#i get to do sand casting today

[todaysromano]

04.06.2024

Today, Romano tried to organize some of his miscellaneous belongings but gave up.

Arab.com link

[ventismacchiato]

13 stuck with you — it's a cruel summer with you !

scaramouche x gender neutral reader

The evening air was cool, tinged with the briny scent of the ocean. You wandered along the winding paths near the cabins, hoping for a moment of peace. The day had been exhausting—full of staged dates and forced smiles. It didn’t help that Venti hadn’t cooked your lunch all the way, so the taste of raw fish on your tongue hadn’t fully faded.

You were allowed a break so you decided to go stroll by the ocean, but as you passed the edge of the main clearing, faint voices caught your attention.

“Kuni, I really thought I raised you better than this. It’s hard being your mother and your boss,” Ei’s voice, sharp and biting, cuts through the quiet. This was new to you, you were accustomed to her voice sounding soft as it lifted through your speakers as she sang your favorite songs. But now it was just harsh.

You paused, barely hidden by a cluster of trees, your breath hitching.

“I’ve noticed,” Scaramouche replied, his tone laced with venom. “Because you’re useless at both.”

A heavy silence followed, one that seemed to press down on the air itself.

“You don’t get to speak to me that way,” Ei said, her voice cold but trembling with restrained anger.

“Since when have you spent any time raising me?” Scaramouche shot back. The bitterness in his voice felt like a dagger, even to you, “You treat me like some sort of pet.”

Ei exhaled sharply, the sound almost a hiss. “Just do your job here. I worked hard to get you where you are today, so don’t throw it away because you can’t keep your childish emotions in check. I don’t understand how your fans or your members haven’t turned on you. I wouldn’t want to work with the likes of you.”

“Whatever,” Scaramouche muttered, his tone dripping with disdain.

Footsteps followed, sharp and deliberate, fading as Ei walked away. You peered out cautiously and caught a glimpse of Scaramouche as he slid down the railing, letting himself sink to the sand. He drew his knees to his chin, a cigarette already lit between his fingers. The soft glow of the ember cast fleeting shadows across his face, his usually sharp features were softened.

You hesitated, unsure if approaching him was the right move. But before you could overthink it, your feet carried you closer. The sound of your steps on the sand drew his gaze.

He didn’t look startled. He barely looked at you. “Did you hear that?” he asked, not bothering to hide the exhaustion in his voice.

“No,” you lied instinctively.

A dry laugh escaped him. “You even suck at lying.”

You dropped onto the sand beside him, wrapping your arms around your knees. He tilted his head back, the cigarette dangling precariously from his lips. “Let me guess,” he said. “If you did hear, it probably ruined the perfect image you had of her.”

“Not really,” you said, trying to sound casual. “I was more of a Yae Miko bias anyway.”

That drew a low chuckle from him, and for a moment, the usual tension between you eased.

You glanced at him. “I can see why you’re such a bitch now. Your mom sucks.”

He scoffed, but there was no real bite to it. “Are you seriously trying to comfort me right now?”

“No, I’m just saying it makes sense.”

A shrug. “Good,” he said. “Because you suck at it.”

“I do not!” you shot back, glaring at him.

For once, he didn’t retaliate with sharp words. The silence stretched out, broken only by the faint crash of waves in the distance. You shifted awkwardly before finally standing. “I don’t know if I’m the person you want to see after… that.” You gestured vaguely toward the path Ei had taken.

But before you could stop yourself, the words slipped out. “She’s wrong, by the way.”

Scaramouche looked up, cigarette hanging loosely from his lips. His eyes narrowed slightly. “What?”

“You’re a good idol,” you said, the words tumbling out faster than you could second-guess them. “It’s one of the reasons we fight so much, you know. I’m… jealous.”

His brow arched, and a smug grin began to form. “So you’re admitting I’m better than you?”

“Whatever,” you huffed, heat rising to your face as you turned around.

“Smoking ruins your voice, by the way,” you called over your shoulder as you stomp off.

He shook his head, chuckling softly. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever.”

You didn’t see the faint smile lingering on his lips as he stubbed out his cigarette.

[00:00:00] POST PARADISE INTERVIEW ONE, TAKE ONE

YAE: [LEANS FORWARD, GRINNING] So, Scaramouche… You don’t smell like smoke today. What’s the deal? You quit or something?

SCARAMOUCHE: [SHRUGS AND GLANCES AWAY] Maybe.

YAE: [RAISES EYEBROW] Maybe? You’ve been getting nonstop nagging from Jean about this. Something changed?

SCARAMOUCHE: [SIGHS AND LOOKS AWAY] It’s just… I don’t know. I’m thinking about it.

YAE: [LEANS IN] Thinking about it? For how long?

SCARAMOUCHE: [GRUMBLES] Doesn’t matter how long. I’m just… I’m not into it anymore.

YAE: [NODS, TEASINGLY] So, what, you woke up one day and just decided to change everything?

SCARAMOUCHE: [ROLLS HIS EYES] No. It’s just…. It feels like a bad habit. One that doesn’t do anything for me anymore.

JEAN: [INTERRUPRTS] I’ve been saying this for years and just now you're taking the hint? All the articles and studies I sent and this island is what gets to you?

SCARAMOUCHE: [SHRUGS]

YAE: Hm, this island is what we’re calling them now?

SCARAMOUCHE: What are you talking about?

YAE: Don’t forget love, microphones are always on. A certain someone asked you to, didn’t they?

SCARAMOUCHE: Whatever. I would’ve done this on my own anyway.

JEAN: [LETS OUT A STIFLED LAUGH]

YAE: Yeah right!

SCARAMOUCHE: Oh, fuck off

YAE: CUT!

[00:00:00] POST PARADISE INTERVIEW TWO, TAKE ONE

YAE: [LEANING IN] So, how’s everything going with you and Scara? You two still at each other's throats? Or maybe in each other’s throats.

YN: [SHRUGS] First off, gross. And it's going.

YAE: [GRINNING] Oh come on, give me something to work with here! How’s the real relationship behind the cameras?

YN: [ROLLS EYES] What do you want me to say? It’s... fine.

YAE: [WINKS AND GIGGLES] Yeah? ‘Cause we’ve got the recordings of you calling him a good idol. What’s that all about?

YN: [JUMPS] Wait—what?

YAE: [SMIRKS] Yeah, remember? Your mics are always on. Even when you think they’re off.

YN: Even in the bathroom?! What the hell? Pervs.

YAE: [LAUGHS] Let this be a lesson to read the fine print. Jean is signaling me to state we don’t listen on them in the bathroom. Anyway, how did that make you feel, huh? Hearing yourself say that?

YN: [GROANS AND SLUMPS IN CHAIR] I guess I’ll save the juicy convos for the bathrooms. And I don’t know. It’s... whatever. It’s not like I meant it. I was just saying what I had to say.

YAE: [TEASINGLY] Oh really? So you don’t think Scara is a good idol?

YN: [GRUMBLES] I didn’t say that.

YAE: [NODS KNOWINGLY] Good to know. You’re not fooling anyone, YN. 

JEAN: CUT!

stuck with you!

masterlist — prev | next

i feel insane cus i swear i made a gc text of windblume talking about scara’s comments but maybe i hallucinated it?? so just rmbr yn is just as oblivious ab their feelings as scara

has anyone seen young royals lmao i referenced ei off the mom in that show

make sure to peek at the gc names to know what pov ur reading!

pls comment or send me an ask if u enjoyed i need motivation 🙂‍↕️ ty to everyone who sent one last time 🥹

comment on the MASTERLIST if i can use ur user as a fan in the au!

synopsis — after the disaster that was the live award show, where you and scaramouche got into an argument on stage after both of your groups got a tie for top artists, your guys' PR teams have been in shambles trying to scrape up your mess. that's when the idea to send you both off with some other idols to a remote location for a survival dating show to mend your public image comes up. before you know it your bags are packed and you’re on a plane to a remote island. the only obligation is you need to end up with scaramouche at the end of the show, whether you end up liking him or not doesn’t matter to your managers as long as the show’s ratings stay high. whatever you do in between to get there is up to you!

notes — guys i can’t wait till this semester ends im literally fighting for my life god i hate college

taglist — @na1lea @cindywasneverhere @lunavixia @aestherin @mlaakai @camvrin @retiredmommylover @iheartpieck @cartierfiles @loveariel @silly-ez @mochipls @pomeiu @flowerypesky @creammpuff @boxdisappeared @kissingkzuha @webbywill @kazusboyfriend @s3xpistolss @pjsucks @bunns-wonderland @lordbugs @localgirlywithnolife @kosumos @danfelions @featuredtofu @pinxeajin @herebyaccident0 @haeunoo @scaradooche @pglt19 @chemiru @childesbabygirl @simonisferal @shutingstar @ttalgi @esuz @tokkishouse @kitsuvil @scarasmood @ihearttori @nomurahayami @starringyau @androxphobic @reivelmin @animeobsessed56 @femaholicc @vi0let-writes @izayumi-chan @aloflapse

[ghostfacd]

I’M A JEALOUS, JEALOUS, JEALOUS, BOY. | TOM BLYTH

PAIRING. tom blyth x fem!actress!reader

SUMMARY. after gaining massive popularity, you star another show where you have to kiss your co star, which tom isn’t exactly happy about

AUTHOR NOTE. Two posts in one day? Who am I??anyway! This was self indulging because I love Steven Conklin and nobody writes for him 😔 As always, reblogs and comments make me more motivated to continue this series :)

installment of this au | the reader plays fictional character “ella fisher” in tsitp!

Tom wasn’t a jealous guy, at least, he didn’t think so. He was very secure in your relationship, always making sure he didn’t let his emotions get the best of him.

Like when you told him you had gotten the role of Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher’s sister in The Summer I Turned Pretty, and how you were Steven Conklin’s love interest, he congratulated you with a big hug.

He knew who was playing Steven—Sean Kaufman. There was no doubt that Steven was a very charming guy.

“You’re here!” You say giddily, engulfing your boyfriend in a hug when he approached you. “Daisy was just patching up the last of my concealer. Did you get any food?”

Daisy was your makeup artist—and one of the sweetest girls you’ve ever met in your life. She knew the cast pretty well, so when you first got here, she helped break the ice between you and them.

“You know I did,” Tom says, placing the paper bag down on your table. He opened it up, retrieving an iced matcha latte and a poke bowl. You squealed in delight, excited to eat after filming for so long.

“So how was your day?” You say, cheekily grinning at him as you ate your bowl.

“Tiring? I did a photo shoot, it was fun. Then I went home and took a nap, and then I drove to buy you food.”

“Well thank you babe,” you say. “Today was such an exhausting day, so much retakes cause of all the sand. But God do I love this show to death. It’s so much all at once but in a good way, you know?”

“Well I’m just excited to see my girl on the big screen,” Tom smiles, leaning in to give you a kiss on your forehead.

“YN! Time to film again!” The voice of your director calls out, making you shove your bowl into Tom’s hands and rushing over to the cameramen.

Tom carefully places your bowl down, walking over quietly behind the cameras to watch your scene up close.

He watches as you talk to Lola, who plays Belly, about your plans after high school, and how you wanted to apply for Princeton just like Steven. She rolls her eyes, saying how she doesn’t get how you and Steven get along so well.

Later in the scene, you and Sean sit close together in front of a campfire. Tom remembers vividly of you telling him there was a scene between your character and Steven where the two of you would get extremely close. Tom feels his breath hitch when he sees Sean make you laugh. He knows that it’s just acting—that your character and Sean’s character are love interests in the show, and that it means nothing in real life.

But he just feels so weird. His stomach is in knots, and it feels like his mouth is dry.

“You know,” Sean begins, leaning in close to your face. “I know Belly doesn’t want me liking any of her friends, and your brothers would totally kill me if they knew; but you’re making it so hard.”

“Really Steven?” You fake giggle, leaning closer to his touch. “Well they don’t have to know.”

Sean laughs at your comment, his head falling against your shoulder, something that Tom had always done with you.

And then he sees the director cue the cameramen to zoom in, and then there it is. — You and Sean kiss, and Tom feels his feet move away from the scene without even realizing.

“And… cut!” The director says, clapping. “Good job Sean and Y/N! You really captured the tension between Steven and Ella. That’s a wrap!”

You hug Sean afterwards, the two of you laughing about how stupid the kiss must’ve looked but you knew the viewers would eat it up once the episodes aired.

“Where’s that boyfriend of yours?” Gavin asks, suddenly showing up behind you and Sean.

“Gavin!” You say, putting your hand to your chest. “Way to scare a girl to death!”

Gavin laughs, poking at your sides teasingly. “Just kidding, I know where he is. Stormed off where Lola and Christopher are standing.”

“Storm off?” You say, confused.

“Seems like lover boy wasn’t too keen on you kissing our Sean over here.”

You quickly make your way towards where Lola and Christopher were standing, and just like Gavin had said, Tom was standing behind them. He didn’t look too happy.

“What’s wrong?” You ask, pulling the boy away for some privacy.

“It’s nothing.”

“Oh c’mon,” you scoff. “It can’t be nothing. Gavin said you stormed off earlier.”

Tom sighs, clearly wanting to drop the topic. But one look into your genuine concerned eyes makes him crack.

“I was jealous.” He admits, biting his lip back in embarrassment. “I’m sorry.”

You bite back a smile, arms linking with his. “Awe babe, it’s okay. Just acting. Just like how you kissed Rachel in the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. It doesn’t mean anything.”

“Yeah,” Tom sighs, bringing your body close to his. “You’re right, I shouldn’t have felt that way.”

“It’s okay,” you reassure him, smiling brightly. “Feeling jealous is bound to happen with our job, as long as we communicate about it, everything will be fine.” You hug his side, snuggling your face into his coat. “Plus, you know Sean has a girlfriend, right?”

“What?” Tom seems baffled, but he quickly covers it up. “No, yeah, I knew that.”

“Uh huh,” you tease, “don’t worry Tom, I love you the most.”

He leans down, making eye contact with you. “Well I sure hope so, because I love you the most as well.”

And everything was perfect until Gavin lets out a fake barf, telling the two of you to “get a room”.

“Oh get out of here Gav!” You say, shooing him away.

“Yeah Gavin, let the couple have their moment!”

That makes everyone laugh, and you swore you never felt happier than you did right now.

[russilton]

George has opened up a bit more about his dad in a new article for the daily main (without paywall below) and it's a genuinely gut wrenching read. If you want to go in knowing while George doesn't acknowledge it as such, his descriptions of his dad's behaviour are very clearly abusive.

It’s poolside at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Miami, and a sun from central casting beams down. Just beyond the adjacent cream sands the day before a shark was spotted amid the white caps of the Atlantic.

Some observers gawped. Many recorded the scene on their phones, quelle surprise, while those in the water rushed to dry land with almost comic alarm, the terrified tripping as they waded to safety.

Now all is quiet, and staff bring over watermelon juice as George Russell sits down to talk. Aged 27, the Norfolk-born driver has contended with the sharp-toothed critters of Formula One to emerge as the outstanding British performer of today.

His consistently accomplished drives for Mercedes this season, and the end of last, underline his rightful status as successor as team leader to no less than Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion he acknowledges as the GOAT.

Russell’s route to Formula One was not travelled on a red carpet. He picks up the story of a hard taskmaster father, Steve, and his protective mother, Alison, of their parental rows over his treatment, and the £1.5million they scrimped and saved to fund his career �� and tells for the first time how he has now repaid them every penny of their investment.

‘It was hard,’ he says of his father’s tough love. ‘From the age of seven to 16 you are not mature enough to recognise what your parents are doing for you.

‘My father was working every day from seven in the morning to nine at night to earn his money to take me racing at the weekend. As a kid you question, “Where’s dad?” Oh, he’s at work. “Why’s he at work?”

‘And then we go racing and he is quite stressed from his job. And if I was making silly mistakes, he’d be dead angry with me. In those eight years, there were happy times, but there are lots of sad memories from my parents fighting because of how hard my father was being on me. My mum was trying to hold it all together.

‘It was, “You’re not winning.” The expectation was to be on pole and win every race, at least always be on the podium. Even times when I did win, it wasn’t sunshine and glory on the way home. It was, “But you could have done this better, done that better.”

‘He has moulded me into the guy I am today. He would always want the glass full. He would see where I could have improved while never seeing the positives. I continue the mentality of looking at where I could have done better, while ensuring I see the positives. Otherwise, it can be a very slippery slope.

‘I can now see it with my brother: his kids are starting go-karting and he is working his a*** off to give them the chance. Life isn’t simple, with the stress of work and the rest. And I will forever be grateful for what my dad did.’

‘I just accepted the way he dealt with me. I accepted that if I didn’t win, he wouldn’t be happy with me. And that the journey home would be a long one, and most likely end in tears.’

Did young George get the silent treatment?

‘No, I’d be b******ed,’ he recalls. ‘I see it now that kids who are born with a silver spoon in their mouths don’t have the same work ethic as those who had massive discipline over them from a young age.

‘My father was working every day from seven in the morning to nine at night to earn his money to take me racing at the weekend.'

‘If I could turn back the clock knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t change a single thing’

‘So, from my father’s perspective, would he wish that for those six, seven, eight years that he had a closer relationship with his son? Maybe. But those years set me up for life.

‘If I could turn back the clock knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t change a single thing.’

How is Russell’s relationship with your father now, I wonder. Closer?

‘Hmm, yeah,’ he says. ‘What was amazing with my father is that when I was signed by Mercedes (on their Young Driver Programme eight years ago) he opened the cage door and let me fly.

'It went from being a super-controlling, super-emotional, b******ing every time I didn’t do well, to suddenly feeling he could pass me on to the next chapter.

‘Now he supports me from afar every single session. He is taking care of grandkids.’

Steve Russell was involved in agriculture, a seed and wheat merchant – his factory a first port of call after harvesting prior to distribution. ‘He sold the business to fund my racing,’ adds Russell. ‘In 2012.’ Russell was just 14 then.

‘For where we lived, my father was an exceptionally successful man. But in that industry success was making a profit. Now we are in a world of unrealistic wealth with billionaires around us.

The Norfolk-born 27-year-old has now made 133 grand prix starts, with three race wins

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s ardour for world champion Max Verstappen seems to have waned, just as Russell’s results increasingly make their own argument

He is out of contract this year but remains confident of re-signing. His results should make that a slam dunk

Russell's new Mercedes AMG One, which has a top speed of 219mph and accelerates from 0-186mph in 15.6sec

‘We could have lived a very happy life had he not done that. I have paid everything back that he spent on me. I made it clear that as soon as I made money, I wanted to pay everything off. It was about £1.5m.’

The dividend can be measured, among other achievements, in the car Russell has just bought – the AMG One supercar. A limited edition of 275, the coupe was initially listed at $2.7m (£2m). It has a top speed of 219mph and accelerates from 0-186mph in 15.6sec.

It is the first car Russell has ever bought, having started on the road in a white Polo bought by his parents – 60bhp, top speed of 100mph with a following wind. And there was no reduction for Mercedes’ top driver for his new car. He chose a navy blue that glistens in the sun. His racing number – 63 – is inscribed at his request.

He intends keeping the car forever (despite receiving an offer worth double what he gave for it), to go with his company G Wagon and the vintage 300 SL he hopes to add to his portfolio.

Three cars – that’s ‘all’ he wants in his garage at home in Monaco; no huge collection. All are Mercedes, we note, a telling symbol of his commitment to the Silver Arrows.

He is out of contract this year but remains confident of re-signing. His results should make that a slam dunk. Both he and boss Toto Wolff are talking optimistically of a successful conclusion, probably this month or next.

Helpfully, Wolff’s ardour for world champion Max Verstappen seems to have waned, just as Russell’s results increasingly make their own argument.

With Russell in Miami, as she is at most of his races, is his Spanish girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt, 26. She did not know he was a racing driver when he stood in for a friend who was due to go on a date with her. That was in London in 2020. She is upstairs on the terrace as George and I talk. He pays her this tribute as his rock in a volatile world.

With Russell in Miami, as she is at most of his races, is his Spanish girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt, 26

The Mercedes driver has paid tribute to his girlfriend, labelling her his rock in a volatile world

She did not know he was a racing driver when he stood in for a friend who was due to go on a date with her back in 2020 in London

‘As for Carmen I feel lucky having her around. She is my emotional support in the world of instability I live in.'

‘I left school at 13 and have very few friends to be honest,’ he says. ‘It can be a lonely life. You are in different hotels, different countries, different time zones, different climates.

‘Mondays are emotional hangover days after a race. A slap in the face if you are on a high after a good result, and a slap in the face after a bad one if you dwell on it. I play padel to get my mind off things, rather than sit inside scrolling through social media.

‘As for Carmen I feel lucky having her around. She is my emotional support in the world of instability I live in. I wouldn’t change anything in my life now or what went before.’

Now he is off for a run – a peaceful 7km, next to the ocean where the sharks prowl.

[cherryblossompink303]

Patience:~The Sun, the Sea, and the Host Club!~

➼ pairing: Kyoya Ootori x Reader ➼ summary: what was meant to be a relaxing trip to the beach turns into the strangest interaction with Kyoya ➼ what to expect:  "You want to know what we are y/n? The truth is I don't even know the answer but what I do know is that you cannot do stuff like that" ➼ warnings: small amounts of angst ➼Part seven | Part Nine

You are hoping that after everything that went down at the jungle resort that you may finally get a truly relaxing break today. Although given who you are with you are unsure whether or not that will actually happen.

Yet still you try to finally get a tan, eyes closed as you sink further into the beach towel as the rest of the club talk around you.

“So… why’d we come to Okinawa?”

“Because Kyoya’s family has a private beach here.”

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

“But why couldn’t we have gone-”

“- to the Caribbean?”

“Or even Fiji?”

“Do you think a commoner like Haruhi has a passport?”

You shoot up, opening your eyes “Kyoya!”

“Ah.”

“You do realize that I can hear what you’re saying, right?” Haruhi interjects.

Out on a protruding rock from the ocean, Tamaki is intimately situated with his arm around a patron’s shoulder.

“It’s so beautiful. Tamaki, being alone here with you and looking out at the sea, it’s like a dream.” She sighs dreamily.

“It’s no dream, it’s real, but if I could have my way, my princess. I’d be in your dreams every night.” Tamaki brings their faces to close proximity.

“Oh, Tamaki.” His guest swoons.

Utilizing the volleyball net, the twins and two guests play a game of two on two. Hikaru bumps the ball violently, and it goes flying over Kaoru and his guest’s head and rolling off behind them.

“Hey, take it easy, Hikaru!” Kaoru begs as he goes running off after the beach ball.

“I’m sorry! I’ll get it!” Hikaru calls, but it’s too late; Kaoru is already on his way.

It’s like a cheesy romance movie, where the two protagonists go prancing off along the shoreline in a beach montage, almost in slow-motion.

“Wait for me, Kaoru!” Hikaru calls after Kaoru as he continues along the sand.

“It’s not my fault! The ball is rolling away!” All you can hear from you position on a towel under an umbrella next to Haruhi are the giggles of two brothers who are fantastic actors. The pullover covers your nearly bare body nicely from the sun and keeps you warm in the shade.

Ah, yes, hosts working on location.

Beside you, Haruhi sits with her knees pulled up to her chest as a hermit crab scuttles by along the sand near the towel.

“Oh, Haruhi, look!” You carefully lift the crab by the shell and place it in your hand, shoving it near Haruhi.

You follow her line of sight to see Kyoya monitoring a line of girls in swimsuits, all waiting for a turn with the King in the VIP spot.

Haruhi groans, “Why?”

“Her alone time with Tamaki is up. Next lady, please proceed.” Kyoya ruins the facade of a moment with his announcement.

“This sucks. I thought going to the beach meant a day off.” Haruhi’s attention is drawn to Mori and Honey’s group stretching their limbs.

“Um, Haruhi?” A shadow casts over Haruhi’s back, and she turns to greet her caller. Well, rather three, this time.

“Aren’t you going to go swimming with us?” They urge, all three dressed in very flattering swimsuits.

“No, uh, I like looking at the sea from a safe distance.” Haruhi settles for.

“Well, if you’re not going to swim, would you mind if we sat here and talked with you?” the second patron inquires cautiously.

Now a natural facade, Haruhi charms the three guests effortlessly, “But why? You girls should go swim. You’ve got cute swimsuits on; why not show them off?”

Instead of rushing off to the ocean, the guests sigh in appreciation.

As your eyes dart back and forth between Haruhi and her infatuated guests, you take an obvious hint and haul yourself up from the ground, dusting off and waving a short goodbye to the ladies before joining the twins in their antics.

“I can’t believe he fooled us.” Hikaru opens with, picking up their lost beach ball and handing it to his brother.

“Who’d have thought he’d bring the ladies with us?” Kaoru shrugs, although not upset in the least. This is one of the rare schemes that Tamaki’s managed to fool them with.

“We certainly didn’t expect it.”

“You were invited on this all-expenses-paid vacation for a reason. And that is to keep our clients entertained.” Kyoya is seated under an outdoor table with an umbrella and two tropical drinks before him.

You hum in agreement, finally rejoining the land of the living as you reach for the second drink. "You guys want the photobooks to sell this is how we do it" You add.

The twins stand before the two of you in disbelief "Well don't you make quite the money hungry pair" hikaru muttered, you raise an eyebrow "Have you seen Tamaki's plans? someone has to find the budget for it"

The twins exchanged a glance as the two of them pondered it over, ultimately agreeing with the logic before running back to play volleyball.

"Are you not going to go off with them?" Kyoya asked, looking up over his glasses while still scribbling in his notebook. "Not yet, just taking it all in" you reply lightly, pulling your knees up to lean your book against.

"Taking what in?" He asks, he knows that you weren't exactly unfamiliar with beach trips, while it may be less common where you were from you still had gone on plenty of trips. "It is rare that we can get a moment where everything isn't...filtered"

The statement intrigues Kyoya, head tilting to the side "How so?" you sigh, closing the book as you stare out into the ocean, watching as the boys have a water fight and Haruhi goes rockpooling with the girls.

"While we do have clients here, most of us have still dropped our typical club persona's that we put up at school, there's no pressure to pretend to be something we're not"

Kyoya hums, following your gaze to watch the boys also. "Do you really think so?" he asks, placing his notebook down. "I know so. None of us are in the host club for the sake of being in the host club, we all put on persona's to ignore the persona's we have to put on for our families. When we can drop both of those...it's rare...but it is quite nice to see"

Kyoya pauses, staring back at you "You're quite insightful sometimes do you know that?" he asks, taking a sip of his drink" you shrug "It's my job to be"

"So what pretenses are you putting up then? you sounded as if you include yourself?" the question siezes in your chest as you question whether or not you should actually go there.

"I think it may be the same pretenses that you put up as well" you reply, not taking your eyes off of him as you analyse his reaction. Kyoya doesn't answer at first, having a mental war with himself as to how much information he should release to you.

You unintentionally hold your breath waiting for his answer, praying that he wouldn't shrug it off again, that he wouldn't shut off just this once. "And what is that?"

"That while we were in club hours, distracted by numbers and analytics, we can both ignore why we are always sat together and the future that is coming for us soon"

"Y/n-"

"It is fine Kyoya, I have always been aware of my place with you, you don't have to rush to protect my feelings" you place the book you were reading on the table between the two of you.

Silence falls between the two of you as you sigh. "Kyoya I am tired of this dance we do every time this comes up. We have known each other two years and we never talk about it. Not really"

"Could I get a word in please?" your slightly ajar mouth pulled itself shut at the question. "I thought when we spoke at the party that was us talking about it"

"I...we said at the party we would try...to make this work...and I am being patient but..." while you are too caught up trying to piece together the right words you didn't notice how Kyoya was hanging onto every one of those words.

"I never know...where I stand with you Kyoya...and the truth is I don't think you know either" Kyoya remains silent, debating whether it would be best to say something in defence or let you elaborate.

"I don't...I don't expect anything from you but just as i think i've figured out what we are something will happen and I'm back to square one." you look away, staring back out into the ocean not wanting to bear to see his reaction.

"We are engaged but we are not together, we hang out and as far as I'm aware I am the person you talk to the most but we aren't friends..." it is in this moment that Kyoya wishes that he was better at bringing himself to express any form of emotion.

"I didn't...know you felt that way" was what ends up coming out instead. "Please don't say it like that" you plead, regretting bringing this up in the first place, taking a sip of your drink.

Kyoya is stunned "Like what?"

"With pity, I am aware of my position, and you are aware of yours, we fulfill the agreement our fathers made only enough but it is strange because of that exact arrangement we have decided that it would be for the best that things are only one way or another"

"We have responsibilities"

"Yes we do, but you seem to forget that you can do more than just your responsibilities. Why do you think you are here?" you gesture out to the rest of the host club.

"Y/n if you are saying what I think you are you do not want to go there" You raise an eyebrow "Do I not? Because the truth is I don't know anything about you. I'd like to but I don't, not truly."

Kyoya's face falls, seemingly a flurry of realisations hitting him at once. "All I am saying is that we are going to be stuck together for a very long time, I just want to know what terms that time will be on"

"Help!" Haruhi's voice seemed to echo through the rocky outskirts of the bay. You shoot up, completely forgetting the conversation that was just occurring, running in what you hope to be the direction of the cry.

as you turn around the rocks, quickly realising that the other club members are following behind you, but that isn't what you are worried about, no you are worried by the group of guys who currently are cornering haruhi. "Get the hell away from her!" you yell out.

"Ah good another one" the guy whose hand was wrapped around Haruhi's wrist says at your presence, not seeming intimidated in the slightest. "Yeah, now get away from her" You yank his hand off of her, wrist, however in the process he grabs onto yours instead, in an instinctual response you knee him in the crotch, throwing him off you.

"Get away from them!" Honey's voice rings out, tackling them, Mori as well. they just about manage to get out enough to run away, you manage to dodge out of the way in time to miss the onslaught, accidentally stepping backwards into Kyoya.

"Are you okay?" he asks, placing his hands on your shoulders to stabilise you. "Fine."

♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡        ♡

It's dark out, the host club have retired to Kyoya's family's beach house for the night. Kyoya is pacing the room as he is on the phone to his police force while you are sat on his bed watching him ramble on. He eventually sighs as he hangs up the phone.

"The girls are all safely at the hotel, they are tracking down what is left of those guys" You nod "Good"

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asks for probably the third time since the incident. "Yes I am fine, I know the whole 'duty of care' bullshit and that you probably got asked about me over the phone but I am fine"

"Forgive me for checking on someone who is known to avoid doctors" He mutters, placing the phone on the desk. "What you did was risky"

"Haruhi was in trouble" You sat firm in your position, having no regrets on your decision despite the backlash you had received from the host club after the incident. "Yes however there were much safer ways to handle it than just throwing yourself into the situation, you're not martial arts trained like Honey or Mori"

"Haruhi was in trouble then, what did you expect me to do, wait? Kyoya she could have been seriously hurt if i did that"

"You could have been seriously hurt!"

The outburst came as a shock to you, jaw hanging open for a moment before slowly picking itself up. "I am fine"

"Yes but you could have very easily may not have been"

Kyoya has a certain intensity to him that you do not see often at all from him, your mouth hinges close in shock. "You want to know what we are y/n? The truth is I don't even know the answer but what I do know is that you cannot do stuff like that"

You could practically hear the heart palpitations in your chest, you and Kyoya stare at each other from across the room, part of you was frustrated with him. Not getting anywhere with him apparently.

On the other hand there was a familiar feeling that you recognise from a moment of closeness the two of you had in the classroom when investigating shiro.

In the wake of your silence Kyoya sighs. "I...You are right, I do have a 'persona' or whatever you want to call it, but I can't just...drop it, it has become second nature to me now...please just...be patient with me"

There's a level of vunerability in his words that is unlike anything you had ever heard from him before. You stand up, approaching him slowly while not taking your eyes off of him, sighing as you stand less than a foot away from him "I can be patient...I just need to know that I'm not the only one trying to make this work"

Thunder cracked in the background but the two of you didn't seem to take any mind. "I..." Kyoya was hesitant with his words "You aren't...the only one..." You nod, happy to finally get confirmation but now unsure of what to do or say next.

However you do not need to make that decision, as an almost electric, feather light touch brushes your hand, a finger wraps around yours, interlocking.

"Patience?"

"Patience."

Next time on patience 'A Challenge from Lobelia Girl's Academy'

Tag list (reply to be added): @skottch @cgmajor @rebirthbunbun @bbybubbles @blueberry19000 @katgirl05 @smellslikelovinglies @veras-fanfic-reblogs @sadprimrose @mirtalikesdr @sleeplesssskeleton @ritzes28

[kaiser1nsfw]

ᯓ★ hot mess .ᐟ

𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗸𝗮 𝘅 𝗳𝗲𝗺!𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘅 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼. you are a hot mess, even making one when your two best friends are all over you. ౨ৎ wc :: 6.1k ˖ ࣪⊹ consensual, threesome, eating out, fingering, nipple play.

๑⁠˙ note ! this is my first time attempt to write smut. please do enjoy nevertheless !

What better way to enjoy a summer day than at the beach? You had suggested the idea of craving the cool embrace of the ocean waves. Endo had already agreed to put on his swimsuit, while Takiishi, as usual, went along with whatever kept you in his sight.

Clad in your new two-piece swimsuit, you couldn't help but notice the extra attention you were getting today, especially from your two best friends, who now looked more like personal bodyguards. They trailed behind you like protective pitbulls, sharp glares warning off anyone who dared to look your way. Not even the sandcastles built by children were spared, well Endo didn’t want to step up on them, and Takiishi couldn't care less.

They sat on the towels, their muscular frames relaxed on the sand while you stood before them, arms crossed, casting a long shadow over their sun-kissed skin. Endo looked up at you with that soft, gentle smile he always had, while Takiishi just stared, his expression harder to read.

“Why did you get in my way?” the redhead asked, his voice laced with curiosity, maybe even a hint of annoyance. He wasn't used to being interrupted, not when he was about to do something he found so … entertaining. But it was you, so he couldn't care less in the end.

You sighed, affection in your tone as you explained, “This is supposed to be a vacation so we can all rest. Leave the fighting for when we are back in town. I don't want to deal with this. I just want to have fun and relax.”

Takiishi’s gaze softened slightly at your words, though he wouldn't admit it out loud. He respected you enough to let it slide, even if he wanted to punch those idiots for what they’d said about him, about you. But when you stepped closer, your eyes scanning his face, he couldn't hold onto that irritation for long.

“You're starting to look more like Sebastian than Ariel.” you teased, that sweet smile blooming across your face as you knelt beside him. His cheeks flushed, a little redder than before, and you reached for the sunscreen spray, gently applying it to his face. The soft fabric of your swimsuit top shifted slightly, drawing his gaze downward for just a moment. The way it hugged your curves perfectly didn't escape his notice, and he found himself distracted by how effortlessly the material clung to your skin. His eyes flicked up to meet yours, lingering for just a second too long.

You leaned in a little. focusing on spreading the sunscreen evenly, your fingertips brushing his red cheeks, and he couldn't help but notice how the sun had kissed your skin too, making it glow just a little more. Takiishi tried to ignore the way his pulse quickened as he tore his focus away from your neckline, attempting to focus on anything else. But the softness in your voice, combined with the warmth of your touch was doing something to him that he wasn't entirely prepared for. You noticed, of course. How could you not? The way his gaze lingered, the slight tension—it was almost cute how he was trying so hard to keep his composure. You smiled, a little more knowingly this time, your hands still resting on his cheeks as you finished smoothing the sunscreen.

“You should me bore careful, Chika,” you murmured, concerned about him “I’d hate to see you get sunburned out here.”

As you finished with him, Endo, who had been watching the whole interaction with quiet amusement, leaned back on his hands, a playful glint in his eyes. “Can you rub my back?” he asked, his voice dipping into that smooth, teasing tone that always made you smile. The sight of him made you swallow involuntarily, the infinity symbol tattoo on his neck catching your eye. It matched perfectly with the necklace he’d given you, a gift and a reminder of your unbreaking bond.

You rolled your eyes but couldn't resist his request. “You are impossible, you know what?” you muttered, though there was no bite in your words. Grabbing the sunscreen again, you moved behind him, kneeling to apply the cream on his broad back. You couldn't help but notice how his muscles tensed slightly under your touch, the warmth of his body radiating through your fingers. You took your time, massaging the lotion into his inked skin, your nails tracing over the tattoos that decorated his arms.

Endo let out a pleased sigh, closing his eyes for a moment. “You are so nice to us, Y/N. it makes me fall for you all over again.” His words weren’t new, but the way he said them now, with the sun setting behind you, made your pulse quicken, making the moment more special.

You chuckled, trying to keep your tone light despite the way your heart danced in your chest. “Someone has to be, or you’d destroy everything.”

Finally done with Endo, you wiped your hands on the towel and laid behind the two of them, their bodies shielding you from the remaining rays. The tattooed boy looked over his shoulder, his teal eyes filled with a soft fondness, as a blush appeared on his cheeks at the sight of you. Meanwhile, Takiishi stared straight ahead, but you could tell from the way he let himself relax at your presence, that he appreciated you even if he wouldn't say it out loud.

The calming sound of the waves and the warmth of the sand beneath you lulled you into a peaceful sleep. The last thing you remember was the conversation between your best friends. When you finally stirred, the sun was dipping, casting a golden glow across the beach. Rubbing your eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep as you slowly sat up.

As your vision cleared, you noticed the boys were still in the same position when you drifted off. Endo noticed you first, his lips curling into a teasing smile as he stretched his long limbs. “Hmm, someone decided to wake up,” he quipped, voice playful as always, “The sleeping beauty has risen to shine upon us~”

Takiishi followed, rising to his feet and stretching his arms above his head. His toned body came into full view now before he let his arms fall back down. “How long was I sleeping?” you asked, voice still hoarse from sleep.

The redhead glanced at you, his expression unreadable, but his tone was casual. “Two hours.” Your eyes widened, as you scrambled to get up, brushing off the sand that clung to your skin. “Why didn’t you wake me up?” Endo laughed at your reaction, moving closer to put arm around you. “Relax, sweetcheeks. We’ve got plenty of time before we head to the fair.” His tone was soothing, and despite your panic, you could not help but smile, he always used nicknames to calm you down and it somehow worked.

Soon enough, the three of you made your way back to the Airbnb as the night began to settle in. Renting an apartment together was to keep the peace—less stress dealing with Takiishi’s outbursts and Endo’s casual approach to managing them. And it was better than paying for hotel rooms, and more money if either of them broke something.

Once inside, you wasted no time going first into the bathroom. “Please, no fighting while I’m gone,” you warned, giving them a pointed look before closing the door. You loved them, they were your best friends of course. How could you not love them? It was charming the way Endo always told you sweet nothings, and Takiishi took part in the physical comfort. They are always there for you, protecting you like an angel, and you feel like one despite knowing you were not.

The hot water felt like Heaven against your skin, washing away the sand, and by the time you finished, you felt refreshed, no longer feeling the need to sleep. Putting on some shirt and padding out into the living room, where you found Takiishi lounging on the couch, relaxed as his eyes were closed, head tilted back. He looked so dreamy, like a prince but the sound of the shower running in the background made him open his eyes. Endo had taken your place in the bathroom, leaving you two alone.

Without a second thought, you moved to the couch and nestled into Takiishi’s side, laying your head on his shoulder, as the scent of the sea still clung to him. You were wearing one of his shirts, an old one with a faded skull, or was it an oni, you couldn't tell but it didn't matter. It was oversized on you with no need to wear shorts.

His hand made its way to your thigh, caressing with a gentle touch, slender fingers moved beneath the hem of your shirt, and his grip tightened as he squeezed your waist. The sudden touch made you arch a little, but it was a comforting sensation, one that made you snuggle closer to him. Takiishi didn’t stop his soothing motions, he wanted to feel more, do more.

Just then, you heard the bathroom door open, and Endo walked in, his dark wet hair glued to his forehead, as he was dressed in a simple top and pants. His gaze immediately found yours, eyes softening as he smiled.

But before you could return the smile, Takiishi’s hand moved to your chin, cupping your face and turning your head, your attention, towards him again. Your breath hitched slightly, as your eyes locked with his golden ones. His lips were inches apart, so close, but he didn’t close the gap. You could sense his hesitation, the way he held back, waiting for you to make the next move. You didn’t do anything, instead, you remained perfectly still, heart pounding in your chest. His thumb brushed against your cheek, it was a gentle and possessive gesture, as his other hand was still resting on your waist.

Endo watched from across the room, observing the scene unfolding in front of him, expecting him to say something, as you felt the weight of his gaze on you. He moved, the couch dipping as he took a seat on the other side of you. You felt the way his chest was pressed at your back. His inked arms slipped around your waist, pulling you gently against him until your back was fully resting on him. You were sandwiched between them now, your body open and vulnerable to Takiishi, but secured against Endo’s chest.

Takiishi’s focus flickered down to your lips, his thumb tracing lazy circles on your cheek, as Endo’s breath tickled your ear, he was close enough that you could hear his heartbeat, that matched your own. It was intoxicating, they were intoxicating, and you couldn't think clearly or breathe normally. The tattooed hand gripped your waist making your stomach clench and the redhead's finger finally stopped, you thought he was finally going to lean in and kiss you but instead, he spoke “You are making it really hard to hold back.” a rough whisper that made you wonder what it would feel like to give in.

His words were something unexpected but you still didn't know how to react, you sat there like a doll, their pretty doll. You could feel yourself blushing, getting warm, much hotter than sitting in the sun on the beach. The way you were being caught between the two of them, with one’s fiery gaze holding you captive and the other’s strong arms securing you so you wouldn’t run away.

Endo’s free hand came up to brush your hair aside, his fingertips grazing your neck in a way that made your breath hitch. He leaned in, lips hovering just above your ear. “What do you want, angel?” he murmured, his voice tempting you to answer with your deepest and darkest desires. The question hung in the air, it made its way to your brain, but you could not process it, to focus on the way the hands on your body.

You wanted to speak, to answer but no words seemed to appear from the way you opened your mouth, only a slight moan, and that was enough for them.

Takiishi’s hand, which was still on your face, tilted your chin up, forcing you to look directly at him. He wanted you to look at him when he was so close to devouring you. “Tell us,” he urged, commanding you to admit what you were feeling, as his thumb brushed over your bottom lip. But instead of speaking you simply leaned into his touch, eyes closing for a moment as you savored the way his finger was tracing your lip. When you opened them again, his gaze had only deepened and you felt Endo’s hand slide a little higher up your waist, his fingers touching the bare skin under your shirt.

The three of you stayed like that for a moment, one that you have been longing for so long. You have been longing for them, every second of the day, wanting them close, for both of them to take care of you, to be there and never let go.

“Looks like you forgot about the fair,” Edno whispered into your ear, his breath warm against your skin, the teasing in his voice was unmistakable. But there was also a hidden hunger, a need, that matched your own desires.

Takiishi’s hand slid down to your collarbone, his fingers brushing the fabric of your shirt aside, “We can find our way to have fun,” his voice low and rough, you didn’t respond, you couldn’t, as their hands began to explore your body, every inch of you. Endo’s fingers trailed up your sides, his touch was gentle, and each stroke against your bare flesh made you sink into the pleasure. Takiishi wasn’t far behind, he tugged the hem of your shirt, pulling it up and over your head. The fabric slid from your skin, your breath coming in short, quick gasps, leaving you bare before them, in all your beauty and grace, and they couldn't even take their eyes off you.

He leaned in again, his lips finally closed in the distance, capturing yours in a possessive and demanding kiss, as his hand cradled the back of your head as he deepened it. Takiishi Chika was asserting his dominance over you, just as much Endo Yamato was doing when his lips trailed along your neck, leaving a path of lingering and wet kisses. His teeth nipped at the sensitive spot just below your ear, and you could sense his smile against your skin as he latched onto the tender flesh, sucking and biting it. His hands were everywhere, a soft moan escaped your lips as they slid up, caressing your ribs before wrapping to cup your breast. It was overwhelming, everything was - the combination of both of them on you.

Endo’s lips moved lower, leaving love bites along your shoulder, tongue flicking out, soothing each spot he’d claimed, before moving on to the next. He was taking his time to ensure each mark was perfect, but despite his hunger, he controlled himself, making you gasp into Takiishi’s mouth. With every bite, every kiss, your mind began to blur, lost in the sensations of their hands and mouths on your body.

Any thoughts about the fair or anything else were slipping away. Takiishi’s hand slid up to cup your breast, his thumb brushing over your hardened nipple, drawing moans and melodic pleases from your lips that were quickly swallowed by his hungry kiss. Endo’s hands moved lower, slipping between our thighs, teasing you with the lightest that left you wanting more. He groaned against your neck as he felt your body respond to his touch, his desire clear in the way his grip tightened.

“Mine.” Takiishi said against your lips, voice full of need as his hand slid down to grip your waist, pulling you even closer to him, while his other hand joined Endo’s, both of your best friends driving you to the point of ever consuming pleasure. And you let them have you. You gave in completely, your mind and body surrendering to what they offered, your hands clutching at them, needing their touch, the sound of their voices murmuring your name. Their warmth, their closeness — you needed them, craved it.

This wasn’t the first time you had been intimate with them, but it had always been with just one of them at a time—never both together like this. You and Endo had shared your first time, leaving only the two of you tangled in the sheets. With Takiishi, it was raw and intense, like he was pouring every bit of his pent-up emotion into you. But this was a new step into your friendship.

The word “best friend” lost its meaning a long time ago. It was a label that didn’t define your relationship anymore, too small and insignificant to tie the unspoken truth that bound the three of you. You were more than friends but less than lovers. After all, best friends don’t lust after each other the way you did, they don’t want to claim and devour each other, and they don’t love each other. Endo liked you, and Takiishi, Takiishi liked you, and you knew you liked both of them. It was a twisted relationship, one you didn’t want to let go of. Not when it felt this good, not when the three of you fit together so perfectly, even in the messiest moments in your lives.

And right now, you are a hot, moaning mess beneath them. Takiishi’s hand slid down, his fingers hooking under the waistband of your panties, pulling them quickly down. His patience was starting to run out. The cool air against your bare skin made you shiver, but the warmth of his hand replaced it. You were busy too, tugging at his shirt, wanting to get rid of the buried between your bodies. Your fingers grazed the hard lines on his chest as you stripped him bare. The sight of him, and his slightly tanned skin made you press your hips together. When you were at the beach earlier, you did your best to hold back. You had seen him like this before, had felt every inch of him, but tonight it felt different.

Fingers brushing against your most sensitive spot, making you part your lips and cry out softly, hips bucking at his against touch. You were so down bad for them, every nerve ending on fire as they pushed you closer and closer over the bridge of sanity, they were the only ones who could and deserve to have you like that.

You glanced over at your other best friend, catching the way he watched you with Takiishi. There was something, almost delicate in his gaze that made your heart race. He was drunk at the sight of you as if he was lost in some kind of ecstasy, on a rollercoaster ride, and the way his chest heaved with each breath as he struggled to keep his composure, told you everything you needed to know.

When you were done with Takiishi’s shirt, you turned your whole attention to Endo, leaning in to press your lips against his in a kiss he responded immediately. There was something different in the way he kissed you, something more urgent—as if he needed to feel you, to taste you, to lose himself in you.

Takiishi’s hands didn’t stay idle either, exploring the newly exposed skin of your hips and your thighs, his touch making you crumble, feeling lost in the way he was so gentle, despite him wanting to ruin you. He pressed against you in the front while Endo held you from behind, you were trapped as each of them pulled you in their direction, yet you couldn’t imagine a more perfect place to be.

As Takiishi’s fingers teased the sensitive skin of your thighs, you moaned into Endo’s mouth, your back arching as your body reacted by reflex, an instinct that was only beginning to manifest itself for them. Kissing and nipping at the delicate skin on your lower parts, while a tattooed hand brushed the underside of your breast. The room was filled with the sound of your ragged breaths, the quiet hum of pleasure when they touched, kissed, and held you. They worshiped you like a goddess.

They continued to claim you in ways that were both familiar and entirely new, you knew that whatever was this between the three of you, it was something that did not need explanation or clarification because when you are in love, you don't need to know to feel it. You gave yourself over to it, letting the pleasure wash over you, drowning in a contract of being utterly, completely theirs.

The redhead’s lips traveled down from your legs to your core, leaving marks on their way. Sinking his teeth, you were aware of every moment, every breath, every flick of his tongue but then he paused, hands firmly gripping your waist as he kissed the soft skin there, his breath warm against your cold flesh.

Endo, still behind you, his fingers circling the sensitive buds of your nipples, making your whole body to be covered in goosebumps. You gasped, arching into his touch and your head fell back against his shoulder.

You could feel Takiishi’s breath against your inner thighs, his hair tickling you when his tongue finally flicked out to taste you as a loud moan escaped you feeling the pleasure of his mouth on your folds. He was roughly moving and exploring, fingers digging into your hips to hold you steady. He was going back and forth from soft and teasing licks to deeper and more quick movements. The feeling of his mouth, he was eating you like you were his last and most favorite meal, the pressure building within until you thought you might burst.

Endo’s hand countied to work their magic, punching and rolling, diving you into new depths of pleasure. He could feel the way your body trembled, your breath came in short, desperate gasps and it only made him more eager to see you fall apart by him and Takiishi combined. His mouth moved to your jaw, his teeth exposed now in a twisted smile, “You look so beautiful like this,” voice low and rough with desire “So perfect.”

The dual sensations—Takiishi’s tongue making you twist, Endo’s hands shamelessly playing with you—became too much. They haven't even started. Your whole body was pushed towards the verge of collapsing, and the way Takiishi moved faster, his lips sucking as he was being unbelievably fierce, he was going for it, all the way with the heat coiling tighter in your belly.

Endo pressed himself harder against you, feeling your body tensing as his hands never left your upper parts, fingers toying with your nipples in a way that made your vision blur from the pleasure. His mouth was back at your neck, kissing and biting, never stopped talking, “Relax, doll,” he urged, as sweet as commanding you, to make you understand that they are doing this for your enjoyment. “Let us make you feel good.”

You were helpless to do nothing but obey. And you felt it, that tension inside you snapped, body shaking when you came at Takiishi’s tongue, your cries were muffled against Endo’s shoulder. But the boy who made you orgasmed didn't stop, didn't relent as he countied to lap at you, drawing out every last bit of drop, he was drunk to the taste of you.

Endo’s hands finally stilled, his touch gentle now, almost soothing, as he held you close, comforting you. Takiishi slowly withdrew, giving your hips one final squeeze before he kissed his way back up, his lips brushing over your flushed skin as he moved to rejoin you. When his eyes met yours, there was a smirk playing on his lips, he was satisfied as for now.

“You taste even better than I remember,” he leaned in to capture your lips and you could taste yourself from his mouth, feeling a little bit sticky but sweet like honey.

Endo’s hand cupped your face, tilting you as he claimed your lips next, his kiss was softer, more lingering, as if savoring the taste of you, smiling into the kiss. Pulling away his eyes were filled with nothing but pure adoration.

There was no need for words, no need to define what had just happened. The three of you tangled together breathless, basking in the afterglow of your shared pleasure. The fair, and every plan for the night had been forgotten, replaced by a different kind of fun, one that made you feel so incredibly good.

As you slowly came down from your high, breathing heavily as little tears started to form in your eyes, you felt Takiishi’s hands tightened on your hips, again. He wasn't finished. In fact, it seemed he was just getting started. His tongue countied to torment you, pace quickening as if he was starving for more, desperate to feel you fall apart beneath him one more time.

It was overwhelming, and though you had just climaxed, your body was already heating up again, responding to the attention he was giving you. You could feel the need building, your fingers threading through his long reddish hair, gripping it as you pressed his face closer to your folds.

Takiishi let out a deep, satisfied moan against you, the vibrations sending another shockwave of pleasure through your body. He was completely lost in you, his movements became more urgent and frantic, he devoured you like a possessed man. He couldn't get enough of you, plunging deeper, his lips sucking harder. You were so sweet, so perfect — you were his’s. The way he was going at you—he was intoxicated by you, by the way your body was enjoying him, and nothing else mattered. Endo watched in awe, he was smitten by the way Takiishi was consuming you, the desire in him as he countied to pleasure you, oblivious to anything else around him. It was a sight both frustrating and appealing.

He was impatient, the thought of making you feel good too and not only touching and marking you … But he had to wait, he didn't want to get into Takiishi’s way.

His hand traced along your side, brushing against the soft curve of your waist, his breath hot. “Takiishi…” voice was filled with need and impatience. He wanted his turn, but Takiishi was completely devoted, so focused on making you come undone again, that he didn't seem to hear, he didn't want to.

Endo’s hand slid down to your thigh, as he watched Takiish’s head move between your legs, his tongue working you over as if you were nothing but a crying and whimpering mess. Every moan, every cry that escaped your lips made his patience wear thinner, his own desire burning to have you growing with every passing second.

You were on the verge of coming again, as you gripped Takiishi’s hair tighter, pulling him even closer to you. Your hips bucked against his face, and him in return responded with grunts, and more fierce licks abusing you, pushing you another blissful orgasm. Your beauty was a wild contrast to the raw and intense moment—face framed by messy stand of your hair, eyes glowing, pupils dilated filled with so much love and lust, that made both of the boys smitten.

“Y-yamato…” your voice was a desperate plea, turning your head to catch his gaze, but your mind was still hazy, all you could think of was the way Takiishi was making you feel—how he was driving you mad with every press of his lips. “I want Yamato… Chika, stop!”

But he couldn't stop, too far gone, mind corrupted to taste every last bit of you. He didn't hear your words, too drunk and full of your juices that mixed with his saliva. His hands must have left huge scars from so much pressing.

Diving deeper, moving faster, keeping up.

Endo never got angry without a reason, especially with Takiishi, as he tried to maintain some kind of self control. But the way you moaned his name, the way your body trembled beneath the other’s touch, was driving him crazy. He wanted to be the one to push you, to feel you clench around him as you reached your high, he wanted you too.

But he knew Takiishi would not back up, so he kissed you again, and again, and again — pouring his frustration as his tongue tangled with yours, trying to distract you from the person between your legs.

But even as you kissed him back, your body was still betraying you, hips moving desperate for more. Endo could feel it too, he knew that you won't focus on him in your current state.

“Fuck…” he groaned against your lips, hands squeezing yout breasts as he tried to keep calm, to keep himself occupied. “Man, let me have her.”

Your thoughts dissolve, your brain malfunctioning, heart shaking, body trembling. The familiar sensation forming in your belly, ready to snap, and even though you wanted Endo, Takiishi’s attention was making you go utterly insane.

The dark-haired boy could see it, feel it, there was no stopping Takiishi once he set his mind on something. So Endo did the only thing he could—he whispered in your ear, slowly and taunting, “Come for him. Let him feel how much you need it.”

And with those words, as if you were under some spell, a form of some illusion, the tension inside you snapped, as Takiishi forced another orgasm as he swallowed everything to the last drop, his tongue never slowing its relentless pace even if you were crying for him to stop because it was getting too much. “Chika, please, I-I can't take it anymore…” you were left completely breathless as you were suffocating in the pleasure, but you will take it along with the pain.

Endo was heart-stricken by how pretty you looked, as you slumped back on his chest, your legs were sore as you hissed just by the slight adjustment. He knew that there would be time for him later, it was just the beginning of the night after all. For now he will hold you close, to calm you down, someone had to, he knows you let him have his turn sooner or later.

Your chest heaved as you tried to catch your breath, the aftershocks of your intense climax was still so overwhelming, leaving you on the brink of overstimulation. But, you needed to please Endo, to feel him, no time for exhaustion and resting.

Turning your head, eyes finding teal ones, his expression was filled with longing and that same lust Takiishi showed you minutes ago. Your fingers brushing against his arm in a silent plea. You didn't have to say a word; your eyes told enough. Endo understood you, always did, and the way you looked at him now—needy and still ready for more—set his heart racing.

A slow, almost sinister smile spread across his face as he gently repositioned you, his hands guided you onto your back as you felt the sickness between your thighs, evidence of how Takiishi had ruined you. But you were ready for more, you always are.

His fingers tracing the curves of your breasts, and your waist before settling between your legs. The first touch against your sensitive folds made you shiver, reacting to his familiar and gentle touch. He started slowly, easing his way back into you, fingers sliding through your wetness before he pushed one inside you, then another.

You cried, your tears flowed like a waterfall, they couldn't stop when your body arched when you felt him stretch you, fingers curling inside you in a way that made your toes curl. He knew you inside and out, like a pirate diving into the deep and dangerous waters, he didn't need a map, he had already been there.

“Pretty girl…” Endo murmured, as he watched the way your eyes fluttered shut as you lost yourself in him. His free hand moved to your face, brushing away the tears that had gathered at the corners, a more delicate gesture that contrasted with the toughness of his other hand. “So perfect for us,” he added, his own arousal evident in the way his voice trembled with want.

You could barely respond, or get what he was saying, too lost in the sensation of his fingers working their magic inside you. He was slow, wanting to make you enjoy this, drawing out every moan as he was about to make you come, even though you were still trembling from the last wave. His lips brushed against yours as he whispered “That’s it, yeah…I want to feel you.” His voice was as gentle as his pace.

Takiishi, who had been watching the entire time, couldn't tear his gaze away from you. The way your body responded to Endo, the soft whimpers—it was like a dream and it made him pumped again, even if he had you moments before.

Endo’s fingers moved faster now, his thumb brushing against your clit in a perfect rhythm, sending another wave of pleasure through your already overstimulated body. You could feel it coming and this time it would be even more intense.

You tried to hold it, but he was not trying to do that. Feeling the tears gathering in your eyes again, the painful pleasure was too much to bear, but you didn't want him to stop—you needed this, needed him.

“Yama…plea—,” you could barely form the words, trembling as you begged him for the sweet oblivion that he could bring you.

“So mesmerizing…” Endo moaned as he watched you, his gaze filled with something close to worship. He leaned down, lips brushing against yours in a soft, tender kiss, his fingers never slowing down and then it hit you—like a tidal wave crashing over you. Your body convulsed with the force of your orgasm, your hands gripping Endo’s arms as you cried out, your entire being consumed by the sudden overload of both pressure and satisfaction. Clenching around his fingers, muscle tightening, leaving you breathless.

He didn't stop, working you through your climax, until you were left shaking, slacking against the couch. His other hand countied to caress your face as he showered you with soft praises. His eyes flickered down to his fingers, stull coated with your essence. He hesitated for a moment but slowly brought them to his lips. His eyes slowly closed as he tasted you, a soft blush spreading across his cheeks, he was so in love with you that tasting you was one of the things he wished he could do every day and night.

He let out a quiet sigh, tongue darting out to trace each fingertip, savoring every last bit if you. His lashes brushed his cheeks as he opened his eyes meeting your gaze with a look that was both shy and charming. A smile tugged the corner of his lips, the blush deepening as he noticed your wide-eyed stare.

“You did so good, doll,” slowly withdrawing his fingers from his mouth glancing away from a moment, as if he was embarrassed by his boldness. Endo went to kiss you again, wanting to calm you down with his soft lips moving with yours.

You were a vision of divine beauty—a breathtaking mess that seemed to transcend mortal limits. As you lay there, skin glowing with otherworldly radiance, like a goddess caught in the throes of her own allure. Your smile, soft and knowing, was a silent promise of devotion and surrender. The twisted relationship had never been crystal clear, but in this sacred space it felt like the most natural and normal thing. Enveloped in their adoration, a cherished jewel in their midst, and they in return were part of you—your most treasured devotee. You were theirs, and they were yours, and that's how it should be.

Their eyes roamed once again over your tired body, taking in the way their adoration colored your skin; neck, shoulders and stomach were adorned with love bites, a constellation of marks that told the story behind their passion. Legs and thighs, too, had their imprint, a vivid display of their devotion. It was a sight to behold—a canvas of sensuality, painted by their affection, love and lust.

Yet, despite that, their love and hunger were far from sated. They weren't done admiring you, nor were they done ruining you. You knew that, there is still more to do but for now they will let you rest because whatever was about to happen next it would be just as intense, overwhelming, and just as perfect.

taglist ✦ @stunie @maruflix @fushigurioo @slerixx

©2024 takiishiluvr do not copy, repost or modify my work.

[shouyuus]

chapter four: another life

roronoa zoro; 3,170 words; flluff, angst, smol cliffhanger (teehee), slowburn starting to burn, enemies to lovers (we are getting to the lovers part finally!), quiet bonding, nami is still the goat

summary: in which you lose count of the number of times you've died

a/n: here we gooooo final stretch before the last chapter (chapter five). i promise it ends well in the end! :) there's some cuteness in here to make up for the distinct lack of it in the first three chapters lmfao

< to the table of contents

“So… how many times do you thinks she’s —”

“Usopp! You can’t just ask someone that —”

“I mean… most people can only die once so we don’t really have any —”

"Luffy!” Nami glares, effectively cutting Luffy off as you wander onto the main deck, squinting in the mid-day sun. Usopp presses his lips, going rigid as you cast your eyes over towards him with a curious look.

“Uh — m-morning! How’d — how’d you sleep?” he asks.

You quirk an eyebrow.

“Fine… but that’s third time you’ve asked me that today, Usopp.”

Usopp licks his lips, nodding, “Yeah! Well — I mean — it’s important to sleep well, y’know? And with you bein’ the newest member of our crew — I just wanted to make sure that you’re really sleepin’ well —”

“If you have questions… you’re allowed to ask,” you say, effectively cutting off his rambling explanation.

“What happened to your hand?” Nami asks, pointing.

“Oh —” you look down at the small bit of bandage from the night before, curling your fingers in on your palm, “I cut myself while making some mochis last night.”

“Oh! I love mochis!” Luffy grins, striding towards the hatch that leads below decks just as Sanji peaks out to call for lunch.

“Yes,” you laugh, following after, even as Nami sighs, shaking her head, “you’ve said that a lot too.”

Down in the corridor, you bump into Zoro, yawning widely as he waits for everyone to pass by before bringing up the rear. You exchange a glance that seems to unspool between the two of you, keeping you tethered even as you look away, following the rest of the crew into the kitchens for lunch.

Meals are always a noisy affair on the Merry — and you wouldn’t have had it any other way. It’s remarkable, Zoro thinks, how quickly you’ve melded seamlessly into the strange and colorful tapestry of their rick-rack pirate crew.

But still, there’s a strange distance between you and everyone else, as if the air itself shimmered around you, keeping you out, keeping you othered. You smile as Sanji pours you a generous glass of mimosa, reaching out to garnish it with a slice of juicy tangerine.

“So! What is it that you’ve been wanting to ask me?” you turn your gaze on Usopp, who nearly chokes on his mouthful of pulled pork, swallowing hard as Luffy thumps him on the back.

Zoro pauses mid-sip, the bubbles in his drink going flat in his mouth.

“Uhm —” Usopp looks wildly around at everyone else before turning back to meet your eyes. You give him a soft smile, as if letting him know that he’s not being put on the spot. He licks his lips and clears his throat and reaches out to toss back his entire drink before coughing comically into his fist, “I — well, actually we — I mean like — me and Luffy and Nami —”

“Keep me out of this,” Nami throws up her hands.

“Okay fine, me and Luffy —” Usopp casts Luffy a desperate look, “were just thinking the other day like — do you remember — how many times you’ve uh —”

Sanji sighs, rubbing at his temples with his fingers. Zoro feels his jaw tighten at the question.

You nod, expression neutral as you take another small sip of your drink before setting it down.

“You were wondering if I knew how many times I’ve died?”

The silence is the room rings so loud Zoro thinks his ears may pop. He swallows passed a mouthful of food that suddenly feels like it’s been turned to sand, putting down his chopsticks.

“But… only if you wanna — I mean — we were just curious — it’s not like it’s super important —” Usopp blusters, clearly trying to backtrack as hard and fast as possible.

“I don’t keep count…” you say, reaching out for a tiny sandwich, breaking it in half carefully between your fingers and popping one half of it in your mouth, “not anymore. I used to though… and then it just…” you lift up your left shoulder in a half-hearted shrug, “I didn’t see the point in it anymore.”

Nami reaches out a hand and places it on your arm, giving you a squeeze. There’s a fierce fire behind her eyes, a soul-deep pain and understanding. Zoro wonders at the things she might’ve been made to do at Arlong’s behest, if she might’ve once upon a time kept count of all his million and one indiscretions before realizing one day that it was pointless.

His palms pulse with heat and he feels the reckless urge to hack something in half.

“But to answer your question, more than a hundred, I think. I stopped counting when I hit the 90’s,” you pop the second half of the sandwich into your mouth and chew slowly. The quiet simmers around the table, before Sanji sighs and gets up to refill everyone’s glasses.

“Was it all that Crocodile guy?” Luffy asks, his voice jarringly serious. Everyone turns to look at him. He stares at you, his brows furrowed slightly.

You shake your head, “No. Most of it was actually bandits and thieves — people tend to lash out when they get scared, and a little girl who isn’t afraid of death — well,” you let your voice trail off.

“Do you remember them?” Zoro asks. His voice scrapes out of him, raw and bloodied. He tries to play it off with a cough and a deep drink, but no one is fooled.

You turn towards him, a light smile gracing your lips, “What? Gonna offer to go and hunt them down for me?”

Zoro shrugs, setting down his now-empty glass.

“As touching as that is,” you shoot him a tiny wink that makes Nami grin, “I’d rather not waste everyone’s time. They’re not worth it.”

A muscle feathers in Zoro’s jaw as he reflexively clenches and unclenches his fist on the table.

“And… I don’t think it’d make me feel any better,” you say, looking down at your own hands. Zoro forces himself to relax, to loosen his fingers and slacken his shoulders. But he stares down at his half-empty plate, his appetite gone.

— — —

Later that night, you find him siting alone in the crow’s nest, his back propped against the mast, one arm resting on a half-bent knee. He barely turns as you push yourself into the small space, casting your eyes up at the star-speckled night.

“Can’t sleep?” you ask, curling your arms around your legs, knees pressing into your chest.

Zoro grunts, shifting slightly, relaxing just enough that your elbows brush.

“Somethin’ like that.”

The silence stretches between the pair of you like the missing years, all those hours spent living and growing on opposite sides of a vengeful sea.

“D’you remember during the winter,” you say, your voice sending goosebumps prickling along Zoro’s skin, soft as heartbreak, fresh as an open wound, “when I’d say for dinner… and we’d sit out on the veranda and make up constellations?”

“Yeah,” Zoro laughs, leaning into the warmth of you, as natural as sinking into a memory, “the swordsman, the wheelbarrow, and —”

“And the mochitsuki!” you giggle, toppling into him as the memory seizes you both. You reach up and point towards a cluster of stars, “Right there! Look!”

Zoro scoffs, though he follows your finger, “Those are just a random bunch of stars —”

“No, you always picked a random bunch of stars —”

“I did not! I bet I could still find my swordsman constellation.”

Zoro squints at the dizzying array of twinkling specks, scanning the sky until he reaches out a hand to point.

“See those right there? That’s the swordsman.”

“You’re so full of shit, Roronoa,” but you’re laughing, and then so is he, the sound of natural it rumbles his shoulders and warms his limbs.

Zoro shakes his head, and by the time he realizes he’s leaning down to brush a strand of hair away from your cheek, it’s already too late. His body, a thrumming conflagration of muscle memory — his arm so used to the motion he didn’t even have to think. He skims this knuckles along your cheek, feels the weight of your tiny gasp ring through him like a church bell.

Your lashes flutter; there are stars from a thousand unnamed constellations caught in the dark oceans of your eyes.

“It’s… it’s not even winter.”

Zoro’s brows crinkle, his head cocking.

“What?”

You let out a puff of laughter that scalds across his lips.

“The stars —” your eyes flick up for a single second before slicing back down, “they’re different in the summer. Back when we picked out constellations… it’d been winter.”

“Oh.” Zoro doesn’t know what else to say. He’s held still by your closeness, by the burning flame of you, by the sea salt sweetness of your skin, the obsidian spill of your hair as it tumbles over your shoulder, tickling his arm. You’re so, so close, and yet he’s struck by the distance still left between you — too much, he thinks, far too much.

The kiss can barely be called a kiss — only the ghostly skim of lips on lips, a gasp masquerading as something more. But it’d been something, and you both jerk away from each other, lightening-jolted and gasping. You, with a hand pressed to your chest, Zoro, propping himself up with an arm against the crow’s nest’s rim.

Minutes go by, and neither of you have the courage to speak.

“It’s late,” Zoro finally manages, clearing his throat as he rums a thumb along the base of his sword, seeking the comforting grate of it’s well-worn tsuka, “you should —”

“Can I stay?” you ask, the words echoing through him, and for a second, beneath the light of all those million uncertain stars, he feels like a child again, and he sees you as he once had — midnight hair and a dreamer’s smile, pleading with his sensei to stay just a bit longer.

“Just… till I get tired,” you amend. Zoro blinks, and there you are again, all grown up, the vestiges of childhood still visible in the way you bite your lips, but there’s nothing childish about the way his stomach twists or the way your eyes dart down to rest on his mouth, lingering for a breath too long.

“Fine,” Zoro says, forcing his gaze away as he moves to sit back against the mast. You curl in next to him, resting your cheek on his shoulder. He waits for three beats before letting out a long sigh and adjusting his shoulder to match your height, letting you shuffle till you’re pressed almost fully against his left side.

He feels the weight and warmth of you seeping into his skin, more intimately than he’d ever felt it before. And like this, Zoro thinks that eternity might not be so long a time.

It’s long after midnight by the time you stir, and this time, Zoro doesn’t hesitate before looping one arm beneath your knees and the other around your shoulders, cradling you against his chest as he makes his slow, steady way back down to the main deck, and then below. You stir as he lays you down in his hammock, easing in next to you, your eyes blinking open to the bleary, moonlit dark of his room.

“Zoro?” you ask, your voice still mired in sleep.

“Yeah, I’m here,” he says, as if it’s the only answer you might’ve been seeking. You smile, lopsided and sweet, sinking into the pillow, one hand reaching out for him.

He tugs the sheets up and stretches out an arm to pull you close, feeling the soul-deep settling of the first drop of rain as it meets the sea, knowing that this is where he’s meant to be.

— — —

The pair of you are shaken awake by the wild rocking of the Merry and the too-close boom of canon-fire. Zoro jerks up, reaching for his swords; you, already swinging out of the bed as well, your eyes bright and wild.

“Wait —” Zoro bars your way as you try to jerk the door open.

“What?” you snap, the terrible, leaden look eclipsing your expression as Zoro watches you force the feeling, the life, from your face.

“You stay here.”

“Like hell I will,” you try to jerk passed Zoro’s arm, but he’s nothing if not strong, and he forces you back with a harsh shove.

“Stay here,” he says again, his knuckles already going white as he grips the handle of his sword.

“No.” You bare your teeth, and for a moment, Zoro barely recognizes you — your face devoid of anything but fear and anger, your eyes huge and hollow. Then, a flicker of light —

“I —” you swallow, “I won’t let anyone die for me. Not for me,” you say, as if the thought were an unbearable terror, gorging itself on the tendrils of your mind.

Zoro stares at you for what seems like a century. All the while, the unmistakable sounds of a battle rages on above.

Finally, he bites out, “I’m not planning on letting you die either.”

Your lips press into a thin, ghostly smile as you push passed his now-slack arm.

“Then don’t,” you say.

“Don’t what?”

You cast him a single backward glance, “Let me die.”

— — —

It is pandemonium by the time you and Zoro make it up to the main decks. A single look and you know that you’re all outnumbered and hundred to one.

“Your old boss really doesn’t give up, huh?” Zoro asks as he jumps in, parrying two blows and kicking another attacker in the stomach.

You duck beneath a pair of throwing stars, pulling out your knives.

“He’s not known for it — no,” you say, grunting as you swiftly dispatch someone swinging a pair of nun-chucks.

Across the deck, Sanji is round-house kicking someone in the face while Nami pivots off her bo staff to send someone else flying over the railings. Somewhere behind them, Luffy’s clear shout of Gum-Gum-Whip! echoes over the glistening morning waves. And up on the crow’s nest, Usopp fires round after round of his newly developed exploding pellets.

But it’s endless, and as many attackers as you fell, more keeps coming, seemingly appearing from nowhere as they clamber over the side of the ship, snarling as they swarm towards you.

“We — we have to get out of here!” Nami calls, barely keeping hold against a gargantuan pirate three times her size, bearing down over her with two giant, flashing swords.

“B-but — where do we go?” Usopp calls, desperately trying to re-load his slingshot, his fingers shaking so hard he almost fumbles his next round.

A hard, chilling realization settles in your chest, sinking till it weighs at the bottom of your stomach as you look around at the wreckage of the Merry, your eyes blurred with smoke and tears.

“There’s nowhere we can run!” Sanji says, nailing someone in the side a second before they catch Luffy in the back with a knife. Luffy throws him a thumbs up, winding up for another attack.

In the distance, you see the shadow of a large, familiar ship getting closer and closer, and suddenly, clear as day, you know what you have to do.

You dart out in front of Zoro, digging your knives into a man’s chest deep enough to feel his bones crack before ripping out the blades and spinning around to press your own chest to the tip of Zoro’s blade.

“What the hell?!”

Your hand whips out, grabbing Zoro’s wrist as he tries to pull away. Behind you, you hear the distinct sounds of Nami shouting something about an approaching ship, but you can’t make out the words.

“They’re coming after me,” you say, in a voice so quiet you doubt Zoro can hear you, but from the way his eyes go wide, you figure he catches the gist. He tries again to jerk his sword away but you pull it back so hard the tip snicks open the front of your shirt, drawing a dark droplet of blood.

He freezes just as a single warning clap of thunder roils overhead.

“You have to do it,” you say, your voice steady now, just loud enough for the others to hear, even as all sound seems to fade away, the action around you blurring as time itself slackens around you.

“No,” Zoro says, the line of his jaw drawn so taut you almost laugh, “I said I wouldn’t let you die.”

You nod, reaching out across what feels like an impossible distance to brush a thumb along his blood-spattered cheek. Overhead, dark clouds gather, streaks of lightning illuminating great patches of sky as the entire ocean froths with the oncoming storm.

“Right. That’s why you have to kill me instead.”

“No.” Zoro feels the word scrape out of him like a handful of broken glass, but the thing in his chest (can it still be called a heart?) claws up his throat, crawling into his mouth, leaving his tongue thick and bloodied. Panic knots through his veins as he tries to think of another way — any other way.

Distantly, he hears the shouts of his crewmates as they struggle to keep the onslaught of enemies at bay. And he knows — the same way a body knows how to cry without ever being taught, the first thing humans do when they’re brought into this world — that there is no other way.

You smile a smile that looks like the shadow of every single nightmare Zoro’s ever woken up from screaming.

“Can you at least make it quick?” you ask, leaning in, his sword tipping back so as not to run you through, but the blade still skims along the side of your neck like a sweet, fatal promise.

You close the space between you and lay your palms on his chest, letting his heart thread it’s hopeless drumbeat into the flat of your hands.

Overhead, Usopp is shouting about an enemy ship to the starboard side.

You clasp your fingers over Zoro’s hand on the hilt of the Wadou Ichimonji, and you feel the blade vibrate against your skin — as if it knows, as if it too is mourning.

A single raindrop patters down onto your cheek as you reach out to brush Zoro’s jaw.

“Zoro, please —”

A shard of lightning streaks overhead. A deafening clap of thunder. Zoro opens his mouth in a drowned out yell as he draws his blade across your neck in a sharp, abortive swipe and watches as the red wreaths down your front.

For just a second, it seems like your lips are caught in a smile, your eyes glimmering with secrets. And then, you slump forward into his arms, heavy and unmoving.

Somewhere behind him, Nami screams.

TAGLIST: @brairslair @msheds0519 @yunabelless @lynndt-chocolate @@lostonthrillerbark @stunies @tsumu-senpai @phroggii @ssailormoonnn @breathinginyoursmoke @guridoodles @kyllium @naomihatake @itoshiexx @mythicallystupid @mars-mizuko @astroniii @crispynutella @enhastolemyheart @fanficwriter101 @jamesbparker @dira333 @weirdowithaphone @ink-perfect @lodeddiperrodrick @not-a-glad-gladiator @vinskypuff @itsagoodluckkiss @blondethinkpink @ellelowthere @annievrse @m333myselfandiii @tsubaki3192 @grapelover2000 @teewon @keigoskrio @ggyuslovie @manuosorioh @one17 @monkey-d-hoshizora98 @emmaiscool22 @ponyboys-sunsets @m333myselfandiii @13-09-01 @jedi-dreea @noble-17 @murnsondock @letsthedogpackandthecats — pls comment below if you'd like to be added to the taglist for this series!

[jihyoruri]

❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ 𓍢 CARDIGAN, AUGUST AND BETTY kim minji x reader x kazuha nakamura

🪩★ ͘ ⴰ yn’s always been a hopeless romantic, her wish is to have the best love story and have the love of her life by her side in the end, but you can’t do that without a little bumps in the road right?

💿 TAPE 01 — AUGUST “ august slipped away into a moment of time cause it was never mine.”

the ocean breeze coming from the window takes over yn’s room along with the soft music coming from her phone as the girl sits on her bed with her face in a book.

it’s calming, it’s the exact break she needed, from all the craziness of idol life, she’s happy minji invited her to this beach house for the second half of the summer, august was always sort of depressing, so maybe the beach house would make it fun.

speaking of minji, yn hasn’t seen her since this morning, but that’s probably her fault, the girl had locked herself in the room that she’s staying in, she was determined to finish the book that she was reading, it was romance obviously.

romance is everything to yn, being in love seems like the best thing that can ever happen to you in yn’s mind, yn’s older sister would probably tell her to get her head out of the clouds but she just can’t help it, having someone’s heart in the palm of your hands and them having yours seems so intimate and vulnerable that it’s beautiful.

the book that yn is reading is about summer love, summer love is probably yn’s favourite trope, she’d love to have a summer love, to swim in the ocean with them and play in the sand.

“yn?” a voice snaps her out of her love filled thoughts, she looks up to see minji peaking her head in between the cracks of her door, “yeah?”

minji opened the door wider and stood fully in the door way, she had a oversized sweater that seemed to be over her swimsuit, “wanna go the beach? you can bring your book.”

yn looks at the girl at her door and can’t help but stare, minji has always been pretty no doubt, but this summer yn felt something different, butterflies would fill her stomach every time the leader would look at her or her hands would feel shaky when minji would talk to her, it’s been getting weird lately if she’s being honest, “sure just let me put on my suit.”

after getting ready yn made her way downstairs where minji was sitting on the couch waiting for her, as if it was on cue the girl looked up from her phone and smiled at yn, “ready?”

“yep.”

as the day unfolded, it felt like something out of a dream. the sky was a perfect blue, with wisps of clouds lazily drifting by. yn and minji spent hours on the beach, their laughter mingling with the sound of waves crashing against the shore.

they built sandcastles, their fingers intertwined as they molded the wet sand, and raced each other into the ocean, the cool water a refreshing escape from the heat of the sun. later, they sprawled on their beach towels, with yn absorbed in her book while minji dozed off beside her, a soft smile playing on her lips.

yn felt a sense of peace, as if all the chaos of the world had faded away, leaving just the two of them in their little bubble of happiness. it was a contentment she hadn't experienced in a long time, being an idol could be so stressful sometimes.

as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the beach, they reluctantly packed up their things and made their way back to the cozy beach house they had rented for the summer. the evening air was cool against their sun-kissed skin, and yn couldn't help but smile as minji playfully bumped her shoulder.

"today was perfect," minji said, her voice soft but full of warmth. "i don't want it to end."

yn glanced at her, feeling a tug at her heart. "me neither," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

later that night, after they had showered and changed into comfortable clothes, they settled on the couch to watch a movie. the room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the tv screen. as the movie played, minji nestled closer to yn, resting her head on yn's shoulder. yn's heart raced as she felt minji's breath against her neck, a comforting presence that she had grown to cherish.

without thinking, minji leaned in and kissed yn, her lips soft and warm against yn's. yn's eyes fluttered shut as she returned the kiss, her heart pounding in her chest. the world outside seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them in that moment. minji's hand found its way to yn's cheek, caressing it gently as the kiss deepened.

when they finally pulled away, both of them were breathless. minji's eyes sparkled with something yn couldn't quite place, but it made her feel like she was floating. "i've wanted to do that for a while," minji admitted, her voice trembling slightly.

yn smiled, her cheeks flushed. "me too," she confessed.

the rest of august passed in a blur of stolen glances, secret touches, and passionate kisses. they spent their days exploring the small coastal town, holding hands when no one was looking, and sharing whispered conversations under the stars. at night, they would cuddle on the couch, the lines between friendship and something more becoming increasingly blurred.

it was yn’s dream, having summer love was all she could’ve hoped for, she had dreams about it, her older sister would call her delusional but this was it, it really was the dream.

but as the days slipped by, yn couldn't shake the feeling that this was all too good to last. they were more than friends, but less than a couple. it was a summer fling, a beautiful, fleeting moment in time that yn desperately wanted to hold onto.

one evening, as they were getting ready to head out for a late-night walk on the beach, minji excused herself to use the bathroom. yn sat on the edge of the bed, waiting patiently, when minji's phone, left on the nightstand, buzzed with a new message. the screen lit up, and yn's eyes were drawn to the notification.

it was a text from kazuha, a fellow idol from lesserafim. curiosity got the best of yn, and she couldn't help but glance at the message.

"hey, minji. i miss you. I can’t wait to see you." kazuha's message read, accompanied by a heart emoji.

yn felt a pang of jealousy pierce her chest. she quickly looked away, guilt washing over her for snooping, but the damage was done. in that moment, reality hit her like a wave crashing against the shore. she realized that she might just be a summer fling, a temporary distraction for minji.

when minji returned, she found yn sitting quietly on the edge of the bed, her expression unreadable. "you okay?" minji asked, concern lacing her voice as she walked over and sat beside yn.

yn forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "yeah, i'm fine," she lied, trying to sound convincing. but her heart ached, and she knew that minji could sense something was off.

yn was never the best at hiding her emotions, she was an emotional person, her older sister would tell her, that she needs to learn how to hide them.

minji frowned, studying yn's face. "are you sure? you seem… distant."

yn wanted to spill everything, to ask minji what they really were, to understand where she stood in minji's life. but instead, she swallowed her emotions and shook her head. "it's nothing," she whispered, her voice wavering slightly. "just tired, i guess."

minji didn't seem convinced, but she didn't press further. she wrapped her arm around yn, pulling her close, and yn let herself melt into the embrace. but as they sat there, the weight in yn's chest grew heavier. she knew, deep down, that their summer fling was coming to an end, and the thought terrified her.

of course her summer love wouldn’t actually be hers.

[n0vazsq]

Forgive the sea, follow the tide | OP81 x Reader

pairing . . . oscar piastri x reader

summary . . . As the sun sets over the ocean, you find yourself lost in thought, until Oscar appears, emerging from the water like a dream. A lingering tension builds between you, unspoken yet undeniable, until a single choice changes everything; a kiss that washes away doubt like the tide.

request . . . no!!

warnings . . . none!

faceclaim . . . N/A

alexavia yaps . . . !PART OF MINI FIC SERIES! okay so um?? fav fic possibly? anyway the title is from pearl diver by mitski bc i'm in a mitski mood idk (also very briefly inspired by a song called 3 daqat so iykyk)

. . . The sun hung low over the horizon, casting a glow over the ocean, causing it to shimmer in soft hues of orange and pink. The waves lapped over each other and crashed gently on the shore, the rhthymic pulse they caused matching the pounding of your heart.

You were talking to the ocean, whispering your thoughts into the breeze, the way you always did when your mind was too full. But today, the words intangled on your tongue, the air around you thick with something different. Something unspoken, almost.

And then you saw him.

Oscar.

At first, you thought it was a trick of light, something caused by the glow of the setting sun combined with the humid air and warm breeze. You blinked, once, twice, but he didn't go away. It was Oscar, he was really here.

He emerged from the water like a dream, droplets clinging to his skin, dark waves dripping as he ran a hand through them. That sight was enough to make your breath hitch.

Oscar hasn't seen you yet, too busy shaking the cold water out of his hair, the golden light casting him in a glow that made him look unreal. Like something the sea itself had moulded from the sand grains of this shore and the salt in the water.

Then, he did see you.

His lips curled into that smile that made your heart stop, one that would make people stumble over their feet just to get a second look at.

"I didn't take you for a type of person to talk to the ocean." He teased, eyebrow raising slightly as his grin widened. You could see him better now, the sky reflecting on his brown eyes as he walked closer to you, the damp sand sticking to his feet.

You rolled your eyes, but the way your stomach flipped betrayed you. "Maybe the ocean listens better than you do."

Oscar let out a low, teasing laugh, but you noticed the way his face softened slightly at your words. "That's a low bar to set."

And yet, despite the banter between you two, despite the way you danced around each other like this, something shifted in the air around you, making it thicker. Something that had always been there, lingering just beneath the surface, rising now like the tide.

Oscar was close now, closer than he'd ever been, to the point where you could feel his warm breath on your skin. The scent of salt and sun clung into him, and his gaze flickered down to your lips before meeting your eyes again.

A silent question.

The previous teasing between you has melted into something softer, something deeper. And you weren't sure if you were ready for it

You swallowed hard, your heart hammering against your ribs. And in that moment, you made a choice. A choice you never would regret.

Closing the space between you, you leaned forward, brushing your lips against his as you captured them in a soft kiss. Oscar didn’t hesitate.

His hands found your waist, pulling you closer, the warmth of him seeping into your skin like sunlight. The taste of salt and ocean water filled your mouth as he deepend the kiss, hand gribbing your waist even tighter.

The waves crashed behind you, a song only the two of you could hear.

And suddenly, all the past; the doubts, the hesitation, the unspoken words, faded away.

taglist . . . @barcapix ,, @f1lover55 ,, @ilovebarcaaaa ,, @httpsdana ,, @paucubarsisimp ,, @justaf1girl ,, @awritingtree ,, @freyathehuntress ,, @chilling-seavey ,, @eloriis ,, @linnygirl09 ,, @joaosnovia (lmk if you want to join the taglist!)

[wh1msic4lwasab1]

𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 ⋆｡˚ 𓆝⋆｡˚ 𓇼

synopsis: you yearn to step onto the sand, relinquish your tail for just a moment and experience the world above. You find a man capable of granting you your wish, but there’s something wrong.

tags: mermaid reader, fingering, penetration, beach sex, vulgar, explicit.

wrd cnt: 1.6k

a/n NOT PROOFREAD: i had to get a little creative bc i was researching mermaid intercourse bruh i was deep in the google trenches…hope this is still good !

The moon shines down beneath the crystal clear waters, casting a mesmerizing glow on the vibrant coral reefs and schools of colorful fish. You were no stranger to this enchanting underwater world. But today, as you swam through the familiar marine life, your thoughts were consumed with a longing for something more. You had heard stories of a new world above the surface, a world where creatures with two legs roamed and breathed air instead of water. It was a world that both intrigued and terrified you.

As you gazed up at the shimmering surface, you couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have shed your tail and explore this foreign land. But as a mermaid, it was only a dream, a distant desire that seemed impossible to fulfill. But little did you know, fate had other plans in store for you.

As you continued to swim along the coast to catch a glimpse of the stars, you find a man with long silver hair walking above the earths hide.

You try to conceal yourself in the night, but he takes quite a quick notice of you.

You get startled from his gaze, but his eyes shine a shade of blue so vibrant they hold you inbetween currents like a fish on a hook.

“Hello there, do not worry, I won’t hurt you”. The man says to you from above, his hands infront of him to show you his good intentions.

You swim up the sand, letting the water glide you up onto a rock, letting your tail lay on the sand; draped over.

He kneels down, “Are you okay?”. You’re avast ways from your home, but you couldn’t miss a chance to actually talk to a human.

”Yes, yes I’m alright.” You began to study his features like a predator ready to strike; his winged-lashes flickering.

You’ve never met a human before, you’d heard stories of the good and bad nature of them, but he seemed different. “You’re a mermaid.” His question sounding more like an awestruck statement. You nod slowly, unsure of his reaction.

“Amazing, I’ve been told your kind had ceased ever since tales of the property emerged. I never thought I’d get to see one again.” He says with a sense of wonder and disbelief.

You can feel your face conform at his words, “Again? Whats is your name?” you ask, suddenly breaking out of his trance.

“Neuvillette. I may look it, but I am not human. I’ve lived many years, and befriended many of your kind. I am just glad to be given the reassurance of your resilience”. He says with honesty.

“Thank you- I am y/n”. You finally tell him.

“Beautiful. What brings you to the coast?” He wonders out loud.

“I’m- just curious. I wished to take a look upon the world above me.”

“Curiosity can lead us to great adventures,” Neuvillette said, his eyes full of admiration as he gazed at you. “But it can also bring us trouble. You are brave to venture to the surface alone.”

You couldn’t help but smile at his words, feeling a sense of pride swell within you. “I couldn’t resist the urge to explore. And now, I have found something much more intriguing than just the surface world,” you said, your eyes flickering to Neuvillette’s lips.

He seemed to sense your desire and stepped closer to you, his hand reaching out to caress your cheek. “And what might that be?” he whispered, his voice low and sensual.

“I wish for legs…” You confess, teasing the handsome stranger just a bit.

“And you think I can grant them to you?”

“You are the hydro dragon, aren’t you? I couldn’t quite out my finger on it. But we have a many great tales about you…and your abilities.”

“You are correct. But I must warn you, it could be an unpleasant first feeling.”

“But you can do it?!” You flap your tail in excitement a few times, the hair that covers your wet and exposed chest flaling around as you wait for his confirmation.

“I can…but I must be here to supervise you. A lot can go wrong, and the people of this land may not all be so accepting”. He warns.

You take time to consider the need for your yearning, but still you hold onto the dream you desire so deeply.

“I’m sure of this.”

He releases a deep sigh, “Alright, please allow me.”

With his large palms, he picks you up off the rock; his hand under your slippery tail and holding you bridal style to sit you onto his lap.

You apologize about ruining his clothes with the salty sea water, but he pays no mind.

“Don’t look down. Simply look up here.” He commands, holding your gaze with his own as he soothes the length of your tail, speaking whispers you can’t transcribe, slowly feeling your body half lighten exponentially.

You suddenly feel a weight lifted off you, and look down with his permission.

Your face lights up, and you feel as if you’re dreaming. As if any moment now you’ll wake up under the sea foam and find yourself with a tail.

But this was real, and you thanked the man with everything in you.

“You’re welcome, but remember that there are still-“

“Arghh- Something’s wrong…”

His eyebrows furrow, not seeing anything physically wrong with you which only makes him more worried.”

“What’s wrong my dear?” He says, trying to be respectful and looking away from your naked body.

“Something’s feeling- so hot.” You squirm, looking to him for help.

“Guide me to where you need.”

Taking his hand in yours, you trail him over your stomach before placing it on your growing heat, making his hand cup your crotch.

“Right here” you plead.

His face was covered in deep red, unable to speak.

“That- is quite unusual…I’ve never seen that happen. Does it hurt?” He says with true concern, trying to conceal his arousal.

You shake your head, unable to describe what it felt.

“What is this? Have you ever felt this?”

Neuvillettes voice hitches as he’s even more embarrassed and trying to find the right words to explain what you feel.

“Well, not this exactly no. But, I think I understand the issue”.

He casts a shadow over you, his large body coming close to whisper something in your ear.

“You’re feeling arousal, and there’s only one way to get rid of it.”

You feel a lump in your throat, eyes locked into his as you feel even more helpless.

“Please…” You plead, grinding your hips towards his hand, “Help me get rid of it…”

He smiles down at you, spreading your wet lips apart, “It would be my pleasure, sweet mermaid.”

With a gentle tug, he pushes your back onto the rock you were sat on earlier.

He parts your legs and keeps the bottoms of your thighs on top of his, giving him a good view of his fingers delving into your tight hole.

“Mmfph- that feels…so good”. You confess.

His hand moves your hair behind your neck, your chest fully on display as his free hand squeezes your mounds and roll your nipples under his fingertips, giving you two sources of pleasure unknown to you before.

“Neuvillette- I need more.” You beg, putting your hand on top of his, making him squeeze your breast harder.

“Anything for you, y/n.” He flashes a small smile before putting your hand on growing bulge.

“This is what is going to help you find your release, sweetheart.”

He helps you unzip his pants, and out springs his cock; falling right into your grasp.

Your eyes widen, it felt so big in your hands you didn’t possibly know what to do with it.

He helped you pleasure him, making your hand stroke him up and down as he thrusted into your palm.

“You’re so gentle…such a sweet thing.”

You feel your cunt drool even more, something so unknown to you made you feel so feral.

He positions himself at your entrance, kneeling perfectly before you with your legs wrapped around him.

“This…goes right in here.” He grunts out, pushing his thick, veiny cock fully into your perfect cunt and hearing your pleasure heighten quickly in the form of moans and gasps.

He started with slow, deep thrusts; getting you used to his size and the feeling of your own hole stretching.

You felt like you could pass out if he didn’t keep going, the ambiance of waves crashing against the rock behind you and the sounds of your wet skin slapping together drove you wild. The sea water brushed against your ass but his tongue slid against yours in such a manner that made your entire body feel like it was under the sun.

“Do you like how this feels?” He asks, grunting in your ear and whimpering at how your cunt squeezes him.

You nod profusely, thanking him about a million times as he keeps fucking you on the sand, holding your waist and trialing sloppy kisses down your neck and chest.

Your breathing was heavy and your mind was swirling with pleasure as he continued to thrust into you. You were completely lost in the moment, just the two of you on the beach, your bodies entwined in ecstasy.
He picked up the pace, his thrusts becoming faster and more urgent. He could feel himself getting closer and closer to the edge, and he wanted to take you there with him

“Y/n- keep squeezing around me like that, fuck…such a perfect hole.”

Your moans turned into screams as you both reached your climax together, waves of pleasure crashing over you like the ocean behind you.
You collapsed onto the sand, panting and trying to catch your breath. He rolled onto his back next to you, a content smile on his face as he ran his fingers through your hair.


“That was amazing,” you said, pulling him close to him. “I’ve never felt anything like that before”.

“Well you have a few more hours of it if you so please.”

whimsic4alwasab1 ™ - do not copy, translate, modify, or claim any of my work as your own.

[antinousletmehit]

˚₊‧꒰ა Chapter 12 ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

⋆˚࿔ Book 2 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

୨୧┇pairing: Telemachus x reader

୨୧┇EGYPT‼️‼️

────୨ৎ──── ────୨ৎ──── ───

The crew stood on the golden shores, surrounded by the wreckage of their ship, unsure of their next steps. Acrisios was muttering curses under his breath, while Eurymachus and Cassander argued about whose fault the wreck had been. Telemachus was about to intervene when they noticed figures approaching in the distance.

A group of men and women dressed in fine linen robes, adorned with gold jewelry and carrying spears, marched toward them. The leader, a tall man with dark skin and a commanding presence, stepped forward. His piercing eyes surveyed the wreckage and the battered crew. “Who are you, and why are you here?” the man demanded in a deep, steady voice.

Telemachus stepped forward, hands raised in a gesture of peace. “We are travelers from Ithaca. Our ship was caught in a storm, and we were cast ashore. We mean no harm.” The man regarded him skeptically but said nothing. Behind him, a woman whispered something in his ear, and he nodded.

Suddenly, Florus stepped forward, brushing sand off his tunic. His face lit up as he recognized something about the group. “Wait! I know this place!” he exclaimed.

The leader turned to Florus, his expression softening. “You… you are Florus, son of Iphicles, are you not?”

Florus grinned. “That’s right. My family has visited these lands many times. My father and your people have traded together for years.”

The man’s stern expression melted into a warm smile. “You are welcome here, Florus. Any friend of Iphicles is a friend of ours.” He gestured to his people. “Gather the wreckage and bring them to the city. We will offer you food and shelter.”

The crew exchanged relieved glances. Acrisios muttered, “Well, that was convenient.”

As the Egyptians began helping them collect their scattered supplies, Florus turned to Telemachus with a smirk. “See? Sometimes it pays to have connections.”

Telemachus clapped him on the shoulder. “Let’s hope your charm keeps us alive.” The group was led toward the city, where towering obelisks and grand temples loomed against the horizon. The streets were bustling with life, the air filled with the scents of spices and the sounds of merchants calling out their wares. Despite their exhaustion, the Ithacans couldn’t help but marvel at the grandeur of the civilization.

Eurymachus leaned over to Cassander, whispering, “Do you think they’ve got women here who—”

Cassander shoved him. “Not the time, idiot.”

The leader of the Egyptians turned to them as they reached a spacious courtyard. “Rest here. We will see to it that your ship is repaired, and you have all you need to continue your journey. Florus, your reputation precedes you, your father spoke highly of you.”

Florus nodded, though there was a flicker of sadness in his eyes. “Thank you for your hospitality. We’re deeply grateful.”

As the crew settled in, Telemachus pulled Florus aside. “You’ve saved us today. But let’s not get too comfortable. We have a war to finish and a family to reunite.”

Florus nodded solemnly. “Understood. But for now, let’s take the help we’ve been given.”

Telemachus sighed, glancing toward the distant horizon. “Y/n, hold on. I’m coming for you.”

——

As the sun set over the sprawling Egyptian city, Telemachus stood on a raised platform in the courtyard, addressing the crew. The exhaustion was etched on their faces from the storm and their unexpected arrival, but they remained alert, hanging onto his every word. “Listen well,” Telemachus began, his voice firm yet calm. “We’ve been through a storm that could have easily killed us all. The gods have spared us, but we’re not invincible. Rest for now, gather your strength. This isn’t over, and when the time comes, we will sail again. But only when we’re ready.”

The men nodded, muttering amongst themselves as they began to settle in. Some sought out food, while others found spots to rest under the open sky. Among them, Pisistratus approached Antinous, who had been pacing like a restless lion, his fists clenched at his sides. The brooding man seemed ready to explode.

“You heard Telemachus,” Pisistratus said, crossing his arms. “You need to rest.”

Antinous shot him a glare that could cut through bronze. “Don’t tell me what to do, boy. You wouldn’t understand what I’m feeling.”

“I’m not the one who needs to understand,” Pisistratus retorted. “Telemachus gave an order. You’re not helping anyone if you keel over from exhaustion.”

Antinous’s hands curled into fists. “You think I can just sit here? My sister is out there, suffering God knows what, and I’m supposed to rest? You’d rather waste time, but I won’t!”

“Do you even have a plan?” Pisistratus snapped, stepping closer. “What, you’re just going to jump on a half wrecked ship and sail alone? You’ll get yourself killed before you even reach Skiaphos!”

Antinous’s eyes burned with fury as he shoved Pisistratus back. “At least I’ll be doing something! Unlike you cowards sitting here waiting for the gods to do all the work!”

The shove made Pisistratus stagger, but he recovered quickly. “You’re acting like a child!” he yelled, stepping back into Antinous’s space. “We all want to save your sister, but throwing yourself into the sea won’t help her!”

“Don’t talk about my sister like you know her!” Antinous roared, grabbing Pisistratus by the collar. His voice cracked with raw emotion. “She’s my blood, my family! I won’t just sit here while she—”

“Enough!” Telemachus’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. Both men froze as their king approached, his expression dark. Telemachus stepped between them, prying Antinous’s hands off Pisistratus. “Antinous, I understand your pain,” he said, his voice low and steady. “You think I don’t want to drop everything and charge into Skiaphos myself? But we have to be smart about this. If we go now, weak and unprepared, we’ll fail. And that will help no one, least of all Y/N.”

Antinous’s chest heaved, his face a mix of rage and desperation. “She’s my sister,” he muttered, his voice shaking. “You don’t know what that feels like.”

Telemachus’s gaze softened, though his tone remained firm. “She’s my wife. Don’t act like you’re the only one who loves her.” The words seemed to land heavily on Antinous, who looked away, his jaw clenched. Pisistratus rubbed his shoulder, muttering something under his breath, but wisely stayed silent.

“Rest,” Telemachus ordered, his voice leaving no room for argument. “We need you at your best. And she needs us united, not fighting among ourselves.” Antinous said nothing, his hands trembling at his sides. After a long pause, he gave a stiff nod and turned away, stalking off into the shadows.

Pisistratus sighed, shaking his head. “He’s a handful.”

Telemachus watched Antinous disappear into the distance. “He’s in pain,” he said quietly. “But he’ll channel it when the time comes. For now, let him cool off.” With that, Telemachus returned to the crew, his thoughts heavy. The weight of their mission bore down on him, but he knew one thing for certain: they couldn’t afford to fall apart now.

——

Eurymachus and Cassander lounged in the shade of a large canopy set up by their Egyptian hosts, both clearly reveling in the hospitality they were receiving. A few of the local women, dressed in flowing linen skirts and wraps that left little to the imagination, moved gracefully around them, offering cool drinks, tending to their bandages, and providing food. Cassander leaned back against a cushioned chair, a wide grin stretching across his face. “I could get used to this,” he said, reaching out to accept a goblet of wine from one of the women.

Eurymachus, sprawled out beside him, chuckled as another woman knelt to clean a scratch on his arm. “You’re telling me. These storms might’ve been worth it just for this.” The women giggled softly at their words, their gazes demure yet curious.

Cassander raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly toward Eurymachus. “Think we could convince a few to come back with us? You know, as… ‘cultural ambassadors.’”

Eurymachus burst out laughing. “Cultural ambassadors? That’s the best you’ve got? I’m just going to say it, I want a proper war prize or two. Someone to keep me company on those long exhausting nights back in Ithaca.”

“You’d need more than one,” Cassander teased, taking a sip of his wine. “You’d burn out the poor girl before spring.”

“And you’d do better?” Eurymachus shot back, grinning.

Cassander leaned forward dramatically, his hand over his chest. “Cassander doesn’t settle for less. A harem is the only thing that could keep a man like me satisfied.”

One of the women tending to him giggled behind her hand, and Cassander turned to her with a wink. “What do you think? Should I build a palace for all the beautiful women I’ll bring back from this war?”

The woman blushed deeply, hiding her face, and Eurymachus snorted. “She’s going to run off if you keep talking like that.”

“Run off? With charm like mine? Never.” Cassander shot a cocky grin to the group of women, who exchanged amused glances.

As Eurymachus leaned back, one of the women dabbed a cool, damp cloth on his forehead. He tilted his head toward her and said, “You’re doing the gods’ work, really. Without you, we’d be lost.”

“You’re ridiculous,” Cassander muttered, but he was clearly amused.

“Ridiculous? No. Appreciative.” Eurymachus smirked. “There’s nothing wrong with enjoying life’s finer things. And these ladies?” He gestured broadly at the group of women, who were now trying to suppress their laughter. “The finest.”

As the two men bantered back and forth, Druses passed by, his expression a mix of irritation and disbelief. “You two are insufferable,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head as he continued on his way.

Eurymachus leaned back with a grin. “Ah, let the man sulk. He doesn’t know what he’s missing.”

Cassander laughed, raising his goblet in agreement. “To the spoils of war, my friend.”

“To the spoils,” Eurymachus echoed, clinking his cup with Cassander’s, as the women continued their work with bemused smiles.

——

Telemachus sat in one of the modest chambers, his brow furrowed as he spoke to Athena, whose divine presence flickered faintly in the lamplight. “We’ve lost too much time already,” he said, his voice heavy with frustration. “Raphael has days, maybe weeks, to prepare for us. We need more allies, more strength. What do you suggest, Athena? Should we press the Egyptians to aid us further, or move on?”

Athena regarded him with a calm, steady gaze. “You must tread carefully, Telemachus. These people are gracious hosts, but even their hospitality has limits. Their loyalties lie with their own safety. Gaining their trust and aid may require more patience than you’re accustomed to.”

Telemachus sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Patience… that’s hard to come by when my wife and son are in danger. I feel like every minute we’re here is a minute closer to—” He cut himself off, unwilling to finish the thought.

Athena softened slightly, though her tone remained measured. “You’re driven by love and duty, as any great leader should be. But emotions untamed can be as destructive as the storm you just survived. Plan wisely, and don’t let desperation cloud your judgment.”

Just as she finished, the door burst open, and Acrisios stormed in, his face a mix of irritation and urgency. “Telemachus,” he began, his voice sharp. “You might want to deal with your brother-in-law before this whole alliance falls apart.”

Telemachus blinked, standing quickly. “What now?”

“It’s Antinous,” Acrisios said with a dramatic wave of his hand. “The Egyptian servants, you know, the ones keeping us fed and sheltered?, he’s been making their lives a living Tartarus. Yelling at them, throwing things. The man’s on a rampage. One of them came running to me in tears because he smashed a jar of water at her feet.”

Telemachus groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I should’ve known. He’s been on edge since we set sail. This isn’t helping anyone.”

“I get that he’s worried about y/n,” Acrisios said, folding his arms, “but we’re all worried. Doesn’t give him the right to make an enemy of the only people keeping us afloat right now.”

Athena raised an eyebrow, her voice cutting through the room. “You’re the leader of this group, Telemachus. You must decide how to handle him before his actions jeopardize your mission.”

Telemachus nodded, his expression hardening. “You’re right. I’ll deal with him. Acrisios, show me where he is.”

Acrisios gestured toward the door. “Follow the shouting. You can’t miss it.”

As Telemachus strode out, Athena’s voice followed him. “Remember, a leader must temper strength with wisdom. Don’t let his anger fuel yours.”

Telemachus gave a slight nod, though his jaw was clenched. He had a feeling this conversation with Antinous was going to be anything but easy. Telemachus found Antinous pacing in the open courtyard, his hands clenched into fists and his eyes wild with fury. Several shattered pottery shards littered the ground, and a few frightened Egyptian servants hovered in the shadows, too afraid to step forward. As Telemachus approached, his voice was firm but calm.

“Antinous, enough. You’re scaring them, and you’re not helping anything by lashing out like this.”

Antinous spun around, his face twisted in rage. “Helping? Helping? Don’t you dare lecture me about helping when my sister is out there, gods know where, with that bastard! And all we’re doing is sitting here, wasting time!”

“We’re not wasting time,” Telemachus replied, his voice steady but strained. “We’re regrouping, planning. If we rush into this unprepared, we’ll lose everything. Including y/n.”

Antinous sneered, stepping closer, his voice dripping with venom. “You lost y/n the moment you let that snake into your palace. This is on you, Telemachus. You failed to protect her.”

Telemachus flinched at the accusation but held his ground. “I’m not denying my mistakes, but blaming me won’t bring her back. We need to focus on the fight ahead, not tear each other apart.”

Antinous let out a bitter laugh, pulling his dagger from his belt. “Oh, focus? You want me to focus? Here’s something to focus on, my sister’s screams while that bastard defiles her, and you doing nothing about it!” Before anyone could react, Antinous lunged forward and slashed the blade across Telemachus’s cheek. Blood welled up instantly, and the courtyard fell deathly silent. The servant girls gasped, one of them dropping the jug she’d been carrying.

Telemachus stumbled back, his hand flying to his face as the warm blood trickled between his fingers. His eyes locked with Antinous’s, a mixture of shock and anger flickering in his gaze.“Are you out of your mind?!” Druses barked, rushing forward with Pisistratus close behind.

The two men grabbed Antinous, wrestling the dagger from his hand and pinning him against the wall as he thrashed and cursed. “Let me go! Let me go, damn it! I’ll gut every single one of you if it means getting her back!”

“Enough!” Pisistratus shouted, tightening his grip on Antinous’s arm. “You’re going to ruin everything! You think this is what she would want? You’re acting like a madman!”

Meanwhile, the servant girls cautiously approached Telemachus, one of them tearing a strip of fabric from her tunic to press against his bleeding cheek. “My lord, come with us,” she said, her voice trembling. “You need to sit down before the wound worsens.” Telemachus nodded numbly, letting the woman guide him away as his gaze lingered on Antinous. Despite the pain and betrayal coursing through him, he couldn’t help but see the anguish in the man’s eyes, a reflection of his own.

As the servants carried Telemachus to another chamber, Druses and Pisistratus struggled to hold Antinous, whose strength seemed fueled by pure rage. “Calm down, Antinous,” Druses growled, his usual smooth demeanor cracking. “You’re not helping her. You’re just making yourself an enemy to all of us.”

Antinous stopped thrashing, though his chest heaved with fury. “If you want to save her so badly, then do something. Or I’ll do it myself,” he spat, his voice shaking with emotion.

Pisistratus released him with a shove, glaring. “We all want to save her. But you’ll destroy any chance we have if you keep acting like this.” Antinous said nothing, his eyes burning with unresolved rage and pain as he slumped against the wall. The courtyard remained tense and silent, the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone.

——

Telemachus sat on a low cushioned bench in one of the chambers, a servant girl carefully dabbing his wounded cheek with a damp cloth. The sting of the injury was nothing compared to the storm of emotions swirling in his chest, Antinous’s betrayal, the weight of his wife’s absence, and the uncertainty of their mission. He barely noticed the soft laughter and hushed whispers behind him until one of the servant girls moved closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Such a strong warrior,” one of them said, her voice playful as her fingers brushed against his arm.

Another giggled from behind him. “And so handsome too. No wonder you’re a king.”

Telemachus stiffened slightly, unsure how to respond. “I… appreciate the help,” he said carefully, glancing over his shoulder. “But there’s no need to flatter me.”

The girl tending his cheek smiled coyly, leaning in closer than necessary as she inspected the wound. “It’s not flattery if it’s true, my lord. Such a brave man deserves care, don’t you think?”

Her fingers grazed his jaw, lingering longer than they should. Telemachus pulled back slightly, his cheeks flushing. “I—I have a wife,” he stammered, his voice firm despite the awkwardness.

The room fell silent for a moment, and the girls exchanged glances, their playful demeanor faltering. One of them spoke up, her tone teasing but with a touch of disappointment. “Your wife must be a lucky woman, my king.”

“She is,” Telemachus replied without hesitation, his voice softening as his thoughts drifted to Pandora. “And I’m lucky to have her.”

The girl tending to him lowered her gaze, stepping back slightly as if realizing she’d overstepped. “Forgive us, my lord,” she murmured, her tone more respectful now.

Telemachus nodded, adjusting his position on the bench. “It’s all right. Just… focus on the wound.”The room grew quieter as the girls returned to their tasks, their earlier giggles replaced by a more subdued atmosphere. Telemachus sat still, his thoughts once again consumed by his wife and the desperate need to bring her home.

@procrastination20 @jackiepackiee @barrythestrawberry041 @blessedbyahuntress

@f3r4lfr0gg3r @permanently-nothere @eyuunho @jackintheboxs-world

@simpingmyassoff @sunshinewhosketches

@sugarlillycookie @kaguraaaa @doodle-with-rhy

@0anodite0 @cocosparkel @tati-the-fangirl

@dazedemery @tsmaruchan @xo-cuteplosion-xo @galaxygurlll @pjopinkk

@h0ne4bee @minteaspoon @zendoesstuff

[mountainsandmayhem]

You’re Mine, Little Dove

(Joel Miller x Female!Reader) 18+

Summary: You’ve always loved walking at night, but an unexpected visitor goes from the most terrifying to most erotic night of your life.

TW: predator/prey dynamics, ropes, blindfolding, gagging, non consent, consensual non consent, oral, fingering, unprotected P in V, dirty talk, pet names (little dove, baby girl etc.)

A/N: I can’t say much without giving anything away, but this scene has been so fun for me to write. I’m tagging @untamedheart81 @beboldbebravethings @rav3n-pascal22 and @spookyxsam since you 4 wonderful people had such amazing support for my last story. And because delulu is the solulu, I’m also tagging @swiftispunk and @thetriumphantpanda because they’re both incredible creators and I truly admire their work.

🤍🕊️🤍 •• 🤍🕊️🤍 •• 🤍🕊️🤍 •• 🤍🕊️🤍

You’ve always loved the night, and since getting promoted at work walking in the dark has become your way of winding down. Your friends think you’re crazy, blabbing on about how it’s dangerous and you shouldn’t be out there alone. One even suggested buying really dark sunglasses and walking during the day. You all laughed at that as you sipped rosé, but it’s not the same. For one, the summer sun in Texas is way too hot most days, but it’s also too “peopley” during the day. You want the solitude and quiet that comes with the dark.

All day you’re interrupted and expected to do things outside of your lane. Take work for example, today you were asked to take meeting minutes for a meeting that the team you lead isn’t even a part of. You lead a team, and have an assistant of your own who takes meeting notes, doesn’t that team lead have an assistant who can do that?

Probably not. He’s an arrogant prick, you think to yourself. But he’s the boss's son so he gets away with it. And because of that, you agree. You always fucking agree. Always happy to help, never saying no.

Here in the night though, it’s just you. The night doesn’t ask you to do anything but sleep, which you will do after enjoying the cooler summer air on your skin as you wander through the park behind your house.

There’s also a slight edge of danger to it that entices you. The park is well-lit, but who knows what could happen in the darkness between the casts of yellow light from lamppost to lamppost. Those darker spots might be your favourite, just a few steps away from the safety of the light.

You stop in one of those dark spots, closing your eyes and tilting your head up to the sky, taking a big cleansing breath in.

Silence. Calm. Peace.

You hold your breath for a few seconds, silence ringing in your ears before you slowly exhale. Just before you open your eyes, two strong arms wrap around you. A hand clamps over your mouth, the other arm other snakes tightly around your waist, pinning your arms down with it.

Silence, calm, and peace, were quickly replaced with fear, terror, and panic.

A solid wall of a person leads you to the grassy, non-lit areas of the park and you realize you have never known fear before. The fun fear of a roller coaster or haunted house, yes; but never true heart-stopping fear. Your stomach drops and everything inside you is yelling to fight.

“Don’t scream, little dove.” A deep voice rumbles through you. If it wasn’t for his massive form holding you up, you’re sure you’d fall over.

This doesn’t happen here. This is a safe neighbourhood where you know all your neighbours. For a second you think it’s a joke, someone sneaking up on you that you know, but it’s almost midnight on a Wednesday. Who would be up at this point?

As he pulls you along your fear evolves into terror. You’re frantically trying to catch your breath through your nose as every happy memory floods through you. The sparkly pink bike you got when you were six. The first time you saw white sand and crystal clear blue waters. Watching your best friend get engaged. How proud your parents looked when you got promoted last year. What was the last thing you even said to your parents?

His strong frame forces you to the grass. He places a knee on your back, holding you down as he ties your hands with a scratchy rope. Your mouth is free as your forehead rests on the grass.

Scream. Now.

You open your mouth but nothing comes out. Why can’t you scream or at least look back at him to see who he is so you can describe him to the police?

Oh god, what if he doesn’t let you go?

Just as you open your mouth to try to scream again he gags you and then blindfolds you. You’re pretty sure it’s done with silk ties, but you really can’t be sure.

“Good job, little dove.” He coos in your ear as he helps you up. “You’ll be rewarded for keeping quiet.”

He leads you through more of the grassy fields. You try to map out which house you’re headed toward in your mind’s eye until you’re interrupted by the sound of crunching gravel under your shoes. You assume you’re in an alley or street as you hear the clicking of a car door.

Your overly conservative father's voice comes into your head. “You can’t go out dressed like that. Boys will get the wrong idea. You’re inviting them to take advantage of you.”

That was years ago. You’re an adult woman now, with a degree and a mortgage. You know your clothing isn’t an excuse for this man’s abhorrent behaviour, but maybe you should have changed from your denim skirt and tight black top.

As you hear the vehicle door open the panic begins. Your breath comes in shorter and shallower, and it feels like your heart is thumping in your throat. You’re sure your captor can hear it, or at least feel it through the skin of your bicep that he’s gripping so tightly. A whimper escapes you as he hoists you into a back seat and slams the door.

“Don’t cry, little dove.” He says from the front as he starts the engine. “It’ll only entice me.”

Fuck. Fuck. You’re dead. Or trafficked. How could you not have screamed?! You let him take you, but did you stand a chance either way? You could feel his chest on the back of your head when he grabbed you, he was probably a foot taller than you. His strong hand was large enough to practically cover your whole face. He was the predator…you were the prey.

You calm your breathing and focus on the turns the vehicle takes as it pulls out of your neighbourhood, not letting the tears fall, you refuse to give him that sort of satisfaction.

It feels like you’ve been driving for hours before you finally come to a stop. He hasn’t said anything from the front seat. No music played. As he turns off the car you can hear the sound of a garage door closing. You’re royally fucked.

The door near your feet opens and you scramble to the other side of the vehicle as your instincts to fight ignite. A strong hand grabs your ankle and pulls you forward. You kick blindly with your other leg, screaming through the silk that’s wedged between your teeth. He catches your other ankle, squeezing them both together with one hand and binds them together.

He hoists you over his shoulder and lays a hard spank across your ass, eliciting a squeal as the walls of your pussy clench a little. “Behave, little dove,” he says cockily. You can’t see him, but you know he’s smirking over how easily he overpowered you.

You try to say ‘fuck you’ through your gag.

“Oh, I intend to.” He says as he takes you inside and up the stairs.

He drops you down on a bed and undoes the gag. “Tell me your name.”

“Touch me again and I’ll rip your dick off.” You spit.

He chuckles a little while straddling you and lifting the hem of your shift, exposing the soft skin of your stomach. “I love it when my little doves talk dirty to me.”

He places light kisses along your skin and you squirm to try to get free, but his large frame has you trapped and your arms and legs are useless if they’re bound. A deep moan from his chest shoots straight to your core, sending a new wave of arousal as your body starts to betray you.

“You’re a fucking coward,” you say with as much hate as you can muster, trying to ignore the want that’s spreading through your traitorous body.

He lifts your shirt higher, exposing all the skin between your bra and denim skirt, continuing to place soft kisses and light nibbles along your skin.

“I only want to make you feel good, little dove.” He says in a husky whisper, “How does that make me a coward?”

God dammit he feels so warm against you. You push his soft lips and deep soothing voice out of your mind and focus back on the fear, terror and panic you felt earlier.

“Capturing someone in the night. Binding them. Real men aren’t afraid of the fight.” Taunting him is incredibly risky, but if you entice him enough he might untie you and you can fight like hell to get free. He couldn’t have taken you far.

His kisses cease. You almost let out a whimper of protest at him stopping. Are you this desperate for touch? You have a boyfriend.

“Is that what you think, little dove?” He shifts to be straddling your hips, leaning forward with both forearms on either side of your face. He brushes away some hair that has stuck to your lips. “That I’m not a real man?”

You can feel the bulge in his pants pressing against your stomach as you try to squirm free. “Yes, you’re fucking pathetic.”

His lips move to your neck. Wet kisses moving from your ear to your collarbone. You’ve always been a sucker for neck kisses and with sight being taken away, your sense of touch seems heightened. Shit, his lips feel good and at this proximity, you catch a faint smell of leather and cedar. He trails his tongue back up before gently biting your earlobe.

Fuck, a small shiver runs down your back and your breath hitches as you squeeze your thighs together.

“I’ll make you a deal, little dove,” he whispers, his lips brushing the shell of your ear. “If you can keep your breathing steady for the next 5 minutes, I’ll untie you and remove the blindfold.”

You feel dizzy by the closeness and gentleness of him. “And if I can’t?” You breathe.

“If you can’t…I’ll untie your ankles and remove the blindfold. I have a feeling you have beautiful eyes.”

You swallow hard, contemplating your options. He kidnapped you. He doesn’t have your consent to any of this, but based on the wetness that is now coating your thighs, your body doesn’t seem to get the same message.

You take a deep breath before saying, “Deal.”

Before the word has fully left your lips, he’s ripped your tank top completely open. His fingers work the front clasp on your bra as he whispers that he’s sorry about your shirt and starts placing hungry kisses down your neck. Your breasts are completely exposed to him, the cool air turning your nipples into stiff peaks.

“You’re fucking gorgeous.” He says as he cups both your breasts. His tongue swipes along the left nipple as his thumb caresses the smooth skin underside of the right one.

You remind yourself that he kidnapped you and try not to let your body and breathing betray you, but your thighs squeeze tighter for relief and your mind is swimming.

His tongue swipes harder before he moves over to the right one, sucking it into his mouth and rolling the other between his fingers.

He’s playing you like a fiddle. How does he seem to know exactly what you like?

He releases your nipple with a pop before gently blowing cool air on it. He latches back onto the left one, swirling with his tongue and your hips involuntarily buck forward as your breath stutters.

“Good girl, little dove.” He says with a low growl, coming back up to be face to face. “Looks like I win. Your hands stay tied, but I’ll free your ankles and take off the blindfold.”

His minty breath hits your nostrils. Fuck, my hands!! How could you have forgotten about your hands? Shit. You can’t believe you let this monster make you feel good.

He slips the blindfold off and you blink a few times, adjusting to the dimly lit room and taking in the man on top of you. Fuck, monster he is not. His curly dark hair is pushed back and you can see some salt and pepper around the temples. He has patchy facial that you couldn’t even feel when he was kissing you, he was being much more gentle than you thought. He’s handsome and rugged…if anything, this man is your type.

“I was right,” he says, his deep brown eyes staring right into you. “You do have beautiful eyes.”

Now that he sees you as a person, you might be able to elicit some sympathy.

“P-please let me go.” You say, holding in tears.

He tilts his head to one side, a small smile revealing a dimple that makes you melt a little. “Let you go? We’ve only just started, little dove.”

The fear starts to come back again as he shifts to untie your ankles. “Please don’t do this.”

He kisses up your thighs and speaks between kisses. “Sshhhh…let me make you feel good and then you can go home.”

You should kick or flail or do something, you had your best chance just seconds ago, but his warm, soft kisses had you too distracted. You start to think this man wouldn’t actually hurt you. But he is hurting you by forcing you to be here in the first place, isn’t he?

You look down at him to see him lying beside you, head propped in one hand near your hip as the other trails up and down your legs. His features are soft, eyes wholly focused on the tiny goosebumps he’s leaving on his skin. His hand slips between your thighs and tries to part your legs, you’re suddenly unsure if you’re squeezing them together to ease the throbbing of your clit or out of fear.

“Open your legs for me, little dove.” He says as he kisses the tops of your thighs.

You shake your head as the tears you were holding in roll down your cheeks. He’s right near your knees now, you could draw one up into his jaw, but those big chocolate eyes are looking up at you so lovingly.

He get up, walks towards the end of the bed and grabs your ankles. Like the flip of a switch, his look turns harsh and angry before he pulls you to the edge of the bed. Your skirt hikes up around your waist from the motion and he licks his lips as he wedges his body between your knees, spreading you apart enough for him to see you glistening for him.

“Tsk, tsk.” He says while shaking his head and lowering himself slowly between your legs. “Walking alone at night, in this little skirt with no panties?”

He lowers himself between your thighs and you begin to realize just how broad he is as your leg muscles cry out from the stretch. The rest of the room comes into view. There are handcuffs and ropes, along with paddles and whips hanging on the wall. There was no escaping this man, and your curiosity is peaked by the ropes you notice around the bed frame.

“Perhaps you’re not a little dove after all.” He taunts, looking at your wide eyes as they take in the room. He’s going to take what he wants from you and you barely fought it. You’re enjoying his words and touches, even more so now that you see how incredibly handsome he is.

“Please.” You whimper, making eye contact with your captor. Though you aren’t sure if it’s a plea to stop or keep going.

“You look even more gorgeous spread out for me like this. So wet. And warm.” He’s looking at your cunt like it’s the newest wonder of the world. “Doesn’t look like she has gotten the attention she needs lately. Does your boyfriend not know what he’s doing?”

His warm breath hits your core as he speaks, sending waves of warmth from the base of your spine out to your fingertips.

“He….” you aren’t sure what to say. You love your boyfriend, “he does. He just isn’t…skilled.”

A gentle kiss is placed on your mound, right above the spot that’s aching for attention. “Poor baby. Do you need me to take care of it, little dove?”

You clamp your eyes shut. You shouldn’t. This is wrong. But your traitorous pussy has other plans and you very quietly whisper yes.

His mouth is on your before you can even process what you just agreed to. A flat, wet tongue laps from your entrance to your clit a few times before he sucks your clit into his mouth. He groans deeply as he tastes you, sending a rumble straight through you. You cry out loudly and arch your back, pushing yourself into him.

“Good girl.” He says before doing it again. “I want to hear you enjoy it.”

His mouth continues to keep you on edge. Rotating between licking and sucking, adding pressure until you start breathing heavily and then easing up. You’re right on the edge, but he’s not letting you over.

“Please. Please let me come.” You beg.

He stops, looking at you with a cocky smirk, revealing that fucking dimple again. “That boyfriend of yours has been mistreating you, little dove. So worked up.”

You let a whine when he stops and begs some more. “Please. You feel so good.”

He slams two fingers deep inside of you. You’re so wet that it happens with ease and when he curls his fingers forward, right to that spongy part, you start to feel like your bones are dissolving.

“F-fuuuuuck,” you gasp.

His tongue begins to flick against your clit again, gently at first as he works you with his fingers. You can feel your arousal dripping down his hand and pooling under your ass. He starts applying more pressure with his tongue and you know that he’s going to make you come. Hard. And with your hands still tied behind your back you won’t be able to push him away when you become too sensitive. Too overly stimulated.

“Come on my little dove,” he says between licks. “Show me how good this feels.”

Your orgasm hits with a force you have never felt before. Electricity feels like it courses through your entire body and you scream out to the room, legs shaking as you cover his hand and mouth with your arousal. He doesn’t let up, sucking and licking as your orgasm feels like it lasts forever. Finally, you can’t take it anymore and you try to roll away.

“S-Stop. S’too much,” you gasp. “Please.”

He pulls his fingers from you, pinning your hips down with his forearm making you a prisoner to his tongue. He’s going to make you come again.

“I can’t,” you huff as you try to escape.

“Ssh, little dove. You can take it.” He keeps sucking and licking your swollen bundle of nerves.

Your body starts to shake, the word no escaping your lips over and over. You mean yes, but this man is overwhelming you with pleasure in a way no one ever has before, and you don’t know if you can take it.

He moans against you as he sucks, that same rumble from earlier, it consumes you and that’s what does it. You come again, grinding shamelessly against his face as he smiles up at you.

“Good girl. Fuck, I am going to ruin you for every other man. No one is going to make you come as hard, or as much as I will. Roll over.”

The fact that he’s taken you against your will is not even in your mind as you slide back into the bed to roll over. He pulls you up so your knees are resting right on the edge, fully on display for him.

“Such a perfect little pussy. And a perfect girl. Being so good for me.” You hear his belt and jeans hit the floor. Glancing back you see him naked from the waist down, pumping his cock in his hand. Your eyes widen at the size of him.

“No. It’s not gonna….I can’t do it.” You crawl up the bed to get away, laying flat on your stomach.

He climbs up behind you and hitches one of your legs up before aligning himself with your soaked entrance.

“Relax, little dove,” he whispers in your ear before gently kissing your neck. He pushes himself into you and you tense up at the size of him.

“You need to relax, baby girl.” He says deeply, “Take a deep breath. You can do this.”

You do as he says, looking over your shoulder at him and breathing deeply.

He pushes into you more, not breaking eye contact. “Good girl. Make room for me.”

He’s stretching you almost to the point of pain but you listen and breathe. The more relaxed you are the better it feels. There can’t be much more left for him to get inside of you.

“Almost there. You’re such a good little dove. One more breath baby.” Finally, you feel his hips pressed against your ass. He stays still for a second and you grind back into him.

“Fuck, stay still for a second. You’re so tight.” He gasps. Pride fills you that this big man can be brought to pieces by just the tiniest wiggle of your ass.

He takes a few breaths this time before he starts to move. He starts slow. Moving halfway out and then back in a few times. You need more.

“Fuck me,” you moan. “Please. Ruin me for other men like you promised.”

A hard smack lands on your ass cheek before he pumps in and out of you. He’s rough with you now, grabbing your hair and pounding as deep as he can after pulling out to the tip.

“You won’t be able to walk for a week.” He grunts before releasing your hair and spanking you again.

It’s euphoric. The perfect mix of pleasure and pain. You arch your back more and he lays another slap across your ass.

“You’re not a little dove are you?” He growls as he fucks you.

“No,” you breathe. Barely able to form a thought.

“Tell me what you are.” He says, slapping your ass again.

“I’m yours. I’m your desperate, cock loving little dove.” It comes out as a whine, your orgasm growing closer.

He doesn’t stop pounding into you. “Fuck. That’s my good girl. You’re taking me so well.”

You can feel your arousal soaking the sheets below you, and hear the squelching as he fucks into you. You arch your back again so he can brush against that spot you love so much. He reaches under you, rubbing tight little circles on your clit.

“Oh….f-fuck.” You coo.

“Yea?” He taunts, “You like that? My rough fingers on your beautiful little cunt?”

His words send another rush of arousal to your core, this is wrong. You shouldn’t like this, but you’re not sure you’ll survive if he stops what he’s doing.

“N-no. Fuck you.” You try to sound mad but it hits his ears in breathy moans.

“My perfect girl.” He taunts, “Come on my big cock. Squeeze me with that tightly little pussy.”

Your vision blurs as you start to gush all over him. Your whole body tenses as wave after wave of pleasure consumes you, moaning and squealing like a woman possessed. Your legs shake so hard that you feel like you’re in the middle of an intense gym session. Slowly you gain control of your body again and he’s right, you’re ruined for all other men.

“Good fucking girl,” he says as he pulls out and climbs up the bed. “You’re so hot. Open your mouth for me, little dove.”

He pumps himself over you as you roll on your back and open your mouth. His strokes and breathing become erratic as warm ropes of come hit your tongue and face. He lets out a deep moan as he covers you.

He leans in a kisses your lips, not caring about the come on your chin or cheeks, the biggest smile crossing his face.

“Let me get you a face cloth, babe.” He says with a little laugh.

“Thank you, Joel.” You say with a wink. “And please untie me, my hands are asleep.”

He laughs, “I would, but I’m just your unskilled boyfriend now.”

He gently wipes off your face before reaching back and untying your wrists. He kisses them gently before laying back on the bed. “Was that ok?”

You curl into his arms. “It was perfect, baby.”

“Are you sure?” He squeezes you reassuringly. “You seemed genuinely scared a few times.”

“I told you I was in theatre in high school.” You laugh to yourself.

He chuckles deeply as he rubs your back. “I don’t think all of that was acting…”

You glance up to see him smiling at the ceiling, clearly very proud of himself for making you come so hard. “True, I think we need to change the sheets.”

Another gentle kiss lands on your forehead. “I love you.”

“You too, Joel. Very much.”

———————————————

Tags: @wannab-urs

[goblin-jr]

And then i go and spoil it all by saying something stupid like i love you. 

Part 12 of 12

Synopsis: endings

Pairing: unrequited JJ x Reader, Eventual Rafe x Reader

Warnings: violence?

masterlist

—

The sun was beginning to dip low on the horizon, casting an amber glow over the beach as the Pogues lounged in the sand, kicking back after a long, quiet afternoon. Pope and Kie were in the shallows, talking softly while John B. tried to fix an old boat motor that had been giving them trouble. JJ sprawled on a towel beside Y/N, tossing a small rock into the air and catching it absently, his usual energy subdued.

Y/N hadn’t missed the shift in his mood since the Midsummer’s Ball. He’d grown distant, quiet, like he was keeping something to himself. She couldn’t decide whether to be grateful that he hadn’t confronted her or frustrated that he couldn’t just say what was on his mind.

"Hey, you guys hear about the Kooks causing trouble around here again?" Kie asked, breaking the silence, her voice laced with annoyance.

Y/N glanced over at Kie, eyebrows raised. "What do you mean?"

"Just… they're getting bold," Kie muttered, shaking her head. "Topper’s been running his mouth about us. Can't stand the guy."

Before anyone could respond, the sound of an engine rumbled in the distance, cutting through the calm evening air. Y/N’s heart skipped as she looked up to see a familiar Jeep coming down the winding path toward the beach. Topper, Kelce, Ruthie, and—Y/N's stomach twisted—Rafe.

"Ugh, speak of the devil," Kie muttered under her breath, pushing herself up from the sand.

Y/N felt the tension immediately. The Kooks had no business being here, especially not now, not after everything. The last thing they needed was a confrontation—yet, it seemed like they were heading straight for it.

Topper’s voice rang out first, full of mockery. "Oh, look at this—Pogues on the beach, doing what they do best—being poor and pathetic."

Rafe climbed out of the Jeep, his eyes scanning the group, but instead of the usual smugness, there was something more measured in his stance. He was trying to play it cool, trying not to make things more obvious than they already were. Y/N could almost see the internal battle on his face.

"Not today, Topper," Rafe’s voice was low but firm, a hint of an order laced in the words. “We’re not here for this.”

Topper ignored him, turning to Pope with a sneer. "You think you're better than us, don't you? Maybe it's time we teach you a lesson."

He shoved Pope roughly, sending him stumbling back into the sand. Pope scrambled to his feet, but before he could get a word out, Topper’s fist was already in motion, landing a blow square to Pope’s jaw.

"Hey!" JJ was on his feet in an instant, charging toward Topper, but Rafe stepped between them before the fight could escalate. "Knock it off, all of you," Rafe said, his voice harder now. He glared at Topper and Kelce, his posture tense as he put a hand on Topper's chest, holding him back.

Topper’s eyes flicked to Rafe with confusion, then to Pope, who was trying to regain his balance. "What the hell is this, Rafe? You’re gonna side with these losers?"

"Just get out of here, Topper," Rafe repeated, his voice colder now. "You don’t want this fight. Not today."

Kelce, still looking a little too eager for a scuffle, tried to lunge forward, but Rafe’s hand shot out, grabbing his shoulder and pushing him back with surprising strength. "I said leave."

Topper glared at him, but the warning in Rafe’s tone was clear. Without another word, they backed off, getting into the Jeep and peeling away from the beach. The Pogues were left standing there, still in shock, the tension hanging thick in the air.

Y/N rushed over to Pope, checking on him. "You okay?"

He nodded, brushing sand off his clothes. "Just a scratch, I’ll be fine."

The others gathered around, murmuring in confusion. It was obvious that Rafe had done something none of them expected—he had sided with them, helped them out. But why?

"Why the hell did he do that?" Kie asked, looking out toward the retreating Jeep. "That’s not like him. Why the sudden change?"

Y/N stood still for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. She took a deep breath before stepping forward, speaking calmly but firmly. "I… I’m the reason."

The group turned toward her, eyes wide with confusion. "What do you mean?" Pope asked, frowning.

"I’ve been… I’ve been seeing Rafe," Y/N admitted, feeling the weight of their stares. "We’re together."

Silence hung in the air for a long moment as the group processed her words. Kie’s jaw dropped, and she let out a sharp, incredulous laugh. "Wait, what? Are you serious?"

Y/N nodded. "I know it’s not what you expected, but he’s different now. He’s changed. He’s not the same person he was."

Kie’s eyes narrowed, her face reddening with anger. "Are you serious, Y/N? After everything that guy’s done, you’re dating him?"

Y/N took a step back, feeling the sting of Kie’s reaction. "I know it’s hard to believe, but—"

Pope cut her off, his voice quieter than usual. "You’re really with him? After everything? Even knowing who he is?"

Y/N swallowed hard, trying to find the words. "It’s not easy, okay? But he’s not like the Kooks anymore. He’s not like Topper or Kelce. He’s… trying. And I believe in him."

John B. was oddly quiet. Too quiet. He stared at the ground, his hands shoved into his pockets. His silence didn’t escape Y/N’s notice. There was something in the air between them, a silent understanding that was hard to place.

Finally, she couldn’t stand it any longer. "JJ," she said softly, turning to him. "What do you think?"

JJ looked up at her, his face unreadable, his eyes too calm. Too calm. Y/N felt her blood run cold, the realization dawning on her slowly.

He already knew.

"JJ?" Her voice trembled now. "You knew?"

He gave her a small, tight-lipped smile, shrugging slightly. "I figured it out. A while ago."

Y/N felt a chill creep through her. "Why didn’t you say anything?"

JJ didn’t answer right away. He just looked at her for a long moment, his gaze heavy with something unreadable. "You didn’t need me to say anything," he finally replied, his voice thick with regret. "I thought you had it under control. But I guess I was wrong."

The words hit Y/N harder than she expected. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected from him, but this… this quiet acknowledgment made it worse.

Without another word, JJ turned away, walking toward the ocean, his figure slowly disappearing into the fading light.

Y/N stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest. She wanted to go after him, to fix things, but something told her she couldn’t. Not now. Not like this.

As the sun set, casting the beach in hues of orange and pink, Y/N realized that the silence between her and JJ might be the loudest thing she’d ever hear.

—

The sky had darkened, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore was the only noise filling the night air as Y/N walked along the beach, her feet sinking into the wet sand. She hadn’t planned to come here—hadn’t really planned anything—but the need for space, for clarity, had led her here, away from the group and their questions.

But she wasn’t alone for long.

“Hey,” JJ’s voice broke through the quiet, and Y/N looked over to see him standing a few steps behind her, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his hoodie. His hair was messy, his face unreadable.

“You found me,” Y/N said, managing a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She had expected him to follow her. She’d known it was only a matter of time.

“Couldn’t stay away, could I?” JJ replied, a hint of his usual smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, but it faded quickly. “We need to talk.”

Y/N nodded, stepping aside to let him walk up beside her. For a few moments, neither of them spoke, the rhythm of the ocean filling the space between them. Y/N’s thoughts were racing—this conversation had been inevitable, but she wasn’t sure how to even start. There was so much she wanted to say, but part of her didn’t know where to begin.

“How long have you known?” she asked, her voice soft but steady as she turned to face him. “About Rafe and me.”

JJ glanced over at her, a sad smile tugging at his lips, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. His hands were shoved into his pockets, his posture defensive but tired. He didn’t answer immediately, instead choosing to stare out at the dark water rolling in front of them.

After a beat, he sighed deeply. “Since Midsummers,” he said quietly. “I’ve known for a while.”

Y/N’s heart skipped a beat. Her blood ran a little cold at the calmness in his voice. “For weeks?” she asked, almost in disbelief. “You’ve known about us for that long?”

JJ was silent for a moment, his gaze flicking to the water before locking with hers. “I saw you two at Midsummer’s. I saw the way you looked at him, the way he looked at you.” His voice wavered slightly, but he pressed on. “I thought I knew what was going on. I thought you were just caught up in something with him, like maybe it was just a stupid mistake. But when I saw you laughing—like, really laughing, for the first time in so long—I realized... you don’t need me, Y/N.”

“You know, I thought I had it figured out. But when you told them about you and Rafe… I guess I didn’t expect it to hit like that.”

Y/N exhaled slowly, letting the words hang in the air between them. “I know it wasn’t easy for you to hear. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

JJ chuckled softly, but it didn’t sound like his usual laugh. It was empty. “Hurt me? Nah. I’m not mad, if that’s what you’re asking. I didn’t want to be the one to push you into saying something you weren’t ready for.” He looked over at her then, his eyes searching. “And now... now I just feel like I pushed you away.”

Y/N frowned, her chest tightening. She hadn’t expected him to say that, hadn’t expected the guilt that weighed heavy in his tone. "JJ, no. You didn’t push me away."

“I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. I was too busy with my own stuff, too wrapped up in whatever was going on with me.” JJ’s voice cracked slightly, and for a moment, Y/N thought he might say more, but instead, he just exhaled sharply. “I didn’t even see what was happening between you and Rafe. I should’ve been there for you. But I didn’t—"

"JJ," Y/N interrupted gently, her voice soft but firm. She stepped closer to him, meeting his gaze. "You didn’t do anything wrong. What happened between me and Rafe—it’s not about you. It’s about me. I had to make my own choices, and I did. But it wasn’t because of you or anything you did—or didn’t do. It was because I needed to figure out who I am. I can’t keep waiting for people to tell me who I should be or what I should do."

She paused, watching him carefully. "I know it’s hard, but I’m not doing this to hurt you. It’s not about you."

JJ seemed to absorb her words for a long moment, his expression unreadable. His lips pressed together in that familiar tight line, but his shoulders had relaxed a little. “I get it. I think I do, at least. I just… I’m not used to you being like this. I’m not used to seeing you with him, of all people.”

Y/N nodded slowly, her gaze softening. "I get that. I don’t expect you to understand everything, but I don’t want you to think it’s something you did. You’ve always been there for me, even when I didn’t deserve it."

JJ looked at her for a long moment, then exhaled, scratching the back of his neck, his signature half-smile tugging at his lips. "I guess I’m not as good at this whole ‘being a friend’ thing as I thought. But hey, if Rafe makes you happy, I’ll deal with it." His voice grew more serious. "I just want you to be okay, Y/N. That’s all I’ve ever wanted."

JJ seemed to absorb her words for a long moment, his expression unreadable. His lips pressed together in that familiar tight line, but his shoulders had relaxed a little. “I get it. I think I do, at least. I just… I’m not used to you being like this. I’m not used to seeing you with him, of all people.”

Y/N nodded slowly, her gaze softening. "I get that. I don’t expect you to understand everything, but I don’t want you to think it’s something you did. You’ve always been there for me, even when I didn’t deserve it."

JJ stared at her for a long moment, the silence stretching between them like an insurmountable wall. Finally, he let out a long, tired sigh. “I get it,” he said, his voice quiet now. “I just—I guess I didn’t expect to feel so damn useless.”

Y/N’s heart twisted in her chest. She stepped forward, closing the gap between them, her hand resting gently on his arm. “You’re not useless, JJ. You’re not. You’ve always been there for me. Always. But I have to figure this out for myself. And I’m sorry if that’s hard to hear. I never meant for it to be this way.”

He looked down at her hand for a moment, then met her gaze. His eyes were still filled with that mix of sadness and understanding, but there was something else there now—a hint of resignation, like he was finally accepting the way things had to be.

“I know,” he said softly. “And maybe I do need to let go a little. It’s just... hard.” He shrugged, a weak attempt at a smile tugging at his lips. “But I’ll get there. Eventually.”

Y/N nodded slowly, relieved that he wasn’t angry with her. There was still pain between them, but maybe this was how they moved forward. Not together like they used to be, but still a part of each other’s lives in a different way.

“I’ll always be your friend, JJ,” she said softly, squeezing his arm. “No matter what. That’s never going to change.”

He gave her a small, tired smile, but it was enough. “I know.”

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the air thick with the understanding between them. Y/N’s heart was lighter now, and she felt a sense of relief she hadn’t realized she needed.

“Hey,” JJ broke the silence again, his voice a little lighter, “You’re still my favorite pain in the ass, you know that?”

Y/N chuckled, the familiar warmth creeping back into her chest. "Right back at you, J."

JJ nudged her playfully, the first spark of mischief returning to his eyes. "So, if you’re dating Rafe, does that mean I get to punch him in the face next time he pisses me off?"

“You’re impossible,” Y/N said, rolling her eyes, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her.

JJ’s expression softened, and he shoved his hands into his pockets. “Look, if Rafe goes back to his old Kookish ways, you know where to find me, right?”

Y/N chuckled lightly, a mix of relief and affection in her gaze. “I’m not worried.”

“Good. But just in case,” JJ added with a wink, “I’ll be waiting.”

As they stood there, the waves crashing softly behind them, it was like a weight had been lifted—some unspoken tension between them had finally been laid to rest. They weren’t where they used to be, but maybe that wasn’t so bad after all.

—-

It had been a few months since that tense evening at the beach, and things had slowly started to shift. The Pogues and Kooks still didn’t exactly mingle like old friends, but the air between them wasn’t as heavy as it once was. The days of outright hostility were behind them—well, mostly. It was a work in progress, but progress had been made.

The group had gathered again at the Boneyard, and this time, things felt almost normal. The waves crashed lazily on the shore, and the sun dipped into a mellow orange hue, casting the evening in that perfect, golden light. Y/N sat on the hood of a car with Rafe next to her, his arm casually draped around her shoulders, while the others hung back a bit, trying to bridge the divide in their own ways.

Kie and Pope had softened considerably, their initial distrust of Rafe and Sarah finally easing. It wasn’t that they were best friends yet, but there was a mutual understanding. Kie, ever the realist, still threw the occasional side-eye toward Rafe, but it wasn’t venomous anymore. Pope had accepted the change in Rafe, or at least, he was trying to.

“You know, this is weird,” Kie said suddenly, breaking the silence. She was sitting beside Pope on a weathered old bench, eyeing Rafe and Y/N. “I can’t believe we’re all just hanging out like this.” Her voice was a mix of disbelief and something else—like she was letting herself believe this might actually work.

Pope, who had been quietly observing, nodded. “I get it. But... I think it’s okay. Rafe’s trying, and Sarah, too. They’re not exactly the Kooks we remember.”

“Yeah,” Kie said, shifting her weight on the bench. “They’re... trying.”

Rafe, who had been chatting quietly with Y/N, glanced over at the two of them. He smiled slightly and gave them a small wave, trying to be as nonchalant as possible. He didn’t expect them to be best buds, but there was something reassuring about not being treated like a villain at every turn.

Y/N caught his eye and smiled, her expression warm. She knew the weight of the situation, and though it hadn’t been an easy road, this felt like progress. Rafe had come a long way from the arrogant, entitled guy he used to be, and that was enough for her, for now.

The awkward tension in the air was still there, of course, but it wasn’t quite as suffocating. It was almost... manageable.

“Hey, anyone up for a game?” John B. called out, tossing a ball in the air. He was trying his best to lighten the mood, despite still avoiding eye contact with Rafe. There was a long-standing tension there, one that wasn’t easily erased. But John B. had accepted the reality of the situation. If Rafe was going to be in Y/N’s life, then he was going to have to get used to it.

A few people started moving toward the makeshift volleyball net that had been set up, and Sarah, noticing the change in the mood, made her way over to join them. She was surprisingly easygoing these days, something Y/N hadn’t expected but had grown to appreciate. It was clear that Sarah had softened, too—maybe because of her relationship with John B., maybe because she was finally trying to find a balance between her Kook world and the Pogues’ chaotic one.

As the group began to get settled into the game, Y/N and Rafe stayed back, watching. They had their own quiet moment—just the two of them, away from the noise. It wasn’t uncomfortable, nor was it tense—it was just... peaceful. The soft hum of the conversation from the others, the laughter echoing across the sand, the gentle rhythm of the waves—everything felt a little more settled than it had in the past.

“How long do you think this will last?” Rafe asked, his voice low as he looked over at the group.

Y/N didn’t immediately answer. Instead, she leaned back against the car, her gaze following the others as they huddled together, already bickering over who would serve first. It was the kind of bickering that felt like home. She was used to it—hell, she was part of it. But there was something about tonight, about how everyone was just... trying to make it work, that felt different.

“Longer than you think,” she replied after a beat, nudging him playfully. “You’re not as bad as they thought. Just give it time.”

Rafe looked over at her, his expression thoughtful. “You really think that?”

Y/N’s smile softened. “I know that,” she said, her tone confident. “Besides, I’m here, right?”

Rafe’s gaze lingered on her, a small, genuine grin forming at the corners of his lips. For a moment, he seemed to relax, as though her words were enough to settle something in him. It wasn’t about winning everyone over immediately—it was about doing the right thing and letting things happen in their own time.

“You’re right,” he said, his voice quieter now, almost to himself. “I don’t want to screw this up. I don’t want to screw up... us.”

Y/N’s hand found his, her fingers lightly brushing against his. She squeezed it gently, reassuring him without words. The quiet moments between them had always been some of the best. She wasn’t in a rush to prove anything, and neither was he. They were building something slow and steady—something that would last.

“I know you won’t,” she said softly, her eyes meeting his. “Just keep doing what you’re doing. They’ll see the change eventually.”

Rafe nodded, taking in her words. “Yeah,” he said, his smile growing a little more. “I think they will.”

As the game kicked off with loud laughter and friendly arguments over the rules, Y/N and Rafe stayed in their little bubble, watching the others interact. The group wasn’t perfect, but they were getting there. 

---

JJ stood for a long while, lingering by the edge of the Boneyard, his eyes fixed on the group. They were laughing, sharing stories, the sound of their voices blending with the rhythm of the waves, but he was still on the outside, watching quietly. The way Y/N’s smile brightened when Rafe said something to her. The way she leaned into him, her hand resting gently on his. There was a comfort there, an ease between them that made JJ feel like he was witnessing something both familiar and foreign at the same time.

He wasn’t jealous. At least, not in the way he used to be. It wasn’t the pang of unspoken longing anymore, the ache of what he thought could have been. No, this was different. This was the realization that Y/N had found something, someone, who made her light up in a way he hadn’t been able to.

JJ’s gaze flicked over to the rest of the group: Pope and Kie chatting with Sarah, the way they were making an effort now, and even Rafe, who—surprisingly—seemed to be fitting in, not as a villain but as someone who had done the work. He saw the way they had all softened over time, not just with each other, but with themselves.

And then there was John B., his best friend, his brother. The two of them, the ones who had always had each other’s backs, even when everything else seemed to be falling apart. John B. had grown up, too. He wasn’t the same reckless, carefree guy he used to be. He was still John B., but there was something different about him now, something grounded. And JJ could see it in his face—the way he was looking at the others, at Y/N and Rafe, without that old edge, without the tension that had always been there. It was like John B. had figured something out, too.

JJ’s eyes lingered on them, on the way the group was finally fitting together. There was a part of him that wondered if it would have been the same if he hadn’t stepped back, hadn’t realized that what he’d been holding onto wasn’t his to keep. But watching them now, laughing and comfortable in their own way, he knew that sometimes the hardest part was letting go. Letting go of expectations. Letting go of guilt. Letting go of a version of himself that didn’t fit anymore.

JJ realized, without fully understanding when or how it had happened, that things had shifted. Not just with Y/N and Rafe, not just with him, but with all of them. They were moving forward. They were different, but they were still together.

The breeze swept over him, cool against his skin, and for the first time in a while, he didn’t feel the weight of the past dragging him down. The guilt, the regrets, the missed chances—all of it felt distant, as if they were things he had outgrown. There was no need to keep carrying them, no need to keep pushing himself to be something he wasn’t. He could just be.

He stood there for a while longer, letting the quiet settle in, until his feet moved on their own, pulling him toward the firelight. He wasn’t sure what had changed exactly, but it was something big. Something important. Maybe it was the way he had let go of the things he couldn’t control. Maybe it was the way he had learned to accept that Y/N’s happiness wasn’t tied to him. But whatever it was, it felt like the first step toward something new.

When he finally rounded the corner and rejoined the group, Y/N’s gaze caught his. She didn’t say anything, just gave him that small, knowing smile—the kind she always had when things felt right, when everything clicked into place. It was a look that said, I see you, and for once, that was enough.

JJ didn’t need any fanfare. He didn’t need to make any grand gestures. He simply slid into his place in the circle, joining the easy rhythm of their laughter, the unspoken comfort of being together. There was no pressure, no need for explanations. The air felt lighter now, and everything, somehow, seemed to fit.

As he settled into the group, his heart wasn’t heavy anymore. There was peace in that, in knowing that he could just be himself, that he could let things be without needing to control them.

Things were changing. Slowly, but surely, the pieces were falling into place, and JJ  felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

------

Taglist: ​​

@hockeybabe87 , @idiotussupremus , @certifiedhaters , @oatmealisweird, @sluggmuffin , @maybankslover , @ren-ni, @wh0reforbucknasty , @enjoymyloves , @bilssturns , @dragonslight , @willowpains , @sidney-86 , @urbrunettebombshell, @fluffybunnyu

[rudyking]

Kook Hunting:

When Chloe, Yn and JJ's teenager daughter accidentally spills that Topper was trying to mess with her, JJ goes DEFCON one- at the least- after overhearing this.

The salty air of the Outer Banks hung thick and warm, carrying the scent of pine and the distant, rhythmic crash of waves. The late afternoon sun painted everything in hues of gold and amber, casting long shadows across the weathered wooden deck of the Chateau. Chloe, JJ and Yn’s fifteen-year-old daughter, sprawled on a faded blue beanbag chair, her laughter echoing across the yard as she bantered with Pope and John B.

Chloe was a delightful mix of her parents. She had Yn’s gentle eyes and sweet smile, but JJ’s mischievous glint and shaggy blonde hair that she constantly pushed out of her face, just like him. Today, she was recounting a near-disaster story involving a kite, a rogue seagull, and a very tangled fishing line, embellishing it with dramatic hand gestures and sound effects that had Pope rolling with laughter and John B grinning.

“And then, like, the seagull is squawking, right? And the kite’s doing this death spiral, and I’m just standing there covered in sand and seaweed, looking like a complete kook myself!” Chloe finished, punctuating her story with a flourish.

Pope, wiping tears from his eyes, managed to gasp, “Dude, you’re your father’s daughter, for sure. Pure chaos magnet.”

John B chuckled, nudging Chloe with his foot. “Speaking of kooks, did you see Topper at the Wreck the other day? Dude’s got a new boat, like, twice the size of his last one.”

Chloe shrugged, picking at a loose thread on the beanbag. “Yeah, he tried to show off, asked if I wanted to go for a ride.” She rolled her eyes, a touch of teenage disdain in her voice. “Like I’m impressed with boats.”

John B and Pope exchanged knowing glances. Topper Thornton, the epitome of a Kook Prince, and Chloe? It was a recipe for teenage drama, best avoided.

“He’s always been a tool,” Pope muttered, dismissing Topper with a wave of his hand.

Chloe sighed, suddenly becoming a bit more subdued. “It wasn’t just the boat thing, though. He… he was being kinda weird.”

“Weird how?” John B asked, leaning forward with a flicker of concern.

Chloe hesitated, twisting the thread harder. “Just… touchy. You know?” She mumbled, avoiding their eyes. “Like, trying to put his arm around me, and stuff. Saying things. About, you know…” She trailed off, her cheeks flushing slightly. “He was trying to get me to, like, go back to his place. For… stuff.”

Pope and John B’s easygoing laughter died down. A heavier silence settled over them. Pope’s brow furrowed with a protective instinct kicking in. John B’s jaw tightened.

Unbeknownst to the trio, JJ had just stepped out onto the deck, a plate piled high with grilled shrimp in his hand. He’d been inside, jamming to some old punk rock and getting dinner ready. He was in a rare, mellow mood, humming along to the music, looking forward to a relaxed evening with his girls and his best buds. He was about to announce dinner, but Chloe’s last few words hung in the air, sharp and jarring.

“Trying to get you to go back to his place? For stuff?” JJ repeated, his voice dangerously low. The playful tune he’d been humming evaporated, replaced by a sudden, icy rage.

Chloe’s head snapped up, her eyes widening in dawning horror as she saw her father standing there, his dimples vanished, his blue eyes now sharp and blazing. She hadn’t meant for JJ to hear. She’d been talking casually, assuming it was just between her and the guys.

Yn, who had followed JJ out with a bowl of salad, froze, her gentle smile faltering as she sensed the immediate shift in the atmosphere. She looked from JJ’s thunderous expression to Chloe’s stricken face and a knot of apprehension tightened in her stomach.

“Dad, no, it’s not…” Chloe stammered, panic rising in her voice.

But JJ wasn’t listening. His gaze was fixed on Chloe, but his mind was already spinning, images of some entitled Kook kid, handsy and predatory, flashing through his brain. His protective instincts, usually set to high, instantly cranked up to DEFCON one.

“Who was it, Chloe? Tell me right now.” His voice was like steel, devoid of any of the usual playful sarcasm.

Chloe’s bottom lip trembled. “It was… it was Topper,” she whispered, shrinking into the beanbag chair, wishing the earth would swallow her whole. She’d just wanted to sound cool, like she could handle it. Now, she’d unleashed the full force of JJ Maybank fury.

JJ’s eyes narrowed further. “Topper Thornton? That preppy little… He put his hands on you?” His knuckles were white as he gripped the plate of shrimp, which now looked utterly unappetizing.

“No, Dad, not really, he didn’t… it was just… he was being a creep. That’s all. I told him no. I left. It’s fine,” Chloe rushed out, desperately trying to minimize the situation.

But it was too late. The dam had broken. JJ was already surging forward, putting the plate of shrimp down on the table with a loud clatter that made everyone jump.

“Fine? Fine? Some Kook tries to get handsy with my daughter and you think that’s ‘fine’?” His voice was rising, laced with disbelief and fury.

Yn stepped in quickly, placing a calming hand on JJ’s arm. “JJ, honey, breathe. Chloe said she’s okay. She handled it.” She tried to inject a soothing tone into her voice, running her hand up and down his arm in a calming motion.

“Handled it? She’s fifteen, Yn! Fifteen! And some entitled little rich boy thinks he can just…” JJ sputtered, unable to find words strong enough to express his outrage. He started pacing, his shaggy blonde hair falling into his eyes. He shoved it back, agitation radiating off him in waves.

Pope, ever the voice of reason, tried to interject. “JJ, chill, man. Chloe’s right, she’s okay. Topper’s just a douchebag. We all know that.”

John B nodded in agreement. “Yeah, JJ, we got it. We were talking about it, making sure Chloe was alright.”

But JJ was beyond reason. His protective father mode had kicked into overdrive, fueled by years of Pogues versus Kooks resentment and a deep-seated distrust of anyone from the rich side of the island.

“Making sure she’s alright? Did you go find Topper and teach him some manners?” JJ demanded, his eyes flashing between Pope and John B.

Pope and John B exchanged a nervous glance. “Uh, no dude, we just… we just talked to Chloe.”

“Talked?” JJ exploded. “Talked? That’s it? He tries to pull some crap on my daughter and you just ‘talk’?” He threw his hands up in exasperation. “You guys are Pagans! I should’ve known I couldn’t rely on you for backup in a Kook situation.”

“JJ!” Yn said sharply, her voice finally gaining some edge. “Stop. You’re overreacting. Chloe is fine. You need to calm down.”

But JJ was already charging towards the stairs leading off the deck. “Calm down? I’ll calm down after I have a little chat with Mr. Topper Thornton. Kook hunting time, boys!”

Chloe, her eyes wide with regret and fear, scrambled out of the beanbag chair and ran after him. “Dad, no! Please! Don’t! It’s going to make it worse! I don’t want you to do anything! I’m fine, really! I swear!”

Yn sighed and massaged her temples. “Oh, Lord,” she muttered, turning to Pope and John B, a wry smile playing on her lips despite the tense situation. “Well, looks like our quiet evening just went up in flames.”

Pope and John B, though slightly apprehensive about JJ’s impending ‘kook hunt,’ couldn’t help but chuckle. This was classic JJ. Over-the-top, impulsive, and fiercely protective, especially when it came to his family.

“Kook hunting, huh?” John B grinned, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes. “Might as well join the party. Wouldn't want JJ to get all the fun.”

Pope, still a bit more cautious, hesitated. “Guys, maybe we should try to talk him down first? This could escalate fast.”

Yn shook her head, a mixture of amusement and exasperation in her expression. “Honey, trying to ‘talk JJ down’ once he’s in ‘protective Papa bear’ mode is like trying to stop a freight train with a daisy. Best to just… manage the fallout.” She sighed again. “Alright, let’s go keep our resident kook hunter from starting an international Kook-Pogue war.”

They hurried after JJ and Chloe, who were now arguing at the bottom of the stairs. JJ was grabbing his keys, his jaw set in a determined line. Chloe was tugging on his arm, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Dad, please, don’t do this! It’s embarrassing! He’s just going to think I’m a baby if you show up and start yelling at him!” Chloe pleaded, her voice thick with emotion.

JJ paused, his anger wavering slightly at the sight of his daughter’s distress. He looked into her tearful blue eyes, so much like his own, and a flicker of his usual tenderness softened his features.

“Hey, hey, don’t cry, baby girl,” he said, his voice gentler now, though still rough around the edges. He cupped her face in his hands. “It’s okay. Daddy’s just… Daddy’s just going to have a little talk. Man to man talk. About respecting women. And daughters.”

Chloe sniffled, unconvinced. “But Dad, he’s going to laugh! He’s going to tell everyone! It’ll be so humiliating!”

“Let him laugh,” JJ said, a smirk creeping back onto his face. “Let him tell everyone. They’ll all know that messing with Chloe Maybank comes with consequences. And trust me, baby girl, consequences from your old man are not something anyone laughs about for long.” He winked, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

Yn, Pope, and John B finally caught up, Yn placing a hand on JJ’s shoulder. “Okay, maybe ‘kook hunting’ isn’t the most… diplomatic approach, but I get it. Just promise me, no throwing punches, okay? We’re aiming for a ‘stern talking to’, not a brawl at the yacht club.”

JJ grinned, his mischievous side peeking through the anger. “Stern talking to it is. With extra sternness. Maybe a little… ‘persuasive’ sternness.” He clapped Pope and John B on the shoulders. “Alright, Pagans, you’re with me, right? Operation: Leave Topper Thornton Petrified, is a go!”

Pope groaned but a reluctant smile tugged at his lips. John B was already grinning, rubbing his hands together with anticipation. Chloe, despite her initial horror, couldn’t help but crack a small smile herself. Even in her mortification, a tiny part of her was secretly, just a little bit, proud of her overprotective, wonderfully chaotic, and utterly hilarious dad.

As they piled into the Twinkie, ready to embark on their slightly ridiculous, and probably very misguided, ‘kook hunting’ adventure, Yn shook her head and laughed. “Oh, JJ,” she said, her voice full of affection and a healthy dose of exasperation. “You are absolutely impossible.”

JJ winked at her from the driver’s seat, his dimples flashing once more. “Impossible? Maybe. But I’m your impossible, babe. And Chloe’s. And that, my love, is the best kind of impossible there is.”

And as the Twinkie sputtered to life and roared off down the sandy road, leaving a trail of dust and laughter in its wake, Yn knew he was right. Life with JJ was never dull, never predictable, and sometimes, admittedly, a little bit crazy. But it was always, undeniably, full of love, loyalty, and a whole lot of chaotic, comedic, Outer Banks adventure. And for Yn, and Chloe, that was more than enough. It was perfect.

[shurisasthmaticgf]

boyfriend enrichment activities: lando norris x black! fem reader

summary: you and your boyfriend spend a much needed day at the beach.

warnings: swearing

author's note: i thought of this after going to the beach and seeing a guy dig a hole in the sand for a solid four hours...so thanks to that guy for the inspo! as always feedback is highly encouraged and greatly appreciated.

a day at the beach was something that you'd been needing since the start of winter, and now that it was finally beach weather you couldn't wait to enjoy the sun with your boyfriend. the two of you had been working hard, lando was training hard as the season was in full swing while you were balancing your new job and travelling on weekends. although your job was much less physically demanding, you were still exhausted and in much need of a relaxation day.

you both spared a day between race weekends to run off to the beach for the first time in a long time. most times you'd plan everything down to the type of bottled water you'd bring in your cooler but this time you decided to forget the itinerary and just take a few things.

lando carried your oversized beach bag that brought an ache to his shoulder by the time you made it down to the water from the parking lot. meanwhile you carried along your favorite tiny cream colored Jacquemus bag that only fit a pack of tic tacs and a mini lip gloss. in one hand you held your phone and the other a small shovel and bucket set you'd gotten at a store right by the beach.

when the two of you finally found a good spot you laid down a outdoor blanket and your towels on top of it for a softer surface to lay on. you immediately began putting on sun cream, applying it liberally and rolling your eyes when it left a slight white cast against your brown skin. you didn't even have to ask before lando took the bottle and began rubbing the lotion onto your back, brushing your box braids away from your back first. when he was finished you did the same for him and just like that he was gone, running out to the water eagerly as the scorching hot sand burned the bottom of his feet.

you did enjoy the beach and as a kid you spent hours making sandcastles, finding seashells, swimming out to a sandbar for sea biscuits, or playing some ball game with your cousins on the sand during family vacations. however, today you just wanted to lay out and soak up the sun while watching your boyfriend frolic in the sea.

nearly half an hour passed before you felt fat drops of salt water fall onto your face. when you opened your eyes you saw your boyfriend's face mere inches from yours, his curls now dripping onto your skin. you pushed his face lightly with a laugh, "get your soggy ass away from me!" he shook his head and flung salt water onto you earning a screech followed by giggles. you passed him one of the towels from your bag and said, "here dry yourself with this." he wrapped it around himself and sat beside you, "the water is quite nice, it cooled the bottom of my feet after running out there." you hummed as you read the book you brought with you. lando simply watched you but you could tell he was itching to do something, he just didn't know what.

you watched as he eyed your beach bag then unclipped the claw clip from the side of it. he opened and closed it then smiled to himself before using it to sift through sand to find shells he thought you'd like. one by one he began lining them up on your thigh, but you didn't mind, he was in his own world while you were immersed in your book. eventually, gathering shells also grew boring and you'd dozed off with your book beside you and your beach hat covering your face. so, lando took to the sand once more but this time began digging a hole a few meters away from the spot you set up.

there was no telling how long you slept since you didn't know when you dozed off, but when you woke up lando wasn't beside you. grabbing your sunglasses you looked up from where you'd been laying and you nearly choked seeing the gigantic hole he dug in the sand. he noticed you staring at him and beamed, "look at the hole i dug." something about seeing him proud of this stupid sand hole he made just made you laugh even more so when you looked at the children's plastic shovel in his hand.

by the end of the day he was fast asleep and slightly snoring on his towel. you'd gotten him to take a walk with you to take pictures for social media and tried to show him how to balance rocks in a stack which he failed at miserably. the two of you also used the two buckets you had to try and see who could build the best sandcastle. you won with a quite impressive masterpiece but only because your boyfriend built his too close to the water and it got ruined by a large wave that ran right into it as he finished. however, the highlight of your day was finding a horseshoe crab and naming it Persephone then running over to show it to lando thinking he'd find it cool.

he did not find it cool.

he found it rather uncool.

so much so that he ran away screaming for you to put it down as you tried to bring it closer to him.

you smiled at the memory as you gazed at your sleeping boyfriend. after snapping a photo of his sleeping form you slowly you inched closer to him and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. lando's lip twitched into a sleepy smile and you placed a hand on his head, softly grazing his ear with your thumb. your shadow blocked his eyes from the sun as he slowly opened one and looked up to see you with your knees drawn to your chest, your face resting on your thighs. you shushed quietly and said, "go back to sleep, we don't have to leave yet." he let his eye fall back shut and you looked straight ahead at the sea. the turquoise expanse of the sea blurred into the sky's cerulean blue flecked with silvery clouds in the distance drew your attention with passing moments. you let out a soft sigh, smiling to yourself at how corny and cliche this moment seemed to be, yet it was all you needed after all this time. 𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆝⋆.˚ 𓇼 ⋆｡˚ 𓆞

callmeyn

liked by landonorris and 934,293 others

callmeyn my job is just...beach ⛱

view all 10,543 comments

alexandrasaintmleux pretty girl <3

⤷ callmeyn that's all you mama 🩵

⤷ charles_leclerc stop flirting with my girlfriend

⤷ callmeyn OUR girlfriend 😒🖐️

⤷ charles_leclerc i didn't agree to that-

⤷ alexandrasaintmleux too bad 😇

f1 it was all too much for little lando norris 🥺

⤷ callmeyn LMAOOOOO

username1 lando finding a horseshoe crab is so on brand 😭

⤷ callmeyn girl please i found Persephone and this man ran away from me yelling "no please!" when i picked her up and tried to show him 💀

mclaren why is my driver standing in a ditch? 🤨

⤷ callmeyn i woke up from a nap and there it was...him standing in it.

⤷ oscarpiastri i could dig a deeper one

⤷ alex_albon i could out dig both of you

⤷ maxverstappen1 i'd win hands down

lilymhe omg the little shells are so cute! 🤭

⤷ callmeyn ikr :(

username2 NEVER DIG STRAIGHT DOWN AT THE BEACH!

⤷ callmeyn don't worry pookie he knows, he just chose to do it anyways! 🥰

username1 stanley yelnats ahh 💀

⤷ callmeyn STANLEY YELNATS- you just unlocked a childhood memory omg

username3 why does my boyfriend do the same thing...

⤷ callmeyn ✨boyfriend enrichment activities✨

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆝⋆.˚ 𓇼 ⋆｡˚ 𓆞

landonorris

by callmeyn and 785,997 others

landonorris use protection

view all 5,325 comments

mclaren ...p-pardon?

username4 WHAT IS THIS CAPTION 😭

username5 Y/N MARRY ME PLS I HAVE A MANSION AND MANY CARS 🙏

⤷ landonorris so do i, try again

⤷ username5 i'm not afraid of horseshoe crabs😈

⤷ username6 HELP HE BLOCKED ME AND I HAD TO MAKE A NEW ACCOUNT 😭😭😭

⤷ callmeyn UNBLOCK HER RIGHT NOW @/landonorris

oscarpiastri you do know you have the option to leave captions empty right 😐

⤷ landonorris i'm advising the public to use sun cream?

danielriccardo wait that's a nice ass sandcastle-

⤷ landonorris why thank you

⤷ callmeyn i'll let you have it since yours got washed away by the ocean at the last second 😁

⤷ f1 oh this is awkward...

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆝⋆.˚ 𓇼 ⋆｡˚ 𓆞

the end.

[thepossummoldypasta]

I Lost Myself to Find You

Tw! a character thinks he's been drugged, strong depictions of someone feeling ill

Steve knew, he knew, it was a bad idea to come to school today. He had thought (ignorantly, stupidly,) that the effects of having his face beaten in and the horrors of almost dying to a fucked up paper-fortune-teller-monster would have faded away over the weekend. Apparently not. Of course not.

Stupid.

Now everything aches. It hurts more than Steve thinks it should. It hurts like he’s a walking livewire bruise. Like every muscle has torn apart and hurled itself back together with no care. He doesn't remember being so absolutely fucked yesterday.

It's pretty obvious that he’s in a bad way. Steve’s shuffling down the hallway like a zombie, arms curled around a suffering stomach that he doesn't even remember Johnathan socking. Not to mention the smell. Steve’s set to present as a beta and even he can smell how absolutely pathetic he is right now.

It's only second period and he longs to be back home with the covers pulled over his head.

Fuck it.

Steve turns around. O’Donnell can fuck herself; Steve’s insides are falling out and he's got priorities. His internal organs trying to eat each other has got to be more important than English class.

It's a long trek to his car parked at the far, desolate, corner of the lot. What stupid mountain was Nancy’s little brother going on about the last time he saw him? Card-something? Steve feels like that. Like he’s crawling lamb-like across some epic snowy mountain, about to collapse.

Where's his car?

Steve knows where he parked his car, but he doesn't see it in the lot. Or he thinks he doesn't; Steve can't see much of anything through the spots dancing in his vision. Maybe the swirling is making it harder to see than the spots are? Either way Steve’s got no idea how far away he is from the bimmer, lost amongst a swimming sea of metal.

He needs to sit down; to yell at his thoughts until they regroup.

Is he even in the parking lot anymore? fuck is he even in the parking lot? The swirling feeling is worse, now it's like he’s swaying on a giant seesaw crossed with a carrousel. Steve’s head feels heavy, like there is cotton and sand thumping around in there instead of brains and rational thoughts.

At least the spots in his vision are gone. If Steve focuses enough--despite his eyes mimicking a fuzzy camera lens zooming in and out—he can see boldly colored evergreen leaves and icy moss. Yep, not in the parking lot.

Probably not a good idea to wander around in the snow blanketed woods with no jacket. The weather is cold enough that Steve could freeze!

Well…

He could freeze if it didn't feel like a fire had been lit in his stomach and across his shoulders.

It's almost near dark, Hawkins is firmly in that time of year when the sun disappears early, but the sky remains dully lit. The shade cast by the trees Steve is trudging between dims the earth even further but everything seems so vivid to him that it almost doesn't matter.

It shouldn't still be this easy to see. It's almost like the preternatural senses that he’s heard come after presentation. Even Betas gain heightened senses, but Steve hasn't presented as one yet, so why is it so bright?

Suddenly it occurs to Steve that he might have been drugged.

Tommy did say he would get back at Steve for abandoning him; The really sad thing is that Steve can picture his used-to-be best friend slipping him something as payback. What would this even be? God, he hopes its not acid.

Steve knows what he has to do now, where he has to go.

Eddie can help

When you think about it, at first the idea seems utterly absurd, but Steve knows Eddie. Sure, the alpha is a major freak, but he’s also Hawkins High’s most prominent (only) drug dealer. He’s bought from Eddie. Every time Steve picked up the “party favors” his friends pressured him into getting, Eddie would get this look on his face and tell Steve that he was always there if he had a bad trip.

And that’s what this is right? It's just a bad trip—even if it was potentially caused by the one guy he used to trust more than anybody else in the world—but now Steve actually has a plan! He just has to make it to Eddie!

Shockingly that might be easier to do than one might think. Very luckily Steve knows these woods and knows them well. In abrupt clarity Steve realizes the route he must have taken to get here and therefore the route he needs to take to get to Eddie.

If he’s in the woods he must have wandered south out of the Highschool parking lot, weaved between houses and the thin tree line, and eventually got himself into the woods proper. He doesn't think he took any turns, so if he just heads west, he’ll either head straight to Forest Hills or pop back out on a road he can follow to get there.

After a small setback—because he can’t follow the sun to find west—Steve is on his way.

The hike through the frost and snow is still oddly easier than it should be. Steve feels like his body is running on fever and instinct. As he walks Steve absentmindedly starts to hum “Over the River and Through the Woods” under his breath, hoping familiar music will speed up the flow of time.

He can still see fairly well; well enough to see (and attempt to ignore) what seems like a little girl following him from close behind. Steve knows it’s probably just the ghosts of his foggy mind coming to haunt him but the idea of a young pup all alone in the woods makes something in him, ache.

Soon enough, she slips back into the shrouds of trees. The pup won’t answer when Steve calls for her; and though it hurts—oh how it hurts—Steve reasons he cannot stop and weep over the spirits conjured by his drug addled brain. He’s almost there.

It should be startling how direct the path Steve took is but he doesn't care about that. He’s almost there. Lights shimmer in the distance, if he listens closely, it's almost like he can hear the soft thrum of distant music permeating the forest floor.

Metallica.

Eddie.

The Munson trailer seems to rise from the freezing mist, welcoming and safe. Steve sees Eddie’s window aglow in the evening and a sigh of relief breaks free from his troubled chest. Steve knows Eddie’s trailer, his window (Eddie refused to sell anything worse than weed anywhere but at home), the certainty is a comfort.

Eddie promised he would help him, here Steve will be safe. Quickly but clumsily Steve flies like a moth to the soft window-light. All sense has left him now; Steve claws and whimpers at the window pathetically until it opens.

“Harrington?” Eddie sticks his head out to greet him, “What are you doing?” Steve whines at the harshness of the whisper. He knows it wasn't meant to be mean but it still feels upsetting somehow.

“Eddie, I need help” the plea is pitchy and sad even to his own ears but still Steve presses on. “Eddie, you promised!”

The poor alpha startles, sucks in a breath and leaps to settle the boy crying at his window.

“Woah, woah, woah!” Eddie flounders. “Steve, calm down, we can sort this out.” no matter how Eddie tries to sooth him Steve does not get a hold of himself. It takes several, long, anxious, moments before Eddie retreats back from the window.

Steve wails.

Why would Eddie leave? why when he said Steve could always come to him?

Steve has never felt so fragile before, He doesn't remember feeling this heartbreaking lonesomeness since maybe before high school. It could be just a culmination of every emotion he's felt and locked away because of the hell he was pulled into. it could be that this was just the last straw. Either way for some stupid reason he feels a small twinge of abandonment in his bruised heart.

All of a sudden arms envelop him in warmth and care.

"Hey, lets get you inside, okay Steve?" Eddie murmurs by his ear. "Jesus man, what are ya a space heater or something? You have your own vapor cloud." Steve doesn't think he was actually supposed to hear that part, but when he turns around, sure enough, a fine mist rises from his shoulders and trails after him like a sorrowful miasma.

how did that happen? When did that happen?

The Munson trailer is warmer and more comforting the anywhere else Steve has been in his entire life. Something rumbles deep contentedly in his chest; its so nice.

Eddie leads him over to a small couch covered in more through pillows on it than a couch thrice its size would need and Steve is glad to rest there.

"Okay man, what do you need?" Eddie questions when the other boy is settled in, "What can I do?"

Steve can't muster actual words but somehow the alpha understands. Swiftly Steve finds himself under a bundle of blankets to situate any way he wants while Eddie steps away once more. This time it isn't so bad; Steve still feels unhappy that Eddie isn't with him, however unlike last time Eddie had told Steve where he was going and was still in his line of sight as the Alpha goes to call his uncle.

"Hey Wayne" Steve hears Eddie greet his uncle. There is a brief back and forth about why Eddie is calling, and how "yes it is suspicious for you to call this late", before Eddie admits defeat. "look, You really cant get mad about this okay?" Eddie stresses into the phone. "I picked up another stray."

Another? but could that mean--

"I-I know Wayne," Eddie interrupts Steve's train of thought, "but I really gotta help my friend out okay? He's in heat."

The conversation continues at a steady murmur, but Steve can barely hear it, let alone make sense of the yeses and i-knows being passed back and forth.

Steve can't stay. He should have known taking advantage of someone's hospitality would have consequences. Here he is, a pathetic lump, on Eddies couch when he should be focusing on his omega! His omega in heat no less!

Steve struggles to free himself from the blankets and pillows he hadn't realized were completely surrounding him. Distantly he hears Eddie frantically tell his uncle he has to go and slam the handset back into the cradle as Steve almost tumbles to the floor.

"Hey! Hey! Steve what's wrong man?" Eddie manages to catch Steve by the shoulders holding him in place.

"No! Let me go!" Steve cries, thrashing in Eddies hold "You should be taking care of your omega!"

Steve nearly breaks free but Eddie wraps around him. now he's trapped in a hold more like a hug than a trap pushing him back into place.

"Well I don't know if we're quite there yet big boy, but that is what I'm trying to do!" The Alpha huffs.

"No you should be with him! He's the one in heat!" the cry pierces into the night, Its so sharp Steve is almost shocked it cam from his own mouth. Eddie makes a confused noise--that might have been a word if Steve was paying attention--he shifts his hold once more, putting Steve at arms length so he can look in his eyes.

"Steve!"

"What!" he shouts in return, Eddie looks deep in his eyes despite Steve's best efforts to look away.

"You're in heat." Eddie says it with such conviction it's startling. In fact Steve is so caught off guard that he goes limp enough to be laid back against the couch.

What--

Eddie coos at him softly, Tucking the blankets back around Steve, even going so far as to fluff a few of the pillows.

"oh honey," Eddie says sweetly as he brushes a hand along Steve's hair in a way he would normally despise, "You really didn't know? is this your first one?"

Steve nods against the alphas careful hand, taking it to nuzzle. Literally three hours ago--heck five minutes ago--if anyone had asked Steve if he was in heat he would have laughed in their face. Now the low, thrumming, ache has settled back in his gut and inclines him to think differently.

What else could this be really? well, he thought drugs, but hindsight and a safe place to rest vanishes the thought. looking back on the day all the cramps, the post-presentation senses, the fire that's settled within him, it all seems to make sense.

(a distant part of his brain--the one that will be embarrassed in a couple days time--tells him that the emotional sensitivity was also probably the result of his surprise presentation. That it was the natural, sudden shift, in hormones and pheromones effecting his already slightly addled brain)

"I don't want to leave, Eddie." Steve eventually sniffles against the warmth of the alpha. He reaches up to hold him gently and Eddie sinks into the hug.

"You don't have to go anywhere sweetheart. I'll look after you, I promise."

Later, after many cuddles and complaints from the new omega about how he "thought heats were supposed to be sexy", Steve will reflect on this week as probably the best one of his entire life. Up until that point of course. After all he has the rest of his life with the most caring alpha he's ever known ahead of him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------Yay It's Done! Feel free to come check this out on Ao3 as well because I've decided to cross post as many of my works as I can =]