#even if done with malicious intent towards a third party

[deaddove]

the plum in the iron vase on ao3—

baoxiang/third prince

rated E

iron widow au verse. no iw spoilers

ayu uses his concubine-pilot as a vehicle to have gay sex (don't do this)

baoxiang uses his brother's imminent mortality as a vehicle to have gay sex (this is fine)

[weepingvoidpenguin]

One of Your Favorites

Jealous Bucky x Reader

Summary: You have an objective. Get Rumlow to confess. Simple enough, right? No. Aside from his usual condescending attitude towards you, Bucky has made it extremely apparent that he doesn’t think you’re capable of - well, anything, but especially not handling Rumlow. And yet, he is the biggest challenge of this entire ordeal.

Warning: T R I G G E R WARNING!! ATTEMPTED SA, DRUGS, language, light smut. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT READ IF SA WILL TRIGGER YOU. 

Word Count: 8.3k

   “We have good intel stating he’s working as a double agent for HYDRA. Selling information, exploiting tactics, even going so far as to tell them where we’ll be and when.” Natasha scanned the room, making sure she had everyone’s attention during the briefing. 

   You slouched back in your swivel chair and twisted to-and-fro slightly with your hands gripping the arm rests on either side. It took all of your willpower to act engrossed in her words. And you meant every single drop. You’d been paying attention, sure, but the only issue was the dominating presence two seats to your right and directly in your line of sight to Natasha. You rolled your chair to the left to clear the path for the third time, only for him to block your way without missing a beat. The growl that left your mouth was nearly involuntary. Nearly.

   How long would this man act like a child? Despite his graceful and seemingly unsuspecting movements, you were fully aware his placement was intentional. This was not the first, nor did you doubt that it would be the last, time that Bucky acted impudently toward you. Frankly, you’d grown bored of his behavior. It was the same thing everyday. He would act a nuisance during the briefings, speak over you whenever he had the chance, steal the limelight from you and invalidate any concerns or thoughts you shared. The whole charade grew tiring and he had been dancing on thin ice for months now.

   You averted your gaze from burning holes through the freshly washed, brown locks and switched your attention back up to the redhead. Thankfully, too, because you managed to catch the end of her sentence just as she locked eyes with you.

   “And that’s why Y/N is going to be the one to extract the information from him,” she finished.

   You blinked, “Wait, what?” 

   Bucky straightened his posture and threw a quick glance your way, “Yeah, what? She’s got no heat, couldn’t toast marshmallows if we gave her all day. She shouldn’t lead this, she wouldn’t know how,”

   “Well, tonight might be a good time to start learning, then,” Steve chimed in, throwing a wink your way. You smiled and appreciated his aid, not because you needed it but because at this point, you were seething and if you opened your mouth to defend yourself this meeting would go south, quickly. Luckily, Steve always believed you were capable of a great deal of things and knew you strove for more experience so any opportunity to lead or expand was one he thought you should take. 

   “Besides,” Tony spoke up, twirling a platinum pen between his fingers from across the table, “our little double-agent has always had the hots for Y/N so unless you’re gonna be the one to bat your eyelashes at him and get him alone in a room, Mr. Barnes, we have to use his own flaws against him.” He turned to face you and held up a hand, “Not to say that liking you is a flaw, you’re great Hot-Stuff but exploiting him is our best option indefinitely,”

   “Do I have to seduce him?” You huffed, crossing your arms over your chest and raising a brow towards Nat, trying your damned hardest to avoid the unmistakable glare the brown-haired super soldier was sending your way. 

   “The only thing you have to do is extract any information on him that you can. Get him a little drunk, catch him in a slip-up or two, take note of any inconsistent stories and be on your merry way,” she reassured, “How you manage to do that is up to you,”

   “Ooh, extortion,” Clint chirped up from the far back corner, his hands rubbing together maliciously around an arrow he pulled from his sheathe, something you noticed he did a lot when he was uninterested; be it a person, mission, or conversation.

   “No. Not extortion,” Steve shut it down and you chuckled at how Clint’s countenance fell into one of disappointment. 

   “Not yet anyway,” Natasha mumbled and you sighed as she walked around the room and handed each of you a folder with your individual objectives inside.

   “But he’s such a pervert,” you grumbled.

   “All the easier,” 

~

   The rest of the day was drudged with Nat while she taught the pertinence of body language (both yours and theirs), verbal ruses, and overall ensnarement. You bat your eyelashes until you were certain you would catch enough wind to fly away, smirked enough that your cheeks began to ache and raised your eyebrows ‘til you felt the impending wrinkles on your forehead. By the end of the drill you weren’t sure you were even going to make it to the company party from the migraine creeping its way on.

   “How’s the bait coming along?” His voice alone caused you to roll your eyes but you paid no mind while you rubbed at your temples and stood up alongside Natasha.

   “She’s not gonna be able to lie to me any time soon but she can flirt her way to whatever she wants,”

   “Benefits of targeting a narcissistic misogynist, they don’t think anyone can fool them.” Tony belted as he sauntered into the room with strawberries, offering them out to you while he munched on one.

   “She’ll still mess it up,” Bucky countered, “Make someone else do it,”

   You plucked the fruit off Tony’s tray and examined it, trying to figure out whether you were going to consume it or use it as a weapon.

   “I really appreciate your words of encouragement, James. Unfortunately, they’re not wanted, nor are they needed.” You bit into the fruit and glided towards the door, looking over your shoulder at the super soldier, “So unless you actually have something to contribute, I suggest you stay the hell out of my way while I get the job done,”

   Nat walked out behind you and handed you a tiny, skin-colored device meant to conceal itself and you placed it in your ear. 

   “The conversation is gonna be recorded so we can catch any inconsistencies. We’ll all be able to hear what you’re saying so tread on delicate waters but don’t be afraid to shake mountains if you have to,”

   You nodded and opened your door for her to enter your room knowing she’d want to help you get ready for the event. Natasha, shocking as it turns out, enjoys company while preparing for events. She would much prefer to be surrounded by people than be alone. You never had gall to ask her why that is. Or maybe you respected her too much to ask.

   An hour had passed, maybe two, but you enjoyed the silence between you both. There was no need to fill the empty quiet when it was so comfortable and welcoming. You two spoke without words at times and that was probably your favorite personal skill. Eventually, there came a knock on your door and you opened to find Wanda with her flat iron and make-up bag in tow. It’d long since been decided that your room was the gathering center.

   Wanda helped you finish touching up your outfit and you waited on your bed while they finished getting ready. Nat occasionally quizzed you on certain situations and how you should act depending on the tones and moods of the conversation. You tried to explain that you didn’t have difficulty reading a room but Nat tested you all the same. 

   “And if he puts his hand on your thigh?” She called out from your bathroom.

   “Then he loses it,” you practically sang in response.

   You were met with a flying hairbrush and laughed at the onslaught.

   “You’re not the only one with that mentality,” Wanda called out as well, her iron glossing over thin strands of hair.

   “Nat knows I can handle myself.” You sat up on the bed and went over to your closet to collect your favorite pair of shoes to go along with the formal attire Nat selected for tonight. “What a coincidence that we happen to have a company party the same night we have to extract information,” you hollered over your shoulder, moving aside terribly worn shoes while you scoured for the pair you had in mind.

   “This objective has been in the works for weeks now,” Nat released the tendril of hair from around the barrel and pinned it to her head so it could cool.

   “Wow, thanks for the heads up, then.” You gripped the desired pair and placed them beside your nightstand for later.

   “The plan wasn’t solid until we knew for a fact that Rumlow was coming. It’s a company party so it’s not mandatory but once he heard you were making an appearance, it didn’t take very much persuading,”

   You rolled your eyes and plopped back down on your mattress, “He’s so annoying, I doubt I can hold much of a conversation with him,”

   “Take a shot or two to ease your nerves, if he sees you drinking it’ll put him at ease too. He’ll be more inclined to drink,” Natasha recommended. “But don’t act too out of character. If you were always curt and short with him and suddenly you start acting over-friendly, he may get suspicious. He’s an idiot but he’s a paranoid one,”

   You nodded, taking a mental note to have a half-empty bottle in your grasp when Rumlow arrives. If he thinks you’ve already been drinking, he might also consider catching up. 

   “Y/N? Not uptight for once?” Wanda sarcastically questioned. “I can’t picture it,”

   “Oh, fuck off,” you grumbled and in turn received laughter from the two girls. “Besides, of all of us I’m by far the least uptight. Barnes takes the cake for that one,”

   There was a beat of silence that you didn’t register before you were met with a response.

   “Ya know, he’s not as bad as you paint him out to be.” Nat unpinned the curl from her head and moved on to the next section, “He’s got some serious loyalty and always willing to volunteer first for everything,”

   You lifted your head to stare at her reflection through the mirror, “What are you talking about? He’s annoying and irate and lacks a filter,”

   “Mmm, irate isn’t the word I would use,” Wanda countered, looking over to Natasha.

   Nat shook her head in response, “I’d lean more towards . . . over-protective,” 

  “Much better,” Wanda agreed.

   You squinted your eyes at their image and felt the corners of your lips turn downwards, “Over-protective? Since when are you two defending Barnes?”

   “We’re not defending him, per say.” Wanda glanced over to Nat, “We’re just trying to give you a fresh perspective,” 

   “You could give me a brand new pair of eyes and I’d still see him the same,” you retorted, now leaning on your elbows due to the strain on your neck. 

   They ignored the comment, “And he’s only annoying to you,”

   “You’re telling me he doesn’t annoy you at all?” You asked, an eyebrow raised.

   “More like . . . he doesn’t go out of his way to mess with us.” Nat applied a nude color onto her lips.

   “So you agree that he goes out of his way to irritate me,” you stated rather than asked.

   “That’s been made very apparent,” Wanda responded. “But you have to wonder why,”

   You huffed a little and sprawled back out on the bed just to result in staring at the ceiling above. If you looked hard enough your mind would create pictures from the chaos of the cracks and shapes began to form. Sometimes, when the night lay still and life seemed to dwindle at the edges of your reality, you could swear a familiar face fashioned together and your imagination ran wild with the images you’d see. Some that brought a warmth to your cheeks even now. 

   You shot up out of bed and shook the memories from your vision. Ugh. He haunts you even when he’s not actively tormenting you. How he’s managed to crawl his way so deeply within your skin you had no idea but you fought for control of your thoughts whenever you caught them slipping into that hellhole.

   “Or slipping into euphoria,” Wanda chimed in.

   “Wanda!” You scolded, crossing your arms, “Euphoria my ass,”

   “Yeah, he thinks so too,” she continued and you chucked the abandoned hairbrush back their way. 

   “Stay out of my head,” you jokingly sniped at her but was met with a low chuckle.

   “I didn’t even have to be in your head to know what you were thinking of,” Nat defended and caught your weapon of choice.

   “Are you guys done yet?” You rolled your eyes and stretched yourself out before swiping up the pair of heels you’d chosen and sliding them onto your feet.

   “Why? Are you in a hurry to see a certain someone?” Natasha teased and Wanda let out an eruption of laughter.

   “All right, I’m done.” You made a beeline for the door and threw it open, “Lock up when you’re finished!” You bellowed over your shoulder and made your way to the top floor of the building where all the parties are typically held.

   You didn’t run into anyone on the way up and you used that time to calm yourself, prying inch by inch away from the invasive thoughts that called for you in the darkest hours of the night. But, then again, maybe those tormenting thoughts weren’t that bad? You mean, he certainly IS handsome, very much so actually. And he has the most knee-wobbling smirk you’d ever come to know, not to mention those little tricks he does with his knives always manage to entrance you. God, did he know how to use a knife. 

   On more than one occasion had you caught yourself staring at how his hands encapsulated the hilt of the blade. How they clenched and relaxed, drawing out some of the more prominent veins on one of the extremities; of course, you were even more so enticed by the hand he hid as well. You’d imagined what it felt like to have such strong hands grip onto your thighs and coax you into spreading them open with just a few teasing touches here and there. You couldn’t fathom the front you’d put up would last very long, he was stellar at pulling reactions from you. He’d see you break under his caresses and he’d degrade you like he always did but this time it’d emit a different response from you, one that made you whimper and shake. At that, he’d probably call you a good girl, he definitely seems the type to switch between degradation and praise, and would press his mouth up just where you wanted it the most. You’d try your hardest to be quiet but damn the way that tongue moved against you and the way he’d pull you harder against his face at each sound of pleasure you let slip past your lips. He’d enjoy it, too. Eyes closed as he devours you, he likes to put on a show for you to watch. Give you a memory that’ll slick your thighs later that night if he hadn’t fucked you into a coma by then. He’d make you watch him and if you dared to close your eyes you’d earn a firm, cold smack on your ass. He knows you like when he uses temperature play. He growls a little too, he can’t help his innate behavior. Then, just as the accumulation is coming to its apex he’d pull away abruptly and kiss you straight on your mouth so you can taste yourself and that’d earn him another whimper which would result in another smack that leads to that cold metal trailing its way to your core and just as he pushes the tip of his finger inside-

   You cough and straighten your posture as the elevator door opens. When had you leaned up against the back wall of the elevator? Oh Gods, you could feel the slick at the apex of your thighs and you squeezed them together as inconspicuously as you could in fear that you were producing a . . . scent that would be rather difficult to conceal. But the slick only grew worse when you locked eyes with the person stepping into the elevator.

   Fuck.

   “That’s what you chose to wear?” He asked, a certain venom in his tone that immediately calmed the ache in your heat.

   “And what would you have me wear instead, Barnes?” You quipped back, your body facing forward as he took his place beside you in the cramped space.

   There was a beat of silence. Then another. “Not that,” he responded.

   “Well I’ll make sure to ask you next time since you have such impeccable taste,” you retorted, your eyes yet to abandon the sight of the closing doors.

   You weren’t sure of all the effects of the Super Soldier Serum that had been injected into Bucky and all that it heightened but you prayed to any God that would listen that his hearing wasn’t one of those things. You were too preoccupied with attempting to settle the hot pulse beating between your legs to worry about how loud your discomfort came across.

   “What do you look so nervous about?” Bucky’s gruff voice prodded. “You can’t possibly be nervous about the mission considering how big-headed you are,”

   You took a deep, long breath and held it to soothe you. Had you not been so previously preoccupied, you’d have given him hell for the insult. “I’m not nervous about that,” you sniped and rested back against the cool wall to satiate your burning skin before lifting your gaze to him only to find him already examining you.

   “Of course not, I just said that,” he retorted, bringing a gloved hand to his face to rub along his jaw, “there’s obviously nothing for you to worry about,”

   You scoffed, “And why is that, Barnes?” Cue the dramatic crossing of your arms. 

   “You’re smarter than Rumlow and significantly better trained. Overall, he really doesn’t hold a candle to your ability,” He paused for a second, his whole frame tensing until he remembered to relax, “But that’s not really saying much considering it’s Rumlow,” 

   You hadn’t noticed you raised your eyebrows until you felt your face fall, ���Ah, there he is. You had me worried there for a second, Barnes. Thought you might actually try something new and display common decency for once,”

   A corner of his mouth turned up subtly and he shook his head. You trailed your gaze down to his hidden hand and stared long enough to burn a hole through the fabric.

   “If something’s bothering you, Dollface, go ahead and speak up,” 

   You weren’t sure what possessed you to say anything, especially knowing how touchy the subject was for him but the words left your mouth anyway, “I don’t know why you insist on hiding yourself,”

   He lurched his head back, your statement seeming to have a physical affect on the man and you mentally slapped yourself for saying anything.

   “I’m not hiding myself,”

   “But you are,” you interrupted, your thoughts coming out in pools of candor, “you aren’t your hand. You aren’t your past. You are you. Presently. You’re not the Winter Soldier anymore. That’s not even the same hand you had back then. It’s not tainted and neither are you. I say drop the gloves,”

   “And why would I care about what you say?” He growled, his eyebrows furrowed together and his neck tight in potential restraint.

   The elevator dinged and you looked towards the opening doors, “You don’t have to but they don’t look right with your suit either.” You walked through the exit and sauntered over to the others who had already gotten the party started, leaving Bucky dumb-founded behind you. “I need a shot,”

   “Already ready,” Tony quipped up, holding the small glass in the air for everyone to behold before bringing his cheek to yours in mock welcoming, “This’ll up your tolerance for the next hour, try to get all your drinking done within that time-frame,”

   You pulled away with a warm smile after faux kissing his cheek, “Finally!” you displayed and threw the liquid back in one swift motion, your face scrunching together against your will.

   “Yeah, she’s got a kick to her,” he mumbled and handed you a fruity drink to chase it down with. 

   You went around and said hi to everyone as you recognized most of those present. You made small chatter with those lesser known and drank the liquid in your hand significantly quicker than you’d like to. You excused yourself after you finished the drink and walked over to the bar, scanning the room as you were handed another glass. No Rumlow in sight.

   You headed towards the foosball table and gripped the handles after setting the beverage down on the counter beside you. You flinched as a reflection of light caught your eye and at first you thought your glass was the source. Until your eyes fixated on the reflection’s actual origin. To your far right, and up a few steps you found Bucky conversing with Steve, a dull light emitting from his hand. Not a glove in sight.

   “So, where’s your boyfriend?” Sam inquired when he filled the opposing spot.

   You rolled your eyes, “Bucky’s not my boyfriend,”

   “Bucky?” Sam’s tone chirped up teasingly, a knowing look wearing on his face.

   Your grip tightened around the handles and you slowly pulled away to throw the little white ball through the circle, your hands immediately twisting the miniscule players around. Your eyes shot back and forth, your sight never leaving the darting sphere. Sam still managed to win the first point.

   “Ha!” He shouted in triumph, bringing his finger up as if to scold you, “Don’t think you got away with that comment either, Y/N,”

   “What comment?” you questioned and gulped most of your drink before slamming it back down on the table.

   You heard your earpiece come to life with quiet static and you tried to keep your face masked. Rumlow had entered. Not a surprise either, the party was finally starting to pick up now.

   Sam threw the ball in and you turned the players meticulously this time, brute strength hadn’t helped you earlier so maybe you should take it slow. Steve made his way over to the table and threw his drink back, the liquid trickling down the side of his face before he wiped it away. Sam won the second point.

   “I play winner,” Tony chimed, standing beside Steve.

   You made a point to catch up and now you two were tied at three each. 

   “Best out of five?” You proposed, quirking an eyebrow at Sam.

   “If you didn’t want to play anymore you could’ve just said that,” he teased and you smirked at him as Tony made a subtle show of handing you another drink and you finished your second. “Loser takes two shots?”

   “Deal.” You nodded, knowing you didn’t have much of a choice as a small crowd began to form around you two. Rumlow amongst them. 

   Your jaw dropped when Sam shot the ball directly into your goal as soon as he’d let the ball go.

   “What the fuck?” You shouted, “No fair! That doesn’t count!”

   Thor erupted in laughter to your right and you blinked slowly, staring at the gargantuan man. 

   “It most certainly does,” Sam shouted back, his grin practically touching his ears.

   “Sam, take it easy on her,” Bucky muttered from beside him, quickly averting his gaze from yours and his expression loosened, “The brat hates losing,”

   “Brat?” You snarled.

   Bucky took a swig of his beer, watching you the entire time and you reeled back the fire beginning to form in your chest just to bring your drink up to your lips and chug the entire thing down. You handed it over to Tony who left to replace it. 

   “Last point,” Sam stated, “It’s not too late to quit now,”

   You shook your head and blinked away the feign distortion you were supposed to have. “Just play the ball,”

   “Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he teased and threw the ball in. 

   You wanted to win. Desperately. But you had a character to play tonight and she was supposed to be drunk. So you hit your hand against the corner of the table just as Sam happened to make the winning point. You grumbled and threw him a glare when Tony broke through the crowd.

   “Coming through,” he shouted, handing two small glasses to you while you gripped your knuckles in pain. “Noooo, you’re not getting out of taking these. C’mon, take your punishment,”

   “Yes, Daddy,” you grumbled and cringed at your own words when the realization hit you. Whatever. You were supposed to be drunk, anyway. 

   “Daddy?” Tony quipped and pulled the drinks back towards himself, “Maybe you should be cut off,”

   “What?” You argued, leaning slightly on the table with your hand and snatching the drinks from Tony’s hold, effectively spilling some on yourself. “See?” You lifted up the half empty shot glass, “This barely counts as a shot,”

   “I’ll get her a new one,” Rumlow offered and disappeared before anyone could argue. 

   “She really doesn’t need another-” Bucky tried to interject and take the shots from you but you twisted around and chugged down the one full glass.

   Water.

   You looked up at Tony and his smirk was barely noticeable. But you could tell. Bucky nearly ripped the other drink from you but Tony blocked his path and you exaggerated your next drink as Rumlow broke back into the crowd, shot in tow.

   “Here.” Rumlow’s calloused hand held the drink up above you and you stared at him with a questioning look. “Open,” he ordered and the fire burning in your chest fought to destroy everything in its vicinity. You bit your lip in refrain but tossed your head back and opened your mouth.

   Static broke over your earpiece. Don’t drink that! Wanda’s voice erupted.

   Your eyes widened as the liquid made its way down but you coughed hard to stop whatever you could. 

   Why? Steve’s voice came through right after.

   You choked on the liquid and shut your eyes at the way it burned its way down. You reached your hand out to grab someone’s drink to ease the burning and grasped a tall glass and tossed it back. The burning didn’t ease up and you felt a hand rest on your back.

   “Are you okay?” Rumlow’s voice rang out and your skin nearly recoiled from the contact, “How about we get you some water?”

   You looked up at him when the burning subsided minimally and nodded your head, letting him lead the way to the bar. He parted the crowd and someone took step right behind you to follow when the presence suddenly died out abruptly. You turned around to check who it had been and found no one.

   Why? Steve asked again.

   Where’s Wanda? Bruce broke through.

   You lifted your head and flitted your gaze around the room until you found the familiar Sokovian on the couch, laying down with her eyes closed. You pulled away from Rumlow but his grip on your hand tightened and his steps grew in haste. You whirled your head to yell at him but the way the room swayed with the movement cause you to shut your mouth in surprise. 

   Didn’t Tony say you would have a higher tolerance?

   “Couch...” you muttered, pointing over your shoulder just in case your target was curious enough to ask but the message was delivered.

   Rumlow hoisted you up onto the bar stool and stood on your open side, using his body to keep you from falling over. Or to cage you in.

   “I don’t feel good,” You rested an elbow on the countertop and held your head up.

   “I can’t imagine you would. You’ve been chugging those drinks like they’re water.” Despite that, Rumlow motioned to the bartender and asked for two more.

   You giggled and your head lulled forward with the action. You let Rumlow catch you from tumbling over. Why did your body feel so heavy? Not to mention the way everything around you dazed about. You couldn’t catch a single action, let alone attempt to read Rumlow’s body language. But you did happen to notice the way his eyes searched the room before coming back to you.

   “You okay?” You rested your forearm against his chest and pushed slightly to allow yourself a better view of his face.

   A small smirk, “Am I okay? What about you?”

   You smacked your lips and brought the ice cold glass to your lips. That’s not water. “I’m doing reeaalllyy good,” you drawled.

   Rumlow chuckled and pushed you deeper into the chair, “I can tell.” He took a sip, his attention never faltering from your body, “Just be sure to pace yourself from here on out,”

   You made a show of cocking your head to the side and letting a smile sprawl onto your face as you studied him. 

   “What?” he questioned, a curious lift in his brow.

   You shook your head gently and kept your gaze on him over the brim of your glass, “You’re just . . . not what I was expecting,”

   “And what were you expecting?” 

   Don’t forget to bat your eyelashes. “Worse,”

   “Sorry to disappoint,” he jeered, his attention once again cast throughout the room before centering back on you.

   You followed his action but quickly came to the conclusion that moving any pace faster than a sloth was going to make you nauseous and you could barely keep a thought together. Your stomach began to rise in your chest and the fear seized your throat shut. Why couldn’t you hold onto a thought for longer than a second? It was like you were aware of your lack of consciousness but could do nothing about it because any thought or bout of panic phased through just as soon as it arrived.

   “What are you so tense for, Rumlow? You know you’re not currently on the clock, right?” You teased, your head leaning on your shoulder as you spoke.

   He brought his drink up to his lips and finished it off in three gulps, “I’m not tense. It’s just hard to turn it off sometimes,”

   You nodded slowly and pushed your drink towards him, “Relax. You know everyone here,”

   He shook his head and placed your drink back in front of you before asking for another beer.

   “And two shots!” You shouted to the bartender, throwing two of your fingers high up and instantly regretting how fast you’d done it.

   “Are you trying to get me drunk?” He asked you, a side smirk beginning to form.

   You placed your finger over your lips and hushed, “Shh, I won’t tell if you don’t.” You dragged your lower lip down and his eyes fixated to commit the scene to memory. “Besides, I always feel dumb if I’m the only one drunk,”

   He motioned to the rest of the party, “Believe me, Sugar, you’re not the only one enjoying yourself,”

   “But are you?” 

   “Am I what?” 

   “Enjoying yourself?” 

   Your skin crawled when he placed his rough hand on your barren thigh, “Absolutely,”

   Don’t forget what you’re here for. Don’t let the objective slip. Gods, how the fuck were you supposed to retain anything when you were so sleepy? And why was it so warm?

   “Hot,” you mumbled, fishing around in your glass for an ice cube to rub on your face.

   “Thank you,”

   You threw your head back in laughter and nearly earned yourself an up-close and personal view of the floor had Rumlow not wrapped an arm around your waist and held you steady. Once he was certain you weren’t going to toss yourself onto the ground, he parted your legs and stood between them to keep you rooted to your seat.

   All the movement had you spinning and you white-knuckled Rumlow’s cotton shirt to keep yourself grounded to something, anything. Red warning lights were firing up in your chest and you tensed with the way your body buckled to the panic coursing through you. Your heart pounded in your ears and danced across your skin, lighting it on fire and making the room too stuffy to bear. Please, no. Not now. Focus. Snap out of it. Come back, stay back. Your breathing hitched and you looked down at the sensation crawling its way up higher on your thigh. Too hot. Everything was too hot, if you didn’t get out of this now you would never-

   “Vision!” You cheered, happy to see your friend.

   The presence on your thigh recoiled slightly.

   “I’m taking Wanda to her room, seems she’s had a bit too much to drink,” Vision informed and you’d only just then noticed the body in his hold.

   “Wanda!” You smiled, admiring her peaceful features as she slept in his arms. You poked at her cheek then jerked your gaze back up to Vision. “What? Wanda doesn’t drink,”

   She’s not acting, Sam’s voice erupted in your ear and you flinched at the sound. 

   Vision’s eyes went from you to Rumlow then back to you slowly, “Y/N . . . are you okay?”

   You beamed at him and slowly brought up your thumb. “Good,” you responded.

   You followed Vision’s gaze back up to Rumlow and smiled at the agent beside you. You guess he’s kind of cute. In a strange, unsettling way.

   “She’s had a lot to drink, so we’re just trying to slow down the pace. Aren’t we, Y/N?” Rumlow looked down at you.

   You nodded fervently, “Yup!” 

   Vision hesitated but knew he didn’t pose much of a threat with Wanda in his arms unconscious, so he quirked a smile and walked towards the hall.

   Someone get to Y/N, something’s not right, Vision ordered and you lifted your head up to find him. You could have sworn he just left.

   “Here.” Rumlow handed you a glass, “Drink this, it’ll cool you down,” 

   You stared at the glass in his hold and looked up at him, “You drink it first,” you slurred, holding your finger up at him.

   He cocked his head to the side but took a swig of the drink and you watched it go down his throat. You shrugged and grabbed at it.

   Do not drink that, Nat ordered from somewhere and you looked around in wonder at who she was yelling to.

   Bucky, Sit down! Steve growled.

   Like hell, responded a voice you knew all too well.

   Your smile grew and you looked through the crowd, “Bucky!” You feverishly called, completely expecting to see him before you. Rumlow’s head lifted instantly, his eyes scouring the area.

   “I’ve got this, Pretty Boy,” Tony hastily spoke, “How ya doin’, Hot Stuff?” He interrogated and you reeled at the tone.

   “Quite well, thank you,” you responded tenaciously and attempted to take a swig of the drink in your grasp.

   Tony’s hand shot out and covered the top, slamming the cup back down on the counter and effectively getting the drink all over your dress.

   “What the fuck?” You tried to shout but the words came out heavy and required too much energy to speak.

   “You’ve had enough for tonight,”

   “It’s just water,” Rumlow defended but Tony paid him no mind.

   Your jaw dropped open and you glared at the older man. Who the hell did he think he was? Tony’s stare burned through your skull and despite your irritation, you couldn’t help but wonder why he was so pissed.

   “Are you mad at me?” You drawled, lulling your head to the side.

   “No,” he responded curtly. 

   “Am I being too loud or something?” You pushed. You couldn’t imagine you were any louder than any other drunken bastard at this party.

   “No,”

   Get her out of there or I swear to God I will, his voice hissed into your ear.

   Your eyebrows rose slightly in excitement, “Mmm, Bucky,” you smiled and Tony nodded.

   “’Mmm, Bucky’ is right. Wanna go see him?” Tony offered, sticking out his hand for you to take.

   You fell forward into Rumlow’s chest but shook your head furiously none the less, “For what? So he can tell me I’m horrendous at my-”

   Oh shit. Your job. The job.

   If only your body didn’t feel so heavy and your mind so light.

   You pushed off Rumlow’s chest and glared at Tony, “I can handle myself,” you insisted, a new sort of sober tone making its way through that caused him to do a once-over. “I know what I’m doing,”

   “How many drinks have you had?” Tony challenged and you fell silent.

   Then you felt a tap, and another and a few more.

   “Six,” You said, hoping you’d counted right.

   Tony, don’t you even fucking consider it, Bucky threatened.

   “You could at least change, recuperate and then come back,” Tony offered and you sighed a breath of relief before nodding.

   “Deal,” you agreed, “I’m hot anyway,”

   Tony gave you one last glance before turning around and blending into the crowd on the other end of the room.

   You looked up to Rumlow who’s gaze was still locked on the sea of people, “Don’t you wish you’d taken that shot now?” you tried to jeer, every last word bringing you deeper and deeper.

   “Are they always that intense?” He questioned, not turning his attention to you.

   “They can be over-bearing,” you admitted, hand grabbing the water from earlier and pressing it up against your forehead, “They consider me the baby so they’re always criticizing and suffocating until I just wished they’d disappear.” You took a gulp, “Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the family and I like that I have a cause but . . . they don’t let me do anything. It’s exhausting,”

   You let out a long breath and smeared the condensation from the glass onto your chest. Rumlow studied you then, not just your body but your reaction. He was watching how you dropped your shoulders at the confession and how you faced your back to them to block them out. 

   You plastered your torso on the countertop and tried to slow your heartrate down. You couldn’t be the only one here unfathomably hot.

   “Why is it so fucking hot?” You questioned, fanning yourself weakly.

   “There are a lot of people around,” Rumlow offered, “how about we go somewhere else? Tony did say you had to change,”

   You peered up at him through half-lidded eyes and meekly groaned in compliance. “Fine,”

   You lifted yourself away from the counter and gently placed your feet on the floor. You’d touched the ground faster than anticipated. Had the ground always been so close?

   “Don’t worry, I gotcha.” Rumlow threw an arm around your waist and helped you trudge towards the elevator.

   Where the hell are you going? Bucky yelled and the sound of shuffling could be heard from his end.

   We can’t let you leave with Rumlow, Y/N. We’re not even sure you’re acting anymore, Sam stated.

   Rumlow pressed the button when you couldn’t muster the strength to do it yourself. The level that your room was on lit up and the doors began closing. You thought you saw Rumlow wave at someone but the mock smile on his face didn’t make it seem like a warm good-bye.

   Your legs had all but given out by the time the elevator reached your shared floor. 

   “Heavy,” you muttered, letting Rumlow carry your weight fully.

   “I know, Sugar. We’re almost there,” he soothed and you conceded to the fatigue wearing you down.

   Your head hung low and your arm dangled uselessly at your side. The familiar sound of your door sliding open caught your attention but you did nothing. You couldn’t. 

   “How . . . know . . . my room?” You questioned, each word causing you to pull from an empty well of energy.

   “I’ve been here before.” Rumlow tossed you onto the bed and sprawled you out.

   “Oh. Ok.” You tried to turn on to your side but strong hands gripped down onto your ankles.

   Rumlow sighed and slipped the heels off your feet, examining the pair like he wanted to wear them. You extended your feet until you felt every muscle in your leg stretch to its capacity and let out a groan of pleasure at the release. Those shoes hurt so bad.

   “You seem . . . intelligent, Y/N.” Rumlow dropped your shoes onto the floor and slithered to the side of your bed, standing beside it with his hands tucked into his pockets.

   A bead of sweat trickled down your forehead, “Hot . . .” you croaked and he nodded.

   “You’re right. It is getting kind of hot.” He brought a hand up to his neck and ripped off the tie hanging around it.

   Get the fuck out of my way, a growl erupted in your ear.

   We’re going with you, Buck, Steve responded before knocking something over.

   “So, what I have a hard time understanding is. . . why you’re here?” 

   You groaned a weak ‘huh’ but even that didn’t sound right.

   “You’re good at what you do, you finish every mission successfully and yet you’re underappreciated.” He took a seat at the foot of your bed and placed one of your legs into his lap, “Why do you allow them to treat you like that? We wouldn’t,”

   The shuffling in your earpiece halted.

   “We?” 

   He began to massage your calf and brought your knee up to his lips, peppering light kisses on it. “We could use someone with your skillset, babe. We’d take real good care of you,”

   The shuffling started again.

   Rumlow had made his way onto your thigh at this point and you let out an involuntary moan when he skimmed over a delicate part on your inner knee.

   “Ya like that?” he questioned but didn’t wait for a response. He brought a hand up to his temple and grabbed the earpiece. You figured he just hadn’t taken it out from his earlier shift but when he pulled it apart, you understood why he always kept it on him.

   “Flash . . . drive earpiece?” Your weak tone tilted a little. “W-why tell . . .”

   “I figured I’d give you the option to leave since you seem so . . . suffocated. If you said yes tonight then I would remind you tomorrow. If you didn’t,” he chuckled, “well, you wouldn’t remember anyway.” His hands trailed to your mid-thigh and you squeaked. “I’m impressed though, I’ve never given anyone else as much as I’ve given you tonight. The drug usually works so quickly on others, but not you. It’s kind of hot, actually,”

   Sick fuck, Natasha growled through a ragged breath.

   The world around you was slow or maybe it was you that was slow? You couldn’t tell, honestly. But when Rumlow moved as if he could predict your actions before you could make them, you wondered whether you were moving at all.

   “Don’t worry, it’ll be over soon,” Rumlow sighed.

   You shook your head, or thought you did but despite the way your body was live-wired, it remained still against all desire. 

   Fight. Move. 

   You managed to push your legs shut but his hand slithered between and spread them open similar to opening a door, but this required much less force.

   “Kill,” You threatened and the sinister smile that crawled its way onto Rumlow’s face was vile enough to sink your heart into your stomach.

   “Kill is fucking right.” Someone snarled and your door was ripped from its hinges.

   Rumlow’s hand jerked away from your body and Bucky seized his open palm, intertwining their fingers and pushing Rumlow’s so far back that they touched the back of his own hand. The cracks were sickening onto themselves but had you not been so weak you would’ve turned from the sight altogether. You really couldn’t fathom how his fingers were still attached at all.

   “Lay another hand on her and you won’t be able to use it again.” Bucky spit.

   Despite Rumlow’s pain, the sinister smile remained sprawled on his face, “You should’ve heard the noises she made,”

   Bucky’s grip tightened and the bones in his palm broke next, “I did,”

   Natasha flew in right behind Barnes but completely dismissed the two and headed straight for you with a needle in hand. Your eyes shifted from the needle to Nat’s face and back again until she stabbed it into your upper arm. Ouch. 

   “Wha-”

   “Shh,” Natasha hastily hushed, “Keep your strength, you should be back to normal soon,”

   Steve came behind Nat and scooped you up to lead you out of the havoc going on in the room. Nat turned her focus to Bucky and reached over to grab the earpiece from Rumlow. Who knows if his nose will ever heal back normally. You held one finger in the air as Steve stepped over the splintered door.

   “Goddamit, Y/N,” Steve huffed, jogging towards the elevator and pressing the floor that led to the infirmary.

   “We won,” you croaked out, a small smile on your face and Steve shook his head.

   “I’m never going to hear the end of this,” 

   Steve looked you up and down for bruises but couldn’t find any and you promised you weren’t lying to him when you told him Rumlow did not get very far in his ‘advances’ at all. You had to swear the mid-thigh was the worst that it came to. 

   Bruce was the one that took a few blood samples and made sure everything was reversing back to normal. Apparently, as soon as Rumlow took you to the bar Tony handed Banner the shot glass that Rumlow gave you and Banner ran analysis on it. The cure was pretty easy to find.

   After being given strict orders to lie down for the next hour or so, it had been decided that Rumlow was to be turned in considering all the evidence required to make the arrest was in the flashdrive and everyone was to gather together for a ‘family night’. Whatever the hell that meant.

   You were in the middle of debating which movie to pick with Steve when the infirmary doors flew open.

   “Where is she?” Bucky nearly shouted upon seeing Bruce.

   “That’s my cue.” Steve stood up just as Bucky rounded the corner, “If you need anything me and Banner will be right over there,”

   You smiled and thanked him then turned your attention to the super-soldier who just arrived at the foot of your bed.

   He didn’t say anything for a while, just looked at you. No, not really. Not at you but through you. A few painstakingly slow seconds went by that way.

   “You owe me a new door,” you joked, a half-smile on your face.

   “Are you okay?” He asked, finally registering your presence.

   You nodded slowly, “I am,”

   Then a few more seconds.

   Bucky turned his gaze down to his hands, both of them barren and on display for the world to see, before shifting his weight between either foot, “Did he- did he touch you?”

   “Not really. Just really liked my legs for some reason,” your attempt at another quip didn’t reach Bucky. He stared back up at you waiting for an answer, an honest one. You sighed, “The damage is more mental,” you admitted, now you were the one not able to look up, “I didn’t like being in this altered state of mind. It’s invasive and . . . scary. He could’ve done things, much worse things but it never got that far or that bad. It was more realizing that I wasn’t completely conscious or present and having that state of mind be taken advantage of, that mostly frightened me. Ya know?”

   “More than anyone,” he answered immediately.

   You looked back up towards him, finally making eye contact, “But I’m fine now, really. Just a little spooked. Steve wants to do a movie night tonight and I would actually prefer that over being alone.” Your eyes fixated on the way his hands clenched and unclenched on the bar by your feet, “If I’m alone then I’ll get stuck in my head about it. Besides, I consider this a hard victory with a few bumps in the road,” 

   He chuckled, lulling his head a bit, “You’re too stubborn for your own good,”

   You shrugged, “Maybe. How’s Rumlow?”

   Bucky hissed and moved over to the side of the bed where he took a seat, “He’s unconscious. And has a hand that he’ll never be able to use again. But other than that, he’s fine,”

   You chuckled and Bucky watched how the laugh met your eyes. He liked that look on you. It was one of his favorites.

   “Why are you looking at me like that?” You questioned once it fell silent between you two again.

   “You called me Bucky earlier,” he remembered.

   You scoffed, “I call you Bucky all the time,”

   “Not to my face,”

   “Not to your face,” you agreed, a teasing smile dancing on your lips and Bucky had one that mirrored yours. 

   “It was nice. Hearing it, I mean,” he admitted and a wave of warmth made its way to your face.

   “I see your hands are exposed,”

   He looked down as though he weren’t aware that he’d taken off his own gloves, “These bad boys? A friend of mine reminded me that I’m not my past. I’m my present. Why hide my growth?”

   You twiddled your thumbs together, “She sounds smart,”

   Now he scoffed, “Oh, it wasn’t a girl, it was some old buddy of mine.” He quirked up a brow, “Unless the person being a girl would make you jealous because in that case it was most definitely a girl,”

   You fought against the natural tug at the corners of your mouth, “Is she at least pretty?”

   “Stunning,” 

   “Smart?”

   “Genius,”

   “Good at her job?”

   “Amongst the best,”

   “Then consider me jealous, Barnes,”

   Bucky chuckled and you watched how the laugh met his eyes. You liked that look on him. It was one of your favorites.

[fairytsuk1]

my heart weeps for you. (a)

pairing: izuku midoriya x reader

genre: angst

warning: graphic descriptions of injuries, character death

words: 3.1k

summary: please find me in my next life so I can properly tell you that I love you!

a/n: this is a long emotional one, please enjoy it :)

 Midoriya used to think that he'd only ever felt genuine sorrow in his life the day his mentor, father, and a love of his passed away.

 "I'm so proud of you, Young Midoriya...I suppose you aren't so young anymore, are you?" his hand rested atop his poofy hair, Toshinori could almost see him when he was much younger. When his embraces still had the familiar teenage gentleness behind them, he'd grown up so much, "I am proud of you. To know that you are my successor is the greatest gift you could have ever given me." 

 Midoriya had watched Toshinori take his final breaths after he proudly exhaled those three long-lasting words. He didn't cry then. Only when he was lost in the coldness of his bedsheets did his heart weep from anguish as though he had lost a part of himself. He hated the sky and the way it shone so brightly because he would never get to see All Might look up at it once more before smiling. 

 The world looked at the number one hero as a symbol of peace and that he was! He saved the day as Deku with a small pin of his former mentor near his breast, a constant reminder that he was always with him. Grief lasted what felt like forever, but every day things grew just a bit easier. Only, his biggest regret was that Toshinori Yagi had never gotten to meet you. He would have loved you. It seemed that people who had changed Izuku's life could never coexist. It was if life was trying to tell him something. 

 In the end, it's just you.

 The next time he felt genuine sorrow was on a day bright like the one before. Though the pain wasn't because of how alone he felt or how much he missed those who had passed...No, he felt the wave of sorrow overtake him the moment you'd died in his arms. Unlike last time, he wept. His heart cried out for you even when he chose not to think about it. It wept his entire life, for he was never able to find the same type of love ever again.

 "Deku! It's me, Signal, I'm sorry I'm late! The train was packed! This lady asked for help retrieving her cat, and I just couldn't say no in my hero get-up! But I am truly honored to be your sidekick. I will do my best for our newfound team!"

 You were young and bright and so colorful. Your hero outfit was a pure white and gave you this sense of innocence, but the red rings gave you a bold and courageous aura. You looked more like an angel rather than a hero. He didn't prefer the traditional cliches when it came to romance, but he couldn't help but feel shocked when suddenly things seemed brighter around him. You made things seem brighter.

"Huh?! It's no trouble at all! Really, don't worry about it! That was great for you to do, you're gonna have everyone's vote in the popularity poll if you keep it up. Ready for patrol?"

 You reached into your bag and grabbed a clunky helmet with a black shaded screen, it covered your face. Midoriya felt a frown tug his lips before scolding himself. Why are you frowning at her costume? You haven't known her well enough to be upset by how she looks! Later, he would grin in happy remembrance when he had gone to visit your grave. He hadn't frowned because he thought you were ugly, he'd frowned because he thought you were beautiful.

 You talked a lot, mostly about the latest things in pop-culture and anything to do with animals. You seemed to be really into music and saving stray dogs. You also tended to ramble about the mundane things in life like blue-spotted pigeons or plump old ladies offering homemade churros. You also ate with your helmet on, and it made you look pretty silly. He couldn't stop himself from grinning every time you turned your whole body to talk to him. You never knew what he was smiling at. 

 "Okay, watch this!" he watched you intently while sitting on the park bench, he didn't want to ask what exactly he was supposed to be seeing and had no idea if there was supposed to be anything at all.

"Um-haha! I don't see anything--"

 Neon pink. A blushing emoticon with small letters appearing under it. 

 "Signal loves Deku!"

 It was like he could hear Mina's words saying that when he blushed, he looked like a firetruck. He was sure he looked like a million firetrucks right then.

 "It's true! I'm a big fan and I've always dreamed of being near you! It's like a confession towards your senpai! Have you ever seen those types of anime? It's usually done better in the manga, but I like the romantic connotations either way. Pretty cool, right? During a stressful mission, I thought it might be better to display messages so people would know it's okay while I'm still kicking ass! Also-" 

 He laughed so sweetly that it felt like drinking honey and milk. He'd never heard of displaying messages like that, it was different! But it was a good type of different, a uniqueness that made you stand out. It was weird how he had only briefly met you once under the cherry blossom trees when it felt like he'd known you forever. He had only first seen you in your third-year school sports festival at his Alma Mater, but it felt like he'd been with you before. Your energy felt so familiar, and you felt so warm. He chalked it up to your infectious bubbly personality, but he had no idea how deep your energy truly ran.

 His sidekick Signal gave him a rush he had never felt before. You were sweet, but your quirk was terrific and incredibly powerful, you could sense civilians and give out concentrated waves of vibrations to either alert heroes or ward off villains. The two of you worked like a well-oiled machine because when he punched? You rescued. When you signaled? He arrived. When you both started? You both finished. 

 "Hey, Deku? Did you know that I love spicy pork ramen?"

"Is this your way of telling me we should get ramen?"

 "...No."

"Let's go then! I'll pay since I  am  the older one, of course," he grinned back at you, "let's get going short-stuff!"

 "I'm average!! We've been over this before you bozo!"

 It wasn't a date, it was just dinner after work. No biggie. Midoriya didn't need to fix his hair when he walked past the department stores' glass, and he didn't need to nervously look away from your eyes when you spoke with such intensity. 

 "Am I too young for you?"

 His beer sputtered out from his lips like a faucet; quickly, he began to mumble apologies as the brown liquid was wiped away from the table and his chin, "young?! What do you mean too young?!"

 "It's just as I said! I'm only nineteen and you' re-gosh-like twenty-five? No, twenty-six! Am I too young for you?"

"Hey!! I'm only twenty-three! I'm not some old geezer or a pervert or something!! ... You're just fine but...dating looks problematic, so we should just avoid it. Especially for your future career because of power dynamics and stuff."

 "Dating? I was talking about being a sidekick."

"W-What?!"

 You tossed your head back and barked out a laugh as you blatantly made fun of him, "I'm just messing with you! I meant what I said. If it's so problematic, then please wait for me!"

 It had only been six months since he'd met you under a bright blue sky with one wispy cloud floating in it. It had been only a year since he first saw you on his tablet with the most radiant smile on your face even though you'd lost to your opponent.

 It had only been six months since he had properly gotten to know you, and it was at this moment he could confidently tell himself that he loved you. Even with that clunky helmet.

"Okay, I'll wait for you. But you better not make me wait too long! Who knows what'll happen?"

 He wished he wouldn't have jinxed it.

 Red was a fantastic color on you and you knew it. It was merely coincidental that it matched his tie and the two of you looked like a couple. The whispers and comments weren't malicious, they were just curious. Who was Deku toting on his arm? Why did they look so compatible? At first, your curious eyes wandered all over the Pro-Hero Praise Party. (It has an official name, but after hearing your joyful excitement of being able to attend a "Praise Party," it just stuck.). You took it all in before glancing back at him with an open mouth of awe.

 "So, are the snacks any good?"

 Of course you were amazed. After shrugging in response to your question, Midoriya watched you quickly run off to chat with some of the girls, Uravity and Froppy. You were weird if he was going to be honest, you had this childlike excitement that followed you wherever you went but at the same time...you had a presence. It was commanding, demanding, and it called everyone to pay attention to you. You shone so brightly that it stuck to people's hearts like superglue; walking away almost made his vision go blurry because oh my god, please don't let that force be taken away from me.  

 You always came running back though. When things began to get a bit more intense with flirtatious comments or lots of alcohol, you were always there to seek comfort. With your exuberant nature came his calming one. You two fit together like two peas in a pod.

 "Izuku? I have to tell you something."

"Yeah?"

 "I...I had a good time! Thank you for bringing me as your plus one to the party!"

 He raised a brow in confusion as the two of you stood outside your apartment complex.

"Oh! I had a good time too! We should go to more, it's fun with you," was that coming on a bit too strong? Is that  creepy ?! "I--"

 Soft lips on his cheek, you had to go up a step because he was just that much taller than you. The gloss made it a bit sticky but you pulled away with a heart-shaped smile.

 "Pervert! You're blushing!"

"You're the weird one! Didn't your parents ever teach you not to fool around with older people??"

 "Psh, don't pull the 'I'm your senior' schtick!! I heard enough about it from Mr. Ground Zero!..."

 He smiled and stepped down, letting a hand squeeze your shoulder. He didn't want to make you uncomfortable with too much affection.

 "Well...Big day tomorrow, I'm going to jump right into bed!"

"Got it! Me too! See you later, and thank you. F-For the kiss."

 You grinned, your teeth nearly blinding him as you squeezed his hand before turning to go into the complex. 

 "Also, that hand move was a little weird. Just hug me next time! There!" You stuck your tongue out and hummed, "romantic advice from someone younger than you! Suck it!"

 That night, he lay in bed, wishing you were there with him. You two could lie together or watch movies or do anything, really. He just wanted to be close to you. He liked being close to you. 

 You lie curled up on your side, eyes wide as the heat from your previous action coursed through your veins. Hands lightly rubbed the frilly fabric of the pillow before you squeezed your eyelids shut. Oh, how much you wished the warmth was his and not the space heater near your bed.

 SEND DISPATCH OUT! DEKU AND SIGNAL ARE UNRESPONSIVE! NO WORD FROM INSIDE THE BUILDING, WE NEED SOMEONE TO LIFT THE PILLARS! 

 Dust and crumbled roof fell onto Midoriya's face as he coughed and took in a deep inhale, the fall must've been bad considering the next cough brought up blood. Broken ribs? For sure, he'd broken enough bones to know that the affected area had been his ribs. He was just lucky enough that his hero costume provided enough support to keep him from having anything  too  serious. Well, he supposed broken bones were still pretty serious...his mind's wandering. Focus on the task at hand.

"Signal? Are you there?" Silence. He wheezed and moved away from the dust waterfall. It was a small area and...he could see the white of your costume easily! Hey! "Y/N! Oh, why didn't you say anything…"

 The words died in his throat. Red had pooled around you and a pillar lie where your midsection would be. Your helmet had cracked, and the screen was glitching between various emoticon faces. You lie still and stiff with your hair in your face. 

 "Izuku?..."

"Don't speak! Don't do anything! I'm gonna get this pillar off of you, and then I'm going to get you some help. Can you say okay?"

 "Kay...It doesn't hurt too bad…"

 He didn't respond as he leaped over the pillar to see the damage that had been done and how easily he could lift the object. He felt like vomiting when his feet landed on the bone in your ankle. It should've hurt badly with his steel-toed shoes and all, but you made no noise. He glanced back in concern before crouching down and examining your leg.

 "You're taking so long, I'm tired…"

"...Can you...can you move your leg?"

"What do you mean? They were crushed, can't feel 'em at all."

 If he pulled on your leg, the muscle and tendons would be exposed like red string and yarn. The blood would pool out of your thigh and further stain the concrete. The pillar that came crashing down had caught you on the way down, severing your spine when it hit the ground. If he lifted this pillar, your guts would spill out, and you would bleed out, and you'd be  dead  and holy fuck there's so much blood--

 You sniffled, you had figured it out too.

 "I can't feel them, Izuku, please, where are my legs?!"

"They're...Well…"

 "It's fucking, oh my god, they're not there. Izuku, am I going to die!? I can get surgery, right? I'll be fine!" You breathed heavily and began to squirm around, "I can still be a hero! I-I'm still a sidekick! It's fine, right?!"

"Please stop moving…" The chip in his ear buzzed loudly though all he could feel and hear was static. He felt paralyzed, what could he do? His favorite girl lies in two pieces because a building happened to collapse, "I'm coming back over there."

 You'd begun to cry in earnest, fat tears rolled down your cheeks as your arms beat down on the pillar.

 "Stop! I'm fine! Deku! Just pull this fucking thing off of me! I'm  fine !" You screamed out in fear, "Please!"

 He knelt down and cradled your head with his arms, he smelled like sweat and the rainforest. He felt his eyes well, he was hardly able to blink the tears back. Your voice wavered as you asked the dreaded question. It was much softer this time.

 "Will I die?"

  How do you tell someone they will die no matter what happens? The silence hung poignant in the air as the distant sound of sirens blared as background noise.

"I'm so sorry! It's my fault! I should've grabbed you when I had the chance!"

 "Shut up. Don't think like that. Don't say something like that!! How could it be your fault when a villain attacked this building? It wasn't you, was it?"

 Your arm reached up to his face and cupped his cheek, your eyes memorizing every green swirl and every eyelash. There was no time to ponder on what to say, the sirens grew closer. You didn't have time to think about how scary death was or what would come when it was all over. The pillar was going to be lifted soon, and then you'd be gone.

 "I'm sorry, Izuku. To leave you this way... I'm so sorry," the words felt like arrows in his heart. So final and spoken so softly. Like you'd already made up your mind, how could you make up your mind in a time like this?!

"You're not gonna leave; if I activate my quirk, I can race you to the medics in thirty seconds, maybe twenty. That's our plan, okay? And then I can--"

 "I love you."

"Stop it! Stop saying things like you're ready to go! You aren't! I'm not! Just stop!"

 "I love you."

"Please, I'm not ready...Please keep living with me, I just want to be with you!" He clenched his fist as tears freely fell onto your cheeks, mixing with your own, "This won't be your last time saying this, I promise! Just let me…" 

 You smiled, no teeth this time. Just your lips curving upwards.

"Don't leave me…"

 "I love you!" It was merely a whisper this time.

 The rock near them was blown away, surely by someone's quirk. But all he could see was your smile and your kind but sorrowful eyes.

 "I'm sorry I made you wait so long. I love you, Izuku."

 The lump in his throat ached as he smiled and took your hand off his cheek, interlacing the fingers together. The other free hand came to push the hair out of your face. Would he say it?

 He stared down at the red and white headstone, custom made. It even had your aura with the bright flowers adorning the soft patch of grass in front of it. He knelt down, leaving red and white roses. He supposed red should be an awful color, having seen you drenched in it in your final moments. But whenever he thought of red, he just remembered those rings that made you look so bright. That dress that made you look so beautiful. The lips that often smiled at him. The love you two had shared.

"I'm sorry I couldn't say it then. But I hope you knew that I loved you too."

 It was another day of bright blue skies with fluffy clouds and warm wind. He guessed that All Might would have been enjoying a nice cup of tea while he reminisced. As for you, he assumed you'd be out there saving cats and dogs while accepting churros from strangers.

 It was one of the many bright blue-skied days, but one of the first without you.

[missdawnandherdusk]

I’m Haunted

Draco X Gryffindor!Reader

Part One    Part Two    Part Three    Part Four    

Part Five    Part Six    Part Seven    Part Eight

Part Nine   Part Ten     Part Eleven

Summary: Your world was perfect for a shining moment. Then that moment ended. You and Draco are tested against the true evils of the world and unforgivable curses.

A/N: To all of you who thought that last chapter was cute and fluffy had me cackling because I knew this was coming and I would say I’m sorry but that would be a lie. This is heavy angst and oh my goodness it feels good to write angst again. And this isn’t the entirety of the angst I have planned for these two. Anyway, I love you all so so much! This is also live on AO3! Also if you want a song to listen with this please enjoy Haunted by Taylor Swift

Warnings: Since this chapter is angsty I do want to warn against those of you who might trigger with depression or have self esteem battles. There is also sexual harassment but though it is terrible, it’s not the main focus. There will be resolve though, I promise. You battle is not over. Always keep fighting.

“You’re creating a draft dear,” Narcissa spoke softly, not looking up from The Daily Prophet.

“He hasn’t responded to my letter. And I still hear word that he is with this... this Lupine, the daughter of Jezebel herself!” Lucius sneered. “This is why I didn’t want to send him to that school. The fool Dumbledore doesn’t know how to run it properly.” Venom dripped from his words.

“Dumbledore has nothing to do with your son’s affair,” Narcissa noted.

“He’s making a fool of the family name Narcissa!” Lucius roared. “After everything that I have done for that boy!”

“Then why are you sitting here scolding me and not scolding at him?” She looked up from the newspaper with a stern cold glare.

“I’m going to put an end to this. This girl will rue the day she ever decided to talk to my son,” Lucius stormed upstairs, planning for the trip ahead.

“Just another Christmas,” She sighed and picked up the letter from Draco that she had received earlier and tucked it away before her husband could see it.

~

Mother,

I am sorry. But I won’t stop. This is my life. 

Happy Christmas

Draco

~ ____________________________

A new song began once more, and Draco and I fell into step again. Hermione and I shared a passing smile as we passed another on the dance floor. The same shining look was shared in our eyes.

As the second, or maybe third, dance ended, Draco led us over to the table where Harry and Ron were sulking. Knowing better than to poke a sleeping bear, I sent Draco off to get drinks as I sat and rested, catching my breath.

“This is unbelievable. Hermione and Krum, you and Malfoy, is the entire world ending?” Ron muttered.

I laughed and patted his arm.

“It’s your own fault she’s not here with you.” I pointed out.

“What’s what supposed to mean?”

Ron didn’t have my attention though. Instead, my eyes met someone else’s. Blue, but older, crueler. My mood darkened as did my look as both Ron and Harry noticed.

“What is he doing here?” Harry asked standing.

“I’ll... I’ll be back,” I gritted out, standing.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Ron asked as I kept walking, not bothering to answer him.

I held my head high and took a deep breath, sifting through the thoughts, insults and curses that flitted through my head. I kept a cool distance between us, but it wasn’t enough. I could feel the hatred radiate off of him and seep into my skin.

“Mr. Malfoy,” I clenched my fists. “I wasn’t aware that you were coming tonight,”

“Obviously, you foolish girl,” He snapped and it had the effect of a slap to the face. His voice was the same as being dragged under the ice of a frozen lake: cold and unforgiving.

“My apologies.” I hissed taking another deep breath through my teeth. “But I do believe that parents were not invited tonight as it is a chance for the students from different schools to get to know another,” A placid smile graced my wicked tone.

“Mind your tongue little girl, you speak of things you do not understand,” He had the same look on his face that Snape did when he berated me in class, but this malice had no intention of construction behind it.

“And how would you know what I understand?” I answered coolly.

“Your foolish mother hid you away from our world. You do not belong among us and you do not belong with my son.” His words burned like acid on my heart.

“You have no authority over me, nor do you have authority to tell me who I am or where I belong Mr. Malfoy.” I retorted, determined and stubborn.

I wouldn’t show him that he got under my skin. I wouldn’t.

“Good night,” Mocking a bow I turned against my better judgement and headed back towards my friends and the fervor of the party.

“And where is my son now Miss Lupine?” There was a wickedly malicious tone in his words as a familiar grin curled on Lucius’ face.

I kept walking, however, pushing the conversation far from my mind and tried to find Draco and pull him away from this place and from his father. He deserved to be happy for a night and not have to fret about his father.

Harry looked like he was about to plan murder and Hermione’s face was crestfallen, as if she were close to tears.

“What?” I asked, harsher than I meant to.

“You need to see this,” Hermione whispered softly, taking my hand and leading me out of the Great Hall and to a side hallway that lead to the classrooms.

_____________________________________

Draco went over to the table with refreshments and waited beside Krum to get drinks, exchanging pleasantries.

“Imperio,” Draco froze.

Set the drinks down and find Pansy Parkinson. His father’s voice was in his mind, but this time he couldn’t ignore it. He had to obey.

Draco did as he was told. He found Pansy, who was smiling wickedly at him. 

“Finally come to your senses then?” She purred.

Say yes. The voice hissed

Draco nodded.

“This is going to be so much fun. I am going to break her,” Pansy took Draco’s hand and led him to a hallway.

You will do whatever Pansy wishes from you. You will not question. You will not disobey.

But what about her? Who was Pansy talking about? Draco asked the voice of his father.

YOU WILL NOT ASK QUESTIONS!! The voice roared.

Draco complied. Something nagged at him, however. A loose thread that he pulled at. Her. Who was she? Why did he care? Why did she make being with Pansy feel wrong? Who was she?

Pansy pulled him close and pressed him against a wall. Her lips were on his and he couldn’t let go that this was wrong. This isn’t who he should be kissing.

You will not defy me. Kiss Pansy back. The voice hissed.

Against his will, Draco’s hands cradled Pansy’s face as he kissed her back, not letting go that this was wrong.

________________________________

I stopped.

My entire world stopped.

My breathing stopped.

My heart stopped.

“I’m so sorry Y/n,” Hermione whispered as she rubbed my arm.

I shook her off, tears pricking my eyes and anger growing in my chest as my breathing quickened.

“This... this can’t... he wouldn’t.” I breathed out.

__________________________________

Draco’s concentration broke as he heard her voice.

“He wouldn’t,” The voice said, sorrow coating them.

This was her. He knew it was her. The murkiness in his mind faded as he thought about knowing it was her. With the fading of muddiness came a burn that replaced it.

You will obey. His father hissed in his mind

You won’t hurt her! Draco roared back. Not... not her. Liquid fire coursed through his veins.

Lie to her. Tell her you don’t love her. Tell her she means nothing. Tell her she is worthless, and it was all a ploy. A trick. Nothing more than to watch her break into nothing before you.

Draco let go of Pansy and pushed her away, turning to her. A few short steps and she was a lot closer. Yet, she backed away, tears streaming down her face.

“I trusted you!” She screamed at him. “Was this all just a game!?”

Her words cut deep. They cut deeper than the ties that bound him to his father. This pain that her voice held, the pain that it caused him was stronger than anything he had ever felt.

Tell her it was a game. His father’s voice was fainter now.

No. Draco snarled, the defiance burning his insides.

“I loved you Draco! I let you in! For the first time in my life I let someone in! And you...” The agony of her words broke every chain, but the first three words freed him entirely.

I love you too, He thought softly.

“Y/n,” Draco whispered.

He watched as tears streamed down you face.

“Don’t,” You hissed. “Just... don’t even. Whatever this was... it’s over.”

Without a second going by you tore off the necklace that he had given you that morning and threw it at his feet before taking off down the hall, away from him. And he was frozen in his place, ringing in his ear, a headache piercing his mind but what brought him to his knees was the severing of something much more precious and breaking of something more sacred.

____________________________________

Again, I ran away from a fight

And I ran.

And ran.

Until the lights were far gone and I was alone.

Thoughts and doubts and demons were swirling in my mind. The same ones I had spent years controlling. Ones that I had spent years overcoming. Becoming stronger than.

And now their bonds were broken, and they were free.

You’re nothing and you always have been. You really think that anyone wants you like this? I told you that you’d never be happy. I don’t know why you ever tried. Every time you love someone you get hurt. You’re not meant to be happy. There’s no point.

I screamed a plea as I fell into the snow, my fingers digging into my hair, dislodging it painfully from the bun it was in, not that I noticed.

“There is a point!” I cried out, tears streaming down my face.

On my knees I curled up small, hunching over, sobs wracking through my chest.

“I deserve to be happy!” I screeched. “I like me! I love me! I am something worth living for!”

Again, and again I tried in vain to fight back against the demons that yanked me to the depths of hell.

“I know who I am! No one can take it away from me!” I bawled.

But did Draco just take it from you? That was the thought that had me on my knees. You trusted him and he ripped you to pieces. I told you not to trust anyone.

Draco. Draco... Draco.

“Draco,” I whimpered. “Why? Why? Why!?” Another strangled cry left my throat.

_____________________________

Draco miserably looked up, face to face with three furious Gryffindors and their wands.

“You absolute piece of shit!” Ron yelled. “How dare you!?”

“You don’t understand!” He leapt to his feet. “Merlin, I have to find her.” His thoughts began to race as he tried to think of where you would run to.

“Not a chance Malfoy,” Hermione sneered. “You’re not going near her!”

“And are you going to stop me?” He snarled, drawing his own wand.

Ron stepped in front of Hermione and Draco paused, taking a deep breath.

“Something... controlled me. It was in my head. I couldn’t fight it.” His eyes met Hermione’s. “I would never want to hurt her, not like this, not ever. Please Hermione,”

“And why should we listen to you?” Harry demanded. “You lie all the time. This could just be another Slytherin ploy.”

“Because I might have lost the one girl I ever loved and who ever loved me. Please,”

Draco’s wand slipped through his fingers and hit the ground with a deafening clatter as he rose his hands in surrender.

“Please, Harry, I love her,”

The three lowered their wands, in utter shock. 

“Herm-own-ninny,”

Tension broke as everyone turned to face Krum.

“He’z telling ze truth. Zomeone ‘laced an Imperius Curse on ‘im. I waz ‘side him when it ‘appened, zough I wazn’t quite ‘ure wot did ‘appen, bu’ I am now.” Krum’s accent was laid on thick as he explained quickly.

“Go!” Hermione yelled at Draco, throwing him his wand and glaring down who he assumed was Pansy behind him. Not that he cared. He had to find you.

____________________________________

“Y/n!” The voice was muddled in my mind. “Y/n, I know you’re out here! Please!”

“No,” I murmured. “Not him, not now,” I begged.

“Merlin, Y/n,” The sound of footsteps in the snow halted, but I could still feel him move closer.

“Go aw-way,” I breathed out, my fight gone.

“Y/n, where’s your wand?” His voice was hesitant and cautious.

“M-my r-r-room,” I answered miserable. “L-leave me al-l-lone,”

“Y/n... please,”

His voice was so near. As if he were kneeling next to me. If I opened my eyes and reached out, there wasn’t a doubt that I could touch him.

“You took everything” I whimpered. “I... I have nothing. Your father was right...” 

“My father?” He asked.

“He was here tonight...”

“Blood hell!” Draco snapped. “It was him! How dare he!”

A frustrated roar left Draco’s lips and pierced what was left my soul as I curled up smaller. My finger curled into the dirt below me, the coolness of it was almost refreshing. Awareness dawned on me that I felt feverish. My hands splayed out in the dirt, grasping for the chill. Anything to take away the heat.

My mind began to think outside of numbness.

...dirt?

“Why didn’t you tell me he was here?” Draco demanded, but I paid him no mind. My eyes flashed open, looking down at dirt and grass, in the dead of winter.

“He cursed me! I never thought... the gall,” Draco hissed.

“Draco,” My breathing quickened as my anxiety heightened with my breath. “The ground Draco,”

He wasn’t listening, instead, he was ranting on about something that didn’t hold my attention at the moment.

“Draco!” I yelled.

Blue eyes snapped to mine, filled with craze and worry and anger. 

“The ground,” I gaped. “What... what did you do?”

.

.

Part 13?

Tags: @un-limiteddd @geekysimmerthings @coffee-addicti @ilikestuffproductions @msmcsmutt @ravn-87 @artemismohr18 @whygz @crazywritingbug @dolphincommander @bisexualbumblebeesstuff @fuzzy-panda @bitemebro522 @zombiesnips-blog @jillanaholland @shookyungsoo @savingdraco @welcometomyworldwithoutrules @akari180 @slytherin-emerald @chaotic-good-gemini @memalfoy-spidey @theres-a-dog-outside-omg @queenfeatherwings @fanficflaneuse @go-whovian-universe @spicyshenanigans @darling-im-not-okay-i-promise @dietkiwi @katsukink @takemetothekingdom @strangerr-things @tmnt-queen @mccloudchloe @hxneybgb @justsomerandomgur​ @belcvayelena​ @moviesbooksandfandoms​ @howdycharlie​ @littlethingsinmymindla​ @xtrashmouthxtozierx​ @cocochanelthepupper​ @ninacotte​ @mccloudchloe​

[secondhand-trash]

The Many Times He Tried To Kiss You and the One Time You Kissed Him

Secret santa event (by @bnhaclaimedmysoul​) the gift for @energi-ball 

A/N: what’s Christmas without a fic about mistletoe and a title that is longer than my will to live?;) To the person who is getting this, I hope that you like this and I somewhat lived up to your expectations as your secret santa!

Description: Kirishima almost gave up on creating the perfect moment for your first kiss when the holiday cheer decided to give him a helping hand.

Pairing: Kirishima Eijirou x reader

Word count: 2017

-

You two had been dating for far too long for this to even be a proper concern but right now, Kirishima Eijirou was having the biggest inner conflict as to when was the perfect occasion to have your first kiss.

Now before you laugh, like literally everyone else when he did so little as brought up the fact that it had been months since you accepted his confession but you two had yet kissed, please consider how your boyfriend was literally one of the most precious human beings out there and for him to share that moment with you under a circumstance that was anything less than perfect would be a dishonor to him, to you, his family, his heroic moralities, and his utter most aspiration of the positive display of manliness.

Well, that was a bit extra, wasn’t it? But at least you get just why he was so torn now. The point was, he wanted it to be a moment you could look back on years later and thought of it with a smile. A sweet reminiscent of young love that blossomed into something more because although it was yet another thing that people teased him about, he had full intention to follow the manliest promise there could be, ‘hand in hand, till the day you grow old’.

Basically, if it does not look like a scene straight out of a rom-com, it was not good enough.

The first time he even had the urge to initiate anything was during one of the rare moments that you two had the classroom to yourselves. Classes had already ended and on this rare weekend where there were no training after school, everyone had eagerly ran out of the classroom as soon as the bell rang to latch onto the free time that they probably wouldn’t get in a very long time if the chance was missed.

You did not need to go out, the times when everyone else was gone and it was just the two of you was the time you treasured the most.

Sitting down at the desk in front of you, Kiri looked up at you whilst laying on your desk. The angle made him look like a little puppy and you were sure that you could not get anything done if he kept staring at you like that. 

“What are you doing?” He asked, leaning his head on his folded arms as he tilted it to the side, watching you with curiosity when you pulled out a few pens from your bag. 

There were a few things that could melt your heart. Seeing your boyfriend who was big and beefy and had every part of his appearance screaming pure display of masculinity being such a big contrast to the way he looked and acting like nothing less of a soft guard dog by your side took up most of them.

“Trying to write the cards that I have yet to finish.” You smiled and started scribbling on the few envelopes that you had prepared. School had been so hectic that you didn’t have the energy to sit down in front of a desk and use your hand to write after each long day. Your plan was to grasp at each spare minute you could get to see if you could actually get all of them done before break.

Letting out a soft hummed, Kiri gently grabbed the wrist of your writing hand and lifted it just a bit to see what you had written. There was a (badly) drawn doodle of All Might at the corner of the card and he chuckled, knowing immediately who the card would be going to.

“Is mine in there as well?” He asked, motioning to the many empty cards that were littering all across the wooden surface.

Would it be malicious if you tease him a little? “I’m not planning to write you one.”

“What?” He exclaimed and pouted, resembling the look of a child who was scolded, “Why?”

Your boyfriend was very easy to understand, no hidden agendas or honey coated words, only genuine feelings behind everything he does. Now that he had his head lowered and only his eyes peeking out from his arms, you were starting to feel bad. “What can I possibly write on yours when I already tell you everything I feel about you?” You said and tried to get him to look at you by poking the sharp edges at the top of his head.

“Yeah, but...”

“I’m just messing with you, yours was the first one I wrote.”

You grinned as he immediately sat his back straight, absolutely beaming at you. How adorable, you thought as you reached out to caress his cheek, feeling your own fluster even more as he leaned into your touch.

The sun was setting outside and the golden sun casted a warm glow to everything it could shine on. You looked gorgeous, your eyes sparkling with affection and the golden hour doing wonders to your skin. Not that you weren’t always gorgeous, Kirishima thought to himself and felt a slight warmth creeping up to his cheeks.

Kissing in an empty classroom with a sunset by the window was romantic, right?

When he slowly got up and leaned towards you, your breath hitched at the back of your throat. You shut your eyes tight in anticipation when his face was closing in on yours. You heart was pounding when you felt his hot breath on yours.

You screamed when the loud sound of the door sliding open startled you. You opened your eyes only to see that Kiri had fallen back onto the chair, looking equally startled as you were.

Stiffly turning your gaze to the door, you paled when you realised that the intruder of your moment was none other than your teacher who looked rather displeased and tired as usual.

“Can you two get this somewhere that no one would see?” Aizawa sighed, rubbing his temple as he speak, “Now leave, the campus will be closed in 5 minutes.”

Your face was nearly as red as your boyfriend’s hair when you hastily grabbed your stuff and walked pass your teacher as you two left the room.

You know what people say about bad things coming in threes? Only in this case, the powers from above decided that failing three times was not enough.

The second time he tried to kiss you, you were at an arcade. Kirishima simply could not help himself when you cheered as you hit the target, the excitement on your face and the way you were breathing heavily only added to how lovely you looked. When he wrapped one arm around your shoulder and pulled you closer, he was almost certain that this would be it. Until his hopes were rudely shattered when a small child pushed the two of your apart to reach his favourite game. Although he was smiling when the child’s mother apologized profusely, he was secretly screaming in frustration inside.

The third time it happened, it was right after training. Training to be a hero was rough, trying to be good at it was even rougher. As the alarm indicating that the time was up blasted through your ears, you could not control yourself but to lie on the cold hard floor and collect your breath. From the corner of your eye, you could see Kiri jogging his way to you with breathing just as irregular as yours. Sweat was dripping from his body and you had no shame in letting him know just how much you appreciated that sight. Nothing gets him going like knowing that you appreciated his form that he got from pure hard work. As he pulled you up from the ground, he helped you steady yourself onto the ground. You leaned on his shoulder, not caring about how he was covered in sweat and grim at all. When he leaned down, the both of you jumped in horror when the speaker suddenly started blasting from the top of your heads.

“CAN! YOU! TWO! BEHAVE! YOURSELVES! WE ARE STILL HERE????”

It was when the soul wrenching, ear piercing noise voice of Present Mic stabbed through your ear drums that you remembered that the training was watched by literally everyone in another room. They would never let you live it down.

By the fifth time, he had given up trying. Literally anything that could go wrong happened. Hell, he was sure that he slipped on a banana peel at one point and we all know that it was quite realistically impossible.

The odds were not on his side, and he had decided to just let it be.

Taking a sip of your drink, you laughed as you watch whatever shenanigans your classmates were up to.

When Mina suggested to hold a Christmas party at the dorm, no one expected it to turn out like this. Somehow, they had managed to completely revamp the yard in just hours time. You could barely recognize the space you live in when you walked in to see fairy lights hanging everywhere and a huge table set up in the middle with refreshments piled up on it. 

It seemed like the holiday spirit was not enough to stop your friends from being chaotic. Bakugou was yelling at Midoriya as usual, but he still shoved whatever the green-haired kid gave him into his pocket. Sero challenged Kaminari to pour the entire bag of doritos in his mouth and someone should probably stopped them before someone die choking. Todoroki was attempting to create snow with the analysis of Yaoyorozu and Iida while Tokoyami sat at the side, saying that someone of darkness like him was not one for the cheer but you could see him smiling at the mess as well. All in all, everyone was having a good time and for the first time in forever, you felt more like an average teenager than a hero-to-be that lives on the edge.

“Not gonna join?” You smiled as you felt the sudden warmth that radiated next to you and looked to your side to see Kiri with an amused grin.

You shook your head with a laugh. “No, I much prefer watching.”

Humming in response, he followed your gaze to the rest of the class. They sure were a fun bunch to be around, no doubt. 

His heart flustered when he felt a sudden weight on the side of his arm. Leaning onto him, you yawned as you smothered your face onto his arm. “I’m starting to get a bit tired.”

Gently tugging a piece of your hair behind your ear, he asked in no more but a whisper, “Want me to tug you in?”

“Please do.” You said and held onto his arm that was wrapped securely around your waist. As you reached the glass door to the indoors, there was a sudden shout from afar that made you snapped your head back in question.

“Oi, Kirishima!” Kaminari yelled with both hands around his mouth and gave his friend a big thumbs up, mouthing a good luck. 

The two of you looked at each other, completely puzzled as to what made them so excited all of a sudden. Sero laughed and pointed at the top of your head. Following his pointing fingers, your eyes widened when you saw the small plant hanging at the door frame.

With the roars and wolf whistles from your friends, Kirishima looked down at you but avoided your gaze. “We can just go if you don’t-”

He was cut of by the crisp sound of your laugh. You cupped his cheek and he froze at the contact. You looked stunning under the lights.

“Merry Christmas.” You whispered into his lips before sealing the distance between you and him. He smiled as his hand found its way to the back of your head, savouring the much waited kiss. Although the cheers of your friends filled the air, it felt like it was just the two of you.

It could not have gone any more perfectly.

[currentlyreadingmanga]

Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Chapter 21: The Tea Party (Part 1)

Previously: we went on a very stressful and very emotional trip. We finally learned Hanako’s brother’s name: Tsukasa and he continued to unsettled me like he does every single time he appears. Mitsuba actually passed away, this time for good, it seemed and it made me tear up a bit ngl. After that, the chapter decided I hadn’t suffered enough so it punched me while I was down and showed us how Hanako feels about the existence of the dead as ghosts in general and how that reflects in his own sense of self. We also got another glimpse of the mermaid and she said some real ominous shit :)))) if anything happens to Nene istg :)))))) Sigh And last but not least, Natsuhiko went to see Nene at her classroom and I’m,,,,concerned,,,,

Now onto the next chapter!

Personal update for the 50 (holy shit?) of you that still follow this blog: Well…..hi there, it’s been a while ^^;; Looking back on it, quarantine really hit me like a bag of bricks and burned me out. It’s not the first time that has happened, and what it means to me is that I just can’t bring myself to consume new content; I might have loved it so far but my brain is like “nope, we’re not doing that today” and well, this time it happened for almost two months. Also, one of my cats went missing for a little over a week (he’s home now, thankfully) and that just added to the general distress I was feeling. But over the last week I actually wrote small fics for another fandom and it finally pushed me back into a creative state, so I went back to re-read the last couple of recaps I did for JSHK and it made me realise that I miss my babies and I really want to know where the story goes, so here I am c:

Ohhhh that’s right, we’re starting a new volume with this chapter! Our main trio is front and center and judging by the colorful pastries and the tea, it is a reference to the tea party that was alluded to in the preview of the last chapter. Also, I see the ropes are back again, but this time Kou also has some around him! Nene and Hanako seem to be tied together with pink, blue and yellow ropes, Nene and Kou seem to be tied together with an orange rope and both Hanako and Kou seem to have another rope each that it’s not connected to neither Nene nor each other. Hanako’s is red and considering the way in which we’ve seen him tied up before, I would guess this represents his connection to Tsukasa. Kou’s is pink and considering everything that just happened, could his rope represent his connection with Mitsuba? Like, I know he’s dead dead now and their actual friendship was short-lived but I would also like to think that even though he’s gone, his memory will live forever with Kou, hence the rope. But I’m speculating and I already went on a long enough tangent for the cover page so let’s move on.

The next color page has the main trio again as the central focus in what seems to be the inside of a place that has a clockwork-like mechanism. On the corners of the page we have who I assume will be important character during the following arc(s): Aoi, Akane, Yamabuki and Teru (the latter one worries me slightly ngl). 

Ohhhh okay, the content page says that one of the arcs is called “the three clock keepers” so the art on that page now makes more sense.

……….I really don’t trust him hhhhh please be careful, Nene, please don’t let your weakness for pretty boys cloud your judgement.

Ohhh it could be because of Nene’s dress and the bunny ears (and the twins) but the title page gives me strong Alice in Wonderland vibes. It’s a cute picture but Tsukasa is there and Nene is tearing up so I’m,,,concerned 

Okay so Nene followed Natsuhiko outside and 

Are you reciting her your dating profile or something? also “call me Natsuhiko-senpai ♡” omfg he’s one of those, huh? Like, it could all be an act but he’s looking less and less threatening by the minute lol

Nene, bless her, has the common sense of asking him why he wanted to talk to her all of the sudden and he says it’s because “someone wants to meet her”. Gee, I wonder who that could be :)))))

…………….oh, oh no. Nene, sweetie, I need you to run and to run fast because this boy is up to no good and you’re not gonna  like what’s gonna happen. (Edit note: also this brings up a question: how did the chaotic trio know that Nene turns into a fish when she touches water? Like, I know they had been keeping tracks on her and Hanako for some time, so maybe they found out that way? Oh, maybe they use the Mokke? Because the Mokke were there in Yako’s boundary when Hanako pushed Nene down the waterfall)

Hhhhhhh and to the surprise of no one, there’s Tsukasa here to make Nene’s day more difficult.

asdasgdjash please do not make my daughter share the same fate as the puffer fish, she doesn’t deserve it (ﾟдﾟ；) (ﾟдﾟ；)

Nene fainted (can’t say I blame her jfc) and now she’s waking up in what seems to be the tea party and the floor is wet! so she thinks she could be on another boundary. Interesting, I wonder which number would this one be? Because the boundaries are assigned to the seven mysteries, right? So one of them should be in control of this place. Could Tsukasa be in control of this one? But that wouldn’t make much sense because he managed to get his “physical” form only recently, right? However, Hanako also spoke of a traitor that was changing rumors and we know that these three are responsible, so if they’re not the owners of the boundary maybe they somehow managed to manipulate the mystery that does control it? Oooor it could also be that there’s another boundary that managed to go under the radar and in turn the other mysteries don’t know about it.

sjdgjjasd she’s so done with them lol I know I call them the chaotic trio but it’s really the chaotic duo + Sakura. I’m so curious about how this whole *gestures wildly towards them* arrangement came to be.

Ohhhh this great! So Sakura got everything under control and from her introduction to Nene we now know that she’s a third year and we have confirmation that she became Tsukasa’s assistant in the same way that Nene did, in exchange for a wish. B U T, again, that brings up even more questions because Tsukasa said that while Amane granted the wishes of the living, he granted the wishes of the dead. So like (⚆.⚆) what’s up with that?? Is she an exception? Is she dead? Another supernatural? Or, maybe, even though it should be impossible considering what we know so far, could her wish have something to do with her being ‘alive’ in the school right now? Mhmmmm…...suspicious.

Okay but like, I actually really want to know how he fits in all of this because okay, Sakura and Tsukasa are linked together by the wish she made, but why is Natsuhiko here? Who is he? How did he end up working with these two?  He seems silly and completely whipped for Sakura, so maybe they knew each other before she made her “contract” with Tsukasa?  Hhhhh idk let’s keep reading.

Sakura says that she wanted to meet Nene because they’re in similar positions and she thought they could be good friends. And like, that’s a fair point…...but I don’t trust like that, no sir. Even if she didn’t want the boys to be so rough when they brought Nene here, the fact remains that they still kidnapped her so if this was just a friendly meeting, why would they need to do it in such a convoluted way?

Okay good, Nene is suspicious because of their methods and the amount of knowledge they have about her.

………………...sigh, I shouldn’t be surprised but bby no please don’t trust them so easily. She’s venting to Sakura about Hanako’s unpredictable behaviour and Sakura says that she can empathize with most of her struggles while Tsukasa is sitting on top of her shoulders and wrapping his arms and legs around here…...I can definitely see why she said he was cat-like because my cats do things like that when I’m sit down to write at my desk. But again, I know he’s technically a kid but I really need him to stop acting so cute because it unsettles me a lot.

Even he can see the romantic chemistry between those two. Well, thinking about it, that’s probably why they dragged her here, because she’s important to Hanako.

(;;⚆.⚆) NOPE, no, no thank you, I need you to back tf up please jfc

Nene snaps out of it and realizes that she let herself be drawn in by girl talk. She thankfully knows it was a stupid thing to do but she was just relieved and happy to have found someone who seems to understand what she’s going through, so I’ll cut her some slack. And she mentions that they don’t look like bad people but like I did, if they had innocent intentions, they wouldn’t have had to bring her by force.

………………...I feel like I’ve mentioned this before but I really hate it when either of them does this fucking face, it’s so creepy >n< also, Nene, sweetie, once again I’m asking you to run, run far and don’t look back because that look doesn’t spell anything good, especially paired with Sakura’s scared/resinged look (which makes me think that maybe her own intentions had been more innocent that I had originally given her credit for)

Hmmm. This is concerning; like, yes, Nene has to help Hanako with whatever he needs as his assistant as part of their deal and he does threaten to turn her into a fish when she pouts but I never got the feeling that it was malicious. On the other hand, Sakura’s wording (especially calling Tsukasa “Master” and saying she “can’t” disobey) and the look Tsukasa gave her make it seem like her punishment for not following his orders would be much more severe. hhhhh I really don’t like where this is going

Σ(ﾟДﾟ|||) Σ(ﾟДﾟ|||) Σ(ﾟДﾟ|||)  WHAT THE HELL THIS THAT THING WHAT THE EVER LOVING FUCK OH MY GO D

“We’re gonna have you disappear now” okay so, yeah, he’s doing this specifically to upset his brother. the room is fucking sinking though and omfg what even is this room?? is it really a boundary? Since this happened at this very moment, it looks like they do control it so my questions from before remain, the biggest one being “how”. Also I’ve just noticed that the eyes all over the place are very similar to the ones in the broadcasting room and now this tells me that those weren’t an artistic choice and that is terrifying.

…………………..excuse me, w h a t??? why? hello??? “she’s like this sometimes” ????? Sakura what???? I have….so many questions, the main one being why do you let her treat you like this??

……………………………………...oh…..y’know, I hate the term simp with a passion because I feel like it’s been memed to death but wow.

Hhhhhhhh it looks like she can’t stop sinking and that (and the fucking eyes) tell me that this is not normal water (since she would have turned into a fish already). She’s yelling out for Hanako and that’s how the chapter ends. I’m still :)))))) concerned :))))))))

[ryujinzs]

starboy | tom holland

pairing: tom holland x reader

word count: 3,813

summary: You never really liked Tom, but after a party, you two get into the intimacy and things get out of control.

chapter warnings: a lot of smut, angst, unprotected sex.

a/n: I’m the worst person to write a smut but I swear I’ve tried!

When you think teenagers couldn't be stupider, they just prove that you were wrong. For some reason a boy has thrown himself completely naked in the pool, being almost freezing outside. Luckily you don't feel the cold, because the human warmth that is inside the room makes you feel warm. You hold your beer bottle tight and frown when you see your best friend kiss the fifth party boy.

Ah, yes. Fraternity parties. They are always a disaster. Everyone always ends up drunk, vomiting on all the furniture and with the greatest hangover possible. You wanted to be home by updating your favorite series, but no, Lindsay, the girl who abandoned you in the first ten minutes, said you were going to have a good time, it was a party on the college campus and there would be few people.

How innocent you were. It was ridiculous.

A long breath came from your lips. Your eyes went down to the now warm liquid inside the bottle. After all, why were you holding a bottle of beer if you didn't even drink? There were so many things to be answered, the main thing was, what the hell am I doing here? When the most popular guy on campus decides to throw a party because he's just in the mood, things get out of hand. Lindsay was always saying how Tom Holland was the hottest kid on campus, but you just thought him arrogant. He was always pacing back and forth with that convinced smile of his, bragging about how many girls were wanting to be with him and stuff like that. That was one of the things you hated.

You looked at the screen of your phone and realized that it was about midnight. Your eyes automatically turned. You felt like an old woman trying to fit in. There were so many people clinging to every corner that it was a little difficult not to notice. So you decided that you needed to go to the bathroom and even though it was almost impossible to get past all the people, you went up the marble stairs and had to be careful not to step on a drunken girl sleeping on the floor.

"Jesus Christ." You held the wall and left the bottle anywhere on the floor, it would probably vanish in a few seconds. The fraternity was great, there were so many rooms that you would have to open door to door to guess where the bathroom was. The first was a completely dark room. In the second part there were two girls kissing on the bed, you promptly apologized and closed the door, heart racing. At the third door you got it right, but you had a surprise. "Oh my God, I'm sorry... I was looking for, um, the bathroom." You turned your face away from facing what was in front of you.

Tom was inside with a redheaded girl. She was on top of the sink without the top of her clothes and he was kissing her the moment you opened the door. The girl quickly dressed in the clothes looked completely annoyed to you. The boy just laughed and watched his last flirting go through the corridor with her messy hair and the strap of her blouse down.

You stepped back and put your arms back waiting for him to come out of the bathroom, but he didn't leave. Tom stood on the doorframe, analyzing you from above. A crooked smile came when he noticed the little navy blue dress you wore. He highlighted all of your curves, showing all of your towering beauty.

You raised your eyebrow and took a deep breath. "I just wanted to use the bathroom, sorry to interrupt." And just as you were about to turn down the stairs, he finally spoke.

"Too bad, it would be really fun if you joined us."

You stared wide-eyed with the audacity of the boy in front of you. "Excuse me?"

"Do I know you? I don't think so, but what's your name?"

You hesitated a little. Obviously you knew who he was, the most arrogant of all college, how not to know? And for some reason, whether it was alcohol or just the malicious side, he was flirting with you.

Tom could not let a girl like you pass before his eyes without even knowing the name. He hardly knew your name, but he was completely fascinated.

"Y/N you won't believe what... Hi Tom." Lindsay smiled a little drunk. He just waved at her and gave up because he already knew the name of the most beautiful girl at the eparty.

"Lind, is everything okay? You're completely drunk."

"I know, yes, I know. Sorry?"

"Let's go home. Now."

"No, Y/N, I'm having so much fun..." She pouted, looking over her long black lashes.

"Lindsay..." You took a deep breath, but then you felt Tom move.

"I think your friend is fine, she's having fun, just as you should be, too." Tom said smiling, it was another smirk, malicious, with pure malice.

"See, Y/N? I'll be downstairs, probably with Kyle... I guess."

You saw your friend disappear down the stairs and you ran your hand over your face, feeling some anger at Tom. He didn't have to get involved in anything, but he got in and now probably Lindsay would drink so much until she forgot her name.

"See you down there, Y/N?" Tom moistened his lips, staring deep into your eyes.

"Whatever." You finally entered the bathroom and closed the door. Meanwhile, Tom went downstairs and joined his friends.

You spent more time than you should in the bathroom. The music was extremely loud and you didn't want to have to deal with Tom again, but a girl hit so hard at the door that made you leave, as she was almost dying to pee. The smell of alcohol and nicotine invaded your senses and you were led up the stairs again. The party seemed to have gotten worse by a hundred percent. There was a girl with only panties on the table while other people drank something straight from her body. Some couples were almost naked in the corner of the house, others danced, talked, it was difficult to understand what was really happening.

As you walked through the crowd, your eyes fixed on him. Tom was across the room talking to some of his friends. For a moment you allowed yourself to think more calmly. Your eyes fell on his wavy brown hair, his well-designed jaw and nose aligned. He wore a red jacket that favored his body and skin, his jeans were a bit tight, but he still could look good. After all, you concluded that the comments about his beauty were true. Tom held the neck of his beer bottle as he gestured and laughed at the same time. The same redheaded girl now bit his ear and said something, but he didn't seem to care so much.

Until he saw you. That devilish grin grew on the boy's face and he made his way to you.

Tom walked over to the table behind you and pretended to get another empty bottle, but he had other intentions. He turned, his lips pressed to your ear. "Did I mention how fucking good you're in that tight little dress, love?" His voice was pure lust. You almost choked when you felt the hot breath on your skin.

"What do you want?" You tried to keep up, but it was almost impossible.

Tom touched your arms and gently touched the back of your neck, leaving your hair to one side. You felt the cold on his fingertips because of the beer glass. It was deliciously dangerous and made your body bristle. Seeing that you had dropped your head slightly, Tom smiled devilishly. "You won't regret it, darling. I assure you."

"What if I say no?" You took a deep breath, wishing he'd touch you again just for you to feel the electricity in your body. It was ridiculous, you didn't like Tom, he was the stereotype you hated most, a rich and spoiled boy who lavished his money and charm on the girls.

"It's your choice, love. I just want to make you feel good." He moved closer, leaning against your back.

You sighed, feeling your muscles tighten even more tightly. He knew what he was doing and knew all too well. You were vulnerable, excited with only half a dozen words and nothing would make you understand how he could do this to people. But the carnal instinct was much stronger than the mere consciousness of the human being.

"I hate you. Did you know that, Holland?" His name came out like a beautiful song from your lips. Tom closed his eyes for a few seconds and continued to smile. He pressed his lips to the lobe of your ear, nibbling at your skin and pulling her then. He was a good player.

"You hate me? Show me then how much you hate me."

A soft moan was ripped from your lips. There was no escape from that. You were basically given to him. And the worst part of it all was that you wanted to.

"Not here." You with all the strength you possessed, pulled away and found the way out. Tom waited for you to leave to leave the beer on the table and follow you to the university campus. You walked quietly to your apartment, followed a quarter meter back by Tom. The students' apartments were basically across the street, and Thomas thanked greatly for it, because he couldn't last another second without touching you.

The five minutes to your door were quiet. When you turned the knob and turned on the light, Tom stepped into the apartment and you began to wonder if you had done the right thing, but there was no time for doubt, after all Tom was pulling off his jacket, showing his black shirt that was glued to his arms. You sighed as he walked toward you.

"You look so good in this dress that I almost want to fuck you with it." Tom's words leaving you in shock, ecstatic, anxious. "But I think I'd prefer you without him."

Tom held both hands on your face and buried his lips in yours. It was a mild taste of alcohol and mint, something exotic, but completely sensual. His lips moved precisely over yours in a kiss wet and full of desire. Tom didn't have to ask where your room was, because when you realized it, you were already in it. He tightened his grip on your waist, making you gasp over his lips. You came closer, wanting a little more body contact with him. Tom grinned and bit your lower lip, letting a faint moan escape your lips. "Someone is needy."

You were a little exhausted that Tom was always saying everything, doing everything, so you decided to take some action that you hardly knew you had. You pulled away from him and pushed him to the edge of the bed. Tom sat down, laughing softly and biting his lips, looking forward to what was to come. You took off the high heel you were wearing and slowly lowered a strap of the dress. At that moment Tom hesitated and drew in as much breath as he could. His gaze was fierce, fulminating. On the edge of the bed you allowed him to touch your body. Then the other strip of the dress fell on your shoulders. Without breaking eye contact, you undid the zipper of the dress until it easily fell on the floor.

Tom's eyes widened. He was surprised. "Holy shit." He whispered audibly.

You were wearing just a black lace panties and nothing more. When he thought he might touch you once more, you climbed into bed and pushed his body against the mattress.

"Damn, princess... You're fucking perfect."

You smiled devilishly, just like him. Tom took the black shirt off and tossed it to the floor. He had a wonderful sight of your breasts almost on his face. You sat on Tom's abdomen and spread your hands across his chest, slowly running your fingernails around. Tom growled low and smoothed your thighs. His hand reached around your waist and you moved back and forth, feeling the touch of Tom's warm skin on your core that by now was already completely wet. Tom moaned, feeling the moist fabric of lace on his skin.

"Come here, princess. Let me make you feel good, huh? I want to hear you scream my name as you ride on my face." The words if Tom made such a big effect that you moaned weak. He held on both sides of your waist until you adjusted with legs next to his head. Without even caring, Tom made the lace panties just turn a torn rag. Slowly he lowered your body until his lips were completely connected to your intimacy. When you felt his hot, soft tongue on your clit, it was as if an electric current had hit your body. You put your hand on the wall in front of you and looked down, watching him move his lips and tongue deliciously over your pussy.

"Oh my..." You just couldn't say anything, just moan loudly, feeling your belly burn. "Tom." You closed your eyes tight.

Tom tightened his grip on your waist while his other hand caressed your breast abruptly. His tongue snaked deliciously over your folds. You tried to reach your clit just for more impact, but he forbade you to touch. Instead, he lowered his fingers to your clit, stimulating and making your body snake on his tongue. A trickle of sweat trickled down your temple. Your hands gripped Tom's messy hair and you opened your lips, feeling your climax arriving. It was just paradise. His tongue was fiercely perfect. He licked your entrance and stepped away for a second just to continue to stimulate your clit.

"Do you like it when I eat your pretty little cunt, princess?" Tom increased his movements, leaving you only weak and sensitive. "Tell me, huh? How do you feel?"

"Damn it, Tom. It's so good, so..."

"Has anyone eaten your pretty pussy like that? I bet it doesn't." Tom sucked your pussy again and you felt the first orgasm coming. It was strong, intense, devastating.

"Tom, I'm almost there... Oh God!"

"That's it, love. Come to me, eh?"

It was too much. The erotic words, the sensation of having him there in your most sensitive place was too much. You disintegrated right there, a wave of heat and pleasure reaching into your body at once that made your toes curl.

"Tom..." You were breathless, unable to reason right. But he hadn't even started with you yet. Thomas stood up just to remove his pants as you lay down, sweaty and tired of a powerful and strong orgasm. There was such a large bulky mark on Tom's underwear that it immediately made your body ache.

He lay on top of you and carefully kissed your wet lips. Tom jerked your legs almost involuntarily and thrust two fingers into your cunt. You widened your eyes and cringed beneath his body. Tom nodded, watching you scramble for air as him moved in and out his fingers on your wet pussy. "Yeah, use your words love, I want to hear you."

"You're killing me, Holland." You closed your eyes, saying huskily.

"That's the intention, love." He laughed and moved his fingers inside you slowly, as if he were torturing you. "Your pussy is so tight, damn it. I can't wait to be inside you." Tom rubbed his wet fingers on your clit and you moaned deliciously beneath him. He brought both his fingers up to your lips and slowly put into your mouth. You wrapped your tongue between his fingers. Tom admired you completely fascinated. He could just cum watching you lick and suck his fingers. And you did so well, like a real pro. "I'm still gonna fuck that pretty mouth of yours." He ran his thumb over your lips and kissed you again now that you had tasted your own taste.

"Ass up for me, princess." He simply commanded. You had lost all the determination of domination that was a few minutes ago, now all you wanted was for him to fuck you until you lost all sense. You turned around and stood with your face on the pillow while Tom stroked your ass. He smiled and slapped it hard, leaving the skin irritable.

"Damn it, Tom!"

"You're a good girl, right, Y/N? Of course it is." He removed his boxer and made soft strokes on his own cock before brushing the tip into your entrance. You gasped, feeling your pussy ache just from anxiety to have it inside you. As he slid inside you, Tom let out a brutal groan as you just moaned as much as you could. He paused for a moment, feeling the moisture and how tight you were for him. Tom gripped your waist and moved slightly. "Hmm, Y/N, you receive me so damn good. Look at how your cunt gets my cock so well, damn it... I'm gonna fuck you so fucking hard you'll never forget this."

"Please, just fuck me good..."

"Yes, princess, as you wish..." He groaned as he moved faster inside you.

Things were getting more and more intense, the whole building would be able to hear their groans with Tom's and the sound of your skins getting into friction. But it was a good sin, deliciously good. You rolled your eyes, feeling your whole body numb. Tom leaned over to say hot, erotic things in your ear, which was driving you into madness. He was so close, for some reason he didn't know why it wasn’t taking so long, it was something in you, like a drug that made him crazy and vulnerable, about to erupt.

"Damn, Y/N, I'm so close..."

"Fuck me like that, Tom, just keep baby... You're fucking me so good!"

Tom pulled at your hair and with his hand on your waist, he brought you close. Your sweaty back were now clinging to Tom's breast. He held your breasts while his other hand circled your clit deliciously. You tried to lean on anything: the bed, the wall, but nothing seemed to hold the overwhelming sensation that was taking over your body. Tom's cock had hit a spot right inside you and you were slowly clenching around him, making him insane.

"Tom, I-I'm going to cum..."

"Cum all over my cock, love, do that for me, huh?" He bit your ear lobe as he slammed into you harder.

Then again you undid, but this time inside Tom. Your body erupted. Tom held you tightly to his chest as your walls tightened around him. Tom groaned something, shouting your name. "Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck..."

"Tom, baby, cum for me. I want to feel you, please!"

It was the last for him. He closed his eyes and somehow captured your lips in a completely sloppy kiss. You lay on the bed and Tom lay on top as you slowly strocked his cock, feeling his cum fall on your stomach. Tom was a mess just like you. Hair stuck to his forehead, sweat all over his body, and his breath failed. He propped himself up by the elbows and looked up at you. Your breasts rising and falling rapidly, your hair was glued to your forehead and shoulders, red lips and scrapes all over your body. You were a mess, but at the same time you had an innocent look and Tom didn't know how after seeing what you were capable of.

He lay down beside you and ran his hand across his forehead, pulling all his hair away. His muscles were more relaxed now. He looked at you and couldn't not smile. You had your hands on your face hiding all the mess he had done to you. He laughed and pulled your arm away. You closed your eyes and it was as if you were hiding.

"Are you really trying to hide from me after what just happened?"

"No...?" You peeked open one eye and then closed it again.

"Where do I get a towel?" He asked before getting up.

"In the bathroom, first door on your right."

Tom nodded and put on his underwear that was on the floor in the bedroom. You lifted up a bit to look at the mess you two made. Your head was aching like your whole body. Tom had taken a little rough, but in a totally good way. Some thoughts hovered around your head, like, how the hell did I end up fucking the guy I hate the most?

You barely knew how you were going to tell Lindsay, she'd probably freak out if she found out. But it was too late and you had already done it. And done well, after all.

Tom returned to the bedroom with a towel and sat down beside you on the bed. He touched the towel on you stomach and cleaned you up. You watched every detail of it. His hands, his dark chocolate eyes, his completed hair slipped back and how he managed to be charming without even straining. He smiled to see you watching him. You whispered a thank you and got up, looking for the black shirt he was wearing before. Tom leaned back against the headboard and watched you dress the shirt with a smile on his face.

When you finished, you put your hands on your waist and made a pose for him. "How do I look?" You mocked him.

"Fucking delicious, love." You rolled your eyes and came over, sitting on the bed.

"So what now? Are you going away and pretending that none of this happened?"

"Is that what you want?" He questioned, a little seriously. You stopped to think. That could be something else, but you knew him by reputation and knew how he was like girls and creating a false expectation wasn't something you wanted. "How about you think about that? But first I wanted to know if I could stick around tonight."

"Is that what you want?"

"Yes. I don't feel like going back to the party."

You were silent. He really wanted to stay. In the same bed. With you.

"It's alright. I think I'm going to need a shower now." You shrugged and stood up. Tom nodded, but said nothing. You turned around before entering the bathroom and made a thoughtful face. "Will you join me?"

"Oh, love. You're going to be the death of me..." Tom said as he stood up completely bewitched by your smile and your body.

[h-styles-babes]

Harry Styles Blurb/Request #10

Alright, I searched for like half an hour to try to find the request I got for this prompt, but I couldn’t fine it. But, just know someone requested this off a prompt list several months ago, and I finally got inspiration to write it because I’ve definitely been in a much better place lately. So I really hope you enjoy it, and let me know what you think! 

WARNING: All the smut. This is basically just 4500 words of kink. You’ve been warned.

32. “You’re acting like this is your first threesome.”

There wasn’t much about uni that Y/N didn’t like. She was the academic type, so she really enjoyed getting to take classes she had interest in and getting to sit and discuss with people who held similar interests, who would participate and lend something insightful to said conversations. She enjoyed the work she got to do in her major, shadowing people in the field and getting to talk to her professors, who usually were full of amazing information and resources. She loved the freedom it allowed her to make her own decisions in her day to day life and for her long-term goals. She loved it, truly.

But of the few things she didn’t like about uni—including the food at the dining hall and the obnoxious frat parties—she especially disliked group projects.

See, Y/N was more of a ‘do it herself’ kind of girl. She worked well on her own because she was able to control the procedure and the outcome. She was able to do what she thought was best without input from anyone else. She’d always lived by the saying “If you want something done right, do it yourself,” because she’d found in her time at school, that the saying rang true with herself. She always tended to be the person that cared the most and put in the most effort whenever she was put in a group, so why bother with group members when she could accomplish the same thing—sometimes better—all alone?

So, imagine her displeasure when she’d walked into her 10 am Monday class to a stack of papers describing a group project that would last the remainder of the semester. She groaned audibly when she read the first line of the description, realising she’d be working with two other people who would be randomly chosen by her professor. Her prof chuckled at her, knowing her distaste for group work from years of having her in classes. It was her last year of uni, so she was taking a relatively easy class after getting all her more vigourous coursework out of the way early on. The class was open to all years, and she just really hoped she didn’t get paired up with first years. She still had to graduate, after all, and she didn’t want a grade that hinged on this project being dictated by a bunch of eighteen year olds.

“You’ll be fine, promise,” Professor Zimmerman told her, throwing her a wink as she sighed and trudged up to where she was sat toward the center of the room.

It was a smaller class, with only twenty-four students enrolled, so they occupied a regular classroom and not a lecture hall. She usually sat next to an Irish boy named Niall who was in his final year as well, and he was really nice. A bit rowdy sometimes with a jolting laugh, but he was kind and had a lot to offer during discussions, and he actually took the time to talk to Y/N when he saw her around campus. She considered him a friend, and she was really hoping Professor Zimmerman would take pity on her and pair her with Niall, at the very least. She could deal with anyone else as long as she had him in her group.

Niall slid into his seat just a few moments after she did, and he grinned at her. “Think I convinced Zimmerman to put us in a group together,” he told her.

Y/N’s eyes lit up as she looked at him. “You’re serious?” Niall nodded. “Oh god, you’re the best. I was seriously dreading this. Imagine if I got paired with two first years? I would have cried.”

“I know, that’s why I sweet talked ‘im. Now we just gotta wait and see who our third person is.”

They didn’t have to wait long to find out.

Zimmerman started the class by separating everyone into groups. Everyone had at least skimmed the paper already, so they knew what they were in for, so everyone listened intently as he called out names three at a time. Niall and Y/N were part of the fourth group to be called.

“Group Four will be Mr. Horan, Miss Y/L/N, and Mr. Styles.”

Y/N felt her heart seize up at the mention of that name. She hadn’t spoken to him in months, let alone even look his way in this class. She’d nearly forgotten they were even in it together. Her mind had done a pretty good job of purging all unpleasant thoughts from her mind from the previous term. She’d known him and Niall were mates, but they didn't talk much in this class, and she’d never seen Niall out and about with him by his side.

When Zimmerman was done calling out groups and instructing everyone to take the rest of the class time to come up with ideas for the project, the class moved, everyone rearranging themselves to be next to their group mates.

The seat in front of Y/N vacated, and she could see him approaching her and Niall from the corner of her eye. She didn’t dare look up at him; she wasn’t sure what her reaction would be to seeing his face again after letting herself move on from what happened. She busied herself with pulling out a notebook to take notes on for their ideas to avoid having to watch him sit.

“Can’t believe Zimmerman put us all together,” Niall said as Y/N felt the seat in front of her be filled. She smelled him before she even looked at him, that same enticing scent of his much-too-expensive cologne and the spearmint gum he seemed to constantly be chewing. She sort of hated herself for remembering those things about him, but some things were harder to forget than others.

“We’re the oldest ones in the class,” he replied. “Think Zimmerman took pity on us.”

Y/N’s jaw clenched as she heard his voice again, the same slow drawl of his words and they way his accent curled around his vowels. She hated that her heart jumped at the sound. Traitor.

“Good to see yeh again, Y/N,” he said, dipping his head to try to catch her eye from where they were focused on the paper on her desk.

“Harry,” she greeted, trying her best to sound casual. She busied herself with titling the paper. Anything to keep her from having to face him.

“Somethin’ wrong?” he asked, sounding sincere about his inquiry, but YN could sense the smugness in his words. She knew him. He wasn’t malicious and he didn’t ever intend to be mean, but he was a person who liked to tease, and he had sufficient ammo against her. It was something she’d just have to deal with, she supposed. For the rest of the term, at least.

“No, just not really fond of group projects. Work better by myself.”

She could see Niall nod at her sympathetically from beside her, opening his mouth to say something, but Harry beat him to it.

“You’re actin’ like this is your first threesome,” he said, doing that thing again where it sounded innocent, but when Y/N’s eyes finally flashed to his, she could see everything.

He knew what that meant. She could see in his eyes that he was remembering. The smirk on his face confirmed it.

She could see it all in the brightness of his eyes. She saw herself, a mouth on her breast, a head between her legs, hands roaming heated skin. The sounds of skin slipping and smacking, mouths gasping and groaning. The sensation of hair being pulled, nails scratching down backs, marks swelling over smooth skin. Thoughts she’d pushed in the depths of her mind for months came flooding to the surface, causing her to audibly gasp.

Niall must have thought she was affronted by the wording, because he reprimanded his friend with a squawk of his name. “Coulda worded that better, mate. Not everyone’s a sexual deviant like you.”

The way that Harry looked at Y/N assured her that not everyone was a sexual deviant like him, but he knew from experience that Y/N certainly was. Niall didn’t know that, though. No one knew aside from Harry and the other random woman that had been there with them that evening. People always joked that it was the quiet ones you had to watch out for, but no one ever really considered it in real life. No one would ever venture to guess that Y/N was the way she was, due to her bookish qualities and quiet demeanour. Harry saw through it though, even in the beginning. He saw her, and that terrified her.

“She knows what I meant,” Harry shrugged off, effectively dismissing the tense atmosphere that had descended upon them.

The trio was able to get through the rest of the class without any further weirdness, and they were actually able to come up with a solid idea and plan for their project. It required them spending quite a bit of time together over the next several weeks, but Y/N had to deal with it in order to get a good grade in the class. She just wanted to graduate, so she would do what she had to achieve that.

Y/N spent some time in the library to do some research for their project. She’d been looking into something online and realised the library had the original text in stock, so she went off looking for it. She didn’t realise when she began her search that it was three stories up in the very back of the building, where the lights were dim and no one except for the librarian ever ventured. The spines of the books looked like they hadn’t been touched in at least a decade, and she was afraid her allergies were going to start acting up with all the stuff lingering in the air.

She finally reached the section where the online catalog had said the book would, be, so she started looking more closely at the spines. The author’s name started with a C, and she was nearly in the B’s, so she knew she was headed in the right direction. The only problem was that she soon realised that the author she was looking for was all the way on the second to the top shelf, and there was no way she’d be able to reach it, even on her tip toes. She huffed and looked around to see if there was a stool nearby. When she could see that there wasn’t, she rolled her eyes and readied herself to make a bit of an ascent up the bookshelves.

She successfully got both feet up on the second shelf from the bottom, but when she extended her hand up, the book was still just out of her reach. She was able to touch the spine, but there was no way she was getting a good enough grip on it to pull it out from the books it was wedged between.

A sound at the end of the aisle startled her and made her lose her balance. She was incredibly afraid she was going to fall back and crack her head open on the set of shelves behind her, and she was preparing herself for the impact, eyes closed and body rigid to try to protect herself.

However, the impact never came, and instead there were arms around her waist, steadying her, and a body pressed flush against her own, pressing her front against the bookshelf she was previously stood on.

“Yeh’re a clumsy one, aren’t yeh?”

Y/N couldn’t help the shiver that ran down her spine at the hoarse words muttered close to her ear. His breath fanned over her neck, raising goosebumps across the exposed flesh.

“You startled me, that’s all,” she brushed off.

She really wished to be rid of his touch, but she really had no where to go between all her obstacles. He wasn’t making any move to release her, and she wasn't about to forcefully push him off of her for fear of making a scene. Not that there was anyone to witness it. And it wasn’t altogether unpleasant, being in his arms again. She actually quiet liked the warmth his body provided in this dreary section of the library, and she couldn’t deny that having him pressed against her was the most contact she’d had with a man since the last time they’d been together. However, she wasn’t supposed to like it, and her brain was telling her to get him away. Her heart and body protested that decision readily.

“Didn’t mean to, pet,” he told her. He made no move to step away or release her, and her heart hammered in her chest. Him being so close brought up too many memories.

“Don’t call me that,” she gasped. She hadn’t heard the term of endearment in months, and it sparked something in her that was entirely too pleasant for their current situation.

“Why not?” he whispered, his nose drawing gently along the column of her neck. He grinned when she swallowed harshly. “Remember yeh were fond of the name. Or do yeh prefer ‘kitten’? Yeh seemed to really like that one.”

“Harry…” she rasped, her entire body tingling with the memories. Her breathing was shallow and laboured. She felt like she needed to compose herself, but he wasn’t giving her the opportunity to. And if she was being honest with herself, she was enjoying this little scene too much to want to break the spell they were under.

“Or are those too cute for yeh?” he mumbled, nipping at her ear. “Seem to recall yeh bein’ particularly responsive to ‘little slut.’” Harry jutted his hips forward into hers, and Y/N whimpered at the feel of his hard cock pressed against her arse. Obviously he was just as worked up as she was, and she felt some solace in that.

“Fuckin’…” she gritted out, her hands braced against the cool wooden shelves to give her leverage to push back against him. “Goddammit, Harry.”

Harry’s hands trailed down from his grip on her waist to her hips, and his right kept going, tracing lightly against the button of her jeans. His fingers slipped under the hem of her shirt to tease the skin there, feeling her muscles contract against his ministrations.

“Gonna let me fuck yeh again?” he asked, his own breathing harsh to match hers. “Gonna let me play with that pretty little cunt? No one would know. We’re all alone up here.”

His fingers made their way into her jeans and under her knickers, trailing down to the small patch of hair he knew he’d find. Y/N pressed her arse back into him further, trying to give him more room to work, though her jeans were tight and offered limited space. She knew she wouldn’t get any real relief unless they came off.

“Please, Harry,” she whimpered, one hand coming down to grip at his forearm to steady herself.

“Please what, darling?” His lips trailed down her neck and he sunk his teeth into the junction at her shoulder.

“Please fuck me.”

That was all Harry had to hear. He’d been waiting for this for a long time. Months. Since the last time he’d had her. He’d shared her that night, with another beautiful girl who had much more interest in Y/N than she did in him. He wasn’t mad, though. Y/N deserved the extra attention. But Harry was drawn to her in a way that refused to let him allow that be the only time he had her. There was no one else that compared to her, and apart from her looks, he found her fascinating. Sure she was gorgeous, but the dichotomy of her entire being astounded him. How someone could be so studious and innocent and completely unassuming on the outside but dark and enamouring and alluring on the inside. Not saying a person couldn’t be both, but it was unlike anything he’d ever experienced before. And he was definitely into it.

Harry flicked open the button on her jeans and then slid open the zipper. He used both hands to push the material over her hips and to her knees, just enough so he could have access to her. He pulled her hips out away from the wall before undoing his own jeans and pulling his pants down to release his aching cock. The skin was drawn tight and he was already leaking from the tip, so he hoped like hell that she was just as ready as he was. He wasn’t sure if he could take it slow, and they were sort of on a time crunch anyway. While this area of the library was rarely visited and secluded, it would be just their luck if someone wandered this way.

Harry took a moment to admire the light purple lace band of her knickers before dragging his hand across her center, pressing gently into where he knew her sensitive little clit hid. From what he recalled, she was particularly reactive and she didn’t disappoint, gasping and turning her head into her bicep to muffle her moan.

Tugging her panties to the side, Harry could see her already glistening even in the dim overhead lights. He dragged two fingers through her folds, humming appreciatively when they came away slick.

“Already drippin’ for me, kitten? Absolutely fuckin’ drenched,” he muttered before sticking his fingers in his mouth. He swore his eyes rolled back in his head at the taste of her, heady and rich, with just a little bit of tang. As perfect as he remembered.

“Harry…” she pleaded, her voice breaking. Her hips wiggled in her impatience. He’d gotten her all worked up and now he was taking too long. She wasn’t in the mood for teasing or building it up. She wanted him now, and she wanted him fast. She’d been too long without his perfect cock inside of her, and she wasn’t a patient woman when it came to these things.

“Not gonna be gentle,” he warned her, taking hold of the base of his cock to guide to her entrance. He thanked everything he could bring to mind that she was so wet already. Made this whole thing move along a lot faster.

“Wouldn’t want you to be,” she assured him. She reached one hand back to grasp at his hip, urging him toward her. “Now just fuck me.”

With a smirk on his face, Harry slid into her in one long thrust, but the tilt fled from his lips as soon as her smooth, warm, tight walls surrounded him. He grunted and leaned forward to bite at her shoulder, muffling his sound.

Y/N had both hands back on the shelves, supporting herself from the force of his movements. She buried her mouth back in her arm to stifle her groan. God, she’d missed the stretch of him. Harry was the largest she’d ever had, both in length and girth, and it wasn’t exactly an easy fit. But if was such a delicious stretch and he filled her up perfectly that she was nearly drunk with the sensation the moment he entered her.

“Hold on tight,” Harry warned her before starting up an unrelenting pace.

They were both glad for the seclusion of their place in the building, because they couldn’t maintain relative silence even if they wanted to. Even with their methods, their heavy breathing and the slapping of their skin together would have been enough to assure everyone in hearing range of exactly what they were doing. As it was, Harry and Y/N weren’t very good and quieting themselves, either. Their moans and whimpers frequently took on a nearly full volume, and Harry even had to move one hand over Y/N’s mouth, his two first fingers slipping in, in order to keep her quiet.

She sucked greedily on the digits, wishing and imagining that it was Harry’s cock in her mouth instead, which just made her moan more. She sincerely hoped he was willing to take this somewhere more private afterward, because there was a lot she’d like to do that they definitely weren’t going to get done there.

“Such a fuckin’ slut for it, aren’t yeh?” he grunted into her ear. “Can feel yeh absolutely soakin’ my cock. Are yeh a bit of an exhibitionist, pet? Hopin’ someone will hear yeh gettin’ yeh’re cunt pounded. Wishin’ they’d hear my name when yeh moan it out. Get off to this shit, hmm?”

Y/N couldn’t help but nod at his assessment. He knew she liked the thought of fucking in a public space; of the risk of getting caught. It thrilled her and caused her walls to clench. Harry hissed.

“So fuckin’ tight, honey. Gonna make me cum in your pretty little cunt.” He shifted her hips slightly, causing him to brush against a new spot. She cried out above the muzzle of his fingers. “Right there? Did I find your button? Gonna squirt all over me like yeh did last time?”

She hadn’t forgotten about that. How could she, even with her successful attempts at brushing her memory of that night away? It was the first time she’d ever cum like that. Harry and been pounding into her at a similar angle to the one he was at now, and her lips were curled around the other girl’s clit when she’d felt that strange sensation. She’d been alarmed at first, afraid something horrible was going to happen, but when she’d protested to Harry, he’d assured her it was okay. He urged her to let her body relax, and when she did, liquid had come gushing out of her unlike she’d ever experienced before. Both Harry and the other girl had looked at her in shocked amazement before sharing excited laughs and continuing on with their playing. Y/N had brushed it aside at the moment, but expressed her embarrassment afterward. Harry had promised her it was normal and told her it was the hottest thing he’d ever seen, which made her feel much better about it.

So, she was familiar with the sensation now. She could feel it building like a balloon deep inside her, the pressure forcing Harry to work harder through it. His thrusts slowed some, but they kept the same force, willing her to explode all over the both of them.

“Come on, kitten. Gonna make us walk out of here with your cum all over us. Give it to me,” he demanded, his voice deeper than she’d ever heard it. She felt the shudder in his thrusts and knew he was close as well. She just needed a little bit more and she’d fall over the edge with him.

“Harder,” she choked out around his fingers. Her breath was held in her chest, the overwhelming feeling of her approaching orgasm rendering her unable to expel any air. “Fuck me harder.”

Harry growled and stood up on his toes to get a better angle to drive down. He allowed the weight of his body and the motion he’d already set be that last bit of force she needed to finally burst. And he was not disappointed with the results.

He cut off her building scream with his hand to her throat, squeezing just hard enough to temper the sound. He thrust through the cascade of cum her body released, all over his cock and thighs and her own as well. Luckily, their clothes seemed to be catching most of the liquid and not dripping all over the floor, but Harry wasn’t bothered by it much. His mind was much more focused an the trembling of her body as she came and his own release rushing through him.

He buried his face in her neck, giving one last ditch effort to keep quiet. He came until his vision turned white, overstimulated by the continuing contractions of her walls. He didn’t even remember when he stilled, but when he seemed to regain consciousness, they were both leaned against the shelves, breathing heavily, slick with all sorts of bodily fluids. Harry’s hair was sticking to his forehead and he could see where tendrils of hers was sticking to her neck. They reeked of sex, but he couldn’t care less. He was too fucked out to care about anything aside from getting her back to his flat so they could wind down together and maybe go for round two. And three.

“Yeh alright?” he asked when their breathing finally evened. He pulled out of her as gingerly as possible, but he still noticed when she flinched a little. He used the leg of his underwear to clean himself up as best as possible before tucking himself back away and doing up his jeans.

Y/N righted her own bottoms as she nodded. “Yeah, I’m great.” There was a dazed tone to her voice, and Harry saw the brightness of her skin and the glossiness of her eyes when she turned to look at him. He realised he’d gone the entire time without looking at her face, and he regretted it. However, he convinced himself it was just something he’d have to rectify once they got back to his. He loved the face she made when she orgasmed.

“Still hate me?” Harry asked, trying to keep up his cocky, sarcastic front, but it was a genuine question.

Ever since their night together, Y/N had avoided him like the plague for reasons unbeknownst to him. He wasn’t sure what he did wrong, since it had seemed like their night together had gone amazingly, especially considering they’d stayed together in the hotel room for the night after the other woman left, talking about everything and nothing into the wee hours of the morning. But when he’d woken up a few hours after falling asleep with her in his arms, she’d been gone. And ever since then, she’d walked around campus like she couldn’t even see Harry, let alone even knew him. It hurt, if he was being honest, but he’d allowed her the space she obviously wanted while pining from afar. Even though they’d had sex together—rather kinky sex—first, he really did like her. Wanted to get to know her better and ask her out. She’d never allowed him the opportunity, though.

She looked up at him through her lashes, her brow furrowing adorably. “I never hated you, Harry. Why would yeh think that?”

“Kinda acted like I didn’t exist after the last time,” he told her, pointing out the obvious.

Y/N bit at her lip in nervousness before figuring it was best if she just came out with it. “I wasn’t doing that because I hated you. I was just embarrassed. What normal person has a threesome with a guy within a few weeks of knowing him?”

Harry scoffed with a playful roll of his eyes. “Normal’s boring and overrated. Nothin’ to be embarrassed about. Wouldn’t have fucked yeh if I didn’t like yeh, and I definitely wasn’t judgin’ yeh for it, considerin’ I was part of it, too.”

“I know,” she nodded, biting that damn lip again. Was going to drive him crazy. “It was just sorta out of character for me. Well, my more public character, I suppose.” She shrugged. “Was afraid of someone I knew in real life knowin’ my secret.”

Harry brushed her hair over her shoulder and tucked a bit of it behind her ear, flashing her a soft smile. “Your character is whatever yeh make it. Perfectly okay to be all shy and quiet and studious at school and with your friends and be a complete freak in private with the people you share sex with.” His grin turned mischievous. “Quite like being one of the few that get to see both.”

“Yeah?” she asked, looking at him expectantly.

“Yeah,” he nodded. He hesitantly reached out to grab ahold of her hand, sighing a silent breath of relief when she wrapped her fingers around his palm instead of pulling away. “Now, I would really like it if we could get some coffee or tea and get to know each other better. Maybe get some dinner sometime. Go to a movie.”

Y/N grinned at him wryly. “Are you trying to date me, Harry Styles?”

He shot her a deadpan look. “Might’ve gotten to it earlier if yeh hadn’t run away. Been pinin’ like a bloody schoolboy for months now.”

She cooed at him. “You’re adorable.”

He rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. So are we gettin’ coffee or not?”

The smile she sent his way then was bright and full of sunshine. Such a contrast to the girl who’d been asking him to fuck her harder just a few minutes before. He loved it.

“That sounds amazing.”

[honestsycrets]

➳ Dead and Gone

❛ pairing | dark!ubbe x reader

❛ type | oneshot

❛ summary | out of jealousy, ubbe kills reader’s ex-husband. the one she once thought was dead.

❛  warnings | jealousy, murder

A loose end could make anything go to naught. To his grave, grave misfortune… he had grazed over a loose end. His cup of ale was nearly dry and though he went to pour another, Hvitserk was there to receive him.

“He’s going to take her back.” He rumbles in his naturally gravely voice. Ubbe looks up from his drink, wiping his sticky beard clean. He’s drinking to numb the fear.

“It means nothing to her,” Ubbe says though the words are mechanical on his tongue at best. Hvitserk props up his eyebrows to form long streaks along his forehead. 

You don’t actually believe that Ubbe, do you? 

Ubbe takes up another cup, fighting against the nonexistent chains weighing him down while taking a long chug.

“Nothing from her husband that she once thought was dead?”

A miserable emptiness settles in his belly, turning his blue eyes to fixate upon the object of his affection. His wife. Not this… fucker’s wife. You were laying upon your marital bed with a seizure of laughs erupting from your lips. 

“Father rejected your proposal three times! Why did you come a forth?” 

Your ex-husband cheasily smiles, shrugging his shoulders as he turns his cup shyly in circles. Ubbe can see it in his eyes. The longing-- the wait that the blacksmith had gone through until he could come back to your arms. He missed you. 

“Stupidity, I think. He didn’t send your hounds after me! I think he liked me. He was just too fearful to say so.” 

“I think so!” You laugh in response. “He was upset... when you disappeared.” 

“Was he?” Jómarr says, feigning some bullshit pity me face that made Ubbe’s stomach churn. “Not so upset that he didn’t force you to marr--” 

Are you that delusional, Ubbe?

It wasn’t a issue if... it was an issue of when.

He isn’t sure if Hvitserk actually said such words, or if it was the Hvitserk of his mind, but it is all the same. Ubbe’s cup collides with the table. You jerk from your words with your ex-husband, stretching and calling out his name.

Ubbe!

“I’ve got it, (Y/N).” His brother makes his way from behind the heavy oak table, chasing after him as he steps out into the winter cold. It’s slurrying around him when Hvitserk steps out with his warm furs. Ubbe’s hands are busy, twisting and flapping his black hunting knife. His family… it would be sundered.

“He has to die.” Ubbe angles his head, snow catching in the patch of smooth rolls braided into a ponytail. He clamps his jaw shut.

“I’ll help you.”

“She can’t know,” Ubbe says, tremulous and cognizant of the need for artifice. “No one can know.”

Hvitserk wipes the snow off of his patchy honey facial hair, tongue poking out to caress the bottom of his lip. He rocks on his boots, then reaffirms any residual concerns that his older brother may have.

“When has that been a problem, brother?”

He wishes the man was less of a good man than he was. The man to his great disapproval was perfect in nearly every way. He would work with the blacksmith, banging metal on top of metal to form beautiful swords, cutthroat daggers, and sharp axes. He never took another wife. He drank to excess when required of him and at the same time, would cut his losses and return to the empty cabin he built from scratch.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

“Prince Ubbe.” The man clatters his hammer on the ground while holding the scalding prick of a thin, elongated chunk of metal. “It’s good to see you.”

Ubbe pulls his sword of its sheath, thrusting it onto the stands supporting showing pieces for those that had ordered from him. He rubs the sweat out of his eyes with muscular forearms.

“Jómarr.”

“How can I help you?”

Ubbe folds his arms one over another, standing with his arms slightly apart. His eyes settle upon the young blacksmith, leaving him no choice but to abandon his work and come around the pit where he was working.

“You’ve been visiting my wife.”

Jómarr stops in front of him, rubbing his ashen hands together. He bites his lower lip and settles with the irony taste on his tongue. He simpers at the prince, clearing his throat like a hornet had settled in his throat.

“I had no intent on--”

“I know what your intentions were.” He takes a small step forward. The blacksmith steps back.

“You think that you can charm her back into your arms,” the prince says. There is a dangerous undercurrent in his voice. One that Jómarr knows is malicious.  There are plenty of weapons scattered about the room. Jómarr has one better.

“We can settle this with a duel,” Jómarr suggests, allowing Ubbe to turn into a dark corner of his workshop. Any prince was tasked with upholding the principles of their people. After a heavy beat of silence, Jómarr gurgles. A strap of leather cuts off his breath. Ubbe draws his short dagger from his back. He buries it into the man’s ribs, several pointed thrusts piercing him in perfect succession. His hard eyes glitter in pleasure from seeing Jómarr’s eyes go out, Hvitserk fighting every bloody flail until he was nothing but a heavy and limp body in his arms, in and out of consciousness.  

“Should we bury him?” Hvitserk asks.

“Don’t bother,” Ubbe walks to a basin of water, cleaning any evidence off his blade. Hvitserk bears a sardonic smile, looking into the slow-burning flame of the workshop. “No one will remember him.”

“Let’s just burn him.” Hvitserk says far too jovially.

He drops Jómarr carelessly, then takes up his leg toward the flame. Ubbe takes a glance at his blood-lusting brother who chucks the strap of leather into the flame. Of course, Hvitserk couldn’t leave it there. It’s something of a strange dream when he bends down and helps swing this kind man over the flames. He smells crisp like the remnants of Jarl Borg after father blood-eagled him.

It was done.

Ubbe wakes with a start, your tears were wrenching over your cheeks upon the corner of the bed. He could ask what the reason was for your tears but for what? He knew the source of your pain. He lays stroking the bed for some time, a dull expression in his eyes. The flame warming the longhouse flickers low, leaving a shadow that flickers over the pearling tears down your cheeks.

“You’ve heard.”

“Tell me you didn’t do it.” You ask him for both the truth and a lie because it could have been either Hvitserk or him who ultimately did Jómarr in. He sits up in your marital bed, the sheets low around his hips.

“Do it?” Ubbe repeats, clearly missing your point. He’s not that stupid but still it aches him to see you so visibly shaken-- even if he was the source of the ache. This was... this was for your good. His good. Your marriage would be better off for it. 

“Tell me you didn’t DO it!” You shout through the longhouse, reaching over to strike your palm against his bearded jaw. He catches your hand, twisting you over to lay on your back.

“Listen to yourself. Why would I do that?” Ubbe plays off.

“Out of jealousy.” You wretch a sob, bubbling over your cheeks like drops of rain. “Out of knowing that he was mine?”

He was yours? His eyes blow wide, now unapologetic in the events surrounding the day. Killing Jómarr, the young man who came in to pick up a weapon and skating out while everyone was far too busy to worry about the young princes who encountered the dead bodies.

You were in love with him. After all this time. That-- that couldn’t be. You were his. He-- He was yours. There was no room for third parties.

“There would be nothing to gain.” He replies.

The weariness seeps over you. He reads it on your face because of course, it was a relief. But then, in the same breath, it was not. Maybe this was the price for ridding himself of any suitors. 

“I... I know.” You chalk out, knowing it was true. One he would pay gladly a hundred times over if it meant you here, climbing into his arms when he offers them out to you. Your cheek settles on his chest, smearing wet tears that should have filled him with grief. You weave in and out of bouts of tears.

“It’s just... I thought I lost him.”

You speak again after a moment. 

“And then I did.” 

@igetcarriedawaywithyou, @kylobien, @titty-teetee, @breathlessouls, @nejijjeoroo, @bcat1291, @readsalot73, @mslothbrok, @romanchronicles, @captstefanbrandt, @ailucascen, @michaeliskindahot, @cbouvier23, @naaladareia, @cbouvier23, @the-geeky-engineer, @lisinfleur, @funmadnessandbadassvikings, @tephi101, @akamaiden, @ethereallysimple, @venusloviing, @happylittlepuppydog, @beyond-the-ashes, @slutforrpg, @hipsternoionlylikeunicorns, @mixedwiththemoon, @sparklemichele, @alicedopey​, @lif3snotouttogetyou​, @rubyquartzshades, @noregretsandyeteveryregret​, @dangerous-like-a-loaded-pistol, @deathbyarabbit​, @unacceptabletatertots​, @beyond-the-ashes (no sig), @babypink224221​, @ivarandersen​, @queen-see-ya-in-valhalla​, @moose-squirrel-asstiel​, @icarus-fell-in-spring​, @end-of-night, @gruffle1​, @lol-haha-joke​@arses21434​,  @smileyparrots​, @Moosemittens13, @miss-artemis-wild​, @two-unbeatable-beaters, @wonderwoman292​, @wish-i-was-a-mermaid, @fangirls94, @mcuimxgine, @killerb00sdeath​, @heartbeats-wildly, @boo20017​, @acacheofstrange​, @shaelyn102​, @astoryoffireandlight, @smokealone​, @shaelyn102​ @laketaj24, @peaceisadirtyword, @ly–canthrope @cris101071​ @daughterofthenight117 @unassumingviking @ladyofsoa, @inforapound​ @winchesterwife27​, @flokidottir-imagines-br, @sincerelysinister, @allvikingsfanfic,

[daysswithyou]

Fallen Chapter 5: Deal

previous / next

Characters: DAY6 Young K x OC (Rachel)

Genre: angst, fake dating, high school romance, fluff, romance

-----

Whilst the crowd still had their attention solely focused on Brian Kang, you silently made your way down from the elevated podium to the ground, hoping to slip away through the crowd and disappear. Yet you had no such luck. You soon find yourself in the middle of an onslaught as adoring fangirls and fanboys alike charged towards Brian Kang. You couldn’t dodge them fast enough and you were soon assaulted by a barrage of hits and shoves. The last shove was the hardest, and it had you falling to the ground, knocking the wind out of you in the process. Wincing as you held onto your shoulder, you looked up to glare at the rude girl who didn’t even bother to apologise, curses already hanging by your lips. 

Only to be silenced by Brian Kang’s fiery gaze. 

Just like before, his eyes were locked onto yours, with you being the sole subject of his focus. Not even a single glance for a millisecond at anyone in the crowd of people surrounding him, all vying for his attention. All he could see was you. Your cheeks burned under the intensity of his gaze, and you did not appreciate the feeling of being scrutinised by a complete stranger. 

Turning away, you stood up from the ground with a huff, making a dash for the school building right at the end of the school. 

You wanted to be away from the crowd, 

Away from the humiliation, 

And away from Brian Kang. 

Something tells you that he’s not quite done with you yet, but you have no intention to stick around and find out if that’s true. 

---

Pushing open the light metal door, you deeply inhaled the cold winter air, relishing in the coolness that now glazed over the back of your throat. You made the mistake of looking up, causing yourself to be momentarily blinded by the intense rays of the winter sun. Once your vision cleared, you shuffled over to lean against the wall, sticking your head out over the edge to let the wind fan against your face. The cold wind was always so soothing, and this time round, you hoped that the wind could blow away the bad memories from the whole fiasco just now. It was silly to think that way, you know. But fear does sometimes make one lose all sense of rationality. You begin to wish upon the silliest things, hoping that by a miraculous stroke of luck, you could be saved. 

The tranquility of your quiet moment was broken by the sound of the metal door slamming against the concrete wall behind you, followed by the loud panting of someone. Wearing a scowl on your face, you turned around to stare at the intruder. A familiar mop of messy black hair greets you, and the same fox-like eyes finds yours again for the third time today when mystery intruder lifts his head up to face you. 

“Ya Rachel Hwang. When someone saves you, shouldn’t you at least say thank you? Or a sorry would suffice.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong so why should I apologise? Besides, I didn’t ask to be saved.”

“Oh so you’re going to play the saint now and pretend that you had it under control? Anyone looking could tell that you were terrified. In that scenario just now, I was a hero.” 

“A hero? What ridiculous nonsense.”

“Ya.”

“You’re a fallen hero Brian Kang. With that little ‘heroic’ act of yours just now, you’ve basically fallen from grace. You’re now forever associated with me, and you’re going to be everyone’s target now. When you realise that you’re the topic of every malicious hallway gossip, maybe you won’t be so proud of your ‘heroic’ act anymore.”

You narrow your eyes at the last sentence, hoping your sharp words would pierce through his strong facade and make him realise that his metaphorical shining armour was a useless defence against the fire breathing dragons that ran the school hierarchy. Yet, just like before, Brian Kang clearly remained unfazed. Instead, he merely sets his lips in a thin line before saying, 

“That’s alright. I’ve got nothing to lose anyways.”

“What do you mean you have nothing to lose? That huge crowd of people cheering for you just now; you’ve got a reputation to keep school star basketball player. In case you forgot.”

Brian’s head hangs low for a second, letting out a scoff. 

“Not anymore. Ayeon just very publicly announced to her thousands of Instagram followers that she dumped me. As you said earlier on, I have indeed fallen from grace.”

The mere mention of Ayeon’s name sets off a flare within you, anger showing on your features for a short while. You know you shouldn’t be solely blaming her for the dismiss of your relationship with Jaebum; after all, it takes two hands to clap. But the mention of her name still rubs you the wrong way. You were still angry at both Jaebum and Ayeon, and you were extremely bitter that both of them were the cause for your sudden sorry state. 

Things were still the same. You were full of spite, and - 

“You want Jaebum to pay, I can see that. So let me cut to the chase: I’m here today to offer you something. A business proposal, you could call it that. Something that could work for the both of us.”

Brian Kang now has your full attention. 

“Carry on.”

“Fake dating.”

You turn back to face the ledge, signalling the end of a conversation. The idea was absurd; to act like you’re in love with a complete stranger. You knew that you couldn’t do that, the idea would simply never pull through and no one would believe your little show. 

“Look Rachel, I know it sounds crazy but listen till the end.” 

Brian Kang strides over to stand beside you now, leaning against the low wall as he looks at your side profile. 

“You and I stand to gain from this arrangement. Im Jaebum is a man with an inflated ego. After how you disgraced him in the canteen months ago, his self-esteem is now thoroughly crushed. A man being beaten up by a female in front of the whole school. His sole goal would be to get revenge against you; to see you crushed like an insignificant bug under his fingertips. He did that once in the canteen back then, and he did that today at the dunking booth. You and I both know that he enjoyed every second of it; being able to make you look bad. He basks in the sick glory he gets by making you an outcast so that your life in this school would be miserable. Why do you want to give him that perverse satisfaction by going around looking so beaten down like you did just now? By pretending to be happy with me, you can finally show Im Jaebum that your happiness is no longer in his control, and that you’re fully capable of being content without him. It’s time you took matters into your own hands, and reclaim your happiness, don’t you think?

It’s time to rip Im Jaebum out of the sweet illusion of the power he thinks possesses over people’s lives.”

A heavy silence falls between the both of you as you turn to make eye contact with Brian Kang. You can’t deny it, he makes a very convincing argument. You knew Im Jaebum well enough, and you knew that every word that Brian Kang uttered was absolutely true. He was used to being the one in control and if you were to tear that control away from him, it would make him livid; maybe even drive him insane. 

And right now, you knew you would give anything to see Im Jaebum break from his perfect image. 

But still, you didn’t see how Brian stood to gain from this deal. 

“You’ve only talked about what I stand to gain from this deal. What about you Brian Kang? You and I aren’t supposed to be the losing parties in this agreement.”

“I get to show Ayeon what she’s missing out on. And once she sees that, she’ll break up with Im Jaebum, and I get to have her back. You get to spite Im Jaebum, and I get to win her back. I did promise you that both of us would gain from the proposal.”

“It’s a very...convincing proposal. But we should agree on some terms and conditions, don’t you think so?”

“Don’t worry, I got that all figured out. You can pass me your phone number later, and we can discuss about it. So… I take it that we have an agreement?”

Brian Kang sticks his hand out in an old-fashioned manner, and you stare at it, making a quick decision in your head. 

Brian Kang was right. Like him, you had nothing to lose. You could only stand to gain from this agreement. 

“Congratulations Brian Kang, you have just earned yourself a business partner.”

---

Later that night, you got a text from him just like he said he would.

From: Brian Kang

The terms and conditions that you’ve requested for. If it’s all ok with you, the deal starts tomorrow. 

Public displays of affection only, no affection out of the public eye.

Don't get involved in one another's personal lives. All this is just for show.

Don't catch feelings for one another.

This will all end once I get Ayeon back.

Do we have a deal?

From: Rachel Hwang

Deal.

[guardmesherlock-rowan]

Monster Mash up GMS

MC was settling in, the blanket pulled around her, a happy movie playing on her tv, a warm mug in her hands when her phone buzzed.  It was from Sherlock.  MC raised an eyebrow at it, he had insisted that she was not to bother them tonight.  That they had previous Halloween plans that sadly did not include her.  However now a strange next with an address sits in her inbox from Sherlock.  As she prepares her question she receives another.

“It is important to me that you come to this address.” 

[link for more on mobile]

The Mansion was enormous. Bigger than it seemed when she was driving up. The cab left very quickly after she paid, leaving her seemingly alone.  MC entered with her she had grabbed an overnight bag, who knows with Sherlock what kind of case he would be working on and if they would be here over night; presumably so by how he had rebuked her efforts to make plans for after his.  “Sherlock?”  It was her first Halloween with them since they had helped her solve that little murder party hiccup, several months had passed and she found herself good friends with everyone.  So she had been excited to spend Halloween with them.

She had been ready to accept that she wouldn’t be able to get to do what she wanted when even George insisted that she stay home, that is was a ‘guy’s night’.  So the invite was a pleasant surprise, though troublesome.  Even more so as she walked the halls, calling out for Sherlock, John, George, anyone, and was met with silence.  

“Guys?”  Anxiety that she was trespassing crept up her spine.  Maybe it wasn’t too late to call another cab.  .

“MC?”  Mycroft’s voice wafted from over her shoulder.  “What are you doing here?”  His warm eyes slowly drifted up and down her person as she turned to face him.  

“Sherlock asked me here, see?”  She held up the phone, letting him inspect it and double check the phone number listed.  

“So it seems he did... but you really shouldn’t be wandering around here alone.  It isn’t safe.” His hand brushed against the small of her back directing her in the direction she had just come.  It was there for the briefest of moments before he took a step away from her, coughing lightly into his hand.  “Does anyone know you’re here?”

“Well there’s Sherlock... but I wouldn’t thought he’d have told everyone before asking me to come.”

“Yes he would’ve.”  Mycroft lead MC into a large room, primarily filled with a long table with only a third of the seats available filled with people she knew.  Though it was surprising to see even the ‘M’ group so close to everyone, John and Jack were even sitting next to each other.  Glancing around the room the only people missing where Hercule and Mikah.  

“MC?  My dear it is a pleasure to see you again, but why are you here?”  Jeremy was the first to stand up from the table, rushing to her side, his blue green eyes swimming with confusion as he smiled at her.  

“Did Sherlock not tell anyone?”

Sherlock stared at her curiously, “me?”  His coat was hanging behind his chair, he checked the pocket and pulled out a phone.  After a few moments his eyes narrowed, “this isn’t mine.”

“I wonder how this happened?!  That seems to be my phone, but that must mean...”  James Moriarty gaped wide eyed at the phone, “it seems I sent MC that message from your phone by accident.”

“Accident?”  John leaned across Jack to yank the phone out of James’s hand.  

“Of course I would never ever ask such a fragile little robin into such a dangerous place such as this... but since she is here I guess it’s up to me to make sure she stays safe.  Isn’t that right gentlemen?”  James grinned at everyone as he sauntered up to MC, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.  

“Dangerous?  I don’t...”  MC shook her head, barely noticing as something slipped over her head, weighing heavily on her chest.  Looking down she say a perfume cage necklace.  The porous stone inside seemed to give us a sweet but smokey odor.  Even though it wasn’t unpleasant Mycroft winched a little taking a step away from her.

“There we go, safe as a box of kittens.”  James shifted her hair to have the chain flat against her neck, he ran his hands along the metal, and it seemed like he would follow the chain all the way down to the pendant when Jeremy coughed a warning.  

“What would this keep me safe from?”  MC chuckled at their strange and peculiar behavior.  

“Monsters of course!”  James smiled briefly, stepping quickly out of the way as George attempted to push him.  Leaving him to stagger momentarily in front of MC.

“I could’ve done that too!”  George exclaimed glaring at James.  “It doesn’t take a master to create a protection charm.”

“No, but I’m sure everyone else feels more at ease with the sunsetting knowing that I made that mix instead of you.”  

“Hey!”  MC chided James, “I don’t know what’s going on here, but please don’t pick on George like that.”

“It’s okay MC, I know what he means, and I guess he’s right.  Even I wouldn’t be confident in my ability to protect you.”  George clamped a hand down on her shoulder.

“Protect me from what?”

“Us.”  John barely whispered the word, but it carried in the silence.  From the big windows at the end of the room the setting sun cast the room in shades of orange and red.  In the strange light it seemed like everyone features shifted, exaggerated.  George and James stood on either side of her, watching the others who all seemed to watch and stare at MC.  While being used to having attention on her when on stage, or even when having a discussion, it was hard to know where to look.

She turned to Jeremy who was still particularly close and wondered what that bruising color was along his neck and hairline.  He flinched, a look of anguish on his face as his hand flew up to his ear.  In that motion it looked like his nails were sharper, and was that webbing between his fingers?  

A strange jolt passed through MC as she glanced at them all again.  Mycroft was breathing heavily as he stepped out of the room, loosening his tie.  John and Jack stretched their jaw in an uncomfortable manner.  Sebastian pulled his hood up higher.  Quickly MC passed James in her rush to the window.  She pulled on the cord, dropping the heavy drape and blocking out the colors of the setting sun.  Only a lamp in the corner indicated any electricity, the rest of the hall was lit by candle light as MC turned at took the in the sight.  Most of the guys had turned away from her, trying to hide their faces.  All except Sherlock who watched her closely as she neared the group.  

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”  George pleaded.  “Let’s just get you set up in a room for the night and we can all talk about this in the morning, yeah?”

MC glanced around, finishing up to set her eyes on James, “why did you text me?”

“It seemed such a shame not to share this night together, plus if you are going to spend time with us I thought it would only be fair if you knew the truth.”  He smiled looking over her shoulder, MC didn’t have to turn to know he was looking at Sherlock.  

“What’s the truth then?  And if everything is so dangerous why did you bring me here.”

“Don’t worry, I will protect you from the monsters.  I don’t want to ever lie to you MC, so here we are.  Truth time.”

“Monsters?”

“Like us.”  Jack murmured the words, leaning as close as he could.  MC jumped, leaning away from him as he flashed what looked to be fairly long fangs in her direction.  “Now... as long as you wear that, we can only get so close to you even without malicious intent, but if you take it off tonight... I don’t think anyone could make any promises on how tempting it would be to snatch you up.”  Jack pointed at the charm that James gave her.  

“Jack leave her be and get over here.”  John shouted across the room, his usually emerald eyes seemed to glow red that she could see even at a distance.  John lifted some sort of cooler he had sitting next to his chair.  “MC, please go with George.  We have some things to take care of before we can talk about this any further.”

“Very funny.”  MC rolled her eyes, “are you guys really going to pull a practical joke like this?  But I do admit, the quick make up change is amazing.”  MC approached Jeremy, amazed at the fin like ear he was now sporting.  She reached up to touch it, the material felt so real under her fingers.  Suddenly she heard the zap and saw Jeremy jump.

His raised his hands away from her hips, he had been reaching out to grab her when a sudden shock sparked between her fingers and his ear.  “Right right, no touching.  But i’m afraid this is all very real MC.  Those two are vampires.”  He indicated towards John and Jack, she could see John trying to keep Jack from opening the box.  “Mycroft is a.. sorta vampire...”  Jeremy searched for the right words.

“So what, Sherlock’s also a vampire?”

“We don’t know what he is to be honest.”

“I’m normal.”

“So you say.”  Jeremy chuckles as Sherlock looked mildly offended.  “Sebastian is a werecat.  Go ahead and show her the ears!”  Sebastian stood up and walked out of the room using a door at the very end.  

“Don’t worry about him,”  James stepped up, pulling her into a side hug.  “How about I show you to my room and I’ll catch you up there?”

“Your room?”  George pushed his way between them.

“And what about you two?”

“Idiots. Morons who don’t know how to keep quiet about secrets.”  Sherlock shouted from across the room.

“Wizards, they’re wizards.”  Jeremy smiled taking it upon himself to translate for her.  “And I’m a merman.”

“Uh huh.  So you guys get together on Halloween and roleplay?  Okay I guess that can be fun.” MC chuckled at their silliness, shaking her head.  “But I should probably go put my things in a room.”  She held up her bag.

“Let me show you.”  George offered her his arm, and as she reached out for it Sherlock stepped in between them.

“It is my family’s estate, I can show her to a room.”  

“Oh your family owns this?”  It was hard to keep the surprise off of her face as she wrapped her arm with Sherlock’s.  Though it would be hard to guess if what he would say was truth, or all part of the roleplay.

He smiled, leading her out, “for quiet some time now.”

MC glanced behind her as the door started to swing shut, still giving her a glimpse into the room as John let Jack throw open the color, pulling out a pouch designed to look like blood.  She didn’t take them for the types to really get into character like this.  

(sadly I had to cut it off here as my carpal tunnel is acting up, please let me know if this is a story you’d like me to continue in the future)

[hotel-japanifornia]

So, we all know that Morgan is the mastermind of Bridge to the Turnabout as she’s the one who crafts the plan for Pearl to follow and her visit with Pearl in the detention center sets off Godot’s plan to play hero with Misty and Iris. However, what if there’s been another person behind the scene masterminding the whole thing as well alongside Morgan?

As we know, Bikini is a member of one of the many branch families in Kurain. When Misty left the village out of shame after what happened in the DL-6 incident, she not only left behind her daughters and the title of Master, but her leaving angered several members of the branch families. These members in particular believed that the title of Master was one to be handled with great responsibility and care, not one to be thrown away at the first sign of adversity like Misty had done. Bikini and Morgan were among those members and their similar ways of thinking caused them both to gravitate towards each other.

Over the years, Bikini became more and more embittered by what Misty had done and though she was still the sweet and motherly nun that took in Iris on the outside, she was a vengeful woman on the inside. She and Morgan also began to plot to wipe out the main family with their only setback being the existence of one Mia Fey. Though Mia had left the village to pursue her dreams of becoming a lawyer to find out who ruined her mother's life, she loved her baby sister deeply and watched her like a hawk. If anyone so much as laid a finger with malicious intent on Maya, Mia would know.

Once Mia was killed by Redd White, this left her younger sister vulnerable and finally, Bikini and Morgan could set their plan in motion. Morgan framed Maya for Dr. Grey's murder in "Reunion and Turnabout" and was successful in convincing Maya that she had killed someone. Maya was so convinced by her aunt's words that she begged Phoenix to not take her case and let her face the "Guilty" verdict. Unfortunately for Morgan, Phoenix refused to abandon her and proved her innocent of the murder of Dr. Grey, but managed to implicate Morgan as the accomplice to the murder. Despite being sent to jail, Morgan wasn't quite finished yet in plotting to get rid of the main family.

Before she and Pearl had their conversation in the detention center, Morgan called for Sister Bikini to plan their strategy now that she was in jail. Morgan told Bikini of the plan that she had left behind for her daughter to follow: to channel Dahlia Hawthorne and get rid of Maya Fey. Sister Bikini was keen on the idea and offered to host Maya at the Inner Temple so that Dahlia's spirit could be channeled at a more secluded location. Morgan readily agreed to the idea. Bikini and Morgan held this conversation while Godot was still in his coma and as such, he never listened in on it nor did he have a clue that Bikini even knew about it.

In order to ensure that Morgan's plan would go through, she talked Iris into featuring Hazakura Temple in an article on "Oh Cult!" Magazine. This proved successful for Bikini as shortly thereafter, Pearl contacted Bikini to make an appointment for her cousin to undergo the Special Course. Surely enough, on the 7th of February, Pearl Fey arrived at Hazakura Temple with Maya Fey and a third party, Phoenix Wright. Sister Bikini didn't know who Phoenix was so she didn't think much of him but what she did know was that while Morgan could tell Pearl about the plan and where to find it, she couldn't force her to follow it. So the nun decided to sow the seeds of fear in Pearl’s mind by making “jokes" about how Maya might catch her death during training due to how cold it was. This caused Pearl to become paranoid and as a result, she went to the Inner Temple that night out of worry for her beloved cousin.

Unfortunately for Bikini, things didn't go quite as planned. She was planning to go back to the Inner Temple that night, with the expectation that she would find Maya's corpse there. Instead, what she found was her adopted daughter stabbing the corpse of Misty Fey.

Though Maya had seemingly managed to survive Bikini and Morgan's plan to take her life, there was a potential risk of Sister Bikini being caught for her crimes. Because of that, Bikini played up the "nun with a broken back" role; and she even managed to fool Edgeworth with this act.

Sister Bikini may have been foiled this time, but one day, she will strike again when we all least expect it.

For about a year or so, I have had the itch to write an essay about how Maya is the real protagonist of 3-5, and the entire trilogy for that matter is really about her. I just haven't written it bc life.

Don't get me wrong, I want to at least explain my line of thinking for how she's the protagonist of 3-5. It's a little galaxy brained, but makes sense when you really think about it (like my theory about Bikini being the real mastermind behind 3-5).

[buckywintersoldierbarnes2017]

Complicated Hearts.

Request from @bucky-hackneyed: Can you do a Bucky x reader where Bucky is kind of an asshole to reader when she tries to flirt with him and then he tells her he doesn't like her and she's all heart broken?? But then Bucky catches feeling and then it fluffy stuff?

Bucky x Reader

Words: 2,563

Warnings: Hurtful remarks, mild language, angst, heartbreak and fluff.

Disclaimer: None of the GIFs used are mine so all credit goes to their creators <3

“Earth to [y/n]!”

You were supposed to be training with Natasha in the gym of Stark Tower but you found yourself unable to tear your eyes away from the hot mess that was currently at the weights station. The redhead waved her hand in front of your face to try and snap you back to reality and after a few moments of doing so she succeeded as you shook our head and turned your gaze back to your friend.

“Gees, you’ve got it bad!”

“What?” You furrowed your brows in confusion having not even realised what it was you had been doing. “I have no idea what you are talking about Nat.”

“Yeah that’s right, feign innocence, but considering I have just been stood here for the past few minutes watching you I know exactly what, or rather who, you were looking at. You are like it every time he is in the gym.”

Could she really blame you though? Bucky Barnes had the stature of a Greek God and that jawline of his….damn it was sharp enough to cut something……

“[y/n] you’re doing it again.”

Now you really couldn’t deny it because you were perfectly aware that both your eyes and your thoughts had once again drifted over to the newest member of the team. How on earth were you supposed to concentrate on your training session with Natasha when such a beautiful sight was proving to be far too much of a distraction?

“I’m sorry but come on! The guy is ridiculously hot…that amount of hotness should be illegal.”

“Well you know Tony is holding one of his parties tonight right?”

The session by now was completely over; Natasha knew you well enough to be more than aware that she would get nothing from you today.

“I’m not going Nat. It’s the third one this week, think I am actually all partied out.”

She leaned closer to you, a rather mischievous looking smirk beginning to tug at her lips as she did, before she whispered down your ear in a sing-song type tone.

“But Bucky will be there tonight….”

Instantly at the mention of his name you found yourself biting down onto your bottom lip as you imagined dressing yourself up to the nines and, for once, catching his attention rather than him catching yours all the time. It was a rather tempting thought and one you knew you wouldn’t be able to resist. Playfully shoving your friend away you began to walk yourself out of the gym.

“Fine! I will be there if it makes you so happy!”

                                            * * * * * * * * * *

You were only a few minutes late to the party but already the room seemed fit to burst. Most people would turn up fashionably late for a get together such as this but for some reason when it came to Tony’s parties everyone was always queuing up at the doors before it had even started. That must have really inflated the already big ego that man seemed to have.

You had chosen to wear a short red dress tonight; or rather Natasha had chosen it for you, something to do with the fact that it exaggerated the curves you had and basically fit in ‘all the right places’ so any red-blooded male wouldn’t be able to keep their eyes off you….Bucky in particular.

The lack of fabric made you feel a little self-conscience as you walked into the busy room; being an agent of Shield you were more used to wearing long sleeves and trousers….not something that showed off a magnitude of flesh as well as your cleavage. Good god this night better prove to be worth it.

Your eyes searched the room and after gaining a few wolf whistles from Sam, Tony and even Steve (something which very much took you by surprise given his usual nature towards the female species) he soon came into your line of vision. Your very breath caught inside of your throat as you saw the slicked back hair and the formal suit he was in; he didn’t look at all comfortable in it but he looked so damn good in it. Taking in a few deep and calming breaths you closed the gap that was between you before standing yourself in front of him.

He was sat on his own, his sharp blue eyes staring intently at the drink inside the glass his flesh hand was wrapped around in, and when you were close enough you cleared your throat to alert him of your presence. It was well known that he was a little jumpy still and the last thing you needed was to find his metal arm swinging out for you.

“Hey Bucky.”

His eyes hadn’t even looked up from his drink yet and already you could feel your heart racing inside of your chest at the thought of those intense blue hues of his connecting with your [e/c] ones. It felt like it took an eternity for him to do so, your palms beginning to sweat as you started to think that perhaps this hadn’t been a good idea at all, and when you debated walking away completely he finally acknowledged that you were there.

“Hey [y/n]…” As soon as he lay his eyes on you and saw the figure hugging dress you were wearing his eyes turned a darker shade of blue as lust seemed to ignite inside of them. It was a look you had always wanted to see from him but as quickly as it had appeared it transformed into something else entirely….a look that could easily be considered almost malicious. “….what the hell are you wearing that for?”

His tone was cold and void of any kind of emotion as he threw the rest of his drink down his throat and stood himself up. No longer was his gaze on your dress or even you for that matter and that warm feeling you had experienced when you’d seen him dissipated from you quickly as you felt the knife drive itself right into your heart.

“What do you mean? Everyone is dressed up Bucky. It’s a party.”

“Yes but do you see anyone else flaunting themselves like some kind of floozy?!” You could see his metal hand clenching itself up into a fist, a clear sign that he was agitated, but you still couldn’t figure out why. “Don’t think I haven’t heard you and Natasha talking in the gym; in case you hadn’t forgotten my senses were heightened thanks to Hydra.”

“I was just….we were just…”

“Just what?!” His head snapped around so quickly to face you that you were surprised he hadn’t just given himself whiplash. “You were just expecting me to lap up the attention?! Let yourself throw yourself at me. I may be messed in the head [y/n] but I still have standards.”

All you could do was blink, over and over again, you didn’t know whether you were expecting the scene in front of you to change all of a sudden or if you were simply trying to fight back the tears that were beginning to build up in your eyes. You hadn’t done a thing wrong to the man stood before you, all you had ever done was show him the utmost kindness despite his past and yet now he had turned into some kind of vicious animal towards you.

Nat had witnessed what was going on from the other side of the room and when she saw you trying to prevent the hurt from showing on your face she put her drink down and made her way over to the two of you.

“That…that wasn’t what I was doing. I’ve liked y-“

“[y/n] you need to back off, now, I’m not interested.”

His eyes remained on yours for a few more moments and you could have sworn there had been a flicker of something but before you could figure out what it was he had turned away once again and Nat was dragging you to a different part of the room. She would want to know exactly what he’d said but you couldn’t face hearing the words again…even if they were coming out of your mouth. No. You could still feel the stink in your heart and all you wanted was for the ground to open and just swallow you up.

Pulling your arm out of her grip you made a swift exit from the party.

You needed to be alone.

No one needed to see your heart breaking over someone who clearly didn’t care for you.

                                         * * * * * * * * * * 

Once your bedroom door had closed that night it didn’t open for another week. It didn’t matter how many people knocked on your door trying to get you to talk to them because you continued to make sure that FRIDAY never allowed them inside. Bucky’s words had hit you harder than anything you had ever faced during your time with Shield and the last thing you needed was for the team to see you in such a state.

The bags under your eyes were big and dark, eyes red from the waterfall of tears you had cried, and your hair hadn’t been washed in a few days…..you didn’t care how you looked because the one person you had wanted to give your heart to had stomped on it right in front of you.

For what seemed like the millionth time that week you heard some soft knocking on your room door. With a roll of your eyes you wrapped your duvet around you tightly and placed both of your hands over your ears to try and drown out the sound of whoever was on the other side.

“[y/n].”

It had been the last voice you had expected to hear and although it made those hurtful words replay in your mind on a torturous loop it also managed to penetrate the blockade you had put over your ears. It wasn’t going to matter what you did to try and block him out because his voice was always going to make its way through.

“Please open up.”

Compared to that night at the party his words had a defeated tone to them and if you listened hard enough you could also hear a hint of sadness too. It hadn’t been that long ago when you had wanted him to hurt just as much as you did but now that you could hear he wasn’t himself it actually made your stomach knot uncomfortably…..but it wouldn’t get you opening the door to him….yet.

“Fine. If you won’t open up then you are just going to have to listen to me through the door.”

“Agent [l/n] would you like me to request Mr Barnes to leave?”

“No FRIDAY, it’s fine, he won’t listen to you any way.”

“As you wish.”

Dragging yourself out of the comfort of your bed you wandered over to the door and sat yourself against it, imagining that he was doing the same, and waited for him to continue speaking. At first you heard nothing more than a sad sigh but then his words came.

“I should never have said what I did at the party. My words were cruel and unfair.” You raised your eyebrows as though to silently say ‘seriously?’. “I didn’t say them because I meant them, not at all, I said them to push you away. I know how you feel about me because……..I feel the same way for you.”

You couldn’t have heard that right. This must have been one of those dreams you’d been having recently – the ones that felt too good to be true only to transform into a horrible nightmare. There was no way he just said what you thought you heard.

“I know you probably don’t believe me right now, and that’s my fault, but you have to understand…..I am dangerous and until someone finds a way to wipe those words from my mind I am a liability to everyone here. If I ever ended up turning back into that monster I was before and I hurt you I would never be able to live with myself.”

His voice broke slightly and at that very same moment you heart sank a little. You knew how much he had struggled being here, being around others, but you never knew just how much it affected him.

“I hate the thought of you being with someone else but at the same time I can’t risk you being with me. That’s why I said those things. I wanted you to hate me…..turns out I can’t function properly knowing that you do so my plan kind of backfired on me.”

He wasn’t wrong there. This whole ‘plan’ of his couldn’t have backfired any worse than it had.

“I just needed you to know that I love you [y/n]…and I am desperate to see that beautiful face of yours again.”

It turned out he really had been sat up against the door just as you had been because the moment you opened it up he started to fall backwards into your room before his metal arm shot out towards the doorframe to stop himself from doing so and then in one swift movement he was up on his feet and facing you. For a split second you were terrified at seeing that hateful look in his face again, the one that had torn your heart to shreds, but you saw the complete opposite….he was broken, just as much as you were, and when his eyes fell upon your tired and hurt state he pulled you into him before you could even stop him.

“Jesus Christ doll I am so sorry. I never….I never wanted to hurt you like this.”

No words escaped your mouth as you allowed yourself to sink into his warm body. The feeling of his arms wrapping around your frame tightly finally broke the wall you had been slowly building over the past few days and your body heaved as the uncontrollable sobs left you.

A few minutes passed before you were able to gather yourself enough to talk to him.

“You have no idea how much I have wanted to hear those words from you Bucky. You’re the only person I have ever loved……I don’t care about anything else. I just….I just want you.” His metal hand rested on your lower back as his other hand combed its way through your hair before he placed the gentlest of kisses onto your forehead. “You don’t need to be scared, about what you were, I trust you.”

They were three words that changed his demeanour completely and his whole body seemed to relax that little bit more. If you were able to trust him even after the heartache he had out you through then maybe it was about time he gave himself some credit….allowed himself to let someone into his life instead of pushing those he cared about away from him.

As a small smile started to make its way onto his lips he pulled away from you but only so that he could brush his lips against your chapped ones before pushing them down harder in a kiss that was long overdue. A kiss that was going to change both your lives.

Permanent tag list (still open):@fallenfairy16​ @brieflybigwonderland​@frolicsomefawkes @psychicwitchphilosopher @elwenia​@imsecretlyromanburki@elaacreditava @marvel-fanfiction​@wantingtobekorra @fandom-rpblog @just-call-me-your-darling@deanwinnchesterisbae​ @gayvvarden​ @marshmellowgems11​@justreadingfics​ @cinema212​ @cassandras-musings@adellyhatter-blog​ @engineeringgirlcve​ @thewinterswimmer@buckyappreciationsociety@mizzzpink@hopelessgarbage@mary-is-a-sinner@fourtyninekirbygamzeegirl@noir-agneau@holywinchesterness@katie27hp@purplekitten30@abbybills22@misticalnellie @alwayshave-faith @sammnipple

[misssophiachase]

I'm backkkkk! Thanks to the lovely Ashleigh @ashleigh-jewitt-xx for the gorgeous cover : ) She also just happens to be up for best underrated fic cover artist for the Klaroline Awards and you can probably see why (you know just saying hehe) : )

Part 8: The Witch Queen of New Orleans

"She lived in a world of magic, possessed by the devils skew-ew From a shack near the swamplands, made of mud-pile brick." (Redbone)

Mikaelson Compound - Saturday PM

"You're all useless," Klaus bellowed from the balcony, pacing back and forth like a caged animal. "I thought I made myself clear that you weren't to return until you'd found Caroline, no bloody excuses."

"That's just the thing," Josh gulped. "We can't find her. We've scoured the entire city inside and out but there's no trace of her anywhere."

"I'm trying to decide whether you're lazy, incompetent or a mixture of both," he scowled, ceasing his pacing to stare at the boyish looking vampire. "I suppose it won't matter when I come down there and tear out your liver."

"Now Niklaus," Rebekah interrupted, parting his minions as she made her way through the gathered crowd, hips swaying hypnotically as she did. "You know I prefer the kidneys, always makes the best stew after all."

"Rebekah, I'm in no mood for your presence," he growled. Rebekah gave him an exaggerated eye roll before raising his hand to shoo away his gathered minions. They dispersed happily, obviously glad to be away from the Original Hybrid in an increasingly bad and possibly revenge killing mood.

"Well, neither am I King Grouchy but yet here we are anyway," she scoffed. "I had to balance this up and decided that you'd be in a much worse mood if Caroline was still missing."

"Well, you didn't need to come all this way to figure that out," he muttered, taking a much needed swig from his glass of whiskey. It was the only thing that could take away the edge of losing his mate.

Celeste was going to pay, one limb and organ at a time. How dare she come into his territory and kidnap the most important person to him? Obviously it was all part of her big revenge plot but the way Klaus saw it was she wouldn't last the night if he had his way.

He'd managed a few stray hours of sleep the previous night but one thing he couldn't escape were the visions of her. He'd seen her in his dreams, lying tied up and helpless on the floor and all he wanted to do was reach out and stroke her hair, whispering in her ear that it was all going to be okay and he was on his way. But after waking restlessly, Klaus realised he had no idea where she was and it angered him immensely. What was the point of visions if you couldn't make anything concrete of them?

"You're going about this the wrong way," she offered. "Not that I'm surprised given the frantic frenzy you've worked yourself into."

"Did I ask your opinion, little sister?"

"No, but you really should have, big brother," she muttered, emphasising the words big brother for extra effect. "Vampires aren't going to help you. It was a witch that took her and you need one to find her again."

"Besides the two nosy and protective witches, who are plotting my death as we speak, I'm not too sure..."

"I always assumed the King of New Orleans would be a lot more calm," a deep voice interrupted, making him look towards the voice.

Although Klaus had never seen him in the flesh, he instantly knew who it was. His tall stature, deadpan exterior and unwavering glance was enough to tell Klaus that Rebekah had summonsed the most powerful witch in New Orleans. The fact she'd managed to get him to the compound was saying something.

"Vincent?"

"The one and only," he quipped. "I had no intention of coming but your sister possesses this really annoying nagging quality. I could only take so much of that high pitched whining in my ear."

"Tell me about it," he drawled. "So, any chance you could help?"

"Last time I checked this was a mutually beneficial arrangement," he said. "I can help you but what would the great Klaus Mikaelson give me in return?" Klaus was silent for a moment weighing up his options. Caroline was his whole world so he was basically willing to give up his soul if Vincent asked for it.

"Any..."

"Don't listen to him, he's drunk on love," Rebekah interrupted quickly. "But we'd be willing to look at possible options."

"I want freedom for the witches in the quarter," he asserted. "For too long we've been oppressed by your family even though we've never been malicious in return."

"Okay..."

"Again, don't listen to him," Rebekah cut Klaus off with a warning glance. "What exactly are you suggesting?"

"That we live side-to-side in peace, going about our activities as usual but not interfering in each other's lives. You can remain the ruling hierarchy but we are no longer beholden to your orders." Klaus attempted to speak before Rebekah silenced him with her eyes.

"How about we decide on a truce between the vampires and witches for the time being and then once you deliver Caroline Forbes, we'll re-evaluate?" She conceded. "This one's a little love sick so there's no way we're going to listen to his judgment right now." Vincent looked between the two of them curiously before nodding.

"What the hell is going on? Where is Caroline?" A high pitched voice squealed from the front door.

"Who gave them entry rights?" Klaus drawled, looking towards the brunette witches as they approached purposefully.

"Ah, you did brother," Kol scoffed, now coming into view. "When you decided a little dinner party was a great idea. Remember that particular evening?"

"I was being hospitable to our new NOLA residents."

"More like you were trying to woo your mate," Elijah whispered, only loud enough for him to hear. Klaus was really regretting that everyone seemed to know that particular fact. "Oh, if it isn't the…"

"Vincent, yes. I'd say it was a pleasure but I'm not too sure that this situation lends itself to it."

"Long time no see Miss Pierce." Elijah greeted her just as the two witches approached the group.

"Don't you Miss Pierce me," she chided before turning to Klaus accusingly. "Why haven't you found Caroline yet?"

"It's taking longer than anticipated," Klaus responded, albeit feebly.

"Aren't you supposed to be the most powerful creature on earth or something like that," Bonnie muttered sarcastically. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say this was a stalling tactic."

"I'm officially intrigued. A stalling tactic for what exactly, Bennett?" Kol enquired, moving closer so as to intimidate her.

"Trying to cover up for the fact he was responsible for her abduction."

"We already know he's a creepy psycho stalker," Katherine offered. "So, it wouldn't be much of a stretch."

"That's no way to speak about my brother," Elijah growled at her.

"Oh what are you going to do to me? Rip out my heart, buddy?"

"Some ingrates are making themselves a little too comfortable in our house," Rebekah scowled. "How about a lot less witchy attitude and more solving this annoying problem so I don't have to put up with his bad mood and their unwanted opinions."

"Why do I feel like I've entered a really bad, family sitcom?"

"You're…" Bonnie squealed excitedly, finally noticing the other male in the room, who'd been quiet up until now.

"Yes, I'm THE Vincent," he interrupted. "Now we've got that settled a third time, how about we get to work? Having some extra witch power might actually be extremely beneficial."

"What are we doing exactly?"

"Yeah, I hope it doesn't mess with my new manicure after what this cost me in the Quarter," Katherine muttered.

"Enough!" Klaus bellowed, his patience finally wearing away. "We are doing exactly what you wanted, finding Caroline."

"Celeste is extremely powerful and has many friends who could conceal her whereabouts," Vincent explained. "We'll try a locator spell first and then go from there."

"We already tried yesterday and came up with nothing," Katherine murmured sadly. "It's like she's disappeared off the face of the earth."

"Either that or Celeste has managed to cloak her activities from detection. Its been done before."

"So, how exactly are we going to find her then?" Elijah asked slightly perplexed. "I thought you were the wise one with all the answers." Before Vincent could bite back Klaus spoke, more to himself than anything.

"I had some visions but all I could see was a cramped, window-less room, with a dark floor," Klaus began, hoping it didn't sound as weird as he imagined.

"How exactly are you having visions?" Bonnie asked curiously. "Don't tell me the all-powerful Original Hybrid has some other powers we didn't know about."

"Tends to be the direct result of the whole mates thing, darling," another voice chimed into the discussion.

"Enzo!" Kol grinned. "I'd say I missed you, but I'd be lying."

"You are a weird bunch," Vincent whistled.

"Hold on. This mates thing again?" Katherine asked, her interest well and truly piqued. "I kind of disregarded this theory as cuckoo."

"Can we possibly leave this rather personal discussion for another time," Klaus interrupted, feeling increasingly awkward with every passing moment.

Last time he checked, Caroline didn't know about that particular fact and he didn't want her to find out through Bonnie and Katherine of all people. Klaus had decided to tell her himself before this whole kidnapping debacle decided to mess with his plans.

"No, it really turns out those two crazy kids are indeed mates," Kol filled in on his behalf.

"I suppose it would explain all of that creepy psycho stalker behavior," Katherine responded eventually after finding her voice again.

"This changes things considerably," Vincent murmured. "We can use the mating bond to find her and Celeste. I'm surprised you haven't thought of that yet."

"Well, you see there's not exactly a formal bond yet as such," Klaus uttered, feeling increasingly pathetic that the girl he loved more than anything didn't know or seem to feel it.

"So, you haven't…"

"No, we were sort of interrupted with this whole abduction episode."

"Oh, don't you try and blame it on the kidnapping," Katherine rolled her eyes. "You see Vincent, Klaus here decided to pretend he was under a love spell to get closer to Caroline. Let's just say she wasn't so happy when she found out that he'd deceived her."

"Pretty sure this isn't helping matters," Rebekah drawled. "Can we just get Barbie back so we can return to normal and without these pesky witches in tow?"

"Now, that's not a very nice way to treat our guests, Rebekah," Enzo tutted.

"Since when have you become the New Orleans Welcoming Committee?"

"It doesn't matter if the mating bond hasn't been formally established," Vincent said, ignoring their incessant bickering. "Klaus said he's had visions so the bond is obviously strong enough to try. You don't happen to have anything of hers, it might strengthen the signal."

Klaus had been unwilling to part with the locket as soon as Elijah had given it to him. It wasn't so much that it was something special to her but what he'd found inside. On one side were her parents and the other a silver haired wolf, his exact form when he turned.

He'd been immediately curious as to its meaning and asked Bonnie and Katherine who said it was apparently her favourite animal. Klaus knew no one wore something like that close to their heart for no reason. He knew that because he had something similar. A Wiccan tattoo on his chest which he told people was because of his mother but knowing it was something much stronger that had led to that particular inking all those years ago. Three stages of the moon side-by-side, the Wiccan symbol for the goddess. Caroline Forbes was his goddess, like he was her wolf. Her mate.

"What I'm going to need is for you to close your eyes and concentrate…" he heard as his attention came back to the conversation.

"What so you can try and overthrow the ruling hierarchy while I'm under your spell?" Klaus scowled. He wanted to find Caroline more than anything but he hated feeling vulnerable and in front of powerful strangers in particular.

"Talk about a drama queen," Katherine muttered. "Do you want Elijah to hold your hand, would it make you feel better?"

"I don't know, would it make you feel better to hold his hand," Klaus countered, noticing the slight blush cross both her and Elijah's faces. They were all so easy to read.

"I know you're all immortal but I'm running on the clock here," Vincent growled, pointing to his wrist watch. "Either we do this or never find her, your choice, Mikaelson."

"Fine," he mumbled. "I have this," he pulled the locket from the confines of his pocket. "What do I need to do?" Vincent gestured to a nearby chair where Klaus sat begrudgingly. He suddenly felt like a lab rat the way his siblings and the witches were watching him so intently.

"Close your eyes and hold onto the locket tightly," he directed. "I want you to picture Caroline." Klaus knew that wouldn't be very difficult given he found himself doing that multiple times and on most days.

He smiled sub consciously, watching as her golden waves blew in the breeze, her creamy skin flushed from the afternoon sun and those blue eyes sparkling mischievously. They were at Couturie Forest in New Orleans, sharing a picnic and overlooking his city. His fingers were laced through hers and she was running her finger along his crimson lips slowly, teasing him about withholding kisses because he'd been on an overprotective spree. When it came to Caroline that was just second nature.

Then he heard it, loud whimpers breaking through his dream. She was crying for help and even throwing around a few choice curse words, still tied down and lying on the dingy floor. He began to shake uncontrollably but felt a strong pair of hands hold him down and another on his head firmly. This was a vision he needed to see through until the end if it meant finding his mate.

It was then he noticed the structure behind her. It was simply made right down to the mud-pile brick. He knew that place, he'd roamed through the swamp as a wolf years earlier and happened upon the small makeshift huts on the bank.

Of course Celeste would go there with Caroline. It was part of his history. Not only that, It was relatively out of the way which would explain his minions failures in finding them and as legend would have it immune to locator spells.

He'd vamped from the compound before they could restrain him any longer. As he rushed away he heard their frantic calls. Klaus only leaving them with one statement. "She needs me."

xxxxx

It was dark and the night air still as Klaus made his way towards the huts he remembered as a young wolf. They seemed to be lifeless, until he saw the brief flicker of candle light through a small window.

Caroline was in there. He could smell her. He could taste her and right now all he wanted to do was hold her in his arms. He approached quietly, the wolf telling him to explore the scene before bursting inside.

He made his way around the back, his eyes fixed on the partially open window. As he came closer, he could make out Caroline on the floor like in his visions. She was decidedly quieter, no doubt tired from all of the fighting. His heart went out to her at that moment. This witch was going to pay dearly for harming his Caroline.

He made his way around the front not making out any other forms of life. Maybe Celeste had left momentarily? He was surprised to be able to come inside so easily, he'd half expected a spell on the house so he couldn't enter. At that very moment he knew it was a trap but was already inside, Klaus decided to blame it on his out of control emotions.

"Took your time," she growled.

"I was humouring you Celeste," he joked. "Plus, I knew just how much you'd hate these particularly basic living conditions so decided to leave you here a little longer to enjoy them."

"Even after a thousand years, your humour still hasn't improved," she muttered. "Neither have those evil villain skills you like to wear as a badge of honour."

"Oh, I don't know."

"Yet, here you are trapped inside and completely at the mercy of my powers. You are slipping. I'll blame it on that pathetic crush."

"Crush is a little throw away don't you think?"

"Fine, you are pathetically pining for a witch that has no interest in you," she laughed. "We've had a few girlie heart-to-heart chats the past day and she's told me just how much she hates you." If he wasn't in a tricky situation, Klaus would have been hurt and offended. Plus he figured by the incessant cursing he'd witnessed she probably hated Celeste more than him right now which was a plus in his book.

"So now you've got me, what is your dastardly plan?"

"Still so arrogant even with death at your door," she smiled.

"Well, last time I checked Celeste, I'm an Original Hybrid and pretty bloody hard to kill."

"Except when you're in a house without your powers," she murmured. "And when I have one of these." She pulled the white oak stake from under the table. Klaus was momentarily blindsided. Last time he checked, they'd all been destroyed. "What? Cat got your tongue?" She purred for added effect.

"That's not..."

"Oh yes it is," she grinned. "I came across someone who hates you almost as much as me and they were happy to sell it to me for a reasonable price."

"So, you kill me and then what?"

"Well, I might do a bit of a victory dance then kill your lady love to really rub it in further."

"I'm pretty sure killing her in front of me before you do that will have a bigger impact, you know just saying." He could hear a muffled groan from the next room and Klaus was pretty sure he'd gone down a little further in her estimation. But at this point what was one more thing?

"Given you weakened ability I might just allow you one death wish," she murmured. Moving quickly to the next room, white oak stake in hand, and pushing an immensely reluctant Caroline towards him teasingly.

It took all his willpower not to react. Even with tangled locks, bruises and contusions on her face and neck and partially ripped clothing she still looked so beautiful. He couldn't miss the death stare she was shooting his way while gagged.

"Isn't this a romantic reunion," Celeste teased, looking between them. "Pretty sure she still doesn't like you very much."

"I have to say I'm a little upset by your lack of flair Celeste," he smirked. "I thought it would be more like a live sacrifice." Caroline's narrowed eyes were enough to tell him she still wasn't impressed.

"You were always the one who preferred theatrics, Niklaus," she drawled. "But I suppose that could be a fun twist." She'd produced another knife and was pointing it teasingly at Caroline's creamy chest. Klaus could see her breasts heaving and it was difficult to concentrate on what he needed to do at that moment.

"I'm going to need a soundtrack to go with this visual." Celeste paused briefly before tugging on her gag and letting it fall around her neck.

"Oh what do I care? She's a poor excuse for a witch."

Klaus didn't hesitate, his eyes boring into hers willing her to chant and save her life. He knew she had it in her and right now his didn't matter as long as she lived. She seemed lost momentarily, her blue eyes flickering around the room before her words came out at full force and full volume.

"Vim meam excita, Fulmen! mittatur ictus igneus!" Being a Latin expert it still took Klaus time to translate in his head but he didn't need to finish when Celeste burst into flames. He figured that was one way to take care of her. The white oak stake flew from her grasp and into Caroline's hand.

"I thought you would have gone the Wizard of Oz route," he joked. "You know melted her."

"That bitch was pushing on my last nerve," she hissed, white oak stake still firmly in hand. "It's the least I could do."

"I knew you could do it, love," he smiled. It was always inside her, Caroline just needed to believe. "It's probably the worst time to ask this question but what are you going to do with that?"

"After this whole kidnapping attempt for revenge against you followed by this mates news, I definitely should stake it through your lying, deceitful heart." She warned, pointing it at him accusingly. "But I'm hungry, cold and could really do with a shower. So you might just want to get the hell out of my way."

He moved aside, watching as she lunged for the front door, white oak stake still in her grasp. "So, why exactly do you need that dangerous weapon still?"

"I haven't decided if or when I'm going to stake you," she growled. "This is my insurance policy." Before he could attempt to explain their bond, he heard voices outside.

As he rushed to the front door, they were all there looking at the makeshift hut ominously. Caroline flew into the open arms of Bonnie and Katherine while his siblings and Enzo just looked on with a relieved smile.

"Does Caroline Forbes have a white oak stake?" Rebekah hissed.

"She does," Klaus conceded. "She's still trying to decide whether she wants to kill me or not."

"Sounds like a normal night in the Mikaelson household to me," Enzo joked. "Now let's go get a bloody whiskey, I'm parched."

You can read and review HERE

[wileymarch]

George Washington_Coward or Revolutionary Pacifist?

With the current political climate, Trump's blatant violation of law and The United States Constitution, I felt it important to take a look at the past, to answer for myself the question:  Have all of our political leaders in effect been corrupt, dismissed so casually human rights and law?  Starting from the beginning, we'll take a look in the coming days at each president, from George Washington to Trump, a brief history of 45 presidents and the ways they've benefited or harmed our nation. George Washington was not initially the successful military general history would have us believe.  In fact, more often he was an overwhelming failure, defeated twice by the French, a third time his biggest success was in his ability to turn tail and run.  Washington lost almost every battle he ever fought, yet somehow, he had the charisma to hold his troops together, even when they were watching their comrades fall.  The win he achieved against the British could be seen as a fluke.  So how, you might wonder, did he become the first leader of the free world?  He wasn't. That's correct.  Technically, George Washington was not the first president of the United States.  Let that sink in a moment, your history teacher lied to you!  Okay, for many of us knowing that history is predominately lies and embellishments to make a prettier version of the truth and create a sense of indoctrinated patriotism is not surprising.  In fact, many of us have learned to take it in stride and educate ourselves instead of wholesale believing what we're told. There were actually 14 presidents before Washington, actually presidents of the Continental Congress.  We'll evaluate them in the next post.  Washington is credited with laying the foundation of our country.  In truth, it was his fourteen predecessors that built the groundwork for our country, declaring our independence from the British Crown, establishing Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government to create a checks and balances system, and prevent us from becoming a dictatorship. Washington suffered with low self-esteem and a nearly unbearable anxiety over becoming president of the United States.  I'm sure the sixty-nine members of the Electoral College saw this as a benefit to themselves and their own designs on power.  Indeed, Washington likened his election to presidency as a "death sentence". Trump is not alone in being venerated as a "savior".  Washington's own cabinet singled him out as appointed by "Divine Providence"  to be the "savior".   One might wonder how a cowardly general became the first "American Messiah" and was referred to as "Your Excellency" as opposed to Mr. President.  The answer, Propaganda, the same as today. Many of the men involved in Washington's election as president were worried that their puppet would back out, turn tail and run once again.  Even Washington's own wife Martha did not believe her husband fit for the duties of presidency. Washington was treated on his journey from his home to New York as if he were being coronated.  He was a "Federalist", later to be known as the first Republican and those who pushed him into presidency told him, "you are now king, under a different name."

Newspapers such as the Federal Gazette, owned by a leader of the Federalist Party John Fenno, touted Washington's kingly procession, labeling him the unitor of our country, "savior" of our country and a "great patriot".  Washington however, did not initially enjoy all the ceremony and pageantry, at one point even sneaking out of town ahead of his travelling party to avoid it.  It all seemed to have been a bit too arranged and over the top that as he rode over the bridge into Trenton, he was greeted with women and young girls draped in white gowns throwing flower petals at the feet of his horses as they rode through, proclaiming him the defender of women.  Shocking, seeing as how the battle at Trenton had been a very small one but history would have us all believe Washington had led his forces against insurmountable odds and a vast enemy, neither of which were true.  And many of the Hessian troops stationed at Trenton escaped Washington's attack.  

The association with Fenno is of note all throughout the early years of the United States because Alexander Hamilton and John Adams both bailed Fenno out of bankruptcy in exchange for his loyalty in printing whatever Adams and Hamilton saw fit.  Hamilton himself frequently wrote under pseudonyms to influence public opinion.  Thomas Jefferson, so enraged by the lies spread by the Federal Gazette set up his own papers the Aurora, edited by Benjamin F. Bache and the National Gazette, edited by Phillip Freneau.  

Washington, upon adoration of lovely women, finally gave in to all the pomp and pageantry bestowed in his "honor" when he arrived at his new home, Cherry Street in Manhattan, New York.  He was the first president to give an inauguration speech and spent much of it defending himself, claiming he hadn't done it to gain wealth or power.  This would immediately lead one to believe that was precisely why he'd become a puppet to these men, especially since much of his personal wealth was actually that of his wife, Martha from her first marriage.  Washington himself was bankrupt.  

James Madison attempted to keep the speech out of public circulation. Because of George Washington being a soft-spoken man, the crowd hadn't heard his actual words anyway giving Madison the opportunity to lie about what Washington had said and felt.  Madison then took it upon himself to completely rewrite Washington's speech for print so that no one would know the truth, which is the one most history books defer to.  Madison in turn wrote the response from Congress and the return response from Washington, which shows, Washington's presidency was a well-planned and well-executed means of rallying people to do the bidding of wealthy, power hungry white men by the intentional manipulation of people's perception.   The buttons on the brown suit from Washington's inauguration were engraved with eagles, establishing Washington as a down-to-earth patriot and was made by Jeremiah Wadsworth's Woolen Manufactory.  Wadsworth would later become a congressman.  

The "Holy Bible" only became a part of the inauguration proceedings at the last moment when it was decided by Congressional committee that this would indeed make Washington a "man of the average people".  Having no bible anywhere, a mad scramble resulted in a Masonic lodge providing one, which is delightfully amusing in hindsight.  The church service after the inauguration was held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, still standing today.  

In these early years is where the extreme partisan battle between Democrats and Republicans was born.  So as you can understand, propaganda, puppeteering, money and aggrandization have all been a part of the political landscape in the United States since its inception.  

While much of this post points out George Washington's flaws, it is important to note, though many white people saw slavery as an accepted institution, Washington was not among them. Though a slave owner himself, he came to see the practice of "owning" other human beings as something reprehensible and amoral, and attempted to prevent the importation of any more slaves into the United States.  It was his full intention to free all enslaved people in the United States and he worked tirelessly toward this goal.  

In the case of his military career, Washington hated violence, he hated fighting and killing.  Yet, when his men were in the worst of circumstances, he stood by them, fed them, clothed them, cared for the sick and wounded, spending his own money and resources to take care of them.  Washington often tried to remain neutral in matters of foreign politics, wishing instead to maintain peace and economic growth.  His death by epiglottitis and hypovolemic shock (rapid blood loss) is interesting, considering he remained a very vocal opponent to slavery, and the egregious treatment of indigenous peoples after his retirement from office.  However, his spoiled and tempestuous wife's notorious temperament and pro-slavery beliefs seemed to derail Washington's attempts to perpetuate a gradual ending to the practice of enslavement and theft of native land until the day he died.  

The many men who played a part in George Washington's election were schemers, thieves and conmen.  Gathering from his initial speech, Washington was somewhat aware of this and felt trapped by it.  In coming posts, we'll take a look at how these untrustworthy, greedy men used Washington as a pawn to control the American people and unite minorities to be duped into frauds like the National Bank, established by Alexander Hamilton, who was the direct cause of America's first financial crisis and the beginning of national debt.

Washington was a soft-spoken, kind and humble man who truly cared for the troops and the people he led, often willingly suffering immense hardships right alongside them.  George Washington was "chosen" by malicious and ambitious men because people trusted his simple nature.  He was honest, and in many respects, he was the "every man" of the time.  They knew people would unite behind him and this would further their own agendas.  His own wife had feared when he left to take the oath of presidency that she might never see him alive again.  He lived two years after he left office only to be killed at the hands of his physician.  As George Washington was an incredibly healthy and vibrant man, even for the time given his age, a conspiracy theorist might wonder if his death was indeed a cleverly disguised assassination or a case of medical malpractice as our high school history books suggested. Sources:  Smithsonian        National Park Service        Mount Vernon                History.com

[districofcolumbiaprelawland-blog]

Can Figure Skater Mariah Bell Sue For Defamation? A Deeper Look Into Defamation

By Daria Howard, American University Class of 2019

April 14, 2019

On March 20th 2019, during the International Skating Union World Figure Skating Championship in Saitama, Japan, American figure skater Mariah Bell supposedly injured her fellow competitor, Korean figure skater, Lim Eun-Soo[i]. Lim was scheduled to warm up in the time slot before Bell, so as Lim was concluding her warm up, Bell entered onto the ice[ii]. The footage shot during the warms up shows Bell coming up from behind Lim “performing a pirouette, before gilding past her rival with her leg extended out behind her, suddenly, Lim’s expression became pained and she crumpled over”[iii]. When news got out of the incident, many people immediately assumed the action was deliberate and done out of jealousy and anger. People on social media immediately attacked Bell saying things like “Imagine being a 22 year old grown woman and bully a 16 year old kid who came to train from another country, Mariah Bell can relate”[iv]. Several news outlets immediately expressed similar feelings with headlines such as “S. Korean figure skater injured in intentional hit by U.S. athlete: agency”[v].

Shortly after the incident occurred the International Skating Union conducted an investigation and found that “Based on the evidence at hand at this point in time, which includes a video, there is no evidence that Ms. Bell intended any harm to Ms. Lim.” And that “The ISU met with delegates from both USA and Korea and urged both parties to find an amicable solution. The ISU maintains that this remains the appropriate approach.”[vi]. After the end of the World Championship, Bell released her own statement on her Instagram account, which she has since made private, and said that she meant absolutely no harm and that it was an unfortunate incident[vii]. She also mentioned “The comments that my friends, family and I received on social media were hateful and disturbing and hopefully this situation raises awareness and causes people to think twice before hitting ‘tweet’ or ‘post.”[viii].

  Bell’s situation is not the first case of a high-profile person being target of aggressive and false comments. Following the incident, some people questioned: Can Bell sue for defamation? To find the answer to this question, it is first necessary to look at the components of defamation. Defamation is generally defined as a statement that hurts someone’s reputation[ix]. Written defamation is called “libel”, while spoken defamation is called “slander”[x]. What is important to remember in defamation law is that it tries to balance 2 competing interests, that a person’s life should not be ruined by another persons words but at the same time each person should be able to speak freely without being worried about being sued over every insult, disagreement, or mistake[xi]. In order to prove defamation, Bell or someone in her situation would have to prove that the defamatory statement was published, false, injurious, and unprivileged[xii]. All four of this criterion seems to apply to Bell’s case. The defamatory statements were published and shared through multiple sources, they were false, they were unprivileged, meaning the publishers of the false statements did not have the right to make such statements, but whether they were injurious to her reputation is more questionable since they incident just occurred.

  The one element that may create difficulty for Bell though is that she is a public figure. Public figures additionally have to prove actual malice, meaning “the person who made the statement knew it wasn't true, or didn't care whether it was true or not and was reckless with the truth”[xiii]. One of the most important Supreme Court cases that addressed this issue was New York Times v. Sullivan (1964). The case involved a newspaper article that published unfavorable comments toward a politician, L.B. Sullivan, which he believed was a negative reflection of him. The U.S. Supreme Court found that the First Amendment protected certain defamatory statements, if they were mistakenly made, which happens often in the public sphere[xiv]. This is why public figures have to prove an extra element that ordinary people do not, ordinary people have more protection because statements about ordinary people do not involve public issues. Thus for Bell to successfully argue defamation, she would have to prove that the news outlets that published the false statements about her, knew they were false or did not care that they were false, which may be difficult.

  Even if Bell could sue for defamation, would it be worth it? The short answer is probably not because it is very hard for celebrities win libel cases. The long answer is, most likely not. The incident that occurred between Bell and Lim happened very quickly and word about it got out very quickly before it was properly investigated. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that when news sources accused Bell of intentionally hurting Lim, they most likely did not have malicious intent; they simply made a hasty assumption but someone could argue that it was an act of negligence. Second of all, a lot of times high profile people do not want to bring even more attention to the lie. Third, lawsuits are expensive; they cost a lot of time and money. Lastly, it is too soon to tell how damaging the defamation was to Bell’s reputation, but considering that she had to make her Instagram profile private from all of the aggressive comments she was receiving, one could assume that this incident will not be forgotten for sometime.

 _______________________________________________________________

Daria Howard is a senior at American University, studying International Service with a focus on Peace, Global Security, and Conflict Resolution and minoring in Law & Society. Other than writing for Prelaw Land, her interests include, international relations, art, traveling, history, and cooking.

________________________________________________________________

[i]Chantalle Edmunds. (March 22nd 2019). Dramatic Moment US Figure Skater, Mariah Bell, 22, Slashes Korean Rival Lim Eun-Soon, 16, With Her Skater During Warm Up Is Revealed In Brand New Footage As The Pair Appear Frosty As They Return To The Ice Today. Daily Mail. Retrieved from: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6839413/US-figure-skater-accused-kicking-Korean-rival-avoid-looking-one-ice.html

[ii] Ibid

[iii] Ibid

[iv]User - Landfillmp3. (March 20th 2019). Twitter. Retrieved from:https://twitter.com/landfillmp3?lang=en

[v] S. Korean figure skater injured in intentional hit by U.S. athlete: agency. Yonhap News Agency (March 21st 2019). Retrieved from: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20190321000800315

[vi]ISU Statement – Mariah Bell (USA) and Eun Soo Lim (KOR).(March 21st 2019). ISU News. Retrieved from: https://www.isu.org/isu-news/news/145-news/12562-isu-statement-mariah-bell-usa-and-eun-soo-lim-kor?templateParam=15

[vii] Joelle Goldstein. (March 29th 2019). Figure Skater Mariah Bell Breaks Her Silence About Slashing Incident ‘I Meant Absolutely No Harm’. People. Retrieved from: https://people.com/sports/mariah-bell-breaks-silence-slashing-incident/

[viii] Ibid

[ix] Emily Doskow. Defamation Law Made Simple. NOLO. Retrieved from: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/defamation-law-made-simple-29718.html

[x] Ibid

[xi] Ibid.

[xii] Ibid

[xiii] Ibid

[xiv] Ibid

Photo Credit: David W. Carmichael