#i have literally been thinking about this for the past half hour

[fourth-wing-stories]

Playing with fire

Pairing: Ridoc x reader

Summary: Ridoc is always a tease, but what happens if you go along with it?

Masterlist

You’re sitting cross-legged on your bed, fingers absently running through the pages of a book you’re not really reading. Ridoc is sprawled out at the foot of your bed, half hanging off the edge like he doesn’t have a care in the world. He’s been making snarky comments and joking with you for the past hour, and you’ve been giving it right back.

He glances up from where he’s lying, his usual smirk playing at his lips. "You know, I’m starting to think you’re avoiding me."

You raise an eyebrow without looking up from your book. "Avoiding you? I see you literally every day, Ridoc."

"Yeah, but that doesn’t mean you're giving me the attention I deserve." His voice dips, that mock-serious tone he always uses when he’s messing with you, and it pulls a reluctant smile to your lips.

"You’re so needy," you mutter, flipping a page.

Ridoc laughs, deep and low, pushing himself up on his elbows. “Needy? Oh no, love. I think you are. I see the way you look at me.”

You finally glance at him over the top of your book, pretending to be unimpressed. “You’re delusional.”

He crawls toward you, a mischievous glint in his eyes, and the air between you shifts just slightly. You can tell he’s up to something, but you can’t help leaning into it, drawn in by that infuriating charm of his.

Ridoc’s voice softens as he gets closer, hovering just inches away. “You sure about that? ‘Cause I can see right through you. You’re practically begging for me to make a move.”

You roll your eyes but feel a flicker of heat in your chest at how close he is, the way his breath fans lightly against your skin. “Begging, huh? Someone’s got an ego.”

He grins, and before you can react, he leans in just a little more, his lips brushing against your ear. “Come on. Admit it,” he murmurs. “You’ve been thinking about this… about me… just like I’ve been thinking about you.”

Your heart skips a beat, and for a split second, you’re caught in the moment. But then you snap out of it, biting back a smile as you push him back lightly. “Dream on, Ridoc.”

His eyes widen, clearly surprised that you didn’t just brush him off like usual. “Wait—hold up. Did you just—did you actually consider that?”

You give him a small smirk, leaning back on your hands. “I don’t know, did I?”

Ridoc blinks at you, completely thrown off his game now. “Oh, this is dangerous territory, love.”

“Is it?” you ask, your voice dripping with challenge.

He looks at you, eyes narrowing, like he’s trying to figure out if you’re serious or just messing with him. “You’re playing with fire,” he warns, though the teasing edge is still there in his voice.

You lean in, just enough to make it clear you’re not backing down. “And what if I am? Think you can handle it?”

Ridoc swallows, his smirk faltering just a little, and you can practically see the wheels turning in his head. This is new, this shift between the two of you, and he doesn’t quite know how to navigate it.

Then, after a beat of silence, Ridoc’s expression softens into something more genuine, his usual cockiness fading for just a moment. “You don’t get it, do you?” he says quietly, his hand reaching up to brush a strand of hair from your face. “If you keep teasing me like this… one day, I’m not gonna be able to stop myself.”

The way he says it makes your breath catch, and for a moment, you’re not sure if you’re still in control of the game you started. But you don’t let that show. Instead, you tilt your head, offering him a slow, knowing smile.

“Well then,” you whisper, leaning in close enough that your lips almost touch his, “maybe I’m counting on that.”

Ridoc’s breath hitches, and for a split second, it feels like the world’s about to tip over. You can feel the tension crackling between you, the charged silence, the weight of everything unsaid but understood in the way he looks at you like he’s seconds away from crossing that line.

But just as you’re about to close the distance, you pull back, sitting up straight and grabbing your book again as if nothing happened.

Ridoc stares at you, dumbfounded, his mouth hanging open. “Wait. What the hell just happened?”

You don’t even bother looking at him, your lips curling into a smirk. “What? Were you expecting something else?”

He throws his head back with a groan, running a hand through his hair. “You’re evil. Pure evil.”

“Am I?” You shrug innocently. “Maybe you’re just easy to mess with.”

Ridoc narrows his eyes, scooting closer again, but this time the playfulness is edged with something darker, more intent. “Oh, love, I’m gonna get you back for that. Just wait.”

“Promises, promises,” you tease, glancing at him out of the corner of your eye.

Ridoc chuckles, shaking his head. “You won’t be laughing for long. I’ll make sure of that.”

You bite your lip to hide the smile threatening to break through. He’s still Ridoc, still playful and lighthearted, but you can tell that you’ve pushed him just far enough. Now, it’s only a matter of time before he follows through on that unspoken challenge you’ve set up between you.

And you’re already looking forward to it.

[a-pute11as]

ibiza holiday - leila ouahabi & misa rodríguez

word count - 8.8k | summary - laia convinces her bestfriend that a group holiday with her friends would be a good idea, yet previous encounters lead to some interesting experiences. leila x misa x reader.

MDNI 18 + - 18+ themes, basically smut but not smut, probably an incredibly unrealistic holiday set up

“nenaaaa, come on it’ll be fun!” laia whined as she tugged on your shirt for a second time. the two of you were sitting in your shared apartment, having just finished training, you were trying to relax but clearly laia had other ideas. 

for the past few hours she had been trying to convince you to say yes to a girls' holiday to ibiza in the off-season, a tradition that had been going on for years between her and her friends and yet somehow you’d been invited, even when you barely knew anyone who was going.

you and laia had become inseparable incredibly quickly. the two of you had previous connections before laia made her move to arsenal, being invited to celebrate the champions league win with kiera and lucy meant you got to know a few of the barca girls over some dancing, a lot of drinks and a hangover breakfast. 

“laia these are your friends, not mine, you can’t just invite me because you’ll ‘miss’ me for a few weeks” you used finger quotes around the word ‘miss’, clearly emphasising how dramatic laia had been in her previous convincing. 

“no no, the girls invited you, you must’ve made a good impression on them” she said, wiggling her eyebrows as she spoke. 

“wait, which girls?” you asked hesitantly, narrowing your eyes in her direction.

“espera déjame pensar” she dazed off for a minute, using her hands to count the players before speaking the list aloud, “there is alexia, jenni, leila and misa” she smiled. (wait let me think)

“jesus that’s a lot of people, i barely know any of them” you shook your head firmly, her convincing clearly not working.

“joder, if alexia putellas asks you to go on holiday you do not say no!” laia tutted, shaking her head the same way you just did. 

you thought for a minute as your mind went through the list of people, “wait, you said leila?” you asked curiously, now considering the offer slightly more than before. 

“si, maybe she is the one who asked for you eh” a smirk flashing across her face as she teased you. 

“shut up asshole” you muttered, “i was just making sure i heard you right”. 

“do not lie english woman, you are thinking about when you fucked her at my birthday party!” she accused, pointing her finger at you.

you smacked her hand down, “it was literally just a kiss codi, and you were the one who wanted to set us up!” you accused back.

“only because both of you kept talking about finding each other attractive and i didn’t want to hear any more” she defended, the two of you half-shouting at each other as you spoke. 

you settled in your chair and folded your arms across your chest, “i have no regrets, anyways why is misa coming? i thought this was a barca thing?. 

“hm more like a spain thing, you haven’t met misa before right?” she questioned.

“well we have a little bit, it was weird, obviously i was trying to score but she kept saying things like ‘vale princesa’ or would touch my waist and my back during corners, or there would be really intense eye contact, even at the end of the game she came and talked to me and said it again” you explained, “and lucy said she was looking me up and down but i don’t really believe her”.

you watched as laia’s smirk reappeared, “esto es clasico misa, she wants you”.

“what?” your eyes widened in shock, “that’s not true” you shook your head adamantly. 

“si, i know what she’s like, no wonder she was asking questions about you the last time i saw her”

“the night of the game she followed me on instagram and then liked a picture from 6 months ago and obviously unliked it, but she always likes my pictures now, sometimes she even comments” you shrugged. 

laia laughed at your oblivion, “you’re joking right?”, you shook your head, “nena you cannot be serious, she’s coming after you”.

“maybe she wants to be friends” you were trying to play the devil’s advocate, but you knew the heart eyes, the ‘guapaaaa’ or the ‘quiero’ she had commented on your instagram posts probably weren’t the friendliest. 

“ah si si, friends with benefits” she winked before getting up and disappearing to her bedroom, leaving you sitting on the sofa contemplating the choice you had to make. 

it wasn’t long before you heard multiple spanish voices coming from laia’s room, presumably the same ones you had just been talking about. whilst laia has been teaching you spanish throughout your time of living together, the words were far too fast for you to possibly translate.

pushing that to the back of your mind you made your way to the kitchen to prepare dinner for the two of you, you had your music on and were practically dancing around the kitchen as you cooked.

you spun round to see laia holding her phone in your direction, laughter spilling out of her mouth, immediately stopping in your tracks you nearly dropped the bowl in your hand. 

“baila bebe baila” a voice from her phone shouted, your face flushing red immediately as the others cheered along. 

“laia i fucking hate you” you stuck up your middle finger with your free hand before turning back to the dinner you were half way through. 

“now she won’t say yes to coming with us” a familiar voice echoed from the phone. 

she made her way over to you, putting her phone on the counter against the wall so you were now in the frame and unable to avoid it. you were met with the faces of alexia, jenni, misa and leila who were beaming in your direction. 

“hola chica, what are you making?” jenni spoke, a grin covering her face. you had met jenni a few times, mostly on an international stage but a few times at mutual friends birthday celebrations. 

“laia asked for pasta so i made it with chicken and mozzarella” you shared her smile as you continued stirring the pasta. 

“ahh so you’re wifey material then” misa smirked causing you to go slightly flustered. 

“deja de coquetear con ella” leila responded to misa before turning her attention to you, “how are you carino? it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other”. (stop flirting with her)

“i’m good, very excited to have some time off soon” you answered, “how are you?”

“very good too, are you going to join us on the trip?” she asked, a twinkle in her eye as she spoke. 

“joder, you were meant to let alexia ask” laia interrupted, rolling her eyes.

“laia are you trying to intimidate me into saying yes?” you questioned, raising an eyebrow as you faced her. 

she held her hand to her heart as she mocked pain, “nena i would never do that to you”.

“do not lie to her, she wanted me to ask you because she thinks you would be more likely to say yes” alexia explained, you reached over slapping laia on the arm as she tried and failed to move out of your reach. 

“you’re an asshole, codi” rolling your eyes at her, as you began plating dinner for the two of you. 

“si ella es pero, what is your answer?” alexia asked, smiling sweetly whilst her eyes felt like they were staring into your soul, the power the best player in the world had even off the pitch was crazy. 

you ran your hand through your hair as you stood thinking about the offer, it was dead silent and you could feel every set of eyes on you as you tried as quickly as you could to weigh out the pros and cons, but in reality, what's the worst that could happen?

“well i guess if it’s okay with you guys i’d be down for it” you said causally, maybe a part of you was actually quite excited about it.

the spaniards erupted with cheers as laia wrapped her arms around you, picking you up and spinning you around as she cheered, “buena elección mi mejor amiga”. (good choice my best friend)

you laughed as she continued spinning you around, clearly very happy that you had given into her persuasion tactic of getting alexia to ask you. she put you down after a minute or two, picking up the phone and running back into her bedroom as you set the table for the two of you. 

sitting down, you began eating as you waited for laia who seemed to be saying goodbye to her friends when your phone lit up. 

instagram notification - marisabel_rguez : see you soon princesa 

a small smile automatically appeared on your face as you read her message, your heart beat a little faster as you felt the butterflies dance around your stomach. spending a week with misa wearing little clothing definitely wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, and by the way your thighs tensed together at that thought, you were clearly more excited than you thought. 

your fingers moved quickly as you typed your response, carefully crafting a message that would come off as a little flirty but still casual. 

you : could’ve been sooner if you decided to play in england

satisfied with your response, you turned off your phone and continued eating. laia made her way back out to you, sitting across from you at the table with a smirk.

“why are you making that face” scrunching your nose at the suspicious look she was wearing. 

“nada nada, just this will be very fun” she shrugged, her smirk only growing, “and we are going on the plane with leila and meeting alexia, jenni and misa there”.

you tried to contain your smile as you were reminded that leila was joining you, but laia could read you like a book, “hm sounds fun”.

“oye you’re just going to flirt with all my friends whilst we are there and forget about me” she huffed, shaking her head as if she wasn’t the one who has encouraged it multiple times over the course of your friendship. 

“don’t be so dramatic, it’s not all of your friends” you rolled your eyes and her dramaticness “just one or two” you mumbled under your breath. 

your phone lit up again, this time a message from leila catching your eyes. 

instagram notification - leilaouahabi : the highlight of this trip will be seeing you in a bikini

before you could verbally react, your cheeks flushed a deep shade of red at her comment, but the thought of seeing her in a bikini too had you clenching your thighs yet again. a feeling that was starting to become far too familiar. 

“you okay nena?” your bestfriend asked, curiously peeking at your phone as her eyes widened slightly at leila’s forwardness. 

“mhm” you nodded as your whole body continued to heat up, “didn’t realise leila was so bold”.

she nodded slowly as she mumbled, “that’s not even the worst i’ve heard from her”

laia’s words piqued your interest, you raised your eyebrow at her words “meaning?”

“let’s say she has used some descriptive words to describe how she feels about you” you were slightly stunned into silence as you began pushing your food around your plate, not in a bad way, your mind had just become very distracted.

you picked up your phone, not leaving much time for her message to simmer before you wanted to reply, probably coming off as slightly desperate. 

you : i’ll pack my best one for you, it won’t be city blue though 

you were about to put the phone done but you immediately saw the three dots appear to indicate she was typing.

instagram notification - leilaouahabi : i don’t think i can manage with arsenal red, it’ll be better idea to just keep it off

slightly choking on the food you were trying to eat, you turned your phone off and flipped it so it was face down on the table. 

“i’m not even going to ask” laia smiled awkwardly as the two of you continued eating, the text leila had sent you in the back of your mind. 

after having 3 breakdowns about packing, 2 last minute trips to the shops for things you forgot and 1 slightly shouting match with laia over where she had put your gym clothes after emptying the washing machine, you were finally on the plane and somehow you had let laia coax you into the middle seat. the seat in between laia and leila. what could go wrong?

with laia fast asleep on one side of you and leila clutching onto your hand at every small jolt of the plane, it was better than expected. you and leila had the opportunity to actually talk to each other away from the football field, the same bold footballer that had told you she’d rather see you naked than in red wasn’t as brave in person, well not when you were 30,000 feet in the air. 

all the netflix movies you had downloaded for your flight became useless as the two of you sat talking about absolutely everything.

“where’s your favourite place?” you asked in an attempt to distract leila, as she turned your hand white from the grip she had on it as the plane went through a slightly bumpy patch. 

“home but in catalonia, not manchester” she clarified with a small anxious smile, her hand now loosening on yours as started brushing her thumb back and forth against your fingers. 

“do you miss being there? it must be difficult to live so far away from your family” you acknowledged, looking down at the patterns she was now drawing on your hand that was relaxing both you and her. 

“si, mucho” she nodded, “but for my career, it made sense to come to manchester, i needed a new challenge, so i couldn’t say no to manchester city”.

“maybe i should’ve tempted you with arsenal” you smirked, your team's rivalry had a way of appearing in every conversation, “you’d look better in red” she looked incredible in everything she wore but when she wore the red kit for spain she looked incredible. 

she shook her head adamantly, “no nena, you would look much better in city blue, it would make the blue in your eyes pop” she winked.

“well you’re going to have to put up with my very very red bikini” you smiled sweetly.

her tongue flicked over her lips as she cocked her head slightly, a smirk appearing on her face “we both know how i feel about that”.

“shut up” your cheeks instantly flushed a deep red colour as leila laughed at your reaction before changing the conversation back to something that was semi-normal. 

the three of you made your way to the villa you’d be staying at for the next few days, laia had offered to drive and of course leila dibs the front seat due to her ‘long legs’ yet you were left in the back to overthink exactly how this holiday was about to play out. 

you were about to spend a lot of time with two incredibly attractive footballers that apparently had the hots for you in very minimal clothing, your mind was racing in every direction possible.

the two girls in the front had spanish tunes blaring, the both of them singing along to the words that you could barely understand, but you couldn’t help but smile at their pure joy. maybe this was a better picture of what your week was going to look like, rather than the intense sexual tension you were imagining. 

“la guiri is here!” jenni cheered as the three of you walked through the door. 

you turned to laia with a questioning look, “oh it’s just a word for like an annoying tourist, but she means it in a loving way” she explained. 

immediately you were enveloped into a hug from jenni, followed by alexia as they greeted you before asking how your flight had been. you’d be lying if you said you were looking around for misa, the real madrid player not being with her friends as you arrived, but you held your questions. 

it didn’t take long for the four of them to naturally switch into spanish, you definitely couldn’t blame them though, they had invited you onto their holiday so the least you could do was let them speak in the way that was most comfortable for them.

“do you know what they’re saying?” you jumped out of your seat slightly as you turned to face the voice. 

it took you a second to register the sight in front of you, looking down at you was misa in what you assumed was her workout clothes which only consisted of a sports bra and shorts. her hair was slightly damp and there was a slight sheen to her tanned skin that made it look like she was glowing. her abs were on full display, and you were unashamedly looking. 

she interrupted your blatant staring with a cough, forcing your eyes back up to hers. “what did you say?” you asked awkwardly, not even apologising for the way you were eye-fucking her. 

“the spanish, do you understand it?” she reiterated, a cocky smirk now plastered onto her face, pleased with the reaction you’d give her.

“nope, laia has only taught me the basics, and they speak so fast so” you shrugged, briefly looking back over at the four friends before meeting misa’s eyes again. 

“so do i get a hug too?” her head tilting slightly as she smiled down at you.

you nodded, matching her smile, standing up as she made her way in front of you. you held your hand out as she pulled you to your feet, your hands then wrapped around her neck whilst hers snaked around your waist and rested on your lower back. 

it was only for a few seconds but you easily relaxed into her arms. her fingers drew circles on the exposed skin of your back making you melt further into her embrace. even after being in the gym, she smelt incredible, you couldn’t help but fall deeper into bliss.

you were interrupted by a whistle, the two of you breaking apart and facing the direction it had come from. jenni, alexia and laia had wide grins on their face whilst leila had a tense look across her face and her arms were crossed against her chest. 

“please do not fuck infront of us” jenni smiled, earning a playful smack from alexia. 

“in misa’s dreams” leila muttered, refusing to make eye contact with you but sending a deathly glare in misa’s direction. 

you were hesitant to question leila’s tone, worried you had misheard what the spaniard had said and somehow created a sense of jealousy in your head, instead opting to go to your assigned room to unpack your things and settle for a bit.

it didn’t take you long to unpack, probably 20 minutes or so, and you were eager to get yourself out into the sun. opting for the bright red bikini you packed, you slipped on your coverup and made your way outside to the pool. as you walked through the house you noticed it had become eerily quiet, none of them were sitting on the sofas as they previously were, yet there was a faint buzz of spanish music coming from the pool. 

slipping out of the doors, you were met with a tanned dark haired woman spread across a sunlonger, dressed in a white bikini that left little to the imagination with the addition of a black cap that presumably was keeping the sun out of her face. as you got closer you noticed the tattoos that were littered along her arms, recognising that they belong to the man city player that had joined you. part of you felt rude for interrupting her when she looked so at peace, it was as if it she was in her natural element, but 

“hola” you hummed, placing your things down on the adjacent sunlounger as you began to take off your coverup. 

she jumped slightly, her alarmed expression switching to a sweet smile as she looked up at you “oye carino you scared me”

you giggled at her response, “where did everyone go?” you asked, laying out your towel before planting yourself on the sunlounger. 

“hm i think they went to the shops for food but i offered to stay with you instead” her smile now turning into a smirk that was somewhat cheeky but also really cheesy.

you rolled your eyes playfully at her words, “how kind of you ouahabi, i’ll remember that next time one of your tackles knocks me off my feet”.

“i’m known for sweeping girls off their feet, sometimes literally” she laughed with a small shrug. 

you knew leila was bold, laia had told you a few stories about the things she’d do on nights out when she first peaked your interest, but you didn’t know just how bold she was until the dm’s she had sent you. you’d be lying if you said you didn’t enjoy this side of her, it was relaxed and cheeky and you liked it a lot. 

a comfortable silence fell amongst the two of you, leila softly singing the tune of the music that was playing from speaker she had placed next to her sunlonger. in your moments of relaxation you had forgotten about applying any form of sun protection on your back, which probably wasn’t the best idea considering the sun that was beating down on you. 

gaining some courage you spoke up, now propping yourself on your elbows, “leila, can you put some suncream on my back? i was going to ask laia but she obviously disappeared”

you could physically see the gulp as her mouth parted slightly, you waited for an answer, one of your eyebrows raising slightly as you questioned her reluctance. “if not it’s okay” you added, worried you had made her somewhat uncomfortable. 

her eyes widened at your words as she sat up quickly, “no no” she cleared her throat, “of course i can, i was just uh.. translating what you said in my head” a nervous smile on her face as her legs moved to the side of her sunlounger signalling you to turn your back to her. 

moving your hair to your shoulder, you shuffled back, handing her the suncream over your shoulder, it took a couple seconds longer than you anticipated for the cool lotion. as her hands met your back a shiver ran down your spine. her hands moved in slow, firm strokes, drawing patterns in a way that was soothing and methodical. you caught your eyes closing for a moment as you were lulled into a state of relaxation. 

reluctantly her hands were removed from your back, forcing your eyes to open in the sad realisation that the moment you were sharing was over. 

“thank you” you mumbled, shuffling yourself until you were laying back on the sunlounger, in your original position. 

as you got comfortable, the only thing on your mind was the feeling of leila’s hands against your skin, to you it felt intimate, as if the two of you had a moment that held some kind of meaning, but her initial hesitance had you questioning if she felt the same. maybe she wasn’t as bold as you initially anticipated. 

some more time passed in which comfortable silence fell back between the two of you, your eyes closed in an attempt to shield yourself from the sun allowing you to relax as much as possible. it wasn’t until you heard shuffling next to you that your eyes peaked open, your eyesight drifted to leila who was now standing at the end of her sunlounger, yet her eyes were firmly planted on you. 

from the corner of your eye, you watched as her eyes travelled up and down your body, her tongue dragging across her bottom lip before catching her lip between her teeth for a second, completely unaware of your eyes on her. the way she looked at you was predatory, you felt as if you were sinking into your chair a little more every second that her eyes were locked onto you. it was as if you were hers to use as she pleased, and you were more than okay with it. 

your eyes finally locked with hers. her eyes instantly widened as if she was a deer in headlights.

“i’m going to cool down in the pool” she spoke, excusing herself quickly before submerging herself in the pool within seconds. 

your gaze was fixed on her as her head popped out of the water, she lifted her hands, fingers sliding through the wet strands in a slow and effortless way, the sunlight reflecting off of her dark hair which made her look as if she was straight from the gods. it had your thighs clenching together for any form of friction. 

you were quickly snapped out of your daze from jenni cannonballing into the pool with a scream, causing a large splash to fly in your direction. 

you let out a sharp gasp, “jesus jenni, im soaked”, water droplets dripping down your half bare body.

“surprised to hear jenni’s name in that sentence and not misa’s or leila’s” laia said, emerging from the doors of the house to the pool area. 

“i hate you so much” you squinted your eyes in her direction, as you wiped the water from your arms. 

“you might as well get in the pool now too” laia laughed, placing her stuff next to you. 

her close proximity was all the invitation you needed. standing up quickly, you wrapped yourself around her, pressing your soaked body against her dry clothes.

“get off asshole” laia half-cried, squirming as she tried to pry your arms off, but she wasn’t quite strong enough.

“nope, this is what you get” you only tightened your grip, rocking her side to side as she continued to struggle.

when she finally stilled, you let go, stepping back with a satisfied and incredibly cocky grin. 

laia narrowed her eyes, “you’re going to regret that, estúpida” she lunged for you, causing you to instinctively took a few hurried steps back, only to collide with something solid.

before you could react, strong arms wrapped around you, effortlessly lifting you off the ground.

“lo siento princesa, time for a swim!” a familiar voice teased behind you. of course it was misa. 

your heart dropped as she carried you to the edge of the pool, your kicks and desperate pushes doing nothing against her ridiculous strength “misa don’t do it” you yelped.

she hummed in amusement, “hmm but you’d look so pretty wet” her voice dripped with smugness, you could practically hear the smirk on her face. 

before you could protest any further, you were airborne then plunged into the cold water with a splash. 

the rest of the day was spent relaxing, taking in the beautiful ibiza sun whilst trying your best to not get too burned, something the spanairds had already teased you about. you didn’t have any real plans for your first day on holiday, opting to take it slow with a few excursions scattered over your week's holiday. 

dinner was relatively simple, laia decided to take charge in the kitchen to avoid any food poisoning yet it was impossible to avoid the bickering that happened between misa and laia about what was being cooked and how laia was doing it ‘wrong’. a quick google search proved that laia was in fact doing it right and misa had just seen a tiktok hack that didn’t actually work. leila attempted to reason with misa before it got to the google search but misa was set in the opinion, jenni and alexia ended up staying out of it, choosing to watch the two argue whilst laughing under their breath.

you had a relatively early night, choosing to miss out on another round of drinks and yet another argument about who had the right uno rules. spoiler alert - it was you. but you had a plan for tomorrow ; gym in the morning and a boat trip for most of the day.

waking up you felt refreshed, the sun always made you feel like a brand new person, which was the perfect mood to be in for a holiday gym session. 

you got changed into a pair of your arsenal shorts and a sports bra, grabbing a towel and some water, before making your way to the gym attached to your villa. 

familiar songs made their way from the gym, you were shocked someone had made their way to the gym before you, but you were on holiday with some of the biggest footballers in the world, what else did you expect. 

opening the door you were met with misa, dressed in black shorts and a white sports bra, her hair had been thrown on top of her head into a messy bun, yet she looked incredible. misa was effortlessly pretty, she could’ve been dragged through a bush and she’d still come out looking out of this world. 

you paused at the door as you watched her body move, she seemed to be adding weights to a bar in front of the mirror. as she picked up the large circular weights, the muscles in her arms instantly became more defined.

the sound of a weight dropping snapped you out of your thoughts which had been running wild, misa turned round, meeting your presence with a smile. 

“beunas dias princesa, how did you sleep?” she asked, now standing up straight to meet your eyeline.

“good morning” you chirped, now walking into the area, placing your things down on the bench, “i slept really good, how did you sleep?”

“mine was good, i went to bed pretty soon after you did” she explained, you couldn’t tell if she was hinting that your lack of presence had sent her to bed early even when she was still surrounded by her close friends. “do you want to workout together?” she added.

you nodded in agreement, gathering your hair in your hands to scoop it back into a low bun “don’t go easy on me”

“i wasn’t planning to. but if you beg nicely, maybe i’ll let you catch your breath” yet again, her voice was laced with a pure cocky attitude, but this time you were going to rise to her level. 

you raised a brow, smirking. "oh, misa, i didn’t know you liked hearing me beg. should i be concerned?"

she leaned in slightly, you were met with an intoxicating scent of perfume that had your brain malfunctioning for a second, “only if you’re not going to”.

you bit your lip, holding her gaze. "guess you’ll just have to work for it, then." you left her standing there with a stupid grin on her face as you brushed past her to begin your warm up. 

“are you going to keep standing there like an idiot or come and warm up?” you questioned, looking at her from over your shoulder. her eyebrows slightly furrowed as if she was surprised with your newfound attitude towards her, but the small smile that appeared had you thinking she was a fan of it. 

the two of you bounced off each other throughout the hour workout, making stupid jokes but also having normal everyday conversations that had you learning much more about her than you thought this trip would reveal. of course there was still an underlying flirty attitude to both of your words, but you genuinely enjoyed getting to know misa even with the cocky smirk she had on her face as she watched you squat. 

towards the end of your work out, you were both starting to get slightly out of breath, you had been pushing each other in slight competition as you completed each of your sets. you made your way over to the bench where you had previously dropped your stuff, hoping to catch your breath. 

but that plan was quickly interrupted when misa casually plopped down on a nearby bench, leaning back with her arms stretched behind her, taking slow, deliberate breaths. you couldn’t help but watch as her chest rose and fell with each breath, the movement captivating. the glistening sheen of sweat on her skin caught the light, making every shift of her muscles more defined. after a moment, she shifted, leaning forward with her arms now resting on her thighs, still drawing in deep, steady breaths. you couldn’t look away. 

you couldn’t tell how long your gaze had been fixed on her, it felt physically impossible to avert your eyes in any direction when the sight in front of you felt like an art piece. yet it was probably affecting you more than you realised as a heat between your legs grew and your heart rate picked up. 

that’s when her eyes found yours, her classic smirk quickly appearing on her face, “te gusta lo que ves?” she asked, a cocky head tilt matching her smirk. 

you nodded without realising what you had down you had earnt an eyebrow raise from misa, your eyes widened as you quickly shock your head “i uh i’m going to shower bye” you spoke so quickly you were sure she didn’t fully understand, but you didn’t give her the chance to ask as you darted out of the room. 

after showering and getting ready for the day you tried to form some kind of plan of how you were going to approach the day. both leila and misa were sending you signals, yet you weren’t sure where it was going beyond those signals. considering you were about to spend the rest of the day on a boat in the mediterranean sea with plenty of alcohol, you needed some kind of game plan. 

your mental planning was interrupted as laia burst through the door, announcing her arrival with a very dramatic good morning before she dropped a bomb, “i heard what happened this morning”.

automatically your jaw dropped, “what the fuck”.

“i can’t believe you basically undressed her with your eyes, you should have fucked her” she giggled, poking her fingers into your arms causing you to swat her hand away. 

“laia shut up incase they can hear you” you hissed, “i couldn’t help it, she’s been flirting with me this whole time and the way she looked in the gym was just… i have no words for it” you tired to justify your actions but honestly you were just babbling. 

“clearly both misa and leila want to fuck you, so what are you going to do? fuck them both at the same time?” she spoke as if it was an outrageous idea, yet it had your brain thinking, which must’ve been obvious by your face, “oh my god you’re going to fuck them at the same time!”

“that’s not what i was thinking, you asshole” you muttered, your cheeks glowing red at the thought, “they don’t feel like that, you’re making it serious, it’s obviously just fun” you shook your head adamantly. 

“mhm that’s not what i’ve heard, they sai-” laia started to explain before being cut off by the sound of jenni’s voice echoing through the halls.

“laia, is the guiri ready?” jenni shouted. 

“tell her to remember her suncream and hurry up” alexia shouted shortly after her. 

you grabbed your bag that you had filled with all your essentials, especially your suncream, and walked towards the door, realising laia hadn’t followed your lead you turned back to see her sat on the edge of your bed with her mouth still slightly open as if she was about to say something. “are you coming?” you asked.

she snapped out of her gaze, “yes yes im ready”, pushing her up as she followed you out the door. 

it was a short walk to the boat, one that had been privately rented by alexia and somehow jenni had the right qualification to drive it which surprised you more than you’d like to admit and had you looking for the life jackets as soon as your foot stepped onto the boat.

it didn’t take long for the boat to be anchored in a beautiful cove that looked like something out of brochure. you were surrounded by beautiful cliffs, water which was so blue you could see the fishes swimming and a small beach of perfect white sand. it felt like a paradise away from the rest of the world, one that you very much enjoyed being in. 

you were laid on a towel at the front of the boat, sunglasses shielding your eyes as you tried to stay focused on the book you had bought with you. the sun was beaming down on you, mixing with the bright orange bikini you had decided on wearing. it was lighting up your skin as if it glowed, a sight which had both leila and misa’s eyes drifting across your body. 

“carino would you like a drink?” leila asked, causing you to look up from your book. she stood in front of you, shielding your eyes momentarily as the sun lit up around her. 

“mmm yes please” you practically moaned at the thought of a cold drink helping you cool down. 

your reaction had leila’s eyes wide as a grin appeared on her face, “if i knew that was how to make you moan i would’ve said it a lot sooner”.

“oh you wish it was that easy ouahabi, surprise me with your choice of drink” you smiled sweetly, causing leila to turn on her heels as she walked over to the makeshift kitchen in the shaded area of the boat. 

she made her way back in a few minutes, causing you to pop yourself up on your elbows as she knelt down to you on the floor, “try” she smiled, pushing the glass into your awaiting hand. 

you held the drink to your lips, the condensation on the glass slowly dripping onto your chest as you took a sip, your mouth quickly overwhelmed with a cool tropical flavour followed by the hint of an alcohol you couldn’t quite put your finger on. 

“leila this is delicious” you complimented, savouring the taste on your lips, “where did you learn to do this?”.

“i’m always on drinks duty when we have parties or celebrations” she shrugged smugly. 

you giggle at her, the way she spoke was so casual but you could tell she was proud of the mixologist title she had been given. she got herself comfortable on the floor next to you, her legs now crossed as she sat with you. you continued sipping on your drink as she told you some of her favourite recipes, you admired the way she spoke, it had an incredibly cheesy grin across your face. 

you must've sat there for a while as the conversation naturally drifted to the other plans you had for the off season as your drink had become empty and your head had a slight buzz to it. you were sure the drink didn’t contain a lot of alcohol but as an athlete you very rarely drank so when you did your tolerance was zero. 

“having fun?” a voice questioned, you craned your neck upwards to see a very wet misa in front of you.

“misa!” you smiled, happy with her presence but even more thrilled by the incredibly sexy sight that was standing right in front of you, “did you go for a swim?”.

“siii, it was beautiful, but not as beautiful as you” she winked, whilst it was incredibly cheesy, you couldn’t help but be a little bit affected by it as your cheeks heated up, “the others are still on the beach”. 

misa sat with the three of you, conversation flowing effortlessly, as if you’d all been friends for years. there was an ease to it, but your focus kept flickering elsewhere. you couldn’t ignore the way misa’s hand inched closer to your thigh, her confidence growing with every passing moment. your eyebrow lifted slightly at her boldness, but you didn’t move away.

leila had excused herself to refill your drink allowing misa to take full advantage of the opportunity of having you alone for a few minutes. her fingers ghosted over your outer thigh, tracing lazy swirls against your skin. the sensation was subtle but impossible to ignore, sending a warmth through you that you tried to suppress. without making it obvious, you shifted slightly, searching for some kind of friction without the embarrassment of pressing your thighs together too openly.

misa noticed. of course she did. her gaze flickered to yours, amusement dancing behind her dark eyes, an innocent smile curving her lips.

"¿qué?" she asked, lifting her free hand to run her fingers through her hair, a simple movement, yet undeniably sexy.

"nada," you muttered, a shiver running up your spine, making your back arch ever so slightly under her touch. despite the cool breeze, your body was burning.

she chuckled, her fingers pressing just a bit harder against your thigh. "princesa, i’ve barely touched you, and you’re already arching your back?" the innocence in her smile faded into something more knowing, a smirk tugging at her lips.

you shook your head quickly, refusing to give her the satisfaction of knowing exactly how easily she was unraveling you. "it was just a cold shiver… from the, uh, wind," you stammered, though you didn’t even believe your own excuse.

misa’s smirk deepened. "of course, amor. very strange, though, since you’re the only one who felt it." she shrugged, her fingers sliding a little higher, creeping toward your inner thigh. she squeezed lightly, just enough to make your breath hitch. "so this isn’t affecting you at all, then?"

you shook your head, lips pressed together in a weak attempt to maintain composure. speaking would only make it worse.

she studied you for a moment, clearly unconvinced, but before she could push you any further, leila dropped back into her seat beside you.

"here’s your drink!" she grinned, handing it to you.

you took it without hesitation, gulping it down like it was your only lifeline, hoping somehow that the cold liquid would cool the heat surging through you. 

the two spaniards simply laughed at your quick action, “debiste haberla visto, esto va a ser muy fácil” misa spoke proudly, but the spanish was far too advanced and fast for you to understand anything. (you should have seen her, this is going to be so easy)

“mi turno ahora” leila matched misa’s energy, whilst your spanish wasn’t up to their level, you could definitely tell what she meant. (my turn now)

your eyes flickered between the two of them, unsure of what to say or do, completely at their mercy, not that you minded. lying between them, you felt like a toy for them to play with, and the thought alone sent a thrill through you.

leila reached out, her fingers curling around a strand of your hair, twirling it idly before tucking it behind your ear. the simple touch sent warmth down your spine, and before you could stop yourself, you leaned into her hand, craving more. but just as quickly as she granted it, she took it away, her fingers drifting lower.

she traced a slow path from your shoulder, her touch featherlight as it skimmed down your neck, across your collarbone, and to the center of your chest. her hand lingered there for a moment, just long enough to make your breath hitch, before continuing downwards. the soft brush of her fingertips dipped between your breasts, teasingly tugging at the fabric of your bikini top as they passed.

what started as delicate touches turned into something more as her entire palm flattened against your stomach, stopping just before your waistband. every movement set your skin ablaze, the anticipation burning through you as her touch took over your skin. you hadn’t even realized you were holding your breath, too caught up in the way her touch mapped out your body.

something had flipped in leila, her newfound confidence a stark difference from the same person that was stuttering over putting suncream on your back. 

she removed her hand, snapping you out of the bliss that she had effortlessly put you in, her lip tugging at her bottom lip as she looked at you, “you were right misa, she’s so easy”.

you swallowed hard as they talked about you as if you weren’t there, your legs now firmly clenching together as all efforts to withhold the obvious physical effect they had on you had disappeared. 

“easy?” you questioned leila’s words, “i’m not easy” you huffed, somewhat frustrated at the way they perceived you as if you hadn’t turned to putty in their hands in front of their. 

“cari, you’re practically begging for us to touch you, but of course you aren’t easy” leila mocked, pouting at you as she looked down on you.

you scoffed, shifting slightly as if that would somehow ease the tension thrumming through your body. "i don’t beg" you repeated, though the breathiness in your voice betrayed you. "i just know what i want."

leila’s smirk didn’t waver as she dragged a slow finger down your arm. "oh, cariño," she murmured, tilting her head.

"and what is it you want, hmm?" misa spoke, having your head snapping in her direction.

your lips parted, but no words came out at first, your breath unsteady under their piercing gazes. you shifted slightly, heart pounding as your fingers curled into your lap.

"i… i don’t know," you admitted softly, voice barely above a whisper. your body, however, told a different story, silently pleading for them to decide for you.

you watched as they shared a look, “i think we can figure that out” misa hummed in response. 

“we definitely can” leila confirmed with a soft nod, “after we get back to the villa” she added, shattering the hope that had been building in finally getting what you wanted after all the relentless build up you’d been experiencing. 

“why after?” your eyes gave her a pleading look, trying to convince her with just a look was probably hopeless, but it was worth a short. 

“you want us to fuck you on a boat for our friends to see? very brave of you princesa” misa purred, her hand reaching out and tugging on the string of your bikini bottoms ever so slightly. 

your eyes widened as you shook your head slightly, whilst the idea of them touching you here and now was incredible, you knew you wouldn’t be able to stand the endless teasing from your best friend if she saw how you were about to hand yourself over to them on a plate. 

“that’s what we thought” leila smiled, giving the signal to misa to pull on the string, causing it to fall next to you before you gasped and scrambled to retie it, worried that your friends would reappear on the boat any second. 

the two of them stood up, almost as if it was planned, “we are going to eat, are you joining us?” leila asked, nudging her head to the selection of fresh fruit and other snacks that had been catered as per alexia’s request. 

you shook your head politely as you stood to your feet, “i think i need to go for a swim and cool off”.

making your way to the back of the boat, you dived in without hesitation, the water being a desperate relief from the heat still coursing through your body. you wasted no time swimming towards the shore, where jenni and laia had decided that burying alexia in the sand was their newest form of entertainment.

most of the time on the beach was spent in your determined attempt to build a sandcastle without a bucket. every time you took your hands away, laia took it as an open invitation to knock it down, grinning as she ruined your progress. after the third time, you grabbed her ankle, sending her tumbling into the sand with a surprised yelp. the three of you sat giggly as the now incredibly sandy laia sent daggers in your direction.

eventually, the four of you made your way back to the boat, deciding it was time to return to the villa and unwind before getting ready for dinner. the day had been long, the sun still warm against your skin, but the lingering saltwater clinging to your body left you desperate for a shower. 

the moment you stepped inside, you beelined for the bathroom, grateful that your room had an ensuite, no waiting, no interruptions, just the promise of fresh, clean skin. time seemed to slip away as you stood under the spray, letting the heat soothe your muscles and refresh you entirely. by the time you stepped out, your body felt lighter, your damp hair falling in waves down your back as you pulled on a pair of soft shorts and a sports bra to lounge in.

swinging the bathroom door open, you were stopped in your tracks. 

leila and misa were sitting at the edge of your bed, their gazes locked onto you with knowing smirks. your stomach flipped as the memory of what had happened on the boat, the promise from the boat rushing back to your mind.

"you didn’t forget, did you, princesa?" misa’s voice was smooth yet firm, her arms crossed over her chest as she eyed you. the authority in her tone sent goosebumps racing up your arms, a shiver rolling through you as you processed what was happening.

you swallowed, quickly shaking your head. "no, of course not”, you lied. between playing on the beach and the trance-like calm of your shower, the promise they had made had momentarily slipped your mind. however the dull ache between your legs made it clear, it hadn’t forgotten for a second.

leila’s lips curled into a smirk, tilting her head slightly. "of course, amor," she murmured, her voice softer than misa’s but no less commanding. "come here."

the contrast of your predictions between them had your head spinning. leila, the one who would hold you, whisper soft praises against your skin, while misa was rougher, teasing, pushing you past your limits. at least, that’s what you assumed. boy you were wrong. 

hesitantly, you stepped forward, drawn into leila’s presence like she had an invisible pull on you. her hands reached for you instantly, fingers splaying across your waist as she guided you between her legs with ease. the warmth of her touch seeped into your skin, grounding you in the moment.

you were so focused on her that you almost didn’t notice misa standing until she was right behind you. her hands ghosted over your back, fingers tracing absent patterns over the ink etched into your skin. the teasing touch had you holding your breath, until they finally settled on your shoulders, pressing firmly as she began to knead the tension from your muscles.

the sensation had you instinctively tilting your head back, leaving your neck vulnerable, something that misa quickly noticed. her lips brushed against your skin, pressing slow, deliberate kisses that sent a shudder through your entire body. a quiet whimper threatened to escape your lips.

and then there was leila, her hands still moving, still exploring, mapping your body with a featherlight touch that somehow burned hotter than anything. every caress, every whisper of contact sent jolts of electricity through your veins. you were completely at their mercy. and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

your door swung open as laia came rushing it but was instantly stopped in her tracks before she could ask if you wanted to play mario kart on the switch she had bought. she stood rapidly blinking at the sight in front of her, clearly unsure of what to do before turning around and making a clear run for the door. 

“i told you so” she shouted before slamming the door behind her. 

your cheeks flushed red at the slight embarrassment you now felt after your best friend had seen you in this position, but the sets of hands that had taken hold of your body quickly refocused you on the situation that was developing with you at the centre. 

“you ready for some fun, carino?” leila mummered, her gaze locking onto you with a teasing smile

the look in her eyes had you nodding instantly, your breath hitching in anticipation. 

“oh you have no idea” misa whispered against your ear, voice dripping with a mix of mischief and smugness.

a/n - only half proof read, soz x

[glamourscat]

CELESTIAL BODIES | POLY!JEGULUS X READER

as the title says | three fools in love | 7th year | fem reader |

I. The Moon

"I think I'm in love with two people," Regulus announced to his two best friends as he stared the ceiling of his dorm room, sprawled dramatically on his bed. While Barry was resting his head on Evan's thighs, pretending to read a book.

"Finally admitting it, then?" Evan didn't look up from where he was braiding tiny plaits into Barty’s hair. "Only took you half year."

Regulus shot up, side eyeing Evan. "What do you mean 'finally'?"

Barty snorted, abandoning any pretense of reading. "Reg, darling, you're about as subtle as an elephant. The way you look at Potter and Y/N..."

"I do not look at them in any particular way!"

"No? Shall I refresh your memory? You literally walked into a wall last week when we were our way to class, because Potter flew past the window during Quidditch practice," Evan pointed out.

"And you spent three hours in the library yesterday 'studying' while Y/N read poetry," Barty added, using air quotes.

Regulus buried his face in his hands. "It's impossible anyway. They're... they're together."

"And?" Barty raised an eyebrow, exchanging a look with Evan. "We're together, but that doesn't mean we wouldn't be open to—"

"That's different!" Regulus protested. "You two... it makes sense. But me? With both of them? It's complicated enough being a Black who's in love with a Potter, but adding another person..."

"Love's always complicated, petite étoile," Evan said softly, using the nickname that he gave Regulus as a joke during their first year but it stayed up to now. "But that doesn't mean it's impossible."

Regulus looked between his best friends and felt something in his chest. "I just... I want what you have. But I want it with them. Both of them. Is that selfish?"

"No more selfish than wanting the sun and stars," Barty smiled. "Which, coincidentally..."

"Oh, shut up."

But he was smiling now too, even as his heart raced with a new found possibility.

II. The Sun

James Potter had a problem.

Actually, he had two problems, both currently sitting under a tree by the lake – his girlfriend, you, reading poetry to his Quidditch rival (and frequent source of confusing feelings) Regulus Black.

"Prongs, mate," Sirius said from beside him, "you're staring again."

"Am' not," James muttered, definitely staring, as Regulus laughed at something you said. "Just... making sure they're not plotting anything."

"Right. Because my brother, who blushes every time you say his name and your girlfriend, who writes you love notes in Ancient Runes, are definitely plotting against you."

James turned to his best friend, surprised. "Regulus blushes when..."

Sirius groaned. "Merlin's pants, you're both so oblivious. Just go talk to them!"

"But what if—"

"James Potter," Sirius grabbed his shoulders, "my brother looks at you the same way I look at Remus. Trust me, I would like to say some.. a lot of things about this, but s'not the time. Nor the place. I see it in the way he looks at you, at her. In the way she looks at him the same way she looks at you. And you? You've been pining after both of them for months. So please, for the love of my sanity, go talk to them before I hex you."

James blinked. "Oh."

"Yes, 'oh.' Now get your ass up, you absolute moron."

III. The Stars

You weren't blind.

You saw the way James watched Regulus during Quidditch matches, the way Regulus's grey eyes followed James across the Great Hall. You noticed how they both gravitated toward you, how their touches lingered, how they seemed to orbit around each other, despite claiming they cannot stand each other.

It was rather fitting, really. James with his bright energy, lighting up every room he entered. Regulus with his quiet grace, reflecting that light in his own beautiful way. And you, somewhere between them, trying to bridge the gap.

"Your boyfriend's staring again," Regulus murmured, eyes flicking between your book, the black lake and definetly not James.

"Is he now? Must be staring at you I suppose." you replied without missing a beat.

His head snapped up. "I- what?"

You smiled, closing the book before turning to face him. "Oh, come on, Reg. You can't tell me you haven't noticed."

"Noticed what?"

"The way James looks at you. The way you look at him. The way you both look at me. The way I look at the both of you"

Regulus went very still. "I... that's..."

"Complicated?" you suggested. "Maybe. But the best things usually are."

"But you and James..."

"Are very much in love," you agreed. "Just like we're both very much in love with you."

The confession hung in the air between you, as delicate as starlight.

"Oh," Regulus breathed.

And then James was there, dropping down beside you both with his usual grace (or lack thereof). "So," he said, running a hand through his perpetually messy curly hair, "Sirius threatened to hex me if I didn't come talk to you both."

"About?" Regulus asked, voice slightly higher than usual.

James looked between you both, golden in the afternoon sun. His eyes catched yours and you nod reassurning. You two haved talked about this before, and it seems it was finally time to let the cat out of the bag.

"About how... I'm pretty sure I'm in love with you. Well, the both of you. And how that should probably terrify me, but somehow doesn't."

"And maybe…" James continued while grinning, "we should continue this conversation somewhere more private? Like, say, a certain someone's dorm?" as his eyes flicked back to your figure.

"Subtle, Potter," Regulus rolled his eyes, but he was smiling.

"You love it."

"Merlin help me, I do."

Later, tangled together in your satin bed sheets, you three fit perfectly together. James's warmth, Regulus's cool touch and your steady presence between them. Their kisses tasted different. James like sugar quills, Regulus like mint and the rich English black tea he always has in the afternoons, but they go together so beautifully.

"We should have done this ages ago," James murmured against your neck while Regulus kissed patterns across your collarbone.

"Better late than never," you gasped as Regulus nipped at your skin.

"Much better," Regulus agreed, reaching up to tangle his fingers in James's hair.

And really, what were a few months of pining compared to this? The sun, the moon and the stars, finally aligned just right.

© GLAMOURSCAT (all rights reserved. do not share, modify, translate and re-upload my work outside of tumblr)

[rithalie-writes]

Batman on bedrest - a crack dcxdpxml idea

Okay so they really didn’t think this through.

“It’s the seventh time he’s snuck out!”

“We don’t need a count Grayson, what we need is to find him!”

You see, Batman was missing.

Not in action, may I add. No, he was missing in the most mundane way, as in “no one is sure where he is but definitely not where he should be” way. You see, Batman was hurt.

Badly enough hurt that the Justice League made a collective decision to put him on strict bed rest in the Justice League’s orbiting base medbay - with Clark and Diane as the loudest advocates for the decision. Nightwing and the rest of the Gotham troop were hot on their heels, with even Red Hood scared for the life of the broodiest member of the League. His youngest child was in his twenties already, Bruce Wayne was definitely past his prime! The problem was that Batman did not want to rest.

The seventh time he snuck out, Batfamily stopped pulling their punches. They called every possible family member to the Base, including the newest addition - Damian’s twin brother Danyal, and his ward Danielle, in hopes that the presence of youngest (possible to call) offspring, will finally make him stay in bed.

Which it did. For half an hour until the teenager fell asleep.

“You’re a ghost!” Whined Nightwing, flashing a flashlight into the vents, lifted up in the air by bashful Ellie, “how can you even fall asleep?!”

“The school has been hard lately, ok? I just closed my eyes for a minute!”

“Less talking, more searching!” Commandeered Robin, stalking the hall with levitating Phantom hot on his heels.

“This is utterly ridiculous” muttered Tim, sitting cross legged on the cafeteria table and clicking away at his tablet in search of Batman on the camera feed “he is practically a grandpa already, how can he hide so well?!”

“Wait!” Dick shouted so loud that Ellie let go of him on reflex, the man somehow landing on his feet with grace of an acrobat, “Grandpa! Tim you’re a genius!”

Tim blinked, surprised as Dick scrambled for his phone, dialing a number so fast he had to try again, “what did I say?”

“Batman is a grandparent!” Dick half-whispered, aware that not everyone on Justice League was aware of the news, “I’m calling Corr to see if she can get Ma’ri here!”

“Simply plucking a grandchild on him might do the trick” Damian nodded gravely, “especially if it’s a young one.”

“Either that or we call our sister. I bet she could scare him straight,” shrugged Danny.

For a moment everyone simply stared at Danyal. Then the chaos of words erupted.

“We could have done that two escapes ago?!”

“Why didn’t you remind us sooner?!”

“Oooh that would be so much easier than calling Corr from her off planet vacation, don’t make that eyes on me Dick, I know you miss her but for gods sake she deserves that free time.”

“It’s settled then?” Asked Damian, just as Superman came into the room, wandering what the screaming was about, “we call Amari as soon as we find him. I’ll text her to prepare for video call”

“Who’s Amari? And how can she help?” Clark wondered out loud but Danny just smiled. “You’ll see. You’ll see.”

They found Batman half an hour later, bent over some files in the remote corner of the warehouse compartment. They all but dragged him to medbay, with him grumbling all the way. “Karma, old man,” grinned Red Hood as he deposited Batman in his bed. “You have a call.”

“Is it fine for anyone to see Batman in such state?” Asked Wonder Woman, looking nervously at the literal mass of bandages that made the man look more like a mummy than man. “He’s not exactly presentable.”

“It’s fine, it’s family.” Summed up Tim, setting up the giant TV on the wall in front of the bed. Superman exchanged a surprised look with Wonder Woman, not expecting that answer.

Soon, the screen flickered to life, showing them all an unexpected figure. A young man in his twenties, with a shock of blond hair and a generic black mask over very, very green eyes. Wonder Woman straightened up at the sight, recognizing the figure in an instant, despite the lack of the usual outfit and the black cat ears.

“Chat noir?” She asked, surprised. She knew who the avatar of destruction was, of course. She never expected them to meet like that though.

The wry smile that the man sported wobbled a little at the sight of so many people, including Superman and Wonder Woman, surrounding the bed of a very disgruntled Batman.

“It’s not the best time for a call.” He whispered, looking over his shoulder at something or someone. Only now could the present people see that he was dressed in jumper and sweatpants, non-descriptive and clearly domestic. The jumper had wet spots on it, and something that looked suspiciously like food splatters on it. He was clearly not expecting a call.

“We need to talk to Amari” Damian was not asking, but commandeering and Chat Noir sent him a flat look. “It’s important.” He added after a moment.

“No, you don’t understand.” Chat noir run his hand through his blond hair, messing it up even more. It’s already looked like a rats nest and the movement did not help. “We just got Emma into bed. She’s been fussing all week, she’s sick. We haven’t slept in a week, I think.” He furrowed his brows, “or at least three days.”

“You could have called” pointed out Red Hood, surprising about everyone in the room except for Dick and maybe Bruce, “I would help.”

“Yeah, we appreciate that but the flat is in no room for guests - even family. Ma- Amari would kill me if I invited anyone over.”

“We need to talk to her.”

“Nope. No way - she’s napping.” Chat noir shook his head “kwami knows she needs that.”

“I don’t see why you need to bother Amari with the call right now” grumbled Batman, glaring at his youngest “I’m fine.”

The sound of collective eye roll must have reached even Chat because he snickered before Batman glared at him too. Then he coughed, “with all due respect, you don’t look fine, sir.”

“The chat noir, the literal avatar of the god of destruction is calling you sir?” wondered Superman, raising his brow. He did not miss Diane’s lessons “how did that happen.”

“It happens” grinned Nightwing and Phantom, as they spoke in unison, exchanging amused looks.

“Yeah, that happens when you knock up Batman’s daughter the day after she turns twenty.”

Chat noir grimaced, Superman coughed in surprise and even Wonder Woman’s eyes bulged a little. She knew that Batman had a biological child. She suspected it must have been Robin. But to hear it spoken so plainly? Was she wrong to assume Batman had a son?

“You make it sound so bad. We were engaged!” Whined Chat Noir, raising his voice a little. Batman glared at him, clearly reminded of the fact and not happy with it.

Something behind Chat Noir moved, and he jumped around so fast they lost a vision for a moment. A hushed conversation could be heard, after which the man quickly left the room and came back with another generic mask in hand, red this time. He gave it to the lump of blankets resting on the couch, and it rippled as someone clearly tried to detangle themselves from the nest.

The young woman was black-haired and blue-eyed and she glared at the congregation with the same tired force as Batman did after the meeting ran three hours too long. Wonder Woman felt a sudden need to go and pray to her patron for luck - and benevolence because if that was the Ladybug, the avatar of creation…

“I’m Amari. Where’s the fire?” She deadpanned, clearly tired and cranky. She slowly lifted herself up from the couch with Chat Noir’s help who seemed to fret over her more than usual. The reason was shown almost immediately.

Ladybug was very much pregnant.

“We need your help.” Damian went straight to the point, “Father here won’t let himself stay in bed and heal.”

Oh, so Batman had multiple children. Wonder Woman felt a little shaken - and apparently one of them was the avatar of creation. A being so powerful she could literally change the shape of the world as they knew it.

Wonderful.

“Oh really?” Amari - or Ladybug as she was called glared a little harder, one hand resting on her belly. “And I suppose he must stay in bed for his own good?”

“Yes, and he already sneaked out seven times!” Added Ellie cheerfully, “Hi aunt ‘mari! Hi Black Cat!”

So the king of the dead was Batman’s son too. Great.

A literal titan.

Winder Woman felt a little faint.

“Yes, hello darling,” crooned Ladybug, smiling for the first time in the call, “I see they called all the big guns to help already.”

“You’re pretty much the last resort here sis.” Shrugged Danny, “it’s either your intervention or straight up tying the man up and I suppose he’d have an answer to that in five minutes.”

“You assume correctly,” Batman shook his head at his kids’ antics “There’s no need for any intervention Ladybug, my injuries are superficial-“

“They’re soooo not,” stage-whispered Ellie.

“The old man almost keeled over” added Red Hood.

“Yes, thank you for the commentary,” snapped Batman, “But I’ll be fine in the day or two.”

“Oh I bet you will,” Ladybug nodded, smiling that serene smile that made shivers crawl up Superman’s smile. Is that what Batman’s smile looks like? “IF you stay in bed and rest.”

“Amari-“

“Do you want me to come?” She threatened, and Chat noir made a strangled sound and a violent gesture of ‘abort mission’ behind her back. “Do you really want your seven-months-pregnant-with-twins daughter travel to space to make sure my kids grandfather stays in bed so that he can live a little bit longer?”

“Because I will do it.” She said when no one spoke, “I love you dad, and I need you in good shape so that little Louis and Hugo may meet their grandpere in his full strength.”

“This is blackmail,” Batman shuffled in bed nervously, “this is emotional stand-off.”

“I’m pregnant, my kid is sick and I’ve been awake for the last 36 hours.” Ladybug’s smile grew a little tight, “my husband has not slept in three days and he’s been holding down the fort almost by himself for the last four months. I’m way past the ‘blackmail’ stage”

“I see.”

“I’ll send Jazz up?” Offered Danny, “Ellie can tag along too.”

“Maybe it is time for reinforcements,” muttered Chat Noir.

“We will talk about it,” Ladybug nodded, then focused all her attention on her father. She stood to the side, showing off just how big she’s gotten since they last saw her and the batfamily had the satisfaction to see Batman actually gulp nervously.

“So dad?” She asked, saccharingly sweet “will you stay in bed like the doctors asked or do you want me to come over there to make sure you do?”

Batman sighed, visibly deflating, “One day,” he tried to negotiate.

“Kitty, help me pack my bag-“

“Okay! I’ll stay!”

“Good. Love you dad.” Ladybug smiled honestly, if a little tired, “Wait with extreme maneuvers at least after you teach my kids how to multiply by seven, will you?”

“Can’t promise that,” Batman also smiled, a real smile, “but i will try.”

Ladybug nodded, satisfied.

“One more thing,” Batman glared at both Diane and Clark, daring them to say anything before he looked back it his daughter, “love you too.”

Ladybug send her dad a kiss as she disconnected the call.

The next day, Batman woke up to see the tiny, black-haired and green-eyed child crawling up into his bed. Emma Wayne-Agreste babbled at her grandfather happily as he hugged her with one working hand, noticing she’s still a little hot to the touch. He could see Adrien Agreste, in full superhero paraphernalia, waving at him from the door, with Nightwing dragging him out of the medbay and towards the communal room with coffee in hand. Later he would learn that Jazz and Ellie went to stay with Marinette while Adrien was officially invited to the Base with his kid, to give both young parents a chance to rest.

For now though, he let his granddaughter snuggle under the covers with him, letting her smack him with her plush bat in the process. Yeah, he was not getting out of that bed for a while it seemed.

It suddenly did not seem so bad.

[likesdoodling]

I wanted to draw some nice wholesome moments with Ferdinand and Rozemyne~ (the more tired I am, the more I am drawn to drawing hugs or variations upon that theme~) so here we have some!

:D

[dottores]

well, i was going to wait to formally announce something when i got the time but i’m a bit irritated that the first thing i see when i log in is this ask

^ to answer your question anon, idk why you’re following if that’s what you feel 💀 respectfully, unfollow and never interact with me again. and this goes for everyone else who has left nasty asks in my inbox demanding me to update. my priority is law school and family, not to update fanfics that i don’t get paid for. this is something i do on the side for fun, it is not a job nor does it help me secure my future. spend less time demanding free work from people and spend more time working on your own future. it quite literally should never get to the point where you’re demanding strangers on the internet to provide you with fanfiction and insulting them when they have other things going on—seek help. that is weird.

but on a more serious note to everyone who has been respectful & kind about it—i don’t think i’m gonna be able to update anything until winter break, i apologize to everyone who has been waiting patiently, i promise i’m not abandoning heliotropes but it will not be updated for at least a month and a half. my workload has skyrocketed the past two weeks and my professors are warning us that it’s only uphill until after finals when we get our break. i need to be focusing on work, i barely even have the energy to answer messages from ppl right now.

^^ so if you are here for just my writing, this is the time to leave. i’ve been very vocal about this not being a writing blog. it is just my blog. if you only want writing, unfollow and find it in the tags.

i am going to be closing my inbox to prevent more asks like this because it’s rude and it’s not something i want to deal with. officially on semi-hiatus.

[perihel1on]

really really funny to post a whole long well-thought-out thing about how i no longer identify as plural then immediately get into a week long argument with myself(s) about whether that's true

[jikigo]

you ever just see a post and just

. 😭

.⬅️🫀⬅️

[perilegs]

i miss the era of internet where all we got were anime fansubs made by people who had the time to do what they enjoyed

[cyberspacebear]

i have also fallen down the niche pipeline of being obsessed with both hivemind and the yard you are not alone 💌 i also think that riley and graydon would mesh so well with the yard if they ever had them on (tho maybe 6 would be too many ppl so if one of the boys missed an episode . i've thought abt this a lot)

YES thank you. i need the hivemind guest ep so bad it is hurting me. i was in the dustiest ass channel of the yard discord pleading for it

[quietwingsinthesky]

none of the archangels have their shit together, but gabriel is the closest to pulling it off and you gotta respect him for that

[raeathnos]

.

[lala-blahblah]

.

[inkandapex]

Stream Madness

Lando Norris x Reader

Summary : To the world, Y/N had always been Lando Norris’ closest friend—before the fame, the podiums, and the roar of F1 engines. Their bond had always been well-known, shared through countless moments on and off camera. But as the months went on, something started to shift, and it wasn’t just between Y/N and Lando. It became apparent through streams, where their chemistry couldn’t be denied.

Words: 4.7k

Warnings: some swearing

Max's Cooking Stream

“Done! I think they came out quite well,” Max announces, lifting the pan toward the camera, showing off the results of two hours in the kitchen.

The chat is already flooded with reactions—compliments, jokes, and the occasional disbelief at Max’s culinary skills.

"I'll be the judge of that" Lando states as he steps into view "Like master chef" he continues

Pietra is chatting with someone just out of view, her voice light and engaged. The mic, which has been filtering most background noise throughout the stream, only picks up bits and pieces of conversation—muffled words, distant laughter. But this moment? This one, it catches perfectly.

Lando steps away from where Max’s mic is propped, moving slightly out of frame. He reaches for a fork, his attention focused on someone unseen. And then, clear as day, his voice carries through.

"Love, come here a sec. Try it with me."

The chat explodes. But all three were too busy to realize what had just happened

"LOVE?? did he just say love??" "Stop rn who is he talking to" "someone find out rn pls" "it might be y/n, she was seen with them around monaco yesterday" "yeaa he calls her love sometimes i think its just a normal endearment for them lol"

All three, oblivious to the brewing chaos, all continue with what they were doing. Because whether it was intentional or not, Lando just dropped something big.

"Y/N’s here too, everyone! The whole gang’s here—Y/N, say hello to the chat," Max finally acknowledges, glancing at the flood of messages. It’s clear he’s doing some damage control, but the chat is already too far gone.

With a small wave and an amused little smile, Y/N finally steps into frame, grabbing a fork as she inches closer to the pan of food her friends have spent the past two hours making.

"Doesn’t look half bad, to be honest," she muses, inspecting the dish. "P’s really doing wonders, getting you this far into cooking."

Pietra laughs in the background while Max rolls his eyes, but before anyone can add to the banter, Y/N is already taking a bite.

"You’ve gotta—"

"Bloody hell—"

Lando’s warning comes a second too late. Y/N’s eyes widen as the heat hits, steam practically pouring out of her mouth as she waves a hand in front of her face, trying to cool down.

"You muppet, that’s literally fresh off the stove—c’mere," Lando chuckles, already unscrewing a bottle of water. He hands it to her, shaking his head as she takes it gratefully.

The chat? Utterly unhinged.

"NOT THE WAY HE JUST—"

"‘C’mere’ HE SAID ‘C’MERE’ I’M GONNA SCREAM."

"I AM LIVING FOR THIS CHAOS."

And just like that, what was supposed to be a casual cooking stream has become a full-blown internet event.

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

Lando's Annual Stream

Everyone teases Lando about how he’s practically become a Twitch relic, only gracing the platform with his presence once a year. A far cry from the frequent streams he used to do. Some argue that it makes his rare appearances even more iconic, like a seasonal event the internet gathers for.

On one of his rare Twitch streams, Lando found himself diving into Backrooms with Max and a few other friends. As expected, chaos ensued—shouting, panicked laughter, and the occasional unintelligible screaming into the mic. But one moment, in particular, sent the fans into an absolute frenzy.

The doorbell rings, making both Ed and Lando pause mid-game and glance at each other.

"Food’s here," Lando announces into the mic.

Ed, already taking off his headset, ready to stand up. But just as Ed moves, they both hear the faint sound of the door unlocking.

"Oh, I think Y/N’s grabbing it, mate," Ed says, blinking in surprise. He relaxes back into his seat for a second before standing up anyway. "I’ll go help her."

"SHES STILL IN MONACO" "i thought she went back to London with Max and P" "omg she's staying with lando" "loool stop reading into it guys ed's also staying with lando. theyre just friends" "my delusions are being fed"

Both Y/N and Ed return, arms full with bags of food and cutlery. Ed drops back into his chair, already digging into his meal, while Y/N pauses beside Lando, holding a box of food in her hands.

"Do you want yours transferred to a plate, or is the box good?" she asks, tilting her head slightly.

"Like that is fine, thank you—oh, I’m streaming, by the way. They can see and hear you," Lando adds with a grin as he takes the box from her.

Y/N barely reacts, too used to this by now. Instead, she casually leans in slightly, scanning the chat as she asks, "Is Max here? Can you tell him to let P know I’ve been trying to call her?"

Lando doesn’t even look away from his screen. "He can hear you—he says sure. You wanna sit here and eat with us?"

She shakes her head, stepping back. "I’m good, got my own thing going on. I’ll see if I can join you guys later if you’re still on. Do you want water or anything?"

Lando glances up at her, smiling. "I’m good, I can grab some myself later."

"You know he’s lying, right?" Ed chimes in, chewing his food. "He’s just gonna wait until you leave so he can ask me to grab it for him."

"Shut up," Lando laughs, shaking his head.

Y/N only smirks knowingly before rolling her eyes. "Alright, whatever you say."

"Okay, okay, go back to doing your thing," Lando says, refocusing on his screen. "Connor’s complaining we’re taking too long."

The chat, meanwhile, is already in shambles.

"She’s literally taking care of him at this point." "Ed exposing Lando is my new favorite thing." "The domestic energy here is sending me."

"What is she up to now? Too busy to play with us?" Max teases as they dive back into the game.

"Nah, mate, she's busy building Legos in the other room," Lando replies casually, like it’s the most normal thing in the world.

Max snorts. "Another new hobby? You know she gave us a shit ton of air-dry clay stuff she made that one time. My apartment is literally full of it."

"No, Max, I stepped into the apartment today, and I genuinely thought I was in a Lego store. It’s insane," Ed laughs, shaking his head.

Lando chuckles. "Some of them are mine too, alright? They're not all hers. She’s been building some sets I’ve had lying around for ages."

The chat, of course, goes wild.

"Their apartment is a Lego store. I am crying." "WAIT SO THEY HAVE BEEN LIVING TOGETHER RIGHT??" "Domestic life with Y/N and Lando sounds like a fever dream."

Max just laughs. "Well, tell her to finish up and come scream with us in the Backrooms when she’s done playing with her bricks."

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

Taking Lando's Seat

The stream opens with Lando and Max sitting side by side, each focused on their own PC as they prep for a game of Tarkov. There’s an easy banter in the air, Max teasing Lando about his gear while the two get things set up. But it’s the subtle detail in the background that catches the chat's attention—Lando’s racing rig.

It’s glowing softly in the background, the LED lights creating an almost otherworldly vibe against the dim room.

Max finally glances at the chat, giving a quick nod to thank some of his new subs. But his eyes stop when he spots a few of the comments scrolling by.

Max smirks, leaning into the mic with a grin. "The rig? Oh—it's Y/N. She’s playing F1 right now."

With that, Max casually moves his chair out of the way, revealing Y/N sitting just behind him. She's fully immersed, headset on, brows furrowed in concentration as she steers through a corner on screen, oblivious to the fact that she’s now in full view of the chat.

A small smile tugs at the corner of Lando’s lips as he turns back to look at Y/N, still fully engrossed in the game, unaware that both he and Max are watching her with amusement.

"She's prepping for the season too," Lando continues, keeping his voice casual, though there’s a playful edge to it. "Chat, I think she’s planning on taking my seat—she’s been on there for hours now."

Lando laughs, but the chat immediately picks up on the vibe.

"HE'S JEALOUS, LOOK AT HIM."

"Lando knows he's been replaced."

"Imagine Y/N taking his F1 seat. I’d pay to watch that."

Max, who’s been watching the scene unfold, looks back at Lando with a raised brow. "She’s putting in more practice than you are, mate. Maybe she is taking your seat."

Lando chuckles, shaking his head, though his smile lingers. "Nah, nah, she’s still got a lot to learn... but she’s getting there. I’m just here for moral support."

The chat, of course, has already spirals into chaos.

"Moral support? He’s just trying to hold on to his seat!"

"I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE RACE BETWEEN THEM. WHO’S GONNA WIN??"

"Lando’s literally her biggest fan and her biggest competitor at the same time. I love it."

Y/N, still completely absorbed in the game, lets out a frustrated grunt as she crashes into the wall during a tight turn. "I've fucking crashed—how is AI Lando also a little shit?"

The pair immediately burst into laughter, unable to hold it in. The moment is too perfect—Y/N, so focused on her race, completely unaware she’s been on stream the whole time.

Max wipes away tears, trying to calm down. "What?" Y/N finally takes off her headset after pausing her game, looking around in confusion, only to notice the commotion between the two.

"We’re on Twitch," Max manages between laughs, still struggling to breathe. "They heard you calling Lando a little shit."

Max, still grinning, leans back in his chair, clearly enjoying the moment. "I mean, I honestly don’t know if you should be more offended by the fact that she just called you a little shit... or the fact that she’s not racing as you."

Lando looks over at Max, a playful glint in his eyes. "Yeah, who are you racing as right now?" His curiosity gets the best of him, and he stands up, walking behind Y/N to peer over her shoulder at her screen.

Y/N barely notices him, still intensely focused on her race. "You’re racing as Max?!" Lando exclaims, his voice a mix of disbelief and amusement. "I feel so betrayed!"

Y/N doesn’t respond, grabbing her water bottle beside her, taking a sip.

But Lando’s eyes widen as he looks at her screen again. "Wait, you're were P3?!" he says, his voice rising in shock. "What the fuck, Y/N—this is on 110 difficulty—did you change it?"

"Yeah, well I was but you crashed into me you knob"

Lando's completely taken aback, mouth agape, staring at her settings in awe. Without thinking, he takes over the controls, fully inspecting her game setup. "This is... this is insane. You’re actually doing really well."

Y/N, now realizing the level of chaos happening around her, turns to look at him with a grin. "What? Like its hard?"

Max, who’s been watching this unfold, laughs. "I told you she’d be better than you at this rate. I’m not surprised."

The chat, of course, is losing it.

"SHE'S RACING AS MAX AND BEATING LANDO. WHAT A MOOD."

"Y/N: 1, Lando: 0."

"Lando looks like he’s seen a ghost. How did she do that?"

Y/N just laughs, clearly loving the moment. "I told you, Lando, I’m coming for your seat."

"Alright, we've got to put a screen time limit on you from now on, love—fucking hell," Lando says, still shaking his head in disbelief, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He ruffles her hair affectionately before heading back to his seat.

The chat explodes with excitement.

"Lando’s whipped for her. I can’t breathe.""The way he ruffled her hair? That’s the couple energy we’re here for.""Y/N just casually destroying him, and Lando’s still soft with her. I’m obsessed.""I can’t believe they’re just out here living their best life on stream. I’m living for this dynamic."

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

Gaming Trio

The trio can be seen in Lando’s usual gaming spot, the atmosphere relaxed but buzzing with excitement. In an effort to accommodate everyone, an extra table has been pulled into the room, holding the laptop they’ve set up for Y/N so she can join in on the fun. The new setup feels a little crowded, but it only adds to the chaotic energy that’s been building up since they all logged in.

"Y/N is right behind you!" Max shouts into the mic, pulling the same trick he did to Lando the last time they played Backrooms

"Max, shut up, oh my gosh—NO IT'S CHASING ME, WAIT—PAUSE IT, PAUSE IT!" The panic in Y/N’s voice is unmistakable, and it sends both Lando and Max into fits of laughter.

Max, already losing it, grins widely. "You’re telling me to pause, but I’m the one who’s not controlling it!"

Lando, equally amused, can’t help but tease, hiding comfortably from the monster "Didn’t know you were this scared of a game, love."

Y/N’s frantic clicking can be heard through the mic as she scrambles to escape whatever horror was chasing her in the game. "I can’t— I swear it’s going to catch me!"

A sigh of relief escapes Y/N’s mouth as she finally reaches the room, the monster stopping its chase just in time. “Right, so you two do all the work and I’ll run out when it’s time to escape.”

Max lets out another laugh, clearly amused. “That’s not how it works, Y/N. You've got to carry your weight”

“Come on then, let’s go. Just stay behind me and you’ll be fine.” Lando moves his character closer to hers, ready to lead the way.

Y/N, still a little nervous, responds with a grin. “I’ll keep my eyes closed.”

Lando laughs, shaking his head. “Y/N—darling, it’s fine. It’s not that scary. It’s not gonna jump out at you. You just die and respawn, it’s all good.”

Max joins in, teasing, “Yeah, but if you keep closing your eyes, you’ll miss the whole thing. We’ll be done before you even open them.”

Y/N scoffs but can’t help but laugh, her character hesitating slightly. “I’m not opening them. I’m just here to run when the time comes.”

Lando smiles at her, his voice light. “Alright, well, try not to panic. We’ve got your back.”

The chat erupts in excitement, fans loving the playful back-and-forth between them.

"Y/N’s already planning her escape route. Classic." "he calls her darling im sobbing " "Lando’s trying to act all calm but he’s lowkey making sure she’s okay." "Max is enjoying this way too much, lol."

Lando glances at Y/N with a grin. “Stay close, alright? We’re doing this together.”

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

Y/Ns Instagram Live

Y/N was live on Instagram, chatting with fans while showing off her latest air-dry clay creations. She’d been getting non-stop requests to share her work ever since Max mentioned it in one of his streams, and now here she was, crafting away on camera.

Sitting on the floor in front of a coffee table, Y/N focused on the delicate jewelry plate she was shaping. She was giving her followers a detailed look at her process, her hands moving skillfully as she explained what she was doing.

"See, then you build the sides and stick it to the plate part you just made," she said, carefully adding a border to the plate. "So it kinda has a nice little border around it, and that way, you can put your jewelry in the middle without it all rolling off."

"Who you talking to?" A voice, unmistakably Lando's, makes Y/N's head snap up to look at him, her concentration momentarily broken.

Her eyes widen slightly at the sight of him standing in the doorway, and she quickly responds, trying to maintain the calm vibe of her live stream. "I'm on Instagram live— you didn’t see my text?" Y/N says, her voice soft but carrying a hint of a warning as she tries to focus on her work again.

Lando, walks into frame to stand beside her, only half his body on screen. “I saw it, but I didn’t think you’d actually be live. What’s going on in here?”

"I'm doing a jewelry plate tutorial, see?" Y/N smiles up at him, gently lifting the plate to show him the progress she’s made, the edges perfectly formed and the design coming together nicely.

Lando leans in a little closer, clearly impressed. "That's actually pretty sick. Have you shown them the other ones you've done?"

"Mhmm," Y/N nods, setting the plate back down on the table and continuing to work on it. "I did earlier. I have a few that are dried, so once I'm done with this one, I'm gonna show them how I paint it."

"Cool, cool," Lando says, grinning as he takes a step back. "I’m actually pretty curious about the painting part."

Y/N shoots him a glance, arching an eyebrow. "You want in on this too?"

Lando looks at her, then at the camera, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Can I join you?"

Y/N pauses for a moment, clearly trying to keep a straight face. "You gonna try your hand at some clay art, Norris?" she teases, but her tone is warm.

"Gotta try to beat you in something after you've somehow managed to get close to beating me on the racing sim" a smirk on his face as he plops down on the floor beside her "Right what am I meant to do?"

The two sat mostly in silence, both deeply immersed in their work. Y/N’s focus was on finishing her jewelry plate, the soft clink of clay against the table the only sound as she shaped it carefully. Lando, on the other hand, was determined to paint one of the already dried plate, though it was clear his attention was divided between the task and watching Y/N work.

"Oh, I’ve messed up, bub," Lando admitted, his voice a little defeated. "I’m sorry, this looks horrific. I think I’ve ruined it." He leaned back dramatically, letting his shoulders slump as he rested his back against the foot of the sofa, casting an apologetic look her way. "This is a disaster."

"What? No! It's cute—you even painted flowers on it, it's nice!" Y/N exclaimed, her tone playful as she tried to hype him up, a grin tugging at her lips.

Lando looked at her with a raised eyebrow, clearly amused. "Those are strawberries, you muppet," he said, laughing as he gently nudged her with his elbow, clearly not buying her attempt to boost his confidence.

Y/N burst out laughing, her hands up in surrender. "Oh, I'm only kidding! Of course they're strawberries," she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

She quickly mouthed a playful I didn’t know to the camera as Lando became distracted with his painting again, a smirk creeping up on her face as she watched him carefully work on his next stroke.

"add bub to the list of names lando calls y/n" "theyre actually so cute im going insane" "not y/n gentle parenting lando" "im telling my therapist about this" --------------------------------------------------

I'm telling mom

Max’s loud voice cut through the quiet apartment, shattering the late-night calm. It was already past 10 PM, and he’d been streaming for over two hours, fully immersed in whatever chaos his Twitch chat had cooked up for him.

“Y/N! Get in here a sec!” Max’s voice carried from his gaming room, loud enough to startle Y/N from where she sat beside P, half-watching a Netflix show.

With a sigh, she got up, padding toward his room. She hesitated at the door, peeking inside carefully, mindful of the camera that might be angled her way.

“It’s almost 11 PM, Max. What the fuck are you yelling about?” she laughed, eyes landing on him. He stood in the middle of the room, VR headset strapped on, controllers gripped tightly like his life depended on it. "You look ridiculous by the way"

“Can you call Lando? He’s fucking with me,” Max huffed, shifting on his feet like he was bracing for something. “He told me to download this horror VR game, and now he’s in chat claiming he’s in bed. I swear to God—he set me up.”

“So, let me get this straight,” Y/N started, arms crossed. “You want me to call Lando—”

“Yep.”

“—to ask him to get out of bed and play a game with you—”

“Mhm.”

“—instead of letting him sleep, because it’s nearly midnight in Monaco?”

“Exactly.” Max stood firm, pointing a VR controller at her like this was a life-or-death situation.

Y/N blinked. “Oh, you’re serious—right.” She sighed, shaking her head as she leaned against the wall, already dialing.

“I swear, if he doesn’t hop on after I’ve set this up and put my contacts in—”

“Lan, you’re on speaker,” Y/N announced the second he picked up, barely giving him a chance to breathe.

Before Lando could even say hello, Max exploded. “You muppet! I’ve been standing here waiting for you for the past ten minutes!”

“Oh, piss off! I’ve been waiting for you for nearly an hour, Max! Can’t believe you actually made Y/N call me for this.”

“You weren’t picking up my calls!”

Y/N let out a slow, tired sigh and turned to the camera with a deadpan look, the exact kind of exhausted stare straight out of The Office.

“So you tell on me?! How mature,” Lando huffs

“Just hop on the game!” Max shot back, exasperated.

“This behaviour at 25 is diabolical,” Y/N muttered, dragging a hand down her face.

Through the speaker, you could hear Lando moving around. “Fine, fine! Okay, I’m on,” Lando said, voice muffled as he adjusted his setup. “Max, hurry up—I’ll send Y/N the code. Love, show him the code before you leave.”

Y/N sighed, holding up her phone as she walked over to Max. “Right. I’ve been dragged from my peaceful night just to moderate a sibling fight.”

Max squinted at the screen. “Got it. Thanks, Mom—right, I’m joining. You can leave now.” He was already fumbling with the game settings, barely paying her any attention.

Y/N rolled her eyes as Lando’s voice softened on the phone. “I’ll call you later, alright? Go watch your show with P. I’ll text you when we’re done.”

“Mm-hmm,” Y/N hummed in response, finally making her escape.

As soon as she was gone, Max turned back to chat, shaking his head. “Right, let’s go. See? He’s such a knob—I have to call Y/N every time he’s being an ass because he actually listens to her.”

The chat was loving this interaction

"Y/N staying with Max and P is actually so wholesome" "NOT Y/N BEING MOM" "LANDO LISTENING TO Y/N ONLY IS PEAK BF BEHAVIOUR U CANT CONVINCE ME OTHERWISE" " "i'll call you later" is so cute he's down bad for her"

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

Big Reveal

At this point, they’d practically exposed themselves. The subtle interactions hadn’t gone unnoticed—small moments that seemed insignificant alone but painted a clear picture together. The lingering looks, the casual slips of affectionate nicknames, the way their conversations always carried a certain ease.

Everyone had a general understanding that the two were a couple, but they’d come to accept that Lando and Y/N weren’t quite ready to make it official—at least, not publicly. But what really sealed the deal? Max’s most recent stream, just before the season kicked off.

“Right, chat, Lando and I are finishing up the download, and we’ll hop on as soon as it’s done,” Max said, scrolling through chat and tossing out quick thanks for subs and gifted memberships while they waited.

“Is anyone else joining us or nah?” Lando asked, finally looking up from his phone where he sat beside Max, his own setup in front of him.

“Nah, don’t think so. Connor just texted—he’s out,” Max replied, making Lando nod before going back to whatever he was scrolling through.

“Chat, I’ll be back—I’m gonna grab some water,” Max announced, tapping his mic to mute it before standing up.

Completely unaware, Lando reached over and tapped the mic again, turning it back on.

“Baby?! C’mere a sec!” Lando called out, sitting with his back to the camera, casually waiting for someone to walk in—completely oblivious to the absolute chaos erupting behind him.

“OH BOB, YOU’RE NOT MUTED!!” “HES HOPELESS.” “NOOOOOOO LN TURN AROUND!!!” “HE FULLY EXPOSED HIMSELF IM CRYING.” "baby??!"

A moment later, Y/N appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame. "Hello my pretty girl, wanna come join Max and I?" “Aren’t you live with Max right now?” she asked softly.

“Yeah, yeah, I muted it—don’t worry,” Lando reassured her without a second thought. “Wanna join? Max is still downloading it, we can set yours up if you’re up for it.”

Y/N smiled. “Yeah, sure, I’ll go grab the laptop.” With that, she turned and left the room.

Max walked back in, settling into his chair. “What were you two chatting about?” he asked as he put his headset back on.

“Y/N’s gonna play with us,” Lando answered smoothly. “Oh—by the way, I muted your mic. Chat can’t hear you right now.”

Max blinked. “Well, yeah, I muted it before I left—” His head snapped toward Lando. “Did you fucking tap the mic again?”

Lando visibly paled. “…No, I muted it.”

Max hurriedly glanced at chat, eyes scanning the messages flooding in before exhaling sharply. “You fucking unmuted it, you idiot.”

Lando sat there, frozen. Then, with an almost comically slow realization, he sighed. “Damn… well. Secrets out.”

Y/N practically skipped into the room, excitement clear in the way she carried her laptop against her chest. But the moment she stopped behind the two, her smile faltered.

Max and Lando both looked at her with identical guilty expressions.

“…What?” she asked, breaking the silence.

Max didn’t hesitate. “Your dimwit of a boyfriend just exposed you two. He unmuted the mic.”

Y/N’s jaw dropped. “No...”

Lando was already reaching for her hand, pulling her close. “I’m so sorry, baby. I swore I muted it.”

Y/N groaned, running a hand down her face. “Oh my God. How bad?”

Max snorted, scrolling through chat. “Let’s see… ‘We’re witnessing a live trainwreck,’ 'my pretty girl', ‘Bruh did he just expose himself?’ ‘Send help, I can’t breathe,’ and—oh, this one’s gold—‘My parents are finally public.’

Lando groaned, burying his face in Y/N’s side. “This is your fault, Max.”

“My fault?! You tapped the damn mic!”

The two went back and forth, bickering like a couple of siblings, while Y/N just stood there, still trying to wrap her head around what was going on.

“Oh, Y/N, come on. Don’t worry. It’s not like it’s a big surprise. He hasn’t exactly been subtle about it either.”

“Yeah, but until now, it was all just rumors and whispers.”

Lando shot her a reassuring smile. “Aww, baby, it’s fine. They love you, you know.”

Max groaned, leaning back in his chair and teasing them both. “See? Now he’s gonna go full PDA mode, more than he already does. We’re all doomed.”

Y/N laughed softly, shaking her head. “I swear, I can already see it.”

Lando reached over to take her hand, squeezing it gently. “It’s not that bad, is it?”

“Yeah, it is,” Max teased, rolling his eyes. “Just wait till he starts calling you ‘babe’ every two seconds on stream.”

Lando grinned mischievously. “You love it, Max. Admit it.”

Max shot him a playful glare. “I’m really starting to think I’ve been cursed.”

“Right, come on then, let’s play before I get called for an impromptu PR meeting,” Lando chuckled, giving Y/N a wink as he pulled his headset on.

[loonylupinblack3]

Period Trouble

Pairing: Logan Howlett x Reader

Warnings: swearing, nothing else i think?

Summary: you wake up with your period and are forced to go on a mission with Logan of all people

Word count: 2.4k

A/N: literally obsessed with this man rn so ofc i had to write about him. also wolverine has enhanced senses including smell but its like…. barely shown in the movies so i had to search it up to be sure, and some part of me still doubts it but for the purposes of this fic he does have it

You woke up with a groan, immediately curling into a ball. You were early. You were early and you hadn’t emotionally or physically prepared for having your period today, yet the world seemed ready to punish you, burdening you with an early cycle.

You checked the time, cursing every god and deity you knew when you realised you were supposed to have woken up half an hour ago. Wincing, you got up, your body screaming at the movement. Already your stomach was aching, the ghosts of cramps to come caressing your body. 

There was knocking at your door, quiet yet firm. You already knew it was Storm on the other side of the door, no doubt in search of a reason why you failed to get up on time. It was going to be a long day.

You yelled out to Storm, promising to be out in five minutes, and got up, groggily looking for your clothes. When you’d tamed your hair and brushed your teeth, you exited your room to find Storm waiting on the other side, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.

She took one look at you and sighed. “What are you wearing?”

You looked down perplexed. “....my clothes?”

She raised her eyebrow. “You’re on a mission today, remember?”

Fuck. You nearly let out a whine. You were not in the mood to go skulking around doing Xavier’s bidding when you had a constant throbbing pain assaulting your stomach, unreasonable mood swings, and exhaustion weighing you down.

Storm sent you a questioning look. “You up for this?”

The mission was nothing big. Professor X needed you to collect some sort of rare herb that had recently been shipped into the nearest city, something he needed to complete a super secret experiment you weren’t privy to. He’d just asked for help and you’d volunteered.

Oh how you regretted that decision now.

“Yeah I’m fine,” you muttered. “Let me just get changed real quick.”

Getting into your previously decided upon outfit, a plain inconspicuous one intended to blend in, you left your room again, this time with no complaint from Storm. Your stomach gave an uncomfortable clench and you sighed, making a mental note to find some nurofen before leaving for the mission.

“Why aren’t you in your outfit?” you asked, just realising Storm wasn’t wearing what you two had agreed upon yesterday.

She winced slightly. “Can’t go. Filling in for some classes.”

Your face soured but you tried not to hold it against her. Storm loved her students, and given the choice of helping them or Xavier with a low level mission, she’d obviously choose her kids. You couldn’t blame her exactly, but it meant you’d have to go on this mission alone, while not impossible by any means it would make it slightly more difficult.

You sighed. “That’s okay. I can go alone.”

When Storm winced even more your eyes narrowed in suspicion, following her with caution. “Storm…..”

She sighed guiltily. “Xavier didn’t want you to go alone. The herb’s too valuable.”

You tilted your head slightly as you entered the house’s foyer. “So who am I going with then?”

Storm’s eyes darted ahead, and you followed her gaze to find Logan Howlett leaning against the wall, hands in the pockets of his jeans. He smirked at you, “you’re looking at him sweetheart.”

You resisted the urge to groan, instead sending Storm a dirty look. You didn’t necessarily dislike Logan, but he was a lot to deal with, and you were already tired from your day that had barely begun.

You couldn’t say all that with Logan standing there however, so you muttered a, “lovely,” and walked past the man to the garage.

He followed you silently, no quip or smart ass comment which was strange for him. You’d just entered the garage, heading towards one of the cars, when you glanced back at him and found Logan stopped in the doorway, staring at you with a frown on his face. Or rather, a deeper frown than usual.

“What is it?” you asked him, standing at the hood of the car.

Logan’s eyes roved your body, searching for something. “You’re injured.”

It was your turn to frown. “What? No I’m not.”

He took a step forward, almost as if he was planning on looking for your alleged injury himself. “Don’t bullshit me Y/n, I can smell your blood.”

You made a face. “What are you talking about…..” you trailed off when you realised it, perhaps the most mortifying moment in your life.

Logan could smell your period blood. He thought you were bleeding from an injury. 

You cleared your throat, feeling your cheeks heat up. “I’m fine. Let’s go.”

He scoffed, walking towards you until you were face to face. You tried to step back and felt the hood of the car against your legs. “I can smell the fucking blood seeping out of you Y/n. I wouldn’t call that fine.”

You gritted your teeth to stop yourself from snapping at him. “I can assure you, I am not injured.”

You moved to walk past him but he caught your wrist, forcing you back into your position pressed against the car. “If you think I am going on this mission with you while you’re wounded, you’re out of your mind.”

“I’m not-”

“Do you think I’m an idiot darl? Is that why you’re denying being hurt while I can literally smell it on you-”

You cut him off. “I’m on my period, Logan.”

He paused, staring at you with an indecipherable expression on his face. You waited for him to speak, feeling embarrassed and furious about it. Why should you be embarrassed of your period? He was the one who was pushing you, prodding you, forcing you to tell him the source of the bleeding. If your answer made him uncomfortable, that wasn’t your fault nor your concern.

Eventually he spoke. “Alright then. Get in the car. I’m driving.”

You scowled at him. “Says who?”

He didn’t even bother looking at you, already in the driver’s seat. “Says me.”

You sighed but didn’t argue further, silently getting into the passenger seat. Logan started the car, reversing it out of the garage and driving down the long winding driveway till you got to the street.

“It’s an hour's drive to the city, give or take,” you told Logan, setting the GPS up on the car.

Logan barely glanced at it, eyes on the road, a firm grip on the steering wheel. He didn’t even respond to you. You sighed and turned away, looking out the window as the scenery passed you in flashes.

As the drive continued, you noticed Logan sending you glances every now and then. If you really focused on them, you’d almost say they seemed worried, concerned even, but they were always too quick for you to tell for certain. You were too preoccupied with your cramps that had started up anyway, and the lack of nurofen you’d forgotten to grab.

Finally, you arrived at the city, driving into the hustle and bustle of the crowded area. Logan’s hand tightened on the steering wheel, obviously not a fan of the traffic the city provided. You watched the stream of people through the window as Logan looked for a space to park, muttering under his breath.

You were mildly entertained at the amount of road rage he had, cursing every car that wasn’t at least 10 metres over the speed limit. His jaw was clenched, hand fisting the steering wheel, yet he still looked at you here and there, like you were actually wounded.

When he eventually found a parking spot the two of you got out of the car and you looked at the address Xavier gave you.

“Should be somewhere along this street,” you murmured, eyes flicking from the piece of paper to the busy street.

Logan moved behind you, so close you could feel your back against his chest, and looked at the paper in your hand. He let out a grunt and moved past you, walking forwards. You frowned and hurried your pace, not wanting to lose him amidst the crowd of people.

Luck was certainly not your side, because soon enough you’d lost him, unable to see his black leather jacket in the throng of people. You hesitated, wondering if you should look for him or just go straight to the address, when you felt an arm around your waist.

“Stay close to me,” Logan murmured into your war, his voice gravelly. “Don’t wanna lose you again.”

You glanced at him as he continued walking, not moving his arm from your waist. “How’d you find me?”

He gave you a smirk. “Followed the smell of blood.”

Again you felt your cheeks heat but you glared at him defiantly, refusing to be embarrassed. He smirked at you, flashing his teeth, as you arrived in front of the address, a plain building home to some sort of florist. 

Logan finally took his hand from your waist, walking to the door with you trailing behind him. A bell gave a little jingle as you entered, and you were immediately assaulted with the smell of flowers. Different sorts of plants took up every corner of the room and Logan’s face soured as he looked around, obviously not pleased with the environment.

An old woman sat behind a desk, watering a plant with a mini watering can. You walked up to her, Logan hot on your heels. When you stopped in front of the desk Logan was so close behind you you could actually feel his chest against your back.

“Mrs May?” you asked.

The old woman looked at you with a smile, her eyes crinkling. “That’s me. What can I help you two lovebirds with? Bouquet of roses? Lilies?”

You opened your mouth, surprised, and tried to find something to say. Being mistaken for a couple shouldn’t have affected you so much, especially while on a mission, but you were flustered and could still feel Logan’s chest right against your back, his warmth almost dizzying.

“We’re not here for flowers unfortunately,” Logan spoke, saving you. Except why didn’t he specify you weren’t a couple? Did that not matter to him, what some old lady thought, or did he enjoy the idea of being thought of as your boyfriend?

Oh god. What were you thinking? Stupid period hormones. 

The old lady looked at you two curiously. “Then how can I help you?”

There was a pointed silence and you realised Logan was waiting for you to speak. You cleared your throat and spoke the random sequence of words Xavier had you memorise, that would inform Mrs May just what type of buyers you were.

The woman’s eyes lit up with recognition and she nodded her head slowly. “Ah, yes, let me just go to the storage room quickly, I’ll be back….”

Mrs May tottered around the desk and through a side door, half hidden behind the multitude of plants covering the area, leaving you alone with Logan.

You took a step away from him and turned around to look at him, finding him staring at you with a frown on his face.

You frowned back at him. “What’s up with you today?”

He raised his eyebrows at you. “What is up with me? I don’t know if you’ve noticed Darl but you haven’t exactly been up to par yourself.”

You rolled your eyes at his words. “That’s not what I meant, and besides, I’m on my period.”

Logan stared at you, arms crossed. “What did ya mean then?”

“You’ve been acting strange. Less talkative and annoying like usual.”

Logan snorted. “Ever the lady.”

“I’m serious. What’s up with you?”

Logan sighed and took a step forward until he was towering over you and you had to crane your head up to look at him. “You are what’s up. I can constantly smell you bleeding, and I can’t get it out of my mind that it means you’re hurt. You’re driving me crazy sweetheart.”

Well…. That certainly wasn’t what you were expecting. Logan smirked down at you as if he knew that, and enjoyed surprising you. You cleared your throat as your eyes darted to the floor. “Well, that’s hardly my fault.”

Logan chuckled. “Not your fault no, but it is your doing whether you mean to or not.”

You swallowed, looking back up at him. “Well…. Don’t you constantly smell when people are on their periods?”

“It’s different with you. Smelling your blood just drives me crazy, plain and simple. Can’t get the instinct out of my head that blood means injury.”

The way Logan was admitting all of this, with such calm, made you think he’d been wanting to say this for a while. The unspoken confession was there, and it was up to you to decide what to do with it.

“I’m glad you care,” was what you landed on, unsure of what else to say.

Logan chuckled again, one hand snaking to your waist. “I do a lot more than care, Y/n.”

You smiled softly, looking up at him. With his other hand he brushed your cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. The sound of a door closing brought you out of your little bubble and you took a step back, Logan reluctantly letting go of your waist.

Mrs May, either not having seen you two or graciously deciding to ignore it, passed you a package, informing you the herb and all information involving it was inside, and to handle it with care. You nodded and thanked the old woman before exiting the building, Logan again right on your heels.

As soon as the shop’s door closed behind you Logan’s hand was back around your waist. “Not losing you this time.”

You tried not to smile, though internally you were grinning like a maniac, and let Logan lead the two of you back to the car. You didn’t even get to argue your case of driving this time, Logan already in the driver’s seat. You sighed and got into the passenger seat, resigning yourself to another hour of silence as Logan started driving, when you felt his hand on your thigh.

You looked at him but he didn’t say anything, just gave it a light squeeze as he kept his eyes on the road. You looked away, grinning. So maybe the world didn’t have it out for you after all.

[muletia]

𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 ⋆. 𐙚 ˚

[tfp] obsessed!orion pax x human!reader

summary: what if optimus' obsession bypassed his memory loss? what if he was so infatuated that even his past self yearned for you?

cw: fluff, pinch of angst, canon divergence: orion is taken by the autobots, obsessive thoughts, clinginess, orion literally cannot be left alone for one(1) second, tbh nothing happens in this, i just wanted to write obsessed!orion interacting with you, bad writing, silliness

word count: 4700

"Come to the base. It's urgent."

As you stare at the terse message from Ratchet, your chewing slows and stops. A storm of questions whirls in your mind, panic creeping into your body. Before you can even type a single letter, your phone rings. The caller is none other than the Autobot medic himself. You answer in less than a second.

"Hello? Ratchet, please don't scare me—what exactly happened?"

"It's about Optimus." Your heart skips a beat. "During the last mission, he was... injured. Or, to be precise, damaged."

"Is it serious?" you ask, pacing nervously around the break room. Lunch now long forgotten. "Will he be all right?"

"Physically—he's never looked or felt better. Mentally, however... that's a different story. I'll explain the details when you get here. And make it quick."

"Hold on, wait—I can't just leave work early like that. There's a whole procedure for this. I can't just waltz out, even though I’d love to leave right now."

"...In an hour and a half, I expect to see you here at the base. See you then."

He hangs up. You stare at your phone screen for a moment, replaying the conversation in your head. Something serious must have happened—Ratchet wouldn’t disturb you at work otherwise. And it involved Optimus... You bite your lip, torn by indecision. You need to at least make sure he's okay, to see with your own eyes what Ratchet was talking about. Otherwise, you'll regret your negligence and spend the rest of the day worrying.

Shoving the half-eaten sandwich into your bag, you rush to your computer to draft a request for early leave, praying fervently that your boss will grant it.

You kept pressing the gas, speeding toward the base, trying to balance obeying traffic laws with worrying about the Autobot. You knew he had been preparing for a mission recently, he had told you about it during a ride you shared, but you didn’t expect it to end like this. Maybe you should have, considering you were associated with a race of aliens deeply embroiled in a centuries-long war, but you always pushed such unpleasant thoughts to the back of your mind, wishing your friends the best. Now, though, all the worst scenarios were coming to the surface. Had he fallen into a coma? Was his processor damaged? Had he died? You didn’t want to think about such an ending. Optimus was alive. You were sure of that.

Seeing the familiar red rock, a tight knot of anxiety gripped your throat. In a few moments, you were about to drive into what was practically your second home, not knowing what awaited you. You glanced at the clock. You were half an hour late—well beyond the time Ratchet had given you.

As if on cue, the medic called you again.

“Don’t enter the hangar. Leave the vehicle at the entrance.”

Before you could say a word, he hung up, leaving you to sigh in frustration.

Following his instructions, you parked at the main entrance and made the rest of the journey on foot. The lights seemed especially harsh, glaring into your eyes as the tunnel stretched endlessly ahead of you, as if warning you, giving you one last chance to turn back. But no force on Earth could stop you now. Determined, you marched forward, needing to know what had happened to your friend.

The hangar was full of Autobots, their sheer presence intimidating. You had thought you were over the feeling of smallness that came with being one of the humans among them, but now it hit you again, hard, dredging up memories of when humans in their midst were still a novelty. You froze for a moment, your courage momentarily disappearing in the shadows of giants.

It wasn’t until your eyes landed on the reason you had left work early that you began to breathe again. Optimus stood there, seemingly whole and healthy, facing the platform where the kids likely were. Relief washed over you. He was alive. Your heart was still racing, but the weight of dread lifted slightly, leaving you braced for the next wave of bad news.

"Hey, sorry I’m late. Work took longer than I expected," you called out.

Your voice immediately caught his attention. Optimus turned to you so abruptly that it shocked everyone present, abandoning the conversation he had been engaged in. Tilting your head back to meet his gaze, you were surprised when he knelt down on one knee, making himself more accessible. You still had to look up, but now his face wasn’t obscured by his… windshields.

The first hint that something was off was his smile—wide, cheerful, and curious. Optimus didn’t smile like that, not even when something genuinely delighted him. Worry started gnawing at you again. Something was wrong.

"Greetings. You must be our next human ally, correct?"

At first, you were at a loss for words. Of all the scenarios you had imagined, memory loss hadn’t even crossed your mind. But before the conversation could veer into awkward territory or panic could take hold, you managed to reply, mirroring his smile.

"That’s right."

"You seem… familiar. As though we have met before."

The hangar fell silent, the atmosphere thickening.

"Of course he would remember her," Ratchet hissed under his breath. You shot him a glare filled with venom.

Focusing back on the mech before you, you forced a calm smile, masking the whirlwind of emotions inside you. You felt like you were on the verge of exploding—uncertain whether to jog his memories or pretend this was truly your first meeting. Why hadn’t anyone given you guidance on how to handle this?

"Erm, well…" you began, only for Ratchet to step in and spare you.

"Humans can look quite similar at first glance," the medic interjected. "Orion, this is [Name], the last human who should know of our existence."

A flicker of something lit up in his cyan optics—something indefinable, known only to him.

"Greetings, [Name]. It is a great pleasure to meet you."

He extended a servo toward you. Tentatively, you clasped one of his digits, ignoring the ache in your heart. This shouldn’t have been happening. You shouldn’t have to forge a new relationship with someone so dear to you. It felt uncanny—like he was wearing Optimus’s skin but was someone entirely different inside. It was unnerving, disorienting. Yet this stranger had knelt before you, reduced himself to your scale to show respect, just as Optimus always had. It was a glimpse of his alternate self, a sign of the inherent honor and kindness he still carried.

"Hello, Orion. The pleasure is all mine."

Letting go of his servo, you gave him an apologetic smile, signaling the end of the conversation. You needed answers, clarity about the situation, before you could decide how to proceed. As Orion straightened up, you stepped past him toward the platform. You could feel curious optics on you, particularly his, as you fist-bumped the kids. Unbeknownst to you, Orion clenched his servo in the same way you had during your handshake.

"So," you said to Ratchet, "what happened?"

The medic sighed, clearly weary of recounting the story yet again. But you had to know. You listened intently, the details unsettling and at times horrifying, but you felt a growing sense of calm. At least now you knew what you were dealing with—what topics to avoid, how to act. The relief faded, however, when you learned that the first attempt to restore Optimus’s memories had failed, and no date had been set for the next.

As Ratchet spoke, most of the team dispersed, leaving only you, the medic, and Orion in the hangar. Taking a moment to process everything, you glanced at Orion, catching his curious gaze.

This was your new reality. Optimus was gone, yet not entirely, standing just a few meters away, watching you intently. It was too much to dwell on. You needed something to distract yourself.

Standing from the couch, you headed down the stairs. You figured you’d be here for the rest of the evening, so you might as well find something productive to do.

"[Name]?" Orion’s voice stopped you in your tracks. He looked genuinely concerned. "Are you leaving already?"

His behavior puzzled you.

"I’m just going to grab my things. I’ll be right back."

"I see. May I accompany you?"

Oh, that was adorable—especially with the hopeful tone in his voice.

"I’m not sure you’ll fit in the tunnel in your current form," you teased with a laugh. "It won’t take long. I’ll be back in a minute."

This time, you quickened your pace.

For several hours, Orion's life had been filled with uncertainty. He didn’t know how he had ended up on this planet, who the Autobots around him were, or why they called him "Prime" when he felt he was unworthy of the title. And now, another enigma had appeared—you. Orion could not rationalize the overwhelming need to be near you. He had felt it the moment he laid his optics on you. The need to stay close, to converse, to observe. The need to know you better. Never before had such intense emotions stirred within him for anyone, let alone a stranger. But you weren’t a stranger. This may have been your first meeting, and he may have spoken to you for the first time, but you were not unfamiliar. Of that, he was absolutely certain.

Seconds stretched into minutes, and minutes into hours since you had disappeared into the tunnel. He regretted not following you, even if it meant transforming into his alt-form. At least he would have kept an optic on you, preventing the gnawing feelings of confusion and longing from devouring him from inside.

Ratchet watched his friend closely. He recognized that look, that body language. He knew what it signified, what storm was brewing in Orion’s processor. Optimus had been the same when it came to you. For a brief moment, his friend was back. Too bad it was under such circumstances.

"Do you really remember that woman?" he asked.

"I am not certain," Orion replied, still gazing toward the tunnel. "I feel like she is not a stranger, even though I know this was our first encounter. And as… Prime, if I indeed held that title, was she close to me?"

Primus.

"Perhaps closer than any human, but only Optimus knew to what extent. That might explain why you recognized her."

"Then she is special."

"Everything points to that."

Orion glanced at him, offering a faint smile. For reasons Ratchet couldn’t quite explain, the gesture was hard to look at. Fortunately, you emerged from the tunnel, giving him an excuse to start working again.

"See? I told you it’d only take a minute," you laughed, a black backpack slung over your shoulder.

Orion didn’t confess the truth—that by his reckoning, you had been gone an eternity. He watched intently as you climbed the stairs and took a seat on the couch.

"So, Orion," you began, "what did you do on Cybertron?"

Oh. You were curious about him? Truly? He had never thought of himself as particularly interesting.

It was fortunate that you were not looking at him because his body language betrayed his embarrassment.

"I was an archivist. Do humans on Earth have similar professions?"

"Of course. You know, I’ve always admired archivists. It’s meticulous work, requiring patience and nerves of steel—if you know what I mean. Anyway, it’s an important job, and anyone who takes it up is very cool in my book."

"Cool?"

"You know, fascinating, impressive, admirable."

"Does that mean that... in your optics, I am… cool?"

He asked without thinking and immediately regretted it when you gave him an amused look. Embarrassed, he tilted his helm downward. For such a towering and formidable being, he was also astonishingly skittish. It was peculiar to see a former Prime in such a light, but it made him more relatable, more emotionally accessible. Even so, you couldn’t deny that you missed Optimus.

"Of course, you’re cool to me."

That answer brightened him. A spectacle of stars dances in his optics.

You returned to typing on your laptop, but Orion had other plans for you.

"It seems I still have much to learn about this planet."

"I think you’ll catch on quickly. Besides, if it makes you feel any better, the other bots don’t know everything either. If you’re ever unsure, just ask. I’ll do my best to help."

"Thank you, [Name]. Your kindness is very important to me."

"Anytime. If you’d like, you could also explore our literature—it’ll give you a good insight into what humanity is all about. That sounds like a fitting activity for an archivist, doesn’t it?"

He would much rather have you as his sole source of knowledge about your species, as it meant spending more time with you. He wanted to know not just what you were but who you were—your interests, where you worked, how you spent your free time, your philosophy, beliefs, and hobbies. Everything you were willing to share. He wanted to know you inside and out, to solidify this sense of connection and make it real. And if you wished, he would bare his own secrets, reveal his spark, and show you every part of himself. Perhaps then you might look at him just for a second longer.

"Yes, I believe that would be an enjoyable activity. And what is it that you do?"

He asked question after question, each answer adding a new layer of understanding about you. He shared a little in return, preferring listening to you—your opinions, your perspective.

Time passed swiftly in your company. Relentless and unforgiving, it waited for no one. Orion realized this when you set aside your device and began stretching. It was a mesmerizing sight—your movements were so different from those of Cybertronians, fluid, and light. That was until the air was pierced by the loud crack coming from your back.

Energon froze in his fuel lines, and his spark leaped to his intake.

"[Name]? Are you alright? Are you harmed?"

"Hm?" you hummed, confused. He looked as though calamity had befallen him, as though you’d been beheaded. Then you remembered—it was Orion, not Optimus, and the human body was weird. "Oh, that. Don’t worry, I’m fine. It’s perfectly normal." To prove your point, you began cracking your knuckles, stopping quickly when you saw his horrified expression. "Okay, sorry about that. But really, I’m fine. I just need to stretch."

"Alright…" he replied, though he didn’t seem convinced. You couldn’t blame him.

You rose from the couch and stepped down from the platform, intending to take a short walk. Panic erupted in his spark. Oh no. No, no, no. He didn’t want to be left alone, not after such a jarring experience. He wouldn’t let you out of his optics now—not even for a moment.

"May I accompany you?"

"Of course!" you replied without hesitation, smiling—a gesture he immediately mirrored. "It won’t be very exciting, though."

"On the contrary, I find you to be a most intriguing individual."

"Oh, thank you," you said, clearing your throat, embarrassed. Compliments delivered in that baritone still flustered you.

Together, you ventured deeper into the base, bypassing various sections. In the training room, Arcee worked on her speed, while Bulkhead struck a makeshift punching bag fashioned from an old car. The children watched the spectacle, occasionally entertaining themselves. You both quickly slipped past the always-open entryway and continued on your way.

“[Name]?” Orion inquires. You turn into an empty hangar with a high platform, starting to ascend the stairs.

“Hm?”

“How do humans attempt to court their partners?”

You hadn't expected that kind of question. You stop mid-step, pondering your answer. When you look at him, his expression is dead serious, though his optics betray a determination. Why would he want to know this? You decide it’s probably mere curiosity.

“It depends on the person.” You continue climbing the stairs until you finally reach the top, now level with his faceplate. “Some buy gifts like flowers, others go on elaborate dates. But the common factor is spending time together, and getting to know one another. Feelings tend to develop naturally that way,” you explain. “Actually, that’s an interesting topic. How did it work on Cybertron?”

“Similarly. However, instead of exchanging ‘flowers,’ we presented rare metals or crystals to leave the best impression. To demonstrate strength and potential as a partner.”

“I know a few people who would totally fall for that approach. Heh, I’d be thrilled to get a geode myself.”

Orion suddenly lights up. Were you suggesting something or just sharing an opinion? Whatever it was, he felt compelled to try. To prove himself worthy. Perhaps he could even find the ‘flowers’ you mentioned.

“I see. Thank you for enlightening me.”

“You’re welcome?” you reply, unsure exactly how you’ve helped, but the sight of his broad smile and bright optics makes it all worthwhile. He was utterly adorable.

The two of you chat casually until you’re forced to check the time. You inhale sharply, and Orion tilts his head slightly, curious about your reaction.

“It was great talking to you, but I really need to go. I have work tomorrow and I’d like to get some sleep.”

Panic flashes across his face. He had enjoyed your company so much. He didn’t feel alienated or alone when he was with you. The sense of connection played a significant role, but Orion had already let you into his spark. He had found a safe harbor in you and wasn’t ready to drift away just yet. He wasn’t ready to let go, even if the world around him were to crumble.

“May I accompany you?” he asks, desperation seeping into his tone.

“Excuse me?”

“May I accompany you?” he repeats, now begging.

“My home isn’t exactly designed to host a giant robot. Besides, it’s dangerous and... wait, do you even know the traffic regulations?”

His expression answers the question, but he still attempts to defend himself.

“I have acquainted myself with them partially.”

“Who has the right of way at an uncontrolled intersection?”

He opens his mouth but quickly closes it again, visibly crestfallen. He looks as though he might cry.

“Orion, we’ll see each other tomorrow,” you reassure him. “The first thing I’ll do after work is come here.”

He frantically searches for an argument to keep you with him—anything to prolong your company. Then he remembers his first encounter with human children.

“Every child was assigned a guardian who escorted them home and ensured their safety,” he states, refusing to give up. “Do you have a protector?”

“Unofficially, that was Optimus…”

“Then I would like to carry on his mission.”

“I’m not a child, Orion.”

“I understand that. I merely wish for your safety, [Name],” he explains earnestly. “And… I would prefer not to part from the company most dear to me.”

Your thoughts drift back to something he said earlier—how he recognized the bond you once shared, even though this was your first conversation. He hadn’t recognized Ratchet or anyone from his team—only you.

You tried to put yourself in his position. To suddenly find yourself in a foreign place, surrounded by strangers addressing you by a false name and feeding you information that might as well be fiction. And then, in a world where nothing is familiar, someone steps in—someone you vaguely recognize. You might not know their name, but you know there was once a connection. Wouldn’t you cling to that tiny thread, desperately pulling it closer if someone tried to take it away?

Orion had found solid ground, and you were unintentionally trying to undermine it. You exhale softly. You already knew you’d be saying goodbye to sleep tonight.

“Alright.” His smile makes it all worth it. It’s as though you’ve handed him a star from the sky. “Let’s see what Ratchet has to say about all this.”

"I see no objections."

Orion looks at you with excitement sparkling in his optics.

"Wow, that was quick."

"It's a good excuse for Orion to explore the area and get accustomed to his alt mode."

The medic refrains from adding that if the former leader remained at the base, he would likely have wasted away in longing for you, lamenting to every sentient being that he couldn't wait to see you again. Though the comment teeters on the edge of his glossa, he opts for discretion. Optimus, at least, had never vocalized his peculiar obsession with you quite so openly.

"Should anything unusual occur, contact me immediately. Someone will come for you in the morning," Ratchet advises his friend before turning to you. "Good night, [Name]."

You thank the medic for his diligence and ask him to take some rest, earning a piercing glare that almost feels lethal, then retrieve your backpack and head toward the tunnel. Orion stays close by, not leaving your side even after transforming. Ever the gentleman, he opens the door for you, visibly delighted at the prospect of your first shared drive together. In his mind, this was more than a mere drive—it was a deeply intimate act, almost akin to inviting a partner into one’s private space.

But his dreams are promptly shattered when you inform him that you have your own car.

The journey is uneventful but nerve-wracking; you constantly check your side mirror to ensure Orion is still following you. Thankfully, there are no issues, and he even remembers to use his turn signals when necessary. Everything proceeds smoothly until you pull into your driveway and are struck by a dreadful realization: Will a Peterbilt even fit in my garage?

You park your car to the side, leaving Orion enough space to drive safely. Exiting your vehicle, you open the garage door and wave at him to proceed. You nervously bite your thumb, watching the massive truck carefully edge into the space. There are barely three centimeters between the roof of the truck and the ceiling. When you close the garage door, the already limited space shrinks further.

"So, do you regret your decision now?" you ask, stepping around to the front of the truck.

Orion transforms with meticulous precision, carefully positioning his limbs and helm to avoid damaging the walls. The process goes well until his helm grazes the ceiling with an audible thud, dislodging a few small pieces of debris. He winces slightly and rubs his helm but offers you a warm smile.

"I do not regret my decision."

"Pfff, well, that's good. Are you all right?"

"I am unharmed."

You can’t help but feel guilty for confining him to such a cramped space, but it was his choice. If he insisted, he would simply have to endure it. Of course, that meant you would have to endure it, too, as the issues began almost immediately.

"All right, I’m going to grab my things. I’ll be back in a moment."

He panics again—something you’re beginning to expect from him.

"Please, do not leave me."

His voice is unchanging. A deep and thick baritone that permeates your body, speaking straight to your soul. It is strange to hear the same voice coming out of a shamed and uncertain being, begging you for company.

"I’ll only be gone for two minutes."

You reach for the door handle, but his servo shoots forward, blocking your exit.

"Orion," you chide, your tone sharp and reprimanding.

He doesn’t meet your eyes, his apprehension laid bare.

"Please, I do not wish to be alone."

"Two minutes," you say firmly, though your annoyance falters when you see the raw emotion in his optics. Sighing, you place a hand on the edge of his digit, catching his attention. "I’ll be back. I promise."

He believes you, of course he does. He trusts you to return, yes, he even knows it. It doesn't change the fact that he is frightened, he feels alone, and your proximity calms the storm raging through his processor. His whole body is clamoring for you, screaming for you to stay with him. He craves bodily contact, he wants your soft hands to stroke his metal and your lips to whisper sweet nothings. He wants more, he wants to feel the softness, more, more, more.

He takes his servo away.

"Good mech."

As you disappear through the door, Orion buries his face in his hands. Despite his embarrassment, he can’t suppress a grin. He had enjoyed that moment—far too much.

He wants to hear you say it again.

When you return, you’re carrying a blanket, a deck of UNO cards, some snacks, and your laptop. Orion beams at the sight of you but frowns when he notices you shivering.

"Are you cold?" he asks with concern.

"Hmm? A little, but I’ll warm up soon."

Without warning, he gently scoops you up in his servo, handling you with the utmost care. The shock is brief—you don’t even have time to protest before he places you on his chassis. His servo remains loosely wrapped around you as a precaution, but your back presses against his warm metal frame. Tilting your head up to glare at him for pulling such a stunt, you find him already watching you, amusement dancing in his optics.

"Ask next time before you do something like that," you scold lightly.

"I make no promises," he teases, earning a playful flick to his digit.

"I was planning to play UNO, but since you pulled that move, let’s watch a movie instead. Unless you’d rather do something else?"

"I leave myself entirely at your mercy."

He would have been content doing nothing as long as he could hold you close.

"All right, then. A movie it is."

It's hard for him to keep up with the plot when he's overstimulated, but he tries, because your questions encouraging discussion come out of nowhere. And it was just at moments when he started to drift off, when the optics shifted from the tiny screen to you; when there was only you and him in the world. Sometimes, however, he would focus for longer, especially during the romantic scenes. He longs to experience something similar with you, an indestructible, sappy love. To recite poetry into your ear and watch you blush, to announce to everyone how much you mean to him. To bestow expensive gifts, the geodes you mentioned earlier. He needs your tender words, your praise, your touch. You could do whatever you liked with him, and he would give you his spark.

He worries when you fall silent for too long.

"[Name]?" he calls softly, leaning closer to check on you. Relief washes over him when he sees you’ve simply fallen asleep. Poor thing—you must have been exhausted.

Still, a part of him resents it. He wanted to talk to you longer, watch more films, learn more about human romance to win your favor. But he knows his thoughts are selfish. Setting the laptop aside, he carefully covers you with his other servo, creating a cocoon of warmth and safety.

He's not sure he'll be able to recharge. At least not now, when he was too absorbed in devouring you with his optics. You felt safe with him. You gave him your trust. You chose him.

A spark of possessiveness sweeps through his processor. He doesn't want to let you go. He doesn't want you to go to work tomorrow and leave him for eternity. He also knows he shouldn't think that way. The spark goes out.

Watching you sleep, his processor churns with thoughts. You trusted him. He vows to prove his worth tomorrow, to show you just how deep his feelings run.

Because he doesn’t know how much longer he’ll be himself. How much longer he will remain as Orion Pax.