#how on earth could you expect romance to make a damn lick of sense to someone who can hear thoughts and intentions

[stardustedknuckles]

Actually I’m not done being sad about Imogen’s life growing up alone with her dad because until we’re told otherwise, I choose to believe he did his very best at the severe disadvantage of having a kid who could see every impulse parents are meant to hide. Parents resent their kids sometimes. It’s normal and not in and of itself damaging. What matters is that you never make them feel responsible for your emotions and you take the actions that are best for them, setting aside your own shit because that’s your job. They don’t need to know what you really think sometimes - often, even. You might not give a rip what new thing they’re into but you support it and them because it’s important that they be encouraged. Even when all you want to do is leave them at the store for an hour for some peace, you don’t. You figure it out, and they need never know.

Imogen’s dad never got to be that, not once her powers started. Every flash of anger brought on by the grief of having to go this alone, every time he looked at Imogen and saw her mother, every time he wished she was here because he didn’t know what to do with their daughter, every time he asked why this had to happen to her (or to him)...Imogen heard it. This raw, unfiltered blast of what it means to be a person, to think and exist and set yourself aside and make choices.

It’s easy to hear that he kept his distance even within their shared isolation and condemn him for leaving her be, but Imogen learned compassion from somewhere. Imogen seems at peace with the way things had to be even if she shouldn’t have had to be. She would have seen everything her father didn’t want her to, everything he couldn’t hide in the name of being the dad she deserved, and that means she would have seen what he wanted to be for her too. The ideals he aspired to, the life he’d wanted for her, the persistent sense of failure only even slightly mitigated by the fact of him being with her out in the middle of nowhere anyway. Imogen shouldn’t have had to see how much her dad missed people and how much he resented this curse on her (the curse, specifically, not her). She shouldn’t have been able to see how much this was ruining his life - he should have had the opportunity to hide that from her and be a good dad.

Imogen learned early and hard that love involves doing things you don’t want to for the good of the person you care about. Love must look so different to her, could you imagine? Her father brings her flowers and kisses her forehead and tries really hard to think about horses because she likes them and she deserves a simple moment of kindness. Imogen in turn tries very hard not to listen to the sense of desperation and loss beneath the gesture, the futility he’s trying to overcome for her sake. Sorrow, and sometimes she can’t be sure if it’s on her behalf or not but it’s okay, he’s here and she always feels him trying.

Imogen spends her teens internalizing what it is to be cared for despite, and then one day towards the end she meets a woman who looks at her and thinks Imogen must be the kindest person she’s ever met, someone who cares for her because, and oh - that’s something completely new. She hadn’t known that was possible, and coming to understand why Laudna would find so much value in someone who could read that her intentions match her words does nothing to diminish how soothing it is to have her as a friend. Laudna’s palms are always cool on her forehead when the headaches get bad, and she’s never wishing she didn’t have to comfort Imogen. She’s genuinely happy to be here, no obligation. She doesn’t want to leave. She’ll have to - Imogen hears that too, that Laudna is never able to stay in one place for long - but Imogen’s already decided she can’t go back from this. She can’t lose this.

So they go forth together, unused to being wanted without reservation and both determined to do whatever it takes to keep the other in her life, and they love. It’s not a love anyone else would understand - how could they? - but for once they don’t need anyone else to understand them. They’re enough for each other and more.

[wlw-lovestruck-fiction]

Onyx tells Mc she’s pregnant. They hosts a party for everyone to announce of Onyx’s pregnancy. How they announce it and how everyone react are up to you!

Written by @evoedbd

“Hey babe. Welcome back. How was your outing with Na-” the cheer fell from Cali’s voice, as heavy and rapidly as a brick dropped from a skyscraper. Her heartbeat picked up, even as the feeling of led seeped into every limb, dragging her consciousness towards what felt like a tar pit. Sticky, dooming, encasing.

“Onyx?” She called, brow furrowing as she tried to reconcile the woman who had walked through the door with the usual upbeat, unstoppable Onyx Wren. This woman appeared ashen, pearlescent white save for the usual shadings of her makeup, and the veins running blue beneath her icy skin. Long, flowing blonde hair hung in clumps, tangled around the streaks of meadow green like weeds attempting to devour the most beautiful flowers. Where life had once shone in oceanic green eyes, now there was a dullness, a glazing that only emphasized emptiness. Worse, shoulders which could bare the weight of the world slumped, chained down along with the woman’s feet. No. Onyx’s feet weren’t chained down, they were dragging, as if the act of taking a stride was too much to comprehend yet the need for familiarity and comfort drove the zombie like body onwards.

“Are you ok?” A questioned filled with trepidation. Already, Cali could see that Onyx Wren was absolutely not alright. She could feel it. Sticky hands of a hoard all dragging at her through the bond, making the world entirely too much.

Internally, she fought a war, crossing a list off silently in her search for solutions. What could have hurt Onyx this badly?

A fight with Nahara? Doubtful. Onyx loved that woman, and Nahara had earned that affection. Her hugs were too perfect, rejuvenating and secure. How Cali imagined sinking into a pool of warmed honey or melted chocolate might feel like.

Dorran? Oh, Cali had so many things she could say about him, respect for the dead be damned. Cali was absolutely convinced, out of everyone who had ever existed or ever would, that he was the most deserving the title of Jerk. Lord Jerkington the Gaslighting abuser, the third. Anybody who could do half of what he had done to Onyx whilst claiming to love her, whilst she trusted her body and soul to his romance… Cali couldn’t conceive a punishment fitting enough his horrendous crimes. Her anger had nowhere to go. No conclusion. Nothing dark and despicable enough to bring justice or pay penance. All she could do was vow never to allow Onyx to suffer that ever again.

Vinca? That was delicate ground too, and not an unrealistic conclusion. Cali’s personal grudges aside, after-all Onyx’s twin had turned Cali into a well of supernatural energy with the potential to unleash hell on Earth, Vinca had played her villainous role well. Cali still could trace the numerous scars across Onyx’s body, from throat to gut, which Vinca had left. Also, Vinca had technically gutted Onyx, though she had been possessed by Nizha at the time. Cali wasn’t too sure she could ever erase that image from behind her closed eyes. Or her nightmares.

“I’m pregnant.” Onyx’s voice was so small, so broken and confused. If Cali hadn’t been watching and listening intently, she might have mistaken those words for a breath. Or the aircon.

“… you’re…” The word fell from Cali’s lips on a shocked breath. Well. Babe had definitely been the wrong pet name to use. Suddenly nothing made sense. Her stomach fell out yet her body seemed ready to float to the ceiling, all whilst her nerves suffered a rapid fire mix of dreadful numbness and prickling tingles flowing across her skin to match the static ringing in her ears and pinging around her head.

“I’m so sorry! Please don’t be mad. I’ll be good! I w-won’t disobey o-o-or mess up.” The panic in Onyx’s voice cut Cali to the bone. Onyx fell to her knees, arms wrapped around her abdomen and torso as her shoulders curled inwards. She trembled, green eyes gazing up at Cali as if she were a terrifying Goddess preparing to render judgement upon a defiler. Cali shuddered. Who would want such worship as what Onyx was offering in the moment? Senseless, all-consuming fear? In that moment, Cali realised she could never be an abuser. There was no power in Onyx’s terror, only revulsion. Revulsion that Onyx felt she had to be subservient like this. That her trust had ever been so broken that her default was to cower like a beaten dog, still lovingly licking its own blood from the master’s knuckles.

“I didn’t mean for this, I swear. I-I ca-”

Cali couldn’t listen anymore.

“Onyx. Hey, hey, hey. Shhh, it’s ok. Breathe with me, sweetheart. In through your nose, out through your mouth.” She cooed, collapsing to her own knees before Onyx. The moment she could reach, Cali gently cupped her hands around Onyx’s elbows, tenderly guiding the smaller woman a little closer.

“Reach for me through the bond, how do I feel?” Imploring words were accompanied by every joyful image Cali could summon at that moment. The mewls of kittens, the softness of a puppy’s fur. Seeing Onyx recognise her, even as a dragon. Flying. Watching Onyx fly, be it with the wings of a dragon or across a tightrope in human form. Freedom, beauty, power. Family.

Cali’s heart picked up a marching sprint, beating so rapidly she was positive someone could visibly see her pulse throbbing in her throat if they spared a glance. Pregnant meant baby, which meant children. Onyx. Baby. Onyx. Baby. Onyx’s baby… each time Cali managed to conceive the sentence her heart skipped another beat, beat faster and faster until she was positive her heart would burst. Onyx was having a baby. An actual baby!

“You’re… you’re not mad? You’re happy? B-”

“Onyx. You’re pregnant! How could I not be excited?” Cali began as she lured Onyx to her feet. The former Envy assassin surrendered herself to Cali’s guidance, relaxing even in her confusion. Cali was incredibly careful, her touch remaining delicate, as if she might taint the innocence within Onyx if she moved a single finger incorrectly. Yet, there was also no fear to Cali’s touch. She knew Onyx, just as she knew her own breath. She offered comfort, unconditional support, even without having uttered the words.

“I’m nervous too.” She confessed, finally lowering herself and Onyx onto the couch.

“I mean there are so many things to think about. Is it safe? I mean, what effects on the baby will your dragon side have? Will you lay an egg? I mean, can your body even handle that in human form? Will you be human form for the birth? Who even is the father?”

“I didn’t cheat! I’d never do that to you. Please, you have to believe me.” Onyx’s frantic tone was matched by frantic hands which desperately clutched at Cali. She clung to Cali’s forearm, both forcing Cali to remain close whilst also preparing to defend herself. Green eyes filled with tears, a mix of panic and guilt, dappled with layers of confusion. Despite all of that, Cali saw sincerity. She felt the truth of those words as if they were her own heartbeat.

“Onyx, babe… you died. You died in my arms and came back as a Dragon. Cheating never even crossed my mind. There are some insane magical circumstances that my medical training doesn’t cover. Even if you had cheated or if something had happened, I wouldn’t be angry. I wouldn’t be him. You love me, I believe it with all my heart. Nothing anybody can say or do will make me love you or this baby any less.”

“I didn’t cheat.” Onyx reiterated; her voice much softer yet no less vehement. Her hands surrendered their grasp on Cali, allowing the Asian woman to weave her fingers through Onyx’s. The warmth of her callused hands was enough to earn a soft sigh, though neither woman could confirm who it was from.

“I believe you. D-did somebody hurt you? Onyx, babe, did somebody force himself on you?” The words burnt Cali’s tongue. Bile threatened to rise in her throat. The thought of someone doing that to Onyx. Without the guise of a relationship to force his will, to satiate perverted desires… Cali couldn’t… she couldn’t even imagine it, until she could. From a mental blank, to images of a broken Onyx. To memories of her screams morphed into something entirely different, fitting a different scenario. It was enough to make Cali tremble with fear, revulsion and a rapidly rising tide of rage.

“Nothing happened. Nobody r-” Onyx hesitated, unable to utter the devastating word flashing in Cali’s worst fears.

“- did that.”

“Thank goodness. Then, do you know how this happened?” The gentle question was delivered after a breath of utter relief. Knowing Onyx was safe from that abuse, safe from one of the most brutal of Earthly horrors mankind had ever weaponized, helped untangle the tension in Cali’s aching chest. Her heart stopped seizing in her chest, resuming its marathon sprint.

“I don’t know. Nahara said something about consequences and the past.”

“Rebirth. That was when she was talking about the bond of deceased Envy and the barer of the bite. The possibility of physical manifesta-“ Cali stopped dead. Her mind leapfrogged over the words, gathering them into a net of logic so obscure yet so plausible it felt as if she’d been punched unconscious and now was waking up. Waking to a world where mortal logic no longer applied, and the furthest dreams could come true.

“Oh fuck… Onyx..?” Cali didn’t know if she spoke, only that Onyx’s face pinched in concern. No, not concern. Fear. The murkiness reclaimed clear beauty, obscuring it for all who wished to bathe. It nearly broke Cali to see Onyx shrink, yet her small voice shattered Cali’s heart into smithereens; sent those shards digging into every vein until Cali’s body throbbed with how wrong it was.

“Please don’t get angry.” Onyx whispered, flinching as if expecting Cali to scream. Cali couldn’t. All she could do was go over the basics of Nahara’s theories. A physical manifestation of the bond between Envy, Deceased and Barer of the bite. An echo of the past. The lost reclaimed as new.

“Mine? Ours? Is this..?” Cali begged, she wasn’t and never would be afraid to admit it. Such a glistening possibility was at her fingertips, and she dared reach, hoping against hope itself that the impossible had become even the improbable. A thousand to one? Hell, even a million to one was more than enough. Cali would take any and all chance. Hers. Theirs. A chance to see how she and Onyx may appear a thousand years down the line, a notch in the human species. Proof they had existed, that their coupling had existed. Cali wasn’t dumb enough to consider a baby proof of love, not alone, but also it was. It would be. No matter whether or not that million to one chance was recognized.

“I- I don’t know. It’s possible, probably. I mean, magic? I need to talk to Nahara to find out more. I… it was overwhelming to hear I actually was pregnant and can’t let the dragon out. I just needed time. Needed to talk to you. It could be a manifestation of our bond, or it is something from the past.”

“Dorran.” The name fell from Cali’s lips like a bullet dropped from a tower into the cooling lakes. Oh, how it longed to be thrown like garbage, just as the darkest parts of Cali longed to throw the actual man into a trash compactor and hear him squeal.

“This could be his baby too.” She voiced her conclusion. Even as the words escaped, she felt no change in her heart. There was… she hated the man, she hated the power he had abused over Onyx, just as she hated the idea of him continuing to. Yet, for the baby? For that possibility? Nothing. No hatred, no resentment. No matter how she searched for it. She couldn’t confess how deeply that shocked her. Emotionally, everyone always hoped that they’d accept their partner’s children as their own, but the actuality of that often defied dreams. It was a rare person who could accept such a thing, even in Cali’s situation. To find herself even potentially one of them was humbling, too much, too quickly. Diversion needed.

“That’s one hell of a choice. A dead man, unknown entity, or a key to the gates of hell.” Cali made the understatement of the century after a quiet hissing whistle through her teeth. Remarkably, her tone remained as light as she intended the delivery to be, as if she was discussing what to order for lunch.

“Please don’t leave me.”

“Le-” Cali couldn’t even finish the word. Her body moved on instinct, launching into Onyx’s space so that she could gather the smaller woman into her arms. Leave? Onyx couldn’t leave! No, her brain quickly caught up and corrected her internal malfunction. Onyx’s voice had been so small, the chirp of a bird compared to the roar of a dragon. Regardless, Cali was determined to provide shelter, to cage the willing Onyx within her loving embrace.

“Onyx, you died, I thought I’d never see you again. That I might never have another moment with you, even as you were reforming. Now, I’ll get to watch a baby Onyx Wren grow up! How could I be angry? I don’t care if this child is Dorran’s. Hell, even the Devil himself could be the father and I wouldn’t care. I want to be with you.”

“Even with a baby? A baby you didn’t plan, who m-might not even be yours.” Onyx’s words were serious, more so than any Cali had ever heard escape her gentle lips. They were warning, they were a siege to push Cali away even as Onyx hoped to keep her close. It was the last offering, the final out. Cali understood. Her answer here would shape her life. This answer couldn’t be about comforting Onyx, no matter her urges. It had to be truthful, no matter the pain, no matter…

“Yes.” It was the easiest answer Cali had ever given in her life.

“Onyx, we aren’t naturally biologically compatible for reproduction.” Cali’s obvious assessment earned a watery snort from Onyx.

“Whenever I daydreamed of having children, they were always yours. I was already committed to being a mother to any pet or child you had, to being with you. I want this baby to be ours, I want that more than anything.” Cali had to pause, to actually breathe and let her words sink in. Her chest hurt from how hard her heart was pounding, for how she longed for Onyx to want the same things.

“I’m here and ready to be whatever you need me to be for you both. If you don’t want me to be there as the other parent, I can be the cool aunt. Or a friend. Or a babysitter. Anything, Onyx.” Cali concluded, laying her offering out for Onyx to pick through. Silence dominated the room, save for Cali’s hurried breathing and the pounding of matching heartbeats. Or two heartbeats. Did baby have a heartbeat yet? How far along was Onyx? She made a mental note to ask.

“If you want to be, you know, their mom, then I’d love that too.” Onyx finally broke the silence with a soft yet sure voice, a shy smile tugging on her lips. Cali couldn’t help it, she leapt to her feet, letting forth an excited cheer. Finally, all her nerves burst forth, erupting in her version of a triumphant roar. This was HER family. Hers. Hers, hers, hers!

“There’s nobody else I’d rather raise a baby with. Nobody has ever supported me like you. I just don’t want to take your life away, or be a burden.” Onyx continued, reaching up to tuck some of her chaotic hair out of her face.

“Onyx, this isn’t about supporting you regardless of my own feelings. You’re not taking my life away; you’re giving me a life to fight for. A family. Onyx, our family! You’re having a baby, Onyx! It’s a BABY Onyx! Baby! Yours. Maybe mine. Maybe ours. I feel… just feel me, Onyx! Baby! You’re having a baby!” Cali tried to remain calm and mature, she truly did, yet the urge to move overcame her senses. She paced back and forth, using her entire body to emphasize her points. Big, sweeping gestures of her arms accompanied her escalating excitement, turning her into a goofy rendition of a car yard inflatable.

“Yeah. A baby. You… Sweetheart, can you sit down? Just watching you is tiring.” Onyx’s request was accompanied by a summery laugh, one which calmed Cali for all but three seconds. Then, it was back to pacing, phone whipped out of the pocket of her jean shorts so that she could begin to compose her list.

“Onyx, BABY! A baby! Our baby! We have to tell the others! I’m sorry but no more training for you! Also, none of the trash Darius calls food. We should probably look into supplements too, so that the baby is as healthy as possible. Should I call a dietitian for a food plan? And materials! Are you going to make your own maternity clothes? I got paid this week so I could totally go get some fabrics if you te-”

“Y-you want to tell the others?” Onyx cut in, alarm flooding her tone. Cali froze for a second, recognizing the way Onyx’s surprised voice dipped. Oh, Cali realized, she was behaving entirely differently to anything Onyx had experienced. To how Dorran had reacted. That was enough to have Cali’s internal beast snarling, hating how the past continued to hurt. Dorran had insisted on secrecy, on punishing Onyx. Increasing her training, increasing his bullying. Afterall, that had been cheaper than birth control, or a medically safe… Cali couldn’t finish the thought.

“Of course! Onyx, you’re pregnant! This is like one of the happiest days of my life! Top five, for sure! I’m trying to think of everything we need so that we can be ready for this baby. Like, we need to look into our insurance. I don’t think my workplace insurance covers sexy mamma’s who can turn into dragons. Or Assassins. Is there supernatural insurance I need to know about? Are there any doctors for, well, non-normal human pregnancies? Are there any magical medical guides for this? And birthing classes. We need to look into those too!”

“We…” The pondering tone Onyx used broke Cali out of her packing, leading her to look up from her phone.

“… Did I say something wrong?”

“No. It’s just sinking in, you know? It’s really nice to hear you say it. It sounds right.” Onyx explained, her face taking on a dreamy grin. She was so beautiful, glistening in the afternoon sun through the skyscraper windows. Even messy, Cali couldn’t think of anything more captivating than Onyx. Not the sirens of legend, not the most handsome of men. She doubted if the entire troupe, who were the most attractive people she knew, walked in naked that she’d be able to take off of Onyx.

“It feels right.” She confessed in a soft tone, unable to raise her voice above a whisper. The light in Onyx’s eyes… Cali had never seen something so pure. Green, like gazing up the sun through the underside of a wave. The gleam in them was more varied than a kaleidoscope of colours; brighter than diamonds. She had to look away, while her brain still had some function. There was so much that needed to happen, too many lists to write. Lists! That was a good place to start. Cali could do lists. She helped with stock intake, so a simple list on her phone would be a piece of cake! Oh, and her mother! She had to text her mother. Maybe there were some spare books…

“So, I’m going to text mom about getting some medical books out of storage. I’m pretty sure we didn’t sell all of them. They might have some more details on pregnancy. We have to come up with a way to justify everything, maybe we should discuss giving her sight. I’d prefer not telling her we’re fighting demons though. She’d absolutely spit if her daughter in-law was caught in that! Especially since you’re carrying her grandchild! I’d never live it down if I let you fight in your condition. It’d be “Cali, why are you making your girlfriend do everything? She’s pregnant! My grandbaby needs to grow!””

“Grandchild?” Onyx interrupted Cali’s exaggerated impression of her mother. Gone was the kaleidoscope, gone were the diamonds. The wave had crashed down, sending Onyx flailing into the wild tides of her worst fears without anything to hold her.

“She won’t hate me? She wouldn’t ever believe this child could be yours without knowing everything. She’ll assume I cheated. She’ll think I broke your trust and you’re just standing by me because you’re, well, you. You’re too good to walk away from somebody as broken as me.”

��Onyx, I love you. You are the most… I can’t put it into words. You are my… My light. You are not broken, Onyx. You are a literal dragon. Fierce, strong and beautiful. I am so in love with you that I cannot picture my life without you. This feels like my child already. You’ve only just told me and already I feel as if my heart will burst. Surely you can feel how much I already love them.” Cali almost pleaded, kneeling before Onyx. The current Envy assassin reached out, laying a single hand over Onyx’s quivering knee. Cali could feel everything, the tidal wave of anxiety and fears striking so hard and fast that she was almost physically knocked over. She countered, her mind parrying and weaving.

Pizza in a secret alleyway shop, the way hot cheese melted in her mouth, or the strings hanging from Onyx’s smiling lips. Little hands reaching, trying to steal pineapple as Onyx laughed. This was happiness. Love. Safe, secure, keeping their baby proceeded against her chest. So small, yet inspiring something so large. She had to protect, she needed to. Protect both the joys of her life.

The simple concept of the future flowed through their bond, a shield for Onyx to seek shelter behind. Cali herself was blown away by the intensity of her emotions for a distant possibility.

“I can.” Onyx breathed; tone full of wonder.

“I don’t know why I keep questioning you. You’re always kind and sweet. “

“People have hurt you, Onyx. I’d rather you question me a thousand times, a million times, than ever feel unsafe with me. I love you, and Mom can see how much more me I am with you in my life.” Cali insisted, fixing Onyx with an encouraging look before continuing.

“We had the talk when I told her I was bi. About if I ended up with a girl. We talked again after she met you, officially that is. I told her as long as I was with you, at least one grandchild would not be biological. If we even had children. She fully supports my choices and will love this baby with all her heart. She’ll probably spoil them rotten no matter what we say. She already loves you too! You’re the favourite daughter. She’s going to be so excited for her grandchild. Be prepared for a LOT of baby onesie- OH, this one’s cute! Onyx look!” Cali tried to remain serious, she truly did. Yet, curiosity had taken hold and her thumb had all but developed a mind of its own. Soon, she found herself glancing down at her phone, only to see a lovely pastel themed website, filled with baby onesies. Upon spotting a bear on the third row, she excitedly turned her phone to Onyx, which earned an actual squeal of delight.

“Oh my god, that looks like a little Ripley onesie!” Onyx cooed excitedly, leaning closer to support the phone. She couldn’t help but internally swoon over the adorable little bear onesie, complete with little pink pads on the feet. The little hood with adorable little ears, and the stomach patch. The tail, which concealed the buttons for easy changing.

“Right? I’m buying it! Ohh, it comes in purple! Should I get a little leopard?” Cali declared, reclaiming her phone and swiftly adding two versions of the bear to the cart. When Onyx didn’t respond, she paused, turning her gaze to the expectant mother.

“Onyx? Are you ok? Don’t you like them?” Cali asked, her voice going quieter. Once more, Onyx looked so small, trembling in the face of everything. Overwhelmed, Cali realized. Onyx was entirely overwhelmed.

“Cali. They’re both adorable. I’m just scared. How can you be sure Joyce will be ok with this?”

“Err, It’s my mom. She’ll just be thrilled to have a grandchild, no matter if they are biological or not.” Cali responded, unable to fully put into words how she knew. It was simple. It was her mom. Her mom who had supported her throughout life. Her interest in extreme sports, every bump, break and bruise. Her mom had been the first signing her casts, and selling the demon contraptions that damaged her daughter. When Cali’s father had walked out, her mom had been there, fighting to support a child emotionally and financially whilst she herself fell apart. Through teenage heartbreaks. When Cali hadn’t gotten a date for prom, it was her mother who had shoehorned her into a suit and driven her there. When Cali had finally come out as bisexual, her mom had been the first one demanding to know what type of girls Cali liked, gossiping about the boys Cali had only ever expressed interest in.

“But what if they come out with wings? Or, you know, not human?”

“Aside from me being worried how you’ll push that out of a hole the size of a lemon?” Cali questioned with a blink.

“Cali!” Onyx squealed in a mix of disbelief and horror. Her hands came up to her face, covering her suddenly flaming cheeks as she let forth an ungodly groan. Cali couldn’t help but be reminded of Ripley, how the bear concealed her muzzle when Onyx flew across the tightrope.

“Oh god, I don’t want to think about what its going to do to my… well, you know.”

“You’ll still be gorgeous, even if things are a bit different. You know, when I picture mom you, you’re always stunning. I can’t help but think our daughter will be scared her boyfriends will run off with her sexy mamma. You’ll turn into the sexiest MILF.” Cali purred, flopping onto the couch beside Onyx once again with what she hoped was a seductive grin. Strands of shaggy brown hair fluttered everywhere, sticking to Cali’s face in the most unflattering of ways. If asked, Cali would absolutely blame her uncooperative hair for her failed delivery, despite her history of appearing more like a vaguely romantic crab than seductive. Somehow, her dorky display calmed Onyx, judging by how tensed shoulders finally relaxed, and the show-stopping smile returned to her lips.

“That’ll be you, Sweetheart.” She purred in return, nuzzling closer. Cali’s phone fell to the couch, forgotten as the Envy assassin wrapped her girlfriend up in her arms. Both sighed. Everything was right with the world again, at least for a few moments.

“Mmmhmmm, agree to disagree. If our baby is born anything but human, then we tell mom the whole entire truth and teach her how to babysit. The troupe can’t always be around when we need naps, so mom will be happy to have a chance to spoil her grandkid rotten. Besides, she raised me, a dragon will be nothing her brooms of vengeance cannot handle.”

“But, what if the troupe hate me? I can’t help you guys like this.”

“You can’t turn into a dragon because you’re pregnant. That means you’re vulnerable, not useless.” Cali pointed out, giving Onyx an affectionate squeeze around the shoulders.

“Nitza will be after me. She’ll want me, and the baby.”

“I’ll die before I let anybody touch my family.” Cali growled; all traces of her humanity lost in a snarl vicious enough to rival any demon. She felt the rage bubbling, thicker than molten lava in the cradle of a volcano. It consumed, burning through her rationality until she couldn’t tell where her own protective rage ended and Onyx’s began. Onyx may be the dragon, yet Cali’s entirely human body produced sounds to rival Onyx’s alternate form. The former Envy assassin reached out, wrapping her own hand around Cali’s clenched fist, wiggling her fingers between Cali’s until the current Envy had to relax her fist. Had to let Onyx in.

“Ripley and I will protect you, we can take craving shifts! It’ll mean I won’t be on the streets with the troupe, but that does’t mean we can’t both help out here more. We can watch Avi, which will be awesome practice for baby. I can keep gear up to scratch, work on the bikes and you can have more time to design. I know your fingers must be itching to do something creative.”

“They are…” Onyx sighed l, seemingly content to have settled Cali’s rage. The blonde tucked her feet up onto the couch, barely pausing to kick her sneakers off before she wiggled her toes in silent satisfaction. Cali couldn’t help but tighten her arm around Onyx, smiling when Onyx responded by leaning into Cali’s shoulder, forehead buried in chaotic hair.

“but the others will be out fighting while I’m stuck here. It feels like hiding away and doing nothing.” Onyx trailed off, tensing. The sun set over beautiful greens when Onyx closed her eyes, the bedazzling piercing through her cheek acting like the moon across the skies of her expressions. For a moment, she trapped the soft, delicate flesh of her lower lip between gleaming teeth, as if gathering the courage to speak.

“I keep hearing Dorran.” The whispered confession had the dragon within Onyx roaring with rage, something which echoed through the bond. Cali shuddered, brows furrowing as spots took over her vision. For that brief moment she could feel it, the war within Onyx. The uncertainty and doubt mixed with rage. The latter, Cali empathized with. It burned just as brightly within her own heart, feeding into a loop of fury that promised to spiral out of control. Cali didn’t let it, she couldn’t.

Soft feathers, like laying on a marshmallow. The warmth of a spa day, the relaxation. Sticky and wet along the side of her head, into her hair. The rasp of an impossibly large tongue. Laughter. Pride. Love. The certainty of a promise.

“Ignore everything he told you.” Cali urged, barely keeping her opinion to herself. Now was not the time for her to rant about how pissed she was at her girlfriend’s ex.

“Onyx, you aren’t hiding away doing nothing. Not only are you holding a literal dragon back, you’re growing a person! Or a dragonling. You are doing the hardest job in the world. You’re creating a little Onyx! You’re nurturing and providing a safe place for baby to grow. You’re growing a life, Onyx, and sustaining them until they can sustain themselves. Even when you sleep, your body will be working. For nine months, you never get a break. That is way more exhausting than fighting demons for an hour. Can you imagine Cal’s face if he snarks at you? You can be like “Bitch, I grew a nerve cluster today, I’m currently working on a kidney.”

“Sweetheart… You have an answer for everything, don’t you?” There was no laughter in Onyx’s voice, despite the glee taking spark in her eyes. Genuine awe was slathered across her face, radiating until Cali could feel the accompanying emotions through the bond. The littler woman untangled herself from her partner, reaching out to take Cali’s hands for a few moments before her cheeks tinged pink. Without a word, Onyx lured Cali closer, placing the mechanic’s hands over her pale abdomen.

“Nup. I’m scared too, and excited. I just know that you’re my everything, and we’ll figure this out together.” Cali’s words were soft, whispered into the stillness they found themselves submerged in. Cali’s hands were burning, her palms prickling with the tingling heat as she processed what she was doing. Caramel and milk, that was the closest things Cali could associate to the swirl of their different skin colours. Her fingers looked so dark compared to Onyx, casting her in an exotic light, or perhaps Onyx in a mystical one. The duet of tones was dreamlike, earning the largest smile as Cali finally processed the meaning of the gesture. She stared, illogically fearing her callused hands might hurt Onyx and the baby. A breath, accompanied by trembling muscles the few moments before Cali surrendered and placed her hands flat against Onyx’s belly. It was unbelievable! Onyx had barely put on any weight, just enough to be barely noticeable, yet suddenly her body felt entirely new. The definition of her stomach was still there, all lithe muscle and sublime softness, yet there was more too. A curve, small enough to be imagination yet large enough for Cali’s hands to trace. To cup. To protect from the world. Tears prickled at the corner of her eyes, threatening to spill down her swollen cheeks as her smile grew large enough to rival the Cheshire cat.

“Oh, names! We need to start thinking about names!” Cali added enthusiastically, blinking away her tears. This was her future, sitting just beneath the palms of her hands. A little Wren growing, expecting them to have the perfect name. Cali began to panic. What name could be enough for their baby? Forget names, what title best fit until they decided? The baby was too clinical. Baby had that familiar quality Cali was looking for, but also couldn’t be the name they used forever.

“But I’m barely even showing yet.” Onyx playfully protested, bringing her hands to rest over Cali’s, holding them to her belly. Love. It was so pure, so overpowering. Cali lost it. Her tears began to trail down her cheeks, accompanied by little sniffles as she looked hopefully up to Onyx. Every hope and dream she had flooded the bond, sweeping them both away on a tide so impossibly sweet that the real world dared not invade. Even through their sniffles and tears, Cali laughed, appraising Onyx on a particularly important fact.

“It’s never too early to start thinking! Trust me, it’ll be the first thing my mother asks.”

[subaruthegamer]

About My OCs (Colby and Jack)

This is my fantasy, so bear with me here.

Colby Roberts

“Colby... I can’t do this...” - me, a few weeks after we have an argument

“I still want you anyway... because I’m madly in love with you...” - Colby

For those who don’t know, Colby is Jack’s son, so if you wonder where he gets those looks from, here’s my answer. 

Colby was born to a extremely wealthy heiress, who’s father was practically unknown because, he just vanished off the face of the earth, and since he was born to a wealthy family, it didn’t take long before he starting falling into the wrong crowd... with his drug habits starting to catch up at his adult years. His drug habit, oddly enough, didn’t affect him as much as the doctors thought - because they were thinking, surely, he’d have either died from an overdose, or somehow turned into a vegetable. But yet, that didn’t happen. And there was nothing conclusive with his bloodwork. Since he was filed on charges, they gave him two options (which, as far as I can tell, seem to be the mother’s choices) - either rot in prison for possession, or go into the military.

You can pretty much tell which option he went for.

Colby enlisted at the military, which at 18... he had plenty of time to start shaping his body - and he was a genius too. His scores were practically almost record breaking - considering the record was from 16 years ago! Colby is an expert tactician, and when you added hand-to-hand combat training plus all the muscle he gained from training... he was practically a Spartan.

During his time, he met Randy when, by chance, he was a captain - and Randal was a second lieutenant. In fact, Colby and Randal felt something between them. In fact, at one point, Colby once told me that if you put him and Randal in a room all alone at some point during the night, you might be able to hear Randy’s pleasuring at taking Colby on. However, it wasn’t just at a relationship level - they really were an unstoppable force.

Rather disappointingly, Colby resigned from the military after serving 8 years - and ended up heading back to Riverview... and somehow, relapsing again.

A year later, Colby ended up in my care as I was his sober companion after his relapse, and to be honest, when I met the guy, he was honestly more intimidating than I ever imagined. Sort of like the Hulk, but scaled down, and human.

To be completely honest, the first 2 weeks, he had been avoiding me since he insisted he didn’t need my help - but I stayed - because I wanted to get him to open up about himself. But - when you live with a 230+ lb man, you’d kind of want to stay out of his way when he simply won’t budge. Didn’t stop me from trying though. Sure enough, I gradually got him to be able to quietly strum his six-string guitar on the occasional night.

Our relationship took a little bit of an unexpected leap, because one night, Colby was invited to the family dinner, and this being a part where the father walked out on him... it lead to them being quite verbally abusive to him about it. Of course, we walked out and headed home with them still being pretty abusive... and hearing his mental health shattering into a million pieces. By that time though, I’d been his companion for what was stipulated, but because I didn’t want to leave him in that state, tried to renew the contract.

The lawyer said... no. So I ended up lying much to the bemusement of my therapist. 

I was wondering if I was going to get away with it when I still accompanied him to his musical composition job (guitars and pianos are his favourite) but I had to remind him at the end of the day that I still was his sober companion.

“Like hell you are.” Colby shouted. “You sure as hell haven’t been for at least a few weeks.” Much to my shock, I thought I had had it for a moment.

A sigh came from him shortly after. “I knew you lied when I called her lawyer the next day after you said he had extended the contract.”

I tried to figure out what I was going to say next. “Colby, I...” 

“I’m not angry over this.” Colby inched forward towards me to corner me between him and a wall. “I’m actually quite touched... since you saw the state that I was in after that... so for a while after that I adopted a more... aggressive mood.”

I was actually frozen stiff because he had cornered me between him and the wall with both bulging arms at the side of me.

“Until I found out you had been lying last week, I started to pull you along a little to see if you would realise that I was fine and moved on... but instead... you stayed. Didn’t occur to me that at the same time you were also having feelings for me... and I was still in denial until I gave into your feelings...”

Colby gradually moved his left hand off the wall and started feeling my back down.

“So... I want to offer you something... you stay with me... and we’ll see where our feelings for each other go... sound good?” Colby whispered.

At this point, I could hardly control myself, and Colby knew I was begging to be given the treatment that I’ve sorely needed. I was still gay at that time, but my love life had gone nowhere... and I was fidgeting a little because this was practically a dream come true for me.

“I’ll take that as a yes...” Colby later leaned in and gave me a rather sloppy lick on my face. And the next thing I knew he had leaned even closer to start making out with me.

“Why did you think I was this aggressive with you... you are so damn cute...”

After work, we gradually continued to have feelings for each other much to the disgust from my classmates with that lick.

So, we dated, we laughed, we cuddled, we had our idea of hunter and prey... which I have to say, was one of the very sexual relieving moments we’ve had together. When that happened, Colby flew up the ladder to being a hit movie director, and I wasn’t trailing far behind with my (slightly stalled) career in journalism as I was being promoted, and transferred to Lucky Palms.

Sounds perfect, you might think. Actually, in a way, it wasn’t. Because Randy showed up asking for Colby. More on that in his side of the story.

Jack Winter

“I wasn’t expecting myself to be this... swept away with you.” - Jack, slowly leaning into me for a spot where he has the advantage on me

“Yet... here you are, wanting me as much as everyone else we know.” - me, trying to find a way for him to stop but realising I’m going to be doomed

With Jack, complications turn into one story, so trying to analyse him is almost easier said than done - simply because: he’s a pure-bred demon. 

How demons work in my world, is that demons are in a world separate to ours - they have their own world much like fantasies. How they go into human bodies is through the sort of capsule that is a remote link to a human body. Some demons don’t use the bodies at all because they’re more nature demons, but the human demons - those are a different story. Jack is the latter, and one of the more emotionally manipulative kind. It works like this: he takes a body - steps on anyone’s toes and makes them make terrible decisions or suffer a embarrassing (but not fatal - he’s not that cruel) fate. All targets are random, so one day, a wealthy bachelor might suffer an a problem one day, and then the next, it could be someone like me. 

When Jack just “appeared” (what Randy and I joke about how he was created), he was one hell of a rollercoaster to deal with - he was having a hellva lot of fun slowly manipulating people into doing stuff they couldn’t realise. A hell of a time for him, after all, with all the powers he had access to, the fun was going to keep rolling like a Bugatti Chiron with an endless supply of fuel. You wouldn’t run out of it, you’d keep going.

That changed when Jack met Colby’s mother - when Jack was about to ensnare his powers on her, for some reason, she fell in love with her. Why that happened, we may never know, but the next morning, she saw a gorgeous hunk of a man sitting at her desk - which took some explaining on Jack’s part (that old charmer) to what was going on. Thankfully, she decided to not alert anyone, and allowed him to stay in her house - and getting to know that mysterious man who had suddenly appeared. Over that time, they both got together, had long walks, and spent a few days being intimate with each other - and satisfying each other as well. The only people who knew the truth about Jack were; Colby’s mother, the staff at the house, and a lawyer handling her estate. The romance didn’t last as long as she hoped - because one day, Jack was summoned to go back into the demon world, much to her sadness (the one time she was in complete love, according to Jack). Until she was unwell one morning and found out she was pregnant - and decided to keep the baby.

So 30 plus years later, when she died, he came back hoping to continue everything... instead, she died of an untreatable cancer tumor... with a son that had grown up to be living in Lucky Palms after moving from Riverview. The lawyer had a moment alone and discussed what had happened in those 30 years - her death, and her son... as well as some last letters to him about getting him to “finish what she started.” With that said, Jack had no idea what to do on the day he knocked on the Lucky Palms door - at that time, we were just engaged, and I was quite shocked when Jack said he was Colby’s father even though he looked quite young.

Obviously, it wasn’t without it’s shortcomings. Since Colby practically had so many questions, it really did beg the question... who was this person who looked, in age, practically close to a point where it wouldn’t make any sense?

So, at dinner, the three of us (in a rather tense manner) had dinner that I had decided to cook. While we were discussing it, we started to notice a few similarities in habits and preferences. Except on Jack’s side, they were much more prominent when he managed to somehow tempt me to get close to him. 

When he was planning on spending the night in Randy’s old room (which was empty since at the time, Deacon and Randy were experimenting with sleeping together), Jack started to tempt himself with me. He started to get closer and closer, and before we knew it, Jack had me pinned on the bed and began his near identical and significantly rougher (sloppier kisses, sloppier licks and so on) but then, he also backed off thankfully 10 seconds before Colby walked in. Before you asked, I did tell Colby about the similar interactions he did in that one move, but obviously, we were still skeptical. So, with Jack’s permission, we managed to withdraw blood from him and using Adam’s futuristic DNA sequencer, managed to get a father-son match with Jack and Colby.

Before you asked how the two finally settled their differences (and have Colby get all the questions he needed), Deacon suggested we put them in a rage room to settle it. Sure enough, I had to pay for damages, because, well, they did put a “few” holes in the wall when they were done. And a new set of clothes.

[alias-b]

sins of my youth. 003

Billy Hargrove x OC! Evie Fenny~ Also posted to my AO3

Summary: It was common knowledge that Billy Hargrove hated Hawkins. Hated Cherry Lane. Even loathed the strange girl next door. Evie Fenny wasn’t too fond of the chaotic Cali transfer either. An awful high school tradition sparks a chain of events that changes everything, ultimately bringing two frayed souls together.

A/N: Hey all! Enjoy the chapter. Billy trying again to woo Evie. They strike up a bet. TW: Pica. Light fatphobia. Taglist open :)

Chapter 3: To The Devil

   “Hey, Karen, here for the two o’clock?” Evie was jotting down slanted notes at reception, crossing the name off. Mona’s salon smelled of mousse and hairspray. Fans blared to keep the air moving. Karen beamed back.

   “I am. Need a touch up.” She touched her waves to give them a flick. "I'm so jealous of your curls, how do you get them to sit like that?"

   "Genetics, I'm afraid. Ah, I just dip myself in water and pray for the best." The dry humor she was known for. "Mom has them too, if only she didn't inject a gallon of product into her hair every morning."

   "Water. Innovative. Your secret is safe with me." Karen paused to laugh when Evie grinned, nodding as she finished the notes.

   “Seat four, Claudia’s getting your stuff ready now.” A smile beamed.

   “Thanks, sweetie. You’re mom in back too?”

   “Yeah, fixing the music, she’ll be out in a sec.” Evie flicked a page and peered around. Yellow walls with baby blue trim. Similar to a dollhouse her mother made once. Too many plants to count, but that was Evie's fault. 

   She did rounds and cared for each one. Even the new bloom of begonias in one of the back rooms hanging just out a window. Twisting silk petals all blushed and unfurled.

   Evie watered them, let the soil grow damp. Listened to the thumping of a dryer full of towels behind her in the cramped space. A rhythm she could write a song to. She saw a fallen petal and plucked it up. Felt the baby smooth texture between her finger pads.

   Lifted it idly to her cheek. Let it caress her skin in one graze. It comforted, the mere touch of it. And the calm stillness that followed as if someone was holding her welled euphoria. The petal ran her lips, she felt in control of her senses. This touch that was warm and ticklish. Evie gave a shuddered breath and just wondered. 

   Wondered.

   Evie spent too much of her life wondering.

   The petal touched her tongue and she half expected it to melt like a chocolate. Rich and silky. She rolled it damp around her mouth. Chewed for an earthy twang. Looking at the flowers. Feeling them across her running palms. Gently bouncing into place before she swallowed. Evie turned quick, jolting back into her skin for one fleeting moment.

   She was aware again. She was here. Still patting her cheek to stay grounded. Maybe the flowers would bloom a dainty beauty inside her. A delicate sensibility that’s evaded her all this life. Another flower petal plucked.

   He loves me.

   He loves me not.

   Fingers pulled a begonia clean. Chanted the little game in her head.

   He loves me.

   Swallowed. There was a slight of guilt. She’d stolen the power from this living thing and brought it into her own being. That washed away. She was carrying it now. Patting her cheek again to console herself.

   No one noticed Evie hidden in the back room. Indulging in control. It felt like a dirty school girl secret.  Evie dipped her fingers into the wet soil. Sighed and let the earth fall back into the plot. She brought them up to see the filth. Thought to lick herself clean.

   “Evie, can you bring the broom out?” A voice had her heart bursting. Evie yanked the watering can close, feeling the weight of liquid slosh. Her mother was next door fussing with music still. Blissfully unaware. Their usual relationship.

   “Y-Yes!” She felt this shame etch her spine. The rush of being caught doing something she shouldn’t have. Which Evie Fenny was already no stranger to. She washed the evidence away and snatched a broom handle. “Coming!” 

   “Thanks, honey.” Claudia took it and let Evie go about her business. Watering the last few pots at reception.

   The bell dinged right behind her as she stretched to water a pot above the door hanging from the ceiling, tip toeing upon a wooden stool. 

   Billy stood there, face at ass level and didn’t stop her. Not that he minded the view. A pink frilly apron over her violet dress. Black tights and belt to match. Big shiny hoops dangling caught the light above her, illuminating dark hair with a halo. Curls shifted and she eyed Billy Hargrove at the same time the music blasted back up. Dolly Parton of course.

   Here you come again

   Just when I've begun to get myself together

   "Angel...what a view." His bright eyes scanned, full of glittery stars. Tongue crossing pink lips in a vaguely obscene way.

   “Billy?” She hitched a breathy gasp and stumbled. Braced to fall on her ass before an arm swooped out to stop her. Muscles pulled Evie into a chest. A very cologned, hard chest. Those damn stars danced like she was in a movie, draped into Billy with the watering can clutched tight. Shifting around. Air sent their hair up and the door shut.

   Dolly’s lyric timing was really the worst. 

   You waltz right in the door

   Just like you've done before

   And wrap my heart 'round your little finger...

   Billy and his long lashes. Fluttering so pretty at her. Pulling her flush into the metalwork of his hot body. Evie lost herself.

   Swept up in his arms with no words. No synapses obeying her body’s commands. She choked there looking like the cover of a romance novel. Blushed at him. Flowers in full bloom.

   “You won’t soak my head if I make a joke about you falling from heaven, will you?”

   There he is. Evie rolled her eyes and found her footing.

   “Oh, but I will.” Hands pushed him to arm's length. No thank you followed.

   “Hon, you alright?” Claudia had dropped her shampoo bottle. Few women echoed the call, eyes on the gorgeous boy who just strode in. Evie was quick to step from him.

   “Fine, fine, I’m…” Evie brushed herself awkwardly and went around the reception counter. Mostly to put distance between them, setting the can aside. Billy followed after to lean against the wood so she kept her voice low. “What are you doing here?”

   “I got bored.” He crossed his arms there to shrug, dressed to the nines and hair all done up. Eyes flicking. “Nice apron.”

   Evie scowled at him.

   “If you’re asking me to that party again, the answer is still-”

   “Billy! How nice of you to visit, I hope I see Susan in here again soon.” Mona swept toward them. Both teens leaned out from each other. Billy flashed his teeth, all charm.

   “She’s never felt better since coming in for the new do. Made my old man crazy.” He ignored Evie glaring at him.

   “That’s what I love to hear.” Mona came up to pat his cheek. Billy slid his eyes to her daughter. “What can we do for you?” She touched golden hair to sweep it aside. Mona was just the friendly sort. “You know, we do boy’s hair too. All the time. You look like you take care of these darling curls.”

   “I’ll keep that in mind, but actually I was just walking by and I saw Evie in her apron and thought we’d hit that burger joint for lunch.” His shiny teeth flashed to smile so Evie cut in.

   “And,” her voice rose, “I was just carefully explaining to Billy that we’re super swamped today. I couldn’t possibly go. Shucks.”

   Both Mona and Billy peered to see exactly three customers getting their hair done. No one outside. The appointment book near empty too.

   “So busy.” Evie pressed her teeth, eyebrows lifting for her mother to get the hint. "Extremely."

   She didn’t.

   “Oh, no, Evie. It’s your winter break." Arms waved at her daughter. Near ready to give Billy Evie's hand in marriage. "Go have some fun with the nice young man.”

   What a laugh.

   “Are you sure? I can stay...literally all day here. I can move in here and never have to leave ever. Never. Ever.” Evie was getting her apron snatched off by her mother. A couple shoves got her around the counter.

   “No, no. Go, shoo, have fun with a boy. Good to see you, Billy. Tell your parents that I said, hi. Have Susan bring your little sister in next time. What I wouldn’t give to style that pretty red hair she has.”

   “I’ll let them know.” Billy actually held the door for Evie as she shrugged on her coat. Another heated expression before she huffed and went out. Ire. He can work with that. “Bye, ladies.” A wink.

   “Bye, Billy.” Came the chorus. Both teens grinned all the way to the end of the window before hands snatched Billy’s collar when they were out of sight.

   “What the hell are you doing, Billy?” Evie shook him by the leather jacket. Even the scrunching snarl at him was cute. Actually had his taller, broad frame pressed into a brick wall. Made Billy pause to observe her face. Mauve lips frowned deeper.

   This was a cruel thing and she couldn’t stand it. This back and forth. These sides of Billy that only came out when it suited him best.

   “Making it up to you. Christ, just fucking let me. Easy...” He shrugged off, going around her. She was being difficult about this, maybe rightfully so, but it still gnawed at him. 

   “C’mon.” Billy went on. Not bothered by the cold in his white button up shirt and jeans. Tucked and tight. The gold saint chain bounced against his chest as he walked. Hard, intent steps with a lazy wave. “You like burgers? Who doesn’t, I’m hungry.”

   “I don’t need you to make it up to me, Billy.” She trailed after him. “This weird game you’re playing really doesn’t interest me.”

   “This town is so fucking boring. You know that?” He spoke instead, clicking his tongue and looking beyond them. “Got nothing to do, why not hang out? We’re neighbors.”

   “When have you acted like a neighbor?”

   “Right fucking now, Angel.” Blue eyes shifted to spot the right building.

   He was such an ass and she was still willingly walking beside him.

   “Ask Tommy or Carol to hang out.”

   “No one likes Tommy or Carol, would you want to hang out with them in your free time? Fucking annoying. Carol wants to fuck me and Tommy? ...You know, he might want to fuck me too. I'm the whole package.”

   “So, you’re with me because I’m not annoying like them and I don’t want to fuck you?”

   Billy turned sharp to see her at the crosswalk. Golden curls swept up. Almost offended.

   “Who said you didn’t want to fuck me?” The shit asked it so genuinely too. "I never said that."

   “Literally me, just now.” She pressed the walk button because he had her under a spell and Billy went before it changed. “Ugh.” Evie, ignoring her better judgment, paced after him. Street was empty.

   “You’re plenty annoying, Fenny.” Billy strode inside the diner and didn’t wait before he grabbed a table. Slapped a plastic menu down across the way until she moved to take the offered seat. A waitress appeared from nothing, but Evie figured Billy just had that effect.

   “Know what you want, sugar?”

   “Number three. Coke. Cheese Fries. Jalapenos on the burger and on the fries. And whatever the lady wants.” He stole an ashtray and dug for a smoke, not looking at either girl. Few people eyed them and Evie gave in.

   They were both still pretty hungover and she didn’t want to make a scene. Which Billy knew well and used to his advantage.

   “I will have the exact same thing.”

   “Are you sure?” The waitress looked Evie up and down as she said that. Oh, so carefully. Evie paused to tense up, acutely aware that she didn’t look right across from this gorgeous, golden boy. 

   The thought hadn’t even struck her until it was pointed out, that’s what sobered it painfully.

   “Yeah, she’s sure. We’ll take a large chocolate milkshake also. Two straws.” Billy snapped, flicking his menu up. The waitress bowed her head and hurried away. Evie’s jaw hung open while he played with his lighter distractedly. Eyes flicked up. “What, are you catching flies over there?” He lit a cigarette and her mouth shut.

   “I’m in the fucking Twilight Zone.” Elbows hit the table

   “That stuff you said Heather liked...” Billy tapped his ashes. Ignored the waitress when she set Cokes down. “That was about you, wasn’t it?”

   “Yeah, so?”

   “Museums and horror flicks. Noted.” He shrugged. “You into that poetry shit? Always writing.”

   “Song lyrics.” Evie took a breath and answered slower. This was weird. It was weird that...it wasn’t so weird all the sudden. Billy did what suited him. Blue eyes lingering on her then darting all over. He sat back with one boot up on the seat. Actually listening. Smoking. Present. “I play guitar and sing."

   Yeah, he heard her guitar from his window every other night if it was open.

   "You're always writing too," she went on, "I know it isn't school work." Observant.

   "I'd rather write some shitty story than listen to a lecture about nothing in class." Billy's ashes hit the tray again. “Are you going to be the next Dolly?”

   “My mom would love that.” She broke to laugh at herself and sip. “More Kate Bush or Stevie Nicks.”

   “Thank fuck, one Dolly is enough.” He snuffed his smoke out. “Why won’t you go to the party with me?”

   “Why do you suck with rejection?” She asked it bolder than intended. Half expected Billy to get upset and walk out. Smoke etched out his pink lips when he chuckled, catching his tongue between teeth. This girl was all four seasons in one spitting firecracker.

   “You got a wall up bigger than your mom’s hair, Evangeline.”

   “I built it myself, William, thanks.” Evie smiled sweetly that time, gazes locked. He twitched at the use of his birth name. A beat of staring before food arrived. 

   “Will that be-?”

   “Yeah, we’re good.” Billy plucked a fry up, watched melted cheese string from it before he chewed and the waitress saw herself off. “Don’t tell me you’re not gonna eat like normal in front of me.”

   He caught Evie picking up a knife and fork. She shot him a look. Dropped them and stole the milkshake to sip. Passed it over for him before she went for the burger.

   “There you go.”

   “Stuff it.” She grabbed a fry and watched him take the biggest bite he could. Cheese drooped out the bottom. “Hangover miracle, huh.”

   “Hmm.” Billy was too busy chewing. Evie took a bite, sipped more coke and decided to engage this. 

   “Can I ask why your dad moved you across the country during your last year of high school?”

   “New bullshit job.” He went at his fries, smearing them around cheese to eat with crunching jalapenos. “Wanted to start his white picket fence over since it didn’t work the first time and he thought he could spite me in the process.”

   Billy licked his thumb, eyes elsewhere.

   “I’ll bet he just wanted away from memories of my mom.”

   Evie paused carefully. It was the first he’d spoken of her.

   “Oh.” She pulled for a napkin, eyes on her food. Peculiar how quick he got real with her here. Billy Hargrove was usually putting up thick layers of artificial bullshit. Plastic cheese on greasy fries.

   “Didn’t help that I was in and out of fights.”

   “That changed?” She reached for the milkshake. “So, your mom-”

   “Did you really get into a fight last year?” Billy had finished the burger and was now going at his fries again, gestured so she slid the milkshake back.

   “I don’t remember it well.”

   “Bullshit, Fenny.” He smirked to himself. “I’d know. You see red and you remember how it tastes every single time.”

   “You’re the expert.” She shrugged, wiping her greasy fingers on napkins. Left a few bites of burger because a voice drilled to do so. Same with the fries. “He was a jerk and...my parents just got divorced. I was upset. I let him have it. Everyone got dramatic about it because I’m Evie Fenny and not Randy Savage.”

   "So, how'd it taste?" Billy looked at her eyes and saw them flash.

   He’s had enough! Students kept chanting that in her ear. Pulling Evie and her clawing talons out of the huge football player under her knees. She breathed pure smoke. Hair flying all directions. Felt the coolness of dewy grass and warmth of blood crusting her fingers.

   "It was like..."

   Descending upon Tannen like thunder. Heavy rain and cracks of lightning followed by a boom. Thunderous applause too. She stared back at Billy with a dreamy expression. Recalled cowering through rainstorms as a little girl. Into the closet where she felt safer.

   Her father, Jack, always found her. He’d sit next to her in there and bring her close under one arm.

   “Don’t be scared, little mouse.” Never could make out his smile in darkness.

   "It's...hot metal. Lava pouring down your throat trying to harden inside you." She got real too and Billy's lip lifted. Soft as can be. "Like it's making a cast of you in that specific moment of rage."

   Evie blinked out of the memory. Watched Billy stare again before he pushed the milkshake back to her side. A peace offering. She accepted and drank, let lipstick print on the candy cane colored straw.

   “I’m going to ask you out.” He decided gentler. Intent. “New Years Eve. Seven on the dot. You can show up in a nice dress when I knock and we’ll go. Or not.”

   “You might want a back up girl.” Evie sucked in her cheeks, eyes had to leave his to see the table. Thighs pressing. He'd definitely just undressed her.

   “No need.” Billy crossed his arms to shrug. “Don’t want one. Already asked the girl I want to take. C’mon, Fenny, quit hiding and get out. What are you waiting for?”

   “I’m not hiding.” Evie shook her head, chest sinking. “You’re the one hiding.”

   “Me?” His shoulders rose. Got all puffy like a peacock.

   “Hawkins High King. Billy Hargrove.” She lifted her hands for dramatic effect. Leaned forward to match him in intensity. “Thrashing forth in a billow of hairspray and cigarette smoke. Sun left in your wake along with a trail of broken hearts. You pose for them and they eat you up. There won’t be much left..."

   That sentiment kicked Billy in the chest.

   "...Everything you say is layered in rage and cheese. It’s mind numbing. I have a wall up, but you put up this flashy front that just blinds everyone. You want their eyes to bleed for you. Get real, Hargrove.”

   “I’ll get as real as you want. Ask me anything.” Came the challenge.

   “Okay. Why’d you beat up Steve Harrington?”

   “Cause he was lying to me and because I hated him.” Billy shrugged, eyes averting. "Because I wanted to taste hot metal. It's home to me."

   “Lying? About what?”

   “Still don’t know and frankly, I don’t care anymore.” A quick sip from his coke. “Go to the party with me.”

   “You just don’t give up.” She peered into her glass. Wanted to eat the ice cubes clicking there.

   “Maybe I’m asking you not to give up on me.” There was something almost sincere there like Billy was touching the earth for the first time.

   “Why are you trying to trick me?” Evie pushed her cup aside even though her teeth chattered to crunch.

   “Trick you?”

   “This party thing.” She paused when the waitress returned to clear the table. Leaving the check face down. “You’ve been nothing but an ass to me since you moved in. Ignored me. Probably can’t even recall what I was wearing when we met.”

   “Your mom’s hair kinda got in the way when she brought you over.” He joked and didn’t miss her stifle amusement, eyes rolling. “It’s not a trick, we might actually have something in common.”

   “What’s that?”

   “The people in this hell town aren’t very interesting. Maybe I find you interesting.” His brow quirked. Fingers tapped the lacquer table.

   “I don’t find you all that interesting.” Evie smiled that time and Billy matched it.

   “That’s fine. You will."

   "So certain?"

   "Give me a chance.” Billy’s eyes flicked over her before he sat up. Didn’t miss a damn beat. “You wore red button up shirt tucked into a little denim skirt with suspenders. Black tights. Grey shoes. Sunglasses with big white cat frames. That same gold necklace with the music note and dangle earrings to match. You introduced yourself with your mom. Took the sunglasses off and even had gold on your eyelids too. I remember it.”

   "Yeah?" Her lips parted with the audible breath he stole. And oh so easily. Evie leaned closer so he followed. Hooded eyes all aflutter.

   "Made your eyes look..." Billy searched. "Molten. Volcanic like."

   "Molten?" Evie wasn't even hearing herself anymore.

   "Just, I don't fucking know, warm like..." The beach. California. Home. Billy lost the thought and licked his lips. "You just looked painted."

   "Painted?" Evie had mused then. Entertained now at his odd way of description. Tried not to think about Billy running a wet paintbrush down her bare neck.

   "Yeah." Billy breathed slower. Painted. With the autumn breeze and sun in her hair, slowly brushing curls around those full, tinting cheeks. A subject the fucking Pre Raphaelites would have lost their shit over and painted all seasons. He could picture Evie floating in an endless pool being kissed by fallen flower petals. Draped in miles of iridescent chiffon reclined in emerald green grass. Looking straight at the viewer with intensity and still dreaming all the same.

   "You had on a black tee. Jeans. Your saint chain. A pair of aviators tucked into your denim coat pocket." Evie peered under the table. "Same boots... You looked like you wanted to be literally anywhere else."

   "That'd be the truth. Wasn't you or your mom's chipper greeting." Billy was looking down now. "Just realized I couldn't see the ocean anymore is all. You held out your hand and I ignored it because I'm an asshole. We established that this morning and now I'm making it up to you."

   “And you still peeked at my chest." Evie flashed a cheekier smile. "Said your name only after Neil gave you this hard stare. Max sped by on a skateboard, you must have thought I was distracted. But, I caught you.”

   “I did check your tits out, sue me. I have eyes. You have tits. The world spins.” He smacked a couple bills down as she went through her pockets. The spell on them both shattered to rain. “Already paid. Let’s go, the waitress is staring at us. We'll make a grand exit, huh?”

   “But-” Evie stopped when he grasped her wrist and pulled her up into his side. Spied the waitress scowling as he held her hip and they went out. Got away from the window before she pulled from him. “Get your mitts off me, Hargrove.”

   “Still open for questions.” He sniffed and they went back down the street. Another smoke was lit.

   “Okay. I'll go for the obvious. Do you think we look funny together?” She crossed her arms when Billy leaned against the side of his car.

   “Who cares. You’re making a big deal over nothing. It’s just a party.”

   “The world cares. That waitress back there. Kids at school.” She shrugged. 

   “You.” He clicked his tongue, head tilting.

   “I don’t care.”

   “That’s why you don’t want to go to the party with me, you’re stuck on what they’ll think.” He pointed with the red hot cherry of his cigarette. “Fuck ‘em. As your Louisiana folk would say: to the devil with false modesty.” He mocked her mother's accent with that.

   “Maybe, it’s because you’ve been a jerk to me. That reason enough?” Evie dropped her arms and Billy paused to nod, inhaling. “I don’t know what this is, Billy, but...just stop it. Ask someone else.” She eyed her mom’s salon and took a few steps back. “Thanks for lunch. I gotta go, my mom won’t turn this place over to the evening girl unless forced.”

   “Can’t tell me what to do, Angel.” He stood taller. “I’ll bet you another Coke that Mona invites me to dinner tonight. TV included.”

   Evie gaped at him.

   “A Coke?”

   “I’m easy to please. I’m gonna come to your house for dinner. Hour of TV at least.” He cocked his head. So full of pride.

   “Why are you dragging this day out?” She turned to face him again.

   “I want to meet your cat.” Billy wrapped his lips around the smoke. Exhaled after. “That little creep stares at me from your window day in and out.”

   “He doesn’t like boys.”

   “Bet he’ll like me.”

   “I bet he won’t. He’ll stay in his bed and not spare you the time. It'll hurt your ego.” Evie came to Billy with her own certainty.

   Bourbon was old. He liked to sleep, have his ears scratched, and purr. A lot. He hid when company came and keeps a safe distance once wandering out.

   “Oh, another challenge. Okay, Fenny. We’re doing this.” Billy came to her, flicking his smoke to crush it under the toe of his boot. Cold wind blew. “When I come to dinner tonight-”

   “If.” She corrected.

   “When Mona invites me with her beat to hell Louisiana accent,” Billy insisted, “you get to play hostess. If that cat takes a liking to me, you’re going to the New Years party with a Hargrove.” He towered there and studied her.

   “And that’s if you can even set foot into my house... It’s not a date. The dance.”

   “What do you have to lose here?” Billy offered his hand and Evie eyed him suspiciously. Lips pursed before she reached to take it. His other broad palm came up to prolong it, engulfed hers before he leaned in even closer. Whispering and sultry. “Oh, and literally everyone in that place is already staring at us. We look just fine together, Evangeline. To the devil.”

   Evie hitched a breath. Inhaled his cologne and twisted to see many eyes snap aside behind the glass.

   “Ah, shit.” She tugged from his warm palms and went inside. Billy, cool and collected, trailed after. He cleared his throat and spoke up.

   “I just really don’t want to impose, Angel.” The tone changed and her body locked, turning to question it before her mother replied at reception first.

   “Impose?” Mona blinked, snapping a book shut.

   “I-”

   “Your daughter kindly invited me to dinner, I figured it was too short notice for her lovely mother." Billy made a thing of it to sigh with longing. "Any other day, I’d-”

   Evie's entire face scrunched at him. Cheeks red like strawberries when her jaw set.

   “Oh, no! You’re always welcome. We’re having Swedish meatballs. Easy thing to whip up. I always make so much extra, don’t I, Evie?”

   Evie Fenny hated Billy Hargrove. Officially and totally. Hated his smug little face.

   Her tongue clicked at him.

   “Mm hm.”  

   Billy only smiled, winking. Too easy.

   “What a wonderful idea to invite him, baby. I’m going to be headed home soon. We might have a late meal. Is eight alright for you?” Mona tucked Evie’s curls behind her ear and flashed a hundred watt grin.

   “Eight is perfect, Ms. Fenny.” Billy charmed the entire room. Except the painted, plush storm cloud in front of him. “I also have to say, has anyone ever told you that you look like a brunette Dolly Parton?”

   The woman about squealed at him.

   “You know, I get it sometimes.” She touched her collar with one hand and pushed at him. “Does your family want to come over for dinner?”

   “Unfortunately, no. My dad is taking Susan out. You know, date night. Max is spending the night at a friend’s house. Police Chief’s new kid. So, I’m all alone tonight.”

   “Well, not anymore, come over and I’ll get you fed. My door is always open, Billy.” Mona tapped his chin. “Eight o’clock sharp.”

   “I’ll be there.” He turned to Evie. Speechless. Voice lowered as he leaned in to brush one knuckle along her jawline. “And I’ll be seeing you, Angel.”

   Billy seemed to linger for her to say something more, finger curling into unruly locks.

   "To the devil." She uttered with pointed brown eyes. Unable to leave him.

   The curl bounced back into place. Billy heard her lungs sputter with need and bit his lip, sly. A final wink just for Evie.

   One bell and he was gone.  

   “Mom.” Evie broke to moan and pull herself back together, following. “Why?”

   “Why, what? Let the boy come over for dinner.” She plucked up a comb to put some finishing touches on a woman’s hairdo, nodding to her stylist.

   “He’s trouble, you know about him. The whole town does.”

   “Sweetheart, we’re always going to be hospitable. Especially to troubled souls. It’s what Dolly and the Bible would have wanted.” That was always Mona's sound advice.

   “Christ.”

   “Evangeline.” Mona shot her a look. Fussed. “Do not take that tone with the Lord, young lady.”

   “I’m sorry, just,” she blew air out her lips and whined, “I can’t stand him.”

   “Seemed awful cozy out there or have I gone blind now? All the smiles and nicknames.”

   Evie bit her tongue at that because there was plenty Mona chose not to see.

   “Billy does that, he tricks you and then steps on you because it’s a game to him.”

   “Maybe he’s trying to do better. I know he gotten into some trouble, but what do I always tell you?”

   Evie crossed her arms tight, hip cocked. Monotone.

   “You’d tell me Dolly would want us to see the light of a clear blue morning.”

   “And has Dolly ever steered me wrong?” Mona pointed with the comb before she fluffed the locks up. “Perfect, go ahead and finish this. Good work, dear.”

   “Thanks, Miss Mona.” A new hire moved to finish, pushing large glasses up her nose. Mona went around them and Evie followed.

   “I know, I know. Be brave and kind. Honest and always open your heart. Blah. I’ll be civil if he is.”

   “Oh honey, let a boy be nice to you once in awhile. You might like it.”

   “Pssh. Find me one first.” Evie passed her mom to get her bag. “They only get nice when they’re older and mature.”

   “I wouldn’t always bet on that, baby.” Mona replied softer than intended. “Cruelty takes so many forms, that’s how it seeps into our lives so easily. It’s a comfort.”

   Evie didn’t find something to argue with there. Just watched her mother’s back tense.

   Let the words flutter like silken petals on the wind.

   To the damn devil.

~~~~~~~

Thanks everyone xoxo! Askbox is open. TAGGED:: @80sbxtch​ @nottherightseason​​ @orxhidshavana​  @alagalaska​ @alongcamedolly​

[utterlyhopeful-fics]

Broken Edges- Part 6

I’M BACKK 😘🥳

The wait is over and Part 7 will be posted tomorrow afternoon! (I can GUARANTEE a fight..or two.) Feedback is always appreciated. As always, I hope y’all enjoy the next chapter. Let me know if you’d like to added to the tag list! 

Steve Rogers x Reader/Bruce Banner x Reader/Frank Castle x Reader

Word Count: 3.1k 

Warnings: language, general angsty angst, fluffy Bruce 

Catch up HERE

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        (The Next Morning)

Stirring from an inherent sleep, Y/N sensed a firm hardness pressed against her right cheek. She continued to further nuzzle herself deeper into its solemn comfort, calmness overtaking her sanity. Time seemed to transpire differently when locked in a technological jail cell. Her left leg was partially thrown over Frank’s as they lay entangled in one another as if they were any ordinary couple waking up on a late Saturday morning. 

Her lids remained darkened as a small moan escaped her lips accompanied by a tender stretch of her achy bones. Frank instinctively pulled her closer reluctant to let go. He couldn’t help but think he would definitely die a happy man if he got to hear that cute noise every damn day. His hand lightly gripped her chin tilting it upwards as they found each other. Fleeting, momentary peace.

Their noses on the cusp of brushing, their slightly chapped lips just mere inches away, Frank’s breath tickled a trail along her skin.  It was a transcendent moment for the pair as they internally debated on who would dare make the first move. Y/N’s gaze traveled towards his lips as she unknowingly licked hers wandering what he tasted like. Would it be a searing kiss made out of desperation or a slow lustful kiss to savor? Whichever one it was, Y/N couldn’t deny she craved his touch.

He cupped her jaw moving closer to his targeted destination. It was then she felt a fire spread in her belly causing her heart to ramp up speed. After seconds of contemplation, Frank leaned the rest of the way in delivering an earth-shattering kiss upon Y/N’s forgiving lips. Her hands perched at the base of his neck slightly tugging at the thick black hair that had grown out over the past couple months. He moaned in response deepening their kiss as Frank situated himself on top of Y/N, pushing his hips against hers, creating a delightful electricity between them. Now this is something Y/N could get used to.

Y/N wanted more, desired to be closer to Frank. Frank made her feel alive, like she wasn’t the broken woman Steve forced her to be. He pushed her to be her own true character, igniting the spirit Steve only wanted to extinguish. It felt brilliantly powerful to be noticed and appreciated, and Y/N was addicted. Without thinking, Y/N wrapped her legs around Frank’s hips pulling him in like a second layer of skin. God, this man drove her wild. But somewhere deeply enrooted in Y/N was cause for concern. 

She pushed the lingering thought as far away as humanly possible not wanting to think about him during her time with Frank. There was only one other man in their universe that made her feel complete, acknowledged, and understood; Bruce Banner. But she never got the courage to tell him instead burying her feelings in a secluded spot locked securely away. 

But that was a story for another day. She wasn’t sure what the future held for her at this point. What she did know was that she needed to make the best of what she was given; Frank. So, Y/N squeezed her eyes tighter hoping to shake any thought of Bruce away, unwilling to let it encroach on this exact moment, but that was always easier said than done.

Y/N pulled away from his kiss finding Frank’s predatory glance. The military forced him to be a man of control but around her he found it next to impossible to resist the brazen woman he’d grown to care for. With their husky pants intermingled; Frank risked to speak first.

“Tell me to stop and I will. But—you have to do it. I can’t think clearly with you sometimes.”

Before her mind even had a chance to form a coherent thought, her lips were responding; “Don’t, I want this. I want you, Castle.”

“Thank fucking God.”

She pulled him down again reigniting their enthusiasm, unable to wipe the smile that appeared during their kiss. But reality creepily slipped back into her conscious just as an alarm blared through the tiny space; its echo uncomfortably surrounded them thickening the available air. Frank shot up first putting a protective arm over Y/N as her fingers gripped his forearm in return. This was new.

A sudden buzz notified them that the door had been unlocked as an unseen figure stalked closer inwards. Y/N heard the peculiar tone before actually seeing him. His heavy German accent mingled with his well-spoken English. Who was this guy?

“So happy to finally meet your acquaintance Ms. Y/N. I’ve heard wonderful things about you. My father spoke very highly of you. My sincerest greetings.”

Another maniac with an accent. Awesome.

Frank’s eyes bounced between Y/N and the dangerous man who just made his grand entrance. A look of apprehension betrayed his brown orbs.

“Uh, hate to break up the compulsive obsession but who the hell are ya?”

“My name is Helmut Zemo. My father, Baron was the sole creator of everything that we now stand for. Don’t you think he’d quite proud, hmm?”

Zemo actually had the audacity to bow as if she were royalty. She was certainly no queen especially to such an anarchist bunch of crazies, but she had no other choice than to intently listen to the stranger in front of them. After all, they were Hydra’s current lab rats searching for an impossible end to their demented game.

“God, you really are a cocky son of a bitch.”

A shrewd smirk slithered across his lips; “Tsk tsk, Mr. Castle. They weren’t wrong about your…spirit?”

Frank and Y/N hazardously got off the bed, Frank keeping a towering determined stance. How did she never notice how tall Frank was until now?  With Frank looming over her, she moved to his side mimicking his posture before speaking.

“What the fuck do you want with us, Zemo? Do enlighten us.”

He snickered unable to contain the laughter tickling his throat; “Oh my my, you really are a feisty girl. We have great plans for you…. for the both of you. I would like your compliance but it is by no means required. Vrstehst du?” (Do you understand?)

“ты мудак.” (You’re an asshole.)

Frank whipped his head in Y/N’s direction; “Wait, you speak…Russian?”

“I’ll fill you in later Castle.” She squeezed his hand hoping to relay any sort of comfort.

Zemo’s shrewd voice reverberated; “That’s not all she does Mr. Punisher. That’s barely the tip of said iceberg for our beautiful girl. You are in for a treat my friend.”

Frank’s New York accent shined through in his times of nervousness bringing him back to the brave boy roaming the crooked streets; “Let’s get one thing straight out of the gate. We are NOT amigos so don’t play coy with me dipshit. That ain’t no plan of ours. What the hell is your endgame?”

Zemo loved baiting people especially those within his control; with no route of escapement. He thrived off the fear accumulating under the surface of their skin, the tremble of their tone, but his favorite, oh his favorite was when he forced the light to leave their eyes all hope being abandoned. This will be fun he thought.

“You two seem to be getting along swimmingly. I’ve been reviewing your records and we seem to have contrived the perfect genetic match. A phenomenal super goddess and ex-Marine forced vigilante. The perfect sob story if you ask me.”

Frank surveyed his odds of bulldozing his way out of this hellhole but upon counting the bodies surrounding him immediately recognized he was outnumbered. He needed Y/N in a place where they could utilize her powers, but that didn’t seem very plausible.

“Genetic match? What the fuck are you talking about, Zemo?”

“You’ll realize soon enough All in good time.” Guiding his eagle eye towards the hidden camera, Zemo simply smiled. He started his trek towards the door leaving his patients bewildered behind him with his hands clasped behind his back, his spine straight, and shoulders pointed. Authority my ass.

“Initiate Phase 1.”

Once again, the door bolted shut locking Y/N and Frank back into their designated room without any sign of answer coming their way. With the glass barrier back between them panic caressed through the stagnant air. Reeling from the minimal information given to them, Y/N was stunned into temporary silence. Frank’s attention was on the woman in front of him; “Fuck, Y/N. Where the fucking hell are your Avenger friends?”

         (Avengers Tower)

If someone were to ask Bruce Banner his favorite spot on planet Earth, he would gladly pick his lab until the end of time. Beakers and test tubes couldn’t talk back. For once in his forsaken days, he got to be in control, fully in charge if only for the briefest of moments. Procedures and mechanisms released him of his anxiety, overall calming his heart rate from escalating to the point of disaster. 

The newspapers got it all wrong about his pent-up aggression towards mankind. They forgot he was human himself. Though some found it easier to treat him as a science experiment, others decided on kindness and friendship. Y/N was one the fortunate few that didn’t manage to piss him off. Given her cruel upbringing, Tony prepared the team for the worst possible outcome, a deranged mutant finally freed from her own hell.

He remembered the way her blonde hair caught the sunshine on a perfect spring day when he watched her lost within her latest read, her clear aqua blue eyes meeting his as an equal, and how he felt electricity run threw his joints the first time his skin briskly touched hers. Nothing but a greeting yet somehow, he knew she was going to be phenomenal. Y/N adjusted to the high-tech superhero gig faster than he expected learning compassion and self-care since becoming her own woman. She never bothered with romance, or her appearance….at least that’s what he convinced himself of. It began with long nights chatting until dawn, two friends passing time with more than enjoyable conversation.

The Stark library was her clandestine fascination, Y/N worshiped divulging into a book lost in articulate words seemingly drawing her further from her own twisted reality. It was effortless to be around her and Bruce was addicted to her quiet and comforting nature. Not many people brought ease upon him. The couch was their second escape as it became routine to sneak away, propping her feet atop his thighs, stopping her glasses from slipping down the bridge of her slender nose as he pretended to not get distracted by her graceful actions. 

Y/N had this habit of biting just the edge of her lip when a story truly piqued her interest, her limbs tightening with anticipation as she unknowingly squeezed his triceps unable to tear herself away from the worn pages.

Countless nights were spent hidden away from the troubles of their world. Some sleepless and others occupied by gentle naps. One in particular stuck out more than others…

          (Flashback)

13 days. 13 agonizing days since he last saw Y/N, hugged her, and simply conversed with someone similar to his own IQ. Nick Fury had selected Cap and Y/N for an undercover mission in Russia. Incognito as a loving husband and wife on their honeymoon while trying to confiscate (insert cool piece of tech). In the past couple of weeks, Banner felt her pulling away, getting a little more out of reach every time, and he loathed it. Little moments at first; less time in the library, nightly talks dwindling, but the worst part was the body language Y/N aimed at Steve. 

Sly smiles here and there, a touch of the palm when no one was supposed to be looking, and Roger’s stupidly irritating smile that made Y/N blush every time he looked her way. Bruce was an idiot, it was just easier to remain oblivious, unaware of the changing atmosphere at the Tower.

Steve and Y/N had just landed the quinjet as Friday notified Stark and Banner of their successful arrival. They were all giggles and soft whispers upon approaching the dock like they had a secret only they knew about. Bruce side-eyed the lovebirds through the glass not wanting to show his true colors or annoyance. It was then that Steve drew Y/N into his chest pressing a passionate kiss upon her lips before looking around, noticing the room bare of any witnesses, or so they thought. 

He saw the foolish smile and glimmering light shine from Y/N’s ocean eyes before huffing and heading towards his hideout. Bruce knew she wasn’t coming tonight. It seems Y/N would have other nightly plans he’d rather not think of or else the Hulk was sure to make a scene. 

So, he numbly headed towards the elevator before clicking the 5th floor button clueless to the doors slamming shut. Bruce instinctively opened the library door and settled into a chair across from the couch. He wouldn’t dare sit there. It held far too many memories of what-ifs, almosts, and could’ve beens. If only he had the balls to tell her how he truly felt. Oh well.

It was half past twelve when Bruce was deterred by the low chime of the door informing him someone else had entered the room. Odd, he supposed. He thought he would get his sanctuary for another blissful night. As he gawked at the unknown presence, he immediately noticed who the intruder was; Y/N. His book snapped shut forgetting about marking his page as his feet found footing on the plush carpet. She hadn’t seen him yet. The door shut behind Y/N as her back rested against the wood frame before quietly sighing. 

Her appearance was disheveled, her blonde tendrils thrown into a sloppy bun as she wore an over-sized t-shirt that certainly didn’t belong to her. Steve’s. Her lips plump as if she had just left her lover’s bed in hopes of seeking him out, or so he wished. He stayed seated not wanting to draw additional attention to his strange behavior.

“Y/N- you’re…back.”

“Bruce, just the guy I was looking for.” She coyly smiled genuinely happy to see him.

“Ohhh, is that so? I figured you’d have other things to catch up on. It’s good to see you Y/N, really.”

Y/N walked over to their sofa before propping her elbows along the edge, resting her jaw in her palm. Her memories didn’t serve him justice. He was kind, handsome, and beyond attentive to her intellectual needs.

“I missed you. Steve isn’t big on reading…or talking much for that matter. It’s nice to see a simulating face.”

“Psh, I’m sure you managed just fine without me. You always do.” He tried to hide the disappointment seeping into his voice. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her away. Above all, Bruce reminded himself that he was her friend first regardless of his growing feelings.

“You made it back in one piece. I assume the mission went well?”

She chuckled, her fingers fidgeting in her lap unable to sit still; something was bothering her.

“Indeed. Steve is uh, quite the charmer. Almost too believable if I do say so myself.”

Bruce stood up suddenly catching Y/N off guard as he made his way back to the shelf to return his latest adventure. Out of his peripheral vision, Y/N began moving his direction closing the gap between them. With his back faced away from Y/N, he felt a small hand reach for his shoulder in a soothing manner. Y/N stood behind him as the silence lingered on. Before he could grasp what was happening, her arms encircled his waist as Y/N hid her face between his shoulder blades. Her touch brought calmness to his anxious mind; his muscles instantly relaxing as his own hand guided on top of her resting on his stomach.

She mumbled a modest “Hi.” before burrowing back into him. Bruce couldn’t conceal the blush that crept into his cheeks. He was merely glad she wasn’t able to see his reaction. No other words needed to be spoken, it was pure and simple. He steered her hands upwards as he kissed the indention by her thumb, directing her hands over his chest finally resting upon his beating heart. It was unspoken, mutual admiration both parties thrived off of. Y/N and Bruce just didn’t quite fully understand the significance of their unexpressed connection.

But that was the past, now he had the atrocious opportunity of living in the present with no Y/N in sight.

        (Present Day-Avengers Tower)

“Meeting dismissed. We are staying on alert until Y/N is found and brought back safely. I suggest you all be ready to go. Rogers and Banner, stay behind.”

Fury’s tone mixed with Tony’s eyes shooting daggers initiated an uncontrollable eye roll from the Hulk. This outta be good. As everyone else made their way towards the door, Steve huffed unsure of what was about to go down knowing it wasn’t good news.

Natasha was the last of the bunch remaining. Her hand grasped the knob in hopes of hightailing it out of the stuffy office before hearing Tony’s callous voice; “Ah ah, Romanoff. You seriously didn’t think you’d get off that easy, now did you?”

“I don’t see how this has any ties to me. I don’t know what—”

“What I’m talking about? Of course, you do my dear, you’re not that dull. Or did sleeping with Cap disable your inability to decipher between respectful decency?”

Nausea caught in Steve’s throat as his eyes met Natasha’s. Fuck.  Bruce lounged in his chair with a satisfied smirk; Steve had the sudden urge to punch him but withheld…at least temporarily.

Tony and Fury resembled two very pissed off individuals; each leader trying to top the other. Silence encapsulated the room, everyone stared at one another unsure of how to proceed with the events in place. So, Director Fury stepped up first; “Can anyone tell what the hell is going on with the lot of you? Wait a minute, don’t answer that. I already know some of you have already lost your damn minds.”

“Language.”

“Language my ass, Rogers. Since you so kindly volunteered to share first, please do so.”

His breath staggered, his jugular beginning to pound under his skin, sweat beaded across his dewy forehead. Sink or swim time.

--------

Tags:  @kaithezaftig @awesomefanficlover@marvelfansworld@sergeantjbuckybarnes @hista-girl @calwitch @silent-loucidity@flightofthefantasies @lovely-geek @shannon124 @hulksmashin-bannerpackin@siren-queen03 @heyiamthatbitch  @girls-inred @kielemarie @donner5822 @sophiria @iluvsumbucky@xstevenat @artemis-lana @bla-369 @itsallyscorner @jay-the-mothafuckin-gay @artemis-lana 

[ladypeck]

Not By Blood

Ship: Spock/Michael

Rating: E

Labels: Explicit sex. Spock/Michael romance. Why? Because I ship the fuck out of it. May have typos.

No one would understand his desires. His parents wouldn’t. His fellow officers. Being honest with himself Spock didn’t understand it. He simply accepted it. The girl he’d once thought of as a sister had broken his heart, and for awhile even his mind. He had pretended to be unaffected by her apology when she came to explain why she’d rejected him, called him names, and then walked out that night.

At some point he’d stopped pretending he understood and treated her with cool indifference. It wasn’t until he was nineteen years old and hit puberty, grossly early for a Vulcan, that his feelings regarding his foster sister shifted from indifference to naked hostility, because it wasn’t until he hit puberty that he began to realize Michael Burnham was female, and just how powerful sexual attraction could be.

She had breasts. She had developed a curve to her hips, and other places, that her own turn with puberty had developed in her. She even smelled different at different times of the Earth Standard Month by which she and his mother measured their lives and their menstrual cycle. That scent deeply affected him.

For Spock the change in her scent began about a week before she bled. It was at that time he reacted in ways that shamed him. The smell incited a visceral response that made him wonder, every time it happened, if he was going through the pon farr. He’d awaken with a racing pulse, sweating, and those damned erections that plagued him.

It wasn’t just her reproductive cycle that affected Spock. Her body did. Michael would exercise in tight shorts. He’d look at the shape of her body, the roundness of her ass, the way her thigh muscles flexed, and, of course, what was between her legs, and he’d harden with startling speed and intensity, and every time he hated himself for the reaction. Every time he loathed her, blamed her, for something he couldn’t control, much less she. That created a sense of guilt, which made him angry, and during that viscous cycle of lust and self-loathing, he was fully aware that Michael wasn't at fault. Neither of them were, yet he was powerless to not feel the way he did. It was all so damned illogical.

Their years coexisting as teens in the same house did more damage than anything else that happened between them. He hated his changing body. He hated the lust he felt for her, and his struggle to hide it.

“She is your sister,” Sarek had reminded him once.

“Not by blood.”

The night she came home from graduation, tipsy from drink she’d indulged alone on a bluff overlooking Forge Valley, because she hadn’t been invited to celebrate with her classmates, he’d watched her try to sneak into the house. She leaned on him as he’d helped her to her room, and before he could leave she’d asked for help getting ready for bed. He’d obliged, only to find himself with his face inches from her exposed thighs. He had a clear view of her white panties, and he could smell her.

It was madness to reach for her, to rub a thumb clumsily over her, hoping his vague knowledge of the human female anatomy served him well enough to touch her clit, arouse her. She’d gasped, blinked at him with glassy eyes, thinking perhaps it had been a mistake, an accident, but the second stroke couldn't be dismissed as anything innocent.

He’d pushed her back, onto her bed, his big hands clumsy as he pulled at her panties, smelling her arousal getting stronger, and his erection throbbing between his thighs, as he continued stroking her.

“You’re my brother.”

“No, I am not. Tell me you want it. Tell me and I’ll give it to you.”

“I…I…want it. Don’t stop.”

He’d tasted her then. Licked at her pussy without any experience or finesse. He poured longing, lust, and years of hurt into eating her and was rewarded with stifled moans she released into her pillow. He prayed the privacy dampeners covered the sounds of his wet fingers sliding into her. Or his own moans escaping as her juices dribbled down his chin and he jerked himself off to the taste of her heated flesh against his tongue.

When it was over Spock stood, tucked himself away, and left her with her panties around her ankle, her thighs spread wide, her face covered by her pillow, body shaking with sobs of guilt and shame. He felt the same, but he shoved those feelings down. Buried them, and fell asleep without difficulty.

They pretended nothing had happened for months after. Then he came home to find their parents gone to some diplomatic function at the Tellarite embassy. As soon as he’d looked into her eyes that night came back. Only this time there was no shame. This time there was only lust. He gave in to the primal urges within and threw Michael over his shoulder, ran up to his room with her, and without care or an attempt at pleasing her, ripped her dress away and thrust into her. She’d cried out in pain, making him impossibly hard. He felt her get wetter with each thrust until she was dripping over his balls and down his thighs.

“Spock! Spock please!”

She cried his name with every thrust, begging him for mercy, gentleness, that he denied, but she never asked him to stop. He felt her nails dig into his shoulders as she held on, sobbing from pleasure and pain, her own hips rolling against him, grinding hard. He was brutal, holding her in the air, her body helpless in his arms like a rag doll. She kissed him, bit his lower lip and drew blood, which aroused him even more. Lust was a monster in their bellies, and they fed it by dropping to his bed, thrusting, scratching, screaming. She rode him, and he watched her in the mirrored glass of his bedroom wall as she came explosively, watched her pussy gush with every thrust, felt the wet heat of her soak both him and his sheets, putting a scent in them he'd never forget.

Spock wanted her to stay, wanted her to share his bed, but didn't have the words or the bravery to ask. Michael left his bedroom on unsteady legs, naked, her ruined dress and underwear his to do with as he pleased. She never returned. She studied half way around the planet. Joined Starfleet, then took the assignment on the Shenzhou, never reaching out to him, nor he to her. He hated her once again for leaving him. Abandoning him. Rejecting him.

Now, on Discovery, they’ve found peace. Their encounters from years past are an unspoken thing that he doesn’t expect her to bring up, so Spock is surprised when Michael shows up at his door in the dead of night. She has shared quarters with Tilly but he sleeps alone. She stands at his window, watching space streak by at warp, silent.

“Something troubles you?” he prompts.

She turns to him, a slight smile on her lips, before reaching up and pulling his coat open, and then down his arms, until it falls to the floor, and he knows she's not there to talk. At least not with words. Her hand on the center of his chest is much gentler than any hand he’s ever touched her with. She pushes him to the chair beside the port. He removes his shirt without word. There’s no need to question it. To fight it by calling her sister, or him brother. They haven’t been siblings in years, if ever. He’s hard for her before she can undo his trousers and pull him free.

“I should’ve been gentle the last time. Treated you with respect,” he says.

“You hated me, Spock.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I hated you too, as much as I wanted you. We’ve put that behind us. Let’s have this while we can. Let’s be…human. Let me see a side of you I never have.”

When Michael takes him into her mouth she does so with considerably more expertise than he possessed all those years ago with her. When he reciprocates he does so with skill that makes her cry out with pleasure untainted by pain, or shame. There’s no resentment in the roll of her hips, or anger when he thrusts into her. Neither hide the sounds of their pleasure. Their hands are gentle, their kisses deep and slow. There's love and respect in the act, as much as there's lust. Spock let’s Michael feel his desire, hear his pleasure, see the love he feels for her in his eyes. After, when he carries her to his bed, their bodies sweaty and sated, they lay there in contentment. Peace.

“Is that another smile?”

Spock strokes her arm with gentle fingers. “Indeed it is.”

She falls asleep first. He remains awake to enjoy the feel of her in his arms, the taste of her in his mouth, and without any hurry to hide the smile that lingers upon his lips.

[nymphl]

Lie to Me - Hux x Reader - Ch. 5 - Safety & Danger

A/N - Hi! Welcome to chapter 5 of Lie to Me: Safety & Danger. In this chapter there are a few words in Ryl, but don’t worry the translation are in the text. I felt that it’d be easier to understand without having to go back and forth in the Notes to know what the characters are speaking. But fear not, it’s just a few expressions xD I hope you like it! 

Summary: Falling for the enemy… That’s probably the stupidest thing you’ve ever done. Letting him live… for he should be dead. And you should’ve been the one to kill him. You had him, right there… and you let it escape through yours fingers. He lived. And now only the time could tell if you made the right decision — more likely wrong — by saving the amnesiac General of the First Order and telling him he was your husband. [Hux x Reader - Hux x You]

Warnings for the entire story: Will contain at times; graphic violence, sex, drugs and manipulation, coarse language and OOCness.

AO3 Tags: from enemies to lovers; eventual romance; memory loss; fake marriage; fake marriage becomes real marriage; rebellion; married couple; canon divergence; slow burn romance; politics; rebel alliance; resistance; first order; OOCness; eventual smut; eventual sex; power play; power dynamics; syndicate; lies; you lie; Hux lies; Hux backstory; manipulation; political alliances; political betrayals; secret organizations.

Wordcount: 4444. 

PREVIOUS CHAPTER  *** NEXT CHAPTER

THE SUN WAS HIGH IN THE SKY WHEN YOU WOKE UP IN THE NEXT DAY. You rubbed your eyes and looked at the other side of the bed.

Empty.

A relieved sigh left you.

It would be… awkward, to say the least, to wake up beside him. You cried yourself to sleep in his arms last night and you could not feel more ashamed now. It was something that happened to him — in his very distant past —, but you could not help but feel sorry for him. No human being should ever be allowed to see and to suffer what he suffered in life.

You did say he was not a monster.

Well… You knew very little of him and news travelled in a lazy pace in Dantooine, so you did not really know what he was capable of — or what the First Order demanded of him — but you knew that if you had had a child, he would not take them away from you. Not that you would allow it either.

Running your fingers through your messed hair, you left the bed and walked towards the kitchen. You dreaded looking at your face in the mirror — it was probably red and swollen from crying.

Kriffs.

You should definitely get a grip of your emotions. Getting emotional every single day would not do. You told yourself that it was only natural… He did not know who he was, but his horrible past was still fresh to him as his new wounds, and you were lying to him… It put too much on your shoulders. You feared some of these days you would not be able to take it any longer and tell him the whole truth.

You can’t!

Biting the inside of your cheeks, you put some tea in your mug. He had made breakfast again. You could not complain, for you had to leave for the hospital shortly, and it spared you some time, but it was impossible not to notice how he seemed to have taking a liking to feeding you. That… or he did find your cooking skills less than palatable. And considering how skilled he was at about pretty much everything, that could not be much farther from the truth.

Great, now you’re worried that he doesn’t like your food.

You shook your head and stared out at the windows. He was outside. Training. Exercising his body. Or whatever you would call someone doing sit-ups and push-ups at such fast pace. He looked like a machine.

Not much of a fan of exercising yourself, you did not get the reason why he was putting so much effort into it. You did go for a jog sometimes, for you understood the importance of staying active, but you did not go past that.

Bringing the food he cooked to your lips, you continued to watch him, your thoughts far away. You recalled the few times in which your husband did the same and how he would complain at how little you exercised yourself.

That made your throat close a bit.

It seemed like a decade went by since you last watched Aquilla climbing up the trees and urging you to follow him to the highest branches.     

You shook your head when he stopped at the threshold; arms folded at his chest. You gulped and looked down at your plate. A low, almost whispered Morning came out of your lips, before you busied with the food once again.

As expected, he did not respond. He was really not a man of many words and definitely not one up to small talk. Very different from Aquilla, who would question every single detail your day, even if he were present in most of them.

“Did you sleep—

“I am sorry—

The two of you spoke at the same time. He tilted his head a little, allowing you to continue. You breathed deeply through your nose and looked at him.

“I am sorry for yesterday.” The words came in a rush, but you felt the need to continue, so you kept them coming, “I feel rather stupid now. I shouldn’t have cried so much.”

He continued with his head lightly tilted to the side, staring at you with those impossibly blue eyes. It seemed he was drinking in your form, so intense was his stare. There was no word of dismissal — as Aquilla would have said, in an attempt to comfort you —, nor any act of kindness.

You bit your bottom lip. This man, this very man in front of you was nothing alike your late husband. They were as different as night and day, and air and earth. Completely opposites. And it made no sense that you kept comparing them or trying to find common traits between them.

Perhaps you thought that if they were at least a little alike, you would feel less guilty about housing the enemy? For he was an enemy. His act last night could not fool you. If he knew… — Kriffs, one day he would! — he would not spare you a single glance. If he held you last night, if he kissed your temple and nursed you to sleep, it was because he felt some sense of duty towards you. Contrary to Aquilla, he would never do that to anyone else.

He approached you, and only when he had his hand around your throat, keeping a firm grip around you — not enough to crush or hurt you, but to force you to stare at him — you realized that if he ever wanted, he could kill you without mercy.

Would…

You were not so sure anymore.

Eyes widened, you placed your hand around his, trying to break free from his grasp. He did not bulge. Unable to breathe properly and totally out of despair — something that your late husband always disapproved in the few times he got to spar with you — you scratched his hand, or tried to, and brought your knee to his crotch, only to be intercepted by his hand. He moved your knee out of the way and pined both of your hands behind your back, turning you around and placing one of his legs between yours in order to keep you imbalanced.

His breath was warm against your ear when he spoke the next words, “Your reflexes are in very poor shape.” Your heart was beating so fast and your blood pumping so loudly, you could barely hear what he said. The General let go of your arms and steadied you by placing a hand in your hip. He continued, but it seemed he was talking to himself rather than you, “I find it odd that I did not train you myself in all these years.”

Blast!

How were you going to explain that? What were you supposed to say?

With your lip trapped between your teeth, you came up with that you thought to be the best excuse, but that he would find the lamest ever, “You never felt the need to.” You licked your bottom lip, “You are strong enough to protect us both.”

You thanked the maker you were back-turned to him, so he would not see you grimacing. That was not only the worst excuse, but it was also a certification of your uselessness.

And there were very few things you hated more than feeling useless.

At least you hoped to have… stroked his ego?

His snort made it clear that you had failed… completely. Beautifully.

“That does not sound like myself.”

Well… That made you feel really good about yourself.

“Rather stupid and illogical decision,” he continued, his breath still caressing your skin. You shuddered. Couldn’t he just let you go? What was with him and talking to you while he kept you within his arms and unable to look at him? It made you feel rather… helpless. “It is hard to believe I would jeopardize your safety for the sake of my ego.”

“Well, that’s the truth, my Lord,” you chimed in, now a bit angry with him for keeping you in that damned position. You tried to break free, but he did not allow. Breathing deeply in your ear, he dug his fingers into your hip, which made you gasp in pain.   

“Your movements are clumsy,” he stated, loosening his grip around you. He turned you around and this time made you face him. You did so unwilling; your eyes hiding nothing of your resentment. “Efficient to get rid of a lesser opponent, but anyone stronger could easily break you.”

You were ready to ask him if he was quite done showing off his superiority. If not about his ego, what was this all about? You could not come to a conclusion. You just knew that at this very moment, you regretted saving him.

The very thought made you gasp.

That was so unbecoming of you… But to feel angry, to feel resented was only human, you told yourself. And anyways, no matter what you thought now, the reality was could not be more different. You did save him after all.

If there was any chance of going back, you certainly would save him again. And again and again.

Even if that was the stupidest decision ever.

“Tomorrow morning you will train with me,” he started, and you opened your mouth to disagree. The expression on his usually emotionless eyes had you exhaling loudly through your nose. “I shan’t ever see you reacting like…” He regarded you with disgust. “…this with anyone, even if it is me bringing you harm.”

You were now fuming.

“Did I make myself clear?”

You could not believe him. He was in full General mode and completely ordering you around. You knew that wives were supposed to obey their husbands — they were their properties in Dantooine, even if you did not agree with this ridiculous law —, but you could not bring yourself to say anything.

When he tilted your head and looked right through your eyes, his bluish orbs intense and persistent, you mumbled a very irritable Yes.    

“Yes, what?”

“Please, you are not making me do that.”

The glint in his eyes told another story, however. Yes, he was definitely doing that.

Kriffing bastard!

“Yes…” You swallowed your pride and whispered a General at the end.

You were happy that he did not say anything else. Instead, he inched closer to you and brushed your lips against yours as if saying you were a good girl. Or pet. Or servant. Or anything else but his wife.

Closing your eyes, you did your best not to bite his lip… hard — your mind screamed you should try it one of these days, since he liked so much getting physical with you. Thank the Maker you had to go to the Hospital today. Or else you would have probably sunk one of the kitchen’s knives in his back when he last expected.

The day at the hospital was tiring to say the least, but fulfilling as well. In spite of the terrible situation the entire city fell in since the last attack, you could not say that had been a horrible shift. For two main reasons: one, no one had died on you and two, but most important of all, you had stayed away from the General.

You did not like the tiniest bit how he teased you and exposed your weaknesses. Aquilla would never do that — and you could not help but compare the two of them again —; he would respect your limits and your wishes. He would never force you to call him by his title.

Aquilla was also not a man used to command utter respect from others as well and having only his desires considered, which was the total opposite of the General.

You sighed. You knew that this grudge was irrational. In the end, your husband only wanted what was best for you — or he himself; you were not sure yet — but he could have approached the issue very differently.

The question is, did he know how to do it?

Shaking your head, you entered the house and found him at the threshold waiting for you — or so you thought by the way he greeted you. He took the bag of supplements you were carrying and brought you to his arms. Your heart sped at that — it was simply inevitable how he used every opportunity to touch you — and you did your best not to squirm or try to break apart — get used to it! you told yourself — when he lowered his head at you. Instead of bestowing you with his kiss, he spoke against your lips in the most silent of murmurs, “Someone followed you here.”

You looked at him as if he had grown thirty heads.

He was wrong.

“No one followed me here,” you whispered back, holding onto his arm. No one would ever follow you back home, right? You always made sure not to let anyone know where you lived, a feeble attempt of keeping your own peace and the villagers in reasonable safety.

Reasonable because you knew it would be impossible to hide and protect anyone, for too long at least, from both the First Order and the Resistance as well. Not to mention the Syndicate.

He pulled you inside and closed the door behind you, keeping you against it. Your heart hammered in your chest, but you did not open your mouth, not when he had his finger placed upon his lips, ordering you to keep quiet.   

You knew that after your husband passed away it would take little time for them to seek you — or at least since they knew of his passing, for you made sure they took their sweet time locating you.

It’s ironic, because you wanted to tell General Organa, but you were afraid what telling her would do to your planet. You had seen with your own eyes how the endless fight between the two military parties left Dantooine. You did not want a reprisal.

You even opened your mouth to argue, but he glared at you. The General moved away from you and walked around the house, approaching the windows, where he watched the — according to him — stalker.

It was not night yet and the sun was still in the sky, so he could clearly see what took place outside. Moving from your spot, you went for the first object you saw — a knife — and walked back to the door, totally forgetting that you had his blaster attached to your hip. You had taken it before you left for the hospital, afraid that he may find it and… you did not know… use it on someone? Well, better be safe than sorry.  

“Behind me,” he commanded, looking at your hip. His narrowed eyes told you his exactly thoughts. Reading him had never been so easy. If the situation was any different, you would have smiled, but you had to disagree with him. And this time you had no problem doing so. You placed a hand on his chest and forced him to gently back away.

“No.” You shook your head. “You stay behind me. It could be a mere villager seeking a healer.”

Even if you knew he was right and you were wrong, you could not help but argue. Your heart continued to beat loudly in your chest, making it difficult to concentrate on the approaching steps.  

“Do you know this villager?” he shot back.  

You bit your bottom lip.

He was right.

For kriffs’ sake. Why did he have to be always right? It was annoying! And how you hated that he was right.

“Mrs. Syndulla.”

Oh, for the maker!

It was definitely someone from the Resistance. No one else called by your husband’s name anymore. In Dantooine, widows were known by their maiden name or not referred by anyone at all. It was a weird custom, but everyone got used to it after some time, and considering most people addressed you either by your status as healer, it did not make much of a difference.

Hux looked at you through narrowed eyes; the question crystal clear in his blue orbs. You opened your mouth and this time he motioned for you to keep going.

“Answer the door.”

You were not sure you should, but you did. By the time you touched the doorknob, the General was gone.

There was no time for any greetings and questions for as soon as the Resistance member — you had never seen him before — entered the house, he pointed his blaster past you.

It had never occurred before and you did not know how to act.

“Who are you? Who are you looking for?”

He did not shift his attention to you, but warned all the same, “Drop the weapon.”

You did not realize you were holding firmly onto the knife till he ordered to let it go. You tightened your hold over it, not really sure why you did it. Out of despair, maybe. You just hoped the General would stay hidden until you dealt with this situation.

It is… If that was something that could be dealt with.

“You should never have helped him.” His accent was thick. It was obvious he was not used to speak Basic. “You betray everything Aquilla Syndulla stood for when you decided to help a General of the First Order.”

A snort left you. As if he knew your husband. Most people who spoke so highly of his name and invoked him all the time knew almost nothing of him.

Then, it sunk on you. The Resistance — the real members of the faction — did not know of your husband’s death — if they did, they never sought you out —, but the locals, or those from nearby planets, the ones who said they fought for the Resistance, but actually tried to profit by stating they would help the poor villagers, always tried to keep you on their side, for they knew everyone would follow the widow of the great Aquilla Syndulla.

He continued to look past you. It was not needed to look back to know to who he was referring to. The General stepped ahead, stopping right behind you. He placed a hand on your hip and brought you against his chest. Even if the contact between you was not something either considered natural, you relished in it.

It made you feel safe, somehow.

And that should made you snort. Feeling safe in a dangerous situation. How paradoxical! And so alike yourself, you should feel ashamed.

“I will shoot her if you don’t step away.”

The General all but ignored his words. Burying his nose on your hair, he whispered in your ear, “Do as he said. Drop the knife.”

It took you a while to understand what he said, but you somehow obeyed him. A shiver ran down your spine as you let go of the knife. It was supposed to fall to the ground, but he caught it as soon as your fingers loosened around it.

Then it happened so fast you barely had any chance to gasp.

In less than a second, the knife was pressed against your throat. Eyes widened, you raised your hands against his wrists, but gave up shortly after. It was no use fighting him. He made that abundantly clear that you were no match to him that very morning. Your heart continued to gallop against your ribcages. You never thought him capable of hurting you — at least not this soon. Not in his very first chance.

It went against everything he said that very morning, right?

The stranger widened his eyes and furrowed his brows, not really knowing how to deal with this development.

You drew in a breath, not so sure of yourself anymore.

“Drop the blaster.”

The command was firm. He looked every bit the General he was. The stranger obeyed him, all the while begging him to leave you — or Mrs. Syndulla as he knew you to be — alone and unharmed.

Not knowing what to do or how to act, you remained in place. Armitage Hux still had one hand firmly placed on your hip and the other holding the knife against your throat.

“Freykaa…” His voice startled you. It was no more than a whisper. You continued to stare ahead, not really sure what to make of him speaking Ryl. It had been a while since someone spoke to you in your husband’s first language and called you beloved. His pronunciation was far from natural, a bit weird, and his breath tickled your skin, but your expression remained the same. “You will do as I say.” 

You did not know if you should not, so you replied a yes in Ryl, “Ka, Ka’re.”

The stranger, not versed in Ryl — it was obvious, or else he would know that you had said yes and called the General your husband — was now kneeling on the floor where he put his blaster and pushed it towards you. He placed both hands behind his head, acknowledging defeat.

“We came looking for you as soon as we knew Aquilla Syndulla perished in the—

“Silence,” the General commanded. To you, he spoke the words slowly, as if the language tasted bitter on his tongue. “Slowly… Very slowly, get the blaster and point at him. I want you to put a hole in his head.”

Your eyes widened at the suggestion. You shook your head in despair. It was obvious the Rebel — or whatever faction he belonged to; it was obvious he was not with General Organa, one of her soldiers would never thread so lightly where innocent lives were concerned — had no qualms putting your life in danger, but it did not mean you could do the same to him.

“I can’t.”

“Let go of her.” The stranger said. “Please, Mrs. Syndulla, we have reason to belie—

Before he could finish his sentence, he hit the floor. As the General asked you to do, there was a hole in his head. You could see right through it. A horrific scene that surely would haunt your dreams for days — months — to come.

Unable to face it, you turned around, only to be met with his chest. He held your chin firmly and forced your head back to the corpse on your floor.

“Please, don’t make me stare at him.”

“You must,” he replied. He was still speaking in Ryl and the very acknowledgment made your stomach churn. “Open your eyes, Nonna.”

“Please…” you begged in Basic. You did not know if you were pleading because he was calling you wife in the same tone your late husband used to call you, or because he was trying to make you stare at the dead body on the floor.  

He let go of your chin and stepped back. You did not open your eyes until you were sure he was not close to force you to stare at it again. Drawing in a deep breath, you turned around and followed him to your chambers.

“Never let them know your weakness. It only will give them the means to exploit you.”

You gulped, not sure what to say. What he could possibly want to hear? The idea of staring at that corpse made you want to vomit. What’s worse is that you knew you it would not go away alone. You would have to get rid of it.

Drag it away from your home.

Bury it.

Hope… Pray… that no one ever knew what happened.

“You must overcome your fears.” He tested the blaster in his hand, as if he was not used to its weight.

“I am not afraid of a dead body,” you shot back, unable to tear your eyes from him. He looked deadly. Your throat was tight as you recalled how he pressed the knife against your very skin. That was a man who had no qualms about ending your life. Or anyone’s else for that matter.

“You are afraid of taking a life,” he replied, before placing it inside the drawer in the bedside table.

To that you had no answer.

What could you possibly say?

You were a healer, not a killer. Your job was to save lives, not to take them. It was understandably, right?

He walked to you, stepping in your personal space. You tried to walk away, but he held you by the wrist; his left hand was in your hip, keeping you in place.

“You are a healer, not a killer,” he used your words and you wondered if he was not force sensitive or at least able to hear or read your thoughts. “I get it.” He let go of your wrist and lifted your chin, forcing you to stare at him. This time, you did not have the will to close your eyes. “However, you would do well to remember he would kill you.”

“He was stalling.”

“For how long?” he asked back and ran his finger upon your bottom lip, preventing you from biting it. You looked down, refusing to stare at you, or to let him know you were on the verge of tears. Again. Get a grip of yourself! “You would do well to conceal your weaknesses from now on.”   

“You speak as if you had one,” you bit back the rest of your sentence. If looks could kill… You were bitter, and you knew it. This entire day he did his best to get on your bad side and surprisingly he managed it just fine.

He took a while to reply and when he did, the topic seemed completely different from the one you were discussing. 

“If the First Order did not choose you, it means I did and out of my own volition.”

You opened your mouth to speak, but no words left you. Brows furrowed, you stared at him agape. What did it have to do with the topic at hand? Not to mention that it contradicted what he said earlier.

Back then, I already knew you would be mine.

Shaking your head, you waited for his explanation. He walked to the armchair and sat down.

“I said I wanted you as my wife. And I did… I still do.” His whispered words — almost like a confession — had you holding your breath. “I doubt I would ever go against the First Order’s rules.” He looked to you, his eyes as intense as ever. You gasped and wondered if you would ever get used to the intensity of his bluish orbs. “But I did. That makes you my greatest weakness.”

A/N - Well, that’ll be all for today, kids! Like I said, the first few chapters of Lie to Me are my favorites. It was way easier to write back then. Now, the thing is more complex than I could’ve imagined haha. Just so you know, I’m working on chapter 22, but I think updates will come only after May, 20. Because I’m very busy right now with my thesis. See you xD 

[eerythingisshaka]

Signs of Rain

[Y’lan Noel x Reader]

Word Count: 2.6K

Warnings:  Just fluffer!

A/N:  This is my first non-Black Panther character/actor related fic (that I have shared anyway)  But it is just as relevant as the others.  This one goes out to @afraiddreamingandloving [my sister from another mister, my security detail, my alarm clock, my DJ, my tea and crumpets (sorry)] for introducing me to Luke James’ ‘Signs of Rain’ a while back.  It has been rainy so much where I am that I have had the song on repeat almost constantly and a lil fic inspo came from it so there!

Walking up to his car, you feel nerves begin to dance within you.  You hadn’t seen him in such a long time, you wondered if he would even recognize you still.  He is sitting on the roof of his car, and old school Cadillac he has put his soul into refurbishing.  He always had a thing for tinkering, couldn’t keep his hands still for a minute before he was taking things apart and most of the time unsuccessfully reassembling them; but he was good once he got into a trade.  Working with machinery did wonders for his frame, as you studied his back muscles through his shirt.  A wide back was something of a sixth sense for you to notice and he was speaking your language.

“Hey,”  you say in a pleasant tone once you make it to him.

He turns to surprised by your voice before his expressions softens at the sight of you.  “Hey, girl.  How you doin?” His smile widens, his complexion accents the perfect assembly of teeth, shining like an “OPEN” sign.  

He gets down from the car to open his arms to you, and you reciprocate, bringing him in close to you.  His body is warm and welcoming on the cooler than normal summer evening as he held you tightly.  His beard tickled the side of your face as your hands rest on his back, solid.  It took everything in you not to claw at it, but you gave him a good friendly rub instead.  His scent gave you a sense that he loved the Lord but would certainly make you cry, which you got plenty of back in y’alls day.

Breaking from the hug, you answer his question.  “I’m good, Y’lan.  You look...great!  How you been?”

He gives a cough like laugh, “Aw, see the man’s supposed to compliment first, but cat caught my tongue when I seen you.  Thanks though.  You ain’t changed a bit...but for the better.”

You feel a blush coming up to your cheeks as he charmed the stress right off of you.  Y’lan gave off real casanova vibes, but he really was a dork at heart.  You remember when you first met him, he couldn’t look straight at you the whole time you and your friends were around him and his.  You thought he hated your guts, but it just turned out he was so nervous to talk to you, he turned incredibly shy.  You worked that out of him eventually.

“Oh, stop.  I ain’t had no time to get my makeup and hair straight before you called me.  I really am a mess.”  You say as Y’lan motions for you to pop a squat on the hood of his car next to him.

“Tsk, you still worried about looking on point 24/7, huh?  You know I never been one to ask you to look a certain way because-”

“-because I always looked like a million dollars dropped in your lap, I know.  I remember.”  You say with a slight eye roll.  Y’lan was your biggest fan when you were dating.  He made sure you never felt inadequate, showering you with compliments, gifts, PDA, and more.  It wasn’t that you didn’t believe him, but you always felt like you needed to keep up or the compliments would stop.

Y’lan gave a quick chuckle at your sarcastic reiteration of his words as he looked off into the setting sun.  The rays cast over his skin, giving his arms and profile gold edges against his deep melanin tone.  “I say what I mean, and I mean it, (Y/N).”

You rub your legs to stay warm.  “So what are you doing in town, then?”  You ask to move the conversation.

Y’lan shrugs, “I had some time off to come through,  Wanted to clear my head, time on the road does that pretty good for me.”

You wondered if he had known you broke up with your former flame before deciding to ‘come through’.  You turn to him curiously.  “But why did you call me?  We hadn’t seen each other in almost two years, man.”

Y’lan scratched his beard, causing you to catch sight of his knuckles; another weakness of yours.  His hands were strong and rough from his trade work and they knew their way around you at one time.  “I couldn’t come by without seeing you.”

“Why, though?”  you press him.

Y’lan sighs.  “You really finna grill me right now?  Instead of enjoying this beautiful evening?”

“Y’lan, you left me, remember?  You couldn’t stand to be around me anymore.  You felt like I was bringing you down and holding you back from whatever the hell, I still don’t know!  And then just out of the blue, you call me up and say you’re in town and to meet at our spot -- what if I have a man?  This would be inappropriate!”

Y’lan licks his lips staring at the ground, “Do you?”

“That’s known of your business --”

He cuts you off, “Why can’t you be straight with me?  That was one problem, if you want me to be honest.  You always wanted to beat me to the punch, when I never meant a bad word to you.”

You cross your arms, “You never asked me why though!  You just brush it under the rug and tell me to quit playing.  Did you ever think about why I did that?”

Y’lan looks at you, poker face. “Of course I did.  But I guess I wasn’t asking the way you wanted me to ask.  Life ain’t a movie, (Y/N).  Shit ain’t scripted and-and beautifully monologued with a orchestra.  Sometimes you just gotta do things yourself and quit expecting others to pull it out of you like a magic trick.”

You sucked your teeth as it pained you to admit.  “You made me feel like magic.  You gave me Disney Prince and happily ever after every damn day we were together, ok?”

Y’lan rubs his temples.  “Then what is it?  What made you...despise me in the end?”

You do a double take to him when he says this.  As quick as you were about to snap him up, you melted at his response.  You never despised him, you couldn’t.  He treated you like a goddess, like the last good woman on earth was all his, he practically worshipped the ground you walked on.  He held his hands together looking off into the distance as he waited for your your response tensely.  The sun had set by now, letting the stars illuminate your surroundings.  The parts of his skin that once reflected gold were now replaced with a bluish hue.

You took a deep breath and spoke softly.  “I never despised you, Y’lan.  I hate that you ever thought that of me.  I could never hate you.”

He holds his hands out before clapping them together, “So what?  And?”

You rub your hands together nervously.  “You were too good.  I didn’t feel worthy to be with you.”  Y’lan turned his gaze to you.   You wanted to caress his wide face, but you had to keep talking.  “I guess I felt like God was playing a trick on me or something?  Like, if He gave me something this good in my life, then shit must be ready to hit the fan any minute.  I was used to that pattern.  But, shit never happened.  It was always good with us, I just doubted my worth, our chemistry, and...it cost a lot.”

Y’lan nodded slowly, digesting your words.  “Wow.  So, like in the movies, when a character gets their fortune told that they gonna die, and they try everything to avoid it but end up doing something that causes it anyway?”

You look off confusedly, “Uhh, yeah I guess so.  Something like that.”  You both giggle at the morbid comparison.  You felt like a weight was taken from around your shoulders.  You finally got all of your feelings out to Y’lan after all this time.  You were grateful you picked up his call tonight.  

Y’lan leaned on his widened knees anxiously, “Soooo, what do we do now?”

You shrug looking up at the sky, “Enjoy the sights a little more maybe?”

“I smells like it’s gonna rain, though.”  Y’lan says sniffing the air.

“Tsk, the weathermen ain’t never completely on point.  That’s probably for a storm further south of us.”

Y’lan bares those pearly whites again.  “Mhm, you know best.”

You push him lightly, “And don’t forget it, Jack!”

You and Y’lan lay back on his car to point out constellations and make up ones on your own.  You could watch them all day, just lying next to him.  It really felt like old times between the two of you as you all point to the sky, hands occasionally brushing against each other, sending shockwaves through your body.  You didn’t know how to approach a conversation of romance but you were fine with just laying together as friends.  

A clap of thunder shakes you both as it snaps you out of your little world.

“Whoa, that sounded close.” Y’lan said sitting up and checking the sky.

“Yeah.  Maybe just five more minutes and we can dip?”

Just as you offered that up, the clouds open; unleashing buckets on top of both of.

“Oh, shit!”  Y’lan exclaimed, jumping off the car.

“Fuck fuck FUCK!”  You jump off to headed to the passenger side of his car.

Y’lan gets his door open and hops in.  You try the door, still locked.  “Y’lan!  Come on!  Hurry up!”  

You see a little through the window as he reaches for the lock; nothing but teeth.

You slide in, slamming the door shut.  “Y’lan!  What the fuck was that about!  I’m soaked as hell now!”  You pull his visor down to your hair wrecked and what little makeup you put on washing away.

Y’lan leans back, his hand resting on the back of your seat.  “I thought you didn’t put no makeup on for me?”

You freeze in your lie.  “Uhhhh…”

“See?  You need to be straight with me!  It’s all good though.”

You scoff at him.  “Shiiiit, be straight with me:  you left me out there longer on purpose.”

Y’lan sucks his teeth, “Man, see -”

“Don’t blame this old ass car!  I saw your grin, you liked seeing me struggle!”  you feigned hurt as you squeezed your shirt and wiped your face.  

“My bad, (Y/N).  I did get too carried away.  You want my shirt?”  

You think this over a minute as the fabric of your clung to you like an icy leech, “Uh, well…”

He looked embarrassed before looking away, clutching the steering wheel.  “I mean, just until you get home.  Unless your dude would have issue-”

“I don’t have a man, Y’lan.”  You confess looking through the window away from him.

There’s a moment of silence, soundtracked by the pitter patter of the fat droplets crashing into the windshield.  You remain still, trying to control your breathing as you feel like you should say something more significant, like you want him back.  But he had a life away from you, no way he could go back to the shit he had with you.  Y’all just hashed out your past differences ten minutes ago!

Y’lan continues, “Well uh, just let me know what you need and when you ready to leave.  I can take you back.  I know the rain makes you nervous.”

You shake your head looking at him, “Not as much anymore.  Your little trick kind of worked.”

Y’lan makes an impressed expression, “For real?”

“Mhm.  The lightning is like a part of Mother Nature, right?  So when I see it, it’s like her stretch marks just coming across.”

Y’lan nodded, looking down at your legs for a split second, “Some of the most beautiful paths are made in nature…”  A bolt of lightning flashes above you all, illuminating the car as you look in Y’lan’s eyes.  You’ve seen that stare before, a warning sign.

“Mhm...When it thunders-”  Almost like on cue, a crash of thunder makes your body jump.

Y’lan rests a hand on your arm with concern, “You ok?”

You nod, “The thunder is just the crash of our-”

“-bodies, intertwined….Yeah, maybe that could use an update.”  Y’lan smiled weakly as he rests his hands on his widened lap.  Any time he manspreads was acceptable to you; showed confidence, authority, and that he had plenty to hang loose.

You felt waves beginning to flow beneath you as your mind wandered to when his lap was your favorite seat in the house.  You felt yourself getting colder though and couldn’t stand your shirt much longer.  

“Ok, take off your shirt.  I need to get these wet clothes off.”  

Y’lan looked at you a moment, taken aback by your request but obliged, taking his shirt off.  Your shirt being wet, was more of a struggle as you it kept rolling and tugging at your skin instead of sliding off.

You could tell your struggling was taking a while as Y’lan’s hand worked the neck from off your head slowly but surely until you popped out.  Y’lan’s face was closer to yours than you expected.  His wide shoulders bare, made you want to kiss them.  Your shirt was still tangled on your arms between you as Y’lan held them.  His gaze stayed locked on your face as his forehead crinkled up with anticipation.   The yearning began to grow as you waited for a cue, a sign that this wasn’t a dream, a split in the time/space continuum  making time slow down a second.   You couldn’t hold back, you wouldn’t if in this very moment you were given the opportunity to let your emotions take over for what you truly wanted.  

Soon as he batted his lashes down to look at your mouth you dove into him.  Grabbing his face, clutching his beard, you meld your mouth into his giving him all the information he needed.  Your tongues danced effortlessly as his grip on your arms got stronger.  You hand grazed along his arm, feeling the scar from his Kappa days that he boasted about way too often on how it made him a man.  You always corrected him and said you did instead.  Taking a breath, your mouths smack apart, as you nibble on his bottom lip.

“(Y/N), I don’t wanna be broken up no more.”  Y’lan said hoarsely as he tries to pull you to him.

You pull away, “I don’t want to be either.”  You take your shirt off completely, freeing you from your bind as you hug his neck, running your hands down his taut abdomen, decorated with signs of his manliness you adored:  tufts of hair, muscles contracting under your touch.  You pull from him to make your way to the back seat of the car.  

Once seated, you look to Y’lan.  “You always knew how to make me feel beautiful, and your touch hasn’t left me yet.  No one could do it like you.”  You say as you work to undo your bra, no longer were you cold from the outside weather. A flash of light illuminate the car again, allowing you to capture Y’lan’s expression more clearly as his mouth sits slightly agape, in awe, lost in your beauty.  

“It’s easy to find beauty in you, no doubt.  That’s why I need you to stay mine, so nobody can claim it for theirs.”  Y’lan’s tone was weighed down with passion as his baritone shook your core for what was to come as he crawled to join you in the back.  

The moisture that once left you chilly now fogged up the windows as you both enjoyed each other once more.  His touch stoked your fire as you rediscovered one another’s pleasures.  The spatters of rain were drowned out by the smacks of your kisses to one another, moaning to each other sweet nothings of bliss and eroticism.  Thunder, overran by the chorus of skin slapping against one another over and over as he sent waves of pleasure over your body .  You couldn’t believe you let this feeling go a while back, but you’d be damned if you made the same mistake twice.

Other Works

King Kil’mawalls  

T’akia

N’Jadaka’s Helpful Hands

Some Weeks Are Better Than Others

The Coffee Prince

Commencement Day

Wakanda Got Y’all

If I Could Do It All Again

#SundaySweat

Song of Stevens

RagTag

@chaneajoyyy (i told you I’d do it!) @allhailnjadaka @afraiddreamingandloving @forbeautyandlife 

I never know how to tag new fresh fics but read and pass it on!

[surrounded-by-superheroes]

Not Your Anything Ch. 4

Click here for chapter three!

Summary; You and Loki have been arguing since first meeting one another, but despite seeming to hate each other, there’s an awful lot of sexual tension between you two. He never seems to leave you alone and despite your saying so, you’d never wish him away. Will you two ever work things out?

Author’s Note; Phew. This chapter was rough for me. Just wait for it. Next post on Wednesday! Unless I get impatient. :)

Tags; @arwenaminmaeleth

Warnings; Language, descriptions of sex. Slight ripping out of my heart.

Words; 2,736

Chapter Four

The Glorious Mistake

My eyes are too heavy to lift in the morning, so I let my other senses figure things out first. It smells as it did when I fell asleep and the scent continues to soothe me, as well as beckon me awake. Gentle breathing reaches my ears, then a chuckle when my arms tighten around the tree trunk that is his torso.

“Good morning, my little kitten.” Loki greets me as I tilt my head up and finally open my eyes, squinting in the early morning light. The light frames his head, making it look like he’s glowing.

“Uh, hi.” I greet him back awkwardly, squinting to see his face. Suddenly, his arm lifts and all the shutters in the room shut. I sigh happily when just one little lamp turns on. “Thank you.” I say gratefully and finally look at his face. A gentle smile is stretched across his lips and I can feel his long fingers combing through my hair. “You stayed.” It’s a statement instead of a question, but I wait for his response anyway. That signature chuckle tumbles from his lips before he answers.

“Did you expect me to leave you in the night, my kitten? Perhaps you think too little of me. Or too much, thinking that I could resist you laying there like a goddess among the clouds.” He croons sweetly and his words call a little smile to my face.

“You have a silver tongue, Loki Laufeyson.” I say in a stern voice, but it’s belied by my smile. His own doesn’t dim in the slightest and it’s nice to see him smile in a way that isn’t completely devious.

“Ah, yes. But with a woman like you there is no need for exaggeration.” He continues with the flattery. I roll my eyes and roll out of bed, sighing and stretching when I stand. Loki hums appreciatively. “As if any more proof was needed.” He comments. I laugh and shake my head while heading over to my dresser for some clothes.

“Are you expecting something in return for your compliments?” I ask while choosing a black tank top and dark green cutoffs to wear. I jump slightly when his arms gently wrap around my waist and tug me tight against him.

“I would accept another kiss.” He whispers in my ear, brushing his teeth down the side and nipping at my lobe. I hum happily at the feeling and my eyes shut automatically.

“That’s probably not a good idea.” I try to think rationally as fire shoots through my veins at his touch. His breath slides over my skin as his hands slide up my body and pause just under my breasts.

“Your fluttering heart and rapid breathing betrays you, my little kitten. Would you like me to describe what my dreams contained last night?” My breathing is heavy as he asks, my own dreams being enough to base off what his might contain. I turn to face him and lean back against my dresser before nodding, wanting to hear what he has to say. His blue eyes send lightning through my blood when they meet mine and I take a deep breath to steady myself. His hands fall to the hem of my shirt and tug playfully as he begins to speak. “As lovely as you look in this big shirt, you weren’t wearing a thing in my dream.” Loki’s nose nearly brushes mine as he speaks and his eyes never leave mine. “We were back on that luxurious bed of yours, putting it to more work than just sleeping this time. I had you splayed out beneath me like a delicious tray of treats waiting for me to devour. Oh, and I meant to. I wanted to make you purr like the little kitten you are, but I soon found you weren’t a purring creature.” He pauses and his lips stretch into a fond smirk. “The way you screamed my name, ah…” He shuts his eyes and swallows, letting his hands flutter under my shirt and rest on my bare waist. I squeak at the contact and watch as he licks his lips slowly, opening his eyes to meet mine once again. “it was the most enticing sound I’ve ever heard. I made you scream again and again and again, until my name was the only word you’d dare utter. Then, I took you in every way I could imagine.” His hands slide up my body as he talks, once again stopping just under my breasts. My heart is hammering against my ribcage and there’s no way he can’t feel it. He continues, seemingly reveling in every word that passes his tempting lips, “On the bed, pressed against the wall, the shower, even the hallway where anyone could stumble across us. I took you hard and fast, soft and slow, until I was spent and you hadn’t the strength to say my name any longer.” He finishes with an appreciative hum as if I’m not about to melt in his hands.

“And that was it?” I breathe, desperately trying to regain any sense of decorum between us. His eyes start to twinkle and he moves closer to me, letting his arms circle around me. One hand skates up and down on my spine and raises goosebumps all over my body. His other slips just under the waistband of my underwear before he gently rests his forehead against mine.

“Not quite. We ended the night just like this, wrapped up in your blankets. Your legs tangled with mine under the sheets and I could feel every breath you took because your entire body was pressed against mine.” He pauses and shocks me with the rare vulnerability in his eyes. It calls upon my own, as well as fear. “It was…ethereal.” Loki tells me slowly. My lips part as I stare into his expressive eyes, struggling to organize my thoughts and feelings. Loki’s hands are still hot on my body and aren’t helping at all, at least not with my thinking. “Do you doubt my sincerity, my darling? Perhaps I can prove it to you.” He hypothesizes and presses his lips against mine before I can say a word. His lips are soft and caring instead of hard and demanding like our kiss last night. Gently, he presses me against the dresser and kisses me slowly, his arm wrapping around my waist and his other hand splaying across my back. With every soft touch of his velvet lips he seems to steal my breath, as well as small pieces of my heart. Pieces I don’t think I’ll be able to replace if…when…he breaks them. Tears well up in my eyes at his tender kisses, realizing that our second kiss will have to be our last. My hands reach up and frame his face, my thumbs running across his cheekbones lightly, as if they’re blades that could cut me. I prolong this last kiss cruelly, but I want to savor every nuance of his thin lips and the damn care he put into it. Gathering what strength I have left, I push him away and set my mouth in a firm line. The hurt and surprise in his eyes is a dagger to my heart, but at least I have a heart to hurt instead of giving it to him.

“I’ve told you before, I don’t trust you.” I start, hating myself with every word. “Did you really think I could be with someone who tried to kill this entire team? Tried to kill his brother? Seems you truly are the god of deception Loki, you tricked even yourself.” I tell him snidely, then rush out before I completely lose it. Tears fall down my face like a fucking waterfall as I hurry to my safe place. Not even Loki follows me here. I throw the doors open with as much force as I can muster and slam them shut behind me before heading to the bed and sitting down on the edge.

“What on earth is going on in here?” I hear a familiar voice yell from the cavernous bathroom before she comes out and finds me sitting sadly on her bed like an exiled puppy. “Oh, honey.” Pepper laments as soon as she sees me and jogs to my side, sitting down beside me. “What happened, sweetie?” She asks me kindly while wrapping an arm around my shoulders and tugging me to her side. Just then, Tony comes awkwardly walking out of the bathroom with a toothbrush shoved in his mouth.

“Bad time?” He asks and spews blue toothpaste on the floor. Pepper sighs.

“Go next door.” She tells him and stares him down when he opens his mouth. He nods once and leaves, wearing only underwear and still having his toothbrush in his mouth. “Now, tell me what’s going on?” She asks caringly. Pepper is usually my go to advice giver. Natasha is good for dish and revenge, Wanda is good for support and romance, but Pepper is the only one who really knows how it is to have a self-absorbed asshole in your life. I explain things to her the best I can as she continuously wipes tears off my face. Her blue eyes shine with understanding and patience as I tell her the whole story from start to finish.

“Uh, wow. Okay. Just…just give me a minute to process all of this.” She tells me and takes a deep breath with a hand pressed to her temples. “So, you’re in love with Thor’s brother, the homicidal god of mischief?” She clarifies and I wince at her choice of words.

“Not in love.” I correct and she gives me a look my mom used to give me when she knew I was lying. She tucks a piece of hair behind my ear and takes my hand in hers.

“Sweetie. In my experience, you don’t get this worked up over a guy if you aren’t in love with him.” Pepper informs me carefully but firmly. I press my lips together and look up at the ceiling to fight the next bout of tears.

“Fine.” I say shortly before looking back at her. She nods.

“Okay. Well, does he...love you too?” Pepper asks with trepidation, uncertainty swirling in her baby blues.

“No.” Tony responds from the doorway behind us and we both turn to look at him.

“Tony!” Pepper scolds and Tony raises his hands in surrender.

“What? You never said I had to stay in the next room. Besides, I need clothes. Anyways, no. I don’t think the guy that tried to, you know, take over earth, is capable of loving someone else. He’s betrayed his own brother, how many times now? Just saying.” Tony throws in his opinion before walking to his dresser to get dressed. Pepper rolls her eyes and turns towards me again.

“Do you think he loves you?” She emphasizes the you and sends Tony some serious side-eye before he just grabs clothes and flees. I consider the thought as I sniffle.

“I mean, it’s hard to say what he’s feeling. He loves to deceive, to trick, but…” His words drift back to me and I clench my teeth at the memory. ‘A slow smile stretches across his face as he puts his hands on the wall on either side of me, leaning in close until our foreheads are almost touching.

“Alright, my kitten. I swear never to lie to you. I will never trick or deceive you. And, I will promise to one day make you mine, but not before you trust me.” He swears and my breath quickens just at his closeness.’

“He swore never to do any of that with me.” I relay the information to her. Pepper nods once.

“Well, did he keep his word?” She asks and, reluctantly, I nod. “Has he ever hurt you? Emotionally or otherwise?” My mind goes back to him bursting into that private room at the club, ready to rip the senator’s head off for touching me. Then, his apology afterwards for making me angry. I wasn’t even angry at him, just emotional after all the shit that happened.

“No, never. Just the opposite, actually. He’s always made sure that I was safe and looked after.” I tell her with the growing feeling of regret threatening to choke me.

“Alright. Has he done anything in the present, that has nothing to do with his past, to make you think he’s going to hurt you?” Pepper asks. My mouth instantly opens to answer, but nothing comes out. I search my mind for something, a single thread of evidence, but find nothing. My mouth shuts.

“I just…I just couldn’t risk it.” I murmur quietly, the shame and regret washing over me now.

“You mean like he risked losing his heart to you.” Pepper drolls in her blunt way. I shut my eyes when she says that, the gravity of what I’ve done finally hitting me. “Yeah. So, from my perspective, you preemptively broke up with a man that loved you by looking only at his past.” She slams me again and I flinch at the slap across my face her words cause. I open my eyes and look at her judging ones sheepishly.

“Not great?” I question, although I already know the answer.

“Not great.” She sighs and rubs her temples again. “Look, I understand how daunting it is to look at someone’s past and believe that they can change. Look at Tony and I, for example. If I had looked only at his past, then we never would have happened. Instead, I focused on the person I knew he was with me and the person he was growing into. You judged Loki on his past, which with him is definitely a factor, but it seems like he gave you a lot of evidence for you to at least give him a chance. You threw it in his face.” Pepper tells me frankly. “I think the proper thing to do is to apologize, but I don’t know what else you can do. Considering who he is, you may have just lost your one and only chance.” Butterflies dance inside me at the mere thought of confronting him again and they flirt with the guilt swirling in my gut.

“I can’t talk to him again. I just broke his heart.” I plead with Pepper, hoping she has another way tucked into her back pocket. She shakes her head with her mouth set in a frown.

“No. Apologize, then see what else he’s willing to give, if anything. Now.” She commands and I stand when she uses her mom voice. Usually she reserves it for Tony, but it seems like I’ve earned it this time. Lucky me. I walk out of the room and slowly walk down the hallway back to my room. My hands are nearly shaking from the nerves and I can taste the fear on my tongue. Not of him, I’ve never been afraid of him. Only of losing him. I walk into my room and take a deep breath when I see he’s still there, standing right where I left him. I swallow and approach him slowly, stopping when I’m about two feet away. Out of cowardice, I speak to his back and not his face.

“Loki, I…I am so sorry. I didn’t mean the things I said. I was only-” I stop when he turns around with a smile on his face. A wicked, devious smile.

“Oh, my dear. You thought your little words hurt me?” He tsks softly. “Midgardians. Well, I suppose the word is out now. I only wished to bed you, fool. Almost worked, did it not?” He chuckles darkly. “I haven’t the patience anymore for spoils that are…less than mediocre. I have a new conquest.” He walks towards me and pats my cheek roughly. “Worry no more about my attentions. It is as you’ve always wished. You are not my anything.” He tells me with glee, walking out and leaving me alone. Truly, I’ve never felt more alone in my life. I sit down on the floor and stare at the door blankly, my tear ducts spent, but my body drowning in too much grief to stand. So, I sit there and put my head between my knees, basking in my glorious mistake.

[valkirsif]

Life in Midgard

Thank you so much at @mycapt-ohcapt and @senorita-stucky for inspiration!!

Valkyrie x Wanda

Warning: Smut

2000 word

I hope enoj :) 

“So this would be Midgard?” Valkyrie said looking from the porthole of the shuttle, “I do not understand what you find of beautiful Thor, I really do not understand is a blue and green ball and I understand even less Loki who wants to destroy, for me it makes no sense “ she threw the empty bottle to the ground and sit down again

"You will understand when we land, from here it looks like only a blue and green ball, when you know the humans you will understand my love for the Earth” Thor answered as they approached his favorite planet

“Ahahah the humans say ?? If I’m all like this I’ll have a lot of fun !! ” said, and she punched Bruce’s shoulder

“I’m sorry to give you a pain but I’m the only one of my kind” Banner said holding his shoulder and getting out of the woman’s trajectory “But I agree with Thor, the inhabitants of the Earth will please you, they are cheerful and usually welcoming, yes apart with the other part of me ”

“Brother the conditions that Stark has placed are absurd, I do not mean to be treated like an animal!” Loki entered altered in the bridge “It pretends to put a collar, A COLLAR, to prevent me from using magic, as if I could not control myself !! ” he was as indignant as ever, the three looked at each other not knowing whether to laugh or pretend anything, they chose the second hypothesis.

Entering the Earth orbit Tony managed to contact them to give the coordinates of descent to a safe place where he would have expected them together with the others,

“Banner, are you there? Are you OK?? What happened? "Nat had entered the conversation, wanted, pretended to hear Bruce,

"I’m here Nat, it’s all right, I’ve been in the dark for a while, but now it’s me again and I missed you so much!” Bruce was happy to hear she again, he had no idea how she’d explained the last 3 years but he could not wait,

“Nat please let me finish then the big and green will be all yours” Tony was able to resume communication “Point Break I send you the coordinates, try not to destroy anything while you park, that shuttle has a very wide ass”

“I missed too Stark” Thor laughed while setting the navigator, “We’ll be there in 20 minutes, um we’re in several here, we’ll need medical attention, clothes and food”

“Many of you say ?! It seems to me a euphemism to call the entire population of Asgard several, we are already equipped, quiet your people will be fine Re Point Break "and with the usual sarcasm closed the link,

20 minutes after the shuttle was in sight, the Avengers were deployed and ready to welcome the survivors, landed without problems, there were hugs and smiles, Nat literally launched himself on Bruce falling with him in amazement of all, Nat was not a sociable or affectionate woman, Valkyrie got out and looked around, the doctors reached her, seeing covered with blood and rickety, in response she landed 3 even before they could touch her,

"Hey hey, they’re friends, they just want to make sure you’re okay.” Clint had already hit the stun arrow as he spoke,

“Calm down, nobody will hurt you here, take a breath” Wanda’s voice crept into her mind making her waver

“Was not the Prince of mistchief enough I have to endure a witch now?” Valkyrie took back control and lowered the sword,

“Do not you have to offer guests to drink on Midgard? Bring fresh animals to the arena and cover you with money and alcohol .. save an entire people and try to stun you, Thor where the hell you dragged me? "she said, Clint lowered the bow and burst out laughing

"Are you okay?” Wanda asked the stranger “May I know your name?” she said slowly approaching

“Yes im ok the blood is not mine, I do not come from the underworld my blood is red like your witch” put away the sword and went to Wanda with firm step “I am SR-142, Valkyrie, protector of Asgard, last of my caste” said looking at Wanda’s outstretched hand,” What should I do now kiss your hand? “

Wanda tried to keep her attitude "It’s a landly habit to shake hands when you introduce yourself, I’m Wanda,” and she shook hands with her, Valkyrie squeezed back with a little more force than necessary, but Wanda did not let go.

More than a month had passed since their arrival, the Asgardians were integrating, Stark loved spending time with scientists to study how they used energy, Nat was the most tender of women and spent all his free time on Bruce, Clint was the shadow of Loki still did not trust him, Thor helped by Heimdall sought the ideal place for his people, Wanda and Valkyrie had become very friends, Wanda helped her to sleep with magic and during the day Valkyrie taught her how a guardian fights, they spent most of their time together

“Valk film !!” Wanda said preparing the popcorn, “Damn is your turn” Valk entered the kitchen with afflicted air, she hated when Wanwan was shooting the film, always the same story.. him and her.. then something happens that divides them.. and the end find themselves, it was hard to send down those ridiculous stories but she liked to watch Wanda who was passionate, also noticed that she tried to hide the tears in the most moaning and it always made her smile, “Come on Valk this time you’ll like promised” switched on the TV while she was comfortable with favorite blanket, Valk sit down next to her turning off the light.

In fact, she liked the film a lot, zombies and guts were flying in a good mood, during a particularly grim scene felt Wanda cling to her, turned and recognized the fear in her eyes, Wanda sank head in her hair jumping for fear,

“These terrans are frightened with nothing” she thought as embraced a trembling Wanda, laughing she took her face in hands “Hey little witch you will not be afraid of a movie like this is it?” teasing her,

“Did that zombie do it? He opened it in two and extracted the entrails .. from what disgust now is eating! How do you laugh? “Wanda replied,

” I forget that on earth you do not know anything about what you have around, there are universes where this is normal, not a third-class movie “Valk looked at her seriously "Why did you choose this film if it scares you? "she asked

” I know that romance bores you, I wanted .. I wanted .. “Wanda said clumsily looking down, Valk lifted her head and on impulse kissed, she heard Wanda smile and tighten more to she,

"Little witch is all a staging, you are not afraid you were just looking for an excuse to make you kiss!” she detached from her and tickled her, “It did not matter all this waste of time, just ask” she said continuing to torture her,

“It was so unromantic …” Wanda laughed trying to defend herself,

“Romanticism … romanticism is so important on this planet,” Valk whispered in her ear, blocking any movement of the girl below her, with free hand stroked her face and kissed again, slowly, in a romantic way, Wanda melted like snow in the sun feeling lips on her, a burst of energy imprisoned the girls, Valk freed her hostage

“You do not need your tricks with me my little witch, your magic is wasted..I’m already yours” she said slipping a hand under her shirt, she bit her lip and began to lick her neck, Wanda passed nails on her back, the energy is she moved with her drawing on Valk’s skin through the thin fabric of her pajamas.

Valk sit down with Wanda in her lap and pulled her shirt off, “You’re so beautiful, so pale,” she said, running hands over her neck and descending at breast, a moan came from Wanda’s mouth as she bent to kiss her, there was nothing romantic in that kiss, passion had taken over, felt Valk’s hands on her and bite her lip, with a quick movement of the hands Valk drew her hair, the girl’s head snapped back, panting, kissed her chin and smiling down on her collarbone kissing and biting her pale skin, she stopped at the breast and began to lick it, Wanda’s nipples swelled up under those assaults and the girl moaned her name

“Ohh Valk please do not stop, I dreamed so much this moment, please do not stop …”, the excitement in her voice was palpable, a bubble of energy enveloped her amplifying pleasure, Valk slipped a hand on her pants, put it on her feet and took them off, Wanda was naked in front of her, kissed every inch of her skin coming down from her breasts, licked her navel as her hands made their way on her back to ass, Valk knelt to kiss her pubis, Wanda’s legs trembled and sank hands in her hair, her tongue made its way between legs while her hands were clutching and stroking  ass.

It brought a leg of Wanda on her shoulder to be able to sink better in her, tongue turned around her clit making the girl cry out with pleasure, brought a hand between her thighs to tease her pussy while she started to suck her clit gently, the tongue passed on her entry making her shudder and gasp with each step, “You’re so sweet my little witch” she said kissing her pubis and sliding two fingers in her, Wanda squeezed her hair moaning her name, Valk resumed the assault on his clit sucking greedily as her fingers touched and pushed on G-spot, the girl felt the orgasm mount in her and pushed Valk’s head to increase contact, her mouth focused on clit avidly sucking her fingers they moved faster and faster in and out of her, Wanda came screaming her name and fell to knees exhausted, Valk took her fingers from the girl and licked them

“You really have a great taste for it I was a witch "she said laughing, embracing Wanda kissing her "My little witch ” smiled

“Your little witch has a surprise for you my guardian of Asgard ..” bundles of energy came out of her hands and imprisoned Valk in a warm embrace that made her moan,

“Now it’s my turn” Wanda was above her, her eyes lit with lust, she kissed her passionately, biting her lower lip and passing her tongue over the edge of his lips before descending to her neck, the tongue leaving a trace of warmth and passion as she passed, Valk indulged in the magic of she and she lost herself in lust as Wanda ran hands over her chest, took her breasts in her hands and squeezed gently, her nipples reacted to touch while her mouth sucked and licked her other breast, Valk’s arched and stroked her hair, a hand had slipped from stomach to her hips, her fingers stroked scars as they descended, causing them to flush with pleasure and making her moan and gasp,

“Open your legs for me Valkyrie "she whispered down to her excited pussy, Valk obeyed without hesitation, agile fingers teased her clit scratching the skin of her thighs, Wanda stopped for a second to look at her

” You’re the sexiest alien I’ve ever seen my guardian of Asgard “ and buried face between her legs, her soft lips rubbed on the clit making her scream, the tongue made its way into her, Valk planted the nails in the carpet, crossing her legs on the shoulders of Wanda who took her ass and lifted her, inserted two fingers into her cunt digging up to her G-spot, rubbing her tongue inside to the rhythm of her fingers deeper and deeper, the energy amplifying every touch and the orgasm swept over her like a river in flood, she arched at most screaming her name like a prayer.

Wanda came away from her, sit next to her and hugged with transport, Valk turned to look at her and they kissed, a real kiss, of those romantic films,

"I believe of them I’m in love with you, my little witch, "she told her seriously,

” The thing is mutual, “Wanda replied, making the verse, burst into laughter and hugged on the carpet.

[dylanowhy]

After Set - Dylan O’Brien Imagine

Author: dylanowhy (me)

Summary: Deciding to follow your dream, you try out for a small role in a new upcoming movie. During your audition you end up practicing lines with none other than Dylan O’Brien, thus landing you the lead part. Now you’re getting your big break, while also falling in love with your co-star

Pairings: Dylan O’Brien x Reader

Warning: Language. Kissing.

Word Count: 2,049

A/N: This is part two of a mini series I am doing called Big Break, you can read the first part here. Will be possibly doing a part three!

You pulled up to a rugged looking place. Peering out from the windshield, yours eyes squinted as the neon sign flashed Ralphs in a painful tang of orange. This was the last time you were going to let Tyler pick the place of hangout after work. “What is this?” Emma asked beside you and for a split moment you almost forgot you were in the car together. Apparently, Emma didn’t drive, which made you feel a little uneasy since she was the age of twenty-three, but you decided not to question it. “I have no idea, but I am starving and I do not feel like driving any further than this.” Your stomach growled in agreement. It took almost thirty minutes just to get to this place and you’d be damned if you were going anywhere else.

You jumped as someone began to tap on your window – it was Tyler, eagerly beckoning you out of your car. You shot him a dirty look before turning your engine off. “Are we planning to get murdered?” Emma asked as you both got out of your car. Tyler laughed at her as they started to talk about his decision and how bad it was. You drown most of it out though, Dylan’s frame catching your eye. He stood to the back, hands deep in his pockets. He was looking at you with as much intensity as you were looking at him, and before you could stop yourself, you made your way over to him. Your feet came to a halt, trying not to get too close. You could feel his eyes dance over you, this was such a dangerous game.

“You know if I wanted to die at a young age, I would have told my parents about me quitting school.” You joked, but there was something in your voice, something you didn’t know was there. You were innocently flirting with him, and his eyes sparkled at that. “It’s not as bad as it looks – promise.” His voice was timid, shy and you found yourself smiling at his cuteness. With those words, he held out his arm to take, which you did possibly a little too eagerly as he lead the way into the building.

It wasn’t as bad on the inside as it was on the outside. Imagine your local sports bar but with a little more smoke. There were pool tables to the side, girls in short-shorts and giant TVs playing the latest sports game. It was totally a guy’s hangout, and it made you contort your face with a look of confusion.  “Okay, maybe it’s a little bad.” Dylan admitted. You laughed as you shook your head. “Food. I just need food.” You tugged him along, arms still linked as you went to find a table suitable for all four of you.

About an hour in everyone was finished with their meals, laughing and talking with one another, just getting to know each other a little better. You learned a lot more than you thought you would in the short amount of time. Emma was a stubborn person, but not in a bad way, it was obvious that Tyler had developed a little crush on her but she was not giving in. You admired her self-control, something you longed for. You also learned that you could read Tyler like a book, he was being more and more predictable, even when he was trying not to be. “I am going to whoop your ass in pool, I’m not even kidding.” Tyler said with a serious expression towards Emma. They were cute. “You’re on, enjoy guys!” Emma chirped as she slid from her seat, her and Tyler disappearing into the distance, leaving you and Dylan alone.

Dylan hadn’t been quiet, you didn’t think that was in his nature, but he also didn’t say as much as you expected, like he was trying to hold back some. You leaned forward on your elbow, resting your cheek on your palm as you looked at him in the most admiring ways. His leg was bouncing uncontrollably, you expected he was nervous and you heard yourself giggle at this. His eye found yours and the bouncing stopped, you brought your lower lip between your teeth biting softly. You were sure he was staring and it caused the heat to rush to your face, tainting you pink. “No one has ever noticed you know.” You spoke soft, his eye brows furrowing together in confusion. “—What?” He asked, voice rasp, tongue flicking out to lick his lips. “My eyes. No one has ever noticed.” You told him sweetly, and he ducked his head a small chuckle releasing from his lips. “I don’t see how, they are beautiful – You’re beautiful.”

There was that word again, beautiful. You never really heard that often and it caused goosebumps to rise on your skin, like your body was hanging onto his every word. “I think you’re a little delusional there O’Brien.” This caused him to smile, and really it should win an award with the effect it had over you. “You want to get out of here?” Dylan asked all of a sudden and you could tell it not only shocked you but him as well, however, you did not decline. “Yeah, I’d like that.” He was practically to his feet before you could finish your sentence. You watched as his body weaved around tables to get to Tyler, him talking to him in a quick manner when he got his attention. Tyler looked over at you and gave his friend a knowing smirk before nodding at him as dismissal. “I’ll drive.” Dylan said as soon as he was back at your side, before you could say anything he laced his fingers with yours and lead you to your car.

“I know of this place, it’s kind of like a hidden gem. I go there sometimes – To think you know? Things can become a hassle sometimes. It’s nice to have a place.” Dylan had been driving for about ten minutes now, you listened as he talked, the sound of his voice was calming like a lullaby. “I want to share it with you.” Would it be cliché to say this was like a movie itself. You were filming a romance as one was blooming – or so you hoped. There was still a part of you in the back of your mind denying everything, but you couldn’t help that. Going from your basic everyday life to somehow riding in your car with Dylan O’Brien, that’s not something that happened every day. Maybe your mind was playing tricks on you, maybe you were thinking too much into this.

Arriving at what looked like an abandoned beach with a smallish pier, you started to wonder how long you had actually been driving. “It doesn’t look like much, I know. But it gets the job done.” He said before getting out of the car, he walked quickly, coming to the passenger side of the car to open the door. As you got out, his laced his fingers with yours again. You realized then how much this place meant to him, his smile was bright and he looked at the washed down view with such longing it made your heart beat a little faster. “Honestly, if you brought me here a few months ago, I wouldn’t get it, but now I can truly say that I appreciate this. The quiet, the simple aspect of this place. It’s amazing.” You looked up at him and you could see the loving look in his eyes, as if you were the first one to ever get it, to understand why he loved this place so much. “Come on.” You two began to walk hand-in-hand down the creaking boards.

“You said earlier that if you wanted to die you’d tell your parents you quit school.” Dylan was walking close to you, so close that he was like a part of you keeping you warm. It felt so normal and you couldn’t tell if that was a problem or not. “Yeah –“ You laughed softly, “I had this big dream of going into scientific studies. All my parents ever wanted was to see their little girl graduate from a big college. But life hit, things are not always what they seem and I just was not happy. I’ve always had this underlying love for acting, so I decided to give it a shot.” You explained, you didn’t talk about your parents much, the topic never gave you joy. A lot of teenage rebellion and nonunderstanding had led to that, but talking with Dylan felt safe, like your secrets were his secrets and he would never tell a soul. “I’m happy you did –“ Dylan started, his steps coming to a stop and he turned to face you.

“I don’t know what it is about you.” His eyes scanned you, trying to search for something, anything to make sense to him. “I don’t even know you.” He whispered those last words, but they weren’t hurtful, they were hopeful. “You’re just down to earth, and I’m not use to finding that – like really finding that. And to top all of it off you give me this feeling like I’m still in fucking high school. I want to impress you, I’m nervous you’re not going to like me. It’s really messing me up.” He was rambling now, saying things that made your ears buzz with excitement. You blinked a couple of times, trying to find some reality since it all felt like a dream. “Dylan.” Was all you said as he instantly quieted. He blushed, you giggled, you felt seventeen again.

What happened next was expected, but you didn’t expect it to happen so slowly. He was so careful, his right hand coming up to caress the side of your face gingerly as his eyes searched yours, asking if it was okay to continue his movements. Of course, it was more than okay and your smile showed that, causing one to break out on his face as well. You would be lying if you said you hadn’t played this out in your mind. Even before you met him, you had imagined kissing him but nothing added up to the real thing.

He smelt faintly of smoke while his lips tasting of cherry and coke, a mixture you’d never expect to be so intoxicating but it had your head buzzing and your body numb. When his lips connected with yours you let out a soft hum of relief. As you expect his lips were soft, warm, and inviting, causing you to get lost instantly. Your left hand was placed gently touching his neck, pulling him down, closer, sweet seconds passed you by as your mind exploded with fireworks. He seemed to be enjoying it as well, his other hand had found your waist, holding you just as close while he kissed you slow, savoring and memorizing every moment and how perfectly in sync they were.

A shaky breath was released from you as you two pulled apart. He rested his forehead on yours and your eyes fluttered open slowly as you realized he was laughing. It was probably the cutest thing you’ve ever heard. “You don’t know how nervous I was to do that.” He admitted, his eyes were still half closed, the look he was giving was something else. It made you feel content like this was meant to be. “I believe I have somewhat of an idea.” You didn’t believe in the idea of love at first sight, but this was something and you couldn’t put your finger on what to call it.

“I should get you back, we have a big day tomorrow. I hear we are even shooting a kissing scene.” He gave you playful eyes before you two turned, walking your way back to the alone car that awaited you. “I have a feeling you’ll be ‘messing up’ that take a lot.” You said sarcastically, using air quotes were obviously needed. His fingers were laced with yours again, this time swinging his arm around your shoulder, pulling you in close to him. “Oh – You have no idea.” He said with a smirk as you filled his ears with laughter.