#genuinely didn’t know there was a guide to the language and just thought I was stupid lol

[guinea-pig-enthusiast]

Special reminder that those "super difficult games that had NO TUTORIAL" from the 80’s and 90’s that people use as examples of how older generations are better oftentimes came with user guides. Or they sold user guides that people had to read through (much like a tutorial).

People were not magically able to know things because everyone was smarter back then. They just knew things because they spent twenty bucks on a guidebook so the game could actually be fun.

[heizours]

BREAK UP

summary. asking the genshin men “what would you do if we break up?”

tags. gn! reader, grammatical mistakes may occur

cw. just a mild curse (childe’s part), call signs, and none ig, pls let me know if i forgot something

feat. diluc, venti, childe, scaramouche, ayato

INTRO.

Really, it was just a hypothetical question, and you had no intention of seriously initiating it in the first place.

But, this question has been itching in your mind for the past few days, and you were genuinely curious what would be the reaction or response you will get from him.

Without further ado, you made your way towards him as you tap his shoulder. He didn’t even get the chance yet to turn around and face you, but you’re already here opening your mouth to speak.

“What would you do if we break up?”

DILUC.

He immediately stops whatever he was doing at that moment, before slowly turning around to look at you.

No, he is definitely not searching for a hidden answer that you’re using this question as a gateway to leave him. No, he is definitely not a millisecond away from bringing you to a private corner to ask you if he did something very wrong and come talk about it.

But, seeing the curious look you’re putting up in front of him made his suspicions decrease for a mere moment. Besides, how could he not respond to that question when you’re already probably thinking of leaving him right now? With that, he gave his answer in the most persuading way he could come up with.

“As much as I hope for that moment to never come, I’ll try to listen and understand whatever your heart wishes. Though [Name], if there comes a time that it does happen, I want you to know that I and my heart will always remember someone like you. You loved me and understood me when I felt that no one did.”

His answer didn’t fail to give you the amount of butterflies you’re receiving right now, and the possible events where there is a chance you can leave him are now at the very back on your mind. Because, who in their right mind would even leave the Diluc Ragnvindr? Only a fool would do that. Suddenly, you were snapped out of your thoughts when Diluc gently grabbed the both of your hands and brought it closer to him.

“..Now, it’s my turn. Any idea why would you suddenly ask me that, love?”

VENTI.

Oh dear, he would act that the it doesn’t faze him in the tiniest bit, but he’s actually getting nervous on why are you suddenly pinning him this query out of the blue.

He turns around to face you, while continuing to be cheery as he always do but, if you look and scoot a little closer there is a glint of worry and concern washing over him. 

“Oh windblume, who said that I am leaving you? Kidding! But, before I give my answer, may I ask the reason for it?”

Really it’s just his way of confirming if you have plans of leaving him after this event, or you’re question stands as nothing but a harmless one. As you responded that it’s something he doesn’t need to worry about because you’re just as interested as he is, he felt the wind of relief washing over him. 

In any situation, Venti could stay calm as he can but if it would be anything associated with you, he couldn’t help but feel this gut twist in fear. The bard laid his head on your shoulder to give you the answer you’re looking from him.

“Well, we can never guarantee how much time could a person stay in our lives, but if there comes a time it happens between us, I’ll continue to protect, reach and guide you along the wind. You were the first in all my firsts, and I’m willing to make you as the last of my lasts.

CHILDE.

‘Oh shit’ is the first thing that comes into his mind, ��Don’t tell me they’re planning to..’ is the second thing that comes into his mind, and ‘But what if it’s a joke?’ is the last thing that comes into his mind before warily facing you.

Tries to take the situation lightly and calmly, and he almost succeeded if it wasn’t for his body language. His confidence and outgoing personality he always shows you slowly vanishes, as nervousness was written all over him.

He kind of acts like a boyfriend who’s overthinking and reflecting on his past actions and words, because why would you suddenly ask him something like this, if you aren’t affected right? Yes, he definitely suspects something is wrong. Regardless the amount of suspicion you are giving him, he obliged to your query.

“It’s quite expected that I’ll have a hard time if that happens, because if I could compare you to something significant to me, you’re like my life source, my home, my rest and my peace. Even if we will remain apart for the mean time, I’ll come back to court you again and again just so you can be with me one more time.”

After hearing your statement related to the suppositional question that it’s completely harmless and you had no intention of commencing it, Childe’s uneasiness morphed into relief as he engulf you in a tight hug but not crushable to crush you.

“I’m thinking that someone had bribe you into this...”

SCARAMOUCHE

He scoffs, not before giving you the most nastiest side eye you’ve ever seen. Though, do not be fooled by his demeanour because there is more to that than what meets the naked eye.

At the back of his mind, something tells him that 50% of that is true that you’re planning to leave him after this and another 50% tells him that it is partially false as you’re just being inquisitive.

Questions his what ifs and it just continues to pile up countlessly, until it comes to the point where he has to vigorously shake his head to snap him out of it. He takes a quick look at you, before fully facing you while his arms are crossed.

“Who put that silly little question in your head? I’ll make sure they would be the ones to leave.”

As he saw you frantically waving in the air that it’s no one else but you who put that question in your head and that he doesn’t have to answer it, he couldn’t help but lightly smile. Sure, most of your antics can annoy him but you’re the only person who can deem him tolerable, and it can be said as the same for you. He let out a sigh, before mumbling something that is only for your ears only, as the heat rises up to his cheeks.

“We won’t break up, and I’ll make sure of that. Even if we do, I’ll just come tailing back to you. You’re such an idiot for thinking that I would do that...Stop it with that smile will you?! Ugh, just come here.”

AYATO.

Raises an eyebrow at you in confusion, then that confusion switches to concern as the scrolls he was busy putting on work was now long gone. He looks up at you who’s simply standing there as if the question isn’t affecting you one bit.

Is someone bad mouthing you? Is someone pressuring you? Did they do something? Who forced you into this? Whatever it is, Ayato is determined to find out what’s the root of this question.

Dating Kamisato Ayato is not a joke, for goodness sake he is a leader of one of the most influential clans in Inazuma, so when the public found out about his relationship with you, of course there will be a pressure and a certain inconvenience given to you.

“Why so sudden with this darling? Is there a problem? Would you like to talk about it? I do not know where is this coming from, but I can assure you that we will find a way to fix it.”

Seeing the surprise look on your face, and the way you sheepishly told him that you were just being nosy about it was enough for him to connect the dots. Good, nothing bad happened and you’re perfectly fine, that’s all that matters to him. But, going back to your question, he smiled at you with a glint of refusal in his eyes before answering.

“I am confident that me or you won’t leave this relationship, even though my work serves as a distraction, that reason alone will not stop us from loving each other. If it does happen in the future and you gave me a valid reason for it, I shall perhaps let you go but that doesn’t mean I will also stop loving you.”

[astrolynnworld]

under the table

pairing: bf! matt sturniolo x reader

summary: matt takes you on a weekly date night event that he always has planned. although tonight, matt starts to get turned on by your presence.

warnings: smut, exhibition, language, maybe a bit of a foot fetish? minors pls dni!

a/n: let me know if you guys like the story !!

word count: 923

“thank you” i said to matt as he opened my car door for me.

we were outside the nicest restaurant in our home town. i’ve been talking about this spot for months because there’s so many good reviews and they only taking reservations on top of always being reserved.

but, somehow matthew managed to get a last minute reservation due to a couple who canceled a few hours ago. now we’re standing inside the restaurant as the hostess prepares our table.

i look over at matt who stands beside me looking all handsome in his suit & tie. considering the elements of the restaurant that we were at, we definitely had to dress up. i always loved when matt dressed up, it only ever made him look 100x better.

as the hostess guides us to our table, matt grabs my hand as he leads the way. i love when matthew would do little dominate things like this in public, would make me feel so secure and safe. i never had to worry about feeling anxious when matt was around because he would always make me feel safe and calm.

we sit down on opposite sides of our booth and the waiter comes over to take our drinks.

“i’ll have a root beer and she’ll have a shirley temple” matt speaks for me.

i smile at the thought that he doesn’t even have to ask what i want, he just knows me. i know we’ve been dating for several months now but it always just feels good to have little reminders that someone cares enough to know the small repetitive things that you like or do.

“you look so good tonight” i tell matthew, breaking the silence that i created by staring.

“is that why you’re looking so hard” he replies back while laughing

i laugh back, “can you stop! you know i get nervous”

“you’re so cute, pretty girl. you don’t need to be nervous around me” he continues while chuckling still.

the waiter comes back with our drinks and asks if we’re ready to order. thankfully we had already previously looked at the menus online and knew what we wanted because we did not touch the menus that were given to us in person.

we told the waiter our orders and he had gone back in the kitchen to give it back to the chef.

“can you take some pictures of me for instagram?” i ask matt while mixing my drink so it looks well blended for the photos.

“of course, love” he replies as he picks up his phone to take my photos

i do a series of poses, just trying my best to look as hot as possible. matt behind the camera just hyping me up with occasional, “you’re actually so gorgeous” or “you’re so mesmerizing, i can’t believe you’re mine” causing me to smile even harder in the photos

until he said one thing that for sure caught me off guard.

“you turn me on so much.” he said casually

“matthew?” i say confused as if i heard him wrong.

he didn’t reply, he just stopped taking photos as i obviously was not posing anymore.

“are you serious?” i ask in a lighthearted manner

“do you wanna feel?” he responds back.

“matthew!! we’re in public” i say with a smile on my face

“i can’t help it. it’s something about ur eyes, the way you look just genuinely gets my dick hard.” he says as a whisper so nobody else in the restaurant heard

“you’re so unserious” i reply back.

he leans in closer to the table, “do you think you could touch me throw my pants?”

“matty it’s too public in here, it’s either gonna look suspicious or someone will see”

“what if..” he stops

“if what?” i ask

“could you maybe use your feet? nobody would see if you use your foot to rub on me. please! i just need you to touch me. all this talking is only making me harder” he says

“matt-“

“please y/n, just for a bit” he pleads

“alright..” i take off my heels in order to “get comfortable” and i rest my feet on his lap in order to get access to his bulge without immediately looking suspicious.

i start sliding my foot up and down rubbing on his bulge to give him as much stimulation as i could. i had never done something like this before so it felt a little weird but i could see on his face that he was enjoying it.

“matty, don’t make it too obvious.” i told him in hopes that he would control his facial expression from looking like a fucked out puppy.

“fuck- i think i could cum from this” he whispers in an almost audible whine.

he puts his head down on the table in order to mask the sensation.

i try to go faster to finish him off until i notice the waiter coming back with our food.

i quickly stop, to which matt raises his head wanting to ask why i had stopped until he also sees the waiter

“for you ma’am.” the waiter says as he places the plate down in front of me

“thank you” i reply.

“and the chicken alfredo for you sir.” he says handing matt his plate

“thank you.” matt says with a raspy voice that he clears as soon as the phrase leaves his mouth.

“enjoy.” the waiter says before walking away

“yeah, we’re definitely gonna need to finish what we started” matt says

i smirk at his comment.

———————————————————————

should i do a part 2? & let me know if you guys enjoyed !!

[sachirobabe]

I saw your post about having writer's block for a Kuroo fic! >.< He's been on my mind SOOO much lately 😩😖 I'm so glad you asked! 👀

Honestly, CAN'T get roommateKuroo! outta my head!!! Would love to see some roommate to friends to lovers type material 🥺🥹🫣

Either that, or some boyfie headcanons? 🥺

(I'm a fem reader btw! And I love your content! 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🤧🤍)

ty sm for requesting! this is exactly what i needed, i actually saw this yesterday but i let it sit in my head for a little to get some ideas, i hope you enjoy🫶🏽🫶🏽

ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ ᡣ𐭩 •｡

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who offered you the extra room at his apartment because you complained about your roommate once, but when you try declining he does everything he can to persuade you to live with him (platonically of course—not)

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who takes it upon himself to do all the heavy lifting when moving your things to his place, showing off his strong arms from his days in volleyball and he celebrates internally whenever he catches you quickly glancing at him

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who is extra considerate and goes out of his way to do things for you, but he’ll pretend that it’s an inconvenience for him to tease you and see your reactions, he loves seeing you frantically apologize and tell him you didn’t even ask him to get you your favorite snack after work—he’ll continue to do it to see you smile

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who finds any excuse in the world to casually touch you, he’s a sucker for physical touch and he makes it a routine to watch a movie or a show with you every night so he can be close to you

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who shares his interests with you and shows genuine curiosity about yours, he’ll indulge in whatever activity you’re doing and tries his hardest to get you to compliment how he does

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who is still in college and frequently takes you to the library or a quiet café to do homework and help you study, he’ll cutely hold up your color coded flash cards and smiles widely when you get a question right

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who made it a routine to go grocery shopping with you every week instead of just asking you for your list (he likes it when people confuse the two of you as a couple, makes him very happy)

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who likes to cook meals together, which always ends with the two of you covered in ingredients because he likes to mess with you and sprinkle spices on you or smear food on your face

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who has deep late night conversations with you about anything and everything, he loves listening to you talk and he’ll stare at you the entire time with a smile on his face

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who’s very protective of you, keeping his eye on your body language to make sure you feel comfortable and he absolutely HATES it when he notices other guys checking you out, he knows he can’t be jealous because you’re not his, but he’ll glare at the guys and place a hand on the small of your back to guide you somewhere else

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who not-so-secretly glances at you when he thinks you’re not paying attention, loving how comfortable you are at home with a baggy t shirt on and no makeup, he loves when you’re dolled up, but he especially loves you like this because it’s a sight he can only enjoy

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who gives you genuine compliments that never fail to leave you feeling some type of way

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who daydreams constantly about you while he’s in class or at work—literally anywhere, he’s always thinking about you and how he should ask you out

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who at first denied his feelings towards you and just liked to annoy you, but after having a guys night out with bokuto, kenma, and akaashi, he realized just how much he missed being around you and drunkingly said every single thought he had about you to his friends

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who asks all of his friends for advice because he’s terrified of rejection and messing things up with you

-`♡´- roommateKuroo! who finds the courage to tell you about how he actually feels over a fancy home cooked meal he did all by himself while you were at work, he’s absolutely elated when you shut him up with a kiss because he was rambling

[alltheirdamn]

Couch Chronicles | One Shot

Frankie Morales x f!reader x Benny Miller

Summary: When you accidentally tell your boyfriend, Frankie, that you think his best friend is cute... he makes a plan. Rating: 18+ Explicit Word Count: 4.2k Warnings: strictly smut, established relationship, threesome, mmf dynamic, heavy kissing, a stupid amount of neck kissing, nipple play, oral (f! and m! receiving), fingering, choking, rough sex, cum eating, deepthroat, unprotected piv sex, multiple creampies, degrading kink (very mild), praise kink, pet names (pretty girl, baby, babygirl), language, men whimpering (i know) A/N: I want two boyfriends, and I want the boyfriends to be boyfriends... yeah, you guys know how it goes. idk I had an idea, tossed some words together, and here we are. not my finest work and probably a lil shitty in terms of technicality, but I was craving a good trip to Paris.

Masterlist | Ko-fi

You were lying in bed with Frankie one night, scrolling through social media, when you came across a new post from Benny. It was from a recent fishing trip down to the lake, and he was shirtless, holding a large trout in his hand. You tapped on the screen twice, liking the photo and spending an extra few seconds staring at his tall frame and shaggy blonde hair doused in sunlight. 

“You know he is pretty cute,” you said aloud, showing Frankie the photo.

Frankie and Benny were close, best friends even. You had spent time with him here and there over the years at barbecues and small group settings. He was always friendly and welcomed you into the group with open arms. You and Frankie had been dating for a while now, and you were well aware of his past with the group of men and the missions they had gone on. But now he was home for good, making a living for himself and staying clean. 

“Do you ever think about fucking him?” Frankie asked casually, glancing from the screen to your face.

“Frankie, oh my God!” You gasped. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

You gaped at him, shutting off your phone and placing it on the nightstand.

“Hey, I wasn’t asking to start an argument,” he said coolly. “It was a genuine question.”

You shrunk into the pillows, turning to face him. He nestled against his own pillow, holding your gaze and giving you a small grin. His hair had grown shaggy at the ends, sticking up behind his ears and curling at the base of his neck. You lifted a hand to scratch at the patchy beard covering his jaw, biting your lip as you navigated a response in your head.

“No, I haven’t thought about it,” you exhaled. “Okay, maybe I have once or twice. Fuck—I don’t know. Not in a fuck him and leave you type of way.”

“You know I wouldn’t be mad if you did,” Frankie replied. “Fuck him, I mean.”

“What?” You balked, eyes growing wide.

He only shrugged his shoulders, shifting close to you in the bed.

“He’s my best friend. I’d trust him with you.”

“You’re not seriously telling me right now you want me to sleep with Benny.”

“I’m not telling you to do it,” Frankie argued. “Just saying, if you ever want to explore it, tell me. I’m sure he’s thought about it, too.”

Your face burned bright red at the thought of Benny fantasizing about you. There was no way. Frankie was messing with you.

“None of this bothers you?” You questioned.

Frankie laughed softly, hooking an arm around your leg and guiding it over his hip. You shuffled your body closer until you were both a breath apart. 

“Fuck no, baby,” he smirked, his pupils growing bigger. “Getting to see one of best friends fuck you would probably only turn me on more.”

You felt him growing harder against you, and you reached a hand down to palm his cock through his pajama bottoms. Frankie let out a soft whine, bucking his hips into your hand.

“Would you just sit back and watch?” You quirked an eyebrow. 

“I’d do whatever you want.”

Your fingers danced up his pants, teasing his waistband. You gave him a mischievous grin as you trailed lower until your hand wrapped around his cock. He groaned at your touch, his eyes rolling back.

“What if I want both of you?” You asked, pumping him slowly. “At the same time?”

Something carnal flashed across his features, and he crawled on top of you, running his mouth up your neck. You arched into him, using both hands to pull down his pants. Frankie did the same to you, tugging your sleep shorts down your legs and exploring the wetness collecting between your inner thighs.

“Pretty girl wants to get tag-teamed?” He teased. “Yeah, I can make that happen.”

You gasped at his words and let him fuck you mercilessly the rest of the night. 

You had zero clue what Frankie had told Benny, but later that week, you were situated on the couch between their warm bodies, watching some action movie. Benny kept a respectable distance while Frankie’s hand remained on your thigh, drawing slow circles over your bare skin. You were wearing one of his T-shirts and a pair of soft sleep shorts, your nerves buzzing through your body. 

You barely had the capacity to pay attention to the movie, your eyes shifting between both of the men sitting on either side of you. Frankie leaned over after a while, his breath hot against your neck.

“You call the shots, pretty girl. Whatever you wanna do, it’s your choice,” he muttered into your ear.

You let out a small gasp, glancing over at Benny. He was sitting relaxed against the couch; his legs spread open and muscular arms crossed over his chest. Your eyes trailed up his thick neck, studying his tensed jaw covered in days-old stubble and blue eyes that remained focused on the screen. You weren’t the shy type, but initiating this type of situation was way out of your comfort zone.

“Benny?” You whispered.

His gaze slid to you, his pupils already dilated.

“Yeah?” He asked, his voice deep as he said your name.

You sucked in a breath, mustering the courage to take it to the next step. 

“Kiss me,” you demanded, though it sounded a bit sheepish.

He flicked his gaze to Frankie, then back to you. Reaching a hand up to tangle in your hair, he reeled you in for a hungry kiss. You whimpered at the feel of his mouth against yours, his approach far rougher than what you were used to with Frankie. His tongue intertwined with yours as he coaxed your mouth open wider, his other hand sliding up your thigh. 

Frankie’s mouth connected with the other side of your neck, sucking marks into your flushed skin as you let out another helpless whine.

“Fuck,” Benny panted, guiding your head toward Frankie.

Frankie was quick to capture your mouth, his tongue tracing the saliva still lingering on your lips. You gasped as Benny’s mouth trailed up your neck, drawing his tongue over the erratic pulse under your jaw. 

“This what you want, baby?” Frankie asked before sinking his teeth into the plush skin of your bottom lip.

You gave him an eager nod of your head, and he brought his hand up to tilt your head, both of their mouths now hot and wet against either side of your throat. The throbbing between your thighs grew painful, and you squirmed against their roaming hands; Benny’s hand crawled up to cup your breast, Frankie’s hand teasing your aching clit over your shorts.

“Jesus Christ,” you moaned, letting your head fall back against the couch. 

“Call the shots, pretty girl,” Frankie ordered. 

You bucked your hips against his hand, searching for any form of friction to alleviate the pressure building inside your core. Benny tugged at the t-shirt covering your torso, his breath going ragged as he discovered you bare beneath the soft cotton.

His head dipped down to capture your pebbled nipple between his teeth, grinding them against your skin until you cried out from the pleasure mixing with pain. Oh, Benny was rough, and it only made you ache for more of his touch.

You glanced down at the same time his gaze lifted to yours, a grin tugging at his lips as he realized how much you liked it. Frankie, meanwhile, was working at sipping his fingers between your wet folds, sinking two fingers knuckle deep. 

“Shit,” you hissed through clenched teeth. Frankie’s fingers worked fast inside you; he knew what to do to make you completely fall apart.

But now you had another man working at you in tandem, Benny’s mouth still ravaging your breast. Your fingers tangled into his hair, your nails raking over his scalp. He let out a groan of approval, rewarding you with another bite of his teeth around your nipple.

“Feels…so fucking good…” You whispered to both men.

Frankie angled his hand so that he could push his fingers deeper, curling them against the spongy spot inside you. Searing heat coursed through your veins with each movement of his fingers, your breath coming out short and pained.

A dangerous idea floated through the fog inside your brain, and you wondered how far you could push it at the expense of your wanton needs. Tugging Benny’s hair, he released your nipple with a gentle pop and moved his lips back to yours. You sucked his bottom lip in between your teeth before diving your tongue into his mouth. Benny let out a shallow exhale, letting you steer the kiss in whatever direction you wanted. 

“Benny,” you whined. “I want your tongue inside me.”

He cursed under his breath and looked over at Frankie, who was still working you closer to the edge. Frankie’s eyes lifted to meet yours, a devilish smirk playing on his lips. He pulled his fingers from you, lifting them to your mouth.

“Clean them, pretty girl,” he ordered. 

You wrapped your mouth around his thick fingers, the salty, sweet taste of your arousal coating your tongue. You pulled your head back and looked at Benny with a lifted brow.

“Wanna taste?” You asked with a coy smile.

You expected him to pull you in for a kiss, to taste it from your mouth, but your breath stalled as you watched him grip Frankie’s wrist and guide his fingers into his mouth. Your jaw dropped open as Benny sucked on Frankie’s fingers with fervency, his eyes locked on your boyfriend. This was new. Frankie grunted as Benny dragged his tongue over the pads of his fingers, finally releasing them and settling back into the couch.

“Come here, baby,” Frankie said, shuffling his body back against one side of the couch.

He maneuvered you into his lap, your back pressed against his chest. Through heavy lids, you watched Benny tear away his shirt and put his defined abs on display. You and Frankie had been to a few of his boxing matches, and you were more than familiar with the toned figure he hid under his basic t-shirts. Your eyes roamed down his torso, studying the way his chest hair flourished between his sternum and trailed down his abdomen. You involuntarily wet your lips at the sight, wanting to take your tongue and trace every flexed muscle on his body.

“Spread your legs for me, babygirl,” Benny instructed. Hearing him call you babygirl had your mind reeling. 

You let your legs fall open and watched as Benny shuffled back to situate himself between your thighs. Frankie’s hands groped and squeezed your breasts, his fingers pinching your nipples until you gasped at the stinging pain. You tilted your head back, arching upward to meet his lips. Frankie responded with a sloppy kiss, his nose brushing over yours at the same time Benny’s tongue flicked over your aching clit.

“Fuck!” You cried, the word muffled in Frankie’s mouth.

Frankie let out a low chuckle and intertwined his fingers through the tendrils of your hair, forcing you to look down at Benny.

“Watch him while he tongue fucks you, baby,” Frankie commanded. 

Your breath hitched, and Benny took that as his opportunity to dive his tongue deep inside you. Sparks of pleasure erupted behind your eyes, and it took all your strength to keep your focus on him as he worked his tongue deeper. His eyes shot up to yours, the pale blue of his irises swallowed by his pupils. 

“Do you like that pretty girl?” Frankie crooned in your ear. “You enjoy having us both giving you all this attention?”

“Yes,” you panted, your chest rising and falling steadily as warmth spread through your stomach.

“Tell Benny how much you like it.”

Your eyes rolled back as Benny traced over your wet folds with his tongue, the heat of his mouth against your cunt sending you into a spiral. 

“I—.” You choked on your words as Benny’s lips suctioned around your clit, his tongue sending sharp rhythmic flicks across the aching bundle of nerves.

“Tell him,” Frankie growled, his hand wrapping around your throat.

“Your mouth feels so fucking good, Benny,” you gasped. “Please don’t stop… Please. Keep doing that, I’m so fucking close.”

Your words were melding together, a jumble of incoherent mumbling and humiliating whimpers. Frankie’s hand squeezed your throat tighter, restricting your breathing as Benny coaxed your orgasm closer to the surface. With Frankie’s hand around your neck and Benny’s tongue assailing your cunt, the overstimulation began to spread through your veins. 

“I know you’re close, pretty girl,” Frankie whispered in your ear. “I can feel how tense you are. Let it go, baby. Cum for us.”

His words sent the heavens crashing down around you, and your body seized upwards as your orgasm ignited a fire that raged under your skin. Benny lapped at the arousal pooling out of you, humming in satisfaction as a strangled cry left your lips. 

“Doesn’t my girl taste good, Benny?” Frankie murmured, releasing his grip on your throat.

“Fucking perfect,” Benny grinned.

You leaned your head back against Frankie’s chest, seeing his big brown eyes sparkle with lust. 

“Frankie, baby,” you whispered. “Why don’t you have a taste, too?”

Frankie started to shift you off his lap, but you pressed yourself further into his chest, leaving him looking at you confused. You glanced down at Benny and gave a subtle lift of your chin as if to silently coax him from between your thighs. He followed your lead, crawling up your body until he hovered over you and leaned in close. He braced himself against the couch with one arm while snaking the other around Frankie’s neck. You careened your neck to watch as their mouth collided, Frankie’s aquiline nose smashing against Benny’s cheek for a frenzied kiss. Frankie submitted to Benny’s control, whimpering as their tongues danced together. Your jaw went slack as you watched your boyfriend passionately kiss his best friend; oh, you fucking loved this.

Benny tore away from Frankie’s lips, bending down to trail his lips over your jaw and neck. 

“I think your man wants some attention, babygirl,” he muttered against your warm skin.

“I think so, too,” you agreed, breathless.

Both men maneuvered off the couch, taking their time to undress, while you sat back and admired both of their naked bodies. Frankie was soft in all the right areas, his dark chest hair spread across his broad torso and trailing down over the soft pudge of his stomach. His cock hung heavy between his thighs, already glistening with precum as it leaked from the tip. Your eyes shifted over to Benny, your eyes growing wide at the length of his hardened cock. While Frankie’s cock was sizable in girth, Benny made up for it with length, and the thought of his cock deep inside you only spurred you closer to another orgasm. You needed one of them to fuck you, or else you’d go crazy.

“Baby,” you whined, shuffling your body up on the couch.

Frankie gave you a smirk, the creases in the corner of his eyes appearing as he looked down on you. You snaked a hand down your navel, your fingers slipping between the wet folds as you sought out some sort of relief from the throbbing need inside you. 

Benny moved around the side of the couch, his strong hands hooking under your shoulders and dragging you back until your head hung over the arm of the couch. Upside down, you stared up at his cock as it hovered over your face. You wet your lips at the sight of it, waiting for him to inch closer. Gliding a hand over your strained neck, his fingers squeezed the right above the base of it.

“I wanna feel my cock right here, babygirl,” Benny said. “You gonna show me you can take it?”

“Yes,” you breathed.

You dropped your jaw open, your tongue darting out as you waited for him to step forward. Frankie’s body weight dropped on the couch above you, his hands lifting your legs onto his shoulder. As your calves settled onto his broad shoulders, Frankie lined himself up with your entrance. In one quick thrust, Frankie bottomed out, and you let out a raspy moan. Before you had a chance to make another sound, Benny slid his cock into your mouth, your tongue dragging against the veins along the length. You sputtered around him as he drove deeper down your throat, his fingers still massaging your neck with each shallow thrust. 

Frankie’s thrusts grew harder, and your muffled cries were silenced as Benny continued snapping his hips forward into your mouth. 

“Ain’t she so pretty like this?” Frankie grunted through each drive of his cock.

“So fucking pretty,” Benny huffed. You swallowed around him, forcing him to choke on his words. “She’s taking our cocks so well. Her mouth feels so fucking good.”

You keened at their words, arousal blooming deep within your stomach as they spoke. They were using your body any way they wanted, and you were desperate for their praise. 

“You enjoy getting used like this, baby?” Frankie asked, his voice low and strained. 

You couldn’t respond as Benny plunged his cock further down your throat, your jaw straining to take his length deeper. You could feel the tears cascading down your temples, your breath forced out of your nose as you struggled under his hold. 

“Aw, pretty girl can’t talk?” Frankie taunted. 

Frankie lifted your ass off the couch, his warm hands squeezing the supple skin as you began assaulting you with unforgiving thrusts. Your cunt clenched around his cock, sucking him in deeper until the tip of his cock brushed against your cervix. You wailed a helpless cry, saliva dripping over Benny’s cock and down your cheeks. 

Your eyes blurred as your climax grew into an inferno inside your stomach. Each thrust on either side of your body plummeted your orgasm closer and closer to the surface, your heartbeat thrumming erratically in your ears. Benny hunched over your body, his hands massaging your breasts, his fingers pinching around your nipples. You arched off the couch, and Frankie kept his grip tight on your hips as he continued railing into you.

“Gonna be a good girl and cum for us, baby?” Frankie crooned.

“Mmmph.” 

You couldn’t speak. You could barely make a coherent noise as your orgasm ignited inside of you, leaving you paralyzed—suspended between the bodies of two men that continued to wreck you completely as you came undone. 

“Such a good fucking girl,” Frankie praised.

“Think she deserves a reward?” Benny questioned, drawing his cock from your mouth.

You heaved in lung-fulls of air, drool still dripping down your face. Benny crouched behind you, his hand fisting your hair to pull your face forward toward Frankie. Frankie’s dark eyes met yours, and he pounded deeper into you, your cries turning into humiliating whimpers.

“You want Frankie to cum inside you, babygirl?” Benny whispered, his tongue tracing along the shell of your ear.

“Y—yes,” you wailed brokenly. “Please, Frankie. Need your cum.”

Frankie’s face scrunched up with concentration as he changed the tempo of his thrusts; they were slower and more powerful. Benny’s grip on your hair remained firm, not allowing you to look anywhere but at Frankie. His tousled dark curls stuck to his forehead with sweat, his jaw clenched as he forcibly thrust into you in one final time. With a carnal groan, Frankie emptied himself inside you, slumping onto your chest with labored breaths. 

“Jesus Christ,” Frankie groaned. 

Benny unwound his fingers from the tendrils of your hair, peppering your cheek and neck with kisses. Frankie lifted his head to look at Benny, and you could faintly see a smirk teasing the corner of his hips.

“I think she can take a bit more. What do you say, Benny?” Frankie grinned.

“I wanna know how good that pussy feels. You gonna let me fill you up, too?” Benny asked, his teeth grazing your neck.

“God, yes,” you exhaled.

Frankie climbed off your body and maneuvered you onto all fours. Your legs wobbled against the cushions, Frankie’s cum slowly leaking from your sore cunt. Benny made his way around the couch, climbing behind your shaking body. Frankie took his spot in front of you, his large hands cupping your face and wiping away the excess saliva that still coated your cheeks and nose.

“Look at the mess you made, pretty girl,” Frankie mumbled, his eyes dancing over you ravenously. 

He leaned in to kiss you, drawing his tongue over your wet lips. You moaned into his open mouth, your body tensing up with anticipation as Benny coated the head of his cock with the wetness leaking from your entrance. 

“Eyes on me, baby,” Frankie ordered, pulling away from your mouth. “I wanna watch you while Benny ruins that perfect pussy.”

That was all Benny needed to hear before he broke you up, the stretch of your cunt around his cock blindingly painful for the first few seconds. Your mouth fell open as his hips pressed against your ass, every glorious inch of him stretching you wide open. A choked gasp fell from your lips as Frankie held your focus, his brown eyes watching with fervid attention. 

“Benny,” Frankie said, never breaking away from your eyes. “Fuck her hard.”

Benny replied with a forceful snap of his hips that sent your body colliding with the couch. You screamed out at the savage pace he set, each connection of his hips against yours sending you into a frenzy of whimpers and sobs.

“So fucking tight and perfect,” Benny huffed between each drive of his cock. “Can’t believe you’ve been keeping her to yourself.”

“She’s all mine, Benny,” Frankie reminded him. “But I think she enjoys being shared.”

You nodded vigorously, flames licking up your nerves as Benny steered you closer to another orgasm. Your nails dug into the cushions, half-moon indentations left in their wake. 

“I want you both,” you panted. “Like this.”

“Yeah, babygirl?” Benny exhaled, bending his body over yours to kiss up your spine.

Frankie dragged you in for a long kiss, a moan exhaling from his mouth into yours. You were drunk on their touch, each hand roaming your body, every kiss, every lust-filled word. You couldn’t get enough.

“Cum inside me, Benny,” you pleaded. 

Benny’s arm braced around your torso, pulling you up until your back was flush with his chest. Frankie climbed over the arm of the sofa, his hands sweeping back the hair from your face. Benny brought his free hand up to Frankie, tugging at his curls until he shuffled closer. Frankie tilted his chin up and met Benny’s lips, their kisses slow and impassioned. Both of their body’s pressed harder against yours, Benny’s cock sliding in and out of you slowly, his thrusts shallow and short. You licked a path up Frankie’s neck, startling a gasp from him as Benny deepened their kiss.

The muscles in Benny’s arms flexed around your chest, his hips snapping hard one last time before his release was painting your insides. You were so fucking full of them both, your body coursing with adrenaline and pleasure. Benny slipped out of you, breaking away from Frankie’s lips and falling back against the couch. 

“Come here, babygirl,” Benny urged, outstretching his arms.

You glanced at Frankie for permission—which was comical as the mixture of their cum leaked down your inner thighs. Frankie gave you a soft smile, peking your lips before guiding you down onto the couch. 

Benny wound his arms around your trembling body, pressing a light kiss on the crown of your head, while Frankie settled against your body on the other side. You nestled into the warmth of their bodies, your eyes drifting shut from exhaustion.

“This was nice,” you hummed, giggling softly. 

“You wanna do it again?” Frankie chuckled, kissing your shoulder.

“Maybe not right now,” you groaned.

The soreness between your legs throbbed violently, and every muscle in your body tense and stiffened. You stretched out between them, feeling both men’s heartbeats pounding against your body.

“I love you, baby,” Frankie muttered into your skin.

“I love you, too,” you exhaled.

Lifting your chin to look at Benny, you watched him eye Frankie knowingly. You could see the emotions swimming in his blue eyes, his lips parted and swollen.

“You love him, too,” you commented.

“Yeah, maybe I do,” Benny said absentmindedly.

Benny’s gaze slid down to you, and you saw it in his eyes. The passion between them, the cohesiveness of their movements with you; it was all right there. You always thought Benny loved Frankie like a brother, but maybe there was something more. You weren’t jealous; you were far from it. You wanted them both, maybe in different ways, but still… you wanted them.

“Would you do this again?” You asked, partially to both of them.

“Absolutely,” Frankie said, at the same time Benny said, “In a heartbeat.”

“Stay the night with us, Benny,” you offered. 

“Wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else,” Benny sighed.

[tightjeansjavi]

Et Auream - Act II : Even In The Darkest of Places

A/N: despite the state that our world is currently in, I’m really proud of this chapter and how it has turned out. This was another chapter that I had completed gutted and rewrote from July. As always, a huge thank you to @sinsofsummers for being my beta 💗

word count: 4.8k

Summary: Even in the darkest of places, hope remains.

Pairing | Marcus Acacius x f!oc

Warnings: canon typical violence, enslavement, power imbalance, domestic abuse, language, transactional sex (not between Marcus & oc) misogyny, derogatory language, +18 minors dni! Let me know if I missed anything

series masterlist

SENATOR CASSIUS’S VILLA

“Amalthea, I have never witnessed such an act of defiance!” Aurelia whispered excitedly. The kitchen maid had become one of her dear friends—perhaps even a mother figure to her. She cherished the moments away from Cassius where she could simply be. Amalthea was old and wise, and she served Cassius longer than any of the rest of his servants had. She had taken Aurelia under her wing in every sense.

“It has been many years since a gladiator so boldly defied an emperor,” Amalthea said in disbelief. She was seated at the meager prep table, a basket of freshly plucked peas from the field were waiting to be shucked for Cassius’s dinner later. “Come sit with me, child. Help shuck these peas and tell me more of this brave gladiator.”

Aurelia tore her gaze from the archway window where in the distance she could just make out the city of Rome, and the looming Colosseum. She could still hear Cassius’s voice droning in her ear about how rogues like Acacius should be terminated. With a sigh she walked to the empty seat next to the older woman and sat alongside her. She reached into the basket and pulled out a few pea pods.

“They called him Acacius the merciful, but I fear that he is not receiving the same mercy that he gave his opponent,” she said quietly, her voice laced with genuine concern.

Amalthea reached over the table and gently squeezed her forearm with a saddened smile. “Defiance against an emperor is often met by cruel punishment, Aurelia. Acacius the merciful may not live to see another day,” she said pensively.

Aurelia’s shoulders slumped forward at the thought of Acacius being wrongfully punished for his defiant actions. She knew that this was customary, but it didn’t make it any less morbid.

“I want to go to him,” she said suddenly, surprising not only herself, but Amalthea as well.

“Aurelia,” she warned. “That would be foolish of you, and not to mention extremely dangerous. Our Dominus wouldn’t stand for it either. You and I both know his disdain towards the gladiators all too well.”

“Amalthea, your concern will not go unnoticed, but our Dominus will be at the brothel for hours after dinner. He won’t return till the early morning hours, if at all.” She had wishful thinking in her mind that her abuser would miraculously never return again and she would never have to endure his cruelty for another day.

“Would your intrigue for this gladiator weaken if he had not acted in defiance?” Amalthea said teasingly, a playful lilt in her tone.

“Amalthea!” Aurelia gasped and giggled softly at her teasing. “My admiration for Acacius is not what you’re thinking it is, I swear!” she protested.

The older woman laughed and the corners of her eyes crinkled, showing her own buried youth appearing, even if just for a moment.

“Forgive me, child. I had to ask,” she said softly and reached for another peapod. “I know well enough that once your heart is set on something, there is no deterring you. The Ludus Magnus is no place for a woman, Aurelia.”

“Rome is no place for a woman, and yet, here we are,” Aurelia solemnly reminded her.

Amalthea huffed out a laugh and shook her head with a knowing grin, “I just want you to be careful, Aurelia, but if you’re truly that determined, take Luna from the stables. She will guide you.”

“I knew you would come around eventually,” she winked subtly at the older woman, and the two returned to their fits of giggling as the sun began to slowly make its descent from the heavens.

When dinner was prepared, Cassius requested for Aurelia to present him his meal in his private study and she knew what this entailed, but she had no choice but to obey.

Amalthea gave her a sympathetic look as she placed the tray that contained Cassius’s meal in her awaiting arms and Aurelia wordlessly turned on her heel and walked towards the direction of his private quarters.

Cassius was seated at his desk, hunched over and focused on the parchment laid out in front of him when he heard a soft knock on the other side of the door.

“You may enter,” He said.

Aurelia took a deep breath and quietly pushed the door open while keeping the tray steady in her arms.

“Good evening, Dominus,” she bowed her head slightly before approaching his desk and gently placed the tray down in front of him, careful to not disturb the papers laid out in front of him.

Cassius paid no attention to her and reached blindly for a piece of thigh meat from the perfectly roasted chicken and tore off a chunk with little care when the savory juice dribbled down his chin.

Aurelia assumed that she could take her cue to leave, but as soon as she turned to walk away, Cassius finally acknowledged her presence.

“I did not dismiss you, Aurelia,” he sighed through his nose. “Sit with me,” he commanded.

She steeled her expression, her fists clenched at her sides. She had foolishly hoped that tonight she would not have to endure his unwanted touch.

“Don’t be shy,” He said wryly, and with his freehand he tapped his knuckles along the desk impatiently.

Aurelia moved towards his side, expecting that he had wanted her to sit in his lap, but when he tilted his head to the side and his eyes flickered towards the floor, she slowly lowered herself to her knees.

He placed his hand against the crown of her head and threaded his fingers through the tresses of her mahogany hair and let out a content sigh from the back of his throat.

“That’s better.” He was pleased, but not as much as he would have liked to be. And when he sensed her discomfort, he tightened his grip around her skull, just enough to make her wince from the sensation. “Although, you could be doing more than just sitting there,” he said suggestively, not masking his true intent when he guided her head towards his lap. “It would please me even more if you were so kind as to tend to me with your affections.”

So much for wishful thinking.

—

When Cassius finally left for his evening excursions, Aurelia crept from her chambers and headed down to the stables. Amalthea was waiting for her, unexpectedly, and while she focused on tacking up Luna, Amalthea reminded her of the very real dangers to being out after dark. Aurelia appreciated her concern, but this did not deter or sway her mind to stay within the safety of the villa.

“I will be back before the sunrise, I promise. Cassius won’t even know that I was gone,” Aurelia reassured her as she gracefully swung her leg over the front of the saddle and gathered up the reins in her hands gently.

“I’ll pray to Fortuna for your safe return, and to Salus for the gladiator Acacius. Ride swift and silent and do not let anyone see you. Bona fortuna, Aurelia.”

“Et videbo vos ante solis ortum,” (and I will see you before the sunrise) Aurelia whispered and gently squeezed her heels against Luna’s sides to ease her into a trot down the gentle sloping hill. She used the moon as the only guiding light to where Acacius and the rest of the gladiator’s were imprisoned within the city.

A cloak over her head concealed her identity, and when she neared the Ludus Magnus, she slowed Luna to a walk before she carefully and quietly dismounted in a secluded area. She imagined that the structure would be well guarded, but after investigating the area, she discovered a side entrance that was well hidden by shrubbery.

The interior was dimly lit, with only a few torches providing limited light. As far as she could see, there were no guards keeping watch in the immediate vicinity.

She could hear the crackling of flames from the torches, and the scurrying of rats along the floor, and just as she was turning a corner to head down one of the many corridors, a hand reached through the darkness and clamped down around her mouth. She struggled in its grip as she was forced back against a hard chest.

“Well, well, well,” a darkened voice chuckled against the shell of her ear, holding her captive. “What do we have here?” The voice belonged to a male, one of the guards she had presumed. “A pretty little lamb that has wandered far from her flock? Perhaps the gods have finally answered my prayers!” he cackled gleefully.

Her voice was muffled against his hand as she continued to struggle in his grip. “Un-hand me!” she cried out, but it was useless.

“Absolutely not!” he laughed and with his freehand he blindly searched for the knot to her stola. Her eyes widened in fear, and she bit his hand that held her mouth captive as hard as she could. He let out a surprised yelp, and his hand instinctively loosened around her mouth just enough for her to wriggle out of his grip, but he recovered quickly and shoved her roughly against a nearby wall. “Stupid fucking bitch!” he spat and unsheathed his dagger. “You’ll pay for that,” he snarled and pressed the edge of the blade against her throat. “Been waiting for something pretty to stick my cock into. I’ll give you a real reason to scream, whore.”

“Wait!” she yelled in fear. “If you release me now, I will see to it that you are rewarded!”

He narrowed his eyes, brows pinched together and dragged the tip of his blade down the column of her throat, but he didn’t get very far, not with the iron collar on her neck blocking the path of his blade. There was even a tag dangling in the middle of it, and when he leaned in closer, he could make out the engraved lettering: Si repertus sum, Cassium me senatorem redde. Retribuetur vobis. (If I am found, return me to Senator Cassius. You will be rewarded)

The guard stowed his dagger back into its sheath. “I wonder how well rewarded I will be when I return you to your Dominus,” he mused with a grin.

“You will be rewarded less if you have come to harm me. My Dominus will not take it lightly if there is even a scratch upon me,” Aurelia said boldly.

“Senator Cassius will reward me for what I feel is owed,” he snapped and grabbed her roughly by her forearm.

“Before you return me to him, I have one request,” she winced from his tight grip on her arm. “Must you handle me so roughly? I will go without a fight, I assure you.”

“I don’t believe you’re in the position to be requesting anything of me,” he scoffed and started to drag her towards the exit, but she dug her heels into the ground in an attempt to slow him down.

“Please!” she cried. “It is one simple request,” she pleaded. “I can offer you more than just coin if you agree!”

He sneered at this and loosened his grip around her arm. He turned around and faced her fully. “Is that so?” his eyes trailed down her body, lingering at the gentle swell of her covered breasts, and the curve of her hips. He licked his lips in anticipation. “Perhaps I can be…persuaded.”

She fought the urge to turn her nose up in disgust at the way he was violating her with his eyes alone.“I will give you what you want, and I will not fight it. But in return, you will show me where the gladiator Acacius resides.”

“Acacius?” he questioned with a scoff. His frame towered over her and his eyes held nothing short of malice in them. “What’s a pretty thing like you want him for, hm?”

She refused to make direct eye contact with him and turned her head to the side. “It does not concern you.”

“Oh,” he laughed. “I think it does concern me and unless you want me to make it hurt, I suggest you start talking. Don’t be so naive to think that just because your Dominus would be angered to see his prized whore scuffed up, that I won’t be cruel.”

Aurelia had always found it morbidly fascinating to experience just how quickly men would resort to threatening violent measures if women did not immediately give them what they wanted. She had experienced this exact scenario many times with Cassius, and by now she was numb to the mistreatment and cruelty she endured almost daily. Her heart, nonetheless, would always sink to the pit of her stomach whenever situations like this would arise.

Were all men truly this cruel?

He studied her intently, and when she didn’t respond, he grabbed her chin between two fingers and forced her to look at him. “Do you want to fuck him, is that it?” he questioned her dryly, amusement dripping in his tone.

“I beg your—”

“Oh, don’t act like you’re pure all of sudden. Besides, it was a fair question.You think you’re the only whore that has skipped down here in hopes to lay with a gladiator?” he snorted. “You’ll be met with sheer disappointment m’afraid. I heard a rumor that all of the gladiators were gelded.”

She fought her immediate urge to glare at him and his wild accusations.“I do not wish to lay with him.”

“Sure, sure,” he waved her off dismissively. “That's what they all say.”

“Well, rest assured, that is not why I am here. I just found his act of defiance in the arena today…admirable,” She admitted truthfully.

“Admirable?” he released her chin only to grab her by the waist and yanked her roughly in his grip so her chest collided with his own. “Defying the emperor’s command is admirable? Hm. I’m sure that’s exactly the reason why he was punished for his merciful actions then.”

Her face fell at his words. Was she too late? Was Acacius beaten to death for his defiance? No, he couldn’t be. The guard was just toying with her vulnerability. Acacius was surely alive. He must be.

“Don’t look so sad, whore. Acacius is still breathing. I’ll gladly escort you to his cell, after you complete your end of the deal, of course,” he said with a twisted sneer.

A deal is a deal, after all.

____

Just down the corridor, in a compacted cell, Marcus Acacius laid in filth. His bed, the single form of comfort that he had, was stripped from him, and he was forced to sleep upon the cold, unforgiving floor. His ankles were bound in iron, shackled to the stone wall, and his back was bare. The lacerations on his marred skin had since begun to crust over with dried blood, but he was badly wounded and received no care. His dreams were restless, and images of his mother flashed behind his trembling eyelids.

Let me go home, please. I wish to feel her gentle embrace. To hear her voice. Gods, take me out of my misery, I beg you.

“In this life and the next, you will always be my son, but your time has not yet come, Marcus. There is much life you have left to live. Remember, you must continue to be brave, gentle, just and compassionate. No matter what life throws your way, promise me you will always remain true to your heart and the values I have instilled in you.”

“How can I be brave, gentle, just, and compassionate in a world that is so cold, and has only been cruel to me?”

“You have to believe in your heart that there is goodness left in this world. There is kindness you have yet to experience, my son. Do not close the door on the possibilities of happiness. There is evil, yes, but there is also light in this world, Marcus. There is hope and there is love that dwells even in the darkest of places.”

Her image began to fade from his conscience as his body began to stir and wake at the sound of approaching footsteps, and hushed voices.

“Wait! Please, don’t go! Mother, please!” he called for her in his dreams and his hand reached for her in the darkness, but he grasped nothing but cold, damp air between his calloused fingers.

“Why has no one tended to his wounds?” a soft, feminine voice filtered in through his semi-conscious state.

“The orders were not given,” the guard, who Acacius knew as Cato, said to her in a hushed tone.

“Well, I am giving them. If his wounds are not treated soon, they will fester and he will die of infection,” she whispered in urgency.

“What do I look like to you? A charity service?” Cato laughed, and the sound grated Marcus’s ears.

“Please, just fetch me a pail of water, and do so quickly.”

Cato let out a grumbled sigh and nodded before turning on his heel and walked back the direction they had come from with little urgency in his pace. He was unsure as to why he was so willing and compliant to obey her request, but did little to question it.

Acacius sensed her presence as she knelt on the floor outside of his cell. Who was she? Why had she come? What was her purpose? Questions ran wild in his head.

She was relieved when she could just barely make out the shaky rise and fall of his chest, and the wheeze of labored breaths escaping through his chapped, parted lips. The pale moonlight from a single window in the cell, casted an eerie glow upon his severed and torn back and the stench of death permeated her senses.

He will not die tonight, this is certain. I will save him. She was determined.

“Sir!” she whispered through the stagnant air, not wanting to raise her voice enough to startle him from his rest.

Acacius, however, did not stir from his light slumber, and even when she rattled the steel bars that kept him imprisoned from her, and her from him, between her fists, he laid there, unmoving except for the slight twitch of his hand that was still outstretched, as if he had been reaching for something in the never ending darkness that consumed him.

“Acacius, please! You must—”

His eyes snapped open at the sound of his name leaving her lips like a plea, and out of reflex he immediately reached for his sword, forgetting that it was no longer on his person. He was in a daze, feeling delirious from dehydration and the unbearable pain he felt in his pulsing shoulder and in his back from the deep, exposed gashes that marred his beautiful tanned skin.

He let out a grunt as he struggled to pull himself up into an upright position from where he laid on his side. Every muscle and tendon in his body screamed at him to rest, his brain sensed danger until he whipped his head around and his hardened, and disoriented stare landed upon her.

“I mean you no harm, sir. I swear it,” her words were rushed as she wanted to reassure him that he had nothing to fear, not from the likes of her. She didn’t even have the desire to harm a mere fly.

“How do you know my name?” he rasped through clenched teeth. His voice was even deeper than she imagined, with an edge of hardened grit, but she could sense a warmth residing in his tone; hidden but unmistakable.

She opened her mouth to speak and explain herself, but Cato had poor timing and arrived with a pitcher of water and a vial of olive oil.

She tore her gaze from Marcus’s and glanced upwards at Cato with a desperate look in her eyes. “Unlock his cell.”

“I will do no such thing.”

“How am I to tend to his wounds if I am not in there with him?” she retorted.

“Di boni sint,” (Gods be good) Cato muttered under his breath and reached inside of his tunic pulling out a set of bronze keys. Acacius warily watched him from where sat.

The iron bars swung open, making a creaking sound along the hinges, and Marcus scrambled towards the wall till his back was met with cold hardness. His eyes widened with fear, and for a moment he was just a boy again and enduring the cruelty from a father who never wanted him.

“Peace, Acacius,” she said softly and rose to her feet. Her features were illuminated by the torch clasped in Cato’s hand and Marcus felt that the gods themselves were playing a cruel trick upon his already mangled brain. Surely, he was dreaming, for he had never gazed upon a maiden as beautiful as her. Was she even real? Or was she just a sick figment of his imagination? He did not notice the iron collar fastened around her dainty neck, he saw the softness in her eyes, a genuine kindness and warmth in them that he had not experienced for many years. He was awestruck.

“Gods, am I truly being blessed by Venus in the flesh?” he gasped. His eyes widened further before drooping from exhaustion. His mouth was dry, lips cracked and bleeding.

Cato couldn’t help but snicker at his delusions, but he was silenced by a stern look from her and quietly backed off.

“Leave us,” she said firmly, without looking at Cato and he retreated from the open doorway.

“Sir, I’m afraid you are mistaken. I am not the goddess Venus. I’m just…a girl,” she said quietly.

His fear manifested when she crouched down in front of him, the sincerity in her eyes did not fade, and she cautiously outstretched her hand in his direction. “I am here to help you, Acacius.”

His posture stiffened at this. His apprehension was apparent and he glowered in her direction. “I am not requiring your help, girl,” he hissed.

“You are untrusting of me, and I understand why, but if I do not tend to your wounds, they will fester and you will die,” she said soberly.

“Do you think I am not aware?” he scoffed. “Let them fester. Let me die. Why should you care what becomes of me?” he snapped.

She did not flinch or cower from his tone and her hand hovered near his reach, but he still did not acknowledge it. “I cannot allow you to die, Acacius. It is against my morals and nature.”

“Then you must be a figment of my imagination,” he muttered and turned his head to the side to stare at the wall. “Morals don’t exist here, my lady. Only suffering and death. It is only a matter of time,” he said defeatedly.

“I am as real as they come, I assure you.”

He tore his gaze from the nearest wall and looked upon her once more. He eyed her hand suspiciously, and then trailed his gaze across her face and down to her neck. His stare paused at the mark of ownership, and his lips pressed into a thin line.

“You’re just a slave to the Empire…like me,” he whispered and his hand slowly rose from his side, brushing the brass tag attached to the collar. He expected her to flinch from his touch, but she did not.

He dropped his hand back to his side and sank further against the wall with a deflated sigh. He eyed the pail of water and vial of olive oil alongside her that would be used to cleanse his wounds, if he allowed it. “You have yet to answer my question, my lady. How do you know my name? How did you know where to find me? Who sent you?” he fired off questions that were buzzing in his brain.

“No one sent for me, Acacius. I came here on my own accord after watching you bravely fight in the arena today. That is where I learned of your name.”

“I wouldn’t say I was brave,” he said humbly. He eyed the collar around her neck once more, and despite his guarded demeanor, and his engrained nature to lash out like a wounded animal, his shred of empathy extends to her. “My lady, I mean no disrespect, but the Colosseum is no place for a selfless, kind soul such as yourself. You shouldn’t be exposed to such…brutality,” he trailed off.

“Acacius, I am no lady. I am just—a common whore. My Dominus takes great pleasure in watching you and other Gladiators fight to the death. I’d even say it’s his favorite event.”

“Who is your Dominus?” his question lingered heavily in the stagnant air.

“Senator Cassius.”

“He may have labeled you as a whore, but in my eyes…I see a lady,” he whispered without understanding just how greatly she appreciated that he saw what others did not.

“You are too kind, Acacius. Your words touch me.”

His grim, hardened demeanor quickly returns in the form of a deepened scowl on his face and he leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes. He inhaled a lungful of air, his chest expanding and then deflates as he released the air through his flared nostrils. “You truly should not be here. This is no place for a lady, and if something were to happen to you, I could not protect you. These chains bind me till the morning,” he said quietly and yanked on the chains that bound his ankles to stone for good measure. “You should leave immediately. Leave me to rot here.”

“Acacius, I cannot stomach leaving you here and allowing your wounds to fester. Not when you have done nothing to deserve the punishment you endured. Bravery should not be met with the cruel lash of a whip,” she reached her hand near his shoulder, to brush her fingers against his tarnished skin, but he recoiled from her touch and pressed himself further against the wall. He felt the torn skin on his back wailing for reprieve, but he grits his teeth to mask the pain.

“Bravery?” he seethed through clenched teeth. His pupils seemed to darken under the shallow guise of the pale moonlight. “My acts of mercy upon my opponent made me appear weak. As if my heart wasn’t forged in steel! As if my compassion for humanity means more than the pride I feel when my blade pierces through the hearts of my enemies! I am a gladiator. I was raised as a ruthless fighter as soon as I could grasp a sword!” he exclaimed. The whites of his eyes showed a faux fierceness, but hidden in the depths of brown, there was fear.

“I have the blood of the innocent on my hands. Killing has been ingrained in my being since I was a small boy! My duty and honor lies with the empire, to the Emperors. It is all I have ever known, and all that I will ever know,” he gritted out, but his voice wavered, trembling with each syllable spoken as if he was trying to convince himself that being a gladiator under the Emperor's rule was truly all he’ll ever amount to in life. That he would never know softness, or genuine—real love from another unfortunate soul like his own.

She felt his pain, heard it seep in through his somber tone, and saw it in his anguished expression on his rugged, gold-kissed face. He may have been a bloodthirsty warrior in the Emperor's eyes, but in her own softened gaze, she saw a frightened boy that had been broken, ripped apart by cruel hands. “No,” she said sadly, “You’re just a boy.”

Aurelia and Acacius were two sides of the same coin; slaves to the Empire and forced into a life of endless servitude, bowing at the feet of those born into riches with their fancy silks and golden adornments. Their cruel whips in their dominant hands, and overflowing goblets of wine in the other.

A heavy charged silence simmered in their close proximity. He could hear her heart beating from where he sat and the sharp inhale of breath that she took.

“Please leave me here, my lady,” he said quietly, tone deflated of any emotion. He was giving up, she was certain of it.

“Please, Acacius,” she tried one more time to break through his guarded exterior. “Let me help you.”

His feelings were conflicted, it was written across his face, between the furrow of his brows, the subtle pout of his lips, and the swirl of brown and flecks of gold in his irises. He wanted to fight against the softness inside of him that begged to be released. The part of him that he had buried for so many years. He wanted to fight it tooth and nail, barred teeth and sharpened claws ready to strike at a moment's notice, but he remembered the words his mother had spoken to him.

“There is evil, yes, but there is also light in this world, Marcus.”

Could this unnamed stranger be the light that his mother spoke of? Could she be his purpose? His reason to fight to see another day?

“Marcus,” he whispered, “my name is Marcus.”

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[dontsh0vethesun]

Can you do something with Wednesday and reader where readers love language is touch but Wednesday doesn’t really enjoy it, and so one day like she tells wends this and then Wednesday starts to be more physical with her because she knows it’s what reader likes? (Sorry if that didn’t make too much sense, love your works tho!)

touch

masterlist | request info

any ‘wednesday’ fic i do will be set at ‘nevermore university’ so the minimum age of any character will be 18

wednesday addams x reader

warnings: slight angst, brief mentions of bad days and being overwhelmed etc, mentions of kissing but pretty much just fluff

hope this is okay anon :)

Wednesday told you she had ‘what you would label as romantic feelings’ for you around a month ago, you’d be lying if you said it hadn’t surprised you but you were more than thrilled. You too had ‘the nauseating feelings’ swarming in your stomach when you spend time together and you find it amusing how she grumbles about being just like her parents. 

You’ve never been under the illusion that Wednesday is a physically affectionate person, before last month you’d not received more than a small touch here and there. She’d let you lean your tired head on her shoulder a few times without shrugging it away like you’d seen her do to people before but other than that you'd not been shown much. 

Over the past few weeks she’s planted a few kisses to your lips, she lets you cuddle up closely to her and even lets your legs rest in her lap when you're both reading. You knew going into the relationship that you'd go at her pace, waiting for her to offer a kiss or a hug. And you were perfectly fine with that. 

You wanted nothing more than for her to be comfortable but it didn’t take away that feeling of coldness where you craved warmth. When you just needed a hug at the end of a bad day or you just wanted to feel close to somebody when the rest of the world is too much. 

Her wit and words of comfort with that extra special Wednesday Addams touch were perfect but you’d always be left yearning for that tiny bit more. 

There was a day you went out into town, a short trip out alone for some down time with a cup of coffee at the Weathervane and a stroll through crisp with autumn streets. 

But that blazer you were wearing stuck out like a sore thumb in the sea of normies. You noticed the side glances and the way young children were guided away from you by their parents as they passed. You heard the whispers and the not quite as quiet murmurs of you being a ‘freak’ - an ‘outcast’. 

Maybe you should be used to it by now but it still hurt, your throat felt tight and you wanted nothing more than to go back home. So you did. 

Your eyes were glazed over with tears when you reached their door and Enid pulled you into a tight hug right away, it was enough to help the tension roll away. She didn’t make you talk about it, just letting you sit beside her with an arm slung over your shoulder. Wednesday checked in with glances in your direction, a few small smiles here and there and mutterings of how she’d ‘kill them mercilessly until they wish they’d never been born’. 

Her comforting words made you smile. 

When Enid left a couple of hours later, your girlfriend moved to perch beside you on the bed. Her hands were folded in her lap as she thought before turning to you with a slight furrow to her brows. 

“You and Enid hug a lot.”

“Well, she’s my best friend.”

“You don’t hug me.”

“I know that it's not really your thing.” You reassured her with a smile. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“Does it make you feel better? I’ve noticed you’re more physically affectionate when you’re upset.” She asked and it warmed your heart to see how serious she was, a genuine curiosity, just trying to understand you. 

“I find it comforting to be close to the people I care about, yes. It makes me feel cared for and it’s how I like showing I care. Like two parts making a whole.” 

“I suppose I wouldn’t be completely opposed to it. I'm not repulsed by you, after all.” 

“I’m glad to hear that.” You laughed, linking your fingers with hers when she lay her hand on your thigh. 

-

You saw the evil glares Wednesday directed Thing’s way when she initiated intimacy, guiding your head to her shoulder or pulling a blanket over your bodies on a chilly evening. The hand was always smug when he was right. 

Sometimes a pale pinky finger would wrap around yours during a class and she would return the smile you would give her in response. You were growing used to that smile, a soft and gentle contrast to her otherwise prickly persona, the upturning of her lips that only you got to see. 

Wednesday Addams falling in love was not something that Thing and Enid had expected to see. It may or may not be a common topic of conversation on their manicure sessions. 

There was a day that she came with you to the Weathervane, warding off any potential sour words with a dark stare from her equally as dark eyes. She grasped your hand in hers as you walked, her thumb stroking over your knuckles with a warmth you might not expect. 

Her lips on your cheek never failed to make you smile and you swear the ones to your lips just get better each time. She doesn’t go quite so far as pulling you into a hug and kisses in short bursts are yet to go further but you wouldn’t have it any other way. Wednesday is soft in private, nobody would believe you if you told them and that is what made today such a shock. 

Your day hadn’t started off well at all. 

First it was your alarm not waking you up on time - the snooze button is just too easy to reach. And that meant you got to your first class late which earned a stern look from the teacher at the front of the room. 

Then you realised your late nights and trouble sleeping had messed up your grades, suddenly feeling under pressure from the workload. It all piled up into a generally shitty day, only made worse by the crappy grade you received on an assignment. 

It was safe to say that by your lunch break you were a total grouch, your chin resting in your hand with a pout on your lips whilst you just picked at the food in front of you. You let the laughter of your friends fall into the background; Enid, Bianca, Yoko and Ajax. They tried to pull you into conversation but all you could muster was a haphazard response.

“Hey, what’s up?” Bianca asked you with concern and Enid smiled at you comfortingly, pulling you into her side.

“Just nothing and everything.” You shrugged, laughing lightly at the joke Yoko made to brighten the atmosphere. 

Wednesday watched you for a few moments from across the room, a caring glint in her eye that she never thought could be there. She frowned slightly at the way your shoulders fell with a sigh and your fork poked at what she knew was your favourite meal.��

She’d made sure to grab an extra of your favourite drink and she smiled to herself when she saw your laugh - she loved the sight no matter how ‘pathetic’ that made her sound. There was just something about the way it lit up your face, the way she somehow felt it too. 

You didn’t see her sit down beside you, only being made aware of her presence when a drink slid in front of you. She smiled largely at you when your head swiveled round to face her, feeling the stress melt away at the touch of her hand to your back. 

“Are you okay?” She whispered to you, she just nodded lightly at your shrug. 

They didn’t dare to say anything - if they were held at gunpoint they’d likely swear they saw nothing - but shocked looks passed around the table at the arms that wrapped around your body. 

It startled you too to begin with but you quickly melted into her body, her hands stroked over your back and yours held onto the material of her jumper. She nuzzled her face into the crook of your neck, scaring away the wide eyed gazes of your friend group with one of her trademark looks, it felt like something she’d needed all this time. Something she’d been missing without even realising it until this moment. 

“Are you okay?” You asked her, perhaps she had a fever and this was merely an act of delirium. You heard her huff a slight laugh and practically felt the annoyed roll of her eyes at your comment. 

“Like two parts making a whole.” She shrugged.

[awkward-tension-art]

Bacta and Bandages Chp.3 (Rex x Reader)

Chapter 2. Chapter 4.

First Mission

CW: Clone mistreatment, Medical procedures, needles, Death, destruction, mentions of an epidemic, nothing graphic, Reader is gender neutral, no use of (Y/N), reader is a doctor, if I miss a tag LMK!

Minors DNI also this is MINIMALLY PROOFREAD

You had a couple of weeks to establish yourself and settle with the 501st. It worked out well, because it allowed you to get to know the soldiers more.

Plus, no mission meant you had some free time to learn mando’a. It was basic at best, but you knew how to greet someone and find out where their pain is located, as well as other basic conversation.

It’s what you were doing at the moment. As you tidied up the medical bay, the robotic voice of a teaching droid came from the datapad on your desk. The holo was a program fit more for academy students, but you had to start somewhere.

“Ni cuy' a baar'ur,” You had managed to gear the learning towards medical language. Just to let you do your job better for the clones. Currently, the program was going over what to say when dealing with a patient.

“Very good. Where is your pain?”

“Vaii cuyir gar aaray?” You paused. The word for pain, aaray, always sounded off to you, “Vaii cuyir gar aaray?” Your words repeated.

You felt your damn soul leave your body when another voice interrupted.

“Ner kov'nyn bal ner haalas.” Rex was standing in the doorway, one hand on his hip, the other held his helmet. 

You didn’t know the exact sentence, and you had to think for a moment before looking up at him, “Head and…chest?”

He smirked and nodded, “That’s correct.” the captain stepped to your desk and looked at the holo-program that was still waiting for a response from you. “You’re learning Mando’a?”

“I thought it might help the troopers feel more comfortable,” You approached, tapping the tablet and pausing the holo-program, “I hope that's alright…” 

“It's more than alright, it's…it's a wonderful thought.” Rex had a genuine smile, “The men will appreciate it.” However, he cleared his throat, “However, General Skywalker needs you on the bridge.” 

Your heart raced, did something happen? Did you do something wrong?

“It’s about our next mission.” The captain explained, most likely catching your rising anxiety, “It's a relief mission, and your expertise with medical care is needed.” 

Oh! The breath you let out was one of relief, “Yes, of course…let's go to the bridge then.” 

The walk was quick. You’ve gotten used to the halls and paths of the venator now. Though, admittedly, you’ve gotten terribly lost a couple times. Once, you ended up in the reactor section and if you hadn’t found R2-D2, you’d have to embarrass yourself by asking a soldier to help guide you.

Once on the bridge, you saluted the general and commander in greeting, “You called for me, sir?”

Anakin Skywalker nodded, “We need your expertise, doctor,” He tapped a button on the console, bringing up a holomap of a planet with 4 moons, “The planet of Cherenity had a planet-wide epidemic and a series of natural disasters that caused total societal collapse. There were riots, famine, civil war and complete chaos.”

You frowned, but let him continue. 

“The Jedi have been called to try and help rebuild and offer relief. We need your help in dealing with the wounded and establishing medical care again.” He finished, standing up. He put his hands behind his back and looked at you, “What do you say?”

Ah. set up a medical center, help with supplies and maybe teach some procedures to the locals. 

You raised a hand to your chin, mentally working out the logistics, “One hospital for an entire planet will be overwhelmed. I’d like to have Kix with me to help deal with the injured.” Your eyes met Rex’s, “If that's alright with you, Captain.”

“He’s all yours.” He nodded. 

You smirked, and turned back to face General Skywalker, “When do we arrive?”

“We have an hour to prepare.” He informed everyone, “Thank you, Doctor. Get to work everyone. Dismissed.”

First mission…

You’d be a liar if you didn’t say you were nervous. Yes, you were a capable doctor. But…

Well, in soldier terms, you were no better than a shiny. A rookie.

You were in the hangar double checking the crates of supplies when Kix approached and saluted, “Doctor, I’ve been informed I will be aiding you in this mission.”

Your tone was calm and even, “You and I are going to help establish something of a medical care center for the survivors on Cherenity,” You looked over to him, “But, this will be my first mission, and I’m a doctor before I’m a soldier…I might follow your lead if the situation calls for it.”

He gave you an understanding smile, “I remember my first mission…It can be overwhelming but you’ll get used to it,” The medic melted into a friendly, approachable attitude, “Since it’s a relief mission, it should be easy. But if there's any danger I’ll show you what to do.” 

How kind. Very polite too.

“Thank you, Kix.” 

Before you loaded up, you checked your gear. Because of your rank and position, you didn’t wear the same heavy, clunky armor as the other soldiers. You were outfitted with movement and supplies in mind. Armor was minimal, only enough to protect your chest, calves and wrists. The uniform, made of protective yet light material, was red and white, indicating your medical personnel status.

In a perfect galaxy, this would mean no one would try to kill you. But…well, war crimes weren’t unheard of. Sometimes adversaries would specifically target medics.

With a calming breath, you stepped on the gunship with Kix and a few other soldiers and prepared yourself mentally. There were certain things you were worried about. With no sterile location, infection rates would be high. Plus, even if the disease that caused the epidemic had killed all of its hosts, it may still be present on the planet. 

And you had no idea how it was spread.

“Something wrong, Doctor?” A trooper next to you noticed. He was a ‘shiny’ judging by his pure white armor. 

“I don’t know yet,” you responded, “Do your helmets have protection against contaminants in the air? Like a virus perhaps?” Your question seemed to startle the poor shiny. 

It was a trooper with a painted flower on his chest that answered, “We have temporary protection. Though it only lasts long enough for us to get out of an area, not really stay in it. Maybe a couple minutes at most.”

You nodded, “We know nothing about this virus that contributed to the planet's collapse. If you, or any trooper feels unwell, come to me.”

Another soldier to your left, Steele, you believe his name is, let out a soft laugh, “Don’t worry about us, Doc. We’re not meant to be a priority.”

“I’ll prioritize whoever I want, thank you.” You responded, just as the gunship landed and the doors opened. 

You stepped off, taking in your surroundings. 

Devastation. The capital of Cherenity, Fushi, from what you could tell, used to be an active, beautiful city. But now, it was a shadow of its former self. The ruins and rubble looked like the buildings used to be made of marble and glass. Now, it was all…destroyed. broken, painted glass was everywhere. Craters littered the formerly stone streets. Smoke billowed at multiple locations in the distance. Occasionally, blaster shots echoed around the ruins, bouncing off the once beautiful walls. 

Your heart twisted.

This was war. You signed up expecting destruction, but not…this….

Kix put a hand on your shoulder, “Doctor?”

“I’m fine.” you shook your head, getting yourself together, “Just…didn’t expect this.”

“You’ll get used to it.” Steele responded, unloading a crate of supplies.

You weren’t sure if that made you feel better or worse. 

You made it to the center of the broken, desolate city. That’s where the Cherians had tried to maintain some semblance of civilization. Innocent people were living either in haphazard tents or the surely dangerously unstable remains of the buildings around.

As you and your group made your way forward, the Cherians pause what they were doing to watch you. 

They were humanoid, with skin tones that ranged from bright red to deep purple that were dotted with scales. All of them had horns of various shapes and sizes that poked out from hair of many different colors as well. Their eyes were all solid white, pupiless and glowing. Among them were some humans, twi’lek and other races as well. 

That didn’t strike you as odd. After all, a planet capital such as Fushi would have a lot of diversity.

You pressed your com at your wrist and raised it to your lips, “General, we’ve made it to where the survivors are camping.”

After a second, Anakin’s voice came through the other end, “Good, start unloading supplies. Ahsoka and I have been…held up.” 

As soon as the Jedi finished speaking, Rex’s voice came through the com, “All units, be advised, thieves and pirates are in the area and may target the supplies and the civilians.”

Fuck…

You swallowed and shared a look with Kix, you were about to speak before getting interrupted by an approaching Cherian. Her pure white hair trailed behind her and her horns gave height over the troopers. Her skin was a soft lavender and she had an aura of peace and calm. 

“Peace,” She greeted, “I am Zenial Ill’ty the Senator of Cherenity.”

Senator? Why isn’t she on Coruscant? Did she come home to try and help the devastation?

“Ma’am,” You nodded in greeting, “General Skywalker is on his way with more supplies, in the meanwhile, I’m his battalion's doctor and am here to help reestablish medical care.” 

Zenial gave you a smile and bowed, “Thank you, healer of the 501st. What is left of our city is open to you. Most of the injured are located at the north end of our camp.”

You bowed to her and motioned for the troopers carrying medical supplies to follow. Kix was beside you as your steps lead you beyond a half shattered green building. Behind it, was the injured and sick. 

There had to have been a few hundred at least. Walking among them were Cherians wearing the same medical symbol as you. However, it was clear they were overwhelmed and unable to help without proper equipment, medicine and housing. 

You steeled yourself. You were a doctor. You worked in a hospital on Coruscant’s lower levels, and that wiped away any naivety you had even before the war. You remained silent, eyes roaming the people and bodies. 

From visual confirmation, you guessed the few doctors had set up ‘zones’ by severity of wounds and illness. 

Good. It made your job easier. 

With a steading breath, you got to work. 

You prioritized those with the most severe wounds. Internal injuries, amputations, massive amounts of blood loss…Your focus was razor sharp as you tended to those you could. The supplies in your pack dwindled to nothing quickly, much to your frustration.

Perhaps it was your expectations. Or maybe it was how you worked in the hospital, but you burned through the supplies in your pack trying to save everyone. 

A twi’lek, with royal blue skin and yellow eyes wheezed and sputtered as you tried to fix his burnt and ripped heart. According to his young daughter, he was searching for food when thieves shot him. It was sheer will that he survived this long. 

You reached for more bacta, only to be stopped by Kix, “Doctor, there isn’t anything else you can do.”

My old mentor told me those words once. You remembered. It was the first patient you had ever lost. A drunken speeder accident. You’d never forget it as their heart stopped beating under your hands.

“But…he can be saved. I know he can.” Your eyes must’ve been wide and confused, “I’ve seen worse wounds.”

The medic next to you had an understanding look, “Maybe in a proper hospital. But on the field…we don’t have the luxury.”

You looked down at the twi’lek, taking in his severe wounds. 

Kix is right. 

You made sure his daughter held his hand as you injected him with painkillers. He drifted off to sleep and was dead within minutes. 

Move on. There are others. 

At some point as you tended to the wounded, General Skywalker and Commander Tano had arrived with food, water and some ‘society rebuilding’ technology. It was hours later when you had gotten done with the most severe patients and were able to get the Cherian healers together to start planning properly. You did your best to ignore how the General watched your moves. 

He was most likely testing you. Making sure you could handle this.

“You’ll need clean water,” You explained, looking over your datapad, “The biggest worry is infection. You can save a life but lose them later to the same wound if it's not kept clean.” Your steps weaved through the wounded patients. Some were already much better than when you arrived, and others were resting peacefully, finally having their pain managed.

“You’ll need to boil the water at the very least to sterilize it,” Your words didn’t falter even after passing by the General who was with Captain Rex, “Same for metal scalpels and other tools. Put them in boiling water to clean them at the very least.”

Kix, who had been walking beside you, handed you a holomap of the immediate area. Once you activated it, you began to plan the new medical center for the Cherians, “It would be best if you had the injured in the most stable building, here.” You pointed at one of the more stable, least destroyed glass and marble building on the map, “The cover will be imperative for those with more severe injuries and illnesses. I’ve had some of the troopers make sure the supports are-”

One of those following you spoke up, “Can we trust what an artificial human says?” 

That question screeched your mind to a halt. You blinked, dumbfounded at the bluntness from the individual in front of you. Your mind had to take a minute to process what you heard.

After getting your thoughts together, you responded, “The troopers are hardworking, reliable men. I trust what they say.”

The Cherian opened their mouth, “But-”

You couldn’t hold back the venom in your words as you cut them off, “Do I need to repeat myself or are we going to have a problem?” Your eyes bore into the individual, practically daring them to argue with you. 

“...No, Doctor.” 

“Good.” Immediately, your tone became calmer, “Now, let's continue.”

Unknown to you, Captain Rex saw your exchange, he couldn’t help the small smile on his lips as you walked away. 

Anakin elbowed his side, smirking at his captain.

[madaqueue]

Practice Makes Perfect | Chapter 3

synopsis: you and yuji have been best friends basically as long as you can remember, and you made a promise to each other to stay friends and help each other be the best versions of yourselves for your future partners. but will things change when yuji finally starts looking for a relationship?

pairing: yuji itadori (18+) x f!reader

themes/content: modern college au (characters aged up to 18+). language, fluff, smut. kissing, grinding, a hint of jealousy. 18+, MDNI

word count: 1.8k

a/n: i told y'all we're getting there >:)

previous chapter | series masterlist | next chapter

The words echo in your head as you process the situation unfolding around you. “Like we used to,” a sentence you had uttered only minutes earlier, yet this was notably very different from the way you and Yuji used to hang out when you were together over the past few years.

For starters, his lips were on your neck as you moaned softly in his ear.

Just moments prior, Yuji heard your affirmation that you would be staying the night. In your mind, you anticipated watching a movie, eating dinner together, and maybe playing some stupid video game until you fell asleep. However, Yuji has other ideas. As soon as he sees you smile at him with an arm around his shoulders, it’s like a switch flipped in his brain.

“Can I kiss you?” he whispers. There is no hint of the normal jokiness in his voice.

“What, you need more practice?” you chuckle, trying to lighten the suddenly tense mood.

But Yuji doesn’t waiver, his eyes still staring into yours. He slowly glances down to your lips and back up to your eyes. “I don’t know, isn’t that what people do on dates?” continuing with a serious tone.

“Um, I-I guess, if-” you start.

“You didn’t answer my question,” he notes, now just staring at your lips.

You swallow. “W-what question?” You don’t know what’s come over you that’s gotten you so nervous you stutter.

“Can I kiss you? Or have you forgotten already, sweets?” he hums with a smirk. Again with that nickname - you feel butterflies and, suddenly, that familiar pulsing between your legs.

What the hell is going on? Why is Yuji acting like this? And why does it make you want him so badly?

You nod. “Yes, you can kiss me,” you say, nearly a whisper.

Yuji’s smirk turns into a full smile as he moves one of his hands from the bed onto your waist, keeping his eyes on your lips as he slowly moves his head towards yours. His mouth meets yours softly, just like last time. Yuji suddenly plunges his tongue against yours, surprising you compared to the gentleness of your last kiss. The act forces you to gasp as you try to fight back an involuntary moan, only opening your mouth further. He uses his hand on your waist to push you down onto your back as he rolls on top of you, his other hand moving up to the side of your ribs. The movement sends shivers down your spine. You place one hand on his, guiding it from your waist to under your shirt and beneath your bra until his rough palm covers the sides of your breast. His fingers brush over your firm nipple and you can’t hold back a moan.

Yuji pulls away from the kiss for a moment to look down at you and smile before brushing your hair to the side and moving to kiss your neck. He places gentle pecks along your jawline as he moves down to your collarbone. At the same, he moves his knee up between your legs, with only his sweat pants and your suddenly soaked panties separating you.

Shit, you hope he can’t feel how wet you are right now. All this just from a little making out?

He pulls you out of your thoughts by biting gently at the space right above your collarbone, forcing another moan out of your throat as you instinctively thrust your hips up against his leg, trying to get any friction on your throbbing cunt.

The action must have surprised Yuji because he suddenly moves his head away from your neck to look over you again, this time with a worried look on his face. “Are you okay?” he questions, genuine concern in his voice.

“Y-yeah, why? Why’d you stop?” you try to respond, your voice wavering so much it almost comes out a whine.

“You just moved and I-I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t hurting you,” he explains, his face starting to flush. “This is still kind of new to me, so I don’t really know what feels good or not…” he trails off.

You feel the strong urge to comfort him, letting him know how good he was making you feel, but all you’re able to get out is a simple “No, it didn’t hurt.” He moves his eyes back up to yours, so you continue, “It was actually really, really good, Yu.” A weak smile forms on your face as you try to pull yourself out of the intense moment you were just experiencing.

Yuji takes the praise in stride. “Really?” he beams. “What did you think of the flirting before we started, was that good? Or was it too much?”

Things suddenly start to click into place - that’s why Yuji was acting so weird before kissing you, that’s where all the confidence came from, and that’s definitely why you were so into it. He was playing a character, and you were attracted to that character, not to him, right?

“I’m going to take your silence as a ‘Yes Yuji you were perfect, don’t change a thing,’” he laughs, breaking you out of your thoughts. He rolls off to the side so he’s no longer on top of you and looks up at the ceiling. “That thing you did, guiding my hand, that was also super good, I would definitely do that again,” he thinks aloud to himself.

So this really is just practice to him. “Thanks,” you chuckle, trying not to get too in your head about it. “So, are we gonna eat or what? I was promised dinner, remember?” you try to change the subject as you slow your breathing. Yuji practically leaps off the bed at your question to grab the bag of food before tossing it onto the bed next to you, grinning incessantly the whole time.

He turns on the TV on the other side of the room to an old episode of some cartoon you used to watch together as kids and the two of you eat in silence on his bed. When the episode finishes, you both yawn in unison and move to lay down under the covers. He wraps an arm around you as you rest your head on his chest. He places a gentle kiss on your forehead before you both ease into sleep.

—

You wake up to the sounds of Yuji gently snoring as sunlight illuminates the room through the closed blinds. For a moment, you relish the peace, until it’s rudely broken by a familiar buzzing. You search around for your phone until you glance at the bedside table and see it’s Yuji’s phone lighting up.

Incoming call: “Nobara - Econ 301”

You blink as you process the words on the screen and Yuji groans next to you. “What time is it?” he asks, still groggy. He glances over at his phone to check and sees the incoming call, immediately grabbing the phone off the table and answering. “Hey Nobara!” he says into the phone, his voice slightly deeper than normal but as cheery as ever. “Yep, still on for tonight, I can’t wait! See you then!” he lowers the phone and hangs up.

You feel a pit in your stomach - why was she calling him so early? Why did he have to answer? Why couldn’t she have just texted him? Why doesn’t he ever sound that happy when he talks to you?

No, you aren’t doing this. You are not getting jealous over Yuji. You have known each other for years and you’ve never run into this before. No, this is just the cold tacos from last night sitting poorly, you’re sure of it.

Yuji pokes your shoulder, pulling you out of your inner spiral. “Hey, do you wanna go get breakfast? The dining hall is doing an omelette bar today and if you say ‘pretty please’ they’ll give you enough cheese it comes out sitting in grease, it’s awesome,” he reminisces.

“Thanks, but I have to pass. Unfortunately, I have actual classes I have to attend,” you tease as you sit up and move towards the edge of the bed. “By the way, can I borrow a pair of your sweats? I don’t really feel like walking across campus in that dress from last night, it kind of feels like a lot for 9:00 in the morning.”

“Of course!” he responds, pointing toward one of the drawers in his closet. As he does so, he realizes you could have asked him last night so you could go back to your room - hell, he wouldn’t have blamed you after he spilled what was definitely an over-full cup of wine on a dress he secretly hoped you’d wear again everyday for the rest of your life because you looked so stunning in it. And yet, you stayed. Why?

This time, you were the one to pull him out of his thoughts as you walk back over to him. His heart nearly leaps out of his chest as he sees you in his oversized t-shirt and grey sweatpants, matching the ones he still had on from last night. They somehow fit you perfectly even though they hang loosely off your body. You feel his eyes scanning your body. “Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” you joke and his eyes immediately meet yours. He lifts his fingers up to his face forming a fake camera and pretends to take a picture of you, causing both of you to laugh.

“Oh this is a good one,” he giggles, looking intently at the nonexistent picture in his empty palms.

You play along, “Well now you’ve gotta show me!” You jump forward onto the bed, practically tackling him as you both laugh at the stupid joke you’re making.

Letting your laughter die down, a sense of peace settles upon both of you. You look Yuji in the eyes and give him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for last night, it was really special,” you hum. “Oh, and um, good luck on your date tonight.” You try to force a smile and hope he doesn’t notice as you hop off the bed and walk towards the door. “You’re gonna do great.”

“Only thanks to the amazing practice I got last night,” he flashes you a grin, still sitting on his bed. “Text me when you get back to your dorm, okay?”

“Will do,” you say, turning the handle and walking out of his room, trying to ignore the butterflies still in your stomach.

—

After heading back to your dorm and changing, you walk into what is thankfully your only class on Fridays: biology. You push through the heavy doors into the giant lecture hall and scan for an open seat, when you suddenly recognize someone you certainly didn’t expect to see.

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[tkachukz]

Meeting the Hughes -Quinn Hughes

-hope you all like it  :) 

-english is not my first language, if I have something written wrong I'm sorry (and let me know so I can fix it and learn)

-words: 1,3 K

summary: When your boyfriend introduces you to his family for the first time

Quinn's fingers tap the steering wheel frantically, a sure sign of her anxiety.

That's because, after three months, you were driving to his house, not the one in Vancouver, but the one in his hometown, where he would introduce you to his family for the first time.

You were wearing nice pants and a sweater, the night was cold.

A playful smile spreads across your lips "If I didn't know you I would think you could hurt me"

"What??" he looks scared.

“You're nervous. In movies, killers often show a certain nervousness when they are taking their victims to the slaughterhouse”.

“You watch too many serial killer movies” he smiles a little “sorry, I never introduced anyone to my family”.

"I know. I promise I'll behave" you let out a sly smile as you cross your fingers.

Quinn now lets out a laugh, and you feel he's a little more relaxed.

As soon as he parks the car, he goes around to open the door, this is one of the niceties that are part of their relationship. He is a gentleman. Like, he always opens and closes doors, holds your hand on the stairs, keeps an arm around your waist when you're in a crowded place, and always has an extra coat in the car for you - but wouldn't mind taking his own if necessary.

He gives you a gentle kiss when you reach the door.

Your confidence drops a little when you looks into Quinn's eyes. He wasn't your first boyfriend but without a doubt he was the best, he meant the world to you and you knew how important family was to him and all you wanted was to impress them.

“They will love you,” he whispers in your ear as soon as he open the door.

Warm air of comfort invades your lungs. The house was big, but incredibly welcoming.

“Quinn! You came!! Jim! Guys!" the woman you already knew to be Quinn's mother yelled, reaching over smiling to hug her son, "I miss you!"

"Very good to see you mom!" Quinn says affectionately, letting go of the hug and extending his hand to you "this is Y/n"

“It is a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Hughes” you said with a genuine smile.

“Call me Ellen, please! Nice to meet you sweetihart!" she surprises you with a hug.

Quinn's father arrives to greet his son, and soon after offers you a handshake with a smile, much more discreet, maybe that's why Quinn was so shy.

Two boys arrive together, and Quinn joins you with a big smile.

“I told you she was real” his smile widens and you see the younger brother handing a paper to the older one.

"Did you guys bet I wasn't real?"

“Welcome to the Hughes family” Ellen lets out a laugh heading towards the kitchen with Jim.

“Just to clarify, I thought you were real” the one with the longest hair holds out his hand “I'm Jack, it's nice to meet the person Quinn can't stop talking about”

You see Quinn's cheeks redden and he lowers his head.

“I thought he was lying. I'm Luke”, greets the youngest.

"I'm Y/n, nice to meet you"

Quinn guides you into the kitchen, sitting next to you and serving you what looks like delicious pasta.

"How did you two meet?" Jack asks after a while, causing you and Quinn to exchange knowing glances.

“We met at a party” he clears his throat “I saw that she was the most beautiful girl in the place and I asked her to dance”

A delicate smile leaves your lips remembre the moment.

"Wow, I didn't know you were an attitude guy" Luke says, receiving a pinch from his mother.

“We danced all night, we talked, and I asked her to watch my game that weekend,” he continued.

“That's a classic,” Jack says in a lower tone.

“I gladly accepted the free invitation” you add to the story making Luke laugh.

"She did, and I scored her a hat trick" Quinn says this time looking at you, holding your hand under the table.

"Can't it be that easy?" Luke begins "I got a lot of hats and I never got a girlfriend!"

"Well, maybe you're not as much fun off the ice as you think." Jack shrugged, causing Luke to shoot him a death glare.

 After dinner, you all went into the living room, with Ellen showing Quinn's old photo albums - he wasn't too excited about it. Afterwards, you got together to play some board games and mimicry.

You were competitive, so you were dedicated to winning, whether you were on Quinn's team or not.

“Ok Jack, attention” you pointed to the younger before starting to mime.

You started running around the room like crazy.

"Running. Runner. Circle. Fast..."

You waved on the last word.

"Okay, okay. Fast!" he repeated.

Feeling a bit sorry for playing, you made the ugliest face you could imagine, making Jack's eyes shine.

"Furious!!! FAST AND FURIOUS!!! FAST AND FURIOUS!” He shouted in celebration and you joined he -cause this was the final round and you had won.

"Is not fair! It's not my fault Quinn never watched Percy Jackson. Huh Quinn!” Luke complains, trying to get the older's attention, but without success.

Quinn had his eyes on you.

When you readily and excitedly accepted to meet his family, he felt his heart warm. The way you charmed everyone made him even more emotional. 

You were nice and affectionate with his mother, listening to family stories and even sharing a cake recipe; you had shown interest in a book his father was reading, even though you was not a fan of astronauts; and you was even more committed to Jack and Luke because you knew how important they were to him.

You answered all of Jack's curious questions, even uncovered yours shared interest in superheroes, and entertained Luke with some of Quinn's stories — and even promised to help him find a girlfriend.

At the end of the night, everyone went to their rooms. You and Quinn would spend the night so you don't have to hit the road at night. You would sleep in Quinn's bed - while he would sleep on the floor in Jack's room.

“I love it when you wear my jersey” he says in a soft voice leaning against the door frame.

“Are you waiting for my invitation to enter your own room?” a smile leaves your lips.

He walks in slowly coming towards you. Your heart feels like it's going to leap out of your chest with the gentle kiss.

"Thank you for today. My mum already loves you, my dad thinks you're extremely smart, Jack is obsessed and Luke still can't believe you're my girlfriend” he whispers in your ear, while rubbing your back.

"They are amazing. Thank you for introducing me to them”

You hold each other for a while longer. Quinn is in fluffy pajamas, which makes you want to spend the night cuddling up to him.

“I think you better go, see you in the morning” you say with a soft kiss on the cheek, fighting your own instincts.

“I could stay. I hide under the bed” he says with a small smile.

"Quintin Hughes, I am committed to earning your mother's trust!!" you start pushing him to the door.

Considering your difference in size, weight, and strength, this would be an impossible mission if Quinn wasn't helping.

"Is my mother's love more important than mine?" he pretends to be offended.

"For sure. Goodnight baby” you close the door in his face, opening it seconds later for a quick kiss, then closing it again.

You can hear Quinn's laugh through the keyhole, making you go to sleep with the best feeling of butterflies in your stomach.

[sh4wty18]

girl of your dreams - chapter four.

one. | two. | three. | four.

pairing: hockeyplayer!chris x figureskater!reader

summary: chris contemplates the events of the party, and when coach beck makes an odd request of the two team captains, something goes down between the two rivals that neither of them see coming.

cw: rivals to lovers, angst, first person POV, language

word count: 1.2k + not edited (oops)

tags: @joeshiestyslover @chrissbluehat @h3arts4harry @wompwomp-1 @cassluvsturn @cl1tlover3000 @amelia-sturniolo3 (if you want to be tagged, comment!)

dividers from @plutism

---

Chris’s POV

“What do you mean, you ‘almost’ kissed her?” my best friend Nate asks as we all get changed for practice in the locker room. It’s Monday, and we’re about to have our first game of the season. 

“I mean, she pulled me in so fuckin’ hard our mouths touched. I was lowkey flirting with her but I didn’t expect all that!” I laugh at the memory from the other night.

Truthfully, I’d gone upstairs after seeing Y/n dancing with her friend. I’d already thought she looked hot as fuck when she walked in, and in my stupid drunken haze I wrapped my arm around her–that was my first mistake. Then seeing her dance with her friend all sexy? Yeah, I was done for. I had to get out of there. I knew if I spent one more minute watching, I’d be pushing through the crowd to get my hands on her. I always knew I was attracted to her, since the very first day we met. But the other night confirmed just how badly I want her. It’s pathetic, really. When she came into my room I couldn’t help myself, it was too perfect. The opportunity presented itself to me and I had to do something. So I flirted. What I wasn’t expecting was for her to reciprocate. In all our three years of knowing each other and having our dumb rivalry, I never thought she saw me in that way. Then again, she was drunk. I don’t know how she would feel about me sober. It could’ve just been a drunken mistake. No, it was a drunken mistake. We’re from two different worlds, we just don’t work. She hates me and I “hate” her. That’s how it’s always been. That’s how it always will be. Right?

“Sturniolo, what the fuck is wrong with you this week?” Coach Carter shouts. “Get on the rink…and don’t fuck this up! We need you.” He claps me on the shoulder and guides me out of the locker room.

When I get onto the rink, the crowd cheers for me. I’m still not used to it, and I’m a senior. Being a D1 ice hockey player has its perks, like being broadcasted on TV. People love me, especially the girls. I see edits of myself on tiktok and laugh. What did I ever do to deserve all this?

It’s a good game. We win 3-0, and I score all three goals. 

– 

The next day after practice, when I’m collecting my things from the bleachers and preparing to go home, I see a figure approach out of my peripheral vision. I turn and am met with Y/n standing close next to me.

“Hi?” I ask, not sure what else to say.

She stares down at her feet awkwardly, as if searching for the words she wants to say. I don’t care how awkward she is, she’s still beautiful.

“Hey. Um, I wanted to say…” she hesitates. Oh God, I think, Is she going to bring up the other night? I can feel the sweat beading on the back of my neck from nerves, and her breath catches as if she could read my thoughts, “I just wanted to say I watched your game last night. You played well. Congrats.” She smiles, a real, genuine smile–one I could look at forever.

I smile back, feeling my cheeks flush as I do. I scratch the back of my neck and tilt my head slightly, “Was that a compliment, Y/n/LN?” 

“Don’t get too ahead of yourself,” she rolls her eyes, but I can see a hint of a smile peeking through. 

Behind us, a woman’s voice cuts through our tender moment. “Y/n, Chris. Would you two mind staying back for a minute?” Coach Beck asks.

“Of course we can!” Y/n answers immediately, for the both of us. Because… of course she does. I can’t help but roll my eyes as I’m reminded of why we have a rivalry in the first place. No matter how gorgeous she is, she’s still insufferable. 

“So,” Coach Beck starts. “Coach Carter and I have been thinking, and we feel that there’s still some… tension between the two teams. The ice hockey and figure skating teams have been performing worse in practices, getting easily distracted,” her eyes flick between me and Y/n, and I feel my cheeks burn again. “And all around, there have been a few verbal altercations between some of the teammates on both sides. For these reasons, Coach Carter and I have decided that as the team captains, you two should be responsible for holding a team building event for the two teams!” She smiles big, as if trying to hype up the assignment. 

Unsurprisingly, Y/n immediately perks up. Anything to boost leadership for her med school applications, right? 

“We’d be happy to! Let’s say, this Friday? After practice?” she asks. 

“Sounds good! You two will be responsible for the planning, we’ll just be facilitating. I’ll send an email out tonight to the figure skaters and I’ll have Coach Carter do the same for the hockey team. See you two tomorrow!”

“Have a great night, Coach Beck!” Y/n waves as Beck walks away. As soon as she’s out of earshot I turn to face Y/n with annoyance plastered on my face.

“Really? Would we be ‘happy to’?” I mock her in a high-pitched, whiny tone. “You can have fun planning that shit because I’m not doing it.” I roll my eyes.

She glares at me, “Chris. We have to.”

I look at her, “Maybe you do, but I didn’t sign up for this bullshit. Last I checked, you’re the one who volunteered both of us without consulting me!”

“‘Consulting you’? How could I consult you first? It was an on-the-spot decision! Do you think I could just say “no” to my own coach?!” she’s getting angrier now, running her hand through her hair and shaking her head. I love seeing her like this, getting all worked up for me. It makes me want her even more. I know it’s fucked up, purposely annoying her just to see her mad, but I don’t care. Everything about her turns me on, especially when she’s angry. 

“I mean seriously, Chris,” she continues. “It’s not that big of a fucking deal. I mean, shit! Take some responsibility for once and just–” She’s swearing. I’ve never heard her swear sober before. I like it. Everything’s more attractive when she does it. 

Suddenly my feet are moving forward, and my hands are reaching out to cup her cheeks. And it’s fast, and I don’t know how it happens, but my lips are on hers. And her hands are traveling up my chest and around my neck. And she’s not pulling away. And it’s just how I always pictured it, her lips are soft and sweet and she tastes like mint and vanilla, and I want to have her right now in the rink. I need all of her. 

The kiss isn’t soft, it isn’t slow or shy. It’s angry and rough and eventually I’m pulling her head back by her hair to suck on her neck. She gasps at my touch–my mouth. I want to mark her. I want her to know she’s mine, even if she doesn’t realize it yet. 

“Chris, we need to stop.” she says breathlessly, and I pull away in an instant. 

I take one step away from her, gazing down at her now disheveled hair and messy lip gloss that’s no doubt smeared onto my own mouth. “Let’s meet tomorrow night after practice. My house. We’ll get this stupid team building shit planned.”

“Okay. Tomorrow. Sounds good.” She grabs her things and walks past me. She doesn’t even bother to say goodbye. 

Oh shit, I fucked up big time.

---

eeeee finally a kiss!! lmk what you think of this chapter :)

[elen-benfelen]

welsh remus guide pt.3

Third Lesson

Right then, lads. It’s alphabet time.

Often, when looking at Welsh place names, it can seem confusing and overwhelming for anyone who is unfamiliar with Welsh. Sometimes, the confusion comes from not realising that the names are in Welsh. 

Visually, we use the Latin alphabet and so it’s easy to make the assumption that the Welsh alphabet is exactly the same as the English. 

It is not, my dudes. 

To begin with, the following letters do not exist:

K, Q, V, X, Z

Secondly, these are the vowels:

A, E, I, O, U, W, Y 

(Occasionally H is also a vowel but I couldn’t tell you when or why??? I usually go off of vibes) 

Next, are the double letters. They count to us as single letters and each make a unique sound:

CH, DD, FF, NG, LL, PH, RH, TH

NG as in thiNG

PH as in PHil

FF as in Fun

RH as in RHiannon

TH as in THat

Now comes the uh, more complicated sounds. 

For those familiar with German words such as Nacht or the name Brecht, the Welsh CH is that same sound.

CH as in naCHt

DD is like a harder TH sound. It is NOT a D sound. 

LL sounds like hissing. I genuinely don’t know how else to explain this. It straight up does not exist in majority of languages but there are some out there with the same sound (sometimes shown with a different letter). 

To hear it and learn more here’s a better explanation.

This is a really fun video on the different accents but someone mentions the town Llanelli so it’s also a good example of the LL sound. 

And so in full we have:

A. B. C. CH. D. DD. E. F. FF. 

G. NG. H. I. J. L. LL. M. N. O. 

P. PH. R. RH. S. T. TH. U. W. Y. 

There’s no K because the C is always a hard C sound.

There’s no V because a single F is always a hard V sound. 

J is a modern addition to help us with new modern words we’ve loaned from English. Such as Joke becoming Jôc. 

G is always a hard guttural G sound. 

Despite misconceptions, Welsh is actually vowel heavy and we tend to stretch vowels. If a letter has a little roof on it, like “ô” or “ŵ” then it’s an extended/longer sound. 

This means, when speaking English, our vowels are more likely to be elongated. 

Similar to the “r” in Spanish, the Welsh “r” is rolled and therefore many will still roll their Rs when speaking English. 

For a reason I have yet to discover, despite H being perfectly clear and pronounced when speaking in Welsh, when we speak English, a lot of areas have a habit of dropping the H sound. 

“Here” becomes “Ere” or “Yere” 

I am guilty of this. Why do I do this? I genuinely can’t tell you. 

For the reasons above, the following words sound stupidly similar to each other:

Ear

Year

Here

Hear 

As with any language, understanding the basic sounds helps you understand the core of the accent. 

In terms of character dynamics, I would take note that the “CH” and “LL” sounds along with our supposed “lack of vowels” is usually what the language is mocked for. Usually by English folk but other folks, including non-Welsh speaking Welsh folks are perfectly guilty of this mocking. 

Fun fact: I didn’t realise W and Y weren’t vowels in the English language when I was a small child. So I really didn’t get why they thought there wasn’t any vowels in our place names. 

Another thing to note is that the Welsh language and accents are very up and down. It’s not usually flat or monotone. A lot of people also describe them as melodic. Sing-songy even.

Colourful alphabet video with BSL

Shorter alphabet video 

Note: I am not the collective consciousness of every Welsh person. My experience is not universal - especially when it comes to North Walian things. This is just meant to serve as a general guide. Hope this helps and good luck with your writing!

pt.4

[biff-adventurer]

Spontaneous Roleplay for Dummies OR How to roleplay with random strangers on the internet, no plotting required OR XIV in game roleplay specific & general writing tips

I've been roleplaying for a good long while now and I'm starting to see some issues trending lately. So here is a guide/tips from me, a spontaneous RPer, who has run into a lot of younger or newer RPers without a lot of guidance. Let me have the honor of trying to help. Or at least let me share what I want some people to know.

i) So you go to a venue. The safest way to start RPing with literally anyone in particular is to ask them an opening question. It doesn’t have to be ground-breaking.

Sonny Silvertear: “Hi there! I'm Sonny, what’s your name?” “ Luna Lifebringer: “Hi? My name’s Luna.”

ii) If the stranger doesn’t “yes and” you, move on. People are jerks, and if they judge you, that’s on them. If someone doesn’t respond in fifteen minutes, you’re safe to move on. (People type slow in game, so fifteen minutes feels like the safest number to me. Please work within your comfort zone–it’s a part of creating boundaries and protecting yourself!)

iv) If you’re the stranger sitting around waiting for someone to ask you a question, the polite thing to do is “yes and” them back. Sometimes, this means just saying something that your new roleplay partner can respond to. It doesn’t always have to be a question!

Luna Lifebringer: “Are you new here? I haven’t seen you around.” Sonny Silvertear: “It’s my first time here. Do you come here often?”

Remember: No talk is too small. Small talk can lead to big talk if you continue to “yes and” with your partner. If you take an interest in someone else’s character, the courteous thing is for them to take an interest in yours.

(As an aside, it’s a little narcissistic to wonder why someone took an interest in your character unless they offer the information themselves. If they compliment you, make sure you find something nice and genuine to say back! Most of the time, the safe assumption is that people are just trying to make friends–unless you have good reason to believe otherwise, of course.)

v) “But I play a character who doesn’t talk too much?” Body language is a great way to show emotion for characters who are stoic. If they can’t offer much dialogue, you can help your partner out by sharing your character’s thoughts or assumptions in your prose. It does NOT have to be fancy or complicated.

Luna Lifebringer: “Not really, no.” Luna raised an eyebrow, then turned to her drink. She wasn’t sure why this cheerful stranger was talking to her, but she didn’t mind it. She just didn’t think it made sense to share her prior line of thought–about the adventure she’d just survived, in a dungeon where she pretty much carried the party with the strength of her white magic.

Sonny Silvertear: “You seem to have a lot on your mind. Do you wanna talk about it?”

Luna Lifebringer: “Not really, no.” She smiled weakly at Sonny, but without any malice. She didn’t want him to think she was annoyed. “What about you? Something on your mind?”

Sonny Silvertear: “Not really, no.” He had to laugh. Should he have come up with conversation topics beforehand? He was new at the social thing, which he hadn’t known was part of the adventuring thing until he’d picked up the mantle of sprout.

Luna Lifebringer: Luna Lifebringer laughs, too. “I guess we both came out to enjoy a nice drink.”

Sonny Silvertear: “I really like drinking. But I’m not, like, a drunk!”

vi) “But how do I get out of small talk territory?” This is where you choose to be vulnerable. Contrary to what some people might tell you, it’s alright to share some exposition about your character’s backstory. It just has to seem natural–and the best way to make something seem natural is to find a natural opportunity to share.

Luna Lifebringer: “Well, good. Because I hate drunks, lies and deception. Especially deception.”

Sonny Silvertear: “Anyone who knows a drunk hates drunks.”

Luna Lifebringer: “You, too? I’ll drink to that!”

vii) “But my partner isn’t picking up on my cues.” That happens sometimes. It can happen a lot if your cues aren’t obvious. It can also happen if you run into a lot of people who are either really uninterested, really tired, or just really not perceptive. Those are all not your fault, so you can’t compensate for that. When you find yourself working too hard, it’s okay to drop the RP, either by finding a reason to leave, talking to someone else, or simply ending the conversation.

viii) “What if I’m not getting their cues?” Then it’s perfectly harmless to bring up what you think they’re referring to, or something new entirely, so long as you acknowledge whatever else the person said. Remember that you don’t have to respond to every single line–just what you think is important, either to you or to them. That way, no one feels like they wasted what they wrote.

Sonny Silvertear: “Yeah, me, too. My dad.”

Luna Lifebringer: “That sucks.”

Sonny Silvertear: “Yeah. My dad sucked.”

Luna Lifebringer: “Mine did, too. Is there a rule somewhere that says dads have to suck?”

Sonny Silvertear: “I think that’s part of why everyone hates drunks. Because they make terrible fathers.”

ix) Don’t write more than you need to. An easy way to lose your partner’s attention or try their patience is making them read a small novel, only to find out the last two lines are all they need to read to reply. That doesn’t mean you can’t share lovely details about your characters; it just means you need to choose those details wisely. For example, if there’s something about your character that we can’t see on the model, like freckles under a scar or a third color of hair on their head, bring it up if it seems relevant. Just ask yourself why it’s relevant and why you want your new partner to know about it.

Luna Lifebringer: She laughed. It was bubbly, but there was a sadness hiding amid the bubbles somewhere. “More women need to not sleep with drunk dudes.”

Sonny Silvertear: He nodded once, firmly. His smile reached his eyes, though the light in them was gone. He looked at his hands. Without gloves to hide the scars, it was easy to see how rough they were. “It would save everyone a lot of stress, time and work.”

x) Use the right words. It’s hard to figure out what the right words are, but sometimes, that’s because they’re simple. And sometimes it’s because they’re not. Really, the key is to make sure the word means what you think it means. The thesaurus doesn’t give you words that are exactly interchangeable; it gives you words that can mean the same things, in a general sense, but mean something specific when you look closer.

Old: Luna looked around the bar. She was by herself, but she was waiting for someone, so she didn’t feel like a total loser. She just needed to be patient. She smiled at the bartender and took her drink, then looked around some more for the right seat. (Grade: C)

New: Luna looked around the bar. She felt self-conscious, but reminded herself that she was waiting for someone. When the bartender handed her the drink she ordered, she smiled graciously. Then, she looked for a place to sit. (Grade: B)

Don’t ask me how to get an A, starters are hard. Making yourself look known and available, and giving people an insight to where your character is mentally, is a good start. Frankly, I’d just sit my character somewhere before I made a starter but I wanted to try something new. I don’t think it worked. But the point is, the words are better. They’re more varied and less soulless. But sometimes soulless gets you through the day, so don’t judge yourself too hard.

xi) When writing a character from a specific place, try to use in-game dialogue to influence the depiction of your character’s ethnic background or childhood experiences. There are a lot of NPCs in the game and a lot of MSQ dialogue by people from different places on the Star. So, if you start RPing a character of a different background than yours, the best starting point is the source material. Although the source has its own problems, it’s also the text we share. Identifying the problems in the material is more like the second or third step in character building; but it’s unlikely folks will be angry with you for drawing from the source. However, do try to research the places in game and their real world counterparts to get a sense of where your character should be. It helps add depth and it helps you learn about the world, too! Creating, writing and researching for non-Western characters is its own large topic; this is just a good starting point, in my experience.

xii) In Conclusion: show people you care to know about other people’s characters. Focus on what they need to know about yours in the moment. Artistry can follow once you have the meat down in place. Don’t commit so much to aesthetic that you lose the ability to build relationships with other people. When you take an interest in those around you, the world really opens up. And isn’t that what being an adventurer is all about?

[romanoffsbish]

Dreams do Come True

Scarlett Johansson x Fem!Reader

Requested by: @mostlymarvelsstuff

Prompts

"I can't fathom the idea of my life without you in it."

It was a typical Monday morning, your favorite song was blaring from your phone sat on the bedside table signaling to you it was time to get up for work. After shutting the alarm off you begrudgingly went to sit up, but the arm slung over your stomach prevented you. The raspy, disgruntled no against your neck to caused you to smile in amusement., “Scar, I have to get up, I can’t be late to work again; Tim will kill me.”

Your wife, stubborn woman that she was, didn’t pay any mind to your honest words. Instead, her arm tightened around your waist, then her other helped her to shift atop of you. The relieved sigh that fanned across your neck was almost enough to convince you to stay., “Baby, no. I have no time to spare, I still need to shower.,” your wife decided to up the ante, her cuddles weren’t working this time, so she laid a few soft kisses to your skin before lifting her face from the crook of your neck to pout. She’d perfected this expression over the last few years; anytime she wanted to guilt trip you into bending to her very will she’d showcase it.

—————————————

“It’s supposed to storm really badly today.,” Her face fell into a scowl when your eyes still showed defiance., “It storms here every Fall my dear, tis the season for such blessings.,” she groaned when you rolled over her hidden message, and then you noticed her eyes were filling with tears. It took you a moment of silent observation to understand if they were real, because turning on the waterworks was your wife’s—Golden globe nominees, specialty., “It’s not safe Y/N, and that job isn’t worth it.,” the waver in her voice, mixed with the genuine fears you saw within her eyes left you to reconsider if she had a point.

Peering over her shoulder you acknowledged the truth behind her words, the trees branches were thrashing with each harsh gust of wind. The neighbor’s Christmas decorations were blown all over your lawn, but still, it wasn’t torrential., “Baby, this is nothing new to me.”

“Y/N, please.,” she tearily pleaded., “I can’t fathom the idea of my life without you.,” her words hit you like a ton of bricks, weighing your heart down, and you’d been left to wonder where these morbid thoughts even came from., “Shh, Scar, I’m right here baby; I’ll call out.,” you relented easily this time, pulling her head down you guided it back into the crook of your neck, knowing it was a place of comfort for her, and you rubbed her back tenderly as she cried.

When her composure returned to her, she decided to urge you even further., “Quit.,” she pulled back to face you, her face red from her overwhelming prior emotions, and you pulled her in for a sweet kiss before replying to her., “Scarlett, I can’t just quit.,” the blonde huffed against your lips., “But you can, and you very well should. Tim is an ungrateful asshole, and you are so much bigger than that company.,” your eyes softened as your wife ranted on about you, and though she didn’t know it just yet, it was actually working this time after the week from hell you had with Tim last week.

For years now she’d been trying to convince you to quit, and to focus on your dreams. There’s not a single bone in her body resistant to supporting you wholly; you’re her other half. Putting a smile on your face is her favorite pastime, providing for you is her love language. The only real obstacle came in the form of your fears of being a freeloading partner, unable to provide like you’d been raised to need to do., “Scarlett —.,” you were about to agree, but she placed her finger over your lips., “No, I mean it Y/N/N, you deserve the world, and I’m begging on my knees for you to let me give it to you.”

“On your knees, hm?,” you quirked a brow at the woman, who was in fact not on her knees., “Now, as I was about to say.,” she interrupted you once more with a groan., “Pipe down oh she of so little faith. I’ll do it.,” the way she squealed then began to pepper your face in kisses left you feeling on top of the world., “God, I just love you so much baby.,” she softly pecked your lips., “You won’t regret this love!,” her lips then pressed to yours for a deeper kiss to which you hummed in total contentment.

Scarlett’s love always felt like a warm blanket, fresh out of the dryer of course, it was an all encompassing love, it left no room for doubt., “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!,” she began to screech her gratefulness between each kiss, you chuckled heartily at her enthusiasm., “Let me actually quit first honey.,” you reached for your phone and her eyes were brighter than you’d ever seen them. They look even brighter than when you said “I do,” to each other just last year, and you found that a bit offensive.

Scarlett finally allowed you to sit up, however she wanted to be touching you so she settled behind you, pulling you close while settling her chin atop your shoulder to watch you typing, but to her delight you narrated the message., “Dear Tim, I won’t be in today on account of the fact that I finally quit. You’re a filthy, rotten man, and I can’t wait to see you fail without me. I’d wish you good luck, but my New Year’s resolution is to stop wasting pleasantries on the undeserving. P.S. 🖕🏼.,” Scarlett smirked at the way you read out the message, but a wave of concern flashed through her., “Baby, how will you use him as a reference for work?”

“Let’s be real Scar, the day Tim gave me a good reference to leave him, would be the day that pigs fly.,” she giggled., “Plus; I won’t need to, I will be far too busy being a pretty housewife.,” you teased, she also heard the air of truth, but for further proof she turned your face to look at hers, your eyes spoke to her of your previously noted dreams, and your readiness for them., “Are you sure?,” you nodded., “I love you too Scarlett, so much so that I’m ready to sacrifice my body to start our family.,” the loving glint in your eye overwhelmed her heart, causing her lip to quiver, and eyes to shine with tears once again, you were sorta relieved to find they were brighter than the moments prior.

Though your phone started ringing, neither of you paid any mind to it, far too consumed in one another’s lips to humor your former boss’s unpredictable call., “Still want to shower?,” you nodded enthusiastically, and your wife laughed while dragging you off towards the bathroom for the most pleasant wake up call of your life.

—

Scarlett was reluctantly doing as instructed, it was the least she could do after you just made all of her dreams finally come true. So, her eyes were closed, and she allowed you to guide her into the mystery pajamas you apparently got., “Lift you leg, mhm, not the other please.,” her hand was on your head for balance, and her brows were furrowed when the fabric you lifted up her body gave way for a breeze. Realization dawned upon her when you put her arms into the exact same piece, and then zipped her in.

“Tada.,” she opened her eyes in fear, but seeing you in similar attire kept her from rebuking the silly onesie., “So, you’re the Grinch, and if your heart manages to grow like it should, then you get to unwrap me.,” an amused smirk overtook her face when observing your present onesie., “The Grinch could also just break the rules, it’s what he’s known for, we kind of have that in common actually.,” you were quick to slap her hand away from your zipper, then you ran off towards the kitchen with her hot on your trail.

Scarlett was about to scold you, but you met her open mouth with the nozzle of a whipped cream can., “Making us some cocoa, how else will we warm you up to accepting joy, hm?,” the blonde rolled her eyes, but the idea of cocoa sounded good so she decided to not disturb the process. While you assembled the mugs she was scooting about the kitchen to make food to balance out the sugary drinks. For you she made some scrambled eggs with all the fixings, for herself she made oatmeal, and for the both of you she brought out a bowl of yummy fruits.

“What’s the plan today then?,” you popped a grape into your mouth, savoring the tart flavor while ruminating over her question., “Movies, of the Christmas variety.,” the blonde snorted, “Well obviously, no other cinema is allowed to exist during this festive month.”

Choosing to ignore her interruption you went on., “Lots of cuddles since I’m so torn up over leaving corporate America for the finer things life has to offer—the ache is truly real.,” you feigned pain by dramatically throwing your hand over your forehead and collapsing onto the couch., “I think I can manage that.,” she set her partially eaten bowl onto the table, then much to your dismay she catapulted atop you., “Go on, there must be more for this rainy day.”

“Lastly, if you play your cards right, we’ll be ending the night in our bed, practicing the art of making a baby.,” she hums thoughtfully., “What will tomorrow bring then?,” her eyes are inquisitive, and yours thoughtful., “I’d like to say the beginning to the rest of our beautifully crafted lives.,” her lips quirked upward at the prospective future., “I like the sound of that.,” her head moved to gently rest over your heart, so you’d pressed play, starting your Christmas movie marathon off with a classic—Krampus.

———————————

1,684 Words

❤️ Kaitlyn 🎄

[lurkingshan]

La Pluie: Do you still believe in soulmates?

Earlier I was chatting with @sliceduplife about this week’s La Pluie and how the show has been layering in the subversion of the soulmate concept, and they reminded me that this is literally the last screen of the show’s teaser trailer:

Which kind of blew my mind a little. Because it confirmed for me that this show was being open about its intention to interrogate the idea of soulmates right from the start. They’ve never been particularly subtle about it. It’s been right in front of us all along, but given how trained we all are as a bl/romance audience to have certain expectations tied to romance conventions, this intentional subversion of the soulmate trope seems to have caused some confusion. And thus, I was compelled to do a rundown documenting how the show has used the context around our characters to guide our understanding of this theme. I’ve talked about some of this in other posts but please indulge me as I organize my scattered thoughts into one coherent piece. Shouts also to @wen-kexing-apologist and @bengiyo for reading this over for me and making sure I didn’t miss anything (over to WKA for the body language analysis).

Let’s start at the start. In the very first episode, Saengtai tells us plainly in his opening voiceover that no one knows why some people have hearing loss or why some of them start hearing another person after they turn 20, and that the idea that this is a soulmate connection is a social construct that most choose to believe. So right off the bat, the show is telling us the soulmate idea is not necessarily true and inviting us to question the lore.

Then within this same episode we are introduced to two couples involving people with hearing loss: Tai’s parents, who are hearing loss soulmates that are divorcing, and the couple in the cafe, one of whom has hearing loss, and one who does not. One example of a soulmate pair that is ending their romantic relationship permanently, and one example of a person with hearing loss who has chosen to be with someone who is not their soulmate. Interestingly, the show did not and has not since countered these examples by including even a single happy soulmate couple in the story for Tai and Patts to see as an example.

The show then built on this by giving us direct commentary about the skeptical point of view via Lomfon. He (and presumably, plenty of others) believes that the hearing loss connection is a scientific phenomenon and the soulmate idea is just a romantic notion with no basis in reality. He believes that people should not be expected to enter romantic relationships with their hearing loss partners, and that choice is what matters most. Again, we are being explicitly invited to question the lore and encouraged to doubt. 

As we got into the romance between Tai and Patts, the show took basically every opportunity to undermine the idea that they should be together because they are fated soulmates, and instead emphasized over and over again that their individual choice and feelings are what matter most:

Tai is not interested in meeting his soulmate at all. In fact, he actively avoids it and leaves poor Patts on read for two entire years. Had they not happened to meet in the real world, Tai likely still would never have spoken to him.

Patts meets Tai in the wild, is immediately attracted to him, and begins pursuing him all without knowing they are soulmates. This is crucial for establishing that it was not the hearing loss connection that brought them together, nor is it the hearing loss connection that serves as the basis for their relationship. It was the genuine attraction Patts felt for Tai that got their relationship started. Patts says explicitly that he wants to “defy his destiny” after meeting Tai.

Tai becomes interested in Patts only after meeting him in real life. Because he’s a hot, kind, generous animal doctor who Tai is attracted to, not because he is the person he hears when it rains. 

In the early stages of their relationship, Tai struggles to trust Patts after overhearing some things out of context that he misunderstood. The hearing loss connection actually creates distance between them rather than bringing them closer together.

Patts and Tai have their first date before their soulmate connection is acknowledged between them. We saw that they were vibing and getting to know each other without that connection being part of the equation, and in fact, that connection was the thing causing Tai to hold back. Once Patts knows that, he understands what’s been going on with Tai and after one very emotional drunken kiss, gives him space to process - literally, he physically removes himself and leaves a note. The revelation, once again, causes distance between them rather than bringing them together.

Once it’s out in the open, because of their hearing loss connection, Tai and Patts experience immense pressure from their loved ones to get together immediately. This hinders more than helps them, as it raises the stakes on their relationship right out of the gate and makes Tai anxious and Patts cautious.

Nara is introduced to the narrative in order to show us that Patts actually had a love before Tai, and one that he was genuinely happy with. There is a universe where Patts could have gotten back together with her and lived quite well. Had he not run into Tai in the real world, that’s probably the universe he’d be living in.

As they get to know each other and their attraction grows, Tai is actively in distress about Patts being his soulmate because he is so devastated about what happened with his parents and he fears they will end up the same way. Moving past his fear about this is the biggest obstacle to their romance. 

Don’t think I didn’t notice that during the crucial few episodes when Tai and Patts started seeing each other and getting to know each other properly, it didn’t rain once. From the time Patts took Tai out on a date and they got drenched (and didn’t even use their connection because they were together) until Tai wandered up the mountain, we were in a rain free zone. All of that crucial relationship development, all of that trust-building, every moment of the time we saw them actually falling in love, happened entirely without the involvement of the hearing loss connection. 

Tai and Patts finally affirm their love and decide to be together after directly discussing their doubts and uncertainty about the soulmate connection, mutually declaring that their feelings are real even if the soulmate bond is not, and committing to be with each other regardless. What matters is they really love each other.

Throughout this entire series of events spread over a few months, Tai’s only hesitation about this relationship is that he doesn’t want to get involved with his soulmate. Because if they weren’t soulmates? They would just be two single dudes who met, sparked, and immediately started dating. But because they are connected by hearing loss, it’s all way more complicated than that, and they had overcome a lot of internal struggle to be together. 

The show has now introduced Lomfon’s hearing loss, which does not seem to be following the rules of the soulmate construct as we know them. We are clearly not done interrogating the concept of soulmates; the show has more yet to say and we know that Lomfon is going to end up in a romantic relationship with Tien, not either of the people he can hear when it rains.

So. Do you still believe in soulmates?

[wastelandmoony]

Déjà Vécu: Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight: My Friend, My Goddess, My Guide

Characters: Remus Lupin/Reader, Sirius Black/Reader (no use of y/n), James Potter, Petter Pettigrew

Warnings: Minors DNI, 18+ only!, angst, anxiety/overwhelming feelings, language, mentions of death and self harm, allusion to bad home life/families

A/N: In honor of Moony's birthday, I'm posting this chapter early <3

Read on AO3

Companion Playlist

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December 3rd, 1971

Everything hurt. 

Remus kept his eyes closed, willing his body to let him fall back asleep until at least his joints stopped throbbing. Last night was a particularly bad moon, he could still feel his muscles tearing and reforming. He didn’t want to fully assess the damage yet, too afraid to see what new scars were carved into his lanky body. The sound of something being placed on the bedside table made his ears ring slightly. 

He groaned, “I just want to be alone for a bit, I’ll be fine.”

Madam Pomfrey usually fretted over him every time he was in the infirmary, forcing potion after potion down his throat, along with the constant influx of food to “keep his stamina up.” As much as he appreciated her genuine care, he didn’t feel like pandering to her at the moment.

“Well, good morning to you too…”

His eyes shot open, much to his disdain. That wasn’t the voice he was expecting this early.

She sat on the chair next to his bed, a plate of breakfast wrapped in her lap. 

“Drink that,” she nodded towards a vial on the table near his head, “I promised Madam Pomfrey I’d have you take it.”

“How’d you get in here? Visiting hours aren’t until ten,” he rasped.

She became visibly nervous, leaning over to place the plate of food on Remus’ lap.

“I uh…I told her that I knew…”

Remus pushed himself into a sitting position against the headboard, face becoming grim and stony.

“…told her you knew what, exactly?” He said through gritted teeth.

She looked at him with an unexpected calm steadiness, “I know about your lycanthropy, Remus.”

He couldn’t breathe.

It felt like his entire world was shattering, once again.

He’d be kicked out of Hogwarts now for sure, and god knows his father wouldn’t let him come home after that. 

Tears pricked his eyes as a distant warmth in his hand brought him back from the spiraling thoughts.

She looked at him with eyes that melted his heart, holding his scarred hand tightly in hers.

“W-who else knows…” he choked out, choosing a spot on the far wall to focus on.

“Nobody,” she said firmly, “I would never tell anyone something like that.”

He exhaled a shallow breath, “…and how did you find out?”

“I just…figured it out. Professor Sharpe was teaching us about werewolves, and I started to see the patterns, so I asked Peter to teach me more about lycanthropy—“

“Do the rest of them know?!” His voice was borderline vicious, a tone that made her recoil slightly.

“Of course not, Remus. I just told you, no one else knows,” she scoffed, “Besides, those three can barely sort out what day it is, let alone piece together something like this.” 

He stared down at the now cold food in his lap, trying to regulate his erratic heartbeat.

“Rem, please,” she put her hand back on his, “I swear to you, no one else knows, nor will I tell anyone—“

“—why’re you here?” He finally looked her in the eye, his gaze scrutinizing. She could almost feel the wall he was putting up between them.

“What do you mean? I’m here because you’re my best friend, and you’re—“

“—a monster. You shouldn’t be here, I’m dangerous.”

The words struck her in the chest, and the laugh that escaped her throat was one of pure disbelief.

“You can’t be joking?” She looked at his stoic expression, “Remus, you can name almost every 18th century British poet. You read textbooks as a relaxation activity, and I’ve seen your closet and it’s color coded…you’re not dangerous.”

He sat completely still in the hospital bed, staring down at the plate. 

She leaned closer, bending her head down to meet his eyes, “The only thing about you that scares me, is how much chocolate you ingest on a weekly basis.” 

The faintest of smiles ghosted across his lips.

“There he is…” she whispered.

He slid over on the bed, patting the empty space beside him which she quickly filled. They sat side by side, slowly eating the cold bacon and toast that was left from earlier. 

“You know they’ll find out eventually probably,” she said between bites, “they may be daft but they’re not completely inept.”

Remus nodded slowly, and she could see the cogs in his brain turning.

“When they do,” she placed the now empty plate onto the bedside table, “you need to be prepared with a better speech than the one you just gave me. Because you know those three will not be as calm about your self-deprecation as I was.”

He gave her a sideways look.

“Now,” she thrust a potion vial in his hand, “take this before Madam Pomfrey has my head.”

———

December 19th, 1971

The tables in the Great Hall were rather empty, most students leaving immediately after classes ended on the 17th to go home for Christmas holiday. The four boys and herself had agreed to push their departure as far as they could, opting to spend more time galavanting around the castle without the large groups of other students. They’d be leaving that afternoon, shortly after lunch; their bags already loaded onto the train. They sat solemnly at Gryffindor table, pushing food around lazily and moping about having to be home for a few weeks. Everyone except James Potter, that is.

“I dunno what you lot are so upset about,” James said cheerfully as he shoved a forkful of food into his mouth, “I love being home for Christmas. My mum always makes the best food, we play games, a bunch of people come over for parties; it’s loads of fun.”

Sirius glowered at him, “Rub it in, mate.”

“I told you, Mum said you’re more than welcome to stay with us!” James whined with his mouth full.

Sirius shook his head, turning his attention back to his picked-over lunch, “You don’t understand, my parents will never let me…”

Across the table, Remus sighed and turned towards her, “So what’ll you be up to over break?”

She shrugged, “Probably the usual; reading any new books I get for Christmas, hiding away in my bedroom while my parents have their big holiday party. It’ll be a little different this year though obviously, having to keep up with the fabrication that my parents have told everyone about my ‘new boarding school’.”

Remus nodded in understanding.

“What about you?” She asked.

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, “Oh, uh…it’ll just be us. Me and my parents, I mean. We don’t ever really do anything, like parties and such, so I’ll probably just be doing the same as you, reading a lot and avoiding other people.”

He gave her a smug grin, one which she returned in earnest. 

“I wish we could just stay here,” she whispered, looking down at her hands as she picked at her nail. 

This December unfortunately had two full moons, the next being on the 31st. Now that she was consciously aware of Remus’ lycanthropy, she had become more protective of him. The thought of him transforming and recovering alone made her heart hurt. She wasn’t sure what it was like at the Lupin household, he was always sketchy when talking about it. She hoped above all else that his parents helped him.

Remus reached under the table and grabbed her hand, squeezing it softly, “Me too.”

——

They soaked up each other’s company as much as they could on the train ride to London, eating their weight in candy and laughing until their sides hurt. As they crept closer and closer to their final destination, she watched as Sirius became quieter and more reserved. When the scarlet engine pulled into the station, he had practically melted into his seat. 

The platform was filled with people eagerly awaiting their arrival. Some students ran from the train, barreling towards their families, most embracing in tight hugs or playful grapples. A few others, mainly just a pale boy named Sirius Black, stayed until the last moment to depart the train, trudging behind his friends who had patiently waited as he took his time. 

James exited first, scanning the crowd for his parents. He spotted his dad easily, taller and looking like an almost mirror image of his son, save the gray in his hair. 

“Alright lads,” James said cheerfully, “I’m off. Remember, the invitation still stands if you want to pop by.”

“Have a good Christmas, Jamie,” she hugged him tightly before he waved at the rest of his friends and bounded off. She laughed quietly as she watched his mother try (and fail) to fix his wild looking hair. 

“Oh, there’s my mum!” Pete exclaimed, pointing over to a short witch with matching blonde hair. She had a kind face, and stood on the platform wringing her hands; the same nervous habit that Peter had. He gave his friends a quick hug, lingering on hers to wish her a Happy Christmas, before racing off.

Her eyes raked through the crowd for her parents, knowing they’d probably be somewhere in the back. It would only be their second time stepping foot in the wizarding world, so she knew they’d probably be a little on edge. Sure enough, her fathers face caught her eye and she smiled as he recognized her. 

“My parents are—“

“SIRIUS ORION BLACK!” A shrill voice echoed through the station as her and Remus turned to investigate, while Sirius’ head dropped lower. 

The woman standing a few meters from them was well put together, though her face was horribly angular and severe looking. Her eyes were like ice, staring daggers at the three of them, zeroing in on the long haired boy hiding behind Remus.

She looked back at Sirius, who met her eyes and grabbed his trunk handle. 

“I’ve gotta go,” He mumbled, “see you lot in a few weeks.”

As he slowly walked towards the wretched looking woman, a younger boy briskly met him halfway, taking his leather book bag and placing it on his own small shoulder. He looked just like Sirius, but with shorter hair and an overall more polished appearance. That must be his brother, she thought as she watched the slender woman grab Sirius’ arm and rip him through the platform entrance. 

Her stomach churned as she heard Remus from behind.

“My parents are here…” His voice wasn’t sad, more so filled with a solemn acceptance. 

She hugged him tightly, feeling him hesitate before wrapping an arm around her in turn.

“Oh! I almost forgot,” she pulled away quickly, rummaging through her bag for something, “I got you something.”

“We said no gifts…” he cautioned.

She glared at him, presenting him with a small wrapped parcel. 

“Happy Christmas, Remus, please don’t forget to write me,” she smiled as she went to join her parents near the exit.

He sighed and looked down at the box in his hand. Gently tearing open the paper, he opened the top and found a chocolate frog, along with some peppermint toads and Honeydukes fudge. A small note was wedged into the lid of the box:

Sorry I won’t be there this time, I hope these can at least help a little. Don’t eat them all at once, you’ll make yourself sick. 

Thou silver deity of secret night,

Direct my footsteps through the woodland shade;

Thou conscious witness of unknown delight,

The Lover’s guardian, and the Muse’s aid!

By thy pale beams I solitary rove,

To thee my tender grief confide;

Serenely sweet you gild the silent grove,

My friend, my goddess, and my guide…

-Wortley Montagu

Remus looked over at her, she was laughing with her mom as she turned to meet his gaze. The moment they locked eyes, his dad called sternly from across the platform.

“Let’s go boy!” He was staring at his son with deep contempt, while his mother cowered alongside.

Remus took one last look over at her, smiling a small thank you. Her eyes were no longer on him though, instead they were locked directly onto his parents, full of visible devastation. 

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