#i finally figured out what i was doing for rouge’s second outfit

[sonic-adventure-3]

the worst thing about making human designs is that it reveals my insane lack of creativity/samey taste when it comes to clothes. why do 5 of the 8 outfits im doing have turtlenecks. this is a larger problem in my life but why are the only pants i know jeans

also ironically it’s so incredibly easy to accidentally make a shadow humanization look like an e-boy. i didn’t try to lean into it but one of the final outfits i settled on still looks kinda hypebeast-y lmao

[ms-nesbit]

moulin rouge (chapter 2 of empire records)

a jason todd x reader fic

summary: reader and jason embark on their second date at the Gotham Library, where Jason indulges reader on a secret.

rating: 18+ (minors kindly fuck off)

warnings: masturbation, sex worker!jason todd, cam model!jason todd, reader is plus/mid size

ao3

note: please support by reblogging, and don't be a dick by reposting elsewhere! thank you so much!

Whistling wind carrying Jason’s loose strands of hair to and fro on his head, mimicking a wind vane atop a tall barn, he strolled peacefully toward the brick building’s double doors, pulling them wide open (without the assistance of the turbulence - wretched equinox) before entering.

Jason was no stranger to the library, and he nodded to the librarians at the circulation desk, who (uncharacteristically) stopped to all wave at him; he was a frequent patron, and attended whatever event he was able. “High noon, Fred!” he beamed at the security guard upon passing through the theft-deterrents that failed to draw up to Jason’s figure, making it to his torso.

Fighting his instinct to tread to the third floor and sit in his unassigned seat near the retired fireplace, Jason planted his steel-toed feet to the ground, second guessing his outfit choice. “Oh, look at you!” A librarian walked by, commenting on Jason’s attire. “Are you going out this evening, Mr. Todd?”

“Just have someone I’m seeing in a few minutes, Luz.” Jason replied, wiping down his mahogany button up. “How ya doin, though?”

Luz stopped her mission to the circulation desk, various media in hand, as she pondered, sticking out one of her mustard flats. “Probably nothing as exciting as what you’ve got going on. Oh, to be young!” she suspired jokingly, walking away. “Good luck!”

“Thank you!” From a young age, Jason was taught by his adoptive father’s butler to speak to elders with respect, especially in a formality such as the library. He disagreed with many of his father’s views, eventually leading to the pair having a final quarrel before Jason’s departure from Wayne Manor and into the Gotham flats.

In fact, it was why Jason stumbled into camwork in the first place: he found himself quitting each and every dead-end shift, arguing with the boss or co-workers. Jason was a hothead, escalating otherwise mundane and calm situations simply because he was tired of feeling trapped by others. 

Perhaps y/n felt that way, too. Even if she hadn’t, it seemed she respected his space, something that most close to him refused to do. “Jason?” he responded to the voice behind him like a dog upon his owner’s arrival, tail wagging. When he turned, his eyes laid on y/n, wearing knee-high platform boots, sienna tights underneath an umber A-line skirt decorated with paperclips, a rust-colored top under a leather jacket, and a thick knitted scarf in deep brown.

Y/n was an angel rejected from heaven, bestowed upon Jason, and he could not shake the downright corrupt images that projected in his mind. “Wow.” he said, hiding the other words under his tongue for later.

Y/n checked him out unabashedly, licking her lips. “I could say the same, Jaybird. What do you wanna do here? Read me a bedtime story?” she wiggled her eyebrows comically, triggering a blush from the tall man before her.

“Well, you chose somewhere you go to often, so now it’s my turn. May I?” Jason extended his elbow for y/n to take, and led them to the elevator, where Jason punched the Four that was missing its vowels on the button.

If it wasn’t for the guidelines previously set, y/n would have jumped his bones in the elevator, ignoring the security cameras that would have recorded the uncensored evidence. “So you come here often?” the sentence was worded deliberately, a juxtaposition to her compassionate voice.

“I have since I was little. Helped a lot to just disappear in a story, as much as it sounds like a line for a goddamn Hallmark greeting card.” Jason rolled his eyes at himself.

“What did you read?”

The elevator dinged and doors opened, gesturing for y/n and Jason to vacate the confined space. Jason led y/n past the rows of encyclopedias and historical archives and into a crossroads of shelves divided by a set of armchairs. He walked at a sharp angle with y/n, leading her away from the world and into his nook, where his lounge chair waited for him.

And there it was, in front of the decommissioned fireplace. Jason pulled out the other chair for y/n, which she sat in, before pushing it lightly and sitting in the one adjacent to hers. Immediately, as if at home, he reclined and shut his eyes, inhaling deeply.

Y/n watched closely as he made himself comfortable. His lips parted and adam’s apple bobbed, reminding her of the videos she stared at the night before, Jason’s hand slowly stroking his cock, head thrown back, letting out guttural, obscene noises. Y/n shifted uncomfortably in her seat, moisture collecting in her underwear.

“When I was a kid, I thought librarians lived here.”

The confession came out of nowhere, and it drew a chuckle from y/n. “Like with teachers?”

Jason nodded. “Yep. And I, for some fucking reason, built this fort in the corner by the fire exit. I remember my dad and Alfred looking for me for hours, even calling the police because they thought I ran away again.” he smiled, eyes still closed, and it warmed y/n’s bosom. “One officer came right by me and put out his hand for me to take, and I was freaking out, y’know? ‘Cause fuck cops, right?” Y/n nodded in solidarity. “And I bit his hand. I bit it.”

Y/n erupted into laughter, which was quickly hushed by Jason. “No fucking way.”

“Way.” Jason’s eyes shot open and looked directly at y/n with as much seriousness as he could. “And he cussed and swore, saying ‘fuck’ this and ‘fuck’ that, and it was the funniest shit I went through. Though at the time I was scared shitless because I just wanted to stay and sleep in the librarians’ home and see what they did after the library closed.”

Y/n gazed at Jason. She swore she heard a harp playing. “That is so dorky, but so…fucking romantic.” The response caused Jason to grin at y/n shyly, smile lines forming on his cheeks. “What happened?”

“Al‒my butler‒found me and talked me down from it. A couple of weeks later, he spoke with the district director, and they arranged for me to have a sleepover.”

“And?”

Jason took y/n’s hand in hers, bringing it to his lips to place a small kiss on the underside of her hand. “I pissed my pants in the sleeping comforter.”

Falling forward, y/n laughed silently, wheezes and snorts disturbing the peaceful atmosphere. She couldn’t contain herself, and why should she? Jason adored how pleasantly she felt in her skin, and it showed in that moment: her bright smile, full cheeks, broad hips wiggling in her seat…she’s an open book, and it inspired him to do the same.

But he hesitated. It was the battle he faced, him and his fears: he didn’t want to repeat the past, spend another week isolated and hiding from the sun in an attempt to starve and deprive himself from sanity. Jason knew he was attractive - his followers and bank account reflected it - but he was used for it. Misled, and then taken advantage of, and for what? Momentary bliss? Clout?

A cloud formed over his head as he began to swim in the pool of decrepit thoughts that gathered in him. Why was he used? Why wasn’t he enough? Would y/n treat him the same way? Paranoia was his kryptonite, but it was hardwired in him from his early childhood years spent in the streets, abused by his biological parents.

Y/n saw the gloominess ruminating on the tall man beside her, and she halted her laughter, cupping his chin with her hand. Jason felt the touch, skin burning hot, as he faced her. “I once was jealous of Ally Snow, the horse girl of our fourth grade class, so I accidentally committed arson to her camp bunk site.”

Jason’s jaw dropped, skies in his mind clearing before a funnel cloud could form. “Arson?!”

“Mmhmm.” Y/m hummed. “I was lucky that: a) Ally’s camp counselor bailed that night, because I may have miscalculated and lit fire to the counselor’s bunk, and b) nobody found the culprit.” her eyes may have been the blaze of fire itself with the way she glared at the ground in immense passion.

Jason patted her hand, her nails now clawing at his cheek. He temporarily thought of her nails digging into his back while he… he blinked away the thought. “So you weren’t caught?”

Y/n shook her head. “And I got to watch my best friend, Yessica, punch her in the fucking face the following fall.”

They sat in their chairs, alighting the fireplace with their embarrassing stories, taking turns laughing and poking fun at each other. Before they realized, the library announced its closing time soon, and they gathered themselves, exiting the library in a fit of giggles. The librarians at the circulations saw this, and exchanged knowing looks, telling without words being spoken.

“Can I see you again soon?” it was y/n’s turn to ask when they stepped down from the platform of the library.

Jason stepped forward, closing the gap between them as he pulled her into a kiss, their lips locking instantly. “Anytime.” he grinned when he pulled away, their faces mere inches from each other.

—-

One notification. 

Y/n checked her phone as she closed her loft door, tossing her keys on the kitchen table nearby. Do you want to do something specific for our next date? Food? Entertainment? Guns? Riots?

Y/n smiled and rolled her eyes at the question. I’m down to clown at a riot. Maybe a clown riot? Dunno how that would go though.

A reply appeared. Fuck clowns. I’d rather be dead than be seen with one. How about a cemetery for our next date? Picnic?

Abso-fucking-lutely. y/n agreed, her heart fluttering at the idea of a moonlit picnic at the Gotham cemetery. She spun as she held her phone close to her chest, before another notification appeared.

Robin Hood is now live! Tap to check in now.

Thoughtlessly, y/n tapped the badge on her phone, opening an app she downloaded a few days ago to streamline Jason’s webcam streams.

The stream began in a dimly lit room with tools hung on the wall in the background. Y/n squinted at the array of tools, recognizing the brand. “You gonna make me beg, Baby? Make me beg to come? Hmm?” the words shook y/n, no longer distracted by the Craft tool kit hanging neatly on the wall, and eyes fixating on the tall brunette stripping himself from his button up and slacks.

Y/n watched closely, so closely, she worried, she didn’t blink - she soaked in the sight of Jason’s fingers finagling with his own clothes, revealing himself to her in an intimate way as he spoke so titillatingly. For a man with an intimidating figure, he was so submissive, and y/n wanted to explore it as much as he allowed.

Right now, it was about him though, and Jason was already stripped from his slacks, which gathered by his ankles on the ground, his shirt unbuttoned, but still worn. “Come on, Princess. Make me come, please.” the begs were earlier than last time, and y/n hoped she was the source, listening with open ears for her name to be called, chanted so beautifully like last time.

He didn’t stroke his cock this time, either; he thrusted into it, head tilted back to expose his neck, the adam’s apple bobbing again. He donned a flushed face that was so euphoric, y/n wished he could open his eyes so she could swim in his glossed over irises. “‘M gonna come, fuck.” his breath wavered, thrusts methodical but ruthless.

It was obvious he wanted y/n, and the feeling was mutual, y/n resisting the urge to touch herself until after she saw him reach his breaking point. And it was soon. “G-god,” he whispered shakily, “y/n” he was louder with the name, calling to her as if she was watching, “please let me come.” the words carried so much weight, so heavy as they fell into y/n’s ears, as if he wanted her to tell him to come.

And she opened up the chat, which was flooded with comments about the ‘mystery girl’ Jason was thinking about, or sexual compliments that made her blush. Wanting the command to be more intimate, she opted for a text message instead: come for me, Jason. Let me see you come.

His phone chimed and he read the notification, his hips increasing with speed. “You like seeing my cock like this? Want me to come? I’m gonna come so hard for you.” his grip tightened around his cock as he pistoned his hips, mouth falling open as moans filled the room. “Oh, y/n,” he whined, “yes!” he whimpered, voice unsteady as his hips finally slowed, cum spilling from his cock. His orgasm was powerful, taken from him too soon - yet not soon enough for him - and the sight of his blissed out state was too much for y/n to handle, who rushed to her bed to rub her clit at the thought of him.

[novankenn]

"Ozpin's Fault AU"

Questions... and Nora Recaps. (1/1) (1208 words)

"Jaune."

"Yes, Aunt Glynda?"

"Cross your legs."

"Eep!"

"And while we are on it. Why are you still wearing that t-shirt?"

"The shirt and bra, Nora lent me, don't fit like they did before class. It actually hurt to try and put them on."

Glynda cast a sideways glance to the other members of JNPR, and instantly noticed the dazed and faraway look on Pyrrha's face, classic indicators that she was once again in fantasy land. Glynda just shook her head, before retuning her attention to her nephew... niece. She had to admit it, at least internally to herself. Jaune had always been a little feminine looking. In fact, until the age of ten anyone who just met him, thought he was a girl, though having his older sisters dress him up as a girl didn't help the situation any. Not did the fact he and his twin sisters, Rouge and Bleue, went through a phase of all dressing exactly alike.

"So does anyone, besides Jaune want to tell me what happened this morning?" Glynda asked, turning her gaze from Jaune to her three teammates seated on the couch.

"I woke up late because I forgot to set my alarm, and if I hadn't had to tinkle, I probably wouldn't have gotten out of bed. Pyr-Pyr got up around the same time..." Nora took a breath, "and she noticed that Jaune-Jaune's bed was empty, and I discovered the bathroom door locked. So we figured Jaune was in there"

"So after calling him for a couple of minutes, he finally opened the door, and ended up shocked as he... now she was face to face with Pyr-Pyr's boobs," Nora took another deep breath, "I push them aside, so I could go pee, and after I washed my hands I came out and asked Fearless Leader if she had always been a supper hot, saucy, seductive, angelic bombshell of a fox faunus..."

"Is this tru..." Glynda started to ask the rest of JNPR, only for Nora to continue after taking another deep breath.

"Anyway Jaune-Jaune started freaking out and while Rennie and Pyrrha we're confused I rubbed her back as Jaune-Jaune was upset thinking she needed to start liking guys, even though she liked girls..." Nora paused for a second and as Ren started to open his mouth, Nora started again. "SO after Jaune admitted to dreaming about Pyr-Pyr, which of course totally turned off her brain, Jaune needed to go pee, so being the greatest team member ever I took her into the bathroom..."

Jaune grew instantly cherry red as she knew what was coming up in Nora's story.

"It was after we got back in the bathroom, that I discovered that Jaune-Jaune went commando at night." Nora paused for a moment and both Glydna and Ren knew she had more to say, so they just waited. Nora did not disappoint. "So after a wipe and washing her hands I picked her out the cutest outfit, and then we kicked Ren out of the room so we could change... of course that was after Ren fixed the panties and skirt for the cute adorable mind melting tail Fearless leader now has."

"No, please, don;'t!" Pyrrha exclaimed, but Nora was not to be denied.

"So even though Jaune was embarrassed I got her to change, because you know bras and stuff... but Jaune bolted to the bathroom after Pyr-Pyr molested her titties."

"You what?" Glynda glared at the Four Time Champion.

"I... I... couldn't help it, I said I was sorry and offered for Jaune to do the same to me." Pyrrha tried to melt into the couch as she spoke.

"Anyway, after we got that settled, I carried Jaune to class, and you know the rest!" Nora grinned, totally self-satisfied that she had reported everything accurately.

"Jaune..." Glynda stopped as she noticed Jaune fidgeting, her face still cherry red, as she adjusted and rubbed her breasts. "Is there something..."

"They're sore..." Juane's eyes went wide in panic, "Why are they leaking!"

"Jaune? What do you?" Glynda then notice when Jaune moved her hands, the two growing wet spots right where her nipples pressed against the fabric of the stretched out t-shirt. "It appears that you might be lactating."

"WHAT?" Jaune screeched as she jumped up from her seat, causing everyone to wince. "No, no, no, no, no... I know what that means! It happen to Terra!"

"Jaune, please calm down, it is something that can happen..." Glynda tried as Jaune started to pace and hyperventilate.

"Yeah, it happens when you're pregnant! I can't be! I'm too young to be a single mom, I don't even know who the dad is! I'm going to end up on food stamps, living in the slums..."

"Jaune-Jaune..." Nora was in motion before anyone else could do anything. Grabbing Jaune by the shoulders, Hora turned the freaking out fox faunus and looked her directly in the eyes. "I doubt it, it is probably hormones, but there is a simple test to confirm, and we can have it done when we go to the infirmary."

"Really?"

"You tinkle on a little stick." Nora smiled, "One line not preggers, two lines..."

"Two lines?"

"Hello AUNTIE NORA!"

Glynda facepalmed, before looking at the remainder of team JNPR who had basically said nothing. She noticed the utter look of defeat on Lie Ren, and the glazed look on Pyrrha Nikos, face.

"I am going to call the infirmary and direct them to give you a complete physical." Glynda informed the group. "While that is happening, I'm going to speak to the headmaster."

"Why the Headmaster?" Ren asked.

"He needs to know of this abnormally." Glynda partially lied, as she knew without a doubt Ozpin was the cause. "I suggest, after the check-up, Ms Valkyrie escorts Jaune to the quarter-master and gets her a set of proper uniforms."

"On it Teach!" Nora replied, saluting Professor Goodwitch with a wild grin on her face. "What about Pyr-Pyr and Rennie?"

"They will attend their next class, and inform the Professor that Jaune and You are excused, by my authority." Glynda informed the team. "And just by looking at you, Jaune I have bras that should fit you, so after getting a uniform, please come by my quarters and I will provide you with the proper support. Everyone in agreement?"

Nora continued to grin, as Ren and Pyrrha just nodded. Jaune looked at her Aunt with a pleading look. As if she was dreading being left alone with Nora.

"I will get to the bottom of this." Glynda informed JNPR. "You are free to leave."

Steering Jaune out the door with a hand on each shoulder, Nora left first, with Pyrrha and Ren following shortly after. Once alone, Glynda collapsed into her chair and groaned. She didn't want to mention it to Jaune, but she knew after confronting Ozpin, Glynda was going to have to call Jaune's mother and inform Jasmine of the situation.

"I just hope, Jas doesn't go on the warpath and draw Kathy into this." Glynda shivered. Her twin sister were passionate about family, and she could only guess what would happen if the pair of them showed up at Beacon. "I'm not paid enough for this shit."

[aliensunflower-fics]

‘Akumatized Marinette’ A funny prompt!

So ive seen a few different fics and posts where Lila convinces the class that Marinette is in fact Mayura and/or is working in some way for Hawkmoth, using such evidence as ‘Marinette’s never been akumatized’ and citing how sometimes Marinette’s attempts to be helpful or friendly or yes her mistakes have resulted in an akuma going after her classmates. Also other evidence like how many akumas the class has had total. But what if Lila could not convince class that Marinette was working with Hawkmoth, desperate to connect Marinette to the supervillain in hopes of plummeting her reputation Lila claims that Marinette is in fact AKUMATIZED hence her villainous actions towards Lila!

Now just follow me here:

What if the class don't believe Lila THAT MUCH. Sure Lila has them convinced that she’s a diplomats daughter and that shes got a million illnesses and physical problems and yes she even has everyone believing that she’s famous and that her and Adrien are a secret item [how scandalous!]. But no one in the class will for a SECOND believe that Marinette is working with Hawkmoth. Lila has tried broaching the subject several times, shes tried leaving ‘hints’ and pointing things out that seem ‘incriminating’ but each and every time she does the class scoff and each of them begin listing a 100 reasons why Marinette is definitely NOT a fan of Hawkmoth and would never work with him.

Frustrated but determined to connect the super villain to Marinette and alienate the girl further Lila seethes and plots. Getting more frustrated each failed attempt and trying to chew off her own sausage hair when people talk about how Marinette would definitely kick Hawkmoth’s ass. Then one day Marinette walks in with a totally new look, she’s cut her hair into a messy pixie cut and is going for a pink punk look. The look gets everyone's attention and the day is spent with everyone complimenting the baker girl [she even gets asked out by a few of the guys in the other classes] frustrated that everyone is paying attention to Marinette instead of herself Lila cant help but make up some big lie about how Marinette assaulted her and stole her money.

The class is justifiably shocked! They have been especially protective of Marinette and her reputation ever since she was expelled and nearly akumatized so more then a few of them start yelling at Lila even Alya who normally sides with Lila due to her belief that her designer friend is jealous is furious at Lila for making an accusation like that! Desperate to recover from the poorly timed and worded lie she’s made Lila thinks fast and comes up with a scheme just crazy enough to work! She claims that obviously it wasn’t ACTUALLY Marinette, no it was the horrible akuma MARIONETTE! The class blinks taken aback but they can’t help but ask what Lila is talking about.

The italian smirks feeling sinister pleasure course through her. She begins weaving her sob story tale! About how Marinette had snuck into one of Adrien and Lila’s photoshoots! Where the poor baker girl saw them *gasp* KISSING! Poor Marinette heartbroken and distraught was akumatized into the horrible monster Marionette! Who stalked Lila home and attacked her! She goes on to claim that the Marinette who was in class today was NOT in fact their good friend rocking a new style and haircut but was instead a vicious akuma after all why do you think Lila was keeping so far away from Marinette all day? She’s TRAUMATIZED after her ordeal and now Marionette the akuma is attending class as if she were Marinette! How terrible could Hawkmoth be to be using their heartbroken friend like this!

The class doesn’t want to believe it, but it makes such perfect sense Marinette WOULD be heartbroken by seeing Adrien the ‘love of her life’ kissing Lila her main rival! And just yesterday Marinette looked completely normal with her cute little pigtails and her signature outfit! She never told any of them she was even GOING to get a haircut! And surely if Marinette was going to make such a big change in her appearance she would have told her bestie Alya right?

But now what is the class to do? Poor Marinette is akumatized and they have no idea what to do or what her object could possibly be! Max, always the logical one concludes that they should simply contact Ladybug and have her help poor Marinette! Lila quickly jumps in claiming she already tried contacting Ladybug OBVIOUSLY since the pair are besties! But that Marionette tricked Ladybug into believing she wasn’t akumatized at all! “No!” Lila laments, “were going to need to take care of this ourselves!”

The class is resolute determined to help poor Marinette without the help of Ladybug who has fallen for Hawkmoth’s most clever trick yet. But Lila is quick to warn them that they MUST be careful after all Marionette is a VERY powerful akuma, they cant know for sure the true extent of her terrible powers or when or WHO she might attack next! Lila fears that it will be poor Adrien or perhaps herself again! Insert fake sobs here. The class vow to protect Lila and Adrien from Marionette, and Alya who believes she’s best equipped for this situation since she IS Rena Rouge takes charge of the situation, they decide that no one is allowed to be alone with Marionette and NONE of them are to let the akuma know that they are on to her! They need to play the long game and figure out what her akumatized object is so that they can snatch it and free Marinette from Hawkmoth’s dastardly clutches!

Lila rejoices believing that she’s finally achieved victory, the class now think that Marinette is a dangerous monster and will isolate her, not to mention Lila now believes she can make up any lie she wants about Marinette and that the class will unquestioningly believe her! She goes home with a pep in her step eagerly plotting for all the lies and perks she can get from this newest lie and decides to eat a whole tub of ice cream to celebrate her cleverness, unaware that she’s just signed the ticket for her defeat.

You see the class LOVE Marinette, she’s their friend, and ‘learning’ that she’s been turned into some sort of monstrous extremely clever akuma is both a suprise and none at all. Later on as they all chat in the newly made text group Max points out how it was obvious that Marinette would become the most dangerous and clever akuma shes the smartest person in class besides himself and extremely creative and resourceful. Rose laments about how hurt Marinette must be and how they simply MUST save her as soon as possible. Alix curses Hawkmoth out and claims that the sick freak was probably TARGETING Marinette for awhile now because of how awesome she is. Nino and Kim cry about how their childhood bff needs them now more then ever! And Alya tells them to get ready because they cant abandon Marinette now that she needs them most!

The next day Lila comes to class ready to spin another tale about how the vicious akuma Marionette destroyed her room last night! And while the class do listen and tell Lila that it sucks that happened they seem noticeably... Distracted. When Marinette walks into the room the class practically explodes, Rose and Juleka INSIST that Marinette sit behind them so they can talk! Everyone has some sweet compliment to give to the baker reminding her about how wonderful she is! Lila’s jaw drops open as her classmates practically rush to hug and touch and talk to what they believe is a horrible monstrous Akuma! And it doesnt end their.

Lila asks Alya to hang out at the mall? She cant her and Nino are going to be on ‘Marionette’ surveillance tracking the akuma to see what shes up to and if she might show her akumatized object! Lila decides to try woo Mylene and Ivan into letting her handle their charities ‘finances’? Mylene starts crying about how the charity was Marinette’s idea before she got akumatized and now she might not even remember how amazing it was when shes eventually de-akumatized Lila cant stand hearing them talk about her enemy and gives up her pursuit of the funds. Lila decides to hang out with Kitty Section? They invited Marionette to every show hoping Luka would notice that she’s an akuma and use his amazing intuition to help free poor poor Marinette!

Instead of ostracizing the girl Marinette is now invited to every big event, and is constantly being showered with compliments and love as if the class believes that just loving Marinette enough will be the thing that ‘de-akumatizes’ her. “At least they wont let her anywhere near myself or Adrien.” Lila thinks bitterly as she gets her 5th warning that day that Lila might want to sit out the class going to the movies together with MARIONETTE.

During this time the class has been pulling off various ‘heists’ slowly going through each and every one of Marinette’s belongings to check if its the akumatized object. And I do mean every single belonging. Her sketchbook was ruled out within the first few days same with her signature earrings it was Kim who checked those and it involved a complicated plan involving taking Marinette swimming and having Kim fake a drowning in order to get close enough to ‘Marionette’ to check the studs. Luckily for Tikki, Ondine who was also at the pool decided to save Kim instead and the poor jock got quite flustered when the swimmer performed CPR on him.

Nino and the rest of the boys are the ones tasked with breaking into Marinette’s room while the girl is away on a sleepover with the girls. In order to ‘test’ each object in her room for the source of the akuma. They got a bit too loud and had to make a last minute escape when they heard Tom and Sabine going into fight mode. Poor Nino wasn’t fast enough and was forced to lie through his teeth that he’d been trying to surprise Marinette with a hangout like when they were little kids. [poor kid ended up drinking hot cocoa with Tom and Sabine as they showed off embarrassing baby pictures of Nino and Marinette together]

After about a month or so of shenanigans including a very embarrassing incident involving the entire class accidentally spying on Marinette’s first big date with Luka/Kagami/Felix/Damian [just pick one they are all great ships] and them getting caught red handed thanks to Alix and Kim roughhousing and making a scene at the nice restaurant. And another incident that Alya refers to only as the ‘duck incident’ [Nino can no longer be around birds or feathers] the class is no closer to learning where Marionette’s akumatized object is. And Lila Rossi who thought she’d be bathing in her victory is on the verge of screaming if one more person ignores her!

How does it end? Well maybe the class stage an intervention hoping they can free Marinette with the power of love only for Marinette to fall off of something laughing when she learns what Lila’s big lie was. Maybe Lila finally snaps and screams when she hears the class lament about POOR Marinette for the billionth time. Maybe the class try breaking absolutely everything Marinette owns, Maybe Juleka points out that its kind of weird that Marionette the akuma doesn’t really do... anything? And can change clothes? Can akuma’s do that? No right??? Aren’t their clothes like melded to their body??? Maybe the class finally get Adrien thinking he can ‘fix’ Marinette only for him to very confusedly tell them hes not dating Lila and has never kissed her and what Marinette akumatized??? Maybe The class recruit Luka and Kagami, Marinette’s other friends only for them to have a great laugh at the class before pointing out the literal mountain of things wrong with everything they just said.

Just fun shenanigans and ‘akumatized’ Marinette.

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[bounce-a-coin-off-your-witcher]

Wound By a Key

I was given the opportunity to collaborate with the marvelous, amazing, talented, fantastic @spielzeugkaiser​ for this story/piece and it was SO MUCH FUN! Thank you for drawing something so amazing, thank you for sharing it with me, and thank you for this fun collab!

Based on “The Music Box Song” from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

---

The first thing Geralt noticed, as he led Roach down the main road of the little hamlet, was how oddly quiet everything was. There were a few people meandering in the marketplace speaking in low tones, but otherwise the midday streets were empty. It was unusual. Especially for springtime. 

He heard the small pocket of villagers speaking as he passed them, their curious and nervous gazes following his every step.

“Do you think that’s the White Wolf?”

“Look at his hair! Who else could it be?”

“Do you think he’ll be able to break the spell?”

He reached the door of the town’s only inn and tied Roach’s reins to the hitching post outside. He gave her an affectionate nuzzle and a few quick pats before ducking through the low wooden door, the villagers’ pointed conversation pushed to the back of his mind for now. 

He needed food and lodging, first.

“Afternoon,” the innkeep nodded. Geralt nodded back and took a seat at the bar. The rotund, middle-aged man turned to face him, not a glimmer of fear or apprehension tainted his welcoming expression. “What can I do for ya, traveler?”

“I’ll have a tankard of ale, please; and stew if you have it. I also need a room for the night and a stable for my horse.”

“Two full pieces of silver will get you all of that and a bath to boot,” the man offered. Geralt gave a small, grateful smile and pulled two silvers and a copper from his purse, setting them on the counter directly in front of the beaming innkeep.

“As a thank you for your unexpected but welcome kindness.”

“Appreciated, sir.”

“Hmm.”

Geralt was just bringing the first spoonful of venison stew towards his mouth when his gaze caught on something behind the bar. His eyes narrowed and he looked down at the food suspiciously. Perhaps the man had been a little too kind to a Witcher. Maybe the kindness in his eyes really was just a well-practiced act, after all.

“Where’d you get that lute?” Geralt asked. He’d almost asked - Where’d you get Jaskier’s lute? - but that would have revealed too much.

“Oh, right. I had nearly forgotten about the lute,” the man frowned and shook his head. The Witcher caught a whiff of relief and sadness drifting off the stranger and grew even more confused. “That’s a tragic tale, really. Not good for a traveler’s appetite.”

“If you haven’t noticed, I’m a Witcher. I’ve seen and heard a few unpleasant things in my life.”

“I hadn’t noticed,” the innkeep chuckled. “But that’s just because I’m not a very observant person. If you’re a Witcher you might just be able to help the lad out. Would you care to hear the bard’s tale and see if it’s something your Witcher magic could fix?”

Geralt nodded and took a bite of stew, convinced that the man wasn’t actually trying to rob or kill him (or both). “Go ahead, then. Who is this bard and what horrible fate befell him?”

“A few weeks ago, just after the second thaw, children from the village started going missing at night. They’d come back at midday, their faces pale and their limbs heavy like lead weights. They would sleep for days before they could get out of bed again, and they were incredibly weak. When that bard wandered through on his way to find his friend, he heard of our blight and followed a child into the woods one evening, determined to solve the mystery and stop the madness.”

“Hmm.”

“Turns out it was the Fae -” Geralt’s head snapped up. “- And they were making the children dance all through the night for their entertainment. The faeries would make them dance until the poor little dears were totally exhausted and only had enough strength to wander back home. The bard offered to dance and play for them for two full days in exchange for the childrens’ freedom… and they agreed.”

“Fuck.”

“You sound invested in the lad’s wellbeing,” the innkeep raised an eyebrow. “I can take you to see him, if you’d like.”

“He’s here?”

“Sort of,” the man rubbed his hand up and down the back of his neck and the scent of anxiety spiked through the air. Geralt shook it off, determined to finish his meal before attending to his foolish friend and companion. “The Fae weren’t exactly happy about his interloping, you see. They accepted his terms and let him play for the full two days, and the children have been safe ever since, but they didn’t return him the way he left. Apparently the faeries decided that it would be more fun to curse him a little bit and watch the aftermath play out.”

“What is a little bit, exactly?”

Geralt had never heard of just a little bit of cursing. There were either dire consequences or death on the other end of curses and neither one were fitting ends for Jaskier’s colorful, too-short life. 

“It would be best if you finished your food, Sir Witcher. If you’re as close to the bard as I think you are, it’ll spoil your dinner to see him like this.”

---

The alderman ushered his two impromptu visitors inside and closed the door quietly behind them. He gave Geralt a slow, calculating once over. “So I take it you’re a Witcher, eh?”

“Yes.”

“And you’ve come to break the fae’s curse on this bard?”

“Depends on the curse.”

“Apparently he knows the lad,” the innkeeper added helpfully. Geralt glowered and pulled his hood back away from his face. 

“I haven’t actually seen him yet, but it’s very likely that this bard and I are acquaintances.”

“Right this way, then. I’ve kept him out of the children’s hands. I didn’t know if the singing and dancing routine would still make him tired or not and I wanted to be safe; for all the help he did to rescue them from those dastardly faeries, the villagers certainly seem to enjoy turning the key and making him perform.”

Geralt grew more and more worried with every word that passed through the alderman’s lips. Singing and dancing routine? Turning the key? Making him perform? What had the faeries done to his stupidly caring friend in return for his bravery? What kind of curse had they placed on the silly, fun-loving human?

The three men crossed through the manor’s sitting room and dining room and into a clean, empty storage room that ran against the very back of the building. Positioned in the center of the floor was an enormous, intricate music box. The figure standing up from the top was facing away from them, so Geralt took a moment to inspect the stand itself. 

The square box was carved around the bottom edges with buttercup blossoms and had paintings across all four sides, depicting the childish, storybook version of Jaskier approaching the Fae in the woods, his two nights of dancing and singing, his transformation, and, as they came around to the front panel at last, his imprisonment. The doll on top of the stand was Jaskier; or it had been, once upon a time.  

The bard looked only slightly different in his current accursed form, but it was enough to unnerve the usually stoic Witcher. The blue of Jaskier’s eyes was misty and glazed over. Glass, Geralt realized. He suppressed a horrified shudder at the thought. His eyes look like they’re made of glass. His skin was pale and when Geralt reached out to caress his arm (bent stiffly at the elbow much like a jointed doll’s would be) it felt waxy and too-smooth. Inhuman. 

Jaskier’s body was bent slightly forward at the waist, both arms resting oddly at his sides with the elbows bent at ninety degrees. Two circles of rouge brightened his cheeks and his eyes had been lightly lined to make them seem wider and more doll-like. A wreath of colorful flowers had been pinned into his hair and the blue silk doublet Geralt had last seen the bard wearing was nowhere to be found. 

The Fae had clearly taken their time with dressing and decorating him. His waist was cinched into a colorful corset-style vest that tied up the front with little blue silk bows and his legs were outfitted in tight-fitting, navy blue breeches that buckled just below the knee. His hose was off-white and complimented the shapely curve of his calves and ankles. He was wearing the buckled, heeled shoes of a nobleman and they shone with polish. There was nothing holding Jaskier up, which meant that the curse itself was keeping him upright and in place. 

The Witcher turned to glare at the alderman, his emotions finally boiling over at the sight of his bard’s transformation. “Did the Fae tell anyone how to break the curse?”

“We think the answer is in the song.”

“The song?”

“When you wind the lad up he sings a little song. He’s standing on a music box, after all.”

“Hmm.”

The alderman approached the side of the box and wound the large key jutting out, twisting until he was red faced and the bronze-painted peg would turn no more. He released the key and stepped back to join Geralt and the innkeeper where they stood with their backs against the far wall.

A few soft, tinkling metallic notes played through the room before the doll came to life. Jaskier’s back straightened and his arms reached out towards his audience in jerky little movements. Every time one of his joints extended or shifted there was a loud wrenching sound as the inner workings of the music box manipulated his limbs in time to the melody. 

Jaskier’s bright, lilting tenor flowed forth as he danced mechanically atop his pedestal. He turned in a slow circle, his arms reaching up and around as if seeking an embrace as he sang: 

“What do you see,

You people gazing at me?

You see a doll on a music box

That's wound by a key.

“How can you tell

I'm under a spell?

I'm waiting for love's first kiss!”

Geralt blushed as the doll-Jaskier reached directly out towards the space where the Witcher happened to be standing, almost as if he was reaching out for the true love he sought to break his spell. Geralt’s eyes met briefly with the wax figurine’s and he felt his heart skip a beat. Jaskier is so close and yet he still doesn’t see me. The Witcher gave a heavy sigh and shook his head as the bard continued his automatonlike performance. 

“You cannot see...

How much I long to be free,

Turning around on this music box

That's wound by a key!

“Yearning, yearning

While I'm turning around and around…”

The tune faded away into nothing again and Jaskier fell silent. His torso drooped forward. His hair fell into his eyes and Geralt reached out to move it away without thinking, letting his fingers brush the bard’s painted cheek as he pulled back. “So do you know anyone who could possibly free him? He only has a few days left.”

“What?!” Geralt snapped. He spun to face the innkeep with a thunderous look on his face. “What do you mean!?”

“The curse has to be broken before the end of the month or he’ll be stuck like this forever.”

“Fuck. Why didn’t you tell me that first?” the Witcher snarled. He gazed hopelessly at his friend and clenched his fists at his sides. 

It was so much easier to kill monsters. It was so much easier to break curses when they were placed on princesses or nobles or foolish peasants who had meddled where they shouldn’t. But Jaskier had been doing a good deed without being prompted and he had done it all alone without Geralt there for backup or protection. The stupid bard had rescued an entire village’s children by offering himself to the fae and now… now…

Geralt sighed and shook his head. He needed to think. He needed to breathe.

“I’m going to contact some friends and see what we can do,” he finally said. “But first I need rest. May I return to my room at the inn?”

“Aye. Good luck, Witcher.”

“Hmm.”

---

Geralt tossed and turned, unable to sleep. 

Two glassy blue eyes kept following his every move, searching for him in the dark. 

He knew he had to rescue Jaskier, the only problem was finding someone who loved him enough to break the curse. The Witcher rolled onto his back and glared at the ceiling. Dawn was only a few hours away and he’d failed to get any sleep or meditate deeply enough to rest. He kept hearing those words, high and breathy, echoing through his head over and over:

“You cannot see...

How much I long to be free,

Turning around on this music box

That's wound by a key!”

The thought of anyone else kissing Jaskier sent a tight, angry buzzing sensation flickering beneath his skin. He bristled. He frowned. He… He was jealous. The moment Geralt tried to picture Essi Daven or Priscilla or that one foolish Count with ashy-blonde hair and broad shoulders he’d caught the bard with late one night even coming close to kissing Jaskier, the Witcher felt the urge to growl and bare his teeth. He wanted to curl around the music box and snarl at anyone who came too close for his liking. He wanted to wrap Jaskier in his arms and keep him there forever, where he could hear the bard’s heartbeat and feel his warmth.

An unnerving thought.

He’d always been a very possessive lover. 

Fuck.

But what if he tried to kiss the bard and the spell didn’t break? Then he might lose Jaskier regardless of whether or not he woke up. If Jaskier’s curse dissipated at the hands of another and he knew that Geralt had kissed him, had acknowledged his love for the bard and faced it head on and failed, then the Witcher might break down forever. Without Jaskier, what reason was there to return to the inn or the campfire at night? Of course there was Roach, but once she died he didn’t have to seek out another…

He could just disappear like many of his Witcher brethren often did. 

Geralt groaned and rose to his feet, slipping on his boots and cloak as quietly as possible. He crept through the sleepy town under the blanket of night and snapped the lock off the alderman’s back window. He gripped the lower sill and took a deep, steadying breath before heaving it open.

He had to try, at least.

He had to know.

The Witcher climbed silently into the storage room and walked in a slow circle around the music box. Jaskier was standing perfectly still, the painted smile on his face and the silk flowers in his hair looking as brilliant as ever, even in the darkness. Geralt stood in front of his cursed friend and sighed quietly. 

“I wish you didn’t have to find out just how much I care about you like this, Jaskier. I wish I could have told you about my rather prominent and passionate feelings before any of this nonsense had happened. If I fail you now, if you don’t wake up because this love is one-sided, I’m sorry. I want you to know that I’m so incredibly sorry for not being able to love you enough to save your life.”

With his soul bared and his confession carefully whispered into wooden ears, Geralt reached up and placed his palm against the bard’s waxy cheek. He had to stand on tiptoe in order to reach Jaskier’s mouth with his own and the position made him feel strangely vulnerable. He tried not to think about it as he closed his eyes and pressed his lips against the smooth, painted wooden mouth of the music box doll that had once been his most faithful friend.

He pulled away after a lingering moment of contact, shaking his white hair out of his eyes. A few terrifying seconds ticked past and nothing happened. The Witcher was about to cry out in frustration and disappear out the window again when he heard a shallow breath being drawn. His worried amber gaze snapped up and met, for the first time in far too long, a pair of bright blue irises that flashed with recognition and confusion. 

Geralt held out his arms and caught the bard just as he went limp, his body exhausted from being held upright for so many days on end. He felt like a pile of crumpled laundry in the Witcher’s arms, all deadweight and no control over his limbs at all. “Are you alright, Jaskier?”

“Hnn.”

He was still waking up from the spell and likely had no memory of what had happened. Geralt bit back the pang of bitter disappointment that threatened to echo through his heart; he had no real claim over Jaskier and it wasn’t fair to make one now. Not if the bard didn’t remember his declaration.

“Let’s… Let’s get you back to the inn and get you taken care of, Jaskier. I can tell the others about the broken curse in the morning.”

“Do you mean it?” Jaskier rasped. His head lolled against Geralt’s shoulder and he glanced up with tired but frightened eyes, “Do you really love me?”

“Hmm. Yes.”

“Good,” the bard managed to shift closer despite his full-body exhaustion. “I love you, too.”

“No more running off and trying to save people by yourself.”

“Well you aren’t always around to help, Geralt, what am I supposed to do?”

“I’ll be around from now on,” the Witcher asserted. He pressed another quick kiss to the bard’s lips and watched as Jaskier blushed and stuttered in his firm bridal carry. “I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”

---

“Geralt please stop humming that song.”

“I can’t help it! It’s so catchy, it just keeps getting stuck in my head. Will you sing it for me? Maybe that will help.”

“Fine,” the bard muttered, settling down next to the fire with his lute. “Just once.”

“Thank you.”

Geralt sank into his meditative kneel and closed his eyes. A smile played at the corner of his lips and Jaskier pretended not to see it.

“What do you see,

You people gazing at me?

You see a doll on a music box

That’s wound by a key.”

[felixfelicisfics]

More Than An After Thought (James X Reader)

Summary: James and the Reader have been friends for years. After years of the Reader silently pining, James asks the Reader on a date. However the Reader can’t get over the years James spent chasing after Lily. What changed? Why now?

Requested By: @msmb​

Word Count: 1,998

TW: None

A/N: Hi guys! This is my first fic on this account! Remember requests are always open! Thanks for reading! <3

---

The patchy noise of a playing record fills the room. You bob about while tidying up your hair and putting the final details on your outfit. You step in front of the mirror and take a look at yourself. You smear a bit of rouge on your cheeks and the tip of your nose and gingerly to your lips. You catch yourself humming along to the old jazz record James had gifted you. 

James had been your friend of many years. The two of you knew the very worst and best parts of each other and it was a rare sight to catch one of you walking about the halls of Hogwarts without the other. “Potter and L/N are entirely inseparable” your classmates would say “They practically share a mind”. And you did. That is, besides one thing. You had been pining over James since your second year. He, however, did not reciprocate those feelings until recently. For as long as you, and well everyone in your year, could remember James only had eyes for Lily Potter. Damn that Lily. She was nice enough but you couldn’t help but be jealous of her, and more particularly how James looked at her.

You shake the thought of Lily from your mind and continue touching up your final ensemble, for James was to be at your dorm any minute to pick you up. He had, rather surprisingly, asked you out to dinner last friday in Potions specifying that it was “a date kid of dinner”. You were completely overjoyed when first invited. However, with time to think you’ve become suspicious of James’s true intentions. Right as the clock hit seven o’clock a knock came at your dormitory door. A knock that was surely James. 

“One moment!”

You run to slip on your shoes and grab your bag. James’s slight chuckle can be heard on the other side of the door.

“C’mon Y/N! We said seven. You’re usually more punctual than this.” There's an air of teasing in his voice that your nerves mask.

You throw the door open and apologetically smile. James is dressed far more formal than usual in a button up tucked into a pair of plaid slacks. He holds a modest bouquet of delicate flowers. He stops and looks at you like a deer in the headlights. 

“You look great Y/N. Absolutely stunning.” He smiles nervously.

“Thanks. You don’t look too bad yourself”

There’s a silence, which is uncommon between you two. Finally, James clears his throat and hands the bouquet to you. 

“Here, these are for you. I overheard you telling Remus you like the ones that grow outside the Quidditch field.”

You take the flowers and smile, your worries fleeing, and look back up to James.

“These are wonderful, thank you.”

You set the flowers inside your dorm before meeting James at the door once again.

“So where are we off to?” you ask.

“That’s a surprise.” James grins and holds out his hand for you to take.

Your heart pitter patters every so slightly as you take his. It’s warm and strong yet his grip is delicate and gentle. The two of you descend the dorm stairs and weave through the passages of Hogwarts until James opens a door and the sun pours over your face. There, on the grounds near the Black Lake sits an extravagant, candlelit picnic near the edge of the Black Lake. A gasp escapes you and you look excitedly at James. When your eyes meet his lit up face you see the wide smile plastered on his face. The joy and excitement practically drips from him when he notices how content you look. You both walk out towards the picnic blanket.

“James. This is so sweet. Did you do all this?”

“I had a little help. I bribed the house elfs to let me use the kitchen. It wasn’t easy but I finally promised them that Sirius and I would stop taking eggs from the kitchen to throw at Snape.”

“You really ought to stop that y’know. You’ll get expelled soon enough”.”

“Nah ol’ Sniffleous Snape wouldn't go to Slughorn and tell.”

“If you say so.” You roll your eyes at James’s mischievous nature. “So what all do we have here?” 

You gaze at the quilt topped with a half a dozen mini platters and small containers of delectable food. And lying in the middle, the crown jewel of it all, lyes a pitiful cake decorated with strawberries and sprinkles. The both of you sit opposite to each other and look at the feast James had put together. 

“Well let’s see we have apple tarts and some sandwiches here. A couple of boxes of chocolate frogs, and a couple of ciders. Oh! And then some chips. Yeah. Ah and the cake. You like strawberries, yeah?”

“Yeah. Strawberry cake is wonderful.”

“Well don’t wait on my account go ahead.” James chuckles and hands you a plate.

You take it and begin to fill your plate with the delectable foods before you. James serves himself as well and while doing so you catch each other’s glance on and off, which would make both of your cheeks ever so slightly hot. The slight breeze tickles your skin. The sun has nearly set and the floating candles illuminate your romantic picnic. You glance up to catch James eye. His skin and eyes glow in the firelight. Somehow he looked even more handsome in this light. His eyes travel over you, as if climbing your body to reach your eyes. You feel the steady, strong rhythm of your heart. He draws closer to you, leaning in. 

Your heart begins to race. You have waited so very long for this. It feels as though his lips are miles away and so very close all at the same time. Your mind races through all the times you’ve thought of how this would go. All the scenarios, the daydreams, the what ifs. How have you known your feelings for James this long and not have shown him. And then it hits you. 

Lily.

For years James has fancied Lily. You watched him flirt and gaze and fawn over her. You gave him advice, you listened to him go on and on about how ‘It’s finally it Y/N! I think I know how to win Lily over’. You watched him buy her flowers, and call her beautiful, and plan her picnics… just like this one.

You pull yourself away and pick at your cake, avoiding James’s confused look. There’s a moment of silence before you hear James clear his throat. 

“Y/N? Is everything alright?” James asks.

Before you can begin to think to stop yourself you ask,”Why me?”

“What?” 

This time you look up to meet his eyes. Not missing a beat you ask once again,

“Why me, James?”

“I don’t understand what you-”

“What did Lily turn you down so you figured you might as well not waste the food?”

James furrows his brow and sets down his plate.

“What? Where is this coming from Y/N?”

“Why me James? What’s with the sudden interest? What, you need a rebound because I’m not here for that okay. So just tell me what’s actually going on.”

“Y/N I don’t-”

Tears well up ever so slightly. A weight in your chest sinks down to your stomach. You should’ve known. Why would he chase Lily so long and suddenly magically have an interest in you. It’s impossible, childish even to consider it true. You’re simply nothing more than a rebound, leftovers, a second choice. 

“I’m sorry. This was a mistake I gotta go.” you sniffle before standing up.

“Y/N wait! You don’t understand.”

James stands and grabs your hand, gently but firm. You face away from him so he can’t see the singular tear running down your hot face. You freeze in your spot. A chill of embarrassment washes over your body as you feel his eyes on you. 

“Now damn Y/N will you just wait a second!” He says.

You want so badly to be anywhere but here. With anyone but him. But a part of you clings to the pleading in his voice. 

“James just get it over with. Stop fucking with me.”

James takes a deep breath and takes a step closer to you. 

“What I was going to say, before you decided to run off, was that I don’t want to mess this up. You and I, we’ve always had this connection. And I know you feel it too. Everytime we’re together and our hands brush or you meet my gaze a little longer than usual my heart flutters. But I cast it aside because I didn’t want to ruin our relationship as well as I assumed you didn’t feel the same way. Y/N, you’re my best friend; but recently I’ve come to realise it’s always been a little more than that.”

“But James, what about Lily?”, you ask.

“Lily and I will never happen. She has no interest in me and quite honestly the more I chased the more I lost interest in her and… fell more in love with you.” 

You can feel James’s gaze grow stronger on you. You whip your head to face him, releasing your hand from his grasp in the process. 

“Oh I gotcha, so Lily’s off the table now so you’ll just have to have the leftovers. Is that what I am to you? An afterthought?”

“No, Y/N, of course not! You’re just there for me! I’ve been so stupid, flailing myself about at someone who doesn’t give a damn about me when right in front of me is you, Y/N. You make me smile and laugh so hard my throat hurts. You come to everyone of my Quidditch games and cheer with all your might. You call me out and keep me in check when I go too far. Your eyes make me feel like you can read me like an open book which terrifies me but in a strange sense makes me feel seen and loved. I love you Y/N. You’re not a second choice. There’s no bloody competition when it comes to you.”

It’s silent for a moment as James looks to you for a response. You’re stunned by his burst of eloquence. You take a step towards him and a fear grows in his eyes. As you finally reach him you wrap your hand to the back of his neck and pull him in for a passionate kiss.

He kisses you back immediately. The kiss felt desperate and yearning; as both of you run your hands tenderly to cup each other’s faces.  Everything in your body feels like static. Excitement flows throughout you. It’s exactly as you imagined, quite better actually. James’s lips are soft and his kiss is warm and smooth. You feel years of pining and frustration melt away in the kiss.

James pulls away softly, “Now, I believe there’s a very romantic and tasty picnic waiting for us. If you’d like to join me?”

You smile, your worries dead and gone, “Absolutely.”

James takes a step back and holds out his hand for you to take. You take it and the both of you step back onto the quilt and resume your date, now giggling and recalling all the times you wanted to tell one another about your hidden feelings. The stories flow back and forth til the sun sets right over the Black Lake. And with the sunset the both of you blew out the candles and lied on the quilt, full from the meal, and gazed at the stars in a comfortable silence. Completely content. And still utterly overjoyed by your first kiss. James intertwines your hand in his, drawing circles with his thumb on the back of your hand. 

“Y/N?”

“Yeah James?”

“This is so much better than being friends.”

“I think so too, James.”

[bubble-booty-cuties]

Gym Selfies~! With A New Star~?

Let me start this by saying that if you’re not a part of my server, or actively anyway, you have literally zero context for this, but just so you know, there was a lot of build up to this!

This prompt is about technically my very first “furry” story, staring Rouge The Bat, obviously from Sonic, sue me~! I love Rouge, always have, she’s thicc and beautiful~! So of course, people finally convinced me to write some lewds about her~! Begone all who do not want, but for those who do, get ready for some thicc, twerking slutty bat~!

Here’s her outfit, for those who are curious, I LOVE this pic~!

_____________________________________

The small but thicc bat babe held the kettle bell with both hands as she faced the mirror, both of her feet planted firmly on the ground as sweat dripped down her thicc, curvy, plump body, her breathing deep but even. Slowly, Rouge lowered her positively fat ass down as low as could go, deep in a squat as her thicc, juicy thighs flexed and sweat dripped down her almost bare cheeks from the extensive work out.

Rouge had been there all morning, very early, as she usually liked, mostly cause there was less people, and those who were there were just as dedicated to their body as she was hers, which was always a treat to see~ And considering she was dressed in her favorite gym outfit, a tight pink and white sportbra that barely held back her massive breasts, showing a deep valley of cleavage, a pair of matching sneakers, and nothing but a pink thong covering her sex, she figured anyone waking up early enough to see her earned a bit of a show~

And a show she was giving~ As her ass got as low as could get, her eyes trailed from her own form in the mirror, music blaring in her ears from her earbuds, and instead found the wandering eyes of the one other person in the gym, a large stud covered in tattoos, semi-long hair pulled back, and definitely ripped~ He wasn’t bulky, he was more lean, like a fighter, and the way sweat dripped down her muscular back and chest was just what she liked~

Raising up from her squat, she saw him stare at her ass, I mean, who wouldn’t, it was quite the sight if she did say so herself, and she could see him practically forget what he was doing when she once again squat her fat ass down low, making sure to arch her back a little, safely, and give him an even nicer view~ He was twice her size, handsome, and looked like he could lift her with one arm~ She had to admit she was a little interested~

“You know, if you take a picture it’ll last longer~” Rouge’s voice cut through the relative silence of the gym, making the much larger man jump just slightly at her low, purring voice, his eyes shooting up from her twin, sweat dripping globes to her beautiful, smirking face looking back at him in the mirror, her large, pretty eyes half lidded before she gave him a little wink. “Or maybe you’re more of a ‘hands on experience’ kind of guy~”

Sadly, life wasn’t a porno, and she knew it’d take more then some heavy handed flirting to have him, say, fuck her over that bench over there, and she was proven right when she made the massive man cough into his hand and look away, obviously taken by surprise by her sudden advance, his slight blush cute on such a handsome stud. That’s okay, she liked when they played hard to get~

And the great thing about gyms~? People never wore clothing made to conceal their body, quite the opposite in fact, so when she saw him try and turn his body slightly away to hide the massive fucking snaking bulge down his shorts pant leg, Rouge knew right away that today was going to be exciting~ But, she wasn’t done with her set, so she continued her squats while listening to music, making sure to act like she didn’t see him turn back around to “secretly” stare at her ass again~

Her muscles burned exactly how she wanted them to, and sweat dripped down her cheeks like she was in a photoshoot. Yeah, she was fucking gorgeous~ What, wasn’t she allowed to love herself~? She obviously wasn’t the only one who thought she looked great considering her new nameless friend had gone back to full on staring as she finally finished her workout.

With a breath of relief, she finally dropped the weight into it’s proper place on the rack and grabbed her phone from her bag, music still playing through her cordless earbuds, checking her messages and changing the song with a towel over her neck. All the while she made sure to keep her back to the stud still watching, slowly rocking and shaking her hips to her music knowing he was enjoying the extra jiggle she was showing~ And she had a lot more planned to convince him to come play~

First it was a selfie, slightly bending at the waist and pushing her breasts up for the camera, a nice pouty face, and showing him her fat ass just a bit more, and the camera of course~ Next came turning her back to the mirror to take a few nice pics from the back, showing off just how those sweaty cheeks swallowed up that little pink thong between them~ Some nice captions about Friday night, and the next stage of her plan was in place~

“Well if you’re not going to take any pictures, maybe you could help me with a few instead~?” Suddenly her big beautiful eyes were on the man once again, who was still surprised, but not as much as last time, and she hooked her finger at him for him to come closer, smirking devilishly at him~ “Or better yet, shoot a video for me real fast, wouldn’t you~? I’m sure you’d make a wonderful camera man, you already seem to focus on my best assets~”

“U-Uh, sure, yeah, I can do that..” Was all he said as he suddenly stood up, walking over slowly as if she wouldn’t notice the massive hard-on damn near knocking his knees down his shorts, worse still since standing up straight he was twice her size, her face literally coming up to said bulge as he finally stood in front of her. “So do I use your phone or..?”

Rouge cocked her wide, sultry hips to the side and put her hand on her left hip, looking at the massive throbbing bulge in front of her face before looking up the man’s cut, tatted body appreciatively, before she seductively smiled up at the man without a hint of shame or hesitation.

“And here I thought a guy twice my size could handle all this, guess size doesn’t matter after all~” She purred as she stepped in close and pushed his hips back, walking him back until he sat on the bench she had her gym bag on, right next to the mirror. “Though I’m sure someone as big as you has never had to deal with that before, have you~?”

“Just calm down big guy, just sit back, relax, and make sure it’s recording before you start staring at my ass~ Again~” Rouge stood between the man’s legs proudly and confidently, her massive, bouncy breasts inches above his bulge as she played some music on her phone and handed it over to him, camera at the ready.

The man was stunned, used to some attention from attractive women, sure, but this thicc little bat had him ready with camera in hand to record her ass and he didn’t even know her name. He was overwhelmed, surprised, and harder then he’d ever been in his entire life. Fuck he loved shortstacks. And the moment she turned away and took a few steps forward to give him a fantastic view of that ass, he pressed the record button and the show began.

With some little leg stretching, Rouge started by gently shaking her fat ass side to side, letting those shiny, sweaty, extra fat globes wobble and jiggle a bit while bending forward at the waist, pressing that ass up and out for the camera. This wasn’t the first time she’d shaken her ass for a camera, and it wouldn’t be the last if she had any say in the matter~

With a little show of flexibility, Rouge grabbed her ankles while wagging her massive, lewd hips side to side, rubbing her hands slowly up her long, smooth legs before grabbing her own knees as the bass of the music dropped, her eager camera man moving the cam in closer, and Rouge decided to get to why she had 100K followers~

With a nice hard drop of the music Rouge looked over her shoulder with a grin and a wink and dropped her ass up and down, twerking those massive, shiny globes of meaty ass, bouncing those twin cheeks to the beat while that tiny little pink thong was swallowed up between those hungry mountains of cake~ Those huge, plump, juicy thighs flexed as she twerked like a whore for the camera, sweat dripped down the warm valley of her ass while the camera caught every detail in 4K, she even blew a nice lewd kiss to the camera while she wiggled her little tail~

Both of those cheeks jiggled and rippled with every move she made, and she decided she wanted a little more energy before she got to the main act~! Suddenly, Rouge dropped that fat, bubbly ass down low to the ground, raising her arms above her head and letting those massive cheeks spread apart with every twerk of her wide, slutty hips, showing that little thong for just a second before her cheeks met together in a nice, loud, meaty clap of flesh on flesh, and she couldn’t help but grin at the way her camera man’s cock throbbed and twitched against his shorts~!

Suddenly she dropped on all fours as began twerking that ass faster, bouncing that ass while she was face down ass up, her wings laid out flat at her sides while the camera focused on her extra curvy body, and just as she kept her upper body down, and lifted her ass up high with her toes planted on the ground, Rouge dropped her ass down, her legs in a deep, perfect split as she threw her bubble booty up and down to the music.

“Still getting this, handsome~?” Rouge looked back at the man who was practically drooling, just to get a dumb nod as he once again adjusted his cock in his pants. “Sigh, do I really have to spell this out for you~?”

With a strong flap of her wings, Rouge was once again standing, or, twerking in a nice squat, throwing that jiggly ass in a circle while she clapped her cheeks for the cam, every single inch of that smooth, creamy skin wobbling in HD on the small screen before she that she had enough foreplay~

With a sudden step up onto some dumbbells, Rouge was the perfect hight to back that booty up and drop it down on the stud’s crotch, pressing those warm, meaty, sweaty cheeks against that massive snaking cock through his clothes before beginning her show once again, twerking those wide, slutty, birthing hips like a pro, grinding and rubbing that cock between the hot valley of her ass while she looked back at him with a raised eyebrow, as if daring him to tell her he doesn’t know what it is she’s asking for~

“Oh fuck-!” The man growled but kept that bouncing bubbly booty in frame as it twerked right up on his cock, so close the camera could see the droplets of sweat as the dripped down her cheeks and thighs, down her lower back, and he just couldn’t resist giving those meaty cheeks a nice hard smack~!

“Hmm, you can do it harder then that~!” Rouge grabbed the man’s thighs and began throwing her ass back for him, knowing that her prey was right in her palm, and all she had to do was make sure he couldn’t get away~

Suddenly, the busty bat babe with the bubbly booty reached back and grabbed the waistband of her new lover’s shorts, yanking his shorts down as quick as she could and letting that massive bitch breaker spring free into the open air, thicker then her wrist and so long and heavy it slapped down with a nice weighty, meaty slap between her sweaty asscheeks, and right across her lower back~!

“Son of a bitch-!” The stud could barely handle the view of his massive, veiny, steaming hot cock between those velvety cheeks, or how huge it looked as it went up her lower back, FUCK he loved shortstacks! And the moment the little bat babe started twerking her ass even harder, sandwiching his cock between those hot, slippery cheeks while she bounced her twin globes of meaty ass, milking each and every inch of his cock in long, rough, jiggly grinding bounces, he damn near snapped there!

“Fuck, you are huge~” Rouge was getting excited, she could feel his cock leaking precum between her asscheeks like a leaky faucet as she bounced and twerked her ass on that pole, knowing he was going to split her in fucking half~! She had half a mind to choke on that cock if she wasn’t so hungry for an ass pounding~!

Suddenly, he felt those massive cheeks clap on his cock over and over again while she grinned evilly back at him, and he could only grit his teeth and resist the urge to throw her phone across the room, only barely remembering to record his own cock trapped between those clapping cheeks as they went up and down his cock before they started clapping on the very tip of his cock.

“What do you say we skip the dinner and flowers and skip right to the anal, huh~? I bet you can’t wait to fuck this fat fucking ass~! Stop holding back and-!” Suddenly Rouge felt the man grab her by the wide hips and heard her phone get thrown into her bag, the music following but still audible, and suddenly she felt her entire world turn around before she was bent over the bench the stud was just sat on, her toes reach hard to find the ground before finally finding purchase, just for her to realize she was quite literally bent over with her ass raised as high into the air as she could get it.

She was just about to make some smart ass comment about handling a lady with care when she felt that massive cock slap down between her cheeks again and right across her lower back, reminding her how big the cock about to stuff her ass really was~ The feeling of the massive stud’s hands grabbing her hips reminded her just how much bigger then her he was as well, and she just knew he was gonna fuck her like a fleshlight~!

“It’s about time, I thought I’d have to start sending smoke signals~” Reaching back, Rouge pulled her thong aside and revealed her tiny, needy little puckered asshole right next to the man’s massive bitchbreaker, covering her own little cunt with her hand and looking back hungrily at him with her best set of ‘fuck me’ eyes~ “When I said anal, I meant it~ You better fuck my ass as hard as you can, I wouldn’t want all this to be for nothing~”

The man didn’t even respond, simply giving that extra fat ass a nice hard smack that left a nice red mark on her smooth skin, and Rouge knew her prey wasn’t getting away now even if he wanted to~

Grabbing the edge of the bench, and giving her ass a few more playful bounces to the music, Rouge held on as best she could as the stud grabbed his massive prick with one hand and lined up that massive tip with her tiny asshole, and she could only grit her teeth in pleasure as she felt his strength behind his hips, where he suddenly slammed that cock tip against her little pucker for all of a second before forcing that cock half way into her tiny, needy, slutty little asshole so hard the entire bench rocked along with her body, but he didn’t stop, he was only halfway in, giving her ass another smack and grabbing both hips, he yanked the slutty little bat bitch back and slammed his hips forward until her ass clapped back onto his waist with as much strength as he could muster.

“FUCK~!!” Rouge couldn’t help the yelp of pleasure as she was suddenly stuffed fuller then she could remember, her ass rippling with that nice meaty clap against his hips, and she could only roll her tongue out and her eyes up as she felt his hefty nuts smack her dripping cunt, and they were just starting. Though starting implied a build up, and there was anything but that~

“GRRR!!!” The man snarled as he suddenly yanked his cock out of the tightest little fuck hole he’d ever felt before slamming back in even harder then the first time, then again, and again, yanking his new fleshlight forward and back to meet his thrusts or yanks out to make his slamming twice as hard, and hard it was as suddenly the entire gym was filled with the wild, frantic, meaty clapping of flesh on flesh as he stuffed that slutty little bat as hard as he fucking couldm slamming and pounding that ass and little asshole like a wild animal while she started screaming and squealing in pure, unbridled pleasure~!

“Y-YES~!! YES~!! YEEESSS~!!! OH FUCK YES~!!” Rouge’s entire fucking world rocked and bounced as she was rammed and railed by the massive, strong, wild beast suddenly rearranging her guts with his massive fucking cock, she could barely hear her own squeals over him clapping her cheeks so hard she knew she’d be sore later~! Her perfectly manicured nails dug into the leather of the bench as she tried to desperately hold on for dear life, her shoes barely finding grip on the ground as they slipped here and there sometimes, and the entire steel and leather bench rocked and knocked against the ground, only adding the sounds of the brutal, vicious buttfucking she was getting~!!

And brutal it was, the man’s pace was like a jackhammer as he railed and fucked the little slutty bat’s asshole like a wild beast, just gritting his teeth in a snarl as he took out all his post workout stress on that fat jiggling, rippling ass, even going so far as to smack that fat ass like a stress toy, clapping those cheeks as fast as he fucking could while his nuts dripped with the bat’s dripping juices, even his abs burned from how hard and fast he was slamming that extra fat and slutty ass~!!

“FUCK MY ASS LIKE THE WHORE I AM~!! USE MY ASSHOLE LIKE A FUCKTOY~!” Rouge could barely tell up from down as her things fell to the ground with a clatter, and she couldn’t give a damn~! Her big, beautiful eyes crossed and rolled up as drool dripped down her chin, teeth grit, and she could only squeal like a buttslut getting her fix, cause in that moment, where her entire world rocked and bounced so hard and fast she could feel the bench under her creak with strain, she knew that’s exactly what she was, a needy buttslut getting her fix~!!

Suddenly, Rouge couldn’t hold on at all, as his already brutal and vicious pace double in intensity, and he brutally and frantically railed that extra fat ass so hard and fast it sounded like a drum from how loud he was clapping his hips against that fat, juicy set of cheeks! She couldn’t hold on, but she didn’t need to as he held onto her hips and used her like a fleshlight while she could only stay bent over to take it~!

When she felt him finally snarl and slam in balls deep one final time, Rouge could only scream so loud she was sure every person outside could hear her pretty voice as he roughly slammed in like he owned her little asshole~! And suddenly, Rouge felt the man blow his extra hot, stringy, thick, bubbly load deep in her asshole while he yanked out half way just to continue slamming in to fuck her through his and her climax~!!

And suddenly, he stopped as his last nut was stuffed deep inside her ass, and all the sound in the room stopped besides their pair of heavy breathing, and the sudden wet pop and lewd sounds of his cum pouring out of the slutty bat’s little gaping backdoor~

And just like that, Rouge was satisfied, and the stud laid down on his back, sweat dripping down their bodies, and both completely tired.

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

Water washed down the sultry curves of Rouge’s body, down each and every perfect line of her body while she rinsed the rest of her expensive shampoo out of her hair, sighing in deep, lovely relief as she turned off the hot water and stepped out into the gym washroom, gently drying herself off with a beautiful smile.

And once she was finished drying off, slipping on a pair of little booty shorts and a new sports bra, she was perfectly applying her make up once again, winking in the mirror before looking for her phone in her bag, not spotting it, she snapped her fingers in realization. Stepping out of the locker room, Rouge casually strolled up to the still panting ad sweaty man on his back, just to find her phone on the floor next to the bench she was just railed on.

“Hmm~” Rouge picked up her phone, looked down at the strong, muscular, handsome stud, and reached into her bag to pull out a piece of paper and a pen, writing her phone number on it before dropping it next to him.

“That was fun, don’t you think~? Let’s do this again sometime~ Call me~” And just like that she walked away from the scene of the ‘crime’, a sultry sway in her wide, sexy hips while her ass jiggled with every step, already thinking of what to have for lunch while the stud behind her wondered if he could survive doing that again.

Fuck he loves shortstacks..

[thepaperpanda]

A Dream || Part III || Sam Drake x Reader

Summary: How surprised Sam is when he meets you in the prison, and when it turns out you're the friend of Adler. Fortunately, Drake lets you play a little game with him.

Warnings: None

Words: 3613

Authors: Cass & Rouge

♠ ♠

The very first rays of sun slowly moved along the bed as they fell into the room though opened window.

As soon as you felt warmness on your face, you rolled on your side. Stretching a little, you straightened your arms, accidentally hitting a rough flesh by your side.

You frowned and turned head aside only to see Sam sleeping by your side. You smiled at the sight of naked man with his head put to one of your pillows. You admired his features for a long while.

If someone would have entered the room, they would definitely admit that the party was hard the night before; your clothes were thrown to the floor, Sam's stuff also. Your panties hung casually from the desk sending on the left from the door. You smiled at the sight, blushing a little.

It wasn't a good morning for Sam. The nightmare was hunting him deep in his sleep. He could see dark figures, hovering over him and talking in some incomprehensible language but somehow Sam could recognize the surrounding. It was prison...

Sam woke up and looked around, ready to see the stone walls and floor but he relaxed as soon as he realized he is in your bedroom. "I fucking hate nightmares." He muttered, sitting up. Sam rubbed his face before turning his attention to you. "Good morning beautiful."

"Hey," you whispered, pulling the quilt up to make sure you were covered. "Shush, it's okay, you're with me, I won't let anyone hurt you," your palm was put to his bare left forearm where you stroked him.

Sam smiled and moved closer to you, he hugged you. Nuzzling to your neck Sam sighed deeply. "And I couldn't be more happy but now excuse me." Sam kissed your cheek and then got up to find his boxers. After putting the boxers back on Sam grabbed the box of cigarettes and a lighter, he winked at you and went on the balcony to smoke.

You giggled loudly as you observed him walking out on the balcony.

The moment when he casually looked after his boxers made you blush like a little girl that was seeing a naked man for the very first time.

Biting inside of your cheeks, you got up and put a nightgown on, you didn't bother with looking for your underwear. You wrapped the stripes of the nightgown together, and joined Sam on the balcony, putting arm to his back.

Sam looked at you and smiled before offering you his cigarette. "You know? I never expected to wake up next to such a beautiful girl like you." He hummed, kissing your forehead.

Sam felt happy for once, he never expected to feel that happy just because he had a person right next to him.

You simply intervined your hand with his, nuzzling to his strong bicep and taking the cigarette he offered you. You inhaled the smoke and held it for a moment before exhaling it via nose. "Sam, you're making me blush, stop it!"

"Such a beautiful girl looks even more beautiful with the blush on her cheeks." He said kissing your hand.

After that Sam was quiet, simply looking at the outside world. He didn't want to go back to Rafe, he really wanted to just stay here with you. "So... I think we should eat and got back to your friend." Sam muttered, taking the cig from you.

You wrapped arms around his figure from the side, like you would be holding him for the very last time. You squeezed him and slipped into his arms. "I don't want this to happen, I want to stay here, with you, I don't need anyone nor anything else right now."

Sam smiled softly and hugged you tightly. "I know, little one but we both know Rafe. I will make sure that anywhere we go, you go too, okay? You will stay close to me no matter what." He promised, kissing top of your head.

Soon after this he took your hand and lead you to your kitchen to make you a wonderful breakfast. Even if he wasn't a five stars cook.

After the nice breakfast Sam got up from the table to finally go and dress up.

You were finishing your french toast and coffee while observing him leaving to get back to your bedroom to get dressed.

You were struggling oh so hard with yourself. One part of you was trying to calm you down, using some arguments regarding Rafe and his rage, while the other part desperately wanted to scream all the truth to Sam. You hated yourself for falling for this man, he had to be another ordinary job you have done for Rafe so many times before. But something has changed, and you knew it too well...

Soon Sam returned to the kitchen and smiled at you. "I should take a shower, I smell like bottle of your perfumes but I don't mind. It's a scent of a great night." He joked sitting back at his chair. "You should get ready to leave soon, sweetheart."

You choked on the coffee you were sipping. "Yeah, yeah, I need few minutes," you told him with a brief smile.

As soon as you put your favorite black, fitted pants on and completed the outfit with a black, lacy shirt, you got downstairs and looked at Sam. "C'mon."

Sam gladly followed you.

---------

Back at the hotel Rafe was already waiting at the two of you.

He smiled when you two entered the building. "Finally. I was afraid that whore stole my expert."

"Hey, hold your horses there." Sam frowned, grabbing your hand tightly.

"Oh, oh my god. You fell for it? Seriously Sam?" Rafe laughed, looking at you. "Tell him the truth, Y/N. Tell him that I paid you so we can get over with this bullshit." Adler muttered.

You swallowed hardly but never left Sam's hand. "It's not a truth, Rafe," you snarled. "You don't have to be a dick when it's unnecessary," you told him, praying inside for Sam to not believe other man's words.

"Listen, pal. She is a whore, whatever she want she gets trough bed. You need something? Pay and she will jump to someone's bed to get it for you. I paid her to go to the prison and to get you now. Just because I don't have a time for your fucking tamed Drake attitude." Rafe said with a shrug.

Sam never let go of your hand but he looked at you. His eyes were full of disbelieve. "Y/N? Is he telling a truth for once?"

"Sam...," You whispered looking hesitantly up at him. "I... It was like this at the beginning, yes, he did pay me, you knew about this but you've changed everything! I can't imagine... Please, forgive me, love...," You begged him, tugging onto his sleeve.

With clenched teeth you threw a glance to Rafe. "I'll fucking kill you if you'll do anything to him."

Rafe chuckled loudly, throwing his head back. "Oh yea, because I am afraid of one little whore whom will fuck anyome to get few bucks." Adler snapped walking closer to but Sam stopped him from getting too closer.

"I said hold you horses there, Rafe. Give us few minutes or you will never get the treasure." Sam said with a frown than looked at you. "C'mon." He pulled you to some empty room. Closing the door Sam looked at you. "So it's true... You are a whore? He paid you for all those sweet words?"

"Yes," you claimed. "He did."

The tears made your eyes glisten, yet you held them back, looking at the ceiling and blinking few times.

"He paid me for the prison. I did this because he asked me to, and I owed him a favour for something he had done for me months ago," you said shortly. "He also paid me for all this that happened last night... But I didn't take his money, I gave the envelope back to one of his "friends", I couldn't...," You explained yourself. "I couldn't wait to see you again... Then, in that fucking prison, something broke within me... I couldn't stop myself from thinking about you, Sam, I mean it, please! You need to believe me!," You begged while walking to him and grabbing his palm.

Sam looked at you, unsure of what to do now. He felt hurt and betrayed but somehow he believed you. Maybe he was a fool now but he couldn't say that he didn't love you. He did, even this new information didn't change too much.

Sam smiled at you softly and pulled you closer to kiss your soft lips. "Shhh, little one. It's okay, I believe you."

You started crying like a baby, nuzzling to him, with your hands wrapped around his waist Inna desperate grasp. "Sam!," You mumbled. "Please! Forgive me all this, I didn't know that you'll change my life!," You eyes wet from tears you looked up at him.

Sam hugged you tightly, gently rubbing you back trying his best to calm you down. "It's okay, I forgive you. You changed my life as well, little one."

You climbed on your tiptoes and kissed him. "We need to get back to this... Fucking spoiled brat."

"I know but we will together, okay?" Sam smiled, wiping the tear off your cheek with his thumb. Before the two of you left the room Sam pulled you into one more kiss.

Soon, you and Sam got back to Rafe. You threw a man a cold glance.

"I see someone likes his whore." He laughed and shook his head. "Whatever, now listen." Rafe pointed at Sam.

---------

Rafe's plan was to go on some island he thought might be helpfull. It wasn't, Sam knew that but Rafe didn't listen. According to Adler's notes this place could be hiding some important clues and he had to get them.

So there you two were. Locked on the boat, under the deck. Only good thing in Rafe's obsession was his money. Cabin looked like a fucking hotel room. Sam didn't mind waiting here while Rafe searched the island with his men. At last he was closed with you. "You okay there?" Sam asked quietly, kissing your forehead.

You nodded. The truth was you wasn't okay at all, you were tired, exhausted after sleepless hours and Rafe's screams. But you tried to stay strong, you didn't want Sam to think you're too vulnerable.

"You think there's nothing in here?," You asked Drake.

"First of all, you are a terrible liar. I can see the tiredness in your eyes." He said, looking at you. Sam knew that those conditions weren't the best, especially for girl like you. "Second, I know there is nothing there. Avery was here but it was nothing more than a stop in his travel. Only clue that can be here is something dropped by one of his men but I doubt even this."

"What's gonna happen with us if Rafe won't get what he wants?," You asked and lied your head on the pillow on the little bed that was placed in your room. The seasickness was kicking you hard.

Sam sat down on the bed and rubbed your shoulder, trying his best to comfort you. He never planned to drag your into this but Rafe didn't give you nor him any other choice. The truth was He wasn’t completely sure himself what Rafe will do.

The moment of silence was quickly broke by Adler himself opening the dooe. "You two, out!" Rafe growled waving his gun to make you two move, he didn't look happy in one single bit.

Sam frowned at his behaviour and helped you get up and leave the boat. He looked at Rafer. "What?"

"There was NOTHING! NOTHING you hear me, huh?! You and your slut, move your asses to help me find the clue!" Rafe yelled.

Sam wanted to punch Rafe in his stupid face and run but it was a suicide taking fact Adler had some mercenaries with him. Older Drake only nodded and took your hand. "Come on, sweetheart."

As soon as your feet touched the sand, you bowed in a half and vomited, letting out a quiet whimper as you did.

One of the mercenaries approached you and hit your stomach with the riffle. "Move!," He screamed at you, and you followed the order, what else could you do?

"Rafe, please," you mumbled and grabbed man by sleeve of his luxury looking shirt. "Samuel has told you that you won't find anything on this goddamn island, he is not mistaken, trust me," you gasped.

Rafe grabbed you chin and smiled, forcing you to look at him. "Listen, love. He and his little brother wanted this treasure for themselves when we were looking for it. So no, I won't let him possibly trick me." He said and pushed you toward Sam. "Now move, I can smell your vomit."

You gasped when he pushed you, your stomach twitched and you thought for a second that you'll vomit again, yet you managed to calm yourself down.

Leg by leg, you were walking along the shoreline.

Sam patted your shoulder and smiled. "C'mon, hop on. I will carry you." He stopped and pointed at his back.

"There ya go, it will be easier for you, little one." Sam hummed as he started to walk again, making sure you won't fall down.

Soon all of you got to the place where Rafe was searching for the clues. It was a big altitude with a cave and beautiful view on the whole island and the ocean. "Inside. Just you." Rafe said, pointing at Sam.

Sam put you down carefully and kissed your forehead. "Be right back. Don't go anywhere." He winked and went inside the cave with Adler.

"Sam...," You tried to grab his hand but the man didn't stop and followed Rafe inside.

You sat in the tall grass, looking at the mercenaries that were guarding you.

---------

It took them around 30 minutes to return. Sam walked out first and immediately walked to you.

"What the fuck you mean there is fucking nothing?!" Rafe yelled full of rage. "I fucking checked the book and maps! There must be something!"

"No, there is not! I told you already! Your information were wrong! This islad has nothing to do with Avery or his men!" Sam informed Rafer with a frown.

You quickly got back to your feet and held onto Sam's shoulder. "He says the truth, Rafe. You're mistaken, there's nothing but a graveyard of ships," you added and nuzzled to Sam. Feeling his scent in your nostrils made you gasp a little, you felt safe again.

"At the same time, you don't want to tell me where to go, huh? Okay okay, fine. I know how to make you talk." Rafe smiled and then looked his men. "Grab him, give me the girl." He ordered and few man successfully separated you from Sam.

Two men held older Drake when their friend dragged you right into Rafe's paws. "Hi there, love." He purred pulling you closer to his side.

You were shaking, mostly from fear. You felt Rafe was raging with anger, he was capable of everything in such a state. "Rafe...," You cried. "What the fuck?"

"Hey, hey! Let me go, you assholes!" Sam growled, trying to free himself.

Adler chuckled at your cry. "Oh, come on, love. You are going to take a little trip." He hummed, dragging you to the cliff. Rafe bend down over the drop, holding you tightly to his chest, he whistled. "Quite the way down, right Y/N?"

You couldn't reply to his words, horror overwhelmed you, your blood turned cold and heart skipped a beat as you looked in the abyss.

Rafe pat your head and moved back to turn back to Sam, staying close to the edge. "You see, Sammy. We work for like... Two day, not to meantion the thing with your brother." He shrugged and pulled out his gun. "And I already have enough of you. First you drag in your slut, I honestly still can't believe you fall for this whore. Second, you don't even try to help me, you just follow around and fuck Y/N."Rafe ranted before pulling away from you. He held you by your hair pressing gun to your side, perfect place to hurt but not kill you immediately. "Best thing to do is... get rid of a distraction."

Sam's blood ran cold, seeing all of this. He couldn't get to you, no matter how hard he tried to free himself and he couldn't lose you. You didn't do anything. "LEAVE HER FUCKING ALONE! Send her home and I swear I will do whatever you want!" Sam yelled.

You gasped and didn't even try to hold your tears back. You knew Rafe for months now, and one thing you were pretty sure was the fact he was capable to everything to reach his goals.

You had to do something, you didn't want to sacrifice your life without fighting.

With a quick motion, you kicked back, hitting Rafe right in his knee. Unfortunately, his grasp on your hair tightened which caused you were unable to move, only sank to your knees a little when he pulled on them. "Leave me alone!," You were struggling with the man for a longer moment. Feeling the miserable position of yours, you gave upon any attempts of freeing yourself.

You raised your chin and gave a glance to Sam. "I'm sorry," you whispered. "Viva el amor," you moved your lips slightly, you weren't sure whether Sam heard you or not.

Rafe looked at your lips and smiled. "Long live the love? Aww, how cute, but you know what? You won't live long." He informed you before pulling the trigger.

A loud sound filled the air and Sam yelled your name, resuming his struggle with freeing himself but there still was no use. He wasn't able to ran to you. The view of you being shot and bleeding right in front o him made his heart break in millions of small pieces.

"Look at him, Y/N. Isn't it beautiful, man in love with a whore. Wasn't there movie like this or something?" Rafe hummed and shrugged. "Any last words, slut?"

You fully sank to your knees. The warmness started spreading all over your body, the pulsing, sharp pain in your left side was unbearable. You tried to say anything, but you were unable to form a word. Choking with your own blood, you knelt helplessly with your back facing Rafe. You slowly reached your hand towards Sam, like you'd want to touch him for the very last time. "Sam...," You mumbled, choking more. "I love...," You tried to finish your statement.

"Oh yeah, yeah. You love him, I bet he get the message. Both messages actually." Rafe rolled his eyes and pulled you up to your legs. "Now, little bird. We will see if you can fly." Rafe said with smile and simply pushed you off the cliff, ordering his men to let Sam go.

"Fuck! No, no, no! Y/N!" Sam yelled and quickly ran to the edge of the cliff. He prayed to whatever god was up there, hoping you somehow grabbed some branch or leanded on some rock shelf or whatever would save your life.

He looked right into the abyss, all he heard was your scream. Full of fear and pain. Soon it was cut off by a slam, Sam could swear he heard you little, fragile body being crush against the hard ground, breaking every little bone and tearing every inch of your soft skin.

Sam moved away from the cliff to sit on his knees, already mourning you. Rafe's laugh woken up some kind of hidden rage inside of him. Sam got back on his legs and looked at Rafe. "I am going to kill you!" He yelled, running right at his 'partner'.

Suddenly there was a bright light and people. Few of them actually, they spoke Spanish and looked like some low cost doctors. Sam wanted to sit up but the terrible pain in his left side stopped his. This wasn't right, you were the one who died, not him right?

Sam lied montionless for a few hours when he regained the control over his body and mind he realized the terrible truth.

He was in Panama, on the 'surgery' table. While the ‘doctors’ put him together after shot.

Everything that happened. You. Rafe. Freedome. His love. It was all a sick dream created by his intoxicated brain.

Sam spent fifteen years behind the bars, waiting for realise or death. Sometimes he was recalling you, especially at the nights when he felt lonely in his cell.

After those hard fifteen years Rafe indeed came to bail him out, but there was no one named Y/N. When Sam asked Rafe if he has a female friend with your name Rafe only laughed and said. "No, but don't worry. If you need to get off that much I bet I can find you prostitute with this name."

Sam wanted to cry. He really did. His brain created such a beautiful imagine, giving him hope that He can be happy for once in his whole life. Maybe to even have a family, proof to himself that he could be better than his father ever was.

Apperently his future was planed in completely different way. Sam hid his feelings deep inside and decided to get to his work.

You know the rest of Sam Drake’s story….

Do you really...?

[taliaquinn]

Infinity War

A/N     

Hiya cuties, here’s my first one shot. I hope you guys like the new series. Expect more to come. Also feel free to leave comments and asks if you guys are curious they are always welcome :). 

One thing Jason Loved about Gotham was the buildings. They were high. Jumping off of them gave him the adrenaline rush nothing else will.

Although he would never admit it he loved jumping off buildings with Dick. Ever since he was Robin he and Dick would play rooftop tag. Dick, of course, would make it difficult by jumping off roofs and creating some of the best acrobatic tricks.Of course, Jason being Jason didn’t like being shown up. He would try to recreate the stunts but unfortunately, Dick was astronomically flexible, Jason was not.

He would usually end up having to deploy his grapple early.

One very terrifying time his grapple didn't deploy and Dick wound up having to save him. Bruce was of course incredibly pissed off. They wound up having a big blow up and didn’t talk for weeks. Again. 

Dick, however, did end up taking Jason to an amusement park and treated him to ice cream. That was one of the best days ever That Jason could remember. Again he will never admit it.

Right now he was racing against Dickface to get to their motorcycles to meet up with bats and bats the second. Marinette was going to be there, she had zeta-beamed from Paris to attend the meeting.

Tony Stark disappeared in an Alien Ship above New York City. The rest of the Avengers or ex-Avengers were missing.

Batcave,Wayne Manor Gotham City,USA 4:30 a.m

“Sup Marinette, what’s our game plan for handling this??” Jason asked once they entered the cave. Marinette was still in her pajamas unlike everyone else who was in their Gear albeit mask-less.

“I tried calling Peter but according to his aunt and mom he’s missing too!!” Marinette exclaimed. Seriously what was it with that boy and his incessant need to get into trouble. He gives a bad name to bug-named superheroes.  

“Unfortunately we don’t know what has happened to the Stark boys” Bruce responded. Placing a reassuring hand on Marinettes and Tims shoulders. Both were very close friends with the spider-boy.  

“Right now we all need to go to our respective cities or superhero teams and prepare for a possible alien invasion” He continued.

The Bat computer began to beep “Guys I think the possible alien invasion started an hour ago” Oracles voice stated. “Crap for some reason our alerts didn’t respond to the breaches in the atmosphere.” 

“Where?” Batman snapped 

“Wakanda”

“The closest zeta beam is 4 hours away from Wakanda” Dick noted bringing up his wrist computer and listing zeta beam locations.

“Some of the rouge avengers are there already, allegedly,” Oracle noted.

“We won’t be of use, we have to get ready to defend the rest of earth if the fighting spreads, No one leaves Gotham, let's get prepped and split into teams” Batman ordered. 

Bruce was scared, he didn’t want to risk his kids and the last thing he wanted to do was get separated from his kids during an alien invasion.

“The majority of the fighting has decreased and most of the Aliens have been kille- HOLY CRAP the energy signature in Wakanda is off the grid!!” Oracles mechanized voice exclaimed.  Jason was cleaning all of his weapons as well as his “hood’. Marinette changed into all black outfit into some sweats. Everyone else was making sure to get prepped.

For a family worried about an alien invasion they sure seemed to be going about normal. Weirdos. 

Crash. Boom

Jason swiveled around and was startled to See Dick doubling over, Damian was frantic at his side trying to ask what was wrong with him. Crash. Jason swiveled around once again but this time he saw Cass doubling over with Bruce trying to help.

This time it was Barbara's voice that can be heard not her voice disguised as Oracle. “Guys something is seriously wrong,” 

Marinette was frantically trying to take off her earrings. Tim was helping her. Jason immediately rushed over to help Damian with Dick.

‘Grayson Speak Tell me what is wro-” Damian demanded. Jason was occupied trying to sit him up. A glance to the side revealed Bruce With Tim supporting Cass and Marinette. Jason had never seen a look like that on Bruces' face. Pain and worry etched into every crevice on his face. 

“DICK” Jason turned towards Damian's frantic cry. He was horrified to see Dick was Disintegrating. What the hell!?

“Jason” oh. Dick was talking to him and holding his shoulder. “Take care of Dami and the family” terrified blue eyes met Jasons.

“Cease that nonsense Grayson” Damian yelled while clinging to Grayson. Dick hugged him “I’m sorry” Damian lurched forward and he suddenly wasn’t clinging to anything anymore. Damian glanced at his hands wide-eyed they were covered in Ashes, Dicks ashes. Jason pulled him up and took him towards the training area and for once Damian didn't protest.

Cass And Marinette

Bruce was there covered in ash as well staring at his lap. Cass was nowhere to be seen. No. Tim was focused on Marinette, who was disintegrating as well but oddly at a slower pace. Jason immediately knelt next to her. 

“W-whats going on, i-it hu-hurts” Marinette wheezed out. She pushed her earrings towards Tim, Tikki was floating nearby terrified at the sight. No way, she couldn’t lose another one of her Ladybugs.

 Bruce was suddenly there.

“Marinette sweetie hold on hold o-please hold on” Holy crap Bruce was crying. 

Tim was frantically talking to Tikki Jason only caught snatches. Soul stone. Snap.Avengers. Dying. 

He was too focused on his baby sister who was disappearing to listen to the rest. “D-dad no, I don’t wanna go, nonononono, Jace, timmy, I don’t wanna leave” She choked out. With a gasp she finally disappeared too leaving Bruce to clutch at her ashes.

Damian was staring at the sight of his Father clutching at his sister's ashes. 

Bruce's face suddenly snapped up and he took off for a mad dash towards the steps, Tim following closely behind. Damian was too occupied staring at the spot where Dick disappeared. Jason noted that his eyes were watering. 

Take Care of Dami. Oh, screw it. Jason pulled Damian towards his chest and clutched him towards his chest. “Damian it’s okay, it’s okay I swear we are going to be fine, I promise” Damian breathing suddenly hitched and sobs started coming out. Jason couldn’t help it and allowed the water in his eyes to release as well.

Hearing footsteps he looked to the side and saw Tim was staring wide-eyed at the sight as well. Surprisingly Damian reached out and grabbed his wrist to pull him into the sob fest. Jason readjusted his grip to make space.

“Alfred's Gone,” Tim said in between sobs. “Jon, Artemis, Bizarro, Kori, Beast boy, Roy, and a good chunk of the Justice League have disappeared.” Barbara included. Jason forgot she was there. Jason hated himself at the moment. He had to let go of the group hug to go to the monitor.

If Roy was gone, who was taking care of Lian? A quick hack revealed Oliver clutching to a terrified Lian.

A second hack showed a cheerful Jon munching on a snack next to his parents who were busy typing on their laptops in a restaurant Suddenly he gasped and his granola bars fell. Clark immediately jumped up and in a few seconds Jon disintegrated into ash Lois fell after she didn't have anything to clutch. Jason cut the video feed before he looked at Lanes and Clark's reactions.

Damian was suddenly at his side. Jason heard a soft "no". Dang the poor demon brat just lost his best friend and a bunch of his more patient siblings.

Tim was off trying to help Oracle figure out how much of the superhero team disappeared. Thankfully Stephanie was spared the disappearing.

A few more video feed hacks revealed pretty much the same thing. People disintegrating in front of loved ones and even rivals. Friggin Riddler disintegrated in front of a shocked spoiler. This was happening everywhere! People suddenly turning to ash. How bad did the Avengers screw up?

Bruce was distraught. He has just lost 3 of his children all in under a minute. The only evidence left of Alfred was a pile of ashes. Bruce picked up a vase and immediately threw it towards a wall. He started throwing whatever was in arms reach. A red blur stopped him from throwing another vase.

Tikki.

“BRUCE STOP” She cried. “Don’t do this Marinette, Cass and Dick wouldn’t want you to spiral”

“Well they’re all dead aren't they?” He bit out. Bruce didn't care anymore. Screw her. How dare she. He lost so much. That darkness that had receded inside of him was coming back full force. This time he wasn’t sure if they would be able to come back. 

The loss of Dick alone is devastating. He was everyone's favourite brother. Cass was the ultimate overprotective sister, and the one that everyone was extremely protective of. Marinette was sweet and gentle, yet she still had a heart of gold. Both she and Dick were the type of people that made everyone around them fall in love with them. Alfred was his father, he stuck with him for everything

They were all gone.

Please leave notes,comments and reblogs. Hope you all enjoy.

[cno-inbminor]

inpetus

a/n: watched ‘burlesque’ today and got an idea stuck in my head!! this is the unedited result of it. 

warnings/genre: mature settings, ft. kuroo & fem!reader who’s an exotic dancer/stripper, unedited, some angst

wc: ~3.0k

-

What am I doing here?

That’s the first thought that runs through Kuroo’s mind when he walks down the concrete steps, his coat fluttering at the ends from the draft that breezes through. A small, neon arrow bolted to the brick wall offers the path to what many would consider as indulging in sin, an uncontrollable desire and want. “It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen,” his co-worker had expressed to him with wonder in his voice, one that he preferred keeping at arm’s length. “Take advantage of your bachelor days,” he had been told while clapped on the shoulder. “Being married is only fun for the first two years and then it goes to shit.”

Disgust had coursed through his veins at those words – they were greedy men who held the financial world in their hands, convinced into a delusion that nothing in the world could measure to their expectations. Constantly complaining about how their partners were never good enough, weren’t pretty enough, didn’t have the right body type, were too busy bitching at them for leaving their sock strewn around the house, their list of demands went on and on. Kuroo, only 25 years of age, felt lucky to be a consultant at a world-renowned investment firm in Tokyo where every morning, he rides an elevator 45 floors up through a fiberglass and steel skyscraper in one of his many tailored suits and sits at a desk by the window. At any point, he can stand from his chair and gaze out towards a wonderous view of the city with a cup of tea in hand, ignoring how ironic it seems to be when the higher the floor, the more entrenched they are in the smog.

Kuroo hadn’t meant to reveal that he might have been feeling a little lonely. He had some sake running through his veins when his co-workers pressed on as to why he didn’t have a partner or someone to go home to every night, and after kindly but vehemently refusing their offers to set up blind dates for him, they had spoken to him of the place. An environment underground that made you feel alive, that reminded you of the unspoken beauty in the mundane of everyday life, that left your soul winded at the fact that such a place could exist on this earth. “You should go when you’re feeling down, if you catch my drift,” the main proposer of this new adventure had snickered, elbowing the man on the other side. “It’ll be worth the money.”

Part of him felt shy once he had slipped through the metal door, coming to a stop at a stand with a woman, a guard, a red velvet rope, and blackout curtains. Kuroo took a cursory look at the sign and pulled out the exact cash he needed for the cover fee, a heftier one than usual, according to his co-workers. The woman thanked him sultrily, nodding to the guard to grant him access. When the velvet rope was unhooked and the curtains pulled back, Kuroo stepped into a new world.

The dark shadow from the entrance had been replaced with soft lights of crimson and chateau rose, blending in with icy hues of blue. Faux-crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling in the faintest royal yellow, yet they were second to the harsh colors on the stage before him. Granted, there were numerous round tables before him, but with no desire to be seen as the poor, nervous newbie, he sat at one that wasn’t directly by the stage, but wasn’t too far from it either.

Part of him had expected the air to be filled with smoke and fumes of alcohol, yet instead, there was a hint of something floral. Whatever it was, it had instantly relaxed his nerves and put him at ease. He had only been sitting for a few minutes when a waitress came into his view to take his drink order. Naturally, she was gorgeous, her outfit shaping her curves sensuously and slightly revealing, yet leaving just enough skin covered to be desired. He gives a side-thought on how his co-workers would have commented on her being an ultimate tease, but wipes it from his brain as he orders a glass of cabernet sauvignon. She scribbles it down on a notepad before giving him another look, slightly tilting her head to take him in.

“Is it your first time here?” She enquires in a genuinely curious tone. Kuroo is thankful that it’s too dark for her to see the faint blush on his face as he nods. At first, he’s worried she’ll poke fun a little bit, but instead he’s given a warm, inviting smile. “In that case, welcome to the Covet Noir. You’re in luck today, one of our best dancers is showing her new routine tonight. When she’s done, I’ll let her know to give you a special visit. It’s something we do for any new clients.”

“Oh, that won’t be necessary,” Kuroo immediately replies. “I’m just…observing today?”

“Very well then. She’ll want to come, but you have every right to refuse. Though, after you watch her…I’m sure you won’t want to,” she says cheekily, sending him a quick wink before weaving between the tables towards the bar. Kuroo focuses on the stage again where a few men and women seem to be freestyling to some faint jazz over the speakers, some by poles and others with just the floor. They seem to be at varying stages of nudity, though none were fully nude. Their styles of dancing seemed to cater specifically to the audiences nearest them, accepting the tips given.

The waitress returns with his libation, silently setting it before him with a square napkin. He pulls out a couple large bills and hands it to her, to which she thanks him for and pockets it in her waist apron he didn’t notice last time. As if on cue, the jazz ends and the dancers saunter off stage, their hips swaying as they disappear into the darkness. A soft tenor speaks into a microphone somewhere off-stage.

“Ladies and gentleman, thank you for joining us this evening. I hope you enjoyed our wonderful dancers just now – aren’t they absolutely riveting?”

His pause leaves enough time for the patrons to give a polite applause, though some were more bold in their praise with short ‘whoops’ and affirmations. “We’re glad to hear that,” the tenor continues. “Now, with a new performance she’s been working on, please welcome our one and only, Camellia.”

The overhead lights are shining on the stage once again, though the red seems more harsh and daring. He and the other clients give a small applause as the sound of heels clicks against the stage, and everybody seems to be waiting with bated breath. The anticipatory air overwhelms him as the clicks come to a stop and suddenly, a bright spotlight is cast center stage.

You, Camellia, stand just inches away from another male – while the male is rigid and muscular in all the right places, you are more soft and highlighted in curves, body in a knee-length dress the color of Kuroo’s wine that possesses a slit that’s dangerously close to the top of her right thigh. Even from Kuroo’s distance, he can see your lipstick in the very shade of the blood that runs through their veins and the dark, winged eyeliner.  

Low string instruments creep into the speakers in a familiar tune, followed by the sharp entrance of a contrasting soprano note played by a violin. Your movements are quick and crisp, yet your body seems to always be moving, sensuous and delicately smooth. Kuroo is absolutely enraptured already, his body already leaning forward and wine forgotten. As much as he despises his co-workers’ lustful habits and thoughts, they were right about one thing: the beauty in everyone’s dancing is unlike anything he’s ever seen.

His eyes never leave your figure, subconsciously encoding every movement into his brain. It isn’t until about halfway through your routine that he feels his mouth is dry, and even as he lifts his glass to his lips to let the bitter liquid slide down his throat, he makes an effort to never miss a second. At one point, you are facing his direction and Kuroo finally understands the meaning of the waitress’s words: your eyes, the shape of them, the color, the intensity and fire in them, he feels as if he’s ready to jump into them, willing to be consumed by the flames. But you are turned away and spun into your partner’s arms, hands splayed over his shoulders as his own creep down the arch of your back.

El Tango de Roxanne, Kuroo finally recalls the name of the song playing, though it’s a slightly altered instrumental version of it. He had been roped into watching Moulin Rouge many years ago by an ex-girlfriend in high school, who had showered praises on the scene for this song. While he couldn’t match her enthusiasm at the time, he had understood her reasons. Yet with the current performance before him, he would argue that this is more beautiful, even without all the aesthetic cinematic cuts.  

Before he knows it, the routine is done and he’s clapping along with the other clients. It’s almost thunderous, and Kuroo takes a quick look around him, only to notice that the space had filled up significantly since he had arrived. Yet many were beginning to trickle out as the lights dim again and an ambient jazz song washes over them. Kuroo contemplates on leaving, the waitress’s words echoing in the chambers of his brain. He’s so focused on his decision-making that he doesn’t notice the star of the show making their way to his table.

“I’ve been told you’re new here,” you interrupt his thoughts, donned in a silk robe and hair undone from the bun it had been in. Kuroo startles and looks up towards you incredulously, a whirl of shock and embarrassment and being caught off-guard stewing in his gut. Your eyes seem frozen on him and somewhat mirror his emotions, but they quickly soften. Kuroo watches you slide into the seat next to him, your robe slipping off a shoulder and revealing the black lacy bralette you’re wearing. He finds himself gulping as inconspicuously as possible, directing his gaze towards your face that’s currently grinning at him.

“Do you need help speaking?” You ask with a teasing lilt. Your voice strikes triggers a feeling of déjà vu within him.

“I’m sorry, I suppose I was still thinking about your performance,” he musters out, desperate to save some reputation he believes he has. “Am I allowed to buy you a drink? As a way of saying thank you?”

“Normally, yes,” you reply, your tone now gentle and calming. “I’m not quite in the mood for a drink right now, but maybe next time. You came on a good night.”

“The waitress told me the same thing,” he chuckles, fingers sliding his wine glass in a circle against the tablecloth. “You’re a wonderful dancer. Do all of you have stage names as flowers?”

“Most of us, but some others wanted a different stage name.”

“Do you dance here full time?”

You shake your head. “Only part time. Something I like doing, as well as earn some extra money on the side.”

“Ah, I see.”

Silence falls over you two. However, you sigh and begin to stand from your chair. Of course, Kuroo would rather you not leave, but you have other clients to visit, and this was only a one-time special conversation for a new visitor.

“Will you be coming again?” You ask gently, as if you’re worried this’ll be the last time you see him. Your tone surprises him – he feels wanted, he feels like you, specifically, want him to return to this underground escape. But he knows he’s not special, that it’s just business for people like him to fall to your siren calls.

“Maybe,” he smiles. You step closer and into his personal space, causing him to twist slightly so he’s more directly facing you. Even though he’s sitting, with his height, you’re barely towering over him. He only needs to tilt his chin up a little bit to meet your gaze, trying not to flinch when you place a hand on his thigh. Once again, your eyes trigger something within him – in most circumstances, he would probably be feeling unsure of what to do. Yet now, he feels comfortable, as if this is something he normally experiences.

“I hope to see you come back then,” you murmur, in a way that’s only reserved for this job, before pulling back, your hand lingering on his thigh. Kuroo remembers his manners and hands you a few large bills, more than what he had given the waitress. You take them between your right index and middle fingers and tuck them into your bralette. “Thank you.”

“Thank you,” he replies as you saunter away. He downs the rest of the contents in his glass before moving to pay his tab at the bar counter. Soon after, he’s greeted by the black curtains once more, the guards letting him through and past the red velvet rope. As he steps into the night air with his coat shrugged on, he feels the stark contrast between the world behind him and the one in front. The floral scent has been replaced with the city air, his nose wrinkling at the stale cigarette smell mixed with general pollution.

About an hour later, he’s in bed back in his modest, minimalistic apartment, his two-year old cat stretched out in the space between his arm and the side of his chest. Donned in nothing but briefs and gym shorts, Kuroo stares at the ceiling, reliving the memories as much as possible. Your dance, the passion, the atmosphere, it had been something he thoroughly enjoyed, much to his chagrin. He wish it hadn’t been his co-workers who introduced him, but perhaps he was somewhat thankful for them.

In sleep, he dreams vividly. He’s suddenly back in Nekoma High School, red jersey and shorts on his figure, walking a cart of volleyballs past a cheering audience. His eyes are searching the stands for someone, landing on a girl donned in his spare jersey. He feels his mouth split open into a cocky grin, but it falls when he sees the face on the girl. Your eyes, the winged eyeliner, the lips blood-red, cheering for him—

And he’s thrown into the next sequence.

This time, he’s in a café, one he recognizes to be close to his parent’s home. He’s in a casual button down and jeans, sleeves neatly rolled up past his elbows. His foot taps against the ground and he feels the sensation of waiting for someone, eyes shifting between the window and his phone screen. Familiar hands cover his eyes and he finds himself playing along. “Ah, who could it be?”

“Who else would it be?”

The words are spoken in your voice, the same softness with the slight lilt, and he’s turning abruptly to look at this girl. Once again, those eyes, the makeup, your lips—

Yanked into the next sequence.

He’s sitting on the couch in front of his TV – his parents are gone, and he assumes it’s his ex-girlfriend that’s got her shoulders with his arm slung over. A movie plays on the screen as the girl munches on popcorn from the bowl in her lap.

“Tetsu, you have to pay attention to this scene, okay? It’s genius,” she says excitedly, shifting closer to him. Kuroo plants a kiss on top of her hair as he focuses on the movie, looking out for this clip that she seems so passionate about.

But his eyebrows furrow when the beginnings of El Tango de Roxanne begin to play, dancers on a large stage with Ewan McGregor’s face cutting in.

“First, there is desire. Then, passion. Then, suspicion. Jealousy, anger, betrayal! Love is for the highest bidder, there is no trust. Without trust, there is no love!”

A wave of affection for this girl washes over him as she sings along, her voice attempting to match the intensity of the man’s on the screen. Instead, it only comes off as absolutely adorable to him, and he gives her a tight squeeze. The rest of the scene passes by in a blur, but he feels impressed, the pain of Ewan’s character, the dreadful chill that ran down his body.

“That’s probably the best part of the movie,” she sighs happily. “Do you agree? How freakin’ genius it is?”

“I can see it, yeah,” he laughs, looking down at her. But for the third time, it’s your face, your features, your hair—

He sits up abruptly, startling his cat and causing it to give him a sleepy yowl. His chest is heavy and panting as his brain trudges through the visions, his dreams playing on the back of his eyelids. His body falls back and his head hits the pillow, an arm strung across his eyes. One night and you’re already haunting your dreams, but why? Why was he so comfortable with you? Why did the song take him back to happier times? Why was it that your eyes made such a deep impression on him? Why…

His eyes snap open. It hits him like a ton of bricks. The breath is removed from his lungs and he can’t believe it.

Camellia is you. You are his ex-girlfriend.

A pain wrenches his heart, twisting it horribly so. Feelings that he had long buried, memories he had long filtered and filed away, were all swimming to the surface again – he almost wanted to scream or cry, he wanted to run to a court and jump serve balls until his arm falls off and his legs fail him, he—

After all this time, he opens the lid on a truth he wishes he didn’t know: in all these years, he was still in love with you.

And even now…he still does.

[fortune-fool02]

The Power of Respect

Caesar Zeppeli x Gender neutral Pillarman reader

Requested by: anonymous

This is the first Pillarman reader request I have had so forgive me if I get it wrong. Please enjoy.

Deep rumbles shook the stone structure of the building, cracks running up and down the walls, spreading off like branches as pieces began to fall. Caesar -drained and balancing on the brink of life and death- awaited his fate, praying that his death would not be in vain. 

The growing shadow of the rock consumed him, ready to erase his existence off the face of the Earth. As the rock’s rough texture brushed against his blonde locks, it stopped. Wamuu’s eyes widened slightly at this, noticing how the large rock seemed to be stung up by some form of thread like a spider’s but far more stronger than anything a spider could create. His eyes followed the threads to its source, seeing a figure standing among the shadows, away from the glaring sunlight.

“Wamuu.” the figure spoke, their voice carrying a darkness to it that made the shadows seem bright. He fell to his knees, head low as he bowed before the figure, recognising the power behind their voice without needing to see their face. 

“Master [Name], it’s an honour to see you in person again.” The [Hair colour] figure approached, the threads connected to their fingertips glimmered softly in the dim light. Their expression hollow, unreadable, as they took in Wamuu’s injured form and then the blonde man. With a wave of their hand, the threads threw the large rock away from the man -Caesar, if they heard correctly- and examined him. Blood pooled around him as he held onto the thread of life. 

“If I may, Master, what are you doing?” he asked, watching as their hand waved over Caesar’s wounds, each one knitting itself together with the threads that fell from their fingertips. 

“This human has a mastery of Hamon I have not seen in many moons. Why extinguish such a bright, burning flame when you can keep the fire alive?” 

Unlike the other Pillar Men, [Name] wished to preserve life as it was. Mastery of Hamon may be something to fear for their kind but there was a beauty of this that they wished to keep for themself. Of course, Kars would refuse this and terminate the man himself if he found out.  

[Name] was always a child in his eyes, no matter what they did. That was wrong, [Name] understood the value of something. If all Hamon Masters were wiped out then the art itself would cease to exist. A lost art never to be found again. Like them. If the Pillar men were all killed then the world would never see their kind again. 

That was why [Name] healed Caesar, and took him with them. 

***

When Caesar had awoken, he believed he was dead. His lungs burned but no where near as bad as it did during his battle with Wamuu. That was when he shot upright, only to groan in pain from his wounds. Wait, if he was dead, why could he still feel pain? 

“Usually humans don’t awaken so earlier after being healed.” Caesar turned to see the [Hair colour] figure sitting close to where he laid. Their outfit they dawned was similar to that of the Pillar men, their [Skin colour] skin decorated in markings and patterns that Caesar had never seen before. 

A Pillarman. This person was a Pillarman!

“Don’t fret, human. I have little interest in your demise.” Caesar glared at them, not trusting their word. [Name] turned their attention from their book to him, “If I did, I would have let that rock crush you.” They could see the confusion glow in Caesar’s eyes. Setting the book down, they turned to him. 

“I can sense your confusion. You have three questions, and only three.” Caesar blinked, the hostility in his aura fading somewhat upon noticing the lack of hostility in [Name]’s aura. His eyes fell down to his healing wounds. 

“Who are you? Where’s JoJo and Coach Lisa Li-” [Name] held their hand up, silencing him. 

“Only three questions. Choose them wisely.” Caesar stopped and thought. He needed to choose his questions carefully and not blunder out useless ones. But, for his first question, there was too much curiosity.

“Who are you?” he asked, his tone set in a way that told them that that was his first question. 

“I am [Name], one of the ‘Pillar men’ as you humans call us. Before you ask, no, I have no desire nor wish to follow Kars or Esidisi. Think of me as a lone rouge, of sorts.” They spoke, reassuring Caesar of any fear he may have had of their connections. In truth, [Name] didn’t share the perceptive that Kars did therefore, had no quarrel against humans. 

Caesar took in this information. There was a sense of power radiating from this Pillar man but... it wasn’t as dark nor twisted as the others. if anything, it was calm. No, he couldn’t allow himself to be tricked. Taking a breath, Caesar focused his Hamon to his hands to summon his bubbles only for nothing to happen. 

His eyes widened, shock setting in as he tried again, and again, and again to earn the same result each time. His Hamon... 

“You can no longer use your Hamon abilities.” he snapped his head up at [Name]. “You sustained fatal wounds to many sections of your body, your lungs being one of them. It took quite some of my ability to heal your lungs but you are incapable of using Hamon again.” Just by his eyes alone, [Name] could see that this was a horrible truth for him. 

And it was so. The Zeppeli family were proud of their Hamon and now, Caesar could not use it. That linked to his second question. 

“Why did you save me, if your one of those Pillarmen?” [Name] leaned against the wall, the shadows dancing across their body, their entire demeanour seemed calm and relaxed, and that almost unsettled Caesar. 

“I saved your life because, much to Kars’ opinions, I do not wish to see the art of Hamon be lost.” they answered, catching Caesar off-guard. Why would something that can be killed by Hamon wish to keep the very weapon alive? Many would do everything in their power to destroy the sole thing that can kill them. “Hamon is an art, a technique that few humans can master. And from your impressive display against Wamuu, you had a mastery over it in such a unique way that I had never seen before.” 

In truth, the fact this man’s Hamon ability was expressed through bubbles did amaze [Name]. In their years of battling Hamon Masters, they always flowed their ability through swords or other weapons like that, so for them to see something as strange as bubbles caught their interest. Sad that they would never see it again due his the injuries of his lungs.

Caesar’s gaze fell down for a moment. He had one last question and he had to make it count. What did this Pillarman intend to do with him now that he no longer could use Hamon? He looked up at their [Eye colour] orbs that seemed to glow in a way no human’s ever could. It was beautiful in the sense of way that the glowing moon was beautiful against a star-filled night or the colours thrown during a sunset. 

“What do you intend to do with me?” There, his final question. [Name] crossed one leg over the other, their arms folding over their chest. 

“Once your wounds have fully recovered, I will release you.” they answered. “From one warrior to another, I have the upmost respect for your creativity in battle, your resilience and your determination. The fact that you had almost killed Wamuu is no easy task and deserves the respect expected for a human to battle against something close to a God.” 

With that, [Name] rose from their seat and stood in front of Caesar before lowering themself to their knee, head low in a bow. Caesar blinked, shock and surprise filling his body at this. This Pillarman was sparing his life -no, they saved his life- because they respected his talent of Hamon and determination of his human soul. He didn’t believe such a thing was capable for these things. 

Slowly, Caesar rose from his seat and lowered himself down their level, also bowing to them. “As a way to express my gratitude for saving my life, I thank you for it.” Both rose up and Caesar saw a smile on the Pillarman’s lips. Not a malicious one like Kars’ had nor a pitiful one Wamuu had, but a genuine smile. 

For a moment, he felt all suspicion fade from his body. This [Hair colour] individual was unlike their brethren and that could be a good thing. 

[everlarkbirthdaygifts]

Happy Birthday, elricsister!

Apologies for the delay, @elricsister​ (my bad!). We hope you had a wonderful day yesterday, surrounded by loved ones, and topped off with delicious cake! To bring your party back, the lovely @historywriter2007 has written a story just for you!

A/N: Happy Birthday Elricsister!  I hope you are having a great day! I had you for the Secret Santa exchange and had an idea for this one, but I went with the more Christmasy prompt. I’m glad I got to put this together for you.  I choose the song El Tango de Roxanne from Mulan Rouge, I thought it sounded angsty enough for an enemies to lovers story. Hope you enjoy it.

Two to Tango

Rated T (suggestive)

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

Katniss took a deep breath as the other team finished their act, of course, they would go last, just one more way this entire situation screwed her over. It had been her second season as a dancer on Dancing with the Capital. She was thankful for the opportunity to be on the show, especially since it paid for her sister to go to college and for once they both had plenty. Unlike many of the other dancers, Katniss had to rely on herself to learn since she had to quit lessons at 11-years-old when her father died. At least she had enough of a base to continue, not to mention the Capital loved a survival story, as the producers put it. She should have known things would not be in her favor when it was announced that the powers that be wanted to add a show to the very end of their season.

Less than a week before they pulled everyone together to announce the additional episode, it would be a dance-off between the dancers, instead of the Capital darlings. They would all be paired at random, then given the song, it would be up to them to come up with the dance. The winners would get a bonus, something Katniss would be able to put away for Prim to use. She quietly prayed to be set up with anyone besides him, but of course, the first two names picked were Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.  

It wasn’t that she didn’t like Peeta, in fact, she hated Peeta. He had started the same year she did, and at first, she thought they could be friends, but he showed his strips in the first few weeks. As soon as his dance partner, Cashmere showed up. He also bragged about the new movie deal he had received, some stupid action movie where he would undoubtedly show off his muscular arms and chiseled stomach, not that she noticed any of that. Things only got worse when Haymitch, one of the producers, showed up to tell them what song they had to dance to. El Tango De Roxanne, they thought it would be great to do a nod to “Old Hollywood” since he was now going to be a movie star. Haymitch reminded them that the Tango was filled with passion, and hatred would be just fine, then he laughed as Katniss scowled at him, apparently, everyone knew how much they hated each other.

She felt his presence before he spoke, “Do you want me to say something to piss you off before we go out there? You seem to do better when you’re especially angry at me.”

Katniss turned to look at him, for a moment she forgot herself as she took in his outfit. Black pants that stretched over his strong thighs, she was sure his ass looked great too, and a white shirt with only a couple of buttons done. Her eyes finally reached his face and found his giving her a smirk, “Just you being here is enough to piss me off.”

The could hear the judges telling Clove and Cato how they had done, any moment they would be introduced. Peeta’s face seemed to soften a bit, “One more time? For the crowd?”

She smiled back and nodded just as their names were announced, not giving her the time to think about how his eyes seemed to carry a bit of sadness.

Katniss stood in the center of the dancefloor, trying not to feel embarrassed. One more thing she hated, her outfit. It was little more than a corset with a small skirt and fishnet tights. The music started and she felt Peeta come up behind her, just as the practiced. The moves in the dance were passionate, angry and sensual. She had to admit, Haymitch was right, her anger seemed to work just fine with the Tango and especially with the song they choose.  Doing some happy Jitterbug dance would have never worked for them. Enemies would have a really hard time acting happy.

They danced their hearts out, even though she was sure Peeta didn’t need the bonus he at least seemed to want to win this competition. Maybe it was because it was his last night. The final moves put Katniss fully at his mercy, one wrong move and he could drop her, but it was flawless. The judges praised the dance giving them 9’s and a highly coveted 10, meaning their score was the highest. All the dancers came to the stage for the announcement, Katniss and Peeta had won! Katniss jumped into his arms, hugging him before she could register what she had done. The moment his arms wrapped around her, without the guise of a dance move, she felt a spark run through her. She quickly stepped back, and they said thank you’s before leaving the stage.

Peeta walked with Katniss toward the dressing rooms. When she got to her door he stopped her. “I’m glad we got to dance together. I’m not sure why you hate me so much, but I just wanted to let you know I never disliked you. Good luck Katniss.” He turned and Katniss watched him walk to his room.

She stormed through her door, how dare he do this on his last night. Why wouldn’t she hate him, he was just like the Capital Darlings he danced with, manipulative and full of himself. She still remembered the way Cashemer looked straight at her when she announced she and Peeta had taken their “friendship” to the next level. She never thought someone like him would sleep his way to the top, she was wrong about him. Katniss then started noticing the little things, how he would whisper to others, many times looking her way. He was just like so many of the others that wrote her off as less than worthy of her job.

Katniss’s hair now hung loosely behind her, removed from the updo next she ripped off her outfit and put on a t-shirt and yoga pants, then to remove the pounds of makeup they always seemed to put on her. All the while she was getting angrier, why was he doing this now?

Against her better judgment, she stalked the three doors down and banged on Peeta’s door. She had to know what he was up to. Peeta’s blue eyes widen comically when he saw who was knocking. She noticed he had changed into jeans and a grey t-shirt already and took the gel from his hair, allowing his wavy hair to fall onto his forehead.

“Katniss, is everything alright?” He asked.

She glared at him, he honestly seemed sincere in his question. “Why did you tell me all of that?”

Peeta moved to the side and motioned for her to come in, she guessed he didn’t want a fight to get posted to the internet and cause issues for either of them. He closed the door and turned back to her. “I don’t know what I did, but I know you hate me and after a while, I just figured it would be easier for me to dislike you as well. The thing is no matter how much I tried I couldn’t. I’m sure I came off as more of an asshole than I meant, I just felt like I was being forced to go so far from how I really felt.”

“How did you really feel?” She whispered, afraid of what she’d find out.

Peeta’s shoulders deflated. “I like you and have from the day we met. But all of a sudden you changed and I didn’t know how to react. Self-preservation won out.”

Katniss shook her head, she couldn’t be hearing him right. “But you were with Cashmere, she made it a point to tell me all about it. Then your whispering with everyone behind my back.”

Peeta gave her a puzzled look, “What are you talking about? I’ve never done anything besides dance with Cashmere, in reality, she drove me nuts.”

“She told a few of us you did, she looked right at me when she did.” Katniss spit back, she was angry again.

Peeta raised his hands in surrender, “I swear I never touched her in any way that wasn’t professional.” Then realization came over his face. “She must have found out.”

“Found out what?” Katniss demanded.

“That I had a crush on you. She tried to get with me, but I didn’t take the bait. She must have done this to hurt me and you.” Peeta slowly reached for her hand, giving her plenty of time to pull it away. When she didn’t he rubbed his thumb over her knuckles and looked her straight in the eyes. “I swear on everything that I never did anything with her. I only wanted you, even when you made it apparent you wanted nothing to do with me, I couldn’t get passed it.”

Katniss narrowed her eyes for a moment as she tried to analyze everything he was saying. Had she really been that wrong about him? “And the whispering?”

“Some of the guys knew about my crush too or at least figured it out. They would try to get me to talk to you so I could fix it. Anytime I tried though you glared at me and I was too afraid.” Peeta spread his legs a bit so he could be closer to face level with her. “I’m leaving here soon, if you never want to see me again that’s fine but I don’t want you to leave thinking something that’s not true.”

Katniss looked him straight in the eyes, she always felt she was a good judge of if people were lying, it came from her rough childhood, and what she saw changed everything. “I don’t want that. I...maybe we could.” she couldn’t find the words, those were never her thing, instead she leaned in and kissed him.

His shock was apparent as he stumbled back into the door, breaking the kiss. She pulled back mortified that she had read it all wrong. He said he had a crush in the past, not that it was still there, especially after the way she’d treated him. Before she could apologize he regained his composure and put his hands on each side of her face and kissed her again. She felt the kiss flow through her body to her curled toes. She pulled him closer and could feel the effect she was having on him. A few steps away was the small couch, she lowered herself down pulling him with her. It was awkward, given his size and the size of the couch. It wasn’t going to work, but she wanted more.

He pulled back and pushed some of her hair behind her ear while giving her a sweet smile. “I want you, but not here, not like this.” He kissed her gently once more as if to make sure she believed him. “Come back to my place, I’ll cook for you and we can go from there. No expectations, just dinner.”

Katniss smiled, “That sounds nice.” He grabbed his wallet and keys, then walked her to her dressing room to get her bag. As they left she grabbed his hand, she’d already decided, they’d wasted enough time, tonight was all theirs.

[randbwrite]

La Comtesse Chronicles Chapter 5 Part 2

Words: 1467

CW: Vampires

TW: Blood

B:

The flight was unlike anything either had ever experienced. It was a marvel, seeing the world from a new perspective. Who can put it into words? Or paint a masterpiece capturing just how small and insignificant one feels when seeing how small they were in the greater scheme? Yet every life they passed over would continue on their way, utterly oblivious to the circumstances of their world at large. Inspiring and humbling simultaneously. 

It also made for a splendid distraction from what would be waiting for them, or Cal in particular.

He was used to people hating him; really Derrick was the only person who’d so much as tolerated the scoundrel, with his own mentor ready to strangle him after a few years. The Citadel may have been a death trap waiting to happen, but he knew every inch of the place and how to survive it. This whole experience would be brand new...and they’re all vampires, he assumed. Ones who knew what they were doing with their abilities, if the two he’d seen on the battlefield were any indication. 

Frak it all, get a grip! Since when did he fret about new adventures? He was constantly going into dangerous situations, usually with the intent to kill someone. That aspect was already out of the way! Technically. Which was why everyone would be looking to take his head. You know, entering castles tended to be easier when nobody knew anything about him...but this newness wasn’t all bad. Though saying it out loud would be impossible, he was especially glad for Derrick coming along. The man had been dealt a bad hand...or more accurately an entire deck of darkness. About time he got a break. The...former(?) assassin would figure things out. 

Like wrapping his head around a change of occupation and address all in one day. Oh yeah, and classification? Vampire? There wasn’t any quibbling about that terminology, not after what he’d seen. ...That and the fangs emerging all too easily with the thought of food. He was guessing his usual fare of oranges wasn’t going to cut it either. This strange thirst was beginning to press more insistently at his tolerance for hunger. He wasn’t sure how he felt about...drinking blood. Best to use this time to think it over. Or there’s what he should have done. Never mind! Avoidance it was then! 

.... 

Yeahhh...the reception was about as frigid as one might expect. 

But staring at those doors, seeing someone else answer them and feeling the finality in the sound of them closing behind...none of this may feel real yet, but it was starting to sink in. 

For once, Cal didn’t have a quip questioning the formality, or lack thereof, from the butler. Suppose when one’s a vampire, a few details such as tone weren’t worth quibbling over. Not that he could fault the man his frost. Definitely blaming any failing in the attempts at levity on distracting levels of thirst...and less on the array of Antarctic level temperatures being directed at the pair. Least he wasn’t so pitiful Derrick felt the need to put an arm on his shoulder...ah, never mind. Okay, so he waited till they were out of sight. Small mercies. No one followed them, seeming content to wait for dinner to begin the grilling. 

When Cal floated the suggestion he might take his meal in his room, the words faltered before being fully formed. Dude may have been a butler, but Sebastian could give the assassins a run for their money in the intimidation factor. Got it. No avoiding this. 

Didn’t seem to matter how good Cal was at hiding things, Derrick always saw through it. Annoying...and helpful. The bandages came off from around his rib cage, gnarly bruising explaining stiff movement. Course, Derrick was decked out with his own variety of colors as well. The two made quite the pair, each helping the other with clothes a bit restrictive for current predicaments, but they certainly looked a sight better than their former, somewhat tattered options. 

In the end, the jacket rounding off the outfit refused to stretch over the mountain’s shoulders, threatening to burst down the center seam if Derrick so much as flexed and it had to be left behind. Cal assured him this was just fine...and not to think about it too much. They’d be having more important things occupying their minds shortly anyway. 

.... 

The atmosphere at the table was one of downright hostility, though Comtesse’s appearance was enough to take nearly everyone’s breath away. Derrick had zero trouble catching names, though none of them outside of Napoleon and Jean were familiar to him. Generals and emperors were names that circulated the Citadel; a vague curiosity as to what was happening in the outside world frequently getting the better of him. The animosity didn’t phase him; being the focus of disdain and ridicule was his normal as well. A polite nod and unaffected smile greeted every member, whether returned or ignored. 

For Cal, despite a number of them being famous during or after this current time, they all rang bells. Though with the exception of Dazai, and admittedly the rest were very distant memories he hadn’t dredged up for over a decade. Lot of water under that bridge. And bodies. His expression was one of his typical jester’s grin, the nerves bunched up and singing with no place to go being tightly reigned in. She’d told the residents there was no harm to be done, but he knew rather personally how powerful a desire for vengeance tended to inspire people to action. 

Just maybe not at the dinner table? One can hope. 

“Right! Famous lads from history, eh? If I’d have known the great Napoleon Bonaparte was on the battlefield, I might’ve brought more darts! Course, I thought you’d be shorter an’ all. Inferno or not, you’re reasonably impressive!” 

Derrick could’ve groaned, however if he said he hadn’t anticipated this happening it would’ve been a lie. Leave it to Cal to get the elephant out of the way first thing. Scratch that, Cal would ride the elephant around the room whooping and hollering. 

“We are indebted to your graciousness for freeing us from that place, and accepting us into your home. It may be a moment before I can formulate questions, in the meantime if I can answer anything for you?” 

There were two conversations taking place, one, civilized and calm between Derrick, Comtesse, and whoever was listening to that particular discussion. The second consisting of Cal, Arthur, Theo, Napoleon, and Mozart...mostly in fortissimo. There was a hard glint in Cal’s emeralds, a closing down as he deflected queries calling into question his sanity, morals, and parenting. Shakespeare watched both conversations with avid interest, muttering things to himself while a smile played about his face. 

One thing stood out above the bickering, the scent of rouge putting a crease between Cal’s brows he wasn’t sure what to do with. “Your Comtesse was another job. There was nothing more to it. Take it as personally as you like, she’s important to ya.” (You don’t have the first possible inkling how many people I’ve killed who were important to someone.) That’s why he’d personally taken to not have anyone important to him. Till Derrick took that personal and became someone important. One day he’d recall how the frak that had happened...  ”All I’ve got to offer is my word. I won’t be raising a hand against her from here out. Same goes for any of you all either. Take it or leave it, that’s how it is.”

More of a promise than he’d ever given out before. Even Derrick hadn’t gotten that, understood or not. They both knew, in the Citadel you did what you had to. Avoiding being put in a bad situation was the only way to go; it was why no one had seen them together, let alone knew they were friends. 

The rouge was practically taunting him now. The smell was all too familiar, memories kept locked up tight creeping along the edges. Eat or wither away. Great options. His fangs and throat had specific ideas and didn’t like being ignored. Words dried up along with the inhibition. If he hadn’t have outed himself already, the reaction to his first conscious topping of blood would do it. Revulsion, not for the beverage ingested but for everything that peculiar scent of copper brought back with it, transformed his features from the devil-may-care rascal into a man haunted 

The smile turned fractured façade wouldn’t fool anyone. His question posed for la Comtesse was quiet, the din at the table keeping its animated dissection of actions taken pointedly ignored.

“However did you manage to wrangle a wormhole anyway, swee—Comtesse?”

[andinewton]

A MisunDateStanding

So, this story has been in my head for weeks!  I finally finished it after starting it and forgetting I had done so!  Big Big Big thanks to @fuwafuwagem​ for reading it for me!

Fandom:  Mr Love: Queen’s Choice

Pairing: Victor/MC

Warnings: None.  Unless you really have a phobia of misunderstandings...

A MisunDateStanding

Dinner.  Tomorrow night.  8pm.

The text was as direct and to the point as the man sending it, Victor’s brusque yet efficient manner coming across easily with the link to the restaurant.  Yet those three sentences were enough to send you into a panic.  You had had four more days to turn in your latest report, two of them being the weekend when you had planned to shut off your phone and concentrate on it fully, but now you had less than forty-eight hours!  What was he thinking?  You were sure he liked giving you extra pressure just to see you fail.  His logic that you should work well under pressure was absolutely ridiculous!  And to make things worse, the restaurant was exceedingly high class, meaning you had to somehow find an outfit that met standards for both the setting and a business meeting.

‘I’ll fix the outfit, you get on with the report.’  Anna promised you, patting your shoulder from where you sat at your desk with your face pressed against the surface.

‘He’s trying to kill me, I swear.’  Your muttered voice came from the surface.  ‘He wants to see me try so hard I have a heart attack.’

‘Less complaining, more typing.’  She pushed your laptop until it bumped gently against your head.  ‘I promise you will look fabulous, just make sure you have something to hand over.  There’s only so far an outfit will take you with the CEO from hell.’

You took a deep breath as you pushed yourself upright, pulling your laptop towards you.  ‘Okay, I can do this.’

‘You can.  I’ll get Minor to bring you a coffee.’  She replied as she went for the door.  ‘Redirect your calls to Kiki and, for the love of God, concentrate!’

‘Anna?’  You looked up as she was about to close the door.

‘Yes?’

‘I think I’m going to need some new shoes as well.’  You smiled apologetically.

‘A whole outfit, got it.’  She nodded pulling the door behind her.

‘Anna?’  You called again.

‘What now?’  She gave you a stern look.

‘Thank you.’

Her face slipped into a smile.  ‘Get to work.’

You nodded to yourself as the door closed.  You wouldn’t let anyone down.

You exited the elevator and approached the maître’d at the restaurant, your new heels clicking on the tiled floor.  The outfit Anna had chosen was beautiful yet simple; a wide v-necked skater dress with short sleeves paired with a short fitted jacket, both black; the heels were lace courts with a three inch heel, not quite tall enough for you to wobble, but enough for you to walk tall and confidently.  She had helped put together your hair and makeup, and had even brought a selection of jewellery to finish off the outfit.  You felt incredibly overdressed for a business meeting but the moment you stepped into the building you didn’t feel out of place at all.

You were shown to Victor’s table overlooking the city from its top floor vantage point, the man himself already seated, looking perfectly turned out as usual in a black three piece suit and striped shirt.  His tie was held in place with a silver clip embedded with a jewel that glinted in the dim lights.  He stood when he saw you, straightening his jacket and waiting for the waiter to hold your chair and put your napkin in your lap before sitting himself.

‘You’re on time.’  He remarked before clearing his throat.  ‘You look…nice.’

‘Oh, thank you.’  You replied, not expecting a compliment.  It brought a blush to your cheeks that you only hoped the rouge Anna had expertly applied covered.  ‘I…uh…like your tie clip.  Is it a diamond?’

Victor looked down at his tie as though he couldn’t remember.  ‘Yes.’

You were both silent for several moments, Victor looking at you expectantly, and you realised he was probably waiting for your report.  Reaching into your laptop bag, the only item out of place with your outfit, you pulled out a folder and rested it on your place setting before rezipping the bag, talking as you did so.

‘I think you’ll find everything you need here.’  You started.  ‘The figures are exact as of ten-thirty this morning, and I think you’ll appreciate the additional…’

‘What is that?’  Victor’s tone was clipped yet not harsh, his eyes uncertain, and you wondered if it was bad business practice to discuss matters before food.

‘Uh…the report.’  You replied in a hushed voice.  ‘It was hard to get it done four days sooner, but I knew I could do it if really tried.’

‘Why would you…’  Victor leant forward in his chair.  ‘Why would you bring your report on a date?’

You blinked three times as what he said sank in, and they weren’t fast blinks.  No.  They were slow and measured, your brain processing what he had said until it finally made sense.  ‘This is a date?’

‘I don’t usually bring anyone but other CEOs or high level associates to this restaurant.  I don’t usually dine with my underlings, but you’re spe…different.’  He stopped himself and you wondered what he had been about to say.  ‘I suppose I should have been more specific with my invitation.’

‘Well, I am a dummy.’  You shrugged.  That was all you could come up with?!  Good job, me!

Victor chuckled, sitting back in his chair with one arm across his chest, his elbow rested against it and his fingers on his chin.  ‘Put that away.  You can have an extra day before you have to turn it in, because you look like you’ve pulled a couple of all-nighters to get it done.  And no more work talk tonight.’

You smiled as you slipped the folder back into your bag.  ‘Yes, sir.’  You couldn’t help it, it just fell out of your both from habit, and Victor’s raised eyebrow made you realise your mistake.  ‘I mean Victor.  I mean, yes, Victor.  Okay.’

‘Good.’  He signalled the waiter who appeared almost instantaneously with a bottle of wine that had been breathing and awaiting this moment.  He poured a small sample into Victor’s glass and he tried it before nodding his approval.  Your glass was filled first, then Victor’s second, the bottle left on the side of the table.  ‘I hope red is okay with you.’

‘Yeah.’  You replied, almost in a daze.

‘Then here’s to our first date,’ he raised his glass towards yours, waiting until you clinked rims to add, ‘and many more.’

[tsuki-chibi]

Fictober Day 7: No, and that’s final.

On Saturday morning Marinette got up early. Adrien had asked her if she wanted to go to a small craft fair that was being set up in the park. Naturally, she’d immediately said yes. He was putting so much thought into their dates, choosing things he knew she’d like. She was going to have to start stepping up soon and planning some dates too.

“How do I look, Tikki?” Marinette asked, after giving her appearance one last critical look. She was wearing a green shirt, a black denim skirt, green tights, and black boots.

“Very nice,” Tikki said. “I like your hair.”

“Thanks!” Marinette finally smiled at her reflection. She was wearing her hair down today, held back from her face by a green headband.

She grabbed a black purse and her black jacket and motioned Tikki inside, then snuck down the stairs. Miraculously, she made it downstairs and outside without either of her parents noticing. The last thing she wanted was for both of them to grill her for details; they both knew darn well where she was heading and who she was meeting, but they liked to tease.

Adrien was waiting for her by the entrance to the park, wearing a black jacket and - her heart fluttered - the blue scarf she’d knit for him around his neck. It looked really good on him if she did say so herself. The soft blue color made his eyes look even greener.

Said eyes widened at her approach. Adrien opened and closed his mouth a few times before saying, in a funny voice, “H-hi.”

“Hi,” Marinette said.

“You look, um. Really pretty,” Adrien said quietly. “Chat Noir colors?”

“Huh? Oh. I guess so,” Marinette said, looking down at her outfit. She hadn’t done that on purpose, but now that she thought about it Adrien was right.

Adrien took a deep breath before holding his hand out. “Shall we?”

“Sure,” Marinette said, inwardly beaming as she took his hand. She was wearing green gloves, but his bare fingers were cold. She wondered if maybe she should use some of the fabric he’d bought for her to knit him gloves. Or maybe he’d prefer blue gloves to match his scarf...

“I almost had to cancel on you today,” Adrien said as they walked into the park. “My father didn’t want me to go out.”

“Why not?” Marinette asked.

“Dunno. He gets like that sometimes. All ‘Adrien, I said no and that’s final’.” Adrien deepened his voice exaggeratedly. “So I snuck out. He thinks I’m practicing piano.” He grinned.

“Won’t you get in trouble?” Marinette said worriedly. As much as she loved spending time with him, she didn’t want Adrien’s already tight schedule to get even worse.

But Adrien shook his head and said, “Nah, it’s fine. He went to his office to work on some designs. He won’t surface for hours. And I know Nathalie is behind on paperwork. Both of them will be busy until at least supper time. I just have to make sure I’m back by like, four.”

“Okay,” Marinette said, deciding to take his word for it. It was only ten in the morning, so they had a whole six hours to spend together. She bit back a delighted squeal.

They walked around the craft fair for a while, looking at all of the booths. There were so many and they were all selling a variety of things. Sometimes Marinette felt a twinge when she passed by a booth selling things that she knew she was capable of making: it would be really cool to have her own booth, but she just didn’t have the time. Maybe if she wasn’t Ladybug...

“Oh!” Adrien said suddenly, coming to such an abrupt stop that Marinette was jerked to a stop too.

“What?” she asked in surprise, following his gaze and realizing that he was looking at a booth was selling a bunch of Ladybug and Chat Noir merchandise.

“Do you mind?” Adrien asked sheepishly.

“Not at all,” Marinette said, curious herself. As they stepped up to the booth, she saw that there was even some Carapace, Rena Rouge and Queen Bee merchandise. She shook her head, knowing that must’ve sent Chloé’s ego through the roof.

Adrien was looking through the piles of Ladybug merchandise, which covered the bulk of the table. Marinette had kind of gotten used to seeing things with her face on them, but it was still weird. She poked through the Rena Rouge stuff until she found a little Rena Rouge action figure. It was about three inches tall and adorable.

“You like Rena Rouge?” Adrien asked, glancing at her.

“Alya does,” Marinette said with a private smile. “She’s got so much Ladybug stuff already. I thought something Rena Rouge would be nice.”

Adrien smiled too. “That’s nice of you. I have a lot of Ladybug stuff too.” He said it casually, like it was a known fact. Marinette choked a little.

“Oh, uh, you like Ladybug?” she said, working hard to keep her voice normal.

“Nino likes to say that I more than like her,” Adrien said. Then he froze as he, presumably, remembered he was talking to his date. “U-umm, I mean -”

“It’s okay. Alya tells me all the time that over half the city has a crush on Ladybug,” Marinette said quickly, her cheeks warm. That meant Adrien liked both sides of her. Sure it was probably just a celebrity crush on Ladybug, but still!

Adrien looked relieved. “Yeah, I’ve heard her say that too. Ladybug is pretty awesome,” he said softly, with a fond smile.

He thought she was awesome! Marinette wanted to swoon. She kept herself in control with difficulty; luckily, Adrien turned back to the table and so missed her completely goofy grin that stretched from ear to ear. He surely would’ve wondered why she was so happy that he liked Ladybug.

“I wonder if I should get something of Carapace for Nino. He really likes Carapace,” Adrien said.

Marinette tried not to giggle. “You could. Or maybe Chat Noir. He’s pretty cool too.”

“Yeah, maybe,” Adrien said, enthusiasm noticeably dimming. “He’s okay.”

“What, you don’t like him?” Marinette said.

Adrien shrugged. “Like I said, he’s okay. He doesn’t really do much, though.”

Marinette’s mouth fell open. “Excuse me?”

“Well... he can be replaced by these other teammates, right?” Adrien said, gesturing to the table. “There’s even some new miraculous holders who aren’t here, like Viperion and Ryuuko. Ladybug’s got a lot to choose from. She’s the one who matters. Chat’s lucky she puts up with him.”

He turned around as he spoke and immediately recoiled. Marinette didn’t know what her face looked like, but Adrien visibly gulped as she leaned forwards. He was taller than she was even in her boots, but at the moment she loomed over him.

“Chat Noir is amazing,” Marinette said, every word clipped as she stared Adrien down. “He is Ladybug’s partner. Not her teammate. Her partner. The only partner. The only irreplaceable partner who is very good at what he does, and who helps to make Ladybug what she is. Got it?”

“Yes,” Adrien said quickly. “Yup. Got it.”

“Good.” Marinette narrowed her eyes a little more, holding out for another couple seconds so he could see how serious she was.

Then she spun away and grabbed some Chat Noir merchandise at random, thrusting it at the vendor - who looked like he was trying not to laugh. Marinette paid for her purchases, including Alya’s Rena Rouge doll, and then stood quietly aside while Adrien paid for his.

[magewriter]

Awkward Reveals of Multiple Topics

Something Just Like This Fic 5

Just Call my Name (I’ll be There) by Blackmore’s Night

One Call Away by Charlie Puth

I’ll be There for You by The Rembrandts  

Still own nothing.

I know somewhere on tumblr there is a post floating around about the idea of a Supergirl reveal where because of reasons Supergirl has to change out of the supersuit and into regular clothes. Alex and Lena proceed to provide Kara with her own clothes, neither knowing that Kara is Supergirl but figuring it rather quickly after the outfit swap.

This is my take on that post. If anyone knows of it or where it might be located, please let me know so that I can fully credit the OP. OP, thanks for the idea even if it’s taken me months (years?) to actually write it.

^_^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Kara stared at the pile of clothes Alex was holding out to her. Her memory-wiped sister was handing Supergirl clothes from Kara Danvers’ closet.

This wasn’t going to end well.

“What, not up to your standards?” Lena’s voice was clearly teasing, but there was an underlying dare for some kind of comment against her friend.

“No, the clothes are perfectly fine,” they were hers. Of course they were fine.

“Well hurry up,” Alex hissed, thrusting the clothing into her arms. She had already thrown a baggy NC Women’s Basketball hoodie over the top of her uniform. The hem hung low enough on her slim frame to cover her utility belt, the pants and boots nondescript enough to pass at a quick glance for normal clothing.

Lena had already switched out her heels for flats; her jacket shoved into the duffle bag Alex had containing articles of clothing for just this occasion. Her dress shirt hung open, revealing a t-shirt Kara would swear had originally hung in her closet. The sleeves were rolled to her elbows and a pair of sunglasses rested on the woman’s head.

“Not a word from either of you,” she hissed. They were going to be upset at her, she knew it. Well, she was upset at them!

“Why would we say…” Lena trailed off as the Kryptonian exited the hidden corner they had ducked into in order to change.

They hadn’t given her a hair-tie or a pair of Kara’s glasses.

“Not a word,” Kara hissed again, taking their elbows and beginning to drag them towards an exit. “Not a single word.”

“H-how?” Alex was sputtering. Oh…her head hurt.

They waited until they were far enough away from the building before cracking.

“Explain, now!” Alex demanded, rubbing her temples.

“Yes, please do.” Lena’s eyes were dark with her anger.

“No,” Kara shook her head. “No. Neither of you get to be angry about this. You,” she pointed at Alex, “chose to forget in order to protect me. And You,” she turned to Lena. “Do you have any idea how many times I’ve tried to tell you? And every single time something comes up and interrupts us!” Kara shook her head. “It’s not as if I actually tried all that hard to hide it from you in the first place!”

“I need to sit down,” Alex collapsed on the nearest bench. Her head hurt as the memories realigned themselves. They had never thought of a situation where Kara would need to change in front her or where Alex might need to offer Supergirl alternate apparel.

“When?” Lena demanded. “When did you-” She cut herself off. “You flew me to the DEO out of costume. You flew on the bus to my office.” She joined Alex on the bench. “What the fuck Kara?”

Kara sighed. “I liked being just Kara with you, so I was selfish.”

“It’s not entirely her fault,” Alex muttered. “Since she got here we’ve all told her not to tell anyone and stay hidden.”

“Does everyone else know?” Lena was furious, which was better than hurt.

“Normally, yes,” Kara admitted, “but I didn’t tell most of them.”

Alex snorted. “Most people figure it out.”

“Two,” Kara muttered, nudging her sister just hard enough to be felt. “Two people figured it out. I told Winn, Nia, and Lucy when I absolutely had to. We still don’t know-”

“Ms. Grant knows Kara,” Alex side-eyed Lena. “Honestly, my money was on you already knowing and not saying anything. You really didn’t know?”

“No,” but she should have. She looked at Kara. “Is there anything else you’ve been hiding from me?”

Kara gulped, eyes widening. Lena’s eyes narrowed. Alex watched them, not entirely certain if she should duck for cover or find popcorn.

“Um…maybe?” Kara squeaked out. This was not how any of this was supposed to go. It was supposed to be romantic and private.

“Well?”

Kara felt her mind go blank. Not knowing what else to do, she darted forward and pressed a fast kiss to Lena’s lips.

“Ihaveagiantcrushonyouandhaveforareallylongtimeandpleasedon’thateme!”

Lena blinked. Alex blinked. Kara remained frozen in place.

Slowly, Alex scooted away from the CEO. Nothing on her person would harm Kara, but getting weapons away from the possibly volatile CEO was a good idea.

Lena blinked again, her mind trying to parse out what Kara had just said. This wasn’t happening.

Her crush was not on the Girl of Steel.

Her crush had not just admitted to having feelings for her in the midst of a crisis.

Except this was her life and both those things were very much true.

Kara scrunched in on herself, certain she had just lost not just a friend but someone she cared deeply for. Losing Lena would be like losing Alex, and that was something Kara had thought would never happen. No one had ever been as important to her as her sister, until the green-eyed CEO had entered her life.

She had come very close to losing both of them far too many times in the last two years for her to ever make lite of such an occurrence or to be lack in their safety.

Alex watched the train wreck happening in front of her and had no idea what to do about it. On one hand, they had been lying to Lena (with…somewhat…good intentions (and both women’s safety) in mind) since almost the moment they met. The woman had every right to be angry at them. On the other hand, Kara was her sister and ever well-honed instinct Alex had as an older sibling said to side with and support the blonde.

The issue was that Lena Luthor had been wiggling her way into Alex’s well-guarded heart as another little sister. She was discovering that she wanted to support both of them and didn’t know how to do that without hurting one or both of them.

Lena wanted to feel furious. Kara had been lying to her face, treating her almost two completely separate ways their entire friendship. Only, well, it would take an idiot to think that knowing Kara was Supergirl wouldn’t put a target on someone’s back. How many times had Kara nearly lost Alex just in the two and a half years she had known the pair? Fuck, she had just watched as Alex’s mind was returned to normal from having the memories of Kara as Supergirl hidden away. To protect Kara, Lena knew it was a choice she would have made as well.

“Were you ever going to tell me?” Lena finally forced out. She would deal with the Supergirl part first, the feelings thing later.

“Yes,” Kara answered without hesitation. Telling Lena had always been on her mind. No matter what anyone else said or even what the other woman had admitted to doing or planning to do, Kara knew deep in the very core of her being that Lena Luthor was a good, trustworthy person.

The Kryptonian took a deep breath, forcing herself to look at the woman she was in love with and face the consequences of her decisions. “Yes, I was always going to tell you.”

Any grand speech she might have mustered up in that moment was ruined by the arrival of several guards and rouge agents. Their shouting broke the moment and the trio of women ran off.

“I’ve got her, you get them,” Alex told her, tugging Lena onto the bike she had stashed earlier. “Hold on!” She jammed the extra helmet on her (hopefully) friend’s head before revving the engine and taking them past the people searching for them.

Lena yelped, barely getting the second needed to readjust the helmet properly before Alex took off. She wrapped her arms around the elder Danvers’ sister and held on for dear life.

“One of you is going to be the death of me,” she muttered, glad that this wasn’t the sister with super-hearing.

Alex smirked, deciding not the let the brilliant CEO know that the helmets were linked with a wireless headset so driver and passenger could speak to each other.

She felt the same way about both of them more often than not.

*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&

It was several hours later when they managed to regroup in the safe house Lena had arranged earlier for them. Alex, not wanting to be stuck in the middle again, took her share of the food and told them to find her when they worked things out. She had decided that she and the CEO would hash their own shit out after they had.

Kara nodded, hugging her sister tightly before allowing the older woman to leave her sight. Even then, she waited until she was certain Alex was settled in another room before turning to Lena.

“I don’t know what to say,” she admitted into the silence.

“You lied to me,” Lena stated softly. “You told me to my face that you trusted me, that you believed in me.”

“That wasn’t a lie!” Kara snapped. “I do trust you, and I do believe in you. Not telling you my biggest secret had nothing to do with either of those two things.” She deflated, sinking into the chair across from Lena. “You are the one person in my life that always wants to have just Kara around, no matter how odd I can be. Everyone else, even Alex sometimes, tends to see Supergirl first. You always chose me over her.”

“You’re two sides of the same person,” Lena said it evenly, not judging. It was a thing she could relate to, being seen as just Lena and not another Luthor.

“It doesn’t feel that way sometimes,” Kara murmured, consuming several potstickers in a way that would have had a human choking. “I stand by what I said earlier. I knew it was selfish, but I did it anyway, and I did try to tell you. So many times…and then every time we were interrupted by some kind of emergency or assassination plot.” She met Lena’s eyes, part of her wilting inside to see the blank gaze focused on her. “I could have handled the kryptonite better, but not even I’m immune to fear and kryptonite terrifies me.”

“You had James search my office.”

“Anyone else would have had to document it,” Kara defended. Considering how much access Lillian and Lex both had (despite Lena’s constant search and destroy tactics for those weak points) to any information at all, Lena was willing to give her that.

“When you first tried being my friend, was it to keep watch over the youngest Luthor?”

“No!” Kara shook her head. “And if anyone had even suggested it, I wouldn’t have done it. That’s…that’s…” English failed her and she said something in Kryptonian that didn’t have a real translation. The best she could come up with when later asked, was ‘a crime against the bond between hearts’.

“So when you said that earlier, that…”

“It’s the truth,” Kara said softly, “it took me awhile to figure it out, between Alex coming out and everything that is always going on around us. Humans are so strange when it comes to this, I still don’t understand it.” She swallowed, throat suddenly tight. “I am in love with you, Lena Luthor, and I have absolutely no idea what to do with that.”

Lena had no idea what to do with it either, and she said as much. They settled into tense quiet.

The CEO wanted to be angry, she really did, but holding her back was the fact that they were in the middle of an already volatile situation where they needed to work together. They couldn’t afford to begin fighting amongst themselves.

Not when they were facing her brother and his little pet project that her…oh. Well…Kara didn’t have the corner market on keeping things secret.

“We’ll talk about this more after we deal with Lex.” Lena dropped into the silence. “For now, we can’t lose focus.” She swallowed tightly. “But no more secrets, alright?”

“Right, no more secrets.” Kara readily agreed.

&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&

The final battle between them and Lex Luthor was a mess. Lena hacked the computers and got the system under control, the gun in her holster heavy at her side. She knew what she would need to do if her brother managed to escape.

Sure enough, she found herself in the exact situation.

Lex stood across from her, taunting her with Lena’s inability to actually use the gun she had aimed at him.

She pulled the trigger. Lena would never forget the sound the bullet made when it impacted into Lex’s chest.

He looked down, stunned at the spreading patch of blood. He touched it, laughing as he fell to his knees.

“So ready to defend someone who’s lying to you Little Sister.” With a snap of his fingers, the screens around them shifted to show images and videos of Kara switching between herself and Supergirl.

Almost on reflex, Lena squeezed the trigger again. Lex fell to the ground, still snickering as his life began to fade away.

With a calm she wasn’t certain how she kept, Lena approached the nearest console and tapped the sequence needed to erase everything. Some of it had to be images of Red Daughter, put together by Lex to undermine Lena’s belief in Kara.

“I…still…win,” Lex rasped out. “Th…they’ll…n-never…trust you.”

Lena turned to him. “That’s where you’re wrong brother,” she knelt so she could look him in the eye. “I already knew.” She smirked at him. “She told me herself.” She chuckled this time. “It’s over.”

She stood up, dusting off her pants.

“You lose.”

She walked out of the room.

Alex was waiting for her, armed and ready to burst inside. Once she saw Lena, she relaxed a little.

“You okay?”

“I don’t know.” Lena admitted after a moment. Her hands were shaking. Alex holstered her weapon and gently eased Lena’s out of the other woman’s hands before it was dropped. Safety clicked on, Alex shoved it into a spare holster before wrapping an arm around the smaller woman.

She didn’t need to look into the other room to know that Lex Luthor was dead or need to ask what Lena had done. She was just glad that it was her and not Kara who had gone after Lena in this moment.

“Come on, I’ll call it in.”

“Going to arrest me for murder Agent Danvers?” Lena tried to joke, but she was seconds away from breaking down. She had just shot her brother. She had just managed to do to him what he had been trying to do to her for the last three years.

“What murder?” Alex asked her, calmer than Lena expected her to be. “It wasn’t murder Lena,” she said softly, “it wasn’t. It doesn’t even need to be you who pulled the trigger if it helps. No one has to know unless you want them to.”

That offer was what broke her. Alex was willing to take the blame from Lex’s sycophants and any heat from her superiors in order to protect Lena. Alex merely tightened her hold and led Lena out of the building, barking orders into her com-unit for the agents with her to secure the building and anything inside it.

Was this what Kara spoke of, when she described Alex as the best big sister? That feeling of knowing someone cared enough about you, loved you enough to take on your sins as their own?

What of Lex Luthor? Lena heard the sharp voice one of the other commanders over the unit. She thought it might have been J’onn, but she wasn’t certain.

“Dead, confirmed.” Alex replied, voice steady. “Ms. Luthor is in my custody and unharmed.”

Take her home Director Danvers, that was definitely J’onn. We’ll debrief with her in the morning.

“Yes Sir,” Alex replied.

“Alex! Lena!” Supergirl landed, harder than she meant to if the cracks in the ground were any indication. “Are you both alright?”

Kara bore the signs of a hard fought battle: dust and debris in her hair, rents in the fabric of her suit, the edge of her cape was singed in places and there was an actual hole near one corner, scrapes and a few cuts that had yet to heal.

“Shaken but fine Supergirl,” Alex assured her. “Report?”

“Battle’s over, DEO agents and NCPD are finishing the cleanup.” Kara straightened up, brushing some dust off her shoulder. “I came to see if you needed any help here.”

The all clear was given just then. The trio watched as a stretcher carrying a black body bag was brought out and loaded into a black van. Several of the agents nodded to Alex before climbing into the back. Alex gave the information that the body is in-route.

“I’m taking Lena home, meet us there?” Alex muted her com-unit before she spoke. She might have her memories back, but not everyone did just yet. She and J’onn would need to work on that.

Kara nodded, giving them one last look over before launching back into the sky.

“So where, exactly, are you taking me?”

“If mom had her way, Midvale,” Alex said without a trace of sarcasm, “since we’re still needed for the moment, Kara’s. Unless you want-”

“Kara’s is fine,” Lena said, not wanting to even contemplate returning to her apartment or office. She needed to call Jess and have her…she needed to rehire Jess as her PA. Before that, she would get the cleaning crews for both places to do a deep clean and techs in to do a sweep of anything her brother may have left behind.

It would be just like him to leave something behind just in case.

“Good,” Alex led her to the same motorcycle from before. This time, she gave the younger woman enough time to get the helmet on herself. “And don’t think I’m kidding about mom. As soon as she’s been given the all clear, she plans to come here. So is Sam.”

“What?” Lena stared at her, not knowing what to do with that information.

Alex made certain her com-unit was off before she said the next words. Kara really hadn’t been exaggerating things when it came to Lena believing other people cared about her.

“You’re family Lena, and when Family hurts we come together.” She stared directly into Lena’s eyes, visor still up. “If you hadn’t taken Lex out, I would have. No one hurts my family.”

Yea, Lena thought as she hastily closed the visor to hide her tears, this is what it felt like to have a sibling who actually cared about you.

*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&

“Girls!” Eliza engulfed all three of them into one giant hug upon her arrival. Sam and Ruby were the next to get that treatment, as were the others there to greet the Danvers matriarch. Even J’onn got his own hug.

Things were still rocky, but nowhere near as bad as they could have been if Lex’s last ditch attempt had actually worked. Lena leaned against Kara, allowing the alien woman’s warmth to seep into her.

If anything, some of them were closer than ever.

Kara’s arm came up and wrapped around Lena’s shoulders. She laughed at something Alex said, returning it with her own comment that sent Alex blushing and causing Sam to laugh before tugging the redhead into a kiss.

Nia barged in, tugging Brainy in behind her. “We have the games! Did you know they have a Batman version of Monopoly?”

“I did,” J’onn took the stack of games from the exuberant young woman. “Food first,” he admonished all of them.

“Humans first!” Ruby called out, heading towards the first pizza box. “Ew, this one is Aunt Lena’s. It has kale on it.”

Several of the others laughed at her disgusted look, but the teenager dutifully handed over the box to the CEO and jumped right back into the fray before the larger appetites could consume everything.

Lena accepted the box of pizza, smiling at the sight of her family and friends being silly as the food was distributed and spots were found to sit in.

“You okay?” Kara asked softly, taking the plate Alex had made up for her.

“Yeah,” Lena said after a moment. “I am. Partners?”

“Always,” Kara replied. “Always.”