#hit hard by sinking values—and now

[plasticferal]

keeping score | matt & chris sturniolo.

prologue: 'they say love is the sixth sense that destroys all other five senses’

authors notes: 1.9k, explicit language, reader discretion is advised. welcome to my first series, please enjoy the ride.

they both want you. the only way matt and chris can agree to settle who wins is through competition, one where you’re the prize. your own heart is torn between the two brothers. the thing is though, love doesn’t keep score.

they have two very different experiences to offer. two sides of the same coin. a coin you refuse you flip and settle on.

matt is the first to catch your eye in any room. he makes you nervous. butterflies, awkward laughs, stuttering over your words. all of it. you like him. you’re unsure if he feels the same toward you.

however, you also like chris. the compliments he showers you in, the subtle flirting, the way he softens his tone around you, how giving he is, the way he’s so shamelessly himself. the list goes on. he’s different. 

it’s a weird triangle of intrigue and unrequited feelings that lingers and is never acknowledged.

you’re already convinced it’ll never happen. with either of them. you’d be putting too much at risk considering how deeply you value your friendship before anything else. the fear of falling in love, and losing them both. 

which might just be your karma for being into both brothers. 

they occupy the living room. you’re upstairs, using nick’s bed to take a nap while he showers, and he takes long showers. he’s always given you a safe space in the house, to make it feel like home. 

you love to annoy chris and matt by stealing their clothes, blankets, soft drinks out of the fridge, tagging along to every late night drive and fast food pick up. 

they share everything with you, but you designate yourself in nicks’s room as to not stir up any terrible, rash decisions on your accord.

being fast asleep and tangled up in crisp, cold, silk sheets, it’s a deep sleep. completely escaping into your dreams.

you’re left unaware of the chaos that’s about to ensue in the living room between the two brothers who occupy your mind. chaos is the score in which reality is written upon.

“you like y/n, right?” matt asks chris. 

you’ve had a strange feeling for a while now that matt is trying to set you up with his brother. which, as flattering as it is, it’s bittersweet. 

matt is sinking lazily into the lounge while scrolling through his phone, on the furthest left. chris is on the furthest right with his feet kicked up on the coffee table. 

they’re in direct view of each other on the L shaped couch. not in a literal sense, just in proximity. neither brother is actually looking up from a screen of some kind.

“what?” chris snaps his head toward matt, diverting from the television for a moment. 

“just answer the question.” matt huffs.

“of course i like y/n. she’s the closest person in our life besides like, nick” chris shrugs, going to look back at the screen again. 

matt groans in disappointment at his response. 

“you know i don’t mean it like that.” matt sits up slightly, readjusting his position and posture.

“god here we go again.” chris runs a hand down his face, fearing his brother's next words. 

“how do you really feel about her?” matt pries. 

unusual for him. out of character even, chris is usually the one who needs to know everything all the time, and is never afraid to ask the hard hitting questions, as annoying as it may be. but not with this topic of conversation.

the difference is, chris does it because he’s genuinely curious. matt asks questions for his own selfish reason, to chris’s oblivion. 

chris needs reassurance that he’s making the right decision in not pursuing you. matt needs to know if or when he’s going to have to compete. little does he know that time is nearing. 

“man, i don’t know. i just- i like her. can’t we leave it at that?” chris’s tone is anguished. 

“you’re avoiding the question-”

“i answered your question!” chris cuts matt off before he can fully form his sentence, and matt’s jaw tightens. 

“fine, whatever.” matt waves his hands in the air with defeat before diverting back to his phone, leaving chris to linger on his words.

“i’m never gonna make a move. i know how you feel about her, too.” chris huffs, as though he’s annoyed at the response he’s had to give.

“what’d you mean?” matt gives chris a glare, like he’s daring his next words.

“you know exactly what i fuckin’ mean” chris scoffs, shifting in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest and pulling the sleeves of his gray hoodie past his knuckles.

matt takes a loud inhale through his nose and exhales through his mouth 

“we can’t just keep pretending that we both don’t want her.” matt drops his phone onto his stomach face down, being slightly slumped. 

“i’ve been fine pretending” chris throws the hood of his sweatshirt over his head to hide his eyes more from matt, a natural reaction to not enjoying the grilling. 

“well if you don’t make a move, i will.” matt’s tone is serious.

“you wouldn’t.” chris deadpans, a sincere tone of disbelief seeping from his lip that he’s now biting the corner of.

“you’ve been saying you’re gonna make a move forever and haven’t done shit."

he knows it’s not nice, but there’s something about the lack of passion from chris despite the obvious crush just makes matt's skin crawl. if someone is going like you and not do anything about it, matt is more than willing to shoot his shot, give you what you deserve. 

“that’s not fair” chris twists his face, glaring at his brother. 

"i think it’s more than fair play at this point, kid.” matt scoffs.

if looks could kill, matt would be dead.

all those times you’ve perceived matt bringing up chris to entice you have just been a ploy to gauge how both of you feel. he knows it’s manipulative, but no harm, no foul.

the worst part is, chris isn’t actually even sure he wants a relationship. he’s infatuated by you, undoubtedly. matt on the other hand would marry you with a paper ring. 

they’re both scared of their own feelings, and the intentions that might come along with them. they don’t ever want to hurt you, but their carnal desire is misleading their moral compass.

“alright then,” chris starts, matt’s words hitting a nerve for him. he slaps his hands onto his thighs and sits up in his spot. 

“how do we settle this? who gets her?” chris continues, staring at his brother intently now.

“i don’t think we get to make that decision.” matt shakes his head, bringing his hand to his mouth as he begins to bite his nails, which muffles his words.

“you’re right, we don’t. but we’re gonna have to compete for it to even be an option.”

“compete” matt repeats chris’s words with a sour huff, a slight arrogance in the sense that he doesn’t view his brother as a threat. 

not when it comes to you, and there might be a small part of that statement that’s correct. you have a sweet spot for matt, which fires up chris even more. he is conscious that he’s the underdog, as much as you try to show an even amount of attention to the both of them.

“what’s wrong? you scared you’ll lose?” chris taunts. 

“that’s the least of my worries.” matt scoffs, his mind traveling down every possible path this terrible idea could go down. 

“fine, then you won’t be afraid of a little competition.” chris says nonchalantly, pushing back with the same energy matt’s been giving, turning the tables.

“what’s your plan here? we just tally up the moments we get with her until someone wins? to boost our own egos?” matt speaks with his hands.

“i do love to have my ego stroked” chris grins to himself, the thought of you crossing his mind as the words leave his mouth. his train of thought tends to wonder easily.

“seriously, chris, how do we plan on settling this?” matt rubs his hands together, like the action you do when you’re trying to stay warm. 

“i think there’s only one answer to that.” chris responds, in a “duh” tone, without explicitly sharing what’s on his mind.

their sixth sense of being able to unpack each other's minds sparks like an electrical fault in the moment. of course, neither of them hate the thought of getting you in bed. they just hate the thought of you being unaware. 

somehow it’s more challenging than falling in love, or securing a relationship. betting to sleep with you is actually the hardest challenge of them all, let alone covering all the bases in order to attain it. 

the intimacy, the intensity of it all. it just seems so unattainable. it requires them, and you, to be completely and utterly vulnerable. 

“that seems kind of, objectifying.” matt shifts his demeanour, ironic considering he sparked the conversation. 

“it wouldn’t be a competition without a challenge.” chris acknowledges, and unfortunately for the both of them, he’s right. 

“this sounds so fucked up” matt says, running his hand through his scruffy hair.

“first brother to five points takes all. all of her.” chris speaks, confidently setting up the challenge. 

essentially their plan is to see who can get the closest to you, and let the other brother suffer in watching it happen. which occurs points. loser has to back off of you completely. unless someone gets to you first, in which case all their hard work flies out the window. they won’t be making it easy for each other.

“points won’t matter when i get her into bed first.” matt’s smug, knowing it’ll make chris go insane. 

“so i take it that you’re up for the challenge?” chris ignores matt’s words with a prompt, because if he doesn’t disregard it, he’ll lash out. 

matt considers it. at least he acts like he does. he knows his answer. if he wants you, if either of them do, they have no choice but to compete. neither of them are sure if it’s love or lust, but they’re about to find out. 

they are certain of one thing though. they like everything about you. the way you look. the way you smell. the way you sound. they know exactly why they want you. it’s the first time ever someone has been able to grab the attention of both brothers. hence the severity of the agreement.

“when do we start keeping score?” matt responds, and that’s all the reassurance chris needs in his brothers answer. 

as if on command, you trudge down the stairs in a sleepy state. their eyes snap toward you simultaneously, and you blink repeatedly to make sure you’re seeing them right. 

you are their favorite part of every day, so it’s not out of the ordinary for them to acknowledge your entrance, but you can feel the intensity of their eyes on you with a different energy. 

with foggy vision still clearing as you rub your heavy, tired eyes, you let a small yawn escape. they both melt at the sight, despite you feeling like you’re in your least desirable state. 

you’re not even paying attention to their back and forth bickering. the sound of their voices muffling through your ears. whatever it is they’re saying, they’re not saying it loud enough for you to hear before you even make it down the stairs.

“now.” chris states, eyes snapping back at his brother as they both raise off the lounge.

all is fair in love and war.

tag list: @luverboychris @floofparker @fake-sturniolos @letstripsturniolo @imwetforyourmom @mattsneezing @mattslolita @breeloveschris @rootbeerworshiper @mattstattoo @mxqdii @tay-laaaaa @pettydollie @lacysturniolo @annamcdonalds67 @landrysflannel @goandcomebsck @sleepysturnss @call-me-ninaaa @lustfulslxt @txssvx

[nrdmssgs]

Reacting to the reader, accidentally falling asleep on them. (Price, Ghost, Gaz)

Masterlist

Part 1 (Soap, Alex, Konig)

Captain John Price

Platonic

Won't mind, if his old friend takes a quick nap on his shoulder, as long as this old friend tolerates a cigar smoke.

If he was discussing something with the others, and you happened to fall asleep - he'll try to speak quieter to the point, where his low velvety voice turns into a full-fledged asmr session.

But if the talk grows heated and his low menacing rumble wakes you up accidentally - he'll just pull you back on his shoulder. "Sorry, darling, go back to sleep... Now back to you, you d**p sh*t!"

Will unconsciously fidget with your fingers, John can't help it: your skin is so soft - it calms him down to lightly massage and caress your hand while you are napping.

Price finds it endearing, how flustered you got, after you finally woke up and understood, how exactly have you been sleeping all this time. Once again, he has nothing against it, but he will gladly joke about it, just to see you blushing. "Of course, you can spend a considerable amount of money on this orthopedic pillow in the hope that it will help you start sleeping better. Or you can always call one of your old friends - it costs nothing..."

Romantic

John will have to fight the urge to scoop and cradle you, so that you lean against him with your full weigh, enjoying his warmth enveloping you.

Even if he has something to do - his attention will be concentrated on you. Your calm deep breaths, your fingers clasping on his shirt lightly - that is what Price consumes with his every his single fiber. Because after all, it's memories of those things that keep him alive and sane on the battlefield.

Will definitely kiss the top of your head, even if you two are not alone. Multiple times.

It's moments like these, when he remembers to take a pause, look outside the window, remember, that his war is not everything he has - there is life beyond it.

Expect to wake up with his hand on your head, fingers sinking into your hair, a warm smile blooming on his face as he notices you slowly opening your eyes. "Had a nice nap, my love? Now how about I take you somewhere, you could actually sleep properly?"

Simon Ghost Riley

(this one turned out more like a scenario, sorry)

Platonic

Ghost doesn't notice the weight of your head on his lap right away. He's seen you curl up on a bench next to where he was sitting, but you are so small and light in comparison to him, it's hard to register your head leaning against him.

He sits at the table and talks to someone, when it hits him: a strange warmth, spreading in all directions of his body from the place your cheek meet his lap.

Simon makes a little, almost unnoticeable, pause, breathes in and goes on talking.

There's a voice in the back of his head, telling him to find anything, that might resemble a pillow, for you to sleep on. It would be so much better, than his dusty jeans. And you definitely deserve something softer than his lap to rest on.

But there's nothing, that he could offer you right now to replace him. So he settles to sitting as still as he possibly could and covering the edge of the table with his hand in case you wake up and get up abruptly. Little gesture, showing how much he really cares for every squadmate, how much he values their trust.

Back on the base, you notice, some late training hours disappeared from your timetable. Your Lt may never comment on you briefly passing out on his lap, but he never forgot, you needed a bit more time to rest after the last mission.

Romantic

He might be reserved and distant with you in public. Nothing personal, just a professional attitude, a facade, if you want. But here, behind the closed doors of his room, he freezes the very next minute he hears your muffled mumbling as you drifted to sleep on his shoulder.

"Don't go. Not yet."

Simons' heart sinks. He wishes, he didn't know, what were you talking about in your sleep, but he knows. Even in your dreams, on the territory, where you can have anything, you've ever wished for - you ask only for him to stay.

In public, you are always ok with him going on missions without you. You are always collected, supportive and optimistic. But when no one is around, you let yourself cling to Ghost for a brief moment, clasp your fingers around his arm and wordlessly plead 'don't go, don't go, don't go, don't...'

As he brushes hair from your face, you slightly flinch, not waking up.

"Take me, not him."

Simon looks at your face, feeling guilt building up in his chest. He puts his work papers aside, scoops you up and carries you to his bed. There he cradles you, caressing your face till you stop mumbling, descending to deeper sleep.

You wake up the next morning alone, surrounded by his scent, as he left you his shirt. He always does that, when he leaves on a mission without you. Your gaze wanders around, till it stops on your arm. His handwriting, black pen ink, covering your skin. Never before has he done anything like this. You grab your phone and frantically make a few dozens of photos of the inscription, that he left on you. You already know, that you'll make it permanent.

The inscription says "On my way to you"

Kyle Gaz Garrick

Platonic

Kyle is actually the one to ask others to speak quieter, when he realizes, you've fallen asleep on his lap.

Will shoo away Soap, who is ready to attack you and Kyle with a myriad of 'so when's the wedding' jokes.

Gaz is also the one to actually make sure, that there is nothing hard in his pockets and that the no sharp edges of his tactical clothes touch your delicate skin. He is a very good, genuinely caring friend.

In fact, he will protect you from any person, threatening your sleep. He will even convince Ghost to come back to you with new intel or orders just a bit later, or give them to Gaz, so that he can tell you everything later.

If you work together - he will try to help you with paperwork, so that you have more time to sleep between trainings and missions.

Romantic

Kyle has that face of the happiest, most proud man out there. It's you, the one, he has been dreaming about for so long, feeling so relaxed next to him. Not only he has you - he can make you so content, you smile, while napping on his shoulder.

His eyes are glued to your face. Nothing else matters in this very moment. It's impossible to distract him with anything.

Covers you with his jacket, always makes sure that you are warm and comfortable in his hands.

Loves to surprise you with something small, every time it happens and you wake up on his shoulder. If you two were in the park - Gaz will carefully pick a flower and tuck it in your hair. If it happened in a coffee shop - he will quietly order your favorite cupcake and move the plate towards you.

Lives for that smiles appearing on your lips in first moments after you wake up. Peppers your face with kisses. "Morning, sunshine!" (says it even if it's almost midnight, and he is about to drag you to the bedroom in a few minutes)

[fatecantstopme]

The Wink

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

Summary: Bucky reveals how he really feels about you through a series of winks and an answer to a question you never wanted to ask.

Warnings: SMUT, oral (F receiving), unprotected sex (P in V). Aftercare. Small bits of fluff. Slight body issues (Bucky hates his scars). Feelings about being used for sex. Use of pet names.

"You're an idiot," you said with a laugh.

"Maybe, but this was entirely your idea."

You smacked his arm and rolled your eyes. "It was your idea, James."

He cocked his head to the side as if he was deciding if he agreed with you or not. He took another swig of his beer and shrugged. "It's possible that you're right." He held up a dart and shook it in front of you. "So you gonna take the bet or not?"

You grabbed the dart from his hand and grinned. "You're still an idiot." You threw the dart and it hit the board with expert precision. "Are you sure you wanna take the bet?" you teased.

Hr grinned and stepped forward, throwing his own dart at the board. It was an instant bullseye. "Oh doll, I'm gonna win this one." He winked as he teased you.

You groaned, knowing you were probably going to regret this later. You threw the dart again, aim pretty good, but certainly not a bullseye. "Shit."

Bucky threw his bullseye a second time. He turned to look at you, shooting you a wink as he grabbed his drink. "Your turn, doll."

"You can't win, Barnes."

"I'm pretty sure the game is mine, sweets."

You bit your lip and turned to face the board again. You knew that losing wasn't an option. You took a deep breath and threw your last dart, sinking it right in the bullseye. "Yes!!"

Bucky smiled and threw his last dart. "Ooo, bullseye number three, doll. Looks like I win." He winked at you again before setting his drink down and leaning closer to you. "So now you have to answer my question."

"What was your question again?" you asked in a light tone, trying to give yourself more time to formulate a better answer.

"If you could only save one person's life on the team, who would you choose?"

It was the question you never wanted to think about, let alone answer. If it came down to it, who would you pick? Whose life did you value more? Could you even pick between your teammates--your friends? Hell, every single one of them was more like family...how could you pick one family member to save?

The problem is, you knew your answer. You knew it from the moment Bucky had first asked the question 20 minutes prior. You'd refused to answer, thinking he would just let it go, but you should have known better. Instead, he made a wager...putting the answer to his question on a game darts. A game you had lost.

You could answer him honestly, but that terrified you beyond belief. You could lie to him instead, but that had its own risks. It was a rock and a hard place scenario and he knew he had you.

"I can't choose, Buck," you complained.

"It's hypothetical!"

"I know, but I love all of you. How could I possibly choose?"

"I chose," he said simply.

Your mind wandered back to a mission from three weeks before. The mission where Bucky had saved your life...

The room suddenly lit up, the muzzle of a gun flashing brightly as a bullet shot from it. The gun was pointed at you and you knew you were about to die. You could practically feel the end racing towards you at the speed of a bullet. You closed your eyes, bracing yourself for the pain, but it never came. Your eyes opened to a scene you'd never imagined seeing.

Bucky stood in front of you, his gun firing off a round as he dropped to his knees. His bullet hit his target, killing the Hydra agent instantly. When Bucky hit the ground, you hit it with him, coming to his front to assess the damage.

"Bucky!" your eyes scanned his body, panic settling into your chest. He was bleeding, but he looked alright.

"I'm fine, doll. It's just a shoulder wound."

"Why'd you do that? Why'd you jump in front of me?"

"Because you wouldn't have survived it. And I couldn't live with that," he said softly.

He wasn't wrong. That bullet would have killed you. While it only pierced his shoulder, it would have hit you directly in the head, killing you instantly.

"Thank you," you whispered.

"Anything for you, doll," he said with a wink.

Back in the present, you shook your head, clearing the memories from your mind. "That's not the same, Buck. I'd die for any one of you. That's much different than picking which one of you to save."

He shook his head. "You didn't see the whole thing. I didn't just save your life, I chose yours over Sam's."

You froze, trying to picture the moments before the gun went off, but the room had been so dark...you hadn't even seen Sam. "Sam's fine, though."

"Sam was fighting another Hydra agent when that one squared up with you. I saw him raise the gun at the same moment I saw Sam get pulled into a choke hold with a knife to his throat. I chose to save you."

You were silent, allowing his words to sink in. "I--I didn't know that. Sam never said anything."

"Sam got away moments later, so he never had a reason to bring it up."

"You just acted on instinct though."

"Perhaps, but I knew I would save you if it came down to it. I'd always choose you." He smiled and shot you another wink. It was the third one this evening alone and you were starting to wonder if they meant more than you'd originally thought.

Bucky was always winking at you. Sometimes jokingly, sometimes in a flirtatious manner, and sometimes even in a serious moment. They always made your heart flutter, but you didn't think they meant anything to him. Bucky was flirty, but he'd never made a move, so you assumed he wasn't interested.

"You still haven't answered my question, doll, and you do owe me an answer."

You took a deep breath and sighed. "Fine. I'd pick you, alright?" you said with a huff.

He looked surprised, but unconvinced. "Why? Because I picked you?"

You groaned, deciding to lay your cards out on the table, come what may. "No you idiot. Your stupid face popped into my head the moment you asked me the question, okay? I knew I'd pick you."

"Then why didn't you answer it the first time?"

"Because!"

"That's not an answer."

"Ugh!" You sighed again. "I didn't say it because I didn't want to explain why it was you."

Bucky looked at you strangely. "You're not gonna make me ask, are you?"

"Damnit, James," you groaned. "I can't live without you, okay? There's no world worth being in if you're not in it."

You couldn't believe you'd just said that out loud, but here you were, heart laid bare, in the awkwardly quiet compound game room.

Bucky didn't say a word, but he wasn't speechless. He was simply contemplating his next move, weighing the consequences of his actions before he made them.

After a few more painfully silent moments, he grumbled "Fuck it," before crossing the short distance between you two and pressing his lips to yours in a frantic, yet passionate kiss.

You were surprised by the suddenness of his actions, but you melted into him without a second thought. The kiss was infinitely better than you had imagined, and you had done quite a lot of imagining.

When Bucky's lips left yours, you whined slightly, wanting nothing more than for him to kiss you again.

"Sorry, doll. I've wanted to do that for ages."

"Well what you took you so long?" you asked.

He raised his eyebrows. "I wasn't sure you wanted me to. You never said anything either, you know. At least I dropped hints."

You rolled your eyes. "Can you please just kiss me again?"

He grinned and leaned back into you, mouth encompassing yours instantly. He loved the taste of your lips, the feeling of your tongue fighting against his, the way you gripped his arms like you were terrified he was going to disappear.

Bucky pulled away once more, the action almost painful. "Should we move this to my room? Anyone could see us here."

"Bit presumptuous of you, James," you teased.

He started to back peddle, a look of panic crossing his features. "Oh, I--uh--I didn't mean--"

You laughed. "I was teasing you, handsome. I'd love to move this elsewhere."

He relaxed, exhaling long and slow. "Thank god." He grabbed your hand and practically dragged you towards the elevator. "Come on."

"Buck, my legs are a lot shorter than yours, so can you slow down a little?" you asked as you jogged after him.

"Sorry, sweets." He turned towards you and scooped you up with ease before continuing to the elevator.

"What are you doing?"

"It's faster if I just carry you."

"Are we in a rush?"

He gave you an unreadable look. "Let's just say I've wanted you for so long that I actually might not be able to contain myself for much longer."

You smirked. "So you're gonna take me right here in this elevator?"

His eyes darkened. "Don't tempt me, baby, because I will."

You blushed. "I wouldn't say no..."

He looked like he was considering it for a moment before shaking his head to clear his dirty mind. "No, no. Our first time needs to be in a bed, where I can attend to your every need, not some dirty elevator."

You'd be lying if you said that the idea of him attending to your every need wasn't sexy as hell. The image of him on his knees for you sent a wave of pleasure straight to your core.

Bucky inhaled deeply and a low growl escaped his throat. "Fuck, you smell good."

You gasped, realizing he could actually smell your arousal...freaking super soldier senses.

The elevator door finally opened and Bucky practically ran towards his room. He pushed his door open and kicked it closed behind him before tossing you on the bed. He stepped away from you and took a few deep breaths.

"Bucky? You okay?" you asked in concern.

"I just need a minute, doll. Need to control myself."

"Why? I'm not afraid of you."

"You should be and you know it," he growled. "I could hurt you and I might if I lose control."

You crawled across the bed towards him, hand reaching out to him. "You're not going to hurt me, Buck. Just come here...please..."

His eyes met yours and you were taken aback by how dark they were. The normally bright blue irises were almost entirely hidden by his pupils, an almost feral look in them. It was an expression that might terrify a lesser woman, but you trusted Bucky with your life. That wasn't going to stop in the bedroom.

"Come here, baby," you whispered gently.

He let you take his arm and pull him towards the bed. He stopped when his legs touched the edge of the mattress. "I wanna be gentle with you, doll. Treat you right."

You cocked your head to the side as you took him in. "While I love that sentiment, Bucky, I don't need that. I need you and I'll take you in whatever form you come."

He groaned. "You're amazing."

You grinned. "Oh baby, you ain't seen nothing yet." You shot him a wink to emphasize your statement and he practically jumped on top of you, earning a squeal of delight from you.

He pinned you to the bed and started kissing you again as his hands began to undress you. His hands were fumbling with your shirt and he groaned in frustration before simply ripping it in two.

"Bucky!"

"I'm sorry, I'll buy you three to replace it," he mumbled, reattaching his lips to your skin.

He quickly rid you of your pants, leaving you in nothing but your underwear and a bralette that was arguably a little small for your chest.

Bucky sat back to take you in, eyes hungrily dancing across your body. He tapped the fabric between your breasts, "Is this expensive?"

You shook your head. "I have a couple more like it."

"Good," he said as he pulled a knife from his pants and slid it under the fabric, cutting the bralette in two. He cut the straps and tossed the ruined fabric onto the floor along with his blade.

You stared at him in a shocked silence, wetness seeping into your underwear. "That was hot as hell."

He grinned and inhaled deeply. "I can tell you liked it, pretty girl."

He grabbed your underwear and tugged them harshly down your legs. "Holy shit," he murmured, sliding a finger between your folds to collect your juices. "This all for me?"

"All for you, Bucky."

He licked his finger and groaned loudly. "Fuck, baby, you taste even better than I imagined."

He dropped to his stomach between your thighs, spreading your legs as wide as he could. He didn't bother to tease you, just dove right in, devouring you with a kind of hunger you'd never experienced.

You were a moaning mess in minutes, begging him not to stop, a plea he took to heart. When your orgasm hit, he worked you through it, never stopping to even take a breath.

You tugged on his hair and whimpered, but he kept going, needing to taste you for a little while longer. He wanted to feel you explode on his tongue again and again and again until you couldn't take it anymore.

"Bucky--I'm so close, please," you gasped.

He dug his fingers into your hips and kept your pussy tight to his face, not letting you squirm away.

Moments later you came with a cry of his name, waves of pleasure making your hips buck against his face. He worked you through it, only stopping when you begged him to give you a break.

He lifted his head, giving you a view of his slick covered beard. "I could eat that pretty pussy all day long, baby." He licked his lips. "Tastes so damn good."

You whimpered softly and reached for him, wanting to kiss him again. He wiped his face on his shirt before tugging it off over his head and lowering his body back down to yours. You held him close as you kissed him, fingers lightly tracing the scars on his left shoulder.

You felt his body stiffen under your hands and you pulled away to look at him. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," he murmured.

"Hey," you said softly, grabbing his chin to force him to look at you. "Talk to me."

He sighed heavily. "I'm just not used to anyone touching my scars."

"Oh," you said in surprise, pulling your hand away from him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"Shit--no, that's not what I meant. Most women tend to avoid them. I know they're not pretty to look at."

"I think they're beautiful."

He looked at you as if you were insane.

"I'm serious, Bucky. Each one tells a unique story of your life. They're a part of you and that makes them beautiful to me."

His eyes softened and you could have sworn you saw the ghost of a tear slide down his cheek. "I don't deserve you," he whispered.

"Oh hush. That's not for you to decide." You hooked your leg around his hips and flipped him over with surprising ease. "If we had more time, I'd kiss every single one of your scars until you believed me, but we don't."

His eyes widened. "Are we in a rush, baby?" he teased, echoing your earlier statement.

You grinned. "If I don't get your cock in me soon, I may never recover."

"We can't let that happen, so we better get to it."

He helped you remove his pants, leaving him in just his boxer briefs. His bulge was massive and your mouth was watering in anticipation. You gripped the waistband of his underwear and pulled them down slowly, allowing his cock to spring free.

You inhaled sharply as you took in the massive erection before you, a slight panic settling into your bones at the thought of having something that large inside of you.

As if he sensed your panic, Bucky chuckled lightly and said, "Don't worry, baby. It'll fit."

"I don't think so."

He grinned. "We'll make it fit."

You looked up at him with what you hoped was a neutral expression. Concern immediately clouded his face, so you knew you'd failed miserably.

"Hey doll, it's okay. I'll go nice and slow, alright? I'll be gentle."

You nodded and took a deep breath. You positioned yourself directly above his painfully erect cock and began to lower yourself down very slowly.

Bucky gripped your hips tightly, making sure to guide you as slowly as he could manage. You both moaned as he began to enter you, the stretch causing you to dig your nails into his chest.

"I've got you," he whispered.

You tried to lower yourself further, but Bucky's grip on your hips kept you from moving. He meant it when he said he wanted to be as gentle as possible.

"I can take it, Buck. Let me try," you murmured.

He looked at you and nodded slowly, not looking entirely convinced, but he loosened his grip on your hips, allowing you to take control.

You took a deep breath, deciding to handle this like removing a band-aid--just get it over with. You sat down on top of him, sheathing his entire cock within your tight walls.

You cried out in a mixture of pleasure and pain, body stretched in ways it had never been stretched before.

Bucky groaned loudly, almost covering your cry. He looked at you with wide eyes, checking to see if you were okay.

Your body was acclimating to his size and you were becoming desperate the longer he remained still. "Please, Bucky," you whimpered.

"What do you need, baby?"

"I need you to fuck me--please."

He gripped your hips again and started to move slowly, letting you match his pace.

"I'm not made of glass," you grumbled.

He looked up at you in surprise. "What?"

"You're not going to break me, Bucky. I want you to fuck me until I can't walk, understand?"

He nodded rapidly, eyes darkening once more. "Are you sure?"

"Fuck. Me. Now." you demanded.

He wasn't going to deny you such a request. He shifted his body, planted his feet on the bed, and began to piston up into you with speed and force.

"Fuck!" you gasped, the pleasure slamming into you like a freight train.

"You're so tight, doll. Feels so good wrapped around my cock."

Bucky was giving you exactly what you'd asked for and you loved it. The tip of his cock brushed your cervix with every thrust, the whisper of pain only adding to your enjoyment.

"Squeezing me so tight, baby. You gonna cum for me? Gonna make a mess on my cock?"

You whimpered and nodded rapidly, your third orgasm of the night creeping up on you. "Feels so good, Buck."

"I know, baby. It's like heaven--could stay here forever."

Your fingernails were digging crescent shapes into his chest as you clung to him, unable to do anything more than moan and gasp his name. "Please," you whimpered.

He knew exactly what you were asking for, so he didn't slow down or alter his movements. He continued to pound into you until you came with a cry of his name, pussy pulsating around his cock.

"Fuck!" he gasped. "Fuck--baby--shit, you've gotta stop that or I'm not gonna last."

"Can't help it," you mumbled. "Feels so good."

"I know pretty girl." He pulled you down to his chest and held on tightly as he flipped you onto your back, allowing him to get a better angle.

By this stage, your body was hyper-sensitive and you could feel every single movement he made.

His hips began to move again and his fingers caressed every part of you he could reach. He pinched your nipples, rolling them between his fingers as he fucked you. "Can you give me one more, sweets?"

Your eyes widened and you shook your head.

"You sure, doll? I think my pussy can do it." He changed his angle, giving him the ability to hit your g-spot with each thrust, as if to punctuate his sentence.

You moaned loudly and clenched tightly around him, eliciting a groan from his lips.

"I think she can give me one more, baby. My pussy--treating me so good--gonna make sure she feels good too."

You moaned again, nails clawing at his back as he fucked you.

"Yeah? You like that, huh?" he groaned into your ear. "Who's pussy is this, baby?"

"You--yours," you gasped out.

"That's right, doll. It's mine."

He knew you were getting close, so he slid his left hand down between your bodies, using his finger to gently massage your clit.

"Bucky!" you gasped.

"You gonna cum for me again, sweets?"

"So close," you whispered.

"I know, doll."

Three more thrusts and you were falling into an ocean of pleasure, wave after wave crashing into you. You were barely aware of Bucky chasing his own high, the crest of your pleasure blinding you to anything else.

Bucky came with a low groan of your name, spilling his seed deep within you. When he was spent, he collapsed on top of you, body shaking slightly from the intensity of his orgasm.

You laid like that for several minutes before Bucky finally shifted, rolling off of you and leaving you cold and empty. You reached for him almost instinctively, but he wasn't beside you.

You whimpered softly, looking around the room for him. He appeared from the bathroom holding a washcloth, a look of concern on his face.

"What's wrong, baby?"

"I didn't know where you went," you whispered sheepishly.

He looked sad. "Just wanted to get a nice warm washcloth to clean you up with, doll."

"Oh."

He very gently began to clean you up, hands surprisingly soft. "I've got you, doll. I'm here."

You felt kind of foolish...you were simply used to be treated differently by men. You'd always been the girl they'd fuck and leave, none of them ever stayed long enough to even make sure you'd cum, let alone clean you up after. It was wrong of you to assume that Bucky was the same.

When he was done, he tossed the washcloth to the floor and crawled back into the bed, pulling you into his chest. "Wanna tell me what's wrong, sweets?"

"I'm--I'm just not used to aftercare, that's all. I...I thought you left."

"It's my room," he teased softly, laying a kiss on top of your head. "Besides, I'd much rather hold you after sex than lay in an empty bed."

You looked up at him, taking in his disheveled appearance and eyes so full of love it almost hurt to look at them. "Thank you, Bucky."

His brow furrowed. "For what?"

"For being you," you said simply, placing a soft kiss to the scar on his right shoulder, the one he got from saving your life.

"Anything for you, doll. Anything for you."

[wcnderlnds]

stress reliever | colin zabel

✧ after a hard day at work your roommate colin comes home stressed and you have the perfect idea to help him out. ✧

・❥・warnings: 18+ nsfw. oral (m receiving), explicit language, alcohol mentions.・❥・ authors note: it’s only the second time i’ve wrote smut and im tired so if it’s bad just lie to me to spare my feelings im sensitive thank u

Being Colin’s roommate meant that you’d seen him come home from work in all different kinds of states. Some days were fine – he was the usual, cheery Colin that you knew but then he had the rougher days. The tough days where his job took its toll on him emotionally and mentally. Whether it was working on a hard case or interviewing witnesses, there were days where he was completely checked out. Today was one of those days. When Colin walked through the door to your shared apartment, you could instantly sense the tension in him. You knew better than to ask him what was wrong. He would always tell you when he was ready. Colin was good at communicating but it had to be when he felt comfortable to.

He threw himself down on the couch, running a hand through his hair with a deep sigh. You walked over to him, placing a glass of wine on the coffee table in front of him. You sat down beside him with your own glass of wine firmly in your hand. “Hey.”

“Hey,” he mumbled, loosening his tie. Admittedly, he looked hot as hell with his hair all ruffled and his tie undone but now was definitely not the time to be lusting over your best friend/roommate.

“Rough day? You seem tense,” You took a sip of your wine. It wasn’t your favourite but it was all the two of you had left.

“Yeah,” he placed the glass back on the table, leaning his head back on the couch. His eyes were focused on the ceiling, the exhaustion in his voice evident. “Very rough day.”

As you watched him, an idea formed in your head. It was risky and he could definitely reject you almost immediately but if the past was anything to go off, you were almost ninety percent certain he wouldn’t. Long ago, back when the two of you had first moved in together, you’d had a housewarming party, drinks had been flowing and one thing had led to another and the two of you found yourselves hooking up in his bedroom. The talk the next day was awkward but you’d decided it was a one off. Never to happen again. That wasn’t to say that you hadn’t thought about it because you had. Many, many times. Colin was probably the most attractive man you’d ever met so keeping your hands to yourself was a struggle everyday but you valued your friendship. That's why you told yourself your next move was to help him because you were friends after all. Friends helped each other so, really, you’d be doing him a favour.

Your hand rested on his thigh, slowly sliding upwards. Colin’s eyebrows scrunched in confusion, eyes darting from your hand to your face. Before he had a chance to speak, your hand brushed against the bulge in his pants, lightly squeezing. His bottom lip was between his teeth as he bit back a groan. It was only when your hand moved to unbutton his pants when he grabbed your wrist gently to stop you.

“What’re you doing?” He asked quietly, trying to keep his breathing normal and failing.

“Helping you relieve some of that tension. I think you deserve it after a hard day, don’t you?” You popped the button open, hand dipping inside to rub him through the thin material of his boxers. He was already half hard. How long has it been since someone touched this poor man?

He pondered it for a moment. “You don’t have to.”

“Colin, I want to so shutup, sit back and just enjoy it.”

He didnt have it in him to fight against it so he leaned back once again and bucked his hips up into your hand seeking more. ‘Might as well fully give in now,’ he thought. You took that as your cue to go all in, sinking to your knees in front of him. He could almost moan at the sight. You tugged his pants down along with his boxers. Colin hissed as the cold air hit his length. Your hand wrapped around his cock, Colin exhaling sharply when you slowly began to stroke. Your thumb grazed over his tip, gathering the pre-cum that had started to gather there. Hearing the groan from Colin only spurred you on, your hand speeding up, applying a little more pressure as you felt him harden beneath your touch.

“You’re so hard for me, baby. You really need this, don’t you?” You murmured, voice low as your head lowers down to his aching length. “Let me take care of you.”

Colin groaned the second your tongue darts out licking the tip of his cock. His head is thrown back as your tongue swirls around him, teasing him. You take him in your mouth, taking all of him until he hits the back of your throat.

“Hmpffff, shit,” Colin’s hands flew to your head, threading through your hair as he guides your movements.

You take him deeper, bobbing along his length. Occasionally, he hits the back of your throat causing you to choke, which in turn made the most beautiful moans come from Colin’s mouth. Your eyes meet his and you purposely moan around him, the vibrations going straight through his body. His fingers in your hair tighten as his breath gets heavier, his hips involuntarily bucking up into your mouth. With one final deep thrust into your mouth, he cums, spilling down your throat with a guttural moan of your name. You swallow his load, the bitter taste sliding down your throat. Finally, you release yourself from him, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand.

Colin sat there, cheeks red, chest rising and falling as he caught his breath back. “Wow.”

“So,” you said, climbing back up on the couch. “Feeling more relaxed?”

He turns his head to you with a chuckle. The blissed out look on his face is one you’ll be committing to memory. “Very. You’re… gonna have to let me repay the favour sometime.”

[poppadom0912]

Anyway we can get a part 2 to Grandchildren? Just a whole thing about how the Firehouse is with the reader throughout her pregnancy and the aftermath of her giving birth?

Warnings: Mentions of pregnancy and labour. 

A/N: This was sent last year I'm pretty sure but I only just got it done today! Very sorry about that. This will probably be my last fic of the holiday before going back to full-time education and I'm highly sure I'll be so stressed that writing won't even be on my mind. But please bear with me and depending on time, I might be able to get some stuff out to suffice you all.

You weren’t too sure what to expect following your pregnancy announcement. There were two ways things could go but knowing your firehouse family, there was only one direction they would follow. 

In the early months of your pregnancy, you were in the process of moving out your joint apartment with your fiancé and trying to find a place of your own. After an insistent Sylvie and your dad’s invitation to move back home, you moved into Sylvie’s apartment and became roommates with your paramedic partner. 

Living with one of your best friends definitely helped everything. She was everything that you needed and more both on and off shift. It was hilarious how she was more useful then your ex who was the actual father of the babies you were carrying. 

The twins were thriving. Every doctor's appointment, someone from the firehouse was attending with you and every time you were given only good news. But pregnancy was definitely hitting you hard with the morning sickness, incessant cravings, your unrelenting bladder and forever changing mood swings. 

Work in itself was relatively fine disregarding the overprotective adults you worked with. If being Boden’s daughter wasn’t enough, then being pregnant with twins increased their naturally protective natures tenfold and you weren’t too sure how to feel about it. On one hand, you adored how much they loved and valued you and your unborn babies' lives, you would never take advantage of their love but on the other hand, it was so constant and sometimes quite extreme that a break away from them sounded like paradise. 

But then you reached the six/seven-month mark and everything suddenly changed. Twenty-four-hour shifts became hell on earth. Now, you welcomed all their coddling, you could no longer do bare human necessities alone such as putting your shoes on – Sylvie helped you tie your boots up every morning – you couldn’t stand for too long, so you had someone help cook and take over for you, and the list goes on. 

Giving birth, gosh that was a story in itself.

You were at home when your water broke. You decided against going to Molly’s and Sylvie stayed with you, both of you putting your feet up and relaxing with a cheesy romcom and the perfect snacks to go with it. Sylvie was in the bathroom while you were in the kitchen when it all happened. 

It was nearly painless, your Braxton hicks hurt more surprisingly. It trickled down your leg, your shock rooting you in your place besides the sink. You’d been so silent that Sylvie came looking for you when you didn’t reply to her calling your name. 

Her surprise was evident for mere seconds before the paramedic in her kicked in. You were surprised nothing in you moved into motion, you were a paramedic for goodness sakes, you dealt with these things all the time. 

On the way to the hospital, you called your dad and step-mum Donna who immediately claimed they were on their way. This was happening way too fast for your liking; you knew premature twins were the norm, but you still couldn’t hide your concern. 

You’d decided several months ago that since you had no partner to be in the room with you, Donna and Sylvie would be there with you instead and to say they were emotional when you broke the news to them was saying the least. 

Seeing your stepmother already waiting for you at the hospital nearly made you break out into tears. You wanted to feel bad for making them leave Terrance home with a sitter but the next contraction made you shut up. 

While Sylvie spoke to the nurse at the desk, your dad and Donna helped you up, holding your sides to help you walk into the labour and delivery ward where you would spend the next several hours of the night. 

The pain only got worse the more time passed. You asked for an epidural, but an hour passed and then two and then Donna was demanding her daughter’s request be fulfilled. Donna’s anger could not be masked by anything but the tears filling your eyes from the tripling pain. 

According to them, your labour was progressing too quick for an epidural. Your dad and Sylvie were struggling to hold back an absolutely livid Donna. Had your mind not been so hazy from the pain, you would’ve been supporting her anger. 

Eventually, your midwife arrived causing you to nearly cry out in joy. She had been the most perfect angel who eventually forced your dad out the room. Chocking back a cry, you let him kiss your sweaty forehead, wishing you the bestest of luck and whispering his love for you in your ear before leaving. Your dad leaving you made you feel like a little kid again, his absence making you want to cry more. 

Everything blurred together once you were dilated enough. You were squeezing the daylights out of Sylvie and Donna’s hands, guttural screams and sobs ripping out your throat when all of a sudden you felt a wave of relief wash over you. 

Before you knew what was happening, a tiny little body was gently being placed on your chest and you were still crying. 

“It’s a boy!” You faintly heard the doctor as you heart thundered in your ear, all your attention solely on the life you gave laying on your chest. The nurse was cleaning it with a towel and without a second to waste, you held his head with the lightest touch against you. 

But then things started moving again, your first baby was taken for his first ever check-up and you were being told to start pushing again. You were barely able to concentrate, your mind still on your firstborn. 

“Sylvie… please.”

Two words were all the blonde needed to leave your side and follow the baby that was practically her nephew. 

Fourteen minutes later exactly, your daughter was born and you weren’t embarrassed to say you full on sobbed when they placed her on your chest. 

“You did it Y/N. You did it honey, you were perfect.” Donna comforted you, pushing your sweaty hair back, watching you stare adoringly at your second born. “You did it mama.”

*****

When you got cleaned up and was informed of the clean bill of health your babies had, you were knocked out, Donna and Sylvie promising you they’d be awake for anything needed and they could tell the good news to the rest of the world. 

Sylvie was talking to one of the nurses when Donna slipped out the room, walking into the waiting room that was empty when they arrived but was now filled with nervous family. They looked almost restless, it was apparent on their faces that as soon as morning came, they all came running. 

Under their curious eyes, Donna didn’t stand a chance. “It’s a healthy boy and girl.”

And with that, the waiting room erupted into cheers. 

With the nurse's permission, the firehouse broke into several groups to visit you and every group was as emotional as the next. 

Your dad shed several tears seeing you and his grandchildren. He cried the most you’d ever seen him cry when you announced your baby boys full name. To top his reaction, you laughed and cried at the same time when you told Matt, Kelly and Sylvie the news you’d been wanting to tell them ever since you got pregnant. 

The titles godparent made your three best friends more emotional than they would’ve wanted. Sylvie nearly crushed you in her hug when you told her your baby girls middle name. 

Who would’ve thought having namesakes was this emotional? 

They kept you another day for observations but after that, there was no reason for you to remain at the hospital any longer. So you were finally at home, with two new additions.

Two newborn babies were hard work. It took what felt like hundreds of sleepless nights, several cries of your own, feeding non-stop and the list went on.

And it was hard on your own. Most days, Sylvie had to go to work, leaving you on your own for an entire 24 hours but it would always be the biggest relief when she was off for the next 48.

And everyone was always offering their hands. You lost count the amount of times Donna came over to help with food and cleaning, Cindy always calling, providing you with all the advice and things you needed.

It was very emotional and you found yourself coping perfectly fine without your ex.

Yes, you did feel slightly guilty raising your children without knowing their father but it was the better alternative than if he was still around.

And your children were constantly surrounded by people, family who would always love them and would always be around. Your firefighters were fiercely protective and you wouldn't change that for the world.

[jordanstrophe]

Hallow Island, The Inspector

[Masterlist]

CW: Defiant, Imprisoned, manhandled, controlling whumpers, auction mentioned

Whumpee restlessly hammered their fists on the cell door. They knew it was useless, but if it annoyed anyone beyond the doors, then so be it.

Stress kept their heart on a constant adrenaline high; it was the only thing keeping them from collapsing. They touched their cheekbone and felt swelling; the backhand from earlier must have left a bruise.

The door rattled as whumpee jumped to their feet. The two guards from earlier came in, accompanied by one more.

" .... This is it? This is all they got?" The Inspector scoffed, stepping in with the guards. "They're going to do an entire auction with one person? Gracious what a waste of all our time. Hold them, please." They snapped a glove over their hand.

"Wait! I don't have anything of value, if you're looking for money you've got the wrong person," Whumpee argued, sinking to their knees to avoid the guards, who each grabbed a wrist and pulled them to stand straight.

"Oh we know that, dear. Luck for us we're not after anything you have." The guards dragged whumpee within a foot of the Inspector; whumpee shrunk their neck and clenched their teeth in response.

"You see the thing of value is you." They grinned, reaching for whumpee's face as they flinched and buried their face in the guards shoulder on their right. The guard seemed to be taken aback a bit. They tried to gently nudge their face but whumpee wouldn't budge.

"Come now, just let me have them." The Inspector hissed, shoving the guard back until they could grab whumpee's jawline. "Stand straight, look at me, sweet thing." They cooed. Whumpee's gaze was pure death as they glared at the Inspector. Tears in their eyes were wiped by a thumb across their cheekbone. The bruise was apparent as they winced.

"Is that.... A bruise?" The Inspector squinted. There was silence for a moment as they pressed their thumb hard into whumpee's cheekbone-

-"OW! Stop it!" Whumpee barked, freeing their face and burying it back onto the guards shoulder, who looked completely flustered and didn't know what to do.

"What idiot did that? Who hit them?! Was it you?!" They accused the guard on the left.

"It was whumper. They tried to run right off the plane." They shrugged.

"The imbecile! We have one living thing up for auction tonight and it's flawed!" The inspector cried, rummaging through their bag. "It's fine, I can fix this. It's my job." They muttered.

"Just let me go and no one will know! You already said I wasn't worth your time." Whumpee tried to plead.

"What? When did I say that?" The inspector raised their head. "Your range of buyers will go mad no matter what we throw on stage. And since you're... Well, it, we could look at a bidding war. I heard the last batch off the plane didn't last long." They shrugged.

Dread poured into whumpees body at their last words. Their spine felt cold, their heart couldn't beat much faster as it fluttered uncomfortably. Whumpee gritted their teeth and struggled for air; tears freely flowed down their cheeks.

"But I'm not... I-I'm not worth anything." They quietly muttered. The inspector raised their head and whumpee felt the guard on their right clutch their arm a little softer.

"Oh, darling." They tsked, cupping whumpee's cheek.

"After tonight, you will see exactly how much you're worth." They smiled. 

Taglisting @enigmawritesstuff​  @frog-hat-fa-ggot​ @gala1981 @wishiwaskidnapped​   @blackbirdsinatrenchcoat  @octopus-reactivated

[yanaleese]

Extract #1 - Training Practice

"Karma, your next opponent is here!"

"Really?" Karma replied, monotonous, detached - cold. Unlike me, who wore cold, pale flesh, Karma was warm-bloodied, healthy, and robust. Although I had never seen Karma with such a lustful look (since I lusted after Kallisto instead), he was indeed a charmer; but not a playboy for girls, neither a boytoy.

Rather, he was the perfect heir to the Sangres. In this century, they were an active family that supported their country, the goods, and encourage values of kindness and community.

But not all is beautiful under the sun.

Many of the pure bloods remarked on how his family paved the path for our extermination.

Starting with our children.

It was an impressive plan, my father said. They took our merits, our achievements and swallowed it into their rabbit hole. Our pride, our royal lineage, and most importantly - our hope, the people's hope.

And now, I am invited by these same traitors of the vampiric race, to see the next heir in line take the throne.

What a cruel joke.

"Ari. Do me a favor and hold my stuff, yea?"

Taking a deep breath, I nodded. Kallisto normally isn't this excited.

I suppose it's because he's facing his brother, Karma. But luckily, it's a simple training practice.

I'm sure it won't be anything too hard.

"Karma, I've been practicin' like crazy. Yuh wanna try me?" His face flushed with joy, his cheeks reddening at the sight of his brother. No matter what occasion, Kallisto's toothy grin stood out like a sore thumb. Nevermind his abnormally deep scars, or the brand that decorated the back of his neck. To this family, it was a testament of bravery, and resilience - or whatever bullshit excuse they have for abuse.

"You know what happened last time."

"Still! The more I get beat up, the more I learn. Ain't it?"

"...I disagree." Karma's voice was deeply pensive, calculated. "You learn with your fists, not your head."

"Yah callin' me dumb or wha?" Kallisto squealed; my heart softened.

"No. I'm saying you have the wrong values."

"Awww...."

"Now hurry up and get into position, Kalli."

"Kallisto." The younger brother pronounced firmly, his grin dampening into a frown.

He ignored him, turning his head to me. "Aristotle, give us the count."

"Understood." Polite language was best for Karma, since his title was superior to mine. "Ready?"

"Yuh-ha! Start already, whore!" Kallisto chimed.

I chuckled, counting down. "3...2...1..."

"Go!"

Immediately, Karma punched Kallisto straight in the nose - without even a hint of hesitation. Even without seeing his eyes, I knew he had the intent to kill, to bring despair to others. It was almost as if he was a pure-blood himself.

In response, Kallisto held Karma's foot, sinking his fingernails into his legs. Once again, he was playing dirty. Karma groaned, now aiming for his forehead. The younger brother retracted just in time, backing away, before aiming for a punch to his crotch.

"Oh Dracula~" I smirked, his aim perfect. "Hit 'em where it hurts, Kallisto!"

Yet, Karma didn't even react. What the fuck is he even made oof?!?

"Shut up! I'm tryin' to concatrate!"

"You mean concentrate?"

"Same thin'!" He growled, tearing and slashing through Karma's skin, going for the throat. "Die, die, die!!!"

Karma gurgled up blood, showing off his pearly teeth. "Kal...Kalli..."

"Shit Karma! What the hell is with that-"

Before he could even could finish his sentence, Karma smothered Kallisto's eyes with his own blood, pulling him straight into a headlock.

"Kallisto!" I screamed, jumping out of my seat. "Get the hell out of there before you can!"

"S...Sh....it...!" He screamed, he shouted - clawing and scraping anything to get himself out of Karma's suffocating hold. "you fUcking..."

And within seconds, Kallisto passed out, his rage transforming into a sense of calmness and defeat.

Declaring Karma as the winner. Again.

"Undefeated champion, huh?"

The eldest took his time responding, possibly gulping down a healing potion. "I'm sorry, Aristotle. But I have a reputation to uphold in front of my family."

"That's clearly not what I'm seeing."

"Well, Aristotle, I'm sorry my perspective does not match yours." Karma mentioned, looking left and right for something, or somewhat.

"And I'm sorry that you can't see the truth."

Karma froze, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "...I do."

"Really? How much do you know?"

"I know enough that you want payback. In blood."

Hesitantly, he picked up Kallisto, attending to his wounds. Continuing to look left and right, he once again took his sweet time to respond.

Meanwhile, I could feel my blood - or whatever blood I last drank - boiling.

"...No I don't."

Karma scratched the back of his neck, starting to sweat. "I wish I could say the same thing, but your bloodlust is all over the entire room."

Dammit, did I not mask it properly?

"Well." I bow; I fucking hated bowing to these fucks. "My apologies Young Master-"

"Excuse me, Aristotle..."

"Yes, Young Master?" I plastered a fake smile.

"Promise me...that you'll keep this a secret." His voice grew to a honeyed whisper.

I titled my head, confused.

"Young Master, whatever do you mean-"

"Cleaning up his wounds. I was lucky today, but don't say anything." He muttered under his breath. "Please. I can't afford not a soul in this mansion to hear this."

"But Young Master, is such kindness really worth a secret?"

"In this mansion, unfortunately so." Karma was dead serious. "So please tell the staff that you attended to his wounds."

I bit my lip, drawing blood. "......Yes, Young Master."

Satisfied with my response, he stood tall, clutching my shoulders. Though I was cold to the touch, and was a walking undead - his hands grasped unto me with the tiniest bit of comfort, warmth...

That was raw. Fresh. Unfiltered.

....Something...human.

"Thank you, Aristotle." He pulled away, his bittersweet smile etched into his features. Waving a small good-bye, Karma returned to his stoic composure, leaving me alone with Kallisto.

As I turned to the man in front of me, a twinge of pain and agony rushed through me.

The truth was clear as day.

This place was a hellish, inescapable nightmare that no child can live in. That no vampire or human can live in.

This was the definition of hell itself.

~ Aristotle Carpathia, Heir of the Carpathia Family

If you'd like to put this as your profile picture, please contact me through my inbox! Thank you.

[sad-not-glad]

We Know Something You Don’t

Pairing: Bucky x pregnant! Reader

Word count: 3415

Warnings: pregnancy symptoms, allusion to birth, tooth-rotting fluff

A/N: the second part to I Know Something You Don’t, This is going to become a series :) reposted, again, from the account I deleted like a stupid mf.

First part: Here

Bucky really was amazed at what the modern world could do now for expecting mothers. He had accompanied you to every doctors appointment and there was a healthy stack of parenting books growing on his bedside table. Everything that the doctor said he soaked in like a sponge, asking so many questions you had to tell him to stop more than once in your so far short pregnancy. They supposed you were only around 10 weeks along so you still had quite a while to go yet.

The best part by far was the ultrasound. Bucky was brought to tears when during your first appointment you both were shown the very first image of your precious little baby. He unashamedly began to brag on his child, praising them for growing so well and being so strong. He wouldn't listen when you told him that it was barely a tiny blob, because that in itself was amazing. One of the pictures now had a permanent place safe inside his wallet.

The one thing that was less than exciting to you both was the idea of telling your team the news. For Bucky it was the fear of judgment and potential for harm if anyone outside of your friend group caught wind of the upcoming child. Your fears revolved around losing your independence. It was bad enough that the team babied you already, you didn't think you could stand it if they got any worse. You valued your independence, and while you were on a leave from missions for the time being you had no intentions to stop your training. Maybe modify things a bit for your new condition, but you really wanted to remain active for as long as possible.

So the both of you kept dancing around the subject. Excuses for why you weren't going on missions, faking dates for doctors appointments, avoiding any situation where alcohol would be involved. Of course you knew that you couldn't hide it forever but it would be nice to adjust to the idea of becoming parents before they overwhelmed you with their own excitement.

Tonight was making that hard though. It was supposed to be a simple, slow evening in which everyone could be lazy and watch TV together. And it had been up until a few minutes ago, when Tony appeared with some kind of new takeout from a place that had recently opened nearby. The food is passed around and you decide on a serving of spicy chicken with rice. It was something you usually loved and you were sure this place would be no different. The first bite was… odd. You chewed slowly, poking at the chicken before cautiously lifting the fork to your mouth again. All at once the spice and smell and texture hit you as you threw down the container and made a mad dash for the kitchen.

“Holy shit-” There's the sound of something being tossed down as footsteps follow you. But that doesnt matter. Not when you're about to blow chunks all over the countertops. With one last strain of effort you launch yourself over the sink as you begin to vomit painfully. Carefully you feel two hands sweep the hair from your face into a makeshift ponytail as cold fingers press against the back of your neck. You heave in a deep breath before hurling again. Tears are streaming down your face and you know there's bile stuck in your hair and to your face, but all you can focus on is getting the sickness out of your system. After several grueling minutes of emptying your stomach you finally felt the nausea fade off.

“Is she okay, Barnes?” That was Tony. Bucky struggled to find an answer to the questioning stares as you heave in deep breaths. “Yeah, she's gonna be okay.” You shake your head softly, glancing back at him with wavering eyes. This was a secret you had to spill, you couldn't hide it any longer. Not from a team filled with assassins and geniuses.

“Buck, tell them”

“Tell us what? What's going on you two?” Bucky takes your still shaking hand into his, nodding softly before turning towards the team littered around the kitchen. “(Y/N) is pregnant.” The silence is deafening and it puts you on edge for a moment before the tension is broken by Steve’s sharp cry of surprise. All hell breaks loose suddenly and you're both swept up and passed between people for long, tight hugs.

“Oh my god, Baby Banres!”

“You’re pregnant?!”

“I'm so happy for you two!!!”

Nobody seemed to mind the mess you had made of yourself as they all took turns hugging and showing you with praises. After a considerable amount of time Bucky managed to pry you from Natasha’s tight hold, slightly take aback by the reaction to such a simple sentence. But it wasnt simple, your entire life was going to be changing drastically in the next year. You beamed up at him, simply glowing after being showered in so much affection. And he was so ready to start to journey with you at his side.

Bucky was sure that he was going to die right there in the stiff hospital chair he sat in. The doctor’s kind words flew right over his head and the only thought in his mind was that she had said this baby was a little girl. A daughter, he was going to have a little baby princess with you. A little girl with your soft hair and striking eyes, listening to her giggles as her Daddy dotes on her, heading her call him Daddy. That alone was what broke the dam of his eyes, allowing the tears to fly freely over his cheeks. By now the doctor had left you alone and you were already sitting up on the bed.

“Sweetheart?” He turned to you, opening his mouth to respond but coming up short. Your expression melted as you reached out and pulled him forward into your arms. He gripped tightly to you, overwhelmed with the pure love flowing through his veins. He had no idea what he had done along the way to deserve this, but god Bucky would do anything to keep his little family safe. After the tears slow he finally looks up at you, sniffing as you wipe the dampness from his face. “Its a girl?” You nod softly and he chokes on another sob as it becomes so much more real. He held tightly to you as together you celebrated in the news of your upcoming daughter.

Upon returning from your appointment the tower was suspiciously quiet. Nobody in the communal area, nobody on the floor you stayed in with Bucky and Steve, and nobody inside your little shared space. Bucky was too caught up in admiring the new pictures of your baby to notice but you immediately took note of the striking silence that lingered everywhere you went. After shedding your shoes and coat you pulled out your phone, checking for a text from anyone really. Nothing. You called Tony, no answer. And then Natasha, and again no answer. By now your nerves were standing on edge and you couldn’t ignore the creeping feeling in your gut.

“Bucky, where is everyone?” He looks up from the photo held tightly in his hands to you in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“The tower is empty. I-“

You paused, trying to think of any reason the entire team would disappear like this. After finding none you sighed, finally calling out to the AI within the walls for some help . “FRIDAY, where is everyone?”

“I’m afraid I’m not permitted to say, Ms Barnes. I can tell you they will be returning in around half an hour though.” Bucky now looked just as confused as you did. But for now it seemed the only thing you could do was wait, so you did just that. Half an hour passed, then an hour, and then two. The day was crawling towards the evening and still with no word from anyone the anxiety began to run high. It was nearly 8pm when finally FRIDAY announced you and Bucky were being asked to join the team in the conference room.

Bucky held the door open for you to enter and you jumped in surprise as several loud pops sounded and you were both showered with confetti.

“Surprise!”

The room was decorated from floor to ceiling, filled with pastel colors and various baby-themed decorations. You can’t help the tears that flood your eyes at the display of your team’s love for you and your husband. “Guys, what is all this?” Bucky steps forward, gently wrapping his arm over your shoulders as you take a really good look around. It’s absolutely beautiful, with just the right amount of tacky to make it funny and cute. “It’s your baby shower, silly! You didn’t think you were going to have a kid and not let up spoil them rotten, did you?” Tony laughs, pulling you forward into his arms as he pats your back. One by one both you and Bucky receive a tight hug from everyone before you’re being led to sit at the head of the table.

One by one each person presents you with an array of gifts for your unborn child. Clint provides you with a surplus of diapers and wipes, Natasha gifts you a set of avenger themes onesies she found and a pump, Sam gives you a giant teddy bear in a falcon uniform that was holding a basket of clothes, and so on and so forth. After two full hours of unwrapping presents and being blown away by the generosity of the people who loved you, both you and Bucky were surrounded by piles of baby gear. Ranging in variety from cribs and diapers to toys they wouldn’t be able to play with for years to come. Despite the fatigue seeping down into your bones you just couldn’t pull the smile from your face. Things were finally calming down as everyone split into groups and chatted amongst themselves while snacking from the small buffet provided by Tony. Bucky gently pulled you closer to his side, guiding your head to rest on his shoulder as you soaked in the moment. It was strikingly normal, almost in a funny way. These were the avengers, earth's mightiest heroes. And they were all bouncing with excitement over a baby that wasn’t even born yet. Your baby. The thought made your smile stretch even wider as you observed the love everyone held for your child.

“You getting tired, mama?” The new pet name made your heart skip a beat, he had taken to calling you that lately. With a subtle nod you shifted your gaze up to him, smiling despite the exhaustion settling over your mind. “Yeah, I’m pretty pooped. Do you think they would be offended if we went to bed?” He chuckled, shaking his head as he moved a piece of your hair away from your face. “I don’t really care. If the baby needs sleep then that’s what the baby gets. Let’s go, sweet thing.” As he gently helped you raise from the chair everyone’s eyes turned, conversations stilling. “You two heading up to bed?” He nods, wrapping his arms around you as a means of support. You hadn’t realized how truly tired you were until now as you fought to keep your eyes open while you swayed on your feet. “Yeah, (Y/N) needs the sleep right now. Thank you guys for this, really. It’s… more than I expected, it’s amazing. Thank you.”

There are several mumbles of goodnight and no problem as he leads you to the door, making your way back to your room and your oh-so-sweet bed that is calling your name loudly right now. The elevator ride up was short and you were asleep the moment you laid down, not even changed out of your clothes for the day. Bucky took a moment to kneel by your side, eyes drifting slowly over your face down to the swollen bump in your midsection. Carefully he reached out and ran his fingers over your exposed skin as the little girl inside got the sleep she deserved. ‘My girls’ he thought to himself with a small smile.

By now you were nearly 30 weeks along in your pregnancy. Tony had helped set up a nursery space for you both and it was bursting at the seams with toys and clothes for your child. You told the team about the gender several weeks ago and they all celebrated greatly at the news of a baby girl joining them. You sweat that Steve cried but he very much denies it every time you mention how his eyes misted over. Today was surprisingly slow, half the team gone on various missions and political trips which left the tower quiet and peaceful for once. You were enjoying the silence by laying on the couch in the living room, dazing in and out of sleep and Bucky filed away some paperwork for the team he was now supervising. Instead of doing active field missions he elected to take a backseat, now mostly filling out papers and instructing his team on how to conduct their own missions. You were just about to slip back into your dreamless slumber when a strong tap against your navel made you gasp. Bucky turned in mild alarm, tossing down his pen to give you his full attention from where he sat next to you on the floor.

“(Y/N), you okay?” You shrug, hand sliding down to cover the spot your daughter had just elbowed. She was usually asleep this time of day so it surprised you to feel such a prominent shove against your insides. “Yeah, baby is just moving a little-“ your sentence breaks off into a sharp cry of shock as you pull your hand away from your bump. Now Bucky is very worried, sitting up next to you and inspecting your body closely for signs of harm. “What’s wrong?” Instead of answering you rush to grab his hand, pressing it firmly where yours had been only moments before. A few second pass in silence before-

Bump

Now it was Bucky’s turn to gape in surprise, staring down at his hand where his daughter had kicked him for the first time. “Did you feel that?!” Your voice is brimming with excitement as you also watch your stomach carefully. Before Bucky can respond there’s another, softer tap against his palm. He chokes on his laugh, head swiveling to catch you in a joyful kiss.

“She kicked me, (Y/N)!” You nod, holding his face as he laughs with glee. He pauses after a moment before springing to his feet and grabbing up his phone. “Bucky?”

“I have to tell Steve!” He rushes from the room to call his best friend, who is probably halfway across the world asleep right now. But his excitement is contagious and you giggle as you watch him pace the room before the blonde answers.

“Steve, you’ll never guess what. She kicked me! Yeah I know, it’s great isn’t it? She was so strong too, such a little fighter already-“

Slowly you settled back into the couch, letting your eyes drift closed as you listened to Bucky brag about your child and all of her capabilities thus far, no doubt in your mind about his fatherly love. Your daughter was already the center of his entire universe. You fell asleep to his warm voice and images of your baby girl floating through your mind.

It was nearly 3 am, and you felt absolutely miserable. Braxton hicks had been keeping you awake all night and no matter how you tossed and turned about you just couldn’t seem to get comfortable. Bucky had no issue, snoring like a brick beside you as you languished about your condition. You loved your baby so much but you couldn’t wait for her to finally arrive. Your body was always aching from the added weight you were carrying and you were always bloated and cranky. With a sigh you shuffled to sit up in the bed, freezing in place when there’s a soft pop that comes from inside you and a gush of fluids between your legs. Your mind is reeling, mostly mortified that you had managed to have an accident in the bed. Your good luck could only last so long. Slowly you shifted your weight so you could stand and walk to the bathroom in order to clean up, stopping suddenly as an intense pain seizes through your abdomen. It takes you off guard and steals your breath, leaving you gasping for air as the pain subsides. These weren’t Braxton hicks, they were contractions. You had been in labor, apparently. Without giving it much thought you blindly reached backwards, smacking your husband in the face clumsily in an effort to wake him up. It works as he bolts into a sitting position with a small shout of confusion. After a moment to gather himself he looks over, noticing the grimace in your face and the way your holding tightly to your midsection. His eyes blow wide as the realization strikes him. “Are you…?”

“In labor? Yes, yes Bucky I am. Would you mind helping?” Your voice is strained, panicked even, and that’s all it takes for him to spring into action. Within five minutes he had you changed into new pajamas and gathered all the bags that had been packed over a month ago, despite not really being needed. After all, Tony had paid to have specialized doctors live-in at the tower over the last month in preparation for this very moment. The tense silence of the elevator ride is broken by your sharp hiss of pain as another contraction rips through you. Helen and the delivery nurse are waiting for you when the doors open, courtesy of FRIDAY. You make a mental note to thank the AI for her kindness later. Everything happens so quickly after that. You’re helped into a hospital gown and set up in a room. The delivery doctor arrives to check your progress and before the hour is up you’re told it’s time to push. Bucky has one arm anchored around your shoulders, the other held tightly in your hand as you mentally prepare yourself for what was about to take place.

One by one the team arrives at the waiting room, everyone having been notified of your labor and progression into birth. There’s little conversation as they wait and watch the clock tick on. The sun has risen across the horizon and breakfast had long passed by the time a nurse came to get them. Before entering the room she instructs them to stay quiet, explains that both you and the baby were sleeping after such a long delivery. The door opens to reveal your sleeping figure on the bed, sweaty hair stuck to your face and cheeks flushed from the strain you had gone through. Seated next to you is Bucky, a tiny bundle of blankets cuddled closely in his arms. He’s completely enamored by the little life, not even noticing the arrival of his friends and family. All his attention is focused on the baby girl in his arms, her chubby cheeks and dark curls. A spitting image of her father.

“Hey, we brought some food for you guys.” Steve sets the takeout on the hospital tray as the team crowds around the chair. All of them are fighting for a change to look at the sleeping child held safely against her father’s chest. Bucky finally takes notice of his company, flashing a blinding smile as he gently lifts the little girl in his arms. Everyone visibly melts at the sight of her, sleeping so peacefully after such a dramatic entrance to the world.

“She’s perfect.” Several nods and words of agreement are shared around before Wanda speaks up. “What’s her name?” That was one thing you had elected to keep a secret. Bucky’s smile softens as he carefully readjusts the sleeping miracle in his arms. “Her name is Rebecca Natalia Barnes. Named after two of the strongest women I’ve ever known.” Nat meets his eyes, her own wet with tears. She gives him a small nod and he smiles in return as his gaze turns back to his precious daughter. “A perfect name for a perfect girl.”

[viviennevermillion]

Sharing a tent with him ♡

author's notes: set during vargas camp. unfortunately i never found a full translation of the second one so if anything here contradicts canon, just roll with it. spontaneously writing this at 10pm after vowing i'm gonna go to bed early today so i can go to work earlier. oops. also picsart gold is making me go off with the headers so I'm making these for literally every character because i have no life. contains: malleus draconia x gn!fae!reader, cuddling warnings: none

Malleus, as always, is happy to go on a trip outside of Night Raven College; especially if he gets to share the experience with you and in this case Lilia as well. To be honest, you weren't exactly excited about spending your days in the woods near the creepy dwarf mine, engaging in sports and camping activities; but the presence of a certain fae prince made you look forward to it at least a little.

That feeling only multiplied when Vargas announced the students would be sharing tents in groups of 2-3 people and Kalim and Cater excitedly asked Lilia to have a Pop Music Club sleepover. "I'm sorry you two, but I think I'll have to decline. I'm sure Malleus-" "I'll share a tent with Malleus", you blurted out and the dragon fairy raised an eyebrow at you but immediately shot you an amused grin. "You seem quite eager", Malleus put his hands on his hips and smiled at you, "very well. I'll allow it. Just be sure you won't be frightened halfway through." You could tell he was joking and Lilia chuckled at Malleus's obvious excitement about the matter.

Malleus absolutely adored the fact that you wanted to be close to him and spend time with him; that you even felt comfortable enough to fall asleep around him. He sucked up every piece of evidence for that like a sponge, already craving the next instance of you expressing how much you valued him as a companion.

You let out a long sigh after Malleus broke the tent pole for the third time by hitting it too hard with the hammer. "Here let me be so courteous as to help you", you teased and put the pole into the ground, firmly hitting it with the hammer a few times until you felt that it was firmly stuck in the ground. "So, what do we do now?", Malleus seemed at a loss, trying to inspect the instructions on the information sheet Vargas had given you, "why do they explain these things in pictures? Why not put words too? I have no idea what this means." You could see him pouting and took the sheet from him with a laugh. "Be glad you'll never have to put furniture together yourself because that's just like this but worse", you sighed and inspected the pieces for the tent, "okay so....uh....I think this big thingy goes onto the pole and then we....uh-" You tried building the tent and helplessly watched the pole tip over and your "tent" sink to the ground. "You know, on second thought, maybe we should just sit down and wait until Vargas does it himself", you gestured awkwardly and sat down on a tree trunk.

"Oh but we are supposed to do it ourselves. After all we won't be able to understand the feelings of humans once they experience the joys of camping after all the hard work it takes to prepare it", Malleus smiled. "You're too eager for your own good", you took a deep breath. "You were the one who wanted to share a tent with me so badly", he grinned and it was clear he was relishing in the fact that you hadn't hesitated even a second to suggest pairing up with him for this trip. "You're making me sound desperate", you shook your head in disappointment and Malleus chuckled, reaching out his hand to you.

"I'm sure this is going to turn out to be quite pleasant if we commit to it. Once we're finished with our work we can be proud of the result. It might not be perfect but it'll be ours and we can share it for the next few days like a temporary home for just the two of us-" His words made your heart flutter and you took his hand and got up. "How could I say no when you put it like that?", you sighed and continued trying to build the tent.

You enjoyed a nice evening with Malleus and the other students; grilling marshmallows over the campfire and listening to the others talking about experiences they had with camping so far. There were fireflies surrounding you, nothing too unusual for being around Malleus, and the atmosphere was a peaceful one that made both of you feel happy and content.

The two of you were the last ones at the campfire, watching the embers as well as the stars above. You rested your head on Malleus's shoulder as a shooting star passed the night sky. Malleus leaned his head against yours and closed his eyes, a peaceful smile on his face as well. Malleus put out the fire and the two of you went to bed, turned to each other in your sleeping bags.

You watched curiously as Malleus pulled out something from his backpack. It was an enchanted lamp, shaped like a rose. Small, soft lights were dancing across the petals, bouncing off the ceiling of the tent. "These are quite popular in Briar Valley. I thought you might like it, so I brought it along", he smiled and put it somewhere where both of you could look at it. The conversation about the lamp evolved into a quiet talk about Briar Valley; Malleus telling you all sorts of stories about his homeland and mentioning a variety of places he was going to show you if you wanted to visit. He spoke with fondness until both of your words had turned to mere whispers.

If you don't pull the good old "I'm so cold" trick to try and be closer to him, he definitely will.

Malleus was amused at how almost dramatic you were about it. "It's so icy in this tent... I'm going to freeze to death....whatever shall I do?", you sighed with a sorrowful expression on your face and Malleus looked at you seriously. "I could make a fire to warm-" "GOD NO", you gestured wildly as you felt Malleus's fire magic manifesting within the tent. He put the flame out just as fast as it had appeared. He seemed to ponder the predicament further, then smirking at you. "Of course...you could always come closer if you dare", he teased, "I won't mind." "You don't have to tell me that", you smirked back.

That was how you ended up snuggled against Malleus in his sleeping bag, your own sleeping bag long discarded to the side. You had your head rested on his chest and your arms wrapped tightly around him. "This is a strange feeling....but not unpleasant. I like it", Malleus mused and absentmindedly started drawing circles on your shoulders, "although something tells me you had intended for this all along." He smiled as you confirmed his suspicion, a little flustered from the fact that he had seen through you. "There's no need to shy away from me", he clarified, "you need only ask. I don't mind being close to you." He breathed out and closed his eyes, leaning his cheek against your forehead.

The two of you remained silent for a while, until you weren't even sure if he was still awake. "Malleus?", you whispered; a quiet "hmm?" signaling that he wasn't asleep. You hesitated for a moment, your fingertips running up and down his arm. "I just wanted to say...", you took a deep breath, "I've really grown to treasure your presence in my life... You've become very important to me and being around you....well....makes me happy. I'm glad to have met you. I hope you know that." You could hear Malleus's heart beating faster against your ear and you felt him trying to pull you even closer.

"That means quite a lot to me", he whispered back, his lips grazing your forehead as he spoke, making you wish he'd just press a kiss to your skin already, "I feel the same about you. Thank you for being part of my life." You squeezed him gently in your embrace, making him smile.

You remained silent for a few moments, thinking about what you should say next. "You know.... I've spent all my life going from place to place; meeting all kinds of people and experiencing the brief but meaningful moments that life among humans had to offer, but I never really stuck around anywhere. There was nothing that I felt could capture my interest forever; just a century even. The people I met were just as fleeting as my time spent with them. I never had any reason to settle down", you whispered and took his hand into yours, running your thumb across his soft skin, "but now that I've met Lilia, Silver, Sebek and especially you, for the first time I'm certain I want to stay. Do you think there might be place for me in Briar Valley?"

Malleus was awestruck, his eyes widening with every word you spoke. Surprise made him incapable of even replying for a minute. His heart fluttered and there was a feeling of warmth and love in his chest that he didn't even know he craved this much but that henever wanted to miss out on again. You really wanted to stay...with him...as if it was the most self-evident thing possible.

Malleus's expression turned into a soft smile eventually and he squeezed your hand back. "I'm sure that could be arranged", he whispered with an adoration in his voice that was hard not to pick up on, "got anything in mind already?" You closed your eyes, focusing on his chest rising and falling and the soft sound of his breathing. You knew what you wanted. But you didn't dare say it yet. "We'll see." Malleus nodded. Perhaps you could be a guard. Or an attendant. Or an advisor. Or perhaps...the idea he undoubtedly liked the most: You could stand at his side, watching over the country alongside him; forever united in the love you felt for one another.

"Yes. We'll see", he confirmed and wrapped his arms tighter around you; the dreams you two shared remaining unspoken for now. But Malleus knew just as well as you did where he wanted to take the bond you had. Just say the word and I'm yours, he thought, falling asleep with you in his arms and a peaceful smile on his face.

[uwurakax]

-> 𝐖𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃'𝐕𝐄, 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃'𝐕𝐄, 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃'𝐕𝐄 ᥫ᭡

-> 𝒾𝒻 𝒸𝓁𝒶𝓇𝒾𝓉𝓎'𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝒹𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓌𝒽𝓎 𝓌𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒹𝒾𝑒? <-

"𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪'𝘮 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘪'𝘮 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴, 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴"

⋆˙⟡♡ 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 (𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭. 𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐨)

⋆˙⟡♡ 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝟒.𝟏𝐤

⋆˙⟡♡ 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐬 || 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭/𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 || 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞-𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐩 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 ||

⋆˙⟡♡ 𝐥𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐦𝐚, 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧.

ᴍɪᴅɴɪɢʜᴛꜱ x ʜᴀɪᴋʏᴜᴜ ᴀʟʙᴜᴍ ᴛʀᴀᴄᴋʟɪꜱᴛ

"ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴅ'ꜱ ʜᴏɴᴇꜱᴛ ᴛʀᴜᴛʜ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀɪɴ ᴡᴀꜱ ʜᴇᴀᴠᴇɴ"

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

“But, I don't understand?”

Kageyama Tobio had never been good with words. He supposed he never really needed to be. Where he felt most comfortable, on a volleyball court, he didn't need to speak. He read body language over books, and spoke with his eyes instead of his mouth in the heat of a match.

But as he stood in front of you now, the adrenaline mixed with anxiety brought upon an anticipation that was unknown, and a part of him wished he was more adept at the social aspect of your average high schooler. However Kageyama Tobio was not an average high schooler, he was, in the volleyball world, an absolute genius.

The King of the Court.

The stark contrast to the confidence he exuded as an athlete, and the socially awkward guy in front of you had made you laugh. An impressive feat the other team had to overcome, like a whirlwind storm with his ocean blue eyes. Off the court, he was almost normal. An ordinary student who valued practice over studying, with subpar marks to show for it. He was admirable though. He knew what he wanted, for himself, his career. His future.

Up until just a second ago, you thought you were a part of that.

His confession blindsided you. Sent you over a cliff that you had no idea was below you until it was too late and you were free falling. Only brought back by the impact of hitting the despair filled waters below, unable to move, or claw your way through it. You couldn't breathe, or process anything.

You were just… sinking.

“I’m sorry… Y/N”

Kageyama wasn't able to look you in the eye. It had been over 2 years since you had made it official, labelling the two of you as boyfriend and girlfriend. He wasn't sure how he even got with you, or why you of all people wanted to be with him. But you did, and he found himself blessed, wondering how his life got to be this good.

He was skilled athletic, a renowned talent in volleyball with presumed “good looks”, which wasn't an uncommon comment when he passed by the hallways of Karasuno High, and, most importantly, he had you.

The days of you waiting on him and watching his practices. How you never thought of, or complained once, despite his insistence on staying back for ‘just a little bit longer’, which led to you getting home an hour or so after your expected time.

He’s sure your parents berated you for it, and yet, without fail, you never stopped. It was probably why his first impression was never going to end well.

This was the boy who kept their darling, sweet daughter out late. He’s sure after this, you’ll tell them, and they’ll know everything they ever thought about him was true.

“That’s it? That’s all you have to say to me after two years?!”

You gave a lot to the relationship, despite how much you loved Kageyama, being with him was hard. He was always practicing, spending so much time on the court, you wondered how a person could have that much stamina running through them. His mind was always on volleyball, and how to improve, glued to his own ball almost 24/7, watching matches of his peers and champions, he lived and breathed volleyball.

You often wondered if he loved volleyball more than you.

Standing in a secluded corner of your school's courtyard, by the gymnasium building, you didn't have to wonder.

Kageyama Tobio loved volleyball, more than anything.

Your hands were shaking, tightly gripping your high school certificate to try and steady yourself. Of course Kageyama would do this, of all things, at graduation.

He didn't respond, standing awkwardly in front of you while his eyes tried to look anywhere but your own. It even looked like he couldn't bear to look at your face.

A small gust of wind blew, the slight breeze flowing through your hair. At least it was a distraction, to pull you away from your stupor.

“Can you at least say something? Please?” You were desperate, searching in his eyes for anything. Grasping at straws, you just wanted to find something to hold on to, to cling to, to get him to change his mind.

“I’m sorry”

Your last day of high school was arguably, one of the worst days you had ever experienced. Tears shed for a completely different reason.

Kageyama broke your heart that day, and you left him standing by the fence next to the gym. He had chosen.

You didn't bother to look back, turning the corner and never uttering a word.

Kageyama slouched over, his heart heavy as he looked at your retreating figure, disappearing behind the building of the school that now obscured you.

He looked down, his second blazer button unpinned and missing, sitting deep in his trouser pocket. A physical reminder of the second choice he now had to let go of. His future with you in it, now faded into nothingness.

Kageyama turned his heel and began heading into the gym for the last time, with a determination to prove to himself this was the right choice.

He knew throughout high school it was tough, and his goal of being a professional athlete was only going to strain you further. He wouldn’t allow that to happen. You already sacrificed enough for him. He wouldn't let you waste away your best years trying to keep up and chase him.

He’d let you go, because you deserved to be with someone who could give you something better than he could. Someone who could love you the way a man should.

Yes, Kageyama Tobio loved you, but he loved volleyball more.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

You had no idea how he did it, but Hinata had convinced you to attend a “gathering” as he called it, at a local restaurant to celebrate his, and the Japanese Olympic Volleyball Team’s, gold medal win. He had practically begged and pleaded, citing that all his past friends and teammates from Karasuno were coming, and you just had to be there to complete it.

It wasn't that you didn't want to, you loved Hinata and he was one of your closest high school friends all those years ago. In fact, you were quite flattered that he was so adamant to have you there, even if you weren't an official member of the Karasuno Volleyball Team. You also hadn't spoken to him in sometime, your friendship being reduced to liking instagram pictures, tweets and the occasional snapchat photo.

The only problem was..

“You're staring” Kiyoko murmured as she drank from her wine glass. Her sleek, black hair cascading straight down her back like a flowing waterfall. It seemed the universe had its favourites. How unfair that she got more beautiful.

You snatched her drink, gulping down whatever liquid was left in the glass. You wiped your mouth with the back of your hand and held the now empty wine glass back to Kiyoko. Not the classiest you've ever been, but you were beyond the point of caring.

“I’ll be back,” you murmured, turning away from her and heading towards the bathroom. Kiyoko could only sigh as she looked sadly at Kageyama across the room, standing almost ominously in a dark corner of the room against the wall, as he sipped from his glass occasionally.

“Hi Kiyoko,” the raven haired woman turned to find her high school manager successor, Yachi standing beside her.

“Are you okay?” Yachi followed Kiyoko’s gaze to spot the now world renowned volleyball player.

“I’m fine, it's just Y/N,” Kiyoko responded, twirling the bordeaux glass with her slender fingers.

“I see,” Yachi looked down sadly, remembering how close Kageyama and Y/N were all those years ago.

It was hard to believe the two were so in love at one point in their lives with the sorry state they were in. The epitome of lovers to strangers.

“Do you think she’ll be okay?” Yachi’s timid voice whispered, afraid that someone may overhear.

“Hard to tell,” Kiyoko replied back, placing the glass down on the table next to her.

“I’m sure it hurts her. I know she keeps up with the news regarding him,” with a sigh, Kiyoko turned to Yachi who looked up at the ebony haired woman.

“I know you've seen the articles.” Yachi’s brow's furrowed as her face twisted in melancholy. She was, afterall, a sensitive girl as a teenager, and that trait had never left. Kioyko found it endearing really, how sweet and empathetic her junior was, without even realising.

She was so close with the both of them, and while neither had pressured her, Yachi felt a sense of guilt and betrayal to both Y/N and Kageyama.

However Yachi couldn't help her confusion towards the blue-eyed setter. Being a handsome athlete in his twenties had put him high on the eligible bachelor list, yet he had never really dated exclusively since high school. She couldn't help but wonder if perhaps the stars would align for her two friends to become lovers again. She knew how much they both had cared and loved each other, despite Kageyama’s reservations back then during their relationship. To know the feelings they both had for one another, feelings that were possibly unknown to either. A burden she had to bear as the cost for being close to them.

However if Kageyama had cared as much as Yachi knew, why did the articles paint his supposed ex from years ago, the only ex Kageyama had ever had, as a hurtful heartbreaker, when you had said he was the one who ruined you?

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Gripping the edge of the basin of the crystal white sink, you tried to steady your breathing. You desperately wanted to hide away, shielded in the safety of the bathroom.

You thought you would be okay. Thought that you could deal with seeing him for just one night. You didn't want to be selfish, this wasn't about you, but God, was it awful.

You weren't as good as this, weren’t strong enough.

Looking up into the mirror you breathed out, a last ditch effort to form some semblance of clarity and calm. You didn't have to be here for much longer, you could wait. You owed your friends that much, right?

However, seeing Kageyama again, an ex who, all that time ago, was your forever, surfaced feelings that you tried to keep hidden. It was just a teenage love story, one that shouldn't have affected you so.

It wasn't like it wasn't uncommon for high school relationships to end. To feel like child's play in an adult playground.

But it was real, you thought to yourself. Denying it would do a disservice to you, and the girl you used to be. The girl who became the woman you were now. Deep down, this hurdle in life, made you stronger, and you could have almost been thankful for the heartbreak.

Would've, Could've, Should've.

You weren't in your right mind, his piercing gaze falling on you for a moment that you buckled. How unfair that he had this hold on you.

You would have been thankful, for if it wasn't for him, you wouldn't be the person you were now, but…

You looked at your reflection, the somber expression under the dark light transported you back the first night you cried over him. It was so easy to fool your parents into thinking your sobs were from the sadness of graduating. Of saying goodbye, which wasn't entirely wrong.

You had aged, not a lot, but no longer did you have that childlike innocence within your eyes. Maturity and a bit of confidence that came with life, with age, had enveloped you. Your clothes were surely different, and you no longer wore your hair the same way, but with the almost pathetic display being cast back at you, you were almost convinced that the one staring back at you was that sad teenage girl who had suffered and grieved over her first love.

That wasn't you anymore.

You twisted the faucet on the sink, the cold water streaming vertically down and into the dark drain. Into nothingness. You were sure there was some kind of metaphor in that, one you were too mentally exhausted to even think about.

You cupped your hands together, letting the cool flow pool in your palms. You watched until it overflowed, the water running down either side of your fingers.

Leaning over the basin, you gently splashed soothingly chilled water on your face, focused on your eyes to be rid of the heat that slowly started to form.

You wouldn't cry tonight, and that was a promise.

You quickly turned off the tap and dabbed away the water with a paper towel, being conscious of the makeup you had spent much too long on.

After deeming yourself ready, you exited the bathroom. Hightailing out to get away, you completely missed the rigid figure you ran into, almost slipping on the smooth flooring. Rough, but warm hands reached out and held you firm on your upper arms.

Stupid heels.

“I’m so sorry!” You squeaked, embarrassed you had been caught leaving the bathroom.

“It's fine, don't worry about it,” you looked up and saw none other than Miya Atsumu holding you in his hands, adorning a smirk on gorgeous face.

You were stunned, one of the best setters you had ever seen play was now here, in front of you, and oh my God he was holding you!

He raised his brow, offering you a signal to continue, or say anything. It would hit you later just how stupid you probably looked to him. Shaking your head out of your stupor, you offered a second apology, pulling away slightly, to which he thankfully let you go, and bowing.

Atsumu could only chuckle and think about how cute it was. He reassured you that ‘it really was fine, and no trouble at all’. He was a lot kinder than he was portrayed, and a lot more handsome.

You expressed your gratitude sincerely, and soon enough you made your back to the crowd, mood a little better than it had been minutes before. It didn't last long, as you felt a hard stare and looking toward its source had soured the little sweetness you managed to find in the short interaction with a certain pretty blond setter.

If looks could kill, you'd surely be 6 feet under.

You could only snarl back, annoyed he had the audacity to look pissed off with you!

As if you were the one who defamed him on news outlets, parading around as if he was the one who was scorned with a love that ‘got away’.

Maybe it wasn't right, but when your ex boyfriend becomes a world renowned volleyball player, you tend to get somewhat invested in their life. It wasn't like you were the only one who caught up on what a previous lover was doing, and it wasn't your fault he was famous, it was too easy. They practically threw him back in your face, the trending pages and news articles. It was hard to miss.

And although you were never named specifically, it wasn't hard to know the relationship experiences that were written in these articles were about you.

All over social media you were slandered, criticised so harshly for the treatment you had supposedly shown him. The reason for why his heart was so guarded. A fortress of steel that many had wanted to conquer in the quest to woo him. To treat him better, and show him what love was all about, his fangirls would spew.

What a load of rubbish.

As if you hadn't given him your best years, been there for him and every game. As if the hours spent wasted on him, had meant nothing.

A second heartbreak.

Kageyama would've never done that to you. At least you never thought he would've. Perhaps you never really knew him at all.

Pulling your phone from your purse, you checked the time.

11:03pm.

You spent enough time here, you thought. It was time to leave. You quickly opened a rideshare app, inputting your details and confirming the booking. You were grateful your driver was only 4 minutes away.

You took a swift glance at the crowd around you, spotting Hinata laughing boisterously with a group full of people you recognised from the Japan Volleyball Team. You smiled fondly, making your way to the door and inconspicuously leaving. You’d apologise to Hinata later for not saying goodbye in person, but you weren't going to disrupt him. He was having a good time, and you knew he’d sense your discomfort. That wasn't fair on him. He shouldn't have to try to appease you both. None of your friends should have to. The issues between you were Kageyama’s and yours alone.

The night air sent a chill through you as you stepped out onto the footpath outside the venue doors, but it also gave you a crisp comfort. It took away the heat of anger that slowly began to build and doused you completely.

You glanced down at your phone again, ignoring the sound of the door opening behind you to check on your driver. They hadn't moved at all.

“Hey..” the low voice from behind you felt magnified in the dead silent street.

No freaking way.

You knew his voice from anywhere. It haunted you in your dreams. Had a power over you that you couldn't explain. Everytime you’d push, he just pulled you back in.

The biggest regret was letting Kageyama Tobio into your heart and having this magnetic force over you.

“What is it?” you didn't dare look back, focusing solely at the device in your hand. You wished you could voice out your disdain, bite back with any snarky comment like you’d imagined if you ever spoke with him again, but you couldn't. It was like your heart and your mind were in two separate planes of existence, and much to your dismay, your heart was slowly closing in at the forefront.

“I’m not sure..” Kageyama could be clueless at times, but he never sounded this uncertain before. You occasionally came across some of his interviews, and for some unknown reason, you never were able to click off. No matter what was said, or questions asked, Kageyama had always spoken with a confidence and self assurance that you truly could believe in what he said. Through the years, this only became more apparent.

The hesitation in his voice was uncharacteristic and off. You slowly turned to face him, really looking at him now and taking him in.

When you pushed, he pulled.

He looked you in the eyes for a moment before looking at the pavement. The faint yellow glow of the streetlamp illuminating the side of his face. It didn't do him justice, but even in the dim light he was stunning.

The years had been good to him, and like a fine wine, he only looked better than he did before. You were sure that would continue, and you felt a slight pang in your heart.

“Is there something you need, Kageyama?” he looked up then, and you thought you saw a moment of hurt flashing within his eyes.

It almost felt good, to inflict even a fraction of pain, and would’ve been proud, if not for the way his surname sounded on your lips.

An awkward silence passed between you, and Kageyama couldn't find the words. He knew this was unfair, and he really wasn't sure why he was now here, with you in front of him. All he knew was that you couldn't leave. Not just yet.

When Hinata told him of the celebration, he had prayed that you would come, and you had. God, he felt like a creep staring at you most of the night, but he couldn't help it. You were more beautiful than he remembered, and if this was the last time he got to see you this close again, then so be it. His last memory of you haunted him; your tear stained cheeks and crying eyes. He had done that to you, and it was selfish of him, but he could see now he made the right choice. You seemed to flourish and do better without him.

He just needed this.

“I’m sorry,” he started, finally gaining the courage to continue.

“I’m sorry for everything.”

You closed your eyes and breathed in. That was the last thing he had ever said to you; I’m sorry.

“I forgave you a long time ago you know” it was almost melancholic. Quiet street, street lights and an ex you couldn't forget.

“Even so, you deserve it. Sincerely,”

“You mean you weren't sincere before?”

“No, I was. It’s just..”

“Just?”

‘I just needed an excuse to see you again’ Kageyama thought.

“Nothing, I’m sorry for ambushing you like this,” You snorted, unable to contain it.

“You're full of apologies tonight?” you questioned.

“I guess I am.”

A new quiet befell, but there was no longer any animosity. It was almost comfortable.

Your phone buzzed, and upon checking, you saw your rideshare driver was coming down the street, a minute away.

“Well, my ride is nearly here, so..” you trailed off, the awkwardness surrounding you once more.

“Did you want a lift? I could drive you home…” You paused, surprised at his offer.

“That's okay, they're nearly here now,”

“Oh, right.” Kageyama looked away, slightly embarrassed.

“Um..” Kageyama stuttered. He needed to do this, before you left.

“Yeah?” you looked up quizzically, wondering what else he may want.

He took a few strides towards you, and you had to fight the urge to step back. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small, black object that appeared round.

“Here,” he held it out towards you, unable to look at you. He was thankful for the cover of night to hide the growing red of his cheeks. This was entirely the most selfish thing he had ever done in his life, but he needed to.

“What's this?” you questioned, accepting the item and inspecting it. It looked like a button.

“Just something that was always for you,” he looked at your face to see you staring back.

“I never got the chance to give it to you properly back then. If you want to throw it down the street right now, I won't blame you, but it was always yours.” Kageyama looked longingly at his old button from his high school blazer. He had brought it with him tonight with the intention of giving it to you, but there was never a moment for him to. He may never get this chance again, he wouldn't back away. So when he saw you briskly leave, he knew it was the only time he'd catch you.

You stared at the button, shocked that he had kept it after all this time.

“A-are you sure about this?” you cradled it in your hand, feeling the weight of it on your heart.

“Yeah, I am,” Kageyama smiled.

You looked at the small button that contained so many feelings.

“Thank you,” you heard a car pull over on the curb behind you, and you turned around, recognised the number plate that matched your driver.

“That’s me,” you said, walking to the back side door to get in. Opening in, you glanced back, unsure of how to end the night.

Kageyama’s hands were in his pockets now as he took a couple steps closer.

“Have a good night Y/N,”

You were no longer resentful. The anger had dissipated so quickly, you wondered if you were truly angry with him at all. Filled with the sorrow of what could have been, you ingrained this memory in the back of your mind.

The button smooth in your palm unlocking the remains of love that had been locked away for so long, opening that door slightly for it to seep out.

“Goodnight.. Tobio,”

[class-1b-bull]

Class 1-b reacting to you, their best friend (and/or lover), being the UA traitor.

Awase -

Completely shattered, that nomu that almost killed him and Yaoyorozu in the forest was caused by you feeding the Lov information. He starts questioning every moment you two have ever had together. He honestly gets pissed at himself and you and everyone around him because he doesn't know how to handle it.

Sen -

He loved taking pictures of the two of you. You two had an entire photo album dedicated to all the little moments, every time you beat him in your favorite card game or that little drawing eri did of you two being held up by you. All of those memories captured with the same camera you got him for his birthday are now being turned to ash in a fireplace. He cant help but be still while something once so important suddenly means nothing to him.

Kamakiri -

He was the loudest when he realized. He couldn't stop him self from screaming at you for what youve done. He hates you. Youve almost killed him and his classmates ten times over but that wont stop him from wanting you to stay. Deep down he wanted it all to be a cruel prank you were pulling. But it never was.

Kuroiro -

He tried to keep it together. He really did. But at the end of the day he was barely able to make it to his dorm room in time before he broke down completely. His nonchalant front, completely shattered. He sobbed to the point he was choking on his tears. You were one of the only people who he really cared for, so why did you betray him like this?

Kendo -

She tries to save you. She tries to understand why you did this. Were they forcing you? Are they keeping someone close to you hostage? Are you being manipulated or controlled? The more she tries to understand, the more questions she askes the harder it becomes to understand her as she starts to breakdown at your feet.

Kodai -

She didnt say anything but she truly wanted too. She wanted to yell, scream and cry. She wanted to hit you for what you put the class through but she wanted to hug you as you were dragged away in cuffs. She was so conflicted about what she wanted to do. Her brain and heart were arguing over you but in the end she just ended up doing nothing, which ended up hurting a lot more than it should have.

Komori -

She seems more confused and in denial than anything else at first. She starts to distance herself from people and holes herself up in her room while she tries to understand what happened. Was everything you two did together meaningless? She could never forgive you for what you did, she hated you but at the same time she wanted you to walk through her dorm room door ranting about your new favorite thing like you always did.

Shiozaki -

Shes not mad or even that sad about your betrayal. Just disappointed. She would try to understand and she truly wants to forgive you, but she cant bring herself to do that. She would distance herself from everyone and it would take a while before shes ready to move forward again.

Shishida -

He tried to keep it together but it was really hard for him to do that since he was feeling hundreds of emotions in seconds. His breathing became uneven as he tried to assess the situation from a logical perspective and his voice breaks as he simply asks you "why?"

Shoda -

He really values trust so when you betrayed all of UA he was never the same. He tried to recover but he keeps everyone at arms length. When you first left, he was on the more 'ok' side of things. But after a few weeks and what happened had time to sink in is when it hits the hardest.

Pony -

She cant stop herself from screaming at you while tears run down her face. She switched to english because its easier for her so no one knew exactly what she was saying to you. Even if you could speak english you wouldent understand what she was saying between the sniffles and gasps of air.

Tsubaraba -

Hes in denial for so long when it originally happened. When you were officially revealed as the traitor he thought it was a joke. He started to calmly talk to you with simple phrases like "jokes like that arnt that funny yk." But over the next minute it would turn in to him begging for it to be a joke while completely breaking down in front of you.

Tetsutetsu -

He does everything he can to get answers out of you. Some other classmates of his have to hold him back from running over to you and punching you square in the stomach. He ends up staying in the UA gym for a few hours after curfew, beating a punching bag in anger and confusion until eventually he wears himself out and collapsed from exhaustion.

Tokage -

She wants to know why you did it. If there was a reason she could find it in herself to forgive you but if not, it would become better for her to act like you never exist. For a long time after that she would leave when your name was mentioned or anything that reminded her of you would suddenly be destroyed or hated by her as much as she hates you. Deep down however, she still wants to be you friend

Manga -

He blames himself more than he blames you. Hes supposed to be a hero so why couldn't he save the one person he cared about the most. Youre gone forever now and he blames ever but of it on himself. He cries a lot for the next couple weeks and sometimes he can feel himself wanting to send you a funny meme he found only to remember and go through all the heartbreak all over again.

Honenuki -

Another that blames it all on himself but at the same time he is really depressed about it. He heals for the most part but part of him still gets a little wave of sadness whenever he walks past your favorite cafe or when someone does that very specific hand movement that you used to do all the time. Every part of the situation breaks his being completely, and he even becomes slightly more hostile towards the people he spars with.

Bondo -

He stays silent for the most part. His silence being a mixture of disbelief and hurt. He even tries to help the rest of the class through it. He becomes the class therapist while he ends up insisting hes fine and dealing with it alone in his dorm room. He cant bring himself to destroy the memories of you so he simply puts them in a box and hides them under his bed.

Monoma -

Incredibly angry about it at first but the more time that passes the more it hurts him. The more he starts to blame himself. If he had an inferiority complex before it definitely worsened now that you betrayed him. You helped him through so much yet he cant help but feel it was all nothing to you.

Reiko -

she handles it better when in front of the class, or at least she tries too. She broke down once you were revealed, she broke down when you left and she breaks down every time shes behind closed doors. She cant handle seeing anyone right now.

Rin -

He keeps calm at first and tries to rationalize. "Were you forced to against your will? Were you being controlled? Brainwashed?" With every 'no' to his questions he became more and more desperate to prove you werent evil. He started to lose his cool and break down in front of you while still begging for any sign that your not evil. At the end of the day he finds himself grabbing onto a random stuffed animal you left in his dorm and using it to muffle his tear filled screams.

Bro imma be honest half of these characters I had no idea what to write. So half of them are probably bad but im not gonna proof read or change this because we die like men.

[atlas-of-a-human-soul]

Wildest dreams, pt. 24

Summary: Y/N’s struggling to accept what her future brings and Paul shares a possible solution with her.

Warnings: angst, fluff, sexual innuendos, swearing, talking about death

Wildest Dreams Masterlist

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Very few things in life are precious to Y/N. Her father and Paul are at the top of the list, her friends share the 2nd place, and the necklace her mother bought her for her 10th birthday is a close third. She’s never valued material things over the heart, placing her valuables in each chamber it possesses, leaving one open for the children she planned on having with Paul in time. 

Time…another thing she took for granted, a valuable she never truly took into consideration. When you’re young, you believe time comes in abundance. It fools one to waste it, to wait for things to happen instead of taking that leap off the cliff with the hope that the landing will be painless. 

All the time she thought she had is now slipping through her fingers like sand. They could have lived a thousand more precious moments together, and started a family…all of it is gone now, replaced by the paralyzing fear of leaving her loved ones in despair once destiny claims her. 

Paul can promise he and the pack will protect her, but in reality, time waits for no one, and destiny listens to no man – not even a shapeshifting one.

Y/N didn’t want to worry him further, trying to appear strong for his well-being as days pass, but once the bathroom door closes and she steps into the shower, there is no need to pretend. She’s been holding back tears since their talk at the beach, showing a brave front for Paul’s sake, but she can’t stop the tears from flowing anymore.

As the water cascades down her trembling body, Y/N leans against the wall of the shower. Sliding to the tiled floor, she buries her face in her hands as sobs wrack her body. The tears come hard and fast, mixing with the water as they meet their end on the palms of her hands. Clasping a hand over her mouth, she tries to muffle her cries, not wanting Paul to hear, but the sound of her sobs echoes off the tiles. She can only hope the sound of her breaking is drowned out by the steady stream of water.

Slowly, the warm water becomes colder and she realizes she’s been gone for too long. Even if he hadn’t heard her cry, he’d wondered why she was not out of the shower yet. The tears have stopped, replaced by dry heaving and a sense of exhaustion. She draws a deep breath, attempting to steady herself but it doesn’t help. Her arms are wrapped around her pulled-up knees, head resting back on the wall. Looking up, she holds her breath instead. Deep breaths never helped her panic attacks in the past, but holding her breath would clear her mind enough to find a focus, something to anchor her. 

Watching the water falling on her shaking body, feeling the coldness of each drop, allowing it to ground her. The weight of the world sits heavy on her shoulders as she forces herself to stand. First, she sat forward on her knees, the icy cold water hitting her back causes her to hiss but it also brings clarity. It’s as if she’s sobering up, her senses returning to her full force all at once. Closing her eyes, she holds her breath once more. Five seconds. Ten. Twenty. Gasping for breath, she grabs onto the shower door, forcing it open. Pulling herself up by the handles, she grimaces when the door creaks as if it will break. She can’t stand on her own otherwise, her legs are numb from the cold water, and calling Paul for help would be worse than a broken shower door. If he sees her like this, it will break whatever’s left of his sanity.

One step at a time, she tells herself. It’s going to be fine. 

Moving to the sink, she glances at herself in the mirror. Her eyes are red and puffy, giving away all she wishes to hide. With quivering lips and chattering teeth, she wraps a towel around herself. Swallowing thickly, she catches a glimpse of her engagement ring in the mirror. Looking down at it, she lets out a shuddered breath. The world won’t end if she dies, it’ll keep on spinning with or without her, but it will end for Paul. 

The pack didn’t hurt Reneesme because Jacob imprinted, because killing her meant killing him.

Will her death kill Paul? 

It’s the last thing she’d want. He had a life before her, he deserves to have a life after her too. He could still find another to have the family they dreamed of. There’s no reason for him to perish with her. It would be a worse tragedy to rob the world of a soul as beautiful as Paul’s. 

Snorting, her lips spread in a grin. Once upon a time, she was so scared of the way she felt about Paul that she convinced herself he was the worst person on the face of the earth, that she cannot stand his existence, yet she can’t imagine this world without Paul. She’d gladly follow death wherever it wants to take her, as long as Paul is given a full, happy life. 

Paul hesitates before knocking on the bathroom door. He’s been sitting in front of it for nearly an hour, painfully aware of every sob that passed through her lips. She clearly didn’t want to worry him, as if she forgot he feels all her emotions too. Despite his heart aching, longing to hold her, he’ll indulge her wish to keep her sorrow hidden. He doesn’t want to intrude, choosing to stay close by in case she seeks him for comfort.

“Are you okay?” he calls out softly, knocking on the door. He heard when the water stopped running, assuming she’d be out soon, but it’s concerning how long it’s been since then. “You didn’t fall or pass out in there, did you?” Paul jokes.

Silence from the other side of the door is haunting as he leans his forehead on the door. Biting his lower lip, Paul sighs. He knocks on the door again, this time a little louder. “Please open up. I just want to make sure you’re okay.” Pausing for a moment, he frowns. If they were a normal couple, perhaps he’d wait longer or he’d insist more, but they’re not. Their time is counting down to 0 a little faster and he can’t bury his head in the sand and ignore it anymore. He knows there’s no time to waste.

Slowly, he opens the door, finding Y/N leaning on the sink, her back turned to the mirror, her eyes trained on her ring. 

Without saying a word, Paul crosses the distance between them. Wrapping his arms around her in a warm embrace, he bites his tongue as the coldness of her skin reminds him of the coldness he feels when he holds her dead body in nightmares.

“I’m so sorry”, Paul whispers, his voice soothing. “I wish I never told you.”

Pulling back, she shakes her head. “I wish you told me sooner”, she says softly, her voice shaky. 

“What good would it do?” Paul raises his brows. “I know you think we could have gotten married and had kids by now, but I don’t agree.”

“You don’t?”

“No, because I knew all this time. Since the start, I’ve known and the last thing I’d want is to bring kids into this situation.” Cupping her cheek, his lips press in a thin line. “I’d love for us to have that, I would, but having kids knowing they’ll be orphaned would be cruel.”

“Stop saying that”; she says through gritted teeth. “You won’t be dying with me.”

“You don’t know that.”

“And neither do you”; she reminds him. “It’s all a guess based on no tangible proof.”

“Being away from you is hell when you’re working on calls at work. If that’s hard, I can’t imagine you dying will make me want to live.”

Closing her eyes, she exhales loudly. “That’s exactly what I’d want. I want you to live, to keep going, to fall in love, to find happiness.” Pushing at his shoulders, she huffs. “Why are you so eager to follow me into the dark?”

“Because I’d rather be in the dark with you, than alone in the light.”

Their eyes meet, a meaningful silence filling the air. They’ve been together for years now, long enough for the love between them to grow stronger, almost palpable. It is more than just an imprint bond, it’s always been more when it comes to Paul and Y/N. Even before, Paul yearned for her like a heart yearns for a beat and whether she likes to admit it or not, she needed Paul in her life like she needs oxygen to breathe. She never felt complete before letting the love she bears for him fully settle in her chest.

“I love you”, he says, his eyes never leaving hers. “There’s no world in which I’d ever fall in love with anyone else. I’ve loved you since before I knew what love is, I’ve loved you when you hated me, I’ve loved you when I hated me”, he smiles gently. “It’s always been you and no one else. I don’t think my heart’s made to love anyone but you. Whether I am forced to bear this existence without you or not doesn’t change anything. You are my source of happiness, of love, of life.”

Their eyes remain locked together, a sense of sadness and inevitability washing over them. All they can do is promise they’ll love each other fully and completely until the very end, cherish every single moment, and ignore the weight of their fate. Even beyond this lifetime, their love will last, they’ll be soulmates even in death.

“What are we going to do”, she sniffles. “If it were just me, I’d accept it. I would. But I don’t want you to die too. There has to be a way to stop this.”

And Paul knows there is…one way. He’s considered it before, though no one in the pack would agree. But, if all else fails, there’s something despicable he could resort to, but he can’t be sure what that would do.

“Maybe there is”, Paul frowns. “Do you what I told you about the Cullens?”

“You want her to be one of them”, Jacob growls out, interrupting the intimate moment. 

Standing in front of Y/N, Paul sets his glare on Jacob. “Ever heard of knocking?”

“I did”, Jacob narrows his eyes. “No one opened the door and I could hear you are home.”

“And that didn’t make you reconsider breaking in?”

“Can you stop”, Y/N’s voice is shaky, fragile. She’s using Paul as a shield, pulling at the towel tightly to cover herself. 

“He wants you to become a vampire”, Jacob raises his voice. “If there’s something worth fighting about, your humanity is certainly at the top of that list!”

“Leave”, Y/N insists. “I’m naked and cold and I need a damn minute with my fiancé, so please check on the pack first and we’ll talk later.”

With a snort, Jacob nods. Doing as Y/N requested, Jacob left Paul and Y/N alone. 

Passing by Paul, Y/N grabs a robe. Heading to the bed, she sits on her side, her eyes trained on an approaching Paul.

“Is that what you wanted to suggest?”

Nodding faintly, Paul sniffles. “Even if I failed, that could be a solid alternative.”

“You’d want me to turn into what you hunt?” Y/N grimaces. “You can’t stand the smell of vampires and I’m supposed to believe that will work fine for us?”

Swallowing thickly, Paul sits beside her. “Jacob doesn’t mind Reneesme’s smell.”

“Because he imprinted on her in that state. Our bond might never recover if I turn into a vampire. I might be nauseated by your smell or I might never be able to control my thirst enough to be there for my dad, for Embry or Quill. I’d have to leave La Push forever.”

“I’d leave with you.”

“And what about our plans to have kids? I’d never be able to give you any!”

“I don’t need kids, I need you,” Paul interjects, taking her hand in his. “That’s all I care about.”

“You say that now, but who knows how you’ll feel in the future. And how long can you even live? I know you can slow down aging, but for how long? I don’t want to live for an eternity without you!”

“Y/N”, he tries but she shakes her head.

“I don’t want to be a vampire. If I am to die, I will die as a human as I lived. Immortality doesn’t appeal to me. It’s a complication with too many variables we cannot predict and the last thing I’d ever want is to risk what we have. I don’t want to taint us or your memory of me.”

“It won’t ruin us”, Paul says quietly.

“You can’t promise me that and I don’t”, she pauses, her heart bleeding at the sight of Paul’s devastation by her response. But she can’t help but think that his idea would be their end. If she must die, at least she’ll have him in her heart and not thirst for blood and he will be her last thought, not desire to kill.

“I don’t want to be one of them. Ever.”

_______________________

Tags: @the-chaotic-cow @xxxjaexxx @captainrogers-19 @bexloxl @llovergirlll @adaydreamaway08 @sunsetevergreen @volturiwolf @twihard08 @galacticstxrdust @sorrow-and-bliss @ireadthensuetheauthors @missxmarvelous @locokoca @unstablekay @makhaia @venusdelaroix @avadakadabra93 @tearsforhan @a-marie-a @lendeluxe @seagulls-corner @jdbxws @konigslilslut @rottenstyx @itsmytimetoodream @dreamerwasfound @convolutings @rachelccollier @thingfromlove @jennyamanda8 @havecourage-darling @luvr-exe @alittlejudgemental @turningtoclown @emptydoorsandpaintedwindows​ @marvelmenarebeautiful @bringmethe-world @alitaar @sugasthreedollarkookie @chloe-skywalker @heyheyheyggg @feral-ratatattat-king @queereddie @fandomrulesall-blog @queenotaku27 @dcgoddess @lilac-crown @small-town-wayward-daughter @yourqueentp @boreddemigodd @dracoswifeandlokispet @felinegrate @savagejane1 @lunajay33 @gtfoana @hpboysslut2707 @tpwk-harry-styles @amberpanda99 @rebeccao03 

PART 25

[missingmayuri]

Out Of The Shadows

Mayuri X Reader

Despite all the changes Captain Kurotsuchi had made to the lab as of recently you could still hear the war raging beyond the now illuminated walls.

You didn't cast a shadow nor did the equipment or even the door, it all being as the Captain intended. Work in the lab seemed to rage on as usual despite the Quincy invasion, being able to take a break every now and again as long as you tapped in another reaper in your place, Captain Kurotsuchi's orders. As long as someone was at your work station he was content for now as he looked over his papers and findings from the current predicament, all the while trying to ignore the fabled Kisuke Urahara who had ever so suddenly barged into the department.

You swore you could hear faint murmurs of displeasure seeping past the golden teeth of your superior, leading you to look over once or twice. His suit glowed in every color of the spectrum, almost like a peacock as he strutted about his lab with the upmost confidence.

A confidence you only wished you could garner even after your many years of lab work and dedication.

The war had set thoughts running through your mind and as you sat in the small designated break corner you began to ponder.

You may not get another chance after all.

Crossing your arms you stare intensely at the Captain, drifting deeper into the sea of thought. Soon you were enveloped by the crashing waves of memories passing by, hitting you hard like a rock and as quickly as a rolling storm.

Ten years. You had been working in this lab for ten whole years. How time flies. You remember when Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi was once the most feared and hated person around, always telling you your faults and imperfections. You recalled how he kept you back one night to complete work he didn't want to do himself. There for six hours and came back in the morning on very little sleep to which he also ridiculed your sloppy work.

Recently though was when you noticed a change. After arriving back from his fight against the Espada the Captain seemed different, especially to you. He seemed to value your work and time more, even praise you from time to time. He still kept you at nights but not for the same reasons as before.

How he had changed

You felt your heart sink in your chest wondering if this was just a phase, a calm before he became the old him. You sigh and hold tight to the chain around your neck. It was a gift he gave you for "hard work" but you knew what it really meant even without him saying it. The gem in the middle of the chain was incased in a rare hollow bone, from a specimen the Captain held dear. It was something he seemed very reluctant to part with but did so with a huff, practically shoving it into your hands before getting back to work.

You smile to yourself, your cheeks hot. The relationship between you and he had grown so much over these last years. You didn't want to die here and you could tell by the stares he gave you from across the room and sly glances from looking down at his papers that he didn't want you to either. One thing about Mayuri Kurotsuchi is he valued life, none more so then his own but there came a time when he cared about a select few more.

Nemu

Akon

Now you

You sit there basking in the humming lights of the room for what seems like hours, freeing yourself from the deep pores of your mind by a blinding colored light and the sound of an old metal kettle being poured.

There he stood and all you could do was stare at his immaculate form, a chuckle escaping past those deep black painted lips. You look away from him, all those thoughts still fresh in your mind.

"Your thoughts are occupied yes?"

You nod in response, unable to find those words right now. Mayuri takes a sip of his black coffee and turns his back to you, using the sleeve of his suit to conceal your hand which he reached out to hold, seeing your form trembling before him. He wasn't sure if it was fear in him or the fight which shook you to the core but he couldn't let others see him like this, his reputation far preceding him. He speaks in a rough but somewhat comforting tone that sets your heart racing.

"Trust in me like you have before. My brilliance knows no bounds and I personally will fix this"

He let's you go to get back to his work and for a moment you felt like every shadow, not just in the lab but in the entire world was banished. He had really become your light in more ways then one. Not just in the physical but also in your heart.

You smile softly and rise to get back to your station. You had a war to win

[soupsandwich64]

THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY AND THEIR LOVE LANGUAGES.

Forgive me for any mistakes of lore, names or character traits etc.. I am bad at remembering things.

Not proof read.

ALSO NOTE THAT THIS DOESN'T MEAN "THESE ARE THE ONLY LANGUAGES THAT WORK ON THEM" IT MEANS "THESE ARE THE ONES THAT WORK BEST OUT OF ALL OF THEM"

And theres things like least favorite, too.

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ROCKET RACCOON

RECEIVING -

(What is most effective towards him)

GIFT GIVING.

(Particularly prosthetic limbs)

QUALITY TIME.

Think like co-playing. Both in the same room doing different things. Sometimes talking

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION.

This one is probably pretty intense for him, so he only lets it actually sink in if it's a short sentiment from someone he truly cares about. Like, a friend being like "wow you're so cool!" Would definitely make him feel good, and probably inflate his ego/self esteem, but wouldn't really set in. But if like, Peter or Mantis etc. said something like "I appreciate everything you do for this team, we love you" that might actually hit hard. That's what I mean when I put words of affirmation here

---

GIVING

(What he would give you or others)

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION.

QUALITY TIME.

These two are his most standard forms of affection. He also gives them like he receives them. So, if someone he's friends with is a silent type, comfortable silence in the same room. If they're talkative, some light chatting is ok, and so on. Words of affirmation from him would most likely just be surface level stuff like "Good job" "You're not as dumb as I thought" "that's a neat trick" etc. sort of a friendly bullying. How people respond to that bullying tells him a lot about someone, usually. Just like with himself, if he's particularly close to someone, he may let out the occasional genuine praise without a layer of sarcasm.

LEAST FAVORITE

Physical touch.

Yeah, ouch, I know.

Not only is he smaller than everyone, which might make physical touch overwhelming, but he also has the situation on his back. But deep down, I think he's a bit touch starved (Everyone in the dang MCU is at this point) and secretly enjoys it. You just can't be heavy handed, and he really has to trust you. And too much too frequently may make him feel like a pet. So be careful.

(theres no way he would admit though, If asked about it he would simply say "Cause I don't want you gross sweaty skin bags all over me", referring to most peoples lack of fur)

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PETER QUILL

(Theres like only 4 gifs of him. Why does my boy not deserve tasty gifs)

RECEIVING

-----------

With Peter it heavily depends on where you are in his timeline. The "golden age" Peter, where Gamora is alive and in love, and its good times for everyone, is probably not focused on relationships outside of the team (which might be part of his issues that were addressed in Vol 3.) The "everyone I love is dead" peter is in an extreme depressive state and obviously isn't going to be making new friends or even be responsive to his current friends (for the most part). The post Vol3 "Reconciled with my dad and stopped hopping on lily pads" Peter is new man! But also the same, being like a rebuilt version of himself. He would now, in my opinion, value every relationship he has. Every opportunity he has to be with other people becomes valuable, and everything he does is to honor the people who loved him when no one else did (Mama Quill, Yondu, Gamora etc.) and serve the people who love him now and kept loving him even through hard times. (Rocket, Mantis, Drax, Groot etc.).

With that said,

ACTS OF SERVICE

GIFT GIVING

I see Peter feeling loved more through actions and physical items because of what he's been through, making him crave things that are solid and real. Also Yondu was a lil trinket collector so that may turn up in Peter too. But, I also think Peter may feel a little guilty when receiving gifts. Very grateful, though.

I will also add

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

QUALITY TIME

Because even despite what I just said, I think a solid "You're so strong, I look up to you" every now then would make him giggle and kick his feet a little internally.

And listening to music together or sharing music is also particularly special

At the end of the day, he's just happy to be around loved ones.

GIVING

Just as you may be doing right now, he would probably try and figure out what the specific person likes. So his giving just depends on the person.

LEAST FAVORITE.

He doesn't really have one. He just wants to be loved.

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DRAX

(The destroyer (and protector))

Drax is probably receptive to most forms of affection, but it has to be obvious and clearcut.

Like, doing subtle things in the background might not get his attention, but hugging him directly and saying something like "I appreciate you as a person and for everything you do for the team" would be a lot better, and mean a lot more to him, even though its a very bold/blunt move. Theres probably a balance between blunt and subtle, but it would be pretty easy to strike. You also don't want to leave room for interpretation if you're afraid of him misinterpreting the difference between platonic and romantic affection. Its a slippery slope, but as long as you avoid using the word 'love' without platonic clarification too many times, you'll be good.

Also Drax does does not make friends in the traditional sense, he simply decides who is and who is not his friend. Whether they know about it or not. Not even in a way thats like cold and calculated or something, he just thinks it in his own head and decides it, expecting the others to simply Know.

With that said,

RECEIVING

PHYSICAL TOUCH.

I say this is probably both receiving and giving, but he's probably less likely to give and more open to receive. I feel like he would just kinda stand there the first few times someone hugged him, but if it became a routine thing, he would become more reciprocal. That might sound like he doesn't like physical touch, but I think its rather the fact that along with his other social skills, physical affection just turns out.. different.. for him. Like when he pet Rocket. I think he's a physical person, it just comes out weird. I want to hug him. If you touch his muscles too much he may get weirded out, or think you like him.

GIVING GIFTS

If you give him something he likes, like zarg-nuts, oh boy. He will DEFINITELY like you. Thats all to be said.

GIVING

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION.

Things like "You're ugly, but thats good because then you know who really loves you", y'know.

GIFT GIVING

Will offer you zarg-nuts. Thats a big deal.

LEAST FAVORITE

Probably Quality Time, but only if its boring. I think he actually sees things like fighting alongside the team as quality time, so it might just be different than how we would interpret quality time.

Again, he probably is just generally receptive to each language so you can't really go wrong, as long as you come across right.

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GAMORA (pre and post)

(There's also not a lot of gifs of her at all)

So, much like quill, she has three versions. During Thanos, Golden Age, and Multiverse. I'll do Golden Age and Multiverse because I don't think During Thanos is interesting, at least not for this specific post.

Also golden age and multiverse are technically two different people.

GOLDEN AGE GAMORA

Golden age Gamora is, in my opinion, a very deeply feeling woman. She can be stone cold when she needs to, but I feel like she is very emotionally intelligent especially as she gets closer with the team. She is also very loving, and is often 'the rock' of a friendship. Or just generally the level headed, down to earth one.

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

RECEIVING

QUALITY TIME

Definitely finds spending time together and talking valuable. Even listening to music together is special.

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

As long as the words are honest and not trying to just flatter her or try and get in good with her, she appreciates it. Honest praise goes a long way. Too much too often may make her embarrassed.

GIVING

Since she *is* rather emotionally intelligent, I imagine she would figure out what that person is most receptive to, and display that. But if it's someone she likes, like Peter, she may get bashful and have a hard time acting natural with it and would probably revert to her own preferred language.

LEAST FAVORITE

GIFT GIVING.

I imagine her upbringing caused her to not be a materialistic person. That said, gifts can be extremely special to her, but its just rare. So giving her flowers doesn't do anything but like if Peter gave her a mixtape, thats different.

////

MULTIVERSE GAMORA

A more hot headed, less sensitive version of golden age. Meaning she's probably more standoffish and less emotionally intelligent, but not by a lot, just sort of by the trimmings and details of her personality. Being with the ravagers probably does that to most anyone. Golden age has more motherly vibes, while multiverse has more protective older sister vibes.

--------

RECEIVING

PHYSICAL TOUCH.

In the form of rough housing and play fighting with her ravager friends. Not exactly in a tender way, although I do see sort of the "let me patch you up" angst. One of the differences between the two is that multiverse is more afraid to be vulnerable.

GIFT GIVING

Surprisingly. I think the ravager life style may make her a little more appreciative of having her own things. I imagine theres a lot of competitiveness for special food and special items, even if its playful. Even though something unnecessary like flowers may not excite her, things like a newer, stronger weapon could mean a lot. Golden Age may not feel the exact same only because it's probably more accessible. But lets say if its something Rocket made her, then it would be inherently valuable because its from her friend. With multiverse, things gain inherent value when they're useful.

LEAST FAVORITE

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION.

She doesn't need you to tell her she's doing a good job, she already knows. Compliments are only effective from people she respects above peer-level, which is rare. Joking around with her friends (loving insults, etc) is different though.

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

GROOT (multiple ages)

(I couldn't find gifs of young adult groot, only many of baby groot and a few of groot senior. Sad)

Baby Groot, Teen Groot, Young Adult Groot, Adult Groot, Groot Senior. So many choices. I'll do them ALL. (Except adult groot cause we just saw him for a few minutes so like- yknow)

GROOT SENIOR

Since Groot sr. was treated "more as animal" than a person, I imagine he doesn't have a concept of love language at all. Therefor, I will say that anything he perceives as loving, caring and protective action is his love language both giving and receiving. R.I.P. legend you will not be forgotten 🪽🕊️🕊️ 🙏 💯

The original baby boy. I'm still sad.

-----

BABY GROOT

He's a baby, so in theme for babies, attention, physical affection, and quality time are pretty much his main priorities. He ain't got much going on. Older baby groot, like toddler groot, is more active and perceptive, so I'd say his main receiving language is words of affirmation, and his main giving language is acts of service.

TEEN GROOT

Teen groot is broody and angsty, and he's definitely not thinking about other's feelings. So I'm gonna say while it's rare, when he does show affection, it's act of service. Receiving is pretty much anything, he doesn't really care right now.

At least not about the specifics.

-

YOUNG ADULT GROOT

Now, groot is much more loving and affectionate. He is receptive to all love languages, and gives them all too. Except, theres not much use in words of affirmation for him unless he really loves the person.

-----

MANTIS

RECEIVING

Anything. As long as she can clearly tell it's love/affection, it's effective. Like Peter, she just wants to be loved.

GIVING

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION.

Being able to verbally explain how she feels to someone, and how she may appreciate that person, is the most confident option for her. She thinks that it's pretty effective, and is the safest option. She probably also never got a lot of affection at all before the Guardians, but I think she appreciates mental and social affection more than physical.

LEAST FAVORITE

Doesn't have one.

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NEBULA

(Last one I'm doing this post then I'll do a few more in a second post)

RECEIVING

QUALITY TIME.

Like board games and stuff, or at least thats what I think she wants, deep down. I feel like maybe she doesn't realize this is one of her love languages. Like it's subconscious.

GIFT GIVING.

With her upbringing, she only had things taken away. Giving her something of importance may mean a lot to her. Like her new arm in Vol3. Again since shes still a little emotionally constipated, she may not really realize this.

GIVING.

She doesn't really understand how to sort of actively pursue a friendship or how to read someones love language, so her giving language is probably just existing in the same space as someone without criticizing them. Because she doesn't quite know how to do more than that, or at least isn't comfortable right now. But she wants to and deep down she's trying.

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THANK YOU FOR READING!!!!!

I'll do like Adam Warlock and stuff next.

[marvel-starwarsfangirl]

Crosshair in "The Solitary Clone"

I've been rewatching The Bad Batch with my cousin and we just finished The Solitary Clone last night. There is one scene that hasn't left my mind and yes, I will psychoanalyze Cross's face because he is so expressive in the subtlest ways. Also, this is my takeaway from this scene.

Cross says "We're soldiers. We do what needs to be done" in response to Cody's question regarding the morality of their actions.

Cody replies "Well, you know what makes us different from battle droids? We make our own decisions. Our own choices." Then, he walks away, leaving Crosshair with his thoughts.

It is this interaction that really caught my eyes. This is Cross's reaction to Cody asking him if he knows how're they're different from droids:

Crosshair stiffens and takes a breath in, taking in Cody's words and anticipating what he's about to say next. There is so much pain and conflict written on his face. Cody is challenging his beliefs and hitting a very sensitive topic for Cross. What are the clones' purpose in life? To be solider and fight, just like the battle droids. The clones are also frequently mistreated because of this. To Crosshair, a clone who would've been "decommissioned" if his mutation wasn't helpful, if he can't be a soldier, then what is his purpose? When Cody states that it's because the clones can make their own decisions and choices, Cross's expression changes slightly again and all the guilt, self-loathing, and pain is on max level for us the audience to see. Due to the chip, Crosshair had his choices taken away. But even after the incident on Bracca where he got turned into Kentucky Fried Anakin, Crosshair is still under the Empire's control. He lets them dictate his actions and follows their orders. Cody's words are hard for him to swallow, and I think deep down, he knows Cody's right. But because of everything that's happened and Crosshair's internal conflict with who he is, it's difficult to hear.

As Cody begins walking away, we get this expression:

He almost looks angry. But angry at Cody? I don't think so. I think its anger at himself and the remaining resentment he has towards his brothers. The pain in his eyes is still there on full display to see. One of Crosshair's main ways of communicating is purely through his body language. He doesn't need to say much in order to articulate his emotions or get a point across. Cody's words are sinking in to him and he doesn't like it because it reminds him of his internal conflict.

Something I've noticed about Crosshair on my Bad Batch rewatch is just how insecure he truly is, especially regarding who he is. Many people when talking about Cross bring this point up and now that I rewatch the show, I see it. Insecurity and identity are at the focal point of Crosshair's character. It's always "I'm a soldier" or "we're made to be more than that." Cross can't see himself outside of that role which brings him into direct conflict with Hunter. Hunter kind of imprinted on Omega. He sees this child as a new path forward in life. She's his moral compass, the reason he keeps fighting, and one of the most important things in his life. Hunter can't live without her in his life. Crosshair doesn't have an Omega who brings him a new perspective. That is, until Cody and Mayday show up.

Another thing I've noticed about Crosshair is that he's very clingy. Because of his life on Kamino and his insecurities, he tends to cling to those who make him feel wanted or useful. Cross values loyalty and has a deep desire to feel wanted by others. The Batch was his family, the only other people who understood him and wanted him. When they left him, he became very jaded and angry. After everything they've been through, Cross was still thrown aside. And that breaks him internally. Then, it's the Empire. Crosshair was raised to be a soldier first and foremost. Who seeks soldiers to fill their ranks? The Empire. Who demands loyalty and promises to reward those who follow orders? The Empire. Who makes Crosshair feel useful in a time of great confusion? The Empire. So, he clings to them in hopes that he will find a place to belong. Cody is next. Cody is the only familiar face to Crosshair and the only one who treats him with kindness. Rampart sure as heck doesn't care and the other clones don't want to be near Crosshair. He's different and he doesn't really fit in anywhere. Heck, look at the contrast between the uniform. Anyways, Cody is able to connect with Cross. In turn, Crosshair sticks by his side the whole time and even asks for him after the mission on Desix is over. Speaking of Desix, the whole mission plays out like an episode of Clone Wars with battle droids and all. Of course it's gonna remind Cross of the olden days. Finally, there's Mayday. Mayday owed Crosshair nothing but gave him everything anyway. And Cross really latched on to him because Mayday is the last lifeline he's got. Mayday's actions and kindness affected Crosshair in a way he didn't expect. When Crosshair helps him back and forms a bond with him, it's a touching moment. It also symbolizes Crosshair accepting his clone identity. He's embracing a part of himself he initially wanted nothing to do with. At the end of the day, Crosshair wants nothing more to belong somewhere and with someone. He wants to be wanted, not alone on some desolate rock. The Outpost broke the camel's back in terms of how much longer Cross could keep going the way he was.

Alright, that was pretty long. But, I wanted to share my thoughts because that scene and Crosshair's specific reactions hit so different a second time. He is fighting against himself and he knows it. But his internal conflict is so strong that it makes him very stubborn. In the end, he winds up in a weird sunk-cost fallacy situation. He does pay the price in the end. He loses Mayday and everything that keeps him tethered to the Empire and life. Crosshair's desire for belonging and purpose are so strong that he doesn't get out until he can't take it anymore. He is pushed to his brink and by then, it's too late. He can either rot until he's completely dead on the inside or make a choice that'll get him killed. Either way, Crosshair's only way out was death. But, the Empire had other plans for him. Hopefully, season 3 will give him a happier ending.

Crosshair's story is one of embracing your identity and overcoming your insecurities. It's one of finding where you belong and that what might initially seem as the right place is actually far more damaging then it let one. He is such an incredibly complex character and in my opinion, one of Star Wars' best. He's never gonna be Vader level, but for those who know him and his story, Cross will leave an impact on us.

Thank you for reading, I hope you made it this far, and I'll be back shortly with more Crosshair content. Take care.

[jackwolfes]

Kazper // Six of Crows // 621 words // E rated @kinktober2023 Day 18: Spanking [all kinktober fills]

It’s something out of a saints for-fucking-saken wet dream. 

“Count.”

Jesper doesn’t even manage one when leather cracks hard over the skin of his bare ass. He cries out, entire body juddering with the force of released tension. It isn’t that Kaz hit him that hard. It’s that the connection of Kaz’s glove-clad palm against the curve of his backside sends all the anticipation that’s built like carbon in a glass bottle sends Jesper to pieces. He fractures apart when the culmination of everything he’s ever wanted and waited for meets tender skin, objectively not that violently but just violently enough. 

Instantly, Kaz tuts. Jesper sinks sharp teeth into his bottom lip, holding back a frankly humiliating whine. He kind of wants Kaz to humiliate him, too. He wants a lot of things from Kaz. The only thing he can hope for is that they can fit enough in before he inevitably spills on the sheets Kaz spread out on the floor. 

“I’m sorry,” he croaks, voice wrecked like he’s been screaming all night. He rocks backwards, trying to put himself back exactly where Kaz left him. There are a thousand thoughts sparking out from Jesper’s head, shooting out flecks of light like bullets hitting steel. 

“If you were really sorry you’d do what you were told and count,” comes Kaz’s agonisingly cruel response. Jesper shudders. 

“O-one.” 

He can’t manage the words without stuttering. It’s juvenile. Jesper doesn’t care. The night ahead of him is glorious and Jesper doesn’t fucking care, and he doesn’t think Kaz cares either because all Kaz does is crack the flat of his palm against his ass again.

Jesper sobs. “Two—!”

Kaz takes his time, ever the patient bastard, and soothes Jesper’s skin with tauntingly gentle strokes. The gloves are still on, Jesper is so glad the gloves are still on, Jesper wants to cry and worship the gloves except he really just wants to worship Kaz — and aren’t they one and the same, if you get right down to the technicalities? Because Kaz hits him a third time, a fourth, a fifth, and Jesper counts each one like the obedient love-sick devotee that he is. 

They get all the way to thirty-two. Jesper is crying freely now. When Kaz hits him his count is a garbled mess — th-thir— ahn— thirt— ty— tw— oh, oh, oh—! — but he’s just a man at the end of it all, and he’s weak. He’s desperate. He is so close and so hard and he can’t, can’t, he can’t— 

Kaz hits him again. Jesper doesn’t count. He seizes up and something in his brain — fucked as it is, desperate to be fucked as it is — realises that he just can’t take it anymore. Jesper’s weight goes out from under him and he hits the floor with a thud, and Kaz clicks his tongue like he’s disappointed but that’s better for Jesper, really. He sobs, body twitching, and begs, begs, begs. 

The Bastard of the Barrel is so many horrible things, but he is and always has been a businessman first. He understands the value in positive reinforcement which means he doesn’t hesitate in reaching those gorgeous leather-clad fingers below Jesper’s body to stroke his cock and tear sin from his teeth. Jesper comes after three strokes, maybe two, and has never felt more thankful for anything in his life. 

After he’s caught his breath, Kaz pushes him over to lie flat on his back just out of the reach of the mess he made. Jesper stares at him, and Kaz stares back. Not once do either of them smile. 

“That was one orgasm,” Kaz says, and when Jesper stupidly nods he offers out a tantalising smile. 

Then he says: “Count.”