#i guess I wouldn’t mind the blonde so much if he didn’t keep putting that fuckass gel in it

[tuituipupu]

for eurotour, we HAVE to keep praying 🙏🏼🖤

[celestiall0tus]

Tales of Bloody Bug and Chat Noir - Chapter 39 - How the Eagle Soars

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            “Adrien, you have visitors,” Nathalie announced.

            Adrien paused his game and looked back at Nathalie. “Visitors? Who is it?”

            “Chloe and her little friends. Your father has permitted you to spend time with them for an hour.”

            Adrien perked up and ran out of his room down to the parlor. He rushed down the stairs to see Chloe, Zoe, and Sabrina. He grinned and hugged Sabrina first, then Choe. He approached Zoe, but she shot him a look that stopped him in his tracks.

            “What brings you all here?” Adrien asked Sabrina and Chloe.

            “We figured we’d swing by and visit since you’re on house arrest,” Chloe remarked in English.

            “Why are you speaking in English?”

            “Well, it’s Zoe’s birthday. I thought it would be nice for her if we spoke in English today, so she didn’t feel left out,” Sabrina answered in English.

            Adrien’s eyes widened as he turned to Zoe. “I didn’t realize it was your birthday. Happy birthday!”

            Zoe shot Adrien a side-long glance, then turned away.

            “Did I say something wrong?” Adrien asked.

            “Oh, no. Don’t mind her. She’s been in a mood since this morning. It’s why we’re out celebrating and why I have a favor to ask you,” Chloe said.

            “Oh? What is it?”

            Chloe motioned for Adrien to follow her away from the group. He followed as he glanced back at Sabrina, who kept Zoe company.

            “Could you keep an eye on her for this hour? I want to prepare a party for her at the hotel and need her preoccupied. She won’t explore the city on her own anymore, so I figured this was the next best thing,” Chloe explained, speaking in French.

            “Are you sure? Not that I’m complaining, but wouldn’t Alix have been better to hang out with Zoe? The two seem more alike and that they’d get along.”

            “I already tried. Alix is with Rose today on some sort of double date with Luka and Marinette.”

            Adrien winced. “Have you heard anything regarding that?”

            “Hard not to. I mean, it’s only been a few days and her whole everything has changed.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “I’ve had the misfortune of being stuck with her on patrol one night with another new member, Pom Pom. Anyway, she just gushes about her musician boyfriend and how much she loves him. I don’t buy it for a second. I still think she’s putting on an act for everyone. And I know for a fact that Death Noire doesn’t buy it either. Alix though, I’m not sure.”

            “That’s… not the best news, but something is better than nothing, right?”

            “I’d rather just be done with her. There’s no way she can change.”

            “Well, Lila did, right?”

            “Lila is not Marinette. Not like that’s saying much. Lila just keeps to her crowd of devote followers, eager to hear her next lie.”

            “That’s… that’s fair… I suppose?”

            “Anyway, Zoe. You’ll watch her, yeah?”

            “I guess?”

            Chloe squealed and hugged Adrien. “You’re the best! Come along, Sabrina!”

            Sabrina waved good-bye to Zoe, hugged Adrien, and followed Chloe out. Adrien sighed and turned to Zoe.

            “So, Chloe asked that we hang out for an hour. Fun, right?” Adrien explained in English.

            “If you are hoping to hide some secret plans, you’ll need to use a different language, Adrien,” Nathalie said.

            Adrien jumped, startled. “Nathalie? Where did you come from?”

            “I came to check on you and your friends only to find Chloe and the ginger gone, but the moody blonde is still here.”

            “Uh, well, Chloe wanted us to keep an eye on Zoe while she prepared a party for her at the hotel. It would only be for an hour, I promise.”

            Nathalie sighed. She turned to look at Zoe, but Zoe was gone.

            “Oh, no! Where she’d go? She couldn’t have gotten far, right?” Adrien panicked.

            “Relax. I’ll check upstairs while you handle downstairs. Go.”

            Adrien nodded and ran around the first floor as he looked for Zoe. He checked every room when he passed by a window and saw her down in the garden next to the statue of his mother. He put on his outerwear and joined her in the garden.

            “Zoe! There you are! I was worried when you disappeared,” Adrien called in English.

            “Yeah, well, I’m not fond of being pawned off to be babysat!”

            “But that wasn’t the case. Chloe just wanted to prepare something special for you for your special day.”

            Zoe rolled her eyes. “Oh, wonderful. Another party where I’ll be surrounded by a bunch of stuck up French pompous assholes. I can hardly wait to be openly judged in a language I can’t even understand for the millionth time.”

            Adrien opened his mouth, but stopped when he felt a chill run up his spine. He shuddered as he felt a million eyes fall on him. He glanced around afraid that he’d see Mayura, but there was nothing out in the open. He looked back down at Zoe and sighed. He sat beside her and stared at his mother’s statue.

            “Zoe, what’s wrong?”

            Silence passed between them before Zoe glared at him. “Why do you care?”

            “I guess several different reasons. You don’t seem very happy on a day that should be all about you. You haven’t really been happy since you came here. You seem to have moments where you are happy and playful, but I wonder if they’re all just an act, y’know?”

            Zoe’s eyes widened before she sighed. “How do you see it?”

            “Pardon?”

            “How do you see through me when no one else does? How do you see the act when everyone just brushes me off as an American and disregards me?”

            “Because you remind me of Alix in how you act in some regards. It’s mostly the guarded front and never being quite happy. You even wear the same scowl she used to before everything happened in her life.”

            “How did she get through it all?”

            “I can’t exactly say for sure. I would like to think having friends and people that genuinely cared for her is what helped, but I’m the wrong person to ask since I’m not her. You know what they say, right? Ask not the sparrow-.”

            Zoe reached for her locket and gasped it. “How the eagle soars. Right. I suppose it was a bit much to hope for the ordinary to understand the extraordinary, right?”

            “I’m sorry, but I can offer something to you.”

            “Yeah? What’s that?”

            “An ear to listen. Something is bothering you, and it’ll do you no good to keep that locked away. That is something I know Alix would agree with.”

            Zoe shot Adrien a side-long glance, then sighed. “Fine. I guess if anyone is to listen, it would be you. If you must know, I’m not happy here. I don’t like being here. I’m away from my friends, my dad, my entire life. My stupid whore ass mother just decided, oh, hey, Zoe dear, you’re coming with me to fucking Paris. I try to fight against her, but she just dismisses me, has the staff back my shit, and throw me onto the plane with her. I never asked to be dragged here. I never asked to be surrounded by dickheads that spoke a completely different language. I didn’t ask for any of this.”

            “What about Chloe? And didn’t you seem to show interest in Alix?”

            “Chloe… is Chloe. She’s… I guess trying. I mean, most of her attempts are because of Sabrina giving her ideas. Which, I can’t completely complain as at least Sabrina is the one that thinks about me and trying to make me happy. And, Alix, I don’t know. She’s cool and she could crush me with her thighs, but I don’t know.”

            “I don’t understand. Why would you want someone to crush you with their thighs?”

            Zoe buried her face in her knees and screamed. “I’m not explaining that to you. You want answers, ask Chloe or Alix. Hell, maybe even ask that girl Alix is dating. I’m sure she’d happily tell you all about that.”

            “Rose? Does Rose upset you?”

            “No! I mean, a little. Fuck! Fine. I might like Alix a little more than the rest of you because she’s the closest thing to an American around her besides just me. The way she acts, her rebellious nature, everything reminds me of the kids I was surrounded by. Even reminds me of a few of my friends. And… and a girl I liked back in New York. And I just… I miss it.”

            Adrien’s eyes widened as he saw a reminiscent light glaze over Zoe’s eyes. “What was it like in the States?”

            Zoe stared off in the distance. “It wasn’t the best living, but it was fun. I was part of the theater crowd where the closest of my friends were. I did make other friends outside of the theater, but it was in theater I was happiest. To hit the stage with the stage lights on you, to know that you commanded everyone’s attention was intoxicating. Especially once you fell completely into character and lose all sense of yourself as you just enter the zone.”

            “And the girl?”

            “Huh? Oh, right. I met her after a performance. She was the older sister of one of my friends. A high school girl, the sister that is. I never made any moves or told her how I felt. I just… pined from a distance. Maybe it was for the best since now I’m stuck here.”

            “But there’s Alix, right?”

            “I don’t know. Alix is cool, but is it really her I like, or just the fact she reminds me of my crush?”

            “I… I wish I could answer that.”

            “Yeah, me too. Maybe then I could understand why I get jealous when I see Alix with that Rose chick. Maybe then I could make sense of why I acted like a fool when Chloe was shot down. Maybe then I wouldn’t get mad seeing others silently pining over Alix like I did over my crush. Why is everything a mess?”

            “Because you’ve been dragged to a completely foreign country and city that’s currently plagued by villains.”

            “Please. New York had its share of villains. I jokingly took the name Lady Liberty to fuck with the other superheroes that thought they were so much better just because they were adults. And I suppose that’s something I can appreciate about the heroes here. They’re all teens like me and I don’t feel like an outcast amongst them.”

            “Wait, are you one of the heroes?”

            “Kinda. I’m not really part of their team, but I still help where I can. Figured I could find a place with them, especially after meeting Bloody Bug.”

            “Do you like Bloody Bug?”

            “She’s someone I admire. I’ve heard all about her exploits and what she’s done for the victims with Chat Noir. It makes me wish we had a hero like her in the States.”

            “What do you think of the other heroes?”

            “Don’t know. I’ve only met Bloody Bug and Gallic Chick, but I know Gallic Chick is Chloe, so, y’know.”

            “Do you want to be part of their team?”

            “Maybe? I mean, I wouldn’t be opposed to it, but I’m not getting my hopes up.”

            “I’m sure they could use your help, especially against that Mayura woman.”

            Silence. “Hey, are you ok? I heard from Gallic Chick what happened.”

            “I’m not ok. I’m honestly terrified. Mayura was able to take control of me and I’m afraid of what she may do with that kind of power. Especially since this fan of mine assaulted me is likely working with Mayura.”

            “What? Why?”

            “I’m not sure. I just know it would be for Mayura’s benefit as she was able to create monsters from emotion. I saw her create the two out of fear. It could be that she’s feeding into Marinette’s obsession to later reap the harvest. If that’s the case, I really don’t want to be around when it happens.”

            “Because whatever is born of it will come for you?”

            “Yeah. Even if Marinette is putting on her own show that she’s moved on to her actual boyfriend. I’m really hoping that she has, but like Chloe, I do doubt it. I’m trying not to, but it lingers.”

            Zoe snorted. “Is this another reason you asked how I was doing? Are you afraid this Mayura will try to feed off my emotions?”

            “Yes.”

            “Oh. Well, shit.”

            “It’s not just you I worry about. I worry about Alix and whatever anger she may still harbor. I fear for Luka who is Marinette’s boyfriend. I’m concerned about Nino who was once Carapace but left the hero team because he feared Mayura. That’s not even mentioning everyone else who deals with their own demons that are easy pickings for Mayura.”

            “So, what you’re saying is that we’re all fucked. Is that right?”

            “More or less.”

            “Well, make me a promise.”

            “What’s that?”

            “Will you be my ear again? It was… nice to talk about this.”

            “Of course. It was nice to learn about you, Zoe. I’d love to hear more about your time in the States. It sounds fascinating.”

            “I’ll be sure to have better stories for you next time. There will be a next time, right?”

            “Count on it.”

            “Adrien. Zoe,” Nathalie called.

            Adrien and Zoe turned to see Nathalie standing near the door.

            “Adrien, your father requests your presence in his office immediately. For Zoe, Chloe and Sabrina have returned.”

            “I heard Chloe and Sabrina. Are they here?” Zoe asked.

            “Yeah. They’re here to pick you up. Perfect timing as my father wants to see me in his office,” Adrien explained in English.

            “Well, I’ll see you later, yeah?”

            “Yeah! Oh, and happy birthday, Zoe.”

            Zoe smiled and hugged Adrien. She trotted over to Nathalie, who escorted her inside. Adrien took a breath and headed to Gabriel’s office. He slipped into the room as he saw a girl with long brown hair standing in front of Gabriel. He tilted his head as he approached the girl and Gabriel.

            “Nathalie said you wanted to see me, Father?” Adrien asked.

            “Yes. You are aware of this Heroes Day the mayor is preparing for, yes?”

            “I do. Chloe also told me how the mayor commissioned the designers in Paris to make clothing lines based on the heroes.”

            “Correct. It should come as no surprise that I was amongst those designers. With this project, I needed a female model for some of the outfits.”

            “What brought this on, Father?”

            “A suggestion from Nathalie to appeal to men and women and general diversity. As such, I’d like you to meet Lila Rossi.”

            Adrien’s blood ran cold as Lila turned and smiled at him.

            “Pleasure to see you again, Adrien. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

            “Father, you can’t be serious! She was one of the girls that assaulted me!” Adrien snapped.

            “Yes. Nathalie mentioned that when she presented Lila’s portfolio. She would have been an immediate no, but seeing her connections with our city’s very own Bloody Bug, I was inclined to accept her.”

            “I know this is hard for you, Adrien. I do feel bad that side of me got out. I can be a little… promiscuous. Hopefully we can leave what’s past in the past, yeah?”

            “We’ll see, won’t we?”

            “We certainly will.”

            Gabriel cleared his throat. “With that out of the way, I will have separate photo shoots for the both of you. Lila, yours will be done outside in various parks while Adrien will have his photo shoots here. Understood?”

            “Perfectly. Right, Adrien.”

            “Yeah,” Adrien grumbled.

            “Good. Lila, I’ll have Nathalie escort you home. Adrien, head back to your room.”

            “Of course, Mr. Agreste. I’ll see you later,” Lila said as she left.

            “Father, I don’t like this. Can’t you hire someone else?”

            “It’ll be fine, Adrien. She came highly recommended from Nathalie, and Nathalie has never steered me wrong before. If you don’t trust me, trust Nathalie.”

            “Fine. I’ll be in my room.”

            “Wait, Adrien.”

            Adrien stopped at the door. He glanced over as Gabriel stepped away from his screen.

            “How are you feeling since the incident with that villain? Have you been comfortable? Are you worried at all?”

            “I’m… I’m managing. It’s not easy, but I’m managing.”

            Gabriel nodded. “Well, that’s good. Uh, if you should ever feel in danger, please come find me, will you? Or if you need to talk, I’m here. You know that, right?”

            Adrien furrowed his brows. “Y-yeah. Thank you, Father.”

            Adrien left the room and headed up the stairs. He paused as he glanced back and saw Nathalie slip into Gabriel’s office. He glanced around before he headed to the door, pressed his ear against it, and listened.

            “Nathalie, I’m worried. What if that Mayura woman strikes again? What if she takes Adrien away? What can I do? He’s here. He’s safe, but for how long?”

            “I wish I had answers for you, sir. However, as long as Adrien is here, he’ll be safe. You shouldn’t lose him like you lost Emilie.”

            “Emilie was my fault, but I won’t have Adrien be my fault too. I… I don’t think I could live with myself knowing I killed the two people I love most. I just… I need to think of something. I need to keep Adrien safe. I can’t lose him too. I just can’t.”

            “I’m not sure what you can even do, sir.”

            “I don’t know either, but I’ll think of something.”

            “Well, by your leave, I’ll-.”

            “Wait. Please, stay. I… I would like your company a little longer, Nathalie.”

            “Sir, I-.”

            “Please, call me Gabriel.”

            Nahtalie sighed. “Gabriel, we know how this will end. I’m happy to be here for the job, but it was never anything more. Besides, I’ve never been one to play second fiddle to anyone, especially the dead.”

            “Nathalie, please, I know a part of my heart will always belong with Emilie, but I… I can’t, won’t refuse that I need you. You’ve become more than just an employee. You’re a friend, confidant, and so much more.”

            “How much more I wonder?”

            Adrien furrowed his brow when things went silent from the occasional sigh. He moved and cracked open the door to peek inside. His eyes widened when he saw Nathalie and Gabriel kissing. He covered his mouth and ran from the office doors up to his room. He leaned against his door and slid to the floor. Stompp phased through the wall and stared down at him.

            “You look like you say a ghost. Or Mayura. Or both. Or neither? What’s up?”

            “I… I just saw my father kissing Nathalie.”

            “Oh, is that all?”

            “What do you mean is that all?”

            “I mean, I’ve seen them kiss before. Sometimes more.”

            “More? What do you mean?”

            “Uh, how did Bloody Bug put it? Uh, was it, paper snowflakes?”

            “I don’t know what that means.”

            “Uh, maybe for the best. Anyway, what’s the big deal?”

            “The deal is I thought Nathalie hated my father. Why are they kissing and in love?”

            Stompp shrugged. “Your kind is a strange one. Well, the human part of you.”

            “Should I say something? Should I do anything?”

            “Is there any reason you should?”

            “I don’t know. How am I? This is just… strange!”

            “Breathe, Adrien. It’s not the worse thing. Besides, the fact that they’d hiding it from you means they likely don’t want you to know. So, why not just pretend you never saw anything?”

            “I… I guess. Are you sure though?”

            “Nope, but it’s what I would do. It’s what I have been doing.”

            “Well, alright.”

            “There you go. Now, c’mon! Back to gaming. I want to see you beat this level.”

            “Stompp, it’s impossible. I’ve been at it for hours.”

            “Nonsense! Nothing is impossible. And if it is, you make it possible. Get to it!”

            “Fine. Not like I have much else to do.”

            “That’s the spirit. Let’s go!”

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[marvelsage]

Wednesday & Wick

FOUR

“Wick! Hey Wick! Open up!” Pounding at your door disturbed you latest read. Annoyed you lay the book down and approach the door. Opening the slot in the door to see the Sheriff.

“What?”

“I need your statement-”

“I already gave my statement. Now what do you really want?”

“It would be better to discuss more in person.”

“You have a warrant?”

“No-”

*slam*

Leaning away from the door you listened as he gave up and returned to your book. Though your mind just read over the same line and after the sixth you gave up. You noted that you were late for your club meeting.

BEEP

On the way to the hive you notice Wednesday and ‘Rowan’ talking by Ms.Thorhills car. Approaching as they were about to drive away you step in front of the car.

“Oh my- Wick!” You smile and approach ‘Rowans’ window as it rolls down slowly, leaning down some.

“Leaving without saying goodbye. I’m hurt and here I thought we were friends, Ro.” Looking deep within his eyes as he tries to look away.

“I-I um sor-bye”

“Alls well, Rowan. Do keep in touch hmm.”

“Apologies, Ms. Thornhill, didn’t mean to scare you.” Standing straight, tapping the top of the car stepping back. As it drives off, Wednesday steps up beside you.

“What do you know?”

“I know what I know.” Stepping close to seem more ‘intimidating’ your demons hum in bliss at being so close to her aura.

“Care to share.”

“I’d have to care in order to share, wouldn’t I”

“I find you infuriating.”

“Never said I was nice.” Side stepping her, you set off.

GREEN HOUSE

Entering class last you scan the room for an open seat. There was a seat in the back corner you were going to sit in until Bianca called you over.

“You can sit over here.” You shrug and detour to her table.

“Wick, haven’t seen you very often lately.”

“You would if you took your eyes off Xavier.” A few snickers were heard before Xavier stole the show with his drawings. You look over as he tries to impress Wednesday with his ability. Silently laughing when all she does is slam her hand on it.

Class goes on as Wednesday and Bianca compete to see who knew the ghost orchid more. Spacing out as recent events circle your head repeatedly. Suddenly everyone’s standing and leaving the class.

“Wick, please stay back for a moment.” Reluctantly you sit back down, and wait for everyone to leave.

“You’ve been spacing out a lot, Wick. Is there anything you’d like to talk about? You know I’m always here.”

“No I’m alright.”

“Does it have to do with Rowan leaving? I know you two were pretty close. You must miss him very much.”

“I guess so but I’ll always have a piece of him with me.” You smirk internally as you pat the chest pocket of your vest. The conversation ended shortly and she dismissed you soon after.

BEEHIVE

You had just finished checking the last of your assigned section when Wednesday and Enid had appeared. You entered the shed after giving them a few minutes. Swinging the door open, you were met with Enid in a bee suit, Eugene showcasing a honey jar, and Wednesday with a knife raised.

“Relax, Chucky it’s just me. What the hell are you doing now?” Letting the door slam shut as you pull off the net from your head. Unzipping the jumper halfway and letting the rest hang off your waist.

Turning around, you lean back against a one of the tables with your arms crossed. Taking note of Enids slight blush and Wednesday discreetly checking you out.

“It’s none of your concern. Shouldn’t you be putting hearts into dolls.”

“Shouldn’t you be taking hearts out of dolls.” Smiling sarcastically back as she goes over her plan with Enid and Eugene.

“Wait. Enid is supposed to decoy you? Huh”

“What.”

“I’m sorry but if Principle Weems can’t see the blonde with pink and purple highlights through the net I’d be more impressed.” Glaring at you as you stand to change in the hidden closet of the shed.

“Nobody asked.”

“You quiet literally did 30 seconds ago.” Strutting out the closet, making sure your uniform was straightened out. You decided on the ‘boys’ version of the uniform today, with a customized corset to go with.

“Let’s go.” It took Wednesday a moment to follow as she caught up on the fact that you had invited yourself along.

“What are you doing?”

“Coming along. I’m not letting you go alone after what happened that night.” Stepping over certain parts of the ground to lessen the amount of noise.

“I don’t need-”

“My help, we’re not friends, blah blah blah yeah I got it, darling. Watch your head.” Holding a branch high enough for her to walk under which didn’t take much.

You hear him before you see him as suddenly Wednesdays yanked out of sight. Leaping up into the tree next to you, masking your scent as the sheriff walks pass. Sniffing the air to make sure that was it you step off from the branch you were on and land gracefully between Wednesday and Tyler.

“Whoa, Wick.”

“Tyler.” Tilting your head in greeting before turning around to Wednesday. Checking her over unknowingly stepping closer to her to make sure she was unharmed.

“I’m fine.” You hold her gaze and see truth until Tyler clears his throat. Snarling ‘unintentionally’ at him, he raises his hands in show of no harm.

“Sorry force of habit.” Moving on from the situation you let them have their talk and tune them out as the whispers start up again. The same ones that happened the night of the festival and they seemed to be coming from a certain area. You spot something on the ground at the same time Wednesday does.

“I was right.” She goes to pick up the glasses- Rowan’s glasses when she’s snapped into a vision. Tyler rushed forward to hold her up as you stumble back from the force of something unknown that caused your nose to bleed a little.

‘what the f*ck’

DORM

Finishing up getting everything ready for tonight a knock on your door stops you. Opening it you saw no one but heard little thuds, you look down and smirk.

“Hello, Thing. It’s been quiet a while since I’ve seen you.” Letting him in you wait as he climbs up your work table and let’s you in on the plan Wednesday had in mind for the Poe cup.

“Hmmm nice I like it.” You both brainstorm on ideas like old times and catch up briefly before you decided to end the night.

POE CUP

“What’s wrong?” Wednesday asked as Enid has another panic attack right before the game.

“We’re down another person!And now we’re going to have to forfeit! Oh my gosh!”

“How is that possible?” Rapid thudding caught their attention as Thing motioned to the entrance of their tent. Right on time for you to strut out of it with the matching uniform, though yours didn’t have long sleeves, filling it out nicely.

“Hope you don’t mind, Enid but I need full range of my arms for today.” Coming up beside them as Enid squeals of happiness and jumps on you thanking you repeatedly. She set off to the boat after, leaving you with Wednesday who had yet to say anything.

“What did you do?”

“Well you look lovely as well, darling.” Her glare doesn’t waver and you inch your head to thing.

“That’s for me and thing to worry about.”

“Didn’t know you two were friends.” Nudging her chin lightly with your knuckle to meet her gaze.

“Don’t worry, you’re still my number one.”

“I didn’t know you had tattoos.” Shifting your arm to fully show it.

“Oh yeah family heirlooms and stuff like that. Come one we got a race to win.”

BANG!

And your off, your enhanced strength along with Enids helped to speed up the rowing. Dodging the others tactics easily and making it across. Wednesday went ahead to get the flag as the rest of you stayed to make sure nothing happened to the boat.

“Hey thing, now.” Thing distracts the other team and you motion to Enid to claw their boat. By the time Wednesday came back the others had started to leave already.

“Your alright?”

“Fine. Let’s go.” This time you were at the back of the boat and used a bit more of your strength to catch up to Bianca’s team. Passing the jokers as they sink, waving to Xavier on the way and laugh.

“Thing! I think flounder needs a hand.” With the help of thing and your last use of reinforcements, your team made it to the finish line in first place.

“We did it!” High fiving a few people along the way as everyone celebrated.

THE QUAD

You were tired from todays events as Principle Weems went on about your teams victory. Drifting away from the group you come across the Wednesday sitting at the foot of one of the many statues.

“You alright?”

“Why do you always insist on checking on me?” Sitting down beside her you sigh.

“Cause whether you like it or not, I’d like to think we’ve come to be partners in crime. Don’t you think?”

“I don’t” She tilts her head up the slightest bit once again lessening the distance between one another.

“What are you guys doing down here?” She backs away as Enid appears at the entrance of the hall. Wednesday explains how she didn’t like how everyone was staring at her.

“Leaving. I’m tired, I’ll see you guys later.”

“Oh well good night, Wick. Thanks for stepping up today.” Sparing Wednesday a glance between her and the statue.

“No problem, Enid.” Saluting her just before you turn the corner.

Wednesday

“So what was that about?”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh come on everyone can totally see the romantic tension between you too.” Wiggling her fingers at tension and at that Wednesdays face twitch just the slightest.

“Romantic? Never. Tension? Quiet irritably. Mention this to anyone and your pig stuffy is getting decapitated.”

“Got it…”

sorry if your tag didn’t work out. also for taking a while I decided to make this part just a bit more lengthy. hope you all enjoy:)

@official-clint-barton @smolgayhooman @elduster @dreifhraniquo29 @lonelylesbian @coralbirdstudent @marice23top @dragonfly358@n0p35 @1-800-depressedlesbian @darlingtwice @e-dollly @gengen64 @mrchiipchrome @frogtits1 @bubbabobabubbles

[thedo0zyslider]

Sweet Exchanges - 2k words

A storm is coming, and it brings a certain archeologist to Oli’s doorstep. Not that he's complaining.

A03 Link

The sun was unusually tame that day, Oli found. It wasn’t radiating as much heat as it normally did, particularly because it was starting to be covered by a handful of light gray clouds. Oli really, really hoped there wouldn’t be a storm. Storms weren’t particularly great when you lived on a beach, especially bad ones. So if the gods wanted to curse him today, he hoped it would be with a calm one. He was still cross about having to fix and remake all of his outdoor decorations after the last bad one.

He spent a few hours like that, working himself into a tizzy over a storm that might not even happen. And if you asked him, the storm came before the rain that day, and it came in the form of a very familiar man jumpscaring him and bloody laughing about it.

Pixlriffs himself had showed up, right when Oli had worried himself so much that he was now beginning to move anything that would fit inside his main tent. The archaeologist had appeared behind him out of nowhere, which was something the man had a talent for. The bard had jumped maybe a foot in the air, screaming about god knows what, when Pix leaned down and whispered “boo” in his ear while his mind was elsewhere.

“PIXL!” He shrieked, growing a little more indignant at the laughter flooding the air. “What was the bloody point of that!?” The blonde yelled further, throwing his arms up into the air.

It took that dastardly man a whole two minutes to respond; he was laughing so hard, damn him. “Sorry,” Pix wiped the beginning of tears from his eyes. “You’re just really easy to scare.”

“That doesn’t mean you get to do it!” Oli huffed, playing up his earlier indignation for the dramatics. He crossed his arms over his chest for extra flare, sleeves that were slightly too puffy being pressed down against the front of his bard’s shirt.

“Sorry again,” The brunette repeated, and Oli gave a rather drawn out shrug and eye roll as a response.

“Well,” He sighed, noticing how the corners of Pix’s lips quirked upwards slightly. “You just sound so genuine, so i guess it’s fine,” Oli smiled--almost smirked--as he got in the other’s personal space, having to strain upwards slightly. Whoever granted Pixl almost a whole half foot of height on him should be fired, but that was just a personal opinion.

“I’m glad my apology is accepted,” Pix returned his little smirk, clasping his hands together behind his back. Daro brown eyes filtered to the beach behind him, and the archaeologists gaze had a familiar look of muddled curiosity to it once more. “What were you doing over there, exactly?” He asked, taking a good few moments to scan over the scene behind them.

“Oh, you mean the thing you so rudely interrupted?” That earned a small, yet amused eye roll from Pix. “Just a little worried about a storm,” The bard began to explain, making a general hand gesture at the gray clouds forming above him. “I was trying to move some stuff inside, and I was almost done before a certain man showed up!”

“Want any help?” Pix asked, once again looking at the bard's stuff with a mild curiosity.

“Oh, you’re too kind Pixlriffs!” Oli exclaimed, throwing him part of the fences that had once kept his dragon egg over the fire. He didn’t really need to keep anything roasting anymore, but kept it around for aesthetic reasons mostly. Pix caught it easily, and apparently it wasn’t heavy enough for him because he picked up the other end before the bard could. Fine, he wants a strength test? Then he’ll get a strength test! Oli thought, adding his heaviest instrument to the load as well.

He instructed Pixl which chest they were to be stored in for the time being, before leaning back against his tent’s side to watch. The brunette lifted his things with ease though, gently putting them on the ground like they were exhibants at his museum. Oli had never really noticed how strong Pix was, but he supposed it made sense. The man was restoring a whole empire and had probably done his fair share of heavy lifting in the process.

Eyes traced over the archaeologist's muscles as he put the last item away, eventually moving downwards to his chest area. The front of the dark blue shirt was always unbuttoned, but just enough to reveal a small amount of its wearer’s chest. Oli had thought it was kinda slutty before, and very alluring. His eyes wandered to that spot more often that he’d like to admit, Pix usually making no comment if he noticed.

But today the archaeologist glanced back at him and smirked, an expression Oli did not like one bit. “See something you like?” Pixl asked, his voice becoming more deep and smooth than it usually was. He smirked at the flush that was spreading across pale cheeks at his words.

“Maybe..” The bard muttered, turning his back on the other to pop his head outside. More storm clouds had formed, ones that were darker than their predecessors. Oli frowned at this, glad he’d moved his stuff inside early.

“You were right,” A voice was suddenly right beside him, the sound of Pix’s quiet breaths in his ear. He hadn’t even heard him move. “A storm is coming.”

Oli glanced over his shoulder, failing to hide how startled he now was. Pix was bold today, wasn’t he? The brunette was standing behind him, chest pressed against the upper part of his back a little. If the archaeologist were to move his head slightly it would be resting on his shoulder, which Oli found when he turned his head to meet the man’s teasing gaze. Hands hesitated above his waist, as if Pix was unsure about resting them there.

“You’re quite close there, Mr. Riffs.” The blonde said quietly, almost bumping his nose with Pix’s. Hands finally went to rest on his sides, their soft touch burning. (Burning in the way that made Oli want more.) This was far too close to be anything platonic, but Oli didn’t mind. He was just leaning into the slutty bard persona, nothing more, nothing less. There certainly weren't any real feelings at stake here.

“And you’re not complaining about it,” Pixl watched as Oli moved his head away a little. He smirked as the tent’s entrance was zipped. It wasn’t closed fully, just enough to keep the coming rain out. Certainly wasn’t closed for privacy reasons either, though it would be embarrassing to be caught like this. For both of them, not just the bard, though Pixl dealt with his shame more quietly than the blonde did.

The next thing he knew Oli was pressing him into the floor, his bottom landing a little roughly against the tents flooring. The archaeologist was now being straddled near the back wall of Oli’s home, plush thighs pressing nicely against his own. The bard’s hands flailed uselessly for a moment, before pinning his wrists down against his side.

"Maybe I like being close to you, ever consider that?" Oli's voice is quieter than it had been a moment ago as he leaned forward. A few of his bangs began to fall, covering his half lidded eyes slightly. Pix knows he shouldn't do this, really knows that whatever is going through his head is a bad idea, but nevertheless he goes against his better judgment for the third time that day, suspecting he'll do the same again later. He gently brushes the hair out of Oli's face, and tucks it behind an ear. It would be a crime to have such pretty eyes hidden, after all.

Pix smiles softly at the reaction he gets, enjoying the faint redness that returns to Oli's cheeks. The bard really is quite a pretty man, if you take the time to admire him that is.

"You are such a tease," The blonde huffs, blush spreading to his neck as Pix tucks his hair away again. He unpins the brunette's wrists, going to wrap his arms around the other's neck instead. For now Pixl keeps his arms where they are, awkwardly against his side and hands fiddling on the floor beneath them.

"I know," Pix smiles again, leaning forward on nothing but an impulsive thought. And to his absolute delight, he is meet in the middle by warmer lips than his own.

Oli sighs into the kiss, smooth lips capturing his own slowly, a nice contrast to his own lips; which were surely a little chapped by now. He leaned into the action a little too quickly though, and was almost surprised at the softness of it all. Kissing Pix was nice, just a little unexpected is all.

Pix wasn’t a bad kisser, not in any form. This was just much more…gentle than previous kisses Oli had experienced. The bard had experienced a fair share of kisses, and all had ended up being more on the fiery side, so much so Oli didn’t think he’d ever been kissed calmly in his life. The archaeologist might have his flirtatious moments sometimes, but he’d never quite fit the criteria of passionate, so the more gentle approach didn’t come as a big surprise. Oli didn’t mind it though, he didn’t mind the softness at all, it was something he could be glad to get used to. He let Pixl gently cup the side of his face, cradling it as if it was the most precious thing in the world and thumbing his cheek. And oh, he could definitely get used to being held like this.

A half gloved hand came to rest on the bard’s waist, clutching it just as gently as the other hand was holding his face. Oli smiled softly against the others lips, letting a tongue quietly slip into his mouth and explore it for a little while. Hands tangled into soft brown hair, pulling Pix closer to their owner until the former’s back was bumping against a tent wall. As far as first kisses went, this was probably the best one Oli had ever had. And if they didn’t need to breathe he was sure he would’ve had it for a few minutes more.

They pulled apart slowly at first, neither quite registering the need for air. More kisses were exchanged, some led by Oli, some not. They were small ones, not as long as the first one they shared, but long enough to steal a few puffs of breath from both of them. Small pecks were pressed to faces in between, to Oli’s cheeks and freckles, to Pix’s nose and right under where his glasses rested. The bard was quite enjoying the other’s tongue in his mouth, and a very big part of him wanted to get used to that as well.

The kisses that were eventually pressed to his neck weren’t pressed hard enough to even bruise, and the motion didn’t have a hungry air to it either. They were loving, the kisses were. They were akin to the casual pecks someone placed upon their partner's skin during lazy mornings. Everything about it was warm and gentle and kind, just like Pixl himself.

The two stopped kissing eventually; the archaeologist laughing at the small, playful and ultimately meaningless pout Oli shot him. The bard stopped pouting when a few more kisses were pressed into his hair, a giggle running through the man behind him. It was a nice laugh, Pix’s laugh, he wanted to hear it more. He didn’t have to wait long for that though, as another escaped Pix when Oli shifted into his lap like a cat would, practically begging for cuddles.

“You comfortable?” Pix asked, not trying to hide the fondness in his voice. Oh, he was very gone for this man.

“Very,” Oli muttered sleepily, burying his slightly blushing face into the blue fabric of Pixl’s shirt. Pix laughed again, and it was then that the bard registered that it had begun to rain at some point after they entered the tent. It seems that storm had come after all, just thankfully not as bad as the Oli’d been fearing. Well then, it’s a good thing he’d made this place waterproof, wasn’t it?

Pix’s arms tightened around the smaller person in his arms, listening to Oli’s breathing even out, and to the rain. He buried his own head against the other, nuzzling at the bard’s shoulder affectionately. The archaeologist didn’t do things like this very often, so he was treasuring every second of this, unsure when he’d experience anything close to it again. He wanted more, he wanted it to happen soon. And sitting there like this, against his better judgment, Pix began to hope for it. It was becoming a yearning, the longer he dwelled on it, so he didn’t dwell.

Instead the archaeologist let his breathing even out, falling asleep with a bard who was far too cute for his own good clutched lovingly in his arms. He wasn’t sure if they’d speak of this come morning, or if it’d be another thing he’d have to preserve in his memory for the rest of time. But that was a problem for morning Pix.

And morning Pix got what he was yearning for. More sleepy cuddles, more sleepy kisses (these ones were more sloppy though, kisses where you missed half the other person's mouth,) and a a quiet conformation that there would be even more in the future. For however long this world would last, as Oli had somewhat ominous phrased it.

For however long this world shall last, you are love.

[edogawa-division]

It has grown late into the night in the city of Edogawa as a certain Hacker’s birthday was slowly approaching its end, only a few more hours were left and Kaoru Shinozaki was spending the remainder of her birthday locked in her lab working on a new invention as always, while eventful and somewhat fun as the day had turned out to be, Kaoru was more than content to lock herself in her lab doing what she loved, at the moment she was currently trying to connect two wires together to power up the device on her table when the intercom in the corner of the room sounded off, surprising Kaoru and accidentally shocking herself.

“OW! MOTHERFUC—“

“Kaoru! Someone’s at the door for you!”

“Ughhhhh..” Kaoru groaned as she slammed her head on the table, rubbing her poor, burnt fingers before sitting up and leaving her now ruined invention to go check (and potentially cuss out) whoever it was that was here for her.

Upon making her way to the main level of the house, she stopped short however as she did not expect Joey Kurusu to be standing (or perhaps, fidgeting would be the right word as the detective looked like a spooked deer) at the house’s entrance, looking like a hot mess as if he had just rolled out of bed in his casual clothes and had ran all the way over here…and knowing her bespectacled friend, he probably did.

Aside from his presence, the numerous pile of gifts he had in his arms had also caught her attention as they had almost blocked the detective from her view. “Joey?” Kaoru questioned and it was a miracle that Joey didn’t drop her gifts with how high he jumped before swerving to look at her, instinctively brightening up. “Kaoru! Hey, happy birthday!” Joey had tried going in for a hug but remembered that his arms were already occupied so he just gave a smile and nod in her direction.

Kaoru couldn’t help but smile at the lovable goofball she called her friend and helped him carry the gifts over to the living room where they sat them on the table. Kaoru plopped on the couch and patted the space next to her, inviting Joey to sit as well, the blonde did so but made sure that there was a respectful distance between the two, Joey kept mentally reminding himself to be very respectful, very mindful, it wouldn’t be very demure of him to invade Kaoru’s personal space even if all he wanted was to—

“S-so! Birthday, yeah? I bet you already got a lot of gifts but I still wanted to put my two cents in, I would’ve given you these sooner but…uhhh, yeah, I guess my habit of binge watching anime for days straight finally caught up to me because when I woke up, I only had like, 30 minutes to get you a present and I may or may not have spent 10 of those 30 minutes panicking super hard haha..” Joey sheepishly laughed and scratched his head, Kaoru only smiled broadly as she cursed A.R.K. the fuck out in her head, she decided to keep the fact that she had returned both Joey and Lyall back to their homes to herself after taking photos upon photos of their cute sleeping faces for her collection.

“Uh, anyways! Go ahead and feel free to open them! I really hope you like them.” Joey placed his hands on his knees and swayed back and forth gently, anticipating Kaoru’s reaction to the gifts he picked out. Kaoru didn’t keep him waiting for long as she grabbed the first gift she had her eyes on and tore into it, revealing…

…A coffee mug decorated as a prescription pill bottle.

“Hehe, I saw this and immediately thought of you, I’m more of an energy drink kind of guy but even I understand how important coffee is to us Anti-Sleep deviants haha.”

After that, Kaoru grabbed another present, this one revealing…

…A…weird ass stuffed animal.

“Now you have your very own autism creechur to squish and cuddle as much as you please! I would have gotten you the ADHD one but unfortunately they sold out of those but hey, this little guy is just as cute!”

After that, Kaoru grabbed another present, this one revealing…

…A Cinnamoroll plush neck pillow.

“Boku Cinnamon!…God that was so cringey, I don’t know why I even did that, please erase that from your memory, anyways, I figured that this might help you with your neck problems or at the very least lessen them, I get it, dealing with a sore neck from countless hours of staring straight at a monitor fucking sucks.”

After that, Kaoru reached for the final present, this one being the smallest one of them all, revealing to be…

…A starry night charm necklace.

“Oh heyyyy, how did that get thereeeee? Um, this was kinda more of an impulse buy but it’s still a gift all the same! I thought of nothing but you when I saw it and I thought ‘hey, Kaoru would look pretty with this’ so I bought it…as a friend! Because friends buy each other bracelets, yeah! Purely platonic intentions here!” Joey grinned, proud of himself after that truly pitiful performance of trying to save face before growing bashful again. “But you are one of the closest people here to me, Kaoru, I really hope you know that.”

Happy Birthday Kaoru! 💙

Kaoru blushed a deep red at Joey’s words. Her mind was running a million miles a minute at hearing her crush say those words. She had even felt her heart skip a beat. Oh lord, did Kaoru have a bit of a meltdown when she realized she had a crush on two people. Lyall and Joey? What shojo manga did she just step into? She wasn’t entirely sure how to deal with her feelings for Lyall when feelings for Joey just crept up on her.

How could she not develop feelings for Joey? He made her laugh with his jokes. He was the person she would spend hours with binging anime, playing video games, and staying up until morning just sending messages after message to each other. Kaoru even waited for the days when she could go visit him down in Kanazawa, wanting to see Joey and his cute freckled face-

…she was down bad wasn’t she?

“Uh Kaoru?” Joey asked, waving his hand in front of the hacker's face and bringing her out of her mental spiral. “You good?”

“Oh! Bracelet, right! I love it, Joey!” Kaoru brightly smiled, trying to squash her nervousness down deep inside. When all of the sudden a voice in the back of her mind that suspiciously sounded like A.R.K kept taunting her telling her that she had “no fucking balls” and we’ll never let it be said that Kaoru made good decisions. Her entire life was proof of that. Gathering every bit of courage she had, Kaoru leaned over and placed a small kiss on Joey’s cheek, letting out a giggle when he began to sputter and turn bright red.

“Thanks Joey. Can’t imagine a world without you.”

[his-saiko]

NEED YOU NOW

💐 fluff timeskip!characters x gn!reader [Tsukishima Kei, Kenma Kozume, Sakusa Kiyoomi]

TSUKISHIMA KEI

Cuz he my main bae

Last time you talked to him was when you confessed to him after graduation. It was the only time you were prepared for any sort of rejection.

You didn’t think he has any sort of interests out of what he likes already. A flat out no and a snarky comment was already at the back of your head when you did it.

But you remember him quiet. Unfazed. Blinking down at you.

His best friend was there too dumbfounded as well.

Heat crept up your face and you laugh out your embarrassment. You said sorry, “I guess, it’s not really something you think about… I’ll just get going now.” You turned and walked away quickly.

You heard Yamaguchi call for you but you ignored it and ran away.

The next time you saw him, there was a thin layer of screen from your TV separating you two. You can only sigh and prop your head as you watch him from afar. You’d say this is enough but you know damn well it’s not. I can see right through you. Don’t lie to me.

It was your day off and your best friend kicked you out of your shared apartment so you could do something else other than “sulking over a blond man.”

What are the places to be if you want a quiet day on your own? Well, you could go to a museum. You’re not much of a history buff or anything but looking at the things displayed there are nice.

You entered the museum and just aimlessly walked around looking at the displays and occasionally listening to the tour guides when you happen to catch yourself with a tour group. Of course, you’re always the first to leave the section they’re in.

You always catch yourself sighing. It’s not that you regret going out it’s just that ‘sulking over a blond man for years.’ I guess it has been years. You finished college and started working. Is it that bad?

“Oh,” You heard your name escape someone’s breath.

You turned and saw that tall blond you had confessed to. Confusion and annoyance spilt over your face like paint splattered over an empty canvas. “Tsukishima?”

He took off his glasses and wiped them. Of course, he’s unbothered.

You calmed yourself down with a deep and heavy breath. You tilted your head. “Why are you here?”

“I work here.” He put his glasses back on and looked down at you.

“Oh, I see.” Somehow the museum turned into something more of a hall of memories as you play back in your mind your days in high school. Then that confession. You put up a cheery front and a smile. “Well,” you say as you pat his shoulder, “I’ll get going now,” and walked away.

“Wait.”

What does he mean ‘wait’? What else is there to talk about?

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you but I couldn’t get a hold of you since you changed your number after graduation.”

“Huh?” You muttered under your breath and looked back at him.

“I was about to say something before you ran off like a dumbass.”

You held back your tongue and gritted your teeth at his blunt demeanour. You crossed your arms. “I knew the answer already. I didn’t need to stick around and waste my energy.” You grumbled.

“Then why did you run, idiot?”

Heat rose up to your face. You bit and chewed the inside of your cheek to keep you from dying from embarrassment. Wait, why would he want you to stick around?

“I’m about to leave work. There’s a café we could go to. Are you free?”

You tilted your head at him, trying to process what’s going on.

The blond sighed. “I’m asking you out on a date, idiot.” His eyes laced with unamusement stabbed you.

“Ah-Uh… Eh? Wait… you…”

He put his hand on your head. “Stop thinking. Your brain is starting to fry.”

“Ugh. If you just flat out say what you mean, then I wouldn’t have to fry my brain.”

“I like you too, shorty.” He chuckled. “C’mon. I’m hungry.” He said and pulled you by the hand.

KENMA KOZUME

You guys had a fight again. But this time it was just you ranting and him being quiet while on his PC.

It stabbed you when you realized that, so you decided to just keep quiet.

You knew it was going to be a bit busy when he started a company. You sighed and went back to your bedroom and started packing your clothes.

You hear the door crack open and saw Kenma looking at you. His face was laced with… I don’t know… anger, worry - something.

You finished packing and got up. You fidgeted with your luggage’s handle as you try to think of something to say.

You don’t want to let him go but you don’t feel like you’re needed.

“I think we need to work on ourselves for a while,” You said softly, trying not to break your voice. “I just feel like our relationship points are going down and not being taken care off.”

Kenma said your name. His fist was turning white by the way he was gripping the door.

“I’ll come back when the ‘anger buff’ is gone.” You say as you walk out.

You stayed with your best friend who was having the time of their life threatening your partner who wasn’t there. You imagine them having explosions at the palm of their hands.

The next day, Kuroo came to check up on you. He reassured you that everything will work out.

It’s been a month and more. You only knew how much time passed because Kuroo checks up on you twice every week with gifts from Kenma.

Your friend will have a snarky comment about it but you always defend your love even if you’re upset about him.

You’re tired. Maybe it was your friend’s comments getting to you but maybe Kenma’s just better off on his own now. Kuroo didn’t come today…

You checked on your friend to see them knocked out on their bed. You went back to the couch and hugged your knees for comfort. You couldn’t help but cry silently but your heart was breaking. It felt like something out of an anime or a cutscene where the protagonist would realize something and break down.

You looked at the clock on the TV stand and saw that the day was past done. There it was. Game over. The time limit was long gone. The mission failed. It made you cry even more.

“Kenma…” You whispered through your hics. Maybe if you try to keep calling him he’ll appear.

But who you were kidding… unlike the games you and him play, it won’t work here. You’re not on discord. But who’s stopping you from trying?

You snapped out of your misery moment when you heard a soft knock on the door. You wiped everything and breathed in and out until you’ve calmed down.

The soft knock called for you again so you answered. You saw Kenma panting with flowers in his hand. He dropped to his knees and hand, cradling the bouquet with his free hand.

You panicked not knowing what to do. “Stamina… Stamina…” You mumbled. What do you do about stamina? There’s no potion for it here!

You remembered Kuroo saying that a banana helps. You helped Kenma sit on the couch and rushed to get him water and a banana. You’re not much of a healer but hopefully it helps. You waited for him to finish his water.

Kenma collapsed, leaning his head on the backrest.

“Wh-why did you come here so late?!”

“I just felt like it.” He mumbled.

You choke on his nonchalant words. “But it’s late!” You started scolding him.

He chomped down on the banana. More like murdered it. “Is it weird that I would need the person I love?!”

You pouted at his question and turned your head towards the bouquet with a card saying ‘I’m sorry.’

“I only came now because usually your buffs after our arguments lasts over more than a month.”

You blush. Your anger lasts for a day or two, then you become pouty for weeks, then your sadness sets in after that. You hug the love of your life and cried. “I’m sorry,” you say through your sobs.

“No. I should be saying that. I should have kept track of our relationship. But right now I’m tired.” He set himself to lie down on the couch and pulled you close. It wasn’t long until the two of you slept in each others arms like you always should.

SAKUSA KIYOOMI

You don’t know how you did it but you ended up with one of the best players of volleyball of Division One as your partner.

You’ve only talked to Komori since you guys go way back. You’ve only ever smiled at Sakusa and greeted him.

But then he asked you out.

It’s not like you don’t have a crush on him. Komori saw that immediately when you met his cousin. It’s just that you were never expecting him to feel the same.

You weren’t expecting anything from him since his social anything is almost nonexistent. Except for the people other than you and Komori surrounding him. You thought you could be fine with being his partner.

Wrong! The silence between you two is deafening.

You only ever see him react when someone is flirting with you and he happens to be there. Other than that Komori, Atsumu, Bokuto or Hinata would be there to protect you.

It didn’t help that the media is throwing gossip around about who you are and why you are so close to the MSBY players. Not to mention the public opinion.

Your boss had to let work from home so the press would stop looking for you in the company building.

Komori was the only one visiting you and bringing you food.

As time went on the frustrations you didn’t know you had started settling, you unconsciously called for Komori, not knowing what to say. “Ah, can you come over? Bring my favourite please.” You chuckled as cheerfully as you could so he wouldn’t hear you crying.

You took a break from your work and gave yourself some good old and well-deserved pampering. You finished just before Komori usually arrives at your place so you waited.

And waited…

There was loud knocking at the door. It sounded heavier than Komori’s.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me. Open up.” Sakusa knocked on your door demandingly.

You opened the door to see your man standing broodily. His face scared you so you went on instinct and shut the door.

Sakusa knocked on the door again and called for you. “I’m not in the mood to play games. Open the door.”

You didn’t mean to shut the door on him. But knowing that he’s mad now might as well break up. Maybe he came here to do just that. You leaned your head on the door and cried.

There was silence and a door between you two.

“Omi, I’m sorry. I thought I’m fine with just being by your side but I don’t even think I was fit to be yours.” You sobbed and hicced.

“What?! Open the door! Open the door right now!” His voice has concern written all over it.

You slowly opened the door and wiped your tears so you could look at him at least properly if this will be the last time.

He put down the bags that you only just know noticed and hugged you.

You should be blushing, but your confusion was greater. “Omi?”

“You damn…” He grumbled, “germ. If you were having such a hard time why didn’t you call me first?”

You tried to remember if you were done with your vaccines and thanked yourself for taking time to clean up first. You still need to answer your man though. “Oh, I… I thought you don’t want to deal…” Right. Why didn’t you call for him first?

You pulled back from him and wiped your tears. “I thought you were too busy.”

He clicked his tongue and tucked his mask under his chin. “Even if I am if something is hurting you, it’s my job to help you with it.” He let himself in and closed the door as well. He picked up the bag and set if down the coffee table. He sat down the couch and sighed deeply.

You sat down beside him. You were unsure about the distance until he scooted closer to you and put his arm on the backrest.

You turned on the TV the both of you watched and ate the food he brought together and for the first time in your relationship he took care of you the way you imagined he would.

He was still quiet all through out but words were never his forte. Before you knew it you were sleeping in his arms.

The next morning you woke up to your phone blasting notification after notification. Messages from friends and other things like tags on twitter. You checked the ones from Komori, Hinata, Atsumu, and Bokuto telling you that they were glad everything worked out and that they’ll help you whenever they can.

You were confused by this so you checked twitter thinking that it would answer your question then you saw the media talking about you and Sakusa.

You went to Sakusa’s twitter and saw his last tweet. “[Y/n] is mine. Don’t bother them.”

It was out of character of him but at least the bothersome things you dealt with stopped.

As time went on, Sakusa would come unannounced but not unwelcomed because it’s always during the times when you needed someone the most and the safest place you knew was in his arms.

© 2022 Alfi. Do not repost any of my work

[hidden-behind-the-fourth-wall]

Hope

Pairing: Hunter x F!Reader 

Words:  11 784 (it was supposed to be a short 2k one shot, well...)

Warning: Angst (you know me, there needs to be a story with an angst if I write it), fluff, canone violance, deaths, a mild smut, if you squint its not even smut really. But yeah please be cautious !, The bad batch (that should always be a warning), Idiots in love, and kissing. 

Summary: Rex asks you to join the Bad Batch in a mission and memories and hidden feeling come back.

A/N: I apologise for my English which I feel is just shit this time. Haven’t written anything in a while and well my written English got a bit rusty :/ I do hope you enjoy it anyways :)

I also post on AO3, if anyone’s interested :) 

It has been a while since you last saw them. They were a weird bunch, and you met some in your field of work. They were dangerous, skilled, trained but yet still so fun to be around. Something you always thought was impossible for the Clones. There were times when the Republic would use your skills for missions. Normally you were paired with boring Jedi Generals that preferred to follow the rules and orders rather than think and actually enjoy some fun. Of course there were some like Skywaler’s 501th Legion, who actually gave you a laugh from time to time. But nothing like these boys. They were different. They did not care really for any rules nor whatever anyone thought of them and it made it so much easier to work with them. 

Five individuals that somehow were able to work perfectly fine with each other. Well there were four of them, before a Reg joined them, and well the group just became more fun. You always laughed at Crosshair’s annoyance with Regs, but deep down you understood what he meant. But on the other hand, who were you to judge? 

You preferred to work alone. It was easier that way, at least in your field of specialty. Stealth missions were not a group project and you really hated the days when you got a brief to work with the Republic. Even then you opted to work by yourself, hoping the clones and Jedi would not interfere in your business. You were good at what you did, but only if others did not suck. And well these boys never did. And even if they did, it was fun at least. 

“Long time no see boys”, the four of the Clones turned and you couldn’t help the smirk, seeing their faces. Apparently good, old Rex did not dare to tell them who they were going to work with. Your eyes traveled through the group not missing the lack of Crosshair. You knew of his change of mind. Hell, you were even once faced with his new friends and his change of heart. If there was one person you never wanted to fight against, it was Crosshair and his damn Firepuncher. “And girl”, your brow raised when a small girl moved from behind Hunter. She looked no older than 13, with her blonde hair and distinctive golden brown eyes that all the clones had. You heard some rumors, but they were just that. You were sure the 99 would never take a babysitting job, but well, apparently things change. 

Before you were able to add anything else, you were crushed in a big bear hug and lifted above the ground. If you weren’t so used to that already, you would have probably let out a very embarrassing yelp. But you only rolled your eyes and let the man hug you, waiting for him to put you down, hoping he wouldn’t crack any of your ribs. 

“Y/N!” he roared happily, pulling you away shoulder length, smiling at you with this huge, baby-like smile that you had to admit, you dearly adored. “I haven’t seen you for a while!” 

“Yeah it’s been a while, boys”, you smiled softly at the other men, who walked closer. You raised a brow at Hunter’s protective gesture over Omega, keeping her as much behind him as it was possible. It seemed, however, that the girl was a curious little thing. “I guess Rex didn’t spill the name of your new partner?” 

“Who is she?” you heard Omega asking Hunter who seemed to think how to introduce you without telling too much. You smiled softly at the way the girl was looking up to the man. Who would have thought the Hunter would become a daddy. 

“I’m Y/N. It’s lovely to meet you”, you kneeled in front of the girl and smiled at her softly. “I’m some kind of a friend to this batch of troubles.” Omega smiled at that and shook your outstretched hand, apparently accepting the answer. 

“I’m Omega. I’m a Clone as well.” She introduced herself and your eyes traveled up to Hunter for a while, but it was quickly back on the girl. “Are you joining us for the mission?” 

“It appears as that”, you answered, standing up slowly. You took the time to look around the group. They haven’t changed much. Maybe they have become more tired, but that was understandable. You didn’t miss the cut on their heads, which Rex told you about before the mission. It’s not that you didn’t trust them, but knowing the chips are no longer an issue, gives you a bit of ease of mind. “How about we get inside and you can tell me what other information Rex tended to skip.” You moved past them not missing the way Hunter followed you with his eyes. You didn’t blame him, after how you left the last time.  

***

“I thought you never thought of having kids”, he turned towards you with a tired smirk on his lips. The briefing was smooth. Rex was happy to see that you found the Batch with no issue. And well the boys seemed surprised to even see you alive. But seeing both Wrecker’s and Echo’s reaction they were indeed happy to meet with you once again. Tech sent you some encouraging smiles from time to time, but other than that seemed indifferent. Hunter too focused on the mission didn’t really say much, other than it was necessary. Omega on the other hand was too hyped for the mission, which you found actually adorable. 

“She’s not really a kid, you know… More like an addition to the team”, you laughed out loud at that, making him sigh in frustration. “Don’t just don’t, please.” You walked closer and sat next to him. The couch was small, barely fitting two people in it, which led to you touching each other's shoulders involuntarily. 

“You can’t blame me for being curious. There I thought that you and your band of mischief would not be able to surprise me anymore and here I come seeing a happy little family growing.” He raised his brow and you shrugged a glint in your eyes. “I saw Crosshair.” You didn’t plan to get into that topic as quickly, but you preferred to discuss this with him alone, rather than the whole team. You could feel him tense at the revelation. Apparently the topic was still harsh for him. “Something wasn’t right…” 

“Well he works for the Empire now”, his voice was low and tone got dramatically tense. “When was it?” 

“Two missions ago. I still have a memory of it.” saying it you lifted your shirt to show him the scar that was left after your close meeting with Firepuncher. You shivered slightly feeling his finger on your bare skin. Something he missed, or pretended to at least. “It wasn’t the Crosshair I know.” 

“Well apparently none of us truly knew him”, his hand gently covered your stomach, looking straight into your eyes. The first time since you came. “Apparently it's all him, his chip has been removed…” 

“Bullshit”, his eyes widened at your angry hiss. “This is not how Crosshair behaves. He never did. Not to mention that he still truly believed that the Jedi betrayed all of us. He wouldn’t even consider it, if his chip was truly removed.” You looked away and sighed defeated. “At least I want to believe that…” you missed the subtle smile on his lips and the way he looked at you at that moment. 

He was always grateful for how you looked and interacted with his brothers. You seemed like you actually enjoyed their company, which wasn’t as common with the Regs. After all you weren’t a Reg. You weren’t even a Clone, which it was really hard not to notice. He remembered the first time he met you, your first mission with them. They were only told that they will have an additional person joining their team. A special someone with interesting abilities. Cody wasn’t one to happily join them with anyone, so Hunter knew that this someone must have made an impression on the Commander. So when a short woman in an all black armor (if he can even describe it as) he was mildly surprised. The shock stayed with him, when she took down her hood and mask. Hunter wasn’t shy with women, and he did see a list of beautiful ones around the Galaxy, but there was something about you that made his knees a little bit weaker. You were beautiful, nothing special, and yet he couldn’t take his eyes off you. Even the scar that was going through your right brow down to your cheek couldn’t take away the natural charm you had with you. 

Crosshair always made fun of him whenever you joined their missions. In the beginning he was getting annoyed with his snarks, but the more he got to see you and get to know you, the more he hoped that those silly antics would become true. The fact that you seemed to prefer his company over his brothers didn’t help his little stupid crush. You tend to spend the nights talking to him about anything actually. Some talks were deeper than others. He was able to get you to talk about your past, how you became an assassin. After one particular bad mission, that also happened to be your last one with them, he heard you speak of her future, something you always joked was not an option in your field of work. That night was also the night where you both drank way too much, ending the night under the blankets of his bunker. 

“So what were you guys up to ?” Your tone changed and you looked up at Hunter with a soft look, he was very much familiarized with. The one you always gave him when things were too much. “Except for becoming a babysitter.” 

“Actually, Omega is older than us”, he chuckled at your face and leaned over the coach, his arm naturally leaning behind your back. A gesture you always welcomed happily. You leaned towards him and it didn’t take a while for your head to rest on the side of his chest, listening to all the shenanigans they went through after the end of the war. 

***

“They seem close”, Omega whispered to Echo, who smiled softly at the two of you. It wasn’t a secret that Hunter was head over heels for you and seeing the way you looked at him it was the same for you. He was happy for his brother to find some kind of stepping-stone outside of being a soldier. He wasn't sure if anything ever happened or would happen between the two of you, but he was thankful to you for making Hunter happy and relaxed. 

“It’s quite surprising really.” Tech interjected, putting his arm on Omega to see more. It was a fun sight really. Tech who always stayed glued to his pad was curious to see whatever the young girl was seeing. “Their personalities crash like any other. She is reckless, loud and touchy”, Omega giggled at the last word, making even Echo smirk. “While Hunter isn’t well… any of it.” 

“But she’s not like that when she’s working”, Wrecker said, a little too loud for Echo’s liking. But he had to nod at that. It was like there were two of you. The mission you were focused on doing your job right. You were focused, quiet and stern. Like a real assassin. A master of stealth missions. Your hand to hand combat rivaled even Hunter’s which they were able to see on one of the missions with you. You made the poor man sweat, which was an incredible achievement in his books. Probably if the territory favored your way of fighting a bit more, it would be Hunter who would lay on the ground with a knife up his throat. “Seriously kid, watch her on the mission, she’s amazing!” Hearing it from Wrecker might probably was one of the biggest compliments you would get, and both Echo and Tech knew that it was well-earned. 

“So are they together? Like a couple?” To that Wrecker could not help but laugh, shut by both of his brothers with a stern look. “They look like they are.” She shrugged, her eyes not leaving the way you comfortably laid on Hunter with a soft smile on your lips. While Hunter was actually excited while he spoke. His hand was flying around making you giggle. Omega has never seen him like that, but she really enjoyed seeing his brother like that. And deep down she hoped you would stay longer with them, than just that one mission. 

***

“The facility itself isn’t as well secured, but this building here is”, you zoomed into one of the facilities in the back of the whole complex. “It used to be a prison used by the Sepis for the VIPs. Been there around three times. There is a possibility that some of the tunnels had been changed or some even closed. But I’m confident I should be able to navigate in there through the drains.” The Clones looked at the map and you could tell they weren’t sure of the whole plan. It was risky, but hell you had more tricky missions all by yourself. 

“How the hell do you know that place so well?” Echo asked, turning around the holo map to have a better look. They were trying to be safe, which you would expect from them, but they needed to realize that if the mission was about to be successful then they needed to trust you. 

“I had two missions from our old friends. Something the Jedi wanted to keep to themselves.” You shrugged, and started to play around with your little blaster you always carried around hidden away from the spying eyes. Just in case. 

“And the third time?” Tech asked, his eyes on you. You almost felt pride to spike his interest enough for him to look away from his pad and the holo map. 

“I was a… guest there. Those scars on my back are a great reminder of that place.” You can feel the change in shift in the room and your eyes landed on Hunter. He knew the story well, just didn’t know the place and you could see the realization striking him. “I was there for a week. A lot of time to snoop around and remember all the more and less important details.”

“How did you escape?” Omega asked, her curious eyes on you. She was an interesting little fellow, you had to give it to her. You were surprised to find out that she was joining you on the mission, but who were you to talk? She was a part of the team, if Hunter said so, then Omega was coming. 

“Here”, you zoomed in on one of the small tunnels that was rounding the prison cells and the guards section. “Not the cleanest escape, but hey I survived. Couldn’t get rid of the smell for a month.” You shivered remembering the sewer system there. “I can get to the room and get the intel Rex needs and get out of there unnoticed, but I would need you guys to keep any interested parties away from that room for about fifteen minutes after I slip in there.” 

“Quite long”, Wrecker murmured and you knew that if even Wrecker wasn’t sure of the plan then you were losing this fight. You sighed and turned off the holo map, jumping on the shelf, sitting on it comfortably. 

“I’m a decent hacker but not as brilliant as our boy Tech here”, you winked at the clone, who smiled softly at you.

“Then maybe it should be Tech that should go, then?” Wrecker proposed, making you shake your head. 

“Tell me sweetheart, why do you think I wear such shitty armor on me most of the time?” They all raised their brows. You were surprised none of them ever asked you that. “Trust me, it's not a fashion choice. For one I am not built like you guys. I’m not physically strong enough to be able to function with additional kilograms on me all the time. Not to mention my abilities focus on two things. Speed and agility”, you winked at Hunter, who’s cheeks couldn’t get any redder and you didn’t miss the snickers of the boys and an innocent look from Omega, who despite being older than damn still had a soul and a mind of a child. “An armor would affect my speed and my ability to fit into places, including pipes and sewers.” The understanding flushed on their faces. “The reason I am the only one that can go there is because you guys wouldn’t fit. Easy as that.” 

“Then what about me?” Omega interjected, her hands on her hips. In the corner of your eyes you could see Hunter ready to step up and scold the girl, but before that you threw one of your training knives from your bag at the girl who barely caught it. 

“Attack me, Omega. Your skills with your bow are incredible, trust me”, you smiled at her and shrugged. “But taking a shot with a bow takes time. You need to be able to defend yourself as quickly as possible. Show me your knife skills. If you will be able to take my knife away from me, I’ll take you.” Hunter was about to protest, but was stopped by Echo, who just smirked knowing what you were doing. There was no way Omega would be able to do it. No matter how smart she was, right now it was all about experience. 

Omega took a stance that you assumed was a copy of how she saw Hunter doing. You were surprised at the beginning to see her with a bow, assuming Hunter would teach her his ways, but he was fast to explain. 

“Close combat isn’t her thing. Maybe when she gets some experience, now it just doesn’t make sense. A simple waste of time. A time that can go into other studies. “

You smirked and watched Omega run towards you in the simplest way possible. As you were about to stop her, she threw the knife just millimeters from your face, scooting behind you to pick up the knife. You turned swiftly and blocked her attack easily, actually impressed with the plan in action. It was a good idea, maybe if she was a bit more swift and faster she may have put some pressure on you, but for now, you were able to easily stop her attack. A point of your training knife was near her throat and her weapon was in your other hand. 

“Awesome!” She exclaimed, shouting almost. You chuckled and hid both of the knives. “Will you teach me one day? That was soooo awesome!” You turned and kneeled in front of her patting her on the shoulder. 

“As much as I hate to admit, Hunter is much better with knives than I am” Omega’s eyes widened and she turned towards the Clone who rolled his eyes. 

“Someday”, he murmured and she jumped happily walking to Wrecker to high five him for her effort. 

“So what do you guys say? Will you be my decoy?” She searched their eyes, that were on Hunter who wasn't 100% sure of it yet. “How about I take a comm with me?” His eyes widened, knowing how much you hated them. They were a way to compromise your position. He gave up after the fifth mission in trying to make you take one with you for contact purposes. “Tech, can you adjust the volume to the lowest possible in case of emergency. In that case if something goes to shit, then we will keep in contact.” You couldn’t help but smile at the way Hunter sighed defensively. 

“Fine. Tech can you make one more until the evening?” The clone nodded and turned to get to his work. “Wrecker, take Omega and prepare some welcoming and parting gifts just in case. Echo try to memorize the map with all the tunnels and pipes in case Y/N would need help.” He turned towards you and shook his head. “You and I need to have a talk.” You nodded and followed him, blushing at the way Wrecker and Echo winked at you. 

***

.”We need a plan B in case something happens to you”, he started the moment they were alone. Or at least as alone as it was possible in a place like that. You looked behind at the boys and then at the man. “I did not want to talk about it with Omega.” You nodded understanding. He sat at the same couch you both sat on last evening, however this time his pose was not as relaxed anymore. He hid his head in his hands and sighed. “There are more wild cards than I can accept if I’m being honest.” 

“It’s the safest option for all of you. Of course it would put you in the spotlight when it comes to actually fighting, but there is less uncertainty like that.” 

“What about you?” You smiled and sat next to him, leaning towards his hidden face. 

“Don’t tell me you care”, you joked, hoping to lighten the atmosphere a bit. 

“Of course I do!” he half shouted, standing up rashly turning away from you. “This mission is a Citadel level hard action! We are going there understuffed with not enough knowledge, not enough people, and definitely not enough weapons. We go in there hoping things will go as planned and if they don’t, what then ?” 

“Then we leave, regroup and try again”, you answered quietly, hoping to calm him a bit. It wasn’t often you saw him like that. “This is why I will carry a commlink, if something happens on your side I will come back to you guys and we will try again.” 

“I’m not worried about us, damn it!” he hissed, turning towards you. “It’s you that I'm scared for. You will be alone in a maze of tunnels with uncertain outcome of actions! We both know that the commlink is a bullshit excuse for me to agree to this shithell! We both know that if things will go to shit on your side, you will finish the mission, send the data to Tech and make us leave. Leave you alone in there!” He howled over you, pain in his eyes so sickening, that you were unable to keep eye contact with him. “Tell me I’m wrong. Tell me I’m not seeing you the last time!” Something inside of you shifted. Your last night together, before the War ended, flashed in your head. The kiss, the touches, the slow and gentle movements of his hips that let you to the most amazing time of your life. 

“You became attached”, you said, your tone serious, cold and calm. You looked up and stared at him angrily. “This is like any other mission I take part in. I go do my job, knowing I may die. I don’t get attached, this is what I told you so many times!” 

“Then what about that night? What about all these things we said? All these things you said?” He was seething with anger. He knew what you were doing. A defense mechanism, you were not only protecting him, but what's more important you were protecting yourself. 

“It was just a one time thing. Nothing more”, it was like a blow. More painful than any injury he sustained in his life. The coldness in your tone made his anger disappear and he felt his fingers clench in nervousness. “Just sex, Hunter. A way to relax after an awful mission. We are both adults. If I knew you would act like a stupid kid in love after just that, then I would have never…” 

“Just that?!” He wasn’t shouting anymore. The pain in his voice was more than sensible. His heart beat so loud that it was all he could hear right now. He closed his eyes and shook his head to get rid of any unnecessary things right now. He needed to focus, this was too important. If he messes this up, he won’t forgive himself. “I’m not talking about just that night. I’m talking about all the nights we spent just talking. The ones during the War, but also the last one. I know you and you know me more than even my brothers do. I told you anything, I became vulnerable with you! I lost you once, when you left without even a goodbye. I can’t let you do that again!” 

“Kriff, Hunter, wake the fuck up!” You shouted, taking a step away from him. This was too much. The whole conversation brought up all of her fears. All the good memories between the two of them. The hope that when all this hell is over you two would be able to try something. Something more than secret touches, single nights and a quiet sex hidden from his brothers. You wanted this and more with him. This is why you fought with Rex when you wanted to send you here. You were afraid to come back here, because leaving Hunter was the most painful thing you did in your miserable life. 

But you knew your purpose in this mission, in this Galaxy. You were an assassin, a tool for whoever paid more… No, that wasn’t even true anymore. You weren’t like that anymore. You wouldn’t be here if that was true. You wouldn’t be helping Rex if you were still just a tool. You haven’t been one for a while now. And it was thanks to the Bad Batch, to the man in front of you. 

There could not be attachment in this field of work. Attachments get you killed. You become soft, you become human. You care, you feel, you love and you wake up one day looking at a sleeping form of a man that means the Galaxy to you and all you want to do is just stay and forget all about what you need to do. But you couldn’t. And that’s why you left that last time. Because attachments were dangerous not only for you but for him as well. He has his brothers to worry about and now also Omega. This brilliant, fun and amazing young girl, that you just met and you would die to keep safe. You weren’t suited for a happy ending, you wanted him to have it all, and for this to happen you needed to leave. 

You knew you were being unfair, you knew you were leading a lonely life away from the boys you learned to love like a family, without a man that you loved more than anyone in this Galaxy. But for him to be happy you needed this to end in the most tragic and heartbreaking way. You needed to be a bitch, even if it meant him hating you until the end of your life. 

“Are you able to look me in the eyes and tell me all this meant nothing to you?” His voice was broken, so vulnerable, so cracked. There was still hope, a hope that was wavering with every second you kept quiet. You took a deep breath and made a decision. You looked up and with an unwavering tone you said. 

“I’m sorry Hunter, that whatever that was between us made you believe we can have… what even did you expect? A happy little life? Kriff, Hunter, it was just sex, you were just someone that was willing to talk when I needed it. You were there when I needed relief. It meant nothing to me Sergent, it was just a good fuck, nothing more nothin less!” You turned and walked into the only secured room on the ship. Refresher. 

You waited until you could hear his steps, meaning him walking away back to his brother before you collapsed on your knees and with a pathetic sob leaving your throat you emptied your stomach.

***

His head hurt, and he felt physically sick. He never knew words could hurt like that. He was aware of your walls, of how scared you were to become close to anyone, to open up to someone. You both were so similar in that regard. But he thought, he felt that all this time spent together was something for you. He wanted to believe that that night was as important for you as it was to him. 

He didn’t know what pushed him to kiss you. Maybe it was that awful mission you both somehow survived, maybe it was the pent up attraction he felt towards you or maybe it was the thought that he could have lost you today without telling you, without showing you how much he cared for you. And so he kissed you and to his enormous happiness you were kissing him back. He groaned happily, when you strangled his hips leaning forward to deepen the kiss. You tasted sweet, despite the awful, cheap whisky you were both drinking tonight. But at this moment he only tasted you and it was the sweetest, most delicious taste he ever encountered. 

His finger landed on your hips, when he felt you move just slightly, only a friction to feel him under yourself. You parted to gather your breaths. He lowered your head and connected his forehead with yours, looking straight into your beautiful, mesmerizing eyes.Orbs he learned to love so much. 

“I wanted to do this for so long now”, he muttered, leaving wet kisses over your jaw, slowly moving to your sensitive neck, enjoying your quiet moan, when he kissed at your pulse. “Tell me to stop, Y/N. One word and I will leave you alone and we will forget about it.” You looked down at him and kissed him softly. A kidd so different then your first one. 

“I want that Hunter, I want you, I’m yours,” he didn’t need any more encouragement. It was all he needed to hear, all he wanted to ever hear from you. 

You were honest then, probably the most honest you have been with him. He heard the soft “I love you”, when you thought he was sleeping already. He didn’t miss the way you kissed his cheek before you left, leaving him nothing but an apology letter. He wasn’t mad, he understood. You two were soldiers of different kinds. You fought for the fallen Republic. He understood your decision, despite the fact that it hurt like crazy. But he cherished the memory of the kisses and touches, of your sweet moans and the soft whispers of his name. 

He understood then but now it was different. You were not bonded to the Republic. You were free, just as they were. True it wasn’t the life anyone would dream of, but it was a chance he was willing to give. He hoped to talk about it like civilized people, he wanted to propose staying here with them. There was nothing anymore keeping you away from them. You could travel with them, be with him, be happy. And yet you rejected that. He didn’t understand why you lied to him. Why did you keep on lying to yourself? Your words hurt like hell, but the fact that you chose to say them outloud hurt him even more. Because you decided to not give the two of you a chance. A chance he longed for. A chance he hoped he deserved after years of fighting for others. He stupidly hoped he deserved some kind of happiness. A piece of a life he could never have. 

He wasn’t about to fight you. You said your bit, and he did his. He wasn’t as stubborn as Echo, nor as non-understanding as Wrecker to fight for something that had no future. He was tired of fighting. He understood fighting for the Republic, and now against the Empire, but he was tired of fighting for a happiness that didn’t seem to want to stick with him. So he closed his eyes and let the sleep wash over him in hope of forgetting and pretending just for a couple of hours. 

***

The debrief was awkward to say the most. You didn’t speak, only if it was necessary. Most of the time you spend with Tech adjusting your commlink and portraying the exact way you were planning to take to get into that room. You felt the way all of them tried so hard not to talk about what they definitely heard not so long ago. You noticed how Omega was avoiding your eyes. However, you weren’t sure if she was angry with you or just unable to understand the whole situation. You knew you wouldn’t be able to blame her if it was the first one, as you have probably hurt her brother tremendously. 

What hurt you more was the fact that Hunter acted as nothing happened. Precisely like nothing has ever happened. Like you were a random addition to their team, that he met yesterday and couldn't care less about. You knew it was selfish of you to even feel that, it was your own fault after all. It was you who pushed him away, it was you who lied to his face instead of telling him the truth. But you couldn’t do that. You were protecting him from yourself, He deserved better, he had better and you would only bring chaos into his life. If you could turn back the time you would tell Rex to go fuck himself and never come here. You weren’t that selfless to forget that night the two of you shared. You wanted to remember it, that night kept you alive so many times after the War. His soft touches and words that broke your heart. The protectiveness of his arm, when he pulled you towards him after you were both done. The warmth he emitted was like nothing you have ever felt. The realization that came with that night scared you. You loved him so much that it physically hurt. It made you sick, it blocked any rational thinking and so when you were sure he was asleep you did the most selfish thing imaginable, you said you loved him. And then you left in the morning. 

“The most difficult would be to get into the tunnel S12”, you zoomed into the said place. It was the last one, following directly to the office where the data was held. “It’s bigger than the other ones, but there may be some booby traps. But this isn’t something I have to worry about.” 

“Unless one of the traps blows the place off”, Tech murmured, looking at his datapad. You raised your brow at him and sighed. 

“They’re not Wrecker kind of traps, Tech. They are assigned to stop the person who is trying to get to the place. Probably some kind of needle with poison, something fast and productive. And quiet, just in case.” 

“If that’s the case, then we would not be able to help you” Echo said, looking around the place, already trying to see a better, faster way to get to you. You smiled softly to yourself, thankful to a good old Echo for carrying even if he didn't have to. You turned to your little backpack and took out some tubes. 

“I always carry some around. I cannot in good manners know all the poisons in the world, but most of them are based on the same chemical shit, so it is easier for me to make antidotes at least long enough for me to get the mission finished.” 

“And getting out of there, right?” Wrecker asked. It was the first time he spoke today. Knowing him, he was probably the most annoyed with you. With his soft and kind heart, he probably cared the most about his brothers. 

“Sure”, you murmured mindlessly looking at Hunter, remembering your last fight. “The antidote normally works for up to 30 minutes. So plenty of time to get it all nice and steady”,:, the boys did not seem satisfied with the answer, but they knew they had to agree to it. It was after all the best plan. 

“Fine. Just to wrap it up. Omega you stay with us all the time, you hear me?” Hunter looked at the girl who nodded her head, smiling with excitement. Oh, she will give them all some trouble some day. “Tech and Echo we are leaving you with the systems. Wrecker, make sure they don’t hear commotions in the tunnels and pipes. Omega you will be our long distance girl. Make sure you don’t miss. I will take care of anyone who gets too close. Y/N, you have overly 40 minutes for the whole operation from the moment we are in the damn building. In case of any issues, commlink us. We'll do our best to accommodate you.” Professional as always. The perfect soldier. You nodded and started to repack all the stuff you would need. Two knives, your little blaster you always carried with you just in case. You looked at your other weapons and sighed. No room for them, you had to survive with what you got. A robe, some nice techs from Tech and an outside disc for the data extension. And of course your antidote. 

There was some unease in your stomach. You had similar missions before. Some were even more dangerous than others, and yet this one seemed different. You hated that feeling, you were sure that the more you worked the less the feeling seemed to bother you. You took a deep breath and looked around the boys. You wanted to say so much to them. Wanted to apologize, to thank them, to just talk but you couldn’t. You had no right. 

You turned when you saw Omega sitting in her “room” with a plushy in her arms. She looked like a kid, not a soldier, but a young teenage girl. You took a deep breath, took your old knife with you, and sat on the little stairs at the “entrance” to her room. She stared away from you and just hugged the plushy. 

“Isn’t that Wrecker’s?” You asked, smiling softly, hoping the girl wouldn’t leave you hanging. 

“It was, he gave it to me.” She answered, but still not looking at you. 

“It’s very sweet of him. He must care for you deeply, it was a special plushy for him.” 

“All of them care for me and I care for them. We are a squad, a family.” 

“That sounds nice. It must be wonderful to be a part of it.” 

“I’m sure Hunter wanted you to be, but you refused”, and the elephant was spotted. You sighed and leaned onto the wall, closing your eyes. “I don’t understand as much as they do, but it seemed like you hurt Hunter a lot and I don’t like it.” She hugged the plushy more and furrowed her brow angrily. “To me it seems like it hurts you as well.” Your eyes snapped at her and you couldn’t help the chuckle. 

“For someone so young, you sure are a perceptive little thing.” 

“I am older than them…” She rolled her eyes and you couldn’t help but let out a quiet laugh. It was hard to remember that, but she did have a point. There was something about Omega that made you think of yourself. Way before your adult life started. You were as curious, careless as she was. Wrapped in the love around you. But with you it ended when your whole family was wiped out by some smugglers and you were left to wander the streets for food and any money. Until your “father” found you and trained you, trying to kill all the emotions. 

“There are times when you have to choose if you value your own happiness over the person you love or not.” The girl finally turned around. Her big, brownish almost golden eyes wide. “Your brothers, not only Hunter, mean the Galaxy to me. This mission, my other missions, the people I know and want me dead… This whole life is too dangerous. They all have you now, their family is almost full and I would hate to be the one to break it. You deserve this Omega. They may hate me for this, but deep down I want to believe I’m making the right choice.” 

“So you lied”, she said and you were thankful to her, that she was keeping the voice lower, to make sure they boys wouldn’t hear it. Something inside you knew though that Hunter would hear it anyway. 

“Adults do a lot of awful things, Omega. We sometimes lie to make someone safe or just happy.”

“Why are you telling me this?” She turned towards you, the plushy forgotten, laying beside her on the floor. The way she looked at you changed as well. The distance and anger left and was replaced by sadness and misunderstanding.

“You remind me of myself when I was younger. I lost my family when I was younger than you, and I don’t want this to happen to you as well, so”, you took one of your knives and gave it to her. It was a lighter one, which should fit her as her first hand to hand weapon. “Ask Hunter to teach you how to use it. It’s not a toy, sweetheart, but should help you save your family in the end if it comes to it..” She nodded and you closed your eyes, stopping the tears from falling, when she hugged you. Such a tender gesture made you question all of your decisions. 

“Get ready, we are landing!” the two of you walked to your site to get ready, when Hunter stopped you in your tracks.  So he did hear all of it. That damn hearing of his. 

“Thank you, Y/N”, he murmured and left you, to sit next to Echo and Tech. You nodded to no one and sat preparing yourself for the mission. 

*** 

“Are you not going to say anything?” Echo didn’t like the way Hunter was behaving. He was too disattached, or at least pretended to be. He knew that the conversation he had with you had left him in more pain than Echo would understand. But he knew his brother enough to know that he would never hold a grudge against someone he felt so strong for. He could see how Hunter looked at you when you were finally preparing to take off. If he wanted to say something it was the last chance. If not the last chance ever, seeing how this mission was designed to fail. One wrong step from you and all of this would be over in a matter of seconds. 

“I said all that needed to be said already”, Hunter answered, his eyes focused on double checking his equipment. He didn’t look like it, but he was nervous about the mission. There were too many unknowns. Not to mention that the last conversation with you did not bring him any peace. He hated how it ended, but it was your decision. And who was he to question that decision. Apparently nothing more than a good fuck to forget about your troubles. 

He ignored the look that Echo gave him and his eyes landed on you, who was working something on the comm, your nose scrunching a little bit. Something you’d do when you focus a lot on something. He was expecting a quiet curse under your nose and smiled when you mumbled something to yourself. He really hated how he knew you so well, he wished he didn’t and yet all these times spent together have given him an opportunity to get to know you more than anyone. He knew you loved your caff with a bit of milk and no sugar, how you preferred an awful kind of whisky rather than even the best kind of wine. He noticed all of the nerve tics you had, that you tried to hide from everyone. How you always favored your right hand in combat, but it was the left leg that did all the real damage. Or how you loved anything that was covered in chocolate. You brought them a box once. He still wasn’t sure where you got it from (he expected them to be stolen), but he had to admit, they were lovely. He knew you loved to sing in the bathroom, despite being terrible in it, he, however, never told you that. 

He frowned, realizing how many things he never told you about. How he hated the way your hair looked when you woke up. How you took care of him and his brothers. How you were one of the few people that were able to bring a genuine laugh from Crosshair. He hated how you would do literally anything to keep them safe. He was so pissed, when you jumped after Tech when he was taken by some unknown water creature. He loved how easy it was for you to talk to Wrecker, how incredibly patient you were with Echo. And most importantly he loved and hated the fact that you understood him more than he understood himself. 

There were so many things he wanted to say. Still so many things he wanted to do, but he was aware that today would be the end. Even if you all would walk out of there alive, you would leave and probably would never see them again. A side of him wanted to see you as nothing more than a coward, but he knew that it would have been unfair to you. And he hated lying, whether it was to others or simply to himself. And he found himself lying to himself about you more time than he would have liked. 

“We will enter together. We should be able to keep together for a couple of rooms before they notice us.” You started, putting on your hood and mask. All in black, all in disguise, all professional, all ready for yet another mission. One of many. “Tech, make sure you will be less occupied when I need you. I may be good, but not that good”, he smirked and nodded, putting his helmet on. Your hand traveled to your pocket and you took out a small necklace you normally wore and walked to Hunter. “Keep this for me, will you?” His eyes widened, when he realized what you gave him. But before he was able to say anything, or even worse, question you, you gave a sign for the mission to start. You watched him, put it safely in one of his secured pockets and smiled softly. You made a decision whether it was a good one or not, you hope you will have time to see. 

*** 

“It’s way too easy”, Wrecker grumbled and you had to nod. It was too quiet, and you were able to walk into the building with no extra eyes on you. Like no one lived here, like all that place was abandoned. Which was impossible, this place was never deserted. It never was and it never will be. 

“150 meters from the pinpoint” Tech said in a whisper, his eyes on the pad, already working on something you had no idea about. You never pretended to keep up with him and his ideas. You did, however, love to hear him talk about things he found fascinated. His brothers were as patient with him as they could, but you always enjoyed some good teaching. And despite all, Tech was a brilliant teacher. He never wavered even with, what some would consider, stupid questions. ‘You need to learn, and how will you learn without asking even the most obvious questions.’ 

You all stopped when Hunter’s hand flew upwards stopping you all with a swift gesture. He heard and smelled more than you. If Hunter heard something, who were you to question him. “Take cover”, he murmured and you all split up into corners. You watch with a snarl how two of the Troopers came out of the room with blasters in their hands. They must have realized you were all in. If that was the case, then you had to move. You looked at Echo and he nodded. Do not panic, after all everything went as planned. Before you were able to blink the two soldiers were laying, stunned by Echo and Wrecker. And you were free to start your part of the mission. 

“Keep your comm on” Hunter mumbled, before you walked into the drain. You turned to him and nodded, your whole face hidden from him, just as he was from you. Yet you were still able to feel his soft eyes on you. The same beautiful eyes you loved so damn much. You reached for your pocket and took out the thing you cherished the most.

“Keep it safe. I will be back for it!” and you jumped up, before any of you were able to say or do anything. That little gesture. That necklace you gave him was a symbol. Your biggest weakness yet. A way for him to realize that you lied. That he was way more important to you than you told him. It was a testament of your love. The necklace is a symbol of whatever there was between you two. Afterall, it was the first ever gift from him to you. 

“I know it’s impractical”, he mumbled under his nose, looking anywhere but you. A green, small rock they found on the mission was morphed into a necklace. Nothing too fancy, a pretty thing, and so very much your style. If, of course, you would ever wear jewelry. “And you don’t have to accept it if you don’t want to. I just…” He sighed and you bit your lip, stopping yourself from smiling at how adorably awkward he was with all this. “I thought you may like it… You don’t have to wear it or anything… Eh you know what, never mind.” He was about to take it back from you, but you snitched it, turned around and moved your hair away from your neck. 

“Will you put it on me?” You smiled softly at how happy he looked. He clasped it safely on you and was surprised when you turned and kissed him on the cheek. Something so innocent was more than he ever hoped for from you. “It’s beautiful. Thank you Hunter. I will treasure it with my heart.” 

And you did. You wore it in all your missions, you had it with you when the nights were too scary even for you. You held onto it, imagining Hunter’s adorable blush, after so many nights you woke in pain after getting shot or hurt in any way during your missions. You had all that arsenal of weapons with you and yet this necklace was the best and strongest weapon you owned. It gave you hope that there was someone there that wanted you alive. That wanted you, the real you. 

You hated yourself for the words you spoke to him, but that short discussion with Omega, with the way Echo looked at you before the mission and the way Hunter seemed to give you space made you realize that there was no other place in the Galaxy that you would rather be, than here with them. Being understood and accepted for who you really are. And loved by a man that loved you even when you didn’t even remotely like yourself. And so you made a decision. An impulsive one, but you have never felt more certain about anything else. And so you gave him your hope, for him to hold onto it and give it all back, with himself included, when all of this would be over. 

***

You tried to think it was the damn tunnels that turned smaller, than becoming bigger. If Crosshair was here, he for sure would send some snarky comment towards you. Sure you didn’t train as much as you used to but damn it, these were narrow little fuckers. What calmed you slightly was the fact that they seemed to lead to exactly the same places they did all these years ago. You looked down on your watch and smiled. The timing was pretty good regarding the difficulties it brought you to maneuver. 

You stopped absurdly and hissed the biggest curse word you knew. There right in front of you the entrance to the last part of the tunnel was gone. Well more like entombed. You sat down and tried to remember the map. Trying to calm yourself you tried so hard to remember an alternative road. You could always just come back and try another way, but there was no time for that. With your luck you would probably have gotten lost after a second try. 

“Echo” you whispered into the comm, hoping they weren’t too busy. After a beat or two you could hear a soft mumble from the Clone. “You memorized the tunnels, right?” 

“What happened?” Hunter interjected and you couldn’t help but roll your eyes. You should have used a private line. 

“The fastest entrance turned out to be a dead end. Someone entombed it. I could blow it up but a) it wouldn’t be very stealthy of me and b) Wreck would never forgive me.” You heard a laugh of the big man and smiled. “Echo, use that strategic mind of yours and please tell me you remember the other way around.” 

“No need for that!” This time it was Tech that interjected. You could see Echo’s annoyed face already and chuckled softly to yourself. “I encrypted a map to your commlink. Click on the orange button and the mini holo should appear.” Yu followed his order and indeed a small, mini version of the holo appeared in front of you. “If you double click on the white one it will show the fastest way around. You would need to add the entrance as not crossable and the system should be able to figure out a new way out” 

“Tech, you are a genius!” You exclaimed when the system did indeed show you another way.

“As much as I would gladly agree with you, the map is based on the information I gathered from you and any insights from Echo, so if there is anything new, like this entombment, then you are… well screwed.” 

“Trust me, Tech. This is plenty! I owe you.” You started to crawl to the other entry. “I shouldn’t lose too much time, how are you guys holding up?” 

“Wrecker is having the time of his life”, Omega jumped to the conversation and you smiled hearing her voice. She sounded tired and a little bit out of breath, but that was to be expected. 

“We should be able to stir them away from you for a while, but make sure you don’t wonder anymore than is necessary.” Hunter replied softly and you couldn’t help the smile, hearing humor in his tone. “We can give you 10 extra minutes top.” 

“More than enough” you mumbled loudly enough for him to hear you. “Oh and Hunter?” You quickly changed into the private line. “I’ll come back to you. I promise!” 

***

The new way was indeed a better option. It did take about 3 extra minutes from you, but at least you were now looking down into the data room. Of course your poor luck wouldn’t let you just do your job as you pleased, as the Warden did not mind the spectacle that The Batch was putting on, especially for him. 

You didn’t have time to call for reinforcement to get the guy out of his room, so you started to prepare a sleeping party for him, when something inside you screamed to move. You shifted just when a bullet hit the bottom of the tunnel you were in. 

“You can come out, you sleazy rat”, the Warden shouted looking up at you. This wasn’t good. He wasn’t the one who shot at you, so it meant that there was still someone there. You wouldn’t really care much about it, if the time wasn’t so not in your flavor. In approximately 10 to 15 minutes reinforcements that were surely called upon by the Warden would come and even your boys would have some issues with him. So you hid your pride and clicked on the red button on the comm. ‘It will alert us that something didn’t go as planned and you are unable to communicate with us. This way we would be able to help you in case of an emergency.’ You really did owe Tech this time. 

“I guess my brilliant stealth mission plan was not as brilliant as I hoped”, you opened the crater and jumped down, raising your hand to indicate to the bulky man with a gun that you were harmless. Well in theory at least. And damn he was huge, you weren’t sure if even Wrecker would be able to handle him. 

“We know of the rebellion to the Empire”, the Warden started slowly walking towards you. “We know what kind of information we possess and trust me when I say that I expected you, Miss L/N”, your eyes widened slightly, taken by surprise. “We don’t know who bought your luxurious services, but I was hoping you would gladly cooperate with us.” 

“Oh sure, no problem. How about you give me the data I need and then we can negotiate”, you hissed feeling a hit in the back of your knees, making you fall down. You glared at the giant who was confiscating all of your weapon. “Careful buddy, some of them are quite valuable.” He ignored you and you rolled your eyes annoyed. 

“You are quite chatty for someone called The Shadow.” 

“Shadows talk when you listen”, you shrugged and he raised his brow. “Too deep for you?” He sighed annoyed and you hissed angrily when he slapped you across the face. “How it’s true what they say, there are no gentlemen anymore.” Another blow came, this time from behind, close to your neck with something metallic, probably the big guy’s gun. 

“What we’re gonna do now is wait for the reinforcement to get rid of those little flies that apparently were supposed to get me out of the office”, you really didn’t like the smirk on his face. “Predictable, I expected more from you. After all, you're a legend. You were even a prisoner here for a while right?”

“A bit too personal don’t you think? How about you buy me dinner first and then we cen”, this time you did feel that. A kick to your stomach that took your breath away. Literally. You feel face down, your forehead laying on the floor. You were about to reboost with yet another snarky comment when you felt the big guy lifting you up by your throat. 

“That shit here is saved for at least a fourth date!” you growled trying to take some air. 

“Now before my friend here crashes your neck, would you like to tell me who sent you? If I like your answer I would even consider keeping you alive. Can say the same thing about those outside.” It was taking too long, something must have happened. Your strategy of buying them some time didn’t seem to work. So there was time for another solution. The one you were more familiar with. Get your ass out of any shitty situation. 

There was one thing about hunky guys like the one holding you. They were normally slower than normal human beings, which gave you an advantage that you were planning to use against him. Sending him a soft smile you took out a knife from inside your limited armor and with a swift move sent it right at his eye, making him stumble and lose his hold on you. You gathered your hidden mini blaster you adored so much from underneath your armor and shot him before he was able to react. You turned swiftly towards the Wardan that seemed to just now register what happened. You pointed your gun at him and walked towards your weapons and took out the disc. 

“Now be a good boy and move away from your precious computer”, you took yet another shot when he moved to the equipment. This one however didn’t mean to kill him like with the big guy, but to harm him enough to stop him from moving. Maybe Rex would be of use to a little shit like him. “Why do you guys never listen?” You rolled your eyes and started the real mission. Working as fast as you could, you started to send all the data to your external disc. 

“You guys are late”, you murmured when the doors blasted open and five clones entered the room. Echo smirked at the scene in front of him and then chuckled, patting Hunter in his shoulder. 

“See nothing to worry about.” Tech walked towards you and looked at the screen. 

“It just started…” 

“Well I was a bit occupied!” You hissed nodding to the man. “Mr Warden here wasn’t really keen on accepting a diplomatic solution to the situation.” You were pushed aside by Tech and you glared at him, which was ignored. Rudely ignored. As you were about to say something, strong arms pulled you around and you were met with a face of a very concerned Hunter. 

“Are you alright?” His slender fingers slipped on your neck, where the big guy’s hand rested not so long ago. You looked up at Hunter’s eyes and smiled softly and the loving men, who were fussing over you, like you were one of the noobies and not one of the most skilled Assassins in the Galaxy. “I’m sorry it took us longer, but they were more annoying than we thought.” 

“I’m ok, love” his eyes widened at your term of endearment, unable to keep a smile on his lips. “And don’t worry I managed.” 

“I think I’m going to puke '' The Warden hissed, looking at you.with a mix of anger and disgust. “Not only were you fooled by something as stupid as love, but you fell for a Clone?” You raised a brow at him and as you were about to answer him, you almost missed his movement and in the last second pushed Hunter away. You stumbled back and the room became quiet when the blaster hit you down your stomach. Before he was able to shoot the second time, Wrecker shot him square between his eyes. 

“Y/N?!” You heard Hunter and Omega yell beside you, pulling you to his arms. You choked, just now feeling a sting from the shot. “Sweetheart look at me”, you followed his voice and looked at him, smiling softly. “You’re going to be OK!” You heard Echo and Tech arguing, probably about the speed of the data recovery, but your eyes were focused on the man you loved. 

“I’m fine. Nothing I haven’t lived through before,” he pushed you gently down, when you tried to sit up. “Just another scar for the collection. Some more and you wouldn’t want to look at me”, you chuckled, coughing slightly. You looked down feeling your hand being pulled into another smaller one and you smiled at the girl. 

“That will never happen, sweetheart. I will always want you”, Hunter laughed quietly, lifting you up slowly. “Tech, how much longer, we’re gonna have a company very soon!” 

“Now!” he mumbled and took the disc out of the computer. Ready to go. Let’s get on the ship and I will be able to patch her up.” 

“I knew you would do it in less than 10 minutes, Tech!” You chuckled, when all of you were getting ready to leave the room.  “Wrecker sweety, can you do me a favor and leave a parting gift for them ?” The man laughed and nodded, coming back to leave the bomb to be detonated when they all would be more than a safe distance away. 

“It was 3 minutes and 20 seconds precisely, by the way,” Tech interjected and you laughed, regretting it right after when a hellish sting traveled through your body. You smiled to yourself. Despite the hole in your stomach you were happy. You were surrounded by the people that cared for you and you cared for them so deeply. And you were finally in the arms of the man you loved the most in the damn Galaxy. Ignoring his shouts at you to stay awake, you leaned your head on his chest and closed your eyes, whispering a soft apologies towards Hunter. 

***

Something was different from the last couple of times you woke up after being injured on the missions. You did not feel so warm and definitely did not hear all the voices semi whispering around you. And you were definitely not on the Marauder under all the possible blankets that were found on board. 

“Hey there, sleepy head!” You slowly opened your eyes to the voice you learned to love so much. You turned your head towards Hunter and smiled. You heard Omega shouting to the others that you were awake and the little privacy between the two of you was over when the others rounded you. 

S

“You scared us, Y/N” Echo started, smiling at you softly, but you could see his eyes betraying how scared he was before. “A word of advice. When you have a wound like that, try not to fall asleep.” You chuckled and held Hunter’s hand. 

“Try not to fall asleep in those nice and warm arms.” The boys rolled their eyes and Omega laughed at the way Hunter blushed. “What about the mission?”

“Professionalist as always” Wrecker laughed, showing you the disc that was probably full of the information. 

“We contacted Rex and headed towards the rendezvous point to meet with him. He asked if he should prepare any form of transport for you.” The room became quiet and all of the eyes landed on you. You swallowed and clenched Hunter’s hand. 

“Can you guys give us a minute?” Sergeant asked and all of them left to pretend to do something other than listen to the two of you, but just from a distance. “Here”, he pulled your necklace from his pocket and smiled, asking him with your eyes to clasp it on your neck. He helped you to sit down slowly and the necklace was once again next to your heart where it belonged. “I didn’t know you still had it.” One of his hands came back to hold yours and you couldn’t help the warmth crawling to your cheeks. 

“Of course. I cherished it all this time. It gave me hope when all the hope was lost. It reminded me of you and gave me strength to keep on going.” You looked away, ashamed to say something so vulnerable. Just not used to be so honest with him without the alcohol that normally forestalled these types of conversations between the two of you. “Thank you for keeping it safe.” You knew that you were supposed to be the one to start this conversation but despite knowing how he felt you were still scared. Terrified that the words you spoke before the mission would have scared him away. But you took a deep breath and decided to fight for it. You mentally prepared yourself for the most important battle of your life. “I don’t think it was just sex, Hunter.” Your voice, quiet, shaky with nervousness. Your eyes landed on your connected hands, unable to look at him. “There was never anything ‘just’ with you. All the memories I hold, the nights we spend talking, laughing and crying. That night when I was finally able to feel you, taste you. It was never ‘just’. You have never been a ‘just’ to me. You are the most important person in my life. What you gave me, what you helped me realize and helped me feel once again is indescribable. It is thanks to you that I am able to feel again. The emotions my father was trying to kill in me, you helped me raise them back to life. I don’t want to even think how my life would look if you weren’t in it. And kriff, Hunter, I never want to know.” 

You closed your eyes letting the tears flow down your cheeks on the covers. You have never been more vulnerable with him and to your surprise there was nothing scary about it. You looked up and smiled through the tears, meeting the softness in his eyes. 

“I have been a coward most of my life. I was running away from happiness, from a life that would give me more than I thought I deserved. I still believe you would do much better than me, but the selfish part of me doesn’t want you to explore further when I am right here in front of you.” You felt him squeeze your hand and you chuckle at his raised brow. “I was a coward when I left that night, and I was a coward when I said all these awful things to you. Will you ever forgive me?” 

You waited for his response and for just a second a wave of fear went through your body. That he will reject you, already too tired with you. A gasp escaped you when his lips met you in a tender and soft kiss. As you were about to deepen the kiss he pulled away, laughing at your pouting face. 

“My feelings haven’t changed. I know you Y/N, I knew you were protecting yourself. But I do have to ask you one thing. If you decide to give us a chance and stay, please don’t ever leave me.” You melted at his words and pulled him into another kiss. Tears started flowing again and you couldn’t help but laugh happily. “I love you, Y/N.” 

“I love you too, Sergeant!”

“I”ll let Rex know, then”, Tech shouted, making the two of you laugh out loud. You were finally, truly happy. You were at a place you called home and with a man you loved from the bottom of your heart. 

[amberlynnmurdock]

New Love, New Haven

Chapter Eleven: Navigation 

Pairing: Benjamin Tallmadge x Original Female Character 

Summary: Nathan and Ben have a heart-to-heart. Sadie and Ben find other ways to keep a secret. 

A/N: Hope you’re all having a lovely June! I hope you enjoy this chapter! 

Warnings: very very mild sexual content (IDK why I’m even putting a warning but I guess it’s alluded lol) 

June 1773

Something had shifted ever since the secret was out about Ben and Sadie. Things were so much easier for them now, Sadie almost missed sneaking out and passing notes. For Sadie, it was nice to not have to worry about getting caught or have to watch her words around everyone anymore. Even for Ben—a weight had been lifted off his shoulders now that Nathan knew. It felt even more right to be with Sadie now that it wasn’t a secret anymore.

Sadie was wiping down the bar at the tavern, replaying the moment she had confessed to Nathan about Ben.

If they were kids, and Nathan had found out a boy was secretly dating his sister, he would’ve pushed the boy into the ground and told him to stay away. She laughed, remembering so many times Nathan defended her when she was young. Her mind wandered to an early

memory she had of Nathan.

☆☆☆☆

April 1763

It was a cold spring day and the sun shone brightly but not bright enough to feel warm outside. It was one of those days one had to be constantly moving around to not feel cold. For Sadie, she would rather be sitting comfortably in the wagon instead of running around and roughing it up with her brother and his friends.

Nathan held the handle of the wagon and ran across the field, dragging Sadie along. She held onto either side of the red wagon as Nathan took twists and turns in the field. Sadie laughed uncontrollably. Anyone else might’ve felt unsafe being pulled like that but Sadie knew her big brother wouldn’t do anything that’d hurt her.

They were racing his friends who pulled their own wagons. Nathan was the first to reach the big tree near the pond, and he raised his fist in the air in success.

"We won!” Nathan shouted at his friends.

His other two friends, names Sadie couldn’t remember, pulled up with their own wagons out of breath, and quite upset.

“She didn’t win! All she did was sit there and be pulled around,” one of them spat, sticking their tongue out at Sadie.

“Yeah, why is she even here anyway? She should be inside with the other tots knitting and doin’ whatever boring thing girls do!”

Sadie, completely shocked by their comments, kept still in the wagon. She looked at her brother and covered her face with her hands, tears welling in her eyes.

“Hey, stop that!” Nathan shouted at his friends. “She has every right to play out here like we do! Come on, Sadie. We’ll find something else to do.” Nathan huffed and began to pull the wagon, with Sadie, back to their house.  

☆☆☆☆

Sadie smiled at the memory. Nathan was always quick to defend her. Part of her wondered if it was hard for Nathan to realize she didn’t really need his defending anymore. Perhaps that’s why he reacted the way he did when he found out about Ben. She was older now; she could fight her own battles, and make her own decisions.

She started to wipe a stubborn speck of dirt on the counter. She didn’t hear the doors of the tavern open.

“Sadie,” Nathan’s voice came from behind. Sadie stopped wiping the counter and turned around to greet her brother with a smile. Folding the rag, she placed it on the counter and faced her brother.

“Nathan, what are you doing here so early?” Sadie asked crossing her arms.

“I’ve come to speak with you,” Nathan answered. His smile was crooked, his blonde hair shining even in the natural lighting of the tavern. Nathan held his tricorn in his hands in front of him, as if he had been caught with something he stole. The look of sadness on his face worried her. Knowing whatever it was couldn’t be good, she took a deep breath.

“What is it, Nathan?” Sadie asked, walking toward her brother.

“It’s—I’m leaving a bit earlier than anticipated. For East Haddam,” Nathan admitted with a deep sigh. “I wanted to tell you before Father did.”

“Oh,” was all Sadie could say. “Oh… well, when?”

“The end of the month,” Nathan replied.

Sadie raised her eyebrows, in an attempt to dry the tears that had formed in the corners of her eyes. She smiled brightly for Nathan, although it felt like her heart had been squeezed tightly.

“You get to start your new venture sooner!” She mustered all the lightness she could in her voice, clapping her hands together. She met Nathan’s pained expression with a smile and squeezed his shoulders. “I’m so happy for you, Nathan.”

“I didn’t want to go so early,” Nathan defended, shaking his head. “I wanted to spend the rest of the summer here with you, with Genny…but I must go.”

Sadie felt a lump in her throat form. Why was it, when things always changed in their lives, did Sadie always think back to when they were just kids? Right now, she couldn’t get the image out of her head of Nathan running around with her when she was just seven years old. Their mother yelled at them for playing in the mud. The image of Nathan on his way to Yale in a carriage with their father, for the first time ever. And now, another core memory was forming right before her eyes. Nathan was done with school, done with college, and now what lay ahead was simply the future. The days of them being kids were gone—this was real life now. Sadie didn’t need to be protected anymore, and Nathan didn’t have to do the protecting. Now it was time for them to learn how to navigate their lives, without them being in it all the time.

“This is the most exciting thing you’ve waited for,” Sadie reasoned, tears falling down her cheeks. “What’s wrong?”

“I’ll miss you,” Nathan simply answered, shrugging his shoulders. He wiped Sadie’s tears away and brought her in for a hug, holding her tightly. “’Tis not going to be the same without annoying you here at the tavern.” He smiled. Sadie laughed against his chest and pulled back, wiping her face.

“You better write to me,” Sadie playfully punched his shoulder. “And write to me all your lessons you teach. Maybe even ones you learn, too.”

“Of course, I will,” Nathan affirmed. “I’ll visit as much as I can, at any opportunity.”

“Then good,” Sadie nodded, gathering herself. “Now enough of this sentimental stuff.”

Nathan laughed, putting his tricorn on a nearby table. He offered to help Sadie clean the counter of the bar, which Sadie gladly accepted. The rest of the time he spent there, they talked about what he would be teaching first, and where he would be staying. Nathan spoke of Genny and how they will be working things out. He hopes Sadie will spend time with Genny when he’s gone.

And at least, Ben was here until the end of August.

☆☆☆☆

Ben sat at his desk, sitting quietly as he read through his book on mathematics. Truthfully, it was one of the more boring subjects for Ben. Not because he didn’t like it, but since it came so easy to him, it wasn’t quite exciting. Still, he disciplined himself and told himself to get through just one more chapter.

That’s when Nathan suddenly came inside his room, well, their room, and kicked off his boots and plopped on his bed. Ben chuckled at his friend, closing his book.

Nothing was strange between him and Nathan since he found out. Nathan didn’t appreciate being lied to all this time, but he was glad it was Ben who Sadie had fallen for. He trusted all of his friends, but he didn’t trust all of them like he trusted Ben. He would trust Ben with his life. If he could do that, why wouldn’t he trust him with his very own sister?

“I’m leaving earlier than anticipated,” Nathan told Ben, sitting up in bed. Ben turned around in his chair.

“When?” Ben asked.

“The end of the month,” Nathan answered.

“Christ,” Ben replied, “that’s in a fortnight.”

“I know,” Nathan sighed heavily. “I just told Sadie.”

“Hmm,” Ben remembers feeling weary whenever Nathan would say Sadie’s name, so it’s a foreign feeling for him to not put on a front now. “How did she take it?”

“Well, I suppose. I mean, it’s not the last time we’ll see each other,” Nathan laughed, “I guess it’s just different this time around. I’m not going away for school—this is my career, the rest of my life.”

“A lot of things are different now,” Ben said.

Nathan laughed ironically. He sighed before he spoke his next words.

“Your relationship with my sister is between you and her,” he began thoughtfully, “but please, Tallmadge, I just ask one thing: be kind to her. Look out for her.”

Ben’s mouth went agape. He shifted in his seat so he was fully looking at Nathan.

“My intentions with Sadie are pure. I—she is very, very important to me. I plan to be with her as long as she will let me,” Ben explained.

“Very well,” Nathan considered Ben’s answer. “Well, my next question is, how do you plan to uphold that? When you leave, in August?” Although Nathan couldn’t protect Sadie from everything anymore, that didn't mean he wouldn’t look out for her. He knows how sensitive his sister can be—if Ben were to not remain loyal when he left, Sadie would be upset.

With conviction, Ben stood up from his chair.

“I will write to her every single week. Day, if possible. Wethersfield is not far from New Haven—a day’s travel, which means the mail will come quickly. I will visit as much as I can, and—“

“Okay,” Nathan stood up, meeting Ben’s height. “Understood.”

Ben was nearly out of breath from his ramblings, defending his intentions.

“I don’t take being with her lightly, you must know this, Nathan,” Ben continued. “Especially since you are her brother and my best friend.”

“Forgive me for wanting assurance. Should I remind you I only found out about a few days ago?”

Ben rested his case when Nathan said that. He nodded in understanding.

“I trust you,” Nathan placed his hands on Ben’s shoulders, looking him in the eyes. “But you must prove it to her.”

“I will,” Ben affirmed. “Absolutely, I will.”

☆☆☆☆

Sadie sat up in her bed, her legs in a criss-cross position, in her nightgown. She had a small candle going by her bedside table. She peered out her window, waiting for Ben’s arrival.

It was half past midnight. Just because their secret was out in the open didn’t mean they couldn’t find other ways to sneak around. Sadie felt giddy. She’d never had someone of the opposite sex come into her room.

Earlier, Sadie put together the chamomile concoction she’s made once before to get her father to sleep heavily. She might’ve felt guilty but her father had been overworking himself lately, and a restful sleep was what he needed, whether he knew it or not.

Sadie saw a figure in the distance, and the closer it got to the tavern, Sadie could confirm that it was Ben. He wore his tricorn hat to cover his face, and a large jacket, and carried his satchel full of notes. Upon seeing him go to the back, Sadie quickly and quietly trotted down the stairs to meet him.

She put a finger to her lips to shush him. He followed her quietly up the steps. When the floor creaked, they froze. After hearing her father’s snore, they continued up the steps and quickly shuffled into her bedroom, where they would be safe.

“Phew,” Sadie exhaled as she shut the door behind her. She smiled at Ben, who shrugged his hat and coat off. “We made it.”

Ben smiled, his golden brown hair messy from the hat. He ran his fingers through his hair to fix it. He let his locks fall loose. He beckoned her over with his arms wide open. Sadie tiptoed to him and fell into his warm embrace, placing her cheek on his chest.

“So,” Ben simply said, “this is your room.”

Sadie pulled back, “Yes. There’s not much going on, but it is quite cozy. Especially when I have something to read.”

Ben’s eyes lit up at the mention of something to read. He briefly let go of her and got out his satchel, opening it up to reveal a large textbook for Sadie. Her eyes widen at the sight of it.

“Good Lord, Benjamin,” Sadie exclaimed. Ben laughed at her reaction. “Is this what you’ll be teaching in Wethersfield?”

“No,” he shook his head, “this is for you.”

“For me?” Sadie repeated. She held the large leather-bound book in her hands. It read Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms by Sir Isaac Newton. It was dated 1728.

“Wow,” she marveled at the book, “why this one? I am grateful for it, but I’m curious the reasoning.”

“Something different,” Ben explained simply. “This isn’t the only one I have for you, but it’s the first one you’ll get.”

“You mean you’ve got more books for me? Where are you getting them from?”

Ben smiled. “My own collection. I won’t have room for them to travel with me when I go. And I don’t know anyone better who will take great care of them, and find them useful, too.”

Sadie was touched. She placed the large book on her desk, running her fingers over the cover.

“And when do you go?” Sadie asked softly, running her fingers over the side of his face now. Ben’s eyes fluttered at her touch. Although she was only in her nightgown, and her hair was down as well, Ben thought she never looked more beautiful, standing in front of him.

“The end of August,” Ben answered.

She pressed her lips together.

“I’ll be a year older by then,” she mused.

Ben nodded in response.

They talked more as they held each other, standing in the middle of her room. Ben twirled one of the front pieces of her hair as Sadie spoke about her plans for the fall with Genny. She listened when Ben told her how his lesson plans were coming along. Good, he had said. He couldn’t wait to show her when they were ready. Sadie shook her head.

“Save it for the letters,” she said rather sadly, without meaning to. Ben furrowed his brows in concern, placing his fingers on her chin.

“I’ll always write you. And I’ll come back for you. I promise.”

Sadie walked past him and faced her bed. She fiddled with her hands. Maybe she was tired, maybe she was anxious, or both. These feelings she’d been hiding away would come about at some point. But, not tonight, she told herself.

Ben was right behind her as if he could read her thoughts. She turned around to look at him again with a sleepy smile. Suddenly, she felt his strong arms wrap around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest. She placed her hands on his chest, bringing a bit of distance between their faces. Her heart began to beat fast. For a moment, Ben only looked at her behind his own tired blue eyes. He studied her, both their breaths growing heavy the longer they held contact. Suddenly, Sadie forgot what she had been worried about because the intense look in Ben’s eyes made her believe in something. In them.

“You drive me mad, Sadie,” Ben hoarsely whispered, pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. Sadie smiled in response. “And you find that amusing,” Ben shook his head. “You don’t understand that I deeply desire you,” Ben confessed in a low voice, his warm breath hitting the cool of her neck. Sadie looked away from him, biting her lip, but the feeling was overwhelming. She was afraid if she looked at him with him looking at her like that, she’d combust right there.

She pulled him by his arms to her bed. She sat down first and had Ben sit next to her. With one leg on the bed and one hanging off, she took both Ben’s hands and held them.

“I’ve never had someone on my bed before,” Sadie confessed.

“It’s all right,” Ben comforted. “We don’t… have to do anything. We can just lay.”

“I want to,” Sadie continued. “I just…I don’t know…” Sadie wondered where her confidence had gone. Just months ago, she practically begged for Ben to touch her intimately and he refused. Now that the moment had presented itself again, she was scared. Perhaps she realized she had more to lose than she realized, once Ben went away. And once again, her worries bubbled on the surface. But when she looked at Ben, who looked so patient with her, her worries were gone.

“Let’s lay,” he suggested, taking her hand and pulling her toward him. He leaned back into her bed, and she nuzzled her face in the crook of his neck.

They would navigate those treacherous waters another time, Sadie thought. It was much more comforting to just be there in bed with Ben, with no expectations and no pressure. She didn’t have to say it. It was written all over her face. Ben knew she wasn’t ready. She’d save herself for him though, because one day, she would be.

[requiemofrebellion]

@ofluminance - continue.

Dark eyes stared up at the sky that was shifting into night. The darker purples and blues were shown with some pinks further out. Clouds threatened to cover the entire sky and hide the beauty of colors as the sun slipped away before their eyes. The wind rustled against the grass and his own blonde locks. His body pressed into the ground, arms behind his head to cushion his neck and the back of his head. His body seemed relaxed but there was no smile on his face, his face looked as if he wasn't actually present. His own mind is deep in his own thoughts.

There was so much going on, so much drama, pain and even death. Mikey had only wanted to have fun with his friends, make a good era of delinquency but this seemed to be getting so out of hand. Mikey was starting to feel like he was getting lost in all of it, relying more on his friends to keep him from spiraling down into the darkness. He felt stressed and more depressed yet he was trying to keep it together so his friends wouldn’t worry about him. Yet, he knew he seemed more quiet if not more distant than usual. His bubbly and carefree self has not been around much lately and that was something he couldn’t exactly hide, or keep from his friends. 

Silence had fallen around them once more when Mikey pointed out the night was beautiful and Takamichi had agreed. However, when Takemichi spoke up again, black orbs moved from the sky to look at the other male. A plain look at first as Mikey took in Takemichi’s features, posture, and even how he spoke. He wasn’t surprised Takamichi had noticed his behavior, he was always one of the first people who did notice even though he knew Takemichi for less time than Draken or Mitsuya. He honestly didn’t know how Takemichi did it either, or how he became so reliant on the other male. He relied on Takemichi just as much as he relied on Draken, just something about the other felt so comforting. He did remind him of his older brother but there was also something else, something more that Mikey couldn’t yet place. 

“ Hm, guess I have huh, Takemichy? ” Mikey looked away from Takemichi, eyes looking back to the sky. He wasn’t going to hide it from the other or act like he hadn’t been. There really was no point. “ You don’t need to be Kenny or Mitsuya, you just need to be you. ”

He fell silent again though. Blinking ever so slowly to get his own thoughts into order. His ears listen to the cars below them, listening to the grass swaying next to his ears. The lights from the city were getting brighter as the sky got darker. He slowly removed a hand from behind his head, putting his palm face up towards the sky, arm outstretched like he was trying to reach for the stars. 

“ Have you... ever lost someone you cared deeply about? ” Mikey’s voice had dropped to a softness yet sad tone. His eyes reflected the pain he was feeling in his chest of heartbreak.

[crimsun-n-clover]

last night my guitarist and i went to waffle house after our miserable practice. we put a five in the jukebox and basically held it hostage for more than an hour. i guess heart of glass by blondie is our song now. the employees have gotten attached to us and our server straight up asked me for a ride home. i love waffle house so goddamn much.

we had our gigs today. the punk band sounded kinda shitty but that’s alright. it’s all on the new guitarist, but he’s a decent kid. i met his dad today and suddenly i’m feeling protective over the bastard now that i know what his parent is like. he wrote a riffs for an original song that we played, and i put lyrics about identity to it.

apparently our drummer lied to us and is actually on vacation. man i fucking trusted her. she said she had a family emergency and we did everything to cover for her, and i even had to play fucking drums on one of the songs because our fill in drummer didn’t know how to play it and i did. i sang while playing drums and let me just say, never again. jesus. christ. it definitely sounded like shit and i have blisters.

at least the band has a bunch of followers on insta purely because of the outrageous name.

OH AND the hot bassist from the prog rock band we share the stage with is interested in joining our metal band. fucking SCORE. she’s so insanely talented and i actually met her on tumblr before i met her in person and she started talking and i was like waiiit a minute. are you?? that one person i know on tumblr???? and she was so shocked but she WAS. fucking wild. now i can sing without playing bass for that band, because i can’t stand still in front of a mic while singing metal shit. it’s fucking impossible. “stevie you gotta eat the mic” FUCK OFF im jamming around and don’t have a hand free to keep the mic directly by my mouth.

i guess we gotta initiate her. which means watching rocky horror together, going to waffle house, and putting a dollar in the jukebox to play heart of glass.

my favorite kiddo showed up at the show. she isn’t even in the band anymore and she still wanted to see it. she’s welcome to come back whenever, she’s the randy to my ozzy. scrawny little blonde guitar god who writes solos that don’t make much musical sense but sound AMAZING and i’m very attached to her. you know that shit ozzy said about “either he’s the best fucking thing i’ve ever heard in my life or these drugs are really good”?? yeah.

i found out that she got a LEAD ROLE in a musical, talented little brat. she also gave me a birthday gift which i TOLD HER not to, but it’s candy, little squishy toy dinosaurs (which are getting their own shelf in the trailer but i’m not telling her. her ego is big enough), and a note that she wouldn’t let me read. i did the same shit with her gift so i don’t blame her. after the gig, i read it in the parking lot and fucking cried. i love her so goddamn much. she wrote about how she’s so glad i stayed with her even though she left the band, how we have been through some crazy shit but she didn’t mind because we were together, and how we have a bunch of adventures and mini cupcakes in our future. when i picked her up last time, we bought a dozen cupcakes from target and fucking devoured them in the parking lot. she ended it with “i love you man. from your little brat, ____” and when i tell you i had to turn off my dio cd?? to catch my fucking breath?????

god.

my catholic grandparents came to see it which i wasn’t very happy about. i intended to pull a bunch of stunts to piss off the guy who manages the school / studio we practice in, but my nervous ass completely skipped over it all trying to rush to get the set done. i only got in like two jabs when i’ve composed original music about how much of a dick he is. disappointing. i had SO MUCH blackmail AND mocking material.

i’m gonna put our shit on instagram. goodnight tumblr.

[marvel-and-dc-geek]

Kiku’s great stress relief method

It was easy to notice when was Lud more stressed out: he would be screaming more than usual.And considering how things were going, it was only expected that he would be feeling exactly like that.

Whoever (Alfred) had given the idea for mandatory pre meeting exercise could quite honestly go to hell, specially because naturally it was Ludwig who ended up volunteering to direct it.Kiku didn’t want to admit it, but his age sometimes made it hard for him to keep up with the training. While Lud usually reserved his yelling for Feliciano, who would literally run away,or Heracles, who would either go to sleep or try to argue with some of his neighbors, Kiku had the misfortune of being the slowest.

“QUICKER, KIKU, RUN QUICKER !” The blonde shouted loudly.As much as Japan wanted to do so, his legs just wouldn’t allow him to.

It was even worse at shooting practice,(Vash or Alfred?Both blondes were getting dirty looks by everyone) mainly because he preferred to use a katana instead of a gun.Kiku wouldn’t dare to ask Lud if he could throw it instead, but he was really tempted to do so. Every time he failed, he had to do five push ups.He lost count after a hundred.

At lunch, things were so bad that his friend didn’t even seem to be enjoying his beer.That’s when Kiku decided he needed to do something.

Once they were retiring, he approached the European nation.

“Ludwig-San, would you mind if I accompany you tonight ?” He asked.

“I don’t see why not” if Lud was honest, he preferred having some time for himself, as he didn’t want to be rude to a guest, but he would rather not reject his friend’s offer.

As they walked to his place, Kiku was trying to see how to approach Lud with his idea.It could either work, or it could make him not want to speak to him ever again.He had to be direct and explain it.

After arriving to Lud’s house, he decided to ask him what had been going on.

“Ludwig, I don’t mean to sound rude, but I’ve noticed you’re more stressed lately.”his usual polite tone made it easier to speak.

The blonde sighed “I know...things haven’t exactly been going well..”his brother had started to look sick, everyone knew, and so Kiku didn’t press the matter “I shouldn’t say it, because the high ups aretrying to pretend everything is fine.I’m sorry that I took it out on you today.”

“If you don’t mind, I wondered if I could maybe help you.I know just the exact way”Kiku proposed.

“I appreciate the offer” Lud was quite puzzled on what method was he going to propose.

“Then, let’s get to your bedroom” the Asian country said with an incredibly straight face.

Lud raised his eyebrow, but decided not to ask more questions.How exactly was Kiku planning to help him ?

Once they reached the bedroom, the blonde was shocked to see Kiku stripping of his clothes, leaving him only using his underwear.Usually that was something Feliciano would do.

“KIKU, IS THIS SOME SORT OF JOKE ?” That was something he wouldn’t have thought of ever screaming.

“I would rather not get my clothes dirty”he explained and closed the door.

“Dirty?” Lud was getting more and more confused, and it didn’t help that Kiku wasn’t exactly bad looking like that...

“Well, what I’m going to do is simple, but I guess explaining it now it’s easier: The method I was talking about it’s sex” Kiku would usually freeze before finishing the sentence, but in this case he felt it was necessary to continue.

Lud’s face went really pale “You mean...having sex with me ?That’s how you’re going to help ? “

“It’s a good way to relief stress.It’s not healthy to have it accumulate, so I’d rather be of help to you” he said approaching the taller man “I’m a bit more experienced that I might look like, so please allow me to take the lead.”

Well, if he put it like that...No one had to find out after all, it would make things a bit akward, as relationships for countries didn’t tend to end well“Just go ahead I guess” Lud’s face was now as red as the tomatoes’ Feliciano used for his pasta dishes.

Japan nodded and got on his knees.Seeing that Ludwig was considerably taller, it was an easier approach to the situation.The blonde wondered if it was a good idea as he saw the shorter country unbuckle his belt to get rid of his pants.He was pretty embarrassed to feel that he was getting harder down there.Gently, Kiku got rid of his underwear, revealing his erection.

The size definitely intimated Kiku, but he wasn’t going to say that out loud “You can be as rough as you want, Lud” he declared. He started by giving him a few licks around his length, earning some moans from the blonde. He curled his tongue around the head, making sure it was wet enough for it to easily fit his throat.Once he tasted some of the precum, he caught enough courage to take it inside his mouth.

While he didn’t really know what Kiku meant for that, as Lud was pretty much inexperienced when it came to sex, but once his cock was inside the soft, wet mouth of his friend, he understood his words a bit better.He couldn’t describe how good it felt, and was ashamed of how much was enjoying it.Carefully, he got ahold of his partner’s black hair and moved his hips with a bit more of strength.Kiku made some gagging noises, which the blonde shamefully found very appealing. He was now very deep inside the other’s throat, who was trying his best to make sure he was doing a decent job.

“I feel close...”Lud groaned.It was the first time he had done something like this, so it wasn’t really a surprise that he wouldn’t last that long.Moaning, he released himself inside Kiku’s throat, who did his best to swallow as much as he could.As much as the blonde hated to admit it, it was quite a nice sight, enough to make him feel hard yet again.

“Can you please get in the bed ?” Kiku spoke with a bit of difficulty, his voice a bit raspy .Seeing how much he had enjoyed the experience, Lud had no questions and sat on the edge.

The smaller country tried to find something that could act as lubricant, and luckily found some(well, it was no secret what Lud liked ). He got ride of his underwear and approached the blonde.

“Maybe you’d like to get naked for this...” Japan advised. Hey, he found Lud to be quite good looking, it was only fair if he could enjoy the view too.

As Lud got rid of his remaining clothes and folded them carefully, Japan was getting some oil on two of his fingers.He scissored himself well enough to be ready, but wasn’t sure if it was going to be enough.

“How would you prefer to take me ?” He asked as he laid on the bed next to the European country.

That was quite a sight for Lud, who had to use a lot of his impulse control to not just jump to fuck him in that second “I’m sorry Kiku, I honestly have no idea of what that means.” The language barrier could at times get in between.

Seeing the stoic Lud like that caused Kiku to chuckle a bit.He leaned against his chest “Well, for starters I can get on your lap and go up and down.You can also just lay down and let me ride you, or I can put myself in all fours and let you do whatever you wanted. Of course, I can just lay down and have you inside me while I hold onto your back.”

Would it be bad if he kissed Kiku right now ?Well, he was going to fuck him anyways, but kissing him just seemed weird for some reason, mainly because of all their years of friendship. “I think I’d prefer if you just ride me” he wanted to avoid all temptations possible.

Kiku smiled “Very well...then just lay down and I’ll take care of you”

Lud was quick to do what the Asian country told him too.It was pretty embarrassed to see how hard he was, but he would be lying if he said it wasn’t helping with his stress.Kiku got to him rather quickly, and eyed his aching cock with some desire and fear. Carefully and slowly, he started to seat himself down, making sure he could take as much as he could.

“Fuck...you feel very good”Lud cursed as he felt his cock twitch inside the smaller country.

Kiku was riding him slowly, trying to get used to his size.Fuck, by far he was the biggest he had been with. “Damn...” he moaned out.Picking up some speed, he wondered how hadn’t he gotten ripped in half yet.

“A-are you alright ?”Lud was slightly worried as he wasn’t aware if he could harm Kiku or not. He would stop if he had, even if he was enjoying it.

“I couldn’t be better “ Kiku replied. He was getting pretty close himself, mainly since he was already aroused from before. He stroked himself a bit, finishing slightly earlier. He got off, then quickly put himself in all four “maybe I deserve some punishment for my poor performance, Lud “

The blonde smirked and didn’t waste any time getting inside Kiku once again “Oh you do for sure...”. He moved rather slowly, as he didn’t meant to cause any harm to his current partner, but with some considerable strength. Fuck, he definitely liked this anti stress method.

God, he wouldn’t mind if Lud teared him apart, if he was honest. He would definitely also volunteer to help him if he needed to release his stress or something else. As he felt a familiar warm sensation inside of him, Kiku knew that his friend was done.

“Danke...” he mumbled as he slowly pulled out. Lud decided to leave his carefulness and gave Kiku a slight kiss on the lips before pulling him towards his body.

“It was my pleasure, Lud...”Kiku smiled “I’ll be available if you ever need help with your stress again...”he said before carefully falling asleep.

The next morning, they both woke up early as usual.

“I guess it’s time for the meeting” Lud commented casually as he got up to put on his clothes

Kiku felt far to sore to even try to get up “May I be excused ?” He pouted, looking rather adorable.

An uncommon chuckle escaped from the blonde “You may, you were really good at helping me deal with my issue last night.”

“May I be excused too?” That voice...

“FELICIANO?” Kiku’s eyes went wide, and he was quick to cover himself with the jacket Lud had not yet retrieved

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE ?” Lud was about to die in that moment.

“I got here last night !”Feliciano yawned “I was very tired because Vash tried to shoot me again, and when I arrived you two were asleep so I decided to join you.It’s good to see you also like to sleep naked now !”

Thank god he didn’t ask any questions, but Lud dragged him to the meeting anyways, leaving Kiku to rest. Well, it looked like he would need another session to get rid of the new stress.

[michelle-is-writing]

Quit, Ben Hardy

I literally could not find a gif to fit this imagine

Word Count: 1.6k~

Going through baby pictures of your fiancé with your mother-in-law is always a cute trope used in movies; however, what no one realizes is that this is something that you want to happen. Whether it be pictures or memorabilia, the things of the past are always interesting - and thankfully, my mother-in-law doesn’t mind explaining everything.

"And this is one of his first-ever cleats we got him for soccer," Ben's mom states, holding up a tiny, slightly muddy shoe with bright green laces that have lost a majority of their brightness. With a laugh, she puts it back in the box with many of his other childhood trinkets. "He lost the other one - he was clumsy as a tot."

Laughing, I nod at her, being able to see Ben as a stumbling toddler with a permanent smile on his face. Looking at the photo book in my hands, the image in my mind doesn't seem too far off as many of the pictures show a tiny blond Ben, running around with the biggest toothless grin on his face.

"He was so adorable as a kid," I point out, watching as Ben's mom moves closer to look at the pictures with me. Flipping to another sheet, I find a few images of him barely a year old with rosy red cheeks and the same bright smile as before. "He had the cutest cheeks then too."

"He had the cutest and chubbiest cheeks!" The happy woman beside me exclaims, hugging my arm as she looks over my shoulder. "Oh, he was the cutest baby," She further adds, flipping to the next page of pictures as she turns to smile at me. "Maybe you and Ben will have children with those same cute, chubby cheeks."

Her words make me blush and smile as I turn my attention back to the pages of memories in front of me to avoid her pointing my red cheeks out. I have to be honest and say that I wasn't expecting to find a great man like Ben, but I would have never thought I'd have a great mother-in-law like Ben's mom as well. She has always made an effort to get to know me and be kind to me, making me feel special every time I see her. Today, Ben's dad needed help with something in the garden, so, that left his mom and me to go over all of his childhood pictures.

After a few more pages of his young pictures, we come across his photos as a teenager. "I never liked the nasty habit he picked up," Ben's mom states, pointing at a picture of Ben in his later teenage years with a lit cigarette in hand. "I kept telling him it would ruin his teeth and skin, but he wouldn't listen to me," Looking over at her, I see her eyebrows furrow together in thought. "Now that I think about it, I haven't seen him smoke in a while."

Pondering her words, I find myself thinking the same thing. Other than the times that Ben is away, we're pretty much always together, and I haven't seen him with a cigarette in a while either. The last time I remember him smoking was on our second date with each other.

The restaurant was a lovely Italian restaurant with an outdoor balcony to eat on. Since all of the tables inside were taken up, Ben and I were left to eat out there which wasn't an issue. The weather was nice for once, the occasional breeze keeping everything the perfect weather. Plus, the lit candles on the tables combined with the dark sky above us made it feel like a true, romantic date.

After eating our food and joking around with each other, Ben pulled out a cigarette and his lighter from his jacket pocket. "Do you mind if I have one?" He asked, putting it to his lips with a pause. With it being our second date, I didn't want to take the chance of ruining our forming relationship, so, I shook my head with the smile I had on before. I wasn’t bothered by it.

Only a few seconds later, after he began smoking, I began to cough. I guess since I wasn't used to the smoke, my lungs did the only thing they could which was to expel the air as quickly as they could. My sudden coughing fit concerned Ben, and within an instant, he was making sure I was alright.

"Are you okay?" Ben asked, putting the cigarette out on the ground beside his chair. Nodding my head despite my current predicament, I waved my hand as my other came up to cover my mouth.

"Yes," I said in between coughs. "I'm fine," I assured Ben, only to cough even more after that. Still concerned, he watched me with worried eyes until I stopped coughing, finally able to form a full sentence.

"I'm sorry," I apologized, staring down at the table as a dark red blush invaded my cheeks from embarrassment. "I guess my allergies started up all of a sudden," I suggested, scared Ben would think I was pretending to have an adverse reaction to his cigarette. "Again, I'm sorry," I apologized once more, shaking my head as I turned back up to see Ben still staring at me with concern.

"Don’t be sorry. Are you sure you're okay?" He asked, slowly nodding his head with every word. Despite me nodding my head 'yes,' he still pressed on. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Ben," I told him, reaching the hand I didn't cough into over to his on the table. I watched a twinge of a smile appear on his lips at the action, only to disappear at the reminder of my coughing fit. "Let's just continue with the night, yeah?"

And we did. We had dessert together, talked a bit more, and bid each other goodnight at my apartment door, only for Ben to come in with me after a few seconds of me debating with myself. In my tiny flat's living room, we talked a bit more and fell asleep early in the morning, holding each other on my uncomfortable couch as I nearly laid on top of Ben.

Ever since that night, I haven't seen Ben pick up a single cigarette, and I wonder why.

Once Ben's mom and I finish putting all of the memorabilia filled boxes back in her closet, he and his father walk in from the backyard, both covered in sweat. "Hello, love," Ben greets me, taking the chance to pull me close to him and pepper my face with kisses.

"Ben!" I shout his name, cringing at the grossness of his dirt-covered body being squished against mine. However, my disgust is quickly wiped away once my eyes catch Ben's smirk as he presses his face into my neck. He's enjoying every bit of this.

"Don't even think about it." I hear Ben's mom say beside me as Ben's dad moves in to do the same thing with her. The sight of her holding her hand up at him in response to him wanting to embrace her makes me laugh. Meanwhile, Ben somehow manages to press himself even closer to my body, causing me to laugh even louder. Needless to say, I know we both are going to end up in the shower as soon as we get home.

Sure enough, the minute we get back to our house, Ben practically rips our clothes off before clambering into the shower with me following after him. It isn't long until I feel Ben wrap his arms around me from behind, the warm water from the shower head sprinkling down on us.

"Even though you were inside with my mum the entire time," Ben begins, leaning down to nuzzle his face into my soaking wet hair. "I still missed you."

Smiling, I turn to face Ben in his arms and wrap my arms around his neck, my question from earlier coming to mind as I do so. "Hey, Ben," I murmur his name, my fingers combing through the wet locks of his hair. "When we first started dating, you smoked, but I haven't seen you smoke in a long time," I point out, watching as he stares at me curiously. "When'd you quit?"

Looking up, Ben hums in thought. "Uh," He drawls on in thought, giving me a small shrug of his shoulders. "It was... right after we got together, I think," He answers me, gently swaying us in the stream of the shower's warm water. "I just... no longer had the urge to smoke."

"Ben," I say his name again, causing him to look back down at me with a small hum. "You quit on our second date, didn't you?" I ask, watching a smile appear on his lips moments after.

With a nod, he fully answers me. "I didn't want to cause you to have a spell like that again," Ben explains, one of his hands rising up to take my left hand from his neck. "And besides," He begins, his thumb smoothing over the engagement ring he gave me four months ago. "That stupid cigarette box in my pocket was replaced by an even better box that contained my future - a perfect one, at that."

[bobbyseyesmile]

Pride and Passion | 18

Chapter 18

Warnings: mentioning of violence (Simon being Simon I guess)

A/N: it’s a short one, i apologize 🥲

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Simon reached the end of his cigarette and flicked it away as he stared into the distance. He stood atop of the Sanctuary building, eyeing the woods and some highways which were some further away.

The sun began to set and he waited for Negan to come back after being gone for two days, visiting Alexandria again.

It was obvious that the fearless leader of the Saviors had a weak spot for his newest wife- a young and dumb thing, thinking she could make demands and flaunting her attitude in front of everyone. For the love of God, Simon hated her.

That’s why he didn’t understand why Negan acted like a weak ass pussy when it came to that spoiled brat. If it would have been up to Simon to take manners into his own hands, he would have slaughtered the whole town of Alexandria and put a bullet between that set of innocent eyes of Y/N.

Negan always said that people were resources but Rick and his group cost the Saviors more resources than they received- they lost a good bunch of men, weapons and surely the respect of some of the people here. And respect, so Simon thought, was the most important thing.

“Simon!” a man yelled and he turned around, casually putting the riffle on his shoulder. “We’ve found something.”

“I’ll be down in a minute.” He yelled back and started to climb down.

The men still continued to search for Amber, one of the wives who managed to escaped with her former boyfriend. Simon was pissed to learn about their disappearance; it happened under his supervision but at least he was here at the Sanctuary instead of Negan, right? That had to count for something. If the leader wouldn’t leave his people that much on their own, he could manage his shit. And if he wouldn’t have brought Y/N along, the other wife would have never escaped. It was a goddamn mess.

And who was it that had to smooth everything out? Simon.

“Just make me the fucking leader already…” he grumbled to himself and finally reached the other men.

“We found this.” One of the man held a piece of clothing in his hand; a black dress. “Found it on some walker but it’s definitely the dress of a wife, right?”

“Impressive.” Simon raised his eyebrows. “Tried to deceive us with some cheap trick, huh.”

“Maybe the walker was the wife?” Simon turned his head to look at a young soldier who arrived a few months ago.

“Did the rotten lady had some long, blonde hair?” Simon asked in an ironic tone and the younger man quickly shook his head.  “Well then, son, I’m going out on a limb and say it wasn’t Amber, what do you think?”

“No, sir.” The younger one adjusted his posture as well as his weapon and Simon gave him a pitiful look. Young and naïve- the most pathetic mixture there was.

“Good work for today, its getting dark soon, we’ll continue tomorrow.” Simon declared and the other ones nodded their head.

“Should we tell Negan?”

“He isn’t back, yet.”

The soldiers gave each other a quick side glance but Simon saw it and smirked. “Speak your mind, soldier.”

A man with dirty-blonde hair nervously stepped from one foot to another when all eyes were on him. “We just thought… well, isn’t it weird that Negan is so much out these days? He never did that with other communities, he always sent his men.”

“And that young thing by his side? She got a mouth on her. He’d never allow such behavior from the others.” Silent approval went through the round and some nodded their head.

“He literally ironed Dwight’s face, didn’t he?” another one said. “Negan killed for far less and she’s constantly acting up!”

“Yes.” Simon spoke and stroked his beard. The men were right… It wouldn’t take long before others would see it as well, maybe even the workers. And then the Sanctuary would face a riot and that he couldn’t allow. “He’s gone a lot. But I’d say we’re doing a pretty good job, huh? Keeping the Sanctuary smooth and running.” He said and received agreement.

The young soldier suddenly scoffed and had Simons attention once again. “We shouldn’t question the leader!”

Simon started laughing and the others joined when he turned towards them, gesturing towards their young comrade. “Look at him! Speaking out like that? You’ve got some balls, young man. I appreciate that.”

The young one swallowed when Simon took a step closer, staring into dark, cold eyes. “You’re right- we shouldn’t question Negan.” He relaxed when Simon gave him a pat on the shoulder. “But Negan’s not here.” A single shot echoed through the air.

The other ones took a step back when the body of their younger colleague dropped to the floor, a gaping hole in the middle of his face.

“Gentlemen-“ Simon spoke and put his gun back into its holster “This is going to be our little secret, understood?”

The soldiers quickly nodded their heads and Simon slapped his hands together, grinning from ear to ear. “Splendid! Hard enough to keep everything else at bay and our people safe with Negan gone. It’s our duty to keep everything under control, we don’t need some little rat to run his mouth by the leader, right?”

“Right.” The man with the dirty-blonde hair spoke and the others agreed as well.

“Great. Get to your stations for the night-“ Simon looked down to the dead body to his feet “And clean that up.”

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[hoes4dylanobrien]

It’s Just A Cigarette | 2

WARNINGS: swearing, non-consensual flashing

word count: 1,753

tag list: @roxic93​

The PATH train soon arrived at Penn Station. You picked up your things and followed behind everyone else up the escalator. No sooner had you landed on the second floor and Colin was calling you. 

FaceTime, to be specific. 

You found a slightly secluded corner in the dark and dingy space that was Penn Station, only having a split second longer to check your appearance before hitting ‘accept’. The familiar chime rung out, muted by the hustle and bustle around you. 

‘Hey, Marnie-” he paused, sunglasses eclipsing those brown eyes you loved so much, his expression impassive. You weren’t sure if it was because he froze, or he wasn’t all that glad to see you after all. 

“Hi, Colin!” Okay, tone down the excitement a little, you said to yourself. “Can, can you hear me?” 

As you picked up on movement around him, you realized he hadn’t frozen, but that he was walking. “Yeah, I can hear you. I’m on my way to you - don’t leave the station.” 

“I haven’t. I won’t,” you glanced up as someone jostled you. “Where are you in the station? I’m about the cross to 33rd in a sec,” he lifted his head for a moment. At this angle, you could see him squinting at something. Unintentionally, he was giving you an opportunity to admire him without his knowledge. He looked good. 

Really good. 

Similar to the Instagram photos, he’d dyed his hair blond, no longer sporting the dark brown hair you were accustomed to. He’d also grown a beard, packed on some muscle (while still keeping his lean frame), and had at least a few tattoos from what you could make up racing up and down his arm. You didn’t want to be there when your parents reacted to that particular news. As your mom always said, hair could grow back, but tattoos... 

“Marnie. Where are you?” Colin was speaking to you again, sounding firm. Shoot, had you spaced out? He was always prone to impatience on the best of days. “I’m, uh,” you glanced up, seeing a familiar red restaurant sign a few steps away. “I’m near TGIF. Do you need me to go somewhere specific?” 

“No,” he was quick to say. “I know where that is. Stay put.” 

And so you did, feeling your stomach rumble, the delicious smell of cheese and oregano wafting from the lasagna. So much for putting on perfume - you’d smell like pasta now! 

A short few minutes later, you spotted Colin coming down the escalator, having finally removed his shades. If you thought he looked good before, that was no match for how he looked now, in the flesh, striding toward you with purpose. You felt awkward again, and a little strange in your new get up. Sure, you’d toned it down, but what if he saw right through you?

“Hey,” he said in a low voice, pulling you into him for a warm hug without hesitation. You sunk into his embrace all too willingly, forgetting to play hard to get. He smelled as good as he looked, a combination of his usual mint gum and woodsy aftershave, and something new that was slightly bitter but not unpleasant, exactly. He didn’t smell like weed, for once, which you’d smelled enough on him to know what that particular scent was.

He pulled away to get a good look at you, whistling appreciatively. “Damn, baby girl. You grown!” 

You blushed at the nickname, perking up at his words but trying to play it off. “Thanks, I guess?” You laughed together. His attention was quickly diverted to what sat on top of your backpack at your side, thick dark brows rising. “Don’t tell me-”

“Yep. Mom brought it for you, said if you wouldn’t come to us she’d bring a piece of home to you. So hope you’re hungry - it’s enough to feed a small army.” He picked it up, lifting the tin foil to smell the aroma, groaning. “Shit, I missed that.”

You noticed he hadn't commented on his lack of home presence but knowing Colin’s one-track mind when it came to food it might’ve gone over his head. 

“Sorry, no utensils,” you said when it looked like he was considering going without to grab a bite. “Guess we’ll have to eat it when we get back to your place.” 

“Guess so,” he looked slightly saddened, covering it back up. It was pretty adorable. 

“And where is your place, anyway? I know it’s downtown, but-”

“East village,” he supplied, perking back up. “Can’t wait to show you around. Come on, let’s get out of here. Only so much of this shit stain I can take.” You followed him out of the station, needing to take a separate subway line down to get to the Village.  He adorned his sunglasses again, asking if you needed help with any of your things. 

“No, I got it. But thank you.”

You happened to step onto the platform right when the train came, Colin herding you onto it and bringing up the rear. It was pretty crowded, but he managed to find a seat. “You have it,” he said, leaning against the nearby doors. The ones you’re not supposed to lean on, but everyone did. 

“Thanks.” The doors shut and you were off, swaying a little as you got used to the speed and sudden stops. A few stops later, you heard a man start moaning a few seats down, and you made the mistake of looking. It was a homeless man, hands moving below his pants. There was little question as to what he was up to, the passengers around him edging away or leaving altogether. Your cheeks reddened, feeling an awkward, gross feeling. Why did some people feel the need to do things like this, you wondered to yourself. This was exactly the sort of thing your dad always warned you about. 

You turned to glance toward Colin, wondering if he’d taken notice, or if he was phased out by this point. To your alarm, he wasn’t standing against the doors anymore, an older lady having replaced him. You panicked a little internally, then felt a hand land on your shoulder. 

“’M right here,” Colin said, now moving into view. “Lost my spot. That’s what you get for moving out of the way, huh?” 

You smiled thankfully, knowing he did it so you didn’t have to see the man exposing himself on the subway. 

You might’ve wanted to mention it, but the station you got off was even busier than 34th and herald. “Keep close here,” Colin said, leading you up the stairs and to the 6 line. “Matter of fact,” he took your hand in his, threading your fingers through. If you thought your face was red before...

“Just til’ we get on the train. Then you can pretend you don’t know me,” he joked. You didn’t bother with a response since he would’ve been able to smell the insincerity from a mile away. Your hands tingled, you wishing the moment could last forever. 

The wait for this train was a little longer, and people packed in the platform. You barely got a space to stand, shoved somewhere up against the elevator in front of Colin, who towered above you. “Please tell me this one’s shorter?” You break the silence. 

Colin nodded. “Yeah, just one stop. We could walk it but I’m beat and honestly I don’t think the lasagna would make it. Some asshole wouldn’t be looking where he was going, and it’d fall, and then I’d be throwing hands over pasta and I don’t really wanna do that today.” 

You sniggered. You forgot about his excellent sense of humor. “Good point, better not take the risk.” 

“Mhm.” He hummed, closing his eyes and knocking his head back against the brick wall. His hand tightened reflexively around yours, making another tingle race up your spine. You spotted a couple leaned against one another nearby and wondered if others looked at you and Colin and saw something similar. If they didn’t know you, would they take you as a couple? He hadn’t removed his hand, after all; you wondered if that meant something, or if he’d just not realized. 

The last train was as short as promised. You followed the swarm of people up the staircase to Astor Place, single file. He’d finally dropped your hand. 

“So you’re gonna wanna hang a left first, and head straight.” Colin explained, since you were taking the steps in front of him. You turned to glance back, finding his eye line dart up to yours. You blushed at the idea of him possibly checking you out. 

As you walked, you admired the scenery. “This is a great area,” you commented. Buildings were a little less tall in parts here compared to midtown, but with lots to do. There were a good mix of fine dining, student hang outs, shopping, and bars. You even heard live music not too far off. All of this was at his fingertips; you were jealous. 

“Yeah,” he agreed. “It’s pretty dope not needing to drive everywhere to do anything. Oh wait, stop right there.” You halted, turning to him in question. He’d pulled out his phone from his sweats, fiddling with it before holding it up. “Come here, let’s take a photo. We’re in perfect shot of the Empire State Building and the lighting is fire.” 

You pat down your hair, angling your body in the most appealing way. Colin’s aftershave washed over you once more as he leaned in to snap the pic. “Nice.” You looked with him. 

“Someone photobombed,” you lamented at the passing bald man. 

Colin laughed. “Better than the first take.” A similar photo appeared, this time with someone scowling and flipping you off. “Gotta love New Yorkers.” 

“I guess.” 

Colin checked his watch, a metallic one that you hadn’t seen before. It looked expensive, and you wondered how he paid for it. As far as you knew, he wasn’t working. “Shit, we’re runnin’ late.” 

“Late?” You asked. “For what? I thought we were just going to your apartment?” 

“We are.” Colin grinned cheekily. “I invited some friends over to meet you and hang out, hope that’s cool. It’ll be pretty low-key.” 

“Oh, no problem. I was hoping to meet your college friends while I was here.” You weren’t lying. You were looking forward to meeting the people who spent so much time with the new Colin. You only hoped they would like you. 

[retroactiive]

tailliqhts​:

grin tugs at either side of dimpled cheeks, now warm at his words. redness is typically reserved for when she needs to play up the innocent act she puts on so well in front of the people that paid her rent. with miles it’s natural and the feeling is enough to keep her from jumping ship as she’s accustomed to. “i knew it, you just like your women dirty.” coy quip is effortless, and hopeful eyes follow his movements leading up to the acceptance she’d been waiting for. disappointment from the space created is evident, yet she finds herself admiring his physique at a bit of distance. lower lip is taken between whitened teeth, head tilting in an effort to make her staring obvious. there’s so much to like about him on the inside, but his visual is something she relishes in when she can. slow steps towards him bridge the gap and fingertips glide up the definition of his arm until they reach his shoulder, to the side of his neck then gently up to grasp his chin. “you look so good right now, m. if i didn’t have to race tomorrow…” sultry tone trails off as wandering hues land on his lips, unable to fight the temptation to meet them with her own. familiar rush floods ignited cells and despite her need to deepen the kiss, she pulls away after a moment. “let’s get to it then, hmm?” steps away almost as if the exchange never happened, blonde pushing it out of her center of attention to focus in the task at hand. //continued from here with @retroactiive

---

“ or maybe i just like the idea of you as my woman, “ miles quickly retorts over his shoulders as his shirt and jacket are hung up to make sure that he wouldn’t be getting them dirty. when he feels her hand moving to touch over his arm, then his shoulder, then his neck and chin, he can’t help but smile delightfully. his eyes lock on hers, and it’s obvious that he’s completely into whatever ideas are inside of her mind. he reaches a hand out towards her hip, pulling willa closer to him so that there was next to no space in between them. “ yea, i definitely know the feeling. guess i’ll have to be on my best game, so we can get this done with some time to spare. “ leaning forward, his nose nuzzles against hers, teasing her back with the prospect of a kiss. he’s perfectly comfortable with this lack of space between them. he lets her think about what is going to happen next, but he doesn’t kiss her. instead, he slips past her and he starts to get down next to her wheel well to see how much more work needed to be done on her coilover install. “ how much have you done already? you crack a coil or are you installing some new ones to get a leg up on tomorrow’s race? “ miles wasn’t racing the next day, because he was waiting on a new blowoff valve on his car. his being stuck shut meant he could blow his turbo if he pushed it too hard. which meant supporting her didn’t conflict with his own need to win. 

grin tugs at either side of dimpled cheeks, now warm at his words. redness is typically reserved for when she needs to play up the innocent act she puts on so well in front of the people that paid her rent. with miles it's natural and the feeling is enough to keep her from jumping ship as she's accustomed to. "i knew it, you just like your women dirty." coy quip is effortless, and hopeful eyes follow his movements leading up to the acceptance she'd been waiting for. disappointment from the space created is evident, yet she finds herself admiring his physique at a bit of distance. lower lip is taken between whitened teeth, head tilting in an effort to make her staring obvious. there's so much to like about him on the inside, but his visual is something she relishes in when she can. slow steps towards him bridge the gap and fingertips glide up the definition of his arm until they reach his shoulder, to the side of his neck then gently up to grasp his chin. "you look so good right now, m. if i didn't have to race tomorrow..." sultry tone trails off as wandering hues land on his lips, unable to fight the temptation to meet them with her own. familiar rush floods ignited cells and despite her need to deepen the kiss, she pulls away after a moment. "let's get to it then, hmm?" steps away almost as if the exchange never happened, blinde pushing it out of her center of attention to focus in the task at hand. //continued from here with @retroactiive

[wrenqueenisboss]

DSMP x gn!reader heacanons (reader with bad sleep schedule)

Them reacting to you having a really shitty sleep schedule. Warnings: cursing (mild), mentions of wounds, showed cuts, cleaning on injuries (tell me if I forget anything, please)

Dream:

(you and dream live together in Florida (without Sapnap))

Dream had been in a call with Sapnap and George for hours and it was 2 am at this point

he had been screaming/shouting and laughing so consistently you had developed a headache (another reason it was difficult to sleep)

he had recently broken another speedrun world record so he was celebrating with his besties 

you hadn’t gone to bed yet because you knew you wouldn’t be able to sleep without your boyfriend there

(both you and Dream really like cuddles. neither of you can sleep well without the other)

so you stayed on the couch, scrolling through twitter on your phone as you laid down

Finally, you heard Dream end his call, saying goodbye to his friends. His door creaked the slightest bit as he opened and closed it

Dream was so shocked to find you sitting on the couch at this hour. he was concerned too

“Babe? You’re still awake?”

you chuckled. “obviously”

he walked over to you and cuddled into your side. “You should be asleep. It’s late.” his voice was slightly muffled because of how he had his head nuzzled into your neck

“I couldn’t sleep without you there,” you mumbled, running your hand through his soft blond hair

Dream suddenly felt guilty “staying up this late really isn’t good for you. But if it helps you get to sleep, I’ll go to sleep earlier too”

you hummed happily before falling asleep cuddling your boyfriend

you were so tired you didn’t realize Dream had picked you up bridal style and taken you to your guys’ bed

Sapnap:

(you guys are in different houses for this) (he’s streaming and is also on a discord call with Karl and Quackity)

he was streaming at 2:30 in the morning when he got a random text from you “hi :) ,” it said

He rolled his eyes affectionately before responding “it’s late, idiot” “go to bed”

you sent back “I can’t” 

Sapnap looked back over at his stream. The chat was spamming questions on who he could be texting that would make him smile like that

finally, Karl from the discord call noticed how quiet Sapnap was being

“Sap? is everything okay?”

Sapnap looked up. “Oh yeah. I’m fine. I was just texting someone.”

“Who?” Quackity asked?

Sapnap made sure to mute on stream. “My partner.”

Karl and Quackity were shocked.

don’t worry, you and Sapnap had discussed that you were okay with his friends knowing about your relationship, but you wanted to keep it off stream and private

“You never told us you had a partner!” Karl said, happily.

“Well, I do. And they desperately want my attention, so I think I’m gonna end stream.”

“nooooo!” Karl and Quackity said dramatically in unison. “Your partner is evil, taking you away from us!”

Sapnap laughed then unmuted, giving an excuse before he ended stream to FaceTime you

George:

(you live in Brighton with George) (the internet knows you guys are dating. They ship you so much)

George was in a discord call (without camera on) at a pretty reasonable time, but you were exhausted

you hadn’t gotten more than four hours of sleep in the past three days

Wanting to be near George you just walked into his room

he whipped his head around, surprised by the sudden noise of you opening his door

he took one look at your tired face and asked “are you okay?”

You laughed. “No, not at all. My sleep schedule is shitty and I feel like shit. I haven’t gotten proper sleep in three days”

George winced.

Sapnap and Dream screamed hellos into George’s headphones which made him take them off with a grimace

He unplugged his headphones and you heard your boyfriend’s friends’ greetings

you unenthusiastically waved before speaking in a tired voice “I’m taking your best friend. He’s needed for Cuddle Duty”

George smiled and shook his head playfully as his friends shouted in protest

“no!” dream shouted. “He’s-” he wheezed like a broken tea kettle “he’s my boyfriend” (George rolled his eyes at that)

Sapnap yelled, “don’t take him!!!! you’re a best friend stealer, Y/n! Shame on you!”

You frowned with mock malice. “Well, suck it up. ‘Cause I’m taking him.”

George actually laughed at that. “I guess that’s it. Bye, guys! I’m gonna help Y/n finally get some good sleep.”

Wilbur:

Wilbur was doing a YLYL stream when he needed to go get a glass of water

keep in mind, it was sorta late. Like, midnight.

so he walked into his kitchen only to find you snacking on some popcorn (potato chips for my friends with braces ;] )

he looks at you with fond sadness “my love, why aren’t you asleep?”

you look up at him with a sheepish smile “Will, you know I have a very shitty sleep schedule. I’m not gonna sleep tonight, I don’t think.”

Wilbur frowned. “I think not!” he said, moving to hug you from behind

he rested his head on your shoulder, breathing in your scent

“we’re gonna go to bed,” he mumbles. “It’s late”

“Uh... not really,” you said. “midnight isn’t that late. And plus, you’re streaming.”

Wilbur frowned again, remembering his stream 

“Oh yeah, my stream. That’s fine, I’ll just end it early. Laugh at a couple videos to make the perfect excuse.”

“That’s actually... a good idea.”

“Why do you sound so surprised, Y/n?”

You just chuckled and gently pushed yourself off from the counter, prompting Wilbur to let go of you and step back

You walked to your shared bedroom to get in bed

As you tucked yourself into bed, you finally realized just how tired you were. Your eyelids began to close as you were lulled into sleep by the sounds of your boyfriend’s laughter next door.

c!Technoblade:

he was just coming back from a patrol (protecting your guys’ home) pretty late at night when he saw you brewing potions at your desk

because it was so late, you had several lanterns lit around your workspace so you could read the tomes and instructions that you needed

Tech honestly didn’t expect you to be up this late

The voices (who love you) immediately erupt with concern

‘are they okay?’ ‘why aren’t they asleep?’ ‘are they hurt?’ ‘if someone hurt them... blood for the blood god’ ‘they look so tired’

Techno dropped his weapons in one of his chests then began to undo his armor

Noticing his presence, you dropped what you were doing and hastily walked over to him

“Let me help you,” you murmured as your fingers undid the buckles and clasps of his armor one by one

He thanked you when the armor was stored away as well, taking some more time to examine you

your sleep-lidded eyes had dark circles under them. Your movements weren’t as precise as normal, and to put it plain and simple, you looked exhausted.

“My love,” techno prompted, gently tilting your head up to get a better look at your eyes and face. “is everything alright?”

you huffed. “not really. I can’t sleep anymore and it’s really getting to me. It’s making me so clumsy.”

Technoblade’s shook as he chuckled. “I could tell. I’m surprised you didn’t knock into table on your way over to me.” It was true. On your way over to help him with his armor, you nearly ran your knee right into the heavy coffee table in the living room

You rolled your eyes and pointed at your work table. The desk that was usually so neat and organized now looked like a mini tornado had ransacked it

“The exhaustion has me so clumsy I broke a glass. I made a mess trying to clean it up, too.” 

You raise up your arms to show him the cuts on your hands and arms. There was some dried blood on your arms as well.

The Voices in Techno’s head once again exploded with comments of concern. He takes your hands in his, gently brushing his callused fingers over your wounds.

“I’ll help you clean these up and then we’ll get to bed, okay?” He pressed a gentle kiss to your lips 

“okay”

and you do just that

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