#he signed for my package that required my signature

[silverjirachi]

does anyone know what I can do if mail is consistently mishandled or misdelivered by the us post office? the post office i get mail from ignores complaints. i don’t want any of my mail passing through them anymore (especially not packages) but I’m afraid it seems to be divided by zip code and so i’m not sure how to change what hands my mail goes through.

[juji-han]

Model 110797

→ android!minghao x reader

→ 4.1k words

→ cyber!au

→ language, slight humor, dialogue-heavy, domestic life idk, slow burn

→ For your twenty-first birthday, you are gifted an android by your father, specially designed just for you. 

“Dad… no.” Your phone was cradled between your ear and your shoulder, washing dishes that had been piled up for days. “Hang on, I’m gonna put you on speaker.”

You placed your phone on the counter and pressed the speaker button, your dad’s voice becoming louder, “No use putting me on speaker, I’ve got to go soon- and I’m on speaker. Okay, well, honey, I sent you a gift to your house. But I’ve got to go soon okay? I just wanted to say happy early birthday.”

You scoffed, washing and drying your hands, “Y’know you can come visit me, right? Instead of being an absent shit father who buys me an expensive gift every birthday. I mean, I’m turning twenty-one, doesn’t that mean something to you? Your only daughter is turning twenty-one.”

“Not really. We all turn twenty-one at some point, it just means you’re getting older. Another year around the sun, honey.”

With a sigh, you didn’t respond, hanging up the phone, “Shithead.”

Tomorrow was your twenty-first birthday. And as much as you tried making a point to your father that tomorrow was important for you, it wasn’t. However, getting sympathy from your father was something you’ve never been able to do, even on your birthdays.

A musical tone snapped you out of your thoughts, your doorbell, and three hard knocks on your door.

Taking in a deep breath, you tried calming yourself down. If this was the gift your dad was talking about, you were gonna be pissed. What kind of expensive yet useless thing did he think of getting you now?

Another three hard knocks made you exhale quickly, “Alright. Don’t break my door now, jeez…”

You unlocked the door, swinging it open quickly.

There stood a large box and a delivery worker with a tablet in hand. He stepped back, looking down at the tablet, “Package for Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

“I need a signature, it’s an android. Required.” He shoved the tablet in front of your face, before mumbling, “And maybe a quicker answer to the door.”

Straight-faced, you snatched the stylus attached to the electronic and signed.

“Thanks. Think you bring the box inside?”

“Not my job ma’am.” The worker looked at your signature, before shoving the tablet into a carrier. He walked off, and your eyes followed him.

Blinking a few times, you looked back at the big white box.

“This shit better not be heavy.” You grabbed one of your shoes, shoving it under your door, propping it open.

You stood behind the box and grabbed the cardboard, tipping the package side to side, slowly moving it into your apartment.

Finally, fully inside, you closed your door, wiping sweat off of your forehead. You walked around the big box, grabbed a knife, and opened your gift.

Inside was a five-foot-ten black-haired android. Its design was different from other androids you’ve seen. Its hair was a nicely styled mullet cut, skin perfectly clear, lips pink as if it was alive.

A chill went down your spine, the hair on your arms standing.

“So realistic...”

You raised your hand slowly to feel the skin of the android. Its skin was softer than yours.

Suddenly, the android’s eyes opened. You jumped back, a horrified look on your face. A blue hue emanated from his eyes, before turning dark brown.

“Hello. I’m PLEDIS android, 110797. My model nickname is Minghao, but feel free to call me whatever you want. What is your name?” The android spoke calmly, posture straight, and with hands by its side.

“...Y/N.” You said, wary of the talking metal in front of you. This was your father’s gift? An android? 

You really couldn't tell what was worse, the fact that you had an android in your house, or the fact that the android was your type. Black hair, slim face, and kind. Damn your father for picking a robot that reflected your old high school crushes.

“Y/N. I’ll introduce myself.” The android gave a polite smile. “Once again, I’m Minghao. I was a product of PLEDIS androids. My custom number, given by your father, is 110797. That number also serves as my birthday, if you’re into celebration. My pronouns, also given by your father, are he/him/it. Feel free to change those in my settings. I am of service to you, whenever, whatever you need. Now, your father included a voice message in my system, would you like to hear it?”

You looked at his entire design for the first time since his package was opened. He wore normal clothes, not a black and white uniform like the androids in the store wore. His clothes were different, feeding into his persona, probably also chosen by your dad.

He wore a green and black tie-dye shirt, complimented with a black long-sleeve turtle neck underneath. His jeans were black and baggy, cuffed at the bottom and tucked into black books with silver designs on them. 

“Y/N? Would you like to hear your father’s message?”

“Yeah, sorry, yeah.”

Minghao gave a polite smile, before speaking. His voice wasn’t his though, it was your father’s, “Happy early birthday. I hope you don’t decline the package. I spend nearly ten thousand on this thing, so you better use it. And I’m sorry I can’t make it, you know my work is busy, but I also expect this little attitude to stop. I pay for your apartment you know! You should be kinder to your old man…”

You made a face, raising your hand to Minghao’s face, covering his mouth, “How do you turn this thing off?”

Minghao grabbed your wrist, the voice message stopping. He smiled and a giggle came out of his mouth.

“You can just say stop. No need to stress.”

“I’m not stressing.”

“Y/N, your stress levels are at eighty-eight percent. It’s nine percent higher than when I first arrived, and there was a spike when your father’s message played, by five percent.”

You stared at Minghao, rolling your eyes, and walking around him. You moved to your bedroom, closing your door and leaving the android behind.

Minghao removed himself from the packaging, cleaning, before setting up his charging station. 

Tomorrow would be a new day, and he would be there to serve you. 

Mornings were not your thing. You didn’t believe in the bullshit phrase, ‘early bird gets the worm’. You were strictly against mornings and more specifically, things waking you up in the morning.

“Y/N. It’s nine o’clock.” Minghao lightly shook your shoulder.

With eyes still closed, you heard the sound of metal rods moving against a metal pole, curtains being opened, and the sun shining into your room. You let out a loud whine, “Minghao.”

“Yes, Y/N.”

“If you do this again, I’m gonna return to you my father.”

Sitting up in your bed, you wiped the sleep out of your eyes, opening them, only to see sunshine and the feeling of burning death to your corneas.

You groaned, falling back into your bed, covering your eyes with your arm.

Minghao grabbed your hands, pulling you to sit up, his figure blocking the sunlight from your face.

“I apologize, but it’s time to get up. Studies have shown that individuals who get up early in the morning have a more positive outlook on life than those who don’t. I feel you can benefit from this.” Minghao spoke to you softly, moving your messy hair out of your face.

You blushed, before moving his hand away from your face. You stood up, and meet his eyes.

“Why so early though?” You mumbled. You fixed your hair, hoping the android in front of you wouldn’t notice your blush.

Who am I kidding? He’s an android, of course he noticed me blushing.

“I have something planned,” Minghao took a step back, giving you space. “I put together an outfit, along with a towel for you in the bathroom.”

“Okay…” You walked to your bathroom, taking notice of the outfit he picked for you.

It was different from what you normally wore, it was flashier, compared to your sweatpants and sweatshirt combo. Looking through the clothes stack, you picked up the pair of underwear and bra Minghao chose. Matching black lace.

The blush that seemed to finally go away, came right back, turning you into a mess.

You walked back outside the bathroom, taking note of the android who sat on your bed, doing nothing but staring out the window. “Minghao, where are we going?”

He turned to you, standing up and facing you straight-on.

“That’s a surprise. I encourage you to just let the day go on, it is your birthday after all.”

“Oh. I forgot today was my birthday... well, I’ll get ready then. Maybe we can go shopping for some clothes for you.”

By the time you were almost finished getting ready, it had already been an hour.

“Y/N, I think we should get going now.” Minghao stood by the main entrance. His eyes following your every movement. You were searching for something, going from your room, to the bathroom, to the kitchen junk drawer.

“I know, I know, but I can’t find my blush, I swear it had it yesterday.”

You heard Minghao’s footsteps coming to you, his head peaking around the corner, peering into your room. You looked through your makeup bag frantically.

“Y/N.” Minghao stood in front of you, waiting for you to raise your head up. When you did, you saw a smile on his face.

“Why are you smiling?” You huffed. Your stare was cold and unbreaking.

“You don’t need artificial blush. I think your natural hue is perfect.” Minghao smiled even wider. “There it is. Now, let’s go.”

The place Minghao drove you to was a small library. Inside, the shelves were close together, and every row was filled with books. Some books were stacked in piles on the floor. lt was perfect to you.

“This place is so cool.” You said in awe. Minghao nodded but chose to stay quiet, letting you roam around the bookstore.

Minghao followed behind you, “If you get thirsty, there’s a café next door.”

You absentmindedly nodded, focused on the architecture books.

“Hey, Minghao.”

“Yes, Y/N.”

“Did you bring my wallet?”

When you and Minghao got home, you were exhausted.

You spent the day going from store to store. And while you were happy, your feet and back were aching.

Entering the apartment, you held the door open for Minghao, who insisted he should carry all of the bags because after all, most of the things you bought were for him.

Kicking off your shoes, you flopped on the couch, releasing a heavy sigh.

Minghao set down the bags, staying stationary.

“Should I run a bath for you?” Minghao asked. “I can make tea for when you come out. I read an article saying that some teas can help with relaxation.”

“Two things. One, yes, please, my body is ridiculously tired. And two, I don’t have any tea.” You sat straight, scooting to the edge of the cushion. You raised your arms stretching, a groan releasing from your core.

Minghao walked over to you, standing in front of you, and grabbed both your wrist with one hand.

“I read about stretching,” Minghao’s left hand moved below your shoulder blades. He leaned you back slightly, before twisting you, your spine cracking. “And a few chiropractor videos. This move improves spinal health. I hope you feel relieved.”

“I do. Thank you, Minghao.”

Minghao let your wrist go, taking a step back from you, before turning around and walking down the hall, grabbing your towel and sleeping clothes.

Sitting still, you listened to the sound of water running.

My face is gonna be red forever. Damn you, Minghao.

Minghao walked back over to where you were, extending his hand out, “The water is warm. I’m not aware of what temperature you like but according to my data, humans tend to like warmer temperatures. Will you need any assistance?”

"No. I'm alright." You stood up without his aid, giving a polite smile.

"Enjoy your bath then."

After your much needed bath, you shuffled out of the bathroom, towel wrapped tight around your body. You peaked your head into the hallway, looking both ways for an android.

Deciding the coast was clear, you ran into your room.

“Happy Birthday, Y/N.”

You screamed, surprised at the calm speaking android, who held a perfectly white frosted cake. His happy expression quickly changed into a concerned one.

You felt the wet cotton towel fall to your ankles. A breeze spread around and enveloped your body. You stood frozen in front of Minghao, whose eyes stayed locked on yours.

“I’m sorry for scaring you. I will try my hardest to not to frighten you from now on.” Minghao set down the cake on your bedside table carefully, kneeling down and picking up your towel.

He wrapped the towel around you tight, “Be careful. I’ll leave you to get ready, then we can cut the cake.”

Minghao grabbed the cake, before walking around you, making sure to shut the door behind him.

You stood still, shocked by the event that just happened seconds prior.

He- He saw… No! Why? Why me?

You covered your face with your hand, making sure to hold your towel right. You grabbed clothes, mind elsewhere.

Getting dressed quickly, you sat on your bed, holding your head in your hands. You let out a laugh, before taking a deep inhale.

“Fuck.” Patting your knees, you stood up, leaving your room and going to the kitchen.

Minghao, whose back was turned to you, sat on a barstool. Hearing your soft footsteps, he turned around.

“Y/N, I waited for you. Shall I sing and cut the cake for you?”

You sat next to him, staring at the cake. With a slight hesitation, you shook your head. “Nah, let’s just cut the cake.”

Minghao turned his entire body towards you, placing a hand on your shoulder.

“You hesitated. Why?”

“No I didn’t,” Your eyebrows furrowed. “I just don’t like celebrating my birthday. Let’s just cut the cake, eat, and go to sleep, okay?”

“Okay.”

Minghao cut the cake, each slice perfectly spaced from the other. A machine was working in front of your eyes, and for the first time it just occurred to you. Maybe living with something, different, would be beneficial for you. Both of you.

The rest of the week went by quickly, Minghao woke you up, he helped you get ready, he cleaned your house, you went to sleep and the routine cycled. 

The android was certainly a sight to see. A machine that never got tired. He would never actually die, his data would just be uploaded again. He was something that your brain couldn't wrap around.

Minghao was something special, and you couldn’t put your finger on what it was that made him different from the other androids, but you knew your father had something to do with it. 

Maybe you could thank him, but you wouldn’t. 

It had already been a month since you got Minghao. The android was a major help with everything and he never once complained.

"Y/N? It's time to wake up." Minghao softly shook you awake. You groaned, throwing your hands over your face.

You heard a chuckle before you were pulled into a upright position, “Minghao, no! I just want to sleep, why won’t you let me sleep?”

Minghao patted your head, “I apologize but I did adjust your time for an hour later, like you told me to do last week.”

He walked to your curtains, opening them up and letting the sunlight in.

“The weather today is cloudy, ten degrees out, and there’s a fifty-percent chance of snow. Maybe we should plan an indoor activity today?”

“Yeah, whatever you want Hao.”

“Hao? Is that a nickname? Also, Y/N, I cannot ‘want’ anything, I’m an android. I am only meant to serve you, however I can choose an activity that my data says you’ll like. Would you like me to do this?”

“Yes, Hao.”

“Okay.”

“Can we go out?”

You sat on your couch, knees pulled to your chest. Minghao sat next to you, hands resting on his knees. His posture was like a soldier. He turned to you with a straight face.

His activity was to sit on the couch and relax but as time went on you found yourself just getting bored. You yearned for some fresh air, cold or not you needed to get out.

“The weather isn’t the best—”

“I know but, please? It’ll just be to downtown, come on, it’ll be quick.”

Minghao nodded, a smile forming on his face, “Okay, if this is what you want. Get ready, I’ll go downstairs and get the car heated.”

You watched Minghao stand up and start heading towards the door, “Wait!”

Minghao turned around, a curious look on his face, “Let’s get you changed. You’ve wore these clothes for an entire week already.”

Minghao looked down as his outfit, looking back up at you with a blank expression.

“Come on, let’s put you in something that’ll fit the weather.”

You stood up from the couch, and grabbed Minghao’s hand. You headed over to the coat closet (where Minghao decided his clothes would be least invasive of your space, along with his charging station) and grabbed some of his things.

You grabbed a plain black hoodie, black sweatpants and a long black trenchcoat, “You like?”

You held up the items and Minghao looked at you with an almost annoyed expression, “Y/N, I cannot ‘like’ anything. If you’re asking me if it goes together, then… yes.”

“Where did you learn sarcasm?” You glared. Minghao didn’t respond, only taking the clothes out of your hands. He left to the bathroom, leaving you stunned.

“What an ass.”

Downtown was one of you’re favorite places to go. The decorated streets with outdoor patio lights made you feel warm inside, even if the weather was getting below zero. The stores were in walkable distance from each other, allowing you to spend more time with Minghao.

“So, Hao, do you like the snow?” You looked up at Minghao. Arms linked with each other, walking at a slow pace, the tall android looked back down at you.

“It is… enjoyable. Every snowflake is different from each other, it’s quite an amazing thing to see, really.”

A wide smile spread across your face, “You sounded almost… human. No offense, I guess.”

Minghao’s already small smile faltered, his expression becoming focused. You stopped walking, and pulled Minghao to the side.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Let’s keep walking.” Minghao unlinked his arm, instead grabbing your hand and walking off.

You smiled to yourself, the smell of pizza making you look around.

"Can you smell things? Because there is an incredibly good smelling pizza right now."

Minghao looked down at you, a confused look on his face, "Smell? Well... no. I can't. If you're smelling pizza, we can eat."

You agreed, following Minghao as he turned around toward a pizza place.

Suddenly, Minghao's hand left yours. Within a second, Minghao wasn't next to you, but on the floor.

You covered your mouth, a giggle escaping past your lips.

Minghao glared up at you, rolling his eyes and sighing. He stood up, a limp apparent as he walked to a seat outside the restaurant.

"Hao? You're limping, let's go home." Worry overtook your emotions, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.

"Y/N. Calm down, I'm alright. However, it is getting late already." Minghao stood up, leaning some of his weight on you.

“You cold, hard piece of metal shit, I’m gonna- ass on the chair.” You nudged the weak with your butt, a light thud heard from the impact.

Minghao stayed silent, eyes down at the ground. He felt sorry, but the energy loss was something new to him. 

Blue blood had soaked through his shirt because of the fall, something that seemed small in the moment, actually caused a few scrapes to his skin.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were bleeding?” You grabbed the hem of his shirt, lifting it up and bunching it around his neck. 

His shoulder blades were different shades of blue, dried and fresh blood mixing together, hints of fibers stuck to his wound. 

“Lift your arms, please,” You spoke softly, grabbing the shirt and taking it off him. “Do I have to use hydrogen peroxide? Can androids get an infection?”

Minghao shook his head, still remaining silent. 

“Okay...” You grabbed a washcloth, wetting it, and wiping the androids back. 

“Good think you can’t get an infection right? Makes for a pain-free cleanup.” 

Stepping back, you stared at the injured android in front of you. Minghao slowly looked up at you, looking into your eyes.

“Why do you look at me like that?” Minghao spoke for the first time since you two got home. 

Heat rose to your cheeks, “What way?”

“Your heartbeat gets slightly higher when you look at me, is there something wrong?”

“No,” You shifted slightly. “Nothing’s wrong.”

It felt like Minghao was staring into your soul. The android got up, slowly walking towards you.

You could hear your heartbeat in your ears, the rhythm pulsating underneath your fingertips.

Minghao brung his hand up to your cheek, face getting closer to yours.

“Get some sleep, I’ll wash my clothes.” Minghao’s gentle touch left your face as he left you standing alone.

Alone, your eyes met your reflection. You turned off the light, going to your room for the night.

You woke up cold, a chill wrapping around your waist and down your legs.

Minghao was behind you. His arms were wrapped tightly around your waist, legs tangled with yours. 

He’s so close, yet no sign of life. There’s no rise and fall of his chest, no breathing on my neck, just cold and stiff.

You stretched your legs a bit, Minghao’s arms quickly removing themselves from around you. “Good morning, Y/N.”

You didn’t respond, sitting up, still facing away from him. Your hair fell over your face, your hand wiping at your mouth.

“Hao… what were you doing?” You turned around and faced the lounge-wearing android. He stood still, arms folded behind his back.

“I don’t know,” Minghao’s eyes avoided yours. “I felt- I was alone.”

You nodded, laying back down, “That’s okay, Hao.”

Your eyes shut, and you sank into your bed.

“It’s ten o’clock, Y/N,” Minghao spoke softly.

Your eyes opened quickly, sending a glare towards the now standing android. 

“Leave me be.” You whined. Minghao chuckled before kneeling down at your level. 

He moved your hair out of your face. You stared into Minghao’s eyes, he gave you a small smile. You felt like you were getting lost in his eyes, the complexity of the mechanics were lost to you, but you still enjoyed it. 

“You look beautiful.” Minghao complimented you, the blush, the seemed a never-ending nightmare, returning to your face and ears. 

Your eyes flickered. Lips, eyes, repeat. Minghao leaned forward, eyes closing. 

Am I really going to do this?

The android must’ve had everything planned. His lips were soft, a detail that only an obsessed designer should’ve thought of.

You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer to you, body on top of yours. You were committed, the spark of joy spreading around your body. 

Pulling back, Minghao studying your face, before pecking your lips again. 

“It’s ten o’clock.”

Months gone by, just you and Minghao.

The birthday gift you had gotten for your twenty-first birthday brung you more than help, but a crush.

While Minghao tried his best to ignore the feeling of humanity taking over his hardware, you tried your best to make him succumb. 

“Y/N, I’m not programmed to feel anything. How do we not know that I’m not experiencing a virus.”

“Minghao, if you’re so concerned that your feeling for me are a virus, why don’t I send you to your creator, so he can have a check?” Your pouted at the idea that Minghao’s feelings might in fact be a virus, but quickly hid it. “Ungrateful shit.” 

Minghao gave you a fake smile, before rolling his eyes, “Y’know, sometimes I think that you think that you’re hot shit.”

“Oh? Taking my language, you AI now?”

“I've been AI, in fact I’m better than AI.” Minghao spoke quickly, sass laced words, the impersonation of a human getting better each time you two argued.

“Then tell me you love me.” You dared. Minghao pursed his lips, fighting a smile.

“I love you...” He spoke, getting closer to your face. “Unless, this is a virus.”

NOTES: y’all I'm so sorry for the people expecting this, like I feel so bad, but I lost a spark halfway through and got writer block, then idek what happened, but I feel like the second half of this writing is bs and tbh I'm vvvvv embarrassed to release this lmfao. 

[darklydeliciousdesires]

Hi I'm obsessed with these prompts. Can u do a drabble of Manny using prompt 17.

I can indeed!

Smut below the cut, minors DNI!

Dick picks. Unsolicited, and they are most definitely an unwelcome addition to your inbox. When the dick pic in question is being sent by your boyfriend, though, well... you are without issue.

'I miss you so damned much. As soon as I'm back, I'm gonna bury my mouth against that fine little pussy and lick it until you fucking scream, mamas.'

If you're going to be on board with any intentions, those will definitely suffice.

'Oh really? Tell me what else you're going to do?' Your reply is read, watching the dots as he types, excitedly awaiting his reply.

'It's real simple; Imma bend you over, spread those pretty legs nice and wide, and then slide every last inch of this right up in you. I can't wait to feel that hot, wet pussy gripping on me, baby.'

With the text, he sends a picture of his erection, long, hard, and perfect. It makes you feel a little wet, just looking at it on the screen, wishing he was home, so you could enjoy it, enjoy him.

'How badly do you want it?'

'You have no idea. I'm fucking raging for you. God! I wish you were here! Two more days, though, and I get you all to myself. I bet you wish you were here now, though. You could watch me touching myself while I fantasise about your perfect, big cock.'

You pout a little when you see he's read your message, but doesn't reply, lying there on the couch with your hand down your little shorts, rubbing the slick of your arousal as you imagine your fingers are his, closing your eyes and seeing him there above you.

Your mood is then shattered by a knock at the door.

"Damned Amazon man!" you mutter, throwing yourself up to your feet, wiping your fingers on a Kleenex before striding across your apartment. "Never turns up when I actually want him to!"

Clicking the locks, you slide the chain off and open the door, your eyes almost falling out.

"Surprise," Manny grins, laughing at your reaction.

"I thought you were the Amazon man!" you cry, flinging yourself into his arms.

"Nah, I'm not available on Prime, but my delivery service is top notch." He kisses you, walking you backwards into the apartment, kicking the door shut behind him. "Now, I require a signature for your package, ma'am." Taking your hand, he presses it to his crotch, the hard-on he's been dealing with since he got off his bike downstairs while texting you absolutely solid against your fingers.

"Mmm, just tell me where I sign." you giggle, Manny picking you up, carrying you over to the couch, removing your shorts after he's laid you down, and doing exactly what he said he would do.

You love it when he comes home early.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Twisted Tarot IX — The Hermit

“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”

The Hermit, Upright: soul-searching, introspection, being alone, inner guidance

The Hermit, Reversed: isolation, loneliness, withdrawal

He is alone in his endeavors, shut off from those who may emphasize with him. Retreating to his own private world, he looks within himself for comfort and for contemplation. In his seclusion, he nears an epiphany—but will it drive him deeper into loneliness, or will it encourage him to emerge from its depths?

Reveal the Shape of thy Soul...

... Idia Shroud!

Fetch quests were the worst.

Go from point A to point B, grab the goods, and return to the original location to drop them off. No special skills or talents required; any old noob could get it done. It was a tedious time waster--just like fetching things irl.

Precisely why Idia much preferred to have his goods delivered directly to his doorstep.

It should be today. My copy of the Star Rogue sequel, it’s finally arriving!!

Idia had eagerly waited all year for its release ever since the announcement--the news of the original team coming back together for another project. He religiously kept up with developer updates, watched every trailer and read every post on the subject, and preordered his copy the second it was avaliable online (which came with a sweet preorder bonus: a detailed robotic pegasus figure).

His prizes were mere moments away, so close he could almost taste them.

Idia impatiently paced back and forth in his bedroom, his arms folded and teeth gritted.

Any minute now, the delivery ghost would knock at his door, and he’d be able to snatch up his package. Then it would be smooth sailing from there. Nothing but snacks and gaming for the rest of the night.

... So what was taking them so long?!

Don’t tell me it got lost in transit... B-But then they would at least tell me about delays...!! Maybe they made a mistake and delivered it to the wrong person,,,? Or maybe a porch pirate got to it before me?! NRC’s the kind of place that’s teeming with all kinds of low-level goons like that...

His worries mounted, and with it, the sweat pooling on his forehead.

He nibbled on his lower lip, his hair flaring nervously.

Should he call the shipping service and ask them what was up? Summon Ortho and have him track the delivery ghost down? Crack open the door and check for himself?

Idia’s teeth chattered at the thought of the outside world.

His domain was the virtual realm--not reality.

I’m not welcome out there. Not where they walk, not where they run... Not where they stay all day in the sun... I belong in my room, far, far away from those normies, from all of that annoying stuff.

Alone.

Knock, knock.

Idia practically leapt out of his pants.

He scrambled for the door, fumbling with the doorknob with clammy hands. When he, at least, managed to get a grasp on the knob, he inched open the door just by a hair--just enough for a single golden eye and the blue flames of his hair to peek through.

A pudgy ghost was on the other side, a slim box one hand, and a clipboard in the other. “Idia Shroud?”

“Y-Yes... That’s me.” He instinctively shrunk back, much like his tiny voice.

“I’ve got a package for you. I just need you to sign off on this form first.”

He couldn’t do it fast enough. His signature was nothing more than a child’s crayon scribble when he handed the pen back and seized the video game. The ghost could scarcely get out a “thank you” before the door was shut in his face.

(“Kids these days,” he muttered with the shake of his head.)

Idia happily hugged Star Rogue 2 to his chest. A rare, toothy smile found its way onto his gloomy face, lighting his expression up like a hearth might warm a weary body.

His heart felt as though it were a war drum, beating hard, over and over, with excitement. He felt like a computer--a computer with high processing capabilities overheating. So much data, so many thoughts, wrapping and warping around in his head.

Surely... Surely it wouldn’t hurt to get a few rounds in--he could co-op with Ortho later...! He just couldn’t wait a moment longer to reexperience the magic, the childhood nostalgia!!

Idia went into autopilot, tearing into his mail with trembling hands. He yanked the game cartridge from its pristine sleeve and rushed to insert it into its respective console.

His TV came to life with a hypnotic blue light.

A soft buzzing, a calming distraction from what existed outside of his walls.

Idia assumed his usual position before the television, a controller in his hands. A familiar title screen--a night sky studded with stars--pulled into view, accompanied by remastered music of the classic theme.

His breath, and his heart, stilled.

Here, he was safe.

Here, he was free.

Alone in his room, Idia disconnected from this world and dove into the virtual space.

No one would even miss him.

[leiakenobi]

The Chick in Apt 56

Fandom: Ex Machina (2014) Pairing: Nathan Bateman/F!Reader Rating: Teen Word Count: 1.9k Summary: After your next-door neighbor leaves you a note about how he heard you having sex, the two of you unintentionally begin a written back-and-forth. Warnings: Innuendo, but no sexual situations. A/N: So neighbor AU Nathan has actually existed for the better part of a year through this lil headcanon post, but now here he finally is in fic form! I didn’t end up following the original headcanons too closely, but they were still very much on my mind while I was writing.

Cross-posted to AO3 here! I think this fic is more readable over there, but the whole thing is in this post below the cut as well.

——

[Yellow post-it note, affixed to door knocker] To the chick in apt 56— Don’t know if you’ve noticed, but our walls are thin as shit. And as much as I love the sound of a girl getting railed, I get up at 5 A.M., so if you could schedule future booty calls for a more reasonable hour, that’d be great.

 [Pink paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] Nathan— Sorry if it was difficult for you to listen to a woman actually experiencing some pleasure. I’ll be sure to cater to your busy schedule from now on. P.S. We’ve both been here for nearly two years. I know you know my name.

 [Yellow post-it note, haphazardly slapped above doorknob] Funny. Just keep it down please.

[Pale blue post-it note, covering peep hole] Girl in 56— Were you louder on purpose??? If so, thanks for thinking of me while you were fucking, but the least you could do is scream my name next time. Helps me finish.

 [Pink paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] Surely you’re too busy trying to get your beauty(?) sleep to jerk off to the sound of your neighbor fucking. How else would you get up in a timely manner to get to your early morning workout at Planet Fitness?

 [Pale blue post-it note, stuck on door] As if I’d work out at Planet Fitness. (I know you said that because you knew it would annoy me. Which—fuck you.) P.S. I have a package scheduled to come tomorrow while I’ll be at a last-minute meeting across the city. Could you find time to sign for it in between your sexcapades?

 [Pink paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] Fine.

 [Pale blue post-it note, stuck on door of apartment 55] FedEx— Please get signature from woman in apt 56.

 [Pink paper torn from memo pad, taped to package] You’re fully cat-sitting for me next time I go out of town.

 [Pink paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] Someone’s a hypocrite. A shame you couldn’t make her finish. My parents are visiting over the weekend, so if you happen to get laid twice after such a long dry spell, could you do it somewhere else?

 [Pale blue post-it note, stuck on door] She came just fine. Twice. And dry spell? At least I’ve never implied that was why I’d never heard anything from your apartment until a few months ago.

 [Pink paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] If you think those fake moans meant she came, you’re deluding yourself. And I’m sorry, I was trying to be generous. Figured a dry spell was the reason you got off so fast.

 [Pink paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] Nathan— We were eating dinner.

 [Pale blue post-it note, stuck on door] Why do you think I fucked her in the kitchen?

 [Pale blue post-it note, stuck on door] Could you sign for another package on Thursday?

 [Pink paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] You ask like I’m not still traumatized by the experience of making small talk with my parents while we listened to you fuck some girl’s brains out. Besides, you weren’t exactly grateful last time.

 [Yellow post-it note, stuck on door] Because you left thousands of dollars worth of tech in our hallway! Why did you think they required a signature?

 [Pink paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] For the tenth time Nathan, if you didn’t want me to leave it in the hallway you should’ve said so.

 [Yellow post-it note, stuck on door of apartment 55] FedEx— Please get signature from woman in apt 56.

 [Pale green paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] Heads up that I’m having some friends over tomorrow night so it’ll be noisy. You’re welcome to come if you want, assuming it doesn’t interfere with your old man bedtime.

 [Yellow post-it note, stuck on gift-wrapped box] Fuck you for not telling me it was your birthday.

 [Pale green paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] I told you you didn’t need to give me a gift! On a related note—a vibrator is not a good gift for someone you’re not fucking.

 [Yellow post-it note, stuck on door] Just thought the buzz on yours is sounding weaker than it used to. Figured you could use a replacement.

 [Yellow post-it note, stuck on door] Did you like it?

 [Pale green paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] I don’t know what you’re talking about.

 [Plain white 8.5- by 11-inch paper, typed, left on counter underneath a Tupperware of oatmeal cookies] Nathan: - Please feed one scoop of food once in the morning and once in the evening if possible (but one double scoop earlier in the day is fine if you wouldn’t be able to give him dinner until very late). - He loves pets while he eats. Not saying you have to give him pets, but he will look at you expectantly if you don’t. - I normally try to empty his litter every day, but if you could just do it once about halfway through my trip, that’d be fine. - If you can, some playtime or cuddles would be nice to make sure he doesn’t feel too lonely. His favorite toys are in a box next to the couch. He loves people and should recognize you by now, so he’ll probably jump right up to cuddle if you just sit down next to his favorite blanket. You’re welcome to stick around and read or watch TV for a bit while he sits with you. - Hope you like oatmeal cookies. I tried to go with something healthier so that you don’t feel a need to up your SoulCycle regimen. [Handwritten underneath] Thanks again for doing this. Stay out of my bedroom. [Handwritten underneath that] I don’t do SoulCycle and you know it.

 [Yellow post-it note, stuck on bedroom door] The contrarian in me nearly went in here out of spite.

 [Pale green paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] Thanks again for cat-sitting. The little asshole keeps looking at the door around dinnertime like you’re gonna come in to feed him. I’ll be home every night this week, just return my spare key whenever.

 [Yellow post-it note, wrapped around key and slid under door] Your pussy has good taste. Thank you again for the cookies. I’m out every night but here’s the spare.

 [Yellow post-it note, stuck on door] Sounded like a lousy fuck last night.

 [Pale green paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] Oh my god he was still here. No need to comment on the quality of my sex life, Bateman.

 [Yellow post-it note, stuck on door] Hey, at least I didn’t imply that you were the problem.

 [Pale green paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] When you actually make someone come, I’ll retract my statement.

 [Pale green post-it note, stuck on door] A girl bailed on our dinner plans after I already started cooking. Help me eat some of it?

 [Pale green paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] If this is how you ask all the girls into your apartment, it’s no wonder you can’t get a second date. I mean, that plus. You know. The other thing. The you’re bad in bed thing. I’m saying you’re bad in bed.

 [Back of a receipt, left on night stand] That was a bad idea. I couldn’t find my bra, give it back when you have a chance?

 [Pale green post-it note, stuck on plain brown box] Found it. When do I get my retraction?

 [Pale green paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] What, you need it in writing too?

 [Pale green post-it note, stuck on door] If there’s one thing I learned from my lawyer parents, it’s that I should get everything in writing.

 [Pale green post-it note, stuck on door] Bad joke, sorry.

 [Pale green paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] I’m used to it, you make a lot of bad jokes.

 [Pale green post-it note, stuck on door] Will you stop avoiding me if I agree it was a bad idea?

 [Yellow paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] That depends, do you actually agree it was a bad idea or do you just want me to stop avoiding you?

 [Pale green post-it note, stuck on door] If it means that you’ll avoid me forever, it was a bad idea.

 [Yellow paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] Going on a weekend trip and my friend who was supposed to cat sit came down with the flu. Can you help out?

 [Inscription on the front page of a copy of Much Ado About Nothing, left on counter] To the chick in apt 56— I was browsing your bookshelves while looking for something to read, and I noticed your copy of Much Ado looked pretty rough, so I picked up a new one for you. Same editor, since I know some people are picky about that sort of thing. I always went in more for the tragedies, but I think this one is growing on me.

 [Yellow paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] You’re not Benedick.

 [Yellow post-it note, wrapped around key and slid under door] Never said I was.

 [Yellow paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] You doing alright? I haven’t heard you leave for three days.

 [Yellow post-it note, stuck to empty Tupperware] Thanks for the soup. Were you lying about it being store-bought? I finally felt up to shopping today and couldn’t find anything like it anywhere. I’d pay honest to god money for you to make it again.

 [Scan of soup recipe, slid under door] [Handwritten underneath] If I recall correctly, you’re a capable cook. I’ll warn you that it doesn’t taste as good when you’re not sick. It’s like magic.

 [Yellow post-it note, stuck on door] Do you think I could get another cold if I asked enough strangers to sneeze and cough on me?

 [Yellow paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] Don’t you dare. You’re insufferable as it is but you turn into a big baby when you’re sick.

 [Yellow post-it note, stuck on door] I’m having some people over for my birthday on Saturday. (See how easy it is to mention that it’s your birthday?) Come, maybe?

 [Yellow paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] I think I have time to make an appearance.

 [Yellow post-it note, stuck on door] Just postpone your date with my vibrator and come to the party.

 [Yellow paper torn from memo pad, folded and taped to a Tupperware of oatmeal cookies] Nathan— That was a shit move on my part, I’m sorry. It was a fun night and I got carried away, but you were right to stop me. Thanks for being uncharacteristically nice about it. After the way I acted last time, I definitely deserved worse.

 [Yellow post-it note, stuck on empty Tupperware] Just didn’t want you to regret anything.

 [Yellow paper torn from memo pad, slid under door] Maybe I do, a little bit. What if I did? I think I might.

 [Yellow paper torn from memo pad, left on pillow] You look cute when you let yourself sleep in. Since apparently my coffee isn’t good enough for you, I’m running to the place down the street. I’ll feed the little menace before I go so if he tries to get you out of bed, you can ignore him. xx

——

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taglist: @abelslittlebunny​, @aellynera​, @alwritey-aphrodite​, @amneris21​, @anetteaneta​, @bdavishiddlesbatch​, @be-the-spark-flyboy​, @brandyllyn​, @clumsy-stormtrooper​, @ew-erin​, @foxilayde​, @hayley-the-comet​, @hyperfixatingmenever​, @iflostreturntobudcooper​, @jitterbugs927​, @knivesareout​, @leto-duke​, @lostgirlheather​, @louderrthanthunderr​, @marvelousmermaid​, @moonlightburned​, @mstgsmy​, @one-hell-of-a-disappointment​, @poedameronloverx​, @prettylilhalforc​, @princessxkenobi​, @pumpkin-stars​, @rosiefridayrogersunday​, @salome-c​, @starryeyedstories​, @sugarpunch-princess​, @thedukeofcaladan​, @whovianayesha, @yourbucky084​

[the-broken-truth]

Hi! I was wondering if you could do the Dimitrescus and Donna with a 👨 reader that likes to spoil them.

Broken Truth: Oh - A man who loves to spoil his woman. This will be interesting. *STATIC*, any ideas?

*STATIC*: Wine for Alcina, Rare Books for Bela, A Collection of Torment Devices for Cassandra, New Weapons for Daniela, and Fine Silks & Doll Parts for Donna.

Broken Truth: Thanks. Now, let the words weave together!

[Alcina Dimitrescu - Why One When You Can Have All?]

Delivery Woman: Here's your shipment, Mr. Dimitrescu-[L/N]. If I could just get your signature right here. (Holds out a clipboard with a signature paper on it)

[Y/N] (Takes the clipboard with a smile): Of course. (Places his signature in person cursive writing before handing the clipboard back) Here you go.

Delivery Woman (Takes the clipboard, looks at it, and smiles with a nod): Thank you. (Places her hand on the earpiece to speak to the pilot in the helicopter above her) Set it down gently and unhook the attachment.

[The Delivery Woman & Lord of the Castle watched as the helicopter above them slowly lowered the large crate that was attached by a strong cable to the ground before the castle doors. Once the crate hit the ground, the pilot pushed a button, and the cable detached from the crate. The woman gave the man a handshake before she walked over to the ladder to climb back up and the helicopter flew away as the Lord of the Castle looked at the large crate for a while before he heard the castle door open and his wife, plus his 3 daughters, walked out.]

[Y/N] (Looks at them): There you are, I was just about to come looking for you, Alcina.

Alcina (Walks down the stairs and looked at the large crate - that was taller than her): Darling, what is this large crate.

[Y/N] (Smiles): I'm glad you asked! (Opens the padlock on the side with the key the woman gave him, pushes the large crate door open to see the large crate is filled with smaller packing crates - he takes one & uses a crowbar to open it, revealing...numerous bottles of wine?!)

Alcina (Her eyes lit up as she gasps and reached down to pick up one of the bottles of wine): Darling, is all of this wine?

[Y/N] (Smirks): But of course! Remember that room I was working on? It's your new personal wine room and what's a wine room without wine? Thus, I brought one of each wine in the world!

Alcina (Looks at all the wine then back at her husband): Darling, you didn't need to spend so much. 10 bottles would have been enough.

[Y/N]: Why one when you can have all?

[Bela Dimitrescu - Wise Words For The Wise]

[Y/N] (Talking to a delivery man outside the main door of Castle Dimtirescu - who's pushing a rather large box to the Lover of the Proxy of House Dimitrescu): Thank you.

Delivery Man (Looks at the signed clipboard and tilts his hat to the noble): No problem, Lord [L/N]-Dimitrescu. Thanks for doing business with us.

[The Delivery Man turned on his heel and began to walk down the castle stairs as the Lover of Bela Dimitrescu closed the door and looked at the massive box before him with a smile - his next task: Getting the box up the stairs and to the special room.]

[Elsewhere in the castle: The Blonde-Haired Heiress of House Dimitrescu was looking up and down the castle halls for the man that stole her heart but she was having a hard time finding him. She happened to run into her youngest sister and asked if she had seen the [H/C]-Haired man, the red-haired woman informed her sister that he could be found in the room he bought from Alcina. Raising her eyebrow, Bela dispelled into a cluster of flies and headed in that direction, completely missing the snicker on her youngest sister's face.]

[Upon reaching the floor the room was located on - Bela reformed from the flies that made her and began to glide down the hallway; the closer she got to the room, the sounds of grunting and things being moved around could be heard. She reached for the knob of the room and turned it before pushing it open and her eye widened at the sight - the room was beautiful. The 4 walls that made up the room were replaced with bookshelves and each of those shelves was filled with books. There was a single lounging chair with a footstool and a large reading lamp that was overhead of the chair. On the right of the chair was a small stand with a crystal jar filled with wine and a single glass. The sound of her name being called made her snap from her trance.]

[Y/N] (Sliding the last book in place): Oh, Bela! I wasn't expecting you to find this place so soon. Dani must have spilled the beans.

Bela (Confused): What? Dani knew what you were doing in here? Why did you tell her but not me?

[Y/N] (Raises his eyebrow): It wouldn't have been a surprise if I told you about what I was planning.

Bela: Surprise? (Eyes widen) Wait, this is for me?

[Y/N] (Smiles): Of course it is. I've noticed how much you love to read but you're always interrupted by Cassandra and Daniela's Roughhousing, so I decided to make you your own little space to enjoy your books and filled it with bestsellers from my world!

Bela (Looks around the room with stars in her eyes): All this...for me?

[Y/N] (Walks over to her and places his hands on her shoulders): Wise words for the wise, My Beloved Knowledge Seeker.

[Cassandra Dimitrescu - Which Do You Want To Try First?]

[He knew that his beloved was getting bored with the same methods of torment for the trespassers and tainted maidens of Castle Dimitrescu - A Bored Cassandra made a Pissed-Off [Y/N] & he was going to fix that. How? By giving his lover some new toys to play with and punish people with. He went to the Duke - who seemed to have anything and everything you needed right there in his carriage - and asked the fat man if he had any blueprints for torment devices. Chuckling, the Duke told the man that he came across a man who made blueprints of the torture devices another man made to test the will to live of unworthy people and managed to convince him to part with them for a fair sum of coin. [Y/N] smiled like the Cheshire Cat at this news and offered to buy those plans from Duke right then and there, the fat man smiled and gave the plans to [Y/N] for a discounted price and told him that if he needs metal or tools, he could get those for him if he had the coin - he had the coin and paid it right then and there.]

[For the last 3 months - Alcina told the girls not to go in the cellar because there was 'construction' going on down there. Cassandra was curious because her lover had been working in the cellar for long hours and returned to her covered in oil and rush. On the last week of the 3rd month - [Y/N] treated his girl to a movie marathon of the famous horror-thriller genre 'SAW'. Cassandra was in love with the traps and that just made the man's smile get wider and wider the larger his wife's eyes got.]

[The next morning during breakfast - [Y/N] announced that he was done with the project he was taking care of in the basement and asked Cassandra to come with him to see it; a smirk slithered on Alcina's face as she asked if she and her other 2 daughters could see as well, he said yes. The Dimitrescu Family walked down to the cellar and their eyes lit up as new torment devices laid before them - it was like seeing new presents for Christmas.]

[Y/N] (Looks at Cassandra with a smile on his face): Darling, I've noticed you were getting bored with your constant methods of torment, so I decided you needed some new toys to play with and - yes - these are the same models from the SAW Movies we watched the night before.

Cassandra (Throws her arms around her lover and kisses him): Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This is going to be perfect!

[Y/N] (Smiles at Cassandra): Anything and everything for my fire-spark. Now, a question: Which do you want to try first?

[Daniela Dimitrescu - Blade Or Bullet?]

[If there was one thing [Y/N] knew about this red-haired wife it was that she loved weapons; all kinds of weapons. From the shortest of blades to the loudest of guns, any kind of weapon would bring a smile to her face; thus, bring a smile to his face.]

[He was going through this phone one day when he noticed a large collection of weapons was going for auction from the heard of Romania, he signed up and risked every Lei he had for the woman he loved more than life itself. When he ended up winning, he gave the address of the castle - most people knew it as the High Preistess' Village - and was told to wait for 3 to 4 weeks for the collection to be procured and delivered.]

[On the fourth week - Daniela was snuggling with her lover in front of the fire when there was a knock at the castle doors, one of the nearby maids bowed to excuse herself and walked to the door to open it - coming face to face with a man in a strange suit.]

Maid: May I help you?

Strange Man: Yes. Is there are Lady Daniela Dimitrescu & Lord [Y/N]-Dimitrescu here?

Maid (Raises her eyebrow): Yes but what do you want with the Lord and Lady?

Strange Man: I have a package for Lady Daniela Dimitrescu and the package requires Lord [Y/N] [L/N]-Dimitrescu's Signature.

[The Maid raised her eyebrow again before asking the man to wait a moment before closing the door and relaying the message to Daniela and [Y/N] - The former of whom looked confused while the latter had a large smile across his face. The two of them walked out of the castle to meet the man - due to the cold weather, [Y/N] got Dani a very warm coat to keep her safe from the ice. He handed [Y/N] a clipboard and pen for the man to sign the papers and once they were signed, he handed the Lord a stack of papers.]

Stange Man: These are the Proof of Authenticity for each and every one of your purchases, My Lord. (Reaches into his pocket and pulled out a golden key) And here is the key to unlocking your purchases, My Lord.

[Y/N] (Takes the key with a smile): Thank you, Kind Soldier. You are dismissed.

[The Soldier gave the Lord, Lady, and Maid a salute before turning on his heel and walking back to his vehicle where his comrades were waiting for him and drove away.]

Daniela (Looking at the large box that towered over her): Love, what the hell is this box?

[Y/N] (Smirking): Good question. (Hands Dani the key) Why don't you open it and find out?

[Raising her eyebrow - the Youngest of the Dimitrescu Daughters walked over to the large lock and inserted the key to open it, removed it from the loop, and pushed to box open. Her jaw began to fall as they laid upon the most amount of weapons she has ever seen in her life.]

[Y/N]: A Question, Darling: Blade or Bullet? Answer: You never have to choose again because you now own them all.

[Donna Beneviento - More Refined Than The Finest Silks]

Donna (Walking down the stairs - without her veil - looking for her husband but finds her Doll Companion - Angie - fiddling with her 'Father's' phone): Angie, do you know where [Y/N] is?

Angie (Looks up from the phone): He said he had to head into the village to get something from the Duke; he left in a hurry so it must have been important.

Donna (Raised her eyebrow): The Duke?

Angie: Yeah, he got a letter from the Duke saying that the 'package' he ordered had arrived and he dropped his phone and ran out of the house to pick it up.

[Donna was concerned for a moment - not because she thought her husband was up to something, she always knew that she could rely on him to remain faithful to her and only her - but she noticed that he didn't take his short blade for protection. Karl already informed the Lycans to leave him alone but ever since [Y/N] killed the Alpha, the Lycans loved to attack him to see if one of them could take him down to see how would be the next alpha of the pack. Donna's worries melted away when the door opened and her husband walked in with 2 small - enough to fit under his arms - but big - large enough to make it hard for him to carry - boxes under both his arms. He smiled at Donna and he waddled to the table in the dining room and placed the large wooden boxes on the table.]

[Y/N] (Panting): Sorry for not telling you where I was going, when Duke wrote to me to inform me that he had the package, I was too excited.

Donna (Walks over him and places her hand on his chest): That's understandable, My Love, but what was so important about these packages?

[The mad said nothing - only smiled as he became to open the boxes on the right then the box on the left before throwing the lids off and Donna's eyes widened at the contents of the boxes. The first box was filled to the brim with fine rolls of silk in various colors while the 2nd box contained the parts of dolls but made from a very lovely & pale but smooth wood.]

Donna (Looks at her husband): Darling... what is this?

[Y/N]: When I went into town, Duke told me that you were asking him when he would be able to get some new wood to make your doll parts but he didn't have an answer. So I purchased fine silks and parts from another place and asked Duke to pick them up for me.

Donna: But...Why would you do this for me?

[Y/N] (Places his hand on Donna's chin to make her look into his eyes): Because, My Love, you are more refined than the finest silks and there is nothing I won't do for you.

[End]

[ask-de-writer]

THE PRICE OF AMBER : Part 21 of 23

This takes place shortly after MASTER SARGENT (RET.) WARRIN’S HEARTHWARMING  

Return to the Master Story Index

Return to MLP Fan Fiction

THE PRICE OF AMBER

Part 21 of 23

by

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

29012 words

New to the story?  Read from the beginning HERE  

© 2020 by Glen Ten-Eyck

Inspired by a bit of silliness shared with

@frostlass-and-the-gang

All    rights reserved.  This document may not be copied or distributed on or   to any medium or placed in any mass storage system except by the   express  written consent of the author.

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Users    of Tumblr.com are specifically granted the following rights.  They   may   reblog the story provided that all author and copyright   information   remains intact.  They may use the characters or original   characters in   my settings for fan fiction, fan art works, cosplay, or fan musical   compositions.

All sorts of fan art, cosplay, music or fiction is actively encouraged.

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Dawn Fire smiled agreeably, “Calling him is certainly a good idea. Before you do, though, I am sending you direct copies of all of the criminal documents.  I am sure that he will want to see them.”

As Countess Arianne happily looked over the documents as they came to her Magic Net mirror.  “Oh my, Duke Deepinit appears to have tried to jump onto the ferry boat after it left the dock, doesn't he?  I KNOW that King Leiuee will want to do something about this.

“Duke Deepinit was at the Court in Gaiparee where Notes of Payment were outlawed except as transfers of wealth between banking institutions and those required to be payed in gold in thirty days or less.

“This is ALL flat out illegal and better, the Duke knew it when he did it. I love how clearly you have spelled out the criminal charges and directly connected them to Prance's banking law, Royal Edict, treaty violation, and, as the Notes were not paid at all with the Required Bankruptcy not filed, breaching the Royal Exchequer.

“I will give this whole package to King Leiuee at once.”

“Thank you, Countess.  We shall be repairing to the Shire Bank to take care of the local end of this mess.”

Emerging from the office, he announced, “Please come with me.  We are going to the Shire Bank.  They will be restoring your titles and making up the unlawful payments that have been extorted from you.”

At the Shire Bank, they were met by a haughty clerk who demanded, “And why should I allow you to see Msgr Squire?  This is but a rabble of debtors facing foreclosure.”

Dawn Fire quietly proffered a paper.  “This is a Royal Warrant signed and sealed by King Leiuee.  If Msgr Squire does not comply with repairing these frauds, he shall be placed under Royal Arrest, the bank put into receivership and these frauds dealt with by the Royal Exchequer's receiver.”

“This must be a forgery!   Gandarmarie!”

To his surprise, four of the Gandarmarie stepped briskly into the bank foyer!  To his worse surprise, they spoke directly to Dawn Fire, “Knife Holder, how may we serve you?”

“First, Please verify that this is indeed a genuine Royal Warrant.  Then, if this clerk will not open Msgr Squire's office that we may serve the warrant, please, as the local representatives of the Royal Law, open that door and serve the warrant to Msgr Squire.”

The Gandarmes politely informed the clerk, “The Royal Warrant is indeed genuine.  It was delivered to our station Magic Net mirror directly from the horn of King Leiuee in Gaiparee.  Will you cooperate with its service or must we charge you as an acessory to the crimes involved?”

The clerk swallowed hard and simply turned to open the door to the office.  A harsh voice snarled, “Porman!  I told you that I was not to be interrupted!  I am working on the Havaplace foreclosure and eviction!”

“I am sorry, Msgr Shire but these people have a Royal Warrant requiring your signature now.”

“Pish! Put it at the bottom of my inbasket.  I will sign it when I get to it!”

At that, all four Gandarmes shoved past Porman and slapped the Royal Warrant onto Shire's desk!  “Sir!  You are served with this Warrant from King Leiuee in person!  You MUST read it and sign it!  If you do not, we are required to sign the affidavit of service and take you directly to the gaol to await King Leiuee's pleasure.

“If you carry out the required actions in regard to the Warrant, you can avoid the criminal charge of accomplice to Duke Deepinit's treason and other charges that he faces.”

Shire curled a lip and laid his ears back into his shaggy, off red mane! “When the Duke hears about this travesty, he will be . . .”

Dawn Fire cut him off cheerfully, “He is fully aware of all the charges that he faces and the evidence against him!”  He stamped a hoof for emphasis as he finished, “He was taken into Royal Custody at the direct order of King Leiuee at 9:45 AM this morning!  His present lodging has bars on the door and the single window!”

Shire began to frantically read the Warrant!  He looked up even more ashen faced than his usual mostly white, tinged with green fur.  He did tap the verification codes into his desk's Magic Net mirror.  Horrified at what he heard, he slashed his signature in the required space!

Instead of the Gandarmes, Dawn Fire signed the Witness to Service section. There was still no name.  It read, “Princess Luna, by her authorized Agent.”

To Msgr Shire's unpleasant surprise, the Gandarmes nodded, “Just as King Leiuee told us to expect.”  They took their copy and left two, one for Dawn Fire and one for Shire.

The banker made one more try to wriggle off the hook by suggesting, “Um, this mess could take weeks to sort out.”

“No. All the titles are here, in this bank.  You need only remove them from the files and sign them back as PAID IN FULL.  You then, from those same files need to find and pay the full amount of the Notes of Payment.  As you hold and administer them for Duke Deepinit, you are solely liable for them.  Collection of your expenses from the Duke is YOUR responsibility.

“One other thing.  Each victim of this fraud will receive an additional sum equal to all of their payments and costs, even if those were drawn against the original Note.”

Smiling in a forced way, at Shire, Dawn Fire reached across his desk and picked up a file.  He neatly extracted two papers from it.  He laid them on the banker's desk and tapped at spaces.  “Sign here to return Mister Hishine's shop and home to him.  Sign the Note of Payment in the presentation box.  Mister Hishine has his documentation of expenses here.  Simply add them up and double them.

“You see how quick and easy it is?  Except for your signature releasing each title, your clerks can do it all, even to giving out the hard currency from your vaults.  They do know how to get receipts for the payments.  

“This will all be done by closing tonight or your bank will be.  Closed, I mean.”

With a genuine smile, Fleur and Dawn Fire escorted Mister Hishine out to the teller's lobby to get his money.  As they walked out, Dawn Fire offered, “Come, Mister Hishine.  Let us go and set your shop back into order.  I then have some business for you.”

TO BE CONTINUED

<==PREVIOUS ~~ NEXT==>

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[slowburnsunsets]

saiouma phantom thief + soulmate au where you can temporarily see the prints of wherever your soulmate touches once you turn the age of 18.

when saihara’s 18th birthday comes up, all his friends are excited for him. the chances may be slim, but there’s still the possibility that his soulmate even goes to their school! wouldn’t that be something?

unfortunately, no such thing seems to be the case as a few days pass by and saihara has yet to see any prints of his soulmate’s. undeterred by this, though, his more hopeful friends assure him that he’ll find his soulmate eventually.

-

about a week after his birthday, a museum is reportedly robbed by none other than the infamous phantom thief. saihara’s uncle ends up being called to the crime scene to investigate, and brings his nephew along as well.

you can imagine saihara’s confusion when he sees that the crime scene is littered with dimly glowing footsteps, already starting to fade. the signature sign of a soulmate’s touch.

he tries to chalk it up to maybe it being one of the other examiners or forensics on the scene? but that wouldn’t make any sense, because they’re all way too old for him . . . and the footsteps are pretty small for any of the ones closer to his age. not to mention they’re already starting to fade, meaning they’ve been here a while . . . but it’s 9 in the morning, so that would mean the footsteps would have to have been made at least a couple of hours ago. who would’ve been here near the dead of night?

he ends up filing it to the back of his mind, because his uncle is starting to notice his distraction, and for some reason he can’t really explain, he feels as though this discovery might be something that’s best to keep to himself for now.

-

a day passes by, and true to the phantom thief’s M.O., a letter is sent to the police station. their pattern has always followed the same M.O.:

first, a robbery is committed; the tricky part is trying to figure out the location, because it never seems to stick to one type of place—sometimes it’s a regular old jewelry store and the next time it’s a high-end established business company that delves in tech, etc.

next, the following day after the robbery, a letter is sent by with an encrypted message (they’ve only ever managed to solve 1 out of the 7 coded letters sent, the 1 being solved by detective prodigy kirigiri kyoko).

then, the letter is always accompanied by some random object; this part at least sticks to a slightly more understandable pattern, because it’s almost always some object that one would associate with a kid—ex. one time they received a rubber duck, the next time it was a lone crayon, and the time after that was a plushie in the form of a horse.

and lastly, the most crucial part of it all that differentiates the phantom thief from so many previous masterminds of criminology: the object that was stolen is always sent back, and if it isn’t sent to the police station, it’s returned directly back into where it came from, as though it was never taken in the first place— doesn’t matter how guarded the crime scene may be, because somehow, no one ever sees anything (but why? and how?)

-

a few days pass by again, and saihara—really, he didn’t mean to, it just kinda happened—manages to actually decipher the encryption on accident. the letter reveals the location of the next place to be robbed.

he reports to his uncle that he’s accidentally solved the letter, only leaving out one important detail: the letter was covered in glowing fingerprints that only saihara could see. the theory of the phantom thief being his soulmate is so impossible, and yet, the only explanation for those prints to be on the letter would require that to be true:

the letter and objects are always sealed in an envelope, inside a package. the prints were on both the inside and outside of the box, and all over the letter and objects, which no one else could have touched directly.

all evidence is sealed into plastic bags and are never touched without the usage of gloves to avoid tainting of a crime scene or clues.

even the mail service wouldn’t have been able to touch the inside of a sealed shut package and an unopened envelope.

so naturally, just to prove that he’s just being unreasonable and that his theory is definitely not possible, saihara decides to test it.

protection units are assigned to the next targeted location, and saihara goes with his uncle to check up on the scene and once and for all debunk his theory.

it’s a gallery most known for its exhibition dedicated to a famous photographer prodigy, but saihara has never really been one for that type of art, so he can’t recall the name of them.

when his uncle isn’t looking, saihara quickly takes the opportunity to put his plan into motion. he doesn’t know where exactly the thief will strike, nor what will they take, so he opts for the entrance to one of the larger exhibitions that’s more open and bare. impossible to miss or not pass through.

then, as best as he can without really being able to tell, saihara traces his finger along the wall to write out a single question:

can you see this?

it’s a long shot, because saihara doesn’t know if his soulmate’s even 18 yet, or if the letter was even telling the truth at all and this location was just a red herring. but it’s all he’s got. and if the phantom thief truly is his soulmate, and all the circumstances are right, then they should see it, right?

saihara hopes he’s wrong.

-

he is not wrong, he finds out the next day, when he returns to the newly created crime scene and finds—much to his absolute internal shock—a response written in the form of glowing prints:

duh, of course i can! i have eyes, y’know?

-

and just when saihara thinks things can’t possibly get any more complicated, another letter is sent to the station—same M.O. and all. except this time, there’s one thing very different about this one.

on the back of the letter, in fading, glowing writing, another address is written. with it, a note.

what a coincidence that we’re tied together! life’s funny like that, so i’ll give you a freebie just this once, my detective. but if you’re gonna be my soulmate, you’ve gotta be able to keep up with me, okay? so after this, no more freebies. you wanna catch me, right? then you’ve got to work for that!

i look forward to our future chases.

-the phantom thief

saihara nearly faints as the sudden revelation that only he can see, his uncle—who’s standing right next to him—none the wiser to this development.

. . . you’ve got to be kidding him.

this ended up being longer than i meant for it to be, sorry.

[scriibble-fics]

Untitled: Grindelwald Wins Canon Divergence

Excerpt from the Grindelwald Wins Jily canon divergence fic I'm toying with. I always feel like there's more romance and smut than ~world building~ in my fics, so this is an attempt to rectify that with world building and romance and smut.

On an average Friday in October, at eight in the evening, James Potter’s life changes forever.

Further, all that occurs that day, and all that will occur in the future—good and bad—is Sirius Black’s fault.

After all, Sirius had refused to step outside to sign for the packages for delivery to Potters’ Potions Plus. He hadn’t even offered a very good excuse, just some vague muttering of taking inventory in the stockroom, when in reality, James had never seen him attempt so much as a glance at the books in the seven years they’d spend working for his parents. No, even as he’d watched Sirius’ graceful, loping form disappear from behind the store’s polished counter, he’d known that Sirius had avoided answering the door’s buzzer because he hadn’t wanted to fall into conversation with Alexei, the delivery wizard from Mr. Mulpepper’s Apothecary who always attempted an upsell. He’d left James to it instead, just as he had every week for seven years.

The delivery should have gone just like it had every other week for seven years, and it does, until suddenly it doesn’t.

“Quiet out,” Alexei notes as James skims the thick stack of parchment on the clipboard in front of him. “You ever see the alley this quiet?”

James grunts in return, eyes fixed to the tiny numbers assigned to the prices column. Working alongside his mum, he’s long-since grown used to the way that she can add numbers in her head with the speed of magic. His own mental math comes along slower, and requires more concentration.

Alexei had obviously expected more of a reaction. “Even the shutters are closed most places,” he goes on, bald head tipped back to stare up towards the towering shops that surround them, some surpassing six or seven stories. “And the birds aren’t making a sound. Have you noticed?”

Truly? No. But he’d been stuck inside all day, catering to clientele and doing his best to copy his dad’s easy-going nature and his mum’s head for business, just as he’d spent most days since graduating Hogwarts. A headache had started to form that morning, nestled between his brows, and hadn’t let up since.

“I passed a great mob of people up near the Cauldron.” James hears rather than sees Alexei scratch his beard, his nails scraping across the rough hairs. “Looked like—well, you know how it is, James. Looked like a bit of a rough crowd. Some of it was just Grindel’s Gang, but I’d wager there was a mudblood or two or three mixed up there too, and maybe some others. It’s so hard to say. People go masked just about everywhere these days, so it’s hard to know who fits in where. It’s part of the reason people choose your mum and dad’s shop—people know who they’re doing business with. That’s important.”

“Alexei.” The sharpness in his tone surprises even James, and he lifts a hand to his glasses, pushing them up so he can rub at the corners of his aching eyes. He takes a breath, intent on tempering his tone. Behind him, the tiny shop bell in the doorway of Potters’ Potions Plus tinkles in the faint, cool fall breeze. “Sorry. I’m just trying to concentrate here.”

“Oh, sure, sure. Don’t let me bother you.”

Easier said than done.

“Do you hear that?” Alexei asks a second later, and James’ fingers contract painfully around the clipboard in front of him until his knuckles turn white. “No, seriously, James. Do you hear that?” Only the note of sheer panic in Alexei’s voice inspires James to look up.

He hears it all a moment later.

Screams. Faint, and echoing fainter still, but screams nonetheless. They’d formed a common fixture in Diagon Alley, and an even more common fixture in nearby Knockturn Alley, but had increased even more steadily of late.

“Go,” he tells Alexei immediately, thrusting the clipboard into his arms. “Get the delivery inside and then go, get out of here before—”

Alexei all but throws the clipboard back in return. “I can’t,” he says, his voice cracking. A loud gust of wind bursts through the narrow streets all at once, and the sheets of parchment stand straight up, straining as if to break free. Over Alexei’s head, James watches a huge cloud of smoke join the wind, black as coal and reeking of death. “You have—I need you to sign for it, show that I delivered it—otherwise—”

It’s all almost laughable, Alexei’s insistence and the exchange that follows, those motions of business that they both go through despite the ever-growing closeness of chaos. Truly, James’ mum would have been proud. Or horrified. Or both.

“I don’t have a quill—”

“Here—” Alexei produces a crumpled quill from his pocket—self-inking, praise Godric—one with the feathered tip bent painfully to one side. In several short, jerking strokes, James scrawls his signature to the bottom of the final page. The quill flies through the air as he tries to pass it back to Alexei, in his hand one moment and flickering through the air the next. It vanishes as if Disapparating.

Speaking of Disapparating—

“Shit, shit, shit—” Alexei speaks not for the quill that had fled his grasp, but with a glance towards the sky, as if he feels a change in the air that far surpasses the dark storm clouds that swiftly overtake the promising blue sky. “Shit—do you feel that? It’s—”

“Disapparation wards.” James licks his lips as the cloying smell of smoke drifts ever closer, followed by screams so shrill and piercing that the hair on the back of his neck erupts to stand on end. “Yes, just—go. I’ll get it all inside. You just—”

Alexei doesn’t need more prompting. Lowering his head, he charges off without another word, the clipboard secured under one arm and his face set into a firm grimace.

Although he runs in the opposite direction of the chaos—of the smoke, of the screams, of the wind, of it all—James never sees him again. He isn’t the first person in James’ life to disappear into the night and never return, and he won’t be the last.

Under Grindelwald’s regime, things are just like that.

[adventuresinwonderlust]

Title: More than Words

Pairing: Idol! yoongi x reader

Warnings: smut, fluff, angst, thigh riding, dirty talk

Rating: 18 and over

Permanent Tag List: @heyimtavia​ @mochilicious-yoongi​

Y/N:

You were hustling to get to his studio before 12pm, knowing damn well once 12pm hit, you wouldn’t be able to grab his attention. You rush up the hall, iced americano in hand, and bang your knuckles onto the door of his studio.

*Silence*

You pace back and forth from one leg to the other waiting for him to answer the door. Impatient, you knock again. The door swings open and before you stands your boyfriend Min Yoongi. “Hi!” You smile excitedly, handing over the coffee you purchased for him. He smiles wide at you, grabbing the coffee with one hand and pulling you towards him with the other hand. He hugs you tightly, kissing your cheek and breathing you in. “Thank you so much jagi.” “You’re welcome. I wanted to give you some fuel for your day. I'm excited to spend the evening with you.” You explain stepping back to adjust your purse on your shoulder. “Uh, yeah, about that.” He winces and you feel your heart drops knowing what’s coming next. You swallow back the lump in your throat, clearing it completely. “Jagi, I completely forgot, and I told the members we could record the new track tonight. I’m so sorry, please don’t be upset. I know this is a surprise.” You felt the anger sear up inside you. How could he forget? You knew he was busy, but this was too much. “No, I’m not surprised. This is just how you are Yoongi, my busy bee. Honestly, I'd be surprised if we actually hung out tonight. Please, don’t worry about it. We can catch up another night. Have a great recording session.” You give a tight smile, blowing a kiss to him before sauntering off, leaving him standing at the studio door.

Yoongi:

He couldn’t move. He just stood there watching her walk off. His heart thumping in his chest. Her words echoing in his head. ‘Honestly, I'd be surprised if we actually hung out tonight.’ He couldn’t lose her, not when she was the best thing to ever happen to him. He was so in love with her, how could he be so stupid and allow his work to come in the way of his relationship. He growled under his breath, pulling out his phone. “Namjoon-ah, I can't record tonight. I have to take care of some other things tonight. Let’s reschedule for next week.” He hangs up and immediately makes another phone call. “Hi yes, It’s Min Yoongi. I need a favor.” Yoongi smiles sneakily, biting his lip.

Y/N:

You stand sulking in front of the microwave, listening to the kernels of your popcorn settle, ready to take it out before it burns. Just as you are about to yank the door open to your microwave, you startle at the sound of your doorbell ringing, huffing at how silly you are for getting such a fright. You walk over to the door, pressing your ear to it. “Who is it?” “Courier, special delivery, signature needed.” “You have the wrong address. I’m not expecting a delivery.” “Is this Miss Y/F/N Y/L/N?” “Yes.” You almost whisper. “Uh, Ma’am, please I have a lot more drop offs tonight, and this requires a signature or else I can't leave.” Your brow furrows at what it could possibly be that’s so urgent. You open the door slightly, eyeing the courier suspiciously. “Sign here please.” He hands you clipboard. You sign it, handing it back, and he then hands you a black gift box tied with silver ribbon. “Who is this from?” “I just deliver the packages ma’am but whoever it's from, they must really like you cause these deliveries are not cheap. Have a great night.”

You make your way back into your apartment and plop down onto your couch. You pull open the ribbon and lift the lid of the box to reveal a small white card atop white tissue paper. You lift the card out of the box and read the small cursive text.

‘Meet me at the Rooftop Del Mar and wear this. A car will be by in one hour. Xo Y.’

You pull the tissue paper from the box to reveal a black drape neck mini dress. Your mouth falls open as you feel the soft material and you run to jump into the shower. You are dressed and done up in under the hour time limit. You head downstairs and are greeted by a driver who is holding a tablet with your name on it. “I’m Y/N.” You say and the driver opens the back passenger door for you. You take a seat and attempt to call Yoongi but it goes straight to voice-mail.

You are at the restaurant in no time and soon the driver is opening the door and helping you to exit. “Welcome,” A male host greets you upon entrance into the restaurant, “Please follow me. You are our guest of honor.” You can’t help but blush, unsure of what’s going on. Your head is hazy and the feeling of butterflies fluttering in your tummy has you a bit queasy. You are escorted up to the rooftop, the elevator opening to an extravagantly set up dining area. There are no tables set up, only what seems like hundreds of bouquets of roses, pillar candles, and a red carpet. Your mouth hangs open and you look around drinking everything in. “Enjoy madam.” The host bows and gets back onto the elevator to leave. “Uh, wait. I don’t know what’s going on.” You stutter, your mouth dry.

You hear a click and suddenly your favorite love song plays on the overhead and you feel your heart thump in your chest. “May I have this dance?” Yoongi appears before you. Your jaw drops at how amazing he looks dressed in a white shimmering suit with pink embroidered top. He smiles at you, taking you in. “You look beautiful, jagi.”

Yoongi:

“How? Why? I thought you had to work?” She questions, picking at her fingers. “Work can wait. You can’t. I’ve been working too much and neglecting you, the most important person to me. I’m sorry for that jagi. I wanted to show you just how much you mean to me, just how much I love you, here, tonight. So, may I have this dance?” He smirks, holding his hand out to her.

She smiles that big beautiful smile and moves towards him, taking his hand. He pulls her towards him, her giggle filling him with joy. They begin to sway side to side, her palm resting on his chest, his hand on the small of her back. “Won’t you get in trouble for not recording the new track?” She inquires. Yoongi shrugs. “The thought of losing you trumps any trouble I could ever get in.” He says, twirling her around. She giggles again, her body pressed against him when she returns to him.

They gaze into each other’s eyes and all Yoongi can think about is how much he loves her, how he’d do anything to see her smile the way she is right now, and how he’d never do anything to jeopardize what they’ve built. “What?” She chuckles, her cheeks reddening. “You’re just so beautiful. I can’t stop looking at you.” He whispers, leaning in to plant a kiss on her soft lips. “Dinner is served outside sir.” The host appears. Yoongi nods, leading Y/N out through the decorated area, and onto the deck where a beautiful candlelit dinner has been setup.

Yoongi pulls out the chair for her to sit and takes a seat across from her on the bench. He looks up at the night sky, thinking how not one star in that sky shines as bright as his gorgeous Y/N. “Yoongi, this is so amazing. You didn’t have to do all this.” She assures almost nervously. Yoongi reaches his hand across the table to take hers. “Of course, I did. You mean the world to me and I’m sorry that I haven’t been doing right by you. It’s wrong of me to always put you on the back burner. Yes, work is important but all these accolades and then no one to share them with? If my whole world fell apart, I know I’d be ok, so long as I have you. You deserve someone who cares and I do, so much. I promise to show you that often jagi. More than words, actions. I never want to lose you, us.”

Yoongi sees the tears forming in her eyes and he brings her hand to his lips to comfort her. “Don’t cry my love.” She stands immediately, walking over to sit in Yoongi’s lap, her head in the crook of his neck. He pulls her close, the feel of her warm body against his bringing him such comfort. “I love you so much Yoongi. I was so scared earlier, like you just didn’t care anymore but this is so amazing. You’ve made me so happy. I don’t want to lose us either.” “Never jagi. Never.” He whispers, kissing her shoulder. She shifts in his lap, moving to plant kisses on his lips. He doesn’t fuss, instead letting her dig her hands in his hair to tug at his locks.

He can’t help but moan when she drags her tongue along his bottom lip. He opens his mouth for her and she wastes no time deepening the kiss, swirling her tongue around his. She breaks the kiss, licking her lips seductively as she stands. Yoongi looks past her, smirking when the host steps out to check on them then immediately turns to walk back in when Y/N straddles Yoongi. “Jagi, we’re still in public. Let’s finish dinner and we can head back home.” Yoongi pants, his breath catching in his throat when she thrust her hips forward. She shakes her head in opposition and Yoongi frowns. “I want you now.” She whines. “Not going to happen my love.” Yoongi declares.

She bites her bottom lip, her eyes glinting with that dark lustful look Yoongi knows too well. “I’m serious.” He warns. “Me too.” She teases, planting an open mouth kiss on his neck, suckling at his flesh. Her hand dripping down to massage at his manhood. Yoongi sucks in a breath, wrapping his arm around her waist and lifting her off her feet. He walks over to a secluded area, covered by greenery and potted trees. Yoongi takes a good look around, happy to have found a spot out of camera view.

Y/N:

“My poor naughty girl. It’s my fault you can barely control yourself.” Yoongi whispers against your collar bone, planting kisses against it. “It is.” You moan, attempting to reach down to grab his erection until Yoongi grabs both your wrist in one of his large hands. “No, no, no my love. Tonight, is all about you.” He smirks, taking his bottom lip between his teeth. He raises your hands above your head, holding them in place there. He lifts his bent knee up and anchors it into the wall between your legs, planting his flexed thigh into your heat. He grips your hip with his free hand and drags you across his thigh. You gasp out loud and watch the devilish grin spread across Yoongi’s face. “That’s it baby. Use me. I want to make you feel good, watch you cum.” You whimper at his words.

Bending your knees to gain better footing, you soon begin to rock back and forth along his firm thigh, your needy bud throbbing and hardening with each thrust. “My gorgeous girl. So needy, I’ve neglected you for too long, haven’t I? Dying for release?” “Yess. Yoongi. I need you.” “I’m right here baby. Watching you, wanting you so badly. You look so beautiful. So hot against my thigh. Soaking into my pants.” He whispers, licking at the shell of your ear. You moan out, rocking harder against him, bending your knees further to press more of your electrified bean into his tensed muscle. Your panties are completely soaked and the friction against your nerve endings has you coming undone faster than you had anticipated.

“Yoongi, so close. So…. God damn close.” You mewl, throwing your head back. Yoongi releases your hands, taking your hips into his hands now. You grip his shoulders, staring into his eyes as he presses his thigh into you more, aiding you across his thigh at an accelerated rate. Your mouth falls open, and you pant frantically, your throat drying. “That’s it jagi. Let go, soak my thigh, cum for me baby.” “Oh god,” You cry out, the coil deep inside your belly tightening. You clench your cunt suddenly, your coil snapping immediately. “Oh, yes! Yoongi, I’m cumming.” You shout, digging your nails into his shoulders. He pulls you into a kiss, one hand buried in your hair the other on your ass, still dragging you across his thigh. He swallows your sobbed moans with his tongue, slowing the pace as you come back from your high.

You pull away from him, pressing your back against the wall. Yoongi stretches his leg, the very apparent wet spot glistening in the moonlight. “I ruined your suit.” You say breathlessly. He shrugs looking down at it. “I don’t care about the suit. How do feel?” “OK, like I want more.” He smiles his wide gummy smile and moves towards you, pressing his body into yours. He kisses you softly. “Like I said it’s all actions from here forward jagi. Whatever you want. Although, maybe we should eat?” You giggle, kissing him again. “OK, maybe just a quick bite.” “That’s my girl.”

[hiro-gari]

Troublemaker

Garou x GN Reader

Warnings: vague webcomic spoilers, canon divergence, language, slight manhandling, mostly SFW

~

The first time you saw him was purely by accident. Typically, you’d wait for the sound of the delivery truck rumbling away before sneaking your package off the porch in your bare feet...

But you hadn’t even heard him arrive.

And so, instead of going for a walk as planned, you were standing stunned, with the door wide open. You weren’t expecting anyone to be there to begin with, but the sight of him specifically had you reeling internally. The look on your face must have reflected as much, and he stopped in his tracks, eyebrows raised.

He seemed very out of place; his face a little too wild, framed by haphazard spikes of silvery hair, and certainly too handsomely built for any delivery guy. He shifted the box resting on his shoulder, his golden eyes catching the light from under the shadow of the cap he was wearing. It was only then you realized he was speaking to you.

“What..?”

“Where do ya want this-”

Before you could react, the box was on the ground, and he was crouched down. He was holding your cat with both hands, slowly picking her up. You hadn’t even noticed her dart out between your legs, and you wondered how he’d managed to set down the box and perfectly catch the agile creature in the time it took you to blink.

“Here,” he handed her off to you, calloused hands brushing your arms as he did, “you should probably keep her indoors.”

“Sorry, thank you, uh- sir...”

“Garou.” He corrected, picking up the box again. You tried not to ogle at the way his arms flexed with each movement, “I’ll set this inside then, since your hands are full.”

You kicked the door wide open, perhaps a little enthusiastically, and he followed you through the doorway. He set the package to the side.

“Is this fine?” He scarcely waited for your reply, and his hand was already on the door.

“Garou,” you started without thinking. The way he looked back at you made your throat tighten, but it wasn’t every day you had a man this fine in your house, “can I get you a coffee or anything?”

He seemed to hesitate, tapping a finger thoughtfully on the doorknob. He eyed you up and down with sudden curiosity, and you felt a flush creeping up your neck.

“Thanks, but I really-“ he started before the horn from the truck blared from the street, causing you both to jerk towards the sound.

“Sorry, I hadn’t realized you had someone waiting for you,” you said apologetically, letting the cat squirm out of your hands and run to the bedroom.

“Asshole...” he growled. You stepped closer and peered around him to glare at the man causing all the noise on the street. “It’s my first day that’s all, I’ll be on my own soon enough,” he added indignantly, as though he’d been offended.

“Oh, of course.”

“Yeah, but thanks anyways, er, what was your name?”

“Y/N,” you replied, glancing up at him. He leaned almost too close, and yet, you didn’t back away from him.

“Y/N,” he grinned, flashing canines that seemed a little too sharp. He brushed your hair out of your face so smoothly you barely registered that it had happened at all. “Next time, ‘kay?” As he stepped outside, the thought of giving him your number crossed your mind. But the words wouldn’t come, and you were sure your face was beet red by now. He didn’t give you a chance anyways, not hesitating for a moment as he closed the door behind him.

~

As determined as you were to restore your dignity when he returned, things were not going as planned.

For starters, the man on your porch this time was, well, a disappointment to say the least. It was a short, squat man, with an expression that looked as though he were about to fall asleep at your doorstep. There was no sign of that tall, gorgeous man you’d met days earlier. If your dismay showed on your face whatsoever, the man paid no mind to it. He only shoved the notepad into your hand with a barely decipherable grunt. And of course, you’d made sure specifically to require a signature, just to make sure you wouldn’t miss him.

Darn.

Avoiding eye contact as you signed, you asked casually,

“Where is Garou? Off today?” You handed the signed paper back to him. His brows shot up,

“Eh? Oh, the kid- nah he didn’t last. Caused all sorts of trouble for the boss,” he gave a half-hearted wave as he turned his back. “Ya don’t need to be gettin’ involved with a scoundrel like him,” he called over his shoulder as he went on his way.

Scoundrel? Trouble? All sorts? That was pretty vague.

Resigning to the fact you’d probably never see him again, you tried not to dwell on it.

~

The man’s warning probably should have deterred you from calling out his name the instant you recognized him.

He had you off the main street and tucked behind some dingy building almost before his name left your lips. You understood then, of course this wasn’t just some punk. This was a wanted man. Wanted by a lot of people, if his reaction was any indication.

“You?”

He studied your face, looking apologetic for half a second. As he should, considering the way his hand was clasped over your mouth. His hard body was roughly pressed against yours, scraping your back against the coarse brick. His eyebrows knitted together in an expression that was too terrifying to be simply annoyed, but he backed off slowly nonetheless.

“What the hell are you doin’ here?”

“I’m-” You were headed somewhere, though it seemed terribly irrelevant now. His closeness made it nearly impossible to form a coherent thought, let alone speak. “-was just on my way to work and recognized you...”

A half assed, mumbled explanation wasn’t going to cut it.

“But what do you want.” The authority in his voice was chilling.

“I was just glad, I didn’t think I’d ever see you again,” you added hurriedly. That alone granted you a slight twitch at the corner of his lips, pulling at his cold scowl, raising your confidence marginally. “That guy- one of the delivery guys said you were in some kind of trouble-”

“In trouble?” he pressed.

“Well, it kind of sounded like you caused it,” you tried to look down, anything to ease the pressure of his steady gaze.

“I see, and yet,” his fingers grazed your jaw, then firmly tilted your chin to face him again, “here you are.”

Those bright golden eyes searched yours, wandering over your face, fixating on the way your lips parted slightly as he encircled your waist experimentally. “Is this what you wanted after all?”

The small mewling sound you made was all the affirmation he needed. Grinning widely, he rumbled with what might have been a chuckle, or a growl. It resonated in his chest, which by now was pressed flush against yours as he pulled you closer. You clung to his broad shoulders with every ounce of strength left in your body, drunk on the heat radiating from him and the smell of his warm skin.

His lips touched your forehead sweetly, completely contradictory to the way his palms were coasting slowly along the curve of your hip. But suddenly his warmth was notably missing, and he pulled away. Your phone was now in his hand, deftly removed from your back pocket while your head was in the clouds.

“Hey-” you protested futilely. But now he was unlocking it, backing away from you, leaving you dumbfounded and wavering in his absence.

“Hate to tell ya this,” he was typing fast, talking as he did, “but I’ve got somewhere to be.” He placed the phone back into your hand with a crooked grin, lightly stroking your cheek with his thumb.

“Call me, baby.”

And he was gone.

~

Gathering your wits in the wake of his abrupt departure, you straightened yourself out, brushing the dirt and creases out of your clothing. Unable to contain your curiosity, you scanned through the contacts on your phone, eventually landing on his name:

[Garou😈]

You could only begin to guess at what that little face was supposed to mean.

You’d find out soon enough.

[keilemlucent]

lavender latte: ii

(T (for now!))

hawks | takami keigo x reader

chapter 1   ||   chapter 3   ||   chapter 4

ao3

word count: ~3k

You and Hawks’s second meeting.

warnings: mutual pining, shy reader-ish, ooc hawks, the fun stuff, fluff ; ) 

|||||||||||||

You didn’t hear anything from Hawks for the next few days. 

It was a fleeting disappointment, but you took his lack of contact as truth and reality. Some big shot, pro-hero wasn’t going to waste time texting a no-name, nobody barista, no matter how mutually flirty of an interaction was shared. 

Prior to actually meeting Hawks, you had seen the tabloids that his name spilled over. Shady stories of midnight rendezvous with models and celebrities, sultry pictures of his own on magazines at grocery store checkouts were a lot of your knowledge of him. He was a very eligible and active bachelor, everyone knew it. 

You reminded yourself that you didn’t mean shit to him, and moved on.

Until about a week from your first meeting, late into the evening, your phone buzzed.

You thought it was one of the team from the teashop, asking another question about a new blend you had made. 

Your eyes widened at the text that you did see:

 [unknown number]: hey angel ;) do you work tomorrow? it’s supposed to be a cold one and i’d love to try another one of your drinks

 You stared at your phone screen for a moment, mouth going dry before typing out a reply. 

 [you]: is this hawks?

 The next reply came only seconds later.

 [unknown number]: the one and only ;))))

  He... actually texted me?

Holy shit.

Another message came in. 

 [unknown number]: don’t tell me you go handing out your number to folks at work all the time :^( you’re gonna hurt my :^((( feelings :^((((

 You deadpanned at Hawks’s texts. 

You couldn’t believe the number two, pro hero texted like a normal twenty-some year old.

It was endearing, if not at the very least comforting.

 [you]: nah, just you tailfeathers 😉

[you]: i work tomorrow morning, opening shift. 6 am. think you can handle it???

 You giggled at your own texts, unable to hold back when you saw Hawks continuing to type. You quickly typed in a contact name.

 [tailfeathers]: E

[tailfeathers]: Z

[tailfeathers]: i’ll be there bright and early ;)

 Part of you, the rational, realistic part, doubted that. Sure, Hawks had texted you, but he wouldn’t actually show, right? He was a busy, busy man. He’d probably get sidetracked.

Don’t get your hopes up. 

 You tried to remain practical.

But, you also liked pushing your luck.

 [you]: see u then!!

[you]: btw your contact name is ���tailfeathers’ 

[you]: ;)

 [tailfeathers]: what if i told you yours is ‘barista angel’

 [you]: i’d ask if you saw my name on that conveniently small piece of paper i gave you

 [tailfeathers]: i would say yes

[tailfeathers]: but idk angel seems like a more proper title for u 

You felt your still and heat rush to your face. 

He can’t be flirting with you over text. What the FUCK.

 [tailfeathers]: only angels can make coffee as well as u 😇

 “What a bastard,” You shook your head, sighing. Part of you was glad he made it more clear your identity was tied to coffee and not affections. 

 [you]: u flatter me

 [tailfeathers]: i only speak the truth ;)

 You bit your lip as you typed out the next reply, well aware that the evening sky had darkened and you needed an adequate amount of sleep to actually make it to that morning shift. 

 [you]: i’m about to knock out so i can actually be alive for my shift, but i’ll see you tomorrow bird boy

 Hawks’s replied quickly as seemed to be a trend with him. 

 [tailfeathers]: bird boy!!!!! 

[tailfeathers]: i’m moving up in the world

[tailfeathers]: see u then angel 

 As you got ready for bed, going about your mundane routine and preparing the coming day, you had no idea that Keigo was across the city, cradling his phone to his chest with a wobbling smile on his face, a foreign sensation filling his chest. 

He was very excited to see you again, even if it took a few days to get that far.

 |||||||||||||||||||

 The next day was indeed, terribly cold. Despite bundling up in a thick, woolen coat and a knit scarf, you nearly froze on the way to work. Despite the chill, the rest of the morning crew made it in just a few minutes after you.

“I’ll be in back until there’s a rush, alright?” You called to the three openers, all silly college students from the local university. They were all sort of dense, but they were loveable.

“Okay!” One smiled as they flitted to the front counter and seating area.

The back of the teashop was a smaller commercial kitchen, all steel tables and cooking implements. Lots of tools to actually do your job. Though you were the maker of the tea blends for the shop, a lot of your work consisted of packaging and fulfilling orders as well as design work for the teashop’s online presence. Truthfully, you were more of a jack-of-all-trades type of worker, but nearly all of it confined you to the safety of the back kitchen. The lack of stimuli made it easier to work effectively, quirk activated or otherwise.

You tied your apron tight around your waist, adjusting a few of your buttons and smoothing yourself down. The back remained frigid in the mornings, and you could only be glad you were layered up for the day. You pulled out your company-issued tablet and began tapping away with the stylus as the shop prepped to open.

You were too absorbed in your work to hear the bell at the entrance, just minutes after unlocking the door. 

 Keigo? Elated. His last week of hero work had been all long hours and late nights. His wings had grown sparse with overuse, barely carrying him properly through the skies. When he saw that his office day at his agency was due to be particularly cold, he knew it was the perfect excuse to give you a visit.

You hadn’t been constantly on his mind. Rather, you perked up in his thoughts semi-reliably, but briefly a few times a day. Most affections were forgettable, he didn’t have time for anything other than whorish trysts with other heroes and those of higher society who knew how to keep their mouths (somewhat) shut. 

Part of him, the part that the Commission’s ruthless training created, hated the way how you were sticking with him.

Another part of him, the kinder, softer, very repressed one, recognized his feelings and hid them safely. Vulnerable things required heavy protection.

 When Keigo reached the teashop, early as dawn crept over the urbanscape, he pushed the door open and was greeted by the rolling smell of roasted coffee beans and black tea.

Only a few other patrons were there, eyes wide as the top ten hero gave them a trademark wave, waltzing to the counter with his signature swagger.

The workers (none of them being you) gawked at him, jaws half to the floor.

“Hawks?!” One of them exclaimed. “Oh my god, can I get an autograph?!”

 (Keigo carried a few pens on him for occasions like this.)

 The worker, a young thing with a shock of short blue hair, wrestled under the counter for a notebook. Another of the workers also attempted to wrangle a bit of receipt paper from the fussy machine, flashing him a nervous smile.

“Of course, autographs are a given,” He winked at the two of them, sauntering up to the counter. “On one condition, though. Could you tell me if (Y/N) is working?”

The morning shifts workers proceeded to gawk more. 

 You sat deep in concentration, thoroughly organizing yourself for the day with lists and plans. You were only startled from your work when one of the other baristas popped her head back, eyes wide. 

“Uh, (Y/N), I know you’re busy, but Hawks is here for you?” She stammered, saying his name incredulously and pointing a shaking finger out at the counter.

You could hear his silky laugh just beyond the precipice. 

Your mouth quirked up in surprise. 

I didn’t expect him to actually come.

It was a pleasant surprise though, one that made your heart stutter in your chest.

You put down the tablet, making your way to the front of the shop.

Hawks leaned down on the front counter, signing various papers and items that the staff and patrons of the tea shop had given him. His smooth voice echoed beautifully around the shop, mixing with the din of the soft music that provided ambient sound. 

Thoroughly absorbed in his fan interaction, you leaned against the door frame, watching him as he had yet to notice you.

(You tried to look nonchalant, but it was probably a bit of ogling.)

Hawks’s scarlet wings appeared sparse, but still twitched and fluffed every few moments. He was dressed in his hero uniform, visor pushed up into the feathery, front bits of his hair. With all of his typical regalia on, he seemed out of place in the slow din of the coffee shop. He seemed to shine so brightly, making himself a focal point without even trying. 

Without the protection of his visor, Hawks’ honeyed eyes seemed brighter, luminous from the inside out. Even from your distance, you could watch their topazine shine dance in the soft lighting. 

His gaze drifted to you and positively lit up. 

(You didn’t think that was possible.)  

Your stomach fluttered.

“Well, if it isn’t (Y/N)!” Hawks beamed you a smile that could’ve put the sun to shame. It made something deep in your chest thrum. “For a minute there, I thought you’d pulled my leg about working today.”

“Oh, never, ” You grinned, moving directly in front of him at the counter, your shocked coworkers parting for you. “I tend to work in the back if the rest of our lovely staff is present.

You gestured to your very starstruck coworkers who all gave various gawking looks before falling away, shyness obviously overtaking them. 

It wasn’t like you weren’t feeling similarly, but your nervousness was better hidden. Facades were, in fact, a trained skill in maintaining and god, if you weren’t a master.

But, Keigo had his own mastery in spotting cracks in people’s veneers. And, easily, he saw your tension and nervousness. For anyone with less trained interpersonal skills, they wouldn’t have noticed a damn thing. But to Keigo? Your anxiety was as clear as the light you added to a room. A few of his feathers twitched, picking up on the rapid beating of your heart across from him. 

“What can I get you?” You asked, speaking through any of your fears, cracking him a genuine smile.

Keigo returned it without thought, chest warming.

“Mmm... Surprise me. Something to help me get my day started.” Keigo loved the way your eyes lit up when he talked, a little bit of knowingness between the two of you sparking. 

“Same specifications as before? Hot and sweet?” You asked, already grabbing a cup, flashing him a cheeky grin. 

Hawks raised an eyebrow, batting his eyelashes at you in a way that you couldn’t not laugh. He rested his elbows on the counter and leaned over the top of it, regarding you with half-lidded eyes, “You remember my preferences? I feel honored.”

“You should,” You winked. If he was going to shamelessly flirt, you would right back. 

 Truthfully, your personal attention made Keigo swoon like a goddamn schoolgirl. He could feel sweat growing on his palms, making the leather of his gloves stick. Normally, the sensation would’ve ticked his more anxiety-ridden tendencies into overdrive, but he could hardly focus on them. He was too busy watching you flit around behind the counter.

 “So,” You began, activating your quirk and beginning your process. “Why so few feathers? Get roughed up?”

Keigo chuckled, flexing what feathers he did have left for emphasis, “Basically. I have to give them a few days to regrow. A couple nasty days in a row means a couple days recovery.”

You hummed, turning to the espresso machine. Before pouring the shot, you gave him a little smile with the cutest quirk in your lips, “I’m sure you more than deserve the rest.”

 Oh, that made his proverbial dick swell.

Someone, a very nice, stranger barista, angel, telling him he deserved something kind? And, there wasn’t an edge of dishonesty in you. If anything, there was an earnestness in your quirk-blackened eyes that made Keigo nearly scared of the amount of vulnerability you gave him so freely.

He wondered if you showed that to all of your patrons. 

(You didn’t.) 

 You turned behind the counter, quirk activated and swirling. The familiar blending of your senses made your teeth ache and head burn with the overabundance of stimuli, but you worked through it. You reached through the external sensations to manifest your idea and feeling into a conceivable reality. 

You dumped any number of syrups and shots into the cup, placing it (and a lid) on the counter in front of Hawks. Warm smells of cardamom and cinnamon tickled both of your noses as you nodded down, “Let that cool for a sec, then give it a taste. I need a comprehensive review.”

Hawks plucked off one of his gloves, taking the steaming cup in his hand, looking down at the foam. His gaze flickered around the two of you, noting that the few civilians and coworkers once surrounding him had left you two with a small bit of privacy.

“What’s the inspiration for this one?” Hawks gave you a downright sweet, knowing look.

“Take a sip and guess,” You nodded down to the cup again, idly going to wipe down the counters with a rag slung in your apron.

Hawks blew on steaming liquid, throwing back his head to take a decently sized sip. You had to tear your gaze from the bob of his throat. 

  Keep it in your pants. 

 While you were suppressing being horny for the number two hero, Keigo was suppressing being horny for a fucking beverage. 

The flavor hit his tongue and throat and danced. It was warm, like the last one, spilling hearth-like heat into his chest and extremities. But, this drink tasted literally spiced, like it had some sort of pepper in it (according to Keigo’s untrained, pitiful palette). His wings ruffled, feathers rustling and twitching with the taste of the drink. Despite the heat flooding his body, the hairs on his arms and the back of his neck rose as waves of subtle pleasure rolled through Keigo’s body. 

He placed the cup back on the counter, staring you down with incredulity.

You, cutely cheeky as ever, just smiled and crossed your arms over your chest, “Are you a fan?”

“It’s... spicy. How. Why. Is this even coffee?” Hawks asked. Despite his questioning, he took another sip, shuddering at the comforting heat it gave him. 

“There’s coffee in it, or, espresso,” You couldn’t help feeling a bit smitten with the way Hawks looked at you. Disbelief wasn’t an expression you saw many heroes wear, especially not one with a reputation like Hawks’s. Yet, there he was, in front of you, staring at his cup like you just served him battery acid and grass. 

“If that’s the case, gimme the rundown, angel,” Hawks peeled off his other glove, setting the pair on the counter. He surprised you as he shrugged off his lined jacket, plopping down in a nearby stool.

You hadn’t ever really seen this much of Hawks, not in his hero uniform anyways. Plenty of him was available for viewing due to his various modeling ventures, but seeing him in the flesh was far better. The black shirt of his hero costume stretched over the lean, sculpted muscles of his arms. He certainly wasn’t built in the same way other top heroes were, but from what you could see (read: drool over), Hawks certainly wasn’t lacking—

“See something you like?” Hawks raised an eyebrow while taking another sip,  devilish curl to his lips.

You really wished you had the bodily control to stop the red flush that grew on your face.

“SO —!” You laughed, diverting back to the drink at hand. “The drink.”

“Wonderful deflection,” Hawks set the cup down, still smirking. “So, the drink .”

Your fingers tapped at the countertop, living your blush down with a lack of eye contact. 

  He gets stared at all the time, chill out. 

Dude probably likes it, (Y/N).

 “The drink is a dirty chai, with some editions, of course.” You jerked your head back to the wall of tea blends, the familiar ebbing away from of your embarrassment. “We have a couple of different chai blends that I make in house. Several different chai concentrates too.”

“Forgive me, but a dirty chai?” Hawks teased.

“Wow, weak jab there, Hawks, ” You rolled your eyes. Hawks just continued to beam at you, swinging his legs behind the counter. “I gave you an oatmilk,  ginger chai with three shots of espresso and a few other secret touches. I wanted to make it warm again for you.”

 Keigo paused at your admission, (not-so) secretly reveling in your poorly contained embarrassment. Perhaps it was a bit cruel, but his job did carry some wonderful perks and he’d be damned to not enjoy them. 

“It feels like a different kind of warm, compared to last time,” Keigo took another taste to confirm. The spiced liquid flooded his palette again, skin pleasantly prickling at the taste. 

 You hummed, refusing to fully make eye contact with Hawks. 

Truthfully, you spent an embarrassing amount of time since the night prior thinking about potential sensations to emulate for Hawks. You were never sure of what type of vibe he would request, but having an arsenal of ideas made you feel more prepared to impress your new clientele. 

“I made it feel like dawn,” You replied, nodding to out of the fully-windowed front of the tea shop. The district you were located in was lit up by the golds and pinks of the early morning, stretching and awakening with the new day. “I wanted it to feel like how morning sun feels on your bare skin. All like... tingly, you know? Like... seeing someone you haven't seen in a long time. ”

 Keigo immediately noticed your bashfulness after you gave your description. In the same way as last time, the vulnerability of your manifested feelings left you warm and shy for him. 

You picked at a loose string on your apron, gaze directed down and away.  With his obscured view of your face, he could see the way you softly bit your lip, eyes occasionally raking him up and down and that retreating. Keigo could feel your pounding heart and slow, deep breaths. 

...

Keigo was whipped and he hardly knew you. He was so fucked.

You were too fucking cute. It was fucking illegal. It had to be. 

Keigo had been with sexy. He’d been with unattainable. He’d been with women and men who looked like they were crafted by gods as tempters and devils. It was all pleasure and Keigo knew it like the back of his hand. He got hedonistic bliss when he wanted it and he did so very, very well.

What Keigo was entirely unfamiliar with was the gooey, fluttery feeling in his chest as you finally looked up at him to smile and nod to the drink, “So, what do you think?”

Keigo’s brain fizzled, rendered into goo. If he didn’t have years of interpersonal training, he was sure he wouldn’t have been able to speak with his own revelations. Luckily, he was able to laugh off his internal stickiness, taking another greedy sip.

“Absolutely flawless, wonderful craftsmanship, (Y/N),” Keigo bowed his head dramatically. 

 You giggled at Keigo’s drama, missing the way how his cheeks lit up for you. 

Hawks dug in his pocket, pulling out a huge wad of bills and started to slide it across the counter, “This is a tip. All for you.”

You stared, horrified at the amount of money Hawks passed to you like it was nothing. Without thinking, you placed your hand on top of his, stopping his motion. Both of you stiffened pleasantly at the sudden, small contact. 

“That’s too much, Hawks, no,” You shook your head, but Hawks was a stubborn, insistent bastard. 

His wings fluffed up behind him, a feather moving quickly between your hands and pushing your up and away.

“What the fuck.” You half-groaned. Hawks fully passed the money across the counter, hiding his hands and feathers in his lap with a Panish smirk stretched across his face.

“Take it, or I tattle on you, easy trade,” Hawks shrugged, leaning his elbows on the counter and drinking deeply. He pulled away from his beverage with a relaxed-looking smile as you remained fluster.

(Holy fuck, you touched Hawks’s bare hand and it was so NICE—)

You could feel the eyes of your coworkers, staring at the money like some Olympic medal. You were well-aware that there was no way Hawks was taking back his money and you knew your coworkers would be too scared to ask for a cut. 

You gulped, taking the cash and tucking it into your apron pocket.

“You don’t need to bribe me to make you nice drinks, Hawks, it’s literally my job,” You told him gently.

Hawks raised an eyebrow, shrugging, “Accept it as a little treat on the side. A gift of my appreciation.”

You couldn’t argue with that, so you relented with a smile, shaking your head. 

And the two of your dissolved into easy conversation. Hawks told you about the most recent gigs he had been a part of. A modeling contract for a new skincare company and a sponsorship with a few other local heroes for a sports beverage were the most interesting. You were sure he was just humoring you, unable to tell you the nitty-gritty details of his life. Yet, he seemed happy to speak and listen besides. He chattered away, in the way birds do, sing-song, and free-flowing. 

Hawks was hardly a bird of prey, you realized. He was much more of a cockatoo type. 

You told him more about the tea shop, about your role and job. As you explained about the basics of different types of tea, you could literally see the far off way Hawks looked at you. It wasn’t of distraction, like spacing out, no. It was a look that hadn’t been directed at you in some time. You silently and quickly studied it and came to the nerve-wracking conclusion that the cute blush on his cheeks and half-lidded eyes and relaxed shoulders was fucking captivation, borderline adoration.

For.

You.

How the fuck were you supposed to deal with that?

(Keigo wasn’t sure either.)

 Luckily, neither of you planned on doing anything to stop your mutually budding feelings.  

[chemicalpink]

Astrology Series  ♡ NSFW Mars Sign: How they are in bed, turn-ons, turn-offs + kinks

A/N: Today may I deliver some NSFW Astrology analysis. I’m working on something so I thought of leaving this here for you. Please bear in mind that these are just assumptions and are in no way to be taken as the mere truth since these are based off of their birth charts and astrology in no way defines a person or their value. 

Warnings: NSFW content. It has sexual content. Kinks. Sub/Dom themes. Impregnation. 

Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Kim Namjoon  [Cancer Mars]

You must be clean af if you want to get it on with them, I’m talking a full-on ‘here are my tests from two weeks ago’ type of clean.

Sex and Love are not mutually exclusive, they are more like two sides of the same coin for them so if you’d like to have sex with them you’ll need to be fully committed to them first.

They have huge mental stimulation so they might plan ahead any fantasy that they would like to try out in bed.

They appreciate a few teasing sexts here and there to keep them developing fantasies inside their heads.

Cancer Mars are the most protective and sentimental in relationships but during sex too, they are the ones to hold you close while inside of you like they never want to let go.

One-night stands are a huge no no for them. Can’t do. 

If you want to bed them, you really must be different from the rest. They need to know there is a spark within you that gets them to feel secure around you.

VERY ROMANTIC like hella into holding your hand at all times during sex, caressing your face, sloppy kisses, all that romantic and erotic stuff.

Pleasers. Let’s be honest, we been knew, these guys would pretty much appreciate giving the best orgasms before their own.

Aftercare KINGS

Let’s talk the biggest kink for these guys: impregnation. Yeah, as much as they appreciate cleanliness, the do be thinking about having you not only full of their cum but round with their babies. 

Jung Hoseok [Aquarius Mars]

Open-minded af, honestly, we know Hobi isn’t one to judge anything that you could come up with sex-related or otherwise. 

Bratty or rather borderline playful, likes to tease A LOT if he knows it will get you worked up.

Goes thru kink phases. He might be really into this thing he just read and all of a sudden he would much rather do this other thing instead.

Will try anything once. ANYTHING & EVERYTHING. He might go back and have seconds on something that he really liked.

The most perfect for role play. Wanna act out any of your fantasies? He’s 100% down for it.

Doesn’t require a huge emotional commitment and out of this bunch, he might be the only one down to sleep with someone without actually having a relationship with them. Not one night stands tho, more like friends with benefits.

Phone sex HELLO. Do you honestly think it matters that he’s on a whole other continent? Nah, this man knows no borders, just pick up the damn phone and get ready to get sexy.

Toys Toys Toys. I cannot stress this enough, if it catches his eye, he’s got it in his bag. Weekly packages arrive, he’s got a new little friend to help out.

THIS MAN IS A WHOLE ASS DOM. Can we please refer back to Dior Hobi. Please.

Kim Taehyung [Capricorn Mars]

HELLO DOM TAE WE BEEN KNEW

A shit ton of expensive details before sex, I can totally picture him purchasing this set from agent provocateur beforehand and asking you to wear it for him. 

I mean a bottle of champagne? also check

A fancy-ass date beforehand, sure, no problem

Praise kink, more like… Worshipping kink. He would love it if you were to worship his dick during dirty talk.

Sensual slow and conventional. OKAY HEAR ME OUT I’M NOT SAYING VANILLA TAETAE BUT yeah, kinda. It is nothing bad tho. Vanilla can be pretty passionate. 

I’m talking lovemaking until the wee hours of the morning

Most attracted to someone experienced. He is just fascinated with the idea of dominating someone who is far more experienced in sex than he is. 

Like to be taken care of. Dom baby Tae. After sex cuddles and stuff.

King of controlling himself. YOU CAN EDGE THIS MAN FOR CENTURIES HE DOESN’T CARE.

...until he gets you all to himself.

Park Jimin, Jeon Jungkook [Scorpio Mars]

Possessive clingy babies of this bunch. 

Power Dynamics are a thing for these two. Like, I know they look sub/switch or soft doms but THEY WILL NOT HESITATE.

Trying out various kinks. Not as many as Hobi, but they got their fair share of ideas in mind to try out.

Will easily dominate a bratty sub. You know how Jimin is supposedly the scariest when angry? And JK is a muscle bunny that the rest of the members run from? Yeah, you don’t wanna get them to switch on full dome mode. Or maybe you do. I can’t tell you what to do. 

Can get you wet with just looking into your eyes. Fierce eyes. KINGS OF DUALITY. 100% guarantee to get you on your knees by just staring and a signature smirk of theirs.

Sex must be deep, passionate and extraordinary. Like no other before and will most probably ruin you for anyone else.

They give it their all, as if its gonna be the last. You don’t think it can get any better, until it does. And oh man. 

Full intensity and commitment. I’ve said it. Possessive clingy babies. If you are gonna get their everything in bed you have to give your everything out of bed in exchange.

Learn about mind and soul through sex. They have this deep connection with themselves and their partner that sex is an out of body experience. Yep. That’s a thing.

Most powerful personal magnetism and WE BEEN KNEW. There is just so much more behind their talent and look and everything that we are able to see, when in their presence you just HAVE TO look at them, fill up your soul with their mere existence. 

Masters of revenge if you tease them. Like, on a whole another level.

They might even wait 6 years for a bathroom break while filming cake decorating on FESTA. Yoongi knows about this.

Enough drive and stamina to meet and exceed any expectations. These two might be able to go on and on for hours on end. Have you ever tried to pull an all nighter but for sex? These two might be your best shot. Plus, when you get up after a nap, they could totally go for a morning round.

Continuos foreplay: I’m talking, stares, hand never leaving your skin, clinging onto you, sexual innuendos over text. all that jazz. We’ve been here before. Kings of stamina. 

Scorpio Mars does come with a warning tho (It’s a price to pay for all the good things from the most passionate sign). They might get so infatuated with you that they will never NEVER leave your side. They want to become one with their partner. So kiss goodbye any alone time. 

[allegedlyanandroid]

Pairing: Reed900 Prompt: Warmth, Denial Types: Angsty that leads to fluff then NSFW for that good balanced flavor XD AU: Sugarbaby/Escort Au

This ask barged into my house, slammed my face into the wall and forced me to write... and I wouldn’t have it any other way uwu. Hope you like it dear @yayen-chan!

Gavin usually stays away from entering exclusive contracts. Usually being the key word. This client however had been a semi-regular customer for almost a year, besides… he’s both strangely sweet and very respectful of Gavin’s boundaries.  

“So,” Gavin asks haltingly, feeling quite out of place sitting in the sleek, modern office Niles spends most of his time in. Hell… they would have turned him away at the door if Niles hadn’t shown up like a knight in shining armour to guide him away with a telling arm slung low on his waist. “What exactly do you want out of this?”

“Experience,” Niles says. Prim and proper as always. He’s wearing a tailored suit, likely more expensive than a year’s pay for a regular mortal, with not a single hair out of place. Broad, tall, every wet dream Gavin’s had rolled into one and… a man who shouldn’t need to rely on hiring an escort in order to get laid.

“Experience?”

“Not- it’s all in the contract,” Niles says with a slight tilt of his head. A small flicker of embarrassment passes over his face before it smooths out into neutral indifference once more. “You can have your lawyer go through it with you and if there’s anything you’d like to modify I’m open to negotiation.”

Gavin raises an eyebrow and sprawls back in his seat, throwing his feet up on the polished glass, before pulling the papers into his lap. Niles’ eye twitches slightly though he remains stoically silent as he returns to his work. The quiet clattering of keys picks up in the background when he skims through the contents. Nothing strange. An NDA to sign should he agree, a requirement to provide a clean bill of health, the usual. The only time he does a double-take is when he sees the monthly payout, twenty-five thousand dollars, plus a hefty severance package should either of them wish to terminate the contract for any reason.  

And that’s discounting the reimbursement for additional time spent together outside the allocated three days a week.

“So, let me get this straight,” Gavin says, effectively pulling Niles’ attention back to him. “You want me to teach you how to be a good boyfriend?”

“Yes.”

Gavin nods. It’s hardly the strangest request he’s had. “I have one rule.”

“Which is?” Niles wonders.

“One you know already; I don’t kiss people on the mouth.” He waits for Niles to nod in acknowledgement before he scrawls his signature on the dotted line. It should have been an indication, with the way his heart flutters at the sight of Niles’ small smile, that this is a bad idea.  

-

‘The lord is testing me,’ Gavin thinks. He stares down at the box of pasta in his hands before he looks up at Niles and then back down again. Suppose that’s what he gets for asking a multi-millionaire to buy groceries. All Gavin wanted was to teach him to make a home cooked meal and this is how Niles repays him?

Gavin slowly inches his way towards the sink and taps his knee to the lower cabinet to make it swing open. Making direct eye contact with Niles, he dumps the entire box in the garbage and pushes it closed again with his foot. “Looks like you’re out of pasta. Shame. Get your coat on, we’ll need to buy more.”

Niles’ affronted look melts off his face halfway through Gavin’s rant about the abomination that is penne pasta though Gavin is too preoccupied to notice. He rants on the way to the corner store located a stone’s throw from Niles’ penthouse apartment. Continues it while choosing between fresh and dried pasta before just dumping them both in the basket. He grumbles curses over the lack of ridges being awful for making sauce stick to them while batting Niles’ hands away to pay for the groceries himself and then switches to cursing at Niles when he can’t hold his laughter in any longer on the way home.

‘Asshole,’ Gavin thinks while he examines the small dimples he hadn’t noticed laid into Niles’ cheeks. They seem to appear only when he smiles broadly and Gavin dutifully ignores the intrusive thoughts telling him to try and kiss them away.

-

Gavin is not in-fucking-love with his client because that would be stupid. There are no butterflies in his stomach, no warm feelings when he thinks over the moments they’ve shared, no urge to stay after their trysts to cuddle up to Niles’ side and exchange lazy kisses. None. Nope. Nu-uh.

Niles looks up from fiddling with his hands when the waiter guides him towards their table and Gavin nearly melts on the spot. Warmth floods him and it’s not the wicked heat of lust he’s grown familiar with. It’s soft and all-encompassing, like a heavy blanket wrapped around your shoulders on a snowy day, and Gavin forces a smile to match Niles’ own.  

He’s not in love.

-

Niles apologises in advance for dragging him to one of his work events where Gavin had spent the night being judged by every fucking person there. Sure, he’d been dolled up in expensive clothes, courtesy of Niles, but putting riches on a ragged thing like him is hardly enough to make him blend in. It had been humiliating the few times Niles left his side and people spoke to him in that arrogant, holier-than-thou way he hated with a passion.  

As if he was dirt beneath their shoes or wholly unworthy of their attention.

Niles apologises on the way home too and then again by pressing delicate kisses over every part of Gavin he’s allowed. He murmurs regretful words against his skin while worshipping every small imperfection littered over Gavin’s body. His scars and moles and freckles, over stretch marks and strange discolorations, not a single one of them remains untouched when their evening draws to a close.

“Your empathy and kindness are what sets you apart from them,” Niles whispers to him when he thinks Gavin is asleep, “-and they can’t see how beautiful that makes you. You’re worth more than all of them combined.”

Gavin shifts as if in sleep and Niles quiets down, holding his breath. With his face now buried in the pillow, Gavin can smother the smitten smile there instead of against Niles’ shoulder.  

-

Niles is too close. Gavin can barely stand it when they fuck like this, face-to-face. Ever since coming to terms with his feelings it borders on too intimate and it’s difficult to see Niles like this when Gavin knows he doesn’t feel the same way.  

Their faces are close, lips a hair's breadth away from touching, so Gavin puts his finger up between their lips to stop Niles from breaching the last unmapped space between them. “Kisses cost extra, remember?” he says quietly, like a secret shared between them.  

Niles stares at him with a considering tilt of his head. “How much?”  

“A thousand.”  

Such a ridiculous sum. Any other client wouldn’t even have gotten that, but… he’ll make an exception for this one. Though, he won’t go down without the illusion of a fight.

“Each?” Niles asks and when Gavin nods continues: “Better make them count then.”

He drags the offending appendage away, the one blocking him from tasting Gavin’s lips, and uses that one hand to coax both of Gavin’s arms above his head with a tight grip on his wrists. One last look, searching for something, before he leans down and takes Gavin’s lips for his own. The sweet pressure forces Gavin’s eyes shut. The only other option would be to cry and Niles sure as hell doesn’t need to see that. Not when Gavin is an ugly crier and so damn idiotic for not failing to separate love from obligation.

Pathetic.

An envelope rests on the bedside table in the morning and Niles’ spot on the bed has long since grown cold. Gavin opens it and he feels sick to his stomach when it reveals a forty-three thousand dollars check tucked neatly inside the crisp white envelope. The penmanship is immaculate, clean, impersonal. Gavin writes a note of his own using the hotel’s complimentary notepad, stuffs it in next to the untouched check and re-seals it.  

He drops it with the front desk secretary at Niles’ workplace and menders off towards home. It’s a far cry from the life Niles leads but it’s home, it’s comfort. Tabby slinks over to him in gleeful hope of receiving treats and allows Gavin to pick her up with little complaint. When the tears begin to fall, he figures that it’s alright. There’s no one here to see him but his cat and she won’t tell a soul.

-

Loud knocking wakes him at ass o’clock in the evening and Gavin rubs his red-rimmed eyes with the back of his hand while he stumbles to open it; poised to give the person on the other side a piece of his mind. The words die on his tongue when Niles reaches forward to cup his face with his hands and kiss him with ferocious desperation. Gavin stumbles back, still lip-locked with his former client-turned-employer, while Niles does his damn best to meld the two of them together.

“What-?” Gavin gasps the moment he’s able. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve fallen in love with you,” Niles says, never one to beat around the bush. “And I didn’t want to break the contract because- because I didn’t think you felt the same way and I selfishly wanted to keep you for myself.” He wets his lips with his tongue and his lip quivers for a moment before he gets it under control. “Your letter- did I read too much into it? Or were there things you left unsaid hidden in-between the lines?”

“I let you kiss me,” Gavin laughs wetly. “What more do you want?”

Niles leans down and kisses him again, and again, and again, until they both lose count. Gavin guides them towards the bedroom, walking backwards the entire way, until he can flip them around and push Niles onto his bed. He looks like he belongs there, splayed out on the messy sheets, pale skin contrasting beautifully with their dark colour. Gavin falls after him to wrestle Niles out of his clothes and Niles eagerly returns the favour with equal passion.  

“I love you too,” Gavin says and Niles keens below him, drawing his lover closer to kiss him senseless again. Their frantic pace slows somewhat when Niles presses lube into Gavin’s hand and spreads his legs wider apart. It’s not unprecedented, just rare, to have Niles like this, open and vulnerable. With a last lingering kiss Gavin opens him slowly, gradually increasing the number of fingers stretching him, until Niles is a writhing mess begging for more, for him, through frustrated tears.  

Gavin delights in kissing him silent.

He slides inside with little resistance and Niles wraps his legs tightly around his waist to draw him as close as can be. They set a gentle pace. It’s a slow rocking of hips, to press Gavin as deeply inside as possible. Gavin slips a hand between them and works it over Niles’ cock, firm and quick, in stark contrast to their lovemaking.  

Niles arches his back with a cry, clutching at Gavin’s broad shoulders. It’s a lot to process and Niles slowly loses himself in the sensations; the fullness inside, the steadying weight of Gavin pressing him into the mattress, the warmth pooling low in his abdomen.  

When Gavin kisses him again, fierce and wanting, Niles falls over the edge. He cries out, a sound barely muffled against Gavin’s lips, and he clenches hard around the length moving inside him. It draws a whimper from Gavin’s lips and he pushes impossibly closer when he reaches completion himself.  

They lie together, a sticky sated mess of limbs, while catching their breaths. Niles slides his palm up underneath Gavin’s to measure them, a cute little furrow between his brows while he concentrates, and finds the difference in size proportional yet they fit together perfectly when Niles’ fingers fall in the empty spaces between Gavin’s own. “We’re pretty dumb, aren’t we?” Niles murmurs with a small smile.

“Your face is dumb.”

“Well... your face is dumber.”

“You fucking take that back,” Gavin says, mock-indignation colouring his tone, and Niles tries hard to fight his smile growing wider.

“Don’t worry, I still love you.”  

“Well... “ Gavin drawls with a shit-eating grin, “I love you more-er.”

It’s not funny, not really, but it drags a tittering giggle from Niles either way and Gavin is helpless to resist chasing it with his lips

[ltleflrt]

Gods FUCKING damn it! I was all excited to get a package today, and have been hearing phantom knocks on the door all morning, but when they finally do knock I don’t hear it, and my husband ignored it because he was in the middle of playing VR Golf.  And no one except sales people knock on our door anymore (despite the do not solicit sign), and UPS/FedEx haven’t actually required a signature in two fucking years. 

Usually I e-sign for it anyway when I get the notice that it’s going to be delivered, but I couldn’t find the option this time.  They don’t have the option for me to go pick it up at the center anymore, because Covid Restrictions, but now they’re suddenly requiring signatures when they haven’t for TWO YEARS??

Ugh, so fucking frustrating.

[heavenseed76]

Arco Iris

Summary: Everyone in the Andromeda Galaxy viewed the world in shades of grey. Until they met their soulmate. The Mandalorian's quest completed, he is without purpose. Finding his soulmate might be the push he needs or it might just be another thing to run away from.

Rating: PG13 (for now)

Warnings: swearing, mentions of violence

A/N: This is not a new idea, for sure, but one I've never explored before. There will be much angst, and rating will go up as it goes along. Slow burn.

Chapter 1: Aimless

Aimless. That was the word that came to mind when Din Djarin sought to define how he felt. Aimless. No covert to provide for. No desire to fulfill his appointed destiny as ruler of Mandalore. No real drive to find a new ship and return to bounty hunting. All of those things would require effort on his part. He had the means to buy whatever ship he wanted. He had a lucrative job with Boba on Tatooine if he chose. He could be king of a whole fucking planet; the key to Mandalore lay at the bottom of a trunk in Cara Dune’s spare room. None of it mattered. Whenever he thought of doing any of these things, there was a hole there, it’s shape distinct and fathomless. Finding the rest of his people felt like the most viable option. He’d found the kid’s people, now he should find his. But that would require effort. Effort to forget, effort to step past that gaping hole that sought to swallow him. A swirling, sucking black hole, it was, seeking to pull him in and in and in until it crushed him. He hovered outside its gravity, not caring if he tipped over the edge, though not bothering to leap in either. Aimless.

That’s where he found himself, roaming the streets of Nevarro, an hour to kill before he had to pick up a cart of supplies for the magistrate from the landing pad outside the town. The day was bright and clear, cloudless as far as the eye could see. The market was just opening, fresh faces setting up for the day, smiling and calling out greetings to one another as they placed tables and baskets on the packed clay earth. They paid him no mind; he was a familiar sight these days, the Mandalorian from Nevarro. He was neither feared nor hated. He just was.

His feet had taken him to a familiar market stall, where an old man was being sat down in a rickety chair just outside his dwelling. A young woman in light grey robes easing the aged figure into the seat with practiced and loving hands. The man held a staff, it’s top third wrapped in leather, his face a rictus of pain, deepening the sulci of his wrinkled and time-work skin. Din came to stand in front of the man, casting a long shadow over him. The man smiled warmly and held out a withered hand.

“Mando! To what do I owe the pleasure! It’s been a long time my son!”

“Ezekiel. It has been awhile. I’ve been away on business.” Din offered, taking the man’s hand in both of his.

The woman who had helped Ezekiel to sit was raising the dwelling’s awning behind him, providing more shade.

“Business, of course. I received that Krayt skin you sent from Tatooine. Gorgeous, just beautiful! Now perhaps you’ll tell me the real story.” Ezekiel leaned in to Din with a conspiratorial edge to his voice. His milky, blind eyes crinkled with mirth.

Din’s shoulders shook with a snicker that didn’t quite make it through the vocoder in his helmet. “My message told the whole story Zeke. Killed it from the inside out, I swear!” Din patted the old man’s hand affectionately.

Ezekiel snatched his hand away, affronted. “Now you can’t lie to old Ezekiel!” He pointed an accusing finger at Din. “And if that’s the story, there’s no way I’m letting you give me this treasure. It ain’t every day a man gets swallowed by a Krayt Dragon and lives to tell the tale, now.” Ezekiel sat back in his chair. “Now, what can I do you for, Mando?”

Din smiled beneath the helmet, but outwardly he just shook his head in amusement. Ezekiel was likely the oldest resident of Nevarro, a leather-smith by trade who made his living by making the finest gloves, holsters, bandoliers and other leather goods outside of Naboo. His weathered and arthritic hands were a testament to how hard he worked, refusing to resort to droids and machines to do the intricate sewing and forming and sculpting animal hides into usable items.

“I lost my ship some months ago. I need to replace my secondary gear. All I have is what I have on me.” Din said quietly.

Ezekiel shook his head in sympathy, tutting. “Ain’t that something. Sorry to hear it, son.” Ezekiel scratched under his lip. “You have a list?”

“I do.” Din pulled out a piece of flimsi. It was worn, having been folded and refolded, written on and crossed out over and over again.

Ezekiel motioned for the woman who had assisted him to sit, who was now standing by the open door to their home, watching the exchange. “Have you met my granddaughter?” Ezekiel smiled up at Mando as the woman approached, pride and affection radiating off the elderly man. “Sera, this is Mando. Mando, this is my Serafim.”

For a moment, Din couldn’t move. The woman in the light grey cloak appeared to be a void, her skin was so dark. Her hair was only slightly lighter than her skin, hanging in dreadlocks adorned with silver bands, shells and beads. Only the pouty bow of her mouth and her impossibly light grey eyes cut through the coal black of her skin. While her expression was not unkind, it was hard as she held out her hand for the list Din held.

“Hello. Serafim.” Din replied with a start. He handed the list over, letting it slip through his fingers. He watched as she took it, her own hand a dichotomy of dark and light, her palm several shades lighter than the skin of wrist and arm. The contrast of the silver cuff she wore even more stark as it glinted in the sun.

“Mando.” Serafim’s smile was thin and didn’t reach her eyes.

“I’m getting old and I’ll be moving on soon. Sera will take over here when I’m gone.” Ezekiel spoke as if he would be going on an extended vacation, rather than his impending death from old age. “Oh! I almost forgot!” Ezekiel made to rise. “I have your last order in the back. Rancor leather, pair of gloves. Been gatherin dust.”

Serafim put a hand on Ezekiel’s shoulder. “I’ll get them, Papa.” She helped Ezekiel ease back into the seat once again and disappeared into the house without a glance back to the Mandalorian.

“I’ll be sure to get on that list. Sera will be my apprentice, if that’s alright.” Ezekiel smiled.

“That will be fine.” Din agreed in his signature stoic manner.

Around Ezekiel’s stall, more of the market was coming to life, banners waving in the wind, all shades and textures advertising food, electronics, weapons and household items. Some of the higher-end shops boasted their wears with neon signs that shone even in the day, offsetting their message with brightness against the dull grey of their tinted windows, the transperisteel a darker shade to give it contrast.

“Here you are Papa.” Serafim held out a small package to Ezekiel who simply gestured to the Mandalorian.

“Well, have him try them on.” he said.

Serafim held the paper-wrapped bundle out to Din. He took it from her hand and laid it on the table between them, unwrapping it. Mid-grey leather gloves lay folded in the paper, the scent of the curing lotion wafting up and permeating the air even through the filters in his helmet. Din pulled off his own gloves and set them aside, pulling on the new gloves. He wriggled his hand in them, the leather feeling stiff. “Seems small.” He mumbled.

“They need to be worked in. Sera, help the man out.” Ezekiel instructed.

Sera huffed through her nose, displeased, but reached over the table nonetheless. Din held out his arm to her. Sera pulled off the glove and turned it almost inside out before reaching over and clasping her hand around Din’s wrist.

It was a punch to the gut that knocked the wind out of both of them. Blazing white light burst behind their eyes and then the world was flooded with color. The banners blowing in the breeze, the rich clay of the earth, Din’s orange gloves, Sera’s deep soil-dark skin and impossibly blue eyes. Sera was touching a live wire and couldn’t let go. Neon green bakery signs and red banners, purple baskets and colors neither had a name for flooded their senses until Din took a step back and Sera let go of his wrist.

Gasping for air, both Sera and Din heaved in lungfuls of precious oxygen, gripping the table between them.

“What did you do?” Din choked out.

“Color? Is this... color?” Sera asked.

Beside them, Ezekiel had taken in the brief exchange with curiosity. Now, he understood. A smile crept over his face as Din and Sera regained their equilibrium. “Well, I’ll be damned.”