you at a painstakingly slow rate, making you groan in anticipation, shutting your eyes tightly. Kuroo always left you yearning for more, lusting for his touch. 

Kuroo moves his head upwards, nestling his face into your neck as he gradually increases his pace. He leaves small kisses along your neck, taking your ear lobe between his teeth and tugging on it, making your eyes roll back as you let out a loud moan. You shift underneath him, bucking your hips upwards as you wrap your legs around his waist. Kuroo groans into your neck, letting his head rest against your shoulder as he continues to pound into you, leaving shockwaves running through your body with every thrust. 

“Kuroo, please make me cum.” You moan out, tangling your hands in his hair. Kuroo quickly pushes himself upward, hoisting your legs up and using his thighs to keep your hips suspended in the air, his dick still deep in you. Kuroo smirks as he sees your eyes roll back in pleasure, your hands grasping at the sheets around you, your breasts bouncing with every thrust. His smirk only grows wider as he begins rubbing small circles on your clit with his thumb, causing you to scream so loud you were certain everyone in the neighborhood could hear you. 

With this added stimulation, you felt yourself getting closer to your climax much faster, the pressure building up in your pussy as Kuroo continues fucking you from this new angle. Without any warning, you feel your walls clenching like a vice around Kuroo’s dick, causing Kuroo to take his thumb off of your clit so his hands could grab your waist, keeping you still as you cum all over him. 

Your climax is only further intensified by Kuroo continuing to pound into your tight cunt, aching for his own release. The feeling of your vaginal walls spasming around his cock was more than enough for him, but getting to see you scream in pleasure as he sends you over the edge is what really did it for him. To him, there was no better sight than seeing his princess cum. 

It didn’t take long until Kuroo let out a throaty groan, his grip on your hips tightening as he fucks you even harder. 

“Cum inside of me.” You barely make out, your body overrun with satisfaction. Kuroo leans down once more, pinning your hands over your head as you wrap your legs around him. Looking deeply into his eyes, you watch as his face contorts in ecstasy, his forehead dropping against yours. You feel his cock twitch inside of you, and you feel your cunt fill up with Kuroo’s hot cum. 

After a last few sloppy thrusts, Kuroo pulls out of you, leaving you lying on the bed breathless, your chest rising and falling as you try to gain your composure. Your pussy was practically bursting with liquids, both yours and his. Kuroo briskly walks over to the bathroom, and you hear some shuffling and the sink running. Kuroo returns with a wet washcloth, kneeling in front of your soaking wet vagina and tenderly wiping up any cum that was on you. 

“Such a gentleman.” You comment, looking down at Kuroo as he concentrates on cleaning you up. He looks up at you, smiling when he realizes you were watching him. 

“Only the best for my girl.” He says, getting up and wiping his dick off with the rag. You move to lay on your side, feeling more than content with the events that just occurred. Kuroo lays next to you, looking into your eyes. 

“My girl?” You repeat back at him, squinting your eyes skeptically. Kuroo rolls his eyes, throwing his arm around your waist and pulling you next to him.

“I’m yours. You’re mine. That’s the deal.” He says, winking at you. 

“Since when am I yours?” You ask teasingly, knowing damn well that there was no arguing that you and Kuroo belonged to one another. 

“Since you screamed my name so loud the entire neighborhood heard you.” Kuroo says, smirking. “The hickeys speak for themselves too. They’re like a personal tag.” 

“Shut up.” You say, rolling your eyes at his lewd comments. You couldn’t hide the smile on your face as you thought about the idea of being Kuroo’s. “I’m yours.” You whisper, inching your face closer to Kuroo’s.

“You’re mine.” Kuroo responds back, placing a loving kiss on your lips. There wasn’t any lust, any heat in this kiss, which was a drastic change from the absolutely filthy deeds the two of you were just committing. It was a simple kiss, sealing the deal the two of you made. 

“Round two after dinner?” Kuroo asks jokingly, pulling away from your kiss. You laugh, resting your forehead against his, lazily nodding at the proposal of more sex. 

Alone with Kuroo in that tiny little safehouse, you felt more at home than you had felt in years. Maybe it was the intensity of everything that happened that night, maybe it was the sense of belonging you felt as you laid in Kuroo’s arms, maybe it was the way your heart fluttered every time you heard Kuroo say “I’m yours”. Perhaps it was all of it, all of these emotions and sensations coming together, a light in the middle of the darkest storm that raged on around you, right outside the walls of this apartment. That storm wasn’t going to stop, and you and Kuroo were fully aware of the dangers that lurked around the corner for the both of you. But maybe the comfort the two of you found in one another was more than just a shelter from the impending storm. A solemn promise that regardless of the future that lay ahead, there was one constant that would remain true — he is yours, and you are his. 

[standingonnewgrounds]

Since ‘Friday Night Funkin’’ headcanons on Ao3 is set to be demolished, how about I repost some of its ‘chapters’ here with some few format changes?

Actually, it’s more like recreating those chapters from scratch.

Let’s begin with Hank.

…

Name: Hank J. Wimbleton

Species: Crossling (headcanon name for grunts), second generation

Age: 21 (post RfM), mentally around his 40s

Pronouns: He/They (demiman? Non-binary?)

Height: 3'6 (grunt/crossling form), 6'2 (if transformed into a human)

Sexuality: Asexual and aromantic

Birthday: September 22

Headcanons

As he is born without a handler (basically a crossling equivalent of a parent), he didn’t learn manners, and is pretty blunt on his words and insults.

As a result, he can be brutally honest, and doesn’t like to lie.

Acts like a grumpy middle-aged man. He’s 21.

Then again, all crosslings are born as adults.

Hank never learned how to cook before and during the events of this version of Madness Combat.

Well, that is if you don’t count him ‘cooking’ instant noodles. It’s pretty decent.

Likes to blend things on a blender to a pulp. Even things that were never meant to be blended into a pulp.

The reason for that is because ever since he had his jaw ripped off and replaced with a metal one, he can’t eat hard foods lest his jaw hurts. Soft food and liquids (like soup and smoothies) are the only things he could consume anymore.

His favorite food (and probably the exception to the soft food only rule) is hotdogs.

Also thanks to the metal jaw, he can’t speak certain sounds.

Then again, he doesn’t talk much. If he can, he tries to use body language to communicate.

He’s learning sign language, though.

Touching the halo on episode 9 (events differ in this AU but it still applies otherwise) not only gave him the power to defeat the Auditor, but also gave him telepathy.

Hank is a visual learner. He watches someone do things, and chances are, he would learn something from it.

“The J stands for Motherfucker” is a rumor that has been spread around Nevada. He doesn’t confirm it, but he doesn’t deny it either.

It’s actually “Jolly,” by the way. It’s funnier that way.

Probably autistic.

Definitely has C-PTSD thanks to the events of Madness Combat.

Warning: denial, depression, suicide mention, and some other stuff. This gets pretty dark, and I thought that was only reserved for the consequences section of things!

His denial of things and the surrounding stigma against him probably made him think that he is just a machine made for killing and obeying orders, and nothing else.

He successfully convinced himself that he does not care for anything and anyone when that is not the case.

He tells himself he doesn’t care about anything except for killing, even though the truth is that he does care.

Which led to… well, betraying Sanford and Deimos, even though his inner self is yelling at him to not do it.

But… truth is, he hates that he is nothing but a machine. He figured that he should die once and for all and make sure he won’t be revived again.

And so, he wanted to destroy the world to end his—and everyone’s—suffering.

Consequences

Basically, things that are not headcanons, but rather, information about the SoNG AU version of the character. It is named as such because these facts are the results of me using my Friday Night Funkin’ headcanons to create this world.

If you have seen Madness.exe/988, you know how that turned out, but we aren’t talking about that.

After that, he has somewhat changed to the point where he starts to accept that he cares for people.

He is still suicidal, but it’s a good thing that the Status Quo is on suicide watch duty as a secondary mission.

And then a young Boyfriend pops up. He was given a mission to protect him and make sure he goes home.

The experience made him a bit more humble and caring, to the point where he can consider the little human as a friend.

Frankly, he missed the little human when he finally came home.

To be honest, I’m not sure if the events of Hank’s week is going to be canon. Then again, I don’t know what it’s about, but it’s likely that it has something to do with DD hiring him to kill Boyfriend after Pico refused to do so.

But here’s the thing: after everything, Hank decided to stop killing once and for all.

Anyways…

Very curious about the world outside of Nevada.

Mesmerized about everything that was rare—or don’t even exist—in Nevada, but common in the outside world, like colors.

Favorite color is sky blue, mostly because of the color of the sky in daytime.

Doesn’t tolerate racism against their species, mostly because he feels guilty for giving them a bad reputation and the negative stereotypes of being either incompetent or violent.

“Yeah, us crosslings are territorial creatures, but that doesn’t mean we can’t coexist in peace!”

[fvrxdrm]

Hey do you still do requests for Leon Kennedy Re2? I was gonna ask about an NSFW but a little rendezvous to a hotel or something, thank you for reading this

Resting? What the Fuck is That??? (Leon Kennedy x Reader)

Pairing: RE2make!Leon x F!reader

Warning(s): NSFW

+++++++++++++++++

      “Y/N!”

      A leather-gloved hand clasped onto your wrist as Leon pulled you into the darkened lobby of a hotel you both agreed to meet up at after getting separated. The force he inserted made you stumble a bit but thank God it wasn’t enough to make you fall onto the ground that was painted with blood and grime or else... Yikes!

      The young man in front of you slammed the door shut with so much intensity that you were sure all of the undead that chased you down flew across the country before pulling a bookshelf to use it as a barricade while you rest up for a little while.

      “Man, that was close!” You exclaimed. Your heart was pounding so much and your lungs were burning and begging for air with all the running you’ve done that your upper body didn’t have a choice but to bend down and let your knees support your arms.

      “Yeah. Are you okay, though?” Leon asked as he took a few steps towards you and caressed your back with the hand that wasn’t holding Matilda. You held one of your own ones up as a signal for him to let you take a breather before doing anything else and replied to his question.

      “Yeah, just…just give me a second.”

      “It’s okay. That room right there is clear. We can rest up in there for a bit.”

      “You sure we’ll only rest in there?” You tilted your head towards his direction with a teasing smirk playing on your lips. You knew he was vanilla and you’d seen him blush a few times that night with all the cheesy and filthy lines you were bombarding him while finding a way to get out of the city and you enjoyed seeing him get all flustered so you decided to continue your mission of getting him all mushy and soft. What you didn’t expect though is for him to be prepared with a reply of his own.

      “I don’t know. We can do some other stuff if you want.” Leon said, sending a flirty wink towards you. His face read ‘ego’ as he saw how red your face had become, mentally patting himself on the shoulder as he finally gained a point after hours and hours of trying to come up with something to respond back with. “Come on. There’s a bed waiting for us in there.” And with that, he strutted towards the room he was talking about earlier, confidence blossoming all over him as your widened eyes stayed glued to the man who you unconsciously might’ve taught too much that night.

*****

      “Ugh! Finally, a bed.” You plopped down on the soft mattress of the king-sized bed that almost occupied the entire room and ended up looking like a starfish, the popcorn ceiling above you weirdly gaining your attention.

      “Scoot over. You’re not the only one needing some rest,” Leon said as he nudged your foot that was dangling over the edge of the furniture. You turned your head towards him, your eyes narrowing in a sly manner and your lips curling into a lopsided grin.

      “And if I say no?”

      “Then, suit yourself.” Leon walked over to where your legs were spread, donning an impish look of his own, before throwing himself on top of you, the sudden change of weight making you yelp and groan.

      “Ugh! Fuck!”

      “You asked for it,” he remarked, his voice sounding muffled as he let his face rest on your neck. It was getting hard to breathe the more Leon spent every second just laying on top of you and so, you tried your very best to push him off of you before you ran out of oxygen and die because of him.

      “Get off me, you psycho!” You grunted, still struggling to shove him away but Leon stood his ground and moved just a tad bit to get more comfy just laying on your stomach. “Bitch, if you don’t skidaddle-“

      “Okay, okay, I’ll get off. Geez.” Much to your relief, he finally got off of you and fell onto the right side of the bed, his hands lazily settling down on his vest-covered abdomen, while you tried to catch your breath for the umpteenth time that night.

      “Jesus… You almost killed me,” you breathed out as your palm placed itself on your chest where you could feel your own heartbeat pummeling so hard that you thought it was going to break through your ribs.

      “Well, I told you to scoot over.”

      “It was a joke, asshole.”

      “And?” Leon, who was enjoying himself a bit too much, looked over at you with the exact same smile he gave you earlier before torturing you with his lean muscles. You stared back at him, your eyelids getting closer to closing as you silently accepted his own staring contest before you eventually scoffed and withdrew your gaze away from him.

      “You’re the worst.” Your body flipped over to face the direction of the brown wooden door you both previously entered and tried to get some sleep, battling with the paranoia that had been trying to take over your system since the outbreak of some sort of virus occurred. But alas, you failed to defeat that inner demon of yours.

      “Can’t sleep?” Leon spoke after a few minutes of awkward silence. He mindlessly drew invisible shapes and patterns in the air out of boredom, turning the ceiling into a canvas filled with nothing but the imaginations of the boy. You were quiet for a minute, contemplating whether or not you were just going to ignore the rookie beside you and attempt on another round of ‘let’s-fuck-around-with-paranoia-and-fear-because-that’s-totally-healthy-and-normal’.

      Leon noticed your lack of response and looked over to your direction to see your form trembling in fear and trauma and this rang an emergency alarm inside of him.

      “Hey, Y/N, what’s wrong? Is it something that I said? Did I injure you?” He softly asked, his hand reaching over to your arm and comforting you in one of the ways he could. You finally turned around and faced him, baring your tears and vulnerability to the man who just saved you from getting bitten by a number of cannibalistic creatures…again. “Hey, you can talk to me, you know. And if this is about what I did earlier, I’m-“

      “No, I just…what if we don’t make it out of here? I mean, you saw what happened earlier. One of them could get us at any moment and-“

      “Hey, hey, we will make it out of here, alive, alright? We’ve gone this far tonight. What’s stopping us now?”

      “Leon-“

      “No, alright? We’re gonna make it through. As long as we stick together we’ll be fine. Don’t you trust me?” He rested his leather-covered palm on your cheek, tenderly stroking your skin as his crystal blue eyes stared directly into your E/C ones.

      “I do, Leon, I really do. But…I’m the one I don’t trust…and I’m scared.” Recollections of what happened that past week since the upsurge happened flooded your brain; from when you were bitten to when Umbrella found intel on you and started chasing you down town. You were stuck hiding inside an abandoned apartment that had zombies lurking from one corner to another and it was good thing you were smart enough to plan tactics to sneak up on them without getting the attention of the undead while moving around to find stuff that could be useful to your survival.

      “Y/N, I’m just as scared as you are but we have to fight.”

      “Leon, you don’t understand.” Your eyes dripped with more tears, unmasking the façade you’d varnished yourself with as soon as the virus hit and when Leon saw this, he pulled against his chest and stroked your hair to make you feel more at ease. And it certainly did.

      Minutes had passed just calming down to the warmth your human duvet and shield had given off and your breathing had become a bit shallow than before. However, while Leon was doing his best to comfort you, your mind went towards the direction of ‘am-I-going-to-tell-Leon-the-truth-or-not’. If you told him the truth, he would either not believe you and kill you or leave you or believe you and maybe even help get you off the radar atleast until you escape the city and after a good amount of thinking time, you decided to tell him the truth because why not? He’s going to find out either way, anyway. And so, that you did.

      “Leon, I have to tell you something.” You pulled away from his grasp and stared right into his eyes where you could see the exhaustion and pain hiding beneath the not-so-convincing mask of courage and gentleness.

      “What is it?”

      “I…I um…”

      “Hey, it’s okay not tell me, alright? Maybe what’s bothering you is too personal.” Leon rubbed the exposed skin of your arm to assure you and you almost didn’t want to tell him because of how badly you wanted to stay right in his arms and enjoy the warmth he was blessing you with and just sleep right there but you had to. You didn’t want to lose his trust and feel like you set him up when he finds out later since the chance of that happening is higher if you didn’t tell him earlier.

      “Leon, I…I”

      “Y/N, I told you, you can-“

      “I’m bit”

      There, you said it. Now all you have to do is wait for Leon’s reaction while you tremble like a cat or something.

      He went silent for a few seconds, eyebrows crumpled together until words finally formed in his mouth. “What? When? And how are not turned yet?” His eyes roamed your body to look for any vital signs that you were bit and was turning into one of those…things…that were outside but couldn’t find any so he assumed that you were telling a sick and stupid joke.

      “I was bitten the day the outbreak started and…I don’t think I’m going to turn into one of them…ever.” Leon looked straight into your worrisome eyes again, bewilderment written all over him for the millionth time that night.

      “What? How? You saw what happened out there, I saw what happened out there, so how are you bitten and not turning? And also, I’m not seeing a single bite mark on you.” You took in a huge amount of air before releasing them to blend in with the cold and turned your left forearm upward so you could show Leon the damage you did five days after you almost became zombie chow. He took a closer look, getting as much visual details as possible to prove or deny that what you had was a bite mark. But as he further inspected the injury, he saw that it was not a bite mark but was actually a burn of some sort. “Y/N, what the fuck? This is a burn not a bite mark.”

“Yeah, I did that. Five days after I was bitten, I decided it would be a great idea to cover the bite by burning it.” You chuckled. “Stupid, I know.”

      “If you’re immune, then, why are you scared?”

       “Umbrella. I-it’s a pharmaceutical company that claimed responsible for the attack, I believe. And now, they’re after me, probably to make more of that trench coat and fedora bitch or something.” And with that, silence took over you again, giving Leon enough time to process the information he just got from you and scheme a plan for you two to get out of the city without running into any workers from said pharmaceutical company. But when you noticed how he was stressing himself out for you, you took his hand in yours and placed a chaste kiss on his forehead to snap him out of his trance. It was sweet how he cared about you so much, but you didn’t want him to forget about himself. And besides, you could take care of yourself. You would always have each other’s back, especially in a situation like this.

      “Somebody’s after me. I don’t know what they want but…I’ve been hiding from them these past few days.” At that point, Leon had become more concerned for your safety than before, making a mental note to not separate with you ever again.

"Who?"

      “Leon, you don’t have to think too much, okay? All I’m asking you to do is to never leave my side and I will never leave yours. We’re a team, remember?” The said man lifted his gaze from your feet and let his own eyes linger on your face for a minute until he suddenly felt the urge to touch your forehead with his and chuckled.

      “Funny how you’re the one telling me stuff like that now.”

      “Well, we need each other’s reassurance, don’t we?”

      “Yeah, we do.” Small smiles were drawn on both of your lips, taking in the beauty of the light you both found while finding ways to dodge the undead and get out of the city alive. The presence you provided was enough to contribute to the solace you were both begging the heavens above for since the two of you got involved into the mayhem unwillingly and you treasured that every step of the way, promising to never leave and forget about each other once you had escaped the ghost of a town called Raccoon City and none of you were planning on breaking that no matter how easy or hard it was. You saw each other as gifts and you thanked the other for giving them to you. Words may not be enough but actions are so you two decided to thank the other by showing the desire and feelings you had caught along the way.

      “Please…kiss me, Leon,” you whispered, the warmness in your breath tickling against his lips, therefore sending more jolts of lust and tingles down to his crotch.

      “Wouldn’t ever object to that.” And with that, Leon pressed his lips against yours.

      The kiss was slow and uncertain at first, testing the waters to see if the other would pull back and regret the decision they had made. But once a few minutes had passed and nobody was pulling back, your hands grabbed onto each other’s body and pulled to bring yourselves closer to the point where you were certain that you could feel even the smallest details that formed you two before Leon made himself comfortable on top of you without breaking the fiery hot kiss.

      You eventually felt the need to take in some air and so you pulled away and watched as Leon removed every single article of his police uniform, only straddling you with his boxers that were barely making his hardened length unseen by you.

      “Please, tell me you want this, too,” Leon pleaded, his palms resting on your sides.

      “I want you, Leon…so badly.” And that was enough for Leon to take all of your clothes except for your panties that were surely ruined by your own arousal and pressing his mouth back onto yours, exploring your slick cavern with his tongue and melding your saliva with his. Your hands work their way around his body, feeling each crevasse, each line along his perfect physique while his ventured over yours, exploring as much region of your body as he could.

      The way his lips painted your body felt so surreal but at the same time…natural. It was like he was writing a beautiful poem with your skin as his paper, an unspoken story worthy to be told. Who would’ve thought that such a wonderful tale could be made inside the horrors of your future past?

      Usually, when people read and write stories like these, all they could focus on were the fear and trauma that each character had endured throughout the book. It was very rare for us to focus on the bond and comfort that they had gained and most of them were poorly written and delivered. But Leon, he knew what he was telling. He was certain about his invisibly/visibly written confession to you and that showed on the way his gentle touches were affecting you.

      He held his length in his hand, slowly stroking to spread the pre-cum that dripped from his slit before entering inside your heat carefully, making sure not to let his own excitement take over him and end up hurting you, and moans were immediately released from your mouths.

      Leon took his time and let you adjust to his surprisingly huge size before slowly mimicking a backward and forward motion and he abruptly pressed his lips on yours to muffle both of your sounds to avoid attracting any unwanted guests.

      “Leon,” you whimpered as you took in the pleasure the man on top of you was giving you.

      “Fuck!” His movements started pick its pace, the urge to scream becoming a hard task to do as Leon repeatedly stroked the root of your clit and he was struggling himself at how tight and wet you were. You for sure knew that a puddle of your nectar was pooling on the mattress and the thought of someone who thought it was a great idea to come back here to investigate shit amused you so much that you would’ve laughed if Leon hadn’t rammed himself inside of you as his orgasm took control of his body, causing you to come closer to your peak. And with one last thrust, he released his seed inside of you while your warmth coated his cock, the delicious sensation causing you to arched your back and Leon to squeeze his eyes shut.

     Fuck, that was good!

     “Shit! I thought I was gonna die right there,” you panted. “I thought Officer Leon Kennedy was vanilla.”

      “Well, to be fair, with a body like yours? Who wouldn’t lose their innocence,” he slyly remarked, a snarky wink perfectly ending his cheesy sentence.

      “Sure, Leon. Come here.” You reached your arms up to wrapped them around his body that was coated with perspiration before pecking his lips once he had leaned down to your level.

      “Well, shall we get a move on?”

      “Lead the way, super cop.”

+++++++++++++++++

I did not intend this to be this long and I wrote this, like, in three days bc my laziness is really tempting XD. Hope you enjoyed this though.

[monsoonblooms12]

What Ethan & Pooja AU is this? #OpenHeartAU

Selcouth (Ethan x f!MC)

Summary: Set in Book 2, Pooja gets the recognition she deserves for solving Naveen Banerji's case.

Selcouth: Unfamiliar, rare, strange and yet, marvelous🤎

A/N: Thank you so much @beastlyinstrument for the visual prompt❤ I had fun thinking up and writing this piece.

A/N 2: The flashback portions are indented

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey X f!MC (Pooja Sharma)

Word Count: around 3.2K (I am sorry!)

Rating: General

Category: A bit angst, A bit fluff

Warnings: 1 Curse Word (again 😆)

Prompts: Late Submission for @choicesmonthlychallenge July challenge day 4: celebration

There was stark silence surrounding him as he scribbled out points from the morning meeting of the Diagnostics Team along with some of his own observations from the patient charts. The days have been nothing out of the blue since his return from the Cholera-ridden district of Amazons.

The steam from the warm coffee filled the entire office with its sweet aroma. With winters in their full force, there was a mystic chill all around the city and the warmth the coffee gave was extremely welcomed.

It took him 30 minutes to the tee to complete his morning paperwork. And as he arranged the white sheets in a clean stack, a slow groan escapes him. He had been so engrossed in work, that he had completely missed the fact that he had emptied his coffee cup.

Ethan looks up from his desk to the windows giving an enchanting view of the brumal grounds. Snowflakes, basking in the distant sun's glory, shining like iridescent jewels, fell slowly, silently to meet their origin.

It's too serene of a day to waste indoors.

The thought caught him somewhat by surprise, even if it was his encephalon producing it.

He had spent long years of his life away from focusing on diminutive happenings like the weather or the warmth of his favourite Vienna on a frosty day.

To appreciate the beauty of falling of the snowflakes today, was a slightly unusual change. He couldn't help but wonder as to what would have caused it.

He didn't need to wait long for an answer. Like a response to his unuttered query, the notification bell of his phone brought him out of his reverie and displayed her name with the joy of a student who had solved a difficult problem with ease on the first try. It was nothing out of the ordinary, just an email of her completed reports.

And yet, he was unable to control the breakout of butterflies in his stomach.

The feeling was orphic, and yet irenic.

As his heels tapped on the white floors, supposedly conducting an intriguing conversation with them, a faint intermix of voices reached him and stopped him in his tracks.

"You're wearing all black." It wasn't a question, but a fact that Alexandra's voice enunciated.

"Are you surprised?" A concordant voice questioned. Even if he didn't acknowledge it, it was one of his favourite euphonies.

"No. Impressed."

"I lost a bet to Bryce, and this is what I get in return." There is a pause. "It's a nice change though."

He can feel the smile that emerges out on her face at the end and feels his lips curl up, like a magnetic connection. He was caught off guard as he stood there thinking of the sweet nothings and sweet everythings of his reminiscences with her.

"Good Morning Dr Ramsey!"

It took him all his power to straighten himself, and to put on the stoic façade before responding,

"Good Morning Dr Walton."

Alexandra didn't initiate a conversation, just like he had expected. Bidding goodbye to her companion, she strode off her way.

Now, it was just him and her, standing in the middle of nowhere, eyes locked in intense focus, tied together with a string they find themselves unable to break.

She looked striking like she always did.

In every hue, every ensemble, at every hour, she knew how to induce that unnamed feeling in his heart.

All she had to do was to look at him the way she did, and his idiotic heart would skip a beat, and an ambrosial emotion would follow.

And what does one do when emotions go out of control?

Self Preservation.

Giving her a brisk nod, he dropped his gaze, hurrying away past her, not having the courage to look at the hurt caused.

Idiotic.

That's the only word he could use to describe his actions.

He could think of a trillion excuses, travel through a hundred bends on the roads of justification, but nothing would be enough to balance out the pain he was giving her. Not even his playlist of curses that he played in his mind every day to remind himself what he truly was.

An asshole.

As soon as his steps took him to the outdoors, the crisp cold winds blew through his hair, and he cherished the moment.

The apricity hugged him, and the scene that met his eyes, the world draped with a veil of phosphorescing snow, generated a euphoria he was unfamiliar with. As a minuscule flakelet fell on his outstretched hand, he realized that no one needs to spend a billion dollars to get happiness.

It is hidden amidst mundane things, and the only thing one has to do is to keep foraging for it.

Happiness can be made, it can be found. But can it be bought?

Never.

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

It was unusually calm at Derry's in the morning hours.

Not that he was complaining, of course.

In comfortable, long sips, he lets the caffeine overtake the tiredness and the heartache coursing through his body. The glare of the screen and ping of his cellular broke the aura of comfort that had spread out through the coffee shop. He wants to shut it off and throw it in a corner away from his sight, but decides against it.

It's a text from Naveen.

Skipping is not an option for today night!

A groan escapes him, the annoyance of another meet and greet taking away all the calm. He tried to convince him, but all efforts went futile. He plays the discussion all over again to find any loophole he can to escape the torture.

Flashback:

It's after hours and the wing of the hospital where Naveen's office was situated bore a silence. The amicable old man sat in his chair, leaning back as the younger one stood, with his back at him. It was obvious they had been arguing, but it seemed more like amusement for the old mentor and annoyance for the young protégé.

"There is no need-"

"Ethan, you have been repeating the same words for fifteen minutes now." Naveen chuckles.

"I very well know that there is no need for anything, dear friend. I just want a little bit of happiness and merriment in the hard times."

"I am not stopping you from doing that, Naveen, you know that. But what is the need of the celebration being about me?"

"Because you are a reason I am alive today." The man gives a melancholy smile, vision blurred as the near-death experience of the past year come sailing in front of him.

"This celebration is about you and Dr Sharma. Without the two of you, I would not have been here."

Ethan's features are clouded by the pain of losing his mentor, who has been like a father to him, and inspiration. His frown softens, annoyance long lost, as he comes as takes a seat and places his hand on his.

"Fine. I will do this. But only for you, okay?"

Naveen's lips curl up in a grateful, happy smile as if wordlessly conveying his thanks. As Ethan stands up and proceeds to leave, he cannot stop himself from laying out his observation,

"For her too."

And Ethan knew. He knew exactly whom this was about. And as much as he wanted to deny the assumption, he couldn't help but accept the truth in it. Of course, he was doing it for Naveen. But he was doing it for her too. She deserved it so much more than him. If she hadn't been there, the seat occupied by his mentor today would have been...

Flashback ends

As his eyes skim through the crisp pages of the medical journal absent-mindedly, he thinks of her again. The permanent occupant of his daydreams, who would still manage to come back, no matter how many resets he carried out.

He thinks of her attire from the hour before, hair in a neat long braid, dressed in a meticulously embroidered Indian attire. And then of the celebration at dusk, where she will finally receive the recognition she deserves.

All the doubts regarding her promotion to the Diagnostics Team would be washed away.

He remembers what she had told him a few days after he had heard those nasty rumours,

"I have proved myself and I know what's true. I don't need to show anyone else the testament of my abilities. As long as I am fair and just, their words can do no harm to me."

His admiration for her had increased phenomenally when she spoke those words to him.

His pride, his faith had not been misplaced when he picked her for the difficult voyage named Edenbrook.

He has never felt so proud of any other intern as much as he does of her.

His heart sings to him, his choice was correct. He doesn't let it elaborate itself, because one wrong move from his side would be more than enough to ruin this unpolished gem before she even gets a chance to shine.

Yes, he did tell her that some things are worth any risk, she is worth any risk, back in Miami. The reminiscences of the day still played on the screen of his mind in sepia, they lulled him to sleep.

But the risk to harm her fragile career before it even blossoms?

It wasn't just a risk, it was like a crime for him.

One which he refused to commit.

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

As dusk falls and winter blues colour the land of snow in multichromatic hues, hiding any bit of orange from the setting sun, Pooja Sharma hums along with her favourite songs as she dresses up for the special evening.

No matter how much she wants to curl up in the folds of the soft Cashmere, she has to be in attendance. It's a strict order from her grand mentor and impossible for her to go past.

It's all black day, she reminds herself when picking the outfit. And she doesn't forget to leave a thank you note for Lekh as she finds the perfect one.

And now, as she stands, trying to complete the arduous job of creating a perfect eyeliner wing, a certain someone's reminiscences trouble her pained heart.

No matter how much she scolds it for its stupidity, trying to explain the futility of the hope of getting together, it never heeds, just continues to trouble her with the baritone of his that enchants her mind, the cologne that overpowers all her senses.

As she looks at the reflection in the speculum, she cannot help but imagine his reaction.

Will she even get a reaction?

Maybe just a nod, or a look.

No words.

She has convinced herself with it. It took some time, some stops, some pulls of an invisible harness, but she has convinced herself.

She's stopped hoping, soothing herself with whatever they shared, memories that felt like they belong to a bygone era, and a promise of treasuring them, just in case he ever decided to come back.

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

In the vespertine hours, the diamond dust made the sun devoid city look like a fairytale. Any other time, he would have just worried about the sharp chill, probably cursing the snow.

Being so observant of the places he is a regular visitor at, it was a new experience for him.

Strange, even.

It's something that will take some time to get used to.

The interiors are warm. Minimally decorated, as he had requested. Not wanting to create a fuss, he bee-lines to the corner of the room, where the only occupant was emptiness. He decided to cherish the moments of solace before the bother of the vivacious crowd began, wanting to start a colloquy.

On instinct, he looks around, not being able to comprehend the reason why his heart leaps to his throat. And then a pang of disappointment overlaps that sudden nervousness.

The absence of one person, the feeling so profound.

It's magical.

Dangerous, but still, magical.

A mute scold follows. No matter how hard he tries, strives towards that unannounced aim of reset, his stupid heart and its childishness always ruin his plans.

The call of his name makes him turn around.

Naveen stands, jolly smile fixed in place, eyes sparkling with joy and...

Gratitude.

They chat, topics ranging from Diagnostic team cases to complaints of coffee. His orbs casually drift towards the entryway, in hope of seeing his dearest.

And as the astrologers say, the stars align, the universe comes into play, and the shimmer of black in the lambent atmosphere makes his heart skip a beat. He feels a smile emerging and hastily hides it with a scowl.

If he had to, he would have sworn that he looked like a clown.

Her ambers gaze around in a lucid, tender manner, in strike contrast to his a while ago.

There is a lack of haste, of worry, of unease.

Her very presence fills the air with tranquility and without his consent, his soul basks in it. After what felt like an eternity, their gazes meet.

Melt into each other like the wax of two candles.

Become inseparable.

She smiles, it's faint.

It seems more of a formality than a wish. The momentary cheer is replaced by a somber, melancholic expression. Her orbs drift away, gaze turns away as if to hide whatever was to come from him.

And he knows.

He's the reason.

Silence is suffocating, but right now, the chaos is even more constricting to him.

Everyone chatters, mingles, smiles.

Everyone except her.

She stands too still, flashing a half-hearted smile and half-hearted gaze here and there, as she is surrounded by the rest of her friends, preventing him from getting a better look.

As conflict rises in his interior, a to go or not to debate, the gulps of scotch become more frequent, the frown gets tighter and guilt gets heavier. Before he can drown down into the never-ending cascade of crippling self-hatred, there is a call of his name.

Naveen.

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

Claps and whoots surround her, along with a cheer. She becomes the recipient of numerous bear hugs, and compliments as Naveen elaborates on her contribution to his recovery. It feels like a reel of situations played from her sweven. It took a pinch for her to realize that it wasn't.

A mic tap follows, it's Ethan's turn to speak. She freezes upon hearing her name getting repeated again. There is an uncanny depth to it, she notices. An indication that it conceals so much more than is visible. Not just pride, not just intoxicating happiness.

Gratitude, raw and pure gratitude.

And something else (or maybe not?)

Her focus all over the place, she missed a lot of the address. What stayed carved in golden words was a single sentence, unremarkably remarkable.

"It's not me, it's her. I lost all hope, but she was the one who fought till the very end, never giving up, even if she had thousands of storms to navigate through."

"There can be only one recipient of the applause today, and it's Dr Sharma."

Two contrasting emotions put her in a dilemma. Whether to let the water drops she held strongly to herself or to let the heartfelt joy induce the grin that would shine brighter than the stars the twinkle along with the forlorn moon?

Unable to decide, she let the cracks in her stoic mask deepen, let the faint upturn of lips become visible to the world. Every applaud fell short, in a haze, as the mere words spoken mere moments before played in a loop like a soft harmony.

The 360-degree turn of the evening gave her the most unexpected and the most precious memories.

The change of the blithe chilly eve to heartwarming dusk.

Rare, mysterious and yet, magnificent.

Selcouth.

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

Ethan Ramsey, for the past decade of his extremely brilliant career, has never displayed even a minuscule amount of emotions. Never. The mask of stoicism fixed so perfectly, that no power could ever induce a crack in it.

No one could.

Until one day, an intern waltzed into his life like an unforeseen plot twist and induced changes no one ever could.

The mask has cracked, even if to a small degree, letting the minuscule details of a transformation out. Sometimes it could be as evident as a smile, or a genuine compliment to an intern. In other instances, it would be just the absence of the forehead frown (which had become a permanent resident at a point).

And now, the beloved plot twist of his novel stood before him, her eyes expertly decorated with kohl. She was quieter than usual, engaging in casual conversation, but prevented going into depths of it.

Their gazes never meet, only slide past each other.

He missed looking into the amber of hers, trying to figure out her thoughts like someone engaged with a very complex puzzle that ends up in a phenomenal picture.

He missed listening to her sweet whispers, mumbles which made him smile more than he had for the past decade.

He missed her.

The universe is always planning a conspiracy to make destiny true. And it's definitely an action of its, that his hand extends towards her, wordlessly.

She gazes at it, gazes at him, thinks for a while.

And finally, slips her hand, bejeweled with that bracelet she wore in Miami. He still remembers it placed on his heart, which beat at an erratic rhythm.

Which beats at an erratic rhythm now.

Looking at the Bostonian sky, only drapes of translucent mist could be seen all around. No twinkles, even the moonbeams were struggling to reach them. The silence is comfortable, only interrupted by the sips of steaming hot coffee.

Her eyes are fixed above, in a search for the hidden celestial elements. His focus stayed on the snowflakes resting on his jacket.

He leans back, places a hand down.

There is a lack of warmth.

Soon enough, another hand joins him.

The cold is gone.

And so is his search of moonbeams.

Her touch felt like light, his own moonbeam. So soft, so warm, so dear. Something he could keep etched on his skin forever.

She was his moon.

And for her, those summery blue orbs held depths of the ocean, the faint, soft wrinkles that languid years leave behind as a mark of their passing like map lines of some unknown lands.

He was her world.

In every universe, through trials and tribulations, through pain and smiles, they were destined to find their way to each other. No one powerful enough to keep them apart.

Not even they themselves.

It was a cosmic state of comfort they found themselves in. His hand in hers, their fingers interwoven, the reflex etched in his mind with an everlasting ink.

He has never believed in soulmates, but as he as leans back, eyes closed, hair fluttering along with the icy-cold breeze, having her by his side, he couldn't bring himself to believe this was anything less than destiny.

That even after so many trials of forgetting her, he would always come back to her, searching for the serenity he only finds in her presence.

The feeling is rare, confusing, maybe terrifying.

But right now, he basks in the warmth that it provides, all worries and all woes are hidden in a wooden box, discarded away from his sight. And unbeknownst to even him, he waits for the day he can kiss her the way he wants to, no ties, no binds holding them away.

Yes, he waits for the day.

PS: If you are reading this, I am very grateful for you. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a great day🤎

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[yandere-sins]

Glad to see you back! Could I ask for 41 from the prompt list with Kitsune Dabi. It just reminds me of that ninetales myth from pokemon mystery dungeon about their tails bringing calamity if someone touches them.

Oooh, yes, I remember that! Ah, how nostalgic, Ninetales is also my favorite Pokémon lol! Thank you for requesting it, hope you enjoy! :D

“Yes, you can touch them.”

»»————-———— ♡ ————————-««   

Curiosity might have killed the cat, but you were so sure that you weren’t the cat in this scenario. Neither was he, you had to admit, his traits way more fox than cat. The softness of his tails shone in the sweet grace of the moonlight, the black and red fur so prominent and visually appealing, it was like an invite to come and take a nap. Safe and comfortable in the tender feeling of those enormous tails.

Damn, you were so exhausted.

As long as you had been running, you hadn’t noticed it, but now that you came to a standstill, it was almost like your body demanded compensation for its work in the form of sleep, food, and water. Anything really, to keep you on your two legs, which were shivering enough to break down beneath you any second now.

“Tired?” he - the creature, the presence, the whatever he was - asked, grinning knowingly. “I’m not surprised; you ran quite a few circles through the forest before coming here.”

“Is... Is this...” you looked around you, the clearing so peaceful and serene, it was hard to imagine that just a bit of time ago, you had been amidst screams and terror as your village burned to the ground in the middle of the night. “Am I dead?”

“Dead?” he scoffed, laughing lightly. “Why? You feel like you are?”

Looking down at yourself, you inspected your hands, black from the ash. There were little cuts on your palms, up to your arms from where you got stuck to burning buildings and falling debris. “N-No, but everyone else... they... I... There was nothing I could...”

The blame was enough for tears to form in your eyes, heavy and hot, and you knew he was right, you weren’t dead at all. “I couldn’t help them at all,” you sobbed, ignoring the smearing feeling of your hands on your face, as you covered your eyes in shame. Slowly sinking into you, you sat down on the grass ground, wrapping your arms around your legs to give you some kind of comfort as you cried into what was left of the ruined clothes you were wearing. They had been so beautiful, so delicate, made just for you and your wedding that should have taken place instead of that awful disaster back home.

Perhaps you should have been more worried about who you were talking too, but you couldn’t bear to care at that moment. In a matter of hours, you had lost everything, even though it should have been the happiest day in your life. Sure, you didn’t know the groom you were supposed to be married too, but for your family and your village, you had been glad to overcome your initial fear, especially knowing he had picked you out of all the other marriage candidates that lived in the nearest villages and cities, and even from your own town.

It was only when you felt a soft touch, incredible to the feel, against your cheek, that you looked up on your own, seeing the tail dance just next to you, at least, one of them. You were so tempted to reach out, rub your face on it more, the softness and warmth bringing comfort that you sought out so desperately. But still, you hesitated, lowering the hands you wanted to reach out to it and digging them into your shins again.

The irritated click of a tongue did finally reach your ear, and you looked up in front of you again, helplessly brushing away the tears to see less in a less blurry vision. When he moved, he did so graciously, just like you expected from a fox spirit. The tails separated, giving him the freedom to move without them in the way, revealing his oddly colored and seemingly imperfect skin. But who were you to judge? You probably didn’t look much better.

“Crying? Really? On our wedding day?”

It didn’t take him many steps to approach, long fingers with sharp nails brushing under your chin, threatening, yet not painful. He lifted your chin, far more than you could in your current position, urging you to stand up on your knees as he wouldn’t stop the pressure under your jaw. “And here I thought I chose a ‘bride’ a bit more resolute than the others.”

“I-I don’t understand,” you had to admit, having to grab his wrist by now as his fingers laid around your jaw, pulling you up into a stand by the underside of your mouth alone. “There isn’t much to understand about, little Human.”

The tails behind him moved as if they had free reign to do what they wanted. One wrapped around your left shin, its tip tickling the sensitive skin of your feet. Another two laid themselves around your hips, giving you some cover and also warmth, while another slung itself around your right wrist multiple times, giving you the feeling of being held and restrained by it. “Do you like them?” he asked, the gleam in his eyes almost akin to fondness.

“Everyone loves them. You can touch them if you want.”

Another tip appeared right before your eyes, wiggling temptingly. You couldn’t deny the mighty need to touch it, cuddle it to yourself in an attempt to get more comfort. But at the same time, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were forgetting something. “N-No, I shouldn’t...” you eventually muttered, trying to find some eye contact with him, but you found yourself stared down by the cold, icy circles in his eyes, making it incredibly hard to look directly into them.

“Yes. Yes, you can touch them. I’m being nice, don’t leave me hanging.”

“No, I don’t want to...”

“Do it.”

Silence, neither of you moved.

“Just fucking do it!”

Baring his teeth, you couldn’t help but jump from the sight of the sharp canine ones he showed. It made sense to you that they were there, but the sight, almost as shiny as they tails, made you realize how real they were. Real and sharp.

He reached for your free hand himself, wrapping his fingers around the wrist as he pulled it forward to his tail. Though you reacted quickly, balling your hand into a fist, causing the tails wrapped around you to stir in anger, tightening ever so slightly. “Why are you being so damn difficult?!” he barked, pulling at your arm roughly again and again.

“They promised you to me! They sold you out, you know that?! Couldn’t fulfill their debts to my clan for months now, so they promised me one of their own!”

“Wh-What?! No! I was promised to some man from another village! I was chosen from many!” you screamed at him, in pain, but your adrenaline skyrocketed.

“It’s not my fault when they told you that,” he growled back. “But it’s time to keep your end of the bargain! Your parents thought they were very clever, sending us a decoy and trying to get you away before we would find out, but I’m not that stupid.”

“You mean...” Your resistance weakened as your memories flooded back. You could clearly remember sending off your sibling, who was smiling and crying tears of joy. It was true that they always had been a sickly child, so hearing someone wanted to marry them was a surprise, yet the greatest joy you could have experienced in a long time. And on the same day as you even! You two would have become the happiest people on earth at the same time.

The tears flooded back, as you couldn’t help but think of what might have happened to them. The pain that you felt was instant, like a cold dagger in your chest, yet stinging in your whole body. “Are they...? Too...?”

The smile curling on his lips was a one-of-a-kind one, mischievous, yet, a poker face like you had never seen one. “Maybe,” he hummed, shrugging lightly. “Maybe not,” he added, grinning only wider with the spark of hope in your eyes. “They could be very much alive, and I could lead you to them. But you need to accept what you are first.”

Pulling on your arm again, you flinched over the strength he used to wrap around your wrist. You knew what he wanted. Knew what he was trying to make you do. Whatever plans he had with you, he needed you to touch his tails out of your own free will. Agree to the marriage put upon you two. Become his.

There were a million reasons not to, alone because you couldn’t know if your sibling even was still alive. But if they were, they were all that’s left from your family, all you had left on earth even. “The longer you wait, the more likely it will be that they are roasting over a campfire, you know.”

It was a taunt, a challenge even. But the way he was, you could only imagine how the other creatures in his clan behaved. Slowly, almost painfully, you opened your hand, revealing your palm. Noticing your cooperation, he finally let go of you, blood pumping through your wrist noticeably from being cut off by his strength before.

Carefully, you settled down into the fur, the tail bumping back into you, letting itself be gripped and held like an affectionate animal. It felt exactly like you imagined it, just as comforting as you hoped it would from all the other touches you had experienced. “Good,” he hummed, and you felt the tails around your body tug you forwards, closer to him until he could put his arms around you in an almost loving embrace.

“You decided right. I promise that our marriage will never be boring as long as you live. Otherwise, I’ll just burn down another village for you. Wouldn’t that be fun, Darling.”

Curiosity might not have killed the cat, but you knew it was on you to keep this maniac of a husband from killing more humans. And all you could think of as he gave you a kiss so bitter, tasting like smoke itself before he left the nibbling sensation of teeth on your lower lip, was that you hoped your sacrifice would be enough to keep your sibling alive at least.

[delu-jean]

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬/𝐇𝐜𝐬

(𝐏𝐭 𝟏)

(Jean x fem!/reader) -> Both Fluff, and Angst -> 962

One Of Them Table Of Contents ♡

Notes: Chapter 11 will be out some time this week, along with 12 (and possibly 13?)! Before then, I wanted to write some facts about the story line. Some are more minor than others, but, were still nice to bring up! 

Some are fluffier and the others angstier. I hope these facts are able to give more perspective on the other characters, and that few of the many things can addressed!

The more we progress, the more I might add to another fact list! :D 

Also, if you haven't read the series yet, some of these facts might not make sense! I reccomend reading through to have a better understanding/visual. The hyperlink is right below the gif above!!

Be warned, these are facts/spoilers for this specific series!! (But read regardless if you'd like ^^)

Hope you enjoy!~

Fluffy Facts: 

1. While Marco was alive, he would subtly help Jean, trying to get him with Y/n 

Though Jean said that he “liked” Mikasa, Marco saw more genuine chemistry between him, and Y/n

Being a good friend, though never tried to push things, subtly remarked and advertised her 

“Oo, that’s a nice flower she’s wearing. Don’t you agree Jean?” 

“Yeah...it...I guess it is-”

“Sorry, what did you say Jean?-”

“IT’S NOthinG!” 

2. Everyone knew about the fiasco happening between you both

Even when you guys didn’t confirm things yourselves 

I mean it as, before you guys even knew you liked each other, they knew something was going on between you two

3. Bertholdt being the older brother, sometimes would intentionally drag you away from Jean

Though not noticed by either of you, he did it since he couldn’t let you go 

Still a baby in his eyes, but knew you would grow eventually 

4. Reiner and you barely talked until you entered the survey corps

5. Annie actually hated strawberries until you started preparing them for her 

You guys conversed when needed, but didn’t really get to know each other until then 

Though still not her favourite, when made with care, she loves them

6. When in the mountains, Eren teased Jean about you, and how he was being such a lady's pleaser (aka simP) 

Jean was flustered, but denied things, saying you both were friends 

But Eren still kept his speculations 

7. Though you tried helping out Jean by talking to Mikasa, there were times where you both would have genuine girl talk 

You brushing her hair, while she, surprisingly gave you updos (eg: braids, crowns, buns, etc) 

Talked about Eren time to time 

At first, she thought you liked him and kept her guard up

But she then realized your eyes lay elsewhere, and opened up to you a little

Told you about her scarf, and you found it cute 

She also wasn’t sure how to wash it (w/o ruining it), so you helped her out with that 

She still runs it through the stream, air dries it, steams the cloth, and uses her favorite scent (the way you taught her) 

8. Porco and you are secretly great pals 

You both are super competitive, and trying beating each other once in a while 

Though at a tie (as of right now), he’s going to try his best to change that 

9. Pieck is the person who taught you many things 

She didn’t have any siblings, and loved the idea of having a girl who actually wanted to do the things she liked 

(Annie was there, but more of a lone wolf) 

She helped with your pancake recipe, and over all, taught you almost everything else

(Eg: looking presentable, hygiene, etc)  

Angstier/ Sadder Facts: 

1. When you passed, Jean took care of your horse as best as he could 

Made sure no one took it, and that it go the utmost best treatment 

He would ride it time to time in the fields you both went to 

He’d also occasionally feed it strawberries, and blueberries 

2. Connie still felt guilty about how things turned out 

He would occasionally visit Annie (very rare for him to) and would ask questions 

“How was she growing up?”

“You guys must’ve had fun being together…”

“Do you think she...hates me?...especially after all that’s happened?” 

Didn’t have any personal connection with Annie, but he did with you 

Felt like Annie was the only bridge between the both him, and you 

Her being the only person who knew the real you 

3. Eren didn’t cry when you “died”

It’s not that he wasn’t sad, but usually if he cries, Jean is the sharp and straightforward person 

The person who would snap Eren back into place (in a friendish way of course) 

He felt like he needed to help Jean in that way during the moment 

Being the bigger person, and helping to comfort with a straightforward, yet sympathetic attitude 

4. You never got the chance to get close with Levi and Hange 

To be honest, they despised the thought of you and the other four 

Traitors causing the deaths of thousands 

Comrades gone because of your pathetic actions 

The rest still try to convince them till this day, but, they still had their thoughts 

5. Reiner was tempted to grab you with his injured arm right then and there 

But he hesitated since the timing was wrong 

Both in the titans movements, and the setting in general 

Couldn’t risk getting caught, but later on, could care less 

That’s why he asked Eren about coming with them so recklessly 

Regardless of the exposure 

6. Reiner did actually respond to Jean when he was punching him 

Saying things like: 

“Go ahead, kill me if you can you devil” 

“He’s right...I do deserve to die” 

Having conflict with both of his personalities 

7. Sasha liked you, she really did! 

The thing was, out of everyone of your friends, she was the most suspicious of you 

She always had a gut instinct, and similar to Jean, knew you had boundaries 

Though he didn’t assume you had bad meaning, she assumed you had malicious intentions  

And unfortunately, was right to an extant 

8. Zeke treats you like a younger sister 

Even so, it’s not solely because he loves you 

That’s the difference between him and Bertholdt 

Bertholdt loved you, whereas Zeke yearned for a sibling like relationship 

He cares for you, but if Eren came running to him, would slowly drop you 

He just...really wants the attention from his younger brother 

And found that attention through you 

9. Gabi really does want you as her cousin, but also wants you to marry into her family so you can watch over hers 

If she becomes the armoured titan, she too will die in thirteen years

That’s why, she would want you to watch after her aunt, parents, and well...Falco

10. Jean kept your uniform, and washed it whenever he did his own laundry

When he had trouble coping, he would hug your shirt to sleep

Trying to seek comfort in the scent that lingered

And kept your ODM gear, right next to Marco’s

(Decided to not use either, but instead, hold them for memory)

11. Armin forgot about what your face looked like

Though you interacted with him, and were somewhat close, the trauma was too much for him to bear

Figuring out your were the enemy, yet weren't?

The poor boy was confused, and eventually, forced himself to forget about your features

Doing that was easier than you would think, especially since he was the person you were least attached to

(And vice versa. Dear, but not the closest of friends)

[para-imperium]

Horizon: Rebuilt, Ch. 8

Horizon held her hands under a faucet streaming frigid water over the bizarre object that had both caused her immense trouble and saved her life multiple times. She stopped the stream for a moment to examine it again. It was a perfectly smooth metallic sphere with no ports, no indicator lights, nothing to indicate what was inside, even the warning “tell no one!” that had been written on it when she first found it in her pocket had washed away. She held it between thumb and forefinger up to her eyeline and gazed over it again. Are you sure about this?

Samantha appeared in the mirror next to the raccoon’s reflection, she nodded at the sphere she held. “Based on all the data I’ve gathered; I’d say there’s at least an 86% chance that is a custom-built containment unit for a gravitational micro-singularity.”

The raccoon tried to recall the last time she’d seen a container for a microscopic black hole, that time it had been a small disc. She had felt a weight to it then, a literal gravity pulling her towards the device. Horizon imagined she could feel that now, a pit in her stomach and a burn in her throat. She tried to find a seam where the sphere could have been placed around such a disc but found nothing. How did it do those things at the factory? She asked.

“The sphere contains a small amount of computronium and electromagnetic field manipulation equipment in addition to the singularity and its confinement field generator,” Sam explained. “I was able to gain limited access using your pilot credentials and this guy,” she pointed over her shoulder at her fanged tail, “was able to focus the gravitational pull in various directions for your protection.”

Horizon stared at her AI avatar’s tail suspiciously. What is that anyways? I thought I made you to be an avatar for my implant’s AI?

“Well,” Sam looked oddly guilty for some reason. “You see, there’s not exactly ‘an’ AI in your implants.”

What? Horizon thought, confused. Wait, do you mean there’s multiple AIs in me?

The projected panda fidgeted with her hands as she composed a response, “that’s a bit of a simplistic way to put it, but sort of. Are you familiar with the Society of Mind?”

Horizon shook her head, even though she knew she was communicating with an entity only visible to herself. I’m not particularly well-versed in psychology.

“Okay, have you heard that conscious beings are composed of thousands of little minds called agents?”

I might have, that sounds vaguely familiar.

“All right,” Sam stroked her tail as if showing anxiety. “Well conscious beings have all these agents doing their things and when they all happen to go in the same direction it looks like decision-making. The concept of a ‘self’ is really just an illusion produced by the uncoordinated simultaneous actions of those agents.”

Horizon’s eyebrow twitched at that comment. I’m pretty sure that I exist.

“Well, technically speaking, I don’t,” Sam gave an exasperated shrug. “However biological sophonts work, Artificial Intelligences are gestalts of hundreds of thousands of different algorithms that occasionally work towards a common goal. This simulated personality you’re interfacing with represents the output of just a handful of those algorithms.”

So, you’re what? A spokesman?

“That’s a fair approximation of ‘my’ function, yes.” Sam reached a hand towards the mouth at the end of her tail, but it dodged with surprising speed. “However, there are some algorithms in your system that ‘I’ am denied access to. They’re what this guy represents in the visual metaphors of your mind.”

Horizon stared intently at the mouth on the avatar’s tail, trying to focus her thoughts onto it. What algorithms do you represent?

The tail’s maw opened wide and spoke two simple words that brooked no argument: “Insufficient clearance.”

Okay then, Horizon conceded. She turned her attention back to the orb in her hand. Is there anything else in here?

Sam disappeared from Horizon’s left side and reappeared next to her right arm, staring intently at the orb. “I couldn’t get much access, but there’s a lot of data stored in there. And I mean a lot of data, possibly more than our whole brain contains, but without a processor that can make use of it.”

And you don’t know what it could be? Horizon guessed.

“Nope,” Sam admitted. “Clyde,” she gestured towards her tail, “doesn’t seem to have any access to it either. I agree with you that Luke Didelph probably made it, but aside from the software to control the singularity I couldn’t tell you what else was inside it.”

Is there any way to find out? Horizon turned the orb over again, taking yet another look for any sort of interface port.

“We tried magnetic induction,” Sam explained. “I was able to take a look at the data, but it was heavily encrypted, with two different codes. Clyde managed to decrypt the Federation code, but he didn’t share any of it with me, of course.”

What about the other code?

Sam sighed, “it’s a few orders of magnitude simpler than the Federation code. However that just means that if I applied all the processing power of your implants to it I’d be able to decode it in one Jord year.”

A year? Horizon gasped in shock.

“Give or take a few months,” the panda added. “And that’s if I divert power from keeping us alive, despite your reckless lifestyle.”

Horizon sighed, she made a motion to set the orb down, then inspiration struck. Could we use an external computer to decode it?

“Oh yeah, sure,” Sam nodded rapidly. “Though I wouldn’t expect any consumer-grade computer from your primitive system to crack it in less than a century. I’d suggest getting hold of one of the Company’s ‘super’ computers or something.”

Horizon looked at the orb again and considered. A supercomputer you say?

---

Jennyfur was busy in her lab when Horizon found the white squirrel. The space contained multiple tables and desks covered with assorted biological engineering equipment. Cables snaked from a single central computer tower on the center desk into multiple printers and analyzers, half of them whirring and clicking at any given time. She looked up from a petri dish covered with pink gel as the raccoon entered. "Oh hi! Don't normally see you down here."

Horizon nodded at her girlfriend, "I had a bit of a situation, and I was hoping you'd be able to help me."

Jenny dripped a few drops of solution from a pipette onto the dish as she responded, "is something wrong with your implants? You want to go back into the virtual rig or something?"

Horizon shook her head, "more drytech than wetware I'm afraid." She pulled the orb out of her pocket and showed it to the squirrel. "Do you know anyone who could decrypt whatever's stored on this?"

Jenny set her tools onto a rack and stared intently at the mysterious sphere. Before she could say anything, Sam whispered in Horizon's ear, "are you sure you trust her with this?"

I won't tell her it's a black hole unless absolutely necessary, the raccoon retorted silently. And remember that if MechRat gave it to us that means the “tell no one” instruction was not an order.

"Is that FedTech?" Jenny's question brought Horizon's attention back to the present.

Horizon gave a small shrug. "I picked it up back on the Resolution, so it probably is, but I'm mostly interested in the data that's on it. Sam said she didn't have the processing power to decode it in any reasonable amount of time, so she recommended I find some kind of supercomputer to take care of it."

"Well," Jenny considered with a glance over her shoulder towards the processor tower on her desk. "I wouldn't call it a 'supercomputer' per se, but I do have a decently-powered machine here."

"That's nice," Sam popped into existence standing behind the tower. "Based on what I can see here, this thing could crack the encryption in just over half a century."

"Fifty years?" Jenny gasped in shock. "What, is this thing quantum encrypted or something?"

"No," Sam retorted. "If it was quantum encrypted your machine here would have no chance. As is, the coder probably used the Resolution's quantum computers to develop the encryption but I can't pick up any uncertainty principles at work here, fortunately."

Jenny scratched her chin as she thought, "so, if we had a quantum computer..."

Sam looked up at the squirrel with interest. "Are there any quantum computers on this moon?"

"It's not really something they advertise, but the Company uses them to run the credit network." Jenny pulled a paychip out of her pocket and held it up, showing the AI panda through Horizon's eyes the small LCD screen displaying the amount of Surtr Company Scrip stored on the chip under the Company logo. "About seven years ago some guys managed to steal a few quantum cores from the treasury division. They were planning to use the codes on them to rob the Company blind but instead the Company just put out a new scrip and forced us to trade in our old sacs for new ones. At a terrible exchange rate I might add."

Sam looked very interested now. "So what did they end up doing with the stolen cores?"

Jenny shrugged, "sometimes somebody suggests they have one of them. Occasionally there's a rumor that one was used in a major cybercrime. But, nobody can say for sure."

"Would you, by any chance, know where to find one of these people?" Sam blinked out of existence and rematerialized right in the squirrel's face. "I can't imagine that those biomods of yours came from a licensed clinic."

Jenny staggered back, bumping into the desk behind her. "I might know a few people in the black market," she claimed. "But I'm not really a computers person, I'm more into wetware."

Sam leaned over Jenny's protruding stomach to stick her nose right up into Jenny's. "Still, could you check? Pretty please?"

"Sam, give her some space," at Horizon's command the AI turned to glare at the raccoon for a moment. Then she blinked out and reappeared sitting in a cross-legged position on one of the desks at the far side of the room.

"I'm going to need that table in about half an hour," Jenny complained, pointing at a tray of plates under the illusion's legs, one tube sticking out of her immaterial thigh. "I might know someone who might have a lead, but I can't guarantee that anything they'd sell you would be genuine." She picked up her pipette again and started dripping on plates again, then her eye twitched. "Hold on," she said, "that Shawn guy you rescued yesterday. He mentioned he was a computers guy."

"Hmm?" Horizon inquired.

Sam waved a hand and a document appeared in the air next to it, showing the image of the vole Horizon had saved next to a list of qualifications and work history. Horizon focused on the document and it zoomed through the air and came to a stop in front of her face. "An IT journeyman?" she read.

"It says he just barely passed the exams, but the notes from his mentors suggest discipline issues," Sam explained. "He might actually be helpful."

“So,” Horizon considered. “You’re suggesting we obtain a stolen quantum computer from some shady guy in the Surtr underworld, and bring a kid who might have the Company out looking for his head after framing him for arson?”

“Pretty much,” Sam commented with a smirk.

[itsclydebitches]

I think you've mentioned this before but thinking more about it now, it really is a shame most of the villains are disabled so the two disabled heroes spend more time beating them up/acting as foils rather than talking about their experiences and finding solidarity. A talk between Yang and Ironwood in early V7 would've been nice, at the very least.

Agreed. Fans are right to point out that RWBY's disability rep is more complicated than a blanket "All the bad guys are disabled while none of the heroes are so that's bad" situation, but including some version of representation isn't the same way as writing that rep well. If it were, we'd all be satisfied with a Word of God announcement that dead Pilot Boi was gay, a hastily redeemed, would-be murderer of our protagonist's parents lesbian, two background queer women who disappeared, a wink from Clover before he's killed off, and the seemingly endless teasing of Blake/Yang. As the queer rep attests, sometimes including sprinkles can feel worse than getting nothing at all, simply because you understand that the writers understand that diversity is meant to be there... but they're clearly not willing to commit to it. That's how I'm feeling about RWBY's disability rep now. You would have gotten a very different response from me back in Volume 3-6, when Yang was having her arc (messy as it was in places), Ironwood was still a good guy, and Maria was poised to be Ruby's beloved, significant mentor. Yet now, many fans point to these characters without considering where they've ended up: Yang viewing her arm as "extra," Ironwood a bad guy whose villainy was visually depicted through his lost arm, Maria a useless character who was so forgotten by the narrative we never even got confirmation of whether she's alive - and not in a deliberate, cliffhanger manner. Same with Pietro. Penny's android body was stripped away and then she was murdered, again. Cinder remains as crazy-evil as she was before, rejecting that glimpse at development. Mercury has been shuffled off to Vacuo. Who are we left with in the main story? Neo? There's a reason why the fandom is unironically worried that she'll suddenly be able to speak during Volume 9.

RWBY was never blazing a trail for disability rep, but there was a point where it was doing a whole lot better than it is now. Yes, there were always problems - such as many fans' anger and discomfort over Tai's comments - but we didn't use to have a story where disability was deliberately used as a marker of evilness, where it was denied or erased in the heroes to separate them from that supposed taint, and the rest of the disabled cast was either forgotten or written out of the story. A talk between Yang and Ironwood would have been fantastic, something I expected given that he's the one who gave her the arm... but that talk would have required a version of RWBY that isn't currently treating disability as something to be ashamed of. I thought we had that story, years ago, yet Volume 8 thoroughly proved me wrong. Having Yang and Ironwood connect over their shared trauma would have necessitated an empathy for Ironwood the story outright rejected, as well as an acceptance of diversity that no longer exists. I really don't care about the allusions RWBY is supposedly following (they're not), because intention aside, Penny's arc was a complete rejection of physical difference. She "had" to become human to achieve happiness - no matter that she never expressed a desire for that, that there were other ways to save her, that she died anyway - and combined with Yang's rejection and the overt - reaffirmed by Word of God - writing that Ironwood's disability is what made him into a monster... how else are we supposed to take that collection of choices? That RWBY supports diversity? Far from it. A talk between Ironwood and Yang, oh so sadly, belongs to a version of RWBY that didn't reject diversity for uniformity and wasn't using disability as another cheap way of showing supposed evilness. This design was always meant to be something we shied away from, feared, and found distasteful. Given where RWBY has ended up, where they were planning to go all along in these last two volumes (if their comments are to be believed), I'm not at all surprised we missed out on those conversations. It's the antithesis of the message they were pushing, whether they consciously realized it or not: that difference is no longer something to celebrate.