#got it twice now (harsh heart / stranger) and . :(

[voiceofthe]

i don't even have a favorite ending all of them ache in different ways

[slutt4ellie]

Fated hearts starts with fire

(Will most likely have more then one part!!)

Ellie Williams x Reader

masterslist

PART 2 // PART 3 // PART 4 // PART 5 // PART 6 // PART 7

Moving to a new city is tough, but it’s even harder when your roommate is a dick.

Summery: You moved out of your childhood town to peruse writing in NYC. While apartment searching you ended up finding a place 10 minutes off your campus, the one down side is you had to share it with a complete stranger.

Warnings -> Ellie’s just a complete dick, for good reasons! (sorta) / Alcohol usage / Mean!Ellie / Mean!Reader (sorta idk!) / I explained the clothes the reader is wearing twice but it doesn’t describe the reader being masc or fem! / WILL BE A SLOW BURN! / (Eventual smut ) / mention of previous relationships / toxic relationships /(Lmk if I missed anything else!)

WC: 4k!!

(Not Proofread!!)

DAILY CLICK 🇵🇸

You were beyond fucking nervous. 

You grew up in a small town since childhood and you’re currently standing outside your apartment in one of the biggest cities in America. New York City. 

Your parents thought you were “foolish” for chasing an imaginary dream which was writing. They constantly let you know that too, telling you most authors and writers go unnoticed by people with a greater talent and following.

Regardless it didn’t stop you from applying to a university in New York, and once you got in, you assumed it was a sign to pack up and leave the small city you called home for 18 years. 

Getting into one of your dream schools, packing up and leaving your parents, that was a few weeks ago and now you’re standing outside your two bedroom apartment. That’s right, two bedroom fucking aparment, it definitely wasn’t your ideal choice but when you saw an ad posted for a shared apartment for about 1.5k a month, you couldn’t exactly pass. 

Rent was already fucking expessive and now that you live in New York finding a place to live for under 3k well that was nearly impossible. So you quickly passed on the opportunity and decided you needed to step out for once and meet a new person, that being your roommate. 

You didn’t really know much about them other than the fact she was a girl, I mean you exchanged a few messages but to be honest she was dry, she only wanted a roommate because she couldn’t afford the apartment on her own and the person that previously lived with her had to move back to their hometown.

The fact she was a girl actually shared some comfort, I mean if it was a guy you would have been fine but trying to find something to relate on probably would have eventually killed you. 

So here you are, standing outside your new apartment with a key that the receptionist gave you, after you explained you were a new tenant that was moving. You weren’t a huge “people person", you had a few friends in high school which you still talk to often but other than that you were a homebody. You decided to nervously knock before entering the apartment which on the contrary seemed stupid since it was now also your apartment but it almost seemed respectful.

A voice followed the knock “Yeah it’s open you can come in!” That was your cue to open the door and your eyes were quickly met with peircing green ones. The girl had auburn haired with freckles that trailed her face, and a tiny scar on her eyebrow. “Who are you?” The girl said harshly looking you up and down which genuinely made you uncomfortable, but it’s not something you decide to mention. “I-I’m your roommate we talked. I’m-” You nervously held out your hand to shake which led the auburn haired girl to shake her head “I don’t have to know your name, we’re roommates, not friends.” Harsh, is all you could think. You just uncomfortably nod your head and let out a slight “Right.”

She just looks at the few boxes you had on the transport trolley and focuses her attention back on the tv as she plops back down on the couch. “Your room is down the hall on the left. Just put your shit there.” She sighs. 

I mean she's not the nicest person you’ve ever met but as of now you're sorta intruding on her space so you’d like to give her the benefit of the doubt and say that’s why she seems to be on edge with your presence..!

It took you only a few hours to get your room setup. Since you moved pretty from your hometown you didn’t have the luxury of taking big things. Like your bed, mattress, shit like that. So you had a room, but the normal committees that come with a bedroom unfortunately didn’t apply. 

You also knew you had to get food considering you had nothing, you just took an assumption that the auburn hair girl wasn’t going to be suddenly sharing and giving you a helping hand allowing you to take something to eat. 

You got dressed throwing on a jacket and jeans to accommodate for the coldish weather that was taking place in NYC right now. But as you leave your room and walk down the hallway you notice the girl now has a friend sitting beside her on the couch. The person who you’re assuming is her friend has long brunette hair, brown doe eyes, and a nice smile. “Ellie just come onnnnn! Come to the party, forget about Cat and actually go out!” Okay so the auburn haired girl's name is Ellie, looks like her mysterious persona is now gone. You thought to yourself. 

And you must have been staring for to long because Ellies green eyes now meet yours and your face flushes red as she speaks “Can I fucking help you?” As Ellie finishes her sentence the brunette nudges her hard muttering something along the lines of “You don’t always have to be a dick!”

Now that you feel your self respect has gone since you were caught staring like a deer in headlights, you just shake your head fast, and incredibly embarrassed. This ultimately leads you to leave the apartment fast just as fast as you entered and go to the closest grocery store you could possibly find..

That whole interaction had to be at least an hour or so ago because when you entered the apartment both hands cuffing grocery bags it was completely empty, the fact that Ellie and the brunette were talking about some party had you come to the conscience that they most likely went to it, which to be fair you weren’t exactly complaining. You’re almost sure Ellie hates you anyway so the fact you didn’t have to deal with her almost felt like a breath of fresh air. 

After putting away the groceries you sat down on the couch and pulled out your phone. There were a few messages from your parents and your very few high school friends reaching out to see how the move went.

Mommmmmm ❤️ 

(5:30pm) - “Hey hun, checking to see how the move went! You’re officially a city girl 😎”

You

(7:32pm) - “So far so good! Settling in well!”

Mommmmmm ❤️

(7:33pm) - “How's ur roomy? Must be strange living with someone who's not me and dad. 😂”

You

(7:35pm) - “Definitely weird, but she's nice! I’m gonna make dinner love u mom ❤️”

Mommmmmm ❤️

(7:35pm) - “Love you honey! Get something in your stomach. 😘”

You knew lying to your mom was sorta shitty but if you told your mom “Yeah my roommate is kinda a dick. She wouldn’t drop it trying to convince you that you 100% would need a new apartment and you’ve already accepted that 1.5k a month is the cheapest you’re ever going to find. So lying seemed like a smooth approach to the situation. 

Dad  

(7:45pm) - Your mother let me know everything's going well with the move. Good to hear.

You

(7:47pm) - Yep! Thanks dad. 

(Read)

That was usually you the most you got from your dad, he wasn’t very “Lovey dovey” as your mom would say which you tried not to blame him, your relationship wasn’t too toxic other then the writing thing. 

One thing you have been doing is texting your friends all day letting the know about the roommate situation and everything that’s been going on. 

You 

(5:20pm)- I don't wanna move in, I don't wanna move in, I don't wanna move in, I don't wanna move in

Jess 🤗

(6:30pm) - Youll be fineeee!

Alex 🙊

(6:33pm) - yeah youll be fine! 

You

(6:34pm) - Guys actually help

(6:35pm) - Come to nyc

(6:35pm) - Come to nyc

(6:35pm) - SHE'S MEANN. 

Jess 🤗

(7:00pm) - WHO?

You

(7:10pm) - MY ROOMMATE

Alex 🙊

(7:33pm) - tf is happening? 😭

 You

(8:00pm) - fuck so when I first moved in she told me we dont have to fucking know each others names because were “Roomates and not friends” 

(8:01pm) - then I was gna go buy groceries and i accidentally stared and she she asked me if I fucking needed something

Alex 🙊

(8:33pm) - HUH? 

Jess 🤗

(8:40pm) - WHAT DID U DO?

 You

(8:44pm) - NOTHING. 

Jess 🤗

(8:40pm) - praying for u! 😁

Alex 🙊

(8:44pm) - same here girl

That was the last message you and your friends exchanged. They tried to calm you down a bit but you never had someone dislike you. You weren’t at all popular in school so you often went unnoticed which was FINE. But actually having someone dislike you and be open about the fact they actually don't enjoy your company was sorta humbling in a way?

You didn’t wanna force Ellie to like you but you didn’t understand why she already deemed that you were annoying or something.The thing you kept on going back to was the fact it was manly her space weather or not you liked it, it was almost like you were intruding and I guess if she felt that way you couldn’t blame her. 

It only took around 12 until your heard stumbling outside your apartment. It was a few seconds after when the front door opened and a man and woman let themselves in without knocking. You would have probably freaked out but the girl was the same one that was sitting on the couch with Ellie and she gave you a quick smile. “Hi” She has a very drunk Ellie on her shoulder which she quickly lets her down on the couch and picks her words back up looking straight at you “I’m Dina, this is Jesse, we're friends of Ellie.” She smiles and nudges Jesse which leads him to shake your hand softly. You followed up by telling them your name with a smile before you looked at Ellies limpish body on the couch. 

“Is she okay?” You looked at her, Ellie seemed way less hostile while she was sleeping which was refreshing. Dina almost instantly nods looking at you. “Oh yeah, she's just- she went a bit overboard tonight!” Jesse sorta chuckles “Cat situation clearly got her worked up” Your mind couldn’t help but wonder, did she fucking lose her cat or something, is that why shes so unreasonably moody. I mean it would make sense? 

You just nod looking at the pair, I mean you didn’t know what the fuck to say and this led Dina awkwardly make split eyecontact with you which followed by looking back at Jesse. “Well! We should get going It’s late and all and we got morning classes”

“Fuck tell me about it” You chuckle looking at them before talking “It was nice to meet you guys.” You smile nodding looking at them and Dina and Jesse both smile giving you a nice “Yeah you too” 

You went into your bedless room laying down a blanket against the cold wooden floor and layed a pillow right above that. Your mind wandered that night, you tried not to pay much attention to your roommate or what her friends said but you didn’t have much else to think about. Class started tomorrow and as much as you loved writing you had an undoubting feeling your professors were not going to pass up the chance to give you some insanely long ass writing assignment. So thinking about what Ellie's friends said was unfortunately on your mind.

When Jesse said “The cat situation” it had your mind go straight to the fact she probably lost her pet cat or something. But the more you thought about it, that seemed a tad bit far-fetched considering the conversion Dina was having with Ellie as they were talking on the couch “Ellie just come onnnnn! Come to the party, forget about Cat and actually go out!” you just took the benefit of the doubt and wanted to say that most people would probably say “Forget about the cat” while referring to the pet cat! I mean unless Dinas grammar is just really ass. Cat is most likely a person. 

You quickly shake your head mumbling out a quick “This is stupid” it was 1am, and you're thinking about whether your roommates' friends were talking about a real cat or a person. Fuck you need to make some friends here, because if this is how you’re going to be spending your nights it’s going to get rough quick!

The morning was groggy as your alarm woke you up. You had classes that you needed to go to and you refused to let yourself be late to the first day. You got up throwing on a pair of pants and a sweater that will make sure you’re not freezing your ass off during the day. You left your room and just to your fucking luck Ellie’s leaving her room at the exact same time leaving the both of you with weird ass awkward eye contact. You assumed she must have gotten off the couch some time throughout the night considering she's now in her bedroom. Since you were both staring for about 10 seconds Ellie finally talks. “I heard if you take a picture it will last longer?” 

You tried to shrug off the comment but each time she spoke it was like nothing nice was going to come out of her mouth. You just turned on your heel shifting your gaze from hers, going down the hallway trying your best to not give her a reaction. It was better to be the bigger person consider it feels like your literal fucking roomates with a 13 year old boy. 

“You look shitty?” She says with a slight chuckle. Well that one did hurt. Manly because you spent time this morning making sure you looked presentable for the people you were going to face in class. You didn’t understand why she said it, but whether or not it was supposed to come out as a joke it hurt. “Did I do something or are you just like this with literally everyone.” You say avoiding her gaze. 

“Like?” She says, and this is now the longest you two have had a reciprocating conversation and it’s literally just insults. “Just a fucking prick” You say grabbing your bag and a protein bar. Luckily for you this time she didn't respond, her eyebrows slightly furrowed at your comment and you can tell it definitely struck a nerve. She just leaves the kitchen island and sits on the couch. And that was your invitation to also leave. You couldn’t be bothered to pursue this conversation any longer so you left and caught a taxi to your University. 

(Ellies Pov)

Yesterday

“I don’t wanna go to a fucking party man” Ellie groans looking at Dina as she continues to beg. “Ellie just come onnnnn! Come to the party, forget about Cat and actually go out!” Ellie catches your gaze and talks directly at you “Can I fucking help you?” Ellie says getting followed up with a hard nudge from Dina “You don’t always need to be a dick!” Ellie watches as you trip over your feet stumbling out of the apartment with a red face, clearly embarrassed. “What’s your issue?” Dina says, turning Ellies concentration straight back on her. “Nothing!” Ellie says, trying to defend her shitty behaviour. “You realize you dont always have to be fucking passive” Dina says looking at Ellie, as Ellies desperately trying avoid it. “I'm not being passive?!” Dina scoffs and puts on a deep voice trying to mock her “Can I fucking help you?” Dina says, looking at Ellie. “Literally coming from the same girl who sleeps with a dinosaur stuffed animal” Dina laughs, causing Ellie to defensively shake her head. “What the fuck! No I don't!” Dina nods and talks again “Ellie just come to the party she won’t even be there!” 

“Cat suddenly doesn’t come to parties?” Ellie shakes her head looking at Dina. “She won't be at this one! Just pleaseeee!!! School is gonna start then you’re going to complain because you missed this party.” Ellie cracks out a little smile and finally nod “Fuck okay okay! 

That led Ellie to the point she is now, in a taxi with Dina and Jesse. “It’s gonna be funn!” Dina smiles reassuring Ellie, which clearly doesn’t work because Ellies shakes her head “I think we got different meanings of fun Dina.” Dina shakes her and looks at Jesse and nudges him “Jesse you convince her. “Dude just put on a smile and once we get some shots in you it will be fine. We’re gonna have fun!” Ellie just smiles at the pair and nods. “Alrightttt!” They both smile at Ellie finally cracking a smile. “Yess!” Dina says. 

The night was smooth sailing for most of the time, when Ellie got some shots in her the tenseness of the night sorta just faded and it allowed her to actually enjoy the night. Ellie even flirted with a couple girls which was rare. I mean it didn’t lead anywhere because she 100% wasn’t ready for that, but it was nice. Especially after Cat. 

And just as Ellie thought the night was going well and she was talking to a girl there was a light tap on the shoulder and she was met with the same brown eyes that she spent almost a full year with. 

Fucking cat.  

“Hey sun..” Cat says. And Ellie couldn’t help but cringe at the words. Sun, that’s what Cat always called Ellie when they were dating, and now that they 100% weren’t dating, it sorta just felt like a fresh wound. Ellie is a bit drunk (Really drunk) but she quickly spits out some words “Don’t call me that Cat.” Cat almost seems dumbfounded at Ellies words, like she couldn’t process the fact Ellie didn’t wanna get called some corny fucking pet name. 

“Okay..sorry. It’s like I always used to call you that?-” Cat says looking at Ellie trying to meet her green eyes but Ellie refuses to make eye contact. “Yeah, fucking used to. Just fu-” Dina quickly jumps in noticing Ellies hands are clenched and that nothing well is going to resolve from this conversation. “Hey Els go get some air with Jesse!” Dina quickly suggest signalling jesse over with a tilt of her head which causes him to walk over “Go take Ellie outside real quick please” He just smiles and nods, taking Ellie by the shoulder as she stumbles over her feet.

“Cat stop trying to talk to her. It’s still fresh and you’re acting like you breaking up with her was some game, okay you two are over and you made that decision.” Dina says sternly once Ellie and Jesse are outside. And Cat shakes her head fast. “I-I’m not even acting like it was some game?” Cat says getting defensive “I said we should take a break!” Cat says looking at Dina. “Then you fucking kissed a girl infront of her!” Dina says now also getting annoyed. The fact Cat wasn’t cluing into the fact she hurt Ellie was getting old. “Leave Ellie the fuck alone Cat” Dina says leaving the house to go meet up with Jesse and Ellie. 

“Is she okay?” Dina asks, looking at Ellie as she leans her head on his shoulder. Jesse looks at Dina and shrugs. “Other than the fact she just threw up 3 times I think she's okay!” He chuckles sarcastically. “Deal with Cat?” He asks as him and Dina now hold Ellie up. “Fuck shes unsufferable, but yeah, I think she got the message this time.”

This is what leads Dina and Jesse to drag and Ellie back to her shared apartment with you. They quickly open the door without knocking and Dina instantly notices your slightly panicked face “Hi” Dina says with a very drunk Ellie on her shoulder, Dina lets down Ellie lightly on the couch and Ellies body falls limp.

This is when Dina clues in you two haven’t properly met. “I’m Dina, this is Jesse, we're friends of Ellie.” Dina smiles and nudges Jesse which leads him to shake your hand softly. Dina and Jesse quickly learned your name as you followed up by telling them with a smile before you decide to talk again.. “Is she okay?”

Dina heard how your voice was soft. She wanted to give you props for even caring considering what Ellie said earlier to you  “Oh yeah, she's just- she went a bit overboard tonight!” Jesse sorta chuckles “Cat situation clearly got her worked up” They both noticed how your eyebrows furrowed clearly thinking about something but they didn’t think it was important to mention.

Dina breaks the awkward ass silence saying “Well! We should get going It’s late and all and we got morning classes”

You nodded to her words and said “Fuck tell me about it” You smiled looking at them before talking “It was nice to meet you guys.” You smile nodding looking at them and Dina and Jesse both smile giving you a nice “Yeah you too” 

Ellie’s night was shit, she woke up on the couch around 4am and noticed Dina and Jesse were nowhere to be seen. Since she woke up at 4am she did make it back into her bedroom but regardless the next morning her hangover was horrible. As she leaves her room she notices you walk out at the exact same fucking time. Great! It was followed by an awkward stare. Ellie noticed you must have gotten up early because you were put together but she would say that. Considering her night was shitty and you both were looking at each other like a deer lost in headlights she comes up with the bright idea to say “I heard if you take a picture it will last longer?” I mean it was harsh but it was easy!

You turned on your heel without giving Ellie a reaction which left her puzzled. I mean she didn’t do it for a reaction but the fact you didn’t give her one was weird. She sees you walk to the kitchen island and grab your bag. Again Ellie’s mouth thought way faster than her thoughts. “You look shitty?” She says it with a slight chuckle. I mean she didn’t mean it but now she was curious if you would break. 

And this time you did. Your eyebrows furrowed and she saw how her words actually affected you. Your eyes just looked more sad when she said those words. “Did I do something or are you just like this with literally everyone.” Ellie quickly picks up on how you’re avoiding her gaze, which works in her favor because if you did end up making eye contact with her you would see how her eyes faltered for a split second showing an ounce of sympathy.  

“Like?” Ellie says trying to keep up this shitty tough persona which really makes her come off as “Just a fucking prick” It’s like you finished what she was thinking and she didn’t like it. Because it’s one thing to act like one but now that it was brought to her attention it was like something she just really didn’t want to hear. 

This leads Ellie to get embarrassed on the fact you actually did call her out, she quickly turns her head facing away from you which was on purpose and she sat down on the couch which faces the tv. She hears your footsteps getting closer to the door and way more distance. Then there's a final slam of the door. You’re gone now.

Ellie’s not even looking at the tv, just straight ahead, because not only does she have a new roommate. But you fully were willing to actually call her out without a second thought.

Which Ellie doesn't like. 

A/N -> HI! I feel like I have to apologize for literally leaving for like a month but I have had almost 0 motivation to write.

School has me really busy so it’s sorta just consuming all my free time. I also realized in my first fic I rushed to get the parts out which made the whole process of making them less enjoyable!

That being said for this one i’m not going to force myself to write I’m going to do it on my accord! (but that doesn’t mean each part is gonna take like a month btw!)

I hope you guys enjoyed reading this because I did enjoy making/ coming up with the plot. And I promise in future chapters it will get more interesting 😭 (let’s also not talk about how the reader didn’t know ellie’s name till they moved in, which I know is unrealistic asf!)

This is really just to start it off making sure the plot is understandable. 🫶🏽

[morning-star-joy]

I thought that you'd be here by now

a stranger's heart without a home Chapter 9

Pairing: rivals to friends with benefits Joel x F!Reader, Post-Outbreak

Chapter Summary: You and Joel seem to make some progress in your "relationship." A patrol you are on goes wrong.

Chapter Warnings: Explicit Smut (18+ MDNI) Unprotected p in v sex, Dirty Talk, Descriptions of Torture (Inflicted on Reader), Canon-Typical Violence, Language

Wordcount: 8.8k

chapter 1 || chapter 8 || chapter 9 || masterlist

ao3 link

Summer dragged on. The days stretched out, daylight lasting longer as the weather got hotter, and you settled into a new normalcy.

Nothing had changed; not really. You patrolled, you taught Dina combat, you drank with Tommy, you fucked Joel. Yet some part of you felt more…at ease, almost.

Jagged edges that remained of your soul felt less sharp than they usually did. Maybe it was the lingering daylight, the bright skies and warm air soothing your soul. Maybe it was a new sense of purpose as Hope’s godmother, knowing you had something to really live for.

Or maybe it was the sense that you finally knew somebody who was just as broken as you.

You and Joel never talked about your conversation you had that early morning over a cup of coffee spiked with whiskey. The exact cause of your distress was never revealed; you had only talked around it that morning, but you knew that Joel had seen it in you. And you knew that he had understood.

It had been a strange experience; to sit on his kitchen floor with him, drinking coffee and not talking about anything because you both just…knew. You both knew that you were two people with weary souls, people who had lost everything since the Outbreak had torn the world apart. 

But by some bizarre happenstance, you both had survived. Out of everybody left in the world, the two of you were sitting on cold kitchen tiles, sharing the precious luxury of dark, caffeinated drinks when dawn had just nearly broken over the settlement you both had ended up in. 

Joel’s life had become so heavily intertwined with yours by now that you didn’t know if you could pull away from him, if you could tear apart the things that managed to bind you together, even if you tried. Even if you wanted to try.

At this point, you didn’t even know if you wanted to try.

You didn’t know who Joel had lost. He didn’t know who you had lost. But you could sit in that familiar pain together, letting it wash over you without needing to say anything about it.

And that…that was comforting. More than he could know. More than you could know, even now.

Morning had not yet come, another hot summer night blanketing Jackson as you found yourself back in Joel’s arms once again. It seemed you could never stay away for long, even if you tried—which you had, once or twice towards the beginning of your arrangement, but you had long since given up on trying to resist him anymore.

You rolled your hips slowly, savoring the sound of Joel’s harsh intakes and heavy exhales of breath, his head tilted back against the armchair you were riding him in. Your movements were more languid than usual, taking your time with him as he let you take charge tonight—at least for now.

Pressing your lips against his neck, you grazed your teeth against the pulse point on his neck, making him shudder as he began to roll his hips up to meet yours from underneath you. You continued to swirl your tongue against his skin, a quiet grunt leaving him as he bucked up into you harder.

“Oh, you like that, Joel?” you murmured, biting down near his collarbone before sucking on the mark you left, and you smirked against the forming bruise at his low moan. “Makes sense. I always figured you were into a little pain.”

“Shut up,” he muttered, though the words held no venom as you both lost yourselves in the familiar rhythm of your bodies moving together, climbing towards a combined release of euphoria.

You placed your hands on his shoulders, leaning back as you used the leverage to bounce on his dick faster. Heavier breaths escaped your parted lips as you tilted your head back, moaning as you savored the feeling of his cock rolling in and out of you, faster and faster, harder and harder.

Surprise nearly made you jump as you felt Joel’s hand sprawl against your stomach, inching up your torso to grip one of your breasts in his large palm. It was a new sensation, even with the thin fabric of your tank top separating his hand from your skin, but it still made you whimper quietly from pleasure as you rolled your hips faster.

Your nails dug into Joel’s shoulders through his t-shirt, and he grunted as he gripped your breast harder in return. Glancing down, you watched as he bent forward, mouthing over your other breast through your shirt as he continued to massage the one in his hand. You gasped, your fingers spreading between his shoulders before sliding up to tangle in his hair. Gripping the disheveled curls, you arched your back, shoving your breasts further into his hand and mouth.

His name became trapped inside your mouth, biting your lip to keep yourself from moaning it as your head fell back, your hips rolling faster as you tried to find friction on your clit against the small patch of his bare skin that was showing on his lower stomach. A loud whine still managed to escape your throat as you felt Joel’s thumb brushing over your nipple, stimulating it until it was hard, his teeth grazing over your other nipple through your shirt.

“What was that about liking pain?” he murmured against the wet spot his mouth left on your tank top, pinching your other nipple between his thumb and forefinger, and you groaned from the heightened pleasure the sweet bite of pain caused.

Unable to form any coherent, clever response, you lost yourself in the pleasure of Joel’s body instead, even as you felt his smirk against your breast through the thin, wet fabric of your shirt. Joel’s hand met your ass in a hard smack, and your hips jolted forward, gasping as you leaned forward, finally finding the right angle against his skin for delicious friction on your clit. 

You stopped bouncing on him, instead rolling your hips desperately against him in the selfish chase for your own high. Forehead falling on top of the back of the armchair, you panted heavily, gripping the top of the chair for purchase as you used Joel’s body to drive yourself to the edge.

“Come on,” Joel murmured, his voice hoarse as his lips left your chest, finding your ear from where your head rested against the chair. “You can do it.”

You whined from the build of pleasure, grinding like a depraved sinner against Joel as he stopped moving his own hips, letting you chase your high easier even as you felt his cock twitch deep inside you. His breaths were heavy against your ear, his grip on your hips so tight you could tell he would leave bruises on your thighs, but you didn’t care as you felt yourself reach the edge, dangling over it, you just needed a push and then—

“Come on,” Joel murmured again, his low voice speaking right against your ear, his baritone rumbling deep into your soul. “Come on, darling, do it for me.”

The words were too intimate, too close for comfort, but they were just what you needed to finally crest over that edge. Your orgasm gripped you, pulling you under waves upon waves of pleasure, crashing against you as your tightening walls gripped his leaking cock, and Joel began to buck up into you again at the sensation.

His tight grip on your hips didn’t loosen, and for a moment you wondered if he was going to hold you down, if he would be unable to pull out of you quick enough before he came, but then you felt the familiar sensation of his release coating your thighs as he slipped out of you.

Your chest pressed against his as you slumped forward, breathing heavily in tandem with Joel as you both came down from your highs. Taking a few deep breaths to try and force your breathing to even out, you couldn’t help but notice Joel’s familiar, earthy scent breaking through the aroma of sweat and sex in the air, and you let yourself become lost in it for a moment as you fell under the sleepy haze of a satisfied afterglow.

“Just—” you found yourself mumbling, your hands loosening their grip on the back of the chair, sliding down to subconsciously rest on his shoulders as you shifted slightly. 

It was hardly a comfortable position; cramped into the chair with Joel’s large body, his cum drying on your legs, sweat making your bare arms stick to his. But you still found yourself unable to move, the lull of a post-fuck sleep too strong to resist as your muscles relaxed, and you melted further into him.

“Just gimme a moment,” you mumbled, your eyes drooping until they closed despite your best efforts to keep them open.

Joel hummed, neither saying it was okay or telling you to get up. Just giving you that moment you asked for. And you really had intended to pull yourself together, to get up after just a moment of resting your eyes.

But the last thing you remember feeling before the sweet sleep of afterglow took you was Joel’s grip loosening on your hips, his thumb rubbing against your thigh, and then you were gone to the world.

When you awoke, it was slow, your body reluctant to return to the land of waking after such a short, blissfully deep sleep. You tried to resist the call of reality, turning over as you reached out to grab your pillow to pull it closer, but your hand fell heavily through the air before hitting the ground with a loud thud.

You jerked, eyes snapping open as your body jolted forward upon the subconscious realization that something was off. Looking around, you blinked a few times to clear your blurry vision from being half-awake, taking in your surroundings.

The plain walls of your bedroom did not surround you as you pushed yourself up with stiff muscles. Your bed was not underneath you, but a brown leather couch, a cushion propped up against the armrest that your head had been resting on a moment before.

Confusion plagued you as you glanced around the room, trying to ascertain where you were, and why it wasn’t your bedroom. Slowly, you were able to take it all in; dark wooden furniture, light taupe curtains covering windows, an armchair in the corner—

Memories flashed through your mind, and you rose so quickly that your sleep-addled muscles couldn’t keep up. A loud thunk echoed in the living room as you fell to the ground, groaning quietly as a dull pain radiated through your sore muscles from where you hit the floor.

You stared up at the ceiling, brows furrowed in confusion as you wondered why the fuck you were sleeping in Joel Miller’s living room.

Turning over to place your palms against the beige rug, you pushed yourself up to your knees, glancing around the room before slowly rising to your feet. While it wasn’t the first time you had been in Joel’s living room, you had never been left alone in it before. It was always come in, get a quick fuck, then leave.

You frowned, quickly looking down to see that your pants had been pulled back up. Shifting slightly, you tried to rub your thighs together to detect if any dried cum was still sticking to your skin, but your legs felt…clean.

The frown on your face deepened, and you spun around in place as you took in the room, realizing with a start that Joel’s home had much more personality than yours. Odd, considering that he had only been in Jackson for a fraction of the time that you had lived there for. 

But then again, you had never made an effort to really make your house your own. No desire remained in your bones to settle into a life of comfort, to make a home. You were fine with getting by with just the basic necessities.

It just took you by surprise that Joel wasn’t. You slowly walked around the couch, glancing over the tall bookshelf that took up the entire wall behind it. The shelves were still pretty bare, but there was already a growing collection of books and movies on it. 

There were also some mismatching vases that were…purely for decoration? That was surprising as well, but the owl carving on one of the bottom shelves made more sense, the decoration more in line with the man you somewhat knew as you came to a stop in front of it.

You bent down, glancing over the carefully carved details, your head tilting in observation of the fine craftsmanship. It was brilliantly made, realistic but still artistically beautiful, and you wondered where Joel had managed to find such a stunning, yet simplistic piece of décor.

“Does it count as an engraving?”

Your heart nearly burst from your chest from the sudden voice, and you spun around, clasping a hand against your chest as you looked at the speaker with wide eyes.

Joel leaned forward in the entryway to the living room, his arm resting against the archway, brow raised in question at your blatant snooping.

You cleared your throat, turning quickly to try and walk away from the bookshelf, only to wince when you ran right into the couch.

“Son of a…” you trailed off, grasping at your knee as pain radiated through it from where you had smacked it against the furniture.

From the corner of your eye, you saw Joel’s lips twitch, and heat flooded your cheeks as you turned away from him fully. Dropping your knee from your grasp, you stubbornly paced to the window next to the bookshelf, peeking past the curtain to see that the sky was still dark.

A slow breath of relief quietly puffed out of your mouth before you steeled your nerves. Spinning around, you forced your face into one of uncaring nonchalance as you shrugged.

“Good enough, I guess,” you muttered, crossing your arms as you looked at Joel for only a second before glancing away again, unable to keep the eye contact for long.

This felt…weird. Like you shouldn’t be here. You shouldn’t be sleeping in Joel’s living room, or casually strolling around it after waking up, observing the small details of his home and…talking to him?

But even though it felt strange, even as it felt like you should be somewhere, anywhere else—it didn’t feel…wrong.

And that scared you more than anything else.

“You should’ve woken me up,” you muttered, walking forward to pass by where Joel still leaned against the doorway. You took a wide berth around him, careful to keep yourself from brushing against him as you left the room.

“I did try,” Joel drawled from behind you, and you bristled at the hint of smugness in his tone. He shouldn’t feel entitled over anything right now—not over you, not when it wasn’t during sex. “You were kinda dead to the world for a while there.”

You suddenly felt sheepish, the rare feeling of embarrassment taking hold of you as you didn’t pay attention to where you were going. Looking up, you saw that your feet had carried you directly across the hallway into his dining room, and you held back a groan as you internally told yourself to get it the fuck together.

“Sorry,” you found yourself mumbling, shifting awkwardly as you kept your gaze away from him when he followed you into the room.

He didn’t say anything else, and you didn’t look at him as your arms tightened across your chest, trying to process what had happened.

You had fucked Joel, that wasn’t new. But falling asleep—staying asleep, the grumpy old man not waking you…and going so far as to make you decent? To let you sleep on his couch?

No, it wasn’t just letting you sleep on his couch. You had definitely passed out on him in the armchair—another realization that made your face flush again as you bit the inside of your cheek.

So that meant Joel had to carry you to the couch. And sure, there was only about a couple feet between the armchair and the couch, but realizing that you had been unconscious in his arms…that he had taken the time to clean you up as he let you sleep…

There was no easy way to try and process that information, but luckily you didn’t have to at that moment as Joel’s hand appeared in front of your face, offering a glass filled with a small amount of whiskey.

You blinked, looking up at him to see his face was as devoid of emotion as ever, even as he shrugged a shoulder.

“It’s not a big deal,” he muttered, his hand still outstretched with the offer of a drink.

Still, there was something more to those simple words, another meaning you couldn’t quite grasp. Your stomach flipped as you stared at the drink for a moment longer before slowly reaching out to accept it.

The memory of the last drink you had shared—sitting on his kitchen floor, the only time you had shown up on his doorstep without asking for sex—flashed through your mind.

Don’t get used to it, Joel had said then.

Yet here you were again, sharing another drink from his personal reserves, no matter how little of it he had poured for you. But it was still an offering, even if you didn’t understand exactly what it meant as you took it.

It was enough whiskey to either sip at a few times or take in one shot, and you threw it back without so much as a further thought, even as Joel sipped at his own glass.

“Thanks,” you muttered, passing it back to him as he simply nodded in acceptance of your gratitude.

“Don’t mention it,” he replied as he turned to set your empty glass down back on his small bar, and you somehow got the sense that he meant the phrase literally.

Or maybe that was just your own paranoia reading too much into it.

You sighed, rolling your shoulders back as you rotated your neck, stretching out your muscles before you turned back to Joel. He was watching you with a blank expression, sipping from his own glass as you searched your mind for something to say.

“Well…”

Your words trailed off, finding nothing to talk about before you turned away with a sigh. The irony of the situation was not lost on you, your loss for words and quick exit reminiscent of Joel’s the first time you had fucked last winter.

As you left the dining room, you swore you heard the deep baritone of Joel’s voice rumble in a quiet chuckle, but you were probably either still half-asleep or just truly fucking delusional.

Stooping down by the front door to pull your boots back on, you glanced back at Joel as he leaned against the wall next to the entrance to the dining room. It was still pitch black outside, so you figured it was safe to head out the front, and he didn’t stop you as you moved to open the door.

“See you in a few hours, then,” you found yourself saying as you looked back over your shoulder at him, referring to the patrolmen meeting before the early dawn patrol you would be heading out for soon.

Joel simply nodded, not saying anything even as his eyes remained on you. He just took another casual sip of his drink, as if you didn’t just fuck up whatever this was again.

But maybe you didn’t, you reasoned with yourself as you let the door close behind you. 

Shifting on your feet, you rubbed a hand over your arm as you adjusted to the slight temperature difference outside. Even though it was a hot summer night, there was a cool breeze that your body had to adjust to as you descended Joel’s porch steps, knowing the path well enough now to not trip down them even in the dark.

Technically, you hadn’t broken any of your rules. The only one you had come close to violating was the third one. But there had been no clothes removed, no bedrooms, and no kissing. So you had nothing to worry about.

You sighed, running a hand through your hair that was still a mess, and you began to quickly comb your fingers through it, just in case somebody happened to peek out of their window for no reason in the dead of the night to see you making a walk of shame.

Yeah, definitely paranoid, you thought with a grimace.

While Jackson was small, with a rampant rumor mill, you had caught no hint of anybody being suspicious about you and Joel. You figured that just the mere idea of anything going between you was too astronomically unbelievable, and you huffed out a laugh to yourself as you turned onto your street.

It seemed like the more time passed that you allowed yourself to have this…whatever you had with Joel, the more complicated it got. 

And yet, at the same time, it made more sense.

You couldn’t figure it out, and you weren’t too eager to try and pick it apart or dissect it. As with most things in your life now, you were content to simply let it be.

And you were content to let it slip into the back of your mind now as your footsteps echoed down the dark, empty hallways of your home. You didn’t spare the strange occurrences of the night a second thought as you collapsed onto your bed to slip into a deeper sleep, surrounded by the familiar walls of your bedroom.

Even as you couldn’t shake the feeling of how it felt so much colder here.

“Are you still dreaming?”

You turned with a frown, sending a glare that was only partially playful this early in the morning towards your young patrol partner.

“I should be,” you smothered a yawn into your hand with the words, and Jesse chuckled as he came to a stop beside you, his horse’s reins in his grip.

“Hey, don’t let your age catch up to you now,” he joked as he patted his horse, and you narrowed your eyes at him.

“Don’t let me change my mind about letting you date Dina,” you threw the sass right back, pointing a finger at him, and Jesse shut his mouth.

Another yawn fought to escape, and you lifted a hand to cover your mouth again before gently stroking your horse’s mane. You turned, squinting through the early morning light at the other patrolmen who had gathered at Jackson's gates. 

You exchanged nods of greeting with a few, before spotting Eugene from where he stood with Mike for his route today. A smile that you reserved only for your former Firefly comrade crossed over your face as you waved, which the old man returned before you turned back to see that the last pair of patrolmen, the Miller brothers, had arrived.

Joel stopped further back on the outskirts of the group, the reins of both horses in his hand as Tommy walked to the front to address the gathered patrolmen.

“Alright, folks,” he started, clasping his hands together as he glanced over you all. A small smile was directed your way, one you returned before Tommy launched into his brief instructions for the day. “It’s gotten much warmer out, and we all know what that means: less Infected, more hunters. Now, there’s been sightings of people out in Teton County, so Joel and I will be taking that route today.”

You spared a glance towards the older Miller brother at the mention, who was now leaning against a post and ignoring the few looks sent his way at the mention of his name. Only the mention of your own name drew your attention back to Tommy, when he told the group that you and Jesse would be covering the route nearby, your two groups working together to make sure the area was clear of anybody with ill intentions towards the settlement.

“Be safe out there today, folks,” Tommy finished, sending a nod towards the patrolmen as a show of respect as well as a dismissal. 

Horse hooves clomping against the ground soon followed the creaks of the gates opening, the pairs of patrolmen mounting their horses and heading off to their respective routes for the day. 

You sighed, turning back to pat your horse again as you saw Tommy approach you out of the corner of your eye. Turning with an easy smile, you raised an eyebrow as he came to a stop in front of you and Jesse.

“Further orders, Boss?” you asked, your question serious even as your tone was one of friendly teasing at the affectionate title of respect you gave him.

“Just wanted to make sure you remembered that we’re meeting up at the lookout outside of the village after patrol, so we can regroup before heading back into town.” Tommy’s tone was as calm as it always was when delegating orders, but you saw the hint of nervousness in his eyes as he looked at you, and you sighed at the sight of it.

“I do remember,” you confirmed gently with a nod, your lips turning up in a confident smile that you hoped would put him at ease. “This isn’t my first rodeo, Tommy. I know the routine.”

“Yeah, it’s just—” Tommy cut himself off as he shifted, and you frowned as his unease became more obvious. “It sounded like a larger group than we’re used to seeing around here. I just—”

“Tommy,” you interrupted softly, a kind smile on your face as you gently reassured him, “we’ll be fine. We’ve been through worse, and we’re prepared this time.”

He sighed, nodding as he leaned back on the balls of his feet.

“Yeah, I know,” he muttered before heading back to where Joel was still holding onto their horses, but not before giving you a familiar clap on the back. “Just don’t go pulling anything stupid, okay?”

“Never,” you smirked, and Tommy sighed with a shake of his head as he took his horse’s reins from Joel.

“You scare me, you know that?” Tommy asked after he swiftly mounted his horse, and you laughed as you got on your own horse, even as you could tell your friend was only half-joking.

Tommy directed his horse to begin trotting towards the open gates, leaving you with a view of Joel as he pulled himself onto his own horse. The man readjusted the reins in his hand, and you were about to glance away when he looked up, his gaze meeting yours.

You paused, waiting for him to look away and head off after his brother, but instead you found yourself blinking in surprise as Joel spoke directly to you.

“Stay safe.”

It was two simple words, but you still found yourself shocked at hearing them from the stoic man as he spurred his horse forward to follow after Tommy. Your friend was looking back at you, sending you another nod and a smile, which you subconsciously returned even as your gaze slid over to Joel’s back, watching him head down the trail to Teton Village until he disappeared.

You didn’t realize you had been staring until you heard a cough beside you, and you jumped, turning to see Jesse watching you with an amused arch of his brow.

“What?” you snapped, frowning as you shifted in your saddle.

“Oh, nothing,” he replied casually, even as his irritating smirk said he knew something that you didn’t. “I just found it interesting that you got a special ‘stay safe’ from Jackson’s infamous man of few words.”

You huffed as you lightly spurred your own horse forward to head out of the gates, shaking your head in bemusement at the attempt at teasing.

“It was for both of us,” you directed the words behind you, ignoring Jesse’s laughter as he rode faster to catch up with you while you found the trail to your own patrol route for the day.

“Mm, I don’t think it was,” he drawled as he caught up to you, and you lifted one hand from your reins to flip him off, eliciting further laughter as you rolled your eyes.

“Teenagers,” you muttered as you shook your head again, grateful for the silence that fell afterwards, even as it left you stewing on questions you didn’t have the answers to.

At least, not yet.

No incident with hunters occurred throughout Joel and Tommy’s patrol in Teton County, but Joel still found himself unable to relax. He couldn’t ignore a pervasive feeling of restlessness that settled into his bones throughout the patrol, even as they leisurely looted a new neighborhood on their way back to the first lookout to meet up with the other patrol pair.

The only trouble that the Miller brothers had to deal with was a few Runners in the houses they hadn’t cleared out yet, but that was easy work. Neither one of them broke a sweat as they took the Infected down quickly, and once the area was clear, Tommy had taken it upon himself to search through the houses for supplies.

Joel sighed, resting his head back against the wall he was leaning against, listening to Tommy rustle through the bathroom drawers.

“You could make yourself useful, y’know,” he heard his younger brother’s voice drawl from the adjoined bathroom, probably a response to Joel’s audible sigh, and Joel huffed.

“I don’t even know what you’re searching for,” Joel replied, raising an eyebrow at Tommy when his brother appeared in the doorway of the bathroom with an unamused face. “What? How am I supposed to find something that I don’t know I’m looking for?”

“Just look around,” Tommy dismissed with a wave of his hand. “I’m sure there’s something. I trust your judgment.”

Joel sighed, pushing himself off the wall as he walked over to a vanity in the corner of the bedroom. He flipped open a jewelry case, glancing over the tarnished silver rings and necklaces inside. Definitely no use for that; he didn’t need to look for nonessential items for anybody except for Ellie, and she didn’t wear jewelry.

He opened a drawer in the vanity next, pushing around the contents inside, old tubes of lipstick and other makeup rolling around inside as he shook his head and shut it. Again, nothing that Ellie would use.

“Shouldn’t we be heading back to meet the others?” he asked, a worrisome feeling prickling in the back of his mind again, one that he hadn’t been able to shake all day.

“Their route is farther out than ours,” Tommy called out from where Joel now heard the medicine cabinets swinging open in the bathroom. “By the time we finish and get back to the outpost, they should just be getting there. Fuck yeah, jackpot.”

The last words Tommy muttered to himself, and Joel turned around, looking towards where his brother was grabbing something from inside the medicine cabinet.

“Whatcha got?” he asked, his hand coming up to grab the bottle Tommy tossed to him as a reflex.

Joel turned the bottle over in his hand, seeing the label for anti-anxiety medication, and he arched an eyebrow at his brother.

“What’s this for?” he asked slowly, even as he wasn’t sure if he wanted the answer.

Tommy scoffed, pointing at Joel with another bottle that was still in his hand as he replied as if the answer was clear, “For you.”

Joel shook his head, tossing the medication back to Tommy, who caught it easily in his free hand before throwing it right back to Joel.

“Tommy—”

“I remember what you told me, Joel,” Tommy interrupted, his gaze serious, and Joel held back a grimace as he glanced away.

The memory from last winter, of the night when Joel had bared his pain to his baby brother and practically begged him to take Ellie to the Fireflies, echoed in his mind, and he winced internally.

“I’m fine now,” Joel muttered, trying to ignore the unimpressed arch of Tommy’s eyebrow at the unconvincing words.

“Just take it, would you?” Tommy huffed as Joel looked back up, frowning as he saw the concern in his baby brother’s eye as Tommy added, “This kinda thing can hit you out of nowhere. Just…keep it. In case you do need it.”

Joel’s hand clenched around the bottle, fighting with his own pride for a moment longer before he swung his backpack off one shoulder to shove the bottle of medicine into a pocket.

“Fine,” he muttered, pulling the strap back on as he glanced at the other bottle Tommy kept in his hand. Joel nodded towards it as he asked, “What’s that one for?”

Tommy frowned, pulling off his own backpack to stuff the bottle inside as he muttered, “Somebody else. Not a big deal.”

Joel hesitated, the hint that it was for somebody specifically almost making him want to press Tommy for more information, but he decided to let it go as he turned back towards the room.

Maybe there’s a spot with some music, Joel thought as he turned to rifle through more drawers. That was the one thing he could always rely on Ellie enjoying; every time Joel returned from a patrol with new music, the girl smiled as brightly as she used to before putting it in her Walkman as quickly as she could and shoving her headphones in.

Joel would watch her with a smile as her foot tapped along to the music, only leaving when Ellie would turn back with a thumbs up and a grin at the new songs that graced her ears, a sight that warmed Joel’s cold heart before he closed the door and left her to listen in peace.

It seemed that Tommy was having better luck than him, the younger man exclaiming as he pulled a cassette out of a drawer on the other side of the room.

“Hell yeah!” Tommy grinned as he turned it over in his hand, and Joel began to walk over to try and catch a glimpse of it. “Fucking finally.”

“Who is it?” Joel asked once he reached his brother’s side, his brow lifting in curiosity as Tommy’s grin shifted towards Joel, the cassette held up so he could see it clearly now.

“Avril Lavigne,” he announced cheerfully, his smile nearly infectious as Joel held out a hand for the music tape.

“Lemme see,” Joel said as he beckoned with his hand, his lips tilting downwards into a frown as Tommy shifted away from him.

“Uh-uh, this one isn’t going to Ellie,” he replied as he swung his backpack off his back again, dangling it from his shoulder as he opened another pocket for the cassette.

“C’mon, she’d like Avril.” Joel’s frown deepened as Tommy readjusted the backpack straps on his shoulders when he pulled it back on, shaking his head as Joel’s brow furrowed. “I don’t remember you being that big of a fan.”

“I’m not,” Tommy said with a shrug, and Joel’s look of confusion deepened until Tommy mentioned her name.

Joel paused, his irritation at the new music being kept from Ellie halting momentarily as Tommy began to explain that the woman who Joel sought out under the cover of night was a big fan of the singer.

“She’s always singing 'Complicated',” Tommy continued to ramble with a fond smile, one he always wore when he spoke of the woman. “Except she can never remember the goddamned lyrics. She just sings the melody of the chorus, over and over. Gets annoying sometimes.”

Joel’s arms crossed over his chest, forcing himself to remain nonchalant, because in Tommy’s eyes, nothing had changed in Joel’s relationship with the woman.

No, not just in Tommy’s eyes. Nothing had changed in Joel’s relationship with her. They had continued the same pattern as always; meeting in the night and leaving before the morning sun arrived.

But even as nothing ever really changed, whatever foundation their strange relationship rested on was always shifting. Joel suddenly remembered the events of just the night before, when she had claimed to need a moment before getting off his lap after they had fucked as usual.

He didn’t complain, letting her gather the strength she needed to stand, because they had been going pretty hard. His grip on her hips had loosened, waiting for her to gather herself, not even noticing as his thumb subconsciously stroked her thigh. 

But her shifting never came. Instead, Joel felt the even pace of her breath fanning against his neck, and he realized with a start that she had fallen asleep.

He had cleared his throat, shifting awkwardly beneath her as he nudged her carefully. Joel softly called her name, his voice full of hesitancy as he poked her again. Her head fell to the side with the movement, landing on his shoulder and giving him a clear view of her sleeping face.

And despite his best intentions, Joel found his resolve to get out of that mess weakening as he looked at her.

She looked…peaceful. He realized then that he had never seen her without a scowl or a smirk on her face. The sight of her face so relaxed almost made her appear like an entirely new person to him. She was a stranger in his arms; but maybe she always had been.

Joel knew he should wake her up. There was no part of their deal that allowed one of them to sleep in the other’s house, and if he let her continue to sleep, they would be crossing another line that they hadn’t even known existed.

But as her nose twitched in her sleep, her brow furrowing momentarily before evening out again, Joel remembered that recent early morning when they had shared a cup of coffee for the second time. That morning when he had realized she was just as tormented by her dreams as he was; just as haunted by the painful memories they brought forth. Seeing her sleep so peacefully now, Joel didn’t have the strength to be cruel enough to rob her of what might be a rare moment of dreamless sleep.

He sighed quietly to himself, slowly shifting so he could get out from underneath her. But when she was at risk of falling awkwardly, with the potential of the jostling waking her up, Joel held back a groan of annoyance before scooping her up carefully.

Another line crossed, he thought to himself, carrying her the short distance to his couch to lay her down there.

Joel told himself that while there was nothing in rules that allowed it, there was also nothing in the rules that forbade it either. She was only sleeping; it’s not like Joel was sleeping beside her. That would be too far.

Still, he didn’t have to get a washcloth damp with warm water to clean the mess he had left between her legs. But it would be cruel to let her be uncomfortable when she woke up, he told himself as he cleaned her thighs diligently.

He didn’t have to pull her pants back up so she was decent. But again, discomfort from waking in an unfamiliar place, he thought as he buttoned up her jeans.

Joel also didn’t have to pull a cushion from the back of the couch, carefully lifting her head to place it underneath her as a pillow. But she would wake up with a tense neck if he didn’t, and that wouldn’t help anybody on her patrol, he decided as he straightened.

There was a blanket somewhere in the room, but Joel stopped himself from going that far. He left to make himself a drink to pass the time until she woke up, knowing he would have to explain what the fuck had happened when that peace was gone from her face upon waking. And in the back of his mind he couldn’t help but wonder…

When was the last time she looked that peaceful while conscious?

“Joel?”

Blinking at the sound of his brother’s voice, Joel was pulled from his recollections back into the present. Tommy’s face was full of confusion, and Joel cleared his throat as he shrugged casually.

“Alright, keep it for her then,” he muttered, turning away from Tommy to leave the room, the worry gnawing away at his subconscious again as he realized how long they had spent there. “We should get to the lookout.”

Tommy didn’t protest or say anything more on the topic, only following Joel quietly out of the house and back to where they had hitched their horses.

The quick pace of the ride back to the lookout was set by Joel, the gruff man motivated to go faster as the worry in the back of his mind wouldn’t alleviate. He tried to tell himself it was only paranoia, but he couldn’t get rid of the feeling that had settled deep in his bones; the feeling that something was wrong.

Previous sightings of the group they were keeping a watch out for today were around Teton Village, but they hadn’t found hide nor hair of anyone on their patrol. That left a greater possibility that the other pair had run into them on their patrol, and suddenly Joel couldn’t get back to the lookout fast enough.

When they reached it, and no other horses were in sight yet, Joel quickly dismounted with a frown.

“Didn’t you say they’d be here by now?” he asked, sparing a quick glance back at Tommy as his brother got off his own horse. A matching look of worry was on the younger man’s face, even as Joel could tell Tommy was trying to obscure his nerves, and Joel’s own anxiety heightened. “We were taking a while.”

“I’m sure it’s fine,” Tommy replied, even as his anxiety was obvious in how the words trembled slightly. “They’re probably looting, like us.”

Ten minutes passed after Tommy’s poor reasoning, and still there was no sign of the other pair.

Tommy had started pacing along the floor as the muscles in Joel’s crossed arms bunched up tighter and tighter. Neither brother said anything as they tried to avoid thinking the worst.

This isn’t my first rodeo. I know the routine.

Joel could hear her voice echo in his mind, and he pushed himself off the wall as his arms fell back to his side. He could see her look of surprise vividly in his mind as he remembered telling her to stay safe, and his hands balled into fists as he walked closer to Tommy.

“We need to get out there,” he said bluntly as Tommy turned from his incessant pacing with a sigh. “They could be in danger.”

“And we risk missing them if they get here in need of assistance when we're out trying to find them,” Tommy tried to convince Joel, but by the trepidation in his brother’s eyes, Joel got the feeling that Tommy was trying to convince himself just as much. “I hate it more than you do, Joel, but we need to—”

Tommy didn’t get to finish his words—lucky for him, as they made Joel’s hackles rise in a way that he couldn’t explain even if he wanted to—as the heavy sound of horse hooves echoed outside, followed by a horse whinnying and a shout in a familiar voice.

“Tommy!” the sound of Jesse’s voice called out, and Joel was right on his brother’s heels as Tommy hurried to the exit of the lookout when he heard his name. “Joel!”

When they emerged from the building, Joel’s heart dropped at the sight of only one horse. Jesse sat in the saddle, clutching at his bleeding shoulder and looking at the Millers with eyes wide in fear.

“They found us,” he stammered, and Joel’s shaky exhale of fear was obscured only by Tommy’s shouting at the next words Jesse spoke.

“They got her.”

Voices conversing around you was the first thing you were aware of as you slowly came to consciousness. You groaned, trying to shift as you grimaced back from the sound.

For a moment, you groggily remembered waking up on Joel’s couch, and you wondered if you were back in his living room. Those thoughts were cut short, though, as your hands that you were pulling jerked to a sudden stop, your movement halted from the rope that dug into your wrists.

Your eyes flashed open, the sounds and sights coming at you too quickly to take in. Blinking away the spots in your vision, your breaths came out heavily as you glanced around the room, hands tugging at your bindings.

Fuck, you think as you see one, two—no, three hunters sneering down at you from around the room as you woke up fully. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

You continue to struggle in your bindings, drawing laughter from one of the men as they casually stroll closer to you. Your nostrils flared with angry breaths as they kneeled in front of you, gesturing towards the rope cutting into your wrists with a knife in their hand.

“Aw, does it hurt?” they asked mockingly, earning snickers from the other two as the steel of the knife pressed against your throat, and you realized with a burst of rage that the knife was your own. “Is our hospitality not good enough for you?”

You bit back a response, not looking forward to a quick, untimely death if they didn’t take kindly to your snark.

“I think it’s better than yours,” they continued, not seeming to care that you stayed silent as they lightly dragged the edge of the knife along your throat. Not pressing hard enough to draw blood, but enough to leave a scrape and spell out that you were in a really bad situation, the probability of your survival not in your favor. “You didn’t even give our guys a proper burial, did you?”

Your brows furrowed in confusion at the remark, pausing in your anger as you tried to dissect the words.

The hunter laughed at your apparent confusion, pulling the knife back as they leaned away from you, as if to get a better look at you.

“What, you don’t remember?” they bit the words out, rage flaring in their eyes as they pointed at you with your knife. “Now, I don’t know what kind of disagreement you had up in that lodge, but was it really okay to pile their bodies and burn them like that?”

Recognition must have shown in your eyes then, because a slow smirk grew on their face as you realized that they were talking about that patrol you and Joel had gone on months ago, when you killed the bandits at the ski lodge.

“Kind of late to get revenge,” you found yourself muttering, despite your better judgment that told you to shut the fuck up and not provoke them. “I’m sure you really cared about them, coming out after them months later.”

Pain radiated through the side of your face as the hunter backhanded you, and you grunted through clenched teeth.

“When we saw how many of you there were, we knew we had to bide our time,” they said slowly, and your stomach turned as you realized they were talking about Jackson. 

Fuck, how long had they been watching you for? It couldn’t have been that long, your patrols would have noticed them by now.

But they were supposed to be in Teton County, not…

Shit, you cursed internally as you realized your mistake. They had been misleading you, letting you see a few of their men in the village, when the bulk of their forces hid nearby; probably waiting for another patrol to come by.

And lucky for you, you had been that patrol.

Even now, you could hear more voices coming from further within the building, and you shifted as you angrily tried to pull your hands from the rope that tied them to a pipe protruding from the wall.

In the back of your mind, you remembered the moment you had been ambushed. You hadn’t been paying enough attention, you berated yourself in hindsight—too distracted by Jesse’s witty banter to see the hunter hiding behind the door you had walked through.

After making quick work of that one with your knife, you saw Jesse losing his own fight with another that had appeared, and you didn’t give yourself time for reconsideration as you reached for your pistol and shot his opponent from across the room. You had screamed at your patrol partner to get out through the backdoor, to get back to the horses and not stop riding until he got to Joel and Tommy for backup.

You covered him with your rifle from the second floor as he dashed to his horse, shooting down the hunters that tried to catch him until Jesse disappeared from sight. There were no other horses besides yours, and you shot at a tree near your horse to spook it into running away, ensuring that none of the raiders could take it to chase after Jesse—even as it ensured that you had no escape.

Only then did you allow yourself a moment to relax, knowing that Jesse had made it out, even as you kept shooting at the hunters while they approached the house that you had hunkered down in. You didn’t stop fighting until they burst through the doors and one got the jump on you, hitting you across the face with the butt of their rifle and knocking you out cold.

Now you struggled wildly, teeth bared as you swung your legs in an attempted kick, one that the hunter crouched in front of you dodged easily with an arrogant laugh.

“None of that, please,” they said as they stepped on your swinging calf, and you winced. They leaned down close, their voice low and dangerous as they continued, “Now, I’m going to tell you how this is gonna go. And you can either listen, or you can make this much more fun for us.”

You glared back as you paused your struggling for a moment, if only to get a hint of what their true intentions were.

“You’re gonna tell us all about your pretty little town,” they said slowly, and your eyes narrowed as you realized that that was their angle: they wanted to raid Jackson. “Guards, defenses, the whole deal. And if you don’t—”

Their foot pressed down harder on your calf, and you exhaled sharply as you tried to hold back a shout of pain from the painful pressure that, if increased only minutely, would result in breaking your leg.

“Then we start breaking shit,” they grinned, and your glare became deadly as you breathed heavily from enduring the pain. “Mainly you.”

In the back of your mind, you tried to calculate how much time had passed since you had been knocked out. The ride to the lookout took some time, and Jesse would have to get all the way out there and back to bring Tommy and Joel. It would take a while, but some time had already passed, and you knew neither of the men would hesitate when they realized what was happening.

A small smirk appeared on your face as you thought about the Miller brothers arriving, one that grew bigger as you watched the raider hesitate, their foot coming off your leg in confusion at your smug reaction.

“Can I let you in on a fun fact first?” you asked slowly, your smirk widening into a sick grin as they frowned down at you. Your head tilted towards your knife in their hand as you drawled, “One of your boys bled real nicely when I stuck him with that knife.”

Their face contorted with rage, and you sucked in a choked breath as they delivered a swift kick right into your stomach.

The next kick hurt as much as the first, winding you as you struggled for breath. But you didn't get that chance to breathe as the next kick came, then the next, but you didn’t care. You locked everything left of yourself away in the back of your mind, focusing on enduring the pain as it came. They weren’t going to kill you, because they wanted answers from you. You could play this game.

But Jesus, you thought with a wince and a cough as another kick landed right between your ribs, the men who you suddenly realized you couldn’t imagine living without flashing through your mind as you pleaded internally, please hurry the fuck up.

[roomsofangel]

CHAPTER ONE

synopsis you spent your entire childhood and teenage years being what your mother wanted you to be — and so when you finally strike a deal and made a bet with the woman, you are determined to prove her wrong and that your passion for art could be turned into a living if you just tried hard enough.

however, things might have just gotten harder when you cross paths with the lead vocalist of an uprising rock band who seems to be nothing but a charming thorn in your side

wc 2.0k

warnings not really any!

reblogs & comments are very appreciated and also help out a lot! thank you for reading and giving my work a chance ♥️

a gentle sense of dread filled your chest as you hastily packed up your paint-smudged supplies after the art class you insisted on taking to hopefully better your skills for your overflowing passion. your mother always claimed it was a waste of time, trying to get you to venture off into the field of medicine but you always told her to let you at least try.

so, while you carefully wrapped your brushes in their familiar protective cloth and shoved them into the depths of your bag, you tried to keep your unease at bay. you had a few months until you and your mother decided which route your life will take — whether painting and music would be the way your heart will go to make a living or if you had to snuff out your spark and do what she wanted. a deal just to get where you are now and an attempt to prove her wrong.

the smell of oil paint clung to your fingers despite several washes in the sink, and you made a mental note to bring some hand sanitizer next time. you glanced back at the canvas, half-finished but bursting with color. maybe you could add just a tiny bit more to the whites and the sides, the corners looked as if it needed more of a pop. you sighed, running your fingers through your hair, your muse was running thin and you didn’t have time to recharge it when you had plans with yeosang tonight.

and speak of him, he shall make himself known. without missing a beat, your phone buzzed in your pocket and you took it out to read the text he had sent

yeosangie: still coming tn? gonna be short staffed and i’d die without you!

you pressed your lips together, laughing lightly to yourself as you read his dramatic text. the plans in question were you helping him bartend an event the pub he worked at was having, a new rising rock band would be playing there tonight which meant more business. in a way, in hindsight, meant a good deal but being understaffed out of all days made you watch your best friend lose his mind even before getting there.

you didn’t have any mixology skills, hell, even making hot chocolate at times came out different and at times.. watery, you surely did not have any sort of touch that could make any pleasing but yeosang insisted and you’d be just taking down anything being asked for and serving while he did the mixing and preparing.

you: yes sangie, i’m still coming lmao don’t be so dramatic!

yeosangie: ugh i’m being realistic!

with another light laugh, you shoved your phone back into your pocket and got up, making sure you had all of your things before heading out of the building. it was sunny, having to use your hand to shield your eyes while you made your way to the parking lot. you could feel your phone buzz again, assuming it was yeosang again but you weren’t able to think twice of it when your arm bumped into another

“watch where you’re going,” the voice was a bit harsh, not glancing back to where you were. you turned to their direction, he seemed in a rush to get inside which made you scowl. of course you all had places to be, but why did he get a pass to be rude?

“asshole,” you muttered under your breath, not wanting to let the blonde stranger dampen your mood and continued the route to your car

“he could have been having a bad day.” yeosang suggested while leaned back against the glass door, watching how you paced back and forth. you paused your movements to point over at him, “i was too but you don’t see me going all,” you cleared your throat and shifted your body to mimick how the stranger was, “watch it,” letting your voice drop a few octaves

yeosang pressed his lips together, as if trying to stifle his laugh, “is that how it went?”

you deadpanned, looking at him, “thats beyond the point!” you then groaned

sure, you weren’t entirely an asshole, you would have understood if the stranger had a bad day. but dear lord, all of your understanding went out the window the second he opened his mouth and you were glad you’d never see him again. “what do i gotta help with tonight?” you decided to steer the conversation before you got yourself too fired up again

yeosang clicked his tongue, lifting himself off the door so he could get behind the bar, “help me serve them, simple.” he shrugged, “i underestimated because this place is gonna be packed.” he cringed

“who even is the band anyways?” you asked while bringing in a box of different liquors, huffing as soon as you set it down onto the countertop, dusting your hands off on your worn-out jeans

“halazia,” he replied with a shrug, “wooyoung’s new project,” he added in and you laughed a little

“another one?” you tilted your head

yeosang nods, “but this one actually pulled through.”

and you nodded back as a response. you knew wooyoung the same amount as you knew yeosang, the two were practically a two for one deal and wherever yeosang went, wooyoung followed. it wasn’t a surprise that yeosang found a way to have wooyoung’s new band to play here, part of you also felt proud of the fact after the many attempts, wooyoung finally achieved what he strived for.

yet, another part of you hated how jealously bubbled in your core. when was it your turn?

the club was alive with the sound of loud rock music that played, the walls were practically shaking with each booming note. you could feel the bass in your chest from where you were behind the bar, hurriedly serving drinks to customers that were definitely not making it easier. shit, you swore you had a few spilled on you and felt sticky.

yeosang helped pour shots and took majority of the drinks to make while the crowd was wild, jumping and moshing to the music, you could have sworn you saw a few stage divers and crowd surfers. the smell of sweat and alcohol was thick in the air, yeosang glanced over at you as he handed over a tray of shots. "you holding up okay?" he yelled over the music.

you nodded, a bead of sweat dripping down your forehead. "i’m managing!”

you didn’t get to see the band or say hello to wooyoung as you maybe hoped, and you doubted you’d be able to enjoy the music with how business was being. “i’m glad you’re here! i would have definitely died,” yeosang said as he let out a breath, moving past you with a tray of filled to the top shots to a group

“oh yeah, i guess you were being realistic after all,” you poked fun as you ran your hands through your hair, ruffling it a bit and wiping the sweat with the back of your hand after while you heard him give an ‘i told you so!’

as you continued on, you could hear the loud vocals that were hitting you in the chest — you managed to steal a few glances to the stage where you noticed the band certainly deserved the hype, wooyoung knew what he was doing this time, you assumed he learned from past mistakes. speaking of, there he was in all his glory playing the bass with his signature charming smile as he mouthed the lyrics and interacted with the crowd, drenched in sweat and water he poured on himself during the last song

but your eyes couldn’t stay on him, oh no, your sight kept falling onto the lead vocalist who played the bass and belted the lyrics, the vein in his neck showing just how much power he was pouring to the crowd. “who is that?” you voiced over the music, leaning towards yeosang who followed your gaze

“kim hongjoong,“ yeosang answered as he let out a breath, relieved to be able to rest for a moment. “only spoke with him a few times, closed off guy but powerful as fuck on stage.”

you nodded as you let your gaze linger back to him, how free and at home he looked as he sang, “this is a wasteland, my only retreat.. with heaven above you, there’s hell over me.”

you couldn’t remember how the rest of the night went, most of it was a blur when you began helping yeosang pack up, “so how was that?” he amused, zipping up his bag as he glanced up at you

humming, you let out a breathy laugh, leaning back against the wall, “it was.. something.” you folded your arms over your chest, “we’re just waiting for wooyoung now, huh?”

and yeosang replies in a nod, “as usual.”

as if his name was a summoning ritual, wooyoung’s loud laugh became more prominent from the back, and there he was walking in with three others — one being the blonde you found yourself drawn to more than you’d want to admit

“ah, there’s my favorite artist!” wooyoung beamed as he ran over, leaving the three behind to rush over to you with his arms out

“hey woo,” you greeted with a smile as you let him engulf you in the tightest hug, the smell of his cologne suffocating your nose, it was safe to say he drenched himself after the show and you could see he was still lightly glazed with sweat. “alright! off! you’re still sweaty,” you exaggerated while giving him a tiny shove

wooyoung replied with a laugh and dragged out whine, “a little sweat never hurt anyone,” he huffed before ruffling your hair

“oh, yeah guys this is seonghwa and mingi,” wooyoung first introduced the two that caught up, seonghwa having some of his hair up and the rest down, his hair strands more pulled out at the front to frame his face, he certainly rocked that choker better than anyone you knew while mingi looked as if he was made for this genre

“nice to meet you,” seonghwa greeted with a polite grin, bowing as you smiled in response

“yeah, thanks for coming too,” mingi smiled

while you listened to them all talk, wooyoung being the one you heard the most, your eyes wandered to the back where you saw hongjoong on his phone, cigarette between his lips as he stayed apart from the rest. you weren’t sure why he was alone, eyebrow raised.

but your chest felt a bit heavier and breath hitched when he tilted his head and shifted to meet your gaze, blowing the smoke in the air. how could he make death look so marvelous?

“yah! joong, you can’t smoke in here, i’m not getting in trouble because of you,” yeosang broke the trance you were in as he scolded the blonde who rolled his eyes and took another long drag

“fine,” he exhaled, glancing at you before making his way out, blowing out the smoke as he pushed open the door and walked out

turning your attention back to the group, your brows furrowed together, “is he always like that?” and you wanted to simply ask if he was always an asshole but for the sake of being civil…

seonghwa sighed, “he’s not so bad, he just had a tough morning.”

mingi snickered, nodding while wooyoung groaned, “yeah but he made practice ten times more hard! all because of that girl he bumped into,”

“ah, sounds like your morning, y/n” yeosang humored as he grabbed his jacket

and you wanted to scowl, eyes glancing back to the window where you saw him focused on the nightsky, exhaling the smoke that he inhaled. “so he’s the asshole stranger.”

of course, makes sense.

“he’s not so bad once you get to know him,” seonghwa repeated with a reassuring smile

you shrugged, “and pigs can fly.” you muttered because certainly first impressions matter to you and with the pretty rockstar, he managed to have two and failed them both miserably

you just hoped you’d never have to see his stupid pretty face again.

masterlist . . next

[bradshawssugarbaby]

Everything About You - Two. (Bradley Bradshaw x OFC)

a/n: Here's part two of my 13 Going on 30 x Top Gun: Maverick AU fic! I'm pretty proud of this one, I'm not going to lie.

pairing: Bradley Bradshaw (AU) x Danielle Lucas (OFC)

content/warnings: mentions of character deaths.

word count: 2.5k

You woke up the next morning with a sense of disorientation. Something was…different. Something you couldn’t put your finger on. Blinking against the morning light streaming through your bedroom window, you rubbed your eyes and stretched, trying to shake off the lingering effects of an unusual dream. However, as your surroundings came into focus, you couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

The room looked different—unrecognizable. Your pale-pink walled bedroom with all the decor of a 90s teenager was gone. Replacing them were beige painted walls with white trim, and where boyband posters once sat were now framed photos of simiplistic wall art. The inflatable chair that Bradley always teased you for was nowhere to be seen, in its place now sitting a vanity with a clear acrylic chair. Panic surged through your body as you glanced around, heart racing. Was this some sort of prank? A bad dream? 

Slowly, you swung her legs over the side of the bed, cautious as you stood up. You continued to glance around the room, covering your mouth to muffle your astounded gasp as you saw a sleeping figure laying next to your spot in the bed, its short blonde hair sticking out every which way from under the covers, a large foot sticking out at the other end of the bed. 

You stumbled out of the room, still in a dazed state of shock as you searched the hallway for the bathroom, rubbing your eyes and trying to convince yourself it was just a dream. The bathroom was nothing like the one you’d remembered - the harsh lighting and vinyl flooring of your parents house had been upgraded to a warmer, soft glowing overhead light with ceramic tile at your feet. Two toothbrushes sat in the ornate holder on the counter of the marble sink. You frowned as you rubbed your eyes again before turning the cold water tap on. Splashing the cool liquid over your face, you blinked twice before looking up into the mirror.

What you saw left you breathless. Staring back at you was a 30-year-old woman, not the 13-year-old girl you were when you went to sleep the night before. Shock and disbelief washed over you as you took in the unfamiliar new features of your face. You raced out of the bathroom, running to look for something, anything that could explain what was going on if you didn’t wake up from this dream first. 

While you frantically searched the kitchen for any indication as to what could be going on here, you heard a set of footprints stomping down the hall, heavy as they headed towards the kitchen. A tall, well-built blonde haired man stood before you, pulling a t-shirt on over his head with a smile. 

“Mornin’ sweetheart, you ok? You look…different.” He said, laughing slightly as he began making himself a coffee.

“Huh?”

“Dani, you ok?” His brows furrowed as he looked at you now, appearing concerned for you. 

“How do you know my name?” 

You stared at the blonde stranger, unsure if you should run away screaming or phone the police. Yet, somehow, it felt like he belonged here. There was a strange sense of worry on his face, contorted into a frown as he looked at you again.

“Babe, did you hit your head or something?” He chuckled awkwardly, shaking his head, his seafoam coloured eyes looking up at you in confused bewilderment.

“No? I mean…I don’t think so.”

You frowned as you sat down in the chair at the kitchen table, feeling confused and defeated. You had no idea what was going on or how you got here. Last night when you fell asleep, you were 13, and miserable. This morning, you’re a full-grown adult in an unfamiliar apartment with an equally full-grown man. The blonde man sat down across from you, raising an eyebrow.

“Dani, babe, what’s going on? You look anxious about something,” he frowned for a moment, in thought, “Are you pregnant? ‘Cause if you are, I mean, I’ll support whatever you decide.”

“No!” you shrieked, almost horrified at the notion, forgetting that you were in the body of an adult, “Absolutely not. I’m definitely not pregnant,” you affirmed, shaking your head quickly.

“Ok, well, that’s good, I guess. Doesn’t explain the weird behaviour though.”

You studied his face for a moment, it seemed familiar, but you’d never seen him before - at least, you’d thought you hadn’t. His sunkissed tanned skin was flawless, the odd freckle dotting him here and there. His honey coloured hair was tousled and messy, but yet, he looked fresh off a runway. You raised an eyebrow at him before shaking your head, putting a hand to your forehead and laughing.

“Sorry, uh, who are you?”

He frowned for a moment, almost insulted that you were asking him such a question.

“Jake…your boyfriend?”

“Right! Right…uh, Jake, how…how old am I?”

“Ok, Dani, I think you hit your head pretty hard, should I take you to a doctor?” 

“No! No, I’m fine, I promise. I just…” you sighed, shaking your head. He’d never believe you. You’d never believe you, but you had no choice but to try and tell him what you remembered, “Promise you won’t think I’m insane?”

“I promise I’ll try not to?” 

You began to tell Jake everything you could remember. The day at school, the party, Alexis, the fight with Bradley - everything. He listened patiently, nodding his head as you rambled, trying to process your every word. He laughed when you were done explaining, clearly unsure how else to react. 

“Alexis? You mean your friend Alexis?”

“We’re…we’re friends?” 

“Yeah, you were out with her last night. Well, my last night, I guess. I’ve never heard of this Bradley guy before.”

“You haven’t?”

Your face fell for a moment, sighing as you realized that your fight with Bradley must have created some sort of permanent issue between the two of you.

“Wait…how old am I?”

Jake shrugged his shoulders and laughed as he answered, clearly going along with whatever issue you were currently going through. 

“You turned 30 yesterday, babe. Oct. 24, 2014.” 

“2014?!”

“Yeah. last I checked.”

“Jake,” you frowned, speaking softly as you looked at him, “Do you think you could help me find Bradley? I really need to talk to him.”

"Okay, Dani, first things first,” Jake sighed softly, “The world has changed a lot since you were 13. One big thing is social media. It's like this massive online network where people connect, share updates, and, well, basically live their lives in the digital realm. If you wanna find Bradley, this is going to be your best bet."

You listened intently, feeling a mix of fascination and overwhelming confusion. "Social media? You think I could find Bradley that way?"

"It's a way for people to stay connected, share their experiences, and even find old friends," Jake explained patiently. "Think of it as a virtual scrapbook of your life that everyone can see. And, lucky for us, it's a great tool for finding people. We just need to figure out which platforms Bradley might be using."

As Jake continued to unravel the concept of social media for you, he could sense your growing eagerness to navigate this unfamiliar terrain.

"So, what do you say, Dani? Ready to dive into the world of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter? We might just find Bradley and, who knows, maybe even get some clues about how you ended up in 2014."

Encouraged by Jake's optimism, you nodded to yourself, ready for the challenge. "Yeah, let's do it. If this is what it takes to find Bradley, then I'm all in."

Jake pulled out his smartphone, swiping his finger across the screen. The sleek device, with its touch screen and array of icons, caught you completely off guard.

"Wait, what is that thing you just pulled out?" You asked, a hint of confusion in your voice.

"Oh, this?" Jake chuckled, holding up his smartphone. "It's a smartphone, Dani. It's like a mini-computer that fits in your pocket. I can do all sorts of things with it, and one of the most useful features for us right now is accessing social media."

You squinted at the unfamiliar device, trying to comprehend the technological leap that had occurred since you last remembered.

"Social media on a tiny computer? I'm not sure I follow."

Jake grinned, ready to demystify the modern gadget for his bewildered girlfriend. 

"Okay, imagine this is your phone, right? You can use it to connect to the internet and access platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We can search for Bradley and see if he's on any of these. It's like a digital detective tool, Dani."

As Jake navigated through the smartphone's features, you couldn't help but marvel at the technology in Jake's hands. The concept of a phone being more than just a device for calls and messages was mind-boggling.

"Technology has come a long way since 1997," Jake remarked with a smirk. "Now, let's find Bradley and get some answers, shall we?"

With newfound understanding and a mix of curiosity and determination, you braced yourself for this journey into the digital realm, armed with a smartphone and the hope of reconnecting with a friend lost in the folds of time. The search through social media profiles became a digital journey, a maze of interconnected lives waiting to be explored. With Jake's smartphone in hand, you felt the weight of anticipation as together, you navigated through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Each tap and scroll brought you closer to the possibility of finding Bradley, a familiar name amid the vast sea of digital identities.

As Jake typed "Bradley Bradshaw" into the Facebook search bar, the screen filled with a cascade of profiles, a mosaic of faces and names. The challenge was to discern your Bradley from the myriad others who shared his name. Your eyes scanned each profile picture, searching for the familiar features she remembered from their shared past. The seconds felt like an eternity as they sifted through the virtual crowd.

Transitioning to Instagram, Jake explained the platform's visual nature. 

"Photos can tell a story, Dani. Let's see if we can spot Bradley in the midst of these snapshots." 

You dove into a collection of images – sunsets, cityscapes, astonishing meals and smiling faces. The process was like peering through a digital album of moments frozen in time.

Twitter had presented its own set of challenges, with the endless stream of tweets and hashtags. You wondered if Bradley's voice could be discerned in the brief, text-based snippets. The hunt continued, a shared determination pushing you forward despite the uncertainties that lingered in the digital expanse.

It was amidst this digital quest that your eyes caught a glimpse of familiarity. A profile picture, aged but unmistakable, drew her attention. 

“That’s him!” you said quickly, almost in disbelief as you looked at the image before you.

The moment was surreal as you tapped on Bradley's profile, feeling a rush of emotions at the prospect of reconnecting with a friend she thought she had lost to the echoes of time.

As the profile opened, a digital portal to Bradley's life unfolded. You scrolled through the curated moments, capturing glimpses of his journey through the years. The sense of relief and joy overwhelmed you, grateful for the technological marvel that had bridged the gap between past and present, connecting you to Bradley once again across the ever-changing landscape of time and technology.

As you navigated through Bradley's social media profile, you were met with a visual narrative that encapsulates the journey of her childhood friend from adolescence to adulthood. The striking contrast between the awkward, lanky teenager with braces at 13 and the successful and handsome 30-year-old journalist is accentuated by Bradley's prominent mustache, a distinctive feature that now graces his mature face.

The scars she remembered on his face had long faded, nearly unnoticeable now. His amber coloured eyes were covered by a pair of aviator sunglasses, and a Hawaiian print shirt with a tropical colour palette hung off his shoulders, with a tight, fitted white t-shirt underneath, his light denim jeans hugging his figure.

 The mustache adds an air of sophistication to Bradley's appearance, an unexpected yet charming detail that enhances his overall appeal. You found yourself captivated by this newfound aspect of Bradley's identity, appreciating the subtle changes that time has etched on his face. As you absorbed the images of a confident and accomplished Bradley, the mustache becomes a symbolic marker of his growth and identity, weaving a unique thread between the past and the present. For a moment, you realize, he’s the spitting image of his dad - a man you never got to meet, but remembered vividly from photos scattered around Bradley’s childhood home.

“That’s him?” Jake asked softly, raising an impressed eyebrow as he looked at the pictures with you.

“Positive. He looks just like his dad. Or at least, what I saw of his dad. He died when Bradley was little, before I met him. His mom was the nicest lady though, she always made a point of inviting me over for dinner. She sort of treated me like the daughter she never had, I guess? It’s weird though, I don’t see any sign of her.”

Jake shrugged his shoulders and laughed softly.

“I don’t have my mom on my social media pictures. Maybe she doesn’t like having her picture taken? Or maybe they got in a fight and don’t speak?”

“No, no, something…something feels off.”

“Want me to search her name?” Jake offered.

“Carole Bradshaw. With an e.”

“Got it,” Jake nodded as his fingers typed quickly into the search bar. His face fell as he read the screen, shaking his head slowly as he looked at it.

“I hate to break it to you, hun, but…you should read this.”

As Jake handed you his phone, you could see his demeanor shift from one that was positive and upbeat, to a much more solemn, saddened one. Your eyes scanned the screen, and as you read the words before you, you felt your stomach lurch, twisting and turning in a way that made you nauseous.

“Oh my god,” you shook your head, shoving the phone back at Jake as you abruptly stood up, trembling with upset and anger with yourself. 

“Babe, it’s ok, you didn’t know, and it happened 13 years ago,” Jake said reassuringly.

“I should have been there for Bradley. He was so close to her, and he and I haven’t spoken?” “Well, I met you at 19, and you’ve never mentioned him over the last 11 years I’ve known you. Alexis would be the better one to ask though. You said the two of you have been best friends since eighth grade.”

“Can you take me to Alexis please? I have to ask her something.”

[sweetbbyshion]

wondering why (chapter 1)

-> Touya Todoroki (Dabi) x Fem!Reader

Summary: "How can I hit rewind so I could find a single reason why you would leave with no goodbye"

Touya walked into your life with no warning and settled himself in your heart. But how do you expect to build a relationship based on lies and betrayals?

warnings: mentions of abuse, blood and wound descriptions, mentions of alcohol, don't invite strangers into your home please

masterlist -> next chapter

Touya Todoroki was dead.

That's what Dabi repeated to himself every day in front of the broken mirror of his shitty bathroom. He went through hell and back in his old house and even years after he felt like he never left. The memory of his dad’s screams would wake him up in the middle of the night, ready to set the room on fire to protect himself from the man that was about to beat him up in his dream. Dabi felt pathetic whenever it happened. He wasn't a little kid anymore and Endeavor couldn't hurt him now but the nightmares never left him alone.

Dabi walked every day on this Earth on the verge of death. Heroes were always trying to get him, the League couldn't be trusted and even his own body wanted to destroy him. The embarrassing amount of times Dabi laid half dead in a dirty alley, crying because he felt like he was burning inside out, were too many to count.

His reflexion stares back at him, dry blood on his cheeks and he knows he would have dark circles under his eyes if his face wasn't all fucked up. His left side, just below his ribs, hurts and Dabi knows he should get some medical attention. Maybe the League should try to get someone with a medical quirk to work with them. He wonders if they could fix his burns. He asks himself if it was possible for him to live a normal life once again if his burns got healed totally.

A harsh knock on the door gets Dabi’s attention. Twice’s voice is heard outside the room, letting him know Shigaraki is waiting. Dabi is quick to clean his face before leaving. It hurts when he walks but he ignores the pain when he steps into the room, leaning against a wall to hear Shigaraki speak. It's a boring meeting and Dabi only hears that he has to kill somebody. He tried to make someone else go, “I have shit to do”, but he doesn't have much luck, Shigaraki is set on forcing Dabi to go.

So Dabi tries not to think about pain as he walks through the shadows, carefully following his target. It's dark, his hoodie doesn't do much to stop him from getting wet because of the rain and his left side still hurts. A sharp pain hits him and Dabi has to lean on the wall, holding his side as he bites his lip as hard as he can to not let out a noise. When he looks back up, his target is gone. He resists the urge to punch the wall he's leaning on and takes a deep breath, hissing when his side throbs. He isn’t in the mood to deal with Shigaraki right now so Dabi sits on the floor, head leaning back against the wall as his hand grabs his side. These were the times Dabi would think that maybe everything would be easier if he just got caught. There was no way the heroes would kill him, they are not like that, but would the torture he would have to endure worse than the life he is living right now? Is there much difference? At the end of the day, he is tired of running. But even if he regrets most of his life decisions, he doesn't regret escaping that hell. Even though he had to leave his siblings behind.

God, he wonders how they are doing. He wasn't strong enough to check on them after he left. He knows Shoto was studying to be a hero, he had the opportunity to see him when the League kidnapped one of his classmates. It was notorious how strong his younger brother had become. The burn mark around his eye got Dabi worried, he can only pray that Endeavor didn't do it. Besides that day, he never saw Shoto again. Or Natsuo and Fuyumi. He hopes that Natsuo isn’t still mourning him, that Fuyumi followed her dreams without anything holding her back. They were good kids, they certainly didn't deserve to live with Endeavor. Dabi really wants them to escape one day, like he did.

Dabi closes his eyes, feeling the cold rain cool his skin. Maybe everything will end today. It is hard to live so many years in pain, skin itching every moment of the day and his brain so fucked up to the point where Dabi doubts he could live a normal life. Despite everything, he isn't sure if he wants to die like this - alone in the rain, without someone holding his hand. He always knew love was too much for him but, somehow, he always thinks about it whenever he is close to dying. He doesn't expect someone to fall for him, not when he looks the way he does, not after all the shit he did and all the mental baggage he carries. Dabi doesn't deserve love or anything related to it but he can still dream about it; about a true love that would look past all of his flaws; about a warm touch holding him at night after another harsh nightmare; about someone who would listen and comfort him while he cries over his dad, his wounds, his choices. But no matter how much Dabi wants someone to love, he is still a villain. He doesn't deserve it.

“Are you ok?!” a gasp is heard and suddenly the rain isn't hitting him anymore. He opens his eyes and stares up. Dabi never believed in the afterlife, even if it didn't exist he would be still going to hell, but right now you look like an angel, holding a white umbrella that you moved to protect him from the rain. “I’m calling an ambulance.” You kneel beside him, clumsily trying to dial the number and hold the umbrella. Dabi quickly reaches for your wrist to stop you. “You can't call an ambulance. I can't be seen like this.” You look at him confused and try to convince him that going to the hospital would be better. “You have to promise me that you won't call for an ambulance.”

For some unknown reason, Dabi hates the sad look on your face. He almost tells you to call the damn ambulance just so that look goes away but he's interrupted by your hands grabbing his arm and trying to pull him up. Your hands are warm despite the cold, Dabi wants to pull you closer to feel more. “Come on. I live nearby.”. Dabi would laugh if it wasn't for the sharp pain on his side. Were you stupid? Must be if you're inviting a random stranger into your home. Still, Dabi lets himself get pulled up and you drop one of his arms around your shoulders. The white umbrella is forgotten on the floor as you take small steps, trying not to fall with the weight of the man on top of you. Dabi noticed how you got closer to him, perhaps trying to get a bit of his body heat because of the sheer cold and constant rain falling. Surprisingly, even for him, Dabi lets you (and if he makes his body temperature just a bit higher, that's for only him to know.).

“I could be a villain, you know?” he hinted. He wants to scream at you to get away, he can hurt you. You simply laugh, completely carefree as you keep leading him to your home.

As you mentioned before, your apartment really isn't that far away. You're on the first floor which makes things a lot easier, not having to carry Dabi for longer. He leans against a wall to let you unlock the door and quickly you're back to his side to help him. You make him sit on the couch, totally ignoring the fact that his blood will ruin it. He watches closely as you go back to lock the door and then sit next to him. Dabi barely registers your voice telling him to take off his shirt so you can see the wound. Surprisingly, even for him, he does what you told him but he regrets the moment your eyes widen at the sight of the dark purple wound on his side, visible even through his burn marks. Your fingertips touch it, so softly that he barely notices it.

“I don't know what to do.” you murmur, your eyes never leaving the wound with your fingers still caressing it like you want to take away the pain like that.

“Then why did you bring me here?”

“I couldn't let you stay there. What if you died?” you say, pulling back your hand. Dabi holds himself back not to grab your wrist and bring your hand to his body again.

“So you would rather I die here?” Dabi doesn't like the feeling he gets when you look up and your eyes are shining with unshed tears. Your lower lip trembles a bit and you reach for the phone in your pocket. He sees you type ‘how to treat bruises’ on google and he has to hold back a laugh. “I can just call my… friends and they’ll pick me up.” You look up from your phone, those tears still in your waterline, threatening to fall at any moment. You pass him your phone without any signs of reluctance and walk to the kitchen to give him some space.

Hesitantly, Dabi calls Shigaraki and, in a low voice, admits to his boss what happened and where he is right now. He finds himself borderline begging Shigaraki to not do anything to you, after all it didn't seem like you recognized him. Either way, they couldn't risk it anymore and someone aside from the main group was assigned to pick him up from the house. Dabi regrets giving your address as soon as he hangs up but he makes sure to let Shigaraki know that you should be left alone as soon as he sees him. Your head peeks to know if he is done and when you see the phone next to him on the couch, you make your way over holding a tray with sandwiches and a cup of water. You place it on the table in front of him and tell him to eat something before leaving.

“What's your quirk?” he asks curiously as he takes a bite of the sandwich.

You go back to playing with your hands and looking away as you reply “I don't have one.” Dabi almost chokes on the food going down his throat, eyes wide when he looks at you. He thought that maybe you had a strong quirk, that was the only reason you would bring a stranger into your safe place. But now, he is sure that you're really stupid if you brought him here without even having a quirk. “What's… what's yours?”

“Blue flames,” he mutters.

“Woahhhh.” you breathe out. “That's such a strong quirk. Are you a pro-hero?”

This time Dabi really laughs, ignoring the pain on his side. A pro-hero, sure. “You could say that.” He jokes. To be fair, he was doing everyone a favor so he might as well be considered a hero. You stare intensely at him and for a second Dabi thinks you might have recognized him. But, as he pays more attention, he realizes that your eyes are kind and soft. It's more or less like you're memorizing his face, making sure you get everything. He looks at you with the same intensity, Dabi thinks he doesn't want to forget about you either, for some odd reason. You're about to say something more when a knock on the door catches both of your attentions. Dabi quickly gets up, he doesn't want you meeting anyone else from the League. “Hey.” he calls out for you, hand on the doorknob. “Thank you.”

With those final words, Dabi leaves through the door. As he walks to the car with one of the League's villains, he wishes he could see you again. It's probably impossible and dangerous. You were so nice to him that he can't imagine what he would do to himself if you got hurt because of him. But months pass before he sees you again.

The next time you see the man happens five months after the first encounter.

You figured that he would look for you once he got better, there was a connection there that you thought he felt too but apparently you were wrong. You know it was dangerous to let a stranger inside your house but you felt something. Your gut was telling you (more like screaming) that you could trust him.

Even though you missed him, for some strange reason, you didn't try to look for him either. How could you when you didn't even know his name. You caught yourself passing by the alley multiple times, in hope that you would find him again but that wasn't successful. Then, you pondered about asking your friends but there was always something holding you back. So you chose to stay still and continue to live your life, in hopes that you would see the dark haired man once again.

Your routine was the same as always. Wake up, go to university, study, go back home, sleep. Sometimes you would break the monotonous routine just to hang out with a couple of friends but most of the times, you just wanted to go home, lay in bed and spend the rest of the day wondering what went wrong in your life that made you unable to have enough social battery to hang out with people that genuinely like you. A part of you screamed that maybe you were hoping that the man would go back to your house and you wanted to be there to see him. You feel as if you live everyday waiting to see the man that made your life a bit more interesting.

The meeting happens out of nowhere. It's a late Tuesday afternoon, the sun is setting in the horizon and you're walking to a nearby café to meet up with a couple of friends before going out for dinner with them. Your eyes are set on your phone as you quickly text the group chat that you're almost there. Before you are even able to send the text, a hand covers your mouth and pulls you to the familiar alley. You try to scream for help, squirming in their embrace but to no avail. Before you can start punching the person that decided to kidnap you, they turned you around swiftly. The scream dies in your throat when you see the recognizable blue eyes. He lets you go with a chuckle, watching you stutter a few words and in a mental fight with yourself to decide whether or not you should hug him.

“Your name!” You blur out, making you want to hit yourself. “What's… your name?”

The man stays quiet for a bit, you can't read his expression but you wait patiently for an answer. “Touya.”

Touya. The pretty man you met finally has a name. Touya. You catch yourself repeating the name in a murmur, hearing how it rolls off your tongue. You tell him your name and he does the same. You never liked someone saying your name as much as you liked Touya saying your name. You want to keep hearing it, you want to hear his voice, even if it's just random thoughts that come to his mind; you never want him to shut up.

“How's your wound?” You decide to ask before you say something you shouldn't say out loud. Touya simply grabs the hem of his shirt and pulls up, just enough to show you the area where the nasty bruise was. It's totally healed, as you expected to be after five months. He doesn't keep his shirt up for long but it's long enough for your heart to skip a beat at the sight of the naked skin and short enough to not let you reach out and touch him like you did back at your house. You look back at him, observing the blue eyes that pull you in every time you look at them. It always feels like he can see all of your secrets but you don't look away, ever. You let yourself be the most vulnerable you have ever been whenever he looks at you like that.

Your phone ringing drags you out of your moment with Touya. One of your friends is calling and you see that you're already late to meet them. You wish you were selfish enough to cancel on them just so you could talk to Touya a bit more, but you can't be that person. You look at the man standing in front of you with an apologetic smile. “I have to go.” you whisper, if you said it too loud it would make it too real and you don't want to think about leaving Touya after seeing him again after months.

He nods, understanding and places his hand on your head ruffling your hair a bit. “Don't look so sad. How about I pass by your house tomorrow night?”

You're certain that your eyes shine with excitement as you nod repeatedly. “I’ll be waiting for you.” You say, again denying a call from your friends as you send a quick text saying you're almost there. “See you, Touya.” He waves as you start running to the café. Your hair is a mess and you're out of breath the moment you meet your friends but you couldn't feel happier, your heart beating so fast to the thought of Touya going to your house tomorrow. Your friends question you but you don't answer, just letting them know something unexpected happened and it took you longer to get there. They eventually let it go as the night passed by but you couldn't stop thinking about Touya.

Time was taking too long to pass, you wanted it to skip to tomorrow night just so you could see Touya again. Maybe it would be a good idea if you asked him for his number.

The night passes slowly, you barely pay attention to the conversations as you keep reminding Touya’s touch. You still felt a tingling sensation on your body from when he grabbed you. Were you in love after meeting him merely two times? You couldn't be, right? You only just learned his name but you have never felt so interested in someone like you were interested in Touya. There was something about the man that kept pulling you in, that made you want to learn more about him. For some reason, something inside you kept telling you he was hiding something but you chose to ignore it. If you tried to look into it too much, you would certainly ruin the image you have of Touya and it would all stop feeling like a fairytale. Your heart aches at the thought.

Your friends invite you to go to a club after. You try to come up with an excuse but they can be persuasive. At the end, you accept the request but you tell them you won't be staying long. Luckily, the club isn't that far away from your house either so you let yourself drown a couple of drinks with your friends, letting your body loose on the dance floor. Nonetheless, you kept looking around the room in hope that you would see Touya.

Maybe if your life was a movie, he would, coincidentally, show up at the club. You would dance together, his hands holding your waist as he keeps saying he can't dance. You would throw your arms around his shoulders, getting a little bit of confidence due to the alcohol, and swing him from side to side so he’s dancing with you. That would make Touya laugh, so carefree and beautiful that it would leave you hypnotized. At the end of night, he would start blaming your actions on the alcohol and would make it his responsibility to take you home and make sure you got there safe. You would be sobered up by the time you're almost home. Touya would notice you're cold and he would lend you his jacket, then throw his arm around you to bring you close. You wouldn't kiss him when you got home but you would peck his cheek and watch him blush as you close your door. But, obviously, that won't happen because by the time you decide to leave, around four in the morning, Touya is nowhere to be seen and you're left walking back home alone, in the cold night.

You struggle to unlock the door, your hands shaking just like your whole body. You fumble a bit with the keys until you finally hear the click signaling the door is unlocked. You push it open and get in, discarding your shoes as you lock the door behind you. If it was any other occasion, you would simply change clothes and go to bed but you can't afford getting sick when Touya is visiting tomorrow. So you push yourself to take a warm shower and drink some tea before putting on the warmest pajamas you own and hide under the covers, not letting any cold in. You fall asleep like you spent the whole night - thinking about Touya and the few moments you shared with him. You fall asleep creating all kinds of scenarios for the next day, what you can say or do and how to react depending on what Touya will say or do. You were excited yet terrified because of how fast you were falling for this guy you barely knew; even more scared that it wouldn't be reciprocated.

[stevetonyweekly]

SteveTony Weekly - June 18th

I read so much this week!!! And so much was delightful I’m super excited about this list! I did re-read Bulletpoints this week which is 100% reflected in my fic reading as well. Enjoy that.  

Check out this week’s reads and be sure to leave your author a comment/kudos! 

~*~ 

Time, Space, Flesh by veryvincible 

“I’ve got a hotel room,” Tony said.

“And if we’re seen?”

Tony’s response came quick, too confident. He’d given the same spiel many times before. “Oh, you know. Good friends. Had a bit to drink. Maybe we’re French— you know how it is. Besides, we’ve been here for how long, now? If anyone was going to notice you, you’d think they’d have done it by now.”

The Day Before Tomorrow by lastdream

Less than twenty-four hours before the Iron Man's last fight, Steve Rogers gets an evening to himself.

Icebreaker by Sineala

Months after Tony is murdered on a strange, starless world, a world almost no one remembers, Steve plummets from a drone plane into the cold waters of the North Atlantic. He's fully expecting not to survive -- but instead he wakes up on another new world, where he meets a very familiar stranger. And it turns out the two of them have a lot in common.

Not Your Reality (The Time-Out Remix) by Veldeia

An unlikely visitor crash-lands at Natasha Stark and Steve Rogers' doorstep on the eve of their wedding. Just who is this alternate universe Iron Man?

Marriage and Mate Chases by NotEvenCloseToStraight

A Regency-ish AU:

Strict, stern Alpha Captain Steve Rogers is firmly in control of himself, his army, and his life and intends to marry an Omega who shares the same ideals while wild, flighty Omega!Tony loves to flaunt Howard's rules, society's expectations and has no intention of settling down.

An arranged marriage forces Alpha and Omega together, but Steve's constant disapproval and Tony's refusal to compromise leads to anger and arguments, missed heats, harsh ruts and a lack of bonding bites. Vicious rumours fly about the Omega's fidelity and the Alpha's ability to control his mate and when Steve runs away to war to distance himself from his unpredictable husband, Tony turns to new friends and illicit activities to hide his hurting heart.

Steve returns from war a changed man ready to be a good husband, dedicating every minute of every day to winning Tony's heart back, but Tony is tired of being ignored, busy with his own projects and unwilling to give the Alpha another chance.

With outside forces plotting to ruin what little happiness they have, are Steve and Tony doomed to be unbonded husbands, married but never truly mates?

Some Dragons Are Famous Dragons by Eudoxia 

Bucky's not surprised when Steve beings home stray cats, dogs, and even a raccoon once, but a dragon?

Really, Steve? A dragon?

A dragon that likes to steal tools and watch the news about missing persons, too.

Anthony and Natasha by TheCityLightShow

On Steve's sixteenth birthday, as was the norm, he woke up with a name on his wrist, etched beautifully into his skin. In blocky, scruffy handwriting now sat “Natasha Stark” on his left wrist.

It was elegant handwriting, but not in a way that anyone other than Steve would share the notion.

Now, he's out of the ice, and he lifts his wrist to his face as his vision swims for a second. Oh thank god, he thinks at the sight of the black blur that mars his wrist, and then his thought processes stutter and screech to halt because it's changed.

The handwriting is still the blocky scruffy script that he loves, that holds comfort for him in the cross of the t and the arc of the r, but it's not Natasha. It doesn't say Natasha Stark any more.

No, the name on his wrist is Anthony Stark.

This time – this new time, Director Fury explains to him, this time sixty seven years in the future – this time he will find him. Whether they're ninety like he should be, or closer to his actual age, Steve won't make the same mistake twice.

 He doesn't tell SHIELD that the name in their file is now wrong.

Emergency Protocol by navaan 

In New Avengers V1 era, Tony and Steve discuss the Avengers Protocol for Bang or Die situations. It's awkward. It gets hot - and then it gets out of hand but maybe they're getting to the heart of something that they should have discussed a long time ago.

You could have my heart, and I would break it for you by Missy_dee811

The mission they’d been on had been an abject failure. Even if the rest of the Avengers had been able to stay on task, it wouldn’t matter. Two of their own were missing: Iron Man and Captain America.

Sacrifice the Gift by hollyandvice (hiasobi_writes) 

When a biological agent nearly takes the life of Captain America, Iron Man risks everything to keep his friend alive. Now Tony Stark needs to deal with the fallout.

Sleepwalking by NotEvenCloseToStraight

Every year on Tony Stark's birthday, his soulmate Steven Grant Rogers crosses time and distance to spend the day with him...until the day the Valkyrie goes into the water in 1943.

Fifty years in the future, Tony starts a desperate search to find Steve beneath the ice, racing against time and fate to bring his soulmate into the newest century so they can finally be together.

like daylight by ohjustpeachy

Because through all of it, the slammed fists and the miscommunications, the people he invited into his bed and kicked out in the morning, he never thought that it would be Steve Rogers in the end.

Or, Tony thinks back on past relationships and why they never worked out.

Nothing Else but Miracles (An Ancient Secrets and New-born Dreams Remix) by Muccamukk

In the rough and tumble of the Lower East Side, the only constants in Steve's life are the solid black letters of the name on his wrist. Because even with the law and society against them, his world falling apart piece by piece, and his search for his soulmate taking him to stranger and wilder places, Steve has faith that finding Tony Stark is only a matter of time.

my one and only by meidui (orphan_account)

Tony has been self-conscious about his laugh lines lately, but Steve always takes his hands and kisses his face, telling him he loves them. It’s the truth. Tony looks so beautiful with them, and they remind Steve of what a privilege it is to grow old with him.

A bullet to mend our hearts by tonymystark

Tony is stuck in a time loop; he keeps getting thrown back to their fight in the quinjet before the whole invasion. He finally figures out how to end the loop.

Safe Haven by gottalovev, zappedbysnow

It's been three months since the Battle of New York. Four since Steve woke up in the future. Everything is still too fast, too bright, too glib. And then, as if it wasn't enough, Steve is dragged through a portal into an alternate universe. Other Him is happy, though, and that feels like hope.

No Good Deed by raeldaza for merelydovely 

Steve’s not happy in the future. Tony gets it in his head that he’ll be a good friend and create a time machine to send Steve back to the 40s.

But as time ticks on, and Steve and Tony grow closer, do either of them actually want Steve to use it?

I (created from fantasies) exist solely for you by Mizzy

Six years ago, without the Avengers Initiative there to save the day, scientist Dr. Eric Selvig sacrificed himself to save the world, the almighty demi-god Thor was lost to a terrible storm, and vigilante Iron Man – spotted with a nuclear weapon trying to take advantage of the situation – was forever labelled an enemy of SHIELD.

This is a comic book office AU, where Steve is defrosted a year too late, Thor has forgotten who he is, and no one knows Tony is Iron Man.

Also includes: office pranks, inappropriate post-it notes, and superheroes who like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.

Bright Things and Fair by sheron 

The course of true love never did run smooth — and neither did time-travel to retrieve the Tesseract. When circumstances outside their control force Steve and Tony to spend more time together in the 1970, they do what two people with their history do under the circumstances: work together and try to get through it without unnecessary feelings getting in the way. Falling for each other is definitely a bad idea, isn't it?

[winters-mistress]

to the girl with the broken heart

"Right, so we all know why we're here. What I want to know, Cirilla, is what do you want out of this conversation?"

Ciri rolls her eyes. "First of all, I want to know why she's here. She's got nothing to do with any of us." she glares over at the dark haired woman sitting across and away from her. "Why would I talk about anything that's happened between us all when there's a stranger amidst? What happened to the order of protection?'

"Cirilla, Yennefer is having Geralt's baby. She lives with you two, and they've been together for months. The order of protection cannot stand against her when she permanently lives with you."

She rolls her eyes again. "I know why we're here, but I question the point of it all. He's made his choices, and we have to live with the reprocussions. Talking won't solve anything, it won't bring back anyone, it won't get rid of anyone. So what's the point?'

"Ciri-" Geralt leans forward on the couch directly ahead of her, as if to take her hands in his.

"Don't touch me." she recoils, fixing her glare onto him. "You're the last person that should be trying that."

He winces as if her icy words had slapped him across the face. "Princess, we're here to try and figure this whole situation out between you, me, Yen and your caretakers-" he makes eye contact with the man who's sitting at Cirilla's side. "to see if we can find a way where everybody's happy."

"Well, you can't." She snaps. "You know what happened to me twice, you know what happens to kids like me when things like this happen. So I'd like you to explain to me why I should be happy about it." she fixes her glare on him. God, Geralt had never seen Ciri's grandmother, but he had seen pictures of how harsh the woman's glare was, and right now Cirilla is all Calanthe.

"Because we aren't like them. Ciri, we both love you. We both want to take care of you, we would never dream of hurting you."

"And look where we are now." She silences him with just one sentence. The girl looks up at her new (old?) caretaker, fixing her big green eyes upon the man. "Can this be done now? Can I go?"

"Ciri, no." his Irish accent is prominent as he reaches over to put a hand on her shoulder. To keep her where she sits and keep her grounded. "We all think it's in your best interest to work this out."

"Mike, what is there to work out?!" she snaps once again. "We were fine, we were happy. And now we're not, she's here and she's having his baby. I can't live with them because of it. And may I remind you that this was a condition we all talked about before he even fostered me. Done. Fine. What is there left to say?"

"Would it hurt to explain why you don't want to live with a baby? Why does it make you so upset?" Mike asks, adjusting the pink and white checkered shirt he wears as he sits back down next to Ciri.

She stays silent.

"Honey, I promise you we're willing to do anything to make you comfortable with this." Yennefer says, and Ciri's eyes shoot towards her. The fire returns.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Then move out." she snaps. Yennefer opens her mouth. "Leave him and I alone. He told me that he fostered an older kid because he couldn't handle a baby. That's why we were matched, I can't live with a baby, and he promised that he couldn't either. It was a big condition in my file, and you two thought it was a good idea to-" she points at Yennefer's swollen stomach. "-so explain to me why fucking up my head again is a good thing."

"Language, Ciri." Mike puts a hand on her leg. "I know your angry, but that language is unacceptable."

She rolls her eyes.

"I don't want to make you upset, but you don't get to tell us if we can or can't get pregnant." Geralt says, straightens his back. "And I know what I said a few years ago, but Cirilla, things have changed. I was on my own when I took you in, but now I have Yen." He pauses, taking his girlfriend's hand. Ciri's eyes darken, with hurt and fury. "And you do too. I know what you went through, why you don't want a baby around. But you're ours just as much as he is. We both love you and want to help you through this."

She exhales, her chest aching suddenly. Her stomach churns with betrayal and anxiety.

Geralt swallows as she stays silent, not sure if he's said the right thing or not. Ciri quiet was Ciri unhappy.

"Would it help to say why you don't want the baby around?" Yennefer is quiet.

She rubs her eyes. "Don't tell me you don't know. He's obviously told you."

"No, all I know is that you would have a hard time with a baby around."

"And that wasn't enough to think twice before getting pregnant." she laughed angrily, rubbing her eyes. She swallows thickly, but tears burn nonetheless.

"We talked about it a lot, Cirilla. I promise. But like I said, it's only our choice if we wanted to try for a baby, nobody else gets a say. We want to help you through it, we didn't want it to come to this." Geralt leans forward again.

Ciri remains silent.

"Would you feel comfortable telling Yennefer why you're having a hard time with the baby?" Mike asks the girl, once she doesn't say anything again. "It might give her a deeper insight on how to help you through this."

"And who says I want to be 'helped through this'?! All I want is to have a foster parent who doesn't have a baby, and if that doesn't work, to age out and figure everything out after that. That's what I want, I'm sick of you all thinking you know better about what I want than I do!" she snaps, standing up. "This is pointless, we had terms, and those have been broken, so all I want is to get the rest of my stuff and get my room back and wait for somebody who will actually put me first! Look at you, a perfect family of three, mother, father, son. A perfect trinity, you don't need me anymore, so let's just save us all this trouble and get it over with."

"And that would make you happy, would it? Never seeing me again, Vesemir, Eskel, Lambert, Coën, Jaskier?" His voice rises as he does.

"Geralt!" Yennefer hisses. "Yelling isn't going to help."

He exhales, trying to calm himself, quiet his voice. "Ciri, I love you to death. You make me so happy, and it kills me to see how upset you are. All Yennefer wants to do is love you, she's not one of those online forum stepmothers who wish the kid would disappear or blames the kid for everything. I wouldn't bring a negative person around you. You know that, and I understood why the baby is hard for you. If you truly want to leave, then I won't stop you. But wouldn't it be better for you to spend however long with a family instead of being by yourself in foster care? I love you to death, Princess, and it would kill me to have you not in my life anymore."

Ciri sniffles, following as Mike takes her by the hand and pulls her to sit down. Geralt follows. He looks at her imploringly, eyes big.

"Do you want to have a minute?" He asks.

"No." she whispers.

"Honey, this is us putting you first. If we didn't love you, why would we go through all this to keep you with us? The three of us, we're a family. You, Geralt and I. You don't have to call me mother, you don't have to call this baby sibling. All I want is to have the opportunity to love you, because you made me a mother. Not this baby, you. Do you remember when we met? When you were so scared I'd take Geralt away from you, but you were still brave enough to try to be nice to me?"

She says nothing, just looks at her.

"I know this is different, all you've known for thr last couple years is him. You've been through tragedy twice over, and although I don't know why you're so upset about the baby, we want you to feel secure at home. About your place in this family, because you're always going to have a place with us."

She sniffles. "What do you think happens to kids like me? Orphans with nobody left to turn to? We get fostered so broody couples get their fill, but what do you think happens when they get a baby of their own? We get dumped back where they found us! What do you think happened to me when I was with Lija, and what happened with Zola and Yrga? They got pregnant, and I got dumped back into foster care. People like me get used and left behind, and it happens to all the kids who get a lucky break to get away from places like this. So forgive me if I'm not thrilled for it to happen again."

"I think it goes without saying that Ciri's got a few abandonment issues, because of previous foster placements. It's common in our children. Ciri was placed on medication after her previous placement fell through, we were all under the impression it would be a foster to adopt situation, as Mrs. Sodden desperately wanted a daughter. She got what she wanted, but Cirilla was the sacrifice."

She sniffles, looking down onto her lap, twisting the silver and emerald ring that belonged to her mother.

"Is that what you thought we'd do to you?" Geralt asks. "Have we not built up trust over the last couple years? I mean, we've been through your previous fosters, but I thought you trusted me more than that."

"Geralt, don't guilt trip her. This isn't about you, this is about Ciri's insecurities." Mike scolds him.

"Sweetheart, we'd never do that to you. We love you, you're ours just as much as this baby is. Moreso, because you made us parents long before this baby came along. We love you, girl. You're stuck with us, we promise we'd never cast you aside. Those people who did that didn't deserve you, you mean everything to us. You can't get rid of us that easily, Ciri."

[mrobson]

it’s my top singles of 2023!

100. Fall Out Boy - Hold Me Like A Grudge

099. YUNGBLUD - Hated

098. Beverley Knight - Systematic Overload

097. Alec Benjamin - Different Kind of Beautiful

096. PNAU. Bebe Rexha & Ozuna - Stars

095. Becky Hill & Chase & Status - Disconnect

094. Ava Max - Choose Your Fighter

093. Maisie Peters - Body Better

092. Måneskin - HONEY (ARE U COMING?)

091. Sigrid - The Hype

090. Sam Fischer - Hard To Love

089. Fred Again… & Obongjayar - adore u

088. Carly Rae Jepsen - Shy Boy

087. Kenya Grace - Strangers

086. Loreen - Is It Love

085. Zara Larsson - End Of Time

084. Zach Bryan & Kacey Musgraves - I Rememeber Everything

083. Tove Lo - Borderline

082. Alessandra - Pretty Devil

081. Paramore - Running Out Of Time

080. Rita Ora - You Only Love Me

079. Nothing But Thieves - Keeping You Around

078. Sam Smith - Man I Am

077. Alessandra - Queen of Kings

076. Maisie Peters - Run

075. Troye Sivan - One Of Your Girls

074. Jason Mraz - You Might Like It

073. Stormzy & RAYE -The Weekend

072. MUNA - One That Got Away

071. Anne-Marie & Shania Twain - UNHEALTHY

070. Jason Mraz - I Feel Like Dancing

069. Mimi Webb - Freezing

068. Jessie Ware - Freak Me Now

067. Jonas Brothers - Waffle House

066. Conan Grey - Never Ending Song

065. Sigala & MNEK - Radio

064. Taylor Swift - All Of The Girls You Loved Before

063. Paramore - C’est Comme Ca

062. Kelly Clarkson - mine

061. Tove Lo - I like u

060. Dylan ft. Bastille - Liar Liar

059. Zara Larsson - Can’t Tame Het

058. Jonas Brothers - Wings

057. Chase & Status & Hedex ft ArrDee - Liqour & Cigarettes

056. Romy - Loveher

055. Tate McRae - greedy

054. Conan Grey - Killing Me

053. Niall Horan - Meltdown

052. Billie Eilish - What Was I Made For?

051. Dagny - Same Again (For Love)

050. Jason Mraz - Feel Good Too

049. Tori Kelly - missin u

048. Becky Hill & Lewis Thompson - Side Effects

047. Kylie Minogue - Padam Padam

046. Leigh-Anne - Don’t Say Love

045.Jessie Ware - Pearls

044. Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding - Miracle

043. Troye Sivan - Got Me Startec

042. Måneskin - BABY SAID

041. Kelly Clarkson - roses

040. Maisie Peters - Lost The Breakup

039. Dopamine & Sigala - Feel It Deep Inside

038. Nathan Dawe & Bebe Rexha - Heart Still Beating

037. Zara Larsson & David Guetta - On My Love

036. Ed Sheeran - F64

035. Ellie Goulding - Like a Saviour

034. Loreen - Tattoo

033. Calvin Harris & Sam Smith - Desire

032. Fall Out Boy - Heartbreak Feels So Good

031. Rita Ora - Don’t Think Twice

030. Purple Disco Machine. Duke Dumont & Nothing But Thieves - Something On My Mind

029. Alec Benjamin - I Sent My Therapist To Therapy

028. Måneskin ft. Tom Morello - GOSSIP

027. Dagny - Heartbreak In The Making

026. Fall Out Boy - Love From The Other Side

025. Doechii - What It Is

024. Bimini - Rodeo

023.Jodie Harsh - Hectic

022. Charli XCX - Speed Drive

021. Alok. the Chainsmokers & Mae Stephens - Jungle

020. Nothing But Thieves - Welcome To The DCC

019. Romy - The Sea

018. Charli XCX & Sam Smith - In The City

017. Joel Corry, Icona Pop & Rain Radio - Desire

016. Regard & Ella Henderson - No Sleep

015. Carly Rae Jepsen - Psychedelic Switch

014. Romy - She’s On My Mind

013. Christine & The Queens - To be honest

012. Cian Ducrot - Heaven

011. cassö, RAYE & D Block Europe - Prada

010. Olivia Rodrigo - vampire

009. Everything Everything - Cold Reactor

008. Bebe Rexha - Call On Me

007. The Blessed Madonna ft. Jacob Lusk - Mercy

006. Taylor Swift - Cruel Summer

005. Swedish House Mafia - Ray Of Solar

004. Troye Sivan - Rush

003. Nothing But Thieves - Overcome

002. Jessie Ware - Begin Again

001. Romy - Enjoy Your Life

[casspurrjoybell-27]

Claimed by the Beast - Chapter 8b

*Warning: Adult Content*  

Strictly Physical - Part 2

- Knox -

"We've never had a break-in, so I would have to agree this is the safest place for him."

Gavin takes another drag of his cigarette, getting one final smoke in before Josie returns to his side.

"And... you know, if The Jackals ever take an interest in him, they can't do much because he's ours. We can use the situation to our advantage."

"He's mine," Knox clarifies, his jaw tight and fists clenched.

"And I'm not using him as a pawn."

Gavin pauses for a beat, quietly analyzing Knox's reaction.

"I hear you, brother. Since you're claiming him, I give you my word that he'll be protected at all costs. The club's resources are now his resources. Use them however you wish."

"Thanks."

Knox and Gavin shake on it, making things official.

He then has the bartender fix him up a drink to relax the nerves that Everett set fire to earlier.

The members who'd been eavesdropping cheer loudly in the background for Knox.

He's been alone since he got here, by choice and it's nice to see the grump finally take an interest in someone.

The real question is if the kid will be enough to tame Knox's inner beast.

After all, two are one in the same.

"I need to ask you about assigning a few guys to keep watch over his parent's and friend's houses," Knox adds. "Do we have any men to spare right now?"

Gavin nods.

"Pick whoever you want for the job. If they have a problem with it, send them to me."

"Will do."

"Hey, I ain't trying to bust your balls or anything like that but I've got to ask you this."

"What?"

Gavin shifts in his seat and lowers his voice.

"Are you falling for this kid?"

"No. It ain't like that at all. I'm just trying to keep him alive," Knox says.

Whether he fully believes that, well, it's still up for debate.

"Shit, now you're giving me that fucking look. I'm sick of it."

Gavin smiles.

"What look?"

"The same look your Ol' lady has been giving me since she first met Everett."

Knox downs the rest of his drink, welcoming the harsh burn that travels down his throat and settles into his chest.

"I am not falling for him. I don't do relationships and I damn sure don't do love. If anything, I'm one mistake away from fucking him. That's it. Strictly physical."

"Interesting. He's not your usual type, though, is he?" Gavin asks.

Knox shakes his head in response.

"You may not be falling for him but that doesn't mean he ain't already falling for you."

Knox scoffs at that.

"I'd be able to tell."

"Not always," Gavin smirks.

"When I first met Josie, I told myself she was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. Lust, I thought, was what drew me to her after we rescued her. I hadn't realized it was love until another bastard tried to steal her away from me. It struck me then that I couldn't live without her. That I had to make her mine."

"I think this conversation is getting off track," Knox mutters.

Gavin laughs loudly, waving a dismissive hand.

"I say all that to say be careful with the kid. Love is a beautiful thing but she can also be a ruthless bitch. She'll sneak up on you when you least expect it and won't think twice about ripping your heart out and shitting on it. Believe what you want but one thing you can't turn off completely are your feelings."

"Whatever you say, man." Knox has never been one to partake in emotional ass discussions, so he takes Gavin's words with a grain of salt.

After wrapping things up downstairs, he returns to his bedroom to find Everett and Josie cackling on the bed with a book between them.

They look like two best friends despite being strangers still.

"Am I interrupting?" Knox asks, stepping further inside.

"Yeah, actually. We were just about to get to the part where the monster uses his eight tentacles to..." Josie quiets when Everett playfully slaps her leg.

"Sorry, Knox. You, uh, wouldn't understand." 

Knox chuckles.

"Not sure that I want to."

"When I find the sequel, I'll lend it to you," Josie tells Everett before departing.

Knox locks the door behind her.

"What kind of filthy smut are you reading over there?" he asks.

"The kind you wouldn't be able to digest," Everett answers.

He bookmarks his spot and then sets the book aside, giving Knox his undivided attention.

"Did the talk with your Pres go well?"

"It did. Consider this your new home."

Knox walks over to the bed and sits next to Everett, his pulse racing as his mind replays their thrilling slip-up from earlier.

"About that rain check you owe me..."

Everett rolls his eyes, blushing.

"I don't recall either of us setting one."

"I just did and now I'm here to collect."

Knox is quick with his movements.

Everett squeals when he's snatched up and placed on Knox's lap, his hands resting on the man's bare shoulders.

"I like to finish what I start, kitten. Are you going to deny me?"

"I should."

Everett's heart thrums fast against his ribcage while his eyes focus on Knox's mouth.

"Do you want me to deny you?"

"What I want is to know what the inside of your mouth tastes like..." Knox whispers with a slight edge in his tone. "I want to know how tight and hot you'll feel around me when I'm buried deep inside you. Tell me you don't want the same and I'll call you a fucking liar."

Everett's breathing turns shallow, his hips instinctively jerking forward as Knox purposely shifts beneath him.

"I hate you so much."

Knox chuckles.

"And?"

"And..." Everett says. "I want the same."

[explicit-tae]

Public Enemy (Part 5)

Masterlist | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 6 | Part 7

Pairing: Hoseok x Reader

Genre: Smut, Angst, Mafia! Hoseok

Word Count: 6,463

Warning: edging, sadistic behavior, sex toys, dirty talk, dom!hoseok, manipulation, whipping, oral (f&m receiving), binding, reader was snatched from the street :( ,

Description: You wonder where Hoseok goes off to when his work phone calls at all times of the day and night. It’s a bother - especially when the two of you are on a date. You suspect he’s cheating on you and decide one night to follow him and witness just where he scurries of to.

"What's the word, baby?" Hoseok hums, his voice as sweet as ever as he ties the bonds against your wrist, bringing it behind your back (that laid flat against the bench).

You licks your lips, salivating at the sight of your boyfriend. His smile was kind as his eyes, but the way he stood above you fully clothed while you laid naked - legs wide open, ankles bound to the sex bench. "Strawberry."

It was a habit between Hoseok and you to choose a random and easy word - now it being Strawberry - as a safe word in case everything got far too much for you to handle. You rarely say the safe word, only having said it twice when the overstimulation got far too intense.

Hoseok smiles at you in response, the dark and twisted smile you enjoyed. Hoseok was a sweetheart, truly. He showered you with attention and love, always bringing you random gifts just because. He texted you throughout the day while he was at work, always making sure he responded within five minutes, and if he didn't, he'd let you know before hand he would be occupied and unable to.

But there were two sides of Jung Hoseok - the sadistic side you adored about him. It was like a flick of a switch. The first time Hoseok suggested he tied you up, he had apologized soon after at the thought, claiming that he would never degrade or take advantage of you. You agreed, mainly because of how cute and sympathetic he was about it. Now each time, you didn't mind being tied up, gagged and fucked into oblivion by the man.

Today was no different. Hoseok was a wealthy man and managed to set up a room outside of your shared bedroom just for the act of sex. It was a dark room only dimly lit. It displayed a full length ceiling mirror in which Hoseok would force you to look upon as he fucked you. Hoseok was no stranger when it came to toys - handcuffs, ball gags, vibrators and even dildos.

You laid upon the sex bench fully tied up, your legs wide open. Hoseok's fingers slap your clit. You jolt at the sensation it brings you. He enters his fingers inside of you roughly, you already dripping for him makes it easier for him. He pumps inside of you at a harsh and speedy pace. Your walls are clenching around his fingers and the sounds coming from your pussy are nothing but wetness - the sweet melody of your whimpers just added fuel to the fire.

You clenched your eyes shut as Hoseok rams his fingers inside of you. His thumb rubs against your clit as he does so. Your legs are shaking, aching to shut them tightly but aren't able to close them. "I'm going to cum." you whimper, eyes snaping shut and breathing heavy.

"Yeah?" Hoseok asks, his eyes scanning the way your pussy clenches around him. When he witness your nod, he chuckles and releases his fingers from inside you, slapping your clit harshly.

You scream out, back arching at the sudden release of his fingers. Hoseok comes behind you, stroking your hair. He gives you a dashing smile that makes your heart flutter. He proceeds to yank your hair back, forcing you to stare into his eyes. His lips connect to yours and you feel three of his fingers enter you once more.

You moan against his lips as he proceeds to fuck his fingers inside of you. Your neck begins to ache at the position Hoseok holds you, but you don't mind it. The way his fingers are pleasuring you are enough of a reward for being good for him.

Hoseok releases your lips from his, his tongue poking out to lick your cheek. His eyes stare into yours, fingers having no intentions of stopping the brutal pace.

You shake your head, stomach churning. Hoseok releases his pumping fingers to place them onto your clit. He rubs your clit hastily, smirking at the way you proceed to scream out at the overstimulation. "You're so slutty for me, baby." he chuckles, eyes darkening. "Your pussy's so wet for me. It's always so wet for me when I treat you like the whore you are."

"Please." you groan, sweat on your forehead. You could feel your high coming.

"Please what, baby?" Hoseok hums, his fingers not stopping their attack on your clit. "Do you want to cum?"

You nod your head fast. You lick your lips, your high coming any second now.

Hosoeok slaps your clit again, laughing out. "You'd thought I'd let you cum?" he mocks, head shaking. "A whore like you doesn't deserve to cum until I feel like you should."

You cry out, tears falling. Hoseok walks around you, humming as he grabs the toy from the wall shelf. He comes back, still humming. He holds the toy - the large black vibrator - and smirks at you. He turns it on, the chattering sound of the vibrator was mocking you as he inches it closer to you. He leans down, the vibrator circling your clit. His free hand brings his fingers back into your clit.

Your throat releases another scream. The vibrator against your clit feels heavenly - the fingers pumping your walls were added flare. It's what you adored about Hoseok, the pleasure he gave you (even if he was teasing and edging you on) was amazing. It was the first time you told him you loved him a few years back - something he still laughs about until this day.

Your bound wrist tug against the ropes, your back arches and jolts. Your eyes are now rolling to the back of your head and your head is shaking from side to side. Breathing hard, you're stuttering out nonsense - nothing but uncoherant murmurs.

Hoseok removes his fingers and the vibrator from your clit. He marvels at the tears streaming down your face and the screams of pleas - begging him to allow you to cum. He could record your moans and pleas and replay them time and time again and still never get tired of it. You were a beauty - allowing him to tease you for his own sick satisfaction. His cock was heard inside his jeans, seeking its own release.

Hoseok turns off the vibrator and places it upon the shelf once more. He grabs ahold of the leather whip - nothing that would hurt you too bad. But you were one of the same as him, after all. You enjoyed the act of pain. You enjoyed when he'd slap your ass until he left marks - leaving it swollen and wanting more. You'd beg him to keep hurting you - pleading for him to slap you, pull your hair and to do whatever he desired.

He loved you - and he loved what you allowed him to do to you.

Hoseok brings the whip and slaps it down against your body, hitting your breast, stomach and clit. You jolt, eyes wide but lip biting back your moans.

"It's incredible, Y/N," Hoseok slapped the whip against your clit again, and proceeded to. Your moans increase by each slap. "how much you'd allow me to use your body. My little masochist."

You hum in satisfaction. You know your clit would be swollen - just how you'd like it. Hoseok comes closer to you, the whip slapping against your clit. His free hands come to twist and pinch your nipple.

"You like that, don't you?" Hoseok snickers. "You're such a whore, Y/N. My little whore to hurt, right?" Hoseok tugs on your nipple tightly without warning.

You release a scream, your pussy clenching around nothing. "Y-Yes!" you managed to grunt out. "I'm you're whore."

Hoseok beams. "I know." he retorts. He throws the whip to the side and plays with his pants. You hum, waiting for whatever he was about to do next. You were ready to get fucked - either through between your legs or your throat, whatever he preferred.

Hoseok releases his cock, throwing his pants off without a care in the world. He reaches for you, your mouth already open to take him. He places the tip against your tongue, tapping it against the soft flesh. "You're so hungry to suck cock." Hoseok disclosed, sucking in a breath when you lick along on the tip of his cock.

"I want you to fuck my mouth." you declared, teary eyes pleading up at him.

Hoseok shudders. You were gorgeous just for him, and you understood he'd do anything for you, even if you were the one bound.

Hoseok pushes his cock into your mouth that widens to take him all. He thrusts inside of you, your mouth - warm and wet - feels marvelous around him. His hands tighten into your hair, gripping it as he thrusts deep into your throat.

You could feel yourself leaking onto the bench at this moment. Hoseok was never one to hold back when it comes to sex - and you never minded if he did or not. You relished at the pain and sexual torture Hoseok displayed. You would've never thought you'd enjoy pain, but with Hoseok you adored everything he did to you.

"Fucking bitch." Hoseok moans out, his cock twitching inside your mouth. He could never last long when it came to being inside of you. He slaps your cheek. "I'm going to cum. Should I cum in your throat or on your face?"

You hum, even though it's nothing but incoherent with a cock in your mouth. Hoseok thrusts for a few more seconds, his breathing quickening. He releases himself from your throat and pumps the flying cum onto your face. He rubs it into your skin, around your cheeks and onto your lips.

A loud ring brings the two of you out of your bliss. Hoseok releases a groan. He takes a few steps back and rummages through his pockets. "I thought we said there were no phones allowed here." you hiss.

"You know I can't leave my work phone, baby." Hoseok sighs. He lifts his phone and glares at it. "Shit." he hisses at the familiar name on the phone.

You watch in disbelief, still bound with cum dripping down your face, as Hoseok answers the phone and brings it to his ear.

"What?!" Hoseok hisses lowly to Taehyung.

"No hello?" Taehyung retorts. "Rude."

"I'm about to hang up. It's not a good time." Hoseok threatens. "What do you need?"

"Shin should be done within the next 30 minutes. In an hour I'm expected to meet him to get my money." Taehyung speaks. "We need to act fast on the plan."

Hoseok clenches the phone in his ear. "Where's Jimin?"

"Dealing with his girls."

"Jungkook?"

"Brooding." Taehyung sighs. "Something about getting ignored. I don't know or care...you're my last hope, Hyung."

Hoseok releases a deep sigh, his nerves kicking in. He clenches his teeth. "You owe me for this." he curses. "I'll be there in 10."

Hoseok enters, an annoyed expression on his face. "I have to go to work." he murmurs sullenly.

"You're fucking with me." you claimed. He wasn't, his face said it all. "Now? It's the middle of the night!"

"I know, baby!" Hoseok plays with the rob around your wrist until they loosen. "But you know I have to. It's important." He does the same to your ankles.

"It's always important." you roll your eyes. You sit up on the bench, taking the rag from Hoseok's hand when he passes it to you. You wipe your face, disappointed in, yet again, another cock block. "What do you even need to do?"

"Do you want me to bore you with work?" Hoseok grins. He grabs his pants and puts them back on. "I'll be back in no time, okay baby?" he kisses your forehead. "Do you need anything while I'm out?"

You shake your head, not saying anything when he and you walk out of the dark room. You're still naked when he finds his car keys and runs out the door.

You're now fuming at the audacity of Jung Hoseok. As long as you two have been together, he was vague on what he did for a living. You knew he was in foreign exchange - he displayed the many new luxury cars he had bought and sold throughout the country and even outside of it. But, that doesn't explain the random phone calls on the work phone he had. They came whenever - and he'd drop everything to go attend it.

Your mind was telling you he was cheating. Yes, you loved him and you knew he loved you, too. But, he was a man after all. And men could smile in your face one moment and then be off with another woman in the next second - it was in their nature. No matter how many times you consoled yourself that he wasn't like that, you had no other explanation for his actions.

So you were quick to fix yourself up and go out the door, your phone following his. You managed to grab ahold of his personal phone while he slept, not finding anything on it. His work phone, however, had a passcode while his personal had not. You shared his location with your phone and tracking him down was easy.

You laid low, making sure your lights were off. This was crazy, sure. But you needed answers and Hoseok was not going to be the one to give any to you. So yes, you did follow him and park a few cars down to see him and another man - both masked - approaching another man.

Your eyes widen as Hoseok brings out a gun and points it at the man. The other man proceeds to slap the victim who falls face first onto the ground. You proceeded to witness your boyfriend and an accomplice attack this man, frightened and frozen.

You duck down when you see them grab whatever was in the doffle bag, you assume a large amount of cash - what else would they be taking? They proceed to scurry off, not caring if the man was left in a bad position or not.

Your breathing quickens and one things for sure - Hoseok was not the man he said he was and you needed to leave as soon as possible.

You haven't seen Hoseok in little over a month, that same night after witnessing him and an accomplice rob a man - who ends up dead - you packed whatever you could and made your way out. You managed to ignore whatever calls Hoseok made to your phone and refused to open any messages or listen to any voicemails. They came in at all times of the day and night, the words getting menacing as the days pass. There was nothing left to be said to him - you didn't know the man he truly was. You had no desire to stick around after witnessing him rob a man.

You missed him, as ashamed as you were to admit. He was the man you loved - even after witnessing him being another side of him. Sure Hoseok was a different man during sex - more dominant than ever. However, sex and everyday life with him was different. You witness the man scream at the top of his lungs because a cockroach flew at him.

Yet and still, you felt as though you didn't know who he truly was or what he did for work. You never questioned him but was it idiotic to think he had a legal job with legal money coming through?

After your conversation with the detective you had left the police station with your head low, avoiding everyone. You were jumpy to say the least, always looking over your shoulders expecting to see Hoseok - the menacing glare you used to love now frightens you.

You no longer had the car - it was Hoseok's after all. After you packed whatever you could, you parked the car back at his home and dropped off the keys, making sure you didn't forget to place the house key next to it. You didn't have a lot of bags so walking from Hoseok's home to your brothers apartment wasn't much - even if it did take you about half an hour. It's the same home you once lived in prior to moving in with Hoseok. Your brother being in the military basically made it your home - and you were glad Hoseok didn't know where you resided.

You walked to the places you needed to be now. It reminded you of your life prior to meeting Hoseok. You got far too comfortable with allowing him to fund your lifestyle - even if you didn't need it. But, now that you were back living on your own, you'd grow into the independance you once had.

At first it was different. You were alone in your brother's large home with nothing to do. You didn't necessarily have to work - you had a big bank account thanks to an inheritance. But, with nothing else to do you decide to find a job away from crowded areas. You wanted to avoid Hoseok and where he'd be at in general.

That's how you find yourself working in a quiet book store with little to no customers besides the same familiar faces. You organized books in alphabetical order, dusted book shelves and stock new releases. You wouldn't lie and say the job was interesting, but it stopped you from being home.

You got off at night and walked home, making sure that you walked in plain sight. The first few weeks of you doing this, you felt normal. The walk from work to back home wasn't long and in ten minutes you were there. However, as the weeks led on you felt uneasy. You couldn't explain the way you felt, but it was as though you were being followed. Your discernment was almost never wrong, especially when you heard footsteps behind you seemingly closing in.

You start to run, your heart pumping. You could hear the footsteps running behind you. You aren't sure what your plan was to do but to run as fast as you could. Your mind is swirling in the possibilities of being caught by the mysterious person following you. You weren't prepared and didn't have anything to protect yourself. You felt foolish at least not having pepper spray to defend yourself.

You release a scream that's muffled when you feel arms wrap around you. You're kicking, an attempt to get the arms off of you but there's no use. You're being dragged from the lonely sidewalk and you feel tears swell into your eyes. Your ears hear tires screeching to a halt and soon you're being thrown into a vehicle. You tried as hard as you could to get out but are left with no choice when the man roughly shoves you down and soon the car is moving.

Before your eyes could adjust to your surroundings, you feel something wrap around your eyes, blind folding you and leaving you temporarily blinded. You remain quiet as the men around you drive and speak in low, hushed tones. You don't speak and find it useless to - they were determined to do whatever they wished to you.

Your life seems to flash before your eyes. You regret getting a job somewhere far from the city and leave you in this position to be taken in the middle of the walking home. You feel foolish for not purchasing a car to take you to and from work and over all...you feel foolish for thinking you'd get far in life trying to do everything alone.

"Is she asleep?" you hear a man's voice say after what feels like hours. You weren't asleep but remaining quiet felt like the better option than crying and screaming like you desired.

A rough shake makes you jump out of your skin. You're still blindfolded when the car comes to an abrupt stop. You hear the car turn off and the doors open before you're being snatched up. You yelp, almost falling if it wasn't for the unknown man catching you. "Walk straight." he says, the voice deep and smooth.

You do as you're told, trembling. You still don't know your surroundings due to the fabric around your eyes, but you do your best in walking. You're stopped by the unknown man again who grabs your shoulder. He swiftly pulls the fabric from your eyes and pushes you forward.

Your eyes adjust to your surroundings. It appears as though you entered a dressing room, a sea of people - mainly women, enclosing the large room. Full length mirrors and vanities face the walls, women crowding it and doing their make-up and hair.

"Ah, you're finally here!" a woman who appeared a few years older than you say. She takes your wrist and drags you along. "We've been waiting for you. You have to get ready and speak with Jimin-ssi."

"There must be a mistake-" you attempt to pry your wrist from her but she doesn't move. You didn't know Jimin - or know where the hell you've been taking. But it dawned on you quickly that whoever brought you here had nefarious motives. The women dressed in lingerie - different types. Some more revealing than most, some role-play types and even skin-tight leather of a dominatrix roll.

"No mistake, babe." the woman giggles. She takes you behind a few curtains where not many women are seated. She releases a sigh. "Jimin-ssi stated that he was waiting for a newcomer. Said she owed a debt and..." she eyes you up and down. "I'm sure that's you."

Your eyes widen. You owed nothing to anyone by the name of Jimin. Your heart pounds from your chest and you frantically shake your head. "He must got the wrong girl, I-"

"Please." the woman sighs out. "It'll be easier if you just go in and meet him, okay? Even if you think he has the wrong girl, he'll be the judge of that."

You try to fight against the remaining woman around you who forces your clothes off and scoffs at your regular bra and panties underneath. "You need something more..." the woman turns away from you, her eyes scanning the rack of lingerie. "more daring. Try this."

You don't try it - but that doesn't mean the women don't do it for you. You felt utterly violated at the moment, being forced into lingerie to see a man that claimed he was owed a debt. The lingerie itself consisted of nothing but harnesses. Your breast, ass and damn it, your crotch, was out. "I'm not wearing-"

"Put this robe on." one woman shushes you, throwing you a silk rob. You do hastily, enjoying the little warmth and privacy - not much - the rob gives you. "Follow me. I'll show you to Jimin-ssi. Remember, he's the boss, alright? If you aren't the girl then you'll be released-"

"Released after being kidnapped and violated?" you snap, eyes narrowing at the woman.

"It's not our fault, babe." the woman shakes her head. "A lot of people try to run from their debts. Jimin-ssi knows everyone that owes him money." she takes you to a large iron door, the glass behind it stained for privacy reasons. She knocks three times before turning to you. "If we're wrong, trust me you'll be released and compensated."

You weren't convinced. Behind the door you hear the word 'Enter' and the woman gives you a curt nod before twisting the knob on the door and opening it. She gently pushes you inside and closes it behind her. The room itself was dim, the velvet, burgundy curtains hide the large windows. You see a man seated at a desk. He raises his eyes at your arrival and he lets out a joyful laugh. "Y/N-ah. You're here."

You cross your arms over your chest uncomfortably. He spoke as if he knew you and you never saw this man a day in your life. He was attractive, sure, but he was nothing but a glorified pimp. He stands, slowly strolling around his desk. His hair appears freshly dyed into a bold platinum color and he wears a royal blue velvet suit.

"You have the wrong-"

"I have the right one." the man interrupts you, waving his hand dismissively. "You were a tough one to find, I'll admit."

You raise your brows.

"I barely got into this much stress with my own woman. Nonetheless," Jimin claps his hands together. "You're needed elsewhere."

"I said you got the wrong girl!" you hiss, heart pumping. You weren't about to be sold off to a brothel when you owed no one money of the sorts.

"Nonsense." Jimin smiles - it was a sickening sweet yet sinister smile. He reaches you in seconds and wraps a tight hand around your shoulder. "Follow me."

You shove him away from you but it does nothing but make Jimin grab your bicep and yank you along with him out the door and down the hall. The looks you got from the woman you passed told you that not many people went through this with Jimin.

You reach a dark wooden door when Jimin releases you. You take a few steps away from him, ready to run if needed.

"Y/N."

You feel your blood run cold at the familiar voice behind you. You don't turn right away, your mind asking how in the world you got yourself back into this mess that was Jung Hoseok.

"Ah, Hyung." Jimin claps his hands. "You're supposed to be in the room."

Your head snaps around to face Hoseok. He appears the same, dressed casually - even for a place like this. Your hands clench into fists. "You're the reason I was kidnapped?!" you hissed at him.

"Kidnapped?" Hoseok tilts his head, eyes flickering from you to Jimin. "I didn't-"

"Blah, blah." Jimin rolls his eyes. "Get in the room and start fucking please." Jimin was done with Hoseok's brooding due to not having you around - all the attempts to find you ended with nothing. It was his own fault for thinking you deserved privacy, he should've chipped your phone when he had the chance.

"Jimin..." Hoseok sighs. When he got the call from Jimin to come to Persona immediately, he thought it was something other than you wearing nothing but a robe and appearing utterly terrified. "What's going on?"

"Is she not your girlfriend?" Jimin squints his eyes. "The one you been crying for weeks over?"

Hoseok clicks his tongues.

"We don't have all day, hyung." Jimin rolls his eyes impatietnly. "I'm tired of seeing you and Yoongi-hyung sulking over pussy. If you'd listen to me, you would've chipped her phone and took away all her resources."

Your eyes widen. You're taken aback - just what kind of man did you get yourself into? Jimin spoke as if what he was saying was normal - and the act of Hoseok not doing it was a reason to throw it in his face.

"Get me the fuck out of here." you hiss at Hoseok. You were cold, shivering at this point, and didn't need to hear anything from the glorified pimp any longer.

"Hm." Jimin raises his brow. He glances at Hoseok then at you. "I guess you better do what you're told, Hobi-hyung." Jimin shrugs. He knows his hyung enough to know that he's a ticking time bomb. "I'll be in my office when you feel like crying to me again."

Jimin's footsteps died down and all Hoseok could do was look at you. You're fuming at him, rightfully so. He had no intention of Jimin stepping in and kidnapping you and sending you here. He would've preferred if Jimin told him he knew of your whereabouts.

"Y/N-"

"Save it." you interrupt. "Just take me home. I left you for a reason and this stunt-"

"What was the reason?" Hoseok speaks over you, eyes darkening. "I called you. I messaged you and you ignored them all."

"Can you fucking blame me?" you snap. "I'm in a fucking brothel, Hoseok! You killed a guy for fucks sake!"

"Killed a guy...?" Hoseok scans your features. "What are you talking about? I didn't kill anyone." Recently.

"That drug dealer in the news." you cross your arms, examining his reaction. "I saw you and someone else robbed him. All of a sudden he ends up dead? Who else-"

"You followed me?" Hoseok's voice was deep and firm. He was upset - something he had no right to be. He wasn't kidnapped, blind-folded and stripped of his clothes. "That was business. I didn't kill him."

You scoff. "Sure." you weren't convinced - but at this point it didn't matter. The man was dead and you were determined to get away from Hoseok and remain that way.

"I'm serious." Hoseok takes a step closer to you. "I wouldn't lie to you."

"You have already. I don't even know you." you snicker at him, but regardless, you're hurt. You loved Hoseok and learning of what he does and who he truly is, it makes you feel foolish.

"You do know me." Hoseok is in front of you in a matter of seconds. "I'm the same man I've always been. I've never been treated you bad."

You gulp. He was telling the truth - he was nothing but good to you. Great, even.

"Come back home." Hoseok pleads, his eyes staring deeply into your own. "We can forget-"

"What exactly do you do for a living?" you had to know. After what you witnessed a month prior, you were sure that wasn't his first time. He and the man were far too comfortable.

"Y/N...baby..." Hoseok sighs. He didn't need you knowing and ultimately being afraid of him. The less you know the better. "Please don't make me do this."

"A man is dead." you deadpan. "I'm basically naked in a brothel after being snatched off the street after work. Are any of these girls here because they want to?"

"Yes!" Hoseok rushes. "Jimin doesn't get his girls that way. They're here because they want to. This isn't a regular brothel Y/N. These girls get paid millions of won each time." Hoseok doesn't want to explain his job to you, but he didn't need you assuming that they were monsters kidnapping unwilling women. "Jimin is...he's different. I never knew he'd do this, baby. Just come home with me and I'll-"

"I want to go home." you clench your fist. "Not with you."

Hoseok's shoulders lowers. "Why won't you listen to me?"

"I don't want anything to do with you, Hoseok! Why won't you listen to me?!" you yell, anger rising. You've never yelled at Hoseok before and it catches you off guard just as it does him. His eyes darken, a familiar shade that you've only seen while being intimate. "Hoseok-"

"I've been good to you, Y/N. I could've had you chipped like a bitch like my brothers wanted me to." Hoseok spats. You take a step back at the venom in his voice. "I could've dragged you out of here by your hair and forced you to stay with me. I'm giving you a choice."

Your eyes narrow at him. Hoseok stands tall, his glare returning just as frightening. He wasn't going to allow you to leave him again - no matter how pissed you were now.

"My choice is to get dragged out of here and chipped like a dog or what?" you retort. He wasn't being rational, and you wanted nothing more than to leave his presence all together.

"You stay here." Hoseok shrugs. "You're already dressed for the part."

Your face falls. Your lip trembles at his words. "You're lying." you murmur. He wouldn't leave you here - he couldn't.

"The choice is yours." Hoseok says. He steps forward until he's directly in front of you. You can smell the familiar freshly clean scent of clementine and lavender - an aroma that fills your nostrils and made you almost mold into him.

"Fuck you." you murmur. You turn your face away. He wouldn't leave you here - you were sure of it. He was bluffing to get you to come with him and you weren't entertaining him.

Hoseok chuckles. "Okay." he says. He snatches your forearm and yanks you towards the door - the room in which Jimin was once going to have you in. He opens the door with a slam and throws you inside. You stumble in, shocked at the sudden action. Before you can say anything, he slams the door shut.

You run towards the door, banging against it roughly. You yell obscenities at him, demanding he let you out. The door doesn't open, and after what feels like hours you're crying, exhausted. Your heart is beating out your chest and you knew you were a mess.

You don't see Hoseok for a few days - you know time simply because a few women have arrived to allow you to eat. You pleaded for them to let you go but none of them listened - all claiming you'd soon come to your senses and love the brothel.

The room you slept in was extravagant. Large with tall ceilings, clean with ceiling lights that turned on or off when you clapped - a feature you never knew was real outside of television. The bed is laid in the middle, a queen size bed with luxuriously comfortable sheets and bedding. Each morning you left the room to shower - but didn't receive anything else besides the same harness you wore. It was as though you were made to be uncomfortable.

A knock sounds on the door before you hear someone enter. It's a regular woman who has been helping you "adjust", her name was Yong-sun. She gives you a curt smile before motioning you to follow her. She leads you to another room where more women are leaving as you enter.

"Why am I here?" you ask lowly.

"You have to receive your tattoo." Yong-sun says. She leads you to a chair where a man is seated, waiting for you to seat yourself.

Your eyes widen. "What tattoo?"

"...all the girls get a tattoo when they work under Bangtan." Yong-sun murmurs. "It was in the contract."

"I didn't sign a fucking contract!" you hiss. You weren't getting branded - you weren't even here willingly. "Where's Jimin?"

"Jimin-ssi is-" you don't wait for her to finish. You're making a run for it down the carpet halls, other staff and women watching you with curious eyes as you do.

"Y/N-ah. Jimin-ssi is in a meeting! We can't-"

You continue to run to his office, not caring. You wanted out of this and you refused to be tattooed. This wasn't normal - this felt like a cult.

You reach the familiar ironed door and don't bother knocking. You slam the door open. Jimin was indeed in a meeting with other men - one of them being Hoseok.

Hoseok turns to look at you. "Y/N." he says.

"Get me the fuck out of here!" you screech at him. He is seated between a few unfamiliar men.

"You wanted to stay." Hoseok deadpans. "Have you got your tattoo yet?"

You're furious. And when you're upset, you don't think rationally. You lunge at Hoseok, throwing whatever punches you could at him. You land a few before he manages to stop you, barking at you to stop.

Jimin tsks, shaking his head. "Sexual frustration." he says, eyeing Taehyung across from him. "I told them to fuck it out."

"Fuck you. You're all fucking crazy!" you screech, but the men don't move a muscle.

"Heard that before." one man murmurs, scrolling on his phone. He's tall, his long legs stretched out.

"Let me go home!"

"You are home." Jimin laughs. "Now, you need your tattoo-"

"I'm not being branded!"

Hoseok yanks you away from lunging at Jimin who doesn't flinch. He finds the situation amusing. Hoseok was the one who would claim that the rest were crazy for dealing with women who would harm them - yet here you sat fighting Hoseok without a care in the world. The irony.

Your mouth claps down on Hoseok's arm when he attempts to wrap them around you. You feel the iron taste of blood in your mouth just as Hoseok hisses.

"Did she just-" one man murmurs.

"She did." another sighs. "Hyung is gonna be pissed."

Hoseok yanks your hair, dragging you out of the office. His brothers watch with wide eyes - but amusement nonetheless. "It's what he deserves." Jimin shrugs.

You're kicking and screaming in Hoseok's arms as he takes you to the familiar room. You grab ahold of him so he doesn't slam the door in your face again. Yong-sun is behind him, eyes wide at the ordeal.

"Hurry up and tattoo her." Hoseok demands with a low growl. He glares at you.

"No!" you kick, but Yong-sun didn't work for you. Bangtan were signing her checks after all. She attempts to hold you down but you do nothing but kick her.

"You'll be ready to work once you have your tattoo, Y/N." Hoseok holds you down himself, ignoring your screams and soon pleads for him to release you. "You chose this life inside of being with me."

The man inches closer to you. You are unsure how he manages to bring the tattoo gun onto your ankle and tattoo without messing up - but he does. It takes 10 minutes for him to do so, but once he is done - you're crying real tears. You've stopped struggling 5 minutes in, accepting your fate.

Yong-sun and the man leave and now you and Hoseok are in the room alone. He hates to hear you cry, but he remains silent.

"I'll be going, Y/N." Hoseok murmurs, turning away.

"Please don't leave me, Hobi." you cry, reaching out for him. "I want to go home with you."

Hoseok smirks to himself. He's got you where he knew you'd be. He turns to you, leaning down to wipe your tears. "Are you sure?" he questions. "You won't leave me again, right?"

You shake your head. The traumatic experience was enough for you to never want to leave the house again.

Hoseok kisses your forehead. He hugs you close to his chest. "Of course you can come back home, baby." he hushes, rubbing your back. "Let me tell my brothers I'm taking you home, alright? Stay here. I'll be back, I promise."

You sniffle, bringing your knees to your chest when Hoseok leaves, shutting the door gently behind him. Your eyes glance down to your ankle, your blood running cold. The tattoo itself had nothing to do with Bangtan and everything to do with Hoseok himself. The tattoo seemingly stared back at you mockingly, the Hangul letters spelling his own name.

I feel like this one was lacking something but as of now - it'll do the trick :')

@silversparkles11 @juju-227592

[hufflesight]

hi! if you can, may i please have a kaz brekker x wife!reader where the dregs are very protective of her cause she's kaz's wife and one day someone's being a creep to her and like they're all just protective of her, including kaz?

thanks love

Description: Kaz defends his wife from a drunk asshole.

(YAY A REQUEST PLEASE SEND SOME IN YOU ALL HAVE SUCH GREAT IDEAS)

Warnings: Harassment, a minor bit of violence, language ig?

Words: 1,063

Marrying Kaz Brekker had been the most joyous and strangest event of her life. The "ceremony" had been small, taking place in a back room of the Slat with only the five other crows in attendance. But as they looked at one another, as Kaz promised to protect Y/n against all the horrors of the Barrel, she'd never loved him more.

However, she'd quickly learned that the horrors of Barrel doubled in size when on was the wife of Kaz. After being kidnapped twice and having to fight her way out of numerous abandoned buildings merely because people figured she had information on her husband, he'd considered having Inej follow her multiple times. She hated the idea, though, and merely honed her skills, until she could bring down even the Wraith if it was required.

Something she couldn't prepare for, though, was the other men, who would pull her over to darkened corners of the club and whisper into her ears until she managed to escape.

She could handle kidnappings, but she could only take so many creeps. And that was what the rest of the crows were there for.

---

The sun was starting to set, the golden light glistening and shimmering as shadows lengthened. Inside a bustling Crow Club, Y/n sat at the only table with a window. It was her favorite spot; and ever since marrying Kaz, no on dared sit there. There were no drinks in front of her, she was merely sitting and staring out of the small, dusty window. It'd been a long day of planning, one that had been proceeded by a restless night worrying. The heist they'd been working on for weeks now was coming up. It had reached the point where neither Y/n nor Kaz had any free time, studying every document and note, checking to see if there were any weaknesses.

Y/n would never understand people who called Kaz heartless; even when it was Kaz himself. Seeing him staying it up long past sunset to ensure the plans had no possible dangers for the rest of the crows always warmed her heart, no matter if he had a hard time expressing it outwardly. With Kaz, it wasn't what he said, what he did, that mattered, it was why. That was what Y/n had learned after years of working alongside him. After years of loving him.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a hand roughly grabbing her arm. She jumped, shoving the hand away before even turning to see who it was. Kaz would never grab her like that, and the hand certainly didn't feel like anyone else she knew.

So she wasn't surprised when she turned to see a strangers face mere inched from her. Jumping off her chair, she backed up from him.

"Hello pretty," the man's words were slurred as he advanced toward her on unsteady feet. Definitely drunk, then. "You're Brekker's girl, aren't you... a shame, really."

Her hands felt the corner of the room behind her, and she swore quietly under her breath.

"Y'know... you c-could... get a real man... I'm sure that bastard doesn't treat you right-"

The irony of the man trapping her in a corner speaking to 'treating her right' didn't pass her, but she was slightly preoccupied. The man's acrid breath stung her nose as she prepared to punch him the second he got in range of the fist she'd slowly been curling.

She never needed to, though, because just then a cane came up to rest just under the man's chin.

"Back away from my wife." Kaz's voice was rough, harsh, but nothing would ever be able to stop the rush of joy than ran through her every time she was reminded that he was her husband. Her eyes fell to the small ring resting on his finger, and a smile lightly lifted on her face.

The man backed away, his eyes never leaving hers, causing her to shiver. But a second later, Inej appeared by her side, making sure she was okay, that nothing had escalated. After reassuring her friend everything was fine, her attention drifted back to Kaz, who had finally lowered his cane.

"Do you want to explain yourself, or should I? Because to me, it appears you were backing my wife into a corner." He said, glowering at the man, who was shrinking back slightly.

"Trust me s-she was... liking it-"

Kaz snorted. "She was about to hit you." His voice lowered in pitch and volume as he continued. "You should be thanking me, because trust me, my girl can throw a punch."

The man took one look at Kaz, before sprinting toward the exit, surprisingly steadily for a man who had mere minutes ago tripped on his own feet. There wasn't any fear of him getting out, though, as only seconds later he was stopped by the barrel of Jesper's gun on his forehead.

"Yeah, mate, I don't think Kaz was done with you yet."

Jesper guided the man back to where now the entire group of the crows was waiting to see just what Kaz would do.

"Now, Y/n, my dear?"

Y/n looked up, meeting Kaz's eyes. "Yes?" She asked innocently, despite having a pretty good idea of what Kaz was about to ask her.

"Do you want to punch him, or should I?"

"You can do the honors."

He nodded, but this eyes lingered on hers for a second. Checking if she was okay, she realized. She made a tiny nod back, and Kaz turned. Mere seconds later, a bruise was forming on the man's cheek.

"If I ever see you again anywhere near this place, you're going to regret it, alright?"

The man nodded, his eyes large and in pain. Y/n felt no sympathy, though; she was pretty sure she'd seen the same man harass other woman around the Barrel. He'd just finally been caught by someone who wouldn't put his word above theirs, though.

As the man staggered out, Nina yelled after him, "And stay out!"

"wasn't that implied in Kaz's threat?" Matthias asked teasingly.

"You-" she paused, "Shut up,"

As the group descended into chaos, Kaz walked over to Y/n. "We should improve watch for men like him." He said, as his gloved hand slowly drifted into hers.

"We should." Y/n said, weaving their fingers together.

[missluckycharms]

Could you do a smut at anne's house(harry's mum's house)????

Three Taps.

Summary: in which Y/N has to sneak into Harrys house at night to be alone with him and Harry loves hot chocolate with pink marshmallows.

A/N: this is a high school Harry x Y/N fic, both are eighteen in this, just keep that in mind as they are in high school but they’re of age.

Masterlist.

Warnings: Dom!Harry, oral sex, praise kink, size kink, gagging, dirty talk, Harry tends to be a sarcastic asshole even when they’re doing the devils tango.

Word count: 3.4K

—

Three taps.

Thats what Harry told Y/N to do, tap three times on his bedroom window and he’d let her in. It’s been their code every few nights when she would sneak over to his house, or he would sneak into hers. Sure, they’re both eighteen, but as all parents say “my house, my rules” so they have to abide by that, kind of.

The pair have only been dating for a little over six months now, both of them graduating soon and moving away for college, but they’ll work around that when the time comes, for now, they have have to work around how Harry can fuck his girlfriend just the way they like, without his Mum waking up and finding them both in bed together, that wouldn’t be a pretty picture Harry thinks.

He’s on red alert, Y/N texting him nearly ten minutes ago saying she successfully snuck out and is now on her way over, the walk to his house is usually fifteen minutes, but she doesn’t mind, she’ll do anything to spend time with Harry — the same Harry who would fold someone up like a pretzel and shove them in a locker if they called him a name, but if Y/N did it, she would get a small smirk and a wink, knowing exactly what hers and only hers punishment was for that.

Harry is a complicated person, to his friends he’s nice - ish, to strangers he looks cold and like he would use you as his skateboard face down on the tarmac if you looked at him wrong, sure he would do that — but he’s not like that under all his rough exterior, he has a warm heart and loves squishy cuddles, and he also loves marshmallows in his hot chocolate, but only Y/N sees that side of him — he only allows her and his Mum to see that side of him. It took him a long time to actually soften up to her, the girl being persistent that she knew what he was really like, he’d shrug and laugh it off saying she was crazy, but when him and his Mum got into an argument and he showed up to Y/N’s house at nearly two in the morning, soaking from the rain and his cheeks tear stained — she knew he finally let down all his walls, he needed her and she gave him what he needed in that time, a hug and a mug of hot chocolate with pink only pink! Marshmallows.

Ever since he opened up to her that night, sipped on her heavenly made hot chocolate, he knew that he could always be safe with her, he would always know that she’s there when he needs her most and visa versa. They’re deemed the “odd couple” in school due to Harry being so cold and Y/N being the slightly quiet and lovable girl who would rather hug someone to death than shove them in a locker and leave them there, but somehow their differences only draw them together and make them one of the best couples there is, they balance one another out — Harry brings out Y/N’s crazy and adventurous side while Y/N brings out Harrys soft and calm side, opposites attract, and they’re living proof of it happening.

He jumps when the small three taps are heard at his window, his body immediately kneeling up and pulling across his curtains, looking down at her stood in his front garden with a hand full of small pebbles from his Mums flower garden (she always returns them) she’s smiling up at him, his own body on his bed right next to his window as he peers down at her, clad in his red baggy hoodie and her black leggings, her hair poking out from the hood of the hoodie as she waits for him to open the window.

“Ladder is by the gate baby” he whispers loudly down to her, she barely hears as she nods, making her way towards the back gate leading to their garden. She grabs it, making sure to not fall or it will wake his Mum up. Harry is practically hanging out the window when she rests the ladder against the wall, looking up at him as she wipes her forehead ridding the sweat.

“Sometimes, I think you only do this so I’ll get off my ass and actually work out” she grumbles falling in through his window and onto his bed, his laugh low as he pulls her jelly like body in, her laughs coming out as pants as he rests her down onto his pillow before shutting his window quietly, his ears on high alert for any movements from his Mums room across the hall.

“You’re just a lazy bum, sometimes I think you may pass out if you walk too much” he jokes looking down at her as she rolls her eyes, pulling down the hood and freeing her hair.

“I hate you. Fuck me, is your heating on?!” She says pulling his hoodie from her body, throwing it onto the floor and leaving her in only a sports bra and leggings, Harrys eyes widening at how easily she slipped it off and laid back down with no care in the world.

“Mum likes to keep it on, apparently her toes get cold in the night no matter what time of year it is” he rolls his eyes, leaning down to hover over her, forearms on either side of her head as she bites her lip smiling up at him giddily.

“No wonder you sleep naked, feels like a furnace” she jokes as Harry hums kissing her neck, her eyes rolling back at the feeling as she wraps her legs around his waist, their crotches grinding down on one another’s as they breath heavily trying to avoid moaning loudly — they both found out they love being vocal in bed, one day Harry was home alone and him and Y/N practically screamed down the house, he’s surprised Mrs Walker next door didn’t ring the police.

“Need to be quiet for me baby, okay?” He says whispering in her ear, her breathy moans being masked by his neck, her lips all over him as he rolls his head back, allowing her more access as she bites and nips at his skin, leaving behind marks that he’ll have to steal some of his Mums makeup to mask over when he’s walking around.

“Should be saying that to you, mister loud mouth” she jokes in a whisper by his ear, her lips sucking on his lobe is what causes him to bury his head in her neck to groan lowly from his chest, his hips rutting down into hers as they both roam one another’s bodies with their lips and hands.

“Very smart mouth for a girl who prefers it to be stuffed full of m’cock” he moans back, her lips now sucking and licking over his sweet spot just under his ear lobe, her own moan muffled by his skin as he shuts his eyes and looks up to the ceiling allowing her to kiss him further, her lips leaving a burning trail down his neck and over his collar bones — his favourite place to give and receive hickies on.

“Harry, shut up and just do something” she says annoyed, frustrated at her boyfriend who always choose to tease her with sarcastic remarks, he knows it riles her up and he loves that, he loves how needy and angry she gets when he grinds his clothed cock down onto her making sarcastic remarks and softly degrading her slowly as she grows wetter and wetter at his movements and words.

“Don’t have to ask me twice baby” he laughs kissing down her torso, his hands immediately shrugging off her bra with her help, and then he slowly pulls down her leggings along with her panties, leaving kisses on the spaces he makes bare and small hushed complements against her skin as he takes her all in under the light of his ten year old soccer ball shaped light hanging from the ceiling above them.

She’s a squirming mess under him, his lips instantly attaching to her clit as she bends her legs, resting her legs over his shoulders as he holds onto her outer thighs, the grip probably marking her skin as he devours her on his bed, his eyes looking up at her biting down on her lip, her hands grabbing a pillow and shoving it over her face to muffle her moans, Harry can hear them slightly, his eyes rolling back into his head as she shakes and squeezes her legs around his head.

“Come on baby, need to see you” he says slipping two fingers into her but not moving, the pillow coming away from her face as she looks at him in her usual fucked out state, glassy eyes and messed up hair.

“H, I can’t, I need to have it over me” she says referring to the pillow, her body shaking as Harry begins to slowly move his fingers in and out of her, stretching her as she drips down his fingers, the sound of his movements in her cunt causing him to press down his hips onto his bed to relieve himself a little.

“Put y’pretty panties in y’mouth baby” he says slurred from pleasure, his own hair a curly mess as his lips become more swollen and spit covered from how harsh he’s eating her out. He takes her panties in one hand, reaching up and rolling them into her mouth, instructing her to bite down on the white lace fabric before he’s back between her legs eating her out.

She’s moaning around the fabric of her panties, her drool wetting the lace as she tugs on Harry’s curls, his moans deep and raspy in her cunt as he keeps his eyes on hers that are threatening to close every second, the slaps he sends to her thighs cause her to open them back up and keep contact with him, his smile devious as he purposely sucks on her clit when she’s close, knowing it ruins her when he does that — he loves to watch her struggle to bite back her moans, the pair of them feeling the rush of nearly being caught everytime one of them make a loud moan or move too quickly which causes his headboard to slap a little off the wall behind it. He’s lapping up all her juices and her moans she’s muffling, her body shaking as he finally brings her to her first high of the night, his fingers not stopping as he rides her through it, kisses being placed to her thighs as she finally calms down, tears brimming her eyes and a lazy smile around her panties that are clutched between her teeth.

“Doing okay baby? Need me to take these out?” He asks crawling back up her body her hands immediately tangling back in his hair as she nods, letting him pull the soaked panties from her mouth, his mouth drooling at the sight of them in his hands.

“Gonna be able to take my cock without being gagged? Or will ya need to have your pretty lace panties back between your teeth?” He teases her, her eyes hooded with pleasure as she scratches her nails down his chest and stomach making the muscles under his skin flex with the slight burn of the marks she’s leaving behind.

“Want you to ruin me, may need them back in between my teeth” she says breathlessly, a slight smirk on her lips as he groans at her words, grabbing the panties and placing them in his own mouth, bending down and feeding them into her mouth, her own teeth clasping them as they leave his mouth, his tongue licking over her lips as she looks up at him with her glassy doe eyes.

[cherienymphe]

Gangsta’s Paradise (Michael Gray x Reader)

WARNINGS: DUB-CON BORDERLINE NON-CON, blackmail, loss of virginity, (for the sake of this fic let’s pretend that Finn Cole is taller than what he is okay)

! DNI IF THIS OFFENDS YOU !

➥ divider by @firefly-graphics

summary: an agreement with the Peaky Blinders is almost a done deal...until you catch the eye of Michael Gray. You’re suddenly thrust into the equation, and your father must decide between losing everything or losing you.

~

Soft lips brushed over your bare shoulder, even softer hands guiding the strap of your slip down your arm, fingers dancing along your skin. Despite the cold weather outside, your room was sweltering, and you pinned it onto the man behind you...the man who was currently unwrapping you like a gift. With fear coursing through your frame, you realized that in a way, you were a gift. A pretty little gift given to the big bad gangster in exchange for resources and protection and whatever else your family needed.

Your eyes fell closed, and you thought back to the day where your father’s desperation had first begun. Desperation that you had ultimately underestimated.

You had been nervous as you tended to the dishes that day, glancing at the clock every now and then. Cleaning and tidying up was how you coped, how you attempted to calm yourself. It normally worked, but today was an exception. Looking around, you realized that there was nothing else to clean, and with a sigh, you leaned against the wall, biting your lip.

The rest of the family had gone to Birmingham. They’d gone to handle...business, and you being the only girl in the family since your mom died, you weren’t allowed to have a hand in the business. It had been a great deal of bitterness for you for years, ever since you were old enough to understand what was really going on, but now you had gradually accepted your father’s reasoning.

Your father and brother and uncles had left early, taking some of their best men with them. You knew they only did that for serious matters, and you had been worried ever since you saw them leave. You had scrubbed the house from top to bottom, and now you had nothing to do but wait. It was fortunate that you didn’t have to wait for much longer, hearing several cars come down the driveway.

No one greeted you when you opened the door, faces pinched and sullen, and you knew then that things didn’t go as expected. The only one to acknowledge you was your father, the older man pressing a quick kiss to your forehead before trudging inside with the rest. You swallowed, conflicted on whether or not you should say anything, but your worry got the best of you.

“How did it go?”

Before your father could answer, you heard your brother slam his hand into the wall, the pictures shaking from the force.

“Peaky fucking Blinders,” he spat, and your blood ran cold.

Your eyes met your father’s, and he gave you a look as if to say leave it alone, but you were in shock. You had never imagined that your family would start doing business with the likes of them. Everyone had heard of them, knew who they were and what they did, and the thought of your family being involved with them in any way was a terrifying one.

Everything those men touched turned to poison

“Father,” you had chided as soon as you walked into his office moments later.

From behind his desk, he held a hand up, the other pressed to his forehead as he sighed.

“Not now, Y/N,” he said, sounding tired.

“You promised that things would be different,” you whispered, ignoring his words. “You told me that we would start becoming legitimate, legal. That we’d start doing things right.”

“Y/N-.”

“You promised.”

He slammed his hand down onto the wood, making you wince.

“They’ve got their hand in every cookie jar that matters. Thomas Shelby is a political man, now-.”

You cut him off with a scoff, folding your arms over your chest.

“Only a fool would get mixed up with the likes of them.”

He shot you a scathing look, and you swallowed, looking away with a sigh.

“We need their influence, their resources...their allyship.”

Your eyes widened at this, realizing that your father intended for much more than a one time business deal.

“You can’t be serious,” you murmured.

He didn’t respond right away, simply heaving a sigh before turning his attention to the paperwork before him.

“I will do my best to keep you away from all this, but prepare yourself for seeing a lot more of them, eh?”

He didn’t say anything more, and when it became apparent that that was the end of the discussion, you turned and left. You could hear your brothers and uncles murmuring in the kitchen, going over the day’s events, no doubt, and you made your way upstairs. You never knew exactly what it was that your father sold, but you figured that drugs and alcohol was the gist of it. He’d been in the business for a long time, and he’d made a promise to you that he was going to put a stop to it. That he’d start making money the right way.

Getting mixed up with the Shelbys, the Peaky Blinders, was not the way to go about it.

You understood the appeal though. They had power, resources, influence. With them as an ally, people would think twice about screwing your family over...but was it worth it? Was it worth the increase in violence? Putting the family in the kind of danger you could never even imagine? Was it worth the devastation and death that seemed to follow them like a plague? The answer was simple.

No.

Your father didn’t seem to care about any of that though. Day in and day out, for weeks, you watched your family leave early in the day and return late in the evening, looking more irritated than they did the previous day. It was safe to say that negotiations with the Peaky Blinders was not going as expected. The frustration and annoyance was plain as day on your father’s features, and even though nary a word was uttered to you about anything, you could feel the tension mounting in the air.

The first time you actually met someone of the infamous family, it was a Wednesday. It was a rare day within the past few weeks in which your father was at the house. He had been holed up in his study all day when there was a knock on the door. You had blinked in confusion, trying to recall if your father had mentioned anything about company, but you had only just begun to move when you heard your father’s heavy footsteps traveling down the hallway.

“Stay back.”

Normally you would have argued against him, especially with a tone as harsh as his had been, but something in his voice made you listen. There was something in his eyes, something in the way he walked that made you understand the severity of the situation. You remained in the living room, listening as your father answered the door, unfamiliar voices eventually joining his.

Two men who you’d never seen before joined him in the hallway, standing between the kitchen and living room. You had slowly put your book down, story long forgotten at the sight of the strangers, and your movement caught their attention. Both of them were wearing hats and long coats, but you could still tell that their hair was dark. The lankier of the two was a bit taller, a mustache adorning his face while the other moved a toothpick around between his lips, a faint smirk crawling onto his face at the sight of you.

“Good afternoon, sweetheart,” the taller one greeted, and you quietly returned the greeting.

Your father cleared his throat, visibly uncomfortable.

“Arthur, John...this is my daughter, Y/N. She likes to look after the house when I’m gone.”

It was the truth. After your mother’s death, the house was where you felt most comfortable, and you were more than happy to lock yourself in its walls. Especially while the rest of your family ventured out.

“Darling, this is John and Arthur Shelby. I’ve been doing some business with them, remember?”

You fought the urge to sneer at your father, keeping your gaze on the strangers in your home instead.

“Of course. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” you said with a tense smile.

Knowing you so well, your father could recognize the displeasure on your face, and if the other men before you noticed it too, they didn’t speak on it. You watched as they followed your father upstairs to his study, the younger of the two tipping his hat to you before departing. You remained there for a time before slowly exhaling, turning to make your way outside. You paid no mind to how long they stayed, spending the rest of your day away outside in your garden. Your mother always kept one, and you had done the same since she died.

That was the first of the few times you ran across Arthur and John Shelby. They were the only two that ever came by the house, greeting you with tipped hats and secretive smiles. You had grown somewhat used to their presence and faces, but not enough to be completely comfortable around them. You didn’t meet the rest of them, didn’t meet him, until weeks later.

“What?” you had breathed, staring at your father in disbelief. 

You watched as he rubbed his forehead, face pinched and eyes clouded over, telling you that he disliked this as much as you did.

“You’ll come to the next meeting with us,” he repeated, and you let out a sharp breath.

So you had heard him correctly.

“...why?” you eventually asked, sounding much calmer than you actually were.

“I know you hate them, but those Shelbys do have some morals about them. Things have been rather tense lately. It seems that we just can’t come to an agreement,” he sighed out, leaning against his desk. “...and I fear that things could become...rowdy.”

He didn’t continue, but you were smart enough to guess where this was going. When the realization hit you, your heart dropped, and you stared at your father like he was a stranger. The man you knew, the man your mother had married, would’ve wanted you as far away from any business dealings as possible. Somehow, the very same man was standing before you and suggesting…

“You think my presence at the meeting will make them behave...make them think twice about doing anything...violent,” you murmured, more to yourself than him.

He didn’t respond, but he didn’t need to, and you clenched your jaw.

“...and if it doesn’t-?”

“It will,” he argued.

“...but if it doesn’t…” you repeated with more force. “...then what? What will you do if they bring out the guns and razor blades right there? What will you do if they decide to use me to make you agree to their terms?”

Your father was silent, and you stepped towards him, eyes pleading.

“What will you do then?”

You watched as he straightened, standing to his full height as he looked down his nose at you. It was like you were looking at a completely different person, someone who wasn’t like your father at all. As you eyed him, you could see the stress on his face, the strain in his muscles, the conflict in his eyes. You’d had your suspicions that your family’s business with the Peaky Blinders was more serious than you could’ve imagined, but the toll it was clearly taking on your father confirmed it.

Even if you didn’t agree with what was going on, how your father went about getting what he so clearly needed and wanted, it was obvious that this was important to him. Since the death of your mother, very few things brought your father happiness. Very few things even halfway satisfied him, and hoping that this would, shoulders sagging with defeat, you agreed.

This was how you found yourself seated beside your father at none other than The Garrison. The pub was empty of any patrons or staff, only those important to the meeting present. Thomas Shelby, the man himself, was seated across from your father. He was as intimidating as you always believed he’d be, smooth voice having done nothing to calm you when he introduced himself.

John and Arthur, the two you were familiar with, were on his right while two more men by the name of Isaiah and Finn were on his left. They were one short in comparison to your father, his two brothers, your two brothers, and yourself, but an empty chair told you that one more was on their way. Seeing that the meeting had already begun, you deduced that their tardiness wasn’t a concern. Considering the nature of the meeting, a whole bunch of words that could be summed up into “who controls what”, you envied the mystery person’s absence. 

For minutes now, you had contributed nothing, but then again… That wasn’t your purpose. No, the purpose of your presence was to keep the men in line. Your entire purpose was to play on what few morals the men had, and you fought to hold in a laugh. With every member of your family being armed, you wondered if your father even believed this would work. Too busy stewing over how your father had purposely put you in harm’s way, you didn’t take notice of the pub door opening.

You were only pulled from your thoughts when the sound of footsteps finally registered. Considering that your back was to the door, you couldn’t see their face, and you didn’t want to appear nosey or unprofessional or draw attention to yourself in any way really by turning to look. You only glanced up when he finally came into your line of sight, and you observed him in the same manner that you did all the others.

Something about him reminded you of Thomas, but his features were much softer, not so harsh. However, that made him no less intimidating. He wasn’t sporting a hat, dark hair neatly pushed away from his face, and something about him was different from the rest. On his own, he didn’t look like he belonged with the rest of them, and as Thomas explained that he was their chief accountant, you got the feeling that that was purposely done. He introduced the man as Michael Gray, his cousin, and losing interest once again, you looked away.

You played with your fingers beneath the table, wanting to desperately be anywhere but here. You had a feeling that you’d get your wish very soon, taking note of the change in tone in your father’s voice. He sounded happier, relieved, and you glanced up at him, his relief contagious. As you did so, your eyes briefly connected with that of the newcomer, Michael, and you quickly looked away. Even still, you could feel the weight of his stare, and you reluctantly returned it.

He didn’t look the least bit ashamed at having been caught, bringing his cigarette up to his lips, a thick coil of smoke escaping them moments later. His face was hard to read, and you felt yourself frowning slightly. You blinked, eyes trailing to your brother on your father’s other side, but he seemed invested in the meeting. Everyone seemed to be...everyone but you and the man named Michael.

When your eyes met his again, it was just in time to watch him lean over, lips at his cousin’s ear as he whispered something to him. His gaze held yours the entire time. You glanced around again, feeling as if there was a meeting within a meeting going on, and you were the only one to notice. Brushing off the unease you felt, you sat back in your chair, eyes on the table. It was hard to ignore the heavy gaze that pinned you to your seat, but you fought to manage.

Especially since it seemed that an agreement was finally being made.

However, that sinking feeling in your chest traveled to your gut, settling there as you watched John move to whisper something to Thomas. The man, the leader of this great gang, paused for the briefest of moments. It happened so quickly, and John was back in his seat as if nothing had happened, and while Thomas’ words did not falter, the way his eyes briefly flickered to you had you straightening in your seat.

Your eyes fell onto the blue-eyed newcomer again, and he took another drag of his cigarette. Every single one of them wore smug expressions, from the first moment you’d been introduced to every individual man, you noticed that they all looked as if they owned the world. Michael Gray was no different, but the way he looked at you made you want to be as far away from here as possible. As more tendrils of smoke left his pink lips, you noted that he didn’t look at you like he just owned the world. He looked at you like he owned you too.

“Everything does seem to be in order, but...there is another matter I think we should discuss,” you heard Thomas Shelby say.

You looked to him, watching as he stood, his family following his lead and your family following theirs. You tightened your coat around you as Thomas gestured for your father to follow him into the back. His absence made you nervous, but you simply stepped closer to your brother as you watched him follow the other man.

“Let’s wait outside,” your brother said, and eager to be out of here, you hastily agreed.

Your other brother remained inside with your uncles while you followed Matthew, the middle child of you three, outside. 

“You alright?” he asked you as soon as you were in the fresh air. “You looked a bit tense in there.”

You watched him light a smoke, and you glanced away.

“The other one...the cousin, Michael… How much do you know about him?”

Matthew shrugged, exhaling.

“Not much. Doesn’t say much at the meetings, mostly handles the money,” he told you.

That did little to ease you.

“Why…?”

You were just about to tell him the reason for your curiosity when the door to The Garrison came flying open. You watched in shock as your father came storming out, your other brother and uncles hot on his tail.

“What’s going on?” Matthew asked, just as alarmed as you were.

Instead of an answer, your father simply grabbed your arm, and yanked you along. You almost tripped over your feet, and you looked at your father like he’d lost his mind. His face was clouded over, eyes thunderous, and you wondered what had happened in such a short time.

“What-?”

“Quiet,” he hissed, sounding the angriest you’d ever heard him, and your eyes widened at this.

“...but-.”

“I said quiet! Get in the car,” he spat.

He didn’t give you a chance to listen, opting for shoving you inside himself. Your foot was barely inside when he slammed the door shut, and you stared at the window in shock. Matthew joined you and your father in the car while the rest piled into the other vehicle. Your confusion only grew as the car roared to life, and you glanced up then to rest your eyes on a familiar face.

He leaned against the door to the pub, a fresh cigarette held between his lips as he lit it. His blue eyes were focused entirely on you, even as the smoke clouded his view and your father began to drive off, he didn’t appear to be interested in anything else but your trembling frame.

You sat at the dining table in shock, listening to the muffled sound of your father’s angry voice that traveled from his study. He was in there with the rest of the family, and he’d been in there for hours. He had barely looked at you when you all came home, heading straight for his office as he ordered the rest of the family inside. There was an unspoken agreement that that did not include you.

Still, the uneasiness from the meeting remained. You could still feel the heated gaze of the blue-eyed man, smell the smoke that drifted from his lips, see the way he watched you as he whispered to John. You could see the way Thomas had looked at you as John whispered to him, and this was what made you press your ear to your father’s study door hours earlier. This was what drove your curiosity to discover just what happened when you and your brother left.

“He wants her,” your father had forced out, sounding like he was going to be sick.

There was a long pause, and you had frowned in confusion.

“Who?” your other brother, Nathaniel, had eventually asked.

“The Gray kid! Polly’s son,” he spat as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “He wants her.”

You could hear your father’s heavy breaths, hear him pacing, and the confirmation that the discussion was about Michael Gray did nothing to quell your confusion. The silence that followed was loud and heavy, something unspoken in the air that you had yet to understand.

“...what?” you heard one of your uncles murmur.

Your father heaved a sigh, sounding much calmer now.

“They are...prepared to meet us more than halfway if we let him have her,” he slowly said. “Everything we’ve been working towards, everything we’ve been yearning for… It could be ours in a matter of hours if we let him have her.”

“No!”

Nathaniel’s voice could be heard before your father even finished.

“Absolutely not-.”

“Nathaniel…”

“You’re not considering this...are you? Father…”

“They’ve given us the day to think it over-.”

“What is there to think about? She’s our sister, your daughter, not some whore on the street,” Matthew interrupted, his words making you freeze.

Bile threatened to spill from your lips as you stared at the door, slowly backing away, their voices becoming less clear as you did so. Your back was pressed to the wall as the truth settled over you, and you suddenly felt foolish for failing to put it together sooner. Your stomach swirled, fear settling into your bones, and before you knew it, your head was in the commode, expelling everything you’d eaten that day. The tears had come shortly after, and that was how Matthew found you hours later, sitting at the table with tears in your eyes.

“I know you heard,” he said, sitting across from you.

You hesitantly looked up at him as he poured a glass of whiskey.

“You never could keep your nose out of things. Told you years ago to stop listening in on father’s conversations-.”

“Well, I’m glad I did this time,” you tearfully spat.

Matthew sighed, sliding the glass towards you.

“I think you deserve it tonight,” he said as you threw him an odd look.

Your shoulders sagged, and you gratefully accepted it, scrunching your face up at the strong taste that hit your tongue. The both of you sat there in silence for a while, listening to your father’s muffled voice, and you took another sip.

“What’s he going to do?”

Your fear must have been evident because his hand rested on yours on the table.

“Hey...he’s not going to agree, alright? He would never…”

You shook your head before he even finished, sniffling as you took another sip.

“I don’t know, Matthew. I don’t know,” you breathed.

Your eyes met his, and he frowned at you.

“These past few months or so… He’s been different, and you know it. He’s made deals before, but it’s different this time. Everything he’s ever wanted is so close. It’s different this time, and you know it, Matthew.”

He didn’t respond, but he didn’t have to. You both knew that it was different this time, and you shuddered to think about what tomorrow would bring.

The next day came and went, much to your relief, and although you were glad that your father didn’t give into the Peaky Blinders, into what they wanted from you...what he wanted from you, it was still an unacknowledged elephant in the room. They still left the house for business, but you didn’t know if it was with the Blinders or not. You shuddered to think of how that conversation went when your father refused their offer. 

You got the feeling that they weren’t used to not getting their way.

It was three nights later, three nights since that fateful meeting in which you’d caught the eye of Michael Gray, that you left your room to get a glass of water. The house was dark and quiet, an unusual sight seeing as at least one brother was usually up late in the kitchen, drinking or having a smoke. That wasn’t the sight that greeted you.

The kitchen was empty of anyone else, and you drank your water slowly. You hoped that things would be better now. You recalled how relieved your father had looked over the past few days, how much softer his features looked, and you desperately hoped that it was because the family was finally on the right track. You made your way back into the hall, glass pressed to your lips, when you paused.

The only light in the living room came from the moon, it’s rays bleeding through the windows and onto the furniture. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to take note of the shape that didn’t belong. The shape of a man. Light flooded the room, and all of your breath left you, glass shattering at your feet.

You stared at him in shock, taking in everything from his neat hair to his shiny dark shoes. He was dressed much like he was the first day you met him, a dark grey almost black looking suit hugging his frame. He leaned back in your father’s chair, nursing a glass of Brandy, and it was then that you realized he’d been here for a while.

“Father!”

It was instinctual now, how your father was the first person you ran to. He didn’t respond, and you called for him again, cutting yourself off when a smirk slowly danced along Michael’s lips. Your mind whirled, and dread filled you.

“What are you doing in my house? Where is my father?”

A small chuckle escaped him, eyes twinkling with mirth as he slowly pulled out a cigarette. 

“What do you think I’m doing here, love?”

Your entire body froze, the implication behind his words clear, and you shook your head. You called for Matthew...then Nathaniel...then your uncles and your father again. The only thing that met you was silence, and your throat felt incredibly thick all of a sudden. The weight of your predicament fully settled over you, and you slowly shook your head.

“No,” you breathed in disbelief. “...no.”

The man before you didn’t respond, simply pressing the cigarette between his lips, reaching in his pockets for a light, no doubt.

“I don’t believe you.”

That was what you said, what your lips formed, but your heart and your head didn’t agree. Something didn’t feel right from the moment you woke up, and a part of you that you desperately wished would shut up did believe him. 

“Do you really think your father would allow anyone into his home without his knowledge or permission?”

You watched him pull a drag, smoke filling the air, and you stumbled back, running for the door. You didn’t hear him behind you, and for that you were relieved, but your relief was short lived. Upon swinging the door open, you were met with the sight of John and Arthur Shelby dawdling in your driveway. They appeared to be having a conversation when you opened the door, their voices abruptly cutting off at your appearance. John simply smirked at you from around the smoke in his mouth, Arthur tipping his hat towards you.

“‘Ello, sweetheart.”

With a shriek, you slammed the door shut in their faces, chest heaving with uneven breaths as the situation fully resonated with you. You stumbled back further into the hallway, and Michael was still in the same place as before, nursing a cigarette as you fought to figure out a way out of this.

“You can’t...you can’t do this,” you eventually murmured, glaring at him.

Michael simply fixed you with an even stare, smoke escaping from his nose, the cigarette dancing between his fingers.

“I’m a Peaky Blinder, love. I can do whatever I want.”

He said it with so much conviction that you knew he believed it, and the longer you stared at him, the more you believed it too. You warily glanced around, telling yourself that you might actually have to fight this man, might have to fight to protect what your father had wrongly given away. Even though part of you denied it, you slowly accepted that Michael was telling the truth. Despite the fact that your family’s business and even lives were at stake, your father had no right to trade away what didn’t belong to him.

Michael’s eyes never left you as you stood there, and you finally looked to him again when he cleared his throat. The cigarette rested between his lips as he slipped out of his jacket, and you swallowed at the dark look in his eyes. He took another drag.

“Before you do...whatever it is that you’re about to do…”

He parted his mouth, the smoke swirling in there for a bit before pressing his lips together, tendrils escaping his nose.

“You should know that I’ve shot men in the head with no hesitation. I drug my blade across a man’s throat once and reveled in the taste of his blood on my lips.”

You flinched, taking a step back.

“When Tommy first tried to scare me away, threaten to send me back to the village in which I grew up… I told him about a well there, that I’d blow it up with dynamite if he made me go back...didn’t care if my hands went with it.”

He finished his cigarette, putting the rest of it out, eyes boring into yours as he slowly exhaled the smoke he’d been holding in.

“I just knew it’d be worth it to see those pretty white bricks all over that pretty village green...and I meant every word of that.”

You didn’t respond, and his blue eyes slowly dragged over every part of you, taking you in from your hair all the way to your bare feet, lingering on the thin nightgown in between.

“It’s something about the violence, you see.”

His words unnerved you, and he continued.

“The violence, the blood...the fight...it does something to me. Gets me excited, all riled up, so please…”

He gestured towards you, eyes glinting with something that made your heart stop.

“Do fight back, hit me even… It’ll just make me want to fuck you that much harder.”

The tears finally skipped down your cheeks, and you stumbled back as he stood to his full height. With a shaky breath, you staggered up the stairs, running to the last room at the end of the hall, a guest room. You were quick to pull the window up, looking down below in worry. It was high up, that was for sure, but the alternative was worse.

Before you could even get a foot out, warm hands pressed into your stomach, pulling you back against a broad chest. A startled scream left your lips, and Michael’s hands traveled to your arms, fingers pressed into your skin as he held you tight. You leaned your head away from him as he pressed his face into your neck, breathing you in.

“Your father made a big mistake bringing you around us, eh?”

You couldn’t will your lips to move, too paralyzed with fear and nerves and anxiety for the unknown. The way he touched you was foreign, the scent that clung to him, a mix of cologne and expensive liquor and cigarettes, was foreign. The creeping sensation that blanketed your body was foreign. All of this was foreign, and more tears pooled within your eyes as the inevitable drew closer.

“He thought you’d keep us in line, keep us on leashes...but ever since I saw you, the only thing I wanted to do was take you like a fucking animal.”

You jerked in his hold, fighting to get away from him, but Michael tsk’d. 

“Let’s not spoil this, hmm? You seem like a good girl...if you catch my drift.”

More tears fell at his words, and he hummed.

“You do. You strike me as a well behaved lady of the house...and you girls like for this to be special, yeah? All gentle and loving,” he slowly mocked as he forced you towards the bed.

He shoved you onto it, knees pressing down on either side of you soon after, preventing you from going anywhere. Your tears soaked the sheet, and Michael’s fingers ghosted over your skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

“I want you to look at me as I fuck you.”

He gently turned you over onto your back, and you stared up at the man before you. Even in the darkness, you could see the blue of his eyes perfectly. They were bright and filled with a hunger that scared you, a hunger you had never been on the receiving end of before. Michael leaned over you, caging you beneath him as he pressed his forehead to yours, soon followed by his lips.

You’d kissed men before, but they were soft sweet nothings that could barely be called a kiss. You knew that if you wanted to marry well, contribute something of substance to your family, you had to be smart about your actions...your reputation. All of the men, realizing that you weren’t going to give them what they wanted, left. Accepting that your family and reputation came first, they always left, and it hurt every single time. 

But it will be worth it.

That’s what you constantly told yourself. After every heartbreak, every sneer, every harsh insult thrown your way about what a frigid bitch you were, you told yourself that it would be worth it. And yet...here you were...beneath a gangster, having your reputation ripped away from you by a man who stole and murdered and wasn’t decent in any way.

Life was funny.

After slipping out of his shirt, the flimsy material floating somewhere behind him, Michael guided your hands to his chest. Your trembling fingers danced along his taut skin, taking note of an imperfection. An old bullet wound, you deduced. The dark-haired man groaned into your mouth, pressing into you, and you could feel him hard beneath his trousers. The reality of what was about to happen seemed to slink around your neck like a noose, and you didn’t even realize that you’d started panting until Michael’s hand found your neck.

“I-I can’t- I can’t do this-.”

He shushed you, kissing you again.

“Behave...and I’ll be good to you. Breathe,” he urged.

You slowly did as he suggested, squeezing your eyes shut as his other hand pushed the smooth material of your nightgown up your legs. One hand was still on your throat as that same hand traveled to his pants, the sound of his zipper deafening in the quiet room. Your whole body went numb for a moment, ears ringing and vision blurring, and when you finally came back to earth, Michael’s hips were pressing against yours, nothing in between you.

He was speaking to you, you noted.

“...what?” you murmured.

“What’s your name, love?”

You swallowed, quickly darting your tongue out to swipe over your lips.

“Y/N.”

He repeated it, clearly liking the taste of it on his tongue. He nodded at you, drinking you in as he ran his eyes over your face, seemingly committing you to memory before sliding into you with one quick thrust. Your nails pressed into his skin, and he hissed, your own lips parting to let out a pained gasp. Michael held himself above you, a low groan escaping him as his forehead touched yours again.

“You feel fucking amazing,” he whispered, nose bumping against yours.

He held himself there for a long time, just feeling you. You weren’t naïve enough to think he did it for your sake, and you got the feeling that he wanted to drag this out for as long as possible. When he did finally move, your chest arched upwards, unable to handle the unfamiliar feeling. His hand was still on your neck, and you wrapped your hand around his wrist.

The feel of him inside of you was strange. You couldn’t describe it, but you felt full...you felt stretched...and in a way, it felt unnatural, but the heat that festered deep within your stomach said otherwise. One of Michael’s hands was pressed into the bed beside your head, holding himself up so that he could look at you. You remembered his words, and too terrified to disobey, you fought to keep your eyes on him.

His face was strained with concentration, eyes flickering between your face and down to where the two of you connected. The hand that was on your neck slid down to your chest, thumb brushing over a heaving breast before resting on your stomach, pinning you down as he snapped his hips into yours. It was too much for you, too much at once, and your lashes fluttered. 

“Look at me,” he roughly breathed.

“I can’t...I can’t,” you panted, head twisting from side to side.

You could hardly focus on anything other than the way he was thrusting into you, taking you to heights you never knew existed. He called your name then, and you reluctantly met his eyes, the hunger in them making you shudder.

“That’s right. Eyes on me, love. Keep your eyes on me while I fuck you,” he murmured.

The smugness in his voice and face made you frown, a spark of anger in you.

“Do you fuck all of your girls like this? Huh?”

He didn’t respond, pink lips simply curving upwards into a humorous smirk.

“...or am I special because you get to ruin my life and go on with yours?” you shakily spat.

Michael slammed into you then, forcing a choked gasp from you.

“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that. You just focus on milking my cock, hmm?”

You wanted to hit him, spit at him, do anything other than lay there and take his unrelenting thrusts, but your body seized before you could do any of that. Your toes curled and your stomach clenched and your body shook as stars exploded behind your eyes. You hadn’t even realized what a moaning mess you had become until Michael paused just to listen to you, just taking you in with something akin to awe on his face.

You didn't have time to catch your breath before he was chasing his own high, hands pressed into your waist so hard you were sure you’d bruise. Your nails dug into his wrists, choked moans tumbling from your mouth as you clenched around him again, just in time for him to spill into you, releasing a long breath as he did so. You clung to him, tears catching in your lashes as you laid there, mind whirling at what you’d just done.

You flinched, shrinking in on yourself when his lips brushed the corner of your mouth just before pulling out of you. You winced at the action, staring up at the ceiling as you heard him moving about. You turned your head when you heard the strike of a match and watched as he lit himself another cigarette, pants just barely settling on his waist.

“So what happens now?” you finally asked, voice low in the dark room. 

Would your father and brothers come through that door tomorrow, pretending that they hadn’t sold you out? Would they be able to even look at you? Stomach the sight of you? Fresh tears kissed your eyes just as Michael spoke.

“Well…”

He took a pull, exhaling the smoke through his nose as he neared you.

“...I’m going to fuck you at least three more times before the night is over.”

You sat up at this, paying no mind to the pain in between your legs as you stared at him with wide eyes. Without realizing it, you gripped the end of your nightgown, pulling it to your knees as if somehow trying to prevent that very thing from happening.

“What-?”

“...and then I want you to pack a bag. Just some things that’ll last you a few days. I’ll be buying you a whole new lot of clothes anyway.”

“Michael-.”

“You’re my girl, now,” he quietly said, voice firm as he stood over you, free hand playing with the strap of your gown as the other held his cigarette to his lips.

You shook your head, staring up at him in disbelief.

“I...no. My family...they-.”

“Sold you away without a second thought.”

Your heart clenched as he threw that in your face, and you turned away as he reached for you. His fingers pinched your chin, jerking you to face him, and you swallowed. He bent down, staring into your eyes.

“You won’t have to worry about that with us...with me.”

He took one more pull of his cigarette before placing it on the nightstand, tendrils of smoke escaping his nose and mouth just before he pressed his lips to yours, fingers pressing into your skin as he settled between your legs.

~

tags: @cocoamoonmalfoy @trinittyy @ziamslarry-blog @a531a​ @s-u-t​ @sunshinechim-98​ @callmechannel​ @lil-hungryy​ @oneoftheprettynerds​ @scissorkidscult​  @madamerubrum  

[daisiesandshakes]

Hi can I request jealousy headcanon for Isaac,Arthur,Mozart,comte please

Hi dear nonny! Thank you so much for your request 💖

Sorry it took so long, night shifts were exhausting...

Here you go, I hope you like it! 💝

(@ashavazesa , I'm tagging you, maybe you like it!)

Jealousy headcanons

for Isaac, Arthur, Mozart &

le Comte

Isaac

The shy, poor boy doesn't know what hits him, he wasn't prepared... It is the first time he's really in love and it is his first time being jealous.

He wouldn't talk about his feelings in the beginning, because he feels a bit ashamed about them. Additional he's not used to talk about feelings anyway, so he bottles up.

You recognize his strange behavior like avoiding your glare, his abrupt short answers (especially towards the male who causes the jealousy), but at first you can't figure out where it comes from. He would also act more possessive than usual, suddenly kiss you firmly in front of others or pulling you close.

Though he knows you love him truly, he's unsettled deep inside and needs your reassurance. You'll have to push him slightly to open up, to tell you what's on his mind. When he does...oh boy.

With glowing eyes and fervent words he'll beg you to SHOW him your love, pushing you onto the bed. Needy for your touch and your words of love, nothing remains from his shyness. He won't let you go the next hours, making sure you're really his.

"Isaac, please tell me what concerns you... did I something wrong?"

You're sitting next to him in his room on the edge of the bed.

"N- no... It's not that."

His behavior was oddly brusque today and you are really concerned.

With a sigh you overthink what happened all day and then something klicked. You spent a lot of time with Napoleon while he teached the kids. Could it be?  "Isaac, are you jealous?"

The vampire flinches and draws his gaze away from yours, a blush appears on his handsome face.

You cup his face, forcing him to look at you. Gazing deep into his beautiful cherryblossom eyes you ask "Isaac, you know that I love you, that my heart belongs only to you, don't you?"

"Y- yes. My head knows it, but..." suddenly he pushes you down.

"Show it to me." He whispers, his voice husky and deep, his eyes dark with passion before his lips captures yours in a fiery kiss, his fingers ripping your blouse open.

Mozart

Mozart is probably the worst with jealousy (besides Theo). He even can't stand the thought of another male being too close to you. It doesn't matter if it is another resident or a complete stranger, he is very possessive and you only belong to him. No other has the right to touch you.

If someone touches you by accident, his possession drives him to get rid of the foreign scent on you immediatly.

When it's a strange male (talking to him would be enough to drive him crazy), he would be broiling jealous, unable to express himself. Normally Mozart is very straight forward, but not when it comes to express his feelings for you. Blaming you for being too trustful, he would even start an argument.

But Mozart loves you so much, you're so precious to him, he'll regret his harsh spoken words soon and searches for a way to talk.

Admitting his jealousy, he shows you that there is only one way to calm him down. Claiming your body and mind he would train you to who you belong until the sun rises and your voice is hoarse.

"M- Mozart, what-" you gasp as he pulls you behind the thick curtains, sealing your lips with his. "You spent enough time with the other residents." He breathes hard as he pulls away. "Especially with Leonardo. I don't like his cigarello scent on you." Your eyes grow wide. "Wolf, are you jealous?"

A faint rose appears on his cheeks. "I don't want to be...But yes I am."

"But... You don't have to be jealous. I love you so much, Wolf. There is no room in my heart for another man."

"I know, meine Liebe. But it seems that my heart doesn't accept this truth fully." His radiant violet eyes pierces into your soul.

"What can I do to make you feel better, Wolf?"

A slight smirk plays at the corner of his lips as he leans forward. "Await me in the thermae. I'll make sure the only scent that remains on your body is mine, and obviously I'll have to remind you the next hours to who you belong." fervent spoken words next to your ear, sending shivers down your spine.

Arthur

He never felt jealousy before. Being a rotten flirt, Arthur is used to be the reason for that emotion, he never thought it could happen to him.

Trying to hide his feelings he'd cover them with playful words and actions. But when a male approaches you and gets too close, he won't think twice to make clear you are HIS girlfriend, holding you at your waist, whisking you away.

Deep inside Arthur has the feeling he doesn't deserve you, so he is afraid to loose you and gets easily jealous. He wouldn't like to admit it to you , worried he could scare you off.

But you are not able to overlook the pout and scowl on his handsome face or to overhear the truth hidden behind his joking words, irrelevant how much he tries to mask his feelings.

Arthur has a deep longing for your reassurance in words and body language, he needs your touch so bad, be prepared for exhausting, delightful hours between the sheets after he got jealous.

You are sitting on the couch in Arthur's room, rambling about your day with Vincent. Lately he gives you advices in painting techniques and you enjoy them, happy to make progress in your hobby. Arthur looks up from the papers with a smile, sitting at his desk.

"Darling, you sound really happy. I know you enjoy painting with Vincent, but are you sure you didn't decide secretly to leave your filthy boyfriend for this pure angel, Luv?" Arthur chuckles. For a split second a hurt expression appears in his loving gaze and his voice didn't sound as lighthearted as it should. You set your cup of coffee down with a surprised look on your face. "Are you jealous?"

A slight rose tints his cheeks as he pulls his gaze away.

You hurry over to him cupping his face and locking eyes. "Arthur, you are the only one for me. You are the love of my life, you know that, don't you?" Your thumbs caress his cheeks.

Arthur's big blue eyes waver at your words and he inhales deeply.

"You have no right to be this adorable" he whispers with a husky voice as he pulls you on his lap. Kissing your lips ardently his fingers already unbutton your blouse. "Say that again, luv" he smiles at your lips. "And then I'll make sure you won't ever forget that you are MY adorable girlfriend" he breathes at your skin as his lips travel from your jaw to the neck.

Le Comte

Comte seems to be always so calm and thoughtful, but when it comes up to you all this is nothing but dust in the wind. He waited for you and your love for centuries, now that you are his he's confronted with the deepest fear of loosing you.

Also he is insecure inside, thinking he doesn't deserve someone so precious like you (are you surprised?). This uncertainty is more fuel to the fire of the jealousy that rages in his heart.

Despite his always graceful and sublime conduct le Comte is very passionate and possessive. He can't bear another man touching you, even it is only your hair. On the other side he wants you to live freely, interacting with the other residents as usual. So he would get jealous real quick, but:

Wearing a mask of gentlemanly behavior and used to lock up his feelings you wouldn't notice his jealousy until it's "too late". Maybe it was only you and Leonardo in the library, sticking heads together and giggling about something. Maybe it was a stranger at the market, picking up an apple for you that dropped to the floor, holding your delicate hand while putting the apple into it.

When he corners you after that in his room, there'll be no escape. Le Comte will make sure that you're his, taking possession of your body and mind until there is nothing left but thinking of him and moaning his name. He will only stop when you pass out due to the overwhelming passion.

Le Comte cocks slightly an eyebrow due to the sight that is presented to him in the library. Arthur stands in front of the bookshelfs, carrying you bridal-style. "What happened?" he asks with honest concern. "Oh, our pretty dove wanted to spread her wings. I catched her as she fell from the ladder" Arthur replies lighthearted. "Luv, if you want my touch so bad, all you have to do is ask. You don't have to risk your health to get it" smirking he looks deep in your eyes. You feel your cheeks grow hot as you hit him at his shoulder. "Put me down, Arthur!" With a wry chuckle he lets you go, giving le Comte an amused sideways glance. "Okay, my performance as a hero is over, back to work then." With these words Arthur leaves the library and you exhale, looking concerned over to the pureblood. "You know that it was only an accident? I feel a bit embarrassed and.." Le Comte cuts you off, smiling gently.

"Ma cherie, don't worry. I understand what happened, everything is fine."

With a relieved smile you pick up the dropped books "I should have known, that something stupid like this doesn't concern you..."

You hear a sharp inhale and look up. His expression is serious, his eyes burn like melting gold in a furnace. Approaching you with slow, predatory steps he asks softly "When did I say I don't care?"

With a fluid move he pins you against the bookshelf, kissing you senseless. You both pant for air as he breaks the kiss. "I await you in my room. Now. Your chores are done for today." Comte leaves you with trembling legs.

Thank you for reading! Hope you enjoyed it 💝

[queerfables]

Stranger Things fandom is really harshing my vibe right now so here's some positivity for the people who loved season 4 all the way through:

I'm so obsessed with Will's storyline!! Noah Schnapp killed it every time he was on screen, and I'm never going to be over That Scene in the car. Will hiding his face, pretending to look out the window and crying - oof, right in the heart. Haven't we all been queer fourteen year olds realising we're in love with our best friend, and trying to tell them how we feel using our psychic powered surrogate sister as an intermediary?

All my love to Mike "Just wants to be as cool as Lois Lane" Wheeler. Adore guys whose role models are women. Twice as cute when his older sister basically is Lois Lane.

I'm super emotional about the friendship between Will and El. In the cheap and easy version of the story, we'd get a flat, antagonistic kind of jealousy between them and nothing more. It makes Will's feelings for Mike all the more heartbreaking that he loves El even when he'd rather hate her, that he wants the best for both of them even if it hurts. He isn't a saint about it, he's angry and petty and unfair, but push comes to shove and his love for both of them overcomes that. Ugh, that kind of thing hits me right where I live!!

Gosh, Jonathon hearing all the things Will isn't quite saying and showing up for him when Will needed him was just perfect. It was so in line with the bond they've had ever since season 1. Jonathon always just got Will, and accepted him, and encouraged him to be himself no matter what. Of course this wouldn't come as a huge surprise to him, and of course he'd only want to make sure Will knew he was safe and loved.

I actually loved that they never said the word but Will's feelings were still entirely unambiguous. It was a great example of how to do subtext in a clear and intentional way (ambiguous subtext is extremely fun too, but that's obviously not what the show was trying to do). I'm pretty confident that Will is going to name it before the show is over, but I think that scene will be all the more powerful for the slow build.

Stay tuned, more Stranger Things joy coming soon!