#he didn't lie said I'll be here; better or worse not just dropping you like a hot potato.

[clubsmarties]

It was almost cause for offense the way she asked. "Not at all. I like spending time with you. More so when we're not knee deep in cases. You're fun." Maybe, fun wasn't the right word but he was always intellectually stimulated around her. They never ran out of things to talk about and the fact that she gave it back just as good as he did her, that made time spent with her worthwhile. "Do you really think I'm tired of you?"

Quickly shaking his head trying to let her know she had nothing to apologize for. "Don't be sorry. Please don't take this as me telling you what to do or who to do," that made him cringe the way that was phrased, how do you even say please don't have sex with anyone cause I'm fucking in love with you. Without crossing a line there. When that answer came to him he'd be sure to use it. "I really just," still no words so he opted for a head shake instead. A man with so little words who knew an entire encyopledia and yet came up empty.

"A likely excuse," he stated with a smile, reverting back to himself. He was proud of his home state he grinned and nodded. "This may be my complete bias but I sure think it is. It's really beautiful at night. If you're not too tired tonight I'll take you to see it from the bottom level. If not then I'll take you another day so you can get the full view from up top. Oh, you should also see the lighthouse. Nothing quite like it on the island."

"According to this article," he showed her the phone and reached out his arm for her to take. "It says when this one hatched at the zoo that their handler was the first they saw and imprinted on them. Now the flamingo is two and runs toward the handler. There's a video too." He pressed play and smiled as the animal flocked right into the person and then did a little dance. The laugh from him was genuine as he thought that was cute. "Not gonna lie. I want one now. Maybe I should go ahead and buy that land." She knew his dream, one of, of owning a farm.

The waiter greeted them with a gleeful aloha as he walked them to the table. Wally liked this restaurant, aside from the chill vibe, the staff were kind and he got leftover breadsticks to take home afterwards. Before the waiter could leave Wally asked for the special and the drinks could be added after. He took the corner seat in the booth near the giant tank they used for decoration and tapped it gently before grabbing the drink menus. Putting it up to read he hummed. "They have really good drinks," bringing the menu down to look at her, "the non alcoholic kind. The wonderland punch is pretty good. I, myself prefer the vanilla shake." A nod to when they went to that diner in New York. "You can order whatever you want. Anything jump out?" The waitress came out with freshly baked fries and smiled at the two. Aloha Wally. Out so late so very unlike you. Then looked at his companion. "Welcome. Is this your first time here? I'd recognize an angelic face as yours if you were a regular. Wally, you've been hiding this gem." The older woman patted him and grabbed her notepad. "Would you like something to drink?"

Stifling a laugh at his reply, she nodded her head. "Mission accomplished." She didn't know why but she was being honest in a way she hadn't been honest with anyone. When talking with Charlie, it was mostly because he had been there. When answering Anna it was because she didn't have the heart to lie to her. When playing with Orion, it was because he deserved better than the adults in his life lying to him. With Wally, she felt like it was okay to say small bits of truth, so she did. "Not sailing, and not a yacht. I spent about a year on a boat once." It was some of the best memories of her life but that was neither here nor there, when there was only one other person on board and nothing but the sea and work to do, the monotony became a happy thing. A routine she had been lacking her entire life. "I know there are different types of partners," she chuckled.

" Trivia night? Aren't you tired of being around me all the time?" It was more of a surprised comment. They had spent so much time together that she had started becoming suspicious about exactly what it was he wanted.

When he said how he really felt about her sleeping with someone she might have met at the gala, she felt like a child reprimanded. Made him want to throw up? She didn't know what to make of it at all, even less so, slightly impaired. All she had known was that she had pissed her friend off, because as suspicious as she could be of him, he was a friend. That's when it hit her, of course, she had just listened to what assholes they all were to his family, of course. That's why it upset him that she was thinking of any of them in that way when they were so horrible to his family, that had to be it. How stupid could she had been? " Sorry. I promise, I won't." It was soft and sincere as she turned away from him and stared out her passenger door instead.

"Well, I've been working a lot and when I'm not working, I'm usually helping someone else with their work. So I haven't really had time to do much exploring. This beach sounds a million times better than Brighton." As he turned into the parking lot, her stomach began to make it known that she was hungry again. "Thanks." Taking the sweater gratefully knowing she would be cold in a bit. Once he got out, she again reprimanded herself for being so stupid earlier. This is why you need to stop drinking! Carefully she pulled the sweater over her head and down over her dress. Something about it felt like a warm hug but she chalked it over to it just turning into an awkward night and being in a hoodie felt nice after spending all night in the dress. "Yup." She answered when he knocked, and exited the car. Smile gracing her features seeing him in his usual get up. Small tilt of her head as she watched him curiously tussling his own hair as he spoke. "Flamingos? Does that mean one would be able to keep them as a pet? Or do they just randomly come around the person from time to time?"

As weird as the new topic was, it felt nice to have something else to talk about now.

[nightprompts]

&. 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 (𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧) 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

( dialogue prompts taken from episodes 5 & 6 ( "eat at baratie!" & "the chef and the chore boy" ) of the netflix live action one piece series. feel free to edit and change as you seem fit. )

❛ how about we sail away as fast as we can? ❜

❛ about the battle, you wanna talk about it? ❜

❛ there's something on the breeze. smells like butter. soy sauce. and meat. ❜

❛ think he has brain damage? ❜

❛ i smell food, which means that there's someone somewhere cooking. ❜

❛ what's a... baratie? ❜

❛ let's eat! ❜

❛ you'll have to excuse them. they're idiots. ❜

❛ wanna take this outside? ❜

❛ are you asking me to dance? 'cause i kind of had my eye on that blonde at table eight. ❜

❛ i call it a true bluefin sauté. it's elephant tuna, seared asparagus, in a sweet soy reduction. ❜

❛ if i gotta sling one more prime rib medium-well, i am going to drop dead of boredom, you old shitbag! ❜

❛ this ain't gonna be a fight. i'm just going to kill him. ❜

❛ hi, welcome to our shitty restaurant where the only thing worse than the ambience is the food. ❜

❛ one of our signature cocktails to help you choke down your meal? ❜

❛ apologies, madam, i didn't see you there. ❜

❛ something wrong with your eye? ❜

❛ just blinded by your beauty. ❜

❛ nami's got a boyfriend. ❜

❛ did i catch you in the middle of something? ❜

❛ just killing some time. ❜

❛ who's the quarry? ❜

❛ doesn't sound like much of a challenge. ❜

❛ why are you after me? ❜

❛ you woke me from my nap. ❜

❛ i can't eat another bite. but it's so good. ❜

❛ who the hell is monkey d. luffy? ❜

❛ i don't even think there's liquor in this. it tastes just like candy. ❜

❛ who's ready for another drink? my treat. ❜

❛ i don't really do regret. no point in looking back. ❜

❛ sometimes, when i try to look ahead, all i see is back. ❜

❛ you know, you're a really good cook. ❜

❛ if a man is hungry, i feed him. ❜

❛ what are you carrying around that's so heavy? ❜

❛ i bet i know more about you than you do about me. ❜

❛ i guess something about you, you drink. you guess something about me, i drink.❜

❛ i have business with your captain. if you know what's good for you, you'll hand him over. ❜

❛ i've been following your career since i was a child. it's an honor to finally meet you, sir. which is why it pains me to inform you that tomorrow... you're going to die. ❜

❛ accept my challenge. you'll see how serious i am. ❜

❛ you want me to say you're the best? you're the best. okay? ❜

❛ you're the best i've ever seen, but you are not better than him. ❜

❛ why do you give a shit? ❜

❛ because you're my friend, you idiot. ❜

❛ you said it yourself. you don't have any friends. ❜

❛ what is that? i'm here for a sword fight. ❜

❛ i don't hunt rabbits with a cannon. ❜

❛ you're brave. i'll give you that. ❜

❛ wounds on the back are a swordsman's greatest shame. ❜

❛ this world could use a few more wild cards. ❜

❛ it's too soon for you to die. grow strong and come find me. i'll be waiting. ❜

❛ you could never fail me. ❜

❛ look, i'm not gonna lie to you. he's lost a lot of blood. it might be too late for him. but it might not be. ❜

❛ he's got one foot in each world right now, caught between life and death. you have to find a way to keep him tethered to our world. ❜

❛ nice of you to announce yourself. ❜

❛ i don't take orders. not even from the likes of you. ❜

❛ what's the matter? don't like fish? ❜

❛ if you don't want the fish, i got two-inch t-bones in the kitchen. or maybe you're in the mood for saffron risotto? ❜

❛ i can make anything. just tell me what you want. ❜

❛ being a captain, it's the toughest job in the world, okay? ❜

❛ how'd you two meet? were you on his crew or something? ❜

❛ oregano's for savages! ❜

❛ you've got a sharp tongue on you, boy. how about i cut it out and fry it up with some pig fat? ❜

❛ do what you want, but i'm not gonna die here. ❜

❛ they're all dead, except for us. ❜

❛ you ate it? you ate your own leg? ❜

❛ you don't even know me. why would you do that for a stranger? ❜

❛ so i'm gonna need you to live on. and i'm gonna need you to fulfill that dream... for both of us. ❜

❛ have any idea what that's like? having someone lose a limb to save your life? ❜

❛ sometimes, when you are in charge, you have to make the tough decisions. ❜

❛ i'd do anything to save him. anything. except stand in the way of his dream. ❜

❛ isn't there something that you want? something more than anything else in this world? ❜

❛ not everyone gets to follow their dreams. ❜

❛ did you not hear what i just said? they are hunting you. we need to run. ❜

❛ i can't let innocent people get hurt because of me. ❜

❛ i hear you're looking for me. ❜

❛ so this is the pirate i've heard so much about? ❜

❛ do you know who i am, boy? ❜

❛ how'd you even know how to find me? ❜

❛ if you bow down to me, i might even let you serve in my kingdom. ❜

❛ i don't bow down to any man. ❜

❛ i told you in the bar i didn't have any friends, but the truth is, i couldn't let myself have them... because i always end up hurting the people closest to me. ❜

❛ why waste your time killing a devil fruit eater? let the sea do it for you. ❜

❛ what is your problem? ❜

❛ me? i'm fine. you're the one with the problem. ❜

❛ you're not gonna be anything, not if you stay here. ❜

❛ it's not like i can just leave. ❜

❛ don't you get it? it's one thing to have a dream. it's another to go after it. ❜

❛ you want my permission? you got it. ❜

❛ i didn't know what to say before, but i know what to say now, and it's so simple. i need you. ❜

❛ you gonna keep talking, or let me get some sleep? ❜

❛ i vow to stand by your side from now until the end. ❜

❛ you're my captain, and i'm your first mate. ❜

❛ heard you guys need a cook. ❜

❛ why are we bringing the waiter? ❜

❛ you keep your feet dry. ❜

❛ you know, all these years, living under your shitty roof, cooking at your shitty restaurant... i owe you my life! ❜

❛ thank you for putting up with my shit all these years, old man. ❜

❛ i'll never forget you! ❜

[thesleepyfable]

~ SWTD: Still Here AU Part 16: ~

A Series of Phone Calls:

Sorry Finlay, but the Queen has arrived This is really two chapters in one, because they'd be way too short otherwise.

TW: Mention of divorce.

Part 17:

Ring. Ring.

Ring. Ring.

Ring. Ring.

'Come on. Pick up. Please pick up.'

Ring. Ring.

Ring r-

'Hello?'

'Suze?!'

'Caz?! I...Jesus. A little late, isn't it? No need to go bellowing down the phone at me.' There was a pause. Caz was at a loss for words. She answered. He was hearing Suze's voice. Nothing artificial from The Shape that tried to lure him in. But, from Suze's perspective, Caz was breathing heavily down the phone. 'Caz? Hello?' Her voice slapped him out of his daze.

'M-Maybe.' His voice was breathless. How he missed her. 'Sorry about that.' Caz's grip on the phone tightened. He didn't want to let go. Ever since he arrived on The Beria, he wanted to be back in her arms, but he knew it was for the best. 'Look, I, er.' Be brave. For Suze. Be brave. 'I want you to come and see me.'

'What?' A small chuff echoed through the phone. 'All the way out in the middle of the North Sea?'

'No. No. I'm on the mainland now.'

'W-What?' Naturally, she was at a loss for words. 'When did you-'

'Only a few hours ago.' A small lie. Depends if you count six hours ago as a few or several. 'Something happened to The Beria, and we had to evacuate. Lost a few good men, but we're back.'

'Something? What's 'something' C- Wait. Lost?' Panic began to rise in Suze's voice. It took her a moment to register what he had just said. She just replied as if she was on autopilot. 'People died? Is Roy with you?'

'Yeah. Yeah. Big man's safe and sound with us.' He managed a light chuckle. He didn't know it, but Suze had also tightened her grip on the phone. She was so happy to finally hear his voice again. All the anger she had built up since August just vanished, replaced with all the good memories flooding into her brain and making her heart skip a beat. Her finger wrapped around the cord. 'How are you and the weans?'

'We're okay. Christmas didn't feel the same without you. Ma had to make a fool of herself, though. Bloody forgot to put the handbrake on.'

'We need to sell that old banger.

'Aye. Her and all, too.' The pair shared a laugh. Something they haven't done for a while. It was good.

'How are you, Caz? You sound...' Suze paused to find the right word. 'Different.'

'Well, being on a rickety oil rig in the middle of the North Sea will do that to ya. I'm fine, though, really. Made some new friends out there. You'd like them.'

'Are they with you now?'

'Some are. Most went home.' Suze frowned. That wasn't the right thing to say. The anger didn't return, but small specks of frustration did. Still, she gave Caz the benefit of the doubt.

'Then, why aren't you coming home?'

'I will be, but first, I want you and the girls to come here.'

And where's 'here?''

'Braemar'

'What the hell are you doing all the way out in Brae-'

'Please, Suze. I can't hog the phone for much longer. Just please. Bring the girls here. I'll give the address. Please?' Silence. Caz's heart dropped. His foot began to tap, and he bit his lower lip. How could he have possibly made their situation worse? Did she not believe him? Then again, he can't blame her. She hadn't hung up the phone, but had he lost signal? Was she actually talking to him, and he didn't know? 'Suze?'

'Alright, Caz. Give me the address.' Her voice was one of defeat, but Caz had hope. It's all that kept him going. Might be the only thing that kept him from turning.

'Trust me, Suze. All will be explained when you see us.' A pause. 'I love you.'

'I love you, too.'

Well, it could have been better. Caz knew he had been brave, but he would be a fool if he didn't feel some tension. As for Suze, she hunched over and covered her mouth when she hung up the phone, not knowing if she'll cry or scream until the windows shattered. Maybe both. She was still angry. Her emotions were a hurricane residing in her stomach that she tried to control. Nothing was easy anymore. She was tried. So tired. Her eyes were still heavy. Slowly, Suze controlled her breathing and stood up straight with a long sigh.

'Right,' she muttered. 'Okay.' Then, a small smile graced her face. 'Silly sod.' Once again, the good memories came back. With the living area of the flat being open planned, she turned to the cheap kitchen table, where a brown file containing the crisp divorce papers lay in wait. They'd been there since last Monday. Dust had gathered. Now, the question was, will Suze leave them to collect more?

Caz exhaled all the air in his lungs. He felt better, but at the same time, he wished he could just deflat like a balloon. Roy had been listening the entire time from the stairs. 'So, how did it go?'

'I dunno, Roy,' he sighed, running a hand through his hair. Caz often did that when he was either indecisive or stressed. 'Good. I think? Do you want to call anyone?'

'Nah. I'm gonna sleep, but,' Roy nodded to the front door. 'I think they'll want to speak to someone.'

'Aye.' Caz turned and walked down the corridor. 'Alright.' He opened the door. 'Who wants to use...' Nothing else needed to be said. Everyone was huddled on the porch, waiting for their turn, except for Innes and Muir. Seems no one could decide on who could go first. The infected, except Trots, couldn't fit inside, yet they kept Raffs, Brodie, and O'Connor from reaching the entrance. Poor buggers were freezing, unlike the infected. The cold didn't affect them. Another small positive from The Shape. Caz sighed at the sight. Good to know he was working with children the entire time. 'We go alphabetically. Addair, you're first.' And guess who was going to be the handler?

Caz turned around whilst Addair tried to get inside. The keyword is 'try,' because Caz instantly shoved him back out when he knocked over a picture. Just like with Bernard, he quickly realised this was going to be a long night. The method was simple; give Caz their number, he dails it, and gives the phone to whoever.

The calls were like clockwork. Just like him, everyone asked for their loved ones name in surprise before sighing in relief and explaining what happened without the infected telling them that they'd been turned into fleshy blobs. Then, they invite them all to the farm. Addair. Gibbo. Ren-

'Not answering?'

'Eh,' Rennick motioned something akin to a shrug. 'My son travels for work. I'll try again later.'

O'Connor, Trots, and finally Raffs, who told his mum he and Brodie will be home soon. Brodie went last, and that was just to get in touch with the train station to figure out when was the best time and day to get back to Skye.

When all was said and done, Caz took himself to the sofa he was given as his bed and instantly crashed, along with Trots, who took the armchair and leg rest. Which was ironic. Neither slept well last night, but now, both could finally breathe. Everyone else soon followed.

Where was Muir's family during all this?

Muir had brought his parents and brothers to the furthest point of the garden. He cradled a now sleeping Grace and Bonnie in his arms whilst Innes leaned against the fence. It was late, but he wanted to tell them because he wasn't going to be subtle. He's done that enough. 'Okay. Everyone. I need to tell you something. I'm...I-I...' He glanced to Innes, who smiled and nodded in return. That gave Muir the confidence he needed. 'I'm gay. I like men, and I have since I understood what that meant.' He shuffled back and forth between his crab-like legs. 'And Innes here is the one I want to spend my life with. Dad, you said you'd never stop loving me, and I hope this doesn't change anything.'

'WHAT?!' Harris yelled. Muir retracted for a moment before it clicked that Harris was being sarcastic.

'Oh no,' Angus continued with equal sarcasm. 'Ewan's gay? Jesus Christ. Who could have guessed?'

'Okay, I get it,' Muir mumbled. He stared at Innes when he heard him trying not to laugh.

'We've all known for years.'

'The only girl you've dated was Ivy Bradshaw from year 6.' Of course, Harris continued his life goal of being the little shit sibling.

'Yes, thank you, 'arris.' Muir could feel the blood rush to his cheeks.

'And, you didn't dance with anyone at either of our weddings. Instead, you were eyeing up the bar - Either out to desperation or just get one over on Harris, Muir quickly slapped a tendril over his mouth.

'S-Shut up!' Sadly, being red in the face and hissing through his teeth, just gave his younger brother the motivation to keep going through heavy muffles.

'Harris!' Fiona snapped. Nothing else needed to be said. She had that stern look in her eyes that even made Harris, a thirty-three year old man, stop whatever shit he was pulling. Muir still kept his mouth covered.

'Ewan,' Logan began. 'You've been turned into a five meter tall hermit crab. Even if we didn't know, do you think we care?'

'W-Well, that's a relief.' Muir glanced to his mum, who was just smiling. He returned the smile. Now, all the weight had gone from his shoulders. Innes stepped forward and held his hand out for Muir to take.

'Now, can we go inside, please? It's freezing out here.' Gently, Harris, now free from Muir, and Angus took their daughters and began to walk back to the house. Fiona approached and kissed her son on the cheek before looking to Innes.

'You look after him, okay?'

'I promise, mam. He won't be leaving my sight.'

'I think that's impossible.' And cue Muir literally buring his head in the snow. A low groan could be heard, causing the pair to snicker. He was always easy to embarrass. Fiona found it cute whilst Innes just mentally jotted that this was payback for nearly taking his head off with the piping. 'Well, goodnight, you two.' They had given Innes a bed, but it was obvious he wasn't going to be there.

He knelt beside Muir and gave him a pat on the exposed flesh from the helmet. 'Proud of you, ya big lug.' A tendril wrapped around his waist, yet Muir still kept hidden under the snow. He'll come out when his cheeks stop being red.

[lionlena]

1. New job, new problems... (PedroPascalxreader) - one shot

Ok, so here's the first one shot of: one shots week. As I wrote, I was inspired by my problems, but don't take everything literally, because of course I changed some things, but generally yes, my new co-workers are mean bitches. But I've come to terms with it. At least instead of talking to them, I write ff xD

Summary: co-workers at your new job treat you badly. You try to hide it from your boyfriend, but even from a distance Pedro senses that something is wrong.

Warnings: little sad but later fluff and loving, caring Pedro

This can be considered as a continuation: ♡Just let it go…

You were happy when you got a new job where you made more money. No matter how many times Pedro told that you could have his money. You felt bad about it and wanted to prove to him that you weren't with him for the money.

However, you soon found out that your new job was a nightmare. And it wasn't the job itself, because it was easy and fun for you. Your co-workers were the problem. You ended up in a three-person team consisting of all women, and you felt their hostility from the very beginning. They had trouble giving you the simplest of information, like where the bathroom is. They responded with annoyance to your every question. But you thought they'd get used to you over time. You were polite and tried to have little chats with them, but it was not effective because they ignored you. With each passing day, you felt worse and worse, and as if your misfortune wasn't enough, Pedro flew to the set in Morocco.

You sighed heavily as you sat alone at a table during your lunch break. You've been scrolling through the photos fans have taken of your boyfriend. It always made you feel a little better and made you forget everything for a moment. Your boyfriend looked pleased, though you could see he was tired. You wanted so much to hug him and make sure he was taking care of himself.

Of course, Pedro wanted you to go with him. At least for a few days, but you couldn't take free time from your new job so quickly. Another minus.

And of course, every time you spoke to him, you said everything was fine. You didn't want to worry him. You knew he should be focused on a movie set.

You were just looking at a photo of Pedro wearing a white t-shirt that was visibly wet at the bottom. You smiled and started to wonder what your beloved had done. Knowing him, he probably spilled something on himself. Pedro was so clumsy sometimes. But you loved it about him. You were so lost in your thoughts that you didn't even notice your co-workers walking past you. Their sudden giggles made you jump and almost drop your phone.

"Seriously Y/N," Jane said. "You'd better focus on your job, not on dreaming about some actor who doesn't even know you exist."

You had to bite your tongue not to say that unlike her, you work instead of filing your nails half the day.

"I don't know what these girls see in him," Michele said.

You perfectly saw how a few days earlier she was drooling at the monitor when she was reading an article about your boyfriend.

Before you could answer anything, they walked away laughing like crazy.

When you talked to Pedro in the evening, you could hardly keep your composure. He asked you several times if you were okay.

"Honey, you really do sound kind of weird," he said sadly.

"I'm really fine... I've had a busy day today and I think I'm having a migraine."

"My poor baby," he cooed. "Maybe you should lie down."

"That's what I'll do."

"Do you want me to talk to you on the phone until you fall asleep?"

You wanted to cry. Your boyfriend was so sweet and caring.

"Yes," you whispered.

You only felt worse for the next few days. Even during lunch, you didn't look at pictures with Pedro because your co-workers always sat at the table next to you. You were sure those bitches did it on purpose. It was ridiculous and you felt like you were in high school.

You started wondering if you should just start going out to some restaurant for lunch. You would have less time then, but you would gain peace of mind. Suddenly you heard some commotion behind you.

"Is that him? It's impossible," Michele murmured.

You turned around and your heart leaped. You couldn't believe your eyes. A smiling Pedro was walking towards you with a small bouquet of your favorite flowers. You couldn't take it any longer and ran over to him. He welcomed you with open arms and hugged you tightly. You pulled away from him after a while, to look into his eyes. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw the silly faces of these three bitches.

"What are you doing here?" you choked out.

"Did you really think I wouldn't sense something was wrong?" He stroked your cheek gently. "I'm back only for two days, but I hope it's enough."

You nodded and murmured, "I still have a few hours left at work."

"I know, but I couldn't wait to see you. I'll pick you up in the car so you don't have to take the subway back and we'll spend a wonderful evening together."

You blushed involuntarily, and he chuckled and whispered in your ear, "Yeah, I'm thinking about that too."

You shook your head and groaned as you realized you had to get back to work. You kissed Pedro on goodbye.

Suddenly your co-workers wanted to talk to you, but this time you ignored them. It was really sweet revenge.

Pedro has come for you as promised. On the way, he picked up food from your favorite restaurant. At home, he lit the candles and asked, "Dinner first, or bath first?"

You looked at him lovingly. "Dinner."

After you ate, he prepared an aromatic, warm bath for you. The tub was big enough for both of you to fit comfortably. You sat between his legs and rested your head on his chest. His big hands traced patterns on your breasts and belly. You finally felt relaxed. You closed your eyes and sighed heavily. You felt Pedro kiss you on the head. "My love, can you tell me what's been making you so sad lately?"

You nodded and squeezed his hand tightly. Though you tried to be calm, your voice trembled a few times as you told him about your job and how your co-workers treated you.

Pedro listened to you carefully, and at the end of your story, he hugged you tightly and kissed your shoulder.

"I'm so sorry babe. These stupid women should be glad to be working with someone as great as you." He placed a kiss on your shoulder again. "I know we've talked about this before, but you don't have to work. You know that. Why do I need money if I can't make the people I love happy?"

You smiled and squeezed his arm. "I know baby. But I want to go back there and watch those bitches die of jealousy because I have the most amazing and handsome boyfriend in the world."

Pedro chuckled and hugged you tighter. "Can this most amazing and handsome boy take you to bed and enjoy your body?"

"Yes!" you squeaked.

A week later, your boss appreciated your work and decided to transfer you to a new, more experienced team. Your new co-workers turned out to be very friendly and communicative. Enjoyed your job again. Though it was nice knowing you had a great boyfriend thanks to whom you don't have to work. And you don't have to worry about money.

Taglist: @creedslove

[bee-named-alex]

Ok so ep7 of iwtv s2. One of the notes i wrote down as i was watching was "fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck. nope. just nope. jesus fucking christ don't you dare do this" so you can imagine how i felt. Spoilers.

Ok ok. So I'm so fine rn you don't even know how fine I am. I didn't cry even though I expected to, I was more like empty, which might be even worse (read: better) lol

I'll start with a few quick thoughts, before I get into the bigger things. For the first like 10 minutes I couldn't stop thinking about how great Lestat (Sam) looks like im sorry. Him uncovering the homophobe's filth back at him? 10/10.

The actors are just so- perfect I have to say. Like we don't know what's true and I probably shouldn't believe anything just to be safe, but I found myself believing them everything. Also the whole time I wanted to hate the audience but they think it's just a play and if I, with all the other knowledge, find myself drawn to believe obvious lies, it's not really their fault that they do too.

Let's start with Lestat then. I was so glad to finally see the "real" (not really, even Sam said so) Lestat again

I haven't read the books (and even if i did i know that they change things) so idk how they made him testify because I just don't think he would. Maybe they tortured and forced him, "gave him a choice", maybe he was planning on saving them. Or maybe he just actually was out for vengeance i just don't know.

"You cannot script a hurricane" yeah you can't I loved that him going of script threw Santiago off so much, lmao (like he literally said "I'm about to violate the 5th law" aka kill Lestat I love that. Lestat is such a little shit.)

And when he went of script he told the truth (or as close to truth as we got during the trial i feel). Yes he also did break the laws. I like that he didn't let Santiago manipulate the audience to sympathize with him (don't get me wrong, it's not that he didn't want them to sympathize with him, he just wanted to manipulate them himself lol)

His and Louis' first eye contact (at around 11 minutes I believe) literally broke my heart.

When he talks about the loneliness I can't help but feel sorry for him.

I found it honestly hilarious when he was recounting their whole history backwards, like bitch please, it literally happened the other way arounf. Idk why it was just so funny how he was blatantly lying.

But then when they fully revisited the scenes from last season my jaw dropped.

So firstly Claudia's turning... I am so confused by it. Because it's obviously different from what we saw last time - and the scene itself is so moving. I mean Louis begging Lestat on his knees like he's some god and trying himself and failing and Lestat doing it for him even tho he knows it's a terrible idea. But the confusing part - in Dubai Louis rn says that Lestat's trial version is better than his and that he didn't want to believe it at the trial but now he knows it to be more true.

But like last season, so like 2 weeks ago, he told his own version?? Did he not realize until now, that he's talking about the trial, that he doesn't believe it? Did he lie on purpose but change his mind, is he lying now? Does Armand have to do something with it again? Tf is happening.

And then the fight. Again it's different but this time I remember that we didn't actually see this part of the fight so it could technically be true?? I don't really know rn how big of a part we didn't see last time. But maybe the truth about the fight is somewhere in the middle.

Amazing scene nonetheless, again, if I didn't know shit, I too would 100 % believe Lestat to be the victim. Up until the drop, that is extreme either way.

And Lestat going fully of script here, and his tears and his regret and his voice trembling and I'm sure that he means it. It wasn't a part of the performance. Sam Reid, the actor that he is, fuck.

It is just wo so great, like these new versions we get by Louis telling the story of Lestat showing him the story (which Louis already told us very differently) and on top of that anything could be misremembered. Or edited Armand. Unreliable narration at it's best.

Ok so Armand. "I could not prevent it" Fuck you. No sorry I might be a little harsh but yea no actually I'm not.

First the thing with Nicki and how he was "helped"... Armand got rid of him to have Lestat to himself and now he's doing the same with Claudia and Madeleine to have Louis.

Him having to watch is brutal and I believe his emotions but not his words. It was terrible to watch sure and painful and he didn't want it to happen... but he still sold them out?

He saves Louis. And it's amazing, the fear for his love in his face as he does it. He says it took all his strength and sure. But he could've saved them all. He can literally stop time. Ok maybe not but I for sure think he could've done it.

And rn in Dubai he's trying to convince himself or Louis or Daniel or maybe everyone that it wasn't his fault. But Daniel seems to not believe him (and calls his shit out a few times, good for him). And he's also making Lestat be more of a villain then he is I think (he would not do nothing when watching Claudia's death I'm sorry, that's his daughter.)

Claudia and Madeleine. My heart broke. They were doomed from the begginning. It didn't matter if they fought or not, it didn't matter their love or that they were right, it didn't matter that Madeleine was innocent and Claudia justified (maybe) in her crimes.

It didn't matter that Claudia was right -"We poisoned him, he's fine now. I can also cry and say I'm sorry"- because yes this was exactly true.

Claudia's final request (and Lestat giving it to her and then looking almost proud?? after she says it) and promise of death to all the people who doomed her and Madeleine.

And her rage. "It was never about me" and that's also true and yet she dies because of it. Tragic.

Madeleine's "My coven is Claudia" is just pure love and again it's what dooms her and again it's fucking tragic.

Watching the execution I couldn't breath really. Hurts still. And I don't believe Armand's version of the story though. Not that he tried but couldn't save them, not that Lestat didn't even try.

Louis, poor Louis. Living with guilt and sorrow isn't easy and he's living through it again now. And he can't even trust his own memories. I need him happy. He's not gonna be but I need him to be.

Also his live burial?? like fuck. That was vile. Like we know that he is fine now but still.

Previews. Santiago will die and if he doesn't I will kill him. Louis is a pyromaniac (yay), I'm ready for the whole coven to burn.

From the trailers we didn't yet see the bookshelves falling on Daniel so it has to be next episode. Also we didn't yet see the Loustat hug and I don't think it's what happens after the trial, especially not with Louis coming to kill Lestat, so that would mean it has to have happened later (Dubai maybe? I mean we do need Lestat's side of the story next season so we could get him now.)

[idkwhatimdoinghere1655]

Austrian GP 2024!

Mads' Race Recap!

I don't even know where to start I can't lie. That was an absolute shit show I swear to God. It was big action in the beginning, then a mid 40 or so laps, then a mental finish. We shall be doing this in constructor standings order, as per usual.

Red Bull - I'll start off with Maxie, then we'll move onto my favourite driver ever. Pulled away, beautiful, as per usual. Even if he doesn't have the fastest car, he is still putting it up there, getting really big gaps from the McLarens, Mercs and single (we'll get onto that) Ferrari. The fights with Lando definitely prove Max's ability, he did a lovely job to keep it in front. Now. Checo. The fuck is this man doing? The minute he signs an extension, the minute he turns astronomically shit! Matt from FP1 said a very good point. Even when Max had 3 TYRES FOR A WHOLE LAP, he still beat Checo. Like... What? In FP3, Charles had a quicker single lap than every single one of his laps apart from the last one. What is he doing? I don't understand. It's just baffling. Also, Max's bad pit definitely hindered it, and if that hadn't have happened, maybe him and Lando wouldn't have started fighting so early.

Ferrari - Carlos had a good drive, nice little old P3 for us which is always nice. I do like seeing a Ferrari on the podium, always. But you know me, I always do. Unproblematic drive, I was shitting it when him and Oscar were fighting since we all know how that always ends, but the McLaren was faster, it wasn't worth fighting him too hard, in my opinion. But the P2 would've been a lot better, but beggars can't be choosers, I am simply glad we got a podium in the first place and better points too. And Charles. My sweet darling Charles. This weekend has been nothing short of COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY SHIT FOR THE MAN AND I AM NOT HERE FOR IT IN THE SLIGHTEST!! Sprint Qualis were a nightmare, the sprint was good, that triple overtake at the start was fucking lovely. Qualis were awful. The race was awful. It was fine, and then he dropped and then he was in the pits and I was waiting for another DNF like Canada, but they just had to put me through seeing him in p20 through the whole pissing race it felt like. The frustration was real. He did insanely well to get to P11, and he deserved DOTD more than Lando. So did Oscar. And Max. It was just bad. A lovely 1.9 pit stop, but I do not want to hear what he has to say after the race. Not at all.

McLaren - Right can Lando just stop whining? Is anyone else getting annoyed with him? That's what happens when you fight Max Verstappen, that's just how it is. Since Miami, he has gotten very cocky and I am not here for it. I'm glad he didn't get points, since he can't get further away from Charles so everything is all good. Racing is racing, that's just how it is. Oscar did lovely, if he hadn't had the lap deleted in qualis, he could've won it. Really nice drive from him overall, wasn't happy with the Charles contact of course, but from what I saw, neither of them really had much fault, and Charles got the brunt of it worse unfortunately.

Mercedes - Can I just say I loved how Lewis took accountability for his actions (someone should make notes of that). He said he was sorry, the pen was the pen, he messed up and he took it in his stride instead of whining like- OK I'll stop. I didn't see much from Lewis this weekend overall, he's performing better than at the start of the season. He didn't cause any trouble, he got on with it. GEORGIEEEEEE BOYYYYYYYY! YOU LATTE DRINKING KATE MIDDLETON LOVING YABADABADOODAH LOOKING BEUATIFUL BASTARD! I will not complain at all for this one, not at all. He was waiting for it all to fall apart, as it did, and he didn't pull a classic George Russell and fuck it up when he's ahead. Loved it, loved hearing the British anthem. I'm not very patriotic, but it was bloody lovely. Thank you George, you're a legend.

Aston Martin - What on Earth is going on? Double Q1 exit, Fernando finished pretty much last, Lance finished BEHIND the man who was nearly 2 laps down after contact (Charles) and their driving was fine. Lance had some decent overtakes, Fernando did get a penalty which was deserved to some degree I suppose. But even the commentators said that Fernando doesn't have the fight anymore. I love Nando, and I want to keep him around. Mercedes, get on it. They were the 8th fastest car on track after qualis, which is ridiculous. As well as the fact that the wheelie bins, the French tractors and the Haasterclasses finished above them. They're supposed to be top 10 runners, but they can barely get in the top 15. Obviously, Lance and Fernando make mistakes like everyone does, but this is clearly something a lot more than Lance and Fernando messing up.

VCARB/RB/REDBULLSHITTYEDITION - I didn't really see either of them that much, to be honest. Q2 exits I'm pretty sure, I don't remember much of them from the- Oh shit I've literally remembered as I was typing. Yuki used some... choice word to describe the way people were queuing in the pits. You can read more on that here. He has been fined, and he apologized profusely, I do believe he wouldn't have said it if he knew what it meant, but it doesn't excuse it. Not happy with it, but he did seem remorseful. Anyway, Daniel had some good overtakes, some good points as well after is little P9 finish.

Haas - It's official, I am a Haas fan. I fucking love these two. 'Save the tyres, Kevin' 'Fuck that'. I LOVE KEVIN MAGNUSSEN WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. And he didn't get any penalties this weekend so that's always nice. Nico literally beat Checo, so that's brilliant. They both did a fantastic job, I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two this week. I love these two together. They went from 'suck my balls' to 'my favourite Dane'. Not crying, you are.

Alpine - It's getting better, I suppose? The car is less tractor like, I guess. I do love a good Alpine battle, but I will always be on the side of Estie. I don't know why. Not a bad performance, glad Charles caught them or else that would have been embarrassing. I don't have much to say, to be honest.

Williams - Williams was doing Williams things, I guess. Yeah I don't know what to say. Sorry.

Kick Sauber - Poor Guanyu Zhou can this man ever catch a break? Only one with no Q2 appearance. Again, I didn't see much from them, to be honest.

[theacedragon0w0]

Sage's Ex

Aka the story about how Sage lost their hand as well as how she got some of her scars before dating Hazel and Velvette and before being recruited to work in the hotel

WARNINGS: Mentioned abuse, fat phobia, panic attack, harassment. Straight up explains why Sage is like that

It was supposed to be a normal day for Sage. She was expecting a normal shift with Hazel in escorting their boss Velvette to these fashion meet ups, keeping watch for those that were acting too chummy toward Vel. Sage still didn't know how much her past was coming to haunt her.

Hazel was talking to Velvette about rotating some of the models as some were clearly tired from working the floor, Sage was guarding the booth's entrance as they were in charge of keeping people from harassing the social media overlord with all kinds of advances. Sage was well aware how much attention those two got as Hell's power couple so it came as no surprise for any lowly demon to try to swindle into their love life,

"I'm the exception" Sage reasoned, being the luckiest demon to find love in both of them.

"Excuse me"

Sage jumped by the unexpected bird demon, where did he come from?

"Uh, can I help you sir?" Seeing as this guy was fidgeting with eyes bugging from her to towards the booth

"Sorry I didn't mean to startle you, I was hoping I can go inside to talk to Velvette about this app deal-

"Sir I'm afraid I have to cut you off there, Miss Velvette is not taking any offers as of the moment but there are other sponsors here that you are free to bother"

That's when Sage noticed this demons body alter, his face twisted into a snarl, "Look I just want to talk to her about this once in a lifetime opportunity!"

Sage made a hand signal, letting Hazel know that they have this taken care of as they saw Hazel's gaze piercing from inside the booth

Grabbing one of the bird demon's arm, Sage tried to escort him from the area "Sir you are going to have to leave,"

The bastard was quick to snap his arm from Sages reach, "Oh I get it, I didn't think that Velvette would have a type but I guess she prefers to associate herself with "chubby bunnies" making the mistake of slapping Sages stomach with the back of his hand.

Sage blacked out, they swore they didn't know what happened, they saw the bird demon that was underneath them, black and bloodied with missing teeth to add, Sage's stained hands were giving her the answers to her question. Hazel was pulling Sage off the dude while more security came to get rid of the guy.

"Bluebell you alright? You were screaming and I saw you going to town on this punk."

Fuck they don't know, they can't know, Sage's mind was still racing between being here at the event and back there.

It wasn't till Sage saw Velvette running towards her that she realized where she was.

Going on autopilot, she picked herself up, dusted off any body parts that the bird demon was left on her, "I'm fine Hazelnut, just an slimy prick wanting to bother the boss with some bullshit deal," she answered dryly, mainly from the panic still stuck in her throat.

The gaze that Sage received told her that Hazel wasn't convinced on the half-story,

fuck she and Velvette will know eventually,

that was one of the best things about their relationship as there never is a reason to lie to either of them

"Look, I'll tell you when we get back to the tower but we are still on the clock," she stated while offering her hand to help Hazel up

Hazel patted Sage's shoulder, still concerned but still content with the deal, "You better, it's just that he really seemed to get under ya skin pretty badly love."

"I've been through worse and you know it" Sage said while shaking their Voxtec prosthetic arm at Hazel, seeing the eye-roll was reassuring that Hazel will drop the subject if only for the current moment.

God this is going to be a long shift.

Hazel belongs to @puffymucher

[imaginejamesandsirius]

Hi, could you write a fic about Chubby!Harry coming home from school in a bad mood and not really eating any of his dinner (he normally wolfs it down then has seconds, so this worried James and Sirius) and then his dads ask him what’s wrong and it turns out people have been bullying him at school and the teachers have been ignoring it, and now some of them are getting involved too?

Lots of body-positive, hurt/comfort fluff, with protective Sirius and James going and giving the school a piece of their mind?

((A/N: Warning for mentions of bullying fat people and fatphobia.))

When Harry gets off the train and isn't bursting with happiness at seeing them again, Sirius tries not to take it personally. Harry is a teenager now, and it makes sense if he's more sad to leave his friends behind-- nothing compares to staying in the same dormitory as the best mates, he knows-- than happy to see his parents again.

He shares a look with James as they leave the station, and they agree that he'll shake it off soon enough.

Except he doesn't. His mood gets worse and worse. James practically drags him to the dinner table that night, and Harry only pokes at his food with a clenched jaw instead of eating it.

"Haz?" Sirius ventures.

Harry looks up from his plate, meeting his eyes dully.

"Is everything okay?"

"Fine."

"Are you sure?" James asks, unconvinced.

"Yes."

"It's just, you're not eating. I thought you liked Shepherd's pie," Sirius says. He would be worried that it didn't turn out except his piece is fine-- rather tasty, actually, since he has plenty of experience making it.

"I don't have an appetite is all."

"Did you eat a lot on the train?"

Harry's looks askance and gives a small shrug. He's lying, but as much as Sirius wants to get to the bottom of the matter, cornering Harry isn't going to help anything.

"It's alright. I'll set some aside so you can have it before you go to bed tonight," Sirius says, trying his best to smile like he doesn't suspect anything amiss.

"No, it's... it's fine," Harry tries. "I'll just eat a bit now."

While James and Sirius finish eating, Harry manages all of two bites.

"Alright Harry, that's enough," James says, pushing his empty plate away from himself so he can put his folded arms on the table. "What's wrong?"

Harry's expression turns pained. "Do I eat too much?"

"No, not at all," Sirius says, as James shakes his head. He isn't sure there is such a thing as eating too much, unless it makes one sick-- and Harry has never eaten so much that he puked. "Why would you think that?"

"Some people at school said..." Harry trails off, but it's not from a lack of words, it's from shame. His cheeks colour a self-conscious red.

"What did they say?" James asks sharply.

"I dunno," Harry mumbles. It's an obvious lie, and he continues on, almost as if he didn't say it at all. "That I'm... pigging out. That I'd lose weight if I ate less."

Sirius feels like his stomach drops to the floor.

"Who said that to you?" James asks.

Harry's shoulder shrink in on himself like he wants to disappear, but he answers the question without further prodding. "Everyone says it. Even the professors."

Sirius forces his voice to come out calmly. The last thing he wants is to sound angry and make Harry regret telling them. "Which professors?"

"Pa, I don't want to make a big deal out of it."

Both of his parents have to hold back the response that it is a big deal, because that's not going to help Harry feel better. A shared look between the two of them confirms that the professors will be hearing about it, but they're not sure how to handle the conversation right in front of them. Sirius tilts one corner of his mouth down-- he can't think of anything to say.

James clears his throat uncomfortably and looks back to Harry. Harry's gaze is trained on his barely touched meal, missing the quick interaction his fathers had. "You should be happy," James says, and it feels so simple and James to Sirius that he can't help but smile. "We're here to help you be happy. It's not a big deal to talk to your professors about something they shouldn't be doing or letting happen in the first place. One of the Defense professors in our day had it out for Pa, and your grandparents stepped in for him."

"I asked them not to, and I was embarrassed about it at the time, but it helped," Sirius adds softly. His heart aches looking at the warring emotions on their child's face. He recognises it from his own tumultuous teenage years; he hoped that Harry would never have to deal with anything that made him feel this way, but maybe growing up would always include something horrible.

Harry shifts uncomfortably. Then, so quietly they can barely hear, he lists the names of two professors. "Nobody says anything around the other professors, but they're..."

"We'll take care of it," James promises.

Sirius can't let his son sit there and look so sad, not when he can do something about it. He gets out of his seat and rounds the table to hug Harry from behind.

"Pa," Harry says, embarrassed, but in the usual way he is with his parents' antics, rather than personal shame.

"You're perfect, pup, you know that?"

"I'm not a pup anymore," Harry argues.

"You'll always be my pup."

"I'm glad to see you didn't deny the perfect part," James says, looking at them with a smile growing on his face.

Sirius keeps on hugging him because Harry isn't trying to get rid of him.

James's eyes flicker to Harry's plate once more. "Haz, Lily was heavy too." They don't talk about Lily much. She hadn't wanted to be involved after he was born, but then she died shortly after. It feels worse to not mention her role in Harry's existence, so they try to walk the line. Harry shares her genetics, and right now, that is worth talking about. "She was healthy, just like you are. There's nothing wrong with being fat."

Sirius loosens his arms and stands up enough to press a kiss to the top of Harry's head. He didn't want to let go, but he gets the feeling that he should anyways. He gives him a parting squeeze and rounds the table to give James a hug because his husband, at least, will always hug him back. With James's hand coming up to touch his arm, he feels grounded enough to offer, "Do you want me to find you something else to eat?"

"No, this- this is fine. Thanks." Harry takes a small bite, and they go from there.

*

In private-- and with a silencing spell to ensure Harry can't overhear-- they rage. They both need to rant and curse anyone who would treat Harry this way, and when it's just the two of them, they can do it. 

It's not only the two professors, it's the Gryffindor prefects too. Harry made a point of pretending like it wasn't that big of a deal the whole time, even though it was obvious he was hurting. He didn't tell them the names of all the students, just the ones with a bit more power. Prefects in the various Houses, a few upperclassmen. He even stressed that his friends told off anyone that said it, but they had their own studies and it's not like he needs them to look after him anyways. He tried so hard to downplay it while still answering their questions. It was understandable, but infuriating.

After they get the first wave of it out of their systems, it's time to plan. Professor Dumbledore is the Headmaster so he'll have to be involved in some fashion, but he's not the one who will be dealing with the situation-- that'll be Professor McGonagall. She's the Head of House for Gryffindor, and much more hands on than Dumbledore could ever be. She should be looking after Harry now that the prefects can't be trusted to do a bloody thing except add to it.

When they manage to get McGonagall on the floo, she is gratifyingly concerned. When they mention that the Gryffindor prefects are part of the problem, she looks incensed.

"I wanted it to feel better," James says, after they're done talking to her and she's gone from their fireplace.

"What do you mean?"

"I wanted to feel good after we took care of it. Maybe... I dunno, happy? Happy that Harry won't have to deal with it anymore, but I don't. I just feel angry, same as I did before."

"I know what you mean," Sirius says, taking James's hand in both of his own. "Maybe it'll feel good once he goes back to school and doesn't have to deal with it anymore. Right now, he's still with us. It's like nothing's changed yet."

"Yeah, maybe," James says noncommittally.

Sirius waits for him to finish whatever thought is in his head that's giving him so much trouble and isn't disappointed.

"I'm mad that it happened at all."

"Me too," Sirius agrees softly.

"I thought making sure it won't happen again would make that go away, but it didn't. I'm still angry."

Sirius squeezes his hand. He is too. He's not sure anything's going to make it disappear. "As long as it gets better, we'll move on."

"Right." James smiles at him. "Of course, you're right."

[the-gateway-to-madness]

Hiro Hamada x oc (McKenzie Jamesson)

Synopsis: it is rainy, hiro is stressy, kenzie tries to teach her full-time worrier boyfriend best friend how to relax.

Hiro Hamada had a lot of things on his plate. He'd been in college for three years and a superhero just as long. He was always worried about something. In his earlier teens he'd coped better, but after so long, under so much pressure...

It was winter break, and it was raining. Hiro had finished all his homework, Baymax didn't fly well in wet weather- Hiro was cooped up and a bit wound up too. He fiddled with little projects, jumping from thing to thing, pacing, sketching new things and stopping partway through each design.

He was staring at his computer screen, chewing on his nails absently, when a small, gentle hand pulled the tip of his finger from between his teeth without a word.

Hiro knew it was McKenzie before he even looked up. Cass tended to walk up the stairs talking, and to chide him for habits like nail-biting. Kenzie, on the other hand, only did it to get his attention, not to correct the behavior. She was a much worse nail-biter, really.

"Hi," she said, smiling and cocking her head- she let her bangs fall in her face and blew them back to the side, knowing her unruly hair amused Hiro to no end.

He cocked his head back, smirking a bit. "You look like a wet poodle today."

McKenzie grinned and shook her head rapidly, spraying rainwater all over Hiro and making him laugh in surprise.

She chuckled and went over, flopping on Hiro's bed- making herself comfortable, as she'd become accustomed to doing over the last couple of years.

"You," she said, "are stressy."

Hiro blinked. "How did you...?"

"Well, in fairness, your aunt said so," McKenzie said, "but also, your shoulders are tense, which isn't normal for you, you've got half a dozen unfinished roughs lying around, and that computer screen is more blank than a biographic description of my love life."

Hiro snorted. "Hey, hey, we said no self-deprecation from you, remember-"

"But it's oh so reliable," McKsnzie laughed. She stood again and casually turned Hiro's chair. "Come on. Sit on the bed. I'll get more blankets and pillows."

The idea admittedly sounded wonderful after a morning worrying about the city from his room, so Hiro got up, though he paced instead of sitting.

McKenzie came upstairs, lugging four or five blankets and a couple pillows wrapped up in a queen-sized comforter. "This-" she gasped a little as she got them over the last step, "should do it."

Hiro immediately went to help, and she waved him off, and began spreading the blankets and pillows on his bed. She even got a second batch of blankets, and made a wall of bunched blanket around the center of his bed.

He blinked at it, and then at McKenzie. "Kenzie?"

"Yes?"

"Why... why do I get the sense you do this a lot?"

McKenzie laughed. "Why sir- of course I have." She crawled into the literal nest and patted the spot next to her, and Hiro joined her. They curled up under a layer of three blankets, and instantly a pleasant warmth settled over Hiro, first external and then sinking, it felt, to his bones.

His shoulders dropped and his jaw un-clenched without him really realizing, and he shifted to lie partway down.

"Good idea," Hiro sighed, closing his eyes.

McKenzie laid down next to him and rested the side of her head lightly against his shoulder. "And we're not done here-"

"-oh no-"

"Oh hush," McKenzie chuckled. "You love my ideas."

"I fear your ideas," Hiro laughed with her.

"You said 'good idea' to me ten seconds ago," McKenzie chortled. She turned her face towards him a bit. "I was gonna say, I want to make you watch a movie on my phone. I charged it special. But if you'd rather just lay here, that works too."

Hiro blinked, considering, and found himself pretty darn satisfied, bundled in blankets, with her by his side.

"I like the calm," he admitted. He then moved and held an arm out to her, gesturing with his head for her to get into a more comfortable position.

She scooted close and laid her head on his shoulder and chest, sighing softly. Hiro rested his hand on her shoulder, forearm lying against her back, feeling them rise and fall with her breath, feeling how relaxed she was.

He tucked his chin over the top of her head, letting out a long, slow sigh of his own. "Thanks," he mumbled.

McKenzie reached an arm around his middle and squeezed him gently. "'Course."

He smiled softly to himself, and then let it drop as he took several more calming breaths. He closed his eyes again, focusing on his breathing, and on hers.

She started humming quietly, something low and quiet and soft, though she fell quiet before long.

He smiled a tiny bit. "What's stuck in your head this time?" He mumbled.

"Oh, something classical," McKenzie mumbled.

"Wow, I feel so uncultured-"

McKenzie cut Hiro off by laughing. "Noooo, I just grew up an orchestra nerd-"

"- I am swine-"

She wheezed. "Hirooooo."

Hiro laughed. "Could you play the song?"

McKenzie blinked at him. "You, Hiro Hamada... want to listen to classical."

"You made it sound nice," Hiro defended, his face warming against her cool, damp curls.

McKenzie hummed a laugh, and pulled up the piece. It was slow, and flowed smoothly, and was very serene, and once again Hiro found himself with his eyes shut, half-focused on reality, only hearing the music and feeling the subtle movement of McKenzie breathing against his ribs. He'd never been much for music, but McKenzie had opened his mind to it. He rather liked picking and choosing favorites from her vast arsenal. And this afternoon, the soft sound of rain pattering on his window, and Kenzie beside him, mixed with quiet piano... he wouldn't have picked this song himself, but it fit, right now, right here. With her.

Hiro found himself smiling as ever-restless McKenzie shifted a little and her foot touched his. She shivered- he could feel that her toes were cool against his skin, and the damp hair couldn't have been helping. He pulled his big, loose hoodie over her, shifting a bit to make it work.

"Better?" McKenzie asked softly.

Hiro smiled and closed his eyes. "Yeah. Thank you, again. You're a lifesaver."

McKenzie chuckled quietly. "Ironic, coming from you."

Hiro rolled his eyes fondly and squeezed her, and then closed them, letting all the tension and worry that had plagued him drain away. There was just him, and some nice piano, and McKenzie, and the distant yet soothing pittering of rain. His mind managed to be quiet, for once, and all of life was good and right.

[contreparry]

happy dadwc Ann! a prompt for you: the aftermath of a scene you'll never actually write.

I don't know if I'll never write this scene, but if I do it's going to be in the very distant future so... does that count? Here's some of my Trevelyan's niece, Henrietta, for @dadrunkwriting!

"It's a diplomatic disaster, but we've dealt with worse," Lady Montiliyet said brightly, which only made Henrietta feel even more awful than she already felt. She met the lady once when she was a girl, and she had always admired the woman. She was so bright and pretty and funny, and when she spoke with Henrietta she made her feel grand and important. Even now she made Henrietta feel welcome with her warmth and cheer, but Lady Montiliyet didn't lie to her. Running away from home was, as she said, a foolish thing to do.

Aunt Evelyn said much the same, but she hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her head and said she was a "brave little fool," which was both wonderful and terrible. Henrietta didn't quite know how to feel about it now as she sat in Lady Montiliyet's office, with Lady Montiliyet sitting in front of her and Aunt Evelyn by her side on the brocade couch.

The brief moments of incandescent joy Henrietta felt when she rode into Skyhold (it was so grand, with stone towers that scraped the sky and bold banners that fluttered in the wind) and saw her aunt (so elegant, so composed, and she was so surprised when she saw her) dimmed when the enormity of what she had done was laid out before her.

Aunt Evelyn didn't yell. She didn't raise her voice once. But she was as frightening as Father when she was angry. And she was angry- she didn't even deny it (Father would have, he would have lied even while shouting). But it was a different anger. Henrietta peaked over at her aunt, who was pouring tea. Her smooth dark hair was as shiny as a blackbird's wing, swooping in a soft arch and tucked behind her ear. Aunt Evelyn felt so familiar and strange all at once, for even though her face was unknown to her Henrietta recognized her voice, her way with words. ("Oh, Henrietta! My darling niece, what a fool, brave thing you've done! The Hinterlands are no place for a child!")

"Eat your tea cake, Henrietta," Aunt Evelyn said. "You had quite the journey." She dropped two sugar cubes into Henrietta's teacup and a dash of milk, then slid the cup over. Henrietta nibbled on the cake and savored the lemon and honey flavors. She liked lemon honey cakes. Did Aunt Evelyn know that, or had she made a lucky guess?

"If I write a particularly contrite and carefully worded letter, do you think I can keep my brother from storming the castle, as it were?" Aunt Evelyn asked. She stirred honey into Lady Montiliyet's cup and handed it over, each moment precise and perfect. The perfect lady, Henrietta thought miserably. Aunt Evelyn wouldn't have run away from- Henrietta almost winced at the self-pitying thought that crossed her mind, because Aunt Evelyn had run away from home. At least, she ran away from Ostwick Circle, which was near enough to the same thing. No, Aunt Evelyn was just... good at the gentle arts that noblewomen were supposed to be good at.

"It's possible," Lady Montiliyet replied when she took the tea she was offered. "It has been some time since I've communicated with Lord Trevelyan, but he struck me as a fair-minded sort."

"Henrietta? What are your thoughts?" Aunt Evelyn asked.

"Me?" Henrietta nearly dropped the tea cake into her lap.

"You know your father better than I," Aunt Evelyn said gently. "What would you like to do?"

"Maybe... maybe if you write a letter... and I write a letter... maybe that will lessen his anger?" Henrietta suggested meekly. It couldn't hurt if she wrote to her father and let him know she was safe- and that she wouldn't be going to Orlais. Aunt Evelyn wouldn't make her continue the journey, right? She peered at her aunt from underneath her eyelashes and caught the brief smile that crossed her lips.

"Yes. That sounds like an excellent idea. If we ask Leliana to spare a messenger, that may ease your father's heart," Aunt Evelyn decided. "Perhaps we shall make a detour to the library when we finish our tea?"

[blueflyingturtleontheway]

Blanca and Roberto, “You are what’s important now.”

So this takes places when Roberto and Blanca are older teenagers-young adults and aren't dating yet

Roberto was kicking the ball at full speed. Ten meters. Five meters. Two. He jumped, but instead of reaching the hoop he felt the ground come closer and a sharp scream force its way out of his chest as he fell.

"Roberto!"

He pulled his right leg to his chest, closed his eyes shut and pursed his lips to stop another scream of pain.

"Roberto are you okay?" He felt a hand on his arm and slowly opened his eyes.

"Blanca?" He wheezed through gritted teeth. "I had no idea you're in Avalor City?"

"And I had no idea your ankle has healed already." There was a reproach hidden behind her eyes and in her voice that made Roberto's gaze fall to the ground.

"It was better," he mumbled, knowing there was no fooling her.

"Oh so you decided to make it worse again?" She snapped.

Roberto didn't answer. Blanca sighed.

"Can you stand up?"

Roberto hesitated.

"Sure I can, I just... need to catch my breath. I'll be right up. And back to the training," he said finally, not looking her in the eye.

Blanca shook her head.

"Stay here - and don't move." She shot him a warning glance and ran out of the stadium.

Roberto waited a moment and once he was sure she couldn't see or hear him anymore, he let out a loud groan and fell to his back. He was still clutching his ankle and he could already feel it swelling up. He let out another shaky breath and wanted to shout in pain and frustration - but the only words coming to his mind weren't ones he wanted to risk Blanca hearing.

Suddenly he perked up, hearing her come back, and tried to stand up.

"Wait!" She called, runnimg up to him. She gave him her hand to help him catch his balance and then gave him a long, thick branch. "Here, I know it's no crutches but it should do for now."

"Thanks." Roberto sent her a smile.

"Now come on, I'll walk you home," she continued.

"But-" Roberto wanted to argue but Blance had already picked up her bag, she dropped earlier to help him, and started towards the gate. He shook his head and sighed (to hide his smile). He picked up his ball and as quickly as he could, limped her way - he knew any resistance was pointless anyway.

Once he caught up to her, Blanca slowed down, so he wouldn't strain his leg even more, and for a long while they walked in silence. Finally she spoke up again.

"So are you going to tell me why did you suddenly become so stupid or do you want me to guess?" She kept her gaze locked on the road before them, but Roberto could feel that she was irritated.

He chuckled to let the edge down a little.

"Ouch, stupid, really?" He tried to take on his best pained expression - although it's not like he wasn't actually in pain. "You know an olaball player must always keep in shape."

"In shape?!" Blanca stopped and faced him. "And what shape is that? One legged cripple?!"

Alright, maybe she was more than irritated.

"Oh come on, there's a match in a few months, I just wanted to practice a few new tricks."

Blanca didn't answer but her eyes were saying more than she would dare to say out loud, and he, for one, was glad she didn't.

Roberto looked at the ground.

"Come on Blanca, you know I can't let down my team..." he added quietly.

"And you think you'll be of much help if you won't be able to even walk?" There was still an edge in her voice but it had regained some of its usual softness. "Who cares about the match," she put a hand to his chest. "You're what's important now."

She quickly took her hand back when she noticed a bright red blush on Roberto's face - probably equal to her own.

"Your team would probably say the same," she said adjusting her bag on her shoulder. "Now come on, we need to take you home"

Roberto stood frozen for a moment more before shaking his head and picking up his limping pace to keep up with her.

"Hmm you know I'll probably need some first aid too..." he said with a wide grin.

I won't lie, that was difficult XD But I think it came out quite well and I might even have a little better idea for their relationship now...

Ask game

[casspurrjoybell-27]

In a Heartbeat - Chapter 62 - Part 2

*Warning Adult Content*

Simon

"I asked Vince to mark me."

"Oh," Sarah breathed and I could feel my cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

Stealing a glance at Aspen, I could see the judgement in his raised brows, the way his eyes narrowed at me.

"I know," I ushered.

"It was stupid and rash and shouldn't have probably said anything at all but I just was... I don't know. It felt right at the time. I just thought it would take his mind off things and maybe prove to him that... I don't know."

Sarah reached out a hand, placing it over my shaking hand before smiling softly.

"It's okay."

"I shouldn't have even brought it up."

Aspen hummed, clearly holding back but I honestly wouldn't have minded his scoldings.

Instead, he surprised me by asking...

"Would that make you happy? Him marking you?"

I was certain my jaw had dropped, as I looked at him in disbelief.

I waited for the retort, for the laugh or joke but he was serious.

Letting out a soft breath, I found myself saying...

"Yes. Yes, it would."

He didn't say anything else, rather took a long swig of his drink, before staring at the glass pensively.

He sighed before looking at me.

"I never understood it at first. The need to be with your mate, the need to be with them, even if it meant something like this."

He tipped the cup towards me before continuing.

"But after finding Sarah, I can start to understand it now. I see and feel what the bond can do."

"Aspen..."

"Don't get me wrong, I still hate him."

He smirked and I couldn't help but let out a laugh.

"But... but I get it. Hopefully, he does too."

I could feel my eyes burning but the force Xavier used to open the sliding door startled us all.

"Ugh," he groaned.

"Sorry about that, he's impossible. He wants time alone, whatever that freaking means. I apologize on his behalf. Here, let me help do the dishes. Geez, he's annoying."

He took large strides towards the table, picking up some of the empty plates, before walking to the kitchen.

"I'll join him," Aspen announced, carrying the rest of the dishes with him.

My eyes trailed, watching him walk to the kitchen as I zoned out for a second as my thoughts raced.

Had I really made him that uncomfortable?

That terrified that he couldn't sit through a meal with me by my side?

"Hey," Sarah tapped my hand.

"Are you alright?" I nodded but she frowned.

I gave her a weak smile, reassuring her...

"I will be. Maybe I'm just too sensitive."

"No babe," she squeezed my hand.

"He tends to bottle things up."

I hummed, as she continued.

"He likes to overthink things, would rather lie than tell the truth."

"Yeah," I agreed.

"I just wish he'd talk to me. We hadn't even talked about what happened."

Like the other night I spent here with Sarah, I felt at ease telling her these things, even if in my head it had sounded like pathetic whining.

I watched as Aspen approached the door.

There was still a small part of me worried that Aspen would make it worse, say something harsh but his response earlier seemed to suggest that he wouldn't.

Maybe he'd help him out of his head this time.

From the kitchen, I could see Aspen talking, the curiosity getting the better of me as I placed mine and Sarah's dish into the sink.

Approaching the ajar sliding door, I leaned against the wall.

I could hear Vince mumbling...

"I just don't know anymore. I don't know what I should do."

There was a pause and exchange of words I couldn't hear.

Then Aspen's voice rang out clear...

"Do you want this? The bond?"

There was a pause until I could hear Vince reply softly...

"I do."

I sucked in a breath as the silence between them grew, my heart pounding against my chest.

"Can I give you a piece of advice?" I heard Aspen say finally.

"Think about his happiness. That above all else. For once, think about what he wants. Not what you think he wants."

********

Dinner with Sarah and Aspen hadn't been the only time Vince had acted weird or found a reason to excuse himself.

He had done so after pack meetings, meals even if we had them in our room, and sometimes even just sleeping in the same room.

Some nights, he even slept in the council room, other nights he took the couch.

I'd try to spark a conversation but he'd insist that he had business to attend to.

This had gone on for nearly a week, him finding any little excuse to avoid me.

It had been annoying, left me on edge but most of all, I was tired.

I had assumed that Vince would be more inclined to let go, now that Michael wasn't here and he didn't have to worry about council members antagonizing and criticizing everything he did.

Even if it had just been a simple hug, a simple act of affection, then maybe I would've thought he was getting there.

So why did I feel like he was slipping further away from me?

As he stood to get ready for bed, I hovered behind him, before wrapping my arms around his torso, interlocking my hands against his lower stomach.

Leaning into him, I let his scent wash over me, even if his body language didn't soothe me, at least his scent did.

"What are you doing?"

"Shh," I said against his back, as he tensed.

"Can we stay like this? Please?"

He didn't reply, instead tentatively placing his hand on top of mine.

"Is it because I brought up the mark?" I muttered before leaning my head on his back.

"Being distant, ignoring me."

His hand fell from mine, and I missed the gentle warmth it had provided, even if it had been for just a moment.

"It's not that," he replied.

"Then what?"

He sighed.

"More like... what it would mean."

"What would it mean?"

"You don't deserve to be stuck with someone like me, to feel trapped here," he murmured, as I buried my head further into his side, wishing this warmth would never die, that he'd turn me around and forget about these stupid thoughts of his.

That this was a silly joke he had and that he'd kiss me like back then.

"Like... with Sarah."

"I'm not like her. I'm your mate, Vince."

He tensed at that.

"We're mates. We have a bond for a reason."

"And that's why I can't," he sputtered.

"You deserve better. Everything I do reminds you of them and all the shit I've done. It isn't fair. You shouldn't feel obligated to be with someone if that's not what you want."

"This is what I want," I told him indignantly.

"Maybe it is," he stated before pulling my hands away from his stomach.

I turned to look at him as he looked at me sternly.

"But it's not what you need."

Was he trying to do this on purpose?

To upset me?

I could feel the frustrations building in my chest, festering until I wasn't sure what to do.

I didn't like this feeling, didn't like where this was going.

"Was it a lie then? When you told Aspen you wanted this? What exactly is it that you want?"

His eyes narrowed in confusion before he looked away.

"I... I already got what I wanted."

I chuffed, staring defiantly at his eyes, even if they threatened to water.

"Really?"

"Yes," he breathed, before shutting his eyes.

When he looked back at me, his eyes fluttered, and he bit the corner of his lip.

He was lying, just as he had done before time and time again.

There was a lump in my throat as he mumbled...

"The Alpha role, like Michael said."

"Lies."

I frowned.

"Just stop lying, Vince."

[msannadonnelly]

"No," Anna said truthfully. "I do not. I don't want you to touch anyone else like this but me." They hadn't talked about what this meant--girlfriend and boyfriend--and Anna felt juvenile even contemplating it. She had thought herself long past such school yard crushes. As she watched him retreat upstairs, however, she realized that was exactly where she was: trying to define this, whatever it was. Could she ask him not to touch anyone else, if she wasn't going to let him touch her either? Did she even want to be exclusive? Yes was the answer she came up with as she was left to her own devices, as she wandered around his home alone. Yes, she wanted him to be hers and she to be his and his alone, though the idea of allowing this, of letting anyone possess her in any capacity, made her want to run for the door. But as he came padding back down, she couldn't tamper down the desire. For better or worse, she wanted this. She wanted to try. And looking at him now, fresh-faced and smiling, she thought that perhaps the word 'possession'--that belief she'd held for so long about relationships--wasn't the right word at all. Perhaps a better word was companionship. Partner. Someone worth trusting.

She moved to sit on his kitchen counter again, though this time she was facing the interior--stove and fridge and cupboards, and, of course, him--rather than the front hall. "Careful, Darling. Brie, Gruyere, pear, and honey? You're talking dirty to me again." The shyness that had sparked in her a moment before as she'd been left alone to figure out what she wanted, was tampered town by a more familiar smirk and teasing glance. She may have just said she wasn't picky--and that was true--but it did not mean she didn't have expensive and unique tastes when given the luxury to care. What he was describing sounded divine--and not at all like dumpster diving. She nodded to show she was in for this choice of dinner while her eyes roamed over the french loaf, the stocked fridge, but mostly, she watched the genuine enthusiasm fill his gaze as he got to work on cooking for the both of them.

"I'll make dessert," she said, jumping off the counter and padding over to the fridge to see what ingredients he had. Eggs, flour, vanilla--with just a few more items, maybe she could make him that birthday cake after all. She stopped however, a small pile of ingredients spread out on his counter, when he said her name with such emergency. She set down the carton of eggs and forced herself to look up and meet his eyes. She was always searching for the lie, the trick--but there was nothing in his gaze but sincerity. Finally, Anna believed it. She quickly shook her head. "No. I want--" She raised her chin, almost defiantly now. "I don't want to share you. And I'm not with anyone else. And I don't plan to be." She was starting to regret having kicked off her heels, now finding herself several inches beneath him and having to stand up on her toes to keep his gaze. "I accept," she said, her own smile twisting around the corners now. "Spending the night. The fort is unnecessary."

She touched his arm, then dropped her own back to her side. She was tempted--very tempted--to touch him, to slide her fingers over his bare chest and draw him in for another kiss. But she had been the one to draw the boundary, and now she needed to be the one to keep it. "Yes," she said, fully smirking now. There were many things about this relationship that were new to her, and to her frustration, he had been making her blush as of late like no one else had ever done before. But when it came to the things she'd like to do with his clothes off, she had absolutely no embarrassment. "I would like very much to rip your pants off and have my way with you right here and now. In the past, I would have wanted us to lock ourselves away in your bedroom for the weekend and forget the world exists. But, I also like you for more than getting into your pants and I'd like to get to know the rest of you first." This time she did reach out and brush back his hair with two fingers, stopping to touch his temple. "All that's ticking up there. So I shall be on my best behavior and resist the urge to ravish you. For now." She ran a finger down his chest, winked, then pulled away. "Now, show me where your mixing bowls are. It's about time you tasted fae food and become utterly cursed to dance with me for all of eternity." Or so the old legends went, anyway.

"Do you want me to do this kind of thing with my friends?" He countered, curving a brow up at her as the corner of his lips itched up in amusement. Only for his hands to gently unwrap her thighs from around his waist as he pulled away. "Mhm, sure you will," A deep chuckle broke from his lips as he moved to head upstairs, not exactly minding all too much if she wasn't. She already knew he was a ex-hunter and besides the rooms reserved for his family, it wasn't as if he had anything to hide. At least not from her.

"I prefer the term handsome, but I'm glad you like it," A grin tugged at the corner of his lips as he moved to side step around her to make his way over to the fridge. His first instinct would have normally been to press a kiss against her forehead as he passed her, but given that he just agreed to keep his hands to himself and wasn't exactly in the mood to take another cold shower today, he figured it would be best for the both of them if he kept his hands to himself.

At the mention of sandwiches, Chai quirked up a brow. A deep laugh breaking from his lips as he moved to grab some bread. "Picky? Ariel, you could have named any food in the world and you picked a BL and a classic grilled cheese. I don't think you're all that picky," He promised her as he pulled out a french loaf he had picked up at the Farmer's Market earlier that day. "But question- do you like pears? Because, and hear me out, I can make us both bacon lettuce sandwiches. I'm not a huge fan of tomatoes myself, or if you'd be open to trying something a little different? I happen to make a great grilled cheese. It has brie and gruyere with thin pear slices and a little bit of honey folded in. If you're down?" He offered up, having developed a love of cooking himself when he had started out on his own. "Hey, I've gotten by on plenty of bologna sandwiches myself. For a while there, I lived off of the free muffins the Magnolia offered as part of their 'complimentary' breakfast. Though, I, uh, I was hardly a guest. I used to do odd jobs for the Hawthornes in exchange for a roof over my head," He explained with a small shrug of his own. "Though, I hate to break it to you, but there isn't going to be any surviving here. I come equipped with a fully stocked fridge and I happen to like to cook, so I can definitely make a sandwich, but if you want anything a bit more complicated too, I can always do that too? You want a steak and frites? Pad See Ew? A poached pear? You name it, I'm sure I could figure it out. Or we can just stick to sandwiches and maybe some soup or chips on the side?"

But as Anna suddenly stated that she wanted to explain to him why she wanted to wait. Chai stopped reaching for ingredients. His spine straightening slightly as he simply offered up an, "Oh?" A small sigh leaving his lips as she continued on. "Anna," He whispered off, using her real name rather than that of Ariel or Princess for once. He didn't mean to cut her off, but he felt the need to clarify something for her first. "I like you. It's that simple. I like you. So, me respecting your boundaries, isn't me quietly counting down the days until we can bang or being patient. It's not about patience? It's about how if you're not comfortable with something, then that's it. We don't have to do it and you don't owe me an explanation. I've told you from day one. This," He motioned between the two of them. "Has never been about getting in your pants. I like you. I want to get to know you better. I want you to be happy. That's it. No ulterior motives. But, also," His gaze softened as he reached out to cup her face in his hands. "What do you mean you don't know how to be someone's girlfriend? Anna," A smile broke from his lips as he tried to hold back the start of a light laugh. "There is no right or wrong way to like someone? You just do. It's a feeling. You don't control it. You simply experience it and as for being a girlfriend? I'm pretty sure the only requirement is communicating like we're doing right now? I mean I'm also assuming it means we're exclusive, but if you don't want to be, we can talk about that too," He teased, giving her chin a small and reassuring nudge. "As for being a 'temptress' or whatever? I'm pretty sure the second we agree to only be with each other, any chance of being a temptress, is thrown out the window. Even if we had sex every single day, we'd still just be two people in a very committed relationship. Not to put a damper on your own temptress dreams and all, but, I'm not going anywhere. So, sex or no sex, it's not going to change anything on my end," He promised her. "If you don't think you can get to know me with sex on the table, that's, your call. But, either way, I'm still going to make you some sort of dinner and offer for you to sleep over. I can even build a pillow wall? Or if you'd rather head back to yours for the night, we can just go out sometime next week? No big deal. Now," A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he moved to lean back so that he could shoot her a teasing look. "You want to, what was the word you used? Ravish me, do you?"

@msannadonnelly

[lokisprettygirl]

Hear me now (Jotun Loki x Female Reader AU) (18+)

Read chapter 16 here // Series Masterlist

Chapter 17

Summary : Bluey gets his memories back and all of a sudden he's not bluey anymore but a man who has another life away from you. Where would that leave you?

Warning : Angsty angst.

You heard her words very clearly and it knocked the wind out of your chest. You felt your knees wobbling and your blood pressure dropped instantly, you were about to faint but Bluey grabbed you in his arms. 

"Can we take her inside please it's been a long drive" Bruce asked Priscilla and she nodded. 

He was married, that was his wife, and he had a son? You learned his name was Alvis, you always thought about his babies, with you and not another woman but this is not what you thought they would look like. Alvis looked nothing like you imagined, no blue skin or glowy eyes, not a single mark. He looked like a human. 

"Who are you people?" She asked Bruce and he sighed

"Sorry, I am Doctor Bruce Banner, we are from New York City" he raised his hand forward and she smiled as she shook it.  

"Bluey, I mean Loki was taken from here by Colonel Steve Rogers, he was shot in the head and the bullet is stuck inside his brain, that's why he's suffering from amnesia" she gasped as she heard that.

"He was shot? He just didn't come home one night and we looked for him everywhere. He disappeared and all of us thought he was just done with us, but I knew he'd never leave me and our son like that" Priscilla said and wiped her tears when she was done speaking 

"He has been through real hell, thanks to y/n he's alive and back here safely " she looked at you and her smile faltered. You didn't blame her, that's how you'd feel too if the situation were reversed. She watched Bluey clinging to you and her jaw clenched. 

He hated it here, he just wanted to go home with you. He made a hut sign and it made you want to cry 

"This is your home Bluey" you told him softly and he shook his head.

"Will he get his memories back?" Priscilla questioned and Bruce nodded.

"Is there a hospital or a medical center in the village?" 

"There is one, people of the village never really needed it though when my husband was here" she put a lot of emphasis on the term and that made you feel worse.

"Okay good, I'll take him there and will try to get that bullet out of his head, hopefully when he's done healing, his memories would return" You stood up as Bruce said that 

"Now?" You felt so selfish but you didn't want to lose him so soon, you didn't want to lose your Bluey. 

"The sooner the better" he said to you and you nodded. Debra's husband was ready to take Bruce and Bluey to the hospital but he didn't want to go without you,

"Just trust me okay, they just want to help, they don't want to hurt you i promise " you mumbled softly and he nodded. He trusted you, you'd never hurt him or let them hurt him. 

He made an I love you sign with his hands and that made you cry but you gestured it in return. You didn't want his last memory as Bluey to be a hurtful one. He loved it when you confessed your love for him.

"Just come with me Bluey, I won't let anything bad happen to you okay?" Bruce grabbed his arm and he looked at you one last time, kissed your forehead before he left. You closed your eyes to soak the feeling of his touch on your skin. You and Natasha stayed at the house and waited for them to return. 

It was awkward to say the least, you knew that she knew about you and her husband. You could just tell that she didn't like you and why would she? You have been fucking her husband while she was alone here, crying everyday for him to return to her and their son. You felt like a home wrecker and you never wanted to be that person.

..........

"Lay down bluey, I am going to heal you okay?" Bruce tried to convince bluey to lie down, he had to be under anesthesia but normal dosage wouldn't work on him, he had to be given a much higher dose. 

"Y/n? Y/n?" He mumbled your name as his eyes teared up. He was scared. And he didn't understand why you didn't come with him.

"She's at home okay, when you wake up, we can go see her I promise" he nodded, if you trusted Bruce then he trusted him too, he laid down and Bruce immediately administered the anesthesia. 

"Quick we don't have much time" Bruce said to the doctor assisting him there and he tried to take that bullet out as soon as he could. Under aneshthesia his healing wasn't as rapid as when he was awake so that worked in his favour. He finally allowed himself to relax as he placed the bullet down on the tray.

When Bruce came back from the hospital, he had Bluey with him, it all happened so fast because he didn't need much time to heal. You walked towards him as soon as he entered from the door, he still had the clothes you put on him. You hugged him tightly to comfort him and for the first time in months since you met him he didn't wrap his arms around you to hug you back. He didn't place his head in the crook of your neck to sniff you, he didn't purr as he felt the satisfying comforting touch.

"I am fine" And he spoke. That's when you knew that he had gotten his memories back and Bluey was gone so you looked up at him. He could speak now, Priscilla walked towards him and he pulled away from you then he walked over to her and hugged her. 

He embraced her the way he used to embrace you, he kissed the top of her head and wiped her tears with his fingers very gently while you just stood there and mourned the loss. Your Bluey was gone and he'd never come back.

"You are back, you are back, oh thank God, I love you so much" she kissed him and he was taken aback with the sudden kiss. His relationship with his wife wasn't like other couples but there was no doubt that he indeed loved her and their son. 

She moved away from him and brought Alvis from his room, then she handed him over to Loki. He smiled as he looked at the little boy. 

"Hello little one, did you miss me?" He cooed as he rocked his son side to side, it was like looking at someone else, someone you didn't know or recognise even in the slightest. When you hugged him just a moment ago he felt the same but he wasn't the same man.

"I cannot thank you all enough for doing what you have done for me, for helping me get back here and for giving me my memories back, Please stay the night, lovely Priscilla here makes the best chicken rotisserie '' He said politely and Bruce nodded. They already had a conversation on the way back home from the hospital. He wasn't even looking at you as if he was ashamed to even be in your presence, ashamed of the relationship that you shared with him.

But that's not what made him afraid to glance at you, he e couldn't look at you because he couldn't bear to see the hurt look on your face. He couldn't live with his reality but he knew that he had to drink this poison and he had to live. He had a wife, a son and a life before he met you. 

"I just need some time alone so I will see you all in the evening" he turned around and went upstairs to his room. You looked at Priscilla and she was glaring at you. You didn't think she was least bit interested in preparing the dinner for you of all people. She'd rather want the woman who slept with her husband out of her house right this instant.

"Uhhh I'll help you" Natasha told her and she nodded then they both headed for the kitchen. She gave you a sympathetic look and she wanted to talk to you in private after dinner.

Bruce walked towards you and he could tell you were distraught by everything here, completely heartbroken. You knew things would change but you didn't anticipate for it all to go like this.

"Is he ummm is he alright? Does he remember everything?" You asked him and he nodded "That's good..that's what we wanted" you mumbled as your eyes teared up.

After that awkward dinner Priscilla opened the guest room for Bruce and Nat and then she gave another spare room to you. So you walked with her until you reached the room,

"Priscilla I just wanted to apologize to you–" 

"Forget about it, you knew what you were doing" she rolled her eyes as she snickered.

"No I.." 

"Tell me What kind of person does that? What kind of monster would prey on someone like that? He was sick and you took advantage of him" your eyes welled up as she said that. She wasn't wrong, you did sleep with her husband and she had the right to be upset about it. It must hurt her deeply that he didn't remember her when he got back here.

"I am really sorry for the pain that I have caused you, if I knew about this, I never would have crossed that line..I know I.." she huffed as you said that. She didn't even let you finish your sentence.

"You didn't care and it shows, I know big city women like you really well, you saw a god and you just wanted to fuck him like a whore. I mean I still would have understood if it was his fault or he cheated on me but i saw him this morning, he was like a child in a grown man's body, you disgust me" 

She stormed out after that and you broke down. Her words hurt you to the core, why didn't you stop yourself? Why didn't you stop him? You were doing something horrible then why didn't it feel wrong when you did it? You saw Natasha walking towards you, she heard everything.

"What a bitch, he's married to her? She's awful I can tell" she hugged you as you started to sob and her eyes teared up as well

"She's not wrong though, I am a monster, I took advantage of him when he was vulnerable" you spoke like a child and it broke her heart. She clearly remembered the day you were gushing about him and felt so happy and now this horrible woman had tainted that precious relationship you shared with Bluey.

"Y/n, you know you are the only reason he is here? Back to his bitch wife and somewhat cute son, I mean he's kind of not cute if you ask me, I thought Bluey would make godly kids? Anyways my point is that You saved him and you saved his life, you are not a monster, you are an angel" you hugged her tightly as she said that. The guilt was overwhelming and you knew it wouldn't fade anytime soon.

You couldn't sleep that night knowing far too well that he was so close to you and yet you couldn't see him or talk to him.

...........

Loki laid down on his bed and took a deep breath. What has his life come to? What has he done? How could he do this to you? His precious y/n.

He felt Priscilla getting into the bed next to him and it just reminded him of the fact that you were sleeping all alone, cold, crying and hurting every moment. "Loki oh loki, you have no idea how much I have missed you" she got on top of him and kissed him softly then she lowered down.

"I have missed you too dear but then it only feels like yesterday since I saw you" he smiled or tried to, it was so weird. He remembered his life here but he also remembered every moment that he had spent with you, he'd never forget that blissful time of being cooped up in your apartment with you.

 "Mmm I love you loki" she whispered in his ears then she kissed his neck and he had to stop her right there.

"Can we do this later? I just feel a little exhausted and I need some rest" she bit on her cheeks as he said that and laid down on her side.

"Fine whatever.. goodnight" she mumbled and he knew she was upset. He wished that she understood how traumatic this was for him. You would have, you always did. The night couldn't have gotten any worse than this. 

Next morning you all decided to leave and you just had to see him before you did, so you walked upstairs and you found him playing with Alvis, he had a dark green tunic on with a trouser. You had to stop yourself from breaking down every moment as you thought about never being able to see him once you leave. Priscilla glared at you as you knocked on the door. She was offended you could tell,

"Priscilla can you make tea for me?" He asked her and she raised her brows

"Since when do you drink tea?"

"Ummm I'll take coffee if that's okay?" He asked her and she nodded.

"Don't hurt me more than you have already done Loki" she told him and picked Alvis up then she stormed out of the room 

"I uhh sorry about that, I was just leaving and I wanted to see you" you mumbled meekly, you knew you won't be able to talk for long without bursting into tears.

"I am sorry y/n, I really am for everything" his eyes teared up as well and you couldn't stop yourself from sniffling

"Do you..umm do you remember us?" You asked him and he took a deep breath,

"I do, I remember everything, and I'm heartbroken, about us, about our life but I .. I have a responsibility here, a family " you nodded as he said that. You didn't want him to leave everything just for you. You'd never be able to live with yourself if you were the reason behind a family being broken.

"I know..I just.. if I knew that you had a family I never..I never would have–" he cut you off right there, the last thing he wanted for you was to blame yourself for this.

"Just stop please, Y/n, I'm the last person you need to explain yourself to. It wasn't your fault and neither mine, I refuse to believe that we did something horrible, it wasn't wrong..it..I uhh.. It never felt wrong to me" Infact he has never felt so right in his life.

He said it wasn't wrong but it wasn't right either and you knew that. 

"It's good to see you talk like that, it feels surreal but I'm very happy to hear you" you forced a smile on your face, you were happy that he came back home but your own heartbreak and the pain just felt excruciating in the moment. You were still in shock and you didn't think this pain would subside anytime soon, or ever.

"Thank you darling, come here please" you shook your head as he stepped forward to hug you but you can't hug him. You can't even touch him, he belongs to someone else and you have already done enough damage to this family. That petname slipped out of his mouth so endearingly as if he have been wanting to do that for a while, his voice was so soft and it made you feel even worse.

"Cat will miss you, I'll send pictures of her, only if you want of course" you told him and he nodded as the tears flowed down from his eyes. 

"I would want that very much..yes" he wanted to tell you that he'd love to see your pictures as well but it wasn't appropriate anymore. In a matter of a few hours he lost the right to ask you for something so innocuous. He left this house today as Bluey and returned as Loki. Someone he didn't even want to be anymore. 

"Okay I should go..bye bl.. Loki, take care of yourself and be careful, I won't be able to escape you out again" you chuckled between your tears and he nodded as he looked away. You are leaving, going so far away from him and he won't be able to see you again.

You all stepped downstairs and Loki walked you guys down the hill where your cars were parked. You looked around, it really was a beautiful place. When you came here you wondered what it would be like to stay here with him and Cat. But that was a dream and it was time for you to open your eyes and keep them that way, someone already was living your dream and you can't be the reason behind her dreams getting shattered. 

"Please if you ever need anything, do not hesitate to call me" Loki gave his telephone number to Bruce and he nodded "Can you do me one more favor?" Loki asked him 

"If something happens to her in future, a disease, or a sickness just inform me about it so I can get there and heal her. She saved my life and if I ever get a chance to do the same please let me know because I know ...I know that she won't" Bruce nodded and promised him that he'll be informed in case something happens to you. Him and Natasha sat down inside their car, she wanted to sit with you but you told her to join Bruce. You just wanted to be alone with your thoughts for now. You were going to cry so much and you didn't want anyone to see you so broken.

You looked at him as he closed the door when Natasha got in the front seat, their car was parked in front of you. He walked over to you and you forcefully faked a smile again. 

"Just call me whenever you need me, please. I gave him my number" you nodded as he said that. You knew if you continued to stand here and look at him, you would do something horrible and you can't be that person again, can't be that monster that almost ruined the relationship between a wife and husband.

 A part of you wished that you never brought him here but then what kind of person would you be if you separated a man from his family? You never wanted to be that person, especially because growing up as an orphan you knew how important it was for a child to have his parents.

"Bye bluey, thank you..for everything, I have lived my happiest life with you in the past few months and I'll never forget you" you got inside the car and he wiped his tears with his thumbs, your words crushed him. 

You started to drive away and you noticed him in the rear view mirror, he made the I Love you gesture with his hands and you finally broke down , you just wanted to run to him and hold him tightly. But you knew you couldn't, he wasn't yours to do so. He wasn't just your Bluey anymore.

You taught him to express that he loved you when he was unable to speak or write it down. And he wasn't able to say it to you right now, but he still wanted you to know that he indeed loved you. He needed you to believe that the memories he made with you meant everything to him, that it was all real for him too. Since the moment he met you, he only loved you, in all the ways that he ever wanted to love another person.

All his life, just like you he also felt so vacant, so hollow, nobody could touch his soul and when he found you he never had to second guess it, never had to question it, you heard him even when he didn't speak. You saved him in every possible way.

 He loved you so much and he still felt the same. He felt awful about it, he had a wife who he cared for but he wasn't in love with her. He never did love her like that, he never fell in love before he found you. He always thought that he wasn't wired to feel such strong emotions but he was absolutely wrong, he just had to find you. But his fate was cruel like always. 

And as he watched your car fade away in the distance and his home driving further away from him more and more. He stood there wishing that he had never gotten his memories back. Then maybe, just maybe, you both could have had your forever, together. 

💚💔💚💔💚💔💙💙💚💔💚💔💚💔

Taglist : @el-zef @pinestwinssimp @froggiecky @snigdha-14 @howdidurhammergrowchris @annoyingsweetsstranger @michelleleewise @123forgottherest @nada-duskwood @mcufan72 @xorpsbane @colifower @daddylokisqueen @juulle987 @asgardianprincess1050 @perhaps-just-june @lokisgoodgirl @athwna @eyesbluelikethetitanic @sweatyroadcowboyjudge @lokisninerealms @huntress-artemiss @justasecretwriter @emma-laufeyson @catalina712 @nixymarvelkins

[cheekygreenty]

Good 4 u - The Darkling x Reader

Here’s a draft I found, I remember quickly writing this on the train home from college, listening to Olivia Rodrigo’s song on repeat until I got sick of it. Enjoy bahahahah 😂😂

Alina this, Sun-Summoner that, Sankta Alina the other. It was annoying to constantly hear her name on other people's lips, Aleksander's especially. You should have known his obsession with her would turn into love but you were blind.

He said she was nothing worth his salt, Alina is the key to more power, he would say before he proclaimed his eternal love for you, showering you in love and pleasure. When your relationship fell apart and your heart broke, he took a piece of you with him, the temperate part, the side of you that was calm and rational. For now you were the walking form of resentment. He never cheated but this was much worse.

Aleksander didn't seem fazed, at all. No tears for the death of so many good memories, no sadness for the end of a chapter in his life. Maybe he experienced time differently from you because who in Saint's name pursues somebody so quickly after a breakup? Somebody who's already sure of their feelings long before they change their life around.

You held back your gags as you watched the two fawn over each other at the Winter Fete. She wore his color, black, and you had to admit she looked half decent in it too. You didn't hate her, she never did anything to you. But him, Oh saints you would kill him where he stood if you could. He looked happy, unlike you. It's like we never even happened, what the fuck is up with that?

There was a time when he looked at you like that, eyes full of adoration and love. Now he looked right through you, treating you like a stranger. 'He took out the trash' Zoya shrugged when you drunkenly told her what happened. Maybe she was right, maybe he never even loved me, maybe I was there to pass the time.

He was so unaffected by your break up it made you livid. Every glance spared in his direction radiated anger and disgust. You didn't even try to hide it anymore.

Your demonstration was about to begin. You were helping the Inferni twins show off your fire skills before Alina would end the show with a bang. You didn't care for parties shared with the Grand Palace and were guaranteed to leave right after your little firecracker of a performance, but some part of you itched to stay until the end.

You could see Polina get up on a small pedestal, signaling for you to get to yours. Aleksander stepped to the side, Alina at his arm. Gross. The power beamed off of him, he was doing good without me. What a shame.

You played around with the twins, completely forgetting the room of diplomats and even Aleksander, who never spared you a look. The fire felt good on your hands, swaying from side to side as you molded the element in your hands before splitting it in two, shooting it at the twins. Using your powers gave you a sense of calm and peace, but it never rid you of the rage you felt. Maybe you were too emotional.

You got down with a smile as the claps eased out. You went to leave, eager to leave the stiff atmosphere of the room. At least you showed up. But his voice made you stop at the door. Instead of it giving you a shiver of pleasure, it straightened your spine in defense.

'Her name is Alina Starkov' Someone pass me a bucket. His hands came together, submerging the room into darkness. Alina began her show, the light letting you catch a glimpse of him. As opposed to the entirety of the room, you only had eyes for him. He looked at her as if she was a goddess, he worshipped her. Fury rose in you. He looked at me like that first, or was it a lie? Maybe he never cared.

You wished for nothing more than for Alina to reject him, see him for the man he truly is. If he could play you the way he did then Saint's knows what he'll do to the poor young girl. You were headstrong and stubborn and he still managed to screw you over despite your built-up walls.

But what if they last? He'll have more power, the Sun-Summoner by his side and Ravka under his rule. And you'll still be you. An Inferni with a grudge.

Before you knew it, the room returned to its previous state and the diplomats were bowing down to their Sankta. You missed the whole thing brooding over Aleksander, who still stared at Alina like she was the air he needed to breathe.

You scoffed and walked away, not wanting to be in the same room as him anymore. What a dick. You strode around the Little Palace trying to cool down. One champagne glass turned into two then five. Still you felt the nagging tickle of anger. You suddenly heard shouts and signs of a fight, racing over to the room it was coming from. Even tipsy, the soldier in you replied immediately.

'This is for Zlatan' You ran through the door seeing an oprichniki slicing Alina's throat open. Oh Saint's no. You pounced on the man, quickly catching sight of Genya already on the floor tending to Alina. Apparently, you weren't the only one who heard the scuffle as the General's guards flooded the hallway, taking the rogue soldier from you. Your mind snapped back into reality, searching for Alina but finding a young Inferni in the black kefta. A double for security. Smart.

'Inform the General' Genya spoke, leaning over the body. Your blood ran cold, he would probably ignore you. But you did as she asked, running to where you saw him last. You searched for his black kefta in the sea of extravagantly dresses diplomats. You spotted Ivan chatting in the corner with Fedyor, 'Ivan where is the General?' You hid your blood-stained hands behind your back in an attempt to prevent unnecessary panic. 'In his quarters' He nodded his head towards the big double doors.

You walked away with a mumbled thank you. In his quarters. If Alina's absence was any indication of what he was doing, it would be a miracle if you didn't slap him the second you got the chance.

Your knock was sharp and loud in contrast to your shaking hands. Then you heard it, her laugh. You've got to be kidding me. Your bloody hands braced themselves against the doorframe, clutching the wood for dear life. Better the door than his face. As his face passed in your mind, the door opened just a tad, his body towering over your own. The smile he wore quickly washed away, replaced with a stern look.

'Y/N what are yo-' You stopped him with a signal of your hand, you didn't have the patience.

'Marie got attacked in the fitting room. She's dead. He's detained.' He looked at you passively, obviously wishing it was anyone but you knocking on his door right now.

'Wait here'

He shut the door again. But you could make out his conversation with Alina in the dead quiet of the hallway. You sent a silent prayer to the Saints about your previous argument. Let her see him for what he is.

You slowly backed away from the door, not wanting to hear anymore. You heard his boots step out into the hallway and took his silence as a sign to walk ahead to where the man was being kept. For you, the tension was awkward and insufferable but for him it was probably normal, although you knew he felt your pulsating rage.

There was nobody on this side of the Palace, his quarters weren't available to everybody and that made you thankful because what you were about to do would definitely be regarded as treason.

He didn't have time to register you turning around or the hand that slapped him across the cheek.

The noise echoed down the hallway, your hand stung, maybe that was too hard.

His jaw clenched but he didn't retalaite. Why was his ignorance such a trigger for you? It was what started this, him pretending you didn't exist caused you to fly off the walls.

You shoved his chest with all your might. Do something. He let you push him away but never looked you in the eyes.

'Are you going to say something?' You were furious, venom dripped from your words but had no effect on him. 'The big bad Aleksander lost for words? First I've ever seen it'

He turned his head towards you, looking into your eyes for the first time in weeks. It surprised you because you didn't miss it.

'What do you want me to say?' His voice was void of any emotion, no anger or pain, his composure never dropping. He was the complete opposite of you. Saints, you were the crazy ex.

You didn't reply. The truth was you didn't know what you wanted him to say. Nothing he could muster would fix this situation. His actions were irreversible and Alina was still in his chambers, the room where so many of your fondest memories took place.

'I wish to transfer to a camp. Permenantly.' You had been mulling over the decision for days now. You had put in a request with Ivan a week ago but never got an answer.

'I need you here teaching the students' So Ivan did send it on. Was this another one of his ways of ignoring you?

'Tough. I don't want to be here.' You faced your choices with logic. Your anger would never go away, the hurt of your first love betraying you soaked deep into your bones. Aleksander was immortal, he would never leave this Palace. You had no other option. He sighed loudly.

'Y/N let's keep our personal and work li-' You went for another slap, he deserved it, but this time he caught your hand mid-air, pushing you away gently. You walked backward, disgust turning in your stomach at the response your body had to his touch. He was an amplifier and the surety he brought you would always be there regardless of your feeling for him. You hated it.

'Good for you Aleksander. You got the girl, the power.... at least let me have something' Your voice cracked slightly. You wouldn't cry in front of him.

'I'll have Ivan sort it out'

With that, you left the hallway, completely forgetting about the task at hand, happy to finally have a day where he didn't cross your path.

Aleksander stood there watching your back as you walked away from him. You would never know the pain and anguish he felt every time somebody mentioned you, or when he thought of you. He loved you deeply, more than anything in this world, so he had to let you go. He would hate himself if anything happened to you in his fight for Ravka and Grisha, so he had to push you away.

He was selfish for ignoring you but also keeping you around. He knew it hurt you to see him around Alina, he knew all of it. He truly did. But he was too greedy. His own actions were confusing him. Push her away, make her hate you but keep her safe, keep her with you. It was impossible, either one or the other.

As you rounded the corner, he memorized you, all of you. It would be his last memory of you.

'Good for you Y/N, leave me and be safe'

My masterlist 🖤

Taglist ( tell me if you want to be added!)

@theonelittleone @searching-for-gallifrey @lostysworld @0-artemis @exo-1204 @staradorned @bookfrog242 @simp-for-ben-barners @keepdaydreamingbb @acciorudolphx @pansysgirlfriend @pansysgirlfriend

[chosonore]

summary: choso always takes good care of you, whether you're sick or not. even when you're sick and slightly delirious, your opinion could never be swayed - you loved choso with all your heart.

a/n: honestly, this is purely self-indulgent because i'm sick and i want a choso to take care of me until i know what's wrong and get better 🥺 it's inspired by the naoya fic i've written a while ago but uh this just really reads like a love letter to choso lol. i love him so much i'm not even kidding, no one could ever compare to him

if you were to describe the relationship between choso and you, it would be comfortable silence. choso didn't speak a lot, rarely starting a conversation on his own unless he was overcome by sudden curiosity. truthfully, you didn't mind as you were a quiet person yourself. and somehow, the communication was effortless, a silent and mutual understanding of your needs. he made you feel comfortable and safe, cared for as he always seemed to sense what you needed. falling in love with choso was easy and so natural, as if you'd been lovers in your previous lives. you'd been a couple for a long time now, but it wasn't until recently that you moved in with him. almost instantaneously, a routine was established - while you were busy with your studies, choso spent most of his time at the tattoo studio he recently opened with his friends. you didn't mind because still, he always made time for you. with no shadow of a doubt, he would always prioritize you before anything. so, every bit of time that you could get was spent together.

as any other day, you woke up alone in your bed, the scent of freshly brewed tea wafting through the air. choso sometimes left early in the morning to work on administrative tasks or tidying the studio but never failed to prepare you a little breakfast beforehand. as you sat up, a wave of nausea overcame you, quickly forcing you to lie down again. it was only then that you noticed you felt strangely cold and your nose was stuffed, shuddering uncomfortably in your clothes. it was rare that you got sick, so everytime it did happen, it drained you rapidly. blindly reaching for your phone, you texted choso, blinking at the bright screen.

me: i think i got sick :( can you pick up some medicine on your way home?

almost instantly, your screen lit up.

choso 💉: ?

"hello?" you croaked as you accepted choso's call and sniffled quietly.

"are you okay? do you want me to come home early?" choso might have sounded indifferent but you knew better. he would never show his concern to you, always wanting to keep his strong and protective persona. he was just that kind of person, he lived to be a good example to others.

"no it's okay, choso. i think it might be a really bad cold, that's all. i'll be fine if i get enough rest."

a hum. choso didn't sound convinced.

"then get some rest, yeah? make sure to have some tea. i'll wrap things up here and come home in a bit. call me if you need anything."

you hummed in agreement, making a weak kissy noise as you said goodbye to him and chucked your phone on the night table. no matter how much you wanted to convince him to continue his work, he would come home regardless. it didn't sit well with him to not care for you while you were sick. a small smile found its way onto your lips, how lucky you were to have found a lover like him. as you drifted off to sleep, choso was quickly finishing his paperwork, earning some amused glances from his friends. it was evident that this had to do with his girlfriend - choso would never let anyone tell him what to do nor do them any favours if it wasn't someone he deeply cared for.

"you're really speedrunning through everything to get back home to y/n, huh? you only got here," geto teased him, looking up from the sketches he was preparing for display.

"she got sick this morning. wanna be there for her in case it gets worse. i don't have any appointments for today anyways so you'll be fine," choso curtly explained, not picking up on geto's teasing undertone. even though they liked to joke about how whipped he was for you, they never questioned him - you were his love, his light. if anything, they envied him for the relationship, a relationship that flowed so effortlessly and easily like a spring working its way through bottlenecks and rocky river beds, silent and yet strong. geto pat choso's shoulder and shot him a knowing look, reassuring him that they could run the studio just fine.

even if you didn't sound like your afflictions were severe, choso still felt uneasy. he wanted to make sure you were okay, wanted to care for you. maybe it was moreso his fear of losing people he loved, but he couldn't deny his caring nature. on his way home, he'd picked up some ingredients to make soup as well as some medicine. music was sounding through the apartment as he entered and placed the bags on the counter, keeping an eye out for you. were you still in bed? he padded towards your shared bedroom, quietly nudging the door open as he squeezed his way in. you were laying on the bed, giggling at a book you were reading, not having noticed him yet.

the bed dipped next to you, making you drop the book you were holding. choso's twin tails came into your vision until you could see the entirety of him hovering above you, scrutinizing your figure in thought. "hi baby," he greeted you with a gentle smile, pressing a kiss to your forehead. "how are you feeling?"

"kinda achy and cold," you described with a pout, leaning into choso's touch as he brushed your hair with his fingers. "did you bring me some medicine?"

choso nodded, explaining that he'd be making you some soup as it was better not to take the medicine on an empty stomach. he wrapped you in the blanket before disappearing in the kitchen. you listened to the sounds in the kitchen, feeling more at ease now that he was home. you must have fallen asleep as the soup was done, its savoury scent rousing you from your slumber. as the primary cook in this household, choso's cooking skills were excellent and never failed to amaze you. sometimes you couldn't believe he was real. choso kept an eye on you as you munched away, handing you the medicine once you were done. he joined you on the bed, wrapping his arms around you as he pulled you towards him. you were placed on his lap like a baby, making you giggle as you leaned against his chest.

"will you play with my hair?" you requested with a small yawn. choso obliged, weaving his fingers through your hair as he worked through the knots and massaged your scalp. you hummed in relaxation, struggling to keep your eyes open. instead, you focused on the tattoos on his arm that was placed around your waist, tracing the patterns with your fingers. when you first met, the skin on his arm was sparsely filled, he'd only started on completing his sleeve tattoos. it was a slow and gradual process. you were always the first person he'd proudly showed a new addition to, and in a way, the tattoos marked the journey of your relationship. you were thankful for him, thankful to have found someone who silently understood you.

he was too hesitant to ask you just yet as you'd told him years prior that you weren't sure about getting tattoos but you knew he wanted to be the one to give you your first tattoo. maybe you were delirious from your sickness, maybe it was then in that moment that you realized you wanted to spend the rest of your life with him, maybe it was your overwhelming love- "choso? i think it's time i get a tattoo soon."

choso's hand came to a halt and he made an incredulous noise. "y/n, i don't think- it might be better if we discuss this when you feel better again."

"no, i'm serious. it's just... i trust you so much. you always take good care of me and you're just always there. i'm uh- i honestly can't imagine my life without you, i just love you so much," you confessed with embarrassment, hiding your face in your hands as you finished talking. choso chuckled as he pried your hands away, pecking your lips in adoration. he looked gleeful, as if hearing your admission of love for the first time - the feeling was mutual, you just couldn't believe he was yours.

"we'll talk about this again when you've fully recovered. but i'm happy that you trust me with this."

"i'll be fine soon, i just need a lot of vitamin c," you giggled hysterically. "vitamin choso."

choso groaned but couldn't stop the laughter tumbling from his lips either, opting to tickle your sides and blowing raspberries into your shoulder. you squealed, trying to push him off you before being pulled back into his arms again. choso buried his head in the crook of your neck, placing a kiss on it. he didn't show you his face, not wanting you to see his teary eyes.

"i love you a lot, you know?"

"i love you more."