#he didn't even beat around the bush with it he fully knew it was a genocide he wanted

[artemx746]

really hope it becomes much more clear in the future of fool's gold that the foreclaimers aren't bad because they don't have empathy, but rather because they based their society on people having a set "value" and killing people who aren't "Valuable enough". Plus they also tortured a god for 300+ years

[fraugwinska]

Minors DNI - 18+ - Explicit Sexual Content - 4,6k words Attention: Mentions of fictional Witchcraft and Voodoo (I know this is a very sensitive topic, which is why I threaded very vaguely and lightly. I mean absolutely NO disrespect to either of those spiritualities)

Master of Puppets

You paced nervously through your room. The clock ticked the safe seconds away, the seconds Alastor where wasn't here. The seconds where Alastor didn't know.

He liked you, of course. At least enough to experiment with you, that much you could say with confidence. He had shown interest in the little witch inventor that joined the hotel, sharing the same proficiency in magic as himself. Although, unlike him, you had been an eclectic witch in your lifetime, and used more traditional western magic, whereas Alastor wasn't familiar with that, relying fully on voodoo practices he learned from the women of his family. So, you taught him and he taught you, and over the shared hours of lessons, discussions and practices, things got more and more... handsy. Until one day even the last gap between you was closed, and before both of you knew it you were sharing a bed more often than a book on sigils or rituals.

It was a mutual thing. You were insanely attracted to him, and he liked you well enough to indulge in activities he'd normally frown upon. Which made you feel special - It didn't soothe the nerves though, as you fumbled around with the little objects in the black carved box, making sure everything was perfect, before hastily slamming it shut when you heard knocks on the door.

"Yes?" you said, as if you hadn't been expecting him, as if your heart wasn't trying to leap out of your chest.

"Darling, it's me! May I come in?" you heard him say, and the door opening before you could answer. "I hope I'm not too early."

You turned around, giving him a shy smile after glancing at the clock on the wall. "You're right on time, as always."

"Punctuality is one of the only virtues I try uphold." He took a few steps towards you. "Is everything alright? You look nervous."

"Do I? It's... Nothing. I just have... I'm excited for something to show to you."

"Really?" He was intrigued, leaning in a little. "Well, now I'm curious. Is it the skinning spell you've been working on? I might have some test subjects in mind, if you are already finished."

You cleared your throat, feeling your heart beating painfully in your chest. "Not quite. I made something new, though."

"Oh?" he said, tilting his head to the side. "What is it?"

You fidgeted, not knowing how to start, how to ease him into it. He was a man that didn't appreciate if one beat around the bush, so better to rip the band-aid off in one violent, leap-of-faith-kind of way. You went to the black box, fingers trembling as you lifted the golden hatch, and before you could change your mind and call the whole thing off you scooped the small voodoo dolls out and held them out to him.

"I made these. For you... Us."

He was taken aback for a moment, not saying anything as he stared at the two little cloth figures, then down at you. They were intricately made replicas of you both, you had spent hours and hours sewing them, even going so far as to design and make identical outfits for them. He took both of them out of your hands, turning them slowly in his own, examining them with a frighteningly unreadable look.

"So you solely tried your hands on my profession I see. Why?" his eyes were boring into you, the smile on his face tight and tense, and you had to fight yourself not to stutter.

"I-I figured..." You swallowed hard. "I thought it could help us to... to be closer. More connected, in a way. And I thought you would like to... try this."

He blinked slowly, and the grin he wore stretched a bit further, the static getting louder in your ears. You were starting to think he didn't like it. You were starting to regret this.

"It is an unusual gift." His voice was calm, laced with a hint of curiosity, but you still couldn't relax. "Quite a surprise, too."

"Is that good or bad?" you asked, and he chuckled softly.

"I don't know, darling. That depends on how it will be used." He holds up your miniature, his brows raised expectantly. "Tell me how it works."

"Uh... Well, it's more of a mix between your and my magic. T-they have some of my spells sewn into them, and then I enchanted them on your altar. All that's left to do is to tie a hair around the neck of it and offer a drop of blood, and... we will be able to feel anything that's done to the doll."

"Feel?" He cocked his head to the side, eyes gleaming with dark excitement.

"Anything." Your throat was dry, the words almost catching there.

"That sounds positively delightful."

Your heart did a flip in your chest as his voice lowered into a purr, his eyes fixed on the tiny you, the static rising around him. He was captivated, but also suspicious, and that didn't make your anxiety lessen one bit. More so as he found the red stain on your dolls chest and the shimmer of a hair around its neck. Your version of a peace offering.

"It seems this little thing is already prepared and ready to use, isn't it, dearest?" he hummed, looking at you, the smile stretching wide and showing his sharp teeth.

"Yes... if you wanted to... see how it worked first. To decide whether you want to give it a try."

He laughed, and the sound made you shiver. There was no humor in it, but sheer anticipation. Hunger. "Well then. Better not waste such a generous opportunity."

He sat his own replica down on the nightstand next to your bed, and settled down on the mattress, patting the spot next to him for you to join. You did, sitting as stiff as a board, your eyes trained on him as he looked down at your little doll. He seemed to contemplate for a moment, before running his fingers across the doll's body, and you gasped.

All your hard work evidently payed off - The touch felt eerily real. Warm, like the heat of his hands was spreading all over you, a soft caress up the middle of your stomach, a tickle around your waist. His fingertips traveled upward, pressing softly against your chest, and your breath stocked in your lungs.

"You've really outdone yourself with this one darling. So receptive..." Alastor's smile widened into a full grin, and the fact that he didn't need to touch your skin to see the blush creeping across your cheeks was one detail he seemed to particularly enjoy. The rough feeling of his claws grating against you was replaced with the hot touch of phantom lips, pressing gently against your neck as he pulled the small shirt collar aside, his tongue licking across the doll's shoulder.

The sensation almost felt out of place in comparison, making you fall onto your back with a gasp, into the soft covers of your bed, unable to maintain any sort of composure. Instead of feather light touches, his mouth felt way heavier on your skin than it should. Warm, wet... As he scraped his teeth along the little doll's neck, a low moan slipped between your lips.

"And what attention to details. It's almost a shame to ruin your hard work, but oh well."

His eyes stayed on you as he hooked a fingertip under the dolls garments, cutting it clean off of it, and even though yours stayed fully intact - what you were feeling was a whole different story. Your eyes betrayed you: Even fully clothed you felt the cool air of your room on your skin, you felt exposed, bare and utterly vulnerable. It made your skin break out in goosebumps and your lips part in an unstifled sound of arousal.

"Gorgeous, darling... Absolutely wonderful. A truly masterful piece of magic." The tone of his voice was tingling all over you, a mixture of warm affection and dark cravings. You had never been one to enjoy being praised by a man, but it made you close your eyes and squirm with absolute and desperate need when it came from Alastor. Mouth already open to say something, the words died in your throat, replaced by a high whine when you felt a wet sensation traveling over your stomach down to the inside of your thighs. Your eyes snapped open, finding Alastor's again, his irises practically glowing and locked on you as he ran his tongue all the way across the small body. Teasing. Playing. He narrowed his eyes and traced every curve with the same meticulous patience you knew him for, the sensation sending shocks of excitement and adrenaline through you as it circled the dolls skin, drawing closer and closer to the most intimate parts, until there was nowhere else to trail, nowhere else for it to run to. He stopped, leaving you flushed and panting and shattered next to him on the bed.

"My, my, sweetheart..." he cooed, poking the little doll in his hands into it's side with the softest touch, making you jerk into his side. "At this rate, this seems more like a gift for you than for me."

The blush on your face deepened and you averted your eyes. "...You're probably not wrong."

"No, I'd say I am absolutely right," he chuckled, shifting closer and tracing a hand up your body and to your throat in a smooth motion, and your body arched into the touch with the ease of a moth to flame. For a moment, he didn't move, resting his claws wrapped around your neck, his fingertips heavy on your skin. He seemed to weight his options, deciding on how to proceed. Finally, he leaned into you, bringing his lips closer to yours and when he spoke it was barely a whisper.

"I'll trust you to rectify this circumstance then."

Your eyes widened when he stood up, gently placing your doll down and switching its place with his own. You sat up, watching how he carefully plucked a hair from his head, wrapping it tightly around the neck of his miniature alter ego. It looked almost sinfully elegant and downright seductive, how his long fingers tied it tightly, before he turned back to you, his grin splitting his face in half. There was something in his expression you haven't seen before - hesitancy. It was only a second, but you still held your breath as it passed, and he chuckled as he bit his lip, dark, almost black blood dripping onto the chest of the doll in his hands.

"A rare occasion for me to spill blood. I hope you'll make it worth it."

You swallowed heavily and he grinned, reaching for your hand and gently putting the doll on your palm, giving you a stern, commanding look. "My turn."

You nodded as he settled himself on your bed, now stretching himself fully on the mattress. Lifting your other hand you carefully laid one finger on top of his dolls' throat, before drawing your fingers across and down, over its chest and its sides, making his form shiver and his ears twitch. As you undid the small coat and shirt, dragging your nail gently over the dolls abdomen, Alastor gave a resounding, pleased sigh. You stared at him in wonder of your own work, silently asking yourself if your touches on the fabric in your hands felt as intensified as his did on yours before.

With a spark of nervous excitement you followed a whim of insanity, a quick glance confirming Alastor had his eyes closed. He had never before allowed you to touch his ears - now, their artificial counterparts were at your fingertips, and with a racing heart, you drew a stroke from the base of his ear right across its entire length, all the way until the fine point. A loud, drawn-out groan filled the room and your cheeks burnt crimson when his back arched and his hands twitched towards you, the knuckles white as he clenched them into fists, a tremor going through his shoulders. The groan ended in a long whine, the eyes snapping open and locking right into yours, and your breath hitched as you saw the smoldering embers. His grin grew tighter, strained, and he inhaled deeply through his nostrils, and the intensity of his gaze made your stomach drop, your whole body feeling exposed and naked despite still being fully dressed.

"Testy little thing. Always going for most dangerous experiments..." He shook his head as he exhaled slowly, his breath ragged and labored and in the soft illumination of your bedside lamp his neck was dusted a light pink. You marveled for a second, mesmerized. That was, until his tone dropped an octave, making your body snap back to attention, your nipples hardening painfully beneath your clothes. "How about another then, darling. You do that again..." His shadow tendrils shot out from nowhere, wrapping around your waist and thighs and lifting you over his face as you yelped and almost let the doll slip from your hands, the hem of your skirt pushed aside and heated core right above his watering mouth. "...while I do this."

With no time left for a reply, you felt your flimsy panties flicked aside and your body lowered onto his waiting tongue, all thought replaced by a sudden wave of blinding ecstasy. There was something truly addicting about the heat and hunger of his lips, the way they locked around your clit and sucked you down in the best form of torturous pain like life depended on it, his nails digging into your hips with force, while your brain was practically erasing every input but the burning sensation below. The doll in your hands, pressed to your heaving chest, was long forgotten as your head fell back and each swipe of his cursed appendix sent a shockwave through your spine. You groaned, you whimpered, and Alastor could taste the waves of delicious agony on his tongue. When he withdrew, the loss of his wet heat and the chill of the cool air against your slick folds made you almost break out in tears.

"Focus, dearest, on the task I gave you. Or do I have to repeat myself?"

The growl in his voice snapped you out of it and made you take a shaky breath before you finally composed yourself. Your fingers trembled as they grazed the tips of the dolls ears again, your movements almost trance like as your whole body yearned for it to return onto his lips. Alastor's brows furrowed, lips pursed for a second as you drew a slow, sensual line up the miniatures length, stopping and softly kneading at the pointed tip.

"Good girl." he murmured, voice breathy, and for a second you could have sworn you saw his eye twitch, though his grin stayed firmly plastered onto his face. His words sent an instantaneous warmth pooling in your lower stomach, and your chest fluttered as you tried to swallow down the intense elation that shot through your veins at those words - the same words Alastor used when you mastered one of his magical exercises, and although the praise was always flattering, in this context it felt downright lewd and utterly divine to be called that. When your hand lowered a bit, massaging the base of the dolls ears, Alastor's noises became low growls and deep purrs around the wet skin his lips devoured. The black vines on your waist and legs tightened their grip as well, pushing you deeper down onto his mouth.

You hadn't even registered what happened, but with a snap your top was ripped in the front, the clasp of your bra followed, and the familiar humming sound of his static made you squeal in surprise when his voice was suddenly much louder, his tongue shoved into you as far as he could go and his shadows ripping your clothes off at lightning speed. With both hands stroking, massaging and pulling the dolls ears now, the pure pleasure hitting you was almost too much, but as much as your hands ached for the real thing, to run your nails over the red fluff and trace the soft curves and edges of the dark antlers growing on the sides of his head, all you could do was imagine, with all your fingers on the dolls soft material instead and moving furiously up and down its head, to do exactly the same thing.

Alastor growled underneath you, the sound deep and rumbling, sending vibrations through your trembling thighs and against your sensitive skin, and it sounded so much more desperate and disoriented than you had ever heard from him before. Had you been looking down, had you been able to see anything beyond the mind-shattering pleasure, the wide blown pupils and the unfocused gaze in the glowing red irises, you might have wondered why that was - Alastor's control was slipping, and his smile finally was showing that.

In an instant your body was turned and placed on your back, your limbs shaking in the grip of his shadows and body utterly at the mercy of the tall red man leaning over you and undoing his bow tie with the rapidity and precision of a professional magician. His hair had gotten a little ruffled in the process, and his red shirt hung open and wrinkled against his skin.

"A compelling exercise indeed, my dear." he spoke, the rasp in his tone and the ragged breath accentuating his words. With a swift movement his jacket joined the shirt and harness that already had been thrown onto the floor somewhere, and then the shadows were back and prodding against the soaked cloth, the only thing left around your hips. They snuck into every slit they could find, exposing more and more of you, while their owner's gaze hungrily devoured every bit of exposed skin. The stretchable fabric made for easy work, but you had the distinct feeling they wouldn't have needed it at all as the shadows literally dissolved every thread they encountered. Alastor reached for your replica again, seemingly collecting himself and catching his breath.

"You are quite talented, and it'll be a joy to discover what other marvels your mind can come up with." His claw dragged down over the dolls' hips, one set of real, the other set of simulated hands following it a millisecond after, right along your bare and barer sides, sending waves of anticipation down the inside of your thighs. In an instant, two very corporeal, long fingers were back between your folds, knuckle deep into your seeping core, and Alastor chuckled lowly at your surprised whine, the smug and devious purr rumbling in his chest as he took note of every twitch your body made to the tune of his strokes. "But I think it's about time to return the favor though, don't you agree?"

Still stroking that sweet spot inside of you with his fingers, the hand that held your puppet glowed in bright green, and in between your moans and pants your wide eyes can't tear themselves from the strange symbols that appear around it, swirling and sparkling. You've seen Alastor perform magic countless of times, have watched and marveled at every spell he cast and his flair for the dramatic was only matched by the elegance of his every motion. But this? This was something else. The nonchalance with which his fingers pumped in and out of you, working meticulously, tactically, teasing you and working you into a mess with such a proficiency while he traced symbols with his free hand and the script, the raw power of it, the surge you could feel radiating from him, all that and his unflinching composure drove you mad with both desire and fascination.

The light and the symbols faded, and in his hands - the puppet, similar yet not quite. It felt off, almost lifelike, the fabric more skin-like, and with a gasp, you saw..

"Let me now see, if my own little contribution can be counted as an improvement, my little witch."

If someone asked you later on what had actually happened, you couldn't have said a single word - it was too salacious, too outrageous, too much outside of what you had ever expected from Alastor. How could you ever recount the way he pulled his throbbing cock out with his free hand - thick, dripping with precum and inhumanly beautiful. How his fingers were guiding your tiny copy to align with its tip, while he never left your eyes, smile almost manic.

He made holes. And seconds later, when he slowly pushed the doll onto his length, with his fingers still buried deep inside you, you knew that they worked. Oh, and how they worked.

"Oh m-my... god..."

It was heaven and hell. Bliss and torture, the feeling abhorrently delicious. The magical connection allowed every ridge, vein and vibration of his cock to transfer perfectly through the dolls body to you, making you shudder and keen at the intensity, the sheer tightness, and simultaneously Alastor groaned - a broken, rugged sound, loud enough to make you glance up with misty eyes from your debauched position. Your insides clenched hard around his fingers and the ghost of his cock, your toes curling as you whimpered, a picture perfect representation of how utterly sinful he looked with his dark lashes resting on his red cheeks, eyes shut and the mouth agape as his chest was rising and falling, breaths coming hard and labored.

He noticed your raptured gaze, looking down at you through hooded eyes, his smile positively obscene.

"Mh, I like the way you pray on me instead of one of your silly deities, darling. But you can call me Alastor."

And oh, how it felt, when his hand closed tightly around the little voodoo doll that was stuffed so full of him. You arched your back and writhed against the firm hold the tentacles had on you, pressing your knees against the pillows as he pulled his drenched fingers out of you, bringing them up to his face to lick them clean. He groaned at the taste, closing his eyes and making an effort to concentrate, his control crumbling in tiny pebbles around you, and his hips started to snap, sheathing the miniature you further on his cock, thrusting in increasingly fast paced movements. A string of whimpers escaped you, his name spilling throughout them like a mantra, as you were unable to do much more but twitch, shake and tremble as his ministrations came faster, harder, and Alastor let his head fall back, baring his neck and swallowing.

"You're so-" He groaned, squeezing your dolls body, forcing it closer against him and sliding it off and back on at an excruciatingly slow pace, your moans climbing and escalating with every inch that moved through the magic veil and in and around your sopping center. "-goddamn perfect, perfectly made for me." Your body didn't know how to react anymore, you stuttered incoherently, everything full with his praise, with this cock that wasn't there but was, the heat that shouldn't have been possible to fill you but did. You felt every bit of skin and fur and sweat and the realization only dawned on you when it was already too late: That you were about to come harder than you ever did, and that Alastor was losing his mind just from watching your reactions to his assault on your doll.

"S-So tight and needy. What a perfect... little... toy you are." If they were meant for you below him or the doll in his hands - you didn't know. But the panted words and almost dirty, explicit praise spilled from his lips in a flurry, every syllable seemed strangely calculated, aimed like a dart straight into you and tearing down all defenses as your pussy twitched helplessly around the sensation of being stretched and fucked open on the image of his cock. When he chuckled and sank your doll to the base, grinding your little figure against him so the head of his cock poked and prodded you where it had never reached before, you all but screamed his name as you came, and your pathetic cries pulled a harsh string of groans and grunts out of the demon towering over you, his breathless cursing and rambled obscenities underlined by the vicious snaps of his hips as he used your simulacrum like a glorified sex toy. His nails pierced the outer layer of the doll as your walls constricted and contracted around the thick nothing as he finished you and himself off into the realm of oblivion.

Everything went white for a moment and when your senses returned, Alastor was carefully cradling you into his arms, the little replica sitting next to his own on your bedside table, their heads almost tenderly leaning on each other. He was gently raking his claws through your damp, disheveled hair, placing little kisses down the back of your neck and on the thin skin behind your ears as he mumbled silent praises against your skin. He kissed along your jaw, gentle as anything, a soft thumb grazing along your lips, cheeks and your temple as he traced the lines of your features until he found the pulse on your neck. The cold touch of his lips was a nice contrast to the hot breath, and you moaned softly at his affectionate gesture.

"It's never a disappointment with you, love, quite the contrary." He hummed, scraping his sharp teeth almost teasingly along the crook of your neck before kissing it, covering your skin with static electricity. "What a marvelous surprise you prepared for me, my dear, truly magical." His lips pressed into yours in a rare kiss, and you leaned back into his naked embrace and smiled, the giddy feeling of accomplishment spreading in your belly and mixing in beautifully with the aftershocks of your orgasm.

"I'm glad... you liked it."

"Oh, that is hardly the phrase I would use," Alastor chuckled as he pulled back, making you blush as his red iris glowed dangerously. "But you, my dear, will have a little work to do, seeing as I'm positively spoiled after this gift. You have no idea of the things I'm thinking about, all the possibilities of what we can accomplish if we put both our minds – and magic - to it."

Alastor pulled you into a tight embrace, rubbing his chin and cheeks across your scalp and shoulders, coating you with a generous amount of his scent as if to mark you before pulling the blankets up and covering the two of you as his arms locked around you possessively, letting you settle against his chest as he hummed a melody you didn't know. But you knew him well enough to know that it was a clear sign of him being absolutely pleased and content.

You smiled, his good mood infectious, and as you glanced to the two dolls that sat together like a matching pair, stripped of their clothes and as close together as you and the real demon were now under the sheets, it made you feel like the cat that ate the canary. The cat had been fed by Alastor, sure. But he had also had his fill and then some, and really... that was all that mattered to you.

[mytheoristavenue]

MHA Mezo Shoji x Reader - Smile with your Eyes

Summary: Who knew one compliment would turn Shoji's whole world on its head?

Warnings: Fluff, light angst, short, not proofread, gn!reader

"You should smile more, you have a lovely smile." The comment caught Shoji so off guard, he stopped in his tracks, doing a double take as you passed by. He wasn't even fully convinced his mind hadn't made it up to torment him over his crush on you.

"Did you say something?" He asked, paused in the hallway, tilting his head when you looked back at him with a warm smile.

"I said you have a lovely smile, Shoji." You repeated sweetly before turning back to go on your way.

Little did you know, that small compliment set Shoji's world on fire. When had you seen him without a mask? He couldn't for the life of him remember. He racked his brain trying to figure it out, deconstructing the praise until it turned onto an insult. Were you mocking him? You'd never do that, right?

Regardless, Shoji continued to stew on your comment for days. He began to avoid you, look over his shoulder, even when he knew he was alone, worried you might be spying on him. He was so paranoid.

"Shoji," You stood in front of him, his back against a wall- literally. "Are you mad at me?" You blinked up at him, head tilted slightly.

"W-Well-" He started, feeling heat creep up the column of his neck. "I-I..."

"I'm sorry if I did something to hurt your feelings, just tell me what it was so I don't do it again," you explained matter of factly. "I care about you, you're my friend and I want to make sure I'm not accidentally repeatedly hurting your feelings. You had always been a very straightforward person, not seeing the point in beating around the bush. This was the most efficient way to fix the issue in your mind.

Despite your frankness, Shoji was further confused by the conviction behind your words. You can't possibly be this oblivious to his reasons for avoiding you unless he'd misunderstood everything all along. "Y-You said I had a lovely smile..." He finally confessed, rigid against the wall, feeling silly for letting someone half his size pin him without even physically touching him.

"I'm sorry," you promptly apologize. "I didn't think saying so would upset you," you admit with a serious but kind expression. "I actually still don't but my mother always says 'it doesn't matter how your words hurt someone, if they do, you just apologize.'"

Your reaction caught him by surprise. So it wasn't a prank then. Boy, did he feel silly. He raised a dupli-mouth to explain, only to be interrupted by your index finger against his lips. "I don't have to understand how what I said hurt you, just that it did and that I shouldn't repeat it."

"Wait," he finally said, hands finding your shoulders, yanking away when you jump in surprise. "D-Did you mean it...?"

"Of course I did," you answered bluntly, peering up at him, relaxing under his touch. "I wouldn't have said it otherwise. I think you have a bright and genuine smile. It lights up my day when I see it."

You could almost see the blush rise up over the hem of his mask as he swallowed, eyeing you cautiously. "But you've even seen me without a mask," he argues weakly. "Y-You haven't have you?"

"No," you confirm, feeling the tension release from his muscles. "But I don't see what that has to do with it." Shoji was beginning to wonder if you were stupid, or if you were talking about his dupli-mouths when suddenly, you shifted, raising the textbook in your hands to cover your face from the nose down.

He couldn't keep from melting at the warm, kind grin that cracked across your face from behind the book. Though he couldn't see your lips, he didn't miss the way your eyes sparkled and the corners of your eyes crinkled, pushed up by your glowing cheeks. "When someone smiles, you can see it in their eyes." You explain, not that it was needed. Tucking the book under your arm, you reach up, fingertips brushing his tan skin, feeling just left of his eye. "You don't have crow's feet, so that means you don't smile often, or you didn't used to, at least. But I've noticed lately you smile a lot. I can tell because your eyes always light up when you do."

Shoji's breath hitched as you deconstructed him. Had you always been this smart? Or were you just really observant? "I don't know much about you, and that's okay," you continued. "But I know you must have had a time in your life where you didn't have anything to smile for." How could you possibly keep hitting the nail on the head? It unnerved him how you unknowingly unravelled all his secrets, giving him the warmest smile all the while.

"I said what I said because I wanted to know that I like your smile, and I appreciate seeing it," you gently reassure. "But I understand it made you uncomfortable, so I won't-"

"No, please," he finally choked out, glancing away nervously. "I-I don't want you to stop saying it." He finally confessed, confusing you further. "It...means a lot from you, and I'd like to hear it more often, actually..."

Your shoulders finally slump and you beam up at him, joy radiating from you as you nod in understanding. "I love your smile, Shoji, please let me see it more often!"

He had no idea what compelled him to do it, but he glanced around, checking that the coast was clear before reaching up and very briefly yanking his mask down, flashing a sunny grin, eyes closed and brows furrowed. It was the type of smile you'd seen multiple times on the likes of Kirishima or Kaminari, but never on Shoji.

Your eyes wet, you took him in, trying to memorize his visage for the few seconds he showed it. His smirk was all scar tissue and straight, perfect teeth. "Shoji..." you whispered, breath swallowed. "You're smile..."

For a moment, Shoji could feel the guilt of a grave mistake crawl up his back and sit on his shoulder like a little devil. His hands retracted from your shoulders finally and his fist balled anxiously.

"You have the most beautiful smile in the world!"

[impactedfates]

Letters Unsent - Genshin + HSR Boys x GN! Reader

★ Summary: After their death, you find a letter. A letter he wrote. A letter he wrote for you, a letter he wished he could’ve given to you personally. A letter describing his feelings.

☆ Characters Included (Separate): Diluc, Wriothesley, Cyno, Argenti, Jing Yuan + Gepard

★ Genre/Trope: Angst + Hurt/No Comfort

☆ Warnings: Major Character Death (Not the Readers)

★ Extra: Angst is fun, angst is nice :)) // Might make another part with different characters if this does well // Not fully proof read // Motivation came back cuz of sad tunes/hj

He said he'd be back, that it'll be quick. Despite your worry, you knew he was strong, so he'd be able to protect himself right? So you trusted him. Trusted him so much that when his co-worker showed up to your door with an expression you couldn't exactly read, you were confused. It was about him but...he was fine right? Then why were they telling you he had passed? The injuries he sustained was...to much for his body to handle? The healers couldn't help him? But...he said he'd be back...you were snapped out of your thoughts when they handed you a letter with your name on it. "I think he knew he wouldn't be able to make it...so...he wanted you to have this...even if he couldn't hear your answer"

"To My Dearest,

If I'd ever be lucky to even call you that. Although this isn't ideally how I wanted to do this. I believe I can only get these things on paper, it's much too difficult otherwise. I was never good with words so I hope this alternative is alright for you.

Ever since the day I first laid eyes on you, I knew you were different. Not in a bad way. It took me way too long to figure out the reason for this was due to the fact I loved you.

I loved seeing your smile.

Hearing your laugh.

Loved the small talk we had that would end up with me taking you home. You made me feel something I didn't think I would ever feel, and I'm unsure if I even deserve it.

If I even deserve you.

Whether or not you feel the same way, I hope we can stick together as long as time allows us.

Sincerely

Diluc."

"To Y/N

Hope you're doing well, life in Meropide is still as dull as ever. Well, unless you decide to visit, you really do light up the room when you come by don't you? Or maybe that's just for me.

Anyways, preferably I would be telling you this in person, but more work has piled up. That's also why our little tea sessions have to be put on hold for now. Don't worry, as soon as this all clears up and I investigate this one area, then we can go back to the usual.

I have this one blend I think you'd really like!

Anyways, enough beating around the bush.

I like you.

Like like you.

I love you.

So much.

I can't even begin to describe how much I love you, and even if I did I feel you'd be gagging at how cheesy I was being haha!

But really, I love you so much. I want to be with you, of course I understand if you don't feel the same. But Sigwinnie would have my head if I postponed this confession any longer.

I hope to see you again after my work.

Yours Truly

Wriothesley"

"Hello Y/N

I never thought I'd be writing this kind of letter in my free time. Unfortunately for me, it seems as though fate likes making things harder for me and whenever I want to even try to talk to you about this, it's much more difficult than it was when I practised in the mirror.

Or...

Well...

Practised to Tighnari.

We can ignore that for now though as I'm still trying to put this all together in words.

I would let you borrow my TCG set, you can use it as you please and I'd even let you touch my limited edition cards.

If that's not making any sense then how about a joke?

How does a fruit confess?

They say "Olive You"

.

.

.

Get it, because an olive is a type of fruit, and olive sounds like "I love"

.

.

.

I love you"

"My beloved rose

As much as I'd love to tell you all these words in person, my search for Idrila is still ongoing and I am unsure when I'll be able to see your beautiful face once again.

Ever since my eyes laid on your beauty, I thought I had found Idrila herself, but once I got to know you. Even if you weren't the Goddess, you could almost rival her.

The sparkle in your eyes.

The pretty little smile.

Your wonderful personality.

All those things you think are flaws? I love each and everyone of them. They are not flaws to me and it pains me knowing you think of yourself like that.

Once we meet again, I want to make sure you know how deserving you are of these words, how your 'flaws' aren't flaws and how much I love every bit of you.

Though I am aware I find many things worthy of praise. I want to let you know that you're different.

I don't just want to praise you, compliment you. I wish to love you, hold your hands and protect you with my life, no matter what it takes.

I love you so much, and if I could be so lucky to call you mine. Well, I think I'd be the happiest man alive.

I will return soon,

Signed

Argenti"

"Morning, Afternoon or Night

I'm not too sure when the Cloud Knight will give this to you, or when I'll give this to them. Whatever the case, I won't beat around the bush too much.

I love you.

Nothing could compare the feeling in my heart when I see you.

The smile that will never fade as long as you're there by my side.

You are just amazing. In all my years of living, never would I have thought to have met someone as perfect as you.

Even Fu Xuan herself can see just how enamoured I am for you, although for her. She's been using it as an advantage to do work.

'If you finish now you can see them quicker'

'How would they feel knowing that you're not working?'

'Stop dozing off or they won't come to see you ever again!'

I must admit, they all do work. Even if in hindsight, not only would I still see you even with work uncomplete, I'll see you plenty of times and more to come but I don't think you care all too much about my sleep.

But I digress.

I hope this letter finds you well, take as much time as you need to consider my words and think about your own feelings.

I'll be waiting where I always am.

Jing Yuan"

"Dear Y/N

Aeons this is embarrassing. But it would be even more embarrassing if Serval kept teasing me about this. I've been putting this off for so long, worried about how you'd react.

Your answer.

And if this would change your view on me...but you're not that kind of person. I know you're not. And after a bit of thinking, to save me from stumbling on my words. I decided to write a letter.

Serval should be the one giving this to you, so I hope she didn't say anything to you, I would nearly die of embarrassment if she did. Anyways!

So...I know it's probably not much hoping Serval wouldn't say something actually, knowing her, she gave it away with one sentence but...

I like you, a lot. More than you could ever know.

And I'm more than happy to talk to you about this in full once I'm back from my mission.

I can only pray you feel the same, but even if you don't.

I hope we stay friends.

Until next time,

Gepard"

WOOO FINALLY GOT THIS DONE AFTER FOREVER.

Sorry if any characters are OOC, I tried my best with writing what I think they'd write in a confession letter, but I hope you enjoyed this anyways!

[glaciertea]

It's Our Paradise, and It's Our War Zone

Another Miguel O'Hara x Fem!Reader

I wrote this as a very small collection of one-shots from my longfic (you don't need to read that to read this). I made some minor changes, but it's nothing too crazy. Also, if the Spanish is off, let me know~

Word count: 3.5K

Content Warning: 18+, Pwp, PinV, bondage, overstimulation, toy usage, he uses his webs (not just for tying things up), blindfold, cunnilingus, bad jokes :]

Summary: Miguel helps you out with a daydream you've been having for awhile.

For the past few days, you've been self-motivating yourself to finally tell Miguel about a fantasy that's been lingering on your mind from the moment you realized you held that attraction to him. Specifically, sexual attraction.

You wanted to dangle from his webs, completely exposed and restrained, bounded by trust and that gripping lust.

You would stand in front of the mirror, reciting how you would blurt it out or ease it into a conversation; however, when the time seemed permitted, you would chicken out the last second, pretending as if it was some other ‘important’ thing, such as ‘pancakes, waffles, or French toast?’ Or, ‘did you watch that one show as a kid?’

So far, the mission has been an obvious failure. But that wasn't going to deter you from it. Far from it. Tonight was the night you would finally megaphone your burning desires and sensations to him once and for all.

When he arrived (through the window, because he doesn't believe in the key or door), things went as normal. You made some homemade burgers and pre-cooked fries, watched random episodes from some show, and played a few rounds of your karting game. 

There was some chit-chatting in between, but the main topic refused to show itself on stage. Your palms were sweaty as you wiped them on your shorts for the umpteenth time in a row. You battled with how exactly you were going to say this; all that practicing you did began to clash, and it wasn't helping you one bit. You were scattered.

“Alright. Tell me what's on your mind before you blow a nerve over there, amor.”

You yelped at the sudden confrontation before nervously laughing louder than you expected. "Oh, it's nothing, Miggy. I'm just thinking about some funny jokes in my head.”

Miguel raised a brow. You weren't very vague; there was more to it, and he knew it, but he wanted to see if you could get it out with just a bit of a push from him.

“Okay then. Tell me a joke.”

“Wh-what?” You blinked, a bit stupefied.

“Tell me a joke. I want a good one. So go ahead and make me laugh.” His body was facing you fully. 

You were thrown into an unwarranted spotlight. All eyes were on you. You hated that you got yourself into this.

“A… a joke.” You gulped loudly.

“Si. Give me a joke.” Miguel's authoritative tone seeped out, and it wasn't helping you at all. 

A joke? That's a difficult thing to serve, especially when one is put on the spot, unless you're a professional. Witty one-liners and puns are easier, but having to come up with the starter, the execution, and the punchline is a whole process in itself.

You thought about stalling and beating around the bush.

“No stalling either.” 

At this point, you believed he was a mind-reader. There was no other explanation for it.

He was intently staring into your soul with those mesmerizing eyes, as you did your best to look at everything else besides him. 

“Right. So, here's my joke. It's coming up right now, right this seco-”

“You're stalling. Joke. Now.” 

You felt yourself straining in more ways than one.

“Okay, uh, let's see… How do you catch a squirrel? Climb a tree and act like a nut.” You drummed the air, tittering, before tightening your lips together.

The air was cumbersome, and Miguel's dead gaze wasn't helping.

“That was bad. Muy mal.”

“Hey! I don't think it was that bad. You asked for a joke, and I gave one.”

“Yes, but a joke that makes me laugh.” He leaned in, entrapping your body. “That didn't even get a chuckle, corazón.”

You squirmed on the sofa, his husky breath traveling through your veins. How you disliked, but loved the easy affects he had on you.

“So tell me, what's really running through there?” He skimmed his knuckle from your forehead to your chin, your breathing picking up.

He wanted you to speak your mind. He often reminds you not to be scared to do it, especially around him. He loves listening to your thoughts and observations. And one thing he also adores hearing is your wants and needs. He's always ready to care for and respect them.

“I-I…”

“Go on. What's going on in that brain? I know for a fact that it isn't just jokes.”

He had you cornered. Figuratively and literally. That stare wasn't going anywhere, and neither were you. He could do this all night if he really strived for it. He is a strong-willed man after all.

“Fine! Back when we were first getting to know each other and all, we knew each other, but we didn't have that ground of–”

“You're stalling!” He snarled out, pressing his body into yours. “To the point. Now!”

Your eyes widened at that domineering voice. You didn't even realize he could get that booming and demanding. He started to tense up when he recognized that change.

“I'm so sorry, mi corazón. I didn't mean to sound like that. I usually don't use that voice unless others refuse to listen. Wa-wait! I'm not saying you're not listening; I mean–”

“I had this fantasy of being fully tied up in your webs. A sense of trust and longing to be there.” You bumped your forehead into his, that burning passion glazing over.

Miguel's breathing became rapid. Was this what you really wanted? Or was it something that you would believe he would want? He couldn't lie that he also didn't have those lingering around his brain, but would you truly be okay with it?

“I- are you sure you want something like that?”

“Yes, this is what I want to try. This is something I want.” You were determined to do this, praying that he would accept your fiery cravings.

“Corazón, will you allow me to–”

“Yes, I will allow you to take control. To tie me in your webs.” You placed your wrists together, expressing that vulnerability. “Please, Miguel.”

Miguel nodded, knowing that no more words needed to be said. Everything was now on the table. He lowered his head until his lips were on yours. Folding your legs around his waist and your arms over his neck, Miguel picked you up, placing your body on a nearby wall.

“Mi hermosa amor, te adoraré ahora y siempre. Siempre me preguntaré cómo te conseguí.” Miguel whispered against your neck, causing you to moan and writhe. 

He nibbled the crook of your neck and collarbone, his tongue gliding over the delicate skin. His hands dragged down your shirt, lifting it over your head. 

He brushed his claws over your hardened nipples, tweaking them before bending forward and nibbling the nubs hungrily. You blissfully sighed out, when a sudden memory popped up in Miguel's head.

“That vibrator… It's in your left bottom drawer by your bed, right?”

You froze. “You… I… How did you know about that?!” You honestly assumed you swept that in the corner, hidden away from the naked eye.

“I found it when you told me to bring that bottle of lube.” He flicked his tongue over your cleavage, leaving hickies on your chest and the valley.

“How—but you had to really peek to have—”

“You were the one who told me to put it there, baby.” His claws made their way to your shorts and tugged them down, caressing your thighs. “It rolled out when I pulled the drawer out.”

You were flustered, stuttering, when Miguel planted a kiss to quiet you down. “Do you want me to get it? I will only do it if you want me to.”

It took you exactly one second before wholeheartedly agreeing. You wanted to know how far this fantasy of yours would go, and you were excited that there was an unexpected but welcome addition.

You slid out one of your dining room chairs and sat down. Miguel held that confidence in his walk, and you knew it. Strolling back out with your purple and white magic wand and the bottle, you gave a thumbs-up.

Retaking your earlier positions, he sat the items in the chair, pressing your body back into the wall, two fingers making their way in your panties, rubbing the folds, proud of how wet you were.

“Mm, I–ah–want to be gagged and blindfolded.”

“You really want to be tethered up, don't you?” His thumb rolled over your clit as he stared for any signs of displeasure.

“I have an eye mask in the same drawer, and the fantasy includes your webs in between my teeth.” 

Miguel made no hesitation; he was back with it in a blink of an eye. You could tell how roused he was by the throbbing bulge in his pajama pants, as you swore you could see some damp stains. 

“If I do this, you'll need to have a way to alert me if you start feeling uncomfortable. Safewords won't exactly work.”

You closed one eye, thinking for a few seconds, when you snapped your fingers. Propping your hands over your head, you gave a thumbs-up. 

“Thumbs-up means you can go; bunny ears mean slow down; and when I snap, stop.” You demonstrated each motion as Miguel nodded.

“Vale, vale, bien.” He brushed the side of your face and smiled. “You ready?”

You nodded, arms still above your head. He picked you up with ease as you examined him shooting his webs at the wall and the ceiling. Carefully sticking you to the netting, he bound you in a dragonfly shibari tie, thoroughly taking his time. 

“How many times have you done this?” You eyeballed his work as much as possible.

“A few.” He pressed a kiss on your stomach. “But that's all I'm going to say.”

You hummed out at the intriguing fact that'll now be stuck in your brain.

Putting the eye mask on, he waved his claw in front of you, happy that you didn't react to it.

“Okay. Ready to be muted?”

“I'm ready to be partially subdued.” You chuckled as he joined in.

“Okay, just let me know if you feel uncomfortable.” He shot out a long string, double roping it around your mouth and part of your head. “Bite down.”

You obeyed as you tried to get used to the thick organic webbing. It was like a rope, but not. A feeling that if someone asked you to describe, you wouldn't know where to begin.

He strummed over your curves, crooning at the beauty that was secured before him. His full lips and tongue were dragging and wetting your body as you felt two unsheathed fingers hook the bands of your underwear, drawing them down until they were on the floor.

His eyes were locked on your arousal. You exhaled out contentedly, knowing that you were in safe hands. Even if you weren't in control, you still felt like the leader of this.

He dropped to his knees, eye level with your clenching heat. You awaited him, electricity coursing through your veins, desperate to know when he would have his way with you. You could only groan, not being able to move any part of your body as you spread open like a buffet exclusively for him.

“Always a delightful sight.” He nipped your inner thighs, adding suction to leave markings. 

“Mine.” He trailed his tongue over your vulva, making sure to get every part.

A while escaped, your chest heaving from the sensual lick. You yearned for more as you tried, but no matter what you enunciated, only jumbled-up groans from your throat came out.

He pretended not to hear your neediness, teasing your folds with a flick here and there. He would quickly bury his head into your entrance, pumping his tongue for a couple of seconds before pulling out. He did it several times, and you weren't happy with the taunts.

“Mmm! Mm mmmph!” 

“Mmm, no puedo escucharte. All I hear is murmurs, amor.” 

You could envision his condescending smirk just from his voice. You growled, but stopped when you felt the familiar head on your clit.

On a low setting, Miguel settled the toy, knotting the web around your waist and hips so it could stay attached right to the fleshy bud.

“Now, you will cum when I tell you. Understand?” He slid two fingers into your core, scissoring to help with your urges. 

You hastily gave the thumbs-up, and your moans in his ears made him grunt. “Muy bueno, muy, muy bueno.”

He yanked his two fingers out, causing you to panic and request that he keep going as best as you could, when he suddenly upped the power.

“Mmmm—Mmph. Mmn!” 

He removed his clothes and sauntered over to the seat you left out. Cozily perching himself down, he squeezed some of the clear substance on his hands, pleasuring his throbbing cock.

You despised that you couldn't see a thing, but you loved the feeling that he was still providing, even if you didn't know what it could be. You listened to his praises, your ears picking up squishing noises. You couldn't tell if that was from you or if he was doing something to himself.

“Look at my gorgeous moon. She's doing so well, trying not to cum. You're such a good girl for following my rules.” 

He stroked himself faster as he eyed your messy, trembling figure. The vibrator went wild as your legs spasmed, but with the restraints, it barely seemed as though they were moving.

He licked his lips at your dripping pussy—a nice puddle formed on your wooden floorboards. A delicious view for only him to behold.

Your muffled screams and begs were music to his ears. Your face drenched in sweat, tears, and saliva, your mind ragged, knowing that he's observing every reaction and every moment. You knew he was enjoying himself way too much.

“Let's see if we can add a bit more, corazón.”

You shook your head; your faint pleas went unheard. The fact that he already denied you to orgasm, and now he wants more? He's torturing you at this point just because he can. And you adored it.

“Mmph! Mmm!” You wriggled as you sensed him getting closer to you.

“You doing okay?” He stroked your hair, and you gave the thumbs-up to have him keep going.

“Bueno.” 

You heard another buzzing sound. Did he have a second vibrator? Did you? You swore you only had one, so you had zero idea what it could be.

“Mmmm? Mmm?”

Miguel chuckled at your curiosity, placing a kiss on your sweaty forehead. “Remember, mi amor. No cumming unless I say.”

The sound was getting louder. You really wanted to see what it exactly was, so you snapped your finger, and Miguel immediately tore the silk from your mouth.

“Corazón? You okay?” He examined your face for any indication of uneasiness.

“I'm fine, Miggy. Just a bit interested if you had another vibrator.”

“No. It's my web.” 

You were a bit lost. His web? But the ones around you weren't humming or anything like that, so that probed the question: what type of web was this then? 

“But how is it buzz–” Your mouth was once again covered as you screeched when Miguel took hold of the toy, rubbing and pressing it harder on your clitoris.

“Laser web. Now remember. No. Releasing.” You gasped when something heated was pushed into your opening, convulsing and pulsating lightly.

Your toes curled at the overstimulation. You sobbed, your heart hammering at a treacherous tempo. You wanted to cum so badly; you wanted that sweet release of relief and satisfaction, but he wasn't going to allow it.

“There you go, such a good girl.” He pushed the web in and out in a rhythmic pattern. The drones from the objects, the squelching from your pussy, and those cute noises emitting from you made him twitch madly.

Your juices trickled down his claws, the other side wanting to escape as the nectar from your delectable pussy stickied his hand and web, as he knew you were doing everything in your power to not release.

He dropped the web when a raspy, guttural growl rumbled in his chest. “Fuck, fuck—I want you, corazón. I need you. Please.” 

Miguel grasped the webs, his eyes lingering, waiting for that signal. You nodded, as he saw the thumb. He smiled and removed the mesh and blindfold, revealing that warmth and faith in your smile and gaze.

“You are beautiful, you know?”

“You mention it every chance you get.” You giggled out when he pushed his forehead on yours.

“Then I will continue to do it. You are very beautiful.”

He kissed you, sliding his tongue into your mouth, before shoving himself in one go. You threw your head back at the suddenness. A cry quickly turned into a shriek when you felt the familiar buzz on your clitoris once more.

Miguel began to thrust maniacally, your back rubbing against the wall from every pump he gave.

“You like that? Mmn, mmm, fuck, mi corazón, such a perfect little pussy for papi.” He grunted in your ear, licking the lobe.

“Mi-Miguel! Too… too much!” Your screams sprang out, your walls constricting with every deep impact.

“You can- fuck… You can take it—ah, mierda, so good…”

He released his firm hold on the netting to your hips. Pulling all the way out, he paused for a few seconds before ramming himself back to the hilt. He repeated this, prizing himself on the reactions.

Tears rolling down your chin, your shudders, and whimpers that merge into strangled moans. Your disheveled state as you took Miguel, feeling the tip brush against your cervix, as your belly bulged from every breach.

His hips grinding against yours, your brain foggy with white, and him in the center. The vibrator was whirring with every rock; you were losing your mind.

“Too sensitive- Miguel. Please!”

“I'm not stopping. Going to fuck–ah–going to fuck you until you can't walk.” 

“Miguel!” You wailed out as drool leaked down as he rubbed against your g-spot.

“That's right; let them know who's doing this. You're mine. I'm going to have you and everyone else remember.” He rasped out in that ragged, husky tone, making you quiver all over.

His name was the only thing leaving your lips as your soaking walls clenched. The sensation from his throbbing, heated shaft as he hit every point perfectly. You slowly began to garble out his name, slurring it into one incoherent sentence.

“Mig-Miguuel!”

“There you go, who owns this pussy?”

“You.”

Miguel snarled in your face, yanking your head back. “I don't like repeating myself. Who? Owns? This? Pussy?!”

His hip bones slammed into yours. You were aware you were going to be overtly sore and bruised in the morning, but it was all worth it in the moment.

“Miguel! Miguel owns this pussy!” 

“¡Sí, joder! ¡Buena chica, qué buena chica! ¡Papi es dueño de este coño, papi es dueño de este hermosa coño!” 

You were far gone; the sounds of your wet, erotic bodies covered every square centimeter of your living room and kitchen, and maybe even out of the door.

Your feverish sobs and his primal growls sent you into a frenzy. A strong yearning began to creep itself into your stomach as Miguel's brutal pace refused to let up.

“I feel—ah—Miggy! I'm going to—I'm going to—”

“Cum, cum, my love. Yes, yes, cum on my cock. Do it. Cum!”

His hand reached between you two as he pressed the overwhelming toy more on your sensitive bud, jerking it back and forth like a joycon.

Your mouth opened wide, and your eyes rolled all the way into the back of your head when you snapped.

“Miguel!” 

The bubble burst. You squirted out on his abs, your thighs, the floor, and who knows what else. Your body quaked as if someone were trying to perform an exorcism. But whatever was possessing you, you didn't want it to leave.

He growled out, pushing your legs up to change the angle. He propelled sporadically as he was close to his own climax.

“Sí, sí, sí, joder, joder, joder—corazón!”

He roared out, his talons pricking your hips, as he emptied his entire soul into you. 

His chest heaved, your bodies glistening in sweat, as he pressed his forehead into yours, a shaky breath released.

“Ah… ah- ha…. Fuck. Baby? Corazón? You… you okay?”

“I…”

“Yes? You okay?” He wiped some moisture off your face.

“I- if the dove is the bird of peace, what is the bird of true love? It’s the swallow.” You gave a goofy and sleepy grin.

Miguel froze before he snickered and began to laugh. 

“I did it! I made you laugh.”

“Ay, yes… Yes, you did. What am I going to do with you?”

You both smiled into the kiss, happily swirling your tongues in a messy dance.

“Did I fulfill your fantasy, amor?”

“Mhmm, but let's go another round, just to be sure it was completely satisfactory.”

“Dios mío, me estás matando, luna mía. Pero maldita sea, si no es de la mejor manera posible.”

You didn't understand, but your eyes were right back covered, and that was enough for you to know.

[captjprice]

John Price x Medic!Reader

a/n: this fic sucks honestly. i had to rewrite it THREE times. its so rushed im sorry. next smut WILL be better.

warnings: smut, p in v sex, fingering, quickie, on the desk, poor desk, exhibitionism??, light dom/sub, Price is so sweet,

When Price saw you for the first time, he could barely get the words out of his mouth to greet you. He was in total awe of you, your pretty face and your cute figure. How had such a sweetheart been assigned to treat him? He couldn't help but smile as you spoke sweetly to him. "Please, sit down, Captain."

Price knew the way you acted and spoke wasn't meant to elicit such a reaction from him— You were simply a bubbly personality. Yet, something nagged him with the thought that you knew exactly what you were doing. He tried to push those thoughts, (and many others), aside. Especially in moments like when you tended to the wound on his bare chest, and he could see your cheeks flushing from the close proximity. It made him grin, and shift his position to hide the hard-on growing in his pants.

He knew he had to do something about it, because the mutual attraction between the both of you made every room hot and humid. And he couldn't just keep satisfying himself with a quick palming under the desk.

---------------------------------------------------------

You sat in the treatment facility, chatting around with Tara, one of the other medics on base. It wasn't often you had time to chat, but the business had died down. Just when the topic of the Captain came up, he walked through the door. He usually did so daily around the same time, claiming he had 'orders' to check up on you, but you knew better.

You also knew that the way he looked at you wasn't just friendly. Couldn't have been. Tara watched with a sneaky smile, then headed off to treat one of the soldiers, Antonio, in the next room. Tara obviously knew about the two of you, you could cut the tension with a knife.

Price walks in, obviously trying to look casual as he stepped closer to you. You bat your lashes at him, and he quirks up a brow in amusement. "What's with you, love? Lookin' at me like that?" He muses, brushing a piece of stray hair behind you ear. "What? Like what?" You tease, tilting your head. "Little devil," He mutters under his breath before clearing his throat. "Listen, sweetheart. Gotta talk to you. In my office, it's important."

The way he says it makes you worry, like you've done something wrong. "Oh, everything okay?" You ask, furrowing your brows together. He nods, just making a motion for you to follow him, and you do just that. "Everything's alright, just wanted to have a talk, yeah?" He says, and you answer with a hum. He lets you into his office with a mutter of 'lady's first,' then sits down at his desk with a groan.

"Alright, love. I know there's no beating around the bush about it, so i'll say it. You're.. distracting." His words cause your eyes to widen, and you clear your throat. "What?" You blurt. "I don't know if you even realize it, but you drive me up the wall sometimes, touching me and talking all sweet." He mutters, light frustration lacing his tone. Your cheeks turn red, and you just stare at him. You were flirting with him, obviously. But you didn't think he'd get so.. bothered by it.

"I mean it. And i'd like to take you out sometime, if you'll have me." He finished, standing up and walking over to you. "Hm?" He hummed. You snapped out of your daze, nodding along. "Oh, yeah. Yes. I'd love that." You mumbled, mind totally elsewhere as his hand cupped your chin. "You're such a pretty lass," He mused, leaning closer. His gaze flickered to the door, making sure it was fully closed. You practically melted into his grip, whispering a shy "Thank you," back to him.

He finally decided to make a move if you wouldn't, leaning closer and pressing his lips to yours. The kiss was sloppy and needy, like he didn't care about taking his time. He pulls back for a moment to catch his breath, staring at you lovingly. "You do want this? Right?" He whispered, making sure he wasn't acting out on a whim here. You nod, cheeks flush. He also nods, his lips pecking yours chastely before moving down your jaw, all the way to your collarbone.

His hands fiddled with the top of the nurse uniform, unbuttoning it and sliding it off as quickly as he could. He needed you, and he was making it real obvious. You whine as he kisses down your cleavage, sucking a dark mark right between your breasts. The noise makes him grin, and he pulls back to hoist you up, placing you on the desk. His lips are back on your skin, his hands absently fiddling to unclip your bra. When he's finally able to toss it to the side, he groans. You were so beautiful, and he was going to absolutely ruin you. "You're perfect, love. Absolutely perfect, and all for me." He says quietly, his mouth running over your breast and toying with your nipple.

A whimper leaves your mouth, and your thighs press together as a shameful reminder of your arousal. "Someone will hear," You manage to say as John continues to grope you. "So?" He says lowly, pushing you further back on the desk, not even turning his gaze when one of the photographs fall to the floor. His hands pull down your skirt and panties at the same time, leaving them hanging at your ankles. His hands trail over your bare thighs, making it's way to your dripping cunt. "Mmh," You whimper as he pushes your legs open, letting his fingers tease across your inner thighs. 'You're sure, right?" He asks again, and you nod. "Please," You mumble, and he obliges, letting his fingers slide across your folds. He whispers out a curse as he feels just how wet you are, and his thumb flicks across your clit. You squirm, your legs jolting a little from the sudden touch. Without warning, he pushes two fingers inside of you.

You let out a shameful moan, and you hope to god nobody is outside of his office right now. "John," You whisper absentmindedly, squirming as he begins to pump his fingers into you. "Fuuuck, you're tight. Can't wait to have you clench around me like that." He whispers, his free hand squeezing your breast. You don't reply— You're too lost in the feeling of his fingers inside of you, holding onto the desk like your life depends on it. The pressure and arousal builds, and you throw your head back, trying to grab onto Price's wrist so maybe he'll slow down, but he just slaps your hand away.

"Mmh, close, I.." You whine, and he just shushes you. "I know, love. You're doing so well, aren't you?" He whispers, only speeding up. The pitch of your moans get higher, and his hand comes up to caress your cheek. He can tell you're about to come undone— His hand places itself over your mouth to muffle the loud noise when you do. Your legs tremble, and he continues to pump his fingers through your orgasm. He removes his hand when you've quieted down, placing a little kiss to your forehead. "You did so good, sweetheart. That was only to get you ready." He mumbles, unbuckling his belt.

Despite how quick it all was, he was so caring. "You okay, love? Think we can continue?" He asked sweetly, caressing your knee. After a moment of heavy panting, you nod. He unzips his pants, stepping closer and pulling himself out of his pants. Fuck, he was huge. He took his cock in his hand, pumping himself a few times. "Oh, am I gonna enjoy this.." He mused, letting his tip slide along your folds. You whimpered, sick of the teasing. "John, please.." You whispers. He grins lazily, placing his tip at your entrance. Slowly, Price pushes himself inside of you, careful to not hurt you. "You're doing so good, lovely." He cooed, his thumb rubbing circles onto your hips.

He stopped when almost fully in, giving you a moment to adjust. "You just let me know when you're alright, hm?" He hums, staring down at you. You nod after a minute, and he slowly starts moving. You've never felt so full, you're sure of it. Your eyes flutter closed as you take in the sensation, and his thumb continues to rub circles onto your hips. "You feel even better than I expected, love." He groans, speeding up a little. You know you should be quiet— It's his office and if you get caught you'll both have a big problem. But he's so big, and you can't help but let a few moans spill from your mouth. "F-.. Oh, fuck, John, faster..-" You whine out, your hand finding his shirt and trying to pull him closer.

"Mmh, you'll have to be quiet." He grunts, speeding up to a pace that's almost animalistic— The hand that was rubbing your hips are gripping now, his fingers digging into your plush skin as he thrusts into you. Your noises only get louder along with the sound of skin slapping on skin. "Fuck," He moans, reaching forward to place his hand over your mouth again when you get too loud for his liking. You're close, you can feel that same pleasure building in your lower abdomen. When Price leans forward to bite into your shoulder to stifle his own sounds, you come undone, your legs wrapping around his waist as you practically see stars.

It doesn't take him long to come after that, lazily thrusting into you a few more times before he bottoms out in you, coming inside. Your legs twitch, and you let out a soft whine. "John.." He pulls out, panting heavily. "Fuck, you're amazing. Heavensent, love." He whispers to you, leaning forward to give you a chaste kiss. "You alright?" Price asks, noticing you just hazily looking at him. You nod, and he grins. "Mmh, how about you head to my quarters and step into the shower, yeah? I'll join you in a moment." He says sweetly, and you nod again, pulling up your panties and skirt on wobbly knees.

[whumpsday]

Kane & Jim #54: Bad Night

Chronological masterlist / Writing order masterlist

content: recovery, (past) vampire whumper, sleep deprivation, paranoia, self deprecation, body image issues about scars, past loss of bodily autonomy, begging

Whumpmas in July Day 27: Unstable

another check-in with this guy in his own recovery arc

-

Jim always got worse at night.

In the daytime, it was a little easier. Kane couldn't get to him then, so he didn't have to worry as much. But in the night, Kane could come back for him easily. He hadn't even been far from here when Kane got him the first time, only a few blocks away.

He laid in bed with the lights on and his hands wrapped around the stake, imagining Kane checking each house one-by-one until he finds him- or worse, finds Liz in the same house. Not even needing to enter them to check, knowing him by the familiar smell of his blood. The delicious blood stuck inside Jim's body forever, always marking him as Kane's.

He got out of bed and began to pace, too paranoid to sleep. He still wasn't fully used to sleeping in the night and being awake in the daytime, anyway. It didn't feel natural like it used to.

Jim opened and closed his bedroom door, just to make sure he wasn't locked inside.

It was ridiculous, wasn't it? At Kane's, he lived under a blanket of fear, but it was almost never this intense. Aside from his nightly bites, sharp fangs painfully piercing his neck that he'd gotten used to long ago, Kane had hardly bothered him at all for the last two years. The beatings had tapered off when Jim started behaving.

He was just trapped in the human quarters, and could trust reasonably well that he wouldn't be hurt again until the next night. Always at the same time, always in the same way, stable and predictable. Nothing was predictable now. Kane could come at any moment and make good on his threat, bring him back to a world of pain, and he'd never see it coming.

Jim hated himself for it, but sometimes he wished he were back, that he'd never left. Just so he wouldn't have to be so scared. Since he ran, it felt like every night was a copy of the one he'd spent huddled under a bush in the woods of vampire territory, half-dead and shivering. Like having the thought that he'd give up his freedom for a sip of water just that once had planted a seed in his mind that wouldn't stop growing.

He shook his head, like it could clear the thought from his mind. He didn't want to be back, he didn't. He liked being free. He couldn't stand anything else.

Jim left the suffocating confines of his room and headed to the bathroom to splash water on his face. He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, ugly scars emblazoned on his neck, where they would remain for the rest of his life. Liz said they weren't ugly, his friends even helpfully supplied badass, but he knew the truth.

A painful reminder of who his body really belonged to.

He threw a towel over the mirror so the sullen face in it disappeared, heading downstairs with his stake still clutched in one hand.

"Can't sleep?" Liz asked. She was carving something, a hobby she'd apparently gotten into while he'd been away.

"Bad night," he muttered, checking the fridge.

"No drinking on bad nights," she reminded him, a concerned strain darkening her voice, one she only ever seemed to get with him.

Jim wanted to protest that she couldn't make rules for him. He was out, he was free. But he couldn't bring himself to say no. Even though he knew Liz would never hurt him like Kane did, he couldn't get the sinking feeling that accompanied any rule-breaking to go away.

Besides, Liz's rules were reasonable, and she never hurt him for breaking them. He knew she was right, that he probably would have slipped into a worse place without the rules.

"Yeah, yeah, I know." He grabbed a distinctly non-alcoholic soda and sat next to her, the table dusted with curls of wood. "What'cha making?"

"A little duck." Liz smiled, turning it around to show a lump of wood with the vague shape of a duck beginning to take form. "Just started it, no judging. You wanna hang out?"

"Yeah." Jim balanced the stake in his elbow and popped the tab, listening to it fizz. Soda always used to be flat by the time it got to him, since they didn't make it in vampire territory and Kane had to order it special whenever he put it on the list. He'd stopped listing it when he realized that vampires must be stealing it from some poor schmucks just trying to work a register and scaring the shit out of them, or worse.

"It'll get better," Liz promised. "You're safe now, it's all uphill from here. I know it sucks."

"Mm-hm." Jim quietly sipped his soda, sweet and crisp. He wondered how his blood tasted when Kane drank it every night. He wondered if it was like this. Kane never left his mind at night anymore, like he was haunted.

Liz shaved another little piece of wood off the duck with her knife. "It'd be good for you to get some more sleep at night, though. You're better awake during the day. You could try going to the doctor for it?"

"No more doctors," he grumbled.

They sat in silence for a moment, aside from the scraping of Liz's blade against the wood.

"You're making that face you do when you're trying to figure out how to say something in the best way to get what you want," Jim noted, unable to keep away a small smile despite his bleak mood and creeping paranoia. "Just say it."

Liz put the duck down. "There's other kinds of doctors. Ones who could help you. Y'know." She tapped the handle of her knife against her head. "Therapy."

The smile vanished from his face. "I don't need therapy. I thought you were just gonna push the sleep stuff again."

"Jim, you were abused." Liz said it with such an air of importance that it almost felt like she was talking about something else entirely, like it hadn't just been his everyday life. "You need help. And I just- I don't know how to help you like that. I hate seeing you hurt like this."

Jim shrugged. "Lots of people get abused."

"It helped me. The hunters put me in therapy when the vampire took you. And then maybe you wouldn't, I don't know, be going on two nights without sleep because you're too afraid it's gonna come back for you," she insisted. "Maybe you could actually start to feel better."

"That does sound better," he admitted, even though it also sounded impossible. "I just dunno if I'm really up for it. The talking about it and shit."

She looked at him incredulously. "You talked about it on television literally three weeks ago."

"That's different! They just wanna know basically what happened." Jim imagined someone asking him how he feels about it, grimacing. "They don't wanna know the really bad parts. They just want good TV. They mostly just wanna talk about the escape." He sighed. "Plus... listen, there aren't any magic words out there some schmuck with a master's degree can say that are gonna make it better. There really aren't."

Liz picked her duck back up. "Just think about it."

"I will," he promised. He could do that at least. Fantasize about a la la land in which some psychological regimen could fix him.

"I saw you've been journaling, though. That's good. Even if you think you can't talk to someone about it, you can just write it for yourself," she added encouragingly.

Jim looked down at his hands. "Oh. Uh, that's not really-" He backed out at the last second. "Yeah. Journaling."

"Okay. You can talk about it when you're ready."

Later that night, Jim went back to his room and pulled his journal out. It wasn't journaling, what he was doing, not really. He wasn't even sure if it was helping or hurting him, but it was more important than that. It was practice.

Kane Master, please please please please please don't break my ankles. I'm sorry I ran. I won't do it again. I've learned my lesson. I won't fight, I'll come back and I'll behave for real this time. I just wanted to go home one last time I'm sorry. Just Please give me one more chance, sir. I'll be perfect this time. It'll be just like before. Whatever you want. Please

He snapped the book shut as the sun rose, some of the fear ebbing away as the light filtered through the window. Maybe now that Kane couldn't get him, just for a little bit, he could sleep.

-

i just wanted to put a disclaimer here that jim calling his scars "ugly" is his own baggage, and something he eventually grows out of. scars are never shameful, and every body is beautiful.

also kane will be in the next chapter, i promise

taglist in reblog!

event: @whumpmasinjuly

[deathbxnny]

I was wondering if I could request a Yanqing and female reader.

Where Yanqing and the reader somehow meet their future kids who somehow ended up in the past.

(Note: the twins are around 5 or 6 maybe and the twin’s older brother is 2 or 3 years younger than Yanqing and the reader’s age if that is okay.)

(Idea: Yanqing and the reader somehow meet their future daughters and Jing Yuan meets the twins and is told the situation by Yanqing and the reader which surprises Jing Yuan as he looks at the twins and sometime later something happens where the twins are about to be attack by a monster or a mora struck but Yanqing sees this and goes to save them but is too far away from them and suddenly a boy appears and saves the twins who excitedly calls the older boy big brother surprising Yanqing, the reader who are surprised again that they have another future kid) or something like that if that is okay with you that is.

and do not worry if you do not want to do this request i will understand.

-----♡

A/N: Hello there, dear Yanqing Anon! I changed the idea a little at the start, so it made things easier for me. But I hope you'll still like it! Thank you for the request!<33

Content: Fluff, Yanqing and reader meeting their future kids, fem reader, mentions of battles/attacks, a little unserious at times, sfw

Reader is afab!

((Not fully proofread))

-----♡

Jing Yuan was baffled, when he was suddenly presented with a set of blonde twins, that were brought to him by equally as confused cloud knights. They claimed to know the general, happily skipping up to him, as they called him "Grandpa Jing Yuan". He didn't know, whether to be offended or not by this and just picked them up instead. He stands there now, baffled, but somehow wondering why the children looked so familiar, when you and Yanqing walked in.

You had heard the commotion about the two and made your way past the crowd of soldiers and generals to see what was going on. Seeing Jing Yuan with two children made you glance at eachother. Did he have some secret children no one knew about? How scandalous! You two were about to tease him for it, when the children suddenly sprung out of his arms and ran towards you two, calling out "Mama! Papa!" As they approached you with sparkling eyes and bright grins. You glanced at eachother again. What the hell was going on?

The children were hell bent on you two being their parents, so much so, that that's all they reffered to you as. Seeing that the children were now preoccupied with you two, Jing Yuan told you to stay with them, whilst he tried finding their real parents. It was quite embarrassing for the both of you, but you tried just brushing it off and going along with it. This lead to you taking out the twins for a walk, they held onto your hands and happily reflected about all the things they supposedly did over the last week with you. They even asked, why you seemed so young all of a sudden, which made you begin to wonder if there was more to the kids than you had initially thought.

You were then suddenly bushed by a group of Mara-struck soldiers. You instinctively dragged the twins behind you, as Yanqing reached for his sword, unwilling to let any of you three get hurt. But a young boy beat him to it, as he got rid of the enemies with ease. He cleaned his familiar blade, turning to look at you four, whilst the twins ran up to him in excitement. You quickly found out that he was their older brother and most importantly, that all three of them were your future children, that were somehow teleported into the past.

To say that you and Yanqing were embarrassed and stunned, would be an understatement. Sure, Yanqing loved you very much and couldn't imagine being without you, but he didn't think he'd ever have children with you. Three at that. He was completely red in the face, as he coughed into his fist and quickly changed the subject to get everyone back to Jing Yuan safely. You were too shy to even look the blonde boy in the face anymore either.

But it wasn't too awkward, as you listened to your oldest son tell you all about your future life, whilst the five of you walked back home.

-----♡

A/N: I hope this was alright! And thank you again for the request, Yanqing Anon!<33

[yuus-sentient-teddy]

"You've been staring at me for a while. What are you thinking?" Chaco turns the rest of his body so that he's now sitting fully facing you.

"I don't trust you," you declare simply. That was you, wasn't it? Not one to beat around the bush and carrying yourself like a school teacher, all proper and head held high. But there was a whimsical air around you that anyone who spent plenty of time with you would notice, and he has spent plenty. Put simply, you were like a character from a dramatic comedy. The seeming straight, no-nonesense friend with a soft and caring heart.

He quirks a brow and leans forward. "Oh? Why is that?"

"You smile too much," you say, folding your hands on the table and also leaning forward. "And your smiles are too perfect. I'm willing to bet that you're hiding something. No one can smile always perfectly."

"But what if that's how I am? Besides, there's always something to smile about. Like our lord."

Unwillingly, your lips pull up into a smile. "Can't argue with that," you concede. "But then, what else are you thinking that makes you smile?"

"Have you always been this curious about me? Can't get me out of your thoughts?" he teases.

"Yes. You're very interesting." Another simple declaration from you, the whimsical, no-beating-around-the-bush you. You even bob your head in a nod!

The almost deadpan delivery makes him want to laugh, but at the same time, he feels his cheeks start to warm. So, to hide the fluster, he lets out that laugh and rests his chin in his palm. "You know, I could say the same for you too. You're not like most of the other skaters here. If anything, you and Tuxedo Sam's Fragaria might get along."

"No offense to him, but no thanks."

That makes him laugh, much harder than before. He actually turns his body so he could double over, which causes him to miss your satisfied smile and small giggle. Once he's done laughing, he says, "The others are going to love hearing that. Say, did you know you can get a special type of ice cream down the street?"

"I knew it! This is banana ice cream!"

Chaco just smiles as he bites into his spoonful.

"You said there was a special type of ice cream sold here, but this flavor is common," you say.

"Take another bite," he says.

You narrow your eyes and stare at him for a second too long before taking another bite. Your eyes then widen. "Oh! There's a frozen banana slice in here."

"And that's what makes this ice cream special. The other parlors in the area don't have this trait, see?"

You mull it over, taking another bite of ice cream, and nod. "Mmyeah."

And that's how things are between the two of you. Whenever he suggests something, you would take his word for it. Of course, it was not without staring at him for a second too long, as though you could parse the truth out of him by searching his grey eyes. Despite "tricking" you many times (always harmless tricks, mind you), you never backed down.

That brings us to now: the two of you sitting on swing sets staring at the dawning sky, after Chaco said he knew of a quiet place with a great view of the sunrise.

"A while ago, you said you didn't trust me," he says. "Do you still not trust me?"

"Yes."

The way the answer is delivered so whimsically serious makes his smile genuine. "But you still hang out with me. Shouldn't you be more wary?"

"Yes, but if I'm too wary, I wouldn't be able to get to the bottom of what exactly is making you untrustworthy."

How paradoxical, he thinks. Not to mention, it was dangerous of you explain your plan so plainly to the very person you wanted to know more of.

The strangeness of you was so amusing just as it made you so endearing.

"So far, I've figured out that you like pulling friendly and clever pranks, and that you're not entirely untrustworthy. As a Fragaria, you would have the want to protect your lord and the kingdom, but even if you weren't, I can't see you as someone who enjoys hurting people. Whenever we hang out, nothing malicious happens."

"But what if the next thing we do does hurt you?"

"You wouldn't want it to happen and you wouldn't let it. That's not you. Besides, I'd be disappointed. I look forward to whatever silly surprise you have for me."

Chaco considers this. "So you hang out with me because you look forward to that?"

"That's half of it. The other half is that it's just very nice hanging out with you, even if we don't do anything exciting." You pause for a moment to admire the changing hue of the sky. "Like now."

The sun is now beginning to peek over the trees. Chaco immediately thinks of how perfect you look smiling under the golden light.

He likes gullible people, but you are a very special and very interesting exception.

[railingsofsorrow]

Winds of Change

[spencer reid x reader]

summary: spencer is really not good at confrontation and he realizes his profiling skills are kind of lacking at the moment. or in which reader goes through a lot and makes a choice. [sequel to riptide]

pairing: spencer reid x cyberintelligenceexpert!fem!reader 

w.c: 4.4K

warnings/content: description of hospitals; mentions of unfaithfulness & divorce; animosity btw coworkers; not as angsty as the other chapters; tw!pregnancy; details of a case that involves tw!abduction, people getting arrested and tw!someone getting shot; descriptions of nightmares, allusions do drowning; trypanophobia (fear of needles); tw!panic attacks; jemily if you squint; ah there's also fluff, i'm not a monster; conversations about future plans.

A/N: summary sucks i'm aware! that's been on my notes for far too long. i was deciding whether i should kept my old writing style or make it fit my new one but none of the options would have match the other two chapters so i kinda mixed the two. that's why "y/n" is in here.

navi

masterpost

➶ ➷

Raymond Henley and Carlos Stewart were arrested that evening.  

Thanks to the hard drive files Y/N had stored minutes before everything happened, there was enough proof of the data breach; luckily she had gotten there before Carlos could enter her office and wipe out everything.  

Aaliyah Zara was found safe and sound in an old building on a different neighborhood. When her aunt said that the girl would never run away; she was right. But the girl's father, Miron Zara picked his daughter up from school that day, as a surprise. The only reason this was never brought up during the investigation was because the cameras never got images of his vehicle — he parked strategically in a street corner with no surveillance.  The data breach was contained. Well, the FBI covered it with as much excuses as they could. Everybody knew that the money could never be fully recovered.  “How is she?” Derek asked JJ as they tried to keep their conversation as low as possible for the sake of the hospital hall creepy silence. 

“Sleeping.” The blonde replied, adding a third packet of sugar on the cup beside hers. Her lips instantly lifted in a grimace once she poured in the fourth. It wasn't for her anyway — she at least hoped this would calm Spencer's nerves down. “Her liver was fixed up, thankfully. Doctor said that if the bullet crossed an inch longer she might've lost it.” She stole a glance at her best friend. His neck in an odd position as he took a nap against his will on the uncomfortable waiting room chair and curls covering half of his face. His body was too tired so it was bound to happen, he couldn't fight it anymore. When a wave of jet black hair crossed her eyesight a few feet away JJ quickly made an excuse. “Can you take this up to him when he wakes up? I need to do something.” She didn't wait for Derek's nod to leave.  

“Family of miss Y/L/N?”  

Before Derek could utter a single word, Spencer's head snapped around to the sound of Y/N's name. A hiss left his lips at the crack his neck gave out. Derek watched Spencer carefully as they both moved to hear what the Doctor had to say.  

“Em.”  

Emily stopped staring at the TV to lift her attention to JJ, she wasn't paying attention, her mind was griped in worry for her best friend.  

“Is Y/N pregnant?” JJ was specialized in talking to victims families, which means that she needed to smooth out the territory before revealing the awful truth, as a way to making them feel better even for an unique second. But now she didn't feel like beating around the bush. And by Emily's reaction she could tell she had been right. She breathed out in astonishment.  

“Don't tell anybody. She just found out, she isn't ready to—” 

“I wouldn't do that, Em.” JJ said softly. Emily gave her a look of gratitude. “So, Spence and her...”  

“I'm still trying to figure that out myself.” Emily sighed heavily.  

“His reaction when she got shot didn't made it clear enough for you?” 

“I knew he was seeing someone.” Emily bit her cheek, “I knew she was seeing someone, too. But I didn't know they were seeing each other.”  

Isn't she married? JJ wanted to ask but she stopped herself. This was none of her business.  

Emily stood up with her eyes glued to a certain spot. When Jenifer followed her gaze, she saw there was a doctor talking to her co-workers. So, they made their way there.  

“... also, there's no risk to the baby. They'll both be alright.” Emily froze her walking and JJ almost bumped into her back. Oh my god, she mentally yelled, studying Spencer in panic. He had a frown etched into his face. “Miss Y/L/N will only go through the usual recovery process and—”  

“Wait— I'm sorry.” Spencer cuts her off as Derek shared a look with the girls behind the Doctor. “What did you say?”  

The women raised her eyebrows, “Uh, the recovery process—” 

“No,” He interrupted again, almost losing his patience. Emily would have to intervene soon. “About the—uh, the baby?”  

The room seemed to go down to minus forty degrees when the specialist carried on. “Oh, of course. The fetus wasn't jeopardized by the wound or the loss of blood. She's still early on the pregnancy and there's higher risks on the first trimester, but there's absolutely nothing to worry about besides carrying on with the usual check-ups.” She regarded everyone that had gone quiet with curiosity. “You might visit her soon. She will be awake at any time now.”  

“Right. Thank you so much.” Emily said, dismissing the women politely. When she left, Derek still had a lost look on his face, JJ was stealing a glimpse at Spencer's reaction and Spencer was... Well, he was staring at the floor. His mind working on full strength over the past few weeks.  

Her behaviour. Literally, all of her behaviour lead to the present diagnosis.  

He even rulled out pregnancy from the mental list he'd made when she had gotten sick. She had said it was just a bad stomachache. Since he hadn't seen her nauseous or dizzy after she claimed it, he let it go.

That's because I had not seen her at all these days.  

But she had been distant this past week. Was this why?  

How could he be so fucking dense?  

“Reid?” Derek squeezed his shoulder and he blinked a bit startled. “You okay?”  

“Yes.” No.  

“Can I have a word with him, Morgan?” Emily appeared out of thin air by his side. No, she had been there all along, you idiot. It just feels like you're out of the loop right now. Get a grip.  

As soon as Derek left, Emily cleaned her throat, making him look at her. “Reid, how are you feeling?”  

He seemed to wake up at that moment, “Me?” His features suddenly smoothed out in realization. “You knew.”  

Emily opened her mouth but shut just as soon as she did. “Spencer—” 

“You knew she was pregnant and you let her go on in the case?” An indignant look took over his face as he retracted his arm from her reach. Not missing the way the hurt flashed though her eyes. “Emily, she could've—” 

“There was no imminent danger, Spencer—” 

“Yes, as we saw a few hours ago!” He snapped and stormed out, leaving her alone in the visiting room as he marched towards his girlfriend's room.  

“Go.” Derek ordered the blonde that watched the scene unfold anxiously. She turned to him, “Go talk to Prentiss.” He nodded in the brunette's direction. Derek understood he wasn't needed, but JJ was. It's always JJ that deals with a solemn Emily in certain moments, somehow, she is the only one that knows what to do. What to say. And now she was needed. Because Spencer must've said something harsh as he usually do when he's mad. Jennifer knows, she was on the receiving end of his anger once.  

•°. *࿐ 

Stop swimming.   Let it go.  

Let it go.  

Y/N didn't want to let it go.  

She was a very good swimmer back in her youth, those skills don't go away with time, do they?  

It felt like she was in the ocean. Barely keeping her head above water as her legs struggled below. Every time she tried to go forward, towards the trees, she felt something pulling her in, drowning her.  

She could only see trees. No sand, no land. Just trees.  

Not having the knowledge that you are dreaming can gift you a feeling of despair. That you don't know how you got there, why would you even be in the sea in the first place?  

Although, having the knowledge that you're dreaming can be quite terrifying. You know it isn't real. This isn't really happening. But do you know when will it be over? It can go on for minutes but it always feels like hours, days even. Dreams are deceiving. Nightmares are entrapping.  

She knew this wasn't real. And she was drowning. She couldn't breath. She couldn't see what was ahead because her vision was blurry.  

Y/N didn't want to let go. She didn't want to stop fighting. But she was tired and desperate, there was no other way out.  

She stopped swimming.  

When she woke up first, she felt nothing. It was numb. Then, itchy sheets and a distinct but strong smell. There was a heaviness on her right hand which was the first thing she actually felt. Fluttering her eyes open, she was received with light green and white. Hospital. I'm in a hospital. After her brain made up where she was, the heaviness on her hand intensified to a squeeze. She turned to the side, blinking repeadly so her sight could adjust.  

A hand grasped her own. She squeezed back still a bit confused. But when she looked up, a warmth filled her chest almost immediately.  

Spencer.  

“Hi,” The corner of his lips turned upwards as he watched her trying to grasp her surroundings.  

“Hi.” Y/N swallowes, her throat was incredibly dry for someone that was drowning. He seemed to understand her actions as he offered a cup with a straw for her to sip the cool water. “Thanks.” She croaked out, clearing her throat. His hand supported her back as she shifted to a sitting position.  

“How are you feeling?” Spencer asked, leaving the cup on her bedside table. Y/N studied him carefully.  

“Fine. And you?” He raised his eyebrows and her forehead creased in confusion as she scanned over his features. No bandage, not even a bandaid on his face. “All that blood you had in you, Spencer." She said, lifting a hand to touch the side of his chin, turning it to the side. "How are you not in a bed right now?”  

His eyes softened. “That wasn't my blood, sweetheart.” The crease in her forehead deepened. “It was yours. You got shot, Y/N.” He gave her hand another squeeze, this time bringing it to his lips.  

It took her a while to understand that but Spencer waited patiently. She was still heavy on meds, it wasn't like he expected her to not be confused right after waking up.  

“Right.” She said, eyes unfocused. “Did you... find the girl?” 

“Yes. She's safe.” Spencer watched her attention drifting elsewhere. “Y/N?” 

“What about the—” 

“Arrested. We got them too. Are you okay?” He quickly studied her heart monitor screen to see if anything was altered.  

Y/N shifted in her position. She was feeling uncomfortable. She felt naked. “Can you take these off?” She gestured for the cannula inserted in the back of her hand, frowning as she looked at it. “I hate it.” She wanted to scream. She felt trapped. Was she awake yet? This is real, right? 

“No, sweetheart. It takes the medication into your system faster, you can't take it off.” 

“Just— just get it off of me, Spencer.” The constriction in her airways made it difficult for her to breath. Her eyes assuming a moist aspect. Taking her hands in his was the way Spencer found to grab her attention, the heart monitor going off.  

She hated needles. She hated hospitals all-together. That was one of the first things he learned about her when they were still getting to know each other. 

“Hey, hey, look at me.” He cupped her face, locking their eyes.  

Letting out a shallow breath she mumbled a tearful “I hate needles—” 

“I know.” He said calmly. It was heartbreaking but he had to be the one who calmed her down. “Breath in for five and breath out for four, okay? Can you try it with me?” he requested softly, caressing her cheek. 

She did it after a few seconds. During ragged breaths the repetition helped her chest fill up with oxygen again. Relief washing over her body.  

It wasn't long until her head was resting upon Spencer's chest once he climbed up in bed with her in a rather uncomfortable position. He didn't care. As long as she was alright with it.  

It took five minutes of idle conversation for Y/N to forget about the needles. Spencer made sure to cover her hand and forearm with the blanket so she wouldn't pay attention to it.  

“You should get some sleep.” He muttered, kissing her temple softly. 

“I was having a nightmare, I don't want to sleep.” She said quietly, playing with the fabric of his dark brown sweater vest.  

A frown etched onto his forehead, “You wanna talk about it?” She denied the request with a shake of her head, leaning further into his touch.  

Their moment was interrupted by a knock on the door and a doctor entered the room right after. The same woman that had given news about Y/N's wellbeing to the team before.  

“Hello, Miss Y/L/N. I'm Doctor Young. How are you feeling now?” She strode to Y/N's side, eyes glued to the medical chart. Spencer split apart from Y/N to sit in a chair, giving her a smile to reassure he wouldn't be going anywhere. 

“Tired.” Y/N shifted on the bed, “But fine.” Something seemed to come up in her mind. “Actually, I'd like to ask something.” She said, cutting Dr. Young off just as she was about to explain whatever was on her chart. 

Y/N then gave Spencer a look that silently said she needed to talk to the woman in private.  

“I'll go grab a coffee and be right back.” Spencer pressed his lips against her forehead, offering the doctor a tight-lipped smile as he left the room.  

•°. *࿐ 

“I need to tell you something.”  

She said as soon as he walked back into the room. God, it was hard to even swallow.  

Spencer gave her a nod, taking a sip of the coffee. That's awful. He left it aside with a sigh, moving to sit beside her bed.  

“You— I don't know how you'll react.” She said, her head working like wildfire.  

“Why are you worried about how I'll react?” 

“Because I lied to you.” Your breath stopped for a moment. “For a few days. Not on purpose, of course. I just— I wasn't ready to tell you yet.” 

Spencer leaned back on the chair, “Okay,” he said calmly. 

She surveyed his face, not being able to grasp what he was thinking. What he was feeling. He didn't let on any reaction. “Okay?”  

“Okay.” 

She hated profiles and their abilities to mask their emotions.  

“Spencer.”  

Spencer let out a sigh, leaning closer. He took your hand, carefully enough to not move the wires. “I won't be upset or mad at you. I promise, alright?”  

She pursued her lips, inhaling longingly.  

“I— I got a divorce.” Y/N let out, gulping. Is that it? Really? “Just waiting for the papers to be signed.” 

Spencer hummed, brushing back her strands. “How are you feeling about this?” 

Lifting her chin, she looked up at him confused. “What do you mean?” 

“Your marriage just... ended.” 

“That couldn't be qualified as a marriage, Spence.” She rolled her eyes. “I was done with him.” As soon as I met you. “I'm happy with you, do you understand that?” 

Spencer nodded, smiling softly when he felt her fingers curl around his wrist and a tug at his arm. He sat on the edge of her bed just like before. 

“There is something else.” She whispered, playing with his fingers to ease her mind.  

“You can tell me,” He mumbled, pecking her forehead.  

Y/N stammered before speaking, but when she finally said it it was like a weight lifted off her shoulders.  

“I'm pregnant.”  

Spencer didn't move nor did he said anything, which made her flinch away from him to take a look at his face. He was smiling. Almost grinning if it wasn't the fact that he was holding it back.  

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Her eyes narrowed at him. “Did you know?” 

“Not exactly.” 

Y/N stared at him in disbelief. “What do you mean not exactly, Spencer? Who told you?” Who even knew? was the question running around her mind.  

“Nobody!” He widened his eyes, watching her getting worked up quickly. It really was not a good sight to make Y/N mad. A bit frightening, if you will. “Actually, Emily—” 

“Emily?!” 

“Sweetheart, let me speak.” Spencer asked kindly. Y/N pressed her lips together, her eyebrows creasing. “Emily had to tell the doctor and I overheard. That was it, alright?”  

Y/N nodded, forehead smoothing slightly. “Yeah, okay.”  

"Did you know that, statistically, 97% of people have one or more secrets; which makes it an average of 13 secrets per person? Depending on what you're keeping and who you are keeping it from, it can cause damages to your well-being, like reducing one's emotional resilience or cognitive issues and— I'm rambling." He winced, cutting himself off. "Sorry." 

You chuckled, poking his cheek. "I told you I don't mind it when you do." With a clear of throat, she kept her gaze on him. "Thirteen secrets per person uh? How many of those have you kept from me, Doc?"  

"You'll never know." She snorted, rolling her eyes as he smiled cheekily. She'd have to be one of the only people that actually paid attention when he drifted away from the main subject. 

His eyes studied her for a bit before he grasped her attention again, “Why didn't you tell me? Do you know how dangerous it was for you to enter that case?” 

“I'm pregnant, not stupid. I knew what I was doing.” Y/N retorted, giving him a look. “And I didn't tell you because— Because I wasn't ready yet. I didn't even know what I wanted to do yet. Was trying to figure out my own mind.” Her eyes softened, “But I am sorry.” 

Spencer nodded understandingly, caressing her cheek. “It's okay.”  

Her face scrunched up, “If I didn't know you any better I'd say you were excited.” 

Spencer looked down at their hands, the corner of his lips lifting slowly as his mind worked with possible future images.  

“Aren't you?” When he met her eyes he realised he shouldn't have assumed what she was going to do. He didn't want to induce her on anything. “I mean... What do you want to do? I'm sorry I didn't ask before—” 

“It's fine.” She shifted on the bed, bringing her body closer to his. “I want to keep it.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“Yes. I've thought about it.” She shrugged, messing with the small part of his tie that was being displayed. Y/N lift her chin just like the previous position to look at him. “Are you okay with that?” 

“If you are then I am,” he leaned down a bit to press a kiss against her lips. She hummed in response.  

"But it doesn't just concern me, Spence. It's- It's bigger than that, isn't it? I don't want you to regret it later. So, just- just think about it." 

He frowned, forehead twitching in confusion, "But it's not my choice, Y/N. It's yours. It's not my place to regret it or not- not that I ever would regret it," Spencer quickly added, squeezing her hand. "Just know that whatever decision, I'll be there, I won't leave your side. Never."  

That was safety felt like. Not empty bed and cold sheets.  

“I guess, I should let them in now?” Spencer said after a while of soft talk between them. Y/N frowned in confusion but then her eyes lit up in understanding.  

“Right. Is everyone okay? Did anyone else get hurt?”  

“No.” Spencer shook his head in response, brushing hair behind her ear. “Don't worry. They're all good. I'm gonna send them in now, alright?”  

She nodded, adjusting the blanket on her lap.  

As soon as Spencer left the room, a few seconds later, came in an exasperated Penelope Garcia. A grimace formed on Y/N's lips.  

“What were you thinking scaring me like that!” The blonde exclaimed, walking towards her injured friend's hospital bed. “Ms. Y/L/N, you do not get to get shot and give me a heart attack, okay?”  

“Sorry.” Y/N replied with a sad smile and quickly opened her arms in which Penelope found herself in no time. “Didn't mean to scare you, Pen.” They haven't known each other for long but in the little time they've had they clicked instantly. Especially because of their common interests.  

Sniffling, Penelope nodded against her shoulder. “It's okay. It wasn't your fault, baby. But we were so worried.” 

“You gave us a little scare there, hacker.” Derek chipped in, crossing his arms. He would admit later on that he actually took a liking to her in the meantime they were working together. “Glad you're okay. We all are.” He switched looks with the team and in the end locked eyes with Spencer, who was just watching everything quietly. “Especially pretty boy over there. He was out of his damn mind.”  

Spencer cleaned his throat, finding something on the floor very interesting. Y/N gave him a soft smile.  

Derek didn't need anything else to be said to understand what was going on between them. But he would most definitely have a talk to Reid another day.  

“So, you're feeling good?” Emily studied her for a while.  

Y/N gave her a reassuring smile and nodded, “Yeah. All good. Ready for another one, actually.” 

“You're funny.” Spencer snarked, giving her a look to which she scrunched her nose at.  

They stayed inside the room until the doctor kicked them out, because only one person per visit was allowed, not the entire FBI.  

Y/N asked for Emily to stay behind before she could leave with the others. Emily did, her serious demeanor never changing.  

Y/N knew what was going on inside her head. 

“Em, it wasn't your fault,”  

“You could've died.” Emily croaked out. Now that everyone had left she felt her will to cry growing even more. She almost lost her best friend. “Y/N, you could've died.” 

“But I'm here. It barely grazed me, okay? Em.” Y/N mentioned her to get closer, offering her hand. It wasn't truth. The bullet hadn't barely grazed her. It had punctured her body which caused a big blood loss. But that was beside the point now. The important is to complete vanish this stupid idea of Emily's mind. “It was not your fault.” She said firmly, bringing her closer so she could embrace her. Feeling a nose burying in her shoulder and her hospital gown getting wet because of tears, she carried on. “I love you. Stop blaming yourself, I'm right here and we caught the bastards.” 

They both shake with Emily's surprise laugh. Y/N is more than satisfied with the reaction. 

“I love you, too. Don't ever scare me like that again, okay?” 

“I promise.” 

Emily left the room after they had their moment, and Spencer walked in not five minutes later. He didn't spare a word before diving straight into her arms. Carefully, of course, given her injuries.  

"Oh, hello," said Y/N as a smile spread on her lips. But there was a hint of concern when he buried his nose into your neck and let out a shaky breath, "Hey, you okay, Doc?" 

His voice was muffled by her clothing. She frowned, not understanding. 

“Spencer, what did you say?”  

He turned to the side, and she could see the man with a lazy grin over his lips.  

“I said that I'm happy,” he repeated, trailing the edge of neck to her cheekbones with a finger. “I'm glad you're okay." He said, smile faltering. "I was so scared to lose you."  

"I'm right here," she said, leaning her forehead on his. "Don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon." A hum of satisfaction left her throat when the corner of his mouth raised in a grin.  

"That's good." He whispers. "Because I'm not going to let you go anywhere." Again. 

Y/N tilted her head enough so their lips could meet. The kiss was slow, safe, it felt like it should happen. Like a lot of things in her life at that moment. Spencer pulled back when she started chuckling, brows knitting in confusion.  

"What?" 

She raised a finger, a silence request for him to wait her laughing fit stop. Spencer studied her face with a mix of amusement and slight concern. He stole a look at the heart monitor again. 

“Are we going to be parents?” It's what leaves her mouth. Her face flushed as she recovered from the laughs. "How is this— That's insane, isn't it?" She scans his face for any trace of regret but only proceeds to find a fond gaze. "Oh, stop looking at me like that!" 

"Like what?" He tries to hold back a grin but it's foolish.

"Like you're completely in love." She says, hand hovering over his vest absentmindedly. "You're going to get bored of me soon." She lets out quietly, watching as he prepares to protest. "Even so, would you take me as I am? Stubborn, paranoid, reckless and extremely hard headed?" 

"You could say stubborn again."  

"I will stick this needle into your jugular vein."  

Spencer let out a boisterous laugh. His eyes wrinkling on the edges. There was no other reaction besides her fond gaze. She is so in love, she feels like an idiot.  

“I will take you as you are," he took her hands in his, thumb drawing circles on her palms. His amber eyes met hers. "Stubborn, paranoid, reckless and extremely hard headed." He lists on, bringing one of her hands to his lips and then the other one, without breaking eye contact. "There's nothing that I would change in you and there's nothing that would make me love you any less than I do. I felt for who you are now and I will keep falling for who you will become in the foreseeable and unforeseeable future." He pauses. "I love you. Both of you."  

Averting her eyes, she retracts her hands from his to wrap around his middle, burying her face in the croak of his neck. Vanilla and coffee and books. That's what he smells like. Home. She kissed the spot, shutting her eyes. She wouldn't dare going anywhere, this is exactly where she wanted to be.  

"I love you, too, Spencer."

➶ ➷ 

taglist: @sebastiansstanswhore 

source used

[nugget-from-neptune]

What happened...?

Child reader! Angst

Riddle

He knew he wasn't the best when dealing with his emotions and fully expressing himself. He wasn't as attentive and composed as Trey. He wasn't as full of energy and charismatic as Cater. He wasn't as quick to act as Deuce. He wasn't as playful as Ace. He knew he wasn't like them but he wished that he had all those triats to be able to be more expressive instead of being stiff. He saw how you were with them and how well all of you guys were. Unlike them when it came to him, you tried your best to get along with him...you really did but he couldn't reciprocate. Never having a proper childhood affected him severely and it showed. He didn't indulge you on your rambles, he didn't play with you, he didn't tease you, he treated you as if you were already grown. It was almost as if... he was acting like his mother in a sense. They do say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

During all your visits to Heartslabyul, you mostly hanged around the other dorm members. They were much more fun, than he was. They didn't make you do a small stack of paper filled with work for your age. They didn't tell you to stop eating sweets because it can be bad for you, even if it was your first sweet since getting to the dorm. They didn't criticize you for not knowing something you should already know. Instead they let you do whatever you wanted, and even going along with you. Something Riddle could never understand, sure it was nice to play but shouldn't you be preparing for the future? All this time whenever the two of you hung out, he could notice something was wrong. But... he never brought it up, mostly because he didn't know how to. He didn't want to pressure you or beat around the bush, so he never asked. Which is why he probably feels guilty right now.

Earlier during your visit, you hurriedly went to greet him with a big smile on your face. Quite a sight to see since you would usually greet the others before him. As you quickly rushed to greet him you were shaking a piece of paper in your hand with something written into it. You began to push it up onto Riddles face and began telling him the context of the paper. You had a test that day and got your score back, with a big smile on it. All thanks to Riddle's tutoring, but to Riddle he can only furrow his eyebrows. There were a few of the questions marked wrong that were easy in his opinion, and flat out stated you didn't deserve the happy face. Riddle kept on being critical telling you that the ones you got wrong were easy. Blinded by his perfectionist attitude, he didn't notice how the eyes that were looking up at him filled with happiness were being filled with sadness and tears. It wasn't until he looked down at you that he saw the sad look on your face. Before he could even utter a word to you, you ran away from him. He didn't run after you, instead he scoffed and went on his way leaving the paper on the table next to a cold tea.

It wasn't until Ace and Deuce asked him if he has seen you, made him realize how long it has been since he has seen you, running away from him with tears in your eyes. They came rushing at him panting out if he has seen you and looking around the dorm in a frenzy. He told them no, and explained that you ran away from him and he didn't bother in going after you, because of a tantrum. Just before Ace could say something, Deuce held him back telling him it wasn't worth it and to take a look at the rose bush maze. Before the two of them could go to the rose bush maze, Trey came in looking worried before saying "Something happened to the Perfect!".

There you lay in the infirmary bed, with a few bandages littering around your legs. You even had one of your feet propped up on a pillow. Trey had found you in the rose bush maze crying and holding one of your feet in pain while. He rushed you to the nurse's office before going back to Heartslabyul and telling the news to everyone. Riddle couldn't help but feel guilty and full of shame. Maybe if he wasn't so critical towards you, then just maybe you would be in Heartslabyul instead of here. He could only clutch the rabbit plush you had and feel guilt consume his whole body, almosy like a shiver. He vowed to never be like his mother, he did but he can only feel full of shame for treating you like his mother treated him.

[confused-red-head]

These Curses We Bear

Chapter 2 - Butterflies

Pro-Hero!Shouto Todoroki x Psychic Medium Detective!Reader

Masterlist

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WARNING: dark themes, death, minor character death, descriptions of dead bodies(no excessive gore), paranormal activities, blood, violence, cursing, angst, angst WITH COMFORT(moreso in later chapters), mentions of trauma, mentions of illness, fem!reader, READER TALKS TO GHOSTS, ghost child in chapter 1, children in general, Reader being a dork, home break-in, slowish burn, minor self harm (skin picking), pro hero au, aged up characters, strangers to friends to lovers, etc.

"What do you mean Shouto is in my bathroom?! Why is he here?! Shinsou, you better start explaining what the hell is going on!"

You whispered harshly with your shoulders scrunched up to the underground hero, dropping your bags on the edge of the kitchen counter. Shinsou moved his hands from his face as he shifted in his seat. His eyes looked everywhere, but where you stood.

"I technically shouldn't even be telling you this… but we were working on an undercover case involving some drug dealings in the area." He sighed, the bags under his eyes seemingly even more prominent.

You took this time to stiffly make your way into the kitchen, your narrowed eyes still pinned onto Shinsou.

"It was supposed to be kept under wraps. Todoroki was the one who contacted me for help. He believed there was a connection to a previous incident that he dealt with and he needed someone with more experience in this field." He continued as you gathered two cups and a tea container, bringing them to the counter. You placed the tea bags into the cups and poured the hot water from your dispenser.

"Of course, he insisted on coming as backup. No one was supposed to know except us and a few informants. Then… shit hit the fan." Shinsou went silent, still slumped in his seat. The look in his eyes made it look as if the stress from tonight alone took a few years off his life.

It was unnerving to see your usually snarky and straightforward friend beat around the bush so much.

"Shinsou, what happened?"

Your voice and eyes softened at the fact he looked so distressed. There was still a sharpness there, emphasizing that you wanted answers. Then his exhausted eyes finally met your's.

And a part of you wished they didn't.

"He found a body." Frustration and failure swirled in his contact covered irises.

You were silent. Frozen in shock. Your eyes locked onto him as if staring at him would somehow pry the information out of him faster.

"He was supposed to wait in the van. He heard a scream and went to investigate. That's when he found the body… and so did an officer on patrol. He wasn't wearing a full disguise so the officer recognized him. Officer dumbass immediately called for backup and decided to fire first before asking questions." His sweaty hands repeatedly clenched and unclenched into fists.

You leaned onto the kitchen countertop in your disbelief, your forefinger pressed to your mouth. Did you accidently collapse from exhaustion in the street coming home? This seems all too surreal.

"And knowing the police chief here… he doesn't trust heroes as far as he can throw them. The number three hero is now a wanted criminal… the headlines will be everywhere by morning." You added in a breathy mumble, still trying to fully understand that this was your reality.

Shinsou only nodded solemnly.

"... What else is there?..." You knew there was something he hadn't told you.

"He described the body to me… He said it looked like she drowned in nothing. Her skin was blue and water poured from her mouth. Yet her lips were severely chapped and in certain areas the skin cracked , there was nothing around that she could have drowned in. The area around her was bone dry and there was no sign of struggle…"

A cold chill shot down your back.

You heard this before. You've obsessively read over reports with similar autopsy descriptions. Now you really couldn't believe the situation you found yourself in.

"They're back… after ten years of silence and all of a sudden they're back…" your jaw clenches as your gut fills with a mix of emotions; anger, frustration, sadness… dread.

Shinsou stood quickly, taking large strides to the other side of the kitchen counter.

"We don't know that…" he spoke firmly, silently begging you not to jump to conclusions.

"How can you say that when you know just as well as I do that this method of murder is unique to one person…" you bit back.

Shinsou pursed his lips with a stubborn look in his eyes.

"I don't think you should look into this case… but I also know you are the best bet we have to solve this, whether it is them or a copycat killer."

You smugly took a sip of your tea as a smirk grew on your lips, "You're stupid if you think there was even a chance in hell I wouldn't be working this case."

The corner of Shinsou's lips perked as he chuffed and took his own tea in hand, "I wouldn't have told you if I knew you were going to work on this alone…"

You paused as he took a sip of his own tea. What the hell was that supposed to mean?! Was he planning on working on this case with you? You didn't have anything against that. You've worked well with him before, but you had a feeling he wasn't talking about himself.

"You're not the only stubborn, little shit that's interested in this case." He nodded his head toward your bathroom door.

"No…" Your brows furrowed in defiance as you stood straight.

"Yes." A satisfied smirk grew on Shinsou's face.

"People are going to be crawling over the entire city for this guy and you want me to work this case with him?!" You set your cup down much harder than you had intended as Shinsou continued to casually drink from his own, having visibly relaxed since he first entered.

"Well then I suggest you better get him a good disguise and hope your make-up skills are up to par." He challenged looking lazily at you through his tired, half lidded eyes, finally coming down from the adrenaline high with the help of the tea.

"Right…" You gave him the most deadpan look you could possibly conjure.

"Don't worry too much about it, you can use the emergency supplies I hid here." Shinsou swirled his cup as if what he just said was the most casual thing in the world. 

"You hid shit in my house?! When did you even have time to do this?! Shinsou, what the fuck?" Your face scrunched in frustration at the fact he used your home as some sort of storage.

He just nonchalantly shrugged as he set down his cup and leaned away from the counter, "I'm an underground hero. I can never be too prepared and tonight was a perfect example of that." 

You followed as he strode over to the living room coffee table and swiftly tugged it from its usual spot to reveal a storage hatch. 

You looked up from the hatch and back at Shinsou. He smirked at your perplexed expression, "...You forgot this was even here didn't you?"

"Shut up…" You crossed your arms in a small act of defiance.

He only chuckled when he unlocked the hatch to reveal a large duffle bag as well as emergency disaster supplies. He tugged the duffle bag out of its place in storage space and plopped it onto your couch.

"It's honestly shocking how perceptive yet oblivious you are. I even left some disaster supplies for you in case of an emergency."

"Awww, you do care." You teasingly drawled out.

Rolling his eyes, Shinsou closed the hatch and returned the coffee table to its rightful place. You turned your attention to the bathroom door again.

"So… there's really no getting rid of him?" You perched your hands on your hips, looking up at him with a pleading look.

"He may look level-headed and stoic, but once he has his sights on something, he's one stubborn bastard." He shook his head.

You groaned, this is going to be a hell of a lot harder than you could have ever imagined. You may have dreamed of getting a chance to find this murderer once and for all, but never having to babysit the framed number three hero while doing so.

"...This better go well or I'm haunting your ass.", You folded your arms and glared at Shinsou who only looked smug as it became clear he got you to fold.

"I expect nothing less." He gave you a small half-smile.

You planted your hand to your hips, and looked at him more directly, "Well, since I'm gonna be busy solving this case and babysitting, what's your plan?"

He shoved his hand into his pockets as he sat on the arm of your couch.

"As far as the police know, Shouto was the only one there and I was miles away from here. I'm going to continue keeping an eye out for any drug dealing activity. I'll also find a way to get any new case information to you. He should have a burner phone on him, just text if you need anything."

"Thinking you're going to infiltrate the police station are you?" You quirked a brow at him with a knowing look.

"Are you sure your quirk isn't telepathy?" He rolled his eyes at you.

"Are you sure your quirk isn't 'Smart Mouth'?" You shot back.

Shinsou tilted his head with a smug grin,"Is that the best comeback you have, Nancy Drew?"

"Shut up. It's late and I'm tired." Your eyes narrowed in annoyance.

"Fine. Fine. I'll get out of your hair. I'll see you when I see you." He stood and made his way to the balcony parallel to the living room. He slid open the door and turned to some pipes bolted to the building. You watched on from the balcony door as he gave you a playful salute and climbed down the pipes, descending into the alleyway below.

You stood in the balcony door for a moment before retreating back into your apartment. A heavy sigh was ripped from you as the weight of the situation finally seemed to sink in. 

You were so fucked.

"I'm okay. This is fine. You can deal with this. You deal with bullshit everyday. This will be nothing. Most of the police around here are stupid anyway."

You mumbled away, wandering over to your bathroom door, figuring you should at least introduce yourself to your unexpected guest. After knocking on the door you introduced yourself, resting your hand on the doorknob.

"May I come in?"

"Yeah. Come in.", his low voice resonated from the otherside of the door.

You turned the knob and opened the door to find Todoroki, sweat-soaked hair falling messily from his ponytail, with the top half of his hero suit unzipped, hanging from his waist, and his undershirt ripped to reveal his bare chest. He winced slightly as he used a cloth to dab at a wound on his side.

Oh. You were SO fucked.

You immediately averted your eyes to the floor, now noticing a few drops of blood that had fallen to the ground. 

"Ah… Sorry. I wasn't expecting… that.", You glanced up quickly and made a quick swooping gesture at his person, clicking your tongue, "Then again I wasn't expecting a lot of things tonight yet they happened anyway."

"Sorry. I should have warned you." He leaned, propping himself with one hand using your sink countertop.

"About which part? You, half-naked and bleeding in my bathroom or you and Shinsou breaking into my apartment?"

Todoroki looked away as he pursed his lips and his bi-colored brows furrowed in a clear look of guilt. How this grown ass man managed to look like a kicked puppy was beyond you.

"Sorry… I…", you pinched your nose with a sigh and looked up at him, "I'm sorry… It's been a long night… for both of us. Just… if that wound isn't too bad, go ahead and take a shower. There's towels and a med kit in the cabinet. I'll get you some clothes to wear. If you need help with anything, just call. We can talk after."

His eyes flicked back to you as he graciously nodded.

"Thank you." He breathed out along with a sigh.

You gave him a quick nod in return as you turned and left the bathroom wondering which higher being you could have possibly pissed off for you to deserve this strange form of punishment.

Luckily, Todoroki's wound was just a graze from a bullet. Simply a flesh wound and was easily patched up. He did end up needing some assistance wrapping up the bandage, in which you did everything in your power not to touch him too directly. Now, he sat at your dining table nursing his own cup of tea, hair tied back once again and dressed in a black v-neck and sweatpants.

"So," you start as you sit down across from him after refreshing your own cup of tea, "I know for a fact that you heard our conversation earlier. These walls are thin. But right now I just want to know what Shinsou told you about me, because if you're going to be staying here there's things you're going to need to know about me. Plus, I think it would be kind of unfair since I know more about you than you do of me since well… you're famous and all."

He seemed to take a moment to consider your reasoning and nodded.

"Shinsou hadn't said too much. Mainly, you were reliable and could be trusted. He also made a comment about having a very peculiar quirk. His words, not mine."

You internally cringe as you roll your eyes. Of course he would leave you to suffer explaining your quirk. Reactions varied, but it was usually a fifty-fifty chance between immediate skepticism or over-enthusiastic belief. Both sides were irritating to deal with in their own ways. One thought you were insane and the other thought you were a tool to be used.

"Right. Well. How should I explain this?... I can see auras, residual energy, and… spirits."

His eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh." His exclamation almost came out as a whisper.

He was silent as his forefinger rested on his lips, seemingly lost in thought. You waited for a reaction. Any reaction. You purse your lips and tapped your fingers on the table.

"This… is usually when people start bombarding me with questions or call me insane." You drawled out, cautiously trying to gauge his reaction.

Todoroki's train of thought was cut short at your statement.

"People have accused you of being insane?" The way he sounded concerned almost caught off guard but you quickly shook it off.

You shrugged, "Well, I can't really blame them. I thought I was crazy too when I first manifested my quirk. I thought there was something wrong with me when I saw transparent people everywhere and a shadow figure staring at me through my window every night, trying to convince me to play outside."

"That… must have been terrifying for you." He said with what you couldn't quite tell was pity or sympathy as his hand tightened slightly over the cup in his hand. 

You lazily shrugged again as you leaned back in your chair to fold your arms over your chest, "Eh, I got used to it. It got easier when it was confirmed to be a part of my quirk. Turns out it was something that came from my mother's side. She couldn't see spirits, but my grandmother could. The biggest difference being the fact I have no choice over whether I see them or not. I don't have a 'veil', as they call it. A separation between the world of the living and the dead. After that, I was sent to live with my grandmother until I went to Junior High."

"They sent you away?" Todoroki's brows furrowed, looking disturbed at the thought as he crossed his arms.

"Ah! Well… when you say it like that it sounds really harsh. Though, it's true my parents really didn't know the first thing about spirits and kind of dumped me on my grandmother. It was either stay with her to learn to cope with my quirk… or potentially be on suppressors for the rest of my life. I like to think they chose the lesser of two evils. It's not like I never saw my family. In fact, my older sister practically lived with us too when she was going to high school in the area. My parents would at least call once a week if they couldn't visit. Plus, my grandmother was and still is a wonderful woman. So it wasn't so bad.", your voice softened when you spoke about your family, more specifically grandmother as memories of your time at her house boiled to the surface.

"Though, I do often wonder what my life may have been like if they decided to just put me on quirk suppressors. I definitely wouldn't have found myself in our current situation," You chuckled a bit, but it came out as a bit hollow and fake with your dimming smile.

Looking back at Todoroki, you noticed a somewhat distant look in his eyes. He was taking this pretty well so far. He even zoned in on facts of your story that nobody ever seemed to notice or care for. Yet, here he was looking potentially even more distraught than when he was bleeding.

"Uh… H-hey. Todoroki? I know it wasn't the most ideal childhood, but it's all in the past now so don't worry about it if that's what you're thinking."

This seemed to finally snap him out of his thoughts and his heterochromatic eyes met yours. A shiver ran down your spine at an intensity simmering just under the surface. 

"...I must apologize again for breaking in. You seemed… already distraught when you arrived."

"No, I…," you sighed, "I admit the comment earlier was unnecessary. Although, I think I reserve the right to be a little miffed after having my home broken into, especially in our very unique situation, that doesn't mean I should act like a bitch the whole time if we will be working together."

Todoroki shook his head, "As someone who often works with Dynamight, I know a thing or two about 'Acting like a Bitch'. You were only reacting as anyone would. In fact, I'd argue you were quite graceful with your reaction to two men breaking into your home."

"Wasn't the first time and it probably won't be the last.", You chuckled and rolled your eyes at the unfortunately true statement.

Todoroki's brows furrowed in concern again, but seemed to dismiss it for another thought he deemed more important.

"If you don't mind me asking, where were you before arriving home? What were you doing so late?" Todoroki leaned on his elbows on the table, his cup empty of tea and discarded to the side.

"Ah, I don't mind. Even the detective needs an alibi. For all you know I could be the killer. Now, that would be a real plot twist... Anyway, I was called by a Mr. Masuda around 10:30 pm tonight. He told me about the strange happenings going on in his ice cream shop. They've been having customers feeling sick, light-headed, and even faint in their shop, but found nothing that could logically explain the sudden incidents. It was clear that this was costing them severely and Mr. Masuda called me as a last resort. Admittedly, a wise choice since there really was a spirit haunting the shop and I was able to appease it."

He nodded, but continued digging for info, "Was there something about this case that made you upset?"

You felt yourself stiffen. How the hell was this guy able to pinpoint shit like this? Then again, you shouldn't underestimate the number three hero like this. 

You pursed your lips and looked down to pick at your nails, "Yeah. If I'm honest, I'm surprised you caught onto that…"

Todoroki leaned further in, slightly tilting his head as if he was trying to catch my eyes again.

"May I ask what happened?" His smooth voice spoke softly.

You were silent, contemplating telling the truth. You had to remind yourself that this wasn't something you needed to hide and if you wanted the case to go well, you needed to be as honest as possible.

You swallowed the knot in your throat.

"The spirit… She was a young girl. Six years old, if I had to guess…", you willed yourself to remain neutral as possible, "I can only guess she died recently since she was familiar with Mr. Masuda and another employee. She said her name was Chihoko Konuma and, from what I could tell with the information she gave me, she passed away in the hospital from a lung issue. Her final wish was for her mother to be happy, thus she was attached to the place where she must have had her happiest memories with her mother…"

You roughly picked at a hangnail on your forefinger, "I told her that what would make her mother happiest now was for her to no longer be in pain…She was a smart girl. She even understood her situation to a point… to look a bright, young girl in the eye and confirm that her life has been snuffed out far too soon… it's a difficult thing to do."

A large, slender hand cupped over your own. All of a sudden, you remembered where you were and who you were with. You sucked in a breath and cleared your throat. As you gently pulled your hands away from his, you noticed your forefinger had started to bleed from the nervous picking. 

Shit.

"Right. I think that's enough questions today.", you quickly stood up from your seat and swerved around the table, speeding to your bedroom. 

"The guestroom is there, just left of the bathroom. Goodnight."

You slid the door closed before Todoroki could even reply and flopped onto your bed. Stuffing a pillow to your face, you let out the most agonized groan in an attempt to ease your embarrassment. You knew sleep wouldn't come easy tonight, not with everything that happened. 

For a while you laid awake, watching as a singular white butterfly perched itself on one of the potted plants you placed out on your personal balcony. Yet, the sight seemed to help ease you into a dreamless slumber. 

Your busied mind finally finding respite. You no longer cared for your grief, your embarrassment, or your frustration. You couldn't find yourself to care that you hadn't asked him some questions like you had intended, nor could you find yourself to care for how pleasant his hand felt on yours. You only thought one thing as you fell asleep.

'She always did love butterflies.'

Taglist: @andypantsx3 @canthavetoomuchchaos @xxblackroses623xx

[fanficsandfluff]

Squealing Santa 2k23: All the Maybes in the World

Fandom: Peacemaker (DCEU)

Characters: Peacemaker (Christopher Smith), Vigilante (Adrian Chase)

A/N: Happy Holidays, @fluffy-lee-boa! It has been a hot minute since I've actually watched the show or seen Suicide Squad, but I sure did try my best. Peacemaker is a comfort character of mine, I love him to death, and I just want him to be happy.

Tried my best to take inspiration from your prompt: "Maybe Character A discovering he’s ticklish for the first time and wanting to bond with the Character B so they ask about it."

Thank you @squealing-santa for your organization and hosting another year of this fantastic tradition!

It's been a pleasure being able to provide you with your 2023 Squealing Santa fic!

"Is it bad?"

"No."

"Is it good?"

"If it wasn't bad, wouldn't you then assume it was automatically the opposite?"

"Is it cancer?"

"Adrian, what the fuck."

Christopher Smith pinched his temple between two fingers, letting out a very drawn-out sigh. When he came to his friend about his... well... discovery, let's put it, he had no idea how dense Adrian would be nor how difficult it was for him to actually explain himself.

"Well, you're not giving me the best clues, you know. You can make this clearer and stop beating around the bush if you just admitted you loved me," Adrian said in his oh-so-oblivious yet sincere way, pushing his glasses further up his face. This admission gave Christopher another reason to groan, this time into both hands that now shrouded his face.

"That's-That's not it, Adrian."

"Yeah, okay," Adrian scoffed.

Christopher finally looked up from his dejected position and furrowed his brow. Just come clean. Why was it so hard? He wanted to talk about it in the first place and now that the moment was here, he was too fucking embarrassed.

"Em did something to me that no one's done in a really, really long time and it was... surprising? It just--"

"Who's Em?"

Christopher turned his head to look at Adrian and gave him the benefit of the doubt, knowing the nickname had been pretty new to him and her, "Emilia, sorry."

"Who's Emilia?"

Benefit fucking obliterated.

"E-Emilia. You've worked with her for the past month."

"I have?"

"Harcourt--"

"Oh! Why didn't you just say so! Jesus, dude, here I am thinking Emilia was Eagly's other name or something."

Christopher was just about ready to walk out of his own goddamn trailer.

"So..." Adrian scooted a hair closer to Christopher on his buddy's couch, grinning, "What'd you two get up to?"

"She tickled me."

Adrian was still grinning, still nodding his head, tongue poking out like he was hearing some sick story about his best friend and teammate getting it on together, until, "Huh?"

"I know... I didn't know what was happening at first. And I just-- reacted! Then I shut down, she asked me about it, and pssh, I barely knew what the fuck I was feeling so I booked it out of there."

"Why'd you run away?"

"Because..." Christopher's mouth was fully ready to continue speaking, but his brain stopped him short. Why did he leave the situation so quickly? From what he'd heard about it, tickling wasn't too bad. But every part of his body wanted to flee the scene the moment it happened.

"Did Keith ever tickle you?"

In a rare moment of sincere clarity, Adrian hit the nail on the head with that unidentified trauma.

Of course. When the brothers would sneak around to avoid their father, the two would do anything they could to keep their spirits up. And that definitely included a tickle fight here or there, ones that young Christopher would lose more often than not. And if dad ever found them, he'd hurl the homophobic and incestual slurs. So, yeah, Chris never thought about that in a really, really long time. Until today. Until his fight or flight kicked in because of one stray touch along his ribs.

Christopher ended up nodding slowly after what he was sure was many moments of silence as he was taken back to decades ago. Adrian even let him have these moments, which was another big win for his character.

The realization dawned upon Adrian in a heartbeat later, and he was smiling wide, "You're ticklish?"

Chris felt an unfamiliar flush build in his cheeks and he glanced at his friend, "Yes, but don't get any ideas, Adrian, I swear to god."

"Wouldn't dream of it," not, "I just can't believe the Peacemaker is ticklish! Who would've guessed?" even Adrian let out a small, excited giggle.

"And you aren't? Why's it such a big deal? I bet you like it, too, you sick freak," even though Christopher came to Adrian to confess and get some advice about his predicament, he couldn't avoid hurling insults as his defense mechanism. Can't get too close now, remember.

"Oh, I do," Adrian thumbed his glasses again, nodding and possessing a very matter-of-fact look about him, "It's one of my favorite torture methods."

Chris made a face, knowing in that moment Adrian definitely meant to torture and to be tortured.

"What's there to like?" he asked more genuinely.

"It's so much fun, dude! The tingles, the nerve endings, the effortless laughter," Adrian was smiling just thinking about it, and Christopher was squirming at just the mention.

It was then, in basking in the beautiful memories of being involved in tickling, that Adrian reached out and pinched at Christopher's side without abandon. Chris shot off the couch completely, screaming a, "What the fuck!"

Adrian giggled with pure glee coursing through his body at the discovery his best friend laid out before him, "Stop fighting it!" he bolted off the couch and ran straight at Christopher.

They played a brief game of cat and mouse, Chris hurling every kind of insult at Adrian in his avoidance of the inevitable. The ever-determined Adrian wound up cornering Christopher in his bedroom, avoiding objects that were hurled at his head in the process.

"Go fuck yourself. Fuck you, fuck your mom, fuck your aunt--"

"What's Aunt Kathy got to do with this?"

"Well I know you don't have a sister, otherwise I would've banged her already, dipshit."

Adrian grinned disturbingly at the thought. He wouldn't want any part in that intimate affair, of course, but him being able to say that Peacemaker was his brother-in-law was too tempting to not daydream of.

Christopher was genuinely considering jumping out his window once he ran out of small throwable objects. That split second of decision cost him big, as Adrian roundhouse kicked him directly into his bed.

Knowing he had nowhere else to go, nothing else he could do to prevent this, Christopher threw up his hands, "Wait wait wait wait! Adrian, wait!"

"Yeah, buddy?" Adrian straddled Chris and rested his own hands on his hips just waiting for whatever his idol and friend was going to say to him.

Christopher shut his eyes and took a few deep breaths before continuing his thought, "This is still new for me... I'd appreciate it if you, you know..." he swallowed, "took it easy."

Adrian couldn't believe his ears. Had he already converted Christopher into being okay with tickling? Not fighting back as much as his traumatized brain probably wanted him to? Adrian now felt he had a duty to uphold. To take a step in reversing whatever repressed, fucked up memories and feelings Christopher had towards tickling.

"Of course, dude," Adrian assured. He wiggled his fingers in quick anticipation and softly touched down on Christopher's belly. He could feel his friend tense beneath him and watched Christopher's hands land on his own face to cover up.

"No anti-torture techniques now, Mr. Military Man," Adrian chastised.

Adrian did take notice of Christopher making himself more vulnerable by lifting his hands like he did. And the Vigilante was not one to turn down the opportunity, so he clawed at Peacemaker's ribs, not pressing in too hard at the behest of his friend.

Christopher's arms immediately shot down and squeezed to his sides as laughs huffed their way through. When Adrian vibrated his fingers more quickly, that amped up Christopher's laughter, the much larger man rocking from side to side.

"Awesome," Adrian had a smile a mile wide at this discovery, at seeing his best friend and idol laughing this carefree.

Adrian tested out a few more spots on Chris's upper body, all earning him a variety of laughs. When he'd had his fill of exploiting his friend's weakness, he unhooked his legs from atop Christopher and knelt beside him on the bed. Chris took in deep breaths to recover and was rubbing his hands along the parts of his torso that still felt tingly.

"That was so much fun," Adrian decided to pitch in his two cents, smiling broadly.

Christopher was still processing what just transpired. He did think he should be feeling way more self-conscious after being so vulnerable like that, laid bare with all his emotions and his body. But no, he was actually feeling pretty good. Like the tickling was a stress-reliever. He would never admit any of this, however, of fucking course not.

"Economos is gonna die when he hears about this," Adrian seemed to be still in his own little fantasy world post-tickling, giggling at the idea of their teammates face when he tells him of Peacemaker's weakness.

"Oh, fuck no. You're not selling me out to Economos! I trusted you, man!" Christopher, fully on the rebound, saw the glint in Adrian's eyes behind the kid's glasses and the anticipatory smile on his stupid face, and, well... don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Adrian was squealing and laughing before Christopher even laid a finger on him. And yeah, it was clear to Christopher just how much Adrian enjoyed being tickled. Which was actually kinda cute.

And as Christopher was getting his footing being the giver of tickles, not the receiver, he was quickly seeing how much more he preferred this side of it. Doing the tickles. Being a younger sibling first, then only child, he was only ever on the receiving end or receiving nothing at all. Adrian must have been used to this kind of treatment being Gut Chase's kid brother, so maybe that's why it grew like it did within him.

Either way, Chris was fine taking pointers from Adrian on how to tickle him more effectively, which was all kids of fucked. And Adrian swore not to tell anyone else on the team about this. While Adrian and secrets was a ticking time bomb, Christopher knew he needed the time to fully anticipate what was to come. Maybe the team knowing wasn't a bad thing. Maybe he avoided the situation with Emilia too quickly. Maybe there was still a chance for him to feel more grounded day by day, surrounding himself with loving people and loving acts. Fuck, he was getting soft... and maybe soft wasn't a bad thing, either.

[uchiha-uzumaki-family]

Part 1

Naruto was born a Beta. Before graduating from the Ninja Academy, blood tests gave him that result. He was disappointed for a while but that only meant one more challenge to overcome at the crossroads for him to become Hokage. He would be fine. Then Uchiha Sasuke was chosen on his team. On results day he had looked indifferently at his piece of paper with the word Alpha on it. The members of the Uchiha Clan, especially the main branch were mostly Alpha after all, it wasn't a surprise to him or anyone else. Uchiha Sasuke was number one of his generation, of course he wouldn't be anything less than an Alpha. All the girls around him, especially those who turned out to be Omega, redoubled their efforts to be noticed by him; It was well known that marrying an alpha with a good Kekkei Genkai behind him meant better status. But Haruno Sakura, a Beta, was the one who ended up on his team and thus had the highest chances of starting a relationship with him, thanks to the time they would spend together. Naruto knew that with an Alpha in the team Sakura-chan wouldn't even give him a glance but giving up was for losers so he still wanted to get close to her despite her constant rejection. He never imagined that the one he would end up spending the most time with would be Sasuke himself, his rival. Not that anything really changed in their relationship; They argued, trained, then argued again and fought. They ignored each other and then something came up that forced them to cooperate; Saving each other's lives, being the best team, even if they didn't want to admit it. Nothing changed, until one afternoon. Naruto was heading to his house through the forest, his body began to feel too hot. He took off his jacket and leaned under a tree when a wave of dizziness nearly made him trip. He had never felt like this, no cold had attacked him so quickly. He could feel his heart beating in his ears, and the need to run to hide but unable to move his body at all. There was an alarm inside his head whose meaning he didn't know. A rustling of leaves. Footsteps. A labored breathing. Red eyes in the darkness. A strange and subtle but not unpleasant smell. A heat on his neck. A pain in his belly. Darkness. When Naruto woke up he was hiding behind some bushes, covered in his jacket and feeling like his head was heavy. He stood up and felt pain all over his body and his legs were weak and trembling. Little does he remember how he got to his house, but he remembers falling into his bed and wrapping himself in his blankets, shivering, waking up two days later, fully recovered. He rejoined his team, apologizing for his absence due to a cold. Everything continued normally until they had a mission in the land of waves where Sasuke gave his life for him because 'His body moved by itself' and the day Sasuke left the village, something broke in Naruto. There was a desperation that he never felt before and an almost physically painful emptiness. He needed to find Sasuke, needed to bring Sasuke back. He didn't understand why. Because Sasuke was his first bond. He didn't understand why. Because Sasuke was his friend. He didn't understand why. Because without Sasuke he felt like he could die. He didn't understand why. When they met face to face again something was different. Something was pulling him towards Sasuke, and Sasuke gave in to the sensation, reaching out to him, touching him, trying to kill him.

[thetopazdragon]

I really vibed with the last guys ask for a Tartaglia x reader. If you could.... could hook a sister up with a Tartaglia x Fem!reader? I'd really appreciate hun <3

Sure!! And you dont gotta be shy abt it anon!! I'll write whenever I have time and (knock on wood) I am currently free of writer's block!!!

(Also go check out my best friend kimasworks because they write fanfics too)

(Tartaglia (childe) x Fem!Reader)

Where to begin...

Tartaglia, or Childe as you had come to know him, was always someone who was flirty with everyone (and I mean EVERYONE)

So whenever he flirted with you, you never took it genuinely as flirting to entice romance. You always laughed and shrugged it off, even when he made you as red as the mask he wore on his head. You never understood why he seemed so... disappointed when you told him he was "funny", and it seemed to get on his nerves when you laughed his flirting off as just him trying to get attention.

Childe had always loved you, ever since he laid eyes on you. He would stare from the sidelines, watching how you moved, how you talked, how you fought. It made him all the more attracted to you.

When you had finally (albeit reluctantly) became friends with him, he was overjoyed that he could be your friend. He was highly aware that you mistrusted him, but that didn't deter him from his goal: Make her MINE.

He would admit any day that you had gotten after him more than a few times for being possessive. After all, he wanted you desperately to be his. Still, he never had the balls to even consider asking you out. Every time he tried, his mouth would feel dry, his palms would sweat furiously under his gloves, his knees would tremble, and he would fully clam up.

You yourself had always found him a little endearing, once you got past the part of him that was indeed a Fatui harbinger. Sadly though, you always thought he was just a playboy, as he flirted with almost every woman he saw (whether to get a deal or just get a reaction you may never know). You fully believed (by paimon's words) that he was just trying to fluster you to satisfy his lust for attention.

But one day, he had had enough beating around the bush. He asked you to meet him in Wanmin Restaurant, as he wanted to "talk". You, believing you were in trouble, prepared for a fight, but Childe got in a nice, formal outfit, and even bought you Rainbow Roses all the way from Fontaine.

When you arrived at the restaurant, Child was outside waiting for you, bouquet of roses in hand. You looked surprised, as you had been expecting a fight, not a date. Childe smiled sheepishly, and you realized that you were a total idiot.

"Is this- Is this not a fight-? I thought we were going to have to battle again-" You asked, looking up at the tall boy as you stood before him.

Tartaglia burst into laughter, his tension easing. "Would I have brought roses to fight you??"

You hid your face in your hands, embarrassed for your behavior. Even at that moment, the dots all connected. The flirting, the possessiveness, the staring and grinning like an idiot, the absolute adoration he showed you. It was all genuine.

"B-but- When you flirted with the other girls I thought-" "I was practicing.. I wanted to make sure I knew what to say to you so I didn't make a fool of myself!"

Childe laughed, his laugh easing all tension. He took your hand, gently giving you the flowers and looking at you like you were the only woman in the world.

"I could never NOT be genuine about how I feel for you, Traveler."

After that night, you both planned weekly dates, whether it was going out and just having fun or getting each other out of trouble, you both enjoyed it. On your 3rd date, Childe finally gained the courage to ask an important question. You had just defeated your 17th whopperflower of the day, and as you collected the nectar, he held you from behind. When you stood, he smiled and held you closely, his hands on your waist. He never imagined how wonderful it would feel to feel your hips under his fingers.

"Traveler..? May I... May I kiss you?"

(i think yall can imagine your own answer! Thats all, folks, and please send in an ask to request a story!!)

[pure-garbage]

Not Good Enough! A Challenge Issued And Accepted

"Zoro!"

The pirate hunter was in the midst of a tense standoff with the G-5 marines when Lana finally found him. The sight of her waving wildly from a suspended walkway twenty feet over his head brought a wide grin to his face, circumstances notwithstanding. She leapt over the rail and into his embrace without hesitation, unconcerned with the navy, the long fall or the two swords he had drawn. Fully deserving of her unconditional trust, he caught her easily without dropping his weapons or even coming close to letting the blades so much as graze her. The display drew shouts of shock from the marines as the pirates shared a brief, passionate kiss while Lana found her footing.

"Lana! You're freezing!" Zoro scowled. He shivered a little as she burrowed close to his bared chest and pulled his furry coat tight around them both, disappearing from view except for her feet. Her moans of relief rang out loudly for their enemies to hear, further confusing the marines while she basked in Zoro's body heat as if they weren't surrounded on all sides by opposition.

"Yeah, I never got the chance to dress for winter," she informed him, words muffled from within his thick coat.

"Take the coat. I was getting too hot in it anyway."

"Aw, I like it better with you in it too," Lana pouted playfully, pressing her frigid cheek to his skin to warm it.

"Hm, I'd agree if we didn't have all these marines trying to kill us," Zoro mused. He took a slash at the men creeping too close, sending them swiftly to the ground.

"Why are they trying to kill us?" Lana wondered. "I thought the plan was for them to rescue some kids."

"So did I, but apparently their skulls are too thick for that concept to make it through," Zoro grunted. "Here, come out and hold my swords so I can take the coat off."

"Hold the swords? Just do the flippy thing," Lana urged him, emerging from his coat so he could move freely.

"The flippy thing?" Zoro asked with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.

"You know what I mean. Are these... my knives!"

"They are."

Zoro did the 'flippy thing', tossing Shusui and Kitetsu both high into the air and shrugging out of his coat while they spun together over his head. Lana accepted the coat from him, and he caught the falling blades just in time to counter an attacking marine. His back was to Lana. She reached around his waist to steal back her daggers, grinning gleefully as she returned them to her belt where they belonged.

"I made Law give them to me," Zoro informed her.

His change in tone was abrupt and unmistakable. As delighted as Lana and Zoro were to be reunited, he quickly brought the mood down with his stern demeanor. She already knew what he was going to say next.

"So. Traffy kicked your ass, did he?"

Lana swallowed hard, wondering how many details Zoro already knew.

"Well, uh... yeah, okay, the first time. The second time was closer to a draw though," Lana said defensively. Even that, she realized, was blurring the truth somewhat. In all honesty, Law still likely would have beaten the tar out of her a second time had he not already decided to ally himself with her crew.

"What was his advantage?" Zoro pressed.

Lana sighed heavily as they fought through the throng of marines, pressing on toward goals that she was still incredibly confused over.

'There's no use in beating around the bush. He probably already knows and just wants to see if I was at least able to come away from my defeat with usable information.'

"My haki still isn't strong enough," she admitted grudgingly. 'Even though my observation is so damn incredible I can essentially read minds and see the future... as far as Zoro's concerned, it's still not good enough. It won't be until I'm unbeatable.'

Her bitterness didn't escape his notice.

"You think I'm being too harsh," he noted. Again, it was a statement rather than a question.

"I didn't say that."

"Your face said it."

"I'll get better, okay? I'm already working on it."

"You had two years to 'work on it'. Now's not the time for working on it, Lana, it's do or die now!"

"Yeah, well I'm not dead yet!" she snapped. "Is now really the time to do this?"

Around them, the battle had dissolved into a panicked stampede as ominous purple fog rolled slowly closer. Overhead, alarms blared and lights flashed.

"Time to run!" Zoro announced grimly. "But don't think you're getting off the hook! I'm still going to deal with you later!"

"I swear if one more damned swordsman tells me they're gonna 'deal with me later' I'm gonna fucking riot!" Lana growled unhappily.

"Yeah right, riot with that weak haki of yours," Zoro scoffed, rolling his eyes as they booked it furiously toward a pair of rapidly closing blast doors. "Terrifying."

"Keep pushing your luck, you'll be doing your own laundry for the next few weeks, sweetheart!" Lana huffed, adrenaline fueling her anger as they cut it close, tearing through the doors with barely inches to spare before they slammed shut.

"Ooh, scary! You say that like I didn't manage my own laundry just fine before we met!" Zoro taunted. They didn't slow down, racing past marines. Lana assumed they were heading to reunite with others of their crew, but with a jolt of alarm, realized she was actually relying on Zoro to get them where they needed to be. Wherever that was.

"Uh, Zoro? Where are we going?" Lana panted as they outstripped the navy, leaving the G-5 well in their dust.

"Huh? I don't know, I'm following you!" Zoro frowned.

"Nuh-uh, I was the one following you!"

"Aw crap!"

They both slid to an abrupt halt, taking a moment to catch their breath in the empty hall.

"Well at least we lost the marines," Lana reasoned. "What were you supposed to be doing?"

"Finding Nami and helping her," Zoro remembered.

"Okay, that tracks. Where's Nami and what's she doing?"

"No idea."

"Zoro!"

"Can't you find her on your little snail buddy?"

"Oh right. Sure, I'll just use my super advanced observation haki to get us out of the pickle you got us into by not paying attention," Lana smirked slyly, reaching into her pocket to pull out her new pet.

"Hey, you should have been paying attention too!" Zoro snapped.

"Sure, sure, it's my job to pay all the attention. Doofus. Say, why don't you take a stab at finding Nami?" she asked sarcastically, offering him the snail knowing he wouldn't take it.

"Tsh, you know my observation isn't good enough for all that fancy crap," Zoro scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm working on it, okay?"

"Ooh, really? What's that? You're working on it?" Lana mocked.

"Shut up!" he grumbled.

"I thought you had two years to work on it? Isn't that right? And now it's... what was it you said... do or die?"

"Keep it up and I'll kill you myself," Zoro threatened emptily.

"Think you could get close enough to kill me past my exceptional observation?" Lana teased pointedly.

"Law got close enough."

"Law cheated."

"No such thing."

"Fine, point taken. Look, I said I would practice, okay? We both will, so can we call it quits on the bickering?" Lana sighed. "You're wearing me out."

"Me too," Zoro admitted. "I spent the entire day looking for you, I'm really not interested in fighting."

"Aw, the entire day?"

"Yep. I wouldn't have had to if your haki was stronger."

"You just have to have the last word, don't you?" Lana growled. "When my haki is strong enough the first thing I'm gonna do is wipe that smug smile off your stupid face."

"You can try."

"Grr!"

"Just quit your griping and work the snail, woman!" Zoro sighed with a roll of his eyes.

____________________________________________

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