#good. I'll rest and draw again in peace

[yuseirra]

It's so weird. I keep listening to Fatal and this guy loves Ai so much. It's still something I can interpret as love, and is this the right way feel about it? Why do I still feel like Ai's chosen the one that'd treasure her when I'm so stern about moral values and feel like someone who's done wrong should be sufficiently punished in fiction if needed? Why do I still feel this isn't that unhealthy? This feels like intense longing from someone who's so lonely and hurt driven to the point of being utterly broken?

He misses her so bad. It's so painful. What is the point of making an originally good person like him suffer so bad? This is wrong. That's so horrible. It feels really bad... I sense these enormous, overwhelming feelings, and I'm still not sure if I can dismiss this only as pure insanity because this happened because he really did care about Ai. Is it that it's got overridden and taken advantage of? Fatal is so weird because that whole song screams.. of this feeling of becoming tainted and madness, the whole melody feels like it; yeah, I can see that, but..

I actually see what the story is doing as a whole. I think I have a good idea of how this is going to be wrapped up and why they made this choice, but as I always say, I'm not the one responsible for forming the story and having crafted these characters so I can't say it for sure.

If what I anticipate does come true, then this can be a really meaningful piece of work. I want to believe in that. But it's so hard to hold out on that and see these pointless sufferings in the process. Aqua's hate should not have been directed at this guy. This character...I think he needs love. If just one person was kind enough to him, he could have lived with that, and he just didn't have that, it's so unfair.

I think I can sense what this character is feeling you see, it's what's made me draw so much about him and Ai,

in that case, I see why the writers and staff cared enough for him to give him two songs, but if I'm wrong on this, I just don't know.

I think I will have the answers.. by December? I hope so.

I would like to believe in my feelings and go on because, in terms of feelings, I know what this is, what's being displayed doesn't entirely make sense, the only consistent things I can read about this character are the feelings and his state is really, really, really bad. They are so depressed on the near verge of death, they are so weak... If someone is feeling this despaired, maybe they can turn into something different but I'm not sure about that, I can't determine that, I need more information to piece things together, but I can say, this is a really huge feeling they're feeling, and I sense a lot of sorrow. It's so weird...

It's different from what I feel from seeing the comic, you know. You know how sometimes you act and you feel the sort of feeling your role may feel. Or when you read a work and you can get a sense of what a character may feel. I've been good with these. It's what I rely on...this sounds really dumb, I know, but... I feel really sad when I try to match up my feelings with what this guy may feel. With this level of sadness... I just don't know what to make of him but it's really reasonable for him to have this sort of feeling too, since someone who cared for died. They don't exist anymore... can I even sympathize with him? Am I supposed to? It's not.. actually insanity I feel as the core, it's sadness. Everything he does seems to stem out from that sort of feeling, "sorrow" is his core. so I can't help feeling pity when he's this... horrible mess right now. But what did he even do? we never even got to see that. Why is he like this? It's actually really painful to try and sync up with him, I do that when I draw characters, and I had to back out several times from getting too deep because it hurts. I'm adjusting my level of doing this with this character time to time because what he's going through is really intense. The same with other characters in this comic, had this happen with Aqua and Ai too, that's why I'm so impressed with how this comic builds its characters, the characters in this manga are suffering internally so realistically, you can actually feel their emotions if you try really hard haha. It makes it really intriguing, that's how I was drawn to it in the first place. Do you have these things happen to you, do? I certainly cannot be the only way who has this happen, I am sure!

The reason I keep talking about him is because. the information that is presented doesn't connect with each other.

Still I feel like I can sense what Ai saw in this guy. Then he should be saved; I want that to happen. And if the way I see it is correct, it actually will happen. I don't know how but by the end of the series, it will. I sound like I have little base, don't I? but I'm usually right with these, I had something like this happen lots of times, so I think-and hope-I'm being so this time as well!

[mapis-putellas]

𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉/𝑨.𝑷𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒔

Alexia was sprawled across the couch, her head resting comfortably on your lap, her legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. The TV was on, but neither of you was paying much attention to it. You had one hand absently stroking her hair while the other lightly traced shapes on her back beneath her hoodie.

It had been a long day for her with both training and media duties, but now she looked perfectly at peace, her eyes half-closed, her breathing steady, almost as though she was only second away to succumbing to sleep. You smiled to yourself as you shifted your fingers just slightly, drawing the shape of a heart between her shoulder blades.

"Guess," you murmured softly, your voice breaking the comfortable silence.

Alexia's brow furrowed, her lips curving into a faint smile as she tilted her head to look up at you. "Mmm... un círculo?"

You snorted, shaking your head. "No, it was a heart, silly. Pay attention."

Her smile widened, but she didn't open her eyes. "Lo siento," she mumbled lazily, pressing a kiss to your thigh. "Try again?"

You rolled your eyes fondly and began to trace another shape. This time, you drew a star, your fingers gliding lightly over the warm skin of her back.

"Guess," you prompted again, glancing down at her.

Alexia stayed silent for a moment, then hummed. "Hmm... una flor?"

"Alexia," you groaned playfully, flicking the back of her head lightly. "You're not even trying!"

She chuckled, her voice low and a little raspy. "I like it when you do this. Why guess?"

"Because it's a game," you countered, drawing an imaginary line down her spine and watching her shiver beneath your touch. "And you're supposed to play along."

She turned her head slightly, peeking up at you with a small pout. "But I like when you tickle my back."

You laughed softly. "Okay, how about this? If you guess properly, I promise I'll keep tickling your back afterwards. Deal?"

She seemed to consider this, her lips pursing slightly before she nodded. "Vale," she agreed, settling her head back down on your lap.

"Good," you said, your fingers moving again. This time, you wrote the word "love" in English, carefully tracing each letter.

Alexia shifted a little beneath your touch, clearly paying attention now. When you finished, she was silent for a moment before turning her head to look up at you.

"'Love'?" she guessed.

You beamed at her, brushing a strand of blonde hair away from her face. "Yes! See? That wasn't so hard."

Her lips twitched in a satisfied smile as she nestled her head against your lap again. "Okay, otra vez."

You obliged, this time drawing a simple smiley face on her back.

She laughed softly. "Easy. Una cara feliz."

"Correct," you said, grinning as your fingers started another pattern. You kept the game going, drawing hearts, stars, and even letters from both Spanish and English. Alexia guessed most of them right, and when she didn't, it was because she was deliberately trying to prolong the moment.

After a while, you leaned forward slightly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "You're cute, you know that?"

Alexia tilted her head back to look at you, eyes warm and full of affection. "Tú más," she said simply, her English slipping into Spanish as it often did when she was this relaxed.

You laughed softly, tracing one last word on her back: "forever."

"Para siempre," she murmured without hesitation, her voice quiet but certain.

Your heart swelled as she turned her body slightly, wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you closer. You slip an arm beneath her neck and shoulders, hoisting her up a little so more or her torso was resting in your lap and her head was resting against your chest.

Just like you promised, you slip your hand back beneath her hoodie and begin grazing your fingers up and down her back. You feel her exhale of content through the material of your shirt, and you knew she'd be asleep in just a matter of moments.

**

Tags:

@ceesimz @marysfics @wileys-russo @mead-iocre @girlgenius1111 @codiemarin @simp4panos @silentwolfsstuff @goldenempyrean @xxnaiaxx @liloandstitchstan

[robo-writing]

I’m so naughty for this 😻😻 literally nobody can match my freak rn

What if… fluff fanfic of Logan and Reader where he is sleeping at normal times to fall asleep, and he wakes up to cocoa to warm him and Reader up in the cold near winter fall. Huddled up in a blanket together, giggling like teenagers over dumb puns.

literally the freakiest I can be rn 🐺⁉️⁉️

Anon this is OBSCENE, LEWD EVEN…..I like your style 👀

The smell of hot cocoa is what arouses him from his sleep—the familiar smell of chocolate and marshmallows wafting from the kitchen. Warm vanilla and rich cocoa moving through the air.

What makes him get out of bed however, is the distinct lack of you. He knows from the lack of your perfume that you're not at his side, but he still reaches a hand out to feel your empty spot—still warm. It doesn't take long for him to put two and two together, bare feet padding against the floor to find you in the kitchen. Hair messy, clothes tossled with the dredges of sleep still faintly visible in your eyes when you look up at him from the stove. "Mmm, mornin' baby," you whisper, voice deep with sleep. "I didn't wake you, did I?" "You expect me to stay in bed when my girl ain't there with me?" He says, coming behind to rest his face against your neck. A pleased hum escapes you, exposing more of your neck as he inhales your scent, lets his head fall further into you while he embraces you. The scruff of his beard tickles, and you make a mental note to ask him to trim it in the morning, but for now this is good enough. His voice is low when he speaks. "Smells good, what're you makin'?" "Hot chocolate," you answer, eyes darting towards the counter. "Saved you a mug." The bright red cup draws his attention, but not enough to pull him away from you right now. He leaves a small kiss against your exposed skin as gratitude, nuzzling up and down your face like a dog does to it's favorite human. "God, I love you. Have I told you that before?" You love it when he's like this, at peace. Too long he's forced to be someone he's not, and it makes your heart swell to know that you're the only one that can turn this beast of a man into a puppy. "You might have mentioned it once or twice." you laugh. "Would you love me more if I told you there's a blanket in the living room with our names on it?" His groan makes your spine tingle, large palms squeezing at your sides. "Marry me." "We're already married Logan," you smile, only to be interrupted with another groan. "Marry me again honey—I'll buy you two rings this time."

[jesswritesthat]

Kuroo Tetsurō: Crushed It

Fandom: Haikyuu!! — [ Masterlist ]

Summary: ~1.2k, fluff

• Graduation comes and goes, and you were hoping your crush went with it but you aren’t so lucky.

Warnings: None

A/N: Inspired by drawing below.

>>>>——————————>

Everyone knew that once you graduated, you were gone for good. Basically dead to the school from then on, bound to never return from the clutches of adulthood.

"Are you watching Senpai?" — Hah not from anywhere nearby they're not!

Kuroo Tetsurō and his fellow classmates had fallen victim to this most recently, most of whom successful graduates from Nekoma who'd go on to further their futures.

Now you were in third year and extremely excited for a year free of your stupid crush on that annoying rooster head friend of yours. No more heart palpations, no more choking on your words, and no more teasing!

It was shaping up to be the most relieving, and peaceful year you’d ever had in Nekoma as continuing manager of the VBC. At least, it was until you heard that unmistakable hyena laughter echoing from the gymnasium. A haunting vibration that had you freezing in your tracks and quietly peering around the corner to find the originator laughing with his former teammates.

He's back?! What the hell?!

Now he wasn’t held back, he was too smart for that, and you hadn’t seen him once this year so he’d obviously came on a friendly visit. Unless he was a new apprentice coach?! No surely not. Still, going through the possibilities stalled you enough to avoid him, waiting until he left through the opposing gym doors before making your presence known.

"Who were you talking to?" You’d asked Kenma and Lev, the pair looking to you with curious expressions.

Yeah like you didn't already know that voice by heart.

"Kuroo came by." Kenma replied calmly, leaving you to falsify a hint of surprise.

"Oh really? No way, I thought he'd be studying."

"He asked where you were y'know." Lev smugly added, smirk sent your way whilst you acted oblivious.

"Well I hope you told him I'm keeping up with my manager duties."

"No need, I said I wouldn’t leave until I saw everyone and that includes you (Y/n)." Lo and behold the conniving middle blocker returned, holding fresh waters no less - you should’ve known.

"What are you doing here?! Shouldn't you be doing university stuff or something?"

"I can't check in on my friends? I graduated, I didn't die." Kuroo shrugged haphazardly responding with his usual mirth, to which you muttered under your breath.

"Neither did the bedhead."

"Hey shut your mouth smartass!" You received a gentle shove before he spoke again. "Anyway, I'm glad to see you're all doing just fine. Not as good as if I was still around but you're doing your best."

"So modest~ We hope you’re doing well too, thanks for visiting us." It started sarcastically but was soon replaced with sincerity.

"Yeah yeah, keep up the effort and have fun. I'll be seeing you."

———

Naturally, Kuroo didn't visit often. In fact it was quite rare considering he was as dedicated as ever to his goals. However, you suspected Kenma saw him most outside of Nekoma High School.

When he did stop by though - aside from offering advice to the team and catching up with his former teammates - he made time to personally talk and work with you on strategies (equipped with a snack). It meant that dumb crush of yours hadn't the opportunity to rest in peace like you'd hoped, but it also demonstrated that your friendship had remained strong.

It was during a training match with Karasuno that you saw him again, yourself catching up with second years Hinata and Kageyama beside Kenma.

Of course, Nishinoya and Tanaka were determined to greet you as they usually did to any manager they found attractive.

“Nekomas’ manager!!!”

“Like a shining light blessing us from heaven!”

“Hey guys.”

You felt hands rest on your shoulders, but they sent far less tingles through your body compared to the wicked aura radiating off the person behind you.

"Oya? Glad to see you two country bumpkins haven't changed, but paws off our manager, got it?"

"You haven't either, still so vigilant with (L/n)." Nishinoya sighed hopelessly, folding his arms with a cute pout but Tanakas’ justification was more prominent.

"They’re not your manager anymore city boy!"

"Ah that's true, but I still have the privilege of seeing (Y/n) so I guess I'm the lucky one."

Of course you facepalmed, it was all in good fun but saying such things weren’t helping this harboured crush of yours.

———

When hanging out at Kenmas’ household, you would occasionally see him then too. On the off chance you’d all spend time together like you used to, and this evening was one of those days. As usual you went to leave first considering you weren’t a neighbour, but were surprised when Kuroo prepared himself too.

“Aren’t you staying?” You peered behind him to an observing Kenma, the half blonde merely smirking like he was in on whatever suspicious activity was occurring under your nose.

“I was going to walk you home, if that’s alright with you?”

Oh. Oh.

“Sure, but it’s a bit out of your way.”

“(Y/n) I know where you live, I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to.” Kuroo gave a deadpan expression at you, explaining like it was the most obvious answer in the world.

“Alright, alright. If I die, Kenma you know who did it.” You issued a pleased grin to Kozume, who muttered under his breath.

“…couldn’t bring himself to… both crushes… oblivious idiots…”

Yourself and Kuroo snapped to him with varying degrees of offence and scrutiny, to which the gamer rolled his eyes and shut the door on you both leaving you to the thralls of the outside world.

“Tetsurō thanks for taking time out of your schedule to help the team and see us. We really appreciate it.” You’d casually spoke whilst walking, Kuroo with his hands buried in the pockets of his black hoodie.

“I still like volleyball, and our friends. It’d be weird not to see you all I guess.”

“Yeah but you didn’t have to walk me home, or bring me a snack.”

“That’s different.” He’d said it with a lingering of further explanation, but you wittily replied nonetheless with a hand over your heart.

“Ah yes, bribing me to be a good manager for Nekoma. I will keep up my end of the bargain.”

“You better, I get you top quality snacks smartass.” Tetsurō playfully nudged you then, laughing a little before taking a more serious note. “But that’s not it. I just want to walk beside you for as long you’ll let me.”

There was a comforting silence, one that Kuroo only hoped conveyed the true meaning of that sentimental statement to you. One that he’d have no idea how to articulate more straightforwardly.

“Tetsurō are you saying…” You didn’t need to finish, he answered it for you.

“Yeah.”

“Then I hope you can keep up loser!” With that you stopped in front of him, palm held out with a challenging smile upon your features.

At least your stupid crush had a companion now.

———

Bonus:

Of course, Kuroo made sure to visit during the Fukurōdani Academy Training Camp along with Bokuto. The two of them more than grateful to volunteer their volleyball expertise to fellow players.

When the third years of Karasunos’ team approached you this time, they were not expecting such a turn of events.

"(L/n)!! Have you considered transferring to Karasuno yet? We'd treat you like royalty, promise." Nishinoya solemnly swore, hand on his heart with Tanaka following suit.

"You know I appreciate you but Nekoma is my home. I love my team." You politely dismissed, and your endearment only made their eyes sparkle brighter.

Until a pair of hands once more made purchase upon your shoulders with the taunting voice of Tetsurō following after.

"Our manager isn't going to abandon us no matter how many times you ask."

"Again, not your manager city boy!" Tanaka bit back, however it was immediate that they’d already lost by the scheming smirk upon Kuroos lips.

"Well saying my partner sounded a bit insensitive considering your single status." This time you received a kiss to your head, and you could feel the menace he sent their way without even looking at him. Crushes, who’d want them?

<——————————<<<<

[ Masterlist ]

[daenysx]

3:23am sirius? With reader waking up from a nightmare? Mayhaps mayhaps ...

3.23 AM I SIRIUS BLACK

you can almost feel the hand on your shoulder that connects you to reality.

it's like slipping from unconsciousness, you're being pulled back, you're desperate to lift your body from bed. there's something wrong but you can't focus on it, trapped in your sleep.

"it's okay." someone says. you feel too warm. "you're okay, baby, wake up."

the slightly scratchy voice tickles your ears deliciously, you open your eyes. it's not like you flinch or anything, but the first thing you see is sirius's worried eyes. his thumb draws circles on your shoulder, does he even know he's been doing that?

"what-" you try to lift yourself on your elbows. the words get stuck.

"i think you were having a nightmare, lovely girl." sirius murmurs with a kiss on your head. "you looked so uncomfortable, i was worried."

"i don't remember." you tell him, and it's true. the feeling of discomfort is remaining, but you don't know what you dreamed of. your face aches from frowning.

"that's okay, and we don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." he says. "do you need me to turn on the lights?"

it's the middle of the night, and he's losing sleep because of you. you know sirius doesn't care about that, but still you want to take your time with processing the negative emotions you felt unconsciously, you don't even know what you saw.

"no, thank you." you say softly, and settle down in bed again. "um- did i make any sound?"

sirius fixes his hair briefly before bringing his hand to your cheek. "only a few of them. you didn't say anything, but you were feeling nervous, i think."

"maybe i'll remember later." you say.

it's mostly okay, sirius hugs you the way he was doing before he woke up. you put your head on his shoulder, safe in his embrace.

"will you be able to fall asleep again?" he asks silently. he'd stay awake with you until the morning if you can't.

"i feel exhausted." you confess. "i want to sleep, i hope i can."

sleep doesn't come easy. sirius spends the next thirty minutes by rubbing your back with slow circles, kissing your head many times, and speaking in soft encouragements to your ear. you feel like a mush in his arms, desperate for some good rest and unable to find it.

he doesn't let this become insufferable, though. you know he's there with you, you won't sit alone in bed in the middle of the night if you can't find sleep.

sirius pushes his luck a bit harder by adjusting your positions under the covers. he helps you put your head on his heart, you don't protest. it beats steadily, and so beautiful in a way that makes you want to listen to it forever. a nice rhythm in the dark, you follow it. you don't even know when your mind gives up, but at some point it does, leaves you into sleep again.

sirius is proud of himself, and happy with the way you take easier breaths. the night turns into a peaceful one, now that he knows you're feeling better and getting some sleep. you squeeze his fingers. a pretty smile forms on your lips, he can see it this close. he hopes you're having a nice dream this time. he hopes you dream of him.

[starglitterz]

♡ NIGHT DANCER.

❝ nothing changed, please don't change… let's blend together, one more time. ❞ / after spending the night with you, how do the genshin men treat you in the morning after?

✧ feat ; albedo, cyno, kaedehara kazuha, scaramouche, shikanoin heizou, xiao x gn!reader ✧ warning(s) ; suggestive (esp scara and heizou) ✧ a/n ; HIII everybody make some noise for quill’s shocking once a year post!!! hope you guys like this and if it doesn’t show up in tags i will delete my account (/nsrs) anyways idk why i’ve been so obsessed w the idea of waking up next to someone (can you tell i’m critically lonely? 💀) and so this piece was born. pretend u don't notice how scara & xiao’s might seem kinda similar it’s bc i view them thru the same lens LOL ok hope you enjoy! (also ignore the scara favouritism im kinda obsessed w this idea for him KJASKJD)

please reblog + leave comments ! it helps a lot w motivation <3

✦ ALBEDO. [ kreideprinz ]

you’re awoken by the feeling of a cold breeze caressing your skin, and as you grasp for his familiar figure, you realise albedo’s not beside you anymore. but before you can freak out, his soft voice calls to you from behind you, “good morning, dove. don’t move, i’m almost finished.” “finished with what?” you query, deciding to obey him and stay still. he doesn’t answer at first, but you can hear a faint scratching sound which almost sounds like charcoal against parchment. “and… done.” you shift in the bed, turning around to face him. albedo looks almost ethereal in the early morning light, especially when he smiles at you like you hung the stars in the sky. “i do hope you don’t find this peculiar, but i wanted to draw you while you were asleep. you looked so peaceful, and i wanted to immortalise this moment.” he hands you the paper, strands of wheat-coloured hair spilling over his shoulders, let loose from his usual half ponytail. you’re the only one who gets to see him like this, messy and imperfect instead of the flawless scientist he portrays to the rest of mondstadt. you gaze at the drawing, absorbing every detail as you try not to faint from what a sweet gesture this is, “albedo, this is amazing! you made me look so pretty.” he tilts his head quizzically, raising an eyebrow, “what do you mean? i just drew you exactly how i see you – you’re always beautiful to me.”

✦ CYNO. [ judicator of secrets ]

cyno's skin looks almost golden in the sunlight filtering through the translucent curtains. you're lying on your side, gazing at him and just admiring his features when his red eyes flutter open and he murmurs, “i might have to charge you for looking so much.” his voice is rougher than normal, deepened by sleep and it makes heat rush to your cheeks. “morning, babe-ah!” you can barely get out your greeting before he's pulling you back into his embrace, strong arms wrapping around you as he nuzzles into your neck. “cyno!” you laugh, turning around to face him, “stop it, i'm hungry! i wanna go get breakfast-” “hi hungry, i'm cyno,” your boyfriend looks at you with the most deadpan expression, and you're momentarily stunned. then you groan and throw a pillow at his head, “you're so lame!” “i'm not so lame, i just told you i'm cyno- okay, okay, i'll stop!” you collapse into a fit of giggles right as you're about to pummel his chest, “lamest ever.” “mmm,” cyno mumbles, eyes already fluttering shut again as he feels your plush warmth against him, “i'll make you breakfast, i swear, but can we just stay like this for a little longer?”

✦ KAEDEHARA KAZUHA. [ scarlet leaves pursue wild waves ]

the first thing you see when you wake up are kazuha's crimson irises laser-focused on you. the way his eyes scan your features, it’s almost like he’s tracing every detail to commit to memory, as if every morning that he wakes up next to you could be his last. “kazu? what's-” you're interrupted by a yawn, and your boyfriend's gaze softens as he looks at you. as you brush his red-streaked hair out of his face, he leans into your touch, almost cat-like in the motion, “what is it, 'zuha?” “i was just thinking... you make me glad to be a poet,” a gentle smile graces his features. “what? why?” despite the fact that kazuha is always letting praise fall from his lips like jewels, you didn't even remotely expect his answer. “because it means i'm lucky enough to be able to properly convey how you make me feel, and how gorgeous you are,” kazuha presses a sweet kiss on your forehead, then his brow furrows slightly, “but i don't think there's enough words in the world for me to speak about what you mean to me.”

✦ SCARAMOUCHE. [ kunikuzushi ]

when scaramouche wakes up, his first thought is; why does my entire body hurt? eyes still half-lidded and drowsy, he looks down and he's met with the sight of your back pressed against his torso, his arm thrown carelessly over your waist. he scrambles backwards, eyes widening with shock, and his sudden frantic movement wakes you up too. “what are you doing in my bed?!” “what the hell, scara?” you mumble, rubbing away the sleep from your eyes, “it’s too early for you to be this loud.” scaramouche’s heart is beating a million times a minute, and it’s only exacerbated by how cute you look when you’re this sleepy, not that he’d admit it to you for the world. but as you yawn and sit up, he thinks that he’s going to go into cardiac arrest. “you didn’t answer my question!” you give him a weird look, “we slept together. again. duh.” the blanket wrapped around your figure slides off a little as you reply, revealing your bare shoulder and giving him the faintest glimpse of your chest, and scaramouche’s face turns so red you genuinely think he might explode. “c-cover yourself up!” he scolds, clambering closer to drape the fabric over you again as his mind works through the haze of sleep, letting the memories of last night flood back.

realising how flustered he is, you take this as the perfect opportunity to tease him, “it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.” “shut up.” he replies curtly, but he hesitates as his fingers skim over the bite mark on your collarbone. his eyes darken slightly as he recalls last night, the messy kisses that were more tongue than anything else, his teeth nipping at your neck and finally sinking into your skin, all to mark you as his. you’ve both never officially decided what the two of you are, but you both know that he’s yours and you’re his, and scaramouche doesn’t like sharing. a playful smirk curves your lips, “remember giving this to me?” “don’t test me,” he mumbles, eyes roving over your exposed skin. his gaze dips to the still slipping blanket, hands ceasing their rapid motion to try and rescue your modesty, “i might give you more.” your arms loop around his neck, pulling him back down to the bed as you smile teasingly, “so do it.” “you’re a bad influence,” scaramouche groans, hands already moving to grip your hips, and you laugh, “that’s why you love me~”

✦ SHIKANOIN HEIZOU. [ analytical harmony ]

“good morning~” heizou's lilting voice is the first thing you hear when you wake up, and his trademark smile is already on his idiotically kissable lips as the two of you lie next to each other in his bed. “you do this with all the criminals you catch?” you drawl, trying to ignore how your heart skips a beat as you see the way his green eyes twinkle in the light. “just the ones i think look best in a different type of handcuffs,” he replies smoothly without missing a beat, smirk deepening as he notices he's left you speechless. “plus,” his hand trails across your cheek, thumb stroking your skin for a split second before his smile turns devilish, “it'd be pretty hard for me to get them to the police station if i left them all unable to walk.” “ugh, heizou!” you swat his shoulder, and bury your face in the pillow as he bursts into laughter. “but seriously,” heizou taps your shoulder gently, almost hesitantly, and you peek up from the pillow to look at him. a soft pink blush dusts his cheeks, and his eyes flicker away from yours in a manner that seems almost shy, “you're the only person i'd do this with, criminal or not.”

✦ XIAO. [ vigilant yaksha ]

waking up next to you is like a little slice of heaven for xiao. he can barely believe that he, the corrupted conqueror of demons, is able to share a bed with a mortal who borders on angelic. you shift in xiao's embrace, tucking your head under his chin almost instinctively as your eyes open slowly, “good morning, xiao. did you sleep well?” he still gets embarrassed by your proximity, so his voice is a little curt as he responds with a pink blush darkening his cheeks, “adepti do not require sleep.” “ah…” you roll your eyes, but pounce on the opportunity to fluster him, “guess that's why you always want to go all night, hm?” “i-!” xiao's face turns an almost delightful shade of crimson and he looks away, “no respect for the adepti.” “not true!” you gasp with mock offense. cuddling up against him, you stick your tongue out, “i respect alllll the adepti. but my boyfriend? maybe not so much.” “you'll be the death of me,” xiao sighs, pulling you impossibly closer. “then i hope you'll die a happy man,” you giggle, threading your fingers through his jade hair. xiao's eyes slide shut from the feeling of you playing with his hair, and he murmurs a response that leaves you speechless, “after a life with you? certainly.”

i love them this is so soft when is it my turn // general masterlist

© starglitterz 2023. do not repost or modify in any way - reblog and leave comments if you enjoyed !

[you-call-it-a-dude]

Call It What You Want Pt. 4

Pt.1 Pt.2 Pt.3 Pt.5

Summary: You accidentally tell Regina that you love her

Pairings: Regina George x Gender Neutral/Fem Reader

Warnings: swearing, emotions, underage drinking, very slight smut warning

Notes: Hi! Okay, so about this chapter. I think it's best described as a filler chapter than anything. It's cute, it's playful, a little sexy, also has some like arguing and what not BUT I needed this chapter to happen so I can like get this story to where I want it. Hopefully you still enjoy the chapter.

Also, potentially thinking of writing for Leighton Murray and also have been toying with the notion of taking requests? I've never done the requests thing and I kinda want to? So idk if you have any Regina or Leighton requests send them my way and I'll give it a go??? And hopefully it like works out lol

Sorry for the long A/N. Thank you all for reading the story and for any feedback that's been given. I'm just really glad folks are enjoying it

///

"What time do you need to start getting ready?" You traced your fingertips up and down the side of her body. She hummed at the feeling of your fingers dancing across her naked skin, pushing her butt into your pelvis. "What?" You laughed quietly through your nose, your hand resting on her bare hip now to pull her into you.

"You know what." She grabbed your hand and pulled it lower, your fingers finding her wetness that had been building up over the last hour.

"I thought you said you were done?" You pushed yourself closer to her, pulling one of her legs over yours. You pressed soft kisses to her shoulder while your fingertip teased her clit.

She moaned, her head leaning back and her hair falling into your face. Her hips were moving, doing their best to seek out more contact.

"I was, but now I'm not." She reached back and her hand tangled in your hair, giving it a slight tug. It was the only thing she can mange right now to pull you closer. She turned her head and her lips found yours.

This kiss was messy and sloppy, but everything about the way Regina was pulling your hair and moaning your name into your mouth was absolutely doing it for you. She moved her hips in frantic circles, doing her best attempt to chase her orgasm. You sped your movements up, rubbing tight circles against her clit and when her thighs started to shake you knew she was close again.

You kissed her sweat soaked skin and talked her through it. Telling her how beautiful she looked like this, how much you enjoyed hearing her moan, how good she was for you. Your wrist was starting to hurt and she was about to rip a clump of hair out of your head, but you could not give a single fuck.

Her legs snapped shut within two seconds of finishing her orgasm and when her hand came flying down to pull you away, you knew she was officially done done this time.

You removed your hand and rested it on her hip. She was breathing heavily, doing her best to catch her breath. Her hand in your hair was rubbing your scalp softly now.

You kissed her shoulder, the hand on her hip drawing soothing patterns with your fingertips.

It was a mixture of things, honestly, that made you say it. How peaceful this moment was, the smell of her sweat and natural scent, the way her body fit with yours so perfectly and how she wanted to just be as close to you as you wanted to be to her.

This wasn't your first time sleeping together by any means, but something about this time just felt overwhelming. The words flew out of your mouth before you could stop it. It was mixed in with a slew of other compliments you were giving her while you pressed kisses against her. That she was so perfect, so beautiful, and so mesmerizing.

"I love you." You whispered against her skin and she froze. She fucking froze. You all but slammed your forehead into her shoulder blade. You gave her a time to say something, anything really, but it never came. Your breathing quickened with every silent second that went by. "Did I fuck up?" You asked her with your head still pressed against her shoulder blade.

"I don't know." She said in slight disbelief. "I don't fucking know." She mumbled quietly under her breath. She sat up, holding her blanket to her chest. "I-um, I need to clean up and get ready for my game." She was staring straight ahead. You couldn't read her tone of voice or the look on her face. You couldn't tell if you fucked up and how badly you did it.

"Right, yeah, of course." You slid out of bed and put your clothes back on, picking your phone and keys up off the floor where they fell earlier. You made your way to her door and opened it, lingering in her doorway for a second before turning to face her. "We can just forget I said it. I didn't mean it." You said on the verge of sounding desperate.

She nodded, still not making direct eye contact with you. You closed the door behind you and rushed into your room, praying that Ren was home.

"Heyyyy, roomie." They said from their bed where they were watching TV from. "I would ask you if you had fun, but it sounded like you did." They teased, then turned serious when they saw your face. "What happened, Y/N?" They sat up straight in their bed.

"I, uh, I told Regina I loved her." You nodded, sounding a little dazed.

"That's great! I've seen how she looks at you. I think you two are cute together an-"

"She didn't say it back." You interrupted. "But I don't know, I know she like struggles with being out and stuff. I should've just kept my fucking mouth shut! Three months was not enough time for me to be saying that shit. I was just in the moment. I told her to forget it, but she didn't say anything. Fuck! So fucking stupid!" You were rambling at this point and Ren was gracious enough to just let you.

"Do you feel better? Now that that's out of your system?"

"A little, yeah."

"So, what are you going to do?"

"Maybe just give her space for now? She has a game in a little bit and I don't really want to fuck that up for her. Then she has some team bonding event after. So I probably won't hear from her until tomorrow. If she even talks to me again."

"Oof, okay. That's rough."

You just shrugged, emptying your pockets. You changed into sweatpants and into the grey long sleeve Regina had lent you the night you slept over at her house that she so kindly let you keep in exchange for one of your tattoo convention t-shirts.

"I'm gonna do what any logical person would do in this situation and hopefully sleep through it." You washed your hands at your sink and grabbed a snack from your snack cabinet. You took your phone from your desk and crawled into your bed, facing the wall.

"Is the volume okay?" They asked, pressing play on the TV.

"All good." You held a thumbs up for them and shut your eyes.

---

"Ren," You called out when you opened your eyes. "how long has it been?" You were too scared to check your phone. You didn't know if seeing something or seeing nothing would be worse.

"Just two hours."

"Damnit." You mumbled into your pillow. Her game probably just started about twenty minutes ago.

You bit the bullet and checked your phone. No text messages, but you did have a Snapchat notification from her from an hour ago. She also posted on her story though so you weren't holding your breath. You checked her story first and it was just a photo of the field.

You clicked on her thread next, seeing what she sent you. The first photo was the same photo of the field. You clicked past it in annoyance only to find out she sent you another photo.

It was just a selfie of her. You could tell she was on the field, either waiting for the game to start or to be put in because you could see the collar of her jersey in her photo. Her hair was still down so that definitely made you think the game hadn't started yet when she sent the photo. She had the sun in her eyes and judging by the attitude on her face she was unhappy about something.

Most likely unhappy with you, but that didn't stop you from taking a screenshot of the photo. You took a photo of whatever your front camera opened to, which was just your wall, part of your bed, and a little bit of your arm. You wished her luck on her game today and sent it.

She opened it within seconds and she started typing. You waited for the notification to come through and as soon as it did you clicked it open.

'Cute shirt.'

You shook your head and smiled. She would comment on that little sliver of her shirt that was showing. You were in the middle of typing a flirty message when another message from her came through.

'Kinda miss it tbh.'

You bit your top lip and nodded. Because now she was being an asshole and she was doing it on purpose. You deleted your cute, flirty text immediately and typed out a new one.

'Got it. I'll fucking mail it to you.'

You sent it without overthinking it. You knew if you let it linger too long you would regret it.

She opened it, going back and forth between typing and not. After a few minutes, it was very apparent you've been left on read.

Did you cry a little? Possibly, yeah. The thought of having ruined things with Regina was sitting at the forefront of your brain right now and you couldn't think of anything else.

She was also being petty with that stupid shirt comment and it pissed you the fuck off. Like pissed you off enough to the point where you got up and changed out of the fucking thing.

It's very possible you are just as dramatic and petty as she is.

Ren was very sweet and made you Ramen noodles for dinner. They always add extra stuff to it to somehow make it taste even better and those noodles were probably the only good thing to happen to you today.

You ate your dinner and monitored the twitter account of the girls' soccer team. They were winning and Regina had even scored them a point. So you were glad to see the events from earlier in the day hadn't affected her too much.

You finished your dinner and went to the bathroom before crawling back into your bed. It was pretty early, only like 9pm now, but you debated heavily on taking your meds early and just going to sleep.

That almost seemed too easy so why the fuck would you want that??

Instead, you stayed awake to see Regina be very much active on her instagram while she was out with her team after the game. Sharing photos and videos of the shenanigans they were all getting up to at the arcade place they went to that had a bar, bowling alley, karaoke rooms, and a bunch of other shit that seemed like a drunk person's paradise.

The progression of her vibe change throughout the night was becoming very visible as it got closer to midnight. She started off strong, smiling and flipping off the camera. Then came a string of photos of her posing with different alcohols, wearing different silly hats, holding a karaoke mic, posing with her teammates and laughing. Then there was a cluster of photos that were mirror selfies taken in the bathroom. She had someone's sunglasses on and her smile was just absolutely gone, middle fingers very much still making an appearance. The last photo she posted about fifteen minutes ago was her holding a quesadilla and she had tears in her eyes and it looked like if she wasn't already crying, then she was about to start.

So clearly, the night was starting to wind down.

---

There was a loud knock at your door around 3am that startled both you and Ren awake.

"Y/N, open the fucking door!"

"Sounds like she's had enough space." Ren remarked, throwing themself back into their sleeping position.

You got out of bed and stumbled your way to the door in the dark. You opened the door to see Regina standing there in her pajamas. Her eyes were blood shot and her cheeks were red and raw, both most likely from crying.

"You took off my shirt." Her bottom lip started to quiver and whatever attitude she was attempting to come in here with was dissipating quickly. You just shrugged, not really sure how to acknowledge that. "Can we talk?"

"Fine. I'll be right over." You turned around and grabbed your things. You locked your door and slipped into Regina's room and closed her door behind you. "What?"

"You didn't fuck up. You didn't fuck anything up." She sat at the edge of her bed and started swiping away her tears. "I'm just fucked up."

You kneeled down in front of her, taking her hands in yours.

"I promise you you're not." You kissed her hands. "I shouldn't have said anything. I'm so sorry."

"No, shut up." She shoved your head away lightly and both of you laughed. "I just freaked out." She sniffled and then rubbed her nose.

"I didn't mean to freak you out. I won't say it again. It's also totally okay if you don't feel the same way." You reassured.

"I think I freaked out because I do."

"Oh?"

"Mhmm." She nodded. Her index finger hooked under your chin and she tilted your head up so you were looking at her. "Say it again." She whispered, her eyes bouncing between your eyes and your lips.

"Well, now I'm put on the spot." You teased, leaning in slightly. If you were being honest, you were just hesitant to say it first again because what if it still made her freak out?

"God fucking forbid I put you on the spot." She joked, grabbing your face with her hands. "I love you, Y/N. I really fucking do."

She looked and sounded very serious. You still searched her face for any sign of deception though, but there wasn't a single trace of it. You pulled her hands from your face and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

"I love you, too." You nudged your nose against hers and kissed her lips one more time.

"Fuck you though with that 'I'll fucking mail it to you' bullshit." She crossed her arms, leaning away from you slightly. You laughed, standing up and cracking your back.

"I didn't even get a response, I left you so speechless with it." You teased, nudging her shoulders teasingly and egging her on.

"It pissed me the fuck off." She caught your hands, lacing her your fingers together.

"Well, don't say shit you don't mean and piss me off first. Then I won't have to say anything back." You got out of her grip, giving her the middle finger and sticking your tongue out. You yelped, swatting away her playful slaps that now had you both laughing.

"Ugh, you get on my nerves." She rolled her eyes, but you could see her biting the inside of cheek so she wouldn't smile.

"Yeah, but apparently you loooooove me."

[lovebvni]

intuitive messages pac !!

THIS IS FROM 2023!! BE FOREWARNED

┈

│ᵒᵖᵉⁿⁱⁿᵍ ᵐᵉˢˢᵃᵍᵉ...

╰─────────────────

[ 🖊 ] created ⋮ 7.31.23

[  ] published ⋮  7.31.23

˚₊·͟͟͟͟͟͟͞͞͞͞͞͞➳❥ ꒰ ⌨ ✰ Arsyn   ⋆  ⁱˢ ᵗʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ··· ꒱ | ೃ࿔₊•

┊       ⋆     welcome to my blog !

┊     °

hello earthlings, its been a while since i've done a pac, mainly because of MANY personal issues - but thats not important. i thought for a while and went back to my old pac's and i found an older one i made and i remembered, my intuition is just as powerful as ever - so why do i need tarot cards now?

today i'm just going to have 10 messages/sentences the universe wants you to hear. they can be specific or general.  remember, take everything can be taken with a grain of salt, and your future can be changed. you are in control.

now please, find your inner peace, connect to your soul.

understand these messages were meant to find you, and see what is left for you.

inhale, exhale, and pick a pile

Pile 1 - Watching

confirmation :

procrastinating, pushing things off, turning the other cheek, tumblr, the colour purple (show or the actual colour), spacing out, spirits, double meaning, two faced, gemini, hidden meanings/words, red eyes (tired, puffy), burnt out, music, 'good night, sleep tight, don't let the demons fight.', the letter s, sharks, 'the grass is greener'.

side note : the month of august (summer in general) be significant for your shifting/spiritual journey.

Your messages

1. Why would you wait when you could just grab at it? It's right there. Don't let it rot.

2. "Hello? Are you there, listening? Listen to me. I'm here to help. I promise." (this could be an inner voice or a spirit guide)

3. Be your own boss. Keep going.

4. Pass on to the next step (Death to life)

5. You know what's there, talk to it. "I wont hurt you."

6. Listen, don't speak.

7. Let it go. Be like Elsa, don't let it bother you anymore.

8. Mind, Body and Soul. You're in harmony. Use it to your advantage.

9. Advise and criticize. And use the same techniques on yourself.

10. Peace and love. You deserve it. You know you do. And you will find it, soon.

Pile 2 - Renew

conformation :

saiki k, giving up, letting go, leaving things behind, mental overload, 'Jesus fucking Christ', jealous, letting go of that person, shadow work, yellow, outlook, aries, the moon, big lips, 333, the number 3.

Your messages

1. Bite down. Let it flow into your veins, your soul, your spirit. Its part of you now.

2. Is it a real worry, or just something from your past you don't want to let go of?

3. Jail. Time to rest. Now.

4. Eat and care for your physical body. You can't idolize shifting. You're not getting anywhere doing that.

5. Look in the mirror - no. Not at the past. At who you are now. Who you've become.

6. You have the balls. Go fucking do it.

7. Don't accept the truth from other people, find and make your own. That's what they see, not what you know.

8. Her claws. Her teeth. She's manipulating you. Let her go. Rip away from her. She's wasting your time, energy and draining your soul.

9. "I  DO love you. That doesn't mean I'll let you hurt yourself."

10. I am watching. Always. In your good times and bad. I'm here for you. Just ask for help.

Pile 3 - Love

confirmation :

wrist and elbow, jumpscares/ being scared, saturn, planets, fnaf, cycles, broken cycles, love watch, soulmate reuniting, mha (lmao bro idek at this point), drawing, heartache, feeling lonely, barbie, hip dips, trios.

1. Wake up from that dream and make it a reality, you know what you have to do, so go do it.

2. "Beg for my mercy." - This had a VERY sexual undertone... Obviously from a dominant partner or something

3. 'Hello again, my friend! What do you have to tell me now?"

4. You know that thing you asked for? Yeah. It's coming. Keep your eyes pealed (for some I heard it's even coming tomorrow!)

5. Sit in silence, you know what it is. You hear the voices.

6. Pack your bags and go.

7. Grab on, I'll lead you to where you need to be.

8. Don't chase what you're attracting, that will only lead to disaster. (A manifestation you wanted is coming, this is basically saying don't overwork and beat yourself up over it. It's coming and nothing will stop it.)

9. Nature is your friend. Go out and ground yourself. Lay in the grass, smell the rain.

10. If you want to learn, you need the knowledge. Search for what you want to find. You can see it. Ask around. You'll find it. Look, look, look, search, look look, search, find.

I hope this pac resonated for everyone! remember, this will find you when you need it, take what relates, leave what doesnt. remember you are in charge of your future.

i love you. new things are coming.

dont give up.

1111

[sunnycanvas]

Hello^^ I have been following your blog for a while and like that you want to explore different concepts with Baldwin IV👑🩵

If you don’t mind, would you like to write either a short drabble or Hcs of Baldwin comforting his wife after a really difficult birth? Like, it all turned out okay, the wife is alive, albeit very exhausted, the Baby came out to be strong and healthy, etc. but it was a very risky and long labor, and the physicians weren’t sure if she and the child were going to make it yk? After all, giving birth was highly risky back then, with a much higher mortality rate.

Anyway, I hope you are having a great day and keep up the good work🥳🌈✨

Yelp! It went longer that I expected. Hopefully it lives upto mark. Thank you for your support and happy reading

It felt so peaceful. So dark. I was exhausted and felt solace in darkness. However in my deep slumber I heard a sound of weeping. Someone calling my name. Begging me to come back. "Your grace the queen is fine but really exhausted" "Please let her sleep" "She needs rest to regain strength" . I think I heard some shouts and I don't remember much after that except the fact that I tried opening my eyes but I felt so tired. When I was finally able to open my eyes. I felt my mouth open and chest sweaty huffing desperate to get fresh air. "When did this happen" I thought. It almost felt like a dream .My head was spinning. My throat felt dry. I tried moving a bit when I could feel sticky wet substance below my waist I tried moving my legs again but realised that I was too exhausted to do so . "What's happening" I thought again worried.

"My wife is finally awake, quickly get some water"

My husband took the glass of water from widwife. Baldwin IV made me sit upright as he quickly fed me water. Baldwin IV didn't realise in state of panic how fast he was being in feeding me water. I started coughing as result

"Easy love". He gently rubbed my back as he handed back glass of water to midwife. My husband started kissing me all over my face and then hugged me tightly.

"Darling, you made it" "I am really happy" "When I saw you laying down like that l" "I was so scared, I thought I will never see you again" I could feel my shoulder getting wet from his tears as Baldwin IV kissed my hair while speaking to me. I remembered that when I was going through difficult labour. Although the baby came out alive and strong they weren't sure I would make it. After hearing this I lost consciousness

Remembering about the baby I asked where is the baby right now. Baldwin IV replied that our child was fine and is currently with the midwife who was taking care of baby

"Moment I heard one of the midwife saying that perhaps you might not survive I grew anxious and prayed to God on my knees for some miracle"

I got really scared remembering the pain I had to bear while screaming in agony. I got really nervous realising how close I was knocking at death's door. My husband the king, Baldwin IV was able to comprehend my emotional state. Without hesitation he took off his white cloak and covered me in it. He hugged me again and started drawing circles on arm while singing a lullaby. It worked and I felt myself getting calmer. "My love I am here" "I'll be there to protect you, even if it's my own battle". Hearing this I immediately voiced my thoughts "It had been a tough experience" ."We will have more children I swear it, it would be better for everyone"

"Was that the reason why you decided to have a baby"

"......."

Baldwin IV understood the meaning behind my silence. Baldwin IV sat on the bed and said "Yes, it's true that I always wanted to have a family of my own but long before I accepted my fate as leper and decided to live my life in chasity" "I am willing to go back to same life" "I thank God every day that you came in my life perhaps God gave you difficult labour because I was being greedy"

"No, love". "The kingdom needs a heir" "And I will give birth to as many children as possible" Baldwin IV understood the pressure I felt as queen replied "I know my (Y/N)" "And if you feel you don't want to go through it again" "I would have no problem with that, I will happily except our child as first and last". Baldwin IV called one of his ministers and said "Tell the council that I will be taking rest, Raymond of Tripoli could rule in my place for the time being". I was about to protest but Baldwin IV put a finger against my lips shushing me. "You were left alone during your labour, but I won't be leaving you alone after I almost lost you" "Come now love, let's sleep together" "After that we will be taking a bath together and enjoy all the activities you prefer" "You need rest" "I will ensure you won't be going out of my sight for the time being". Baldwin IV got next to me and pulled me closer. "I can't sleep" I complained

"In that case I shall tell you stories of brave knights and kings". I smiled remembering Baldwin IV loved history and foundly I watched him and he excitedly recalled the history stories he learned.

[french-unknown]

Hiii!!!

Can you please write something about a reader who wants to get self-improved?

What I am trying to say is, the reader is kinda of lazy and all they do is sleep, eat, and read. Neglecting studies and being unproductive.

But they want to change. They tried so many times, but they became their previous self again after 2 or 3 days.

Can you please write something like Law, Shanks, Mihawk, and Ace to help them to become their best self?

Like you know motivational and inspiring thing...

I don't know if you can understand this. English is not my mother language. So it's so hard to explain. Sorry about that.

Thank you so much for writing.

With lots of love...❤️❤️❤️

𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅-𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐄

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒: law, shanks, mihawk, ace 𝐂/𝐖: fluff 𝐀/𝐍: Hi! Thank you very much for appreciating what I wrote and don't worry about your request, I understood. I hope you will like it and have a nice day! (｡◝‿◜｡) 𝐖/𝐂: 1.2k +

| m a s t e r l i s t |

𝐋𝐀𝐖

✧ You had been locked in your room for several weeks and you didn't want to come out. You didn't want to see people. You didn't want to listen to them. You didn't want to talk to them.

✧ You just wanted to spend your days alone in your blankets reading quietly with Law visiting in the evening to sleep.

✧ Everyone outside, even your friends, bored you: their conversations didn't interest you and their reactions annoyed you. Besides, you didn't see what you could talk to them about and, even when you tried, you were cut off. this invisibilization irritated you so much that you ended up not saying a word, plunging yourself even deeper into your boredom, and no longer coming.

✧ You had tried several times to come back to them but your interactions turned on you more and more until the arrival of the Straw Hats who had finished isolating you for good.

Their captain who shouted everywhere and ruined your peace. Their swordsman who turned on his heel in the middle of your sentence when you tried to talk to him. Or their navigator who had cut you off to call out to Shachi who was passing behind you with his winnings from his bets with the crew.

✧ You hadn't left your room since.

✧ Law didn't see your isolation in a good light so, given that you were only reading and your reading stock was dwindling, he mentioned the very well-stocked library of the Straw Hats. Innocently, of course.

✧ He arranged for the Straw Hats to start a party before you could get out. Not wanting to get stuck in the hubbub on your way back to your room, you decided to stay reading in the Sunny Library until the crowd dispersed. Law sent Robin to the library to read her book.

✧ You came home the next morning to talk to Law about the archaeologist who was nice and whose invitation you thought you would accept to meet up to read together. He just calmy replied: “Cool” even though he was very satisfied inside to see you regaining confidence in socialization.

𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐒

✧ You didn't have the motivation to do anything to advance your goals. You always pushed everything aside with an "I'll do it later" to continue reading until you found yourself in the evening and said to yourself "It's too late to start, I'll do it tomorrow".

✧ It was like this every day.

✧ One morning, Shanks came into your room humming after you went back. He approached you under your suspicious gaze and took your book from your hands before going to the window and casually throwing your book into the water over his shoulder.

You could have ripped him alive just for that.

✧ However, he took out an old crumpled sheet of paper from his pocket with a quill already inked on it and wrote your objective in large letters at the top of the page. Then he spent the rest of the morning with you on the bed figuring out all the steps to take before reaching your goal. He embellished the page with little drawings here and there to make it more “cool”.

✧ He called himself "the Emperor of the to-do list" throughout.

✧ The next day, you did one of the tasks on the list because it didn't take much time / effort and you could do it from your bed. You simply checked it off and, when Shanks came back in the evening, you showed him.

✧ Every time you checked a box, he showered you with a shower of congratulations as well as special drinking parties to celebrate your accomplishment.

✧ The whole crew also ended up getting involved and they all encouraged you in their own way.

𝐌𝐈𝐇𝐀𝐖𝐊

✧ He was genuinely starting to worry about you: you didn't want to go out anymore and it had been weeks since you had seen the light of day.

No matter what he does, you always return to your bed after stocking up on food in the middle of the night in the castle kitchen. You stay all day under your covers. You would refuse his invitations every time he offered to accompany him outside the castle or during his missions outside Kuraigana. You always justified that you were more comfortable in your bed and that you didn't see the point in going out.

✧ He ironically thought that he was the one called a vampire.

✧ Finally, he got fed up. He waited for you in the kitchen during the night and started talking to you for a long time. You find his behavior quite strange but you keep talking, hoping that he will make fewer remarks to you later about the fact that you always stay locked in your bedroom.

However, when you opened the door to your room to finally snuggle into your soft pillows and blankets, you noticed that your bed was gone. Your bed was missing. You tried all the rooms in the castle but all the beds had disappeared. As well as all the pillows and blankets. There were none left in the entire castle.

✧ He then guided you towards Hitsugibune where his usual seat had been replaced by your blankets and pillows. You were shocked while he gave you the choice between staying on the island and sleeping on the cold stone floor or boarding with him and sleeping in comfortable bedding.

After toying with the idea of sleeping on the cold castle floor just to annoy him, you finally agree to go on his boat.

✧ After a few weeks of traveling, you realize that getting out of bed was the best solution because your days were no longer an endless blur. They no longer paraded at full speed without your having the slightest memory of them.

𝐀𝐂𝐄

✧ You wanted to start sport but you couldn't stay regular.

✧ You could tell yourself all the benefits it would give you (post-session well-being with endorphins, being more active in everyday life, more energy etc.) but you couldn't do it. Even motivational phrases like “the hardest part is to begin!” only made you feel even more depressed when you found yourself hopelessly in sportswear in your bed.

✧ You motivated yourself to do a week then you missed a session because you had aches. And another because you were tired. Then another one because you were lazy and, at rhis point, it wouldn't make a difference.

And you always ended up stopping.

✧ But Ace wanted to help you so he offered to accompany him on his next mission. You never refused to spend more time with him so you agreed.

✧ However, this trip as a couple was very different from the previous ones where you made all your trips at sea with his striker and those on land with the island's transport.

✧ This time, you did everything by yourself.

You paddled on the Grand Line while Ace helped you while telling you about his fights with Sea Kings. You hiked from one town to another while arguing with your idiot lover who had forgotten to take money for transportation. You climbed mountains hand in hand with him as you chatted happily.

✧ Finally, you got a taste for these privileged private moments with your boyfriend. They provided you with enough physical exercises to satisfy you without constraining you and you no longer felt the duty to do these sessions alone.

Congratulations, you found my 3rd Easter Egg Here a ʚ 𝐜𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫 ɞ as a token of my admiration

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐃𝐎𝐍'𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐘 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @iheartamora @bontensh0e @opchara @lys-ada @xomingyu @dozcan123 @kai-wifey

[nrdmssgs]

Spiraling

Masterlist Part 2 (in case you need a happy ending)

Very mild angst Pairing: Ghost x you TW: no Summary: Ghost understanding, something very important just slipped through his fingers. AN: this is kinda sorta songfic. Here is the inspiration.

The worst part is that Ghost can't even get mad at you. He was never there to show you true love, you were never there to break his heart. There were no promises, no occasional touches or stolen glances. There were these two evenings: each beautiful in its own way.

On the first one, the squad was resting after a successful operation, waiting for a transport to pick them up. A large group of soldiers gathered around you and Ghost came closer to find out what was going on. The southern sky was strewn with large, bright stars. Not a single cloud hovered over the desert, so it was a perfect opportunity for stargazing. Time to time you raised you hand up, searched for a next constellation and did this strange, unpractical move: you pointed on the constellation, drawing an invisible line between stars and then pretended to grab it. Ghosts mind blurted out some jibe about you obviously being too short to grab a star. So he sat on the ground behind others, to say it out loud, when you pause. Only to find himself alone on the ground, staring up at the sky. "Lieutenant? Ghost?" Your voice brought him back to reality. "Our heli is here. Are you alright?" He nodded and was ready to stand up, when you offered him a hand. He reached out automatically and you grabbed his hand. It was almost pointless since you were much smaller, but still you helped him. Grabbing his hand like one of those stars, you'd never reach.

The other evening happened much later. Ghost could say, he got used to seeing you around. There were still no chats outside work topics, no interactions at all as soon as any of you was off to home. It was the way it was supposed to be: clean and professional. Ghost was in his office tending to paper work, when you knocked and entered. "Lieutenant, I wanted to let you know, I'll be spending the next few months away from this base. Volunteered to train international corps." Ghost nodded, not even raising eyes from his papers. "There is one more thing. I like working with you and plan to keep it on. But lately I've felt distracted, when you are around." His hand froze, not even finishing signing the last form. That sounded not good. So he finally looked up on you, only to find your absolutely peaceful smiling face. "Don't worry, I won't let it grow. We are all adults here, and I am planing to work here, not search for any kind of informal bonds. That's why I decided to take this job. Just wanted to be honest, ok?" Ghost nodded again, much slower this time. "Ok. Now go show them, how it's done." You left his office, and he tried to remember, where was he. But after a few attempts he understood, it was utterly pointless: his mind was racing somewhere. And that rush felt easy, even joyful. It was a good thing, you two were colleagues and there always was this formal barrier between you. But it was also a good thing, you were so mature and honest. It made him feel safe. His borders were secure. Somewhere deep inside, he was smiling.

Two evenings, they weren't even filled with anything special. So why the hell he felt as if a white-hot sting was deepening into his stomach, when in a few months he got a short message from you.

"The problem is dealt with. I'll be staying here for a little longer. Staying frosty."

You come back in almost half a year. Calm, polite, effective and professional - Ghost couldn't wish for a better squadmate. He finds himself observing you from afar. In theory, he must like, what he not even sees, but rather feels: you are at peace, you are over this. But a traitorous voice somewhere deep inside chuckles, "That easy, really? A few months to erase me, a few more - to consolidate success - and that's it?"

"It's good to be back, Lieutenant." You give his hand a firm, short shake.

"You aren't back," hisses something from the back of his mind, but Ghost only scoffs at it.

Too little too late, Riley.

That day, he finishes paperwork earlier and locks in his room. He sinks on his bed and watches evening lights slowly crawling across the ceiling. Simons' mind begins to spiral as he lays there, heartbroken over a love that never even happened.

[x-press-it]

Devilish Desires - 7/8

Dangerous Temptations, Irresistible Touch 🎞️❤️‍🔥🌹⚔️🖤💻🖱️

Sub!Logan Howlett x Dom!OC (They/Them)

Summary: Logan, typically guarded and dominant, finds himself captivated by E, a mysterious being with a devilish allure and ancient presence that challenges his control.

Context: This story unfolds 'within' the "Days of Future Past" new timeline, during Logan's early years as a history teacher at Xavier’s School. It’s set well before his consciousness from the original timeline reconnects with him in 2023, as seen at the film’s end.

Content Warnings (for the whole story): Smut 18+ (Dry humping, Edging, Unprotected p in v.) - Dom!Logan into Sub!Logan - Pet Names (Good boy, pretty boy, pet, pup, amongst others...) reversed age gap (Logan is younger) - OC Notes: Established name, backstory, powers, fighting style, female body but gender fluid character (Logan misgender them at first because he doesn't know, even in the descriptions) - Mention of other character from the MCU and subtle references to the comics for flavor (not mandatory to understand what is happening) - Flash back and mention of past trauma - Very quick mentions of drugs - Fluff with Dark Undertones: Emotional tension and possessive affection - Worship Themes: Religious imagery, reverent language and awe - Ancient Mysticism: References to otherworldly or demonic presence - Mental Health: Power dynamics, personal vulnerabilities - Trope: Rivals to lovers.

I'm back after 10 years of iatus and fairly new to how things are done on tumblr now, so sorry if I missed any warnings. Also english isn't my first language so there might be typos/weird sentences...

Notes: Got very inspired by sub!Logan and repeated listening of "Between wind and water" by Hael. Cover made with canva from an idea I got from this post. If you know who made the picture, tell me so I can credit them - Click on the divider to find the creator. Also this was meant to be an imagine turned into a full story. Just so you know, some chapters are very short, other are long. I'm in the process of editing/writing/rewriting parts so I'll post a chapter everytime I have one fully edited.

I kept getting derailled by stuff but El Famoso Chapter 7 (as my hubby has been calling it those last weeks) is finally done T^T I think my ADHD brain doesn't want me to finish this story because once it's done, it's done and I'll have to say goodbye to Ezekiel and this Logan. Regarding the poll I made about male x male smut, as the results were mixed, if I write anything between Logan and Zeek, I'll make this a bonus scene. Okay, people, it's time to feed the hunger again :)

Need some music? I've got you

Previously: in Devilish Desires

Chapters: 7/8

Word Count: 12.4K / 60K+ for now

E opened their eyes as the ray of the sun stroked their skin. The golden light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Next to them, Logan was still sleeping, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm, his expression peaceful—more so than E had ever seen since their first encounter in that tense hallway weeks ago.

They let their gaze roam over the lines of his face, memorizing every detail: the scruff along his jaw, the way his lashes rested against his cheek, and how his tousled hair fell messily across his brow, lending him an almost boyish look. The sight stirred a rare, warm smile from E, a glimmer of something fragile and cherished flickering within them.

Despite the contentment that coursed through their veins, a seed of resolve pressed at the back of their mind, they didn’t want to disturb him, nor did they want him to wake up alone, with only the ghost of their presence left in the warmth of the sheets. But time wasn’t on their side, as the rest of the mansion was about to awaken.

E brushed their fingers lightly along Logan’s arm, feeling the solid muscle shift beneath their touch even as he slept, the faint brush of their fingers drawing a soft, instinctive hum from him. Slowly, his eyes cracked open, still heavy with the haze of sleep.

The sharp alertness that often defined him flickered briefly before his gaze landed on them. Almost immediately, his features softened, the edge of wariness melting into something softer.

“Hey,” he murmured, his voice rough and hoarse, but so low it felt like a quiet confession.

E’s lips curved in a small, tender smile. Something in his tone, softer than anything they’d ever expected from him, made their old, dusty heart stutter in their chest. For all the years they’d walked the earth, never had they been spoken to in such a way.

“Hey,” they responded in kind, voice almost shy as their eyes traced his features—the rugged lines of his face, the way his hair stuck up slightly, the barest hint of something unguarded in his expression.

Logan shifted slightly, his arm flexing beneath their touch, though he made no move to pull away. “Leavin’ already?” he asked, the whisper still rough but edged with something else—an unspoken reluctance, maybe, or the wish to hold onto this fleeting moment a little longer.

E leaned in, their lips brushing against his temple. “Wouldn’t want people to find out they’re right about us, would we?” Their voice was tinged with light humor, but the reference to Scott’s pointed remarks during the trial still lingered between them. The subtle accusation—that it was easy for lovers to fight in sync—now felt like he had seen right through them, and they both didn’t like that.

Logan’s face turned thoughtful, a shadow of concern settling over his features. “Is there anything we can do about it?” he asked, the question heavy with the understanding that staying under the radar was going to become increasingly difficult in the days yet to come. “Turn their feelings around, maybe?”

“There might be a solution,” E said, their tone serious. “But you’re not going to like it.”

He frowned, curiosity mingled with caution. “Go on, lay it out.”

“We act like something happened between us,” they explained, eyes flickering with a hint of reluctance. “Something bad. We make them believe we can’t stand each other anymore.” They paused, studying Logan’s reaction. “It has to be convincing, Logan. Real mean. We’ll need to sell it, even if it means hurting each other in the process.”

Logan exhaled slowly, the tension in his jaw tightening as the weight of the plan settled on him. “You’re right—I don’t like it. But I see how it could work.” His eyes met theirs, resigned but resolute. “If you’re game, I’m in.”

A small smile, bittersweet and fleeting, crossed E’s lips as they leaned in and kissed his cheek. “We may have to do it more than once.”

“Yeah,” Logan said with a heavy nod. “The more we do it, the more convincing it’ll look.”

They sat in the stillness that followed, letting the warmth between them linger just a moment longer before the masks would have to come on and the distance between them would become painfully real.

The silence in the room grew heavier, the weight of what they were about to do settling over them. In a rare moment of connexion, E reached for Logan’s fingers, the tips of their own brushing against his in a soft, tentative dance. Logan’s response was immediate; he closed his hand around theirs, the warmth a brief comfort against the cold edge of reality.

“It’s a difficult time to go through,” they murmured. Their voice, barely above a whisper, carried the tremor of uncertainty. They tried to sound reassuring, though the words were as much for themselves as for him. “We need to focus on the moments we’ll be alone. Let’s not let ourselves get lost in our own lies.”

Logan nodded, his thumb moving in slow circles, brushing gently over the back of their hand. His expression was raw, the look on his face saying everything words couldn’t—the pain of what lay ahead, the quiet acceptance of it, and the unyielding resolve to shield them, even if it meant taking the fall himself.

The hurt, etched into the hard lines of his face, was a reflection of everything E felt. They both knew this was the quickest way to shift the tide, to keep E safe from the suspicion tightening around them like a noose. And if it meant bearing the brunt of it, he would—because of the fierce, protective feeling blazing in his chest, but also because he trusted them.

E let out a heavy sigh, their lips pressing into a thin line before they smoothed back the strands of his hair with their free hand, fingers brushing through the dark mess. They were about to speak when Logan’s head turned slightly, his ears twitching as he picked up the faint sound of running water. It came from the direction of Kurt’s room, judging by the echo through the walls.

Logan’s gaze shifted back to them, softer now but edged with urgency. He brought their hand to his lips, pressing a gentle, lingering, kiss to their knuckles. “You have to go,” he said, voice low and reluctant. “People are starting to wake up.”

E exhaled deeply again, the air leaving their mouth almost trembling, but they nodded. They leaned forward, pressing their forehead against his in a quiet, intimate gesture that said everything they couldn’t put into words.

“See you around, pretty boy,” they whispered, the familiar teasing lilt in their voice dulled by the reality of what was to come.

Logan gave a small nod in return, the reluctance in his eyes mirrored by the heaviness in his chest. The thought of what they were about to do—the lies they’d weave to protect their arrangement—made the air between them feel sharper, more fragile.

He watched as they slipped out of the room, the emptiness they left in their wake pressing down on him like a weight he couldn’t shake. It was a stinging sense of loss, one he knew would linger long after the door closed behind them.

Once he found himself alone, he rose from the bed, the space around him cool and empty in the absence of E. Their scent lingered faintly in the room, and his heart ached with want—no, the need—to see them, to have them against him, to touch them.

What was happening to him? Was he that far gone already? Wrapped around their little finger? His head felt foggy, exhaustion creeping in at the edges of his awareness, adding to the strange weight pressing against his chest. He rubbed a hand over his face, trying to clear his thoughts, willing the heaviness away before heading to the bathroom.

The steady patter of water as he showered grounded him, but it did little to clear the memories that crowded his mind. E’s teasing smile, their eyes dancing with mischief; the way they’d pushed and pulled at him the night before, challenging him yet surrendering with a trust so deep it shook him to his core.

The thought of it sent warmth coursing through him, a pulse that beat in time with the thrum of the water. They had told him they were a giver—always putting others first. For so long, they hadn’t allowed themselves to be selfish, maybe not ever. Only once in their long, lonely existence.

But with him, they had.

That truth sank into him, mingling with a sense of awe that twisted into longing. He knew a thing or two about keeping things—instincts, urges, emotions—in check for years, decades, centuries even. The weight of being chosen by someone who, like him, had kept their guard so high for so long was something he felt with every fiber of his soul, making him shiver with pride.

He’d known satisfaction before, shared heated moments with countless partners over the span of nearly two centuries—men and women, different faces and places—but this… this had struck deeper than he thought possible.

Rinsing the shampoo from his hair, Logan let out a breath that fogged the glass wall of his shower. His mind replayed the previous night, as if on loop: the way E had looked at him, unguarded and raw; how their movements had mirrored a kind of surrender that words couldn’t touch.

That feeling of being seen and wanted—not just as a weapon, not just as a mutant or a means to an end, but as himself. Whole. Flawed. It was dangerous, intoxicating. A craving took root in his chest, a quiet yet insistent need for more of that feeling, more of them.

Stepping out of the shower, he dried himself off, wrapping a towel around his waist before brushing his teeth. The routine motions were automatic, but his mind spun with those vivid images, heat already pooling low in his belly.

He styled his hair, the habitual tug of the comb pulling him back to the present, but not completely. Not when his senses were still keenly aware of their scent lingering on his skin despite the shower, faint but unmistakable, as if they had marked him as theirs.

One night. That’s all it had taken for them to make him theirs. He got dressed before making his bed with the practiced precision of someone who’d been a soldier for a long time, the last trace of E smoothed out beneath the taut sheets. Moving on, his hand reached for the small, worn notebook on the nightstand—a habit, a piece of routine that kept him anchored. But today, even that felt different. His eyes flicked over the scribbled notes—reminders and plans for his lectures—but they barely registered. His mind was still caught in the gravity of E’s laughter, the way it had curled around him, warm and dangerous.

Logan made his way to his desk and sat down, the notepad now forgotten in his grip. No matter how many mornings he’d seen after tangled nights, none of them carried this. None of them ever left him feeling whole the way E had, even if just for a fleeting moment—before the hollowness crept in as soon as they were gone.

His reflection caught his eye in the mirror: rougher around the edges than usual, but still carrying that stubborn resilience he never seemed to lose. Tugging at his shirt collar, he adjusted the fit of his flannel, then ran a hand through his hair to push it back into place. A breath shuddered out of him as he wrestled the knot in his chest, forcing himself to focus.

With one final glance, he made sure everything was in order—boots laced tight, notepad folded neatly on the desk’s edge, though the ghost of last night still clung to the room. He inhaled deeply, the faint scent of E lingering in the air, uninvited in the way it stirred memories too raw, too exposing.

The space felt emptier than it should, as though a piece of it—and him—had left with them. Closing his eyes briefly, he centered himself, then rose and made his way down the hallway to the mansion’s first floor.

The hum of early morning voices grew louder as he neared the kitchen. He could already pick out Jean’s quiet laughter and Scott’s steady, self-assured tone. The familiar sounds grounded him, even as a faint tug of anticipation simmered at the edges of his thoughts.

When he entered, the conversation quieted momentarily as their eyes turned toward him. Jean and Scott shared a glance, surprised to see him this late; Logan was usually here long before either of them. He nodded their way—silent, but not unfriendly—before crossing to the counter. Grabbing the coffee pot, he filled his mug and brought it close, the steam curling in the air.

He was still lost in thought when E entered, their stride confident, eyes sharp with mischief. The air shifted the moment they stepped in, crackling like an unspoken challenge. Their smile was subtle, but unmistakably smug, as if they owned the space.

“Morning, everyone,” they greeted, their voice silk, effortless. Two of the three people they addressed didn’t seem entirely comfortable, their wariness obvious, but E wore their nonchalance like armor, as though they couldn’t care less. They moved through the room with practiced ease, every motion so deliberate, so fluid, that it made Logan’s pulse quicken in a way that used to irritate him—but now, it simply thrilled him.

They made this masquerade look effortless.

Their eyes met his, a flicker of shared understanding passing between them before they glanced away, the moment hidden beneath a mask of casual indifference.

They reached for the coffee pot, their fingers brushing Logan’s where his hand rested casually on the counter. The touch was fleeting, something no one else in the room would notice, but it left a warmth that lingered between them. The slight squeeze they gave him was enough to send a silent message: brace yourself. His jaw tensed, but he masked it with a sip, his gaze hardening as he prepared for whatever came next.

“Black coffee again, Logan?” E’s voice broke the silence, playful and biting. “You ever consider trying something with flavor?” They poured themselves a cup, their smirk deepening as they glanced over their shoulder at him.

Logan’s response was automatic, rough, as he played along, letting them lead the dance of their back and forth. “Coffee’s coffee. Doesn’t need all that extra crap.”

E’s eyebrows arched, their grin widening as if they’d caught him off-guard with a well-placed jab. “Ah, a man of simple tastes. Should’ve figured.”

He met their eyes, a silent challenge sparking between them. “What’s that supposed to mean?” The words came out with an edge, but there was a tension in his chest that had nothing to do with annoyance.

“Oh, nothing.” E shrugged, taking a sip of their coffee, their eyes dancing with amusement. “Just that I thought someone with your experience might be a bit more adventurous.”

Logan felt the tension coil tight in his chest, the line between reality and performance starting to blur. He forced his expression into one of irritation, letting a spark of anger flicker in his eyes. Leaning into the feeling to give the act weight, he set his mug down with a deliberate thud.

“Careful there, sweetheart. Last time someone thought they had me figured out, it didn’t end too pretty,” he said, letting the hint of a growl seep into his voice. Jean and Scott exchanged glances, brows raising as they picked up on the shift in atmosphere.

E’s smirk grew sharper, almost daring. “Wouldn’t dream of it, old man,” they retorted, a flick of mock respect in their tone that had the others in the room shifting uncomfortably. Jean's eyes darted between them, curiosity turning into concern as the tension thickened.

Logan clenched his jaw, leaning forward just enough to invade E’s space, his face a mask of barely-contained fury. “Old man? You better watch your mouth or I’ll remind you why you don’t cross me, kid.”

Scott’s gaze snapped to them, mouth opening to intervene, but E beat him to it. They laughed, a sharp, biting sound that bounced off the walls and made Logan’s skin prickle. “Oh, I’m terrified,” they said, their words dripping with sarcasm. “Please, Logan, save the dramatics. You’re not as intimidating as you think, kitty cat.”

The silence that followed was suffocating, and Logan felt his pulse thunder in his ears. He reminded himself that this was part of the plan, that E’s sharp jabs were calculated. But damn if it didn’t cut deeper than he’d expected. He caught the brief flicker of apology in their eyes, barely noticeable to anyone but him.

Jean’s voice cut through the standoff, soft but steady. “Is everything okay here?” she asked, trying to smooth the tension with a touch of authority.

Logan didn’t break eye contact with E as he replied, “Peachy, Jeannie. Just a friendly morning chat.”

“Yeah, friendly,” E added, their tone so falsely sweet it made Jean’s frown deepen.

Scott’s eyes narrowed, suspicion clear as day. “Well, if you two are done, maybe we can all get on with our morning without the theatrics.”

Logan bit back a retort, taking a step back and grabbing his coffee cup. The room was stifling now, and he could feel the way E’s presence tugged at him even as they stood apart. “Yeah. We’re done,” he muttered before turning his back and leaving, letting the act settle like a stone in his gut.

Behind him, he heard E’s soft chuckle, a practiced sound meant to sting, and it did. But they’d both agreed—this was the way it had to be. And so, the distance began.

Logan spent the hours following the kitchen fight lost in his thoughts, the conversation replaying in his mind like a broken record. He knew it wasn’t real—that much was clear—but E’s words had hit harder than he’d anticipated. Not because there was any truth to them, but because they came from them. A part of him hated how it lingered, stirring something raw inside. He wasn’t the type to let something like this gnaw at him. He was the Wolverine, damn it. But it still dug under his skin.

He tried to shake it off, but the feeling wouldn’t fade. He needed to see them. To remind himself it was all just an act.

By the time he reached the library, the weight in his chest had grown unbearable. E was hunched over a stack of papers at one of the long oak tables, their focus intent on something that looked law-related. Figures. Logan leaned against the doorframe for a moment, watching them. He was always amazed by how easily they could shut everything else out. He let the silence hang for a beat before pushing himself off the door and making his way inside.

E glanced up when he approached, the brief flicker of relief in their eyes catching him off guard. “Logan,” they said softly, setting the pen down. The words were warm, but there was something unreadable beneath them.

“Got a minute?” he asked, his voice quiet, almost careful.

“For you? Always,” E replied, their smile faint but genuine.

Logan sat across from them, his rough hands resting on the polished surface of the table. He didn’t quite know how to start, what to say, but when he opened his mouth, the words just poured out of him, unguarded. “That stuff in the kitchen,” raw emotion coated the rough edges of his voice, “I know it’s all for show, but… damn, you didn’t hold back.”

E winced slightly, their gaze dropping to their notes. “I know. I’m sorry. I hated saying it.” They took a breath, their eyes meeting his again, darker now, their expression tight. “Unfortunately, we might need to take it up a notch. Be even more convincing.”

Logan leaned back in his chair, trying to keep his voice casual. “It’s fine. I ain’t gonna lose sleep over it.” He shot them a look, though—he wasn’t convinced by his own lie. Not entirely. “But if we need to go harder… what’s the plan?”

E’s eyes searched his face for a moment, their fingers brushing against his where they rested on the table. It was brief, but it caught him off guard, something warm and unspoken passing between them. “We make it meaner,” they said quietly, their voice low, tinged with a hint of regret. “You push me, I push back harder. We have to make them believe it’s personal.”

Logan nodded slowly, though the idea of making it worse, of biting deeper, didn’t sit well with him. “You sure you’re up for that?” he asked, his voice gruff despite himself.

“If it means we’ll have better days, then yeah, I am.” E’s hand lingered for a moment longer, their thumb tracing an absent pattern on his skin. The small touch, so simple but with the weight of everything unspoken, grounded him, a silent reassurance amid the chaos they were building. “Are you?”

The question hung in the air, and for a second, the noise of the world outside the library faded away. He exhaled slowly, the tension in his chest releasing with the breath. “Yeah. I’m in.”

A slight twitch at the corners of E’s lips. There was something almost tender in their gaze, a fleeting softness. But that moment was broken by the sound of footsteps approaching. Their expression shifted in an instant—like a switch had been flipped, delicate features hardening suddenly—and their hand pulled away from his, curling into a fist.

Before Logan could react, they smacked him across the face with a loud slap, the sound echoing in the quiet library. “Who the hell do you think you are, Howlett?” E snapped, their voice cold and cutting, each word like the crack of a whip. “Talking to me like that? You think you can just come in here and throw your weight around?”

Logan blinked, the sting of the slap still fresh on his skin, but it wasn’t just the pain that lingered—it was the venom in their tone, keen and raw, that struck deeper. A flicker of heat stirred low in his gut, unbidden and maddening, the kind of sensation that set his instincts on edge. Damn it. He hated how his body responded to the bite of it, to the fire in their eyes. It wasn’t the first time he’d felt this twisted pull, the way pain and tension tangled together in a way that left him craving more.

Before Logan could react, they smacked him across the face with a loud slap, the sound echoing in the quiet library.

His gaze flicked toward the doorway, catching Hank standing there, a stack of books balanced in his arms. The doctor’s expression was frozen in surprise, his wide eyes darting between them. Logan forced the heat back, burying it under a scowl.

Without missing a beat, his face twisted into a scowl, his jaw tightening as he played along. “You’re lucky I don’t throw you outta here, witch,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous, practically vibrating with barely-contained intensity.

E scoffed, their eyes blazing as they leaned into the act. “Oh, don’t you worry, you rabid dog. I’m leaving. I can’t stand to breathe the same air as you right now.”

They swept up their papers in one sharp motion, the sound of rustling edges filling the heavy silence. Their shoulder brushed his as they stormed past, the contact deliberate and forceful. Logan didn’t move, his hands curling into fists on the table, every muscle in his body taut as he fought the urge to call after them—or worse, follow.

Hank stood rooted to the spot, his mouth opening slightly like he wanted to interject, but whatever words he had died before they could form. He stared after E, then shifted his gaze to Logan, clearly hesitant.

Finally, Logan broke the silence with a grunt, shoving his chair back roughly. The scrape of wood against the floor was loud in the stillness. “What’re you starin’ at, Hank?” His tone was gruff, laced with irritation, but the effort to keep the edge in his voice felt heavier than before.

Hank raised a single eyebrow, his composure sliding back into place like a well-worn mask. “I was about to ask if everything is all right, but… I suppose I already have my answer.”

Logan didn’t reply. Instead, he stalked toward the door, his steps heavy and deliberate, a growl rumbling low in his chest. The act was working. Too well, maybe. And for reasons he didn’t care to admit, that fact sat heavier in his gut than he liked.

Later that night, when sneaking into each other’s rooms wasn’t an option, they both found themselves in the forest clearing. Neither had planned it, but some unspoken pull brought them to this spot, far from the prying eyes and ears of the mansion. It was theirs—a sanctuary untouched by the chaos of their daily lives.

The clearing was quiet, the kind of stillness only the forest could hold. The soft rustle of leaves danced with the cool night breeze, and a sliver of moonlight spilled onto the grass, casting long shadows across the ground. Logan stood a few paces away, rolling his shoulders as he circled E, his gaze locked onto theirs. There was no need for pretense out here.

“You sure you wanna do this tonight?” he asked, his voice low and gruff, carrying a hint of concern that he couldn’t quite mask.

E’s lips curved into a smirk, their stance relaxed, yet poised. “What’s wrong, pretty boy? Afraid I might embarrass you?”

Logan snorted, his mouth twitching into a brief grin. “Ain’t no chance of that, darlin’. But you ain’t exactly fresh off the bench after today.”

“And you are?” E shot back, lunging forward with a quick burst of energy. Logan sidestepped with ease, their movements more familiar to him now. They twisted on their heel, throwing a jab that he caught mid-air, his hand closing firmly around their wrist. A shiver ran down their spine, stoking their hunger in the most exquisite way.

“Point taken,” he muttered, his voice tinged with amusement as he pulled them closer, his smirk returning.

The sparring unfolded in a steady rhythm, their movements fluid and purposeful. It wasn’t just a fight—it was a conversation in motion, a silent exchange of trust and challenge. Each strike, dodge, and counter carried its own cadence, a private language spoken in the dead of the night.

By the time they called it, E was sprawled on the grass, breathless and flushed, sweat glistening on their skin in a way that made Logan’s gaze linger a moment too long. He dropped down beside them, leaning his back against a tree, his eyes roaming over them as a heat that coiled low in his gut tightened, stirred by the sight of them so alive, so unguarded under the moonlight.

“You gotta work on that right hook,” he teased, the grin on his face softening the edge of his words.

E huffed, propping themselves up on their elbows. “I landed it once.”

“Once don’t make a streak, sweetheart,” Logan countered, his voice quieter now as his fingers brushed against theirs in the cool grass.

For a while, they both simply stayed there, the silence between them comfortable, filled only with the soft chirp of crickets and the distant whisper of leaves. Eventually, E sat up, leaning into Logan’s steady frame. Their hand rested lightly on his stomach, fingertips itching to slip beneath his shirt, but as his warmth enveloped them in a way that felt safe, grounding, they didn’t want to break the peace.

“It’s harder than I thought,” they said softly, the words barely breaking the stillness.

Logan turned slightly, his brow furrowing. “What is?”

“This whole thing.” E gestured vaguely at the forest, at him, at everything. “The fights. The secrecy. Hurting you. Hiding—just to be us. It’s only been one day, and I already hate it.”

Logan’s chest tightened, their words circling in his mind, refusing to settle. ‘Just to be us’. The unintentional confession lingered in the air between them, heavy and unspoken. It wasn’t just the exhaustion from the sparring session that had them speaking so openly—it was trust. Trust in him.

He looked down at them, sprawled on the grass, their breathing steadying. Their guard, that armor usually so rigid that centuries had forged, had slipped, leaving behind a version of them few ever got to see. There was a softness there, a vulnerability they rarely allowed, and it filled him with something between awe and a quiet ache. That they thought of them as a ‘us’, even subconsciously, stirred something deep in his chest—a mix of pride, longing, and adoration. That they trusted him enough to bare this side of them made his heart flutter in a way he hadn’t expected.

His hand moved without thought, his fingers brushing through their dark hair with a slow, deliberate reverence. The wavy strands slipped like silk between his fingers, tethering him in the moment, a silent reassurance that this wasn’t just a fleeting dream.

“It’s rough, Angel,” he said softly, his voice gravelly in the quiet. The nickname slipped out naturally, a little softer than usual, carrying more weight. He hesitated, letting the words sink in before adding, “But we’ll push through.”

E’s lips twitched into a faint smile, though their eyes remained fixed on his free hand, resting next to theirs on his stomach. “Yeah, I know,” they murmured. Their fingers shifted, brushing his for a moment before lacing them together. The contact felt soft, simple, yet charged with an unspoken understanding.

They exhaled, their voice tinged with frustration. “It would be easier if we could plan the fights, but we can’t. If we do, it’ll feel… off, staged. They’ll figure us out.”

Logan nodded slowly, his thumb sweeping over their knuckles in soothing circles. “You’re right. It’s gotta feel real… for them and for us.”

That last part slipped out before he could stop it, and he tensed, unsure if they’d catch the hidden meaning. E turned their head, meeting his gaze, their eyes searching his face. “And you’re okay with that?”

His lips quirked into a smirk, his defenses sliding back into place just enough. “I’ll live. Ain’t my first rodeo, sweetheart.” He reached up, brushing a stray strand of hair from their face, his hand lingering against their cheek before finding hers again. “‘Sides, I’ve had worse things thrown at me than words.”

They leaned into his touch, their eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment before reopening, their expression softening. “I hate that it has to be this way,” they admitted quietly.

Logan let out a low, thoughtful hum, lowering his head to nuzzle lightly against theirs. “Me too, Eki,” he murmured almost hesitantly, his voice softer now. “But we’ll get through it. I know we will.”

It was the first time he called them this way. The name rolled off his tongue with a warmth he hadn’t intended, but it was there all the same—gentle and intimate, carrying more weight than he realized.

They stiffened ever so slightly, not out of discomfort but surprise. A flicker of something unfamiliar sparked in their chest at the sound of it, a flutter, and a quiet warmth bloomed around it as they tilted their head to glance at him, lips parting as though to respond, but no words came. The urge to kiss him, to lick and nip at his lips gripped their gut, but they couldn’t, not without harming him.

Instead, they stayed like that, the night wrapping around them both, the stars scattered above like silent witnesses. E sighed, leaning back into him, their head resting against his chest, and he instinctively tightened his arm around them, pulling them closer.

“At least we’ve got this,” he murmured after a long stretch of silence, his voice low but heavy with meaning.

E smiled faintly, their hand squeezing his. “Yeah,” they whispered, warmth coating her tone. “This is nice.”

Logan bent his head, pressing a tender kiss to the top of hers, the gesture unhurried and sincere. “It is,” he agreed.

For now, this was enough. The clearing remained their sanctuary, a pocket of time untouched by the outside world, as they held onto each other, finding strength in their shared determination to see this through, no matter the cost. Whatever came next, they’d face it—together.

The fights had started happening more often—small sparks igniting without warning, flaring into roaring fires. Every little thing became an excuse to clash, to bruise each other for show. It was a performance they played, and the mansion was their stage. It didn’t matter what set them off—a look, a comment, a minor disagreement—each moment seemed to lead them to scrape against each other’s nerves. Yet, beneath the verbal clashes, another kind of pyre burned. This one was different, stoked not by anger but by their need to reassure each other once the curtain fell. It consumed them in private, a fire that was anything but an act.

Logan could feel it burning now, simmering, as he watched E coming out of Charles’ office. He’d been on his way to his first class of the day when his gaze landed on them, and an unexpected warmth blossomed in his chest. They looked composed, calculating as usual, every line of their body a testament to the control they wielded so effortlessly. It was that same composure that made something inside him twist—a familiar frustration, a gnawing at his gut that tainted the lukewarm affection he felt for them.

He hated it—not the ache in his gut or the sight of them, but the distance their polished exterior created. It was a weight he couldn’t shake no matter how hard he tried. Every time, it reminded him that what they had now wasn’t simple anymore, wasn’t easy. There was no space for softness between them, not in public, at least until further notice.

A sigh slipped between his lips, and he braced himself. This was the perfect opportunity, and he couldn’t let it pass. So he picked up the pace, his boots echoing in the hallway as he approached, each step deliberate. E’s eyes caught him, but they didn’t flinch, though there was a flicker of something unguarded flashing across their face—caution—just for a second before the mask fell back into place. Their poise didn’t falter, but Logan saw through it.

“Well, look who’s here,” he drawled, playing the part, his voice loud enough to draw attention, the edge in his tone slicing through the quiet of the hallway, freezing a passing student in their step. “The school’s puppet master.”

E turned to face him fully, their gaze sharp and unreadable as they assessed him. “Howlett,” they replied, stepping into their role, voice low and steady, but it carried a warning. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t start something here.”

“Oh, come on, sweetheart, I ain’t starting anything,” Logan shot back, a sly smirk tugging at his lips. “Just calling it like I see it.” He took another step, closing the gap just enough to feel the tension coil tighter between them. “You’re always scheming, aren’t you? Pulling strings, keeping everyone in line.” His voice dropped lower, each word sharper than the last. “Bet half the staff’s already eating out of your hand.”

They straightened their stance, jaw tightened, the only crack in their armor. “I’m a qualified lawyer and I’m doing my job,” they said smoothly, though the words came out clipped. “You might want to try that sometime.”

Logan let out a bitter chuckle, his tone laced with mockery. “Oh, I’m workin’ just fine, sweetheart. Don’t need your little lectures. ‘Qualified lawyer,’ huh? Tell me—what’d you do to earn that title? Cheat your way through the bar exam? Maybe pay someone off?” He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a low, venomous growl, still very much audible to the audience gathering not far from them. “Or was it somethin’ else? Maybe you just slept your way to the top.”

The words hung in the air like a gunshot, the hallway falling deathly silent. A collective gasp rippled through the few students and staff watching the exchange, their eyes darting between the two of them, waiting for the fallout.

But against all odds, E’s face shifted, their expression a razor-thin mask of mockery, as if the words Logan had thrown at them were beneath consideration. “Watch your mouth, Howlett,” they snapped, voice cutting through the tension like a blade. “Another comment like that, and I’ll have you up for sexual harassment.”

For a moment, everything froze. The crowd held its collective breath, the charged stillness pressing in on all sides. Logan’s fists clenched against his thighs, his muscles taut as if ready to snap, to strike at something—anything—to vent the storm that seemed to be brewing inside him. His breath hissed through his teeth, the silence surrounding them hanging thick in the air, leaving only the sound of his heartbeat drumming in his ears.

A few feet from them, the door to Charles’ office swung open, its creak slicing through the tension, a subtle command that immediately stilled the room. The professor’s calm voice followed, cool and unyielding. “That will be enough.” The steady words cut through the sharp air with authority.

Every head turned as the headmaster entered the hallway, his gaze sweeping between Logan and E, the tension palpable. Logan stood bristling, fists still clenched at his sides, while E remained unflinching, their posture a perfect balance of defiance and composure.

“Logan,” Charles began, his tone measured but leaving no room for argument. “This behavior is unacceptable. Whatever concerns you have, this is not the way to address them. Such language and accusations have no place here.”

Logan’s jaw ticked, his teeth grinding together as he shot a glare toward Charles. “You don’t get it, Chuck—”

“On the contrary,” the Professor cut in, his voice firm but even. His eyes, clear and resolute, locked onto Logan’s with quiet strength. “I do. I know exactly what’s happening. But I’m telling you now: it stops here.”

The words hung in the air, firm. He shifted his gaze briefly to E, who stood calm and unaffected, their expression unreadable but charged with unspoken triumph. Logan’s chest rose and fell sharply, frustration seemingly rolling off him in palpable waves. His jaw remained clenched, posture taut, keen eyes betraying nothing but the simmering tension in his frame—a masterful performance that left no cracks for doubt.

Still, Charles continued, his focus shifting back to Logan with unwavering steadiness. “E has earned their place here,” he said, each word measured, deliberate. “Through hard work, expertise, and dedication. Qualities I expect you to recognize and respect. Whatever grievances you harbor, they do not justify this behavior.”

Logan’s chest tightened, his fists flexing against his thighs as a growl rumbled low in his throat. His eyes flicked to E, blazing with fiery defiance that looked convincingly real to anyone watching. Meanwhile, E, ever the picture of composure, turned to Charles with the ease of someone who knew how to play their cards perfectly.

“It’s fine, Professor,” they said smoothly, as if brushing off the situation as a passing annoyance. Their voice carried just enough weight to draw the attention of the onlookers. “Logan’s entitled to his opinions, misplaced as they are. My work isn’t for him to recognize—it’s for the students. That’s what matters.”

A faint murmur of admiration rippled through the crowd at E’s collected response. Logan’s shoulders tensed further, his apparent fury simmering just beneath the surface, but his eyes held a flicker of something almost imperceptible—an edge of satisfaction in how well the act was landing.

Charles nodded at E, his expression approving. “I admire your commitment, E. Truly. However,” he continued, turning back to Logan, his tone sharpening once more. “You are an example here, Logan,” he said, his words leaving no room for argument. “Consequently, I expect better from you. For now, I’d like a word with you in my office.”

Charles turned his wheelchair toward the open door, gesturing for Logan to follow. Logan didn’t move immediately, his body remaining taut, every muscle coiled as if ready to snap. His gaze stayed fixed on E for what felt like an eternity, the tension between them almost electric. But with a reluctant growl, he finally shifted, his heavy footsteps echoing as he stepped into the Professor’s office.

The door clicked shut behind him, its sound reverberating through the hall, leaving hushed conversations in its wake. The lawyer remained still for a moment, head held high, their composure unshaken as the students’ gazes lingered. Curiosity mingled with admiration in their stares, though none noticed the faint smirk curling at the corners of E’s lips—a near-invisible aura of triumph. Without a word, they turned, their stride deliberate, whispers of victory trailing behind them like shadows of their success.

In Charles’ office, the door clicked softly shut, sealing off the muffled hum of conversations outside. Logan crossed the room with deliberate strides, his arms folding tightly over his chest as he stopped in front of the Professor. His stance was taut, his brows drawn, and his jaw clenched—all the hallmarks of frustration expertly crafted into an act that, to anyone else, would seem entirely genuine.

Charles, ever composed, sat calmly behind his desk, his fingers steepled in front of him. His steady gaze met Logan’s, but the faint glimmer of amusement in his eyes betrayed an edge of knowing that Logan instantly caught. The flicker of amusement sent a ripple of unease through Logan, but he held firm to the role he’d been playing all morning.

“My friend,” Charles began, his voice smooth and measured, “I think it’s time we discuss this little… performance of yours and E’s.”

Logan’s brows furrowed, his expression hardening with practiced defiance. “If you’re about to tell me to cut it out—”

“Quite the contrary,” Charles interjected, his lips curling into the faintest smile. “You and E are charming idiots, both of you. In fact, I’d say your commitment is remarkable. The arguments are convincing. Almost too convincing.”

Logan’s jaw tightened, though the flicker of his gaze betrayed his uncertainty. “So, you knew?” he asked, his voice low, the usual gravel edged with something lighter—caught between annoyance and relief.

Charles leaned back slightly, his expression softening with patience. “Logan, I am a telepath. Nothing escapes me in this mansion. Did you really think something as… vibrant as your exchanges with E, along with your little settlement, would go unnoticed? I suspected it from the very beginning, but the confirmation came quickly enough.”

Logan shifted his weight, rubbing the back of his neck as he looked away, his discomfort evident as the mask slipped from his features. “If you think it’s a waste of time—”

“I think,” Charles cut in smoothly, “that it’s clever. Effective, even. E has been earning the team’s trust far faster than they would through conventional means. Their role as the so-called ‘victim’ in your dynamic has not only won them sympathy but also admiration. And your willingness to take on the role of the aggressor,” he added, his voice dipping with warmth, “speaks volumes about your character.”

Logan’s shoulders stiffened, the compliment settling awkwardly on him. He huffed, shifting his gaze to the side. “Ain’t about me, Chuck. It’s about makin’ sure they get a shot. At the whole thing.”

Charles inclined his head slightly, his smile softening further. “Even so, it takes courage to play the villain, especially when it places you under scrutiny. Your actions show a deeper understanding of what this team needs to thrive.”

Logan scoffed, the heat creeping up his neck. “Yeah, well, don’t go spreadin’ that around. Got a reputation to keep.”

Charles chuckled softly, his amusement tinged with genuine affection. “Your secret is safe with me, Logan. Just be sure to keep the balance. This arrangement, as effective as it is, can’t come at the expense of mutual respect—or your sanity.”

Logan’s lips twitched into a faint smirk, his usual gruffness returning as he grumbled, “We’ll manage. E’s tough—they can take it. We both can.”

Charles nodded, his gaze steady. “I trust that you will. But remember, my friend, even the best performances need the occasional intermission.”

Logan snorted, the corner of his mouth tugging up in reluctant agreement. “Noted. Thanks for not blowin’ it up. Now, if we’re done here…” He gestured vaguely toward the door, his tone laced with impatience but lacking its usual edge. “Got a class to run.”

Charles waved him off with a faint smile. “Of course, my friend. Now, if you would, make a bit of a show as you leave. It wouldn’t do for the others to think you got off easy. And try not to terrorize anyone else on your way out.”

Logan smirked faintly at that before turning away. The tension in his body had eased slightly, and he inhaled deeply, drawing the simmering anger back into his gut to slip into character. With deliberate force, he yanked the door open, letting it slam against the wall. “Got it, boss,” he called over his shoulder, his voice cutting sharply through the room.

He stormed into the hallway, his boots striking the floor in heavy, echoing thuds. His scowl was perfectly crafted—a tempest of irritation that sent students scattering like leaves in a gale. Pale faces turned away, and whispers followed him, swirling in his wake.

Before he could make it far, a door to his right creaked open. A hand shot out, gripping his arm with surprising strength, and hauled him into the shadowy confines of a supply closet. The door clicked shut behind them, sealing them in near darkness.

“The hell—?” Logan grunted, his surprise barely surfacing before the familiar scent of spice and smoke wrapped around him. His glare softened in an instant, his lips twitching into something close to a smirk. “Eki?”

“Shh,” they whispered, amusement lacing their tone. They pressed closer, their presence steady and teasing. “You’re supposed to be in trouble, remember?”

Logan huffed, his eyes narrowing, though there wasn’t a trace of real irritation. “What’re you playin’ at?”

E leaned in, their hands trailing up his chest with slow, deliberate intent, pausing at his shoulders. The faint light slipping through the door’s edge slanted across their face, highlighting the wicked curve of their lips. “Heard you stomping out of Charles’ office like a wounded bear,” they murmured, their voice dripping with mock concern. “Thought I’d check on you.”

His brow twitched, the stubborn set of his jaw softening despite himself. “Checkin’ on me involves draggin’ me into a closet now?”

E’s smirk widened, their tone a mix of teasing and confidence. “Don’t act like you mind.”

Their movements were playful but edged with intent. They leaned closer, their breath warm against his neck as their lips hovered near his ear. The subtle press of their body against his sent a ripple of heat through him.

“Besides,” they whispered, their voice dipping lower, more intimate, “I wanted to tell you something.”

His hands moved to their hips without a second thought, his fingers settling naturally along the curve of their waist. “Yeah? What’s so damn important it can’t wait?”

E’s fingers drifted lazily over his arms, their touch light but electric. They tilted their head, their lips brushing his ear in a deliberate, measured move. “You were so hot when you yelled at me earlier,” they murmured, their voice a sultry purr. “All fire and fury… made me want to slap you again just to see what you’d do.”

Logan’s breath hitched, a low, guttural sound rumbling in his throat as his grip tightened on their hips, just enough to warn. “You’re playin’ with fire, Angel.”

E pulled back slightly to meet his gaze, their eyes glittering with mischief and challenge. They could feel his hunger feeding their own. “Am I?”

Their voice was soft but charged, every syllable a spark fanning the flames between them. The pull was undeniable, intoxicating, and he felt himself give in, just enough to let them reel him closer. Damn it—he didn’t want to fight it. Not this time.

“You’re lucky we’re in this closet,” Logan muttered, his voice dropping to a low, rough tone that sent a shiver through the confined space.

E tilted their head, their smirk softening into something warmer, almost tender. “Lucky?” they asked, their tone playful but carrying a trace of sincerity. “Or smart?”

A quiet huff of laughter escaped him, the tension in his hands loosening slightly as his grip softened on their hips. But his fingers stayed, a lingering reminder of the fire simmering beneath the surface. “Maybe both,” he admitted, his voice quieter now.

The air between them grew heavy, thick with a charged anticipation neither seemed willing to shatter. Time stretched, every heartbeat amplifying the pull between them, the unspoken heat crackling like a wildfire ready to ignite, a match struck on a flint.

Then, faint footsteps drifted in from the hallway—distant, but clear enough to cut through the tension.

They both froze.

Logan recovered first, his voice steady, though the faint edge in it betrayed his reluctance. “We should get outta here before someone catches us.” Yet he didn’t pull away, didn’t move to create the distance his words suggested.

E leaned in, their lips brushing lightly against the crook of his neck. The touch was fleeting, soft as a feather, yet it left a mark he couldn’t ignore. They lingered for a moment before pulling back, their voice a low murmur. “Guess so. But next time, Howlett…”

They let the words hang for a beat, their smile teasing but layered with something deeper. “You owe me a real fight.”

Logan smirked, one corner of his mouth quirking up in that familiar, roguish way that made it impossible to tell if he was amused or intrigued. He cracked the door open, peering into the hallway. Satisfied the coast was clear, he glanced back, kissing their cheek quickly and murmuring, his voice a quiet promise, “You’ll get one.”

He stepped out into the corridor like nothing had happened, his boots striking the floor with a steady, confident rhythm. The sound echoed faintly as he disappeared down the hall.

E lingered in the closet for a moment, their smile turning satisfied as they watched him go. Something flickered in their expression—anticipation, maybe hope—as they slipped out in the opposite direction, the promise of what was to come hanging thick in the air between them.

The common room resonated softly with the chatter of Ororo, Marie, and Kitty. Seated in a cozy cluster around a small table, they were quietly planning their next trip to the mall. Kitty leaned in, her eyes sparkling as she described a sweater she had spotted online, while Ororo listened with a small, indulgent smile that softened her regal demeanor. Marie occasionally chimed in, her voice warm and lilting, adding her own thoughts about colors and styles.

A few feet from them, E sat upright on the couch in the center of the room, one leg crossed over the other, a cup of tea resting steadily on their knee. They watched the television with quiet focus, as the news anchor’s voice delivered updates about local events. There was a trace of weariness in their posture, the kind of exhaustion that settled behind the eyes and hinted at a long day spent poring over legal documents.

The moment Logan entered, the room’s tranquil atmosphere shifted. He strolled in with his usual swagger, the faint scent of cigar smoke trailing him. His flannel sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing his sturdy forearms. His gaze swept the room briefly before he plopped down beside E without a word. His hand brushed their knee as he reached for the remote on the coffee table, a casual but deliberate motion that claimed space.

Click.

The news was replaced by the vibrant green of a baseball field, the roar of the crowd pouring from the speakers. A game was already in progress, the commentary animated and full of energy.

E let out an audible sigh, their lips pressing into a thin line. “Seriously?”

“Game’s on,” Logan replied casually, settling back into the couch, his feet on the coffee table, as if nothing were amiss. He didn’t even look at them, his eyes fixed on the screen, his poise relaxed but unyielding.

E’s hand shot out and snatched the remote from his grip, flicking the channel back to the news. “I was watching that.”

Logan straightened slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. “Yeah? Well, now I’m watchin’ this.” He grabbed the remote again, switching it back to the game, with a decisive press on the TV clicker.

The tension between them crackled like static electricity, the air thick with unspoken challenge.

E’s jaw tightened. “Are you five? Grow up, Howlett.” With measured precision, they took the remote again and returned the television to the news. Their movements were controlled, deliberate, as though refusing to let Logan’s antics rattle them.

His eyes narrowed, his voice dropping as he leaned in. “You’ve got somethin’ to say, witch?” The word was low but sharp, cutting like a blade slipping between ribs.

Behind them, the conversation amongst the others faltered. Ororo exchanged a glance with Marie, and Kitty froze mid-laugh, her eyes darting between the two.

E didn’t rise to the bait, not at first. They simply set the clicker down on the arm of their side of the couch, their gaze fixed on Logan. “I’m trying to stay informed. Something you should try once in a while.”

Logan smirked, though there was no humor in it. “Informed, huh? That why I don’t see you in the Danger Room? Too busy stayin’ ‘informed’ to pull your weight?”

E’s expression hardened, their composure cracking slightly. “I’m not a soldier, Logan. I never signed up to be. Unlike you, I have an actual job that involves more than swinging claws or quoting history. Being a lawyer means spending hours—days, even—preparing cases, handling crises, and keeping this place from falling apart.”

“Sure,” Logan drawled, leaning back with an exaggerated shrug. “Real noble. But we’re all bustin’ our asses for this school, so what makes you so special that you can skip out on the hard work?”

E’s voice dropped, each word razor-sharp. “The work I do is just as important as your training sessions. Or do you think the contracts you sign, the legal battles I fight, and the protections I negotiate are meaningless?”

Logan chuckled darkly, the sound low and mocking. “Contracts don’t save lives when the next fight comes knockin’, sweetheart. Maybe you’re just lookin’ for excuses. It’s easier to sit on the sidelines than to get your hands dirty, huh?”

The jab landed. A flicker of hurt flashed in E’s eyes, quickly masked by steely resolve. They inhaled deeply, their voice steady but heavy with disappointment. “I thought we were on the same side, Logan.” The weight of their words hung in the air, each syllable a quiet accusation. “Guess I was wrong.”

The room’s silence was suffocating, the atmosphere unbearable.

Logan’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching on his thighs, and for a moment, it seemed like he might back down. Instead, he stood abruptly, his gaze hard and unyielding. “You don’t know the first thing about loyalty.”

The words hit like a hammer, reverberating in the heavy silence that followed. Before anyone could react, Logan turned on his heel and strode out, his boots thudding against the wooden floor with each step.

E remained seated, their face unreadable save for the faint trembling of their hand as they gripped the arm of the couch. After a moment, they set their tea down with careful precision and stood, smoothing their clothes as if to steady themselves.

“Wow,” Kitty murmured, breaking the silence. “What the hell’s his problem?”

Ororo’s gaze lingered on E, sympathy softening her sharp features. “Are you okay?”

The lawyer managed a tight smile, though it didn’t reach their eyes. “I’m fine. Thanks.” Their voice was composed, but there was a brittleness to it, like glass under strain. With a measured motion, they reached for their teacup, lifting it carefully as if it provided some small anchor in the wake of the exchange. “I should…get back to work.”

Without another word, E left the room. Their posture remained straight and unwavering, but there was something fragile in their steps, as if they carried the weight of Logan’s words with them. Behind them, Ororo, Marie, and Kitty exchanged quiet glances, their subdued chatter shifting to murmurs about Logan’s behavior. They kept their voices low, but their concern lingered in the air, tangible and unresolved, as though the room itself hadn’t quite recovered from the tension.

The Danger Room’s hum vibrated softly in the air as the team gathered, the younger members shifting with barely contained energy while the veterans stood with their usual aura of quiet confidence. Charles’s voice rang out, calm and commanding, as he outlined the day’s objective: clearing one floor of a simulated building of hostile threats and rescuing the hostage.

As usual, people paired off naturally. Scott and Jean exchanged a glance, already stepping into position together. Ororo teamed up with Kurt, offering a serene nod in his direction. Kitty, Marie, and Bobby gravitated toward each other, chatting quietly in low voices.

That left E and Logan, awkwardly standing in the cleared center of the room, where the group had split into smaller teams around them. The silence between them bristled with unspoken tension.

Scott frowned, his visor glinting under the cold light. “Are we seriously pairing them together?”

“They did well during the trial last week,” Charles reminded him, his tone firm yet patient. “Better than anyone expected. It only makes sense for them to try working together again. And perhaps channeling that aggression as a team will mend some of it. ”

Skeptical glances passed between the team members. Logan crossed his arms, his stance as rigid as stone. E stood beside him, their posture stiff and guarded, though their eyes darted toward the others, catching every raised brow and murmured whisper. At least they didn’t sense outright hostility from the rest of the group, which was a small relief amidst the tension.

Finally, Charles’s voice cut through the room with quiet authority. “Begin the simulation.” The words were directed at Hank in the command center, where Charles was now heading as the machinery of the room began to hum louder.

The walls around the X-Men and E shifted, morphing into the interior of a crumbling high-rise. The floor beneath their feet groaned ominously, and the sound of distant gunfire echoed from somewhere above.

Logan glanced at E as they moved cautiously down a simulated hallway. “We take the stairs. Blitz ‘em all the way to the hostage. End it quick.”

E raised an eyebrow. “Blitz? That’s your plan? You think we’re going up against a horde of mindless zombies, or did I miss the memo?”

Logan growled low in his throat. “Look, sweetheart, I don’t have time for your lawyer talk. You want to win, you hit hard and fast.” He punctuated his words by striking his left palm with his right fist.

E stopped mid-step, their gaze catching on the floor layout displayed on a nearby wall. They gestured toward it, a hint of strategy sparking in their tone. “Or, we could think for more than two seconds. See this?” They pointed to a narrow corridor on the map. “That’s a bottleneck—perfect for an ambush. We lure them in, control the fight, and pick them off one by one.”

“You mean drag it out,” Logan muttered.

“Ororo?” E called out over their shoulder. “What’s your take?”

The white haired woman, walking a few feet behind with Kurt, tilted her head thoughtfully. “It’s a sound strategy. Fighting smart is just as important as fighting hard.”

Jean chimed in, her voice measured and calm. “Agreed. Brute force only gets you so far. For all we know, there could be fifty of them in there.”

Logan turned to Scott, silently hoping for backup, but Scott merely folded his arms and gave him a look—a pointed one, like Logan had just suggested fighting blindfolded. Even Kurt’s tail twitched awkwardly, as though uncomfortable with Logan’s stubbornness.

“Fine,” Logan grumbled at last, his voice dripping with reluctance. “We’ll do it your way.”

“Good choice,” E quipped, already moving ahead.

Scott stepped forward, his visor glinting in the dim light as he addressed the team. “Here’s the plan. Storm and Nightcrawler, you’re on decoy duty—draw their attention toward the main corridor. Shadowcat, Rogue, and Iceman, you’re the scout team. Find the hostage and get them to safety. Jean, Wolverine, and E, you’re with me at the choke point. We’ll hold the line and clean up any stragglers.”

The group split seamlessly into their designated roles. Ororo and Kurt advanced toward the wide-open hall at the far end of the floor, preparing to lure the enemy, while Logan, E, and Jean moved into position at the narrow corridor for the ambush.

Ororo stepped into the open, her eyes faintly glowing as she summoned a swirling gale. A deafening crash echoed through the space as she hurled a metal filing cabinet into a crumbling wall, scattering debris and drawing immediate shouts from the mercenaries.

Kurt vanished with a soft bamf, reappearing behind two guards. Before they could react, he disarmed one with a sharp tail swipe and incapacitated the other with a swift punch. A third guard spun toward him, but a gust of wind sent the man’s weapon skidding out of reach.

“That’s our cue,” Ororo murmured, retreating into the shadows. Kurt followed, the sound of their retreat baiting the mercenaries into pursuit.

At the bottleneck, Logan crouched low, claws unsheathed, his muscles taut as he prepared for the enemy to funnel in. E stood to his left, chakrams glinting in the dim light as they adjusted their stance.

“Remember: controlled chaos,” E said lightly. “Try not to go feral too fast.”

“Funny,” Logan muttered, his eyes narrowing as the first wave of mercenaries rounded the corner.

Jean stood behind them, her focus locked as she created a shimmering telekinetic barrier to intercept the inevitable projectiles. The mercenaries opened fire, but their bullets froze mid-air, suspended like raindrops caught in time.

Logan surged forward, slashing through their ranks with brutal precision. E darted to his side, chakrams spinning in graceful arcs that deflected bullets and struck with unerring accuracy. A guard raised his weapon, only for one of E’s metal disks to slice through it before returning to their hand in a fluid motion.

“Not bad for a desk jockey,” Logan muttered, slicing through another mercenary with a savage sweep of his claws.

E smirked, ducking under a wild swing and planting a chakram squarely into an enemy’s knee. “Thanks, lumberjack. Didn’t know you even knew what a desk was.”

Logan snorted, sidestepping an incoming blow. “I know plenty. Like how not to overthink in a fight.”

E shot him a sharp look, flicking their chakram with a flourish that knocked a gun from another guard’s hand. “Overthink? Sorry, some of us like to use both brains and brawn. It’s called multitasking.”

“Focus!” Jean snapped, her barrier flickering briefly under the hail of bullets as she reinforced it with a concentrated burst of telekinetic energy.

“Scout team, status?” Scott’s voice crackled over the comms.

Kitty’s reply was calm but clipped. “Hostage located. Three guards in the room. Reinforcements heading this way. We can’t engage yet—too many nearby.”

“Understood,” Scott replied. “We’ll clear the path soon.”

“Yep, soon would be great,” Bobby’s voice chimed in, followed by the faint sound of ice cracking.

Scott turned his attention to Ororo and Kurt. “Decoy team, double back and draw reinforcements away from their position. Make it loud and chaotic.”

Ororo gave a nod and turned to Kurt with a playful smile. “Time for a distraction?”

He reached out, grabbing her hand with his blue-skinned one, his smile matching hers. “Let’s make it count.” They both vanished in another one of his characteristic bamfs.

The team at the bottleneck only heard the distant sounds of chaos—shouts, clangs, and the occasional explosion—as the decoy team created their diversion.

“Chaotic enough for you?” Kurt’s voice crackled over the comms.

“Nice work, keep going,” Scott instructed.

Not far from him, the fight intensified. More mercenaries poured in, Logan's large frame crowding them into chaotic clusters in the narrow corridor. One lobbed a grenade, but E reacted quickly, their chakrams spinning out and deflecting it into the wall. The explosion sent a shockwave rippling through the space, leaving E’s ears ringing but sparing the team from serious harm.

Logan growled, claws carving through the crowd with brutal precision. “They just keep comin’,” he muttered, elbowing a guard in the face before slashing another across the chest.

“Almost like they’re programmed to, huh?” E quipped, catching one of their chakrams mid-spin and flicking it toward an approaching guard.

Scott’s optic blast tore through the adjacent wall, collapsing part of the corridor and forcing the mercenaries into an even tighter cluster.

“Nice,” E muttered, resetting their chakrams on the hooks at the back of their shirt.

Logan, now drenched in sweat, glanced over his shoulder at Jean. “Think you can drop somethin’ on ‘em?”

Jean nodded, her telekinetic energy flaring as she wrenched a section of the crumbling ceiling down onto the remaining guards. Dust and debris filled the air, muffling the mercenaries’ groans as they scrambled to recover.

“All clear on our end,” Scott called into the comms. “Scout team, you’re up. Decoy team, escort them back.”

On cue, the younger team members escorted the hostage out, covered by Ororo and Kurt. Together, they retreated under the relentless flow of enemies, making their way to the staircase—the designated extraction point according to the simulation.

The high-rise dissolved back into the metallic walls of the Danger Room as the simulation halted.

“Nice work, team,” Charles’s voice echoed from the speakers above.

Logan rolled his shoulders, claws retracting with a metallic snakt. “Would’ve been faster my way.”

E wiped a bit of sweat from their brow, tossing him a dry look. “Faster, maybe. Messier, definitely.”

Logan smirked, something feral flickering in his eyes. “I’ll give you messy, sweetheart.”

Before E could retort, Logan lunged.

Gasps rippled through the team as Logan’s massive frame barreled toward the lawyer. But instead of bracing for impact, E moved.

They dodged to the side, fluid as water, sliding past his outstretched arms. Logan whirled around, but E was already behind him, darting away like a shadow slipping through cracks.

Their movements became a dance—graceful, calculated, almost mesmerizing. E sidestepped his strikes, ducked under his swipes, their bare feet gliding across the floor with uncanny ease. A faint smile tugged at their lips, their eyes alight with challenge.

Logan, by contrast, was all force and fury, each swing of his arms carrying enough power to send anyone else sprawling. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t catch them.

“Quit dancin’, witch,” he growled, his voice rough and strained.

“You quit swinging, old bear,” E shot back, twisting out of his grasp once more.

The onlookers watched in stunned silence. To anyone else, it might’ve looked like Logan was furious, his teeth bared and his movements unrelenting. But the subtle nuances of his posture—how his shoulders stayed loose, how his strikes never fully committed—told a different story.

And, of course, E saw everything.

Finally, Logan managed to grab them, his arms encircling their waist in a vice grip. He pressed them firmly against his chest, his breathing heavy, his pulse hammering against theirs.

From the outside, it looked like he wanted to crush them. But up close, the heat of his gaze burned with something far more intense than anger.

E’s breath hitched, and they fought to keep a smirk from curling their lips. Instead, their fingers brushed against his chest, reluctant to break the embrace, but they needed the show to keep going so they pushed him back with all their strength, slipping free of his hold.

“That’s enough!” Charles’s voice cut through the tension like a whip as he entered the room again.

Logan stepped back, his chest heaving, though the predatory gleam in his eyes didn’t fade. “Logan. E. My office. Now!”

The rest of the team stared as the two of them followed Charles’s voice toward the exit, leaving the charged silence of the Danger Room behind.

“Am I the only one who thinks that was…” Kitty began, searching for the right word.

“Terrifying?” Kurt offered.

“Hot,” Marie muttered under her breath, earning an amused eye roll from Ororo.

But no one dared say anything else.

Charles sat behind his desk, his fingers steepled as he regarded Logan and E with a calm but pointed gaze. They stood across from him, arms crossed in a near-mirror of each other, just as they had during their discussion about Logan’s contract weeks ago. However, the tension between them now was markedly less volatile than it had been back then.

“You did well today,” Charles began, his tone measured. “The training session proved that the team has accepted you, E. They trust your skills and instincts. However…”

Logan shifted his weight with a grunt, already sensing where this was headed.

“…you both need to work on mending the… tension that you’ve been projecting toward each other,” Charles continued.

E raised an eyebrow, their lips twitching with mild amusement.

Charles’s gaze flicked between them. “You’ve played this ruse of animosity so convincingly that it’s starting to unsettle the team. If they find out you’ve been misleading them, it could lead to feelings of betrayal, even resentment, and undermine all the progress you’ve worked so hard to achieve.”

“Great,” Logan muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “So what, we’re supposed to just stop fightin’ all at once?”

“Not quite,” Charles replied with a small smile. “I suggest spacing out these little arguments. Gradually lessen the intensity. Make it appear as though you’ve come to a mutual understanding over time.”

E exchanged a look with Logan, their shared exasperation reflected in his expression. “Honestly? That sounds like the most exhausting part of this entire charade.”

“No kidding,” Logan grunted. “It’s been weeks of butting heads during the day, and I hate it.”

“You hate it?” E shot back, their voice dripping with mock incredulity. “Try being on the receiving end of your constant growling.”

“Yeah, well, you’re no picnic either, sweetheart.”

Charles raised a hand, silencing them before the exchange could escalate further. “I trust the two of you can manage for the sake of the team.”

Both of them nodded, though they shared a small, sheepish smile.

“Good. That will be all for now.”

As they walked down the hall, the guarded tension dissolved entirely now that they were alone, replaced by an easy companionship they both found natural. The faint murmur of voices drifted from the dining room, and both of them slowed instinctively, ears pricking as snippets of conversation reached them.

“I think we’ve been too hard on E,” Marie was saying, her tone tinged with guilt. “They’ve got good instincts, and they’re a damn good strategist.”

“Agreed,” Ororo added. “Their fighting style is intriguing—fluid, adaptive. We could all learn something from that approach.”

Hank’s thoughtful voice joined in. “I did some research on kalaripayattu, their preferred martial art. It’s not just excellent for coordination but also sharpens the mind. A fascinating discipline.”

“You’re all missing the bigger picture,” Scott interjected, his voice edged with frustration. “Logan’s the real problem here. He’s been acting irrationally for weeks.”

Kurt spoke next, his tone hesitant but sympathetic. “He has not left the mansion in a long time. Perhaps he is… how do you say… getting cabin fever?”

“I personally think Logan is an ass, and that’s not gonna change overnight,” Scott added, drawing a few chuckles. “It’s just his basic instincts resurfacing.”

“Or maybe it’s some kind of twisted mating ritual?” Bobby quipped. “Am I the only one who noticed how they were watching each other during that fight? I couldn’t tell if they were going to kill each other or just have sex on the floor.”

Laughter rippled through the room, and Jean’s voice was the next to cut through. “I think he’s taking it out on E because they’re both such strong personalities. And, let’s face it, they couldn’t be more opposite if they tried.”

Logan and E exchanged a glance in the hallway, a slow, knowing look passing between them. A faint smile tugged at both their lips, underlining the shared triumph. Mission accomplished.

Neither of them said a word at first as they continued walking, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. As they reached the next corridor, Logan glanced around, checking to see if they were alone. Then, with a swift motion, he leaned in and pressed a brief kiss to their cheek, his voice low as he murmured, “See you later, Angel.”

The warmth of his words and the kiss lingered as he turned and strode toward his room, leaving E to stand there for a moment, their fingers brushing the spot he’d kissed. They watched him disappear around the corner before turning on their heel and heading in the opposite direction, a small, lingering smile playing on their lips.

To be continued…

Notes: If you enjoyed it, don’t forget to comment and spread the love 😊 More on the way!

✨ Masterlist ✨

Don’t forget to follow the tags “Devilish Desires” and “xpressit writings” to stay tuned for the next chapters 😁

🔖 @quillycrow

[cinemastyles-backup]

Visiting Home

Summary: Y/N goes home with Harry to spend Christmas with his family, tease each other during dinner, and then put the guest room to a very good use.

Warnings: SMUT18+, strong language, sexual innuendos, fingering at the dinner table, oral (f rec), teasing, pregnancy talk, praising, fluffy, dirty filth

My original CinemaStyles-blog has been terminated, so I created a new one.

PRINCE HARRY

"I hate flying, Harry." I say picking at my fingers, "I always get so nervous." I look around at the busy airport.

"Hey. Hey. Look at me." Harry cups my cheeks with his hands, "Breathe. Take a deep breathe, love. I'll be with you the whole time, okay."

I take a deep breathe and smile at him, "Okay."

He kisses the top of my head and pulls me into him, holding me as we wait in line, "Just breaths, baby. It'll be over before you know it."

——

We board the plane and take our seats and Harry immediately takes my hand into his. His thumb strokes the back of my hand as he quickly texts his mom that were on the flight.

He puts his phone back in his pocket and shifts to look at me, "Are you excited to see my mom again?" I nod and smile, "I love your mom." He smiles, "She loves you, so does Gem. They're always asking me about you."

"Really?" I smile, "They're such nice people." I bounce my leg as the plane starts to take off.

"So, I was thinking.." he tucks hair behind my ear and leans in. He motions for me to lean in closer to him, so I do.

"We could have some fun while we're visiting home."

I tilt my head, "Oh yeah, for sure! You know the place best, babe."

He shakes his head and smirks, "No, no baby. Fun."

"Oh." I raise my eyebrows, "Oh!" I bite my lip and smile, "Like what?" He smirks, "Well, I thought that maybe you can wear that cute little dress we got you, to dinner one of the nights."

"Okay?" I question, trying to get him to say what he wants to say.

"And maybe.." he draws lines up and down my arm with his finger, "No panties."

I nod slowly, "I like that idea." He leans in and kisses my cheek, "I have some other ones, but.." he lays his head back, a curl falling down over his forehead, "You'll just have to wait and be surprised."

I shake my head and laugh, playing with his fingers for a little while before I fall asleep on his shoulder.

——

"Hey, y/n. Wake up, love." Harry plays with my hair gently, "Baby. We're here."

I slowly blink open my eyes and lift my head from his shoulder, "Did-" I yawn, "Did I sleep the whole time?" I look over at him and he nods, "Yeah."

"Oh Harry, I'm sorry. Why didn't you wake me up?"

He shakes his head, "You weren't stressing out about the plane, plus you just looked so peaceful, I couldn't disturb you." He leans over and puckers his lips. I smile and kiss him, "I'm so excited."

He nods, "Me too. Me too."

We get off the plane and wait for our luggage, "Where is it? I'm starving."

"Mom will have dinner ready by the time we get there. I promise." He pulls me closer and I lean against him, resting my head on his chest. I perk up when I see our bags come around, "There they are."

Harry walks up and grabs the bags for us and we head out to the car.

"Your mom didn't have to get a car for us, we could have.. figured it out." I look over at him and he takes my hand, "It's a very special occasion."

"Oh gosh. Now I'm even more anxious." I bite my lip and he shakes his head, "Don't be. Just relax."

"No, Harry. You have to tell me." I beg.

He sighs and leans over, "I'm going to see how many time I can make you cum at dinner." He whispers lowly and my cheeks go red and I bite my lip, "O-oh."

He pecks my cheek and looks out the window.

——

"Ah! There she is!" Anne says running up to me. She wraps her arms around me, "How are you sweetheart?" I smile and lean back, "I'm good. You look great! How are you?"

She smiles, "Better now that I get to see you guys for a few days!"

"Hello to you too mom" Harry says walking over and setting the bags down. He hugs her and she laughs, "Oh you know I'm just as excited to see my baby boy."

She looks at me and shakes her head slightly with a laugh.

"You already replaced me as the favorite." Harry smiles as he shakes his head.

I smile and Anne walks me inside with her arm around me, "So. How was the flight?" I shrug, "I slept for most of it. I was nervous so I wasn't bothered by it."

"And how is this one treating you?" She nods at Harry with a smile, "Well, I hope"

"Don't worry, mom. I'm taking very good care of her." smirks and winks at me. I raise my eyebrows and tilt my head slightly.

"That's great to hear. Every time I talk to Harry it's always about how much he loves you." Anne smiles and shakes her head, "Hoping one day I can call you my official daughter in law."

I smile and look over at Harry, "I'd be honored to have you as my mother in law, Anne."

She smiles and looks around, "I'm going to go find Gem. She's excited you were coming." She walks away and I walk over to Harry, playfully hitting his arm, "Please don't embarrass me in front of your mother, Harry."

He laughs and plays dumb, "I don't know what you're talking about. I was just telling her that I take care of you.." he smirks, "Which I do."

I roll my eyes and look up at him, "You're lucky I love you."

"Yeah, yeah." He kisses my head, "I love you. This week will be fun, okay?"

"Family festivities fun or Harry fun?"

He shrugs and smiles as he looks up, "What's up, Gem?"

She walks over and hugs Harry, "Hey." She turns to me, "I'm glad you made it here safe. Hey, y/n." She hugs me and steps back, "He's treating you good, right? If not I'll have to kick his-"

"No worries, no worries. She's well taken care of." Harry smiles and slips a hand into my back pocket, giving my ass a little squeeze.

"Why don't you guys go up and get settled, dinner will be ready soon." Anne yells from the kitchen.

"Okay mom." Harry yells back, "Come on." He grabs my hand and pulls me with him.

He leads me up to the steps to the room we stayed in multiple times before.

"Should I wear the dress or cas-"

Harry spins me around and presses his lips to mine. His hand pushes the door shut and he wraps his arms around me.

"Harry." I whisper, but it doesn't get his attention, "Harry." I try to push him away but he slips a hand in my pants and starts to rub my clit, "Oh fu-"

He covers my mouth with his hand, "You have to be very, very quiet, baby."

I nod and close my eyes as his fingers work in small circles. My moans are muffled by his hand and I dig my fingers into his arm.

"I want to feel you around my cock so bad." He nips my ear and i whimper, "But that'll have to wait for now."

He pulls his hand out of my jeans and unbuttons them, "But I will have a quick little taste if that's alright with you."

I nod and step out of my jeans. He walks me backwards to the bed, his arm around my waist as he sets me down, "Stay quiet."

He dips his head between my legs and my hands slaps against my mouth. I arch my back off the bed as his tongue works between my folds.

I moan and press my hands harder against my mouth.

He grips my hips and pins them down, moaning lowly against me. I drop a hand down to the bed and grip at the blanket.

I bite my lip and my eyes roll back as I fight off moaning. I squeeze my thighs together and grip his hair, "Mm." I bring a hand up to cover my mouth again as my orgasm takes over.

My legs fall limp to the sides as Harry leans back. He pushes his hair back and smirks at me. I shake my head and smile.

He pulls me up and kisses me, my taste still on his lips, "Good girl." He whispers, "Let's see how you do during dinner."

——

I ended up wearing the dress.

The dress with no panties under it.

I'm three glasses of wine deep and working on a fourth.

"Y/N sweetie, how's your mom doing?" Anne asks setting her glass down. I nod and smile, "She's good. Her business is starting to take off. She's getting more clients everyday she's open."

"She does beautiful work, I was looking at her page, she deserves it. She's an amazing artist." Gemma says sipping her drink.

I smile and Harry slips a hand under dress and rests it on my thigh, "Um, yeah. She definitely dedicates a lot of time to it."

"She's very deserving of it, then." Gemma smiles, "I'm going to clear these plates and then we can talk more." She gets up and grabs a few dishes.

"Oh here let me-" I go to stand up but Anne waves me to sit back down, "No, no. You're a guest, please. Sit back down."

I nod and look over at Harry who has a smirk plastered on his face, "Hi."

I bite my lip and shake my head.

He leans in, "You know you want it." He moves closer to me and his hand slides further up. I grip the table and spread my legs slightly.

"That's my girl." He whispers as his fingers slide up and down my slit. I close my eyes and keep my lip between my teeth.

He works his fingers in and out slowly.

I can feel him watching me, getting a rise out of doing this.

"Harry, sweetie." Anne says causing me to jump, "Can you come get this dish off the top shelf for me?"

Harry nods and pulls his hand out, "Of course." I hear Anne walk away and Harry fingers his fingers to his mouth, wrapping his lips around them.

I watch as he slowly pulls them out and smirks, "We're not done."

He gets up and walks into the kitchen and I sit there trying to collect myself.

"So." Gemma says walking in and sitting across from me, "Anything new with you?" I shake my head, "Still hate flying, but we're here."

She laughs, "I get that. Once you do it so many times it just becomes.. a normal thing? I don't know. It definitely gets easier."

"Okay. Dessert!" Anne says walking in. She sets cake down on the table and Harry sets the plates down. "Oh my, that looks so good." I lean forward and set my glass down.

"It does. Doesn't it." Harry looks at me and gives me a wink. I smile slightly and shake my head.

He walks back over and sits down next to me, close like before. His hand goes back to my thigh and his thumb gently brushes against my skin.

Anne hands out the plates of cake, "Thank you." I say, picking up my fork. Anne walks over to give Gemma one and sits down.

Harry slips his hand higher up and I spread my legs again, "So, mom." Harry says, "What are you plans for this week?"

"We'll, I'm definitely taking y/n shopping. I need some time with her. I've missed her dearly." Anne smiles at me.

I smile back and try to keep my composure as Harry circles my clit with his finger, "Sounds.. fun. Im always down for shopping."

"Yeah, it's ridiculous sometimes." He says shaking his head.

"Oh you only say that because you're a man." Gemma teases, "If you were a woman, you know very well you'd be in the shops looking around too."

Harry shrugs and laughs, "Probably." He works his finger back into me and I rest my thumb on my mouth.

"There's no rush to get up in the morning either, whenever everyone gets up is when we'll start the gift giving. I know how it is flying from all the way over there to here." Anne says, "You guys need your rest."

"Yeah, I'll probably turn in early." Harry works another finger in.

"I don't know." I say fighting a smirk, "I feel pretty alright right now. I mean I'm sure it'll hit me later on, though."

"Oh it most definitely will." Gemma says, "That jet lag is a killer."

Harry nods, "Yeah, it's a very rough time." His glances over at me and pulls his hand out.

——

Harry checks his phone and lets out a, very fake, yawn, "I'm going to head up to bed." He kisses my cheek and takes his arm from around my shoulder, "Come up whenever."

He gives his mom a kiss on the cheek and walks towards the steps. I look over my shoulder at him and he gives me a wink.

I smile and look back at Anne, "We're so happy to have you here, y/n."

"I'm happy to be here, Anne." I look at the fire place and finish my wine, "I appreciate that you enjoy me being around."

"Of course, sweetie. Now why don't you get up to bed. We have a big day tomorrow!" She reaches over and pats my shoulder, "You'll always be welcome here. You're the best thing to happen to Harry and I appreciate you loving him the way you do."

"He's the best thing that's happened to me. I really do love him." I smile and stand up. I grab my wine glass and take it out to the kitchen before I head upstairs.

I slowly open the door and step in. The room is dark, but some candles that are lit, "Harry?" I question as I shut the door.

He steps out from what I'm guessing is the bathroom and walk over to me, "About time you came up."

"Yeah, me and your mom were.." he leans down and kisses my neck, "Talking." I breathe out.

"I want you so bad." He mumbles against my neck, "Thinking of how wet you are.." he kisses up my neck and grabs my ass to pull me closer, "I need to feel you."

I wrap my arms around his neck as he lifts me up and walks over to the bed, "Quiet, baby." He whispers as he kisses down my neck.

He takes the towel off his waist and pushes my dress up, "Fuck." He groans as he pumps his cock a few times. I spread my legs and he positions himself between my knees.

He looks down at me as he slides in, "Harry." I breathe out, "Fuck."

"Shh." He groans leaning down to kiss me. I moan into his mouth and he brings his hand up and lays his palm to my lips.

He starts to thrust faster, biting his lip and tilting his head back. He reaches his other hand up and grips the headboard, "fuck." He curses quietly.

His hair hangs down over his face and his lips part. I lay a hand over his mouth and close my eyes as I can feel myself getting closer to cuming.

I wrap my legs around his waist and arch my back off the bed, moaning into his hand and grabbing the sheets with the other one.

He leans up and grips my hips, "You're so beautiful." He bites his lip and continues thrusting. I smile as I watch him, biting my lip to contain the moans I want to scream out.

He leans down, "I love you."

"I love you." I kiss him and run a hand through his hair, "I love you so much." I whimper and clench around him as he makes me cum a second time, "Fuck."

He kisses down my neck and groans, "Y/N.. fuck.." he pulls out and whimpers into my neck which is so fucking hot.

He leans up after keeping his head on my shoulder for a few minutes, "Hold on." He grabs his towel and gently wipes off my body.

He lays down next to me and pulls the cover over us, "I want to start a family with you."

I turn my head slightly, "Really?"

"Why do you sound so surprised?" He asked with a chuckle.

"I'm not, I want to, too. I just- with the band and everything I wasn't sure if now would be a good time, you know?" I roll over to face him, "You really want to?"

He nods and kisses my nose, "I do."

——

You can find part two here

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[jamiedc-they-them]

Good People Part IV: Safety in Numbers (Platonic)

Summary: A new friend joins you on your travel for this infamous head. A vault gives you a moment of safety. But, like always, the world comes crashing down around you. But this time, it's not just you that it collapses for.

Episodes 5/6/7.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

"Should we wake them up?" Maximus, the Knight you had saved - and the one who had saved Lucy - asks as he sees you slumped against a pillar, eyes shut. It hasn't been too long since he had gotten out and saved your friend, and yet you found yourself drifting off.

Lucy looks back to you, You look peaceful. For once, you don't look at war with yourself.

There's a feeling she has inside. For a moment, it reminds her of how she is with her brother - loving, protective; but most of all, accepting.

"I think a few more minutes won't hurt them. I think they need it. Haven't really seen them rest yet."

Maximus nods. He knows he needs the head and all, but he can also understand Lucy's reasoning. This place isn't kind to anyone, and having your guard down isn't the greatest thing. But, you do seem to need it at this moment. That, and you did save him, so.

Lucy gets him to agree to have you both accompany him to find the head. 'Safety in numbers' she says. He can't exactly argue with that; after all, without you two, he'd still be in the suit - or dead.

Maximus packs up his things. Lucy gets up and approaches you, crouching down in front of you. She lightly taps you on the arm.

"Y/N. Y/N, wake up," she says, keeping her voice soft. She keeps her taps quick, respecting the boundary with touch.

You jolt, then seem to calm down as you open your eyes. The first thing you do, she clocks, is check the area around you both.

She smiles, "made good on my promise," she teases, "no urination for you, my friend."

Friend. It feels nice to say it now and know it goes both ways. You're friends. Maybe Maximus can be one, too. Still, one step at the time.

You snort, eyes softening as you look to her, "that you did," you say, standing up - she mirrors you - as you then stretch a bit, "thank you."

"I should really be the one thanking you," she says, "it's you who got me the help."

You shrug off the thanks - still not there with that, it seems; ok, she can work with that - and roll your shoulders, "was all the Knight. I just got him out of the suit."

She wants to argue in your honour, but doesn't. Like said before, she can work with this. Baby steps.

"We're gonna be travelling with him," she says to you, "he needs the head too. So, I figured, someone else looking out for us can't hurt, right?"

You don't seem too sure at first, then nod.

You all go on your way, Lucy asking about what had happened in the last 200 years, as if either of you can summarise that.

"People in charge did what they always do," you say, "they chose power over lives."

"Sounds a bit like a red to me," Maximus says.

You shrug once again, "maybe. Still, ain't exactly patriots out here to shoot me for it."

Lucy looks at you concerned, Maximus shakes his head. You're an odd one, but you're honest. So, he respects that.

You come to a bridge, with two people on the other side. Lucy tries to calm the situation down. You and Maximus, seemingly reading each other, get ready. You stand in front, no weapons, but you'll go down first and give him time to draw.

It works, and part of you believes that it just might work, too. But, the inevitable happens; the fiends see the pipboy on Lucy's arm, and they draw. Your instinct was correct; Maximus draws Lucy's weapon, and gets a shot off. A shot hits his arm, you move Lucy back, just to be safe - it all happens quick, but you still manage too - and he then fires the second round off.

"I hate it up here," Lucy laments.

"Don't we all," you say, looking to Maximus, "your arm ok?"

"It's nothing."

"It's not nothing," Lucy protests, "you've been shot!"

"I'll be fine," he says, "let's just keep going."

Lucy looks to you. You sigh, nodding at your friend, before looking to the Knight:

"Look," you say, "we'll keep going," you put a finger up to stop Lucy before she says anything and continue, "but, we'll also keep a look out for a stimpack, or something for that wound, ok?"

Maximus nods, going with the diplomatic solution.

"See?" you say, "not so bad for a red, huh?" Maximus snorts at your tease. He shakes his head. Sure, he'd probably disagree with a lot of your views on things, but you're good as a person - hell, you gave him the space he needed for that interaction. He decides then and there to trust you.

The three of you continue. You reach Shady Sands, and Maximus tells you about how he was from here. He was a survivor, and how the Brotherhood gave him a purpose.

You might fully like the Brotherhood - at least in what you've seen; a company like that with brutality will always go wrong in your eyes - but Maximus is a good man, even if tortured.

You look from the massive hole, to Lucy. To your friend who gave you a purpose - at least for a little bit. You gulp.

You were bad luck. Hell, you even hit your head when Lucy first said 'hello' to you. You're a magnet for trouble. Yet, she stuck with you. Fought for you in your honour. She stuck by you when others would've left.

You find what you think is a hospital. Lucy enters, you follow, then Maximus does.

You split up, trying to find what you can.

You find some caps. Maybe your luck really is turning.

You hear a scream. Lucy's scream. You run out, back into the lobby area, and barge through a door...only to find that apparent adjoining one is fake.

You feel the floor give out from under you...

You wake up in a startle. For once, no dreams haunting you.

"Good, you're up," you hear a voice say. You turn, alert. It's a woman. She holds up her hands, "look, I understand the concern," she says, "but, we're not a threat. We're not a threat. We have your other friends. They asked about you."

So, they're alive, you know that at least.

"You're Y/N, right?" the woman asks. You nod, now noticing the blue jumpsuit...there's no way, "I'm Birdie," she says to you.

You approach the window, and look out at everything. It's all so clean and...nice. Everyone smiles.

You look back to Birdie, who seems to be waiting for you to ask, "are we -- I mean...is - is this a -"

"A Vault?" she asks, smile on her face - seems your instinct was right, "it is," she confirms, nodding as well.

You nod, taking it all in.

"Now," Birdie says, we kept you in there to make sure you weren't radiated or anything. But, all seems clear. You're free to see your friends. We'll get some food in you, then show you to your room."

"My room?"

She nods again, "welcome to Vault 4."

You are let out, and look over the railing at the place. It's like a community all onto itself.

Lucy spots you, and instantly beams, calling out your name and giving a wave. You wave back, before making your way down to join them.

Lucy gets up, and gives you a hug. You stumble a bit, but soon find yourself being ok with it.

"I'm glad you're ok," Lucy says.

You tap her on the back, and she pulls away - seemingly understanding your code language for 'too much'. She nods, "come eat."

You sit down, Maximus and you sharing a nod. Birdie, and then Ben - the overseer, come over and introduce themselves. You cant help, though, but notice Ben's one massive eye. No one else seems to bat on eye. And, hell, you've seen your fair share of mutations out in the Wasteland - as Maximus says, it happens. But, Lucy seems more disturbed.

You, however, let yourself feel a positive emotion for once - it doesn't feel natural to you - and it's a feeling of safety.

"Lucy," you say, "we're in a vault, that's gotta be something, right?"

"I - I want it to be," Lucy says, "but...Y/N, my Vault fell. I don't want - I don't want it to happen anywhere else."

"That's fair," you say, voice soft and distant; you both have your trauma's, and both have similar reactions with it - wanting to do all you can for it to not occur again.

Yours was isolation, her's seems to be more vigilance.

Still, she softens as you look around in awe at the place. Maximus clears his plate, before looking to you.

"Hey," he calls out. You look to him, "after we finish, did you wanna go see our rooms? I think they should be near each other?"

You look to your plate - at the actual full meal in front of you that you've barely touched. It feels wrong, eating this amount of food, but you've been given it. They have given it to you. And it would be rude to not take them up on this.

You look to Maximus, your new friend, and nod. He smiles, bright. You do too.

Lucy looks between you both. She's still unsure, something in the back of her mind telling her that something isn't right; but, she then sees you both and your eagerness for this place. To her, it felt like a homecoming; to you, it was a new world with a whole new set of rules to understand - and, god, the eager look you both had; the conversations you both have as you finish your own food. She doesn't interrupt you, she just lets you both talk, and that, that is what makes her feel that humanity may just make it through this to the other side; connections. Friendship.

She turns down the offer to go up with you both, saying that she'll catch up, but wishes you both the best. Her smile is honest, but you don't see the way it struggles to stay up right. She wants to best for you, she does really, but that voice in the back of her head won't leave you alone. It seems that, here anyway, it's not there for you - but instead now for her - and so she'll follow it.

You're her friends. She has to look out for you both.

Maximus is right, your rooms are next to each other. Everyone is so nice here. They smile and wave. They say 'hello' and pass you by and leave you be. No one tries to take things from you. No one has an ulterior motive. Everyone is just kind.

That, and no one pisses on you, so that's a win in your book.

Maximus give you a nod and a 'see you later' before entering his own room. Your door opens. You flinch at the hiss it makes, but Ben just assures you that it's ok.

You enter, and it shuts behind you. Ben explains how to reopen the door. He even demonstrates it for you, before leaving you to get acquainted with it.

It's bright. Colourful and expressive. There's no dirt on anything. There are clothes left out for you. Even a kind of gown. You take off your clothes, and enter the bathroom. You see a shower, you turn it on. It works. There is a heat that hits you. It's comforting. You put yourself fully under it, letting it wash over you fully, before you start using some soap to clean yourself. It smells nice. You could get used to this.

You get out of the shower, getting changed into your new clothes. You feel something on your cheek. You put a hand to it and wipe. Puling away, you see a tear.

More come after that. A mix of happy and sad emotions all hitting you at once. You've never let yourself feel. You've never been able to. But, here you are, letting yourself have a moment. To process fully all that you've been through. All you've lost, and what you've gained in such a short amount of time.

You hear a knock on your door. You open it, it's Lucy. She looks concerned, out of breathe. Just a mix of things.

She enters, shutting the door behind you.

"Y/N, I - I think..." she pauses whatever she was about to say, seeing your state, "what happened?" she asks.

"I, uh," you say, "I don't know," you wipe some stray tears, "just - just something dumb. Nevermind -"

"It's not dumb," she assures. She has so much suspicion for this place, and yet her first concern is you.

There's a beat of silence. She waits. Despite the anxious thoughts on her findings. She waits.

"It's just..." you look to the floor for a second, before back up to her, "it's a lot," you confess, "all of this. I smell good, Luce. I don't -" you shut your eyes, seeing the memories you are used to seeing, "this is a good thing. A nice place. Nice people."

She nods, wanting for you to go on, "and I don't - I don't know how to feel about it."

She turns her head to the side, watching as you struggle with your words - so, she says a few of her own, "you deserve good things, Y/N."

You scoff, looking back up at her with your arms folded and back hunched, "maybe," you say, not fully believing it, "but...least I'll have you, right?" your walls are down fully. Emotions on your sleeve. Assurance, that's all you want.

"Always," and she gives it. It's instant, too, tone serious. Your lip wobbles.

"Even after we find your dad?"

She nods, eyes firm, "I'll do whatever I need to, to get you guys a spot in my vault. You'll be safe there. I promise."

A few more tears slip, and you nod. You let yourself have this. Something good. Something to hope for.

Then --

"'Your vault'?"

She nods, hating to have to crush your hope a bit, "there's something wrong here, Y/N. They're - They're talking about Shady Sands. They celebrate Moldaver!" she says to you in a whisper yell.

Your eyes widen.

"Look," she says, putting hands on your arms, "I will fix this. I won't leave you behind. But, you deserve something good, Y/N, and I mean that. Even for a little bit longer."

You look at her, eyes shinning with new tears - one of worry for her.

"I will be fine," she promises, "I know Vaults. I did engineering there. That, and I can take care of myself."

You never doubted that, but still, "but, safety in numbers."

She nods, "I know. But, like I said, I know vaults. I know where to go and how to get there. Before this all comes crashing down, you deserve some piece of mind. Just, keep an eye on Maximus, ok?"

You nod. You can do that.

"Be safe," is all you ask her.

She nods, giving your arms a squeeze, "always am."

"One hundo percento?"

She smiles. There she is, "one hundo percento."

"Okey Dokey."

Her smiles softens, "Okey dokey."

With that, she's gone. Determined now more than ever.

She knew her feelings for Maximus, the word for them. An attraction. But you, it was a deep platonic love. A similar one to Norm.

If this was before everything she'd seen, she'd name it gladly. Fami-

But, she wasn't that person. She was still Lucy Maclean to her core, but something had shifted in her. Something broke. She'd always help if needed, but there was an edge now. A voice in the back of her head that told her that all was not well. It did with her father and Moldaver. She hated it, the doubts it plagued her with. She kept walking, though.

So, when it came to your friendship, she refused to use the familial term. Just in case.

It does go wrong. But, not entirely as she expected it to. These people were victims, who killed their oppressors.

She'd read stories of people like this. She idolised them. And yet, now, she was the one doing the oppressing. The one doing the judging.

She knew her sin. She understood it, clear as day. Still, you both had done nothing wrong. Nothing at all. You'd both just lived above ground with shit luck to life.

So, despite having like no leverage, all she asks is simple.

"Can my friends stay?"

And, to her surprise - once the initial shock of them not killing her, and even giving her supplies for above - they say yes.

She's glad. She's done that right at least --

BOOM! BOOM! BANG! The sounds of Maximus in the armour reverberate off the walls, before a gunshot goes off from a rifle. You're both here. 'Saving' her.

"No, no, no, no, no!" She calls out to you both. But you're too caught up. Too caught up in trying to save your friend, that you don't even notice said friend trying to stop you.

You don't get far, but there is still some damage done. You may have smashed a window to get to the weapon. And Maximus may of stolen the fusion core for the armour.

"Guys!" Lucy calls out. It works on getting your attentions, "I'm ok!" she assures you, "look! look!" she gestures to herself, "no injuries! They were even giving me stuff. Look!" she says, grabbing an item that was inside the crate they have, "they aren't the bad guys. They're the victims!"

It really takes the winds out of your sails. You and Maximus both look to each other, before you both in sync say a single thing:

"Sorry."

With no arguments from any of you, you are banned from the Vault. Lucy looks to you and Maximus; him with the core, yourself with the weapon. Finally a -

"We need to give them back," Lucy says. You both look at her like she's mental.

"I mean it," she says, "we're not bad people. We don't just steal. Especially not after something like that."

"We tried our best," you say, folding your arms like a child being reprimanded.

Lucy rolls her eyes, "I know, and I thank you for your courage in your actions," she says, "but, the circumstances did not require them. They're good people. They need all the help they can get. Plus," she says, bringing out her pistol, "I have this."

You whine, leaning back and shutting your eyes, "but I want a weapon!!"

Lucy rolls her eyes again, "You can still fight, Y/N. You don't need a gun for that. We have each other, and our wits. And," she says, looking between you both, "once we're done, you won't need a weapon again. We'll be safe in the Vault. Trust me."

You and Maximus look to each other. You both sigh, then nod. He takes out the core; you open the door for him and you both deposit your items. You hear a 'thank you!' from below.

"There," she says, "how'd you feel?"

"Vulnerable," you say, gaining a third eye-roll.

"That's not a bad thing," she says.

"I don't mean the emotional kind."

She shrugs, "I know. But, we'll be ok. We have each other, and soon we will have the head. Then we'll be free."

Maximus looks to you. You just gesture for him to go ahead of you. He does, after giving you a pat on the shoulder.

You sigh, taking your own leave. Lucy watches you both leave. She nods, taking a steady breath.

"Okey Dokey," she says, before following after you.

You've done a good thing, she's happy that it's gone well. That, for once, an interaction out here has gone well and ended happily for everyone.

She just hates that voice in the back of her head. That doubt. That fear. That hesitation.

You're her friend. Her best friend, she'd wager. Someone she'd burn down a vault for - hell, she almost did - but there was also that voice in the back of her head. One that said to watch out. To not get fully attached.

There was a dark cloud in her mind. One she didn't quite know how to get rid of.

But, she knew one thing.

You had her, and she had you.

All the way, no matter what.

Part V

[acidinduceddaydreams]

Daddy’s reassurance

Pairing: daddy!chris x little!fem!reader

Warnings: angst for 12 seconds then it’s all fluffy. Littlespace. Daddy used in a non sexual manner.

Synopsis: reader has doubts that her daddy really doesn’t mind taking care of her.

A/n: littlespace isn’t sexual. NSFW posts will be uploaded soon however this isn’t that lol. Feedback is more than appreciated!!!

"Daddy, can I ask you something?" y/n whispered, her eyes cast downward as she twirled a strand of her hair around her finger.

"Of course, you can ask me anything, little one," Chan responded warmly, his hand gently resting on her back as they sat on the couch.

The room was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, the light dancing through the curtains and casting a warm hue over the plush blankets and stuffed animals that littered the floor. A sense of comfort and security filled the air, yet little y/n's heart raced with anxiety. She took a deep breath before speaking again. "What if... what if you don't like me anymore?"

Chan's expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding as he leaned closer to her. "Why would you ever think that?" he asked gently.

"I don't know," she murmured, fidgeting with the hem of her oversized t-shirt. "I just get scared sometimes that I'll do something wrong, or that I won't be good enough."

Chan's voice grew firm yet soothing. "You are always enough, little one. Remember, my love for you is unconditional. It's not something that can be lost or earned. It's just there, like the stars in the sky." He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Now, tell me, what's really bothering you?"

Little y/n's eyes welled up with tears as she looked up at him, her heart pounding in her chest. "It's just... sometimes I feel like I'm not really a little, like I'm just pretending. And I'm scared that you'll find out and think I'm weird."

He wiped away a tear that had begun to trickle down her cheek. "You're not pretending. You are who you are, and that's perfect. Being a little is part of you, and I love all of you."

Her eyes searched his, looking for any hint of doubt or untruth. Finding none, she leaned into his embrace, her fears momentarily assuaged by his comforting words.

As they sat together, the room grew quiet, save for the distant sound of children playing outside. The scent of dinner cooking in the kitchen wafted in, a mix of spices and baked bread that reminded her of warm evenings spent snuggled up with him. The walls of their little haven were adorned with colorful drawings and posters, a stark contrast to the ordered chaos that was her mind.

Chan pulled her closer, his strong arms providing a sanctuary from the tumultuous thoughts. "You don't have to be perfect, little y/n. You just have to be you, and I'll always be here to take care of you." His voice was a balm to her soul, a promise that seemed to echo through the very fabric of their bond.

For a brief moment, she allowed herself to believe him, to bask in the warmth of his embrace. But deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that one day, he might tire of her fears and her need for reassurance. It was a fear that had plagued her since she first discovered this part of herself, a fear that grew stronger with every doubt that whispered through her mind.

The weight of her emotions was heavy, but she knew she couldn't keep it to herself any longer. "What if I need you too much?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

Chan's gaze held hers, his eyes filled with patience and love. "There's no such thing as too much when it comes to taking care of my little girl. You can always count on me."

Little y/n nuzzled into his chest, the steady beat of his heart lulling her into a sense of peace. Yet, even as she felt his warmth, she couldn't help but wonder if his words were enough to chase away the shadows of doubt that lurked in the corners of her mind.

"But what if..." she began again, her voice quivering.

Chan's arms tightened around her, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. "What if what, little one?"

"What if one day you get tired of taking care of me? What if you decide that you don't want to be my daddy anymore?"

The question hung in the air, a silent plea for reassurance. Chan felt a pang of sadness in his chest at the thought of her feeling so insecure, but he knew it was his job to be her rock, her safe place. "I promise you, y/n, that will never happen. Being your daddy is a gift, and I cherish every moment of it."

He tipped her chin up so she had to look at him, his eyes boring into hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch. "You are mine, and I am yours, forever and always. We're a team, and nothing can change that."

The sincerity in his voice seemed to seep into her very core, wrapping around her fears and soothing them like a warm blanket. She took a shaky breath, her eyes searching his for any sign that he might be lying.

But all she saw was truth and love.

With a gentle smile, Chan reached over to the coffee table and picked up her favorite stuffed animal, a well-worn teddy bear with a missing eye. "You remember when you first gave me this?"

Her eyes lit up at the memory. "Yes, it was when we first started and I was so nervous."

"You told me then that no matter what, I was your daddy, and you needed me to protect you." He squeezed the bear tightly. "Well, I'm here to tell you that no matter what, you're my little girl, and I'll always be here to protect and love you."

The words resonated within her, filling her with a warmth that she hadn't felt in what felt like an eternity. She clutched the bear to her chest and leaned into him, letting the comfort of his presence wash over her.

"Thank you, Daddy," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

"You're welcome, baby girl," he said, kissing the top of her head. "Now, let's get you cleaned up for dinner. I know you're probably starving."

He helped her to her feet, and together they padded into the bathroom. The warm water of the running bath filled the room with steam, the scent of lavender bubbles enveloping them both. He carefully undressed her, his hands gentle and caring, and she felt a twinge of embarrassment as she stepped into the tub. But his eyes never left hers, and she knew she had nothing to be ashamed of.

"You know," he said, as he helped her sit down, "it's okay to need someone. It's okay to be scared. That's what I'm here for."

As he began to wash her hair, the soft lather tickling her scalp, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Maybe, just maybe, she could trust him with all of her fears, all of her imperfections. Maybe she could truly let go and just be his little girl.

And as she closed her eyes and leaned back into his embrace, she let out a sigh of relief, allowing herself to believe in the sanctity of their bond. For now, at least, she was safe.

Chan carefully washed the shampoo from her hair, his touch soothing and familiar. The warm water enveloped her small body, creating a cocoon of comfort. As he helped her out of the tub, wrapping her in a fluffy towel, she felt the last of her worries begin to slip away.

He carried her back to their cozy living room, the floor now sticky with damp footprints. The scent of dinner grew stronger, and her stomach rumbled in anticipation. He sat her down on the couch and began to dry her off, his movements methodical and tender.

"Let's get you into some dry clothes," he said, picking out a soft, clean outfit from her little drawer. The fabric was warm from the dryer, and she felt a thrill of excitement as he helped her dress.

When she was all tucked in, he picked her up and carried her to the kitchen. The room was filled with a mouthwatering aroma. On the counter, a plate was already set with her favorite foods, the colors vibrant and inviting.

He sat her in her little chair at the table. The sight of him, so focused on her needs, brought a smile to her lips.

"Eat up, little one," he said, placing the plate in front of her. "You need to keep your strength up for our big day tomorrow."

Her heart skipped a beat. "What's tomorrow?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.

"It's a surprise," he winked, taking his seat beside her. "But I promise it'll be something you'll enjoy."

The mention of a surprise filled her with a warm excitement, pushing the shadows of doubt further away. As they ate in companionable silence, she felt the warmth of his love surrounding her, like a bubble that nothing could penetrate.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she didn't feel the need to apologize for being a little. She didn't feel like she had to hide or pretend. In that moment, she was just y/n, Daddy's little girl, and she knew she was exactly where she belonged.

With every bite, she felt her walls crumbling, her insecurities giving way to the gentle reassurance that he was there for her, no matter what. And as they shared a dessert of chocolate chip cookies and milk, she couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging that she hadn't felt in a long time.

The night grew darker outside, but the light inside their home only grew brighter as they moved into the living room for their nightly routine. She picked out a book from the shelf, and he settled into the chair opposite her, ready to read the bedtime story that would lull her into a peaceful sleep.

As he began to read, the rhythmic cadence of his voice melded with the words on the page, creating a world of wonder and magic that she could lose herself in. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she leaned against his leg, her hand finding its way into his.

And as the story came to an end, she looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Daddy," she whispered, her voice sleepy.

"You're welcome, little one," he said, bending down to kiss her forehead. "Now, let's get you to bed."

He carried her to her room, the moon casting a soft glow through the curtains. She watched as he tucked her into her little bed, arranging her stuffed animals just so. And as he turned off the light and closed the door, she felt the warmth of his love linger, a gentle reminder that she was cherished and loved, no matter what tomorrow might bring.

[odditycircus-2002]

You're Beautiful

A/N: A small blurb featuring MK1 Medusa!Reader and Shang Tsung based on this from the Ghibli movie, Princess Mononoke. A movie I have never actually seen.

You finally had him. After evading capture for FAR too long for your tastes, you finally had the Sorcerer, that SNAKE, Shang Tsung at your mercy.

"I'll cut your throat! That will silence you for good!"

You stood above him with one of your sickles pressed against Shang Tsung's throat just a hair's width shy of drawing blood; despite your mask hiding your expression, the fury you radiated is palpable. . Admittedly, what Shang Tsung learned on this strange island was almost enough to best you, but your former lover wasn't the only one who learned new magics.

The Sorcerer laid on his back, bloodied and bruise after a long drawn out battle between you two. He takes a breathe, the sickles edge no doubt leaving a thin line on his skin, before he spoke.

"You're beautiful..."

When you dig your sickle deeper into his skin, creating a thin line of blood, Shang Tsung winces before he elaborates while looking into your mask's eyeholes.

"You're still as beautiful as the day we met. No matter what form you take."

He seemingly says with honesty, insisting as always. For Shang Tsung, he was always drawn to your mind and soul or so he claims. Yet, you know better by now. You know better than to listen to any of his honied words laced with the sweetest sugars. You haven't forgotten how he made you think that he loved you, and took advantage of your love. You know from experience how that snake of a man would willingly blind you from the truth.

You gave your heart to this man, and in return, he broke and molded you into something more monstrous, unable to look anyone in the eye without the risk of turning them to stone.

Which is what your heart must be if you wish to be finally have peace.

"You can't slither out of this one, Sssshang Tsung."

Shang Tsung closes his eyes as he lets out a sigh before opening them again.

"I know. I am grateful that it's you who I'll die to."

You give him a hiss which is echoed by your head full of snakes, all poised to strike with their glistening fangs. Not caring for you threatening display, knowing he may die anyway, Shang Tsung speaks again.

"Because then I know, that I've never truly left your mind."

For once, you knew Shang Tsung's words are genuine. There's no twists, double meanings, half truths, or lies. You hate it. You hate that he's right. You let out a grunt as you remove your sickle's edge from Shang Tsung's throat, dropping it to your side to reach for your mask. No sooner did you place a hand on it, did you feel a burst of searing white-hot pain explode from your side.

"HISSSSS!!!"

You didn't have to look to know that Shang Tsung stabbed you in the side with his metal claws. You react by biting the Sorcerer in the neck with your fangs, just as he stabs you again on your other side. Just as he goes to strike again, your head full of snakes strike to bite every part of Shang Tsung's exposed flesh; causing his limbs falls limp to the ground with a thud. Shang Tsung could do nothing more than cough up blood as he feels branches, made from his blood, breach his flesh and start reaching for the starry sky. He looks at you one last time, eyes darting all around him, looking for a way to escape but finding none. Shang Tsung attempts to speak, but that only causes him to cough up more blood and waste what little breath he has left.

That's when you placed Shang Tsung's head on your lap, with your eyes closed almost serenely and not caring at all for the blood staining your pants. You brush a loose strand of hair from his sweaty and bloodied face before grabbing either side of Shang Tsung's face, claws digging into his cheeks, to force him to look into your reptilian eyes. The effect is instantaneous, as the Sorcerer's eyes widen before turning to stone, followed by the rest of his body, including the blood-made branches growing from his veins, in under a minute, where Shang Tsung once was laid a macabre statue.

You panted heavily as you held both your sides tightly to try and slow down your bleeding. You then cough up some blood, hypothesizing the strong possibility that Shang Tsung either punctured one of your lungs or poisoned you, maybe even both. Your eyes burn with tears as you move to shakily stand up, grunting as even that simple task took immense effort. You felt you may cry as you take a long look at the Sorcerer you once loved.

"It is an immense pity that we came to this,"

You cough before taking a deep breath. Yup, Shang Tsung definitely got you in the lungs.

"We may have loved each other in another time, by the Elder Gods; I probably would have loved you in this one too."

You then narrow your eyes as you glare at what remains of Shang Tsung.

"But I know better now. You were foolish to feed me your poisoned promises and think I would never grow wise. You are a fool for hurting those that love me and claim that's love."

You pause to take another breath as you walk away from the cliff, dragging one foot in front of the other.

"You wanted to find ways to cheat death, not caring who got in your way. So now you shall live, and live, and live. Live to be old as a mountain. Even if you somehow manage to escape, Death shall be the first to greet you."

You then finally leave Shang Tsung in the distance, leaving a trail of your blood behind and not caring to take a glance back.

Playlist while writing this:

"Last Lullaby Part 1", From Centaurworld

"Devil Within," By Digital Daggers

"The Red Means I Love you", By Madds Buckley