#i hope for a universe where they could be simple siblings | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

inuyashaluver · 9 months ago

Note

Hey I absolutely adore your fics you are my favourite writer i was wondering if you could write a fic where reader has autism and there comfort person has always been there sister leah and best friend jen and nobody has figured out how to get through to them and they dont like meeting new people but thats until alessia arrives

she’s different - alessia russo

alessia russo x reader

description: in which your sister notices a complete shift in you when a certain blondie makes their way into your heart

warnings: a little long! swearing, timelines don’t make sense but i am just a girl

a/n: hiya, lovely! thank you for all the love and request, it truly means so much to hear i’m your fav, what an absolute honour!! i hope i did this justice, please let me know if anything needs to be changed or altered, i’ll do it in a heartbeat! much love to you, gorgeous, enjoy ❤️

⋆ ★ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ★ ⋆

you and your girlfriend, alessia, had a very special relationship. the two of you forming a bond that no one could have suspected. the people closest to you were even shocked with how much you and alessia stuck together from early on.

—

you were a sports photographer, and a good one at that. you’d always had love for taking photos, one of your main subjects being your sister, leah who was always more than willing to let you take photos of her while she trained, or during games.

while both of your siblings were sporty, you always resorted to academics. you were incredibly intelligent, excelling in school, your whole family was extremely proud of you.

photography started as a hobby in the side of your studies but you grew a love for it when people assured you your pictures were extremely good.

—

you experienced the world a little differently. from a young age, you struggled to connect to the people around you that weren’t your parents, brother or especially your sister.

you always found social situations and connections confusing, your siblings knew you inside and out so why would you need anyone else?

you often found social situations overwhelming if you weren’t with someone you knew, struggling to make friends.

the simple things that came easily to people were often a struggle to you, like maintaining eye contact or understanding body language occasionally when you were under stress.

these things were a constant anxiety and frustration for you in the beginning, feeling like something was wrong with you.

and so, when you were 13, you were taken to a specialist and were diagnosed with autism. it was from then on, the world began to make sense. the amount of love and support your family offered you helped you through the challenges of growing up diverse.

you could solace in familiarity, not really liking to step out of your comfort zone without easing into it slowly. one of the people that understood this well was leah, leah was your rock, your backbone.

she offered you stability, comfort and support even if she was just sitting next to you in silence. leah made you feel safe and understood, never really pressuring you into anything you didn’t want to.

—

when you were in university, you were working part time with both arsenal and england as a member of their media teams.

being apart of both media teams was comfortable for you, leah introducing them to you and being relieved when you got along with them. though this was hard to do, you were an absolute sweetheart.

they understood that sometimes you just needed to work in silence, letting you do what you did best and it really showed through your photos and videos. so much so, as soon as you graduated, they both hired you full time with a permanent position in both teams.

you absolutely loved it, having the opportunity to do what you loved and not feel judged. during the time you worked with arsenal, you were introduced to jen through your sister.

jen understood you like leah, not pressuring you and actually making an effort to understand you. you got along with all of leah’s friends but jen was the one that stuck.

though it didn’t come easily, pretty much everyone you were introduced to required some patience to see the real you. but once they did, it was worth it.

—

you’d met alessia through your sister of course, not offering her much more than a hello and small talk about the weather or how you wanted her to pose for campaign pictures for england.

alessia always had a special appreciation for you, she not only found you absolutely beautiful but she really appreciated how genuine you were.

from the short conversations you had together, alessia always felt a little more at ease. when she knew she was getting photographed which was often uncomfortable for her, she was relieved if you were the one taking the picture.

you thought alessia was gorgeous and it was one of the reasons you distanced yourself from her. she was close with leah so you’d talk to her if you had to, blushing without even realising.

she was also one of your favourite canvases, always listening to your instructions with a soft smile.

your sister didn’t even know you found the girl attractive, the one time she wasn’t able to read you completely. everything changed when alessia transferred from manchester united to arsenal.

—

you’d just moved out from living with leah into your own flat, one of the scariest things you’ve ever had to do but leah and jen, before she moved helped you through it.

when jen got her new contract, your heart absolutely broke, you’d cried in leah’s arms for days after she moved and you decided you needed a change, that’s why you moved out.

this didn’t mean you didn’t see leah all the time, you did at work but she’d always rock up to your house with snacks in hand for a movie marathon or just to sit and chat.

you often called and facetimed but nothing beat seeing her in person. leah found it cute how happy and excited you got seeing her every morning, always making her feel special.

“hi, bunny!” leah smiled brightly (a nickname she gave you after your childhood bunny toy that you absolutely loved). she pulled you into a hug and you felt yourself go limp in her arms, she lifts you off the ground and you laugh brightly.

she hugs you tightly just the way you loved it, one of your stims that she knew calmed you down easily.

“morning, lee” you giggle when she swung you side to side for a moment before placing you on the ground with a quick kiss to your forehead.

“so miss photographer, what are your plans today?” leah asks you, hands on her hips as she looked down at you.

“well, we have a new transfer i have to shoot for, photos and videos” you smile, making leah smile too knowing how much you loved your job. “oo, do you know who it is yet?” leah says excitedly, hearing rumours of a transfer but not knowing who it was.

“no, not yet” you sigh, slightly nervous knowing you had to introduce yourself to a potentially new person.

“do you need me to come with you?” leah questions, her hand squeezing your shoulder gently. “no i’m okay,” you smile appreciatively, “my little sissy is growing too fast” she coos, pinching your cheek that you quickly slapped away with a scowl.

“leah, i’m 24” you scoff, crossing your arms over your chest as she continued to tease you. you both chatted back and forth before you got called by your coworker, gaining a little shove from leah towards her that you sent another glare at, making your older sister send you an exaggerated air kiss.

you and your coworker discussed the basics of the shoot until you finally reached the set, seeing a blonde getting fitted in the iconic arsenal kit.

“uh, hi, i’m (y/n), i’ll be shooting with you today” you say gently as you approached the girl, not wanting to scare her, the blonde turned quickly at the sound of your voice.

“(y/n)!” your eyes widen when she turns, “alessia?” you breathe out, the girl beams at you brightly, pulling you into a quick hug that made you tense a little until a comforting smell of caramel and vanilla easily made you feel at home.

you hadn’t seen alessia in a few months, that didn’t mean your heart wasn’t beating out of your chest when the girl locked eyes with you that you were quick to divert away.

you weren’t completely comfortable with her yet, so prolonged eye contact was out of the question.

“i’m so happy to see you, how have you been?” she grins, you nod at her, “i’m good thank you, and you?” sounding a little rehearsed, and it was, alessia made you shy.

she chuckles lightly, “really good, thank you, happy to be here” her smile was infectious, you couldn’t help the little grin playing at the corners of your lips.

you both lightly conversed as you prepared for the shoot, feeling yourself feel more comfortable around her in a way that surprised you, and alessia.

—

when you walked alessia into the gym talking and laughing softly, leah’s eyes were wide with shock. one, seeing alessia. two, seeing you laugh with alessia. three, both of you blushing like you’d just gone for a run, which she knew you didn’t.

leah scrambled up towards the both of you, pulling you into a headlock, “see you’re finally on the right side, less?” leah grins, smiling as you struggle in her grasp.

“leah! get off man!” you groan, alessia chuckles at your struggle, her hand gently grabbing your forearm, managing to pull you out of leah’s headlock.

her hand lingered for a moment before she let go, you sent her an appreciative smile before giving leah a shove on the shoulder.

“needed a change” alessia sighed, her and leah engaging in small talk while you just observed, looking back and forth between the two blondes and they laughed along with each other.

“so, did my sister treat you well?” leah teases, her arm wounding around your shoulder, you roll your eyes at leah, alessia sends you a soft smile.

“she always does” your cheeks go a little pink at that, feeling yourself cower a little further into leah that didn’t go unnoticed.

leah looked down at you challengingly but chose to dismiss it for now, you’d had romantic partners in the past but none of them really stuck. she’d seen you all shy and blushy before but never like this.

—

as the days and weeks went by, alessia was able to chip away at barriers you’d carefully constructed for years. she didn’t even know she was doing it, but what she did notice was you becoming more chatty with her, actually holding eye contact a little more than you usually do.

leah was completely shocked, in a good way, of course. all she wanted for her little sister was to be happy and from the looks of it, you were getting that.

“morning, lessi” you wave at her, alessia is quick to send you the wave back as she entered the doors at the arsenal training grounds, she pulled you into a quick hug,

“morning, (y/n/n)” she giggled as she pulled away, both of you falling into conversation as you walked alongside each other, you were photographing their training session today for socials.

when you both made it outside, you let in a sharp inhale, it was colder than you thought, alessia observed as your body shook lightly from the crisp air, shaking her head lightly at how you’d only worn a thin jacket.

she was quick to shrug hers off, draping it around your shoulders without a second thought. “lessi, no” you protest, trying to push the jacket back in her hands but alessia was quick to slip your arms through it and zip it up. “lessi, yes” she chuckles,

you pout at her slightly, “now you’ll be cold, lessi,” alessia smiles at you softly, “i’ll be running around, silly, i’ll be warm in no time” her arm around your shoulder as you still continued to protest her jacket, though you had to admit, having the smell of alessia flooding your senses was comforting.

“you really are a williamson, so stubborn” she teased, you laugh at that, nudging her with your shoulder as you both giggled.

leah watched the entire interaction with a soft smile, waving at you slightly and watching as you perked up at seeing her.

you run over to leah as she hoists you up in another hug, “so you have a sister?” leah teases, “uh, yeah, you?” you say a little confused, leah laughs loudly, pinching your cheek at your cluelessness.

“i know, bunny, i’m teasing you” she grins, “you and less have gotten really close?” your cheeks go pink at that, shifting the weight between your feet as you looked down, “she’s my friend” you say shyly, “are you sure?” leah whispers, dipping her head to look at you properly.

“i-i don’t know” you say softly, your sister pulls you into another tight hug, her hand rubbing up and down your back, “it’s okay, you’ll figure it out” you nod into her shoulder, moving away to set up your camera.

throughout training, you took photos of everyone, your photos always a favourite in the media since they always felt like more than just a photo, feeling like you always captured the person rather than the action.

you were sitting outside while editing the photos before alessia pulled up next to you. “hi, pretty girl, what’re you up to?” alessia watched as you tensed for a minute, glancing over at her quickly with a nervous expression that had her heart beating rapidly.

“oh, i’m editing” you clear your throat, getting nervous when alessia scoots a little closer to you to look at your computer screen.

she noticed you were editing a photo of her, and the sidebar was almost full of her pictures. her heart fluttered at the thought of you focusing on her, swallowing before glancing at you quickly.

“you look pretty in this one” you blurt out, immediately regretting it and pinching your nose bridge out of embarrassment.

alessia’s face was burning, muttering out a thank you as you both sat quietly for a minute before you both sparked another conversation to ease the tension.

—

“hi, gorgeous” alessia grinned as she arrived to england camp, sending you a little wink, “hi, lessi” you smile brightly, this time pulling her into a hug by yourself. she was pleasantly surprised, hugging you tightly and feeling you melt into her embrace.

“did you get here okay?” she says softly in your ear, pulling away with a hand placed on the small of your back as she walks with you.

“yeah, i came with leah” you smile at her, making the blonde smile back at you gently, “did you get here okay?” you ask back, she nods, her hand rubbing up and down your back, “mhm, better now that you’re here” she smiles, your cheeks dusting with pink as alessia’s eyes met yours.

“lee, i think alessia broke your sister” keira grins walking behind the two of you with leah and georgia next to her. leah chuckles fondly, “i think she’s got a little crush” leah whispers, georgia and keira make eye contact and smile,

“well alessia definitely feels the same, why hasn’t anything happened yet?” georgia questions, leah shrugs before giving them a warning glare, “let my sister figure this out herself, please” the two girls huff but nod, knowing you needed a little more time to come to grasp your feelings.

alessia’s arm wounds around your waist before she had to go to her room to unpack, “you know, we should do something just us two, we're in spain after all”

you look at her confused, “don’t you want to spend time with ella? you haven’t seen her in a while” alessia chuckles affectionately, shaking her head as she looked at you.

“you’re a little clueless aren’t you?” alessia grins, your face flushing, worried you just missed out on a social cue, a potentially important one.

you recounted the entire interaction between the two of you, picking it apart to see what you missed before alessia brought you out of your head.

“(y/n)” she said, leaning a little closer to you, “when i said just us two, i meant like a date, beautiful” she smiles, you were completely silent, mouth a little agape in the hotel lobby.

you were shocked, the thought of alessia returning your feelings making you extremely nervous. due to your prolonged silence, alessia grew nervous, her grip on you loosening.

“hey, if you’re not interested, that’s completely okay” she utters, “i won’t pressure you into anything you don’t want to do” she affirms,

“no! no! i’m very interested” you stumble on your words, “ i’d love to do something with you” you say softly, feeling like your body was on fire.

you began fiddling with the ends of your clothes, alessia’s hand moving it to hold your hand instead, smiling fondly at you.

“great, i’ll text you the time and meet me down here later?” you nod as she moved a loose strand of hair off your face, kissing your cheek quickly.

“okay,” you breathe out, her hand giving you a gentle squeeze before she moved towards the elevators making sure to smile at you another time before she really walks off.

“holy shit” you say in shock, running off frantically to try and find your sister, realising she was watching from the other side of the lobby.

“leah, help me!” you gasp, leah effectively calming you down while reminding you to breathe, “hey, slowly, what happened?” leah places both hands on your shoulders,

“alessia just asked me on a date” you whisper shouted, leah gives you the biggest, cheesiest smile, it made you feel a little uneasy.

“aren’t you supposed to be all protective right now, telling me she’s not good for me or something?” you remark, only making leah laugh, both of you knowing alessia was perfect.

“bunny, she’s perfect for you” leah admits, watching you shy away from her slightly, “really?” leah nods, giving you an encouraging expression that truly made everything feel okay.

“lessi has been flirting with you for weeks now” leah chuckles when your eyes grow wide, internally cursing yourself for not noticing the signs.

leah talked you through it, making sure you were completely comfortable before you went on the date.

—

you went on the date with alessia and to say you fell in love with her more every couple of seconds was an understatement. alessia was so gentle and genuine with you, patient and kind.

you had this girl in a chokehold and it was very much the same with you. alessia loved that she got to learn more about you, and she wanted to for the rest of her life so to speak.

for a couple of weeks, you and alessia went on dates every other day. the two of you growing so close, it truly surprised everyone around you. she asked you to be her girlfriend about a month later and giggled at how enthusiastically you agreed.

—

you’d been dating for about a year and things couldn’t have been better. everyone saw a new side of both you and alessia and it was incredibly endearing to see how in love you were with each other.

“bunny, alessia’s not the only one on the team you know?” leah teased as your lens was focused on alessia with an affectionate smile. “fuck off, lee” you laugh, taking a photo of leah flipping you off with a grin.

alessia laughed at the interaction between the two of you, jogging up to stand in front of you with a bright smile.

“baby” she grinned, her hand cupping your cheek as she pressed a sweet kiss on your lips, “babe, i’m working” you giggle as alessia continued to press kisses to your lips and cheeks,

“keep working then” she chuckles, moving to stand behind you, her arms wrapped around your waist as her head rested on your shoulder.

you smile as you continue to take photos of the england girls, only lasting for a couple of seconds before leah had to physically drag alessia away from you.

“i love you both but star girl needs to train” leah mocks, flicking your forehead with her arm wrapped tightly around alessia to drag her off,

“lee, wait!” you stop her, smiling before pressing a quick kiss to alessia’s lips, your sister dry retching as alessia sent heart eyes your way.

“okay, you can take her” you say cheekily, laughing as you hear leah scolding alessia for ‘corrupting’ her sweet sister while alessia shook her head in amusement.

alessia made you laugh like no one else, alessia made you feel more comfortable as yourself like you’d never experienced.

you and alessia loved each other more than anyone. even leah was willing to be a close second to your girlfriend.

although in the beginning you left alessia at a distance, you were so grateful for her persistence in breaking down your barriers, even if it took you a while.

you both knew it was a forever kind of thing. and so did everyone else.

⋆ ★ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ★ ⋆

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alessia: always the photographer xx

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yourname: i know a pretty canvas when i see one

↳ alessia: such a flirt, baby!

↳ yourname: your fault

leahwilliamsonn: sister stealer

↳ yourname: you literally told me to go on the date

↳ leahwilliamsonn: hush, bunny, i’m talking

↳ alessia: lunch tomorrow?

↳ leahwilliamsonn: you’re paying.

↳ alessia: deal

#woso x reader #woso fanfics #woso one shot #woso imagine #alessia russo #alessia russo x reader

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silliewrites · 4 months ago

Text

If I could save time in a bottle...

summary: [Platonic Logan Howlett x gn!reader/ famillial dynamics} After the passing of your parent figure some years ago, your friend Wade comes back from a deadly mission with a replica of him. You also soon learn that someone that is definitely not Wade has something to do with the mess that is currently the resting place of that loved one. Finally, you and the ‘worst’ Wolverine find you are on the road to healing together.

wc: 3.4k

warnings: angst and comfort, grief, strong language, brief mention of child death (in worst! Logan's universe), spoilers for Deadpool & Wolverine as well as Logan (2017), the bye bye bye scene is treated as grave desecration (which i mean,it is… but reader is naturally gonna see nothing humorous about it)

a/n: This is a bit of a mess because I never write, yet I have so many feelings and thoughts I had to do something with them. Not having seen a platonic fic of this kind anywhere I guess I had to make one. Also..I did some basic research on the general deadpool canon yet..I’m not entirely informed, having not watched deadpool 2… let’s hope for the best

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

You used to be the youngest student in the X mansion back in the day, just a child having mutated under life altering circumstances, the usual.

It was Logan who found you. He was your rock during and after the traumatizing event of your mutation, taking you in and placing you in the arms of the X-men and thanks to him they became your family.

You saw him no less than as a father. Despite his brooding, harsh exterior it was never difficult for you to see that he cared.

He never shot you down when you knocked on his door in the middle of the night, sobbing after another brutal nightmare. He took you seriously when you talked about your fears and worries. He saved you and helped you stand on your feet more times than you could count.

Seeing death and bad things happen to your family of mutants always hurt viciously but when Logan died it felt like something you would never get over.

With your abilities generally under control, you chose to avoid actively partaking in X men work (Not that you refused your assistance, if someone called for you specifically. It had better be very urgent though.)

So you tried to find a rhythm of what resembled a normal life for the most part, a decent job and some good friends. That was what he would have wanted, no, said he wanted for you.

You kept ties with Laura too, having bonded over your shared grief, the man having died in her arms after all. She was some years younger than you and you were happy to consider her a good friend, the younger sibling type.

Some years ago she had disappeared, causing you yet another source of anxiety. Turns out she herself had been banished to the Void. The relief you felt when Wade came back from that limbo hell while managing to bring her back too, was immense. You have never hugged anyone tighter than Laura the day you saw her again.

Speaking of Wade, through this and that, you had also become acquaintances. He had needed your assistance when he was forming his X force crew and you had hesitantly accepted, making it clear that this would be an one-time thing.

He seemed to be a "Wolverine fanboy" in his own words which caused him to bombard you with childish questions about him until you very firmly made him aware of your boundaries. There was a time and place to talk about Logan.

When that shitshow was over with, you did not mind him considering you your friend. Sure, he was a bit much for you, not a huge fan of his 'humor' but seeing him in moderation was not unpleasant…Alright, maybe you did enjoy his company and friendship, it was as simple as that.

After a chat with him, you learned that the rent in his apartment building was relatively cheap for New York standards, so when it was time to move out of your previous place, that was where you went.

Then the damn timeline thing happened. You were pretty confused as to how exactly the events played out, not being involved, thankfully. But the crazy fucker did it, he saved the universe from extinction apparently. And not exactly by himself.

Logan was there. Not your Logan but apparently a variant of him was necessary to pull the mission off.

And now that version of him was Wade's roommate. Great. Perfect. Definitely something easy for you to process in the days to come.

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

You first saw them after the mission on your way to catch a cab to the airport. It was that time of the trimester when you were to visit him. Bleak yet you longed to see him and speak to him, even if he was resting under the earth.

Wade had the decency to explain everything to you once it was decided that Logan’s variant would be staying. He knew that you never really stopped grieving and you appreciated the warning that basically an almost exact replica of your dead father figure would now roam around your earth.

Almost exact, because according to Wade, this Logan was more of a dick, more crude and erratic, apparently rendered by his extra layers of grief and hatred. Partially understandable but you would not accept that as an excuse if he said something cruel in front of you, you would probably introduce him to your interesting mutative abilities. You let Wade know so that he could warn mr stick-up-his-ass. Wade more than happy to accept, still assured you that with the life or death mission being over, Logan was attempting to be more approachable.

The feelings this new reality brewed in you were..mixed, to say the least.

You made eye contact with Wade from across the street and of course he shot up from the bench he was sitting on, dropping his half eaten sandwich to the ground, moving his arms vigorously in the air, catching not only your attention but any other passerby's.

Even though your stomach turned at having to face the him, you wanted to check up on Wade after all this madness he went through. And on his friend as well, you supposed.

You looked both ways before passing the street and before you knew it, Wade’s arms wrapped around your neck. You patted his back with one hand, unable to help the choking sounds that left you.

“It’s so good to see you, my little honey pumpkin bear!” He squealed excitedly while squeezing the dear life out of you. He really thought he’d never see his friends again, huh.

“Oof, yeah Wade, it’s really nice to see you too, please just-” You broke free of his hold and held an arm’s distance between the two of you. You patted his arm and gave him a small but genuine smile. “Really glad you’re ok. Not that I expected anything le-”

Your words slowly died out when your gaze met Logan’s. He was sitting on the bench observing the interaction silently. He looked just like you remembered him, minus some differences. Well, obviously he was supposed to be the same person yet..he was not.

He looked up at you, brows furrowed while his eyes scanned through your face before flashing with what seemed like recognition (Not that you knew what it was he was seeing) He seemed tense and his mouth gaped before he turned his attention to the ground.

Wade naturally noticed the uncomfortable tension between the two of you and he decided to chime in quickly.

“Ah, yes this is the Wolverine I had to kidnap to help me with the time ripper bullshit and oh boy, did he deliver!”

You kept your eyes on the Variant, forcing yourself into a polite smile (that resembled more of an awkward line) and you extended your hand to him, causing him to lift his gaze at you again.

“Nice to meet you...Logan. Thank you for your help with unscrewing our timeline” You said as pleasantly as you could and he took your hand after a moment of hesitation, shaking it with a gentle firm and a silent nod.

His presence..It made your stomach turn. Feeling the threat of your vision getting watery, you quickly averted your gaze away from the two, as subtle as you could manage.

“I..Wade, m’ sorry, would love to sit a bit more but I have to go-”

“Hey wait, tomorrow we’ll be having a get-together to celebrate the un-fuckery of the universe, a partEy if you will! Everyone will be there, Al will be making that terrible casserole you really like also!”

You gave him a melancholic smile, genuinely sad you would not be able to attend. Logan’s variant was back to looking at the ground.

“Ah, I’m sorry, I won’t make it, I’m afraid. I’m going to the airport right now actually, will be off for the next three days. Gotta see someone..”

“Ooooh” Wade whistled while wiggling his brows “and is that someone maybe a super hot sexy mysterious boyfriend? Or girlfriend? Or theyfriend? Or-”

“Heh, nope. Nothing like that unfortunately.”

“Sure, sure, keep your secrets, you ankle biter, but promise to pass by the apartment once you’re back, we gotta catch up!”

You nodded. “Of course. See you then.”

Two days later you found yourself back in New York in a rush, in front of Wade’s apartment door, ready to invent a way that would actually exterminate him.

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

Nothing prepared you for the mess you saw in what was supposed to be Logan’s resting place.

The snow had ceased completely. With a simple look his grave was undug and the makeshift X was missing. When you approached, the little fresh snow that had fallen last night was covering various types of debris. Some type of fight had taken place and someone had collected the bodies in a rush yet they did not bother with what you spotted after closer inspection and some digging with your hands.

Metallic looking appendages…These were…

You looked inside the open grave. The snow had barely covered the remains in there and it was obvious they were not even half of what they were supposed to be.

You suppressed the violent urge to vomit. Someone had taken him out, violated his remains and as if in a haste, threw them back in.

You dug through the snow with bare hands around the grave. A fragment here. A fragment there. The spine. What was left of the cranium. White hot rage.

You called Laura with shaking hands. Offended would be an understatement for how she sounded, as well, unaware of who could have possibly caused this. Why were you even calling her, poor girl was in the void for a while now, what could she possibly do or know?

You hung up with the intention of looking through the situation a bit more and catching her up later.

While trying to stay calm and focusing all your mental energy on collecting, wiping and gently placing the remains back in the hole, it clicked.

Wade.

From the few words you two had exchanged ever since he was back, you gathered he turned every stone to find “a Wolverine” to assist him. Yet you could not imagine what the everloving fuck would he defile your Wolverine’s grave for and what caused him to spread his bones all over like fucking confetti.

You would not stand for this. Just because Wade saved the stupid timeline, he did not automatically become immune to the most extraordinary ass whooping of the century. If he had something to do with this, you would not forgive him easily, if at all

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

After taking a deep breath, you rang the bell. Tapping your foot on the ground, you heard some mumbling and shuffling before the door opened.

Wade made a surprised expression that resembled a caricature.

“Sweet baby cakes! You're back already? Come on in, I was just thinking about starting a gossip girl marathon. Again!”

Wade's cheerful expression fell almost immediately when you stayed still for a moment too long, not responding.

Althea did not seem to be home. Good.

Wade's expression morphed into one of concern.

“Pumpkin, is everything-”

“Wade. Guess where I just came back from.”

You took a slow step forward, dropping you backpack to the floor.

“Erm..a male stripclub full of hot babes?”

“North Dakota.”

“Don't you say! Did North Dakota had any good male strip-” He stopped himself before realization hit him. “And..may I ask..what was it you were doing in North-”

“You know very well what.”

Wade put his hands in front of him defensively and closed the door. “Hey Pumpkin, why don't you just sit so that we can-”

“Shut. Up.” You whispered.

“When I got to his grave, someone had completely messed it up. Signs of fighting around. Do you happen to have anything to do with that?” You said in a dangerously low voice, eyes glued on him.

Wade, whose mouth formed into an awkward line, clearly not having a reasonably enough excuse to give you.

“Er, you see, um remember when I was looking for a Logan, well I started my search with the OG, you know, just to make sure he was dead dead and unfortunately he was and um then you see err the TVA showed up and um-”

He stopped when you put your hands on your face, squeezing it while a muffled screech of rage escaped you.

“You motherfucking, with no semblance of decency, insensitive prick. You defiled Logan's remains and used them as a shield, throwing them around like toys? And you have the nerve to come back home and look me in the eye after the fact? To look Laura in the eye? Do you not have any fucking shame? Am I simply an afterthought to you?”

Silence. You could not see through the tears. With shaky hands you pulled out of your pocket a tiny clothed item and you carefully unwrapped the cover to reveal a small metallic fragment.

“You may think everything's a fucking game but that man was my family, and worst part is you know this very damn well! How dare you!”

“You have every right to be angry, just let me-”

You grabbed the first object you could reach, which was a half empty bottle of liquor and threw it across the room, causing it to smash angrily on the wall of the living room. Wade winced slightly before groaning in frustration.

With that, a bedroom shot open and an alarmed Logan variant made an appearance, claws already out.

“What the fuck is hap-”

He stopped in his tracks seeing it was just you. He probably had already heard your yelling earlier yet it did not answer any questions about what was going on.

“What the hell, kid?” he said with a subtle hint of alarm.

You take a step towards him, looking up at his face, paying no mind to his blades that were now retreating back inside. God, how it hurt to stare right into his features. Feeling a wave of nausea, you picked up your bag and turned your back to the two men.

“Wait, can't we just talk about this?” Wade said

“No, you ruined my week enough” You mumbled bitterly before exiting his apartment. Week, more like, year.

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

The roof of the building was pretty nice, you always preferred it when you wanted some time to yourself outside the walls of your apartment. You rarely ever saw any other tenant there, especially in the late afternoons.

This is where you found yourself that night, elbows supported on the railing, observing the busy street from above while sipping on bad beer.

How you wished he was there right now. How you wished for one more simple moment with him, where you could just be in his presence once again, chat about nonsense or simply sit in comfortable silence next to him.

What would he think of you as the person you were trying to become? Would he be proud of you?

How you wished he would put his hand on your shoulder comfortingly right now.

You missed him. So much.

A high pitched creak came from the direction of the heavy door behind you, causing you to jump a little and instinctively wipe the fresh tears that you just then realized were running down your face.

“Sorry, kid, did I scare you? They mustn't have oiled this door in fucking ever..” There was Logan, the new one. Whatever entity was reading your thoughts a moment prior must be finding your misery hilarious.

“Hope I’m not bothering you”

“No, no. I don’t own the rooftop..” You mumbled softly, turning your attention back on the street, trying to ignore the feeling of clear tension he brought with him. You swore to God, if he was about to make a crass comment..

He came to stand next to you, mimicking the position of your elbows on the railing. He himself was holding a glass, filled with one most likely alcoholic liquid.

“That asshole told me everything about the grave thing. If I were you, I would have torn him apart.”

“I’m sure you already know this isn’t possible by any means”

Logan huffed. “Oh, believe me, I do. I’ve tried at least three times”

You gave a noncommittal nod, trying not to focus too much the gruff voice you always found so comforting.

“...You know..You existed in my timeline too” He mumbled before gulping a generous sip of his drink.

That made you look up at him, surprised. “I…did?”

“Oh, yes you did. Lively little brat you were.” He said with a laugh you could only describe as melancholic. He said it like it hurt.

“You went through so much for a child. And you did cry quite often ‘cause of it, yet you were still so..” He seized, taking a heavy breath and emptying his glass. “So full of life. A good kid.” The city lights reflecting on his eyes, making it easier for you to see how watery they were.

“I..assume I…”

You were interrupted by another one of those devastating low laughs that made your heart ache.

“Yeah. You were among them. Those fuckers did not even spare a fucking child. I was the one who got you with the X-men and it ended in..” He hissed through his teeth and half closed mouth. He took a moment to collect himself and breathed out.

“I’m so sorry, Logan.” You whispered genuinely. You didn’t know what to say.

“Don’t be, …sorry, didn't mean to make it about myself.”

“You didn’t, really!”

A moment of awkward silence before you decided to share your piece.

“My Logan, er, you..I suppose it’s more or less the same as it was in your world but..you were like a…You were the closest I ever felt to a parent. I grew up because of you and..yeah, when I was around 17, you died.” It was almost funny how much you oversimplified those statements but it was the best you could manage at the given moment.

He nodded, listening intently.

“I’m sure that..If he saw how you grew into who you are today, doing your own thing, in spite of the mutation shit and all…he wouldn’t change a thing about how all these fucking events went down..”

“You..think so?”

He chuckled, giving you a small smile, tired but genuine.

“Hell, I know so.” he said. You could tell. You could tell that he desperately wished this was how the events played out in his own world, with the other you alive and a bright future ahead of them.

You hesitated for a moment, not sure if what you were about to say would be too much for him. Then again, it was him who approached you with this vulnerable conversation.

“For what it's worth I would… they would want you to keep on living. Not forget them, not at all. Just..be. Be a person. Make friends and..live.”

He looked you in the eye for a second, before averting your gaze and looking anywhere but you. This was hard for him. But he was trying.

He patted your back firmly. “Thanks, kid.” It was a very simple thing you told him yet you could not possibly know what it meant to him.

You thought that maybe you got what you wished for. Not exactly and certainly not ideally. But you and this Logan had something in common. Maybe, you could help and comfort each other in a way nobody else possibly could.

“Y’ know..I'm glad you got to stay, Logan.”

A smile. “I'm glad to be here, kiddo.”

A pause.

“How long do you think I should make Wade do my laundry for? Y'know. For retribution?”

“Oh, six months at least, bub..”

You stayed for a couple hours chatting above the restless city, topics including but not limited to work, university and acquaintances.

Your pain was soothed a tiny bit and you hoped Logan's was too. You had a lot of time ahead of you to work on that further, after all.

#deadpool and wolverine #deadpool 3 #wolverine x reader #platonic!reader #logan howlett x reader #worst!wolverine x reader #worst!wolverine #x men

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estapa-edwards · 9 months ago

Text

TEAMMATES SISTER - L. HUGHES

paring: Luke Hughes x fem! reader

word count: 2k

requested? yes - luke meeting an ice skater at umich and falling in love with her but never confessing their feelings for each other, he knew she had a brother but didn’t know that he was john marino… she goes to a playoff game for the devs and luke sees her outside the locker room

warnings: use of y/n.

*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨*

It was a crisp winter morning when Luke first laid eyes on her. Y/N was effortlessly carving figures into the ice, her movements fluid and mesmerizing. Clad in a simple yet elegant skating outfit, she seemed to embody the very essence of the sport. Luke found himself unable to tear his gaze away from her, his heart beating faster with each graceful turn.

Despite being a talented hockey player himself, Luke felt a sense of awe and admiration for Y/N's skill on the ice. He found himself frequenting the university's ice rink, hoping to catch another glimpse of her. And as fate would have it, their paths crossed one afternoon when Luke decided to lace up his skates and join the other skaters on the ice.

At first, Y/N seemed oblivious to Luke's presence, lost in her own world as she executed a series of intricate jumps and spins. But as he gained confidence and began to skate closer to her, their eyes met, and Luke felt a jolt of electricity shoot through him. It was as if time stood still, and in that moment, he knew he had to get to know her.

Their initial conversation was awkward and stilted, filled with nervous laughter and fumbled words. But as they continued to skate together, a bond began to form between them. Luke learned that Y/N was a sophomore studying engineering, and that she had been skating since she was a child. She, in turn, discovered Luke's passion for hockey and his dreams of one day playing professionally.

Luke had mustered up the courage to skate closer to Y/N, his heart pounding in his chest as he approached her graceful form. With a nervous smile, he greeted her, "Hey, mind if I join you?"

Y/N looked up, her cheeks flushed from the cold, and returned his smile, "Sure, the more the merrier!"

As they skated side by side, Luke couldn't help but admire Y/N's skill and grace. "You're an amazing skater," he remarked, a hint of awe in his voice.

Y/N chuckled, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes, "Thanks, I've been doing it for as long as I can remember. It's like second nature to me."

Luke nodded, feeling a sense of kinship with her passion for the ice. "I feel the same way about hockey," he confessed, "It's like I was born with a stick in my hand."

As Luke and Y/N continued their conversation, their initial awkwardness melted away, replaced by a sense of comfort and familiarity. With each passing moment, they found themselves opening up to each other, sharing stories and memories that they had never shared with anyone else.

Luke recounted fond memories of playing hockey in the backyard with his older brother, the two of them dreaming of one day making it to the big leagues together. "My brother was my biggest inspiration," Luke admitted with a smile, "He always pushed me to be the best player I could be."

Y/N listened intently, a small smile playing on her lips as she nodded in understanding. "I know what you mean," she replied, "I have a brother too, and he's the reason I started skating in the first place."

She went on to tell Luke about her older brother, a talented hockey player who had taught her everything she knew about the sport. "He's always been my biggest supporter," Y/N confessed, "I don't know where I'd be without him."

As they shared stories of sibling rivalry and camaraderie, Luke and Y/N discovered that they had more in common than they had initially realized. Their love for hockey ran deep, rooted in the bonds they shared with their siblings and the memories they had made together on the ice.

And as they skated side by side, lost in conversation and laughter, Luke couldn't shake the feeling that he had found someone truly special – someone who understood him in a way that no one else ever had. Little did he know, Y/N felt the same way, her heart swelling with warmth as she realized that she had found a kindred spirit in Luke.

*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨*

As Luke and Y/N's friendship blossomed, they found themselves spending more and more time together both on and off the ice. They became each other's confidants, sharing their hopes, fears, and dreams with one another in the quiet moments between practices and classes.

Luke was drawn to Y/N's unwavering determination and fierce independence. He admired the way she approached her skating with a sense of discipline and focus, never allowing herself to be deterred by setbacks or challenges. And as he watched her push herself to new heights on the ice, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swell within him.

Y/N, in turn, found herself captivated by Luke's easygoing nature and infectious enthusiasm. He had a way of lighting up a room with his smile, and she found herself drawn to his positive energy like a moth to a flame. Whether they were goofing off on the ice or studying together in the library, Y/N cherished every moment she spent in Luke's company.

Despite their growing feelings for one another, Luke and Y/N were both hesitant to take the next step and confess their love. They feared that doing so would irreparably damage their friendship, and so they kept their emotions carefully guarded, burying them deep beneath the surface where no one else could see.

But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, their unspoken feelings began to weigh heavily on them both. They found themselves caught in a seemingly endless cycle of longing and frustration, their hearts yearning for something more even as their lips remained sealed shut.

But as their time at the University of Michigan drew to a close, Luke found himself faced with a life-changing decision. After months of hard work and dedication, he had received an offer to join the NHL, drafted by none other than the New Jersey Devils. It was a dream come true for Luke, a chance to pursue his passion on the biggest stage possible.

When Luke finally mustered up the courage to share the news with Y/N, he was met with a mixture of excitement and sadness. She was thrilled for him, of course, proud of all that he had accomplished. But deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that settled in the pit of her stomach.

"I'm going to miss you," Y/N admitted, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked into Luke's eyes. "But I know this is what you've always wanted, and I couldn't be happier for you."

Luke smiled, reaching out to take her hand in his. "I'm going to miss you too," he confessed, his heart aching at the thought of leaving her behind. "But no matter where I go, you'll always be in my heart."

*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨*

The atmosphere inside the arena was electric as the New Jersey Devils battled it out on the ice in a crucial playoff game. The crowd roared with excitement, their cheers echoing throughout the stadium as the players fought tooth and nail for victory.

Amidst the sea of red and black jerseys, Y/N stood out like a beacon of hope, her eyes shining with anticipation as she watched the game unfold before her. She had always been a devoted fan of the Devils, but tonight held a special significance for her – her brother, John Marino, was a star defenseman for the team, and she wouldn't miss the chance to cheer him on in person.

As the final buzzer sounded and the Devils emerged victorious, Y/N couldn't contain her excitement. She leaped to her feet, cheering and applauding with the rest of the crowd as the players skated off the ice, victorious smiles plastered across their faces.

But amidst the chaos and celebration, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. She knew that her brother would be heading to the locker room soon, and she wanted nothing more than to congratulate him on the win. But as she made her way through the crowded concourse, her heart skipped a beat as she spotted a familiar figure standing just a few feet away.

Luke.

She knew that he would be at the game, of course – she had told him as much when she had scored the tickets. But seeing him there, in the flesh, sent a jolt of electricity shooting through her veins. Despite their unspoken feelings for each other, Y/N couldn't deny the rush of excitement that coursed through her at the sight of him.

Luke's eyes met hers across the crowded hallway, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. He looked just as handsome as ever, his face lit up with a smile as he made his way towards her, weaving through the throngs of people with ease.

"Y/N," he called out, his voice barely audible above the din of the crowd. "I didn't know you were coming to the game!"

Y/N smiled, her heart pounding in her chest as she returned his gaze. "I wouldn't miss it for the world," she replied, her voice tinged with excitement. "And besides, I wanted to be here to cheer on my brother."

Luke's smile widened at the mention of John, and Y/N felt a surge of pride swell within her. Despite their complicated relationship, she knew that Luke harbored a deep respect for her brother, and seeing the admiration in his eyes only served to strengthen her feelings for him.

"Well, well, well, look who we have here," John teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he glanced between his sister and Luke. "Y/N, I didn't know you were bringing your boyfriend to the game."

Y/N felt her cheeks flush crimson at her brother's playful jab, her grip on Luke's hand tightening reflexively. She shot John a warning glare, silently pleading with him to drop the subject, but he only grinned wider in response.

"Is that so?" Luke asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise as he turned to look at Y/N. "I didn't realize I was your boyfriend."

Y/N felt a surge of panic well up inside her as she struggled to find the right words to explain. She had never told Luke about her conversations with John, the late-night texts and phone calls filled with giddy excitement and whispered confessions.

Before she could respond, John chimed in with a laugh, "Oh, come on, Y/N, don't be shy. We all know you couldn't stop talking about Luke when you were at Michigan. I practically had to pry my phone out of your hands just to get a word in edgewise."

Y/N's cheeks burned with embarrassment as she shot her brother another pleading look, silently begging him to stop. But John only shrugged nonchalantly, clearly enjoying the opportunity to tease his sister in front of Luke.

Luke, meanwhile, seemed to be taking it all in stride, his expression a mixture of amusement and curiosity. He turned to Y/N with a playful glint in his eye, his lips quirking up into a smirk.

"So, what do you say, Y/N?" he asked, his voice teasing. "Should I start calling you my girlfriend?"

Y/N felt her heart skip a beat at the thought, a rush of excitement coursing through her veins. Despite the embarrassment of being caught out by her brother, she couldn't deny the surge of happiness that filled her at the prospect of being with Luke.

Before she could respond, however, John interjected once more, his tone lighthearted but tinged with a hint of seriousness. "You know, Luke, you better treat my sister right. Otherwise, you'll have me to answer to."

Luke nodded, his eyes meeting John's with a determined glint. "Don't worry, John," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "I wouldn't dream of doing anything to hurt her."

And as they made their way into the locker room, Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over her. Despite the embarrassment of being caught out by her brother, she knew that John's teasing had come from a place of love and protection. And as she looked at Luke, his hand warm in hers, she couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, everything was finally falling into place.

#hockey #nhl x reader #new jersey devils #nj devils #umich hockey #luke hughes x y/n #luke hughes fic #luke hughes x reader #luke hughes

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definitelynotafurinasimp · 7 months ago

Note

If your not busy, I've been thinking that Fontaine announces a masquerade party, the Fontaine girls (Furina, Navia, Lynette, Clorinde) goes to the party. After enjoying the party, a random person with a mask (reader) invites them to the ballroom dance (can be a private or public area) and whilst dancing they engage on a small talk, it makes the girls wanting to know more about the person behind the mask. However, the reader has to bid them goodbye and kisses their hand leaving them alone. Maybe for part 2 the girls knows the reader's identity and maybe a hint of romance, who knows? ;)

Furina recognizing reader after a masked ball

characters: Furina x gn!reader

warnings: none

a/n: I am sorry for only writing Furina’s part, but it turned out relatively long (for my standards), so if I attempted to write 3 more parts I might actually take until the heatdeath of the universe. So I hope you forgive me. As to why I chose Furina?

...I hope that one is self-explanatory.

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Furina

No matter how much one were to look around the room, it would have been near impossible to find anyone more excited about the ball than Furina herself. Even during the days when she had to play the role of Archon she had found herself genuinely enjoying the atmosphere they offered and getting to socialize while wearing a literal mask was an interesting change of pace .

That being said however, as Furina looked at the faces around her, some better obscured than others, she couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment welling up inside of her. Sure, while there were some people she had difficulties identifying, most of them felt at least familiar enough that she was certain she’d be able to recognize them if given more time to put the pieces together.

And then there was you, packing a voice she had never heard before and a face she had no idea where to start with. Were you new here? Or were you simply one of those souls that didn’t think too much of parties? Whatever the case, you caught her interest.

Before long, the two of you were using the justification of dancing to talk to each other, simple small-talk at first, only for the former Archon to start asking questions that would discreetly lure more information out of you before you even knew it. And yet with every question you answered, the puzzle pieces inside of her head seemed to fit together less and less. You didn’t own a bakery, but your brother did. You could seamlessly stitch up a hole on any piece of clothing in a matter of seconds. Your favorite color was red. You didn’t have any siblings. You get lightheaded when seeing blood. Where did that cut on your thumb come from? You were cutting an apple only for your knife to slip.

By all means, Furina was starting to think you were dodging her questions or simply amusing yourself by answering with random nonsense. And yet, whenever you weren’t, talking with you was surprisingly fun and your soothing voice made her feel at ease.

Each new hint causing her to throw out her last theory and begin from scratch and before Furina realized it, this had become a matter of pride and honor. The idea of letting you leave when she still had no idea who you were irking her more with each sentence the two of you exchanged, especially considering how much fun she had talking with you.

“What is that even supposed to mean? Give me one more hint, that last one didn’t count”, Furina once again spoke up in the middle of your dance, demanding another hint that would make solving your case at least a little bit easier. The two you agreed to give her until now, opening up more questions than they answered, only for the former Archon to receive an amused grin in response, almost making her speak up again, only for you to go first.

“If you’re this interested in figuring out my identity I could just hand you my business card, but don’t you think not knowing who you’re dancing with makes the whole thing just so much more exciting?”, you asked, your smile never leaving your face once as Furina responded with silence, your point carrying far more truth than she liked to admit., only for her to be pulled out of her thoughts when she felt a cut on your left thumb, only for your hand to flinch away ever so slightly. And before she knew it, her mind was once again running wild, trying to come up with new theories.

“You’re an underworld criminal right? That’s why you don’t want to reveal your identity, because you’re scared of me”, she spitballed, hoping to at least throw you for a loop.

“So you’re someone criminals should be scared of?”, you asked in a joking manner, once again failing to even refute her accusation before eventually changing the subject to something more light-hearted.

And then, before Furina had even the chance to find out your name, the ball was over and you bid her farewell, kissing the back of her hand before vanishing into the crowd of people, never to be seen again.

Since that encounter, barely a day passed where she didn’t at least briefly think back to your conversation. Was it because she liked talking to you or simply because leaving the case unsolved left a bad taste in her mouth. And yet, there wasn’t much she could do, as even if she wanted to gather more clues there was simply nowhere for her to start.

Eventually, she gave up. Simply going on about her days as she slowly but surely left the incident behind.

…However many times she liked to tell herself that however, there were still times she got lost in thoughts thinking about it. Sometimes in private, other times, when she wasn’t as fortunate, in broad daylight. And while spacing out for a moment was nothing life-threatening in most cases, not paying attention to where one was going made bumping into something or someone almost inevitable.

“Ah, I’m sorry!” Furina heard a voice ring out as she fell onto the floor, having been ripped out of her daydream when she walked into someone only to be sent flying downwards, letting out a small yelp when once she made contact with the sidewalk.

“N-no, It was my fault”, the former Archon quickly responded, her usual charade nowhere to be seen as her cheeks turned red from embarrassment.

Almost instinctively, she started looking around herself, only to find herself in front of a shop selling baked goods. There weren’t many people on the street, which made the fact that she managed to bump into one even more shameful, and when she finally did take a look at the person in front of her, she was met with a worried expression as they extended their left hand towards her, a broom with which they swept the street in front of the building occupying their other.

“Let me help you up”, they eventually stated, signaling towards their hand in a voice that left Furina wondering where she knew it from.

Without further hesitation, she took it.

“Tha-”

That scar on their thumb felt awfully familiar.

“AHA!” Furina screamed out, yanking herself up before striking an excited pose as her eyes widened, causing you to startle in the process.

“Is something wrong, Miss-”

“So you do own a bakery after all!”

#furina #furina x you #furina x y/n #furina x reader #furina imagines #focalors x reader

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themirrorghost · 1 year ago

Text

I can't write for the life of me, but I've just thought of a tasty soulmate-fic premise (romantic or platonic!):

When their eyes are closed, a soulmate can see what their other half sees.

Whether it's super clear, or just impressions, or perhaps the more one stares at something the clearer it gets, just imagine the potential.

Soulmates taking turns to close their eyes and communicate through notes to find eachother. Soulmates who know when the other's fallen asleep because it's completely dark on the other side. Soulmates who can't sleep because their other half is somewhere way too bright and have to write passive-aggressive notes asking if they could "please turn the lights down!" Soulmates who are bored and would rather watch the others everyday life, no matter how mundane. Soulmates who's friends and/or family make fun of them for zoning out to watch through their other halves eyes instead of paying attention.

And then, on the other hand? The angst potential is delicious-

Soulmates who are so desperate to stop their other half from knowing that they wear a blindfold, or straight up blind themselves, to prevent it. Soulmates who hate the thought of someone intruding on their private lives, whether they're meant to be together or not. Soulmates who have terrible home/work lives and hope against hope that their other half doesn't find out or worse. Soulmates who are abused or get into fights often, trying their damnedest to protect their eyes above all else. Soulmates who's eyes are damaged, accidentally or otherwise, terrified of the thought that their other half won't ever be able to find them.

There are so so many ways you can swing this:

One soulmate afraid that their other half had died, having never been able to see through their eyes. Their soulmate was born blind, and managed to see things they thought they never could/would thanks to their soulmate.

Soulmates that met during childhood, living their lives as a whole, using their connection for simple, silly, domestic reasons.

Familial soulmates! Twins who aren't quite psychic but know what the other is doing all of the time. Siblings who are stuck with eachother and pretend to hate it, but are secretly glad they'll always have the other. Found family where it feels like they've always had the other and are impossible to separate.

Long-distance soulmates, teaching eachother about where they were born/grew up, showing eachother things precious to eachother.

Daytime Vs Nighttime soulmates who are barely ever awake at the same time, treasuring those in-between moments.

Soulmates with nightmares, one waking up in a panic, blinking hard and trying to calm down as quickly as possible. The other getting glimpses of the aftermath as they blink, perhaps rushing to their side if they can, comforting their distressed soulmate.

College/University AU soulmates knowing too much about their other halves area of study. Writing eachother notes to go to bed or to eat when they both forget and stay up studying way too late.

Assassin/Spy AU soulmates, using their bond to complete their missions as effectively as possible. Or perhaps the assassin/spy's soulmate is their target. Especially tasty if you throw in undercover work.

I could write a million of these prompts-

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drvscarlett · 9 months ago

Text

About You Pt4

Sebastian Vettel x Webber!Reader

Summary: Everyone knows about the history of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. But there's a well kept story within the paddock about Sebastian Vettel and another Webber. This is that story.

About You Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

A/N: took me a while to update but here it is! Let me know your thoughts about this

Taglist: @spideybv28@randomcuboidshape @mehrmonga @casperlikej @cliosunshine @honethatty12 @randomgirlnumber-13 @sugyomama @ririyulife @skywalker1dream @vicurious28 @cristianovettel

2010, Bahrain International Circuit

Seb: Hey, did you already leave? Can we talk? Seb: Happy holidays Y/N, I hope you are spending time with the family Seb: Its a new year, I hope you get a better year. Seb: Aren't you going to pre-season testing? Seb: Hope to see you in Bahrain

Y/N sighed as she read the messages over and over again. It's quite an asshole move to leave Sebastian on read but Y/N couldn't bring herself to reply to the messages because she was hurt by their last conversation. The heavy feeling is even more aggravated because all she ever wanted was to hear a simple sorry from Sebastian.

Unfortunately, that's the only message that Sebastian hasn't sent.

"Are you still not talking with Sebastian?"Mark enters the room.

Mark knew that Sebastian and Y/N had a fallout after Abu Dhabi. At first, he was a bit clueless about what's happening but with Y/N constantly shutting herself in her room and Mark getting a glimpse of the one-sided conversation-it was difficult to ignore it.

The whole thing became even more hard to ignore when Sebastian resulted to texting Mark over the winter break to check on Y/N. Mark tried to ask Sebastian about what happened but Sebastian said that he just said some things that can make a friend feel hurt.

Bullshit, that's what Mark said in his mind. He knew that her sister won't be moping and act like this if its something as simple as that.

"I don't wanna talk about him" she grumbled.

"You know that you have to talk to him eventually"Mark ever the rational "He is our co-worker and we have to be professional in work."

It's something that Y/N knows. She knows that she will not place her professionalism in jeopardy but as much as she could she would delay talking to Sebastian. Her fear is that if she ends up forgiving Sebastian, without him asking for it, then this situation might repeat again.

"I won't let work interfere with Seb"Y/N assured.

There was a silence between the two Webbers. It was a comfortable silence where they seem to be using their siblings communication signals to determine if they should push the topic or not.

"He got pole position today, it might give Red Bull a fight for championship don't you think" Mark offered "Maybe you can talk to him like congratulate him for a conversation starter"

"I'm well-aware Mark, I have been watching the qualifying"

She was actually debating whether she would say a simple congrats knowing how proud Sebastian is with his pole. If this was last year, she would have been there at the parc femme. However, things aren't easy like that.

"You can talk to me about anything okay?" Mark reminded. Maybe at the back of Mark's head, he feels like there are more to this than just a petty friendship fight. But he didn't want to push her sister to being annoyed with his constant questions.

"I promise I will when the time is right."

"You know maybe if Sebastian loses the race then maybe you should see it as a sign to talk to him"Mark joked a bit to lighten the mood

"That's mean"Y/N playfully punched her brother "That's never going to happen he is on pole"

"Why not if he does not get a podium finish then you will talk to him"

"Are you seriously jinxing your team Mark?"Y/N laughed

"Okay, that's a deal"

"I tell you that its never gonna happen"Y/N assured.

And its like the universe played a cruel joke on Y/N, Sebastian did not have a podium finish. He still finished 4th but knowing Sebastian, the German driver is obviously frustrated.

Mark did not finish well but he has this knowing smirk on his face as he nudged his sister's ribs. Y/N resisted the urge to slap him at the back of his head since they were in front of a lot of Red Bull sponsors.

"Go on and talk to him" Mark whispered"I promise to behave here"

Y/N took a detour to the catering and grabbed an orange. She immediately went to Sebastian's driver room where she saw Britta exiting.

"Y/N, what are you doing here?" she quizzed the younger Webber "I thought you and Seb weren't in speaking terms"

"Well I think with what happened today then I have to check up on him"Y/N replies.

Britta could just hug Y/N because she knows that Sebastian was really in a terrible mood after losing out the podium. It would mean a lot for Y/N to speak to Sebastian before Britta could bring him back for media duties.

"I'll stall the media for a bit, I'm giving you 10 minutes okay?" BrItta informed

"Thanks B"

Y/N felt nervous whether how to start a conversation with Sebastian. She fiddles with the orange in her hand as she walked in the room to seek the German driver.

"Seb?"

Sitting in the corner of the room, Sebastian looked up. His eyes were red, obviously from crying, and his hair was in complete disarray.

"Y/N?" Sebastian was confused "You're here?"

"I figure you need an orange"

In essence, Y/N didn't want to brush things off like that. She didn't want to appear out of the blue and be friends with Sebastian again. But the moment that Sebastian hugged her, it all melted away. She thought of nothing else as she missed this.

Sebastian too was thinking of the same thing. He wanted to apologize in person and he wanted to do it right now. However, he didn't want to ruin the moment. He just got her back.

Somehow its both of their fault that they brush off things like that.

2010, Albert Park

Sebastian, Mark, and Y/N arrived in Australia a couple of days before the race so as tradition goes Sebastian was once again a guest to Webber's family dinners. Sebastian feels at home with the family and even helped with the dinner preparations.

"Where's Y/N" Mr. Webber asked

"Y/N went to the market to buy some lemons that mum needs" Mark informed "She should have been here an hour ago"

"Should I give her a call?" Sebastian asked

Like a perfect cue, the door opens revealing Y/N.

"I'm sorry I'm late, I got a little bit of a car problem and its a good thing that I got someone to help me. "Y/N greeted "I hope you don't mind setting up another plate for dinner"

Of course, no one minded. The table was big enough to add guests. Sebastian was bringing the plates to the dining room when he was surprised to see Jenson Button standing there.

"What are you doing here" Sebastian was quick to ask

"Jenson is the one that helped me fix my car, thank God for drivers right?" Y/N replies

This annoyed Sebastian greatly but he knows that he cannot let his emotions get the best of him. He remembered how he acted the last time in Abu Dhabi and he surely doesn't want a repeat of that. It's just so annoying that Jenson Button is always at the scene of the crime when it comes to Y/N.

"Jenson?" Mark was also confused "You are in Australia early"

"Got an early flight, I was touring around and then I saw Y/N" Jenson smiles.

Knowing the previous history of Y/N and Jenson, Mark was also very skeptical. The seating arrangement ended up with Y/N between Mark and Sebastian while Jenson is sitting across Sebastian.

Dinner went on great, the dishes were great, but Sebastian could not shake this horrible feeling in his stomach. He hated how Jenson was mingling well and joking around with the whole family. Jenson had a way with Mrs. Webber, complimenting her food and the homey space decorations.

Still, Sebastian tried to push the green monster of envy away.

"Jenson, didn't you date my daughter Y/N before?" Mr. Webber remembered

"DAD"Y/N and Mark immediately hissed

"What, I'm just curious that's all" the eldest Webber defended

Jenson had a boyish smirk gracing his face and Sebastian wanted to punch that smirk on his face. He knew that if he didn't punch Jenson then Mark would.

"Well we went on a date for one time but that's it were good friends" Jenson explained

"But why Y/N, Jenson seems like a good lad plus he is a world champion" Mrs Webber butted in.

She seems to have grown fond of the British driver in such a short span of time. Her fondness is a stark contrast to the irritation that Sebastian has been feeling.

"Me and Jense are cool as friends, right?" Y/N cleared out

"Well if you wanna go on a date again, I wouldn't mind"Jensen jokingly stated.

Jealousy is a disease that Sebastian Vettel is inflicted with. Maybe its because Jenson already has two things that he really wanted which is a championship and a date with the girl he really liked. But whatever Sebastian was feeling, he kept it at bay for the sake of peace.

Anyways, he can run over Jenson on track.

2010, Sepang International Circuit

Y/N has to say that this is a very difficult start of the season for Red Bull. Mark and Sebastian went on winning poles yet they haven't won during the actual races. To say that she was ecstatic to see the Red Bull P1-P2 for today's race is not enough to describe how she is feeling.

Looking up at the podium and seeing the two drivers smiling at each other, Y/N took that opportunity to snap a photo of them. She prayed for more weekends like this as both drivers deserve this kind of victories.

Once the celebration ended, she went back to the motorhome to get her things and to meet up with the two drivers. However, she saw a group of Red Bull crew huddled up in a corner.

It was not her business to eavesdrop but hearing her brother's name being mentioned, she stayed hidden to hear what they have to say.

"Mark is an unfortunate case, he could have won today" one of them voiced out "He was at fault for losing his pole advantage a while ago"

"True and Vettel is obviously a better driver, look at him creating history and he just started last year"another mechanic agreed.

"I heard from Helmut that Vettel will be there championship bet"

"What happens to Mark then?"

"He will settle being a second driver and defending Sebastian obviously"

"Do you think Mark would agree?"

"If I were Mark, I would look for another team. There is no chance for a championship here if my teammate is obviously better than me"

All the highs that she has been feeling a while ago has faded into nothingness. Y/N felt herself conflicted with the situation ahead. If what they are saying is true then Y/N would be the one that will be in the middle of that battlefield.

This is Mark's dream for so long to win a championship. He have done his best to improve himself, she has seen the sleepless nights he had and how hard he tries to get a podium win every single race.

On the other hand, Y/N has also seen Sebastian's tears whenever he failed to finish or deliver. She knows that Sebastian lives and breathe racing for as long as he can remember. He wanted a championship badly as well.

It is just unfair that one of them has to compromise for the team. There shouldn't be a first driver or second driver but Y/N understands that every team had this. She felt miserable as she remembered hearing what happened to Rubens when he was the second driver to Michael Schumacher. She didn't want anyone to feel that way, ever.

"Y/N! Hello earth to Y/N"

In her deep thoughts, she haven't noticed that Mark and Sebastian was in front of her. Both were still in their race gear and the champagne smell wafts through the air.

"Oh, I didn't see you there Mark and Seb" Y/N emphasized loudly on their last name so that those gossip crew would be aware that the two are around.

"You're acting weird, we have been calling you for a long time already." Mark confusedly stated.

"Never mind about that, I just got a lot of things going on" Y/N assured

"Hey Nico invited us for dinner, let's celebrate?" Sebastian asked

"Sure, sure"

The two Red Bull drivers are laughing and joking around as they walked around with Y/N. Y/N tried to smile and join them but there was something that has been bugging her head.

In the end, she will put that conversation she heard of in the back of her head. She prays that it never happens because if she will be forced to choose sides, she didn't want to do that.

2010, Monte Carlo Circuit

Sebastian remembered how last year, Y/N has been a bit sick during Monaco so she was unable to do a yacht trip. Mark kept on sending her photos. It was meant to be a good gesture and to let her know that he misses her but it only made Y/N a lot more upset. She ended up texting Sebastian and whining about how that stupid stomach bug made her miss out this golden opportunity.

Yacht trips and the lavish life of Monaco is certainly not Sebastian's style. This is why it is common that he would be the last person to go to Monaco and the first one to leave. So just imagine everyone's surprise when he was in Monaco 3 days early for race week and he was going around looking for yacht trips.

It comes even more of a surprise when Y/N Webber has also been spotted in Monaco quite early for the race. No Mark Webber in sight though which raises everyone's eyebrows.

"So care to explain to me what are we doing?" Y/N asked.

She was dying of curiosity ever since Sebastian asked her to come early to Monaco. It was rare that Sebastian was so secretive because he will normally blabber everything to her.

"I'm not telling you until we get there" comes Sebastian's teasing comment.

"Oh c'mon I flew all over the world to see you"

"It's worth it, I promise"

Sebastian drove around Monaco and finally reaching the docks. He can feel that Y/N has the gears in her head already turning. There was an excited look on her face when she realized what they are about to do.

"Sebastian Vettel, tell me you did not!"Y/N tried to control her excitement "Are we really going on a yacht trip?"

"Well its your birthday week so I figure you might need a tour around Monaco on a yacht"Sebastian's nonchalant answer caused Y/N to scream.

It was a dream come true for Y/N. She had been dreaming of going around Monaco on a yacht for so long but her duties as Mark's assistants coupled by several unfortunate events prevented her from doing that dream.

Sebastian led her to the yacht and the two set off for an entire day of the yacht experience. Y/N wouldn't know but Sebastian specifically learned how to yacht for this purpose and this purpose only. He also called Mrs. Webber to ask for Y/N's favorite dishes so he has them prepared for lunch and dinner.

The whole day was spent floating around Monaco. They took a swim at one point and now they are lounging at the front while waiting for the sun to set.

"This is really a lot of effort Seb, thank you" Y/N began "I really appreciate this whole day"

If only Sebastian could tell her that he should be the one thanking her. Seeing her happy makes him extremely happy.

"It's nothing much" that's how Sebastian managed to answer

Y/N rolls her eyes, she sees right through that lie. Maybe for Sebastian this is nothing much but for her who doesn't earn as much as an F1 driver then this is really a lot.

"Oh before I forget, I still have one gift left" Sebastian said "Here you go"

It was a small black box with a gold ribbon. There was a scrawl on it in Sebastian's handwriting saying happy birthday Y/N. It made the girl raise her eyebrows.

"Seb I can't accept this, this seems really pricey"

Y/N got that right. Sebastian spent a long time looking for this gift since he customized it and it took a while for it to be created. But of course, Sebastian won't admit to that.

"Just take it" Seb pushed the gift back to her.

"I'm scared to open it" she whines

"Okay what if you don't open it and then I'll just hand it to you" Sebastian suggested "That way then you can't give it back"

"Got it, should I close my eyes to prepare myself"

"Go ahead"

Its so cliche for the two of them as it looks like it was taken from a movie scene. Sebastian unwrapped the gift and took the necklace out of the velvet pouch. It shimmers against the setting sun as he placed the necklace gently on her hand.

"You can open your eyes now" Sebastian said

Y/N lets out a soft gasp upon opening her eyes. It was a silver chained blue diamond necklace. There was some eerie similarities with the heart of the ocean necklace from titanic but this one is like the less flashier version. Sebastian have heard multiple stories back in the Webber household how Y/N absolutely loved Titanic as a little kid and Sebastian couldn't think of anything more iconic as gifting her a very own version of the heart of the ocean.

"Seb, you're making me cry. This is too beautiful" Y/N muttered in awe.

"I always see you fiddling with your necklace when you are nervous especially when someone crashed or its a wet race" Sebastian explained "I hope this can help assure you that everything will be alright"

Y/N felt speechless and she could feel the utter care that was placed in this gift. So what she does next is remove the necklace hanging on her neck.

"What's this?" it was now his turn to be puzzled.

"Well I can't wear this necklace and that at the same time" Y/N reasoned "So I'm giving you my necklace. Its my star sign, taurus which is represented by a bull so red bull"

Sebastian looked at the necklace in his hand. He felt very grateful and it seems like a charm for him to carry to his races.

"Thank you"

There was so much more that Sebastian wanted to say but he couldn't ruin this moment. He was happy to make her happy even if its just a friend.

Soon, he tells himself.

If he wins in Monaco then he would gather all his courage to ask her out. He will give everything for this race this weekend so he can finally stop this dilly-dallying. He gives out a silent wish to the universe that they make his wish come true.

News flash, Sebastian didn't win the Monaco GP 2010.

#f1 x reader #f1 imagine #sebastian vettel x reader #sebastian vettel imagine #formula one imagine #sebastian vettel x you #f1 x you #f1 fanfic

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gremlinmodetweeker · 2 months ago

Text

I Entered Daniel's Den and I Saw the Truth Before Me

So I'm struggling a bit writing fanfiction because it's getting dark out and I'm so tired these days. However, the show must go on and so I push forward! However, just so you're all aware, there very well could come a point where I admit, I may struggle to make content and so we might not have some for a bit. But Winter will come to an end, and I will be back to normal! I just need to power through!!!

Tws: Yandere, Kidnapping, Pyschological Horror

Wordcount: 558

Art From This Post

Story Below the Cut

I Entered Daniel's Den and I Saw the Truth Before Me

König sat at the marble kitchen counter, drumming his fingers idly as he looked over the charcuterie boards again. You watched as he took inventory of the crackers, cheese and cut meats again and again, obsessively absorbing every detail into his mechanical mind. You sat silently on a bar stool as you waited for someone to make the next move.

“How long until they come?” you asked quietly.

König glanced at the clock on the oven again.

“Not too long,” he told you as much as he told himself, “Mama will be here soon.”

“Did she tell you when she’d be here?” you tried again.

König’s eyes narrowed briefly before he relaxed and said, “Soon. It shouldn’t be long now.”

You fiddled your thumbs mindlessly. Earlier you were playing with a string on the hem of your sleeve but König was quick to put an end to it, reminding you to keep up a good appearance for his family. You didn’t think a pulled string would matter too much, but König had warned you that they were far more observant than they let on. You wondered if that was true or not. You supposed you’d figure out soon enough.

For his part, König had ensured that the house was immaculate. You thought his incessant fussing would never come to an end, but it seemed that he’d finally come to a point where he couldn’t do any more. You figured that the table of hors d'oeuvres was the final piece for preparation.

If nothing else, you’d enjoyed cooking in the kitchen with König. He’d fully trusted you with the knife, though you noted he was a far more meticulous cook than you’d expected. He had been looking over your shoulder at every turn as you’d sweated a pan of mushrooms. He’d been even worse when he’d been inspecting the size of your diced onions, but at the very least he seemed to be content. He’d been sweet enough to pat you on the head and praise you for a job well done. The simple praise still had your heart fluttering.

König glanced back at the clock and muttered again under his breath. You wanted to ask what exactly he was thinking about, but he was far too focussed on the time to hear your questions. The longer you waited, the more you could see his biceps tense under his silk dress shirt. You were a bit shocked that he was determined to keep his hood on, but maybe that was a family trait? It would make sense. Or, well, you hoped it would.

You hadn’t heard anything at all about König’s family, except that his mother was the matriarch of the home and his siblings were just as demanding. Apparently, his youngest sister was a bit soft-hearted for König’s tastes, but then he’d barked out a laugh and said she probably thought he was the most cruel of the lot of them. You had only recently learned that her name was Klara. You wondered if she was similar in age to you.

Just as you turned to speak to König, the doorbell rang.

König was off like a shot to the front door. You followed behind him nervously as he strode to the front entrance.

You watched König put his hand on the brass doorknob and open the door.

Konig Dump

Alternate Universes

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rainforestakiie · 3 months ago

Text

AdamsApple Month Harvest!

Full Moon~

i hope this counts? this is @inubaki's request! i hope you like it! it is also inspired by @things-arent-what-they-seem66's own version!

an omegaverse au where adam's mask conceals his scent. it cracks, and lucifer smells him! inubaki allowed me to put my own creative spin on it!

i hope you like it!

@adamsappleweek

The moon gleamed softly in the velvet sky, its silver light spilling over the garden, casting shadows that danced across the leaves of the Tree of Life. Lucifer sat beneath it, its ancient bark warm against his back, the soft rustle of the leaves above offering him a brief, but fragile, sense of comfort. The moon wasn't fully formed yet, not complete, much like himself. It still had time to grow, to take its final shape. But Lucifer? He wasn’t sure if time could change anything for him. The thought brought a bitter pang to his chest, a quiet ache he had become too familiar with.

His wings shimmered in the moonlight, catching the glow as they fanned out behind him, majestic and ethereal, yet still somehow... incomplete. Lucifer let out a long, weary sigh, tipping his head back to rest it against the bark of the tree. He watched the sky, but his mind was far away, lost in the complexity of his own existence.

He loved the humans—adored them, even. From the moment he first laid eyes on them, he had been captivated by their innocence, their capacity for love, and their potential to grow. Unlike his fellow angels, they felt real to him, tangible in ways his brothers and sisters never did. But the more time he spent among them, the more he realized the gaping chasm that lay between them. They didn’t know the burden of being classified, of being labeled by something they had no control over. They were just... human. Simple, free of the chains that bound him so tightly, so suffocatingly.

But Lucifer was no human. He could never be one, no matter how much he might long for that simplicity. He was something else—something set apart, always on the fringes, even here in this place he had thought he belonged. He was an omega, the only one of his kind in all of Heaven, in all of Creation. A rare, coveted thing in the eyes of the universe, yet it felt more like a curse than a blessing.

Among his siblings, the other angels, there was an unspoken rule: omegas were meant to be soft, sweet, and yielding, expected to submit to the will of the alphas. Alphas, like the rest of his kind, were aggressive, dominant, often naïve in their certainty of their own power. They commanded with force and arrogance, expecting everything to fall into place beneath their control. They were Heaven’s warriors, Heaven’s pride, and Lucifer—he was supposed to be Heaven’s beauty, its grace, a delicate thing meant only to follow, never to lead.

But Lucifer had never been delicate. He had never bowed to anyone’s will, never let them reduce him to just an "omega." His siblings had tried, over and over, to put him in his place, to make him submit as they believed he should. They flaunted their dominance, their superiority, but Lucifer never faltered. He refused. There was no one—no alpha, no brother or sister—who could make him bend. He wasn’t their "omega," not the way they wanted him to be.

And yet, that defiance made him an outsider. He wasn’t like them, not fully. But with the humans... oh, how they made him feel something different, something whole. They didn’t look at him and see an omega. They didn’t smell the faint hint of his pheromones and expect submission, obedience. To them, he wasn’t a title or a role. He was just Lucifer. He could be himself, unburdened by Heaven’s expectations, free of the weight that came with his nature. For the first time, he thought he had found his place.

But it wasn’t enough.

Lucifer’s heart clenched as he remembered the way the humans looked at each other—how they touched, how they loved without the constraints of secondary genders, without the invisible bonds that tied him down. They had no pheromones to tangle with, no alpha or omega to complicate their relationships. They were free to love as they chose, and it made him ache with a longing so deep, it was almost unbearable. He had accepted that they were different from him, and that was fine. He could live with that. But the more time he spent with them, the more he realized the bitter truth: he would always be different. No matter how close he got, no matter how much he loved them, he could never truly be one of them.

Heaven didn’t care about his feelings. Heaven wanted him to mate, to settle down, to fulfill the purpose of his kind. The pressure weighed on him every day, heavier than any sword or shield. Heaven wanted him to breed, to take an alpha and fall into the role they had always envisioned for him. But how could he? He couldn’t stomach the thought of it. The scent of alphas made his skin crawl, their presence suffocated him in ways that were becoming harder to ignore. The idea of submitting to one, of bonding, of giving himself over in that way—it made him feel sick, hollow.

Lucifer’s hands clenched in the soft earth beneath him, his eyes stinging as the cold reality set in deeper than before. He was alone. The humans, beautiful as they were, could never fill the void inside him. And the angels, his brothers and sisters—they would never see him as anything more than a pretty omega. He was trapped, lost between two worlds that neither truly understood nor accepted him.

Lucifer watched from a distance as Adam and Lilith sat together in the garden, their laughter carried on the soft breeze, mingling with the gentle rustle of the trees. His heart twisted in ways he didn’t fully understand yet, a slow-burning ache that seemed to hollow out his chest. He had adored Adam from the very moment the human had taken his first breath. Adam had been... perfect. The way his eyes, a deep, rich green, sparkled when he smiled—the softness in them when he spoke to Lucifer—was something that made the archangel’s heart flutter in a way that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

But now, those eyes were focused elsewhere. On her. Lilith. Adam’s wife, chosen by God, formed from the same earth that had given Adam life. Lucifer watched, feeling that all-too-familiar sense of longing stir in his chest as Adam laughed at something Lilith said, his face lighting up in a way that Lucifer wanted so desperately to be the cause of.

It burned.

The jealousy was a sharp, cruel thing, gnawing at him from the inside, a bitterness that tasted of rejection. He tried to push it down, tried to convince himself it was nothing, just a passing feeling. After all, wasn’t Adam his closest friend? Didn’t they share something no one else could understand? It had always been the two of them, hadn’t it? Since the beginning, when Lucifer had taken Adam under his wing, guiding him, showing him the wonders of Heaven and Earth alike. Adam had looked at him like he was something more than just an omega, something more than the beautiful, delicate creature his brothers and sisters always wanted to mold him into. With Adam, he had been… seen.

But now Lilith was there, and Adam’s focus had shifted. She was his companion, his partner. She had taken the place that Lucifer had once held so dear. The realization hit Lucifer hard, like the crack of thunder in an empty sky. He wasn’t the one making Adam smile anymore. He wasn’t the one Adam turned to first, and that cut deeper than any wound ever could.

Lucifer leaned against the Tree of Life, his wings dimmed, his face shadowed in sorrow as he watched the two humans. Adam was supposed to be his. He had always been his. And yet, he felt Adam slipping away, the distance between them widening with each passing day. Lucifer told himself it was Lilith’s fault. She had stolen Adam’s attention, drawing him away from what truly mattered—from him. Lucifer was certain of it. Adam was destined for more than this; Adam was supposed to be with him, to see him, to cherish him. The bond between them had been so pure, so perfect, and now it was crumbling before Lucifer’s very eyes.

But the truth that Lucifer couldn’t admit—wouldn’t admit—was that it wasn’t Lilith herself. No, it was something far deeper. Adam had a purpose, a duty to fulfill, and that duty had nothing to do with Lucifer. Adam was the father of humanity, the one who would create life, who would populate the earth with beings made in his image. That was what mattered to Adam. His mission, his destiny given by God.

Lucifer was not part of that destiny. And that realization clawed at his soul with a fierceness he couldn’t ignore.

His brothers and sisters had seen it. They had noticed his growing obsession with Adam, the way his eyes followed the human wherever he went, the way his heart seemed to cling to every word Adam spoke. They warned him—warned him not to get too close. They told him it was foolish, that the humans were different, that they didn’t have the same bonds, the same needs as angels.

“You’re an omega, Lucifer,” they reminded him, over and over again. “Humans don’t have secondary genders. They don’t need you the way you want to be needed.”

But he hadn’t listened. He couldn’t. How could they understand the way his heart raced when Adam looked at him, the way his soul seemed to sing when Adam smiled at him? No one else made him feel that way. No one else ever could.

But now Lilith was there. She was Adam’s companion, fulfilling the role Lucifer had once imagined for himself. She was what Adam needed to fulfil his duty, to create the future of humanity. Lucifer’s hands clenched into fists, his wings trembling with suppressed emotion. He had never wanted to hurt anyone, but the sight of Adam with Lilith, the way Adam’s focus had shifted entirely to her... it tore him apart.

He couldn’t stand it.

Lucifer convinced himself it was only temporary. Adam would come back to him. He had to. Adam would realize, in time, that Lucifer was the one who truly understood him, who had always been there for him. He would see that Lilith was only a distraction, a fleeting thing compared to what they had.

And so, when the jealousy and pain became too much to bear, Lucifer made his decision. He would get rid of Lilith. He would remove the obstacle that stood between him and Adam. Adam would forgive him—how could he not? Lucifer was doing it for them, for the bond they shared, for the future they could still have together.

But things did not go as he had planned. When Lucifer approached Lilith, intending to persuade her to leave, to step aside and let him be the one in Adam’s life, it only made matters worse. Lilith, strong and defiant, refused to be subdued. She saw through Lucifer’s intentions, and their clash was inevitable. In the end, Lilith was cast out, but not in the way Lucifer had expected. She left, not because Lucifer had made her, but because she refused to submit to anyone.

And when Adam found out, when he learned what Lucifer had done—everything shattered.

Adam didn’t forgive him. He didn’t come back to Lucifer, didn’t smile at him the way he used to. Instead, there was only hurt in Adam’s eyes, a betrayal that cut deeper than anything Lucifer had ever imagined. The green eyes he loved so much no longer looked at him with warmth, but with cold distance, a silent condemnation that tore Lucifer apart from the inside.

It was then that the truth finally hit him.

Adam had never belonged to him. It was never about Lilith. It wasn’t about him being an omega, or even the nature of their bond. Adam’s heart, his mind, his very being—had always been devoted to something greater. To God. To the mission he was created for. He had a destiny that Lucifer could never be a part of. Adam was the father of humanity, destined to be the foundation of an entire race. And Lucifer…

Lucifer was meant to bring forth a new way of angels…

Lucifer was nothing but a dreamer, clinging to something that was never his.

The realization broke him. The ache in his heart turned to anger, to bitterness, to a rage that he couldn’t contain. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair that Adam had been given a purpose, a mission, while he had been left with nothing but his hollow existence as an omega, something Heaven expected to be docile, sweet, and beautiful. But Lucifer was not those things. He was fierce. He was burning. He was more than what Heaven wanted him to be.

And if Adam couldn’t see that—if Adam would never love him the way Lucifer had so desperately wanted—then maybe he didn’t deserve him at all.

It was in that moment, as Lucifer’s denial crumbled and the truth of his rejection sank in, that the first seeds of corruption took root. A darkness, slow and insidious, began to creep into his heart. He had tried to love, had given everything to Adam, and yet, in the end, he was left with nothing.

Because Lucifer was just an omega without his lover.

The moon shone above him, casting its usual light over the desolation of Hell. In Eden, the moon had been a soft, ethereal blue and white—a gentle, nurturing presence. Lucifer had always felt at peace beneath its glow, as if the moon cradled him in its light, offering him a refuge from the harshness of the world. Omegas, like him, were said to belong to the moon. It was their protector, their guardian. Alphas were children of the sun, fierce and dominant, burning with a fire that Lucifer could never relate to. That was how it had always been in Heaven—how he had believed it would always be. The moon was his sanctuary.

But now, here in the land of the damned, that same moon was nothing but a tormentor. When he had been cast out of Eden—cast out of Heaven—everything he had once known, everything he had once believed, had been torn away from him. Lucifer had fallen so far. His once-bright wings, radiant and proud, were now dim and dull, weighed down by the shame and sin of his actions.

It had all started with Adam. Adam, with his green eyes and his quiet smile, who had captured Lucifer's heart in ways he never could have predicted. Lucifer had loved him—wanted him. But Adam had chosen another. Lilith, and then later, Eve. The humans had always belonged to each other, and Lucifer was left on the outside, his heart shattered by the truth he refused to see. Adam had never been his. And so, when Lucifer’s love turned to jealousy, when the ache of being unwanted became too much, he had made a decision.

If he couldn’t have Adam, he would ruin him.

That was the thought that had driven him, consumed him. When Adam and Eve bit into the forbidden fruit, when they were cast from Eden just as Lucifer had been, a twisted sense of satisfaction had filled him. He had gotten his revenge. He had taken something from Adam—just as Adam had taken something from him. But it wasn’t enough. It was never enough.

His Father, God, had seen through him. He had known what Lucifer had done, the spite that had driven him to lead humanity to its fall. And for that, Lucifer had been punished. Not with the cold distance he had once feared from Adam, but with something far worse. He was cast down, not just from Heaven, but from everything he had ever known.

Now, the moon that shone down upon Hell was not the comforting presence it had once been. It wasn’t blue and white like the one in Eden. It was red—deep, blood-red, and it burned him every time it rose. The light seared his skin, made his body tremble with a pain so unbearable it made him want to scream. It flared through him, making his heat worse, more excruciating than it had ever been in Heaven.

The nights when the red moon rose, once a month, were the worst. Lucifer’s body would burn with need, an uncontrollable ache that coursed through him, and all he could think about was Adam. Adam’s eyes, Adam’s voice, Adam’s warmth. He would sob, helpless and alone, crying out into the darkness for a man who would never forgive him. A man who would never come for him.

He was alone now, more alone than he had ever been in Heaven. And the moon—once his source of comfort—now only reminded him of what he had lost, of what he could never have. The red light made him feel like his very soul was being ripped apart, piece by piece, each time the moon’s light touched him.

Lucifer’s cries would echo through the caverns of Hell, a reminder of his fall, of his mistakes. He had loved too deeply, too selfishly. He had wanted Adam for himself, and now… he had nothing. The one being he had given everything for, the one he had ruined himself for, was lost to him forever.

The red moon hung heavy in the sky, casting its oppressive light over Lucifer as he lay curled on the cold floor of his castle, his wings limp and broken around him. He trembled, his breath coming in ragged sobs as the pain of his heat surged through him, relentless and unforgiving. And all he could do was whisper Adam’s name, over and over, as if somehow, by some miracle, Adam might hear him. Might come to him. Might save him.

Lucifer’s hand would be pushed between his thighs, his fingers bumping harshly inside him as the red glow of the moon forced his heat to rampage through his body.

He wanted Adam. He wanted Adam to come take care of him. To love him and be his mate.

But Adam never came.

Lucifer hated the red moon. It was a cruel, merciless thing, reminding him every month of his loneliness, his abandonment, and the unfulfilled need that gnawed at his very core. He hated it—but it only rose once a month. He could deal with that, he told himself. He could endure the pain, the longing. After all, he had survived this long, hadn’t he? Even if it tore him apart, even if it left him sobbing in the dark, he would survive. He had to. Because there was no one else who could save him now.

Only the moon, and the moon no longer cared.

A thousand years had passed since Lucifer’s fall, and Hell had become a place of eternal unrest. Flames burned high in the distance, the skies above Hell tainted with smoke and ash. Heaven's exterminations had become a constant, angels in their gleaming black and silver armor swarming through the kingdom that was once Lucifer’s domain. He typically paid no mind to the angels tearing through Hell’s landscape, their holy crusades on the damned. He had long ceased to care about the endless parade of sinners or their fates. They were beneath him—just like everything else in this forsaken realm.

But Charlie was different. His daughter, born of his magic, with her relentless optimism and foolish desire to save the unsalvageable. Charlie, his precious child, cared too much about the very souls he had discarded without thought. She had opened her hotel, a beacon of hope in the most hopeless place in existence, trying to offer redemption to the damned. It was her dream to change Hell, to make it a place where redemption was possible.

Lucifer knew better. He had seen the darkness that festered in the hearts of both angels and men. Redemption? It was a fairy tale—a lie. But Charlie believed in it, and in some part of him that still held onto the faintest echoes of love, Lucifer wanted her to succeed. He wanted to protect her, even if he couldn’t bring himself to share her hope.

He should have warned her. Opening that hotel was bound to ruffle Heaven’s feathers. Of course they would come for her. But Lucifer had been too ashamed, too broken to leave his castle on most days. The red moon, always watching, always burning him from the inside, had left him a shadow of the archangel he once was. He spent his nights whimpering in the darkness, his mind consumed by the memories of the one he had lost—the one who had never been his. The man he still loved.

Adam.

Lucifer had vowed never to let himself feel that way again. But as the angels descended on Charlie’s hotel, their righteous fury set to destroy everything she had built, something inside him stirred. Charlie could be killed. His daughter, his blood, his light—she was out there, defenseless against Heaven’s wrath. Lucifer’s shame, his endless grief, the weight of his failure… none of it mattered now. He couldn’t let her die. He wouldn’t.

He left his castle for the first time in centuries, his wings heavy and dragging behind him as he made his way to the hotel. As he approached, he could see the scene unfolding before him. Angels surrounded the building, their blades shimmering with holy fire, poised to tear apart anyone who dared oppose them. And there, in the center of it all, standing with an air of command and purpose, was him.

Adam.

Lucifer’s breath caught in his throat. His heart leapt inside his chest, pounding against his ribs like a caged bird. Adam’s presence was like a blade to his soul, sharp and unrelenting. After all these years, after everything that had happened, there he was, as glorious as ever, bathed in the divine light of Heaven. His armor gleamed under Hell’s burning sky, his posture strong, unyielding. But his face… his face was still the same. Still beautiful. Still Adam.

Lucifer’s body trembled, his wings twitching with the dark, undeniable urge to act. To take. Adam was in Hell—so close, close enough to touch. Lucifer could reach out, grab him, drag him away from Heaven, from everything. He could take Adam before anyone even realized he was there. No one would stop him. Lucifer had always been unnaturally powerful for an omega, a fact that had made his siblings uneasy, but he had never cared. That strength pulsed through him now, his hands trembling with the need to act. He could do it. He could have Adam again.

He should do it.

But as his gaze shifted to the scene unfolding before him, something stopped him cold. Adam wasn’t fighting. He wasn’t hurting Charlie. No, he was taunting her, his voice carrying an edge of cold authority, but his hands remained at his sides. He wasn’t striking her, wasn’t unleashing Heaven’s wrath upon her. He was just… scaring her. Toying with her, perhaps. Charlie’s wide eyes and frazzled expression showed that his words were working. She was frightened, unsure how to handle the situation, but Adam wasn’t causing her any real harm.

Lucifer’s mind raced, torn between the primal urge to seize Adam and the growing realization that something was wrong—terribly wrong. Adam, the man he had loved, the man he had once tried to ruin, was here, in Hell, and yet… he wasn’t acting like the Adam Lucifer remembered. The Adam who had been so focused on duty, so driven by the will of God. What was he doing here, taunting Lucifer’s daughter?

Something dark twisted inside Lucifer, something he had long buried beneath the weight of his grief and shame. He could feel it clawing at the edges of his mind, whispering in the back of his thoughts. He could take Adam now, drag him away before Heaven even noticed. He could have him, keep him close, keep him his. No one would ever know. No one would ever stop him.

His wings twitched again, trembling with the desire to act. The moon hung heavy in the sky, its blood-red glow intensifying the heat in Lucifer’s veins, urging him to move, to act on the twisted yearning that had plagued him for millennia.

But he hesitated.

Lucifer’s eyes locked onto Adam’s face, searching for something—anything—of the man he had once known. There was something different about him now. The gleam in his eyes was colder, more detached, as if Heaven had hardened him in ways Lucifer hadn’t anticipated. The warmth, the softness that Lucifer had loved so fiercely, seemed to be gone, replaced by a soldier’s discipline. And yet, deep down, Lucifer knew it was still Adam. The same Adam who had captivated his heart, the same Adam he had ruined everything for.

Lucifer’s body trembled, torn between the desire to take what he believed was his and the knowledge that no matter how powerful he was, no matter how close Adam stood, he would never truly have him. Not the way he wanted. Not the way he had once dreamed.

For now, all he could do was watch, ready to intervene if Adam’s taunts turned to violence. But the dark, twisted longing inside him refused to fade. He could take Adam. He should take Adam.

But the question that lingered, the one Lucifer couldn’t answer, was whether Adam would ever forgive him for it—whether Adam could ever be his again.

Lucifer’s breath hitched in his throat as he watched the scene unfold, his eyes locked on Adam’s masked figure. That monstrous face—twisted and grotesque—was the only thing separating him from the man he had loved so long ago. And yet, even behind the cruel armour, something inside Lucifer still stirred, that old, insidious desire pulling at him.

Adam was here. Close. Too close.

But then, something shifted. Adam’s commanding, cold voice cracked—breaking with sudden panic.

“Look out!” he yelled, his tone urgent, filled with something Lucifer had never expected to hear.

Fear. Desperation. For Charlie.

Charlie spun around at the sound of Adam’s warning, but it was too late. A gleaming angelic blade was already slicing through the air, aimed directly for her. The strike was lethal, poised to behead her in a single swift motion. Time seemed to slow as Lucifer’s heart slammed in his chest, the weight of helplessness crushing him.

But before Lucifer could even move, Adam did.

With a speed and ferocity that left the angels around him stunned, Adam lunged forward, his body a blur of dark robes and raw determination. He threw himself between Charlie and the oncoming blade, the force of his movement jarring as the blade crashed into his mask with a sickening crack. The sound echoed through the air, sharp and final, as the angelic weapon collided with Adam’s face, creating a jagged fissure down the middle of the monstrous mask.

The world seemed to stop.

Charlie’s eyes went wide in shock and disbelief, her body frozen as she stared at the man who had just saved her life. Adam had protected her. From his own army. The soldiers of Heaven who had come to cleanse Hell, to purge the damned. He had intervened—not to frighten her, not to hurt her—but to save her.

Lucifer’s body trembled violently. His wings twitched, his breath ragged as the red moon loomed higher in the sky, its bloodthirsty glow intensifying the heat that surged through his veins. Sweat slicked his skin as the familiar ache began to pulse deep inside him, a primal need clawing its way to the surface. Adam had saved Charlie. Adam wasn’t trying to harm her—he was protecting her.

A sharp pang of yearning twisted in Lucifer’s chest. His eyes remained fixed on Adam’s shattered mask, the jagged crack running down its centre revealing only fragments of the face hidden beneath. But it was enough. That small glimpse of vulnerability—the raw, unfiltered instinct to protect, to save—only made Lucifer’s longing burn hotter.

He wanted to go to Adam, to tear off that mask and see his face. He wanted to pull him away from the chaos, to hold him close, to keep him, just as he had always dreamed of doing. Adam had been his once, or so he had convinced himself, and now he was here, within reach.

But Lucifer could only stand there, trembling, his wings trembling with the need to act. The red moon’s effects were already beginning to set in—his body overheating, his mind clouded with the urge to possess, to claim. He panted, trying to keep control, but Adam’s proximity, his unexpected act of defiance against Heaven’s soldiers, was too much. The sight of him risking his life for Charlie only heightened the hunger gnawing at Lucifer’s insides.

Adam had always been obsessed with his duty, with fulfilling God’s plan. That had been why Lucifer had lost him—why Adam had chosen to walk a path that led them to this moment. But now… now Adam wasn’t following orders. He wasn’t carrying out God’s will. He was protecting Lucifer’s daughter—the one person in Hell who still believed in redemption, who still believed in something good.

Lucifer’s heart pounded, his gaze locked on the fractured mask. His body screamed for action, for release from the unbearable tension that gripped him. He could feel his heat building, the red moon’s pull tightening around his soul. And Adam was there—so close, so vulnerable.

Lucifer’s wings twitched again, the dark temptation coiling tighter around him. He could take Adam. He could drag him away from Heaven, from its grip, from the duty that had always come before them. He could make Adam his. The red moon, heavy and burning above, whispered in his mind, urging him to act, to seize what had been denied to him for so long.

But as Lucifer’s trembling hand reached out, the sound of Adam’s labored breathing caught his attention. Beneath the mask, there was a rawness, a fragility that Lucifer hadn’t heard in centuries. Adam was hurt. He had thrown himself in front of an attack meant for Charlie, risking everything—not for Heaven, not for his mission, but for her.

A soft whine escaped Lucifer’s lips, his body shaking with the weight of his conflicting desires. He wanted to take Adam, to have him, but at the same time, he knew—he knew—that Adam’s heart had never belonged to him. It had always been devoted to something higher, something beyond them. And yet… here Adam was, bleeding and battered, having saved his daughter.

Lucifer’s breath came in short, desperate gasps as the red moon’s glow intensified, filling him with the unbearable need to act. He could feel the pull between them, the undeniable connection that had haunted him for a thousand years. But this time, it wasn’t just about him. It wasn’t just about his desire or his longing.

It was about Charlie. And the fact that Adam, for reasons Lucifer couldn’t fully understand, had chosen to protect her.

“Adam…” Lucifer whispered, his voice barely audible as he watched the mask crack further, revealing the faintest glimpse of Adam’s face beneath.

Would Adam forgive him if he acted on his darkest desires? Could Adam ever be his again?

The answer, Lucifer knew deep down, was no. But it didn’t stop him from wanting it. From wanting him.

The red moon burned, and Lucifer trembled, caught between his hunger and the truth that would forever haunt him.

Lucifer’s breath quickened as he stared at Adam, a desperate hunger rising within him, one he had buried for centuries. The crack in Adam’s mask, jagged and raw, revealed more than just the broken visage of the angel—it revealed the intoxicating scent that Lucifer had nearly forgotten. A scent that stirred something ancient, something primal within him. It was a sweet, almost dangerous scent, so powerful that Lucifer’s knees almost buckled under its weight.

The air grew thick with tension, so much that it seemed to press down on everyone present.

Charlie, ever the kind-hearted and tender soul, fell to her knees beside Adam, her large, doe-like eyes filled with worry.

She reached out, hesitant but determined, her voice soft and trembling as she asked, "Are you okay? You're not here to hurt me, are you? You're trying to protect me."

Adam stiffened at her words, his gloved hand reaching for the cracked mask with a frustrated groan. He didn’t answer Charlie’s question directly, his discomfort evident as he grumbled under his breath, "Who the fuck wasn’t watching where they were throwing their angelic weapons?!"

One of his subordinates, a sheepish angel in silver armor, nervously raised her hand. “Sorry, sir. I was aiming for the princess! I’m just... overwhelmed with the freaks we’re fighting!”

Charlie frowned deeply at the angel’s words, her warmth quickly giving way to indignation as she glared up at the soldier. But before any further words could be exchanged, Lucifer decided to make his presence known. His voice, dripping with mock confidence, cut through the air like a blade.

“I’m—I'm..." He faltered.

His usual bravado slipping for a moment as something strange and unfamiliar invaded his senses. His eyes darted around, confusion creasing his brow. The scent—it was so new, so rich, like nothing he had ever encountered before. It was intoxicating, pulling him in like a magnet. Lucifer gulped, the arrogance he wore like armour fading into something more vulnerable.

“I mean... I’m the only one that matters…” Lucifer’s voice trailed off again.

His thoughts scattering as the scent consumed him. He hadn’t been exposed to something like this for eons. And Adam’s scent—it was nearly enough to knock him right out of the sky. It wasn’t just an ordinary scent; it was communion, something only alphas, omegas, and the occasional beta could experience. That deep, instinctual bond, the unsaid communication between pheromones, had been absent in Hell for so long, leaving Lucifer isolated in ways he hadn't even realized. But now... now he was feeling it again, and it was Adam.

Lucifer closed his eyes, trying to focus, but the sensations overwhelmed him. His body began to sweat, the effects of the red moon intensifying as his heat simmered beneath the surface. His wings twitched, his instincts screaming at him to act, to take, to claim.

He opened his eyes, and they darkened with hunger. He gazed at Adam with a new intensity, a dangerous, unrelenting desire building within him.

“You messed with my daughter,” Lucifer purred, his voice dripping with a dark, sensual edge. "And now, I’m going to fuck you."

The words echoed in the air, sharp and deliberate. Charlie gasped audibly, her jaw dropping as she stared at her father in disbelief. Never had she seen him react this way—never had she seen such raw, visceral emotion from the usually distant, unapproachable Lucifer. He was a beautiful creature, her father, and she had always known others—angels, demons, even mortals—desired him. But Lucifer had always shut them down, coldly, sometimes cruelly. He had never allowed anyone close, never let anyone in.

Charlie blinked, trying to process what she had just heard.

“Dad… it’s ‘fuck you up,’” she corrected cautiously, unsure whether he had simply misspoken or if this was something deeper. She watched him carefully, seeing something entirely new in his eyes.

Adam’s hand moved slowly to the crack in his mask, his body stiffening further as he cursed under his breath.

"Shit," he murmured, realizing the gravity of the situation.

The mask—his shield, his protection—was breaking. His true pheromones, the scent of his identity, were starting to seep into the air. And with it, came everything he had tried to bury.

Adam hadn’t always had a secondary gender. Humans were born without them—genderless until death. Adam, like every other mortal, had died human. But when he was welcomed into Heaven by Sera, everything changed. He remembered the moment vividly, the celestial gates opening for him, Heaven’s beautiful moon shining down on him like a promise of peace. But that peace was short-lived. The second his wings had unfurled beneath that moon; a horrifying transformation had begun. His body burned, his wings ached as they grew, and he was forced to become something more—something other. An angel with a secondary gender, a shift he could never undo.

"Charlie…" Lucifer’s voice dropped an octave, growing dark and dangerous. He breathed in deeply, his lips curving into a sharp, predatory grin. “I know what I said. I mean it.”

His gaze turned to Adam, and his expression changed—intense, wild, desperate. His wings flared behind him, casting a shadow over the scene as the red moon’s light bathed him in a demonic glow.

“I was naïve before. Clueless. I didn’t know how to handle my emotions back then, and I made terrible decisions because of it.” His voice grew stronger, more certain with each word. “But not this time. This time, I won’t make the same mistake.”

Adam swallowed hard, his entire body trembling as Lucifer's words sunk in. His heart pounded as he stared at the fallen archangel, the weight of Lucifer’s love—his obsession—crashing over him like a tidal wave.

“What do you mean?” Adam asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lucifer’s grin widened, his sharp teeth gleaming in the red moonlight. The tension between them crackled, thick and almost suffocating as Lucifer’s eyes blazed with a dangerous promise.

“I love you, Adam,” Lucifer said, his voice low and full of possession. “I always have. And I’m so in love with you, there’s no way I can let you go. Not again.”

Adam’s eyes widened in disbelief, his mouth opening to speak, but no words came out. He was frozen, overwhelmed by the weight of Lucifer’s confession. The red moon gleamed brighter, its light piercing through the haze of battle, casting a hypnotic glow into Adam’s eyes.

And in that moment, everything else ceased to matter. Heaven, Hell, duty, morality—it all faded into the background as the primal force between them surged, undeniable and all-consuming. Lucifer wouldn’t let Adam go.

And for the first time in centuries, Adam wasn’t sure if he wanted him to.

Lucifer could sense it—Adam wouldn’t make this easy. He never did. But that was part of the charm, wasn’t it? Lucifer leaned back in his plush, sprawling nest, a satisfied smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he glanced at Adam. The angel sat on the far edge, arms crossed, a permanent scowl fixed on his face.

“Let me go, Lucifer,” Adam demanded, his voice sharp, his wings twitching with irritation.

Lucifer tilted his head innocently, blinking those large, bright eyes in mock confusion.

“Go? I haven’t locked you up, darling. That’s such an awful word—kidnapping—you make it sound like I’m some sort of villain.” His voice was laced with an almost pouting sweetness, as if he were genuinely hurt by the accusation.

Adam groaned, rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration. “You have locked me up! I can’t leave! You threw away the key, Lucifer.”

Lucifer waved a hand dismissively, his wings fluttering gently behind him.

“I didn’t throw it away. I simply misplaced it. Honestly, you’re being dramatic.” He clasped his hands together, his tone lilting, almost playful. “Besides, I wouldn’t call this locking you up. I prefer to think of it as... inviting you to stay with me. Isn’t that much nicer?”

Adam’s glare could’ve burned through stone. “I can’t leave! You are keeping me locked up!”

Lucifer sighed, a little exaggerated and innocent. “Adam, sweetheart, I’m not keeping you locked up... I’m pampering you.”

His voice was dripping with honeyed indulgence, as if the situation was something to be celebrated.

Adam’s groan grew louder, his fingers pulling at his hair in frustration.

“Lucifer,” he growled, “You cannot keep me locked in here forever.”

Lucifer’s smile widened, leaning forward slightly with a teasing glint in his eyes.

“I’m not locking you up,” he insisted again, his voice soft and playful. “I’m just making sure you’re comfortable. Pampered. Isn’t this nice? Look at how cozy the nest is, all soft and warm—perfect for you!”

Adam’s eyes darted around the luxurious nest Lucifer had created. It was indulgent—soft pillows, plush blankets, and rich silks strewn about in a perfect cocoon of comfort. Too perfect. Too tempting. And yet, it made Adam feel like a prisoner wrapped in velvet.

He huffed and sulked, sinking into the nest with a begrudging scowl, glaring at Lucifer from beneath his furrowed brows. Lucifer, ever the one to lean into theatrics, cooed at him softly, inching closer.

“Oh, come now, you look so handsome when you sulk.” He chuckled, reaching out to lightly brush his fingers against Adam’s stiff wings, making him tense even more.

“Charlie wants to visit,” Lucifer said sweetly, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Adam frowned deeply. “Why would she want to see me?”

Lucifer beamed, delighted by the question. “Because she wants to thank you, of course.”

“Thank me?!” Adam barked, his tone incredulous. “For what? I tried to kill her, remember?”

Lucifer snorted in amusement, waving his hand as though the idea was ridiculous. “No, you didn’t. You were trying to protect her. I know it, she knows it.”

He leaned in, tapping a finger to Adam’s forehead playfully. “We’re not stupid, darling. We can see things for what they really are.”

Adam opened his mouth to argue, to deny it, but Lucifer’s grin only grew wider, mischievous and knowing.

“And what exactly do you see, Lucifer?” Adam asked, a faint growl in his voice, challenging.

Lucifer’s eyes gleamed with a devilish sparkle as he leaned closer, crawling toward Adam with a slow, predatory grace. His voice was a low, teasing hum.

“I see that you care about us~” he purred, his tone dripping with amusement. “That you love us~”

He emphasized the words with a singsong lilt, his fingers ghosting over Adam’s arm as he practically preened into his personal space.

Adam spluttered, leaning back slightly, caught off guard by the sudden closeness. His skin prickled under Lucifer’s touch, and his heart raced despite himself. “I don’t—” he began, but his voice faltered, especially as Lucifer inched closer, lips almost brushing against his ear.

Lucifer’s voice dropped to a whisper, low and teasing. “It’s perfect, isn’t it? Because Charlie needs a mama too~”

Adam’s face twisted in shock, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Lucifer.

“Charlie’s 200 years old,” he snapped, his voice gruff. “She doesn’t need a mother.”

Lucifer chuckled, the sound rich and warm, completely unbothered by Adam’s annoyance.

“She’s still our baby girl,” he said softly, his fingers brushing against Adam’s hand in a gentle, coaxing way.

Adam huffed again, crossing his arms in defiance. “She’s not my baby girl.”

Lucifer’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned in, his voice a breathy whisper.

“She will be,” he murmured, his words sending a shiver down Adam’s spine.

Adam could feel the heat rising in his chest, his wings stiffening as he struggled to maintain composure under Lucifer’s teasing.

“Lucifer,” he growled, his voice low with warning.

Lucifer only grinned wider, completely at ease in his role as tempter. He leaned in, pressing his forehead gently against Adam’s, their faces inches apart as he whispered with a playful lilt, “You’re staying, darling. With us. Forever.”

Adam’s heart raced, his breath catching as Lucifer’s words wrapped around him like a velvet chain. He wanted to deny it, to fight back, but the look in Lucifer’s eyes—the dangerous mix of love, desire, and possessiveness—made it impossible to pull away.

Lucifer grinned, his wings fluttering softly as he pressed a soft kiss to Adam’s temple, sealing his words with an intoxicating finality. “You’re ours now. And you’re not going anywhere.”

Lucifer, ever the embodiment of temptation and indulgence, buried his face into the curve of Adam's neck, inhaling deeply as Adam's scent enveloped him. A purr rumbled in Lucifer's chest, vibrating through his entire body as he basked in the intoxicating pheromones radiating from Adam’s trembling form.

"Mmm, how did you become an omega, my sweet?" he murmured, his breath hot against Adam’s skin.

Adam shuddered, every nerve ending alight with sensation as Lucifer held him, tight yet impossibly tender. It was overwhelming—this closeness, this intimacy that felt more like an entrapment than affection.

"Humans aren’t supposed to have a secondary gender," Lucifer added with a soft chuckle, his lips brushing teasingly against the sensitive skin of Adam's throat.

"I don’t," Adam growled, his voice taut with frustration, though the tremble in his tone betrayed him. He gritted his teeth, trying to resist the warm, unfamiliar pull of Lucifer’s body against his own.

Lucifer tilted his head, his mischievous gaze flickering with something darker, more playful. Slowly, he trailed his tongue over Adam’s untouched mating glands, savouring the reaction as Adam gasped, his entire body trembling involuntarily at the sensation.

Lucifer giggled, a sound that was both innocent and wicked, as if he were a child delighting in a newfound toy.

“You definitely look like you have a secondary gender to me,” he teased, his voice light and lilting as he licked again, sending another shiver down Adam’s spine.

Adam’s face flushed deep red, heat rising to his cheeks as Lucifer continued to kiss and lick at his mating glands, the sensations making his body betray him. He pushed Lucifer away, his hands firm but shaky.

“Stop that, you weirdo,” he grumbled, trying to regain his composure. “You’re behaving like a dog.”

Lucifer’s grin only widened, eyes glittering with amusement as he batted his eyelashes in mock innocence. “A dog? Me?”

“Come on, Addie~ how did you become an omega?” His voice was sing-song, almost taunting, but dripping with sweetness.

Adam stared back at Lucifer’s eyes—those luminous, knowing eyes—and sighed deeply. His body, tense and resisting just moments ago, slowly relaxed, sinking back into the plush pillows and cushions surrounding him. It was impossible to stay on guard with Lucifer’s warmth pressing in on him from every side, his pheromones gently mingling with his own in a way that was both comforting and disorienting.

As soon as Adam flopped back, Lucifer followed, crawling toward him like a cat, graceful and lazy, curling up around him possessively. Lucifer’s body pressed against Adam's, his touch soft but unmistakably firm, a silent promise that he wouldn’t be leaving Adam’s side anytime soon.

“Addie~” Lucifer cooed, his voice honeyed and thick with affection as he nuzzled into Adam’s neck, brushing his lips against the heated skin.

Adam sighed again, a deeper, more resigned sound this time.

"I didn’t have a secondary gender when I was alive," he muttered, his voice quieter now, edged with something almost like regret. "I only... I only had one when I died."

Lucifer hummed curiously, his chest still vibrating with that ever-present purr. His face rubbed against Adam's as if he were trying to imprint his scent into every inch of him, their pheromones mingling in the air, creating a heady, intoxicating blend.

"Must’ve been hard~ presenting all by yourself like that," Lucifer purred, his voice soft and coaxing, his hand gently tracing the line of Adam’s jaw.

Adam frowned, his lips pressed into a thin line as memories flashed in his mind—memories of Heaven’s blindingly beautiful moon, of his body undergoing the most terrifying and inexplicable changes.

"I didn’t have a choice," Adam admitted, his voice low and tight. “I saw Heaven’s moon, and my body... it just changed—I didn’t know how to stop it.”

Lucifer's eyes softened slightly, his teasing demeanour shifting as he listened closely, understanding flickering behind his gaze.

"Heaven’s moon?" he repeated, a soft hum in his throat. "How cruel... forcing you into a change you never wanted."

Adam swallowed thickly, his jaw clenched as he remembered the way his wings had burned, how his body had felt like it was being torn apart and rebuilt all at once.

"I didn’t want it," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn’t ask for it. But it happened. And now—"

Lucifer pressed his lips against Adam’s cheek, soft and tender, as if to soothe the old wounds that resurfaced with each word.

"Now you're mine," he whispered, his voice filled with a dark, possessive affection.

Adam’s breath hitched, but he didn’t pull away this time. Instead, he let Lucifer’s warmth envelop him, let the soothing scent of the fallen angel’s pheromones lull his mind into a strange calm. He could feel Lucifer’s heart beating against his chest, steady and reassuring, as if the devil himself was trying to tell him that he was safe here—even if he was trapped.

Lucifer purred softly, brushing his nose against Adam’s neck once more.

"I’ll take care of you," he whispered, his voice gentle but firm. “You don’t have to go through this alone anymore.”

Adam closed his eyes, his body sinking deeper into the nest as he exhaled, the weight of everything pressing down on him.

“I don’t need to be taken care of,” he muttered half-heartedly, though he couldn’t deny the strange comfort Lucifer’s presence brought.

Lucifer chuckled softly, his fingers tracing gentle patterns across Adam’s chest.

"Of course you don’t," he said sweetly, his voice dripping with mischief. “But I’m going to do it anyway. Because you’re mine, Addie. And I take very good care of what's mine.”

A startled gasp escaped Adam; his eyes grow wide as Lucifer suddenly began to touch him between his legs. He arched his head, watching as Lucifer pushed his fingers up against his omega-gore, beginning to caress the sensitive flesh.

“Don’t worry Addie~ I’m going to make sure you feel really good for the rest of your life~”

#hazbin hotel #fanfic #adamsapple #lucifer x adam #guitarduck #au #fanficiton #a03 #adamsapple month #adamsapple harvest #adamsapple full moon

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deityoftherain · 15 days ago

Text

sculpting memories - Smalletho Soulmates & Sibling Bad Boys Fantasy AU

Rating: Teen

Relationship: M/M, Gen

Archive Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Status: Completed Oneshot

Word Count: 8,285

Summary:

Joel was content enough with his life as a sculptor, sticking around his hometown. Sure, it got a little lonely when his brothers were out exploring with their soulmates, left with only his creations and whatever managed to travel over the soulbound he shared with his soulmate to keep him company. A soulmate he's never met, and likely never will if he stayed where he was, according to his brothers.

He ignored their advice, forcing himself to accept fate in exchange for his own comfort. He was fine as things were. Obviously.

Luckily for him, and as a relief to Grian and Jimmy, fate had a different plan for Joel, showing its hand the moment a handsome stranger took refuge in his studio...

I wrote this for @i-got-hit-by-a-planet through the @mcytblrholidayexchange event! I really enjoyed writing it, and I hope you enjoy reading it :D

You can read the full fic under the cut if you don't want to reroute to AO3 <3

Joel could be cheesy and go on about how sculpting always came easily to him, but that would be a lie. Sculpting wasn’t just something he picked up one day and was suddenly a master at, no. Just like everyone else, he got himself an apprenticeship and worked his way to the skill level he was at now.

What Joel could claim, however, was that he was really fucking ambitious. He always strived to create far beyond his skill level, which only pushed him to get better. He improvised, adapted, and overcame any challenge he faced until he was satisfied with the result.

To be fair, he was a very slow learner at first. Like, astronomically slow, but as he worked day in and day out, that changed. Joel became more familiar with how the clay worked and the methods passed down from mentor to apprentice.

He was actually quite quick now, all things considered. Joel could create small and simple cups, bowls, and vases within a few minutes, those of which became his source of income. Traveling traders would buy some of his wares and resell them beyond the territory of Woodland Forests.

It was a steady gig, at the end of the day. It was certainly more steady than the freelance work he preferred. The freelance work was more interesting, of course, taking another’s ideas and making something beautiful out of it, but it wasn’t consistent. Consistency was necessary to support oneself.

His favorite creations, however, were the ones that he made for himself. Joel liked to indulge himself after his work was done, taking the clay and molding faces and creating landscapes on vases. They often came to him in glimpses from his soulmate’s eyes for he’s never seen much of what he’s created for himself. Joel’s soulmate, after all, was what inspired him to sculpt in the first place.

Joel knew he had a soulmate far before he ever understood the concept himself. For as long as Joel could remember, he was bound to his soulmate. The connection was never strong enough to contact them with any sort of intentionality, no, but it was enough for Joel to deduct what sort of person they were. Their souls were connected to one another, after all, destined by the universe.

Not all soulmates were romantic, but each was a life partner. Sometimes, soulmates were platonic, sometimes queerplatonic, occasionally familial, or something else under the sun. A soulmate didn’t complete another person, nor were they meant to dictate the other’s personal life, but a soulmate was a partner, someone meant to perfectly fit in their soulmate’s life like they had always been there.

And, in a way, they always have.

Joel knew deep within himself that his soulmate was to be his partner in the romantic sense. He didn’t know how to explain how he knew, he just did. His brothers would always laugh at him for being so… mushy. Grian did, at least. Jimmy occasionally laughed too, mostly relieved not to be the one teased at that moment, but Joel would always glare at him and he’d shut up quickly.

“What do you think your soulmate would be like?” Jimmy wondered out loud, though the question was directed at them both. He laid with his back to the floor and his legs on his bed. His yellow wings were sprawled out beneath him, a genetic trait from their mother’s side of the family.

“Stupidly oblivious,” Grian huffed bitterly, arms folded across his chest as he sat with his legs situated to look vaguely like a butterfly. His macaw-banded wings– also from their mother’s side– were folded into a heart behind him, feathers brushing up against the wall.

“Well, duh.” Joel rolled his eyes, tail like a wolf’s flicking once to the left before sweeping to curl around his right side. He was the only one of his brothers to inherit the wolf genetics from their father’s side of the family. “It’s Scar! He’s always had his head in the clouds. That, and he can never sit still, which says a lot considering he uses a wheelchair to get around.”

“And sometimes crutches!” Grian rushed to his soulmate’s defense, despite the fact they all knew this and that Grian’s response was half-baked at best.

“You should tell him you’re soulmates,” Jimmy suggested for the thousandth time. “I would want my soulmate to tell me if they found out.”

“Grian’s not going to do that,” Joel cut in, already knowing the truth. He poked Grian’s side with his foot, earning a squawk of protest and a swipe at his leg. Grian missed, and Joel continued, “We both know that Grian’s too much of a chicken.”

“I am not!” Grian tried to defend himself, face turning red with embarrassment. “I just… we’re too young to start any sort of romantic relationship. I don’t even know if he wants that. I’m just giving him space to try and figure it out.” “You’re fourteen?” Jimmy pointed out, brow furrowed. “Fourteen is a perfectly reasonable age to start courting, especially if the intended target is your soulmate!”

“Not the point!” Grian dismissed Jimmy, but Joel ignored that fork in their conversation.

“Really?” Joel deadpanned at Grian. “Scar Goodtimes? Mr. Physical Affection Extraordinaire? The fucker that makes innuendos all the time and pretends to not know what he said?”

“He just doesn’t think before he speaks,” Grian murmured half heartedly. He cleared his throat and raised his voice to direct the conversation away from him. “What about you, Joel? Any closer to finding yours?”

Joel clamped his jaw shut and averted his gaze. He didn’t want to talk about it. The air in the room soured from playful to tense. Luckily, Jimmy saved him, speaking up to talk about what he’s gathered about his soulmate through their connection.

It had been a good several years since that moment, over a decade, in fact, and Joel still didn’t want to talk about it. The glimpses of his soulmate’s life that he was granted by the universe depicted lands far from his home in Woodland Forests. They featured faces of people he didn’t recognize with landmarks he didn’t know where to begin to locate.

Finding his soulmate would require adventure and travel, but Joel had no interest in such a thing. Joel was a homebody at heart. He liked the predictability of his life. He enjoyed the connections he has with the other residents of Woodland Forests. He relished in the sense of community and solidarity clear between the townsfolk. And, while he wouldn’t always admit it, Joel loved and appreciated his family, no matter how much he teased them or they teased back. They knew this, of course, Grian often calling him a mother hen, but taking care of his younger brothers was just the birth-assigned task each eldest child was given. Joel couldn’t abandon them if he tried.

…even if they frequently encouraged him to go out and explore like they each had done many times before.

“Come on, Joel!” Jimmy whined, draping himself against Joel. The taller was lucky Joel was strong because they would have both otherwise toppled over, cracking their skulls open on the rough earth. “Please?”

“I said no,” Joel huffed, irritated at Jimmy’s persistent questioning.

Jimmy flopped off of Joel, jutting out his lower lip in a pout. “But it would be so much fun! Do you plan to stay in this kingdom forever?”

“Yes,” Joel replied, dry and blunt. He turned on his heel and left Jimmy there, not intending to humor his brother any longer, and that was that.

What purpose did he have to leave? He liked it here, and he had no desire to enter foreign lands and potentially land himself into trouble in another kingdom. His bad-mouth and anger issues had gotten him into enough ruckus over the years. He had no desire to widen the amount of available jail cells he could spend the night in.

Besides, Joel had set up a comfortable life for himself in Woodland Forests. Occasionally, his family expressed worries of him being too lonely or too isolated or some shit like that, something about how they couldn’t always be around and had their own lives and soulmates, but Joel always waved their concerns off. He was content with his clay and the pieces of his soulmate the universe chose to deliver to him. Plus, how could he be lonely when he had customers and the other townsfolk?

Speaking of his soulmate, they must be experiencing some sort of adrenaline rush because Joel felt wired up, hurried, and out of breath despite barely moving for the past hour or three. Extreme or strong emotions were often shared between soulbounds, which always gave Joel a bit of whiplash no matter how long that sort of thing had been occurring.

“I don’t know why I’m so sad!” Jimmy wailed in distress, tears rapidly flowing from his tear ducts and wetting the front of his tunic. His body shuttered with each breath as he hugged himself tightly, fingernails digging into his shoulders.

Joel tried to comfort him the best he could, but there wasn’t much any of them could do. If Jimmy couldn’t pinpoint a reason for such emotions, then they were likely being shared through his soulbound, meaning Jimmy had no control of the sensations. It was mostly up to Jimmy’s soulmate to get their act together.

Still though, Joel couldn’t bear it to see his youngest brother so upset, so he pulled Jimmy into a hug and combed his fingers through Jimmy’s hair, muttering gentle reassurances reserved only for tender moments.

The door to his shop swung open, forcing Joel out of his memories. His wolf-like ears twitched to attention as his gaze snapped to the intruder. Joel barely had time to process what happened as the stranger ducked behind a cabinet and curled as small as he could in the corner between the wall and the cabinet. Their hair and fur were snow white, not surprising once Joel came to the conclusion that they were an arctic fox hybrid. He’s known other fox hybrids, but never an arctic fox, so that in itself was interesting, but also what the hells was he doing in his workshop?

“Uh, hello?” Joel narrowed his eyes at the other man, crossing his arms across his chest. “The place’s closed. Come back tomorrow.”

The arctic fox hybrid had a black mask over his nose and mouth, covering most of his face, but the fear in his wide eyes shined with enough emotion to make up for the concealed parts. “Please hide me!”

Joel gaped at him in disbelief. Who did this guy think he was, telling him what to do? Joel scoffed at the ridiculousness of this situation. “Hide you?”

“Yes,” the other nodded quickly, voice no more than a whisper. “Don’t tell them I’m here. Please.”

Joel furrowed his brow at him, which only had the other flick his fox-like ears back and pathetically beg for Joel’s aid using only his eyes. He was clearly not from here, based solely on his accent and the fact Joel knew everyone in this part of Woodland Forests. Joel sucked in his lips, struggling to resist such a pitiful plea. His brothers always did this sort of shit too, and Joel was rarely strong enough to refuse for long.

Am I really going to do this? Joel wondered to himself as he sighed heavily, absentmindedly tugging his long hair out of its ponytail and then redoing it to be more secure. “Fine, but I demand an explanation after.”

“Deal,” the arctic fox hybrid was quick to agree to the terms, somehow shrinking back into the corner even more.

Joel averted his gaze from the stupidly handsome man and walked to the door to his workshop. He had thought he had locked it, but apparently not. This time, he ensured the door was not going to budge without inhuman strength. The sign on the door indicated that he wasn’t taking customers or commissions at the moment, so it would hopefully deter whoever was after the stranger.

The arctic fox hybrid’s breathing hitched in his throat door as shouting grew closer to the door, but they both were deadly silent by the time someone rattled the doorknob in an attempt to open it. “It’s locked! He must have fled further down. Come on, before he gets away!”

Joel waited until he couldn’t hear them anymore before pressing his wolf ear against the door. He could feel his own heartbeat, though he wasn’t sure why because he wasn’t scared! What reason did he have to be scared? He hadn’t done anything wrong! Why was anxiety pricking at his skin so furiously?

Eventually, Joel backed up from the door and turned around. He didn’t bother to look in the stranger’s direction, simply gesturing for the other man to follow him toward the door in the back, one that led up to a small loft above his workshop. Joel was about to enter when he paused to glance over his shoulder, checking to see if the other was following him.

He was not.

Joel raised an eyebrow. “What are you waiting for?” “You–” the arctic fox hybrid squinted, obviously confused, “you want me to come with you? You’re not kicking me out?” “Does it look like I’m kicking you out?” Joel rolled his eyes. Hadn’t his intentions been obvious? “Come with me before I kick you out and you take your chances with whoever is after you. This better not bite me in the ass, by the way, or you’re going to regret it.”

Joel didn’t wait this time, climbing his way up the spiral staircase to his studio flat. The flat wasn’t very big, but it was plenty for one person– maybe two if they were comfortable being in close proximity– complete with necessities and not too much more. Truthfully, it was all he needed, and he utilized the space well. While it may not be his main passion, Joel could confidently decorate with the best of them.

In an attempt to be courteous, Joel gave his guest– the stranger seemed to have been upgraded from intruder to guest in Joel’s mind within a short timeframe– space to take everything in. He retrieved the kettle off the counter and filled it up with water before stretching toward a nearby cabinet to fetch a pouch of magic fire dust. There were many ways to bring a kettle full of water to boil for tea, but fire dust was Joel’s preferred method.

“Do you need help?” his guest offered, suddenly appearing behind Joel and startling him. Joel cursed loudly, and his guest apologized, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Uh, my name is Etho, by the way.”

“Etho?” Joel parroted, eyeing him up and down. “That’s not a name you hear everyday. Did your parents name you after the then-baby prince of whatever that kingdom is called? The one to the west, I think. Are they fans of them or something?” “Something like that, yes,” Etho chuckled awkwardly with a half-hearted shrug.

“Bet they felt all fancy and foreign,” Joel joked, finding himself slipping into a far too familiar territory with someone he didn’t know. “Etho, so exotic I can’t even pronounce it like you can. Accents, ey?”

Etho’s expression morphed into an almost fond one, the look he gave Joel making him feel strangely but wonderfully warm. Joel didn’t quite know how to handle that, nor the butterflies in his stomach or the intoxication that came just from a masked smile. The blummin’ smile reached his eyes, and Joel found himself wanting to take a peek or five under that mask of his.

“It’s okay,” Etho assured him. “I find it cute.”

Cute. Joel studied Etho, somewhat warily but also a smidge flustered, before flicking his ear and turning back to prepping the tea. “I’m Joel, by the way.”

“Joel,” Etho repeated with a single nod. “I like that name. It’s nice.” “Thanks.” Joel had almost expected Etho to make unsolicited comments on his name next, but none came. It almost infuriated Joel, wishing Etho would take the mickey out of him like he had to Etho.

Not sure what else to say, silence fell between them. It wasn’t necessarily bad, but it wasn’t very great either. Etho simply stood there awkwardly as Joel finished the tea, too close for comfort, but not close enough to properly make content. It was strange– Etho was strange– but Joel couldn’t find it in himself to be too bothered.

Once Joel poured the tea into the cups, he led Etho over to the two-chaired table Joel often spent meals eating at alone. That was, if his brothers didn’t come over, anyway. If they did, he pulled out a spare chair he could fold down and tuck away in a multitude of locations. It was currently slid under his bed.

“So,” Joel started once they settled down, green eyes piercing into Etho’s soul, “are you going to tell me why you’re on the run?” Etho blinked rapidly at him, as if surprised. Perhaps he was. Something in Joel was confident that he was, but he didn’t linger on that thought. “How did you know?”

“You broke into my workshop, ducked behind the nearest cabinet, and begged me to keep you hidden,” Joel deadpanned, unable to resist rolling his eyes. Was this fox guy dumb? “Plus, I know everyone in the greater Woodlands, and I don’t know you, so d’ya wanna tell me what you were running from or where you were running from? Maybe even a why, may I be so lucky.”

Silence seemed to echo off the walls, as impossible as that was, each moment feeling impossibly stretched thin before Etho shook his head. “I don’t want to say.”

Joel scoffed and took a sip of his tea. “So you’re a coward.” “I am not!” Etho denied, the part of his face Joel could see around his mask flushing pink with embarrassment.

“Mhm, yep, sure,” Joel agreed dryly, swirling the liquid in his cup.

Etho averted his gaze, and Joel allowed quiet to fall over them. He had expected the hush to be awkward and full of tension, but it felt oddly… peaceful? It was strangely comfortable, like they were meant to be together as they were. Just… existing beside each other. Did the arctic fox hybrid have magic? Was he bewitching him somehow? Did Joel even care if he was or not?

Joel was halfway done with his tea when he broke the silence to ask, “Do you not like tea?”

“Huh?” Etho asked only to answer his own question before Joel got a chance to respond. “Oh, I do, I like tea, I just…”

“What? Are you scared?” Joel teased, a smirk growing on his lips. “It’s not poisonous, if that’s what you’re scared about. If I wanted you dead, I would have killed you already, or handed you over to the people looking for you.”

Etho crossed his arms over his chest, ears flicking back for just a moment in a way Joel honestly found really fucking adorable. “I’m not scared of you.”

“Oh yeah?” Joel raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Prove it?” “Prove it?” Etho repeated in disbelief.

“You think I’m joking?” Joel didn’t back down from the challenge, staring him dead in the eyes.

Etho sighed in defeat with a slight shake of his head. “You’re impossible.”

And perhaps Joel was impossible, as it were, and he knew many would agree, but there was… something on Etho’s face that felt… fond? Was Joel reading that correctly?

“Yet you love it,” Joel shot back in a near automatic response.

Etho chuckled and… yep, the something was definitely fond. “That I do.”

Creases formed by Etho’s eyes, like he was smiling underneath the mask, which only made Joel want to smile back. They were bickering, sure, but it was simply playful, maybe even fun. Warmth spread throughout his limbs as his heart beat just a little faster.

Time seemed to slow down as Etho started to remove his mask. Breath caught in Joel’s throat as the other peeled away the fabric to reveal what he looked like underneath. Joel had thought he was stunning before, but damn. His tongue darted out to wet his lips as Etho raised the tea cup to his to take a sip.

Joel averted his gaze for less than a second before meeting Etho’s eyes again. He wasn’t a coward; he could look some blummin’ guy in the eye! He studied the now-maskless man carefully, hiding the action by sipping his tea and maintaining idle conversation.

Etho was peculiar, but Joel didn’t find that fact necessarily bad. He had a scar over his left eye, a wound that must affect his vision in some sort of way. The eye almost looked bloodshot or like one of Joel’s clients– an albino cat hybrid– but it was less of a crimson or scarlet, and more blood red. His unaffected eye reminded him of Grian’s slightly soulless irises.

Neither Etho nor Grian’s eyes were truly soulless, but the inside joke had lasted between the brothers far too long at this point for Joel to forget. He and his brothers tended to be the kind to hold onto terms like that for reference later, especially if the term in question was stupid, funny, or an unintended innuendo.

Next thing Joel knew, hours had passed, the sun long gone below the horizon. They moved from the table to the “love seat”. It was a two-cushioned couch, meant for only two people, but Joel, Jimmy, and Grian have made it work when none of them were in the mood to sacrifice the prime spot and sit on the floor.

“Tim, get your boney hip away!” Grian shoved Jimmy away from him and toward Joel, which only resulted in protests from Jimmy and the loss of Joel’s couch space.

“Jeez, man! Grian!” Jimmy tried to slap away Grian’s efforts to avoid being forced off the couch. “I wasn’t even that close! Stop shoving!”

“Don’t make me kick you both out of my flat,” Joel threatened, resisting Jimmy’s intrusion in his space and pushing him back towards Grian.

“You wouldn’t do that to your favorite brothers!” Grian countered, wings fluffing out.

“You’re my only brothers,” Joel deadpanned, his wolf-like ear twitching. “And yes, I would. Would you like to test me?”

“Guys!” Jimmy whined as he was seesawed back and forth between his older brothers.

…it didn’t always work.

Etho and him fit just well on the sofa, and it helped that Joel didn’t mind when they brushed against each other. In fact, Etho’s touch felt electric, perhaps magnetic, drawing Joel in despite his reservations. As someone who wasn’t huge on physical contact from others, that desire caught him off guard. He didn’t fully know what to do with himself, but that didn’t stop him nor Etho from shifting closer and finding excuses to come into contact.

“Stop touching me!” Joel ordered in a whine, maybe eight years old.

“I’m not touching you!” Grian’s finger hovered over Joel’s skin, close enough Joel’s hairs could inform him of where Grian was touching without him having to look.

Joel smacked his hand away, but that didn’t deter his brother. “Yes you are!”

“No I’m not!” Grian continued to be a nuisance, as most younger brothers tended to be.

That memory occurred so long ago that Joel couldn’t recall how it ended.

Either way, even when ignoring the physical, Joel still found it odd how easy Etho was to talk to. It was like they had known each other their whole lives, and were just meeting to catch up. Joel had never gotten along with a stranger this well, especially when he wasn’t doing his best to behave. Sucking up to authority to hide that he was a menace in every other situation was more of a Grian tactic than his. Joel was more likely to be unapologetically himself and suffer whatever consequences came with that.

Not that Etho was an authority, hells no! Etho was an equal; they were on the same playing field. They just fit together like adjacent puzzle pieces. Etho seemed to get him, and Joel relished in the fact that his quips and teasing were well-received. As Etho grew comfortable, he began reciprocating the jabs in his own witty way.

Joel loved hi- it.

“It’s getting late,” Joel announced with mild regret, finding himself not wanting the night to end. Stars, was he falling for Etho already? His brothers would never let that go if they knew.

“That it is,” Etho acknowledged with a slight frown.

His eyes followed Joel’s gaze to the skylight he had installed, positioned to allow for sunlight while maintaining privacy from those walking around outside. The day’s light was far gone now, but the stars were visible and he didn’t have to worry about onlookers, and that was more than enough for Joel.

The stars were truly gorgeous this time of year, bright and twinkling on the cloudless night. Maybe Joel would be able to show Etho at some point. They could find a nice place to lie down and stargaze… would Etho enjoy something like that?

What is wrong with me? Joel cried inwardly, wanting to shove his face into his hands and half-groan half-scream his feelings out. Instead of groan-screaming, he tried to muffle a yawn into Etho’s shoulder before hugging Etho’s arm like a stuffed animal and using his upper arm as a somewhat-boney pillow.

“Are you planning to stick around?” Joel asked in a sleepy murmur, more hopeful sounding than he would have preferred. He shifted so he could observe Etho’s reaction before expanding on his previous question. “Sticking around Woodland Forests, I mean.” “Maybe.” Etho hummed non-committedly, a falsely innocent grin tugging at his lips as his gaze pierced down through his soul. “Why? Do you want me to stick around?”

Sly fox, Joel’s mentally accused with feigned annoyance, like he wouldn’t do similar in Etho’s situation.

“As if!” Joel scoffed, though he made no effort to move. “I just wanted to know if you planned to use my shop to coward again or not.”

“It was not cowering,” Etho corrected, nay insisted. “I was simply using the resources at my disposal to avoid an undesired situation, like being smart and clever and stuff.”

“Sure,” Joel rolled his eyes, though there was no bite behind the motion. He struggled to hide how happy he was, which was easy considering the weariness that pulled at his limbs. It was past his bedtime, as he had woken early that day to work on his sculpting.

If Etho said something else, Joel didn’t catch it, half-slipping into unconsciousness. Perhaps he would have fully entered the dream realm, but something alerted him enough to jump with a start, forcing Joel back into the awake world. He partially sat up, brushing his hair out of his face– when had he let it down?– as he blinked rapidly in confusion. “Huh? Wha?” “Shh, it’s okay,” Etho soothed, arms securely around Joel as he whispered into his ear. Joel settled back down and Etho’s fingers returned– returned? How did he know that?– to combing through Joel’s brown locks. If Etho were anyone else, Joel may have been embarrassed, but… no one had to know. Not when Joel wanted it so bad, wanted that comfort. “Sleep, don’t worry. I got you.” A soft ecstasy covered him like a warm blanket, constant and overwhelming, but also secure and not too much to handle. Joel wasn’t sure if the emotion was dulled by his half-awake state, or if it was just another thing that his soulmate unintentionally shared through their soulbound. Before he could think about it too hard, Joel lost hold on his intelligent thoughts, slipping into the world of the unconscious.

If Joel had taken a moment to step back, perhaps he would have noticed the signs earlier. Grian and Jimmy teased him for being dense, but how did they expect Joel to connect the dots when Etho’s presence was so natural, much like he had been there the whole time? There was no “adjustment period” or significant effort put into getting used to living together. They just were.

“What inspired this?” Etho inquired one day, not too far in the future.

“What inspired what?” Joel responded with his own question, shifting his attention from his busy work– from creating bowls to sell for profit– to Etho. “Hold on, give me a second, and I’ll look.”

The arctic fox hybrid had spent a lot of time watching Joel work, as if he were studying techniques with nothing but his vision to aid him, but, those past few days, Etho turned his focus elsewhere. Instead of watching Joel create, he studied previous creations of Joel’s instead.

Many sculptures perplexed him, Joel could tell, but Etho denied the claim whenever Joel brought it up. Etho had reassured them that they were very good, just vaguely… familiar. Joel shrugged, not often having an answer for him. Perhaps the illustrations he committed to sculpted pottery weren’t as unique or specifically detailed as he thought his imagination was, not if Etho had seen such works before.

Joel got to a stopping point, wiped his hands with the designated rag, and got up to join Etho where he was gawking. He froze as his gaze landed on a sculpted boat, one of his most prized creations. Joel had spent well over a month dedicated to specifically it– tending to every detail he could possibly think of including– so long that he even gave it a name.

“The Relation. The relation-?” Etho read off the lettering Joel had meticulously added as a little inside joke to himself. Joel had thought it was hilarious, at the time, and Etho must have thought so too by the smile creased by his eyes. “The Relation Ship! Aha, I get it. That’s clever, I like it.”

“Thanks,” Joel grumbled, carefully picking up the boat like it would break if he looked at it wrong to locate it somewhere else away from Etho.

That must have confused Etho, for he scrunched his nose and tilted his head as if trying to view the situation from another angle. He didn’t protest Joel’s action, however, something Joel appreciated. Etho was good about that, not pushing Joel’s boundaries when it came to something clearly important to him.

The Relation Ship wasn’t for other people to see, only Joel and his soulmate. His brothers hadn’t even seen it! Perhaps that was a little overprotective of him– perhaps silly or childish were better words– but The Relation Ship was one of the only things he and his soulmate shared!

Joel hoped it was something they shared, at least.

No one could ever truly know what would be shared through one’s soulbound. One could make an educated guess or a half decent prediction, but nothing was for sure. Just because Joel saw flashes of sketched boats through his soulmate’s eyes via the soulbound link didn’t mean his soulmate received any notice of Joel’s recreation.

He sometimes worried that they’d never see it, but that thought saddened him too much to linger on…

Okay, anyway–

There were times Joel and Etho simply existed together, doing their own things or working on nothing at all. Parallel play, he thought Etho called it when referring to that time at some point. He wasn’t sure, but either way, that wasn’t the point. The point was that Etho had started to hang around even while Joel sculpted, but not always to watch this time. Instead, Etho brought down some parchment from the loft that he had paid for himself and sketched whatever he fancied.

Despite Joel’s jabs at Etho for being a lousy freeloader, he was actually anything but. He did persuade Joel into letting him stay with him at his flat for free, despite all logic and good sense, but Etho strangely didn’t disappoint. Etho made himself useful, helping keep the flat clean and going out into town for odd jobs. Apparently Etho was handy with redstone– a sort of magical technology Joel only knew the basics of– brushing off the skill as just a hobby despite his expertise. He raked in more than enough money to earn his keep.

Based on what Joel knew about his handiness and tendency to be creative in his crafts of choice, he shouldn’t have been surprised when Etho asked, “Can you teach me?”

“Teach you?” Joel prompted, raising an eyebrow. “Teach you what? To sculpt? To be as hot and sexy as me?”

Etho snorted in amusement, tail swaying idly behind him, though all he said aloud was “Yes.”

“To be hot and sexy? That’s not a teachable skill, unfortunately, for you would have come to the right place. Luckily for you, you already do fine– just not as good as me, of course,” Joel joked lightheartedly before answering what he assumed was Etho’s real question. “If you want to learn to sculpt, on the other hand, you’ll have better luck with a master.”

Etho mulled over Joel’s response for several heartbeats, so long that Joel hadn’t expected the conversation to continue any further. He had gone back to what he was doing when Etho spoke again, “Are you not a master?”

Pride bubbled up in his chest as he straightened his posture and wagged his tail, beaming brightly at Etho. “Not officially, no, but I’m flattered you think I’ve mastered the craft already.”

“Have you not?” Etho glanced at some of Joel’s nearby works that he decided to keep when they were finished, skeptical of Joel’s not-yet-mastary.

“Ha!” Joel threw his head back in a dog-ish– wolf-ish?– bark. “Hells no.”

They both filled a hole in the other’s life, one that neither of them fully realized had been empty. Joel found himself enjoying the company, something he’d been missing with his brothers off doing their own things. It didn’t help that Joel tended to isolate himself in his studio, zoned in on his projects and nothing else. Business transactions and small talk had nothing on a genuine friendship.

Without his brothers there as often, he had no one to watch after or drag him out to do things he claimed he didn’t want to do. Joel hadn’t realized just how lonely he had become until he got a taste, much like a sip of water after unintentionally slipping into dehydration. He just couldn’t get enough.

Now, It had been a little over a year since Etho had entered his life, and Joel was eternally grateful for it. His lonesome flat had become more lively with Etho’s things added among Joel’s and sketches Etho had gifted Joel pinned up in a gallery to decorate the walls. It was perfect, their relationship was perfect, but their understanding of their status was… admittedly embarrassing, to say the least.

“What do you mean he’s not your boyfriend?” Grian exclaimed a little too loudly, flabbergasted.

“Quiet!” Joel growled under his breath, rough and rumbley as a byproduct of his wolf genetics. “I don’t need the entirety of Woodland Forests in my business!”

“Fine!” Grian huffed back, mildly irritated at the correction, but not enough to refuse submitting to Joel’s request. He repeated himself, this time at a lower sound level. “What do you mean he’s not your boyfriend? Haven’t you two been dating this whole time?”

“Yeah,” Jimmy agreed with Grian, seemingly astounded by this news, “I thought you had found your soulmate and started dating him, and just didn’t want to tell us directly yet for some reason–”

Joel pursed his lips, ears flattening back against his head. He didn’t want to admit anything, but with his brothers looking at him so expectantly, and, well… there wasn’t much they could hide from each other for long. “We haven’t talked about it.”

“It?” Grian parroted, the word pitching up an octave with his disbelief. “It? Joel, I can’t believe you–”

“Why not?” Jimmy cut in before Grian could say more, face all contorted and bewildered. “Don’t you like him?” “Of course I like him!” Joel snapped, face growing red with embarrassment and shame. He groaned, leaning forward as he tangled his fingers in his hair. The tug on his scalp was just enough stimulation to distract his mind from blowing a fuse and doing something he’d regret.

“Then what’s the problem?” Grian questioned, not granting Joel any empathy. “You like him, you’re soulmates, you’ve been functionally dating for months now– what’s the issue? Honestly, where is it, ‘cause I don’t see one.”

“It’s not that simple!” Joel claimed with a desperate wail, tugging harsher on his scalp. Jimmy shifted closer to Joel, taking a more sympathetic approach. He wrapped his arm around his shoulder and rested his wing against the back of his torso, but he didn’t say anything. Not yet. “You of all people should understand, Grian, with Scar, and with–”

“Yes, and I’d be the first to admit that I was an idiot in my youth,” Grian deadpanned, before sighing. “Joel, I would have saved a lot of heartache if I just was transparent with Scar years ago. I am passing on that advice I had to learn the hard way for you and your soulmate–”

“I don’t even know if Etho is my soulmate…” Joel murmured defeatedly, hands dropping from his unstyled hair to his lap. He curled his tail close to his body, so tightly that the end of the wolf’s tail was close enough for Joel to fidget with the end of it. “Not for sure, anyway. I mean, I have a hunch, but how can I really be sure when–” “But you want it to be true, don’t you?” Jimmy spoke up, far more caring than Joel deserved. Joel was supposed to be the responsible, mature caregiver of the trio. He wasn’t supposed to be the one needing help. That wasn’t a job for the youngest nor the middle child, yet here they were…

“Of course I do,” Joel’s voice cracked as he squeezed his eyes shut, tears trickling down his cheeks. “How could I not? I mean, I love– like him! Stars, how could I not like him? I wish I knew, for this… infatuation is such a problem.”

“I can’t believe you just called what you and Etho have an in-fat-u-a-tion,” Grian drawled out that last word. “You two have been living like a married couple for months! I don’t know how else to tell you that that is not ‘infatuation’, mate.”

“Even if it was, how is that a problem?” Jimmy leaned his head against Joel’s shoulder, arm still wrapped around him as he idly twirled and curled Joel’s hair around his fingers. “Does he not like you back like that? Or do you mean to say he’s not a romantic soulmate? A platonic one, perhaps? I have a friend like that, you know, and there’s nothing wrong with it, they’re happy–”

“Our relationship is anything but platonic,” Joel corrected, smiling weakly at the thought of what they had being anything else, as if it were amusing or something to entertain themselves with. No one looked at only a friend like Joel and Etho looked at each other. Joel’s smile fell and he bit the inside of his lip with his canine teeth. “I just… I don’t want to fuck it up.”

Grian took a deep breath, presumingly to calm himself down before he allowed his annoyance at Joel’s dumbassary to influence his comments anymore. “The only way you’re going to fuck it up is if you don’t do anything about it.”

Jimmy nodded briefly in agreement. “At the end of the day, it’s better to know than to live in this limbo of inbetween.”

Joel didn’t respond right away as he mulled over their words. He sniffed as he dried his eyes with his sleeve. “When did you two grow up and get so wise?”

Grian and Jimmy didn’t respond with any sort of actual answer, instead mwah-ing kisses all around him in between cooing playful sentiments at him. Joel swatted them away lightheartedly, not using most of his strength so he didn’t accidently hurt them. “Oh, enough you two! Fuck off!”

His brothers only giggled in response, and Joel couldn’t help but join the chorus.

They were right though. He had to do something about it. If he didn’t, he feared he might burst.

That was a bit of an over exaggeration, but he’s always been good at those.

Joel had gotten his wish to show Etho the stars properly fulfilled multiple times before, stargazing even becoming one of their favorite pastimes. Etho had built a reputation for himself, meaning he got rather busy, and Joel still maintained his business, but they tried to find time to stargaze at least once a week, even if it was from the comfort of their flat.

It didn’t matter to Joel if they went out to lay in the grassy outdoors or if they chose to observe the constellations through the lens of their flat’s skylight. As long as they got to have that time, he was content. Honestly, as long as Etho acknowledged Joel’s existence, he was over the moon.

…maybe he had fallen for the arctic fox hybrid a bit harder than he first guessed.

Huh. Anyway–

Now Joel’s never done yoga or anything, but he was fairly confident that their stargazing had that same sort of meditative effect. Ever since Etho and Joel decided to make stargazing a regular event, Joel’s found himself less quick to anger or prone to explode. The urges and impulses were still there, of course, but they had… dulled. They’d become more manageable.

Joel couldn’t recall the last time he’s gotten in a tiff with a merchant or pissed off the guards enough to spend the night in a cell. Maybe his brothers had been right this whole time. Maybe having something– someone worth coming home to actually did help. Joel had always been too full of himself– too arrogant– to actually ever take their advice.

Speaking of his brothers’ advice…

“Etho?” Joel broke the silence cautiously, though he didn’t yet lift his head from Etho’s shoulder.

They two laid under the skylight staring at the stars with pillows supporting their heads and a large blanket draped over them to share. Etho laid flat on his back with his arm under Joel as Joel sandwiched his right arm between them and rested his left arm on Etho’s chest, hand over his sternum.

Etho didn’t respond at first, making Joel worry he had fallen asleep just as he had gathered his nerve, but those anxieties dissolved once Joel shifted just enough to see Etho’s face only to find it flushed pale pink. The pale pink always looked so lovely against the snow-white of Etho’s hair and fur, and Joel found pleasure in eliciting a blush from him. “Whatcha looking at?”

“You.” The word flowed from Etho’s lips so smoothly that Joel had half the will to deny its genuinity.

Joel’s own blush killed any notion of doing so, however. “Okay, sure, yeah. Whatever you say, Etho.”

Etho’s breathing hitched, followed by what Joel could almost swear was an “Oh, snap–”

What a blummin’ dork, Joel couldn’t help but think, huffing a laugh. “You okay there?”

“Yeah,” Etho whispered airily out as he turned his head to bury his face against the base of Joel’s hair, his fingers absentmindedly messing with the ending strands. “Yep, yep, everything’s okay here.”

Joel kept his hair well-maintained, a requirement for being allowed long hair as a child, and he has simply kept it up into adulthood. Fidgeting with it became a staple for not only himself, but his brothers, and apparently anyone else who managed to get close enough, proved by Etho.

Their unplanned detour led to Joel momentarily forgetting the intentions he had for tonight so, instead of using the silence as an opportunity to bring it up again, he stayed quiet, simply enjoying Etho’s presence.

For better or for worse, Etho pressed a close lip kiss against the top of his head before speaking again, “I’m always a sucker for how you say my name, no matter how many times you do it. Actually, I’m just a sucker for you in general, to be honest.”

Joel detached himself from Etho’s torso, sitting up and looking down at the fox hybrid, ignoring the way Etho made his heart flutter like nothing else. The sensation only became more intense with their soulbound. Was he making Etho feel the same way?

Etho rose to sit up alongside him, a glimpse of fear on his features. Joel resisted a frown, instead deciding to tease his soulmate– his soulmate!– by leaning into the “Eefo” pronunciation that came with his native Woodland Forests accent.

“What a cheesy romantic you are, Etho,” Joel jested with faux and playful disgust. Ugh, when had he become such a sap for this man?

“Could you blame me?” Etho didn’t wait for an answer, cupping Joel’s face gingerly. Joel melted into Etho’s hold, letting his eyes flutter close. He placed his own hand over the one cupping his face, partly to help support the weight of his head and partly to nonverbally convince Etho to not let go.

As this happened, Joel did his best to ignore the way his tail involuntarily wagged like an excitable dog, thumping against the blankets with a dulled thump, thump, thump. As bad as that was, he worked even harder to get his brothers’ childhood teases about him really being part dog further away. Joel didn’t need their comments in their head right now, as deserved as they may be.

Stars above, how had he managed to delude himself of Etho’s feelings when he acted like this?

“Can you blame me,” Etho asked again, “for being sappy when I have you as a soulmate?”

Joel’s eyes flew open as his body went all tense and rigid, hand falling to his side. “You knew?”

“I’ve had a hunch for awhile,” Etho admitted, scratching the back of his neck and not looking Joel in the eyes, “but I wasn’t sure, because you never said anything, but, uh, yeah.”

Laughter bubbled in his chest and spilled out of him, less out of joy and more out of shock. Joel’s unexpected laughter must have caught Etho off guard for he hesitantly checked in with, “Your reaction confirms that we are, right? And that you’re… good with it, and want me too– want me like I want you– and–?”

“Yes!” Joel tried to contain himself, but he wasn’t very successful. Tears welled in the corners of his eyes, threatening to spill over. “Yes, of course, you beautiful, blummin’ idiot.”

“I– You really have a way with words, don’t you?” Etho replied sarcastically, though no negativity could be detected among the sarcasm. “I’m, like– I’m getting mixed signals here, Joel.”

Joel rolled his eyes affectionately, throwing his leg over Etho’s legs so he could practically sit on his lap facing towards his soulmate. Joel tugged on the collar of Etho’s top until they were close enough for their lips to brush and for Joel to feel Etho’s breath on his face. He didn’t try to contain his tail this time, and Etho didn’t appear to either.

“You talk too much.” Not true in the slightest, especially with Joel being the more talkative one out of the pair, but logic and rationale weren’t exactly on his mind at the moment. “You should do something about that.”

Etho pulled Joel flush against him, using the fat just above Joel’s hip bone to secure his grip. His lips parted briefly, as if he were going to respond with some sort of witty retort. Before he could get anything out, Joel traced his tongue against the ridges of his sharp canines, effectively attracting Etho’s attention. His soulmate’s pupils dilated, their mutual desire only amplified by their soulbound.

Their lips collided like two forces of nature fighting to consume the other. They devoured each other, intoxicated with each give and take, getting lost in their venture for pleasure and bliss. The ever present want refused to die down now that it was given what it had yearned for for so long. Joel knew it would be difficult to stop once they started, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care.

It was difficult for Joel to differentiate where he started and Etho began, especially with the building sensations they traded back and forth. Joel understood his brothers actions and mindset in accordance to their soulmates a whole lot better now, a realization that brought a strange sense of enlightenment.

Euphoria pulsed through his veins, and he never wanted to stop. Not when he’s wanted so long, not when they have needed each other for so long…

Neither he nor Etho knew what the future held for them, but something told Joel that, as long as they had each other, they were more than ready to take on the challenge. Joel wanted nothing more than to see where life would continue to take them. Etho was worth it and more, after all, but don’t tell him Joel said that. He would tell Etho himself in due time, but the proper words could come later. For now, though, Joel enjoyed what they shared, and he knew Etho felt the same, and that was more than enough for him.

If you got this far, please like and reblog, and maybe even kudos and comment over on AO3! Thank you kindly, I appreciated it <33

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albed-hoe · 1 year ago

Note

i have finally arrived 🤭🤭

OKAY I’LL GIVE U A FEW SCENARIOS I GOT IN MIND AND YOU’RE FREE TO EXPAND ON WHICHEVER ONE YOU WANT TO (idm gender neutral reader but was hoping for male :D )

REVERSE COMFORT: m!reader comforting poor lyney after the most recent 4.1 archon quest. (SPOILERS: after freminet has been moved the the medical area)

so lyney is really worried for his brother (it takes place before he’s fully up) and we’re jus hugging him and reassuring him that he’ll be okay bc we’re husband material like that 💪🏻

˚₊‧꒰ა💉໒꒱ ‧₊

FLUFF: i was thinking maybe the m!reader is a popular fontainian singer/popstar/dancer or anything that gains him popularity, and hence builds up a mass fanclub of ladiessss (if yk where i’m goin w this🤭)

so maybe we could get some jealous lyney up in here and m!reader feels bad for him so after the performance he takes lyney up on stage and gives a smooch on the cheek 😭

˚₊‧꒰ა💉໒꒱ ‧₊

ANGST (with comfort bc my heart cannot physically take angst with no comfort): OKAY KINDA INSPIRED BY SOMEONE ELSES IDEA BUT KINDA DIFFERENT!

m!reader got those richly rich strict ass parents who don’t approve of him dating someone as low as a magician (he’s also a guy but i’m taking this down a different root) and they aren’t abusive but they are pretty neglectful and strict on him.

reader finally had enough of their bs tho and him and lyney (with lynette & freminet ofc) run away to snezhnaya and have the reader work for the house of the hearth w them.

AND (bc i never shut up) then a few years pass when lyney finally takes over for the knave they waltz back into fontaine together with m!reader being his 2nd in command (once again, alongside freminet and lynette bc wherever he goes they go)

˚₊‧꒰ა💉໒꒱ ‧₊

PERSONAL FAVOURITE (i think abt this idea a LOT)

FOUND FAMILY /W COMFORT (heavily with freminet bc i love him sm HSNFEMCJEM)

basically m!reader went for a lil dive to get lyney some new flowers for his magic show later and he runs into freminet crying under the water

and ofc big brother instincts kick in 💪🏻 and we take him above shore and coddle him like how lyney would to freminet

AND THEN WE TAKE HIM HOME AND WE MEET UP W LYNEY AND HES JUS LIKE “OMG IF THIS MAN DOESNT PUT A RING ON MY FINGER RN IMMA LOOSE MY SHIT” because he adores the way m!reader looks out for his siblings the way he would.

(I HAVE ANOTHER VERSION OF THIS RQ WITH LYNETTE IF YOU EVER WANNA HEAR IT BTW)

˚₊‧꒰ა💉໒꒱ ‧₊

SPICY 😏😏😏:

i actually don’t have anything to much for this category but some simple spicy hc’s with a sub!lyney would be great (let’s be real this man isn’t dominating anyone). (he also has a breeding kink GOODBYE)

Found Family (Freminet ver.)

Characters: Freminet & Lyney x M!Reader

Summary: After bringing his younger brother home, Lyney thinks he’s found his husband for life

Warnings: Slight angst to comfort, Freminet crying, Lyney being hopelessly in love and shyyyy

Word count: 767

A/n: Okay first of all I’m so sorry for disappearing for like a year and a half… I totally lost motivation and finished university in the meantime and now I’m looking for a job but no one is hiring me so yay? TYSM FOR THIS REQUEST LY LOTS🤩 I might write some of the other ones too? Might make a poll for which one to do next cuz I’m undecided… Anyways THIS ONE GOES OUT TO THE MALE READER COMMUNITY!!! I fell in love with Lyney and still (I think?) have yet to come across a Lyney x male reader fic😫 So here is my contribution! I ALSO HAVE REQUESTS OPEN SO FEEL FREE TO REQUEST LYNEY X M!READER STUFF PLS AND TYYYYY

It was a warm afternoon as you got your scuba gear on, preparing to dive in the depths of Fontaine on a mission to look for flowers for your beloved boyfriend, Lyney’s, magic show tonight. You latched in your helmet and dove below the surface, sighing in satisfaction at the cool water enveloping your body after having been sweating all day. The fish danced around you happily and the rays flapped their wings gracefully on their way to find places to float around.

You reached the seabed, swimming around and beginning to collect the flowers that your boyfriend had requested. You stop after a few seconds to listen to a sound you could not initially identify. Listening closely, you follow the sounds of what seem to be sniffles over a ridge of sand. Peeking over the edge, you see a little blue form with a diving helmet on, balled up with his head in the pit of his elbow.

“Freminet?” You swam up to the form, recognizing Lyney’s younger brother, a sad expression on the screen of your diving helmet. You begin to rub circles into his back as he sniffles, embarrassed to have been found crying alone. “What happened?” You offer him a warm smile, encouraging him to confide in you.

“*Sniff* I- I made a fool of myself in the Court of Fontaine today… I- *sniff* I fell and dropped a whole basket of peaches…” Taking pity on him, you ask him if he wants a hug, then you pull him into your arms and rub comforting circles on his back.

“Wanna go back up? I’ll walk you home.” The boy nods and you swim back up with him in your arms.

Arriving on the beach, you take off his diving helmet and reveal his red, puffy eyes. You internally coo at how cute he looks but remember that he is in a vulnerable state and mentioning what he looks like would likely not be appropriate at the moment. So, after cupping a comforting hand on his cheek, you take his hand and walk him home.

Arriving at the triplets’ door (I know they aren’t all related, but for simplicity’s sake…), you knock and wait for the light pads from inside to reach you. The door swings open to reveal Lyney in his pajamas with a surprised expression.

“Y-Y/n! And Freminet!” He blushes slightly at having noticed you before his own younger brother and at having been seen in pajamas by someone he has been trying to impress. You gently push Freminet in front of you, handing him over to Lyney who hugs him shortly, ruffles his hair, then passes him on to Lynette who takes his hand, nods at you thankfully, then takes him into the home. Lyney steps out onto the porch and closes the door behind him.

“Uh… Thanks for taking my brother home. He can disappear better than myself, sometimes…” He rubs the back of his neck, a little embarrassed at the situation. You had only declared each other officially boyfriends about a month prior, so the whole relationship thing was a new concept to the ‘suave’ Lyney the public knew. It pleasantly surprised you to discover that he was actually very easy to fluster, making for a very cute boyfriend to tease occasionally.

“Yeah, no problem. I found him on the seabed crying while I was looking for your flowers, so I comforted him and brought him here. Oh, here you go by the way.” You hand him the flowers he needed for his show while smiling warmly at him. The tips of his ears immediately reddened, both at his immediate thoughts of marriage and at what the offer of flowers looked like. He knew this was not a love confession or anything of the sort, but the current situation could have fooled an outside observer.

He stepped forward and threw his arms around you, sandwiching the flowers between the two of you. He buried his face in your neck in an attempt to hide his face exploding with heat.

“… I love you…” That was all he managed to say after a few moments. You laughed, placing a kiss on the top of his head.

“I love you too, but… Watch the flowers.” He pulled himself away from you immediately, realizing he was damaging his precious show flowers.

“AH! Sorry! Uhm… Did you wanna come inside for a bit?” He looked into your eyes with a shy smile on his face, his cheeks and ears still red from before.

“I’d love to.” You said, your eyes locked on his.

Aur my gawdddd this was my first fic in a loooong time I’m so sorry if it was ass… THIS WAS CUTE AND I LOVE FREMINET TOO, PLS LEMME HEAR THE LYNETTE VERSION OF THIS😎

#genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin x male reader #genshin impact x male reader #lyney x reader #lyney x male reader #lyney x y/n

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hopefull-mindset · 1 year ago

Text

Finally understanding Beast Mori (as Asagiri intended)

Hello everyone, I am hoping you’ll be nice about me talking about Mori for two seconds and express my thoughts about such a guy like this. This isn’t going to be some fancy analysis picking apart stuff like I’d usually want to or even me addressing every trait he has because I definitely don’t go into everything. This is me finally being at peace with Mori’s humanity.

Before you say anything, I’d just like to share my own peace of comprehension. So if you were similarly confused the way I was, I think you’d appreciate this (Or if you’re looking for a different approach on Mori).

Im sure most of you have read the manga adaptation, so just to let you know, I am going to be using passages from the official Light Novel translation and if anyone needs it, I can send it to them!

For anyone who’s decided to read, hello! Nice to meet you. I’m sure we’ve all shared the same confusion when confronted with Beast Mori’s difference in personality and approach. Thoughts like “Why is he so much nicer?” Or “Why does he care much more about how kids are treated, when he himself has treated kids the same way he describes in the past?”

How could this person be the same guy who was Mori the Port Mafia Boss? The war veteran who used Yosano the way he did? So we came up with many idea of why he’s different to justify it, but here’s the thing: Mori is the same person he always was, this is a universe where everything is the same, but different where Dazai chooses to intervene.

After a few days, I was able to recognize it but I couldn’t hold myself to acknowledge it. It’s hard to see a man who represents the dark, the Port Mafia, to the Armed Detective Agency’s light. I couldn’t wrap my head that such a controlling, manipulative man could have humanity like the rest of the characters.

Why was this so hard for me to see? Well two reasons— the fandom and how the anime cuts down Mori’s emotions when adapting canon material. This happens to Dazai too, but people are much more willing to talk about it compared to Mori. Now the fandom really does love blaming everything on Mori and that’s not the most constructive thing to do when talking about abuse narratives. I can’t blame anyone for taking this route when it came to Mori because of Asagiri’s poorly thought out choice with him…. we all know what I’m talking about. Elise.

However, I need some of you to understand that abuse narratives are never as simple as “oh, it’s all this persons fault because they’re a horrible person, so [character] is resolved from any guilt or responsibility”. This not only dumbs down the situation and seriousness of it, by mischaracterizing the abuser, you’re also mischaracterizing the victim as well and what they’ve gone through. You’re putting their story in jeopardy.

Bungou Stray Dogs is a story about human beings, morality, and what it all means. Mori, and in turn Fukuzawa, are important to understand Bungou Stray Dogs because they are in two pinochle positions that start this discussion of Morality. I am baffled that a story like this, one that approaches these topics with so much appreciation for humanity and nuance, has a fandom that doesn’t want to talk about what it has to offer.

Asagiri’s poorly thought out writing decision of a joke is going to have lasting effects with how Mori is going to be approached forever and I see this, but I think the little girl jokes are the least important thing to talk about because they have as much impact as the Tanizaki siblings do. He’s also written to be not a good person either, so you can dislike him easily, but how many of these characters are traditionally good people? Kouyou, for example, is not a “good person” and emotionally abusive in example to how she treated Kyouka. That doesn’t stop people from liking her friendship with Chuuya and making content with her.

So this attitude toward Mori had me lost when it came to him because I could see how much thought Asagiri puts into writing him the same way he does with so many, but I’ve seen so many disregard his humanity that I had no way to express any of my thoughts to sort out what to think about through anyone else when faced with Beast Mori. Everyone was as lost I was, and the people that weren’t never explained it in a way I could break that barrier.

So what finally made me wrap my head around Mori? It was exactly one conversation I had with a friend and it wasn’t even about Beast Mori in particular, it was just about Mori and his poor humanity while navigating how to lead. Everything just clicked with that.

(Dazai, Chuuya, age Fifteen)

This right here is where Mori tells us what he thinks his position means after the struggling we visibly see him go through. Is it an inherently correct conclusion to make? No, but does it make sense as someone who’s a leader of a huge, dangerous underground criminal organization? Yes, it does.

We have no backstory on Mori, but his poor humanity is easy to explain when he’s been in positions that require him to disregard his own and everyone else’s humanity for years now. As someone who’s seen war up close and a physician, these jobs require him to take control of the other person. Well in his mind at least, he sees these jobs and chooses to the route that’s most efficient.

It’s never positioned to be for himself though, he doesn’t take glee in what he does for self serving purposes, it’s always for the country, the city, the organization. His thought process is never the power hungry yearning we see everyone mistake it for. It’s never that he wants it, it’s that he needs it for everything to go well.

That’s exactly how he treats Yosano because even though it’s creepy to base your abilities looks on a little girl, that doesn’t stop him from seeing her use before her age and humanity.

His clinical utilitarianism is his core trait but also most disliked one from what I can tell in the fandom, and people tend to misinterpret it to make the more non-favorable view of him. But again, he’s not supposed to be the greatest guy ever and you can understand where these traits started forming. And again, to paraphrase another’s words: he’s cunning, but not power hungry.

He’s also not disliked by his subordinates and actually respected, he respectively enjoys the company, but there’s a mixed answer to that and that it is… nobody is going to listen to you if you don’t treat them with decency. Why would you expect a tool to work if you break them? One of his earliest lessons he learned with Yosano and leadership.

(Dazai, Chuuya, Age Fifteen)

For example, we all know this scene is manipulation. He’s baiting Chuuya with information while still treating the teenager with respect and enough honesty to form a bond. Chuuya is perfectly aware that he’s being used in the present and in the past, but he respects Mori as a leader objectively after his own considered failure and lack of control over the sheep, even if he didn’t consider himself one. I don’t think this honesty comes from nowhere because that quote, “only a Diamond can polish a Diamond”, came from Natsume in reference to himself and Fukuzawa.

He sees himself and Fukuzawa in Soukoku fondly, but I tend to rethink this quote time to time because at first it comes off as a quote about partnership and building off of each other’s good qualities to perfect their own, but the way Mori uses it here feels as though it’s positioned to mean that one of them comes out perfected and the other weared down. Pretty competitive if you think about it.

(Bungou Stray Dogs BEAST)

We’re finally at the part you’ve been waiting for guys! So what was my point for analyzing canonverse Mori? So as I said before, these are the exact same guy and all that word jumble? That was an extended version of what was communicated with me to finally get what was going on with Mori in this universe and why he’s suddenly in an orphanage.

Now I couldn’t tell what was going through Beast Dazai’s mind and where this decision came from instead of actually killing him like the rumor’s implied, but I can come close. I think that Beast Dazai recognized this potential of change either from the multitude of universes he was able to witness or recognized it in his own considering canonverse Dazai never does anything against Mori (even if he visibly dislikes him).

Possibility is one thing, the why is another. It was either that he saw potential and good that could come out of this in the long run, Mori’s intelligence and expertise still proves usefulness, less dangerous for Oda in the long run if he let Mori stay there instead of the Mafia, or all three.

I can say for sure though that this is better for Mori because after the years of being in atmospheres that require so much of him intelligently and exempt of any emotion involved for the sake of efficiency, being able to rekindle his humanity where nothing is expected of him except to raise kids in a non-exploitative context sounds really freeing to me. Considering he’s been there for 4 years, I find the development understandable.

Okay I’m hearing what you guys are saying again, “What about him saying he wanted to save Dazai? That doesn’t seem like typical Mori.” And I’m gonna say something really controversial: Well maybe he did.

Really though, I think he did care about Dazai and not because he saw a child struggling (think about Yosano and Q for 3 seconds), but because he saw himself in Dazai, which ultimately changed way more about their relationship than you guys think. There’s a lot of comparisons to Yosano and I understand where they come from because I think there’s a lot you can see similarities in, but Dazai is not purely a tool for Mori the way she was.

The avoidance of letting him die do come from his use and overall importance to the original plan of becoming the new boss, but I don’t think he would’ve left Dazai alone like that for 4 whole years after leaving the mafia if he didn’t care in some way way. What strikes me the most is how Asagiri decided to add “the man who raised Dazai”.

For Beast Mori, I think he’s had enough time to actually feel guilt and regret for Dazai as a person like a normal human being does. Oh I guess Elise is important too. Her aging up just meant that Mori has become less controlling and not like the little girl who he literally sees as a tool since kids are easier to manipulate. Can’t bring that energy to an orphanage, nope!

There’s better stuff out there about Mori that I think if you’re more open to thinking about Mori after this, you should check it out, these are just my thoughts recently. To end this off, here are two links to Asagiri’s own thoughts on Mori.

#bsd #bsd analysis #(?) kind of #bsd meta #bungou stray dogs #mori ougai #bsd beast #bungou stray dogs beast #dazai osamu #bsd dazai chūya age fifteen #I’m not gonna pretend for two seconds that this guy is some misunderstood hero #but he’s less as bad as fanon portrays him #and don’t take my words as him saying he ALWAYS has everyone’s best interest #he just says he does #shit guys wait I just realized this is my first contribution??? to this fandom??? oh well

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sequinsmile-x · 3 months ago

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Our Great Divide - Chapter 8: Leave it All behind, and There is Happiness

It's what they'd hoped would happen for years. For close to a decade it's what they would talk about late at night whilst snuggled up in bed together, quiet voices whispering about a life where Jack and Haley came back, where Jack could meet his siblings and their family would finally feel complete. Now it was finally happening, Emily had a pit in her stomach. A heavy weight made of fear and guilt as she worried that this could actually be the thing that tore them apart.

A Foyet Arc AU

-x-

Hi friends,

Well, here we are at the last chapter!! Thank you so, SO much for your love for this fic. It really does mean the world. I'm sure I'll revisit this universe at some point for a prequel or a sequel (or both!)

As always, let me know what you think.

-x-

Warnings: Full list of warnings can be found on the Master List

Words: 3.2K

Read over on Ao3, or below the cut

“I don’t want Jack to go.”

Emily sighs as she looks at Stella, the pout on her little girl’s face as adorable as it was pitiful. It makes sadness swell in Emily’s chest, the familiar ache that came with saying goodbye settling low in her gut, the seeds of it taking root as she picks the toddler up and rests her on her hip. Stella immediately presses herself against her, her face in her neck, her tiny hands tight in the neckline of her shirt, and it allows Emily to push her own sadness aside, to focus on her daughter’s over her own.

“I know, baby,” she says, stroking Stella’s hair, running her fingers through the wild locks that could seemingly never be tamed, “We’ll all miss him, but things aren’t going back to how they used to be, remember?” She kisses the side of her head, smiling against her temple when she nods, “We’ll see him again over the summer, and he said he’d call you all the time.”

Stella huffs as she pulls back, her lip still stuck out in a pout. Emily pokes it, smiling when it draws a smile out of her little girl, however fleeting, her dimples making a brief appearance before she remembers she’s sad.

“I don’t like goodbyes.”

She feels the sorrow start to bloom, the flowers of it taking up space in her chest in a way that makes it hard to breathe. She used to be good at goodbyes. They were par for the course with her life. First when she was young - permanently the new kid and never somewhere long enough to make friendships worth saying goodbye to. Then with her chosen career, since being a spy didn’t necessarily go hand in hand with making friends, and then when she was in Paris - a goodbye that had stolen from her. Her friends all sure she was dead, their arms aching with the phantom weight of her coffin when she was sitting in an apartment on another continent wondering what she could have done differently. Even that had felt inevitable. Every day she’d spent happy and content as she found somewhere she belonged in the BAU another step towards a goodbye, something her life had taught her was always just around the corner.

Aaron, and by extension their children, had taken that ability from her. The idea of leaving people behind, of moving forward without them, suddenly something she couldn’t bear even when it was simple things like their first day at school. When Hugo started kindergarten, the fear of Foyet still looming, she’d been inconsolable. Able to hold herself together until he was safely in his classroom, his eyes wide and shining as he turned back to wave at her and Aaron. She’d cried the entire journey home, the words goodbye, see you later bitter on her tongue as she rode in the back of the car with Leo, her hand wrapped around his tiny foot as Aaron drove them home.

“Me neither, sweet girl,” she says, rubbing a circle on Stella’s back, her gaze briefly drifting over to where Aaron was sitting on the couch with Jack, Hugo and Leo, the two young boys all but hanging off their older brother. “But it’s okay to be sad.”

Stella huffs and leans forward, her forehead against Emily’s cheek as she snuggles deeper into her embrace, “Daddy will be sad.”

Emily nods and kisses Stella’s forehead, “He will be, but we can look after him, right?” She asks, and Stella nods. Her attention is drawn towards the boys again, Hugo and Leo’s chatter loud and well-intentioned, but drowning out a moment Aaron was trying to have with his eldest, one of the last ones they’d have in person for a while, “Let's go take Hugo and Leo outside, huh?” She says, bouncing Stella on her hip, drawing a laugh from her, “Give Daddy and Jack some time alone.”

Stella nods and scrambles down from Emily’s embrace. The moment she’s on the ground she runs towards her brothers, her expression as determined as her movements as she demands Hugo and Leo go outside with her just as Emily knew she would. Stella had them all wrapped around her little finger, as she had since the moment she was born, so neither Emily nor Aaron are surprised when she quickly convinces them to go with her. Emily follows them, content to keep her children entertained outside and she winks at her husband, shaking her head slightly when he smiles at her in thanks.

He never had to thank her for this - for loving him. He loved her in the same way. Deeply and without condition. The kind of love they both liked to think they deserved after everything they’d been through both together and apart.

Aaron watches as they go outside, the happy loud chaos that fills every corner of their home following them out, fading as they make it to the backyard. He smiles as he turns to Jack, “They’ll miss you.”

Jack smiles and nods, “I’ll miss them too,” he shrugs slightly, “And you and Emily.”

“We’ll miss you too buddy,” he replies, “And when you come back in the summer we’ll decorate your room.”

He beams at that, “No Captain America sheets?”

Aaron laughs, “No. Unless you want them.”

Jack shakes his head, “I think I outgrew them a while ago,” he says, his smile fading as he says it, the sadness that lingered in every conversation they had taking back over. He swallows thickly and looks at a picture of him and Aaron on the wall, a picture he has no memory of being taken, their smiles wide as they look at the camera. His gaze drifts towards the neighbouring picture, one of Emily sitting in a hospital bed with a tiny Stella asleep in her arms, Hugo and Leo on either side of her and Aaron with his arm around them all, “I’m not mad at you for having them. Or for marrying Emily,” Jack says as he turns to look at Aaron, embarrassed over talking about his feelings in a way only a teenager could be, “I always used to worry about you being here by yourself.”

“I was for a little while,” Aaron replies, his chest stuttering at the memory of it. How he was suddenly left with nothing, his son torn away from him by a man who had tried to ruin his life. For a long time, he thought that he had. He thought that Foyet had won, but he slowly picked up the pieces, and then eventually he let Emily help him do it too. Her touch delicate, her heart liable to damage in those early days on the sharper edges of what was left of him as she learnt where all his pieces went, “Before Emily.”

“I wish I could have been a part of it.”

Aaron places his hand on Jack’s shoulder and squeezes, desperate to press a decade's worth of love into it, every moment they’d missed together in the air around them. “Me too,” he says, squeezing his shoulder again, “But you can be part of it now. You are part of it now.”

Jack nods and pulls his father into a hug, his arms tight around him as he seeks out everything he hasn’t had in the last decade. Every single hug and kiss and bandaid pressed against a scraped knee pressed into one moment. Into one hug that, even two months ago, would have been the thing of a dream. A phantom embrace that would linger once they woke. An embrace neither of them would have been able to place, their memories of each other as out of date as they were faint.

“Love you, Dad.”

Aaron kisses his head and then holds him closer, his arms tight around his son as he soaked up as much of him as he could. Desperately reminding himself that he wasn’t losing him, not this time. He could call and text and visit, and that was something he would have prayed for just weeks ago. Whispered appeals to a god he didn’t believe in, hoping that someone was listening, to get him exactly what he had now.

“I love you too, Jack.”

___

Aaron smiles as Stella sinks into his side, both of her arms wrapped around one of his as she encourages him to turn the page of the book in his hands, the only other sound in the room Emily reading to Leo through the wall.

“On went the mouse through the deep dark wood.

A snake saw the mouse, and the mouse looked good.

"Where are you going to, little brown mouse? Come for a feast in my log pile house."

"It's wonderfully good of you, Snake, but no – I'm having a feast with a Gruffalo."

“Daddy, you need to do the voices like Mommy,” Stella says, huffing like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders, “Mommy says you’re like the Gruffalo. You should do the voice.”

Aaron raises his eyebrow and looks down at his daughter, his smile amused when he’s met with her indignant expression, as if he were looking at a mini Emily, “Mommy says I’m like the Gruffalo?”

She nods, “She says people think you look scary but you’re soft,” she frowns as she says it outloud, as if she’d never considered it before, “But I don’t think you’re scary.”

“Neither does Mommy,” he comments under his breath, storing away the information to tease his wife with later, “You should have your eyes closed my little star,” he says, poking her nose, smiling when she scrunches it up, “You’re supposed to be going to sleep.”

“You’ll do the voices?”

He sighs and nods, “I’ll do the voices,” he relents, wondering how he was once capable of staring down killers without blinking but was now entirely unable to argue with his toddler, “But close your eyes.”

He carries on reading, making a point of doing the voices as she’d ask, unable to fight his smile as her giggles get quieter each time, her body heavier against his side. When he’s finished, he slips out from under her. He tucks her up, making sure her favourite toy is in her arms, and he leans down to kiss her forehead.

“Love you, princess,” he says, kissing her forehead again before he steps away.

“Daddy?”

He pauses and turns back, her voice thick with sleep, her eyes barely open as she looks at him, “Yes, Stella?”

“I’ll stay forever so you won’t be sad,” she says, her words slurred, seeping into each other as she loses her battle with sleep.

He stands there in silence for a few moments, her innocent words creating an ache deep in his gut. He knows she means it now, that she couldn’t imagine a world where she was anywhere except by his and Emily’s side, but he already finds himself sad at the thought of her as a teenager. Every bit as beautiful and wilful as her mother as she pushed her limits. He wished they could all stay small forever. That they’d always be close enough for him to protect and keep safe. But he also loved to watch them grow, loved watching them become their own people. It was the one part of parenthood he struggled with, one that had been as sharp as it ever had as they waved Haley and Jack off that afternoon.

“Sleep well, Stella,” he whispers even though she’s already asleep and he steps out into the hallway, blowing out a shuddering breath as he closes the door behind him.

“Are you okay, honey?”

He looks up at Emily and sighs, shrugging because he doesn’t really know how he feels. The familiar joy and sorrow he’d been used to over the last decade overwhelming him as he steps towards his wife, “I don’t know.”

She smiles sadly as she closes the gap between them, wrapping her arms around him as she sinks against him. She rests her cheek against his chest and lets him hold her tightly, letting him take everything he needs. She shares her strength with him, lets it seep from her skin to his, just as he had for her countless times before - the give and take that was the bedrock of their marriage.

“That’s okay,” she says, running her hand up and down his back, her palm warm against his skin as she sneaks it under his polo shirt, “I don’t think there is a right way to feel with all of this,” she smiles softly as she pulls back, her eyes soft as they meet his, “I’m proud of you though.”

He furrows his brow, “Proud of me?”

She nods, her teeth sinking into her lower lip for a moment before she leans up to kiss him, her forehead against his when she pulls back, “You’re a good man. The best, actually,” she cups his cheek and kisses him again, “You let your son do what was best for him, even though it hurts.”

He sighs, his eyes drifting closed as he nods, his forehead knocking lightly against hers, “We’ll see him again soon.”

It was a mantra of sorts, one they’d repeated again and again in the last week or so, and one they both knew they’d continue to repeat until it came true.

“We’ll see him again.”

They stand in silence, wrapped up around each other outside their children’s bedrooms, seeking the comfort they’d only been able to find in each other.

“Emily?”

She hums, “Yes, honey?”

“What’s this I hear about me being like the Gruffalo?”

___

June 2016

Emily smiles as the door to her hospital room opens, her hand stilling on Stella’s back for a moment as Aaron walks in, careful as he pulls the door closed behind him.

“The boys are okay?” She asks, turning her head to kiss Stella’s dark hair. Aaron nods and walks over to join them, sitting on the edge of the bed so he can be as close to his girls as possible.

“They are both obsessed with their little sister,” he says, kissing Stella’s head and then Emily’s cheek, “I have a feeling they’ll be talking Penelope’s ear off about her until she gets them to sleep tonight.”

Emily chuckles, “Well, Pen famously isn’t as strict with bedtime as we are,” she says, her smile soft as she looks down at their daughter, “And I can’t blame them for being obsessed with her. She’s perfect.”

“Just like her Mommy,” Aaron replies, his smile wide when she rolls her eyes at him, her reaction to his softness as predictable as his words themselves. “Hugo was telling Leo all about how to be a good big brother.”

She smiles, her cheeks and her heart aching with the happiness she still struggled to accept was hers some days. “They’re sweet,” she replies, smiling down at Stella, “I hope we get out of here tomorrow. I don’t want to spend any more time away from them than I need to.”

“I know, sweetheart,” he says, tucking some of her hair behind her ear, “But you both had a rough time of it. So I’m not taking you home until the doctor says it’s okay.”

Of the three labours she’d had, Stella’s had been the scariest. Everything had taken a turn quickly, more medical staff than she could count rushing into the room as the doctor gave her specific instructions to not push no matter how much it felt like she had to. Words like shoulder dystocia thrown around between doctors and nurses, the meaning behind them all of a sudden even more terrifying than they had been when Emily read them in one of the many books she’d bought when she was pregnant with Hugo. Aaron had been her rock, as ever, throughout it. Pushing past his own fear to help soothe her through hers, his words soft and his hold on her hand fierce until Stella was born just a couple of minutes later.

“You’re such a stickler for the rules.”

“When it comes to you and our daughter’s safety, always,” he replies, his eyebrow raised at her, his amusement clear even when hidden behind the lingering fear. She yawns, her lips pressed together as she tries to hide it, and he smiles, “Want me to take her for a while so you can sleep?”

She shakes her head and tightens her hold on Stella, “No,” she says, yawning again, “I’m not that tired. We’re okay.”

If they hadn’t done this twice before, he knows he’d be offended. That he’d react to what would be easily misunderstood as mistrust if he didn’t know her better. He smiles and shifts closer, his hand over Emily’s on Stella’s back, “Sweetheart, you’ve been awake for close to two days. You need to sleep. And she’ll need feeding in an hour or two. I’ve got her. I’ve got both of you.”

She wants to argue, but when she fights a third yawn in as many minutes she relents, her smile shy as she nods. She kisses Stella’s forehead and whispers her love against her skin before she passes her over, her hands clasped into fists to stop herself from snatching her back, “I guess I could do with resting my eyes for a bit.”

He hums in agreement and stands up, Stella secure against his chest as he sits in the chair next to Emily’s bed. He settles down and is unsurprised to find Emily already fast asleep by the time he looks up, her mouth hanging slightly open, her head lulled to the side. He chuckles and tilts his head down to look at Stella. He takes the time to study her features, so many of them undeniably Emily’s already.

“Mommy and Daddy love you so much, Stella,” he says, stroking his knuckles up and down her soft cheek, “And so do Hugo and Leo,” he smiles softly, “They were so excited to have a little sister.” He swallows thickly, the missing piece of their family never bigger than on days like this. Jack’s absence all the more notable as their family grew, the space he’d left behind not shrinking but growing. “And you have another brother, Jack,” he says, clearing his throat as he leans down to kiss the top of his little girl’s head, taking a moment to breathe in the sweet scent of what he knew would be his last baby, “He lives…far away. But he’s safe and I hope he’s happy. You’ll get to meet him,” he says, sounding more confident than he felt, unsure he could bear to think of the alternative. “One day. One day you’ll get to meet him.”

Hope, he’d learnt over the years, was often the last thing to fade, stronger than its adversaries, and vast enough to bridge any divide.

#hotchniss fanfiction #aaron hotchner #emily prentiss #hotchniss fanfic #aaron hotchner fanfiction #aaron x emily #hotchniss fan fic #aaron hotchner x emily prentiss #hotchniss #emily prentiss fanfiction

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