#five hours and counting of this damn headache and i'm going back to bed

[ronearoundblindly]

y'all ever had a tension headache so bad your whole body is sore after?

[erideights]

Little pieces here and there (3)

Pairing: Buggy x Fem!Reader (One Piece Live Action)

Chapters: one, two, four, five

Word Count: around 2K again.

Warnings: minimum context of the arlong park part of the story (background), MUTUAL FLIRTING, forbiden pinning of them both, Buggy has his body back *wiggling eyebrows*, sexy times

A/N: devil works hard but i'm working harder, every 5 free min i have from work/class/practices i'm writing on my phone, i'ts actually insane and i love it (ROAD TO CHAPTER 4?? If you like this one and want the next one, please let me know!)

Oh, he was mad. He was really mad.

Maybe "sexually frustrated" was a way more accurate term given the circumstances but the feeling was so strong, so visceral, he was sure he was reaching a point where jumping to the sea to end that agony -even if a bit exaggerated, like him always, everywhere and for everything- was justified.

Somewhere in Arlong Park, Buggy could feel the boner pressing his pants, demanding to be satisfied; dirty talk was one of his true passions and when (Y/N) played that card on him, being capable of picturing himself with her on his lap, that damn woman so -actually- close to his face in that moment he was already tasting her lips, her low, smooth voice driving him insane, he could not help it, but get turned on so easily and so strong is been hours, and he's still mad, incapable of stop thinking about that.

That is, perhaps, the reason he feels relief as soon as the sun rises and Usopp is back on the helm again, asking for directions as Buggy, in fact, demands to go faster. Like instead of slicing and dicing his body, his power could control the wind that propelled the boat or the force of the waves against the hull.

(Y/N) ran away just after such a -even if brief- conversation. She may have broken his balls with that dirty trick, but she was equally a victim of her own game. She knew what to say to push Buggy and leave him so stunned -to speak- that the poor clown didn't have the chance to fight back at that moment, not without his body to help him keep her in that kitchen, lift her up on the counter, force her to back down, regret even thinking she could do that to him, and then, only then, yes, fuck her until she wakes up the rest of her little and - according to him - pathetic crew with her moans.

Or so the girl imagined, leaning against the door of her room, eyes closed, heart slightly racing, fighting the temptation to lie down on the bed and masturbate thinking about what had just happened.

Which included him. Him!! What the hell, was she actually losing her mind? All that damn flirting had really gotten into her, for fucks sake, because regardless of her finding him quite interesting when they met, this attraction was something else.

Lately everything around her was something else. Did she really think through the decision of leaving her mercenary life behind and follow those kids to the Grand Line? Did she really think through the decision of flirting back with a psychopath clown?

Because in the end it's just that, right? Flirting. Was nothing else, is nothing else, and will be nothing else. She doesn’t want it to be something more, that's for sure; there's no need for unnecessary complications and extra headaches. In the meantime, it's fun, a bit of a backfire kind of situation, a bit -sexually- frustrating, but fun.

After a good ol' resting night and already some hours into the new day, (Y/N) notices that it's been a lot, since their encounter in the kitchen to be precise, that Buggy not only doesn't flirt with her, but doesn't talk that much or even look at her as amazed as before. Of course, he is, also, way less annoying, which Zoro subtly points out clearly pleased with how calm, nice and silent this morning is.

At some point she shakes her head, knowing, or at least guessing, the reason for this behavior, so she decides to check no one's around and the rudder is locked in the right direction, and then goes to where the bag with his head is, closed probably by the sniper when he got the last indications he needed from him. She opens it, lowering it until the clown's head is free on top of that barrel.

"How are you doing, Bugs?" she starts with a funny little smile, looking intently at him as she leans her back forward to leave her face level with his. "It's been hours I don't hear your raspy voice, I'm starting to miss it."

Silence. Absolute indifference besides the sidelong glance he gives her because let's face it, Buggy is annoyingly proud, extremely, exaggeratedly, but he loves attention. He likes nothing more than receiving it, no matter where, when, and from who, and she could see it as soon as they met.

"Also your silly nicknames for me" She grants, giving in. She would also be mad as hell if someone leaves her as horny as she knew she left him, so she doesn't have any problem being the one to start the tug-war this time.

"Already tired of the shidiots?" He finally asks, almost drily, after a minute; now he is the one to play difficult, huh? "No wonder, they don't even know where to start being pirates."

"Oh, of course, because no one compares to the famous Buggy The Clown, the colorful nightmare or the East Blue." Playful, she retreats a bit, resting her hip in the barrel, arms crossed over her chest.

"Quit the sarcasm doll, you know I'm right." Well, he was, in fact, right. None of them had real experience in the whole i-wanna-become-a-pirate thing, still, they were doing pretty good to be newbies. She was quite proud of them.

"I cannot wait to have my body back" he then murmurs, adding before she could say anything else about her new friends. "To do what?" She asks, you know, like she didn't know.

"Take a guess"

"Recover your spotlight? Find a new crew and a way to enter the Grand Line to go search the One Piece and be the king of the pirates?" (Y/N) mocks, clearly enjoying being the annoying one this time.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah'' Buggy rolls his eyes, scoffing. ''All that, but not before making you regret what you did last night." To that accusation she gasps, resting her right hand over her chest "What did I do last night?"

The clown falls silent again, but his mood is completely different. Right now he's not pissed off, it's obvious that this time, instead of flirting with her in a casual and natural way, he’s thinking what to say, choosing carefully his words to return a fraction of the effect she had on him hours ago.

His eyes darken, and his voice goes octaves lower and raspier. "Sweetheart, there will be no possible escape from what I plan to do with you. At the slightest opportunity I will make you cum on me so many times you will be the one to find the One Piece without needing to go to the Grand Line, but first…'' He pauses, breathes, and lets it go calmly, like the intimidating, psychopathic calculator she saw at the circus and not that flirty cartoonish version she got to know on the ship. ''you will beg for it."

She knows she shouldn't surrender to this type of tease, but she also can't and doesn't want to avoid it. Getting heavily carried away, without thinking about it twice, one of the girl's hands slides to the back of his neck, slipping under the bandana, and tugs his hair aggressively as she leans in again to speak close to his face. He grunts in pure satisfaction, closing his eyes for a second. Of course (Y/N) is, once again, taking advantage of the fact that he cannot defend himself no being more than a head, and the fact is that he enjoys like a condemned bastard those small but intense gestures the girl has given him since they met at the circus.

He can't wait to break a woman like her. And oh, he will.

"Are you sure about that?" Hearing distant steps, someone from the crew coming out on deck and climbing the stairs, she gets some distance from him, acting naturally, closing the bag again around his head. "My expectations just skyrocketed, I hope you don't disappoint."

By the end of the day, the Konomi Islands begin to appear on the horizon, and as soon as they set foot on them, shits get really serious. The situation of the poor people who live there is heartbreaking, so for two days, no one dares to make a single joke, Luffy's usual energy and bubbly positivity is nowhere to be seen, and of course, the interactions of (Y/N) and Buggy are reduced to = 0. The clown's head is no longer of any real use to them, and it’s poor Sanji, the new recruit, who’s carrying it around just in case.

At least until they reach Arlong Park.

Again, (Y/N) is not exactly the type of mercenary expert in martial arts and although she knows how to defend herself, fighting like Zoro or Sanji is, in few words, impossible. Her only advantage is being very, very fast, and knowing how to use the scenery to her advantage, so it doesn't take long for her to hide here and there among the different tents and attractions in the area to get rid of the most straggler fishmen, with a knife she got long ago during one of her jobs, capable of cutting their tough skin easily.

Everything happens so fast and is so chaotic that apart from some screams and blows in the background and having seen Usopp running towards the forest, (Y/N) is completely unaware of what is happening in the main complex.

A strong pull on her left arm activates her flight or fight response as one last fish falls dead to the ground in front of her. Raising the knife, in a quick movement, she tries to defend herself by aiming at the stranger's neck, although in vain; a pair of lips whose red has already been worn for days impact against hers, stealing her breath, a small moan escaping her. Eyes wide open, she barely registers the blurry color of Buggy's nose when two strong hands squeeze her hips as if the life of the clown depended on it, pushing the girl against the wall of the building behind them, cornering her without any type of delicacy.

She hadn't heard from him since they reached the island. Hell, she didn't even know he had got his full body back and was already so close to it that air was unable to pass between each other.

Of course, the moment the clown's head joined the rest of himself -the feeling much better than he remembered- he fucked off his captors and decided to flee. Not before making a vital stop along the way.

The ideas about how to proceed with her once he was whole were very, very different in his wild fantasies, but when he saw the girl's back, he knew that the only thing that would -partially- calm his yearning would be to kiss her before disappearing as fast as possible. To taste her lips, to feel her warmth.

Still not recovered from the shock of the kiss, Y/N doesn't remove the knife from the clown's neck, but he couldn't care less; quite the opposite. He is so turned on and waited so much -again, exaggerated- for this he doesn't know yet how he will be able to break the kiss, take distance from her, and run away.

Passionately carried away, moved by his most primitive instincts, Buggy sneaks one of his legs between hers, pressing in between them as Y/N inhales through her nose and her free hand flies to his vest, pulling it a little.

It wasn't the time, nor the place, to think about fucking that asshole, but damn, after all the teasing and the tension and the adrenaline of the fight--

And just when she starts fully giving in to him, he retreats just enough, panting a bit, and looks at her now red, stained lips, eyes darkened and full of lust. Just like hers.

"Hate to leave you like this sweetheart but I have things to do and places to go. I don't want people relating me to Arlong, I would hate the bad press on my persona." He whispers, cracking his usual cruel, playful smirk when he finally puts some distance between each other.

‘’It's time to exit stage left.’’ Buggy adds, theatrically raising both hands in the air. ‘’I promise I’ll see you around.’’

And like this, he stars running away again. Where? She doesn't know, or even guess at this moment, too busy registering the kiss in her memory, the way his lips felt on hers, how his nose pressed her cheek the entire time, or his hands grabbed onto her for dear life.

Bastard.

''You better'', she whispers to herself.

[babygirlwritessmut]

♡︎ part5. front-row tickets to the show

・❥・pairing: vi (arcane) x fem!reader

・❥・ summary: you’ve got in a huge fight with Vi about last night, there are two options now. either you lose her forever or make things right

・❥・ genre: smut + grumpy x sunshine

・❥・ word count: 2.6k

✎ warnings: 18+, SMUT, dom!vi, swearing, teasing, verbal fight, drug use (weed)

MINORS DNI!

RIDE ON ME masterlist

thank God it's Saturday, so you’re not missing any classes because of your hangover. it felt like your head was going to split open the moment you opened your eyes. it took you nearly an hour after waking up to finally lift your body out of bed. what drove you was an overwhelming thirst, but even if water had run out in the entire world, you still wouldn’t have gone to the kitchen after last night. drinking straight from the tap it is, then.

the terrible metallic taste of the water made you grimace, but it was such a relief to finally quench your thirst. you grabbed some ibuprofen from the medicine cabinet, praying that it would save you from this headache.

finding your phone, you were surprised to see 15 text messages from your classmates. they had created a group chat called "rum and cola," how very funny. just the thought of alcohol made you nearly gag right there on the floor. you texted them back, saying you were fine and that you'd fill them in on Monday. "what will I even say?"

after that, you fell asleep again, waking up to the delicious smell of chicken later in the evening. that aroma pulled you to the door, where you stood listening. it seemed like someone was cooking in the kitchen. you dragged yourself to the shower, freshened up, and finally took off that damn dress, replacing it with some home shorts and a T-shirt. for at least ten minutes, you hesitated by the door, thinking of what to say to Vi. it reminded you of the day you two first met, how you stood at the door rehearsing a line. that memory made you smile, and you felt a warmth inside - probably the only normal evening you’d had since living here.

“okay, just stay calm,” - you muttered to yourself as you opened the door, and the mouthwatering smell of chicken hit you, making you close your eyes and savor it.

“after a rough night, you should get plenty of sleep and a good meal. you’ve already done the first, so now sit on the couch, dinner will be ready in five minutes,” - Vi said in a calm voice, but there was a slight tension in her body.

you looked at her with nervous eyes - "we need to talk, but how?" - and you quietly made your way to the couch, sitting on the edge, hands on your knees, rubbing them together from the anxiety.

“thanks for making me dinner,” - you said sincerely, forcing a smile, hoping she’d look at you.

“I'm cooking for myself, but I can't let you die of a hangover,” - she replied in that same cold tone, not even looking at you, as if you were talking to her back.

"no, not now, I can't just pretend nothing happened," - you thought, feeling tears prick at your eyes. "we have to talk, something happened between us, and I have so many emotions, I feel like I'm going to burst."

“Vi, thank you,” - you said, your voice trembling a bit.

“you already thanked me for dinner, remember?” - she said, still not turning to you as she continued cooking the chicken.

“no, I mean... thank you for taking me home last night. sorry about that stupid joke on the phone. and thank you for...” - you paused, your eyes shifting to her pink hair as you stared at the back of her head. “thank you for not taking advantage of me last night. I wasn’t myself,” you blurted out in a single breath.

Vi's muscular shoulders tensed slightly at your words, and she raised her head, staring at the wall in the kitchen for a few seconds before lowering it again and resuming her cooking. that reaction only upset you more, turning your tears into anger. you jumped to your feet, shouting across the kitchen, - “why won't you look at me?! we almost… at least talk to me! I'm already ashamed of my behavior, and you're not helping!”

when Vi finally turned to you, her face was filled with a level of anger you’d never seen before. “are you fucking kidding me? who do you think you are?” - she growled, stepping toward you until she was just an arm's length away. your face twisted in shock. “you said Kate was bad, but at least she doesn’t pretend to be some good girl who goes to class during the day and then gets so drunk at night that she doesn’t know who she's spreading her legs for," - she spat, her face flushed with rage.

“what? why are you so angry with me?” - you asked, wiping away your tears.

“because you've been here for three days, and you're already causing more problems than if you'd lived here for a year. you invade my life, eavesdrop when I'm having sex, tease me, get wasted, then beg to be fucked, rubbing up against me like I'm some toy for you to play with, and then the next morning you say I could have taken advantage of you?” - Vi was barely holding back from exploding in fury.

“but I just wanted to thank you,” - you stammered in confusion.

“I’d like to see how your classmate you were grinding on will be able to stop himself next time when you're lying there in front of him with wet panties, moaning about how badly you want to be fucked,” - her words were like knives, cutting deep. you couldn't hold back your tears anymore, they streamed down your face as you looked at Vi in stunned disbelief.

she just lowered her head for a few seconds, then threw the towel she had been holding at you and turned to leave, saying, “finish cooking yourself. I see you've got your energy back. enjoy your meal.”

at night, you couldn't sleep. her words still hurt you. yes, you acted strangely, you crossed a line. you turned to the window, looking at the stars - "maybe I should find another place to stay?". you sat on the bed, tucking your knees under yourself, lowering your head onto them, and holding it with your hands. “no, I have to fix this, she helped me.”

with these words, you headed straight to Vi's room - no more rehearsals or games, you had to say what was on your mind. it was quiet in her room, it was late, and she might be sleeping. “Vi, are you awake?” - you asked softly, and after a moment, you heard a moving in the room. “I know you hear me. can I come in?” - you asked carefully.

“come in,” - Vi's voice came from behind the door. you opened the door and stepped into her room. you noticed a punching bag, an unmade bed, posters of bands you had never heard of, clothes scattered on the floor, and an open window with an ashtray on the sill containing a lit joint. you walked over to her, Vi was sitting on the bed, so you sat down next to her.

“can I?” - you asked, gesturing to the joint.

“help yourself,” - she said. you took a drag from the joint and placed it back. the thick smoke instantly filled your mind, making you feel a bit lighter.

“I wanted to apologize for my behavior. I know you wouldn't have done anything that I would've regretted in the morning. It's just that I feel an intense pull toward you,” - you said, looking her in the eyes. “I've never felt like this before, I think I just don't know how to act around you,” - you exhaled.

Vi continued to look you straight in the eyes.

you went on, - “I'm sorry for acting yesterday like you were just some toy that didn't mean anything. please understand, we haven't spent much time together, but I think about you constantly - I wake up with thoughts of you, and I fall asleep with them. I hope you're not mad at me.” - you took a deep breath before saying, - “In the morning, I'll start looking for another place to stay, and I'll try to move out by the end of next week.” Vi just stared at you attentively, not saying a word.

“thank you for listening. I'm sorry if I disturbed you,” - you said as you were about to get up and leave, but Vi grabbed your hand and pulled you toward her.

your lips met, and for a moment, you sat there with your eyes open, not quite understanding what was happening, until you finally surrendered to her soft lips. the kiss was so gentle that you almost melted, and then she reluctantly pulled away. Vi looked into your eyes, gently caressing your cheek.

“Vi, what…?”

“forgive me too, cupcake,” - she said softly. “I didn't mean to hurt you with my words tonight. yes, you made me really mad, but that's no excuse. what you said about me taking advantage of you - it really hit me. what happened between us was one of the most real moments I've felt in a long time. you coming into my life turned everything upside down.” - she continued to hold your surprised face in her hands.

“I couldn't stand the thought of anyone else touching you, other than me. I would never hurt you or do anything without your consent.”

you reached for another kiss, this time more passionate, as her strong arms pulled you closer by the waist. your legs practically went weak from that movement. she was so captivating and mesmerizing. your lips intertwined, and you kissed her so fervently that you started to run out of breath. finally, you broke away for air, looking into her eyes once again.

“and if I gave you my consent? what would you do?" you asked, and the question made Vi smirk. she leaned in close to your neck and placed a gentle kiss, sending shivers down your spine. then, she whispered in a seductive voice into your ear, “I'd take you right here, undress you, and lay you on the bed. I wouldn’t rush - I’d explore every inch of your body. after I made you come, I'd have you everywhere - in the kitchen, on the couch, in the shower. I'd do things to you that would make you blush just thinking about them."

her confession made a wave of heat rise in your lower abdomen, and you closed your eyes, picturing the scene. you were brought back to reality by another kiss on your neck.

“then consider that you have my permission,” - you said, tilting your head to give her better access to your neck. but she pulled back and gave you the most seductive look.

“don't joke like that, cupcake,” - she said, leaning in to lick your lips.

"Vi, I want you. take me," - you said, and that was all she needed to hear.

Vi closed the distance between you so fast that you didn't even have time to blink. her lips devoured you hungrily. you ran your hands over her muscular arms, passionately kissing her lips. realizing the effect her touch had on you, she pulled you even closer with those strong arms. the heat radiating from her body was almost scorching, and you felt her heavy breath against your chest. her hands roamed over your back until one cold palm slipped under your shirt and settled on your waist. the unexpected chill against your heated skin made you moan. Vi noticed and smiled, pausing the kiss for a second. it was so seductive that you rolled your eyes back.

you tangled your hand in her hair, tugging it just slightly, which made Vi's neck arch toward you. you ran your tongue along her neck, and a low groan escaped her lips - the sexiest sound you had ever heard in your life.

taking advantage of the moment, you pressed your hand against her chest, pushing her back onto the pillow. her disheveled pink hair, swollen lips, and that sly smile drove you wild. wasting no time, you straddled her so that her thigh was between your legs. you loved the feel of her solid body beneath you. wrapping your legs around hers tighter, you arched your back, feeling the pressure against your core, which sent waves of pleasure through your body.

when Vi saw you arching on top of her, it was like she completely lost control to the desire surging through her. she grabbed you by the shirt and bit down on your neck, causing a moan to rip out of your throat that echoed through the room.

“do you like being on top, cupcake?” - Vi murmured into your neck, the vibration from her sultry voice traveling straight from your neck to your pussy. if you weren't sure how wet you were before, it was undeniable now, as a wet spot began to appear on your shorts.

“you said you wanted me to ride on you. I'm giving you front-row tickets to the show,” you winked at her.

the idea that you remembered her words drove Vi wild.

“don't stop then," she whispered almost breathlessly.

you continued to move your hips, taking pleasure in the pressure building between your legs. Vi pulled off your shirt and practically growled when she realized you weren't wearing a bra. "I wonder how she'll react to the fact that I'm not wearing any panties either," - you thought to yourself, biting your lower lip.        

Vi tossed your shirt to the floor and leaned back on the pillow, enjoying the show. your soft moans filled the room, the way you threw your head back, moved your hips, and hold her leg in front of you with your hands, bringing your tits together - it was like a drug to her. she placed one hand on your thigh, helping you to move a little faster, while the other reached up to your breasts.

when Vi's fingers touched your nipples, you rolled your eyes back. her touches were slow and deliberate, as if she wanted to savor every moment. her thumb started to gently massage your hardened nipple, pinching and teasing them, giving attention to every inch of you while you rode on her desperately.

you felt the wave of your orgasm building, so you began to move faster. Vi noticed it too, gripping your hips with both hands, guiding and encouraging your movements. your moans grew louder, and when you finally looked down at her, you saw the way she was watching you - her eyes taking in every move you made. her gaze was so intense that you almost wanted to hide, yet at the same time, you wanted to show her how proud you are to be hers.

as you were on the brink of your climax, you heard the words that drove you over the edge, "yes, cupcake, come for me."

[al-wntrs]

Die Hard, Die Twice

Sevika x Reader

Prompt:

Reader gets badly hurt after pushing Sevika out of the way of a bomb made by Powder/Jinx. Angst and fluff!

The request disappeared, but I remember the lovely person who made it (I'm sorry!)! If you have another request, I will put it at the top of my list to make it up to you :) @veethewriter

***

"Y/N!" Sevika shouted as you more or less tackled the large woman out of the path of the exploding bomb. One moment, you're flying through the air like Superman slamming into a brick wall (Sevika) and the next, well, you couldn't feel your damn face and the left side of your neck and shoulder felt like it was on fire. Everything was pitch black, but you could just barely make out voices and multiple things touching you.

Were those hands? Why the hell did you feel like you were light-years away from your body?

"Come on, baby, come back to me." Sevika? Why did it feel like something was repeatedly pressing down on your chest? Were you dead? You couldn't be dead, oh nononono, you had to get back. "Come on!"

You fought like hell somehow and it paid off in due time. Strangled gasps and wet coughing erupted from you and a sudden headache made itself known immediately. "Fuck!" You gasped out, feeling all of the pain and barely processing the strong, shaking hands cupping your face.

"Jason, go to Singed and inform him of the injured! Sevika, take Y/n first!" You heard Silco order before you were lifted and rushed...somewhere. Once you assumably arrived at Singed's place, you were placed on a semi-soft bed and clinking metal was heard all around you. Hushed voices sounded to your right and before long, damp cloths were wiping away at what must've been your blood.

For whatever fucking reason, you couldn't open your eyes. You could see light being reflected on your right eyelid, but your left eye somehow felt...hollow. As if it just wasn't there.

"Sevika." You whispered, still dazed and in a world of agony. You hissed when you felt something dabbing at the large wound between your neck and shoulder and then on the right side of your face.

"I'm here, Y/n/n. Stay still, you got it worse than the others." The dabbing continued, with a gentle hand combing through your hair to soothe you as much as possible. You relaxed a bit more, knowing that your fiance would be by your side the whole time. You were damn near asleep when Singed announced that the surgery was prepped and that he was ready to go. "Alright, sweetheart, he's gonna give you morphine and something else to put you to sleep. I'll be here when you wake up."

Sevika kissed your forehead as you felt needles being injected in your neck and in your arm. Singed told you to count to 10, but you only made it to 3 when you suddenly went out cold.

---

You weren't sure how much time had passed since the surgery when you woke up. You could only open your right eye, but you were just glad to be able to see.

You quickly scanned the dark room and realized you were in an infirmary. You laid in silence for a moment, taking time to think about the events that had transpired and you let the sheer guilt weigh on you for a solid few minutes.

You were close with Vander and the kids, especially Powder. You wanted them to be left out of the rising conflict like Vander wanted, but you couldn't stand by as he let the Enforcers walk all over Zaun, bullying your people. Silco was willing to act instead of sit idly by, so you made the choice to leave Vander's side with Sevika.

Speaking of said woman, where was she? You frowned and groaned, moving to get up and search for her until a pair of hands eased you back into the bed.

"Lost an eye and part of your shoulder, yet you're already trying to get to your feet?" Your favorite voice teased, a pair of lips pressing to your cheek soon after and gave you a glass of water, which you downed quickly.

You snorted and met her eyes with your right. "How long have I been in here? 24 hours? 24 days? Years?"

"No, five." She replied, checking your bandages and readjusting your pillows.

You gasped, putting a hand over your heart. "Years?!"

You succeeded in getting a laugh out of her. "Hours, dingus." She soon became quiet as she sat down next to your bed and seemed...lost. Scared, even.

You cast a worried glance at her. "'Vika, what's wrong? Is Silco okay? Are Vander's kids?"

She refused to look you in the eye. "Powder's fine with Silco, but Vi abandoned her. The other kids and Vander are gone, but that's not why I'm-" She took a deep breath and slowly looked at you. "Your heart stopped. Twice. Right after the explosion and on the operating table during your surgery."

The dark-skinned woman looked away just as you caught a glimpse of tears. The way she squeezed your hand made your chest tighten. She must have been terrified and you imagine you'd be too if your positions were reversed. You ran a thumb over her knuckles as she went on.

"I lost you twice, Y/n. It made me understand just how deeply I'm in love with you and that if I were to permanently lose you...I'd lose myself. I'd be a brute with no emotions except anger." She sniffled, trying hard to hold back her hurt. "You're my line to this world."

You closed your eye for a second before taking her hand and placing it on your chest, over your heart. Then you brought your other hand to her chest and felt the strong beating of her own. You two were connected in ways that people simply couldn't grasp, only you and her.

Sevika turned to look back at you, tears and all, finally letting them fall down her cheeks. You felt your own cascading as you stared deep into her light gray orbs.

"Do you feel me? What happened before was then, but this is now. I'm still alive because I fought like hell to come back to you and you fought just as hard to bring me back, woman. As long as you're here, I'm not going anywhere and vice-fuckin-versa dammit."

Sevika chuckled and nodded before launching forward to kiss you. Her lips smoothly glided over yours and you both continued on and on until you needed air. Curse the creation of lungs.

"I love you, Y/n."

"As I love you, Sevika."

No more words were said as the tall woman laid her head on your good shoulder and fell asleep with you.

(A/N: Hi! Sorry, I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to write this week as I'll be busy with school and work, so this one is a bit short! I hope you enjoyed :) have a great day!)

[crystxlclear]

sudden desire

chapter three: so, maybe i’m not okay

part four of sudden desire

prologue / one / two / masterlist

in which two best friends won’t admit they’re in love so decide to have a baby together instead.

pairing: marcus pike x original female character

word count: 2.5k (short lil chapter today!)

warnings: mentions of illness? other than that, none that i can think of? maybe the tiniest smidge of angst if you squint

Coraline has always been close to her father. One of her very first memories involved her perched on his shoulders at a Fleetwood Mac gig. He'd managed to sneak Cora, her brother, Daniel, and her heavily pregnant mom side-stage — the perks of him managing the venue at the time, in between jobs — and he'd cried when he'd heard her singing along to his favourite band. The show was all she'd talked about for a solid two weeks. Sure, the memories were a little grainy and probably warped by a crackly VHS tape of her mother's that she used to watch almost every day, but they were memories she held onto it as tightly as she could.

It was her father who took her first (dreadful) headshots, and him who she'd turned to when her sister died, and him who'd persuaded her that leaving everything and everyone she knew and loved back in Michigan to settle down in California (and then, later, D.C.) was a good idea. She owes her dad a lot, which is why the phone call has been playing on her mind all day.

The call came at 3am. She'd only fallen asleep two hours earlier, after Loren had arrived to pick up Maisie an hour late, hair a mess and rushing to apologise. Marcus had left a little while later and she'd practically collapsed into bed a few minutes later. She'd been woken by the low humming of her phone vibrating against her bedside table as it shot light through her dimly lit bedroom. She'd groaned uncomfortably and reached for it, cheek wedged awkwardly between her pillows and the mattress and legs tangled wildly in the sheets (Scott had always said she wriggled a lot in her sleep, but she'd always assumed he was exaggerating, until she slept alone).

She'd scowled when she'd seen it was her dad; he knew her schedule, and she'd told him she was up early when they'd spoken earlier that day. He never rings her late and it takes a moment for the frustration of being woken early by her phone to bleed away into worry and concern.

"Hello?" She'd croaked our groggily. "Are you okay? Is mom okay?"

She'd been met with a chuckle. His voice was low and gruff when it came, unusually thick and strangled. "Hey, Corrie." There was shuffling on the other end, hushed voices floating in and out of focus, until the phone went silent enough to think that maybe he'd hung up and hadn't meant to disturb her at all.

She'd scowled but her phone assured her he was still on the line. "Dad?" She'd called out to him. The panic had begun to rise when it wasn't his voice that replied.

"Coraline," her mother's soft voice breathed out. It was like a sigh of relief. "Sorry to bother you." Her French accent tipped the corner of her words. It always got stronger when she was upset or worried or scared, and it was especially thick now.

"What's wrong?"

Another pause. "Your father is in the hospital."

"What?" She’s suddenly holy upright, fear turning her blood to ice.

"He's fine, don't worry." She'd assured her. "He’s had some problems with his breathing again. They're doing some tests."

She'd almost booked a flight back to Michigan, almost abandoned filming and ran back home to make sure her dad was okay. The last time he'd been in hospital, it had been touch and go, and they'd spent an entire day huddled at his bedside in fear, just in case he'd stopped breathing. It was touch and go, and she couldn't live with herself if the worst happened and she never got to say goodbye to the man she owed so much to. She'd been in the process of scanning over the next flights on her laptop when her dad had taken the phone back from her mom and practically demanded that she stay in D.C.

Eventually, she'd relented. He'd promised to update her and she'd told them she loved them both before hanging up. But the phone call had sent her entire day into a tailspin.

She’d tried to sleep the extra hour and a half before she had to haul herself to work but her mind was running too wild for that. Even despite the reassurances, worry was plaguing her thoughts and panic was forcing her eyes open. Everything was just too much.

The last time it had happened, she'd had Scott. It was back when things were good, and he'd held her as she'd finally fallen asleep, curled up against him in an uncomfortable hospital chair.

But, now, he’s gone. Now, then, she was stood on set alone, trying her best to bite back a yawn and the tears, with so much concealer hiding the dark circles under her eyes that she can feel it clinging desperately to her skin. And, of course, life had picked the day when they had the most action scenes to film to deprive her of sleep.

Her entire body ached. She isn't sure how she's still standing after the first hour of work, with her legs protesting with every movement. Two hours of sleep and the running and the jumping and the endless stunts had sapped every last scrap of energy from her bones. She'd carried on stoically for most of the morning but she's truly never been more grateful for a lunch hour before, when she finds herself curled up against the couch in her trailer, passing out even despite the panic still swelling in her chest. She'd been surprised when she hadn't cried — maybe she was just too exhausted and her body simply couldn't muster the tears — but she's grateful she manages to keep the tears in because she doesn't want to haul herself back to set with mascara tears on her cheeks.

She’s even more grateful when she makes it home after a day that feels like five rolled into one and the scattered couch cushions look far too inviting for her to ignore.

It's an uncomfortable sleep and she wakes with the beginnings of a headache thrumming through her skull and a stiffness in her spine that she can't seem to straighten out. She's not sure how long she's managed to sleep — barely half an hour, she assumes — because she's woken by a soft knock on the door instead of the alarm she'd set on her phone. It wakes her with a jolt and she can't help but groan at the aching protests her limbs give when she stands. She shuffles across the apartment to the door and Marcus is stood there, smiling, his suit jacket and tie draped across his arm.

She's half dressed too - only he looks a damn sight better than she does, because his hair isn't dishevelled and messy and his shirt isn't twisted half way around his torso. She shouldn't have slept in her clothes but at least she had the hindsight to take off the stiff jeans. Except, now, she’s startlingly aware she’s standing before Marcus in nothing but her underwear and an unforgivably tight tank top.

"Good evening, Sunshine." He grins, that smile that makes her think that maybe he should be the one she called 'Sunshine'. "I brought you coffee." An odd offering at nine on a Wednesday evening but she’d been complaining, via text, about the lack of quality caffeine all day. Marcus offers her a polystyrene takeout cup as he steps inside.

"Lifesaver," she mumbles as she grabs it by the flimsy top and shuffles towards the kitchen to pour it into her unused Death Cab for Cutie mug — the mug her brother bought her three birthdays ago — and sips on the coffee. It's far too hot but she doesn't care; she needs the caffeine just to keep her eyes open. She grabs the blanket that she’s been sleeping under and wraps it around her waist, hyper-aware that she’s still wandering around in her underwear. She’s almost too tired to care.

"Are you okay?" It’s almost like he can tell. Though, she’s sure it probably has something to do with the dark bags beneath her eyes. She’s sure it probably looks like she’s been punched square in the face.

She shrugs. "I'll be fine. 'm just tired," She hums. Coraline slumps back against the couch cushions, pulls a thick blanket back over her body and lets her eyes flutter shut again. She groans and pinches the bridge of her nose.

"Bad night sleep?" There’s bags and piles of fresh laundry piled on the chair he usually sits on, a product of Coraline’s half-hearted attempt at productivity. Instead, he resigns and sits down beside her at the opposite end of the couch, lifting her legs absentmindedly to rest in his lap, sipping on his own drink, and smiling at her sympathetically as she stifles a yawn against the back of her hand.

Her eyes drag towards him when she opens them again. They rest on his face, studying everything from the softness of his brow and the curve of his prominent nose, to the scattering of facial hair that dances across his jaw, small patches of grey poking through at the edges. She’s glad he kept it after whatever undercover work he’d been assigned to before they’d even met. "If I tell you it was the worst night sleep I'd ever had, in my entire life, would that make me sound dramatic?"

"You? Dramatic?" Marcus scoffs and a smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. His free hand rests on her leg; he draws patterns against her skin but she’s not even sure he realises he’s doing it. "Never."

“Shut up.” Coraline glares at him but smiles, regardless. "Well, I think I'm allowed a pass today."

His face falls at her words. "What happened?"

She sighs and takes a hand through her hair. "My dad-" She eyes him as he watches her intently, brown eyes soft and comforting. "-he's ill again."

Cora had told him about her dad's illness, about how she worried he'd wind up back there again, in the hospital, that things would be worse this time. He'd listened to her like what he was saying was the most important thing in the world and she'd almost cried when he'd held her in a hug a little longer than usual. It was that night that she’d tried to ask him about his past; she wasn’t sure if he was trying to avoid telling her because he didn’t trust her or because it held things he didn’t want to relive. She half-hoped it was the latter, but she hated to think that he might be bottling things up, things he didn’t want her to know or didn’t feel comfortable sharing.

She wishes he’d tell her things. She’ll understand, no matter what it was. She’ll listen, like he does to her, for as long as he needs, as long as he wants.

It’s almost comical how different they are in that sense. Marcus is reserved, closed off, but in way that doesn’t suit him. It’s like whatever exists there, whatever memories lingered, had been withered by sadness, by something or someone, until there’s a barrier guarding his secrets and story that he hasn’t meant to build. She sees the softness in his eyes when she tells him her stories or shares her fears, like his heart is aching to spill the details of his past. Like he can’t let it out. It works for his job — undercover work, secrets, classified information — but somehow it doesn’t suit the smile and the softness of his words as he illuminates Coraline’s darkness.

Coraline, on the other hand, finds her words spilling from her chest before she can even hold them back. She’s not sure if it’s just him — the reassuring smiles, the soft brush of a hand, the gentle voice — but they pour from her at an almost embarrassing speed, like a waterfall of words cascading at regrettable speed. She’s not even entirely sure that she won’t spill her secrets to the next stranger in the street who offers her a smile. But that works for her job; people prying, picking her apart like vultures, scavengers of information found tucked away out of reach. It’s the worst part of the job description, to expect someone to know every detail of your private life, but she often thinks she’s open enough to sate them, until they leave her alone at last.

On paper, they make no sense. Jobs, the polar opposite, necessary privacy mixed with relentless publicity. Open and closed doors. But Coraline thinks, perhaps, that’s why they work. It balances them both out.

Marcus reaches over and catches her hand in his. There's barely any space between them because of the way they’re sat, with her feet prodding at his knees. "I'm sorry, Cora," he whispers, his thumb running over her knuckles softly.

After a shaky smile, gazes locked for maybe a little too long, Coraline stands up and smooths out her shirt. As much as she appreciates it, and appreciates him, she doesn't want to cry. Not today. "It'll be okay." She scrapes her thumb under her eyes, brushing away the black smudges that she's sure have formed underneath her eyes, and finishes the last of her coffee. "Everything will be okay."

Cora isn't entirely sure she believes that.