#from intrusive thoughts and certain remarks made towards me

[luvfy0dor]

incest and pedophilia isn't sexy

[shadowqueenjude]

I am writing Feytamsand, so I thought I’d post this snippet for @polyacotarweek ! This is a continuation of my AU where when Rhysand dies in ACOWAR, the High Lord magic transfers to Nesta, and Rhysand has to contend with being powerless and titleless. Thanks to @achaotichuman who helped me with ideas for this part <3 (this is for day 1)

Needless to say, Rhysand was still in shock hours later.

Hybern was split into seven pieces. Each court in Prythian would help govern a section of Hybern and ensure everything returned to normal. Rhysand’s face burned with humiliation as Nesta swept past him, majestic in a silver gown, not even a glance at him. Once the center of attention, he now garnered as many looks as a servant. He clenched his fists and resisted the urge to bellow in frustration.

He had lost everything- everything- to that snake, who saw through all his bullshit somehow where even Feyre did not. Then again, Nesta and Elain were the educated ones, weren’t they? It made sense that Nesta would be the cunning one, not Feyre.

How could he endure? How could he live in the Night Court, knowing what he had lost, and to whom? Audacious, vicious Nesta, who Rhysand despised with all his heart and yet couldn’t help but dream of day in and day out. Along with a certain blonde back in Spring. He shut that out. You would think having a mate who had accepted the bond would stop these intrusive thoughts, but no. If anything, they only haunted him further.

It seemed he could never escape him. Even his mate was once his bride.

And his mate was also Nesta’s sister. God, he needed to stop thinking about her. How he wished to punish her for stealing his court. How he wished she’d destroy him instead.

God he wished his brain would shut the fuck up. “It’s not a big deal,” Feyre muttered. His mate-his fierce, beautiful mate- who knew nothing of the monster he was, who he’s somehow convinced to love him as he was, wretched and all. Because she didn’t know him. How evil he was. He’d used her like a toy, then manipulated her into believing it was for her own good. Nesta’s every glare was a reminder of how terrible he was. She made him think. She made him remember.

She drove him crazy.

Feyre, Mor, and Azriel surrounded him, assuring him they loved him no matter what, that he was their High Lord always, blah blah blah.

“Stop lying to me,” Rhysand bellowed. “You do not serve me anymore. I am nothing. You shall serve the new High Lady, should she deem it. I am powerless.”

“But you should-“ Azriel began.

Rhysand snarled at him. “You’re the one she’s least likely to keep around. You’re completely fucking useless.” Azriel rarely showed emotion, but Rhysand could’ve sworn his shadows swirled around him agitatedly. Rhysand didn’t give a shit.

He had just lost everything. He had the right to be angry. His whole life, he had been preparing for this. His whole life, he had been doing this. Maybe he wasn’t the best at his job, but it was all he knew. Now, he was useless in his own court. A waste of space.

Waste. Waste. Waste.

Rhysand shut out the voice. “Let’s see what our new ruler shall do,” he said bitterly.

Nesta walked out of the High Lord meeting some time later, looking radiant and queenly and everything Feyre never was and never would be. And Rhys felt like shit for even thinking it.

Elain and Lucien walked beside her, looking remarkably cozy despite Nesta’s vehement objections.

“Let’s go home,” Nesta said. She didn’t seem as smug as Rhysand had expected. He wished she was, so that he could sneer at her. Don’t act like you’re superior, he wanted to scream. You’re just as bad as me.

Nesta continued to ignore them, staring at Cassian instead. Rhysand tried not to be hurt at Cassian blatantly ignoring him and choosing to beam at Nesta instead. Cassian was his first. And now Nesta was taking him away from him. By the Cauldron, did he hate her.

Returning home was awkward, to say the least. Out of instinct, Rhysand walked towards the throne when Nesta gave him a look promising death, and Rhysand backed off. Right. An ordinary citizen. Rhysand burned with humiliation again. Nesta reclined onto the throne, crossing one leg over the other. She looked like she was born to sit there. Perhaps she was. Perhaps the Mother was just biding her time, letting him rule until Night’s true leader was born and ready to rule.

The thought didn’t sit well with him. Especially since Nesta was the first High Lady chosen in centuries.

“First order of business,” Nesta drawled, surveying the former Inner Circle. “Mor, pack your bags and get out of here. I have no use of you.” Mor glowered at Nesta and stomped out of the room.

“Azriel too. You’re the worst spy I’ve ever seen. Didn’t anyone tell you spies aren’t supposed to be well-known everywhere?” Azriel genuinely looked like he might cry, and Rhysand didn’t know whether to be amused or horrified that a 23 year old formerly human woman was the one reducing him to tears.

“Amren, you have no powers anymore, but because I like you, you can stick around.” Amren grinned and saluted her. “Rhysand, as much as I’d like to chuck you into the Court of Nightmares, you’re my sister’s husband, so I am offering the House of Wind to you and my sister. However, you shall have no place in my court.”

Rhysand grit his teeth. It was charity. Nesta clearly wanted to be around him as little as he wanted to be around her, yet she offered this for her sister’s sake. Might as well spare them both.

“I want nothing from you, and you want nothing from me. I think I shall save both of us some time and say that I’m determined to leave the Night Court.”

Feyre’s head whipped around to his. “Excuse me?” “You’re welcome to stay here, Feyre, if you want to dump your loser husband to whatever court he slithers off to.”

Feyre shook her head. “No…no of course I will go. I suppose he is right, we have no place here anymore.”

Nesta shook her head. “You will always have a place here, sister.”

“Wait. What about me?” Cassian asked, spreading his hands. Nesta surveyed him coolly, and Cassian audibly gulped at her unrelenting focus. “You can stay, I suppose. Make yourself useful as a bodyguard, or… what was your job?”

Cassian cleared his throat. “Commander of the Illyrian army.”

“Yes yes, you can keep doing that. Now, to get a new spymaster…”

Elain delicately cleared her throat. “Yes, you’re right Elain, we’ll talk about that later.”

“That’s not what I meant. I was just…what about Lucien?”

Lucien had been standing there, uncharacteristically silent, but now everyone turned to him. “What? I know Nesta’s keeping me around,” Lucien said. “Oh?” Azriel snapped, whirling back into the room, shadows swirling like a dark tornado. “What makes you so sure?”

Lucien smirked. “I’m indispensable. No one else here has any decent connections with any of the other courts. Yet here I am, with great connections to all.”

“Yes, Azriel, I’m keeping Lucien. Now quit whining and leave quietly, please,” Nesta said tiredly. Azriel angrily wiped away a tear as he walked out.

“Come on, Feyre, let’s get out of here,” Rhysand murmured to Feyre. She nodded, and together they strode out of the courtroom, watching as the Inner Circle that had stood for centuries shattered into pieces.

“Might I ask where you intend on taking us?” Feyre demanded, hands on her hips as she sent a simmering glare his way. When she did that, she looked so much like Nesta. Rhysand shut that out.

“I thought it was obvious. This is one place we are unneeded, but there’s another place where we are. Needed, that is.”

Feyre blinked. “You can’t be talking about-“

“What? His last words to you were, ‘be happy.’ I doubt he’s going to be an ass if you go over there now.”

Feyre shook her head. “I can’t believe you’re actually suggesting this.”

“Do you have a better idea?”

“Yeah! Stay here!” Feyre threw up her hands. “You’re ridiculous.” She practically ran out of the room.

Rhysand slumped onto his bed. This was really happening. He knew he should just be happy he was alive, but he’d almost rather be dead. The humiliation he had suffered at the hands of the High Lords, especially Beron, was something he wouldn’t soon forget. And his life, his purpose, was gone. Reduced to little more than a commoner. He couldn’t even shapeshift his wings anymore; they were gone. Just another boring High Fae.

The tears came before he could stop them. He was glad Feyre wasn’t here to see. Glad Feyre hadn’t gone into his mind and seen how he wished he hadn’t been brought back. As much as he appreciated Feyre somehow convincing all the other High Lords to bring him back…he had been brought back to nothing.

Nesta came to wish Feyre a good journey. “You will be ok?” Feyre asked her. Nesta rolled her shoulders. Nerves. Rhysand had been so busy feeling sorry for himself that he didn’t even stop to think about how much pressure was on Nesta’s shoulders. “I think so. I have Lucien and Elain to help me. Will need to recruit a few others; your crew was rather incompetent. Sorry,” she added when Feyre winced. “But it’s true. Especially that Mor.” Nesta made a face of disgust. “Entitled blonde bimbo.”

When Nesta left, Feyre turned to Rhysand. “Are you ready for this?” she enquired, tilting her head curiously. “I should be asking you that question,” Rhysand muttered, shame flooding his veins. Nesta’s presence had again brought it up. Feyre snorted. “I’ve made my peace with him. You’re the one who still has a problem with him.”

A sign that in spite of Feyre’s physical transformation, she was still human. Subject to growth and change. Not like the Fae, who could hold grudges for centuries. Not at all like himself, in fact.

He could never forget Tamlin tearing his father to shreds in front of his eyes. Even if he had despised his father. Tamlin’s skin had glowed with a green aura of power, his claws so long and sharp he probably could’ve gutted Rhys with one swipe. Tamlin’s presence was so powerful that Rhysand had frozen in terror. He didn’t even notice the violet aura around himself.

“Leave,” he’d growled. His voice was lower and raspier than it had been before. “Before I kill you too.”

Rhysand had never understood how you could be so terrified yet so drawn to someone at the same time until that moment. He wanted to stare into Tamlin’s eyes forever, burning like freshly forged emeralds as they were. But Rhysand’s magic reacted where his body could not and winnowed him away from that place.

Clearly visceral magic had consequences, because Rhysand landed on the snowy, windy peak of an Illyrian mountain. He grunted as he fought against the wind resistance to pull out the clump of ice that had lodged itself into his hair. He spat out the half melted slushy water that had gone into his mouth when he fell face-flat onto the snow. Yet the cold of the physical atmosphere couldn’t compare to the cold of his heart.

Centuries onward, and Rhysand still didn’t know how to act around Tamlin. They had never gone beyond friendship; yet, Tamlin had once kissed him when he was drunk off faerie wine, which had led to a lot more. The next day, Tamlin had written it off as mild lapse of judgement. That’s what Rhys was to him; a fucking lapse of judgement.

It was why he had used Feyre under the mountain. He knew Tamlin cared for her. He wanted to piss him off, make him jealous. He wanted to remind him of what they could’ve had.

Perhaps they should stay here in Night, after all. Perhaps they-

But no. Rhysand had no use here. Nesta had made it perfectly clear she had no intention of allowing him to make any decisions in this court. And how long would it be until all the faeries who had despised him when he ruled came to kill him? He had no powers to protect himself now. Feyre was strong, but she could not hold off a riot should it come to their door.

No, they were better off in Spring. No riots coming his way there, at least.

Feyre said nothing to him as they entered Spring Court grounds. In better times, wards would keep out any High Lords from other courts from entering without express permission from the High Lord himself. But, he was no High Lord anymore, and Feyre with her magic of all seven courts, could enter any place.

Rhysand stared at the Spring Court manor, which had definitely seen better days. Sighing, he knocked on the door. A servant with bubblegum pink hair with skin resembling chlorophyll opened the door, gasping when she saw who it was.

“High Lord!” she called. “It is the High Lo-er, former High Lord of Night and the Cursebreaker.”

“Leave them to me, Amelia,” a calm voice said. The servant quickly scurried away. A huge hulking figure stood before them not a moment later.

Rhysand was accustomed to Cassian’s enormous body, so Tamlin’s size did not intimidate him…although he wished that simmering glare was aimed at someone else. “Rhysand. Feyre. What are you doing here?”

“We were kicked out of Night,” Rhysand said smoothly. Feyre sent him a look. “Ignore him, Tamlin. Actually, Rhysand decided to reject my sister’s offer of a beautiful home and go for a change in scenery.”

Tamlin snorted. “Of course he did. Ego can’t handle being bested by a human woman, Rhys?” Rhys. A nickname saved for those close to him. Rhysand ignored the pang of his heart. “I know the people will be coming after me now that I am no longer in power, plus I have no use there anymore. It has nothing to do with her.”

“Sure.” Tamlin grabbed Rhysand’s hand and dragged him inside. Feyre yelped in protest. “What are you doing, Tamlin? Leave him alone!” Tamlin ignored her, dragging him by the heels of his shoes. “TAMLIN! I SAID LET HIM GO!” Feyre’s skin lit up as she utilized Beron’s drop of fire, her eyes a stunning azure flame, and Rhysand stared at his mate in awe. “Wow,” he breathed. “No,” was Tamlin’s only response as he flung open the door to a room that showed evidence of once being an art gallery and shoved Rhysand against the walls. Rhysand reigned in his wince at the claws Tamlin pressed against his jugular.

“TAMLIN! I SAID LET. HIM. GO!” Feyre shrieked, stomping up to him. “You burn me, and he dies,” Tamlin said simply. Then he turned to Rhysand and snarled, “What the fuck are you doing here, really? Haven’t you ruined my life enough? I told Feyre to be happy, not that I want her anywhere near me. Especially not when she comes with you.”

Rhysand chuckled as well as he could while Tamlin’s claws still pressed into his throat, his other hand keeping him pinned to the wall. “This position seems awfully familiar,” Rhysand managed to sneer, in spite of the fear thrumming through his body. “It’s like nothing changed, hmm, Tamlin?”

“What do you mean, nothing has changed?” Feyre demanded. “You mean when you used to spar?”

It was Tamlin’s turn to smile. “You never told her?” Rhysand felt his skin go cold. Shit shit shit shit shit-

“Of course not. What a hit to your ego that would’ve been. That I rejected you, yet I fully intended on marrying a human girl, and humans are so far beneath you, right? Funny how you only took an interest in her after you realized I had interest in her. Jealous much, Rhysand?”

His skin burned with humiliation. “Please,” he croaked.

Tamlin’s smile turned cruel, animalistic. “Please what?” he said in a deceptively gentle voice.

“Please don’t make me go back to Night. The people despise me, they’ll kill me within the week.”

“And why not? Since I’m such a monster, and you’ve intruded on my territory, I should deal with you as a High Lord deals with all invaders.”

Those claws still brushed against his skin, threatening to torment him. Rhysand found his breaths evaded him. “Please,” he choked out.

Abruptly, those claws withdrew from him as well as the hand pinning him to the wall, and Rhysand’s knees nearly buckled. Tamlin’s grin widened. “Beg, and I’ll consider not sending you back to Night.” Oh this bastard was throwing his words right back in his face. But he had no choice. Slowly, Rhysand dropped to his knees. Utter humiliation-almost as bad as what he had suffered when Nesta had become High Lady. “Lower,” Tamlin crooned, pointing a finger at the ground. Rhysand’s mind screamed, but he bowed, his hair brushing the floor. “Lower.” Rhysand pressed his forehead to the floor, suddenly thinking death at the hands of the Night Court faeries would be better than this. At least that would be a swift end.

Perhaps Tamlin sensed the despair in his thoughts, for he pulled Rhysand up by his collar and patted his shoulder. “I would never turn away those in need of refuge,” Tamlin said somberly, and he walked away, leaving Feyre and Rhysand alone.

[nevernmoncher]

"Healing from Domestic Violence: Nurturing the Mind, Body, and Soul through Natural Remedies and Self-Care Practices"

Domestic violence is a deeply personal and devastating experience that leaves an indelible mark on the lives of its victims. The physical, emotional, and psychological trauma endured can lead to a range of mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and complex PTSD. In this heartfelt Tumblr blog post, I will share my personal journey of healing from domestic violence and explore the best natural remedies, including Eastern practices, that have helped me manage anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

As a survivor of domestic violence, I understand firsthand the profound impact it can have on one's mental health. The trauma experienced during those dark times can manifest as PTSD, causing intrusive thoughts, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional distress. It took time for me to recognize and acknowledge the presence of PTSD in my life, but once I did, I was determined to find ways to heal and reclaim my well-being.

In my quest for healing, I turned to Eastern practices that have long been revered for their ability to cultivate inner peace and manage anxiety. These practices have become an integral part of my journey towards healing and have provided me with invaluable tools for fear management. Here are some Eastern practices and remedies that have helped me:

Miindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation has been a transformative practice for me. By focusing on the present moment and observing my thoughts without judgment, I have learned to cultivate a sense of calm and reduce anxiety. Taking just a few minutes each day to sit in stillness and connect with my breath has made a remarkable difference in my overall well-being.

Yoga: Yoga is a powerful practice that combines physical movement, breath control, and meditation. The gentle stretching and flowing movements of yoga help release tension from the body, while the focus on breath and mindfulness promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. Incorporating yoga into my daily routine has been instrumental in managing my anxiety and reconnecting with my body.

Acupressure and Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese medicine offers acupressure and acupuncture as effective methods for managing anxiety. Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, while acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into these points. Both practices aim to restore the balance of energy in the body and promote a sense of calm and well-being.

Herbal Remedies: Eastern herbal remedies, such as ashwagandha, holy basil, and chamomile, have been used for centuries to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. These herbs can be consumed as teas, tinctures, or supplements, and their natural properties can help soothe the nervous system and alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

In addition to anxiety and PTSD, domestic violence can also lead to depression and complex PTSD. The emotional and psychological toll of abuse can leave victims feeling hopeless, isolated, and overwhelmed. Here are some natural remedies that have helped me on my journey to overcome depression and complex PTSD:

St. John's Wort: St. John's Wort is a natural antidepressant that has been used for centuries to alleviate symptoms of depression. Its active compounds can help regulate mood and promote a sense of well-being. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using St. John's Wort, as it may interact with certain medications.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, have been shown to have mood-enhancing effects. Incorporating these foods into my diet has helped improve my overall mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

Sunlight Exposure: Regular exposure to sunlight and vitamin D supplementation can have a positive impact on mood. Spending time outdoors, especially in the morning sunlight, can help regulate circadian rhythms and boost serotonin levels, which can alleviate symptoms of depression.

Supportive Therapy and Counseling: Seeking therapy and counseling from professionals who specialize in trauma and domestic violence has been crucial in my healing journey. Therapy has provided me with a safe space to process my emotions, develop coping strategies, and gain a deeper understanding of myself and my experiences.

In the midst of our healing journeys, it's important to find strength and inspiration to keep moving forward. Friedrich Nietzsche once said, "What does not kill me, makes me stronger." This quote resonates deeply with me as a survivor of domestic violence. It reminds me that despite the pain and challenges I have faced, I have emerged stronger and more resilient. It serves as a reminder that healing is possible and that I have the inner strength to overcome any obstacle that comes my way.

Note: The information provided in this blog post is not intended to replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or mental health challenges, please seek help from a qualified healthcare professional or a helpline in your country.

[bokuroskitten]

Hey love your content I'm about to binge read all of it!! Could I possibly request smut prompt 145 with poly Iwaio x reader. I totally understand if not. Thanks for all your hard work!! 💕💕💕💕

Your kindness is much appreciated, lovely. I hope you enjoy this piece as much as you’ve enjoyed everything else. ❦

145. You look a bit tied up, want me to come back later?

➤Genre: NSFW 18+ ➤warnings: Poly Relationships, Dom!/Sub! Dynamics (Daddy & King titles), Bondage, Gags, Degradation, Dumbification, Dacryphilia, Overstimulation, Blowjob, Vaginal Penetration. ➤Character(s): Hajime Iwaizumi x Toru Oikawa x Fem!Reader ➤Word Count: 2.8k

✯The key to these dynamics is TRUST & CONSENT✯

“Princess... I told you to stop with the squirming.”

“B-But Toru...” Your pleas fell upon deaf ears as the click of the handcuffs to the bed frame signal you were trapped. You gave a tug on your arms, knowing they weren’t going to go anywhere but wanting to give Oikawa a bit of a hard time. 

You knew Iwaizumi would NOT be happy to see the two of you at home, playing with the toys without his permission. But Oikawa was feeling frisky to say the least, from the way he had roughly tugged your ass to the bedroom, to the way he currently stared at you with a predatory like gaze that had a blush rising to the tips of your ears. 

“Hmmm, what else does Iwa-Chan usually use to keep you from squirming...~” The brunette pondered out loud , a certain playfulness to his tone as his fingers brushed over the contents held in the shared box usually only Iwaziumi had the pleasure of going through. “Oh~ He always has to use this one on me!” He pulled out the all too familiar ball gag, dangling it by the leather strap as the light from a candle caused the red rubber to glisten. Your thighs clenched up at the sight of it, memories of previous scenes and fun encounters with your boyfriends clouding your judgement way too quickly. 

“Toru--”

“King, bunny. C’mon you know how to address me.”

You had to swallow a lump in your throat. “King... you know that Hajime doesn’t like when we play without him...” Another thing they had learned very well from past experiences that had left both of them unable to sit for days. Oikawa had to pout at such a remark, fingers absentmindedly rubbing along the leather within his palm. His eyes wandered to you then, seeing ever so subtle rise of goosebumps on your skin, the way your eyes still stayed glue to the toy in his hand despite the warning you just gave. 

It made his pout fade into a knowing little grin. 

“But you want Hajime to come home and see us misbehaving, don’t you Princess?”

“W-What--”

“You want him to come home and punish us for being such bad babies hm~” The patronizing tone that dripped from his lips only made your thighs clench harder as he crawled towards you, licking along his lower lip as you began to squirm once more. Easily taking hold of your jaw he slowly dragged the rubber of the ball along your lower lip, watched the way your mouth easily went slack at such an action. “Maybe he’ll be happy to see you all tied up for him anyway~ We both think you look so pretty like this~”

“King~” You breathed, cheeks brightening at such a comment.

“Open up bunny, do it for me.” His voice was nothing more than a purr as he squeezed your jaw a little tighter, urged you to open your mouth wide enough that he could slip the gag between your lips and you did just that, your desire to please Oikawa much higher right now than your fear of Iwaizumi. He let out a hum of approval as the ball popped in snug between your lips, long fingers quick to easily secure it behind your head. As he pulled back to get a good look he saw the way your eyes glistened with the idea of being caught. 

“Feel okay Princess? Not too tight is it?” That soft tone of his made a little flutter vibrate in your chest. You were quick to shake your head no, teeth digging into the rubber some as drool already threatened to slip past your stretched lips. Oikawa returned a nod of approval before he was back to the box, eyes scanning the contents once more to land on the item he wanted. Devious fingers tugged out two vibrators, one a little bigger than the other that you assumed only meant trouble. Your back arched a bit as he crawled back between your legs, a mewl escaping you as you attempted to close your thighs.

“Ah ah~” He gave gentle slaps along the skin of your tights as a warning, the contact easily making your legs to slack on his sides. “Don’t make tie your legs up too Princess, thats just too much work for me...” His brow was cocked as he ran the tip of the smaller vibrator over your panties, right where he knew your clit was hiding underneath. “Plus I wanna see you drooling around that gag already.” 

You weren’t given time to react as the little device was turned on, your body jolting from the sudden pleasure that shot directly into your bundle of nerves. Your arms strained a bit against the cuffs as you let your head lull to the side, muffled pleas leaving you as your hips twitched to the rythme of the vibrations. Oikawa watched with wide eyes, his own arousal growing in size fast at the way you were so reactive, at the sound of your pretty muffled noises. He pressed the toy further against the flimsy fabric, groaning when your back arched off the mattress. 

“That’s it bunny... Wanna see you cum just like this.” His voice dripped with desire as he watched you crumble fast, skin already beginning to tremble from the vibrations being pressed into your clit. Wanting to put the second toy to use Oikawa took advantage of the fact that you were still wearing panties, slipping the little device beneath the fabric so it could do his job and hold it right up against your clit.

The feeling of the toy on your bare flesh had you mewling, thighs going weak at your sides as they opened up further. Vibration after vibration was sent straight into the knot that formed in your core and you could feel your own arousal begin to soak your panties, looking up to Oikawa desperately for more.

He could only chuckle softly at such a look, his palm smoothing over your cheek. “You already look so desperate Princess...~ No wonder Iwa-Chan keeps you like this.”

You wanted to beg him for more, to get the teasing to stop as your hips rose off the mattress, attempted to find any more relief. But with the cuffs keeping your wrists in place and the gag held securely between your lips you would only muffle your desires at him. Oikawa had to chuckle again, a sense of power flowing through as he watched you crumble under his touch. He wasn’t used to being the dominate one but it was something he certainly could get used to. 

Slowly sliding the now dampened fabric of your panties to the side he stared as your pussy with a lust filled gaze, his grin growing as he pressed the tip of the toy to your slit. This earned a pleased little mewl from you, the reaction he was hoping for as he cooed, rubbed the rubber tip along your slit to collect your juices there.

“Want me to put it in don’t you Bunny? Wouldn’t it feel so nice to have this pretty pussy filled...”

And he was going to too, he was ready to plunge the toy into your throbbing hole before the creak of the bedroom door shook him out of his trance. Quickly the brunette snapped his head towards the door, minimal panic filling him at the sudden intrusion before he met the familiar green eyes that belonged to Iwaizumi. 

Green eyes that were currently not happy at all. 

“So this is what I’m coming home too, huh? You look a bit tied up (Y/N). Want me to come back later or?” His tone also, wasn’t very happy.

Oikawa on the other hand was thrilled, his playful grin from before coming back as he leaned into your bound form, his breath trailing over your already bare chest to have you squirming even more. “Hi Daddy~ How long were you watching hm? Bet this is such a pretty thing to come home too after a long day of work-”

“Better shut it, Toru.” Iwaizumi interrupted his partner, a sigh slipping past his lips when he received a laugh in return. He was quick to enter the room, sleeves of his button up already rolled to his elbows as he walked right up to the bed, his eyes meeting yours to see how far the two of you had gotten. 

You whined at him, your eyes fluttering when they met that of green that was laced with not only disappointment, but a predatory gaze. He almost let a smirk twitch on his lips then, almost. Instead he took Oikawa by the throat, enjoy the sound of the breathy little gasp that bubbled past his boyfriends lips. 

“You know how I feel when my babies play without me, right Toru.”

It took him a second to respond, his breath getting caught behind a tanned hand.”Y-Yes Daddy...”

“So tell me why, you’re not only playing with Princess without me, but also using MY toys without permission hm?”

Oikawa tried to use that pretty voice he used on Iwaizumi when he really wanted something, his fingers curling around his boyfriends wrist in an attempt to gain his affections. “I thought you’d wanna join Daddy~”

“But you didn’t Ask. Neither of you did.”

When Oikawa didn’t answer Iwa snorted out a laugh, releasing the males neck with enough force that he stumbled back a bit on the bed, flush rising to his cheeks as he caught his breath. “My stupid, slutty babies.” Iwaizumi murmured, his hand traveling to your face where he easily unlatched the gag he was so used to doing up. When the ball popped free of your lips lines of drool followed, only for Iwaizumi to smudge it across your cheek before you could respond to him. “So horny you couldn’t wait for Daddy to come home... or use some fucking manners.” He spit out the last phrase, which had excitement flowing through both you and Oikawa. 

“Toru, since you think you can just stick your hand in the toy box whenever you want, grab another pair of cuffs.” He spoke in a tone he knew Oikawa would follow, and that he did, scrambling to grab the closet pair of cuffs. Iwaizumi leaned into you then, unclasping your wrists from the headboard. When you moved up to kiss him he took hold of your jaw, shaking his head ever so slightly. 

“Tsk. As if. The cuffs are staying on since the two of you can’t control yourselves.” His other hand was quick to remove the little vibrator from your panties and easily throw the little device away. The sudden lose had you whining, your core now throbbing for any sort of attention. 

That made Iwaizumi laugh, releasing your jaw to stand at the edge of the bed. “Strip fully. Both of you. Against the headboard Toru, and on your knees before him (Y/N)”

“But Daddy.” Oikawa attempted to interject, but Iwaizumi’s palm was quick to swat against his cheek. The action had both you and Oikawa groaning, the males usually pale cheek turning a bright pink from the impact. “I’ve already had enough of your shit. Don’t make me repeat myself.”

And he didn’t You and Oikawa were stripped naked and in your respective positions before Iwaizumi could make another command. He had been preparing a punishment all the while, low hums escaping him as he collected what he needed from the toy chest. By the time it was tucked back beneath the bed he eyed the two of you. He watched the way you stared desperately at Oikawa’s naked form, at his length which currently stood tall and dripped a little bead of precum. Oikawa hand a teasing hand over his length, biting his lip as he also couldn’t keep his eyes off your naked form. 

It made Iwaizumi’s eyes roll.

“Such desperate whores. Both of you.” He spoke as he yanked Oikawa’s hands away from him, ignored his whining as he cuffed his hands to the head board instead. “I didn’t know you two were so stupid horny that couldn’t wait a couple hours till I got home.”

When he was kneeling behind you, you spoke softly, blush rising to your cheeks as you felt him secure your two wrists behind your back. “W-We’re sorry Daddy...”

“Aw baby...” Iwaizumi murmured, bringing his lips close to your ear as his palm smoothed up your naked spine, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its path. “You’re really gunna be sorry when I’m done with the two of you.” His fingers were at the nap of your neck when he gripped a hand full of hair, roughly pushed your face down until it was dangerously close to Oikawa’s cock. 

“Open that pretty mouth Princess, since you were so eager to have to stuffed before.” 

“Oh fuck yea.” Oikawa groaned softly, his thighs falling opening further, hips pushing forward a bit so his tip could brush along your cheek. Iwaizumi sent a glare his way. “Don’t too excited. You can only cum when I tell you too.”

“B-But--” Oikawa was cut off when Iwaizumi grabbed hold of your jaw, forcing your lips open and pushing your mouth far enough down on Oikawa’s cock that your nose brushed the skin of his pelvis. You gagged softly around his length, throat clenching up from the way his tip pushed on the back of your throat. 

Iwaizumi smirked, watching the way your back tensed up and the fluttered of Oikawa’s lashes as his arms strained against the handcuffs. “Don’t make me get the cock ring, or you won’t be able to enjoy our pretty girls mouth.” Oikawa could only nod, biting hard on his lip as your warm mouth held his cock, feeling droplets of drool already begin to pool between his thighs. 

Slowly Iwaizumi loosened his grip in your hair, his hand slow travel back up the length of your spine to your perched ass. He gave it a playful swat, and although you let out a muffled yelp around Oikawa you still stayed down, making Iwaizumi hum in approval. “Good girl Bunny... keep King’s cock warm while I fuck this pretty pussy.” His fingers trailed your lower lips then, smirk growing as the subtle touch covered his finger tips in your arousal. 

Oikawa was having a hard time keeping himself still as Iwaizumi pulled off his belt and unzipped his pants, positioning himself behind you. Letting out a little whine his hips twitched, thrusting into your throat to have you gagging. Iwaizumi shot him a look, the smallest of growls escaping the back of his throat. “Don’t be stupid, Toru.”

“S-Sorry Daddy...” He barely breathed out, letting out a keep sigh to try and calm himself as your throat constricted around his cock once more, sending a pleasurable wave all the way up his spine. Iwaizumi brought his focus back down to your clenching core, slowly rubbing his tip along your slit. He grabbed at the back of your neck again to pull you off Oikawa, grinning when you took in a large breath and drool bubbled off your lips. Oikawa’s dripping cock stayed slick against your cheek, begging for more attention. “Ready Princess?” Iwaizumi asked, waiting for you to blink the tears out of your eyes and give him a nod. 

As soon as that was done he slowly pushed into you, silencing your moans of delight by pushing your lips back around Oikawa’s cock. Iwaizumi and Oikawa moaned in unison, filling you up on both ends. 

“Look at you, being stuffed by two cocks. Isn’t this what you wanted my little whore.” Iwaizumi’s voice was low as he spoke, a pleasurable glaze coming over his usually green eyes as he began to thrust his hips, watching the way your throat would bulge around Oikawa with each push into your pussy. You choked out sobs around Oikawa, new tears spilling from your eyes as both of your boys cock’s made your head spin. 

“Fuck... fuck~” Oikawa was panting as Iwaizumi continued to thrust, his cock being hugged in all the right places by your throat. He kept his eyes glued to Iwaizumi, watched the way the muscles in his arms tensed up as he fucked into you, gripped your hip tight enough that there would certainly be bruises. How badly he wanted to touch him, if only his arms weren’t bound above his head. 

“Daddy.” Oikawa breathed out through a moan, his hips trembling to stay still as your mouth made him feel light headed. Iwaizumi ignored him completely, instead thrusting into you rougher. The action had you gagging roughly on Oikawa, the vibrations traveling straight into the males core and making his own eyes water. Having to hold back his release made him whimper again. 

“Look at my stupid babies, crying over a little punishment.” Iwaizumi licked his lips, groaned when your pussy clenched around his cock at that statement. “When I’m done with the two of you, you’ll be sobbing like the bitches you are.”

[pearlplusau]

PearlplusAU Chapter 8 part 1 - The Human

It has been a few centuries since Amethyst joined the Crystal Gems. Her development has been rather remarkable as a non-Homeworld gem. She was fun, joyful, and very different from the quart gems back on Homeworld.

She learned all about communication and manners (to a certain degree) from Pearl. She fascinated Garnet with her unpredictability in the first few months. She adapted the Crystal Gem lifestyle from Coral.

Coral sighed and relaxed. Amethyst joining the team was the last major change for the team, and what a great addition she was! So many possibilities for them, for her. Coral wondered what the future will come in store next.

The gems have been residing at the beach for quite a while. There had been so many intrusions from outsiders that Pearl decided to set up a tall fence with police tape.

Both the fence and the tape did wonders. They helped reduce the number of local intrusions to almost zero. Until recently.

Coral and Garnet were wrapping their latest mission on the recent gem artifact. The two never really talked much, but Coral was really glad she was needed in this mission.

In the middle of warping, the fusion still had the last few moments of the mission in her mind. “I still can’t believe you were able to pull it off.” She chided the pearl.

“Me neither,” Coral responded with a similar tone. “That shot must’ve been a one in a million chance. I’m just glad neither of them was damaged from that strike.”

The fusion agreed, “Same here.”

Coral has been in a good spot with the other gems. Garnet giving that compliment was the best and sincerest words since they’ve met. The two never grew as attached as friends who spent thousands of years in a team. But things have been going on for the better.

The two gems landed back at the base, just in time to witness a local break-in.

“Pearl, Amethyst, you’re with a human!” Garnet realized as she and Coral tapped the bubbles and rushed down.

Coral questioned as they grouped up, “How did he even get in here? We have a fence and the formidable police tape!”

Amethyst answered while trying to get out of Pearl’s grasp, “He followed me over the fence!” She said as Pearl immediately covered her mouth.

“What should we do?” Pearl asked.

Garnet approached the human and said, “State your purpose.”

As the gems interrogate the human, Coral and the gems realized what he was here for.

Amethyst “See! He’s looking for Ro-“

Pearl covered her mouth shut before she could say more. “I don’t know what to do with him, he won’t go away!” Pearl admitted to the two.

Garnet thought for a second and took immediate action, “I’ll just throw him over the fence.”

The human Greg, on the other end, was not thrilled with the idea. “Wait, wha- Oof!” He was grabbed by the shoulders and brought over the fusion’s afro.

Coral chimed in as the group starts walking toward the fence. “Great idea! Humans should stay out of the fence just like the sign says.”

As the gems marched towards the fence with a protesting human, another voice came from behind. “Wait!!”

All heads turned towards the voice and found Rose rushing out of her door. She came to a halt as she took in the scenery. “Mr. Universe?”

“It’s you- Woah ow!” Greg exclaimed as Garnet dropped him in surprise.

The majestic leader leaped and landed in front of the group with the lightest touch on the floor. She lowered and extended her arm to Greg as he looked up. “Are you alright?”

The two locked eyes for a moment until Pearl intruded. “You know this human?”

Rose explained their encounter from a while ago. “He was playing a concert and I just couldn’t resist.”

Greg gave a flirty smile and winked at the pink gem, “No one can resist the universe.”

“Oh!” He remembered the shirt in hand, “I got you this! It’s the free t-shirt that came with your free CD!”

“Why thank you!” Rose accepted the shirt as the gems surrounded and for a peek. She whispered to the gems, “His gimmick is space!”

Coral held her hand out and touched the shirt as if it were made of glass. “So soft…” she muttered to herself.

Amethyst shoved herself from underneath Coral and demanded, “Hey play something music man!”

Garnet added her own little request, “Better make it good.”

“Oh man,” Greg offered, “I’m working on this awesome new set that’s gonna kill at my next show.” He paused himself as he realized his lost track of time. “My next show… Aw geez, what time is it?”

Coral and the gems glanced at each other with confusing looks, “Night, time?” Pearl responded.

“Yeah, Marty’s probably looking for me.” He said as he backs away from the gems. “We’re supposed to hit the road. Big show in the big city. And I didn’t drop out of community college for nothing. “

What Greg said made little to no sense to any of the gems, not even to Pearl. “What?”

“Well, you better hurry.” Rose said, “You don’t wanna miss your space train to the cosmos.”

“Okay, I’ll see you later,” Greg responded as he ran off to a distance. He turned back to the gems and called out. “Uhm, I hope the stars will align for us to meet again!”

“I’m sure they will!” Rose responded as Amethyst waved goodbye under Coral’s arms. “Bye music man!”

After the human was out of sight, Pearl exclaimed and insisted she can sing too. The gems all chuckle at Pearl’s retort, but Coral knew she wasn’t lying.

As the gems walked back into the temple, Coral asked Rose what she was going to do with the shirt. It’s a different color and style to her own clothes, but she doesn’t mind. “I can add it to my collection if you want a good place to keep it!”

Rose thought about it and responded, “Thank you Coral, but I think I’ll be keeping this.” She threw the shirt over her head and wore it over her dress. “How do I look?” She asked the gems.

“Wonderful!” Coral responded.

“A great fit.” Garnet commented.

“Nice!” Amethyst said with a thumbs up.

“It looks great Rose, but-“Pearl caught her leader’s attention, “What exactly are you doing?”

“What do you mean?” Rose asked as she was perplexed and thrown off from the question.

“I mean, from the looks of it, he sounds like he wants to be one of those musical humans that have big dreams to achieve. And from our past experiences and the way you looked at him, I can tell you really like him. But think of it this way. With such a short lifespan, how do you think he can achieve his dreams if he seems interested in a being like you?” Pearl questioned as the gems came to a halt.

“I…” Rose muttered, “I never really thought about it.”

“Well…” Coral added her own thoughts into the equation. “He does look like one of the humans that would give everything up to be with you. Don’t you remember the last human we’ve befriended?”

“Of course, I remember.” Rose recollected memories of their last human friend from a long time ago.

“Then the brief lifespan of humans should be no surprise.” Garnet added, “Humans are short-lived and fragile compared to us. They’re also very endangered to be around us.”

“But this one is so cute! Can’t I somehow make it work with him?”

“Of course you can,” Garnet spoke with great certainty. “But, this is a short-lived being with big dreams. I can see a huge chance of him succeeding in his dreams. I can also easily see him give up everything just to be with you for the rest of his short existence.”

“They die fast.” Amethyst chimed in.

“And the point is,” Pearl summarized to the biggest question. “Do you really want the human to give up his dreams and spend his rather unfortunately short life, just to be with you?”

“Well, now that you’ve all put it that way, it would be a huge waste for him to just…give in. He’s a human with big dreams, and I do not wish to stand in his way of achieving that.” To the gems, this is the most serious their leader has ever been for a long time.

“What will you do now?” Coral asked as Rose’s door appeared.

Rose stepped into her room with a stern look of determination. Her sigh sounded like a hollow night.

“I will make sure the stars do not align for us to meet again.”

-

After the gems got back to their own rooms, they each did their own thing. Amethyst was rummaging through her piles of garbage. Pearl was reviewing and polishing her swords and armor. Garnet was checking in with the newly bubbled gems. And Coral was sitting on her shirt bed, feeling the soft fabric of each individual clothing.

From the insides of their rooms, the gems can faintly hear the steps of their familiar intruder. He knocked on the door and said something about wanting to play a song for their leader. He strummed his guitar and started to sing.

“Do you believe in destiny? Close your eyes and leave the rest to me.”

The music was faint, but the lyrics sounded mystical and true.

“Do you believe in fantasy? I have to when it’s right in front of me Oh~”

The gems listened to the song, and they are well aware who should answer the call.

“What are you doing in here? In the real world.”

The music sounded closer and louder as the singer approached the door.

“What are you doing here? So close I can touch you.”

One gem approached her door, with the human on the other side.

“What are you doing here…”

She wanted to resist, she wanted to ignore him, but she summoned her door.

“And what are you doing to meee?”

The gems sensed the opened door. They also heard the surprise in Greg’s voice. “You’re wearing the-” He paused after spotting a tear at the corner of her eye along with a hurt expression. “-shirt?”

“Please go away,” Rose begged as she took a step toward him.

Greg backed up, blushed, and embarrassed, “I’m sorry, did I…?”

“Did I cross a line?” He thought to himself, “I’ve never done something so crazy before. I kicked Marty out of the van and drove here without a second thought. Maybe I should have thought this through…”

But Rose wasn’t scared off, her sigh seemed more saddened than mortified. “You’re awfully cute. And I REALLY want to play with you.”

She continued as her door closed up. “But your life is short and you have dreams. I won’t let you give up on everything you want.”

She was certain this was what was best for the human. To him, it would mean leaving everything he ever had behind and spending the rest of his life floundering over another being. But to the other being, the rest of his life would be merely a blink of an eye.

Her voice made everything clear. She truly wanted to be with him, but she also did not want to take his dream away from him. Humans have such short lives that it takes them their entire lifetime just to achieve a fraction of that dream.

And if Rose took that dream away from him, what would he have left to live for?

Greg’s face darkened as he lowered his head. “Well, that’s gonna be a problem.”

“Huh?” The pink lady was momentarily confused. She was unsure how asking him to leave and achieve his dream can ever be a problem. Was that not how rejection should be?

The human exclaimed with the certainty of a thousand stars. “You’re everything I want!”

Rose was taken aback by his answer, but her eyes shone with stars as she finally let go of her worries. She started to giggle and laugh and tried to control herself. Greg took the giggling as a good sign and proceeded.

“Look, I know it sounds crazy and we barely know each other. But you’ve made me feel things I haven’t felt for a long time. And when I was leaving the town, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. Singing and writing songs are part of my passion, but I don’t need big shows or be a big hit. All I need is to be able to do those things while being with you.”

The temple went silent. Rose could not believe her ears that the adorable human could be so romantic. She wanted to keep him around forever.

“I…I feel the same way.” Rose assured Greg while she grabbed onto his little hands. “From the moment I saw you, I knew you were different from the other humans. And I was right.”

“Aw geez,” Greg blushed again. He moved on to the big question. “Would, would you like to be, together?”

“Together?” Rose questioned while tilting her head. “Are we not, already occupying the same space?”

“Oh no that’s not what I meant!” Greg explained, “I was actually asking about being, boyfriend and girlfriend?”

The pink lady chuckled in realization, “You mean as a couple? Sure! Sounds fun!”

“Cool, cool.” Greg looked at her, and she looked at him.

The new couple stood as Greg took a minute to process what just happened.

“So…what now?”

“Oh, uhm…” Greg tried to think of something quick. “Do you wanna take a walk down the beach?” He held up his hand for her.

Rose gave a warm smile and took the offer. “Of course, let’s go.”

The new couple walked out as they held hands. They stepped into the beautiful night and took their first walk as a couple. Meanwhile, the gems overheard everything from their rooms.

Each gem had a different first thought to the idea of Rose and a human.

Garnet was not surprised as she already knew the outcome from her future vision. Amethyst felt excited that the human will be sticking around. Pearl was not having any of it. She mumbled and muttered about the negative influences the human will have on their leader. Coral was not sure how to feel about the human. He makes her happy, which is good, but it’s also not good for Rose to get attached to another so soon.

None of the gems left their rooms until the sun came out. The four gems discussed their excitement/fear of the new “boyfriend” of their leader.

Amethyst began the point of discussion. “Isn’t it the best? We’re gonna have him sticking around as Rose’s boyfriend!”

Garnet affirmed the idea. “I can see him around very often, especially if Rose is present. He’s not going to be a threat of any kind, but it’s best that we don’t involve him in any missions at all.”

“Not even to explore and show him around?” Coral wondered.

“Nope, it’s too dangerous. He’s a human. He can get hurt very easily.”

Bringing Greg along on missions was the last thing on Pearl’s mind. “Whatever the case, he won’t be around for long. He’ll be gone within the century. Just like the rest of them.”

The sound of footsteps on the beach was heard as the four gems turned to the source. The shadow loomed into the entrance and revealed a lone Rose.

“Good morning gems,” Rose said cheerfully. “I assume you are all aware of the late-night visitor we had?”

Amethyst squealed and grabbed Rose by the edge of her dress. She bombarded her with dozens of questions she had in store.

“Where did you go? What did you do? What’s a boyfriend? What’s a girlfriend? Will he be living with us? Tell us everything!!”

Pearl, Coral, and Garnet tried to peel the hyperactive quartz off of Rose. “Amethyst! Control yourself!” Pearl pried the purple gem by the waist while Garnet and Coral grabbed her little ankles. Amethyst might be small, but her excitement gave her unmeasurable strength for the pearl to handle this alone.

The gems pulled and pulled, but they each pulled with so much strength that the small gem was catapulted into the open sea.

Garnet, Pearl, and Coral tumbled and fell onto one another. The three gems eyed the flying Amethyst who plummeted into the sea. They eyed each other, then at Rose, and then back at the sea.

“Should, should someone go get her?” Coral whispered at the bottom of the gem pile.

“I’ll be right back.” Garnet stood up so frantically that she was not aware of Pearl falling off her head.

“Gah!” Her scream was followed by a loud thump.

The fusion walked across the beach and straight into the sea. She disappeared under the waters.

Soon after, Garnet resurfaced from the waters after the long walk. Amethyst, now wet under Garnet’s arm, spewed seawater like a fountain statue. “Let’s do that again hehe.” She giggled as the tall gem set her down.

“Oh no, let’s not do that- GAH!” Pearl was taken by surprise as Amethyst shook the water off like a wet dog. Pearl, who stood the closest to the purple gem, was now soaking wet. “-again…”

Coral summoned a large pink towel from her gem and handed it to Pearl. “I think you need this.”

The white pearl accepted the towel. As she dried off, she and the group turned to their pink leader. “Rose, we need to talk about the human.”

“Oh yes, the human. Isn’t he amazing? He’s a really special human.” She blushed at the thought of him.

“But Rose, what about the things you said about his short lifespan? What happened to making sure the stars won’t align for you two again?”

Rose blushed so much more that she had to cover her face. “Turns out the stars just won’t stay away from each other.”

It wasn’t the answer Pearl hoped for, but she didn’t want to question her actions. “Whatever the case, I truly hope you are certain what you are doing.”

“Thank you, Pearl. But I think I’ll figure this out on my own. There won’t be much to think about anyway.”

Amethyst pounced into Rose’s hair and reached the top of her head. “So when are you gonna see him again?” She asked impatiently.

“I’m seeing him in a few hours. He said something about being tired and needing to sleep in his van. I’m not entirely sure what it is. But I guess he gets his energy from lying on the floor for several hours. In the meantime, there is a mission we need to take care of. We should get back before he comes. Come on gems.”

The gems followed their leader to the warp pad, except Pearl.

Coral called out to her battle sister. “Pearl, aren’t you coming?”

The pearl broke out of her own trance and joined the group. “Of course.”

The warp pad shone and transported the gems elsewhere. Leaving the temple empty.

End of part 1 (3202 words)

(A/N: So this has been the first part of chapter 8. To be honest, it is not as exhilarating as the previous chapters, but my beta reader loved it even without any monsters, fusions, or gem-xistential dread lol.

I understand that half of the chapter will be from the canon episodes themselves, but don't worry, they're not all described in detail otherwise we would be here all night.

Anyways, if you're a new reader, welcome to this continuation/elaboration of Tripixle's AU. And to my long-time readers, thank you for reading this fanfiction and liking/reblogging the posts.

I'll see you all next week for part 2.

CYLater!)

[softinkshadows]

drunken wrong room encounters w adultrio (x female reader)

Disclaimer: contains some lime-y content! HISOKA

The elevator at Heaven’s Arena dinged softly as its doors opened to the 200th floor. Flushed with a giddy smile on your face, your heart was full from the night’s festivities. Today you scored your 4th win on the 200th floor, and took to a nearby bar afterwards to celebrate. Being one of the only female fighters on the floor, you were swarmed with many fans; you smiled to yourself remembering  the cheers and ruckus from everyone at the bar, hands offering you yet another shot, loud hooting when you downed them all as you found yourself happily egged on to take one too many drinks. Thankfully the corridor was well-lit, if not you’d have trouble finding your way back to your room. You turned the door handle, going inside.  Did I forget to turn off the bathroom light? you wondered absentmindedly, kicking off your shoes. The room smelled a little different - sweeter? There was a scent of damask rose, but you brushed it off. You hummed a small tune as you started to undress yourself for the night, stripping yourself of your pants and outershirts (a little dirtied from the fight earlier) and laying them over the armchair at the room desk, finally only clad in a fitted neoprene tank top and underwear. You sighed a little, steadying yourself with the desk in order to stand up straight when you felt a rush of heat behind you. Strong arms pinned your hands to the desk as you felt the immobilizing weight of another body leaning against you from behind, the scent of roses now wafting heavily close. In your disorientation you felt the texture of a soft bath towel against your butt. “Eh?? Who the hell -” your protests were cut short as the strong limbs flipped you around, maintaining their grip on your wrists. “My, my, it seems like someone went into the wrong room.” A voice purred. You were spun around to face none other than the strongest fighter at Heavens Arena. His striking red hair fell in a damp tangle around his face, still dripping wet from the shower. Your eyes followed the thin trickles of water, as it fell onto his bare, sculpted torso. “Hi-hisoka!” you gasped aloud both in shock at in the embarrassment of the man who was barely clothed and leaning over you on the desk. You felt your face flush with warmth, your head still spinning from the effect of alcohol. He moved closer, golden eyes glinting with mischief, until his face was barely inches away from yours. “I saw your fight earlier, you were.. good,” he emphasized the last word, his lips curling into a smirk. The slight suggestiveness, his piercing eyes, the proximity of his body were enough to make you more flustered, as a strange heat began to pool in your abdomen. “Wait- wh-what is thi- I’m gonna kill y-you,” you stammered incoherently. Hisoka leaned towards your ear. 

“Would you like me to... stop?” he whispered, biting on your ear lobe. “A-ah!” you gasped, feeling a tinge of arousal creeping between your legs. He moved downwards to breathe lightly against your neck. “Yes...” he began, using his tongue to delicately trail your skin, travelling the length from your collarbone to your ear, “or no?” His tongue flicked your ear again. His fingers laced with yours, body pressing into you, the sensation of his tongue making you tremble as you felt the heat between your legs grow. “N-...Ye-..yes,” you struggled to form your words, your mind clouded with a feeling of confusion, irritation and pleasure, along with that heady scent of damask rose.  “Very well.” You heard a chuckle before you felt the world spin a little. Everything was a blur; you being carried bridal style - the lights and airconditioning of the corridor - another door opening and closing - the softness and familiarity of your own bed. You felt exhaustion begin to wash over you, barely making out Hisoka’s chuckled words before he closed the door. “As for a fight... I’ll do you anytime. Come to me when you’re ready, or when you want your clothes back.” ILLUMI “Y/N, are you sure you don’t want me to walk you back to your room?” Leorio asked, being the gentleman that he was. It was the 287th Hunter Exam, and you managed to clear the 4th round. Now all the participants who passed were on the airship headed from Zevil Island back to the Hunter’s Association building, and you and Leorio had taken to celebrating with rounds of indulgent drinking. “NAH IM OKAY!” you exclaimed exuberantly, even though you were clearly wasted. “Thanks for, y-your hard work todayyyyyyy, Leoleo!” “It’s Leorio!!” he yelled back, irritated but stifling a laugh, before walking towards the other residential wing of the blimp.  “Room 16...17...ah 18...?” you clambered around unsteadily, before finding the door knob. The room was dark save for a rectangular window on one wall, letting in some shafts of moonlight. The bed looked incredibly inviting after a long and tiring day, especially with the physical strain of the last exam round. White soft sheets and a thick fluffy duvet heaped on the large bed. At least there were some perks for getting this far, you thought. Standing by the side of the bed, you stretched your body in exhaustion and satisfaction. “Tsukaretaaaaa~ (trans: I’m so tired~~)” you breathed, removing all your clothes in one fell swoop, letting them fall noisily to the floor. You weren’t going to bother with a shower now, you could deal with that tomorrow. Now, you just needed some quality rest before you’d be raring to go for the last exam round the day after. You pulled the soft duvet up to your chin, ready to drift into deep sleep. Next to you, on the other side of the bed, something stirred. A soft, displeased voice grumbled, “Hisoka, what is it this time...” Someone got up and was now above you, legs on either side of your waist, forearms bent at right angles and pressed to the bed to hold themselves up. “I thought we agreed...” Illumi trailed off, looking down at the person he thought was in his bed, before realizing he had made a mistake. For a moment, he was stunned. “Huh?” “Haah?” You responded, in a drunken drawl. Through your flushed cheeks, and slightly blurred vision, you saw a beautiful man with deep raven-coloured eyes. Long black hair fell silkily down to the pillow, cascading like a veil over your head. You were vaguely aware of his arms on both sides of you, and the proximity of his body to yours, but it didn’t feel intrusive. There was almost a feline lightness to his features and limbs. You were certain that you’d never seen this man before, at least throughout the hunter exam, and you were so sure that you were dreaming. Illumi turned his head to look at the discarded clothes on the floor, before turning back to you. “Ah..” He then realized the state of you resting in his bed, and his eyes wavered a little, his heart leaping just a bit faster than usual. What should he do? How did years of assassin training not prepare him for this? At this point you had made a move to sit up slightly, the duvet falling a little further around you below your chest. “Um...”  his nimble fingers picking up the duvet to cover your chest, a faint blush dusting his pale cheeks. Enjoying every moment of what you were certain was a dream, you reached up to gently twine your slender fingers in his black hair. “So soft....” you remarked as you felt the strands, your eyes dazzling with awe and inebriation. Your hands made your way to his face, and your fingers moved along his brows, nose, before resting on his cheeks. “So soft~~” you squished his cheeks gently, giggling a little. W-wh-what was that? In a flash, the man above you moved away, and your hands grasped only at air. You sulked out loud a little before falling finally into slumber, letting out a small snore. At the other end of the bed, Illumi was awake, staring at the wall with a strange tingle in his chest, his ears unmistakably red. CHROLLO You’d just about had it. Seething with anger, you pressed your floor button in the hotel lift, leaning back to the wall with your arms crossed. You knew you would have to meet unsavoury people in your job as a reporter, but nothing had readied you for tonight’s event. This gala was attended by the supremely, grossly overpaid upper class, another fundraising event to line the pockets of yet another private trust. The pitiful looks they gave you, their derogatory comments...! Thankfully as part of the job you had a suite in the hotel that hosted the event, and you exploited the complimentary flow of alcohol too... You noticed your suite door ajar, and caught a glimpse of a service cart. Hmph, at least there’s additional room service too, you thought, pushing the door open to enter. The hotel maid caught a glimpse of you, cheeks red from all the wine and champagne, stumbling a little into the suite. Her eyes glanced over towards the master bedroom and back at you, turning embarrassed as if having understood something, before leaving the room hurriedly. 

“ANNOYING RICH PEOPLE!” you yelled to yourself, flinging your shoes near the doorway before collapsing on a large leather sofa. You looked out of the down to floor windows at the glimmering lights of the city, floating hazily before you. You felt one of your dress straps fall past your shoulders, and your black evening gown was already hitched up past your knees, but you didn’t really care. A sound of soft footsteps approached before you saw someone looking down at your lying figure. His black hair fell close to his shoulders, there was a funny cross tattoo on his forehead, his grey eyes piercing and inscrutable. Ah, you remembered him from the gala too, although he was alone most of the time, interacting only with a few select people. Now he had half unbuttoned the vest of his 3-piece suit, and was in the process of loosening his tie. His voice was gentle, but contained a trace of amusement. “Miss, I’m afraid you’re in the wrong room.” “NO YOU’RE IN THE WRONG ROOM!” you yelled in drunken stupor, not even making sense anymore. You sat up disheveled. “PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE ALL THE SAME, LOOKING DOWN ON OTHERS, USING PEOPLE LIKE THEY ARE TOYS AND THEN THROWING THEM AWAY. DO YOU EVEN HAVE ANY HUMANITY?” you ranted, not realizing that he had taken a seat on the sofa near you. He propped his head up with one hand resting on the armrest, his eyes twinkling and he gazed at you. Even with his loosened tie, and a dress shirt tucked out, there was something alluring about him, drawing you deeper into an abyss. You couldn’t tell if it was dangerous or just seductive. You didn’t even hear the words you were saying. “AND DAMN YOU AND YOUR GOODLOOKING FACE.” He chuckled to himself, before looking back into your eyes with his steely grey ones.  “And how shall people like me be punished?” he asked softly. You found yourself climbing into his lap, your tousled hair now falling a little out of your bun, you knees between his, as you leaned close to his face. You felt the heat of his body below yours. “LIKE THIS.” Without warning, you raised your hand, and gave his forehead a quick and powerful flick. He didn’t even blink, although his eyes registered some kind of shock. Then Chrollo burst out into a small laugh, running his fingers through his hair. So amusing, he thought to himself. Perhaps I can enjoy myself tonight.

Feeling a little mocked, you continued, spurred by embarrassment, “Y-YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS WITH PEOPLE LIKE YOU? NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY, YOU’RE JUST... EMPTY!” 

Before you knew it, suddenly you were on you back, and Chrollo’s hands gripped both of yours, pinning you down hard. Your words had struck a nerve. Surprised from the movement and his reaction, you were speechless, your cheeks now a little warmer when you realized the position you were in, your dress now hiked up almost to your waist. “Perhaps I can prove you wrong,” he whispered, leaning so close both your lips were almost touching. Chrollo knew, from all the women that threw themselves at him throughout the gala, that any of them would immediately take this chance now. He was craving a little release after all, and by this point, no one would refuse.  Then, you stared at him, face red with a mixture of anger and embarrassment, and stuck out your tongue defiantly like a child. With your hands pinned above you, you looked away, pouting. S-so cute! One of Chrollo’s hands flew to shield his face momentarily to stifle a laugh, and a discernible blush covered his cheeks. He stood up from the sofa and straightened out his shirt, walking into the bedroom before returning with an extra duvet. By then, you had dozed off asleep, and he glanced at your weary form. Such an amusing, vulnerable creature. He chuckled, laying the duvet gently over you. “Sleep well tonight, my dear. I’ll be with you in the morning when you wake.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes: I wanted to write the last Chrollo-only one for the previous situation, but somehow this floated into my mind. I found myself internally screaming when writing the Illumi portion becos Hiso-Illu just dropped so casually I’m like... sometimes I’m glad I have this brain 

[ibijau]

Price of wishes pt7 / on AO3

Lan Xichen meets his new relatives in the Cloud Recesses

Lan Xichen gazes upon the gates of the Cloud Recesses, and feels… 

Not scared, not quite, but nervous certainly. The more he travelled with Nie Huaisang and his brother's disciples, the more Lan Xichen became struck by how much the world has changed while he was clinging to his last believers and trying to survive. Towns are bigger, houses are more durable, people from different places mix, and they sell as common things items that he remembers being rare luxuries. 

The world has changed, and Lan Xichen is striving not to show how unsettled he feels. 

And then, there's this writing business. Out of every passing fashion that had to stick around… 

In spite of how he feels about this writing fad, Lan Xichen has been trying his best to learn. Trying isn’t succeeding. Lan Xichen can read some characters, and he knows certain texts thanks to Nie Huaisang’s efforts, but it simply isn’t enough to maintain the illusion of the person he is supposed to be.

Hopefully, Nie Huaisang’s other plan will work.

The Lan disciple guarding the gate is startled when he's told that the young master of his sect has returned, but by the time Lan Xichen asks that his uncle be warned he lost his jade token in an incident, that young man in white has already accepted his existence. It's not surprising, not when Lan Xichen has already convinced Nie Mingjue whose mind is much stronger, but it's still a relief. 

The Lan disciple dutifully sends a message to master Lan Qiren who arrives quite fast to the gate, followed closely by a boy whose features are eerily similar to Lan Xichen. He got that much right, it seems. 

Lan Xichen bows politely before the man who is now his uncle, the boy who he will call his brother for a full mortal lifetime, and smiles at both of them. He can feel for a moment their doubts about his presence, forming a stronger wall than Nie Mingjue’s did, but he only needs to absorb some of Nie Huaisang’s belief in him to make that wall crumble. It is not hard at all, and Lan Xichen can’t help but feel that those two are almost relieved by his intrusion in their lives.

It was the same with Nie Mingjue. He might act tough and stern, but he is young, not ten years older than Nie Huaisang. He’s also as desperate for company as his brother but in a position that forbids him from seeking out new friends. And now, as Lan Qiren caves into the invasion, Lan Xichen gets a flash of gratitude, because having a nearly fully adult nephew means someone he can rely on. Lan Qiren, like Nie Mingjue, is a lonely man, and shouldn’t be so resigned to it at such a young age.

“You weren’t supposed to be gone this long,” Lan Qiren scolds his nephew. “You should have been here a while ago to help prepare the arrival of the guest disciples. And what's this I hear about your token being lost?”

Nie Huaisang, unnoticed by nearly everyone, lets out a shaky breath.

“My apologies, shufu,” Lan Xichen says with another bow. “A few things came up while I was gone that delayed my return. In fact, I would like to speak to you about this immediately, if you have the time. Wangji as well, this will concern him. And… I think it might be good if Nie gongzi came as well.”

Lan Wangji, exactly as silent and austere as Nie Huaisang described him, stares at his brand new brother with emotionless eyes. When those eyes turn to Nie Huaisang though, they let a certain curiosity shine through, to which Nie Huaisang reacts by turning a little pink and averting his eyes. But no objection is made to Lan Xichen’s request, and they all retire to the house Lan Qiren shares with his nephew for a private conversation.

It is not an unpleasant place. Austere but elegant, as everything appears to be in the Cloud Recesses. One thing immediately attracts Lan Xichen’s attention: the number of books. This house alone appears to contain as many as all of Qinghe Nie’s library. This makes Nie Huaisang’s panic over Lan Xichen’s inability to read all the more understandable. If the entire sect is similar to Lan Qiren, then Lan Xichen’s meagre powers might not be enough to counter their surprise at a young master who cannot read fluently.

Tea is poured as refreshment for the travellers, and all four of them sit down. Lan Qiren allows his new nephew a moment to drink, then asks again about the delay in returning.

"The situation is this," Lan Xichen explains. "While I was away, something happened and I lost all my memories. I cannot be sure what it was exactly, but I do not appear to have any physical marks on me, nor did I detect anything that would indicate a curse. All I know for sure is that I barely knew who I was when this started."

His new relatives are startled at the news, especially Lan Wangji who glances at Nie Huaisang in a silent question, but with the slightest of push on Lan Xichen’s part they do not think of doubting that story.

"As I wandered, I stumbled upon the Unclean Realm where Nie Mingjue welcomed me and treated me as if we knew each other. I played along and didn't mention my predicament. I thought Nie Mingjue did not feel like an enemy, but I didn't know how much to trust my instincts. After a while, Nie Huaisang realised something was wrong, encouraged me to share my secret with him, and agreed to help me hide this for the time being. We both feared someone might try to take advantage, should my situation be revealed."

"A wise decision," Lan Qiren agreed, a severe expression on his face as he stroked his beard. "It is lucky you wandered into friendly territory, when others might have been less kind than the Nie." 

Meaning the Wen sect, Lan Xichen guesses. There's a feud of sorts between the Wens and the Nie, he understands, but really the whole cultivation world appears scared of them. 

"Our thanks to Nie gongzi for his help," Lan Qiren says. 

"Mn," Lan Wangji agrees, cramming a surprising amount of emotion in that single sound. Or maybe it is the way he's looking at Nie Huaisang, his pale eyes intense and sharp. 

Nie Huaisang blushes intensely and squirms a little, clearly uncomfortable with the attention, or perhaps with being praised over something that never happened. To rescue him from his discomfort, Lan Xichen promptly continues.

“The memory loss is actually rather severe,” he explained. “We are still figuring out what I can and cannot remember. While I was in Qinghe, I dared not say too much to Nie zongzhu, even after deciding he was friendly, because I couldn’t be sure of the extent of that friendship, and I knew I had to think of my sect’s safety. But after making me confess the truth on the way here, Nie gongzi has been of great help in figuring out just how much I have lost. He happened to have with him a number of texts concerning our rules and customs which he shared with me, though I must confess reading is not easy at this time. It causes me terrible headaches after even a very short while.”

Hearing this, Lan Qiren’s concern only grows, marking him to Lan Xichen as a far warmer person than Nie Huaisang prepared him for. Not that he blames his young friend for his judgement: it is not unexpected for a man to behave differently toward a student than he would with a relative, especially when the student is Nie Huaisang, who has made it clear that learning does not come easily to him.

Worried for this nephew he’d never met just half a shichen earlier, Lan Qiren quickly comes up with a plan.  First, he will go fetch a doctor to check Lan Xichen, since an external eye might detect more than he did himself. If they can identify what ails him, they might return him to normal. Should that fail (Lan Xichen will have to use his powers on the doctor as well, though he’s getting tired and might require a large offering from Nie Huaisang that night) they will need to keep the situation secret, for fear that certain people try to take advantage of the situation. In that case, Lan Qiren decides that his nephews will isolate themselves together for a few days, until the lectures for the guest disciples start, so that Lan Xichen can be reminded of the knowledge and behaviours expected of a young master of their sect.

Lan Wangji makes no objection to this plan. His only remark is to ask that Nie Huiasang stay with them until Lan Qiren returns with a doctor, so he can be further questioned about the present situation. Lan Qiren agrees, and leaves the boys alone.

As soon as they are just the three of them together, something shifts in Lan Wangji’s attitude. So far he hasn’t given the impression of a particularly expressive person, and yet Lan Xichen can instantly tell that his new brother is incredibly upset.

“Nie gongzi,” Lan Wangji says, his voice monotone and yet heavy with carefully refrained emotion. “Who is this person sitting with us?”

Nie Huaisang goes pale, as if he might faint, then turns a bright shade of red, before he starts laughing in a nervous manner.

“Ah, just as could be expected of you!” Nie Huaisang exclaims with a painful grin. “Lan gongzi is really something else! Anybody else could be fooled except you, I should have known!”

Lan Wangji makes no answer. Lan Xichen cannot tell if his new brother is aggravated or relieved that Nie Huaisang isn’t even trying to hide that something is wrong.

As for Lan Xichen himself, he feels too keenly the pain of disappointment. While Lan Wangji does appear to be a powerful young cultivator, and strong willed for his age, Nie Mingjue and Lan Qiren were still his superiors. The only reason he resisted where they gave in, Lan Xichen suspects, is because Nie Huaisang has more faith in Lan Wangji’s strength of spirit than in his, creating a weakness in his powers.

“Explain,” Lan Wangji demands, and Nie Huaisang obeys without hesitation.

Not only does he not hesitate, but Nie Huaisang appears sincerely relieved to share his secret as he retells the way he ran away, how he became lost and unknowingly made a deal with a god who then took human form.

Lan Wangji listens, glances over Lan Xichen, and frowns.

“He looks like me. Why?”

From being merely a little nervous, Nie Huaisang panics at the question with such intensity that it nearly makes Lan Xichen physically sick. For a torturous second there is no more belief sustaining him, replaced by a terror that cannot feed him. It doesn’t last longer than a heartbeat before Nie Huaisang pulls himself together and laughs awkwardly, but Lan Xichen is left shaken.

“Well, I ran away because I felt so lonely and unappreciated, right?” Nie Huaisang explains. “And I wanted to not feel alone. And so I thought of you, because I…”

He hesitates, his entire face flushed red. For the second time in just moments, Lan Xichen feels Nie Huaisang’s belief waver, replaced by a sentiment entirely directed toward Lan Wangji.

“I think of you as my best friend,” Nie Huaisang miserably lies, “so of course I wanted someone like you at my side.”

Hit by a sudden realisation, Lan Xichen stares at the young man who gave him a chance to live again. With parts of Nie Huaisang modelled after Lan Wangji, of course Lan Xichen knew already there had to be some attraction involved. But this isn’t mere attraction that he is witnessing. 

Instead, Nie Huaisang is in love with Lan Wangji.

That discovery alone is already painful. In their short time together Lan Xichen has become quite fond of Nie Huaisang and has seen nothing in him that could make him fear the ‘marriage’ part of their deal. To find that he has a rival, one of true flesh and blood, one who doesn’t need the world explained to him, who can read and write and do all those things that matter so much to Nie Huaisang, is like being stabbed in the guts.

But things only get worse when Lan Wangji, so impassible thus far, huffs ever so slightly at Nie Huaisang and smiles at him with all the warmth his nature allows him.

It might not be love yet, but fondness is a first step in that direction.

Meaning that Nie Huaisang might never have needed Lan Xichen and just didn't know it yet.

"Nie gongzi always makes things interesting," Lan Wangji placidly comments, which Nie Huaisang appears to take as criticism, while Lan Xichen suspects it to be a compliment. "I will allow this person to remain." 

"Really ? Wangji, that means lying!" 

"Hm. This person is meant to be my older brother, correct?" 

Nie Huaisang again panics, explains, apologises, but Lan Wangji's attention has shifted to his new brother. Under such a piercing gaze, Lan Xichen feels exposed, though he doesn't detect any bad feeling coming from Lan Wangji, only curiosity and a sharp flicker of hope. 

"He may stay," Lan Wangji repeats. "If he stays long, he will in some years announce that he steps down in my favour. Until then, this person may carry the title of heir." 

Silence falls for a long moment. Lan Xichen hasn't finished processing what this means (more effort, more lies, more pretending, all to fool not only this sect but also all others) when he notices that Lan Wangji is smiling again, while Nie Huaisang starts howling with laughter. 

"Wangji! Lan gongzi! No, wait, it's Lan er-gonzi now, right? Either way, who knew you had it in you to be crafty! Dumping your responsibilities on someone else like this… why, it sounds like something I would do!" 

"You are my friend," Lan Wangji soberly replies, though his eyes shine. "And a bad influence."

Nie Huaisang only laughs harder, joyful and free in a way Lan Xichen has never seen him. 

It might be good to look for new followers quickly, the god decides. Before this fountain of belief dries out as Nie Huaisang realises he already has everything he wished for, sending Lan Xichen back to the misery and despair of his old existence.

[iron-mum]

I wish you would write a fic where Tony and kid Peter are being adorable father and son as retribution for the angst you’ve made me suffer through in the past hah! (JK I love you and your angst! 💛)

Well, well, well. What do we have here, eh? A request for adorable? I'm not sure, I'm very good at that 😌

Here's SIMTony who would stop at nothing to help his unwell son, Peter get better. Even if it meant using Extremis.

P.S. ILY3000 💕

In the final throes of the graveyard shift at the hospital floor, the elevator pinged for its frequent lone visitor. The front desk staff, whilst tense and sitting up suddenly straighter, knew not to actually engage. No ID was needed for their boss, one of them barely suppressing a gulp as his determined strides headed for the private room that had been deliberately placed near to the room equipped for every possible kind of emergency. Once inside, he carefully shut the door silently and took a seat at the bedside.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Sharp blue eyes shifted from the persistent buzzing of the most technologically advanced medical equipment anyone, anywhere could offer before looking back down to something far more invaluable and precious. Tony’s entire world. His purpose in life. The little boy on the bed lay motionless, breathing slowly and evenly, nose occasionally scrunching up at the discomfort of the oxygen mask upon him. He should have been cocooned in a hug from his father but instead his son, Peter, was littered with wires attaching him to the very best modern medicine had to offer.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Pale, soft skin with the daintiest of freckles stood out against the dark curls spread across the far too big pillow. The small fingers of his left hand had loosely closed around the calloused thumb of his father, letting him know that whilst he had been rendered weak from illness, he was still aware of his comforting presence. Tony’s index finger gently glided across the small knuckles, willing himself to see a tiny curve of the lips on his son’s face.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

This had been the Avengers fault. Peter’s current critical condition. The young boy had been on a school trip when a battle had broken out and the wannabe heroes managed to cause more destruction than lives saved. A chemical explosion had landed most of the class in hospital and many of them had ended up becoming very unwell. Unfortunately for Peter, he already suffered many ailments so even under the wing of Stark’s finest medical personnel, the struggle had taken a toll. The genius shook his head as thoughts of revenge started to sprout from the many seeds that had been planted since the catastrophic incident. He shelved the many ideas he had that would lead to the demise of the reckless group once his kid was better.

It had been hours when the sound of a nurse's footsteps acted as the catalyst that would remove Tony from the room so he could head back to his lab. As he reluctantly moved his hand away, there was no reaction. Not even a twitch from the slender child. Bending down, he tentatively stroked a small amount of the exposed skin that was available on the boy’s face before planting a light kiss on his forehead. By the time the nurse was opening the door to the room to complete the routine checks, any sign of a visitor would be long gone.

The moment Tony was back in his workshop, he strode towards his desk. Music started to reverberate from the ceiling, the sound greatly appreciated compared to the low hum and incessant beeping from the emotionless devices that were currently keeping his son alive.

Tony didn’t believe in a higher power other than himself. So in no way, shape or form was he ever going to accept that he couldn’t save Peter from the incurable illness now ravaging his frail body. Feeling powerless was simply not an option.

Rolling up the sleeve to his top, the genius opened a drawer and pulled out a device meant for extracting blood as painlessly as possible. Not that pain meant much to him these days. No pain would ever compete with a parent having to watch their child deteriorate every single second of every single day.

Satisfied with the draw, Tony placed it into a diagnostic machine of his own making. He caught a glimpse of his reflection in the glass of his workshop, eyeing it like he was in the most intense staring contest of his life. Jaw clenching, his arm shot out allowing liquid metal to glide across his skin before firing a repulsor at the glass and shattering it. There was an element of irony to everyone loving his face except himself in the minimal but intrusive “what if” moments that surrounded his current situation. With a crack of his neck, his arm remained outstretched so the Endo-Sym armour could return to it’s housing tank.

“Boss, the results are back,” F.R.I.D.A.Y. informed as the music lessened in volume. “No adverse reactions detected still. The chemical composition indicates that the Extremis is unchanged in it’s integration with you on a genetic level and continues to remain stable.”

“And the sample from Peter?” Tony asked, confident that he knew what the answer would be.

“Also remaining stable.”

“Alert the staff intending to see Peter following tonight's shift that their presence will not be needed,” the genius demanded as he mentally reiterated the next steps of his plan in his head. Lips curled into devilishly handsome grin at his victory, eyes crinkling at the sides. The smile only softened when his eyes drifted to a framed picture Peter had drawn of the both of them. He’d done it.

“Certainly, boss,” the AI had responded without any acknowledgement. Tony was too busy in thought. Not only was the Extremis flowing through his own veins, leaving him feeling at perfect health. But soon, it would be doing the same for Peter too. Pain free, peak performance and at complete and optimal health.

“Have there been any sightings of the Avengers in the last hour? I feel a splash of revenge is in order for this special occasion?” The holo-screens in front of him started to flicker as social media sites were searched and hashtags refreshed repeatedly. Hulk had been trending within the hour and Hawkeye in the last eleven minutes.

"Well, how about that?" he grinned gleefully. "I really am being spoiled for choice."

Whilst the genius had been certain F.R.I.D.A.Y. had relayed the message to the morning staff, Tony still found himself exhaling sharply at the sight of someone sat by Peter’s side reading his file. The thin bag of Extremis in his hand was shifted into his back pocket as quickly as humanly possible. The good feeling from beating the shit out of one of the Avengers, plus the buzz of providing Peter with a cure that no meagre doctor had been able to, shifted into a tension as tried to work out who it was.

Their face was narrow with sharp features and glasz eyes remarkably penetrating when they met his perusing stare. His black hair had been combed back neatly, the sides of his temples a distinct light grey. The well fitted suit looked designer even for Tony’s impeccable standards.

“Your services are no longer required,” he affirmed with a dismissive flourish of the hands before the man could even introduce himself.

“I’m sorry?” the other man replied without hesitation, closing the file and rising from the chair. Tony’s chair. If he’d been expecting any pleasantries or introductions, he was thoroughly mistaken. Tony was already locked onto Peter, the gentle rise of his chest a welcoming sight as always. He refused to allow his attention to be divided, ignoring the piercing stare boring into him now. “I have an oath to this patient. He critically needs help from the best in all fields. He needs my help.”

The genius turned at that, an eyebrow raised as he looked the doctor up and down. He certainly held himself strongly for someone who had that much audacity in addressing the owner of everything within his current vicinity.

“Are you new around here… Doctor Strange?” He asked disingenuously, eyes narrowing as he scrutinised the name badge. The letters ‘VISITOR - Dr Stephen Strange’ jotted on the bottom, likely the reason he hadn’t got his AI’s memo. The receptionist who let him in would be fired whether it was her fault or not.

“Unlike everyone else in this building, no, I don’t work for you” the doctor shot back tersely. “However, you were so insistent on my consultation that, somehow, I found my diary completely cleared of all surgeries that were booked in.”

“Well, you can now stick them back in your diary. We’re done here.”

“I know this is difficult,” the doctor started, tone suddenly softer as if he were hoping a change of tact would get through. “You brought me in for my expertise, so use them.”

“I’m the most intelligent, capable person on the planet. I don’t need you. I don’t need anyone.”

“Your arrogance surpasses all the rumours and expectations I had of you,” Strange snapped back incredulously. Apparently nothing was going to get through. “Your child is-”

“You know, it would be a real shame if you were to lose your medical licence, wouldn't it, doctor?” Tony sneered dangerously low. This ungrateful little shit was going to get it for not only wasting his time and energy, but also his son’s. An insignificant speck like the rest of the world.

“Are you threatening me?” the doctor replied doing his best to keep his tone cool and unflinching when the other man removed all personal space between them. The lack of intimidation he was feeling only pissed Tony off more.

“Let’s not test my resolve, doctor.” Despite feeling completely wrong about leaving considering Peter’s condition, Dr Stephen Strange tucked the file he’d been reading under his arm and left the room in just a few strides. Tony had spotted the hand diving for a phone as the door shut behind him and clenched his fists in disdain.

“F.R.I.D.A.Y., be a darling and ensure Doctor Douchebag doesn’t make it back home,” Tony demanded followed by a nonchalant sniff.

“Yes, boss. His phone has also unexpectedly lost all signal so will not be usable anytime soon.”

Satisfied with the course of action his AI had taken, Tony locked the door to his son’s room for good measure. He eyed the current equipment before making his move. One of the drips currently providing Peter with much needed medicine was switched to make way for a sample of the Extremis that Tony had meticulously created and tested on himself. He peered at his son, swallowing thickly that this would all be worth it.

Bag secured, the first few drops started instantly, the older man watching as they flowed along the thin tubes before entering the cannula imposed on Peter’s hand. The skin began to glow orange, the lava looking trail gliding all the way up the arm’s before entering the chest. Daring a glance at the monitors, Tony noted an instant improvement in the readouts. A smile spread across his face as sheet-white, sickly skin started to immediately brighten.

Peter’s big, brown doe eyes suddenly shot open as he took a huge gulp of air, eyes landing on his father who was remarkably in focus for the first time in his life without the aid of glasses. Tony removed the oxygen mask so he could take his son’s face in fully for the first time in well over a month.

“Dad?” the young boy croaked, clearly a little disoriented from the abrupt wake up.

“Hey, buddy,” Tony whispered, voice cracking with emotion as he closed the distance between them.

Peter lunged at his father, his small arms wrapping tightly around the genius’ neck and face burying into his chest. It had been far too long since either had been able to enjoy the tender, heart-bursting feeling of overwhelming, unconditional love from one another.

“I love you, kiddo.” Tony gushed as one of his hand’s lovingly cupped the back of Peter's head holding him as close as possible. The other enveloped around his back, his thumb slowly stroking up and down. When the older man's hand started to trail through Peter's hair, the boy somehow managed to burrow even closer. Tony soothingly lifted curls between his fingers and then let them ping back as new life continued to circle through his son’s body.

“I love you too, dad,” Peter whispered, a strain evident in his voice that Tony hadn’t been expecting. When he leant back, he saw the likely cause. Now unnecessary wires were tugging at his child’s skin.

“Let’s get these off you, bud. You don’t need them anymore,” he promised softly as he carefully went to work at removing the monitoring equipment clips and stickers. Peter’s curious eyes followed every step of the way, surprisingly not wincing even when some of the tougher stickers were peeled away. Although he was too young to even begin comprehending what had happened, he knew from vague memories he’d been hurt and that he’d slept a lot. Often he had been unsure if he was dreaming or awake when he’d hear his father read him stories, express his love and let him know how brave he was being. A slight tug on his hand drew him from his recollection as he looked down.

"I’m scared," Peter timidly admitted as he eyed up the last piece of medical equipment attached to him. The cannula in his hand.

“Here’s what we're gonna do, bud. We’re going to put on our brave faces and before you know it, it’ll be all done and over with. Can you show me your bravest, fiercest face?” Tony gently challenged, as part of his upper lip curled and he playfully growled.

The child’s dinky nose scrunched up and his lips pushed out into the biggest pout he could form. He shook his head a little and hummed in a way that likely felt fierce to him but could only be described as adorable to his dad.

"Wowzer. That was super mean, you nearly scared me!” Tony gasped dramatically, as he gestured for the boy to look down and see that the only thing on the top of his hand was a small cotton wool ball and a light pressure from his dad. Using his free hand to fish into his pocket, Tony revealed a green Paw Patrol sticker with Peter’s favourite character, Rocky, on it.

It had been a distant memory since the young boy had handed it to him, having spotted the numerous nicks and cuts that littered his hard working hands after a long day in the workshop. Extremis meant Peter wouldn’t even need it, but the placebo effect would make it worth it.

“Am I all better, daddy?” Peter asked as Tony eyed him up once more. The overwhelmed father cupped his kid’s face and planted another kiss on his forehead, relief washing over him that he was now free from the concatenation of medical instrumentation.

“You most certainly are. And that means we get to skedaddle out of here.”

Before his son could anticipate his next move, his father had scooped him up into his arms and they were making their way not only out of the room, but off of the floor for good.

They’d had a chance to change into matching casual wear and feasted on a huge breakfast before snuggling up on the sofa. Peter had selected an Octonauts movie to watch as he tucked into his father’s side and enjoyed the sound of his steady heartbeat.

It would be a couple of hours when Tony’s phone pinged with a notification he knew was F.R.I.D.A.Y. when she was being discreet. His son huffed at the movement as he shuffled to get the phone out of his pocket, muttering an apology to his kid before opening the message.

[Unfortunate accident on the Hawk’s Nest, Route 97. Vehicle crossed the barrier and rolled multiple times down the cliff’s edge before landing in the Delaware River. Initial scan from one of the Iron Sight Bot #364 shows one survivor.]

Tony’s smirk widened into a full blown smile. Peter’s heart-of-gold eyes suddenly on him, looking up from his position. It was likely a silent protest at the lack of head strokes he was suddenly receiving so the genius replied swiftly.

[Call off any emergency services and get him med-evaced here.]

“You know what I think we need. Celebratory cheeseburgers for lunch,” he announced as Peter let out a squee of joy.

[reyescarlos]

26, 65 or 74? hurt/comfort? i love ur style of writing and i wanna see where you take these 🥺🥰

this is just the sweetest. you’ve really been making me so happy with all your kudos and comments in this collection! thank you so much! this one kind of ran away from me and is a bit heavier than my previous fics. it comes with trigger warnings so... overdose tw, drugs tw

#26 “How did you find me?”

TK sits with his knees to his chest, arms wrapped around his legs as he looks out across the field. To any passerby this wouldn’t be anything remarkable. It’s nothing more than an expanse of dry grass but this particular vacant spot is arguably one of his favorite places in all of Travis County. This is the field where he allowed himself to dive headfirst into something real with Carlos, the two watching an anomaly in the sky above as something organic bloomed between them.

Austin has been leaving its mark on TK, the new memories and bonds forged here almost enough to eclipse all of the bad he’s left behind.

But there are certain aspects of his past that he can’t quite run from, despite his best efforts to. Life enjoyed playing with him too much to allow good times to last long. TK supposes he may be a touch melodramatic but after the last call he and his team were dispatched to, he can’t shake the idea that the universe likes tossing in harsh reminders of a life he’d rather forget.

The scene they were called to was far too similar to a scenario he had personal experience with. A worried mother stood watch for the crew’s arrival outside the door to her daughter’s apartment, tears in her eyes and she begged and pleaded with them to break down the door and get to her child.

The young woman was unresponsive, passed out on her bathroom floor. Beside her was an empty orange vial and two small clear baggies. It was as if seeing an alternate version of his life. Michelle bustled in, Tim and Nancy flanking her as they worked in tandem to save the woman. Narcan passed from Tim straight to Michelle in the blink of an eye, leaving her to administer the dose in almost no time at all.

TK was vaguely aware of his father’s voice but his ears were ringing too loudly to make out any of the words, let alone any other sound coming from the room. He could see Michelle calling out orders, see her team’s lips moving in response. But the dial was turned down to zero; TK was unable to register any of it. He could recall the touch of his father’s hands on his shoulders and hands, urging him away.

But it was all TK could do to stand there, feet planted like a formidable oak as he watched the young woman’s eyes flutter open, to hold his breath as she emptied out her stomach, her body too weak to even move herself away from the mess she’d made.

“TK,” his father had said a bit more forcefully in his ear, a hand on his elbow to take him away from the threshold.

He stumbled backwards as his father pulled him away, his vision of the apartment blurred as tears filled his eyes. The young woman would be okay but the image of her sprawled out against the tiles, TK knew, would always haunt him, never mind the sheer anguish on her mother’s face.

The ride back to the station was painfully quiet, the team—for his sake, more than anything— not saying a single word. But TK didn’t even feel like he was in the truck at all. His mind was somewhere else entirely, a thousand miles back in New York on his living room floor. It all came rushing back in such stunning clarity.

He’d gone through the motions of showering and dressing once they returned, enduring another quiet ride, this time home with his father.

TK had gone straight to his room though Owen tried getting him to open up and talk about what they’d just seen. His room made him feel like a caged animal as he paced the length of it. Before he could fully register what he was doing, TK was fleeing the house without saying a word to his father, hoping to find someplace where he could be alone and hopefully wind up feeling better.

TK’s top pick would have been Carlos’ condo but the last thing TK wanted to do was burden his boyfriend with this. He’s done his best to shield Carlos from the sordid details of his past, so keen he is these days on maintaining a brighter future.

He closes his eyes, listening to the sound of crickets hidden in blades of grass, feeling the soft evening breeze blow across his skin. This was the perfect place to settle on.

The road his mind wants to travel down is a dangerous one and it takes everything within him to keep on a safer path. The silence of the field helps. He tries to mirror it for himself, an open space and an open mind.

Out here with no one around, the noise in his head dies down long enough for him to steady himself and recalibrate.

His peacefulness is broken about twenty minutes later by the sound of tires approaching. TK scrambles to his feet quickly at the sudden intrusion. The car’s headlights make it hard to see much of anything but as the engine is cut and the lights are as well, TK feels his chest tighten at the sight of Carlos’ Camaro.

He stands frozen in his spot as he waits for Carlos to get out. When he does, his boyfriend’s eyes are locked in on him, his expression unreadable as he comes to a stop in front of him. Carlos doesn’t waste time with a preamble, jumping right into things.

“Your dad told me about the call you guys had today,” Carlos says delicately.

TK looks away, cracking his knuckles. His skin feels stretched too tight around his body. It’s a perfectly cool evening and yet he feels like he’s suffocating, his face and neck suddenly feeling hot.

“He was worried when you left and refused to answer his texts and calls. That’s when he reached out to me, hoping that you were at my place. He was worried sick...as was I.”

“I didn’t mean to make you all worry. I just needed...to breathe.”

Carlos frowns. “I know that call must have been horrible for you but you can’t go AWOL like that, TK,” he says, voice still gentle. “If you needed this time on your own, just say that next time, please. When you disappear, we can’t help but to get scared that you’re hurt or—”

“I didn’t do anything stupid. I didn’t, you know,” he concludes lamely, unable to even bring himself to say the word relapse.

“I didn’t think you would but thank you for telling me. I’m glad you’re hanging in there. I tried calling but it kept going straight to voicemail.”

TK’s brows furrow as he takes his phone out of his pocket. He touches the screen but it remains black. He hadn’t even thought to check on his phone, not that it mattered either way given he was practically in the middle of nowhere. It’s then that Carlos’ appearance really sinks in.

“How did you find me?”

For the first time since he arrived, Carlos smiles faintly.

“There’s a reason I still earn a paycheck every two weeks. You may think you’re a mystery but I know you,” he says, reaching for TK’s hands.

TK lets him hold on, realizing now just how cold his fingertips feel once he’s met with Carlos’ warmth. For as much as he wanted to be alone, TK is glad for Carlos’ presence now. It’s a powerful thing to be seen and loved by someone.

“I figured you’d go somewhere you could be by yourself, that’s nice and remote but also someplace that made you feel comforted as if you weren’t actually alone. That night we spent out here came to mind so I thought I’d check it out first.”

TK huffs out a sound similar to a laugh and shakes his head, looking back out across the field. “Impressive work, officer. But as you can see, I’m doing just fine so you don’t have to worry.”

“I wouldn’t call running away and isolating yourself fine, T. Please, can you talk to me about what you’re feeling right now?”

TK can hear traces of panic in his voice though, to Carlos’ credit, he tries to disguise it. But TK can read the strained look in Carlos’ brown eyes and the set of shoulders. This was precisely what TK was hoping to avoid, making someone he cared for so concerned. But he supposes he brought this on himself. Had he just spoken up when it mattered most, Carlos wouldn’t have had to go tracking him down.

Carlos turns and walks back towards his car, sitting on top of the hood. TK watches him for a moment, the man’s hand outstretched in invitation. This takes him back to that glorious night where there didn’t seem to be any limits to how happy and free he could be.

It feels like such a déjà vu. There may not be northern lights above them now but the stars shine so brightly that it’s captivating all the same. Carlos still looks at him with wonder and care in his eyes, just as he’d done months ago. The car is just the same, the spot beside Carlos empty and waiting for him.

But inside TK feels different. Something has monumentally shifted due to that call. So much of this scenario may feel familiar but he feels a long way off from the guy he was that night.

Something in his expression or body language gives him away; he knows Carlos can see his unease. The man lowers his hand and sits cross legged, just staring at him patiently.

It’s just one of the many things TK appreciates in Carlos. He never forces him to speak if he isn’t ready. He’s simply just there and that counts for so much more than TK can even say. It’s more than he deserves, of that he’s certain. But it’s exactly what he needs so he’s grateful.

After another moment, TK’s legs finally begin moving forward, the soles of his shoes crunching against the dried grass. He slides upwards onto the hood of the car, laying back wordlessly against the windshield. Beside him, Carlos follows his lead, reaching for his hand again. He brings it to his lips to kiss each of TK’s knuckles before resting his hand against his chest.

TK stays quiet for a beat, taking just a moment to relish in Carlos’ touch. A conversation is inevitable but before they get underway, he knows he needs to contact his father and attempt to put the man at ease. He dreads the thought alone but it’s the least he owes his dad now for bailing like he did.

“I should probably borrow your phone and give my dad a call. Let him know that I’m okay.”

“I sent him a text before I got out of the car. He knows you’re with me.”

A ghost of a smile plays at TK’s lips at the implication of that last sentence. Being with Carlos amounts to the same thing as safe.

TK pulls in a breath, trying to collect his thoughts but everything in his head is a wreck. He plucks out one thought and goes from there, just needing to get something off his chest so he could breathe a bit easier.

“Being on that call today, seeing that girl’s mom absolutely lose it....,” he trails off, closing his eyes to the memory but the images still flood him anyway. “It just made me think about my dad finding me when he did. If he’d come over to my place even five or ten minutes later, I likely wouldn’t even be sitting here right now.”

He has to stop short there, swallowing hard past the lump in his throat.

“I’ve put him through so much and I don’t ever want to do that again, cause even a fraction of the fear that woman had. Her daughter looked so helpless and all I could think about was ‘what if this girl doesn’t make it?’ Her mom wouldn’t have been able to survive that. And I thought back to New York, my dad being there, saving me. I’ve been doing well now but this thing is always going to be in me, no matter what and I hate that more than anything. One setback could undo everything. It’s happened to me before and I barely made it through that time.”

He lets out a shaky breath. “Sometimes it seems like it’d be safer not to let people in just in case I relapse again. I don’t want to drag anyone else down this road. My dad, you, the family I’ve made here. You all are so important to me and nothing terrifies me more than the thought of losing you guys, one way or another.”

Carlos sits up at this and from his periphery TK can see that his boyfriend is looking at him but TK can’t bear to look back. Instead he keeps his eyes trained on the stars just wishing he could trade places with them now, be light years away from the troubles of this world.

“Hey, no. The people you have in your corner are going to be there for life. We all love you so much and will always stand with you.”

There’s such conviction in his words that leaves no doubt about his sincerity and commitment. TK can’t help the tears that fall from the corners of his eyes and race back to his hairline as he keeps vigilant watch on the sky. He knows that if he looks at Carlos now, the little bit of restraint he’s been clinging to will break. Carlos continues speaking, undeterred, or perhaps motivated, by TK’s silence.

“I’m not in the business of giving up on people. Serve and protect, right? If I can care deeply for perfectly good strangers every day, why on earth wouldn’t I be able to do the same for you, the man I’m so incredibly in love with? You couldn’t push me or anyone else who loves you away. You and I agreed, right on this very spot, months ago that we were a team. I have every intention to hold up my end of that promise.”

TK lowers his gaze, finally letting his eyes land on Carlos. The man’s face is flushed, beautiful brown eyes tinted pink from unshed tears but there’s a fierceness in them despite the sadness.

TK sits up and draws nearer, resting his head against Carlos’ shoulder. TK’s wrapped up in the man’s embrace instantly, those steady hands rubbing soothing circles along his back.

He lets himself be cared for, ignoring how weak he feels now. Carlos, he knows, is strong enough for the both of them at this moment. There’s no judgement or shame to be felt, not with Carlos.

“You’re so much stronger than you even know,” Carlos murmurs against the shell of his ear. “There’s nothing you can’t get through and there’s definitely nothing we can’t do together. You’re so loved, TK. You are so loved and needed. Always.”

[torikengel]

Thomas Hewitt x Reader (Part 6)

The dinner was tranquil as Hoyt stared you down every second. You didn’t dare to make a sound, not even to refuse the meat. You were too scared, so you just made yourself think of it as a beef stew and ate.

Hoyt definitely had pleasure in making you uncomfortable as he made sexual remarks, and then when you finished eating, he gave you more of the meat.

 “Thank you, Mr. Hoyt.” You stuttered nervously as you looked at your plate, your eyes wide. Even if it wasn’t human meat, you would never be able to eat so much. “But I am already full…” you said with a quiet and terrified voice.

Hoyt frowned at you and smashed his fist onto the table. You yelped and held your breath. “I should really teach ya some manners, missy.” He grabbed your hand and forced you to stand up. “No, no, no… please let me go.” You stammered with tears in your eyes.

Hoyt started dragging you upstairs to his room.

 “Charlie, you didn’t even finish your dinner!” Luda shouted at him, seemingly angry.

Suddenly, Thomas stood up. He was mad.

He growled at Hoyt and walked towards him. When he was close enough, he snatched you away from him, and you decided to hide behind his big frame. “Ahh, Tommy boy, what’s got into ya? Don’t you forget that family comes first!” he snarled; however, there was fear in his eyes. He knew that Thomas is way stronger than him.

Thomas growled even louder. You realized that you could disappear as nothing was holding you, so you checked for the door.

 “Look, that bitch is looking for an exit! She doesn’t like you! Are you really that stupid, Tommy?” Hoyt smirked.

Thomas looked at you with a pained expression, but you shook your head and grabbed his hand. “Don’t listen to him, Thomas...” you cried out.

Thomas didn’t know what to do. He was used to obeying all of Hoyt’s commands. Never in his life, he thought that he would do something against his uncle’s will. He scanned you with his beautiful blue eyes and then did the same with Hoyt.

Now, when Thomas looked at Hoyt, he just saw all the pain he’s been through. However, when he looked at you, he could see his dreams.

He didn’t make any other sounds to make his point. He just held your hand as tightly as he could and took you upstairs while staring down at Hoyt, who seemingly gave up for now.

Luda just stood in place, frozen. She didn’t dare to talk to Hoyt when he was angry.

He saved you, yet again. Even though you were looking for an opening to escape. You began feeling guilty about wanting your freedom. Thomas just left you in the room by yourself.

 “Why me...” tears streamed down your cheeks. You honestly wished he would get rid of you on the first day. You sat on the floor and continued crying until you passed out on the floor.

Thomas was in the basement, rethinking the whole situation. He knew this would have terrible consequences for him because Hoyt wouldn’t give up that easily. After a few hours, he decided to check on you, and he found you in an awkward position, sleeping on the floor.

You had such an innocent face... so beautiful. There was a reddish tint to your skin from all the crying, and Thomas thought it was adorable. He didn’t understand his feelings at all. His instincts and what he was taught were telling him to kill you and get back to his routine. Providing for his family, listening to Hoyt.

His heart, though, something he didn’t understand, something that was sealed away since his childhood was telling him to keep you safe. He lifted you off of the floor and put you on the bed. He got scared when you turned to the side, but you kept sleeping.

He gently caressed your cheek and pushed away a few strands of your hair to see your whole face.

 *

 *

When you woke up, it was already late morning. You wanted to think that it was all a dream, but then you realized you are still in a stranger’s room with a cuff around your ankle. But there was something different about it... right; you were on the bed. You remembered yesterday too clearly, and you were certain that you fell asleep on the floor.

You sat up on the bed and looked around you. Something on the nightstand caught your attention; there was a cup of tea, some kind of baked goods, and a small flower.

Did he? An apology for the dinner? Your heart was racing as you felt the tingling in your stomach again. You felt the heat in your cheeks; you were blushing.

But why... did you actually... like him? No, you were definitely just startled by everything you told yourself.

“Come on, he’s a killer... a cannibal...” you whispered to yourself to remind yourself of the fact. After hesitating for a bit, you decided to inspect the flower. It was small, definitely something he found outside in the fields, to you it was the most beautiful flower you’ve ever seen. It reminded you of nature outside, of your freedom. You wondered if you will ever step outside on the grass again if you will be able to run through the fields freely.

It pained your heart, as it gave you the taste of something you might never get, so you put it back on the nightstand.

You weren’t that hungry, but you appreciated the tea to wash away the bitter taste in your mouth. You still had your needs and felt anxious to ask to visit a bathroom, it wasn't very comfortable, plus if you shouted, it could be Hoyt who would answer you.

Everything felt so surreal.

You stepped out of bed to stretch yourself. Then you noticed your suitcase on the floor. Well, when would be a better time to reflect on my past, you thought for yourself as you opened it and rummaged through your stuff. You had more clothes there, stuff for your basic hygiene, and then some pens, papers, and notebooks if you needed them. Plus, a small diary where you sometimes wrote your thoughts. Well, this definitely didn’t help your situation as it only served as a reminder of your life back home.

You just sat down and blankly stared at the ceiling, trying to get rid of the intrusive thoughts.

*

 *

Footsteps close to the door brought you back into reality. You glanced at the door to see Thomas. He wasn’t pleased about you not eating breakfast, but he didn’t want to push you to do anything you didn’t want to.

 “Good morning... or noon.” You said to Thomas as your sight was focused on his eyes. The mask and bloody apron still kind of creeped you out, but his eyes... those made you feel safe.

 “Can I please use the bathroom? Or… well, can I please use the bathroom every morning to brush my teeth and everything?” you stuttered nervously. Thomas just nodded; he was still thinking about what happened with Hoyt.

*

When you came back, all cleaned up, you sat back on the bed, waiting for Thomas to cuff you again. “Oh, and thank you for the flower, I am happy that I could get closer to nature again…I love fresh air.”

Thomas looked at you, lost in thought. He wanted to do something for you because he felt bad for what you were going through. He let you stay uncuffed in the room for a while, and then returned with regular police handcuffs.

Thomas pointed at the window and grunted. “You would take me outside?” you asked, surprised. Thomas nodded and offered you the handcuff. You let him cuff your hand while he cuffed his. Now he could take you out without worrying about you running away.

 “Is Hoyt still in the house… I know he is your family, but I am a bit scared of him…” you murmured, trying not to sound rude. Thomas shook his hand as he led you out of the room. You could hear the sounds of pots and pans making noise in the kitchen and voices from the TV. That meant both Luda and Monty were in the house. You looked around, carefully remembering each detail about this house. One day, maybe you would be able to get out, you thought for yourself.

Thomas led you out of the front door and into the fields around the Hewitt residence. “Wow, your house is beautiful and huge.” You gasped in amazement. You deeply inhaled the fresh air that enveloped you and closed your eyes.

Thomas was mesmerized by your beautiful features in the sun. He felt his heart skip, and he was… content, maybe even happy.

 “Thank you so much for everything. I know you don’t have to do this… maybe you will get in trouble for it…” you clung to his muscular arm. “It’s beautiful here.” You cheerfully exclaimed.

Thomas used his uncuffed hand to caress your beautiful, silky hair. The way you thanked him…how you talked to him and touched him. He couldn’t believe it, he never knew that he could have something like this, but now you gave it to him. You made him feel like a human being.

This moment made you completely forget about your position as a victim. You kind of felt like it was a date or something. You looked at Thomas but looked back into the field when you realized he was looking at you too, and your eyes met for a bright moment. The tingling in your stomach intensified, and you felt like an inexperienced kid that held her crush’s hand for the first time. What you didn’t really realize was that this was exactly it for Thomas.

Thomas’s first holding hands with a girl, first hug, the first kiss… you gave him so much in these few days. Experiencing happiness for the first time in so many years. He didn’t know what dating was, what friendship or love was, but he knew he felt different about you. He saw many pretty girls in his life, those girls that became food, but you were completely different.

You were standing together in the field, letting the hot sun trail on your skin, it was so warm and comfortable. And you were finally outside after many days of your… well imprisonment.

But you were grateful… grateful that he spared your life because, in the end, you wanted to experience so much more in your lifetime.

 “Thomas… do you have any dreams?” you asked him as you looked at the sky. Thomas wasn’t sure, but he nodded. “I do too. Maybe someday I can achieve them all.” You reached your free hand to the sky. Thomas’s expression saddened. He knew that he could never do that.

You sensed the change of his aura. “You can do anything you wish for, Tommy. I believe that… I know that.” You smiled and looked at him. He thought you might be mocking him, but then he saw your gentle smile, maybe if you believed that… he could start believing too?

He touched his face, well mask, and readjusted it while growling. He hated his face so much; it was the beginning of all his misfortune.

 “Appearance doesn’t matter. You are beautiful in your own way Thomas. The people that mocked you are ugly. They deserve all the worst…” you noticed how uncomfortable he became when he touched the mask.

That was the last straw for him, enough. He knew it, he knew that you were lying, you had to be. If you saw his face, you would scream, and a disgusted expression would make its way onto your face. He suddenly turned to you, and then… he took it off. He wanted to end it. If he let you see, you would finally give him the reaction he expected from the very beginning of everyone. You would finally hate him, hate touching him, hate being with him… but he didn’t want you to give him false hopes and dreams. It was now or never.

You gasped, startled by his sudden movement and action. “Tommy…” you inspected his now bare face. His most vulnerable state. It was scarred, his nose was almost gone too. But you didn’t find it ugly or disgusting. His face to you was strangely appealing. It just added to his big stature and muscular appearance. He was intriguing, handsome in a way…

You raised your hand to cup his cheek. “See, I was right when I told you…” you whispered and smiled at him.

He was shocked. His eyes wide open, piercing you. But at the same time, a big weight was lifted off his chest… he was stoked. You didn’t panic or scream, didn’t gag, you didn’t show signs of disgust. He put his hand onto yours… this was the first time he let anyone touch his bare face.

 “You are handsome, Tommy.” You weren’t sure if it was a lie to make him feel better, or if you actually meant it… but you said with such honesty and comfort in your voice, it surprised you.

And then you saw it, tears in Thomas’s eyes, and before you knew it, you cried too. This whole situation didn’t make any sense to you, but you honestly felt like you experienced every Thomas’s emotion.

“Come closer to me…” you whispered. Thomas hesitantly complied, he was so scared because of how vulnerable and exposed he was in front of you. He felt like that little bullied boy again… especially when he leaned towards you because you could see his disgusting face up close.

“Close your eyes, Tommy…” you said as you gently caressed his cheek. He did as you said and then felt your warm lips press against his. He melted into the kiss as he held you closer to him. Maybe you were right, his dreams could become true someday.

a/n: omg thank you for all the love and support you give me on my story <3 so, you and Tommy are getting closer... let’s just hope nothing bad happens now 3:)

[asian-hero]

52." Accidentally Witnessed kiss" with yaoyorozu...? Sorry i send a lot of ask for her but i like her a lot 😭

A/N: I’m sorry, but are you apologizing for requesting YAOYOROZU MOMO, aka the love of my life? Because if you are, I want you to know that I fucking love ALL the requests I get for her, and I will happily write whatever request you have for her. Please let me write more about my wife

52. “Accidentally Witnessed Kiss” from this kiss prompt list (feel free to send in a number and a character!)

Summary: Your relationship with Momo was a bit of a secret from the rest of your class. It wasn’t that the two of you were trying to hide, but it just never came up, and the two of you never felt that you needed to address it. So, what happens when one of your closest friends happens to walk in on the two of you? Spoiler alert: the rest of the class is told, and chaos ensues 

Words: 1,613

If there was anyone in the world who could make your day turn bright, then it’d be Yaoyorozu Momo. She could somehow make the worst of days into the best of days, and, if you were feeling particularly upset, she could hold enough happiness for the both of you. You knew that you had a crush on her when you first spoke to her, with how warm and comforted she made you feel, and you knew that you loved her when she, with a bright pink blush across her cheeks, accepted your confession, and agreed to go out on a date with you. Loving her was the easiest thing that you could’ve done, and you were grateful that she chose you out of all the options in the world.

The two of you had been going steady for almost a year, and while the two of you continued to grow comfortable in your relationship, with Momo eventually loosening up enough to actively seek your affection in public, it seemed as though your entire class didn’t get the memo, and just thought that the two of you were just very close. Those loving hugs that you’d envelop her in? Oh, you were simply just being an affectionate friend. The cuddling during 1-A movie nights? Well, that wasn’t too out of the norm, seeing as how Ashido and Hagakure also cuddled together. In fact, you were fairly certain that you could drape yourself over your loving girlfriend and tell her you love her in front of all of them, and they’d still assume that the two of you were just best friends.

However, it didn’t really bother either of you, though. Both of you didn’t feel the need to flaunt your relationship, to tell the whole world, in order to “prove” the validity of your relationship. You were perfectly comfortable with just the two of you, and a few less oblivious people, knowing about it. After all, you figured that they’d find out eventually, so there was no rush to tell them.

When they did find out, well, not only were they surprised, but you could also sense that they were offended that you hadn’t told them.

One morning, during one of your free days, you found yourself waking up to the quiet buzzing of your phone. Groaning, you felt around your nightstand, fumbling a few times, before you grabbed the source of the noise, pulling it back to you and pressing “accept call” without even looking at it.

“Hello?” You answered, your voice thick with sleep.

“Oh, did I wake you? I’m so sorry!”

Hearing the flustered voice at the other end of the line, a tired smile came across your face. Sitting up and rubbing the sleep from your eyes, you spoke, “Yeah, but it’s okay. What’s up?”

You could practically hear the embarrassment radiating off of your lovely girlfriend, whom you have told multiple times that she never bothered you, no matter how early or late in the day it may be. After a couple beats of silence, she cleared her throat, having gained some sense of her composure.

“Well,” She started, and you could imagine the cute face she was making, “No one else is up yet, and I’m a little lonely, so would you like to have some tea with me?”

As soon as she said she was lonely, you were already out of your bed, grabbing one of your sweatshirts and heading out the door. “As if you needed to ask,”

Soon after, you hung up, telling her that you’d be down soon. Once you made it down to the kitchen, you noticed that Momo had her back to you, clearly occupied with something else. Sneakily, you walked up to her, only making your presence known when you hugged her waist from behind, pressing your face into her neck to land a soft kiss. You could feel her stiffen up for a moment, before realizing that it was you. With a quiet click of her tongue, she ruffled your hair.

“Good morning, my sneaky girlfriend,”

You smiled, humming softly as you moved to rest your chin on her shoulder, peering over to see what she was doing. Seeing the teapot that was laid out, and the two cups beside it, you took in a deep breath, trying to guess what she made.

“Black tea?”

She nodded her head, moving away from your grip to pour the both of you a cup. Handing you one, she smiled, moving to pinch your cheek. “It’s good for lowering your chance for heart disease, and can help to reduce clogged arteries,”

You bit your tongue to hold in some smart remark, wanting to tease her a bit on her vast knowledge of tea. Instead, you simply raised the cup to your lips, slowly sipping as you let the warmth and smell wake you up.

The two of you stood in silence, merely enjoying each other’s presence as you sipped your drinks. Every few seconds or so you’d look up from your cup to glance at the serene look on Momo’s face. While you wouldn’t admit it out loud, you lived for the little domestic moments like this. It wasn’t everyday that the two you got to hang out for the day, with nothing to do and nobody to save. With both of you studying earnestly in order to become the best heroes you could be, a lot of your time spent together was either in the presence of your classmates in the dorms, or by yourselves, doing homework or training together. It was rare for the both of you to just have time to yourselves, to be able to simply enjoy being next to each other. All of these intrusive thoughts started making your head spin, and you prayed that she couldn’t see just how flustered she was making you by just standing there. Taking another deep sip of your tea, you willed yourself to calm down, otherwise you think you would’ve just exploded right where you stood.

However, you found yourself slowly losing restraint, and the last straw was the loving stare that she gave you when she finally noticed your staring.

Tilting her head, she merely furrowed her brows, a confused smile finding its way to her lips, “Is there something on my face?”

Instead of answering her verbally, like you probably should have, you placed your cup on the counter, moving closer to her. Wrapping your arms around her waist, you pulled her in even closer, closing any gap that was between the two of you. You couldn’t help the giggles that came tumbling out of your lips at her blushing face, her words coming out in cute stutters. 

Deciding to take pity on the poor girl, you leaned in, your noses gently nuzzling against each other, before pressing a kiss to her lips.

Her lips were soft and plush, and you swore that you could taste the slightly bitter flavor from the black tea. In all honesty, the kiss was just meant to be a short little peck, but when you pulled away, you could feel Momo’s hands grip your sweatshirt tighter, as if complaining that you were leaving so soon. So, when you placed your lips back on hers, your gentle morning kiss turning into a gentle morning make out session, you truly were not to blame.

Your kisses were affectionate, yet lazy. Small pecks were being pressed all over her face, and when she began to pout from your lips being everywhere but on hers, you would cave, moving into a more, traditional kiss. Eventually, one of your hands had wandered from her hips to her face, moving to cup her cheek. She seemed quite content with the amount of affection she was receiving, though she still pulled your in closer, as if you were too far away for her liking.

You could honestly just stay in her arms all day, kissing her without a complaint in the world. However, the universe had other plans for the two of you, and that came in the form of an extremely shocked Ashido, who, upon stumbling into the kitchen, started gasping loudly while pointing at the two of you.

Eyes ripping wide open, your head whipped towards the shocked girl, a look of concern growing on your face. “What happened? Are you okay?”

She stared at you for a moment, almost as if you were the dumbest person on the planet. 

“You,” She started, pointing at the two of you, “You were just kissing?”

A look of confusion crossed your face, unsure of what she was getting at. “Yeah? Isn’t that what couples normally do?”

That didn’t seem to defuse the situation. In fact, it seemed to only make it worse, as Ashido gasped even louder before yelling, “You two are dating?”

You could feel Momo’s head rest against your shoulder, a quiet yet embarrassed groan coming from her. Rubbing her back soothingly, you nodded toward the pink haired girl, giving an answer to her question, “We’ve been dating. For almost a year now,”

Before you could even question her antics, she rushed out of the common area, shouting about how happy she was for the two of you, and how the rest of the class was going to be so happy. Looking down at the flustered girl in your arms, you pressed your lips to the crown of her head, a silent apology for what was to come.

Though, if there was one good thing about your classmates finally understanding that the two of you were together, it was that you could kiss her whenever you wanted.

[sanababes]

Requested by: anon

Saviour

pairings: fem!reader x Lee Gahyeon

warnings: a/b/o dynamics (alpha!reader and omega!gahyeon), brief sexual harassment, swearing

----------

"For fuck's sake… It reeks the scent of omegas in here."

You grumbled while scanning the packed rooftop. The cold breeze of the wind was not enough to hide the pheromones which resulted in you being annoyed as hell.

"Oh come on, Y/n," Siyeon chuckles while wrapping an arm around your shoulder. "Stop being such a party-pooper."

You just scoffed in disbelief and just let the latter drag you into a group of familiar girls. Their idle chatter fades away as they spot Siyeon with a pleasing look on her face, but laughters begin to erupt when they see you tailing behind her unwillingly.

"Yah! Y/n's not looking good, huh?" Sua claimed as she swirls the liquor on her hand. 

You just rolled your eyes and sat at the opposite side of the table. Siyeon lets you throw a 'tantrum' like how she describes it whilst making herself comfortable as she sat beside Sua. She immediately warms up into the older's body, cradling her cheek and giving it a light kiss. 

Meanwhile, you cringed at the sight which didn't go unnoticed by the other alpha sitting close to you.

"You can go and puke yourself out," Moonbyul teased. A wavering sigh comes out from you as the two betas across you continued to display their affection with each other.

"Thanks for the advice," You snickered at the woman's dry humor. 

Moonbyul suddenly emits her scent which made your eyebrows furrow. This made a few omegas nearby quiver weakly until a certain woman near in 30s walked by hastily and succumbed into the alpha's embrace. Then, the older's pheromones abruptly fades away, thanks to the help of the breeze of the cold wind. 

"A new mate?" You asked, still confused at the latter's previous actions. 

"Yeah, but with the tone of your voice, you're making it look like I had a lot of them before." Moonbyul remarked as she let the unknown omega crawl into her lap.

You just smirked and shrugged your shoulders, "I mean, who knows…"

The latter lets out a soft chuckle before burying her face into the crook of the omega's neck. You shook your head with a hint of amusement, it was rare for the older to be 'touchy' with her mates as you previously observed through the years you've been together. Moonbyul was always private and kept her affections behind closed doors, she also rarely becomes possessive until it's needed. That's why the sight in front of you is surely a new thing to see. Nevertheless, you just let her be.

The night is still young as you scanned your eyes through the open view of the city. The balcony began to be filled with people who were invited as well to the party, though you never knew who even ran the event in the first place since you were just forced to be here by Siyeon.

"Why don't you have a mate yet?"

You unconsciously winced at Moonbyul's unexpected question. The thought of having one just didn't sit right with you, Siyeon even calls you 'coward' because of it.

"I already told you guys that I'm capable of not having one," you deadpanned, rolling your eyes in the process. "And, their scent is… unpleasant."

The latter chuckled before replying, "Yeah, right. It's you and your prideful ass again."

You just sighed and averted your gaze from her, the smell of pheromones once again creeps into your nostrils.

'Ahh, I shouldn't have come here...'

Siyeon suddenly stood up from her seat with Sua clinging on one of her arms, she gave you a smile before asking, "Do you want us to grab some drinks for you?"

"Hmm, just a glass of wine is enough." 

The latter nodded then excused Sua and herself instantly. You smirked mentally then glanced at Moonbyul who was occupied by pampering her omega. It was a good opportunity for you to sneak out, in the spur of the moment, you stood up and immediately strutted towards the exit of the rooftop. A lingering smile was written on your lips as you successfully avoided making contact with anyone, the smell of pheromones were also getting weaker at each step that you make whilst heading to the elevator.

It was all going smoothly until you heard faint shouts coming from the restroom, which is approximately one corridor away from your location. You frowned at the sudden dilemma.

"You've got to be kidding me…" you mumbled under your breath while you hesitantly looked at the elevator then back to the sounds of intrusion at the restroom.

"You'll just uh… take a look, Y/n. Just a quick look."

After a minute of internal struggle, you decided to check on the place as you walked carefully towards the restroom. The shouts earlier became weak cries of help instead which worried you even more.

When you reached the door and pushed it open, you were greeted by a strong scent possibly coming from an alpha. You saw a man pinning a certain girl against the sink as tears flowed freely on her delicate face. With one look, you immediately knew that the girl was being forced by the bastard who's clearly enjoying himself.

Your blood boiled at the sight that you couldn't help but to shove the man away from the poor girl and land a harsh punch on his face. 

"Fuck! What the hell is your problem–" you cut him off by kicking him on his crotch which made the alpha drop on his knees while he groaned in pain.

"Serves you right," you scowled with no sympathy. "Are you that desperate that you can't even find an omega who you don't need to ravish against their will? You're fucking pathetic."

You gave the man a last punch before he instantly passed out. 

"Rot in hell, asshole…"

You accidentally released your vigorous scent due to the anger that you had felt. This made the trembling girl nearby whimper silently, her cheeks are painted with light red hues.

Your attention immediately turns to the omega who's in a fragile state, the latter was breathing heavily as tears continued to slip down her cheeks. You carefully approached the girl, "Hey, it's okay now. I promise he'll never bother you anymore."

"T-Thank you…" 

You couldn't help but purse your lips as you get a whiff of her mellow scent. It was strangely… soothing.

"Uhm, do you have any friends that I can call?" you asked, crouching down to meet her wary gaze.

The latter couldn't manage to form her words because of her hiccups and sniffles. You reached out your hand to wipe the tears on her cheeks, feeling her leaning slightly against it cutely. 

The two of you stayed in that position for a while, not until she looked up through her lashes with her lips formed into a tiny pout, "D-Don't leave me, p-please…"

"Uh, sure," you mumbled softly. "I, uhm, I won't leave until you say so."

The girl nodded, appreciating your given comfort. She was starting to feel lightheaded due to the amount of alpha pheromones that she had inhaled for the past few minutes. And before you could notice it, the latter leans into your embrace while speaking indistinctly.

"...I think I'm going to pass out soon–"

---

You sighed for the nth time while carrying the unconscious omega in your arms. After she passed out in the restroom, you didn't have a choice but to bring her in your own house. You even tried unlocking her phone to find her emergency contacts but to no avail.

The whole process of assisting her to your home was almost a mess. You called your butlers, maids, and even your own personal doctor. You honestly didn't know what to do, after laying the girl down in one of the guest rooms, you left her in the care of your servants before fleeing out of the room.

ring ring ring

You fished out your phone and Siyeon's name greeted you in a flash. You chuckled lightly before pressing the decline icon, "You'll have to wait, unnie…"

The feeling of guilt by leaving her in the party bugs you immediately. Nevertheless, you decided to just send the older a text.

"I already got home, sorry. Something urgent came up."

You groaned quietly before leading yourself to your bedroom, which is a few rooms away from the guest room that the certain omega was occupying. Kicking your shoes off, you instantly plopped yourself into the mattress and began rethinking your life decisions.

'How did I even get into this kind of situation… I hope she can rest well, getting taken advantage of can really cause some stress and even trauma…'

Suddenly, a few knocks interrupted you from your thoughts. You averted your gaze into your bedroom's door before speaking up, "Come in."

In walks your personal doctor, he had a gentle smile on his face as he opened the door and proceeded to sit on one of your armchairs nearby.

"The woman that you had brought just needs a little rest. I also think that she's nearing her first heat cycle," Chan stated.

"Wait, what? First?" you asked, confused at the unexpected information. 

"What do you mean by her first?"

Chan looks at you then vaguely answers, "Her first heat."

Your jaw slacked unknowingly, that explains why the girl looked too naive and how she couldn't control the intensity of her scent.

"I see… I'll just check on her, you can go now. Thank you for coming right away."

You sat up from your bed as Chan stood up on his feet. You guided the man outside and asked one of your chauffeur to drive him home. Bidding a final goodbye to the latter, you watched the car leave out of your residency. 

One of your servants, Jeongyeon, walks up to you to inform you that the omega in your guest room had woken up already. With a timid nod, you walked briskly towards the said room and knocked on the wooden surface. 

"Hey, how are you feeling?" you opened the door slowly, you glanced at the girl who's now sitting on the edge of the bed.

She was emitting her scent once again, but it didn't matter. You have enough self-control.

"Better… C-Can I atleast know y-your name?" she muttered subtly, avoiding to meet your gaze. 

"Y/n. You can call me Y/n. How about you? You've been under my care for a few hours now and I still don't know your name."

You sat beside her, but within a safe distance so the latter wouldn't feel uncomfortable if ever.

"Thank you, Y/n. And… my name is Gahyeon," she finally looked straight into your eyes, and that's when you realized how gorgeous the woman in front of you.

Her eyes reeked an aura of innocence, and the way the tip of her lips curve was really cute for you. Her hair was in a vivid color of purple which really suited her perfectly. 

It was the first time you admired someone other than your closest friends.

"...Gahyeon," her name swiftly rolls off your tongue.

The latter blushes as she realized that you were muttering her name for a while now. Your dazed look also makes her giggle slightly, snapping you out of your thoughts.

"Oh, sorry," you scratched your nape sheepishly. "But, are you sure that you're okay now? I can get you anything that you want right now, just tell me."

Gahyeon just chuckled at your sudden blabberings, she decided to thank you non-verbally before pressing a quick peck on your cheek.

"Thank you again, Y/n or should I call you my Saviour?"

You froze up and couldn't answer her question due to her previous gesture.

'Oh hell no, why am I getting flustered? Ah shit, shit, shit–'

"Then you're my saviour it is."

~~~

(a/n: i didn't put a 'the end' CUZ i want to make a part 2 of this but with a soft smut, maybe something about gahyeon's first heat, still not sure tho. VOTE 'saviour pt.2' in my asks and when it reaches 5-10 votes i'll do it hihi)

[calpops]

falling facade | c.h.

part seven: falling forces

part one: falling flowers | part two: falling freedom | part three: falling fears | part four: falling failures | part five: falling fame | part six: falling feelings

5k words

Copyright © 2020 calpops. All rights reserved. This original work is not allowed to be reposted on any platform in any format (translations included).

<< >>

Radio silence ensued between Calum and Arden for days after their parents left. Days of quiet left Calum’s admission floating in tense air and burning the back of his throat; the words taunting him among lonely days. She didn’t respond to his texts and she didn’t answer his calls, Michael wasn’t a mediator he wanted to use as the truth he offered her was one he didn’t want Michael to know. So he stopped texting and calling, decided to wait and try to play it cool though contractual commitments and management looming over him created more anxiety. Arden couldn’t opt out of paparazzi walks, they had to make posts and keep playing the game. After nearly a week Calum decided to head over to Michael’s and face her in person only to be met with confusion.

“She’s packing,” Michael informed as soon as Calum showed up; he didn’t even need to say a word for Michael to know he was in search of her.

“She’s leaving?” He asked and couldn’t keep the panic from his voice.

Michael was quick to catch it and though he may not have understood why he was so worked up he moved aside from the door and invited him in. He told him Arden ought to be the one to explain and sent him down the hall to one of many guest bedrooms. The door was closed but Calum heard footsteps moving about and rapped his knuckles lightly against the wood. A pause in motion ensued and Calum knew she was contemplating either opening the door or calling out to come in or go away. He hadn’t told her he was stopping by and he assumed her usual response to Michael would be something of the sort. Steps approached and the door swung open, Arden standing shocked and uncertain before Calum.

A suitcase laid on the bed with stacks of clothes inside, proving Michael’s statement to be correct. Calum knew Michael wouldn’t lie about that but the evidence was jolting and hard to swallow. Arden held a shoe in her hand and grasped the doorknob with the other, knees knocking into each other as her legs began to wiggle amidst the uncomfortable silence they were standing in.

“What are you doing here?” She asked after a stretch of silence. Her eyes flickered up and down Calum in her curiosity.

“You’re leaving?” He answered with a question and a sinking stomach. “You know we have a paparazzi walk scheduled for tomorrow.”

The burn in the back of Calum’s throat was flickering to life, words said and unsaid dancing on the tip of his tongue. Instead of telling her he wanted her to stay he reminded her she was obligated to. Instead of reminding her of what was and what could be real he reminded her of what was constructed and fake. He resented the words as soon as they rolled off his tongue and wished he could go back; say the right thing and be honest.

“I’ll be there,” she said and turned back to the bed and suitcase to drop the shoe haphazardly within. Calum followed her into the room, the days of silence and her curt answer doing very little to explain what was happening between them. His own foolish words didn’t help the matter either. “At noon, right?”

Calum nodded. “Arden, is everything okay?”

Calum really wanted to know if everything was okay between them but the words were caught in a fiery embrace and couldn’t escape. She turned back to look at him, hand blindly finding the edge of the suitcase to grip. She nodded this time but the nod slowly faded and pursed lips and downcast eyes replaced it.

“It’s fine. I just need to get out of this house,” she admitted and shook her head. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just need to get out of Michael’s hair. Stand on my own two feet. I got a job. Found a little place. It’s not much but it’s liveable seeing how I’ll be here a while.”

Words of being in Michael’s shadow and not having life figured out, not having a passion or pride floated through Calum’s mind. Suddenly her silence made sense.

“You could’ve told me,” Calum said and reached a hand out, almost certain she’d flinch or reject the gesture, but in her ever consistent way of surprise she leaned into the touch and nodded again.

“I know,” she began and shrugged. “But I wanted to do it on my own. I had to do it on my own. For myself.”

In a way Calum understood the sentiment of her words but couldn’t quite grasp why she couldn’t even pick up a call or return a text. A spiral of doubt and intrusive thoughts tumbled through and had his hand dropping from her arm, the loss of contact cool on his fingers tips and tightening his throat. Arden shifted and sighed, disappointment seemingly hanging over her head and escaping in her every motion. Calum shook himself, pushed his selfishness away and realized the situation for what it really was. Arden may not be chasing a dream but she was running after something.

“I’m proud of you.”

She looked up suddenly, inquisitive glance trying to figure out the simple sentence packed with meaning. A faint blush danced across her cheeks and calmed the doubts that once plagued Calum. She still reacted innately to him; leaned into his touches, knocked her knees together and blushed at compliments all while holding eye contact. Things were changing but what was real would always stay the same.

“It’s nothing, really,” she responded but the bite of a smile betrayed her humble statement and showed Calum his words were well received.

“I know you had to do it on your own but what about some help packing and unpacking? I can lift,” Calum offered and smirked as her gaze went to his biceps for just a fleeting moment. “Got anything heavy?”

Arden laughed and gestured to an already packed suitcase sat on the floor; one without wheels and that was stuffed to the brim. “Be my guest.”

***

Arden’s place was small but cozy by the time it was all set up. They spent all day bringing her things over and unpacking, adjusting the furniture that came with the apartment and running out to get a few necessities. It was late by the time they were done, takeout containers littered the small counter space and exhausted bodies crashed into the overly stuffed couch. There was still a lingering awkwardness that dwelled between them in Calum’s truth and Arden’s silence. Especially when there were no more tasks to keep them busy or food to keep their mouths full and provide an excuse not to talk. Calum yawned and stretched under the glare of light from the television static—they hadn’t figured out how to get channels but Arden didn’t mind. Calum would guess the moon was out but the very few windows were too small and awkwardly placed to see much of the night sky.

“I guess I should get going,” Calum mumbled and moved to stand from the couch. Arden’s hesitant touch stopped him short. She was unsure as her hand lightly settled on his forearm.

“It’s really late, you could stay,” she said and furrowed her brows before getting out a rushed, “if you want.”

Her offer surprised him, stunned him into his own silence and stalled any motion. They hadn’t spent a night together since Vegas provided allure of lights and drinks that wound up with them tangled in the same sheets as morning broke over the city. He remembered the panic that morning brought, the haze being demolished by the glint of the ring he had come to almost admire on her finger. It took him a few seconds to decide, to weigh the situation and realize he’d like a new morning with her. Something less panicked and nauseated, something like the naps they took on his couch together. Where they could wake up with ease. Even if Calum would have to crash on the small couch.

“I’ll stay,” he said with a decisive head nod and watched the smile slowly lift the corners of her mouth. Hazel went humble and a bit shy but stayed on him nonetheless as she stood and tilted her head to the only bedroom. “I can sleep here, on the couch, that’s fine.”

Arden waved her hand through the air and let out a small noise Calum might peg as a scoff. “You’d be crunched in on yourself. Besides, it’s not like you haven’t been in my bed before.”

Calum felt heat rise to his cheeks at the reminder of something he was already thinking about. He felt caught but laughed through it. “Right, Vegas.”

She threw him a look he couldn’t quite decipher and followed her to the room they had spent all day setting up. The mattress was still on the floor until a bed frame could be delivered but soft sheets and a pile of inviting pillows welcomed them.

“I was actually talking about when we were kids and you’d spend the night while I was away and I'd come back to you in my bed,” she said as she wandered to the closet and disappeared behind the door for a moment before emerging in a large shirt and small shorts. She was clearly dressed for bed and Calum stood in athletic shorts and a T-shirt from the previous day. “But there was also Vegas.”

Calum clapped a hand to the back of his neck where his palm and fingers were met with warmth. He was blushing all over at the reminder of memories he had forgotten. He blew out a breath as her knees hit the mattress and she pulled the covers back, an inviting pat to the comforter having Calum do the same.

“It was either your bed or the floor,” Calum defended and bit his lip. “Hope you didn’t mind.”

Arden smirked and slightly shook her head as she settled into bed, Calum was a bit stiff and awkward as he tried to do the same. The thought of Vegas was enough to make him settle at the edge; arm nearly falling off as he left little space between him and the floor. Whispers of reasons why this was wrong floated through his mind but they were quickly drowned out when Arden giggled and pulled him toward her with a small remark of him falling off and really sleeping on the floor. He rolled to his side, saw she had done the same and they were facing each other. A gap laid between them and though there was a want to close the distance he was also content to keep things the way they were.

“You don’t think we”—Arden began as she tucked loose hair behind her ear and slightly shifted—“did anything that night in Vegas, do you?”

She finally asked the question that had been continuously reappearing in Calum’s own mind. The only thing he could remember and be one hundred percent certain of was the kiss on the dancefloor and holding her close in the pool after hours. All else was a blur. But the way they woke up; with underclothes still on and rumpled as if from a full night of sleep, helped to paint a picture of what he thought could be.

“I don’t think so,” he confirmed. “I’m pretty sure I’d remember that.”

He couldn’t see a blush on Arden’s face but could imagine the rosy cheeks his words may have inspired. There was minimal light through a small slat of window up high on the wall. It wasn’t like in Calum’s living room where floor to ceiling windows painted her under sun or moonlight. This was more confined. The bed brought them closer than a sectional. It was more intimate. He could hear her breaths, could feel every shift in the mattress and map out every minuscule inch between them. He had thoughts of Vegas in his mind which brought tumbling woes of tomorrow barreling through as well. Another stunt loomed on the horizon. He didn’t know how his new truth being told would impact them in the face of the facade.

Arden yawned and burrowed under her covers just a bit more, pulling the blankets up under her chin and Calum could picture her eyes fluttering closed. He did the same, tried to get comfortable and it wasn’t for the lack of comfort the bed provided but the uncertainties of tomorrow that kept him stiff. Time passed in a blur, it wasn’t until Arden’s breathing was even and she had moved a bit closer that Calum began to relax and let himself fall asleep—though it was interrupted and constantly shifting.

By morning they woke in a familiar way. With Calum’s arm wound around Arden and her cheek pressed to his chest. Neither said anything as they pulled apart and vacated the bed. Only small smiles and lingering gazes back at each other brought them back to the reality of what the day had planned. They left Arden’s place once she was ready so that Calum could change his clothes and check on Duke; his friend had taken care of him for the night but a stop to say hello and make sure he was set for the day was needed. Arden took Duke out as Calum changed and a sense of normalcy and a craving for days like these befell Calum in an urgent way. If it weren’t for the silence on Arden’s end and alarm bells fleetingly ringing in his mind Calum may have had hope that this could be a new normal.

All too soon that normalcy was shattered when they had to leave for another stunt. The fake always caught up with them; the game was always in motion and distinguishing between realities was becoming increasingly more difficult. They found themselves in another familiar position, eyeing paparazzi out of the windshield of Calum’s car as Arden hesitated. Her fingers wound around the seatbelt and held it tight, white knuckles and a hazy gaze telling of how much she did not want to go. She let out a small huff and turned to Calum with pursed lips and a dropping hand. It landed on her thigh and made no move for the door handle.

“Did you mean it?” She asked and caught Calum off guard, made him nearly jump at the sudden question with no previous context. When Calum’s confusion was evident she further expanded. “What you said when our parents were here. Did you really mean it? It’s not all fake?”  

Calum nodded without even having to further process the question. “Of course I meant it.”

“Then why haven’t you said anything else?”

Now Calum furrowed his brows. “I guess I was waiting for you.”

He didn’t want to push and he didn’t want to assume or make her feel obligated to reciprocate. He took her silence as uncertainty and she took his waiting for her to mean the same. He now realized that what he said could be open ended and not answer the questions that might have been tumbling through Arden’s mind.

Arden shrank back in her seat and let her shoulders slump. She blew out a breath and a tendril of hair went with it, an urge to tuck it back behind her ear coursed through him and won. He reached over and gently did so, fingertips trailing and reveling in the moment and the contact. Her hand came up to capture his, brought it down to the console and rubbed her thumb over the back of his hand; it was as if the movement was her contemplation and mind rushing back and forth.

“Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s real and it’s even harder to know what you think is real too,” she admitted and glanced away, bit her lip and stopped the motion of her thumb. It took a moment before she could look at him again. “What moments did you mean? What did you feel was real?”

Calum softened and squeezed her hand, pushed the thought of paparazzi lingering outside to the back of his mind and focused in on her and the memories they had cultivated in just a couple of months.

“The night of the party. The road trip and everything that happened in Vegas”—Arden arched an eyebrow and Calum quickly reconsidered his words—“kissing you on the dance floor, sneaking into the pool, waking up together. When you stood up for us to management. Dates at the diner. Napping on the couch with Duke. Afternoons in the pool. Sunset on the beach. Being proud of you for opening up and finding a path to follow while you figure out where to go to chase your dreams. All of that is real to me.”

Arden went quiet but Calum felt as if he could hear her thoughts out loud—he just couldn’t make sense of them. It felt as if she was thinking in another language, in a way he couldn’t quite understand, but desperately wanted to. He didn’t want her to stay silent again. He laid his cards on the table now it was her turn to show her hand. Whether it was what Calum wanted to see or not.

“That’s all real to me too.”

Calum let out a breath of relief followed by a small and dry laugh, unable to bite back the bubble of hysteria that had worked its way into him. Arden pushed closer, closing some of the minimal distance and reminding Calum of how much he missed peaches and sugar. He licked his lips, dipped his down just a bit.

“Can I kiss you again?” He asked, and suddenly that breath of relief felt fleeting; he felt utterly breathless as he stared into hazel.

She averted her gaze and pulled back, a sinking feeling consuming Calum. He thought it was real.

“Not here,” she explained and looked out to the paparazzi waiting mindlessly on the curb. “Not while we have to do this.”

Calum understood; no words were needed to define this. Crossing lines of real and fake would only make things more hazy. When the moment was right, when everything around them was real, he would ask again. Arden took a breath and flung the car door open, leaving little time for Calum to think further or get too intoxicated by the scent of peaches. He followed her, wrapped her in an embrace to keep the cameras off of her as much as possible and strolled into the cafe as cameras snapped in their faces. While in line he thought less about what the headlines would say, thought more about what they might do for a real moment once the cameras were gone and if it might lead to something sugary sweet.

This stunt was different, management wanted more photos and more affection, something to splash across pages of a magazine and keep fans attention apt. It was the build up before the breakdown. They would have more intense stunts like this before the inevitable drifting phase and while that stage of the stunt already had a harrowing grip on Calum he tried not to think about it. He was okay with living in the moment and unraveling more of Arden.

The line moved fast and their orders came in quickly and they situated themselves at an outdoor table where the paparazzi positioned themselves at a slight distance to make the photos appear off guard. Sunglasses disguised Arden once more and a tilted laminated menu helped to hide her even more. Calum dipped behind it as well, imaginations welcome to run wild at the hidden shots.

“You know,” Calum started and smirked. “You didn’t tell me what your new job is.”

Arden tilted her head and leaned in, whispering words so they could stay between only them. “I can show you, after we get out of here.”

Calum nodded with enthusiasm as he was excited to see another real side to Arden; to show his pride for her accomplishment and maybe, just maybe, get another kiss. In the meantime he humored the paparazzi as they ate, flung an arm around her and played up all the aspects that management was seeking. Arden fed into it and it almost felt like making a mockery of the demand. Over dramatized affection and longing gazes, bashful and playful hiding behind menus and pretending the cameras didn’t exist helped bring them through their lunch with as little actual interaction with them as possible. Once the food was finished and Calum was certain they had gotten plenty of shots he pushed out his chair and stood; offered his hand to Arden and tucked her back into his side.

“That’s enough for today,” he said in a low voice as they walked away, never wanting to give them any more of Arden than was necessary.

Although, Calum had to admit the way they were acting was not them and it felt like a victory to pretend on their own terms. Whether or not it would fool the masses and appease management was up in the air. Their over the top performance kept the paparazzi at bay and from spewing comments to incite reactions or ask questions they wouldn’t want to answer. They fed off of actions, a picture sometimes worth so much more than words. Photos were flashy and attention grabbing. Words fell flat when they were practiced.

Back in the car Arden took Calum’s hand as soon as the cameras were put away. Out of sight, out of her mind and back to being real and okay. Her fingers laced with his and their hands rested on the inner console. Neither said anything about it; all that was said was directions to Arden’s job and questions about it that she danced around with giggles and an emphatic you’ll see.  

“Right here,” she said and pointed to a stone building with one large window and a glass door dominating the front. A flashy sign hung above the glass and Calum immediately smiled when he read it and pulled up to the curb beside the building.

“An art gallery?” He asked and remembered the discussion when they were sat in the grass about art only being a hobby and not a passion. “Don’t tell me you bought an entire gallery and filled it but I still don’t have one painting from you.”

Arden lightheartedly rolled her eyes at his comment as she unbuckled and Calum followed suit, wandered after her as she got out of the car and waved for him to peek inside the closed gallery.

“It’s not my gallery. I’m just a coordinator,” she explained as Calum took a look through the window to dim lighting and art hanging on stone walls—none of which he understood as well as Arden’s. “Who knew all it took was half a degree, an art history course and “good eye” to get a decent job. Well… that and maybe using Michael as a reference helped a bit.”

Calum’s hand found its way to the small of her back without thinking. She was still looking through the window and had come to bite her lip at the admission of using Michael’s name. Calum could tell it wasn’t something she wanted to do; still seeking to step away from his shadow and all. He thought quickly.

“It was all you,” he said and gently rubbed a circle into her soft skin as she gazed at him in question. “You got the job on your own merit. Michael’s name doesn’t hold any weight in the art world. Not this art world anyway.”

“You think?”

The question was genuine and the concern in her eyes spoke volumes to the authenticity of her character. She didn’t want to be a social climber. She didn’t want to use what little light got cast into Michael’s shadow to give her a step up. Calum couldn’t hold back the smile that overtook him or the need to move closer to her. She reciprocated and welcomed his embrace; hand moving to wrap around her waist as he stood behind her and ducked his chin down to the crook of her shoulder.

“I’m sure of it and I’m proud of you.”

Calum could feel the blush that heated up Arden and heard the slight choked up noise that slipped past her resolve. He didn’t know how long she had gone without hearing those words for something she actually felt pride for. Her hands found his and she titled her face towards his. She was so close, peaches and sugar once again invasive in the best of ways.

“I just figured if I don’t know what my own dream is yet I may as well help other people achieve theirs,” she said in a whisper and her lips nearly brushed along Calum’s cheek like so many thank you’s she had previously graced him with.

Calum warmed at her explanation and inched just a bit closer, felt her turn and welcomed her into his hold properly as he adjusted to accommodate. Her chin tilted up and her eyelashes fluttered as a quiet calm blissfully danced around them. Calum was hyper aware of his own heartbeat, could feel it in his throat and his ribs and the pit of his stomach. He wondered if she could hear it, if her heart was beating as erratically and wondrously as his. She licked her lips and the rest of the world faded away into muted colors. His breath hitched in throat.

“Now,” she whispered and let her eyes fully close as Calum leaned in.

It was soft and reminiscent of the dance floor at first. Just a tender touch that lingered for a beautiful moment. They both slightly pulled away but only enough to take one small breath before reconnecting. It was explosive and sent chills up Calum’s spine. His tongue swept at her lower lip and she invited him in, greedy hands sought out more of each other with a press of their bodies. Calum was fiery and floating, breathless and rejuvenated once they pulled away. Her eyes stayed closed a moment before fluttering open and softly meeting his gaze. Though there was the faint sound of bells ringing through Calum’s mind they were drowned out in favor of his heart beat and the small breaths that escaped Arden.

“I know you just got your new place set up but do you want to head back to mine?” Calum asked and waited with bated breath and hope on his heart and sleeve. “Duke misses you, you know.”

“Oh does he?”

Calum nodded with a cheeky grin and gave her a small peck on the cheek. “He does. Told me this morning.”

“How could I ever refuse then?” She questioned with sparkling eyes and a crooked smile as they started back for the car with hands held. “And you know Micheal won’t be waiting up for me anymore either.”

Calum stopped dead in his tracks and so did Arden consequently. Those bells came back as a blaring alarm.

“Michael’s gonna kill me,” Calum said with volition; as if it was a known fact. He rubbed at his jaw with his free hand and let worry crease his forehead. “Soon as he finds out we’re real that’ll be the end.”

Arden’s eyes went wide and Calum knew in that moment the warning bells had caught up to her. Her hand dropped from his and went unsurely to the hem of her shirt with a loose grip. Her knees knocked together and she shook her head. He could tell she was trying to think it through. He hoped he hadn’t scared her into not pursuing a real relationship. Michael was just another obstacle they would have to go around.

“Maybe we don’t need to tell him?” Calum asked with a wavering voice and not much faith; a bite of guilt already eating at him at the prospect of omitting such a big truth from his best friend.

“What Michael doesn’t know”—she said as she came back from the warning alarm and opened the car’s passenger door—“won’t kill you.”

Before she could get in the car Calum stopped her short and shook his head as he weighed the situation and his request. “Are you sure you’re okay with that?”

People passed by on the sidewalk as Arden took an extra moment to contemplate. Calum reached for her hand again and felt an ache in his chest ease up when she squeezed back.

“I mean, I did ask you to lie to your family,” she began and took a step toward him, the door shutting behind her. “And we will tell them all the truth eventually. Right now, we still have a lot to figure out between us. It’s probably best that it stays just between us. We don’t need more outside forces trying to call the shots.”

Calum knew that to be true, there was still a lot up in the air between them. It was real but it was still laden with questions and undefined. With a loose hold on her hand he pulled her closer and pressed a shy kiss to her forehead.

“Just until we figure it all out,” he agreed.

“Can we head to your place now? I miss Duke,” Arden agreed and teased.

Calum decided to ignore everything except the way she lit him up and made him feel like he was floating. To focus only on her and what was best for them. Nothing else mattered. Not Michael. Not management. Not questions and labels yet to be discussed. What they knew was that it was real and something more than a contract could define. All of the falling forces lingering around them didn’t hold half a flame to the importance of each other.

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[impaladolan]

Control Freak - Grayson Dolan

summary: after being summoned to the new CEO’s head office, or rather dungeon, there’s an unexpected twist when y/n becomes, what some would say, mouthy with her relatively new boss..

warnings: smut & swearing, the usual :)

tag(s): @joyfuldolann tehe

a/n: i’ve never really done tags, but if you’d like to participate in them— (such as for future series or control-freak/capture parts) leave a comment on any of my posts or even dm me! (only if you want, don’t feel obligated to do so, it’s just for fun :)))) ily! <3 also, sorry if this is crappy.. i’m not the biggest fan of this part, but i really wanted to get something out for you all!

part one

"I'd like to have a word with you, in my office."

His voice rang in your ears, like a symphony or an orchestra in a small room. So as you slowly walk down the hall, past the secretaries and into his large, barricaded office, you had internally convinced yourself that he's just a guy that's your boss. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less.

So you thought...

"Ms. Y/L/N." He addresses as soon as you shut the large door and turn around, though his eyes were glued to his large computer. "Sit." He demands, looking towards you for a moment and nodding to the chair sat in front of his huge desk. You hurry to answer his command, seating yourself in the cushiony furniture. You take a quick look around the room, the colors and décor a lot more darker and dungeon-y than Mr. Kidman had it. It almost made you sleepy, until his voice snapped;

"You should be a little less intrusive with your own thoughts, Ms. Y/L/N." He had fully turned, giving you his undivided attention with his brow arched and a signature smirk dotting his plump lips. You felt your cheeks go hot from just his voice, and his snippy, cockiness as well. "How're you to know exactly what I'm thinking, if I may ask Mr. Dolan?" You assertively question, crossing your legs as you furrow your brow with intent. You knew what games he was playing, and you'd play them right back if it meant putting him in his place, questionably.

"It's all about body language, darling. You seem to fidget a lot in my presence, which I notice that you don't do in anyone else's.” He begins, watching as you surely begin to run your hand along the ends of your skirt, something you normally do when you’re nervous. “You're a bit more sassy and less reserved when you're talking to me, and your cheeks seem to turn red when I directly speak to you, do they not?" He now had his large hands settled on the tabletop, fiddling his thumbs back and forth while he pursed his lips in question. He had completely caught you off guard and all the more stunned and almost embarrassed. "Sir.. I don't understand what you—"

"Or the way you dozed off that entire meeting. Tell me, Y/N, what were you daydreaming about, hm? Something work related I suppose?" He was quick to interrupt you, adding a fiery anger, much like Kidman's, to your attitude. "Listen, you cocky fucking asshole. I'm tired of your stupid pestering so if you could just get straight to the point instead of me having to sit here and endure your little go-arounds for another half hour, it'd be greatly appreciated." You violently whisper, standing from your seat with your arms crossed and your lips in a thin line.

You're a very tolerant person, but his continuous egging on was bound to make you burst anyway. But what made you even more extravagantly angered was his hoarse chuckle that began to rumble throughout the room. "Cocky fucking asshole, huh?" He continues his girthy laugh, standing from his seat and slowly strolling around to the front of his desk. You slightly gulp when he towers you with his height, his intensity and nonchalantness at the same time a bit too much to bear. "I'd watch that pretty little mouth of yours, princess, before it gets you into some real trouble." He seats himself on the front edge, examining you head-to-toe with his beading eyes. You grew stiff, not wanting to make a sound or remark in his wavering stare.

Perhaps to keep from getting in trouble, maybe?

"I'd say the same to you, if it weren't for yours being rather large, than little." You incoherently scoff, surprising yourself with your own words. His face contorted from his relaxed look into a more furious looking one. His grip on the ledge of his oak wood desk had tightened, making the tops of his hands whiter and more constructed than they would look relaxed. His indented cheekbones grew more visible and his eyes seemed to darken out of nowhere.

He does look very ravishing when he's angry..

Suddenly, you feel his tight grip on your hips, shoving you back down into the chair without a warning. "Y'know, Kidman told me about you," He began, waltzing away from you and around your chair, undoing his tie in the process. All the while you sat there with wide eyes and a fluttery feeling down near the pit of your stomach. It gave you goosebumps clear down your arms and legs. "He said you were a very independent, hardworking women that's quiet and respectable. But frankly, you've proved him wrong." He sighs as he turns to face you, still sat in the chair, with a sharp and pointed look that gave you the good tinglings. "Well, frankly," You mock his tone, "You've only known me for the minimum of three hours, Mr. Dolan. You're just assuming." You point out, with a ghastly smile.

To that, he loudly slaps his hands on the arms of the chair that you were forcefully sat in, his face becoming of close proximity to yours. "Have anything else to say before I smack that tiny little ass of yours?" He questions with the raise of his brow, sending another one of the flooding shivers down your entire body.

Fuck.

If it wasn't for your lack of correct, impulsive decision making skills, you would have walked away and finished whatever work you had left and hurried home. But instead, you flipped yourself over and laid on the chair, ready for whatever he wanted to do to you.

"Take that fucking skirt off." He deeply orders, taking his blazer off angrily after unclipping his belt buckle. You obey almost immediately, shimming the skirt down your legs and unbuttoning the first couple buttons of your white dress shirt. You firstly feel his fingers softly glide over your asscheek, trailing towards your thong and looping his index finger under the thin fabric. With a tight, forceful pull, he rips it in half and tosses the bunched up silk to the side as you gasp with surprise. You close your eyes as you feel his hand glaze over asscheek once again, readying yourself for what would eventually hurt like hell.

But instead of what potentially would have been a slap, you feel his large hands roughly pull your legs apart, and his cock slam down into your noticeably aroused pussy. You loudly yelp, securing your hands around whatever you could while his settled at the valley of your hips. “Fuck, yes.” He breathlessly groans with his head thrown back and his eyes scrunched with immense pleasure. Your eyes began to water and the beginning of his slow, steady thrusts made your pussy clench with the desire of more. You had your teeth sunk into your bottom lip to keep your sounds and contentment as quiet as possible.

You hadn’t even realized how long it’s been since you’ve had real, carefree sex. You honestly forgot how good and scandalous it felt. Though, you started to remember, even in your hazed state of mind, that it was your new boss standing behind you. But before you could even get a chance to agree or take action from your right state of mind, you felt him lift you up and rush the two of you over to the other side of his spacious desk, his cock still embedded inside you and unmoving.

He lays you on your back, grabbing the opened part of your shirt and ripping it off, his teeth gritted and his brows furrowed as he swiftly unclips your bra and pulls it down your arms. Unlike his slowness before, he began to speed up quickly, barreling into you like he hadn’t done it in years. Which would be true if he hadn’t drunkenly slept with a women he had met at the bar almost a year ago, but he faintly remembers that anyway.

You became used to the pressure that once stretched your walls uncomfortably, but now it felt right. The way he entered you, at a slight angle, made your legs quiver with desire and the yearning for more. And when he touched that certain spot, oh god it made you whine like crazy.

“Fuck—there!” He had you almost screaming, which made him all the more aroused and heightened. He continued his harsh poundings, bringing his hands from your hips and softly up your stomach until they reached your perky breasts. He toyed with your sharpened nipple, grinning at the sensation it brought to you when you arched your back. With the sudden shaking of your legs and the unshielded moans you let loose, he could just tell you were extremely close.

“Don’t you fucking cum yet, Y/N. I’ve hardly fucking started with you.” Grayson then harshly brought his hand down to your soaked clit, rubbing it in quick circles. You weren’t really one to disobey authority, but it seems like getting on Grayson Dolan’s, the CEO of the company Choff, nerves were a bit more fun and exhilarating.

So when you felt the extremely bound knot in your stomach begin to want to unravel— you just let it. You came over his engulfed cock that continued to sink into you as you hardly breathe, the overflowing feeling and sensation that numbed your entire body washing over you. You weren’t given anytime to reassess, because he continued his thrusts, speeding himself up with an anger you’ve never seen before. He picked you up again, slamming you against the wall with one of his hands holding your ass up while the other kept your hands above your head.

“That’s fucking it—”

Though, the two of you were too caught up in each other to realize that someone was at the door, stunned and shocked at the scene playing out..

(masterlist)

[starshipsofstarlord]

Closeness in a Closet🔥 - Scott Reed x Reader

Summary: Whilst looking for evidence, you and Scott end up in a closet. It leaves the both of you time to mull over emotions as you wait to leave.

Someone had been leaving Clay polaroids. Disgusting ones, that did declare Bryce Walker a rapist, but that was what he was. They were evidence.

"You want me to what?" You asked Clay again, so that you could be sure you heard him right.

Ever since Hannah died, he was willing to go to extremes. No matter who got in the crossfire.

"Stay at school overnight, to see if anyone leaves a photo in my locker again." Why could he not do it?

You hated Liberty as it was, being locked in here when it was dark was not going to help. "You thought it was Reed, so why not just ask him?"

Scott Reed, the jock who hung out with Bryce Walker. He wasn't all bad, but he was a jock nonetheless.

Jocks carried a toxicity with them, wherever they went. Scott was no different. He couldn't be. He was a hormonal teenage boy like the rest of them, thinking with his dick rather than his brain.

"Of Bryce." You finished for him.

"I can't lose the chance of no more photos being left." Clay answered your question, his voice lowered so that this conversation was strictly between the two of you. People at liberty always stuck their noses in places they didn't belong, hence why Hannah was dead. "If it is him, he's scared."

It wasn't a surprise. The Walkers were a powerful family, using their wealth and reputation to bend the rules.

"Scared." You laughed. Sure Scott seemed different, but they were all the same. For all the two of you knew he was a rapist too.

It wasn't like Bryce just allowed goody two shoes' in the clubhouse. Even the mention of that place sent riddled shivers up your spine. "I'll do it, but only to prove you wrong."

If there was anything you loved more than watching the popular sports players getting their asses kicked, it was correcting Clay.

The boy always was so certain on things. But he wasn't right every time. It was impossible to be.

You walked with the boy to the cafeteria, finding Zach, whom you still held a little grudge on considering his previous group, Jessica whom was one of many of Bryce Walker's victims, and Alex, who was still recovering from his suicide attempt.

Everywhere you looked, you saw the effects of jocks. A few tables away, they were seated, laughing their asses off at something that was most likely crude and immature.

Monty clearly was the instigator of whatever joke that had just been made. The guy looked so proud and smug with himself. It was ridiculous.

But Scott wasn't joining in with the amusement. His mouth was upturned a little, but his gaze was wandering around the room, as if he was trying to avoid contact with any of them despite being seated at the same table.

And then his gaze met yours, whip made you whip your head away from facing that direction.

You couldn't have him being suspicious. You had to find out first if he really was the one lending a helping hand.

"Have you done the biology work?" Zach asked you. You weren't sure why he had began to be so interested in you. It was as if he wanted to help you.

"Of course." You smirked, stabbing your fork into the food.

Zach wasn't all bad. Maybe Scott wasn't either. But they still carried the bats on their backs, like scars in their skin. They would always be jocks, no matter how kind or sweet they were.

....

You hid in the girls locker room to avoid the janitors. When the coast was clear you exited, peeking at your phone to keep an eye on the time.

Clay hadn't messaged you. He must have been assuming that you were all good. But you weren't.

You were on edge. There was no one in sight, not that you'd have been able to see them anyway, it was dark. So dark.

As you walked in the hallway, you went into a janitors closet, which you had to pick with your hairpin.

It's not that you wore them, you merely carried them for the purpose of lockpicking alone. Seeing as you weren't all as lucky as Bryce, some of you had to bend the rules yourself to just get by.

And so you peeked through the window, that was fogged with dust, only to see a silhouette wandering in the vacant hall.

Who was it, and why were they coming towards where you were hidden? You could barely see their face, so it must've have been difficult for them to spot yours.

And then the door opened, revealing Scott.

"What the fuck are you doing?" You hissed at him, not sure whether you were asking about the intrusion or the pictures.

He made no attempt to answer just yet, instead he brushed past you, closing the door after he was fully in. "The same as you."

"Well, what do you think I'm doing?" He asked much more kindly than you did.

"I know (Y/N). I heard you and Clay, and I saw him drop one of the photos the other day. I want to know who's leaving a trail of them."

He couldn't be serious. He was the only suspect you had so far, and he was dismissing that it was him.

"Why? So you can secure them for your rapist friend, so that it doesn't go to court and drag the lot of you down?" Your finger prodded his chest, taunting the possible idea.

"I'm not a rapist." His statement seemed sincere. And it was you would've been able to tell if you could see the pain in his eyes.

"Okay." You weren't completely convinced.

"Okay?" He asked incredulously. "I want this all to end, the same as you do."

"Then why do you hang with Bryce and Monty? If they're around, this shit isn't going to have an end." You heaved, angry at the boy. You had been angry at him for so long, it was like you had forgotten who he was.

"Because I'm expected to. I know things and if I left, I'd have to pay a price. A painful one."

"Some friends." You remarked.

"I know that my contact with them is why you never called me back." He was no longer focused on the dirty window, instead his gaze was on you.

"It wasn't just you, so don't be so self centred." You had a life, one that you weren't proud of. But you were changing it all around. Maybe Scott was trying to do the same, but you couldn't be sure.

"I know." He gave you a small, almost guilty smile that was lit by no light. "And now you have to go to court. But you should know that the guys are keeping an eye on you. They're aware you know more about them than you're letting on."

"I saw things Scott. I heard things, and the clarity that they are what they are doesn't make any of it better." Your anger was no longer directed at him. It was instead targeted at yourself. "Monty persuaded me that you weren't interested, that you were just playing with me as if I was some discardable toy. And then he wanted to prove he could treat me better than you could."

Pursing your lips together, you couldn't help but feel ashamed. And to know Monty was still watching you made you want to vomit.

"He didn't -"

"No Scott." You dismissed his idea. "I consented. All that I had felt from the tapes, I needed to let go somehow."

"I'm gonna kill him either way." His teeth gritted together in irritance. He had never been a fan of Monty, but now he resented the guy.

"Don't, unless you want to go to court to." You shrugged your shoulders. Court. You had to go there, explain yourself and your behaviour towards a sweet girl who you had made give up. You should have helped, not the opposite.

"What Monty said, it wasn't real. I really liked you, and he just had to fuck with it."

"I really liked you too Reed." The past tense was in the air but something else made sparks shoot through the presence.

After you spoke, the two of you launched into each other, your lips mingling together, your hands in his hair, ruffling it and his own massaging your hips.

There wasn't anything else that needed to be said. It could all just be made clear with actions. With your bodies and the desire that had lingered in them.

His tongue pressed its way into your mouth, and yours danced with it. There was a sweetness to the passion, as though Monty had never got involved.

"I have to-" You tried to break away, although you didn't want to.

"You don't have to do anything you don't want to." He told you, going to pull away, but you pulled him back.

There was only a chance you would miss the anonymous suspect. So why not carry on?

Your thumb plucked at the zipped of his jeans, pulling down the metal ridges. He went to pull the denim down further, as you did the same with your own.

Both of your trousers were thrown to the floor, leaving you in your tops and undergarments. In an aroused haze, you removed your underwear and seated yourself onto the janitors trolley, that was pressed against the wall for stability.

Scott came between your legs, nudging his forehead against your own. "Tell me you want this."

He sought confirmation, and so you nodded but that wasn't enough for him. "I need to hear you say it."

"I wanted this since we first started seeing each other." The two of you had never gotten around to it due to the false rumours, but now was the moment.

His hands pushed down his boxers, and he allowed his tip to nudge at your entrance. He slid it into you, staying still for enough time to ensure you were comfortable.

You threw your head back at the sensation of the stretch. This wasn't how you had planned tonight, but you sure as hell weren't complaining.

And then he started moving, which had you stifling your noises. You had to be alert, in case the secret message came by. Even if you were to enthralled in pleasure currently.

"Fuck."

Fuck indeed. For you hadn't noticed the tall inconspicuous boy walking to Clay's locker, slipping in the polaroid and stalking away.

Zach should have known that someone would eventually start keeping watch, but from the whimpers coming through the door, you were clearly preoccupied.

"You feel so good." Scott rocked his hips before he let go inside of you, which made you unravel.

He gave a few more light thrusts before softly pulling out. "So what now?"

Scott scratched the back of his neck, before he helped you redress, and then doing so himself.

"Can I come to your hearing?" It made you Jump. It wasn't what you had been expecting.

"Scott, you said yourself that Bryce is keeping an eye on me. That's not a good idea."

He looked away, but you brought his face back towards yours with a stroke of your hand. "We should play it safe."

"I want to be there for you, because I wasn't with all that happened." He had watched you blame yourself but never comforted you. Now was his chance.

"Fine."

...

Clay stood waiting for you. "Did you see who it was?"

Shit. Why did that have to be the first thing that he asked you?

"No." You dragged the word out. "But it's not Scott."

"How do you know?"

That was something you didn't want to get into details to explain.

[anika-ann]

Nothing but the Truth - Pt.8

The Resolution

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader        Word count: 4070

Summary: A fake dating AU.  You’ve been moping for two days now; despite some surprising visitors in your hospital room, there was one person who haven’t made it yet. It’s just your dumb luck it was the one person that mattered very much.

Warnings: swearing, light angst, brief mentions of violence, fluff, extra dialogue-heavy chapter

Story Masterlist

The first thing your foggy brain registered as you woke up was that you must have a flu. There was no other explanation for how you felt.

Every single muscle, every single joint in your body, simply everything hurt and was so, so heavy… confusing images flickered through your mind, images of a dark room and the burning blue of irises, the pain and the poor attempt at a smile, the ring and leather straps, the maniacal grin on the vendor’s face—it was all adding to the splitting headache that was keeping you from opening your eyes; because no, no sharp light, thank you very much-

“Hey there, sleepyhead,” a velvety voice caressed your ears, gentle fingers lightly squeezing your hand. “You had us worried.”

Mind still fuzzy, you groaned, attempting to squeeze the warm hand back, but with zero result.

God, why is it so, so hard to move--

“I’ll call a doctor, yeah?”

Grunting something incomprehensible in disagreement, because fuck it, I just want to sleep, you drifted back into blissful ignorance, not having a care for the world.

When you woke up again, it was to Sam’s concerned gaze and you did not like that expression on his face one bit.

To your utter shock, he was soon replaced by Tony Stark; though Sam still stayed in your corner while the billionaire gushed about how you had led them right to the bad guy.

“He was crazy, alright. His brain was a like bag of cats and that coming from me? Real deal. Anyway… we couldn’t save anyone else. He was… eh, systematic. Putting trackers into the rings, stalking the couples and then he moved onto his mission of testing the true love bullshit and everyone failed, so he had the shocks to-“

Sam cleared his throat meaningfully as you winced, the ghost of the very unpleasant sensation running through your nerve endings, biting chill curling at the base of your spine, flashes of Steve’s face, the mask, the vendor, the chairs and the electricity crackling-

“Sorry. Just wanted to say… you did really great. You saved a lot of lives by helping us to lock him away. You basically entered the hero kindergarten,” Stark announced almost brightly, earning another ahem from your friend.

You smiled at the genius tiredly. “I’m not planning on joining your superhero group, Mr-“ you faltered when he made a face, “-Tony. And… I’d feel better if we could have—if the people who were taken-“

“Hey. Not your fault,” Sam interrupted you swiftly, voice as serious as his face. “You did amazing and I hope you’re never getting into this kind of shit ever again.”

Now he looked like a father torn between being proud of his kid punching a bully to their face and being exasperated because the said kid had earned an exclusion from school for it. To be fair, he possibly felt exactly like that.

“Yeaaaah, I guess that’s my cue,” Tony backed out with an awkward grin, stopping in the doorway to toss few more words over his shoulder. “Oh, I’m sorry for the delay. The deactivated trackers took us a while. Get better, hon!”

You couldn’t but grin at his demeanor, but your mood instantly shifted back to grim when you saw the look on Sam’s face. The air of an overexcited genius which Stark was carrying around was sucked out of the room, suddenly making it hard for you to breathe as the horror images filled your mind once more.

You shook your head and gulped, trying to push them back to the corner, focusing on something else entirely; namely on the black eye which Tony was nursing, one of which had a good idea how happened.

“You gave him the black eye, didn’t you?”

Sam’s furrowed brows rose at the probably unexpected remark, but he didn’t bother lying. “Damn right, I did.”

Who would have guessed that two days, only 48 hours, could last an eternity?

You would.

You knew; you had your fair share of experiencing that. Still, every hour crushed your chest as Tony Stark visited once more, Sam was at your bedside at nearly all times, Irma came to see you, hell, even Natasha freaking Romanoff stopped by and yet, yet, no Steve in sight.

Sam had told you he was busy; you could imagine. He must have probably been filling out mission reports, recovering himself, had to answer to authorities, to reporters-- and your eyes filled with stupid and pathetic tears when you thought of the reporters every single time.

Recalling your own encounter with the sensation-hungry sharks, the intrusive memory of the interview wormed its way to your brain and more importantly, to your heart; a memory of the time when everything had seemed alright, better even, almost as if there could be something more —and then Steve had said yes--- and then-

Then all you had was a hazy memory of his voice at your ear when you had been pulled out of unconsciousness, a wistful dream, a fata-morgana which you made up to console your mind when your body couldn’t quite comprehend the exhaustion and pain tearing you from your sleep only to slip back again.

He hadn’t come.

For two full days, he wouldn’t as much as shoot you a text, send flowers or something awfully sweet and Steve-like and you were starting to question just how much of what had happened down there you only imagined.

You were almost certain he had said he loved you, you would swear on it even; but if it truly happened and Steve was still not showing up, well… then it opened a whole new number of possibilities of what his motivation could be.

You refused to believe he didn’t care at all. However, you had met Steve a while ago and if you understood something about him, it was that his sense of duty was just a tiny bit inferior to his sense of loyalty. In other words, he would look out for his friends, as much as they would look out for him – more even.

So, even when Steve was supposedly busy – unless he was out of the country, naturally – he would let himself to be dragged out of the gym, out of his office, dragged away from anything that seemed urgent, yet not urgent enough for him to refuse Sam or anyone else who was concerned and insistent enough.

Hence you coming to the conclusion that he simply didn’t want to spent a single second in your presence, because he had in fact figured out that you had been about to confess your feelings to him and now he was doing everything to avoid you, because he had somehow tricked the machine when saying that stupid ‘yes’ and he had no clue how to turn you down gently now-- because Steve was nothing short of gentle.

Yep, that was your elaborate theory.

Say yay for your super-inventive brain, you thought darkly. And try not to choke at the thought of Steve ghosting you for the rest of your life.

Burying your face in the pillow and letting it soak up with your tears, you lulled yourself to sleep, grateful there was no one in your room at the moment to witness your break-down.

You were woken up from your slumber by three swift knocks on your door. It snapped you to full consciousness at instant, mostly because there weren’t many people who bothered to knock; it was quite common for them – and that included the doctors – to simply enter.

That difference in approach was essential, because your mind traitorously drifted towards the idea of Steve finally paying you a visit and it was both exciting and mortifying.

Also, it gave you hope of which you were certain would be crashed the moment the door open, so there was that.

The knocks echoed in the room once more, this time softer, as if the person behind the door worried about intruding your sleep.

Huh. Cute and considerate. How could you not get your hopes up at that?

“Uhm… come in,” you encouraged the mystery person cautiously, your heart nearly giving out when a blond head hesitantly poked in.

Yep, it’s Steve.

Or maybe I’m just high and I’m imagining him.

Hard to tell.

He offered you the weakest of smiles as if he could hear your thoughts and whispered a very shy ‘hi’.

You felt your heartbeat pounding in your temples in panic and excitement.

“Steve… uhm. H-hey. What-eh- what are you doing here?”

You would have been ashamed for stuttering like an idiot, except you were too busy freaking out over looking like a hobo, having red-rimmed eyes and chest filled with dread at this encounter, feelings spoken and unspoken sitting heavily in your ribcage—and well, generally just losing your mind.

Also, Steve was unable to speak like a normal person as well, so that helped. “I-uhm… came to check up on you.”

He stepped fully into the doorway and you expected him to come all the way in. Instead, he wavered there, not quite entering and it only caused your chest to tighten. You swallowed against the lump in your throat, trying your best to seem collected and not like desperately looking for a clue, anything to give away a single of his thoughts.

Was he hesitating because he wasn’t sure if he was welcomed after ghosting you or was it because he wanted to have an escape route open? He was a strategist, after all; it would be wise to have a chance at escaping the moment he sensed the situation going off rails.

A somewhat torn expression crossed over his face, followed by an expectant one, and you realized he must have been waiting for you to lead.

Again.

Ever the gentleman.

You would have appreciated it and possibly melt into a puddle of sappy goo, because Steve was a sweetheart always… except you hadn’t a clue what you wanted and where you wanted this to lead—well, you did know, but you doubted that would happen.

Your heart ached, a reminder of his confession possibly not being sincere and you being left on your own in your pining.

Shaking your head to free yourself from the cage of your own mind, you attempted a small smile, one that probably came off as super-awkward.

But he needed to cut you some slack, alright.

“Oh. I’m fine,” you finally said, answering the question not quite asked. “I mean… my head spins a little-“ And you’re not helping. “-but mostly I’m here because Tony Stark is being an overbearing ass. I don’t think he would admit that, but he probably feels guilty.”

It was another conclusion your brilliant mind had come to. You know, apart from the fact Steve was ghosting you because he was waking up in cold sweat dreaming about you being interested in him and all that.

But why were you telling him about Tony? Were you really that desperate to see him for a bit longer that you babbled? So desperately trying to postpone the inevitable conversation for later, because once it happened… God only knew what the outcome would be?

Your ears might have been playing tricks on you, but you would swear you heard him murmur ‘I know how that feels’ under his breath.

Hm.

“Good,” he stated, nodding his head as if he needed to assure himself that it was indeed good. “Uhm… it’s good that you’re almost fine.”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah.”

He was still standing in the doorway and your eyes started burning with unshed tears.

Small talk. Awkwardness. Things unsaid, hanging in the air, heavy and suffocating.

Was this how it was going to be between the two of you now?

And what else did you expect it would be like after you pretended to be a couple? After you kissed? And got tortured together, just in the case you forgot about that?

“What about you?” you forced yourself to ask, willing your voice not to crack. “How you’ve been?”

“Huh? Oh, uhm. Good. Yeah, good. Busy.”

“Right. I-- uhm… I bet-“

“No, actually… that’s a lie.”

You blinked, utterly taken aback at the blatant admission. It was so unlike Steve to be this cruelly honest that you barely registered that his words felt like a punch to your face.

Not that you had ever been punched to your face. Only nearly electrocuted. Which you guessed wasn’t any better.

“Oh.”

Steve shook his head, chuckling bitterly, still not moving from the fucking doorway and you wished you were in his place, so you could just flee.

“I spent half of the time staring at a wall in my office.”

“Oh… uhm.” And like an idiot, because you were one and you had no clue how to react besides bursting into tears, because he hadn’t come to see you and had been staring at a wall instead, you said: “I mean… I guess Stark Tower has some pretty interesting walls.”

This time when he chuckled, the sound was just as breathless, but lighter. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other and gestured towards the chair by your bed.

“May I?”

No. Nope. You let him in here and the more you look at him and do small talk, the more you’ll want to cry. Tell him no-

“Sure.”

Idiot.

Closing the door and finding his seat, he spoke again.

“Thank you. I… I should have visited. But… I spent hours and hours wondering how to apologize, and I know that it isn’t the best excuse, but I- you--“

You tried to blink away your tears, grateful for Steve staring at the bedsheets and not watching your face when talking. That would be pretty humiliating if he saw your awe-struck, humiliated and entirely confused face; this already was enough.

Apologize? For what? For lying and getting away with it? For telling the truth and then ignoring you? For pretending to care? For caring and suddenly not caring enough? Or for what?

What, what, what-  

“-what happened in that basement-“ he continued and the tone he spoke with was already too much to bear— you knew at instant that you didn’t want the answers to your questions.

Not if it meant that you‘d have your heart broken, a wedge driven into the already wide enough raw crack in it.

“Steve-“

“I got you hurt. And I’m sorry,” he whispered hoarsely, leaning his elbows onto his thighs, fingers interlacing as his hands hang loosely between his knees. Wait, what? “I am so, so sorry. That never should have happened-“

Your heart skipped a pleased and relieved beat.

You shouldn’t be getting your hopes up just yet – this wasn’t about what you thought it was, he wasn’t telling you he hadn’t been lying down there, but this possibility hadn’t even crossed your mind. It should have, it made perfect sense that he was feeling guilty, because he was the captain of the team, responsible for them—

You were so wrapped up in your own head, clinging to the fact he admitted he loved you (or not, who the fuck knew), that you hadn’t even considered this.

The revelation explained so much and sounded much more like him than you could imagine and your mind started racing with new possibilities. Maybe… maybe he didn’t—or did he- this was far from him denying that he never wanted to talk to you again and had literally nothing to do with your little truth-or-lie issue, yet you felt an enormous weight fell from your shoulders, a blanket of lead that had been lying on your chest for a while now lift.

You wiggled up so you could sit straighter in the bed.

“Steve, that guy was insane. He drugged you with god knows what, he had you-- wired to something-“

“We shouldn’t have been there in the first place.“

Oh. Oh.

You gulped, your head pounding all over again, ribcage constricting.

Yeah. You supposed that was true. It didn’t mean that it hurt less; no, hearing him to say it out loud hurt more, actually, however, you tried your best to focus on the problem at hand, which was giving Steve whatever forgiveness he craved, no matter it wasn’t his fault in the first place.

“Well. I was the first to agree, if I remember correctly and you were radically against. So if anything, I kinda got us into that mess, so-…”

His cerulean eyes bored into yours, sorrow, self-torment and stubbornness incarnated, as he interrupted you.

“Maybe, but I agreed then and I promised to protect you. You trusted me and I failed you,” he accented, anger lacing his voice. He sighed then when he took a note of that and slowly breathed in and out, sounding much softer when he spoke again. “I’m sorry.”

It was as if you hadn’t said a word in the past minute.

“Steve, you’re… you’re just human. Serum or not, you’re- hell, even superman had his kryptonite and he’s fictional. You’re just— what--what he did to me--- after which I’ll be alright, by the way – that happening doesn’t make you any less of a hero,” you explained sincerely, minutely forgetting your weeping uncertain heart. “I know that you did everything you could. You don’t need to apologize for that.”

The implication that there was something else he should apologize for hang heavy in the air.

“I… about what I said down there-“

“Steve, don’t. You don’t need to explain anything. Whatever happened, however you managed to do that-“

“You think I lied,” he stated dully and you avoided his gaze at that.

You didn’t respond.

If you were being honest, you weren’t sure what to think anymore. Everything was just so damn confusing; his yes, his apology, his sorrow, him avoiding you… it was making you dizzy and it all the wondering had you honestly exhausted.

“I’m a coward.”

That got you snap your head back to him, hundreds of question marks in your eyes. “What?”

A humorless chuckle was the answer.

“I didn’t lie. I mean, I did lie down there once, and the machine caught that. And I got you hurt-“

You wanted to protest, because you’d been over this, but his previous words rang in your ears, confusing and disgustingly hopeful.

He hesitantly reached for your hand, gingerly taking it between both of his own, thumbs tenderly caressing its back. You swallowed the choked noise threatening to escape your throat at the soft touch; deliberate, yet seemingly not uncomfortable to him.

“I was forced to admit how I felt right after I got you hurt and I had no single clue what to do with that. Still don’t. I-I spend hours just sitting here and staring, trying to figure out-“

You successfully – ha, you wished – tuned out the first part, focusing on the latter one, not any less surprising.

“You’ve been here?”

He seemed distracted by that question. “Yeah, uhm-“

“Were… were you here when I woke up?” you asked, another foggy memory flickering in front of your eyes, a memory of him in the chair, the concerned frown on his face, dark circles under his dry eyes, raspy voice-

“You… you remember that? You weren’t even conscious for a full minute. You were out again before the doctor arrived, both times.”

‘Both times.’ He had witnessed you conscious twice.

Just how long had he spent here by your sleeping form?

“I thought-“ I though that I dreamed that up. Apparently, you hadn’t. He… he had been there with you. Oh. “I—so you- oh.”

He waited patiently before all of his words registered in your brain; including the ones about-

“You… weren’t lying?” you asked breathlessly, astonished and warmed from inside out for the second time in the past few days as the realization took roots in your brain, finding the remnants of your previous belief and euphoria.

“No. Not when I- when I said-”

“-yes,” you finished for him, your lips parting in amazement, your heart fluttering in joy.

There was no need to specify which question you were talking about – it was clear as day; about the only one that truly mattered.

“And I’m an idiot. I hurt you again, letting you think that I didn’t care at all and I should have come here, but I had no idea what to do next and if you-- what did you think about it- and I got you hurt-“

“We’ve been over this. Not your fault,” you chastised his distractedly, staring at his face because he was breathtaking and he… he-

His Adam’s apple bobbed nervously and you couldn’t but give him the reassurance he was no doubt seeking; you knew you would in his place.

“I… I was about to say yes. And it wouldn’t have been a lie either,” you offered quietly, a slow smile spreading on your lips.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

He gave you a watery smile, tears still crinkling in the corners of his eyes as he carefully raised your hand, watching every micro-expression on your face, searching for the tinniest trace of disapproval; finding none, his lips brushed your knuckles with the gentlest kiss.

You melted into the pillow, feeling warm all over, your smile turning goofy as you finally, finally got your answer and wanted to scream it at the top of your lungs, because it was delightful.

Steve loved you.

Steve loves me.

And you loved him.

There was a mess for you to deal with for sure, a lot of explaining ahead, but… what else than the fact that you loved each other was important here?

Nothing. Not really, not at the moment at least.

Something told you this might be the true start of a beautiful relationship.

The non-faked kind.

--and you hunch turned out to be true.

The next day, the very hour of your discharge from the med-wing, Steve was waiting for you; all ready with a car to drive you home, a bouquet of cream-colored tulips in his hand to make your day downright wonderful and for some reason, also with daggers in his glare whenever he sized up the nice doctor who had been keeping you company until Steve arrived.

It earned Steve a kiss on his cheek as he led you to the car with his palm lightly resting on your lower back and if your lips brushed his before you got in, well, no one needed to know.

“Mr. Wilson, you wished me to tell you when the confessions would be made. They were just now.”

Sam glanced up from the screen and stopped scrolling mindlessly through his phone, letting out a long exhale.

Judging by the not-so-ominous tone of the AI – nope, he would never get over the fact that an artificial intelligence could speak in different ways and be sassy on top of everything – the talk didn’t end up tragically. At least Sam hoped; he didn’t think there had been much space for messing it up worse, to be honest.

“Thanks, Friday. It was about damn time. How did it go?”

A record of the infamous interview, showing his two friends making out on live TV lighted up his phone—fucking rude to hack his phone like this, especially showing him that.

“About like this, Mr. Wilson,” Friday explained nonchalantly as if that fucking thing wasn’t in control of his phone.

Sam breathed through the shock caused by the intrusive AI, focusing on the good news before planning on giving Stark another black eye because what the hell, SOME privacy left would be nice and very much appreciated-

“Didn’t exactly need the visual,” he muttered, adding a louder ’but thanks.’

His screen returned to normal and he found himself too tired to get up and find Stark right now; he could always throw it to his face later.

Speaking of planning on throwing words and things at someone’s faces…

Sam realized he had to stand up anyway, because he had a different job to do, now that the two idiot friends of his finally made it past the mutual pining phase and actually got together.

Shoving his phone to the pocket of his jeans, he went to polish his guns; just in case that the big blond dumbass planned on making Sam’s favorite almost-sister cry again.

Note: White Tulips – representing purity, innocence, forgiveness and respect, they would be a great flower for a wedding or to give with an apology. (Cream-colored tulips are closely related and have also a meaning of commitment.)

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