#i hope writing this will help to someone else

[everlastingserenitys]

SMILE FOR THE PICTURE <3

summ. you asked the best photographer in your school to help take pictures of you for your project, not take a video of you guys doing it!

pairing. Caleb x f!reader cw. nerd!caleb, p in v, fingering, masturbation, recording during sex, creampie, dirty thoughts, kissing, handjob, college au, petnames, dirty talk, kitchen sex, 3.7k wc (wtf omg) a/n. hello yes this is kiindaa based off this post ... I just added a tiny switch up hehe

“Is that all you need help with?” Caleb asked, his eyes darting around the library and back at you.

“Please Caleb?”

A tired sigh escaped his lips, he pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head in disbelief, “So what you’re saying is that you want me to take pictures of you for your project?”

You nod.

“I don’t believe it, why do you need me?”

An annoyed sigh escaped your lips and you leaned in closer, being just centimeters away from his face.

“I heard you’re the best photographer and editor, so I need someone to help me so I can pass the class… so, please, just help me this one time?”

Caleb lightly rolled his eyes and stared at you before agreeing, “fine I’ll do it—but I’ll need something in return.”

“I’ll give you anything, Alright? I’ll email you some of my photos and then we can move on from there.” You say, sliding over a scrap piece of paper with your email displayed on it and walked off.

You didn’t even let him speak the second you skipped away from him and headed over to your little friends, giggling and loudly walking yourself out the library, practically announcing to everyone that you’re leaving.

Caleb glared at your figure already leaving the library and sighed against his seat, at least he’ll have something to do for the night.

As the day progressed Caleb was already in his dorm, studying for his other subjects. It was late in the evening and he had totally forgotten about the little deal you made with him, until he heard a crackle sound beneath him.

An exasperated sigh left his lips and he reached in his pocket for the tiny piece of paper with your email on it, he rested it in front of him as his fingers instinctively started typing away on his laptop.

Without realizing or reading over what he had written, the email had already been sent to you. Caleb panicked and tried to find out how to edit, or even delete to send it again, but when nothing was popping up he closed his laptop and attempted to distract himself before you responded.

A few minutes passed and a ding blared through Caleb's laptop. A shaky sigh escaped his lips before he carefully opened up his laptop and checked his emails. He refreshed countless times until, finally your response loaded up.

Caleb read the reply out loud and hovered his cursor over the pdf files of multiple photos you sent, “‘hey these are the photos’, yada yada…mmh alright.” After a second of hesitating he finally brought the courage to click on the photos.

And they were…beautiful.

Caleb was starstruck. He scrolled through the five photos you sent and inspected every single one, eyeing every perfect curve, your pretty eyes, practically just admiring you.

He never really talked to you, mainly because he thought you wouldn't talk to him if he tried talking to you first, but when you stepped up and spoke to him first, Caleb felt like it had to be a prank. Whether it was for the project or not, he didn't mind it, in fact, he’d probably want to work with you again, if he could.

He exited out of the pictures, getting ready to write his reply when he noticed you sent something else. Only captioning the file with ‘and a little surprise for you <3 you look like you’d be into this so i hope this gives you a little motivation !!’

Curious, Caleb clicked on the file without thinking and immediately regretted it. Well, was it regret? Definitely not. Caleb’s perverted eyes scanned at every part of the scandalous photo you sent. He brought his shaky hands to his mouse and instinctively started zooming in on every part.

“Damn it.” he murmured, squirming around his chair as he tried to hold himself back from touching himself, even though the last time he actually masturbated to someone was years before his third year in college, he didn't want to just break the streak when he knows damn well you will leave him once this project was over.

But one time wouldn't hurt, right? I mean, he was practically aching down there.

Caleb brought his fingers to the waistband of his shorts and played with it as he imagined different dirty scenarios with you. He eventually slid his fingers under his shorts, grabbing onto his hard, searing length, wrapping his cold fingers around it. He pumped his fist in a quick motion, staring at your picture through his already teary eyes, captivating every pixel he could see through his blurry vision.

“Ah-shit..” he whined, bucking his hips forward and soon brought his other hand to his cock, pretending it was yours. That thought just turned him on even more and he was practically trying everything to hold himself back from coming too early.

He glanced back at the picture, his glasses were slightly slipping off his nose but he didnt care. He yanked his head back, his pace going even quicker on himself and he was so, soo, clo–

“Fuck..”

Spurs of white pellucid mixture dripped out of Caleb, most of it getting on his desk and papers all over the desk. He breathed heavily as his violet eyes stared into in the ceiling, rethinking his fucking choices.

A few minutes passed and Caleb took a cold shower and eventually cleaned up himself, and the desk. He sat back on desk, reopening his laptop and quickly went to reply to your email. God, he was worried how he was going to face you the next day.

His fingers hovered over the light keys illuminating through his laptop, a response was stuck somewhere in the back of his head but he couldn't bring it back to him. He pondered for a moment, his mind spiraling with many, many thoughts, none of them were recollecting what he was going to say.

Caleb let out an annoyed groan and hit his head on his desk repeatedly. He’ll just respond tomorrow, when his mind was cleared out.

The next day after his classes were over, Caleb headed to the library to study for a bit. He put his ear buds in and started reading his book. But as he was too distracted by the gibberish of numbers and letters that somehow keeps him captivated the whole time he's studying, he didn't notice a presence in front of him.

A minute passed, and he still didn't notice. That was until someone yanked his earbuds off which caused Caleb to flinch dramatically. He looked up to see who disturbed his peace, about to stand up for himself until he realized it was you.

“What..”

“Why’d you not respond last night?”

Caleb's face flushed in a light pink tone, but he remained calm, a small smirk rested on his lips as he was trying to think of an excuse on the spot. He couldn't just tell you that he got off at the seductive picture you totally sent to rile him up with.

“I was too tired too, sorry. But I saw everything you sent.”

“You did?” you grin, leaning in closer as you stared into his eyes.

“Mhm, everything.”

“Did you like the surprise picture?” you said, a hint of teasing laced in your voice as you watched for Caleb's reaction. He was trying to act tough so badly, but you noticed how difficult it was for him to keep up the tough act and that just made you want to push his limits even further.

“Caleb?” you whisper.

Caleb’s Adam's apple bobbed up and down the second you whispered his name and he avoided your gaze, “..yeah.” he mumbled, his voice dropping five octaves deeper. You smile and pull away from him, looking down at him before shrugging.

“If you read the email–which I doubt you did–I told you to come over to my place tonight to take some practice pictures.”

“Practice? Wait, when did you even say that?” Caleb frantically started typing on his computer and pulled out the email. Embarrassment washed through his whole face when he read the first email which he totally ignored.

“I see…”

“Uh huh, the pictures I sent you last night were for reference, you know? How you’re going to take them and etcetera.” you fan your hands at him and Caleb stared at you for a good minute before nodding and closing his laptop, notebook, everything lying on the desk.

“Why’re you packing up right now?”

“Well? Why don’t we start early? I have studying to do and I don't want to spend the whole night taking pictures of you.”

You open your mouth, hesitant to say something but when no words could get out, you zipped your lips shut and turned around, walking yourself out of the library. You took small glances to see if Caleb was actually following you, when you noticed he was just a few meters away, you nodded to yourself and continued to walk to your place.

A ten minute walk later both you and Caleb end up at the front door of your apartment. You grab the keys from your purse and turn around, looking at Caleb while the key is shoved deep in the keyhole.

“Wait here, and do you have your camera?”

Caleb nods and rests his shoulder against the wall next to him. You nod and head inside your place. Caleb assumed you were cleaning it up so he leaned back and patiently waited as the sounds of shuffling and stuff moving around were getting louder and louder by the second.

A few minutes pass and you open the door letting Caleb in. Caleb looked around your whole place, his eyes darting on every piece of furniture that was definitely your style, and soon averting his gaze to the large window that showed off the view from outside.

It was already close to sunset and the lightning looked amazing to take pictures with. Caleb brought out his camera and tried turning it on when his worst nightmare happened.

“Dead?”

“Dead.”

A minute of silence echoed through the room, you and Caleb looked at each other before awkwardly chuckling at each other.

“I have a charger, be right back.” you say.

Caleb nodded and sat against your kitchen counter, fidgeting the camera around his fingers before you came back and slid the charger to him. He nodded in appreciation and quickly went to put his camera to charge.

“What should we do now?” Caleb asked, glancing at you then back at his camera.

You ponder for a moment then an idea lights up in your head, “Come, i’ll show you more of my photos so you can get an idea on what to do.” you unwillingly grab onto Caleb's wrist and drag him to your bedroom.

Which looked fairly normal, a little basic. Just a desk consisting of two monitors lying on it, a bookshelf, and your bed. You drag Caleb to your desk and you plop on the chair, unlocking your monitor in a quick movement and pulling out your camera roll.

“Some pictures may be weird so don't mind it, okay?”

Caleb nodded and glued his eyes to your monitor.

As the time went on and you were showing dozens upon dozens of photos to him, that's when your camera roll started to look a little too explicit and Caleb swore you were doing it on purpose.

“Oh whoops!” you giggle, letting Caleb quickly look at the explicit pictures of you, and at this point he wasn’t complaining. He wasn’t going to show that he liked it, but something else was about to shatter him from this nonchalant persona.

He watched you scroll through the pictures as his bottom half felt numb. Caleb looked at the bottom of the camera roll and noticed you were almost at the end of it, just a few more pictures to go and he could go to the bathroom to fix the problem down there.

When you finally showed the last picture Caleb nodded and enthusiastically told you how he knew exactly what he was doing and started backing away from your desk. You raise an eyebrow and get up from your seat walking behind him.

“Where's the bathroom?” Caleb asked, looking left and right at the two different hallways that could lead to anywhere. You peered your head up and brushed past him, but mistakenly stumbled over his shoelace and grabbed onto his thigh to catch yourself.

“Cal–uh..”

Your eyes widened and you looked up at Caleb's flushed look and down to your hand which was not on his thigh.

“Don’t move, please…” he mumbled, covering half his face with his hand as he carefully stepped back, but he was too much in a haze to even focus. He tripped on himself and stumbled against you again, making your hand practically rub on his boner.

“Shit…”

“You said you wanted something in return, why don’t I give you the favor right now and then you could take my pictures, how’s that?” you say, looking up at caleb who was still flushed bright red at the situation happening at the moment.

“I- fine..” he nodded and you smiled, sliding your fingers under his pants, slowly pulling them down and stare at his leaking bulge imprinting his boxers. Eventually, you pull his boxers down and let his cock spring out and, Fuck.

You wrap your fingers around his length and pump your fist in a slow, rhythmic movement, letting Caleb savour the time. Loud whines filled the room and you continued the same pace as you watched his reaction.

“Mo–ngh”

“Hmm?”

“More..” he breathed, Caleb's fingers slid in your hair and he pulled your head up so you could look at him. “Please.”

You smirk and fasten the pace on him, after one hand starts getting tired, you bring your other one and do the same movements to his cock. Both your hands were on his hard, sticky length. With one hand circling around the tip and the other pumping his full length Caleb was practically moaning like a virgin.

You slick your thumb on his tip and leaned in closer, about to make your mouth get put to use but Caleb stopped you and shook his head, “not yet..,‘m close” he groaned, his voice echoed through the room which sent shivers down your spine.

“You’re close? Then why don’t you hold it in.” you challenge, pulling your hands away from his cock and staring up at caleb who looked like he was going to die without the feeling of your hands on his.

“Hold it in, can you do that?” you whisper, getting up from your knees and leaned in closer, your hot breath ghosted against Caleb's skin. But Caleb couldnt even spit out any words, his eyes flicker on yours and before you could tease him further he crashed his lips on yours.

Caught off guard, you reciprocate the kiss and push him further against the wall, grabbing onto the sides of his face as you push yourself closer against him. Your bodies were practically molded together and Caleb lightly bit on your lip when he felt you grinding yourself against him.

His fingers made their way to your waist and soon snaked down to your pants, toying with the edges of it before pulling them down. His fingers slid lower on your body and soon reached your soaking, dripping cunt.

He slid a finger inside you and stroked a slow, deliberate pattern, stimulating and stretching you out before he put his cock inside you. He was holding himself back so bad but he lets the last drops of self control drip down him before he rams his cock inside you.

“Let me…” Caleb whispered, pulling his fingers out of you and stared at the mess coated on his fingers. You grunt and press yourself against him, he takes it as an indication that he can put himself inside you and without thinking he does it right away.

“urgh w-wait–” before you could tell Caleb to go to your bed or another room he lifted you up and pressed his tip against your soaking entrance, slowly pushing himself inside. He wasn't even a quarter in and you felt like you were full, you cling onto him as he lifts your body up and down on his cock.

“K-kitchen” you moan, burying your head on his shoulder. Caleb nods and effortlessly walks towards the kitchen with half his length inside you. You felt him press you against the counter and slightly pull himself away so he could see your face.

Caleb stared at you with love and lust filled in his eyes, his glasses were barely on him, his eyes were teary, and fuck he still looked like a beauty. You yanked your head back when you felt him sink deeper inside you, his tip practically hitting every right spot, and you felt like you were in heaven.

You wink your eyes open and get used to your surroundings again and notice the camera was still charging next to you. Caleb watched your every move as you picked up the camera and flicked it on. It beeped for a moment and flashed unlocked.

When the camera was on you smiled and glanced at Caleb who was too much in a daze to know what you were doing and angle the camera directly at his beautiful face. You coo his name and he averted his gaze to the camera that was in your hands.

“Smile.” you manage to get out and notice Caleb smirk before you flash a picture. Your eyes widened as you clicked the picture and he looked heavenly. Caleb chuckled as he continued to ram himself in and out of you, using one of his hands to grab the camera.

“Let me see.” he murmured, resting his fingers on yours which were still on the camera. You carefully gave him the camera and he examined the photo, a menacing chuckle escaped his lips and he shook his head, “don’t I look great?” he chuckled.

“Mhm”

“Yeah?”

You nod again and Caleb angled the camera to you, his hands, which were once shaky weren't shaky anymore and he looked at you before looking back into the camera screen.

“Smile for the picture.”

Before you could let out a smile you felt Caleb shove his full length deep, deep inside you. A wave of shock went through you and you heard the camera shutter when you noticed he took a picture of an expression you made that was most definitely not a smile.

“That’s a good–mmph e-expression! Shit, do it again.” he whined, continuing to ram himself deep inside you, the impact of his hard tip abusing your cervix sent you to a spiral, you stared at Caleb through teary eyes and shook your head.

“Come on, baby.” he begged, still having the camera aimed at you. A loud moan escapes your lips and you roll your hips against Caleb’s. Caleb let loud a low whistle and lowered the camera to the view of his cock buried balls deep inside you.

“Look at t-that..” he chuckled, slowing the pace down. He was already close to release and he didn't want to pull away. Caleb kept the camera at the same angle it was at before and brought his other hand to your stretched out cunt, placing his thumb against the clit as he stretched it out and watched the mess pool out of you.

“You’re recording? A-and you-?!” you couldn't even get any more words out. Caleb nodded and apologized repeatedly.

“I'm sorry.. It was on a-accident” he coughed, shaking the camera around as he slowly started pulling himself out of you. The sounds of the slick seeping out of you filled the room and it just turned Caleb on even more, when he was just almost the tip out of you, Caleb angled the camera from your lower half to your face and thrusted himself back into you.

His pace was quick and his moans grew louder at every thrust he gave. Caleb was practically over the moon and the feeling was just something he wished to experience again. Caleb placed the camera down on the counter and aimed it where you both were in frame.

“Can you handle one more–y-yes? Or no?” he asked, leaning in closer to your face, his breath tickling on your warm skin, you nod and Caleb chuckled, lifting your legs over his shoulders and thrusted himself one more time.

“That's good, might as well go until the camera dies again, should we, baby?”

You didn't know how many rounds you both did, you were almost going to pass out midway through sex but Caleb somehow calmed you down and you stayed awake, didn’t pass out once no matter how many times he filled you up, it was like he was magic.

Both you and Caleb just finished getting cleaned up and you both were back at the kitchen. He held onto his camera as he went through the multiple photos and videos he took, the longest video being about an hour and a half long, which resulted in the camera dying just the second before you were going to cum.

Caleb smirked as he looked through the photos and one photo caught him by surprise, he inspected the photo and flipped the camera towards you. “You look good in this.” he said, as a death piercing gaze was locked on you.

“I’m practically clothless in that, what's so special about it?”

“You can keep it for your album of those types of photos…” he shrugged, turning the camera back towards him and looking at the photo again. You shrug and that's when you realized.

“We haven't taken my practice pictures yet!”

“Well, can you still do it, or should I come back tomorrow?” Caleb grinned, stepping towards you and stared into your eyes with a teasing look.

“Let's get it over with, today.”

Caleb frowned, “Okay one second,” He said, angling the camera at you again.

“Smile.”

part 2 of fly into your heart -> next work

[ahmadwaleed55]

We Are a Family Trying to Survive Under Bombs and Hunger

I'm writing on behalf of my family, from under the rubble of fear, hunger, and war. Life here has turned into a daily struggle for the most basic things: food, water, safety. We have lost almost everything — and what little remains is far beyond our reach.

There’s no bread, no clean water, no electricity. Medicine is a dream.Even when these essentials appear, they come with prices we simply can’t afford. Imagine going to sleep hungry, waking up to explosions, and wondering if you'll survive the day.

We divide a single meal among us like it’s gold. Some days, we have nothing at all. The fear is constant. The hunger is real. But the hardest part is watching those you love suffer and being unable to help.

Please if you can donate, you’re giving us a chance to stay alive. And if you can’t, just share this. Maybe someone else can help.

Your support could mean food, medicine, or just hope.

We are not asking for luxury — we are simply asking for life.

Or

Vetted!!!

(#167 on the verified fundraiser list by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi) (but we had to make a new gfm campaign cuz our old organizer stopped contacting us).

# dlxxv-vetted-donations

[valc-cq0]

His Duty, Her Desire (1)

Pairing: Bodyguard!OC x Chaebol!F!Idol (Karina, Aespa)

Genre/theme: Slow burn, drama, forbidden romance, hierarchy

Rating: Mature

Word Count: [3396]

Part 2

(a/n) Hey everyone! This is my very first fic, and I’m super excited to finally share it. I’ve been lurking and reading so many works here on Tumblr, and I finally decided to take the leap and write one of my own.

I’m still figuring things out, so please bear with any rookie mistakes, but I poured my heart into this. Feedback, comments, or even just a like would mean the world to me. Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy it!

Seoul glittered beneath a sky of gold and smoke. From the penthouse of the Gloré Tower, the city looked like a snow globe of ambition and neon. Inside, however, chaos reigned.

“Unbelievable! That stylist thought a pink sequin jumpsuit was couture?! I looked like a bedazzled popsicle!”

Karina, full name? Yu Ji-min, but no one dared call her that, stormed down the hallway, flinging her custom Balenciaga clutch at the couch. Her voice echoed through the apartment like a warning siren.

Valc, tall and dressed in a sleek black suit with an earpiece barely visible beneath his black hair, leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed. Unfazed. As always.

“You didn’t look like a popsicle.” he said calmly. “More like... a disco ball with sass.”

Karina whipped around, glaring. “Was that supposed to make me feel better?”

“A little. You’re glowing today, if that helps.”

She rolled her eyes, grabbing a bottle of sparkling water and taking a swig like it was vodka.

This was his life now, babysitting South Korea’s most chaotic chaebol heiress, the youngest daughter of a conglomerate that owned half the country’s luxury malls, tech companies, and scandals.

When Valc had been transferred from international private security to Seoul, he thought it’d be guarding stuffy CEOs. Not... this. Not Karina.

“I want a new stylist. And a new driver. And while we’re at it, can I get a new bodyguard too?” she huffed, pacing.

Valc raised a brow. “I’m right here, you know.”

“Exactly.”

“Harsh.”

“Facts.”

He suppressed a smirk. Karina was fire and thunder wrapped in Chanel. Always dramatic, always late, and always surrounded by chaos.

“You’re stuck with me.” he said simply, pushing off the doorframe. “Until your dad finds someone else who can put up with your... charm.”

Karina’s pout deepened. She hated when he teased her. But she also didn’t hate it enough to stop him.

Later that evening, they were at the opening of a luxury fashion boutique in Gangnam. Cameras flashed as Karina stepped out of the car, her long legs accentuated by a micro-mini skirt and thigh-high boots. She didn’t wait for Valc, she never did.

He followed at a comfortable distance, eyes scanning the crowd.

“I swear, if that influencer chick shows up again and calls me ‘Karinnie’. I’m throwing champagne in her face.” she muttered to him under her breath as they entered.

“I’ll bring the glass.” Valc replied without missing a beat.

She giggled despite herself, then quickly composed her face back to its signature RBF as paparazzi shouted her name.

Inside the event, Karina immediately attracted attention, suits, socialites, and slimy heirs vying for her attention. Valc stood near the corner, arms folded, eyes trained.

And then—

“Oh my god, he’s hot.” said a voice behind him.

He turned slightly. Two girls were ogling him openly. One waved. “Hi! Are you single?”

Valc blinked. “Working.”

Karina, across the room, caught the exchange. Her eyes narrowed dangerously. The girl had the audacity to touch his arm.

Valc didn’t flinch. But he did notice Karina making a beeline toward them.

“Excuse me.” she said sweetly, too sweetly, placing herself between Valc and the girls. “He doesn’t talk to strangers.”

“Are you his boss?” one girl asked.

“I’m worse. I’m his nightmare.”

Valc coughed to cover a laugh.

“I need a drink.” Karina snapped, grabbing his wrist and dragging him towards the bar. “You looked like you were enjoying yourself.”

“I wasn’t.” he said, amused.

“You didn’t push her off.”

“She touched my jacket.”

“She touched your arm.”

“I can’t control people’s arms, Karina.”

“You could’ve leaned away!”

He leaned closer, voice low. “Like this?”

Karina’s breath caught in her throat for a second, but she scowled, refusing to let him win.

“You’re annoying.”

“Thank you.”

Valc had been to many mansions in his line of work, but Karina’s family estate in Hanam made everything else look like a vacation rental. Think Versailles with a Samsung sponsorship: marble floors, security drones, and a koi pond that probably had its own trust fund.

He adjusted the earpiece as they entered. Karina strutted ahead, throwing her sunglasses at a maid like a drama queen in a K-drama.

“Unni, I need a full bath, rose petals, pink ones this time. Not red. Red makes me look like a corpse.” she said, tossing her heels aside with zero aim. They hit a priceless vase. It didn’t break, but it flinched.

Valc followed, expression neutral. The staff gave him sympathetic glances.

“Is she always like this?” he asked a nearby maid.

“She’s... unique.” the woman said delicately.

Karina whirled around. “I heard that.”

“You were meant to.”

“Watch your tone, bodyguard.”

“Watch your aim, princess.”

Her mouth twitched. “Don’t call me that.”

“Why? You literally live in a palace.”

“I hate the word.” She turned away, but not before he caught the flicker of something in her eyes, resentment? Bitterness? Hm.

Later that day, Valc wandered through the estate’s west garden, waiting for Karina to finish her two-hour glam session. A voice interrupted his peace.

“You must be Valc.”

He turned. A woman in a sleek navy pantsuit stood at the edge of the path, smirking.

“Ningning.” she said, offering a hand. “Cousin, confidant, chaos enabler.”

Valc shook her hand, amused. “Bodyguard, babysitter, accidental therapist.”

“I like you already.”

She looped her arm around his. “Come on. Let’s gossip.”

“Is that allowed?”

“Everything’s allowed when your net worth starts with a ‘B’.”

They walked toward the indoor pool as she filled him in on the drama. The broken engagement with the chaebol heir. The scandalous yacht party that trended for three days. The secret tattoo Karina got during a tantrum in Tokyo.

Valc laughed more in ten minutes than he had all week.

Too bad Karina walked in right when Ningning touched his shoulder.

Her heels clicked like thunder on marble.

“Oh wow, look at you two getting cozy.” she said flatly.

Valc straightened. “Just talking.”

“Didn’t know my cousin was into guys who wear the same three suits.”

“I rotate them.” Valc said with a grin.

Ningning raised a brow at Karina. “Jealous much?”

“I don’t get jealous. I get bored.”

She strutted past, flipping her hair and refusing to look at Valc.

That night, at a black-tie event at Lotte World Tower, Karina arrived late, glammed up like a goddess of controlled chaos. She wore a black silk dress with a thigh slit so dangerous it should’ve come with a warning.

Valc, in a tailored suit for once (Karina’s doing, though she’d deny it), stuck close behind her.

“Smile like you don’t hate everyone.” he muttered.

“I do hate everyone.”

“Fake it.”

“Like this?” She smiled sweetly at a passing CEO, then whispered, “He embezzled ₩3 billion and cried when my dad threatened him.”

“Your family sounds terrifying.”

“You haven’t even met my mom.”

During the dinner, Karina got surrounded by a group of posh heirs, one of whom slid into the seat beside her with a little too much confidence.

“Ji-min-ah.” he purred. “You look stunning tonight.”

“Park Jin-woo.” she sighed. “Still pretending to be charming?”

Valc hovered nearby, eyes scanning. But when Jin-woo leaned in closer, Karina suddenly turned towards Valc.

“Bodyguard.” she called sweetly. “Can you help me with my necklace?”

Valc raised a brow. “It’s not broken.”

“Then pretend it is. Fix it.”

He stepped forward, hands brushing her bare shoulders as he reached around her neck. Karina tilted her head slightly, too slowly and her breath fanned against his cheek.

Jin-woo cleared his throat.

Valc didn’t blink.

Karina smiled, triumphant. “Thank you. So good with your hands.”

Valc stepped back, jaw tight.

Later, in the parking garage, Valc opened the door of her limo.

“That was unnecessary.” he said.

“What was?”

“The act. The jealousy stunt.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” she said innocently, but her grin gave her away.

He leaned close. “Be careful, Karina.”

“Why?” she asked, tilting her head. “Worried I’ll fall for you?”

There was a pause. A charged second.

“No.” he said finally. “Worried you already did.”

And with that, he shut the door.

​​

The next morning, the estate was unusually quiet, until Karina shattered the calm.

“What do you mean we’re going to Jeju?!” she yelled from her silk-draped bed, mascara smudged under her eyes like war paint. “I just got my nails done for Seoul!”

Valc, standing at the doorway with a duffel slung over his shoulder, kept his expression unreadable.

“Your father wants you at the investor retreat. Starts tomorrow. Jet leaves in three hours.”

“I hate investor retreats. Everyone smells like old money and desperation.”

He shrugged. “I just follow orders. You scream at them.”

“Ugh, fine. But I’m bringing my wine fridge.”

“You’re not.”

“Then I’m not going.”

“You are.”

“I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.”

Karina threw a pillow at him. “Shut up.”

The private jet was stocked with enough food, champagne, and skincare to supply a K-pop tour. Karina lounged on a cream leather seat in a silk robe, scrolling through her phone and sighing dramatically every three minutes.

Valc sat across from her, reading a thick file labeled Contingency Protocols.

“I’m bored.” she said.

“I’m busy.”

“I’m prettier.”

He glanced up. “True.”

She blinked. “Wait, what?”

“I said it’s true. You're prettier. Now let me read.”

Karina flinched at the compliment, even though she'd been fishing for it. She stared at him, a little too long, before shifting her gaze to the window.

Jeju’s breeze was different. Softer. Saltier. But the resort they were staying in was anything but calm.

Karina arrived in a mood. That morning, Dispatch had dropped a juicy article titled "Chaebol Princess and Her Hot Bodyguard: Secret Romance or PR Stunt?"

She was livid.

“Why would they say that?!” she shouted, pacing the suite.

Valc sipped his Americano. “You flirted with me in front of like... a hundred cameras.”

“I was acting!”

“Right. Oscar-worthy.”

Karina hurled a cushion at him. “You don’t care?! They called you hot!”

“I’m not mad about that part.”

“You’re impossible.”

“You’re dramatic.”

She collapsed on the bed with a groan, then peeked at him. “You think I’m pretty, right?”

Valc blinked. “We’ve been over this.”

“I want you to say it again.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Why?”

“Because I hate you, but I still want to hear it.”

That made him chuckle. “You’re impossible.”

“You already said that.”

He crossed the room, sitting at the edge of the bed. His voice was quiet. “You’re the most beautiful chaos I’ve ever met.”

Her breath caught.

She turned away.

“Gross. Don’t get poetic.”

That night, Valc joined the retreat's formal dinner, reluctantly. Karina was surrounded by suit-clad men with predatory smiles and old money names. Valc kept to the shadows, sipping whiskey.

Then she walked in.

Winter, Karina’s childhood rival and now CEO of a skincare empire, glided in like an ice queen. Short dress. Diamond eyes. Deadly smile.

“Valc, was it?” she asked, gliding toward him like she was already bored. “You look much better than the rumors.”

He nodded, diplomatic. “Nice to meet you.”

Winter smirked. “Charming and polite. Karina always did pick the best toys.”

He blinked. “I’m not—”

“Oh, I know what you are. The question is... do you?”

Karina was across the room, watching with narrowed eyes. And then she stood.

In three seconds flat, she was beside them.

“Winter.” Karina said, voice dipped in venom.

“Ji-min.” Winter purred. “Your bodyguard and I were just chatting.”

“Too close for chatting.” Karina snapped.

“I was standing.”

“You were drooling.”

“I was complimenting his jawline.”

“Well, compliment your own and walk away.”

Valc said nothing. He just watched Karina’s jaw twitch.

Winter smirked, gliding off with a smug twirl.

Valc leaned in. “Jealous again?”

Karina took a sip of champagne, eyes locked on Winter. “Shut up before I drown you in this glass.”

“Copy that.”

Later that night, back in the suite, the tension was too thick to cut.

“Why do you care who talks to me?” Valc asked, toeing off his shoes.

Karina didn’t answer. She stared out the window at the crashing waves.

“Karina.”

“I don’t care.” she said. “I just hate her.”

“Right.”

“Stop looking at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re seeing through me.”

He didn’t say anything. Just walked up behind her, close but not touching.

“I see more than you think.” he said quietly.

Her voice cracked. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

The rain hit Jeju like a grudge. Sheets of water poured over the coast, wind howling against the windows of the cliffside villa Karina had insisted they move into last minute, because “retreats are for old men and bad wine.”

Lightning flashed, thunder cracked, and in the living room, Karina was still wearing a silk robe, arguing with the smart fridge.

“Why does it keep suggesting kombucha? I asked for wine!”

Valc sat nearby, barefoot, in sweats and a hoodie for once, watching her like she was both exhausting and entertaining. Which, frankly, she was.

“I think it knows you’re unhinged.” he said.

Karina spun around. “Are you siding with the fridge now?”

“I trust it more than your mood swings.”

She grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. “You’ve got jokes for someone who’s supposed to protect me.”

He caught the pillow with one hand, grinning. “Laughter is protection. Keeps me from losing my mind around you.”

She flopped onto the couch, letting out a dramatic sigh. The lights flickered. Outside, trees bent like they were bowing to the sea.

“You ever think about quitting?” she asked suddenly. Her voice, too quiet.

Valc glanced at her. “What, and miss your daily tantrums?”

“Be serious.”

He put the pillow down, sobering. “Yeah. I’ve thought about it.”

She blinked. That clearly wasn’t the answer she expected.

“Why?”

He leaned back, arms folded. “Because sometimes I forget if I’m protecting you from the world… or from yourself.”

Silence.

Karina looked down at her hands. Perfect nails. Rings that cost more than tuition.

“I don’t know who I’d be without all this.” she murmured. “The money. The power. The drama.”

“You’d still be you.” he said simply.

“You don’t know me.”

“I’m starting to.”

She met his gaze. There was something in her eyes, vulnerability, raw and rare. It made Valc sit up straighter.

“I don’t let people in.” she said. “Not really.”

“I noticed.”

“But with you…” Her voice dropped. “It’s different. And that scares me.”

Valc’s heart kicked in his chest. This wasn’t teasing. This wasn’t bratty games.

“I’m just your bodyguard, Karina.”

“No, you’re not.”

A crash of thunder drowned the silence between them. The lights blinked, and then died.

Darkness.

Karina jumped.

“Okay, that’s a nope, I hate storms.” she said quickly, voice pitching higher.

“You? Afraid?”

“Shut up and come here.”

Valc reached for his phone, flashlight flickering on as he walked toward her.

“You good?” he asked.

“No. My life is blacked out. I feel poor.”

He snorted. “You’re so dramatic.”

She grabbed his sleeve and tugged him down next to her. He sat, warmth between them immediate.

“I used to be scared of blackouts.” she said quietly. “When I was little, I thought it meant the world was ending.”

He turned the flashlight off. “It’s not.”

“I know.” A pause. “Because you’re here.”

Valc looked at her. Something shifted.

Karina leaned in. Just slightly. Just enough for him to feel the heat of her breath.

His voice was low. “Karina…”

“Shut up.” she whispered. “Just for once.”

And then she kissed him.

Soft. Quick. Like a secret.

When she pulled back, her cheeks were flushed, and her mouth opened to say something, anything.

The lights came back on.

Reality crashed in.

Karina blinked. “I—That didn’t mean anything. I was... stressed.”

Valc sat still. “Right.”

“Seriously. It was a blackout kiss. Everyone gets one.”

“Sure.”

“I’m gonna take a shower.”

She fled.

Valc sat there alone, blinking at the now-too-bright room.

He touched his lips. “A blackout kiss?”

Yeah, he was definitely in trouble.

Back in Seoul, the city skyline greeted them with its usual chaos, billboards flashing, taxis honking, camera flashes hiding behind coffee shop windows. But for once, it wasn’t the skyline Karina was looking at from the backseat of the Maybach.

It was Valc.

He hadn’t said a word about the kiss.

Not during the flight.

Not during the drive.

Not even when she dropped her designer sunglasses and nearly lost her mind at the airport lounge.

He was back to his usual self, calm, unbothered, unreadable.

And it pissed her off.

“What’s your problem?” she snapped suddenly.

Valc raised an eyebrow from the passenger seat. “Me?”

“You’ve been quiet.”

“I’m usually quiet.”

“Well, you’re extra quiet. Is this about Jeju?”

He looked out the window. “You said it didn’t mean anything.”

Her jaw tightened. “And you just agreed.”

“Was I supposed to argue?”

“Yes!”

Valc turned towards her, finally. “You’re confusing as hell, Karina.”

She scoffed. “And you’re an emotionally constipated tree.”

“Glad we’re being mature about this.”

They didn’t speak again until they reached the estate.

The next morning, Dispatch dropped another bomb.

[EXCLUSIVE] Chaebol Heiress Karina Spotted Kissing Her Bodyguard in Jeju Villa?!

The photo wasn’t clear, low-light, slightly blurry, but it was them. The kiss. The lightning in the background added drama straight out of a romance novel.

Karina stared at her phone like it had personally betrayed her.

Ningning stormed into her room minutes later. “Okay, girl, what the hell! You and Tall, Dark, and Stoic are making headlines! Again!”

Karina threw the phone onto her bed. “How does Dispatch keep getting this stuff?! Are the lamps mic’d?!”

“Probably. But more importantly, are you, like, in love or whatever?”

Karina flinched. “What?! No. It was a blackout kiss.”

“A what now?”

“You know, like... a panic move during a thunderstorm. Happens all the time in dramas.”

“Karina. You’re not in a drama. You’re in denial.”

“I can’t like him.” she said, pacing now. “He’s my bodyguard. That’s messy. That’s scandalous. That’s… dangerous.”

“So are you,” Ningning said with a smirk.

Karina paused. “What if he doesn’t feel the same?”

Ningning’s smirk widened. “Then he’s a bigger idiot than I thought.”

Meanwhile, Valc stood outside the estate, watching the press cars pile up like vultures on a buffet line. His phone buzzed.

Unknown Number.

He answered.

“Is this Valc?” a woman’s voice asked.

“Who’s asking?”

“I’m Giselle. We need to talk. About Karina.”

They met later that evening at a rooftop bar in Itaewon.

Giselle wasn’t what Valc expected, confident, sharp, and stylish in a way that said she knew how to ruin reputations with a single Instagram story.

“I’m her friend.” she said, sipping a mojito. “Kind of. More like... her mirror. Except my life didn’t get handed to me on a platinum plate.”

Valc nodded. “You said you wanted to talk?”

“Yeah. I like you. But you need to be careful.”

“Of Karina?”

“Of the world she lives in. She’ll break you without meaning to.”

He frowned. “I’m not easily broken.”

“You think she kissed you because she’s in love? Maybe. But maybe it’s because you’re the only thing in her life she doesn’t control.”

Valc didn’t respond.

“You’re a good guy. I can tell. Just don’t expect her to know what she wants.”

Giselle stood, dropping a business card on the table.

“If she hurts you, call me. I’ve got tequila.”

The next day, Valc was walking through the estate garden when Karina appeared out of nowhere like an angry angel in leather boots.

“Oh, so you do have time to meet mysterious women now?” she snapped.

He blinked. “What?”

“Don’t play dumb. I saw the photos. Giselle? Really? You think that’s subtle?!”

Valc crossed his arms. “She wanted to talk about you.”

Karina’s jaw locked. “Sure she did.”

“Jealous again?”

“No, I just hate being replaced.”

“I haven’t replaced you.”

She stepped closer. “Then what are we, Valc?”

He met her gaze, calm but intense. “You tell me, Karina.”

“I told you it meant nothing.”

“Then stop acting like it meant everything.”

Her face twisted. She shoved him.

He didn’t move. “Done?”

“I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.”

And before she could argue, he walked away.

This time, she was the one left alone, furious and breathless and maybe, just maybe... heartbroken.

Part 2

[baezen]

starving | j.a

pairing: jack abbot x f!reader warnings: smut, nsfw [18+ only], touch starved!jack, loneliness, slight sub!jack, clingy!jack, call girl!reader, male moans/whimpering, dry humping, making out like handsy/horny teenagers, jack's a mess and makes a mess of you, cowgirl, jack begs, dirty talk, desperation, squirting, word count: 5585

summary: in which jack's loneliness causes him to reach out to someone he's surprised is very understanding

author's note: further continuation of this piece. i took so long to write this because i didn't want it to be rushed. i wanted to do his character justice and i hope i achieved that. i hope y'all enjoy

oneshot | masterlist

It started with a phone call, like always. New clients had to be screened, they had to form a working relationship with you. 

You’d had your fair share of sketchy clients. Some who had tried to push you past your limits, others refusing to pay. You’d made a new rule that they always had to pay half upfront, and show they had the rest of the cash on them when you met them. If they wanted to extend the booking, they had that option, but the charge always varied depending on what they wanted to do. 

Some wanted to cuddle, engaging in pillow talk. Some wanted to prove they could make you finish again, if only to gloat. Some simply wanted the time to shower together, helping you to clean up. 

Nothing was ever free. 

There was one client you had who simply liked to talk. The company of watching a movie together, of talking about his day. 

Needless to say, Jack had become one of your favourite clients. You looked forward to his texts, asking for your availability. You always made sure to get a nice hotel. Somewhere with a comfy sofa, a huge bed, and a spectacular view. 

Jack always praised the view. 

At first, you’d assumed it was a compliment for you. He’d said it while staring out the window, watching the sun set over the city. Still, he’d looked at you—looked through you—in order to stand in front of the window. 

You stood alongside him. Muttering something about the city and the night, the peace it brought you, and the smile that had tugged the corners of his mouth had been worth it. 

One of the first things you’d noticed about Jack was that he wore a wedding band. Most of your clients weren’t as obvious with their cheating, opting to take it off, but the tan line was still there. Jack had seen you staring. Hell, he saw everything you did. He was always watching, always paying attention. He hadn’t mentioned it, but you had. 

“She passed away a few years ago,” he had confessed quietly, voice thick and gravelly like he wasn’t used to talking about her. “Can’t bring myself to take it off.”

“You don’t owe me an explanation,” you had assured him softly. 

Something about him told you everything you needed to know. The faraway look to his eyes, the weight he carried on his shoulders. From the initial phone call, you hadn’t been sure what to make of him. Now that he was in front of you, it looked like he needed a friend more than anything else. So you’d suggested a movie, something easy to watch, and he’d joined you on the bed. 

Jack had sat upright for most of the movie, and you’d made yourself comfortable lying beside him. Head near his lap, his hand aimlessly playing with your hair—like it was muscle memory. His fingertips had scratched your scalp and you’d sighed, enjoying the feeling. The comfort. The familiarity. 

Over the next few months, your meetings had been much the same. Sometimes he made a few comments, thinly veiled jokes to break the tension. Most of the time, he preferred the quiet. Knowing someone was there with him when he was stuck in his head. 

You never pushed for him to talk. Never made him feel guilty for needing a friend to sit with him, even if that friend was being paid to spend time with him. 

You enjoyed it. The break from the norm. The ease you settled into once he picked a movie to watch. 

One time he brought dinner. Something he’d made earlier in the day. He’d been chatty that day, something you noticed he did when he didn’t know how to process what was going on in his head. 

“It’s her birthday,” he’d told you. The weight of his words, the anxious fiddling with his wedding band, the meal. It all made sense. 

He’d watched you pick up the phone to call room service. You’d ordered a bottle of bubbles with three glasses, as well as three slices of cake. You did it so effortlessly that he got a little choked up. No hesitation, no awkwardness, just a patient understanding. Acknowledging the woman he was still in love with, with grace and poise. 

He’d seen you in a new light that day. Over the toast you’d made to his wife, and the care you’d shown him. The understanding that grief was a process. Healing was a process. That you saw him as a friend, not just a client. 

Jack started to talk a little more with each meeting. About his day—you’d learned he was a doctor. About his wife—his smile was always a little brighter each time. About your day—you tried not to reveal too much, but talking to him was easy. He didn’t make you feel uncomfortable. Didn’t push for details like some men did. He let you tell him what you were comfortable revealing. 

Hell, you’d even told him how you got into your line of work. He’d never passed judgement, or made you feel like you deserved better. He never suggested a change in career, but you’d told him you were taking classes and hoped one day to become a licensed child psychologist. 

“You’d be good at that,” he’d said with a smile. “There’s something about you that puts me at ease. That’s not an easy thing. Those kids would thrive with your guidance.”

“You really think so?” You’d asked. 

“I do.”

There was no doubt in his voice. It was firm, assertive, reassuring. Something you’d needed to hear but didn’t know how to go about getting it. And the fact that it came from Jack meant a lot more than you were willing to admit. 

Your body ached as you lowered yourself into the bath, iPad sitting on the tray hooked over the sides, along with a large glass of wine and some snacks. You pressed play on the screen, the intro to your comfort show starting within seconds. 

You didn’t have much time for simple pleasures these days, so you basked in the opportunity. Bubble mixture and rose oil added to the tub, the hot water soaking your aching muscles. The wine going down a treat, and the snacks curbing your hunger. 

The second episode had just started when you got a message from Jack. 

I know this is late notice, but can I see you tomorrow morning when I finish my shift? I need something to look forward to. 

I don’t have anywhere booked. Is a café okay?

You’re comfortable with that?

Absolutely, are you?

I finish at 7am. Will you find us someplace nice? 

I’ll have coffee and breakfast waiting for you. 

You sent him the name of the café you liked to frequent. You knew he worked at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital, and it was only two blocks away. It was also nearby your campus, and you had two classes tomorrow with the first one starting at 10. You didn’t think meeting Jack would be that long, but you’d at least be able to get some study done for a paper you had due. 

The bath worked wonders. You felt relaxed, a little tipsy, and had something to look forward to in the morning. Setting an alarm for six, to give yourself enough time to get ready and pack your study bag. 

By the time the morning came around, your alarm pulled you from your sleep, and you made an effort while getting ready. A little touch of makeup to feel put together, hair styled just the way you liked, and a comfy coat that tied your outfit together. You packed your bag, and then you were off. Making your way to the cafe with a few minutes to spare, knowing Jack sill hadn’t finished work yet, but that he would be there shortly.

Coffee and food was ordered, and you took up a seat at a comfortable little table near the back. Grabbing your phone to see if there were any new messages from Jack, and being delighted to see a text he’d sent half an hour ago.

Might be a little late. Had a rough night. Looking forward to seeing you.

Take your time, I’ll see you when I see you.

You sipped your coffee when it arrived, having put a hold on the food for the time being. Waiting until Jack said he was officially on his way to the cafe before you asked the staff to start on breakfast.

Jack walked through the doors a couple of minutes later, backpack hanging off one shoulder, still dressed in his dark scrubs from the hospital. He wore a soft smile when he saw you, one you easily reciprocated.

“Hey,” he greeted easily, looking like the night had tested him one too many times. Still, he dropped his bag to the floor and took a seat opposite you. 

“Hey,” you replied. “You’ve looked better.”

“Ouch,” he chuckled. “Thanks for meeting me, I know you don’t do this.”

“I had time,” you said simply. “You need a friend or a therapist today?”

Jack exhaled heavily, shifting in his seat and reaching for his coffee. “Neither. Both. I don’t know.”

You nodded sympathetically. “Do you want to talk?”

“Not about me,” he admitted. 

“You can be my sounding board for my research presentation later this week,” you decided, pulling your iPad out to flick through your notes. 

Jack looked more settled opposite you, and thanked the waitress for your meals. You gave her a polite smile, picking at a tomato before wasting no time starting your speech. 

You showed different graphs on slides to reiterate your point. Every now and then, Jack gestured to your plate, prompting you to pause and eat, but otherwise listened completely. He nodded along with facts and statistics, asked the odd question to continue along with your line of reasoning. 

When you were finished with your speech, he clapped politely, a smile gracing his face. 

“Any pointers?”

“Look more at whoever you’re giving the speech to,” he said. “Otherwise it was very good.”

You grinned as you packed your iPad away, reaching for your coffee and finishing it. Jack gestured to the empty mug. 

“Another?”

“Please.”

The remainder of your omelette had grown cold, but it was still good. When Jack rejoined you, you were finishing up your last bite. 

“So,” you started. “Bad night, huh?”

Jack sighed, scraping at the dusting off stubble along his jaw. “Yeah, something like that,” he agreed with a half-smile.

“Are you okay?” You asked softly.

“Yes.”

“Don’t lie to me,” you replied, giving him a pointed look.

He sighed. “No. We lost a vet. Young guy, did two tours overseas no problem, then gets hit by a drunk driver when he comes home. Just…hit a little too close to home.”

You nodded. He hadn’t told you much of his time with the army, but you knew that he had a history serving.

“Shit,” you cursed.  “I’m sorry. That must’ve been pretty early in your shift?”

Jack nodded. “Spent a few hours trying to contact the family. Eventually got in touch with his sister. It’s just…the worst news to receive over the phone, you know? It’s supposed to be done in person, but she won’t arrive until later today.”

“Will you be going back to speak to her?”

Jack shook his head. “I wrote a letter instead. Gave it to the dayshift to read on my behalf. That’s why I was running late; contemplating life and existence from the roof of the hospital.”

“Just don’t jump, yeah?”

He cracked a smile at that. “Would be rude, wouldn’t it?”

“That, and I don’t really have time in my schedule for a funeral,” you said, earning a genuine laugh.

“Robby said something similar.” He wore a smile. “Dayshift attending.”

“A friend?”

“A brother.”

“I’m glad you have someone who gets it,” you told him. “Thank you,” you said to the waitress who brought your coffees over. “How’s everything else going? I haven’t seen you in a minute.”

“Yeah,” he exhaled. “It’s been a bit existential.”

You didn’t say anything, giving him the time to decide if he wanted to. Instead, you sipped your coffee and watched him spin his in the saucer.

“Had a breakthrough with my therapist,” he said. “I guess I’ve been a little caught up in it.”

“You’re allowed to be,” you replied. “You look tired, Jack. Are you getting enough sleep?”

“Just a crazy shift, is all,” he told you. “I’ll go home and sleep soon.”

“Good.” You smiled. 

“Are you free tonight?”

“For you, I can be.”

There was a slight tinge of colour that blossomed on Jack’s cheeks. “If you already have plans, I get it.”

“Jack, I don’t have any plans,” you assured him. “Go home, get some sleep. I’ll book the usual room, but I’m not watching Mission Impossible again.”

“Understood,” he said, chuckling softly. 

Your day had been busy. Between your two classes, you’d attempted to record your presentation to see how long it actually was. You’d done some shopping for this evening, a little care package you’d decided to put together for Jack. 

It was what friends did, right? Something nice for each other when someone was feeling down? 

You hoped he’d appreciate it. Some nice skincare products, nothing too extraneous. Something soothing, for the days his leg hurt. Something hydrating, for the excessive hand-sanitising he does working at the hospital. Some nice chocolates from the bougie shop in town, since you knew he had a sweet tooth. A knife, because you could never have too many. Lastly, a set of cotton pyjamas. Something soft that wouldn’t irritate him, or get too hot in the warmer months. 

The basket sat on the bed of the hotel, all ready to give to him when he arrived, as you watched the news, waiting to hear back from Jack. He’d gone back to the hospital, despite it being his day off, to help with the shooting that the news was reporting. Several casualties had already been reported, with a lot of critical patients being routed to PTMC. 

From the coverage you knew it was bad. You knew he was doing the right thing by going in to help. His friends, his colleagues, would need the extra set of hands. 

So you waited anxiously, already a glass of wine deep amidst the devastation being reported, and hoped everyone who made it to the hospital survived. 

Sorry to make you wait. Have you eaten? I’ll grab something. On my way. 

Food is a good idea, grab anything you feel like. In our usual room. Did you think of a movie to watch?

No, but I need something lighthearted or funny. Your choice. I’ll see you soon. 

The School of Rock was waiting for you to press play by the time Jack arrived. For the second time today, he looked exhausted, and was still dressed in his dark scrubs. 

Surprisingly, he brought you in for a hug, holding you tightly, as if he needed to know you were real. You rested your head against his chest, arms wrapping around his waist. Not thinking twice about the unexpected hug, or that he took a few shaky breaths. 

“Hey,” you greeted softly, only pulling back when he did. You didn’t notice he’d been balancing a pizza box in one hand, too wrapped up in the hug to register it. “Come in.”

Jack excused himself to the bathroom. He left the door open, splashing some water on his face, while you sat back on the bed and flipped the pizza box open. You were halfway through a slice when he joined you, dropping his backpack by the door and taking his shoes off. 

“Got you something,” you told him, gesturing to the basket you’d moved to the desk under the tv. Jack turned his attention to it, pulling it towards him. “Felt like you needed a pick me up, and that was before you went back into work.”

He chuckled softly. “Are those pyjamas?”

“Yeah. It was that or a teddy bear with some corny phrase embroidered onto the stomach,” you replied, earning another laugh. “You can shower if you want…change into them?”

“Later,” he promised, the smile still on his face. “Thank you.”

“Of course.”

He doesn’t judge the movie you picked. In fact, he’s grateful for the choice. Settling in beside you on the bed, the pizza box between you. Slices slowly disappeared while it was still hot, and silence washed over you as the movie played. 

Jack shuffled around to move the near-empty box, and you watched him remove his prosthetic and massage the stump as if it pained him. Brows drawn together, eyes closed, as if he did this all the time. 

Of course, it was the first time he’d done it in front of you. 

You reached for his free hand. “You okay?”

“Yeah, sorry, it—”

“Leave it off,” you told him. “If it’s bothering you, leave it off.”

He stared like he wasn’t sure what to make of you. Like he was in over his head. Out of his depth. And maybe he was, just a little bit. It was you, after all. Always understanding. Always supportive, never judgemental. 

Maybe he did see you differently. Maybe the months of friendship had caused something to build—something real. He certainly felt like it, but the nagging voice in his head told him this was your job. That he was only a client to you. 

He hadn’t seen you for two months because the last meeting you’d had, you’d refused to take his money. 

“We’re friends, Jack. Friends don’t charge each other for their time,” you’d told him. 

There’d been no mention of money this morning. No talk of what tonight would cost him. You were throwing him off his rhythm. He felt uneasy, but not in a bad way. In a way that had his heart rate spike whenever he thought of you. 

The same way he felt when he first met his late wife. 

Jack swallowed thickly, trying to overcome the lump in his throat. “Okay.”

You smiled that sweet smile and patted the spot on the bed next to him. The spot that he shuffled towards, leaving no space between you. And still, you moved his arm to drape it around your shoulders, hand settling on his thigh, just above his knee. 

His pulse thundered in his ears, and he was looking at you. Still. Like you might disappear in front of him at any second. Like this was easy for you, comfortable, and yet you weren’t anywhere near as nervous as he was. 

Maybe he was imagining things. Maybe it had been too long since he’d held another person, that he was seeing signs that weren’t there. 

The thoughtful gift—he was a client after all. Maybe you did that for everyone when they were having a tough time of it. 

The ease you displayed physical affection—again, maybe he was still only a client to you. Maybe this was all just part of the services you offered. 

Jack was tense. He felt like he couldn’t relax, couldn’t enjoy this for what it was. His brain was telling him to be reasonable, to not make this a bigger thing than it was, but his gut told him to take the leap. Even if it didn’t pay off, he would then have a definitive answer. 

The tapping on his leg was distracting, but it was working. You knew what he needed and did something to distract him. To pull him back to the present after getting lost in his head. 

“Is that Morse code telling me to breathe?”

Jack’s bewilderment was genuine and you couldn’t help but laugh softly. 

“Yeah. Figured talking might spook you,” you replied. “You went all tense and stopped breathing for a second.”

“Really? Sorry,” he replied, making a point to exhale loudly. “Army brat?” 

You hummed. “High school wasn’t challenging enough, so I taught myself to read braille and communicate in Morse code.”

“Nerd,” he commented, earning a small laugh. 

“Shut up and watch the movie,” you muttered, playfully pinching his leg. 

You saw his smile soften in the corner of your eye, but he didn’t immediately turn back to the tv. You tapped out w-e-i-r-d-o on his leg, only for him to tap back on your shoulder I-k-n-o-w. 

He only turned his attention back to the tv when you smiled, resting your head on his shoulder, his fingers trailing aimlessly up and down your arm. It was comfortable. It felt good—natural. It made him feel warm inside. And that wasn’t something that happened often, so he allowed himself to enjoy it, if only for a moment. 

Jack’s hand found its way to your head, fingertips lightly scratching at your scalp. 

“Keep doing that and I’ll start panting,” you mumbled. “It feels good.”

He hummed, making no sign of stopping. You sighed softly, contently, and snuggled a little closer to him. Hand flexing against his leg as you shifted. 

He smiled at you cuddled into his side, and was pressing a kiss to the top of your head like he did it all the time. 

“You always smell so good,” he spoke softly, resisting the urge to take a huge, obvious whiff. 

“You smell like hospital.”

“What’s that smell like?”

“Sanitizer. And sandalwood, but I think that’s just your cologne.”

He tucked his chin, sniffing his chest. “That’s sandalwood?”

“That’s delicious,” you replied with a laugh. 

“Delicious, huh?”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” you tsk’d, fighting back a smile. 

Jack hummed. “Too late.”

He was tapping out a message on your arm before he lost the nerve. 

I-w-a-n-t-2-k-i-s-s-u

You were turning to look at him before he finished his message, hand cupping his cheek and turning his head towards yours. Your gaze dropped to his lips, gasping as he cupped the back of your head and met your lips with his own. 

There was an urgency to his kiss, a desperation that leached into you. Your hand on his thigh gripped it a little tighter, your eyes closing at the rush that washed over you. The relief. 

You twisted a little more, trying to get a little more comfortable. Swinging your leg over his waist, his hand settled on your hip, aiding your movement as you straddled him. 

He groaned appreciatively, sinking deeper into the kiss. Into you, like you were a lifeline. You gasped as he tugged your hair, a sultry moan rumbling in your chest. His lips turned up, smiling against yours, only for him to gasp as you rolled your hips. 

Wicked, he thought. Struggling to gain composure as you did it again, nipping at his bottom lip. 

“Fuck,” he cursed, parting his lips so his tongue could meet your own. 

You couldn’t remember the last time anyone had kissed you like this. Like the tension had built so much—grown so hot—that you felt frantic. Kissing Jack was as thrilling as you thought it would be. The way he cupped your head, tugged your hair. The way he gripped your hip, fingertips digging into your flesh as he guided your movements.

And he was just as into it as you were, his erection pressing against your core, straining against his scrubs.

You wanted him to be the one to initiate things further. He hadn’t mentioned any specifics, but from how raw his grief was about losing his wife, you assumed this was the first time he was even kissing another woman. You didn’t want to do anything to spook him—he deserved to be comfortable—to not be pushed, even if your body was begging your brain not to listen to itself.

“I want this to last,” Jack mumbled. “Fuck, it won’t if you keep this up.”

You giggled, cupping his face as you kissed him slowly. “We have all night, Jack.”

You slowly, deliberately, rolled your hips, watching his eyes screw shut as he groaned. Both hands settled on your hips, anchoring you in place, stopping your oh-so-sweet torture.

“God, you’re the devil,” he said breathily.

You hummed, sliding your hands down his chest until you were tugging at the hem of your own shirt. You were more than comfortable being the only one naked—or semi-naked. Jack watched with hooked eyes and bated breath as you pulled the material over your head, throwing it somewhere across the room.

You’d find it later, or you wouldn’t. Maybe Jack would take it home as an excuse to see you again. That thought made you almost giddy.

Jack moaned your name, hands skimming up your sides. Thumbs brushing the underside of your breasts.

“Jack.” You sounded desperate even to yourself, but he looked at you so hungrily, so ready to devour, that you lost your train of thought. 

“Say my name again,” he pleaded.

You slowly rocked your hips, placing your hands on his and moving them to cup your breasts. “Jack,” you repeated, feeling your nipples harden under his palms. He looked like he was going to pass out, fingers squeezing your breasts, head dipping to capture a nipple in his mouth. “Oh, fuck. Jack.”

He growled lowly, the vibration sending shivers to your core. You stilled, legs squeezing either side of his waist, hands flying to his hair to tug it as his teeth grazed your nipple.

You hissed as he lightly bit down, back arching your chest further towards him. He closed his eyes and hummed, lightly raking his nails down your back. You shivered, skin prickling at the sensation.

Jack smiled as you tugged his shirt, hitching up the black scrub tee, as well as his pale undershirt. Your fingers trailed over his abdomen, his lips seeking yours once more as you worked his shirts higher. Jack groaned, briefly breaking the kiss to tear the shirts over his head.

His chest was spotted with freckles, a mixture of dark and light. You trailed your fingers over his collarbones, fingertips tickled by the hair covering his pecs. He leant back against the pillows, watching you curiously explore every protrusion, every defect. Evidence of his time in the military was more than just the prosthetic leg, but also the shrapnel scars and muscles.

God, he was magnificent—so fucking beautiful.

Your breath hitched as you felt his hips flex, cock straining desperately against his scrubs.

“Tell me what you want, Jack.”

It was a simple request,  yet one you weren’t sure was going to be answered. You thought for sure this was all that would happen, that his mind would win out and put a stop to this. You desperately didn’t want that to happen, but the ball was in his court—it had to be.

Jack’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, trying to process your words. Your hands settled around his head, fingers twirling his hair, scratching his scalp.

“You,” he eventually breathed out, like he was afraid of his own answer. “I want you.”

He sought your lips, slower this time—more calculated, like he wasn’t afraid to want. The desire still burned beneath your skin, one that was more intense, yet every bit as frantic—as dangerous.

The temperature in the room felt like it had been dialled right up. Perspiration dotted at your temples, Jack’s body just as hot beneath your touch. You rocked your hips slowly, gasping as he pinched one of your nipples, his hips rocking up to meet yours. 

“Jack.” 

Sinful, that was the only way Jack could describe it. The way you touched him, the way you kissed him. God, he was in over his head and about to cum in his pants like a starving teenaged boy. 

“Don’t leave,” he pleaded, watching you put distance between the two of you. 

“I’m not,” you assured him, taking a second to tenderly cup his cheek. “I’m getting a condom.”

Jack felt stupid, laughing deliriously as you grabbed a condom from your bag. His chest rose and fell heavily, watching your tits sway with each step. How they hung when you bent over, and how good your ass looked in your pants. 

The foil packet was taunting him as you walked back to the bed. His cock strained agonisingly against his pants, desperate for relief. He lazily palmed himself, watching your eyes drop to his lap. 

You bit your lip and he groaned as he watched you tuck your thumbs into the side of your pants, slowly wiggling them down your body. 

“You’re killing me,” he panted. 

Jack watched you crawl towards him on the bed, hand roughly squeezing his cock as he took in your soft, supple body. Each dip, each mark, all signs of a life lived. 

You reached for his pants, untying the drawstring that kept them cinched tight at his waist. Jack exhaled heavily through his nose, watching your face for any sign of hesitation. Any sign that this wasn’t something you wanted. 

He didn’t see it. 

He felt your soft touch ghosting over his pelvic bone. He lifted his hips, helping you remove his pants, before he was pulling you into his lap again. You grinned as you straddled his waist, nothing between you now as you rolled your hips. 

Jack was a goner. The heat of your cunt wrapped around him, the way you kissed along his jaw. His fingers flexed against your waist, digging into your flesh, as your arousal coated his hard length. 

“Fucking hell,” he cursed lowly, desperately trying to gain some self-control. He felt way too close to the edge, too far gone, but you were everywhere. You were everything. “Please.”

“Please what, Jack?” You asked softly, nipping at his ear. You hummed as he gripped your hips a little tighter, an arm snaking around your lower back and holding you still. Body flush against his own. 

“I need you.” 

His voice sounded foreign to him. So husky, so distraught, so wildly aroused, but you looked exactly how he felt. Horny, needy, desperate. God, and here you were, sitting in his lap, bare pussy sliding against his cock, and he couldn't think—couldn’t breathe. 

Your lips found his, frantic. Teeth clashing, mouths bruising, tongues tasting like there was no time left. Like this was the pinnacle—the crux—his be all or end all. 

You fumbled with the foil wrapper, Jack’s arm snaking around your waist to keep you still–pinned against him.

“God, listen to you,” he said. “So fucking wet.”

Sinful. Jack couldn’t even think straight. 

“Jack,” you whined. 

He took the condom from you. You shuffled back, drawing him in for a kiss as he rolled the rubber onto his length. 

His fingers sought the spot between your legs that was drenched. The sloppy wetness was like music to his ear, reiterating that this wasn’t just one-sided. That you were as far gone as he was. 

He raised you, hands firmly gripping your ass as he held your gaze. Your hands locked behind his head, bottom lip taken between your teeth as his tip nestled at your entrance. 

When you lowered yourself onto him, neither of you dared breathe. The air felt electric, your bodies anchored together. 

Jack’s groan rumbled in his chest, rippling up his throat. “Fuck, baby.”

Your head was swimming. You inhaled raggedly, pressing your lips to Jack’s in an effort to ground you. But he was moaning, a delicious sound that had you clenching down around him. 

“Fuck, move. God, please,” he begged, voice strained as he desperately tried to hold his orgasm at bay. “Baby.”

You rocked your hips, pushing him back further into the pillows so you could raise your hips and sink yourself down onto him again. Hand splayed against his throat, lips pressed to the corner of his mouth. He cupped the back of your head, the other arm still wrapped tightly around your lower back. His own hips bucked, desperately seeking your thrusts. 

You gasped, cradling his head to your chest as you rose to your knees and he fucked up into you, the sound of his balls slapping your slick cunt flooding the room. 

“Ja-aa-aack,” you moaned, a desperate giggling falling past your lips. “I’m so close.”

“Shit,” he cursed, hips stilling as the hand that cupped your head slid between your bodies. Thick fingers circling your sensitive bundle of nerves. “Come for me, baby.”

You were there. You were seeing stars, and Jack was relentless. His fingers, his cock, his words. Your head swam as you moaned, as your body reached its breaking point and he pushed you over the edge. 

Your body was a cacophony of euphoria. The tightness in your abdomen that snapped. The moans rippling from your chest from the man you cradled in your arms. The way he held you, even with your tidal wave of arousal surged from you. Unprepared. Unrelenting. Unwavering. 

“Fuck, fuck,” he groaned, his hips stuttering as he held you tight, bodies joined together. And still, you throbbed around him. Body overcome with aftershocks—convulsions. The way you squeezed him just right as he spilled inside the condom, clinging to you desperately like he could lose himself if he dared let you go. 

It took a minute, maybe a couple, before your breaths calmed. Synchronised. His hand tenderly stroking your hair, bodies completely spent. 

B-a-t-h you tapped on his shoulder. 

Y-e-s he tapped back, pressing a kiss to your forehead, but neither of you making the effort to move just yet. 

[blackbat05]

Opposites Attract

Congressman Bucky x Library Staff Reader

Plot: You were never really one for politics, but when Congressman James "Bucky" Barnes and an Avenger comes to grace the library for work, he may just prove you wrong...

Genre: PG-13

A/N: Super self-indulgent (yet again). Watched Thunderbolts over the weekend and despite being very partial to the MCU, this movie seriously impressed me! I love my rag-tag team~ Please excuse the subpar writing as I feel like I'm still in a funk.

He absolutely regrets this.

Yeah he should have never agreed to this.

“Congressman Barnes?”

The secertary snaps him out of his anxiety hazed stupor. “Sorry Linda, you were saying?”

“As I was saying, your appearance at the public library has been shifted up to 2pm. There’s a kid’s program and they’re hoping you’ll be able to grace them with your presence.” Linda informs.

“Thank you.” Bucky dismisses the secretary, immediately taking out his darned notes that Gary insisted he had to read.

“New York Public Library recently had their children’s library go under redevelopment…”

***

“Y/N!” Darcy rushes over. The young girl drags a chair to sit beside you as you’re pouring over the story time you planned for the kids coming in for the reading session at 2pm.

“Someone’s awfully cheery after lunch.”

“Congressman James Barnes is coming! To our library!” She hisses with excitement. “Gosh he’s so cute, I hope he gets to interact with the kids because that would just make me explode!”

“Okayyy, someone needs to calm down on the caffeine.” You swivel your chair to face her. “First of all, he’s doing his duty Darcy, second of all aren’t you being too vocal with your fantasies?”

“A girl can dream.” Darcy singsongs. “Good luck!”

You sigh at her enthusiasm that was bordering on naivety. The congressman was probably going to be the same as the rest, they always are. They’ll come and show their faces for photos and leave without truly understanding what they had to be here for.

Though a part of you can’t help but to agree with Darcy. Those good looks are wasted in politics.

The clock read 1.15pm. You should start getting ready for the session.

***

“You seem very engrossed in that packet, sir.”

“I find it tough how we can fund billions for weapons and nuclear warfare but it takes almost six years to refurbish the children’s section of the New York Library.”

“I can’t say anything else apart from my need to agree with you, sir.” Linda crisply responds.

Bucky stays silent, thinking about his own memories as a child in the library. A library was meant to be a safe space, away from the ruckus of life.

The car rolls to a stop and Bucky gets out with two guards trailing behind him.

“What am I? An invalid? I don’t need bodyguards, Linda. This is a Children’s Library. I don’t need them to have more things to be scared of.”

“Apologies sir. I’ll speak with the Director and make other necessary arrangements after the event.”

“Yeah, you do that.”

The trio departs from Bucky who decides to take the chance to explore the library that was as every bit as he remembered it.

He takes a random book and finds a spot that is hidden away from the public eye to do some people watching at the Children’s Library.

Mothers take this chance for a reprieve and catch up with their friends while the little ones try to flip big picture books with much effort. The older children roam around the series section, discussing in excited hushed voices the latest book that they had each read. Bucky’s heart oddly feels satisfied when he sees a little boy nose deep into a Geronimo Stilton book. Ah, a timeless classic for kids.

“Congressman Barnes?”

Bucky turns around, slightly apologetic that he had been people watching for too long.

“I’m the children’s librarian- well, technically support staff. I’m working towards becoming a librarian but of course you didn’t need to know that.” You inwardly cursed at yourself. He’s definitely going to think you’re bonkers.

Then, he chuckled.

Actually chuckled.

“I’ll be sitting in your session later? I promise not to stare as much.”

Before you can get a good word in, the charming congressman strolls away, leaving you in a mess.

***

"Good afternoon children!" You put on your best enthusiastic voice, as you greet the crowd.

"Good afternoon Ms Y/N!"

Even after doing this for too many times to count, being in front of children who were waiting to be impressed still gave you the jitters. Nevertheless, you were proud to say that you had build rapport with them steadily over the past six months.

"So, we've been reading books about values and I thought we could continue our discussion with a short but humorous story that I know will promise a good laugh." You show the book, eliciting a couple of giggles from the children.

“Today’s story is by Jon Klassen and it’s titled - I want my hat back…”

***

By the end of the story, the children were throughly amused at the simple but larger than life visuals that told a clear message. You were also glad that all that practice of different animal voices came in handy.

“Thank you for listening so well! For the last part of our session as we won’t be seeing each other for two weeks, we can do something fun! We’re going to create our very own paper hats!” You continued. “That’s not all, we’ll be doing it with a very special guest so I want all of you to help him along okay?”

Once you introduced Bucky, you offered him to roam around the tables where the children were already planning how to design the best hat.

As you helped a boy add stickers to his hat, your attention is diverted to a mini commotion at the table ahead.

“What’s all the buzz about?” You moved closer, almost bursting into unruly laughter yourself when you see the Congressman sitting in tiny plastic chair wearing a red cone hat similar to the character while the kids fluttered around to add sparkles and glitters, blissfully unaware of your presence.

Not Bucky though as his eyes widen at the sight of you. You give a slight cough to get the attention of the children.

“Alright now, let’s not crowd around Mr Barnes.” You ushered the children away, giving a couple of soft apologies on their behalf.

“Don’t be. I enjoyed it.” He appeared to have snapped out of his momentary embarrassment of being covered in glitter, back to his charming self that you had the privilege of experiencing firsthand.

The rest of the session went smoothly (and glitter free). Bucky watches you bid goodbye to each kid in a unique and special way, from fist bumps to hugs and sometimes just a simple wave of the hand to the quieter kids. The children's section is quiet once more and he is amazed how you flutter around the tables, cleaning up effortlessly.

"Can I help?" He finds himself speaking up.

"Oh, that's alright. Wouldn't want to get your suit all messed up." You respond airily, trying to ignore the close proximity with Bucky.

"I insist." He says firmly and starts helping you to gather the scissors. You can't help but to notice how there's a butterfly sticker on his metal hand.

"A little girl - Lucy, she put this on me." He explains fondly. "Can't bear to take it off, at least not today."

Lucy. She never failed to turn up for every library session. Although she wasn't the loudest in the room, she participated with a quiet determination. Which was why you found this revelation particularly surprising.

"That's amazing. She takes a while to warm up to strangers. Well, not that you aren't a complete stranger. You're an Avenger- oh I'm doing it again aren't I?"

"That's okay." Bucky reassures you calmly. "I like it."

His straightforwardness throws you off, leaving you flustered but oddly pleased.

"Hey-"

"No, you go first."

"Do you want to get a drink?" Bucky asks. Before you could respond, loud voices could be heard from the adult's section, slowly becoming much louder.

"Oh no..."

"There you are!" Bucky spots Alexi from a mile away with that strikingly bright red suit. The rest of the team hushes him collectively, with Yelena attempting to make herself as small as possible.

"We've been trying to call you! Then your assistant- and she said you were in this place of knowledge! Oh, and who is this lady?" Alexi stares at you, intrigued. Bucky steps in front, feeling protective.

"Alright, can we focus, please?" Bucky shoots you an apologetic look that you clearly understood.

You'll have to reschedule.

***

“So! Are you not going to tell us who she is?” John is the first to broach the topic. Bucky gives him one of his famous death glares. However, this only encourages him and the rest of the team more.

"She seems lovely." Yelena teases, "Though I'm not sure why she would be attracted to a grump like you."

"Opposites attract." Ava adds helpfully (or unhelpfully in Bucky's opinion).

The jet flies across the ocean, making its way back home. Bucky taps his foot impatiently. Any longer with this group and having to endure their teasing might just make him commit daylight murder.

Bucky feels a buzz in his pocket and he fishes out his phone to read the message.

"Oooooh! Someone's texted back!" The team is in sync with their onslaught on their leader.

"Someone just kill me now." He mumbles under his breath.

*** You tug on your cardigan, waiting for Bucky on the steps of the library.

"Doll!" You hear a familiar voice that made your heart skip a beat. Though you must say, you were a little shocked to find out that he wasn't alone.

"Hello! Miss Librarian!" Alexi booms.

"Oh my god Dad she has a name." Yelena groans.

"Yes but she is proud of her job no?"

"Sorry about these idiots. Hi, John Walker." The man extends his hand for a handshake before being brushed aside by Bucky.

"Hi," you decide to make yourself known. "Bucky's told me about all of you."

"Whatever he's told you, don't believe all of it. The man's too grumpy for his own good." Yelena pipes up as Ava nods.

"Ok! And it is time for you to all go. The jet does not need a parking ticket." Bucky interjects pushing his teammates away from you. "Bob's waiting!"

With a couple more goodbyes, the jet zooms away, leaving the two of you still standing on the steps of the library.

"Not everyday my date is late because he's keeping the world safe from bad guys and outer space threats." You joke.

Bucky doesn't say a word and you're suddenly afraid that you may have fried his internal circuits.

"Sorry, I wasn't mad-"

"I'm your date?" He says with a grin and your words slowly sink in.

"Oh, well... I thought... um..." You scramble for words much to Bucky's amusement and he takes a step closer towards you.

"Would it be weird to say right now that I was thinking exactly the same thing?"

The both of you laugh and your stomach takes this moment to grumble loudly.

"Someone's hungry. I know a good Japanese Restaurant."

"I'm always down for good food."

He slots his fingers in between yours, holding on to your hand firmly.

"Great, then Sushi awaits."

"You are a god send."

[rentenier3148]

I Tried Not to Love You

Pairing: Thunderbolts!Bucky x F!Reader

Summary: You're an ex Avenger turned legislative assistant at the same time your ex boyfriend turned congressman. After avoiding him for years, Bucky calls you one night and asks for help. When a black void threat plunges the team, not only are you fighting the world—but also the versions of yourself you tried to forget.

Word Count: ~3.5k

Warning: THUNDERBOLTS* SPOILERS, So... so much angst, ex boyfriend and congressman Bucky (yes, it needs it's own warning), PTSD with a dark past, mentions of violence but nothing graphic, no use of y/n, not proofread

A.N: I did say I want to write something for Loki which is in the works! But I had to get this out of my head after watching Thunderbolts. Requests are open! I'll gladly make more!

⚡︎ ⋯ ─── ★ ─── ⋯ ⚡︎

“Are you kidding me, Barnes?” You tell him frustrated over the phone pinching your nose bridge.

You’re sitting at home munching on some grapes you had in a bowl while you reviewed some pending bills waiting to be signed on your lap. The TV is on with a movie playing that you stopped paying attention to. It’s just some background noise to disturb the silence.

“I need someone who won’t flinch.” He said on the other line.

You haven’t talked to Bucky in years, you tried avoiding him after your break up. Until you found out he was running for congress at the same time you became a legislative assistant. Then the gala came that Valentina Allegra de Fontaine hosted is where you—unfortunately, but quite amusingly—encountered him again. 

⚡︎ ⋯ ─── ★ ─── ⋯ ⚡︎

The tux he wore made you gasp slightly and stand still for a good few seconds. He saw you eye him down and a small softness glazed over his face that nobody else would notice but you. Then you both looked away at the same time. 

When you stood before the big ‘A’ he walked beside you. Quite frankly you didn’t notice him while you were reminiscing of your past as an Avenger. Maybe your keen assassin senses were starting to lack, or maybe his super soldier stealth was too good for you to catch up. You two were always butting heads about that.

“Didn’t think I would see you here.” He told you softly, he glanced my way but I stayed looking at the ‘A’. He pulled you out of whatever memory was playing in your head, and now you’re back to reality.

“Only here for the hors d’oeuvres and also my boss wanted me to gather information on others for an impeachment of someone.” You said with a sigh, like you were exhausted.

Bucky’s ears perked up. “Impeachment of who?” He asked but quieter this time. Hiding the fact he already knows who the suspected person is.

“It’s none of your business. Besides, why are you talking to me, congressman Barnes?” I say finally looking at him. I furrow my eyebrows at him, hoping it would scare him off but to no avail.

“I can’t compliment you and your outfit tonight, sweetheart?” He smiles the smile that makes you cause a flutter in your stomach. You hated it.

“No.”

“Well, you look absolutely beautiful tonight.” 

You stayed quiet with the scowl on your face that’s contradicting with the blush slowly coming up your cheeks. 

“Look, I know we ended things on bad terms back then. But since we’re in the same job now—why not at least be a bit friendly?” Bucky asks gently this time. That smile is still plastered on his face.

“I'd be more friendly if I was your assistant, but I’m not—aren't I? Plus if I was, one of us would've been dead by now.” 

“I would love to be killed by you, doll.” He says playfully. I’ve had enough of his smile and petnames already.

“You’re infuriating.” You say as you quickly turn around and walk away. You didn’t notice the biggest breath of air he let out and his smile faltering as he remembers how much he loved you. 

⚡︎ ⋯ ─── ★ ─── ⋯ ⚡︎

“So… his name is Bob?” You ask. It almost sounds like a joke. On the other side of the line you hear a faint ‘Yeah, Bob.’ and a sigh from Bucky.

“... I’ll go.” You said after a moment. Bucky on the other side sort of hoped you didn’t agree so that you could stay safe. But he has no other option and really needed you to help him out.

“I’ll send you the coordinates so be prepared to leave soon,” he says until he goes softer, “thanks, by the way.”

You didn’t know how to respond to that. You both stayed on the line until you finally tell him that you’ll be on the way. You hang up on him and stare off at the TV huffing a big sigh. You cannot believe that you got yourself roped into this. But you needed a bit of excitement anyway. 

⚡︎ ⋯ ─── ★ ─── ⋯ ⚡︎

You are currently sitting in the back of a van on the way to the old Avengers tower—now called the Watchtower—where it held many fond and sad memories. You feel an ache in your stomach the closer you get. 

Bucky and a bigger and older—though probably not as old as Bucky—man who you met named Alexei sit in the front while Bucky drives. You can slightly overhear them talking about being super soldiers and what kind of ‘super serum’ each one got.

“I don't know. Regular? Hydra.”

It’s an awkward silence between everyone else that you briefly met. You try to look anywhere else but at the others, but you guess the ceiling is quite appealing.

“How do you know Bucky?” Asks the blonde short haired girl. Yelena you faintly remember. You were best friends with her sister, Natasha. Yelena sought comfort in you after she died trying to find some type of closure. But you don’t think you helped her out much with that, and you get the sense she still feels the same way.

“We fought together when we were in the Avengers.” You intentionally kept it short and sweet. Yelena slightly squints her eyes at you—probably sensing I’m hiding more. A lot more.

The man with an odd copycat uniform of Steve’s Captain America suit—John—barks a short chuckle with a small shake to his head. You’re confused by his reaction.

A soft hum of acknowledgement from the other girl in the much cooler uniform comes out of her—Ava you think—until you crash into the tower. 

You all get out of the van and start fighting the OXE group soldiers. 

Then someone’s voice overhead speaks. It’s Valentina. She says that she intentionally left the doors unlocked and was expecting us. You watch Bucky headbutt a soldier as they hit the ground, making you slightly jump at the sight.

⚡︎ ⋯ ─── ★ ─── ⋯ ⚡︎

Bucky’s arm is broken off as he is hauled to the wall. Bob—or Sentry as he is referred to now—sees you and comes towards you. You don’t know if it’s because of how terrified you are or because he is too quick, but he seemingly appears behind you and grabs your neck. Cutting off your oxygen supply and throws you hard against the wall making everything in your vision a bit blurry and feeling lightheaded.

You lift your head and see Bucky’s metal arm being picked up at the same time you are lifted by your feet and stumbling quickly to the elevator. The lights in the elevator are so bright that you don’t notice that Bucky was holding your side, gripping hard enough to not let you fall but supple enough to not hurt you further.

You all stumble out of the elevator and into the streets. The heated arguments commence between each other while you try your best to catch your breath. With your eyebrows knitted together, you take a look at Bucky as he reattaches his arm and does that swing thing to get it working again. 

How it still makes your stomach flutter, but your emotions are so strong that you don’t notice.

“Are you okay?” He says to me with concern.

“James, what the hell was that?” You scold. “I didn’t agree to this, I agreed to help you get Bob and take down Valentina. Not almost die.”

“I… didn’t think this would happen.” he looks at me solemnly, a hint of regret behind that sentence.

“Yeah, like how you didn’t think I would be hurt after what you said that night.” You are full on angry and seeing red at this point. 

It was bound to happen that you and him were to eventually work together. But not like this. You expected an office, writing memos and debate about the tax increase on produce. Quick, simple, and nothing more. This was more than that, and you were livid. Along with the past starting to resurface. 

“What does that have to do with what’s going on now?” His eyebrows are now furrowed. By this point, everyone else had already walked away, you both were the only ones left in front of the tower. 

“Oh, it has everything to do with what’s going on now. I really didn’t want to be part of this at all. And I really didn’t want to see you at the gala, much less have you talk to me. I wanted to never see you again because you let me go that night and I wanted so badly for you to come chasing after me… and yet you didn’t.”

A beat.

“I want to hate you so bad… but I can’t bring myself to do that sometimes…” you grew quieter with your head starting to hang low and your eyes staring at the concrete. 

Bucky stood there listening to me. His eyebrows slowly unfurrowing and a sigh comes out of his mouth. 

“I didn’t want to let you go that night. I couldn’t chase after you either, I thought that you didn’t want me around anymore. At the gala, you looked so stunning that I needed to talk to you. I couldn’t resist how beautiful you looked. I thought things were okay and that maybe I could fix things.” He spoke softly, as if he slightly raised his voice that you would disappear. 

“Well obviously they aren’t okay. Especially now.” You huffed out, you looked up at him to fully see his sorrowful expression.

A quiet wave came over the both of you.

“I’m sorry, doll.”

“A bit late for that.”

Then suddenly a suspicious overcast started looming over you. You both look up with a squint and see a floating black figure, It’s hard to recognize who it is at all. Even the outfit and cape the figure wore was pitch black.

You see the figure stretch out their arm and slowly a black starts emerging from the ground. The moment it touched a person, it was just a shadow.

A panic crashes into you as you see people running, cars are crashing into each other, and a helicopter crashes into a building. The rubble starts falling, you and Bucky immediately run to rescue any standbyers who were about to be crushed. 

Bucky saves an elderly couple by a car flying towards them with his metal arm sending the car flying over. I speed over to a little girl to grab her away from the falling rubble.

The blackness is starting to creep closer and closer.

From the corner of your eye, you see John trying to hold up a large piece of rubble from a mother and baby. You go over and try to hold it up as well, then everyone who had swarmed off came to help. Bucky was the last to join, you sensed his reluctance. 

After saving the mother and baby, the six of you head over to find cover under an alcove in a building. 

The blackness is quickly spreading, turning more and more people into shadows. You lean against the wall looking down at the ground, wondering what can be done. This is basically impossible, there’s no way to fight a thing that can turn people into shadows. 

You’re taken out of your trance to see Yelena step out to confront the being. You stare off in shock when she's turned into a shadow. Something hits you on the inside which makes you realize what needs to be done—or perhaps a guess at trying to fix it.

You step out and follow Yelena’s footsteps immediately turning into a shadow. 

You didn’t hear when Bucky cried out your name thinking that you had just made a suicidal decision.

⚡︎ ⋯ ─── ★ ─── ⋯ ⚡︎

You jolt awake, looking around your surroundings. You recognize it too well.

You’re standing in the warehouse of your first mission during your youth. 

The organization was a hybrid between the Red Room and Hydra, it essentially was the worst of the worst. Training you and rehabilitating you to become their most perfect assassin. Potentially becoming better than their Winter Soldier program and the girls who were trained in the Red Room.

You stood with a pistol in your hand that’s aimed at the temple of your older sister. You remember that your age didn’t hit double digits yet while your sister just turned ten. Your sister is on her knees with her hands tied behind your back. Your job was to execute your family to prevent you from being held back and expressing empathy.

Your sister pleaded your name and cried to let her go. You did not want to remember anything else so you merely closed your eyes as you heard the ‘bang’ that little you produced from the pistol. Your breathing staggers, then you open your eyes.

The same scene is repeated. You go over and grab hold of the gun to stop little you from doing anything else. 

“Don’t do this, please.” 

“You’re in my way, you need to leave!” Little you squeaks, quickly positioning the gun to your face and pulling the trigger.

You seemingly open your eyes again to turn and see the same scene repeat again. Before doing anything else, you see an open door with a white light emitting from the other side. You run towards it and step through.

As you step through, you open another door. You looked back and it looks like you stepped out of a small storage closet with the warehouse completely gone. You look around and it’s your room back at the Avengers compound. 

You see ahead of you the scene play out. Past you and past Bucky in the most heated argument you’ve ever had. You look outside the large panned windows of your room and recognize it’s night time. 

It’s that night.

“I can’t believe you did that shit! Are you too stuck in your Winter Soldier ways? Is that why you turned on me?” Past you scolded. 

“You know I had no choice, you would do the same if you were in my position. I know how blood thirsty you can be…” He says with a scowl. You notice the blood stained knuckles past Bucky has and past you’s hair was slightly damp from sweat and stress. 

“I’m not as bloody thirsty as you, Winter Soldier.” Past you leaned closer with her finger pointing into his chest.

“Winter Soldier or not, I would’ve murdered you on the spot if I wanted to… And I really did.” Past Bucky said with no remorse. Not even a change of expression, from your perspective you could see a hint of Winter Soldier peeking through his pupils. 

Past you was mortified at his emotionless retort. With a small breath in, she looked deep into his eyes and said those words that you—and possibly her—never thought you would ever say in your life. 

“I’m done with you.”

With that, past you storm out of your room slamming the door. You watch past Bucky bury his face in his and a long breath comes out of his mouth.

He didn’t go chasing after past you. 

A single tear also falls from your face. You feel a presence slightly behind you. You quickly turn around and see it’s Bucky.

Your Bucky. 

You can’t contain it anymore and the flood gates open. A hitch escapes from you from the sight of him. Bucky comes over and holds you so tight as if the entire world depended on it. 

“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” Bucky whispers so gently. You cry into his chest, unable to produce any other word. But you feel like Bucky understood what you wanted to say.

The scene starts repeating itself. Neither of us could help to look at it again. It was already too painful to experience it a second time.

“I found a way outta here.” He tells you once you started to calm down. You look up at him and see a few tears falling from his eyes as he wipes yours away. His hand stays there a bit longer cupping your cheek and you both give in to a kiss.

It was deep and emotional that it almost made you cry again. You missed this so much, you’re certain that he does as well since his hands didn’t leave your face. Cradling you so soft and so warm, despite his cold vibranium hand and his flesh one. 

It feels like eternity when you both finally separate. Bucky’s hands graces down your neck to your shoulders, however the vibranium hand is the one that holds one of yours to guide you to the supposed exit out of this nightmarish memory. 

⚡︎ ⋯ ─── ★ ─── ⋯ ⚡︎

You wake up on the ground all sprawled out. Your head is pounding with a fading memory. The last thing you remember was holding back Bob from beating up his ‘Void’ with everyone else holding on as well. 

Also when we all reunited within the ‘Void’ someone asked about how our pasts were and Bucky said a sarcastic comment. “Oh I have a great past, so I’m totally fine.” or something along those lines with that stupid smirk he sometimes gives. 

You slowly gather yourself up and push your hair out of your face. You notice everyone else is getting up as well, then you see Bucky. You both embrace and lips crash. The moment was shortened when you overhear the others checking in on Bob who’s no longer the other ‘him’. 

Turns out, he doesn’t remember a thing and is just happy to know that he’s back with his friends.

You all spot Valentina Allegra de Fontaine getting up from the rubble. We walk up towards her as she tries to defend herself and walks behind a plastic sheet. From behind it, we are encountered with the press. The flashing lights and shuttering noise of the cameras overwhelm you that you don’t even hear Valentina introducing the lot of you as the ‘New Avengers’.

But you do see Yelena going up to Valentina and whisper something in her ear—a potential threat—as she falters slightly.

⚡︎ ⋯ ─── ★ ─── ⋯ ⚡︎

“I don’t think Avengers with a ‘Z’ is gonna cut it…” You say concerningly to Alexei.

“It’s so soft too! It feels like the bottom of a baby seal. ‘Lena touch it.” Alexei proclaims in his new ‘Avengerz’ jumpsuit as he walks to Yelena and stretches out his arm inviting her to feel the… softness.

“No. I don’t want to touch the bottom of a baby seal.” Yelena sternly says without looking up at him.

You sigh and lay back on the couch. You never would have thought that Sam—of all people—would have a lawsuit against us. He is Bucky’s closest confidant and someone he considers as family. You’re sure that Bucky feels a little backstabbed by all this.

You glance up at Bucky, his elbows resting on his knees as he looks down in deep thought. You place your hand on his lower back and draw circles of comfort on them. Bucky looks back at you and gives you a small kiss. This—unfortunately—catches the attention of Alexei.

“Wait, since when did you and him become… a thing?” He points between us trying to connect the pieces together.

“Since last year right? Our anniversary was a few months ago.” You say calmly while Bucky tries to—very poorly—hide his gentle smile.

“Months?!” Everyone says in unison. 

You draw an awkward smile at everyone with a prolonged “Yeah…” and a giggle right after.

“So there was more of a history between you two, huh?” Yelena confidently says. Her suspicions a year ago were proven correct.

“A lot more history.” Bucky quietly says looking back at you confirming his statement. You just softly nod back with a hum.

“Wonder when we’ll know the rest…” Ava says quietly.

Silence hits the room, until the suction of Bob’s milkshake ignites a lightbulb in your brain. You stand up immediately. 

“You know, if Sam is going to file a lawsuit against us he’s gonna have a good lawyer with him.”

Everyone chimes in, intrigued but confused at what you’re trying to say. 

You start pacing the room with a finger on your chin, Bucky could probably see the gears turning extra hard.

“That means we’re gonna need a lawyer.”

“Well duh, how else is this supposed to go down? We represent ourselves?” John retorts to you while fiddling with the unlabeled buttons of his chair.

“I think that wouldn’t go well if we did, you know… since my other ‘me’ did that last year… um, yeah.” Bob says out loud from his secluded spot, then returns to drinking his milkshake.

Your pacing stops as you look at everyone in the room, a devious smirk spreads your cheeks. Bucky also smirks, but you don’t think he has the same idea as you do.

“I know a lawyer… a really good lawyer…”

⚡︎ ⋯ ─── ★ ─── ⋯ ⚡︎

I really love all the engagement on my series so far! I promise I'll return to it soon. If you want to be tagged, just comment or pm me and I'll add you. Thanks for reading!! <3

[rkivefae]

(repost from old acc, it's been a few years since I've been on here)

Okay, so my friend has doodled in my chemistry notebook when I let them borrow it, then I began thinking,,

Steddie high school au

Eddie draws continuously in chemistry class and he has certain things he draws with inspiration from that class and doesn’t want to contaminate it with other classes so he hides the notebook, poorly, in hope that when he comes back, it'll still be there.

Steve comes to his seat, in the back of the class and notices it immediately. His first thought is that someone lost it so he grabs it in hopes of seeing a name but instead sees crazy drawings. Ranging from small sketches of supposed knights to fantasy creatures that Steve never would have thought of seeing.

"If found, leave where it is OR ELSE" It read in thick sharpie letters on the front page.

He felt bad for being nosy and going through it but he couldn't help himself as he continued looking through it. After some heavy overthinking, he decides to draw something back. He wasn't the most talented but he was better than most in his art classes, so hopefully they didn’t laugh too much at his attempt.

He decides to draw a jester, tried his best to shade in all perfectly and portion everything properly. To say the least, he was impressed with his final product because this is better than anything he’s ever done in is classes. Next to it he writes, as if the character was saying it, “You should put this in better places.”

He didn’t even focus in class, AT ALL.

But when he came back to the class, he found the notebook again. Took one look at it and tried to fight back the desire to just crack it open and see if they wrote back. His fingers itched to have the glosses cover turned open. just a peak. He tried to reason and at first he held back. Trying to focus in class but that ended terribly, so he grabbed the notebook after about 5 minutes of spacing out on the teacher and eyeing it.

When he opened the page, there it was. A reply.

It was a king, you could tell by the crown he wore but fangs were prominent in the grinning feature. Black curled hair that fell onto his shoulder that was covered by a dark suit. A hand stretched out with a sword towards the Jester, “There is a trespasser? And a fool? State thy business!”

Steve fucking giggled. Giggled! Of all things he could’ve done, he giggled! King Steve Harrington since freshman year, had all the ladies wooing at him and guys wanting to be him just giggled because the owner of the notebook drewsomething for him.

Steve would never get focus back into that class since he replied. Always waiting for the notebook and it became his priority. He didn’t understand how he was still passing that class with how much he began lacking!

They talked about simple silly things at first before Eddie began picking it up more, talking more about who he was but never stated a name, not yet. They weren’t ready for that.

Steve even helped Eddie decide on what to use as his Hellfire club signature look that was going to be fought to be published as an official club on school record!

But when the last page came along at the ending of the school year, Eddie spoke about it. Said, “It’s the end of the year, the last of this book. Could I finally ask your name?”

Steve’s whole world stopped spinning. He couldn’t even begin to explain the thoughts racing through his head.

When they know, would they stop being friends with him? No one truly liked Steve Harrington, he became popular by default of being a pretty boy and on the basketball team. Most talked about how his group of people were assholes and that he might as well be, too. He wasn’t oblivious, he knew what most people thought. He was a boy of a rich family that was spoiled. That wasn’t a lie, but his life wasn’t pretty, thanks to his father and mother. But could anyone really understand that? Walking through the door of his home in fear of what he’ll walk in and see, what would happen to him if he breathed wrong in the presence of his father?

What if when he says his name and they don’t want nothing to do with him? What if when he says his name, he loses the only honest friendship he has? What if they share the things he told them in the notebook to everyone else withproof as a way to ruin his life because they didn’t like him? Maybe they weren’t like that but Steve couldn’t take that risk. No one with this chance would not take it, right? Tommy would take it. The rest of the boys on the team would take it. Carol would take it and laugh about it. He couldn’t expect different from other people, right?

Steve’s breathing quickened as his chest tightened, tears welling up and he gripped his chest. He rushed out of class with an unsteady balance, the teacher yelling behind him and he didn’t return for that period, the notebook left open and unsigned.

He couldn’t.

That moment was talked about everywhere, how he rushed out of class and didn’t return. No one bothered to question why, just whispered how panicked he was. Poor Steve, they said mockingly in the halls but never to his face.

Eddie knew.

It didn’t take long to piece it all together, the incident, the opened notebook, the fact that it was all too much of a coincidence and the things he said just made sense for it to be Steve Harrington.

He didn’t want to believe it at first, laughing that it was just dumb and there was no way that Steve ‘the hair’ Harrington was talking to Eddie ‘the freak’ Munson with passion. But then again, they both didn’t know who each other was.

When Steve talked about dumb moments with his ‘friends’ and how he felt bad for the people they ‘hung’ around, the games he lost and how he beat himself up, even the moments that Steve told him how he hated the social ranking - it all should have made sense. At first, Eddie thought that the person writing back was like him, a freak with nerdy interest. Which, in a different font, Steve was.

However, as the next few years flied by, Eddie just watched Steve from afar. From sucking faces with Nancy Wheeler in the hallway, picking her up and twirling her around, smiling bright because he was happy to the moments that it looked like Steve was seconds away from turning over and dying. The bruises that cascaded over certain parts of his body being a brushed off topic and the fear that was in his eyes when he turned the corner. Like he knew things he shouldn’t.

There was raw fear, hatred, anger and even disgust that Eddie was able to recognize. Part of him wondered where the happiness went and the other was tired of him staying afar, wanting to talk to him because Steve Harrington was more than just a pretty boy from what he knew and the look on his eyes only said more.

Eddie never got to, Steve rushed past every day, ready to get the day over and he couldn’t talk to him. Soon, Steve graduated and Eddie was held-back again and he took that as a sign. A strong one. To just get over it. He was never going to know Steve Harrington and it was stupid for him to even think so. Plus, if he did, it was stupid! The town freak with the most loved boy in town? Not a good duo. So, he stayed afar for good.

Until he didn’t.

Steve Harrington waltzed in with an arguing Dustin Henderson, the club all watching the two before Steve Harrington scoffed. “I’m serious, I’m not playing your nerdy campaign just because you’re missing a person! I don’t understand it,” He said, pushing a bag towards Dustin’s chest. “You know I’m not smart enough to understand that.”

Before Dustin could reply, Eddie took that as his chance to finally greet them. He climbed out of his chair rather loudly, catching both of their attention before walking up to Steve, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning forward.

“Well, Well, if it isn’t the missing Jester.” He said, a cocky tone laced within it

It took only a few seconds before Steve’s eyes widened when it clicked.

“No. Fucking. Way.”

[strawb3rryg2l]

The Temp, Part 1

Characters: Robert Reynolds x (Female) Reader.

Summary: Mel trains a new temp - Y/N. Y/N just wants a normal life, one where she can forget her past as a spy and start anew. When she meets The Thunderbolts, she can't help but notice Robert Reynolds... or Bob, as everyone calls him. He's quiet, shy, and seemingly holding a lot inside. She almost feels the same, even if she doesn't know him personally. They find a likeness in one another and grow closer.

Warnings: reader is an ex-spy, talks of self-doubt, spoilers for the movie (Let me know if there any more warnings I should put).

Word Count: 1790

Note from the author: This is my work and not only will it be posted on this account (@Strawb3rryg2l) . It will also be posted to my account of Archivesofourown (@ Strawb3rrygal). I will link it here once it is uploaded. This is a work in progress, and my first ever fanfiction so please be kind. This movie brought back my love for Marvel, and I'm super excited about this series I will be writing. This is my first attempt of a slow-burn, friends to lovers, and smut (mueheh). So without further ado... Happy reading!

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

Being the assistant of the new Avengers was quite an ordeal. 

Y/N had shadowed Mel. It was only supposed to be temporary work. Y/N was only meant to cover Mel during her vacation. She was leaving for her well-deserved three-week trip to the Dolomites in Italy. Y/N was willing to work.

Willing… and quietly watching everything.

Being Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s assistant was more about information control than coffee runs. There were reports to catalog, people to monitor, egos to smooth over, and secrets. So many secrets. Y/N learned quickly that everyone was watching someone else. Everyone had blood on their hands. Y/N just made sure no one noticed hers.

Y/N adjusted her blazer in the mirror before stepping into the conference room. It was Day Four, and so far no one had asked too many questions about her. She was just "Mel’s temp." That was good. Low profile. Safe.

The morning’s meeting was more like a war council. The Thunderbolts — or whatever unofficial name they were using now — gathered in a quiet buzz of tension. Yelena Belova lounged in her seat like it might bite her. US Agent was already annoyed about something. Bucky looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. Ghost was halfway invisible, and Red Guardian was arguing with the espresso machine in Russian.

And then there was him.

Robert Reynolds. Or Bob… which is what they called him.

He walked in like he wanted to disappear. Hood up. Shoulders tight. Hands stuffed deep in the pockets of his worn coat. The others gave him space. It seemed like a respectful distance. A low hum seemed to follow him, like the room shifted to accommodate a presence far too big to be human.

Sentry. The man with a million exploding suns inside him.

He sat quietly near the edge of the table, a glass of water in front of him. He stared into it like he expected it to show him something.

Y/N didn’t mean to stare. But there was something about the way he held himself like he was bracing for a disaster no one else could see.

She recognized the feeling.

When Valentina spoke, her voice cut through the tension like a scalpel. "Three weeks. That’s how long we have until we present our team to the U.S. Government. We need order, presence, and we need good optics. So we behave. Understood?"

Y/N took notes, nodding at key points like Mel showed her. No eye contact. Don’t fidget. Be useful, invisible, forgettable.

Then Bob spoke.

It was a mumble, barely audible. “What happens if Void shows up?”

Silence.

Valentina didn’t blink. “Then we all hope to God we don’t have a repeat of New York.”

Bob flinched like she’d slapped him.

After the meeting, Y/N found herself alone in the hallway, pretending to review her tablet. Bob was standing near a window, gripping the railing like it might vanish. The skyline reflected off the glass. He didn't look at her, but he knew she was there.

"You’re new," he said.

"Temporary," she replied.

He nodded, still not looking. "That’s good. People don’t last long here."

"You seem to be doing alright."

He let out a short breath. Not a laugh, not really. “You think?”

She almost smiled. “No.”

That earned her a glance.

His eyes were tired. Not just physically like his soul hadn’t slept in years. But there was something in them that wasn’t entirely broken. Just… quiet, waiting.

“You don’t talk much either,” he said.

“I find it keeps me alive.”

He looked at her a moment longer, then turned back to the skyline.

“Yeah,” he murmured. “I know the feeling.”

—————————————————————————————————

It was day Five of Y/N being an assistant and she was restocking the files in Valentina’s private office when she felt it, a presence behind her.

Too close. Too quiet.

In an instant, her fingers tightened around the steel pen she’d been using, eyes flicking to the nearest reflective surface. A silver-framed photo of Valentina shaking hands with someone who was probably on a kill list.

A shadow moved just behind her shoulder.

She turned fast not enough to strike, just enough to confront.

It was Yelena.

"Relax," the assassin said, popping a stick of gum in her mouth. "You looked like you were about to stab me with a Montblanc."

Y/N exhaled slowly and loosened her grip. Her fingers were white.

“I don’t like being snuck up on,” she said coolly.

Yelena tilted her head, intrigued. "Interesting." 

Y/N said nothing. She just tucked the pen back in its holder, turned to reorganize the folders, and kept her face blank. Yelena studied her for another moment, then walked off, humming.

The tension stayed in Y/N’s shoulders even after she left.

This is a desk job. A normal job. That’s what she reminded herself every morning in her tiny New York studio apartment. It barely fit a bed, but it had a window that looked out onto a sliver of Central Park, and for the first time in years, she could wake up without her fingers twitching toward a weapon.

The job paid well (extremely well) and it had benefits. Like if she did a good job she might get a good letter of recommendation for a full time. That used to be unimaginable. Now it was survival. Not in the blood-on-your-hands way. In the groceries-in-the-fridge kind of way.

She wanted this. She wanted quiet.

But the instincts didn’t go away just because you filed paperwork instead of targets. They just got quieter, sharper, lingering.

Later that day, she ran into Bob again in the break room, of all places.

He was sitting on the counter, cradling a cup of coffee. He looked up when she walked in.

“Montblanc pens are expensive,” he said.

She blinked. Word got around quick. “Excuse me?”

“You were going to use one like a weapon earlier.” He shrugged. “Just saying. Would’ve been a waste.”

Y/N narrowed her eyes. “Were you watching?”

“No,” he said. “But I notice things.”

There was no smugness to it. Just a quiet admission, like he couldn’t help it. Like his mind was always ticking, cataloging danger. It made her pause.

“Old habits,” she muttered, pouring herself a cup of the bitter coffee.

Bob glanced at her. “You trying to break them?”

Y/N hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. I am.”

He looked down into his coffee. “Me too.”

She sat on the far end of the table, not too close, but not too far. They didn’t speak again, not for a while, but the silence wasn’t awkward. It was a truce. A shared stillness between two people with shadows stitched into their skin.

It felt like the quiet recognition of someone else who was also just trying to breathe.

—————————————————————————————————

It was raining on the sixth night.

Thunder rolled low across the sky, and the windows in the briefing wing trembled slightly with each boom. Most of the team had gone home or tucked into whatever shadows they slept in. Valentina was overseas on a black-site visit. The building was eerily still.

Y/N stayed late to finish organizing next week’s logistics brief. It was busy work, a little pointless, but it kept her hands moving. Kept her from thinking too much.

When the printer jammed for the third time, she let out a tired sigh and leaned against the table, rubbing her temple. The storm outside felt too close. She hated storms. It brought memories.

Thunder always reminded her of flashbangs.

Behind her, a door creaked open.

She turned sharply and saw Bob standing in the doorway.

“Didn’t mean to startle you,” he said. His hair was damp. No hood. No coat. Just him, in a soft looking hoodie, holding a paper bag.

“You’re fine,” Y/N lied. Her heartbeat hadn’t settled yet. “Shouldn’t you be… I don’t know. Sleeping? Flying? Saving the world?”

He gave a tired shrug. “The world’s still turning. I thought I’d get takeout.”

He held up the bag like it was evidence.

“I didn’t know you ate takeout,” she said, unable to hide her surprise.

He smirked faintly. “I don’t. Usually. But I figured… if I’m trying to be normal, maybe I should start somewhere.”

He stepped into the room, hesitating just slightly before gesturing to the table.

“You hungry?”

Y/N looked at the leftover files, then at the bag.

“What kind of takeout?”

“Thai. Hope you’re not allergic to peanuts.”

She wasn’t.

They ate on opposite sides of the table, cross-legged in their chairs like two kids at a sleepover. The food was warm. The silence wasn’t heavy this time, it was easy. Familiar.

Halfway through, Bob spoke without looking up.

“Do you ever get tired of pretending?”

Y/N froze, her chopsticks hovering over the noodles.

“Pretending what?”

“That you’re okay. That you belong here. That you're not scared you're gonna slip up and ruin the whole thing.”

The words hit too close. She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she set her container down, carefully, and stared at him thoughtfully.

“Yes,” she whispered. “All the time.”

Bob didn’t move. He just nodded.

“I used to be afraid of the Void showing up again,” he said quietly. “Now I’m more afraid of what happens if I get too comfortable. If I let myself believe I’m just a guy with a job. Because that’s when it sneaks in.”

Y/N turned her head slightly, watching him. The way his voice cracked, the way he didn’t look at her when he spoke like he was afraid he’d see fear on her face.

But she could only feel understanding.

“I don’t know what it’s like,” she said gently, “to have a part of yourself that powerful. But I do know what it’s like to have a version of yourself you’re trying to outrun.”

He looked at her, really looked. And for the first time, Y/N saw him soften, just a little.

“I used to be good at running,” he said.

She smiled faintly. “Me too.”

He didn’t speak again for a while after that. Y/N didn’t move, just enjoyed the silent understanding between two people who only wanted a bit of peace. 

He cleared his throat after a while and Y/N looked up.

“This was nice.” He said.

She nodded, and he closed his container. He got up unsure, looking at her once more, and shook his head as though he was fighting against a thought he had had.

“Would you want to do this again?” She found herself saying. She’s not sure why she said that. Maybe it was how Bob didn’t make her feel like an intruder, or a spy, or a ghost.

Just a person.

He seemed surprised and slowly a smile crept on his face. “Yeah, sounds like a plan.”

————————————————————————————————

[clairewritesfanfics]

A-Z Fluff Alphabet: Mohawk Mark Grayson

Author's note: The alphabet here is an amalgamation of fluff templates from the following writers: @themarauderstheoutsidersandpeggy, @snk-warrior, @queervibesmydude and @imagineimagineimagine, and my own personal additions.

Adoration: What does he can’t help but gush about you? 

Your brain. Your intellectual curiosity and passion for discussing various concepts, regardless of which field they originate; be it writing an essay about a random video game’s exploration of identity and the Ship of Theseus, drawing out an outline for the evolution of meme culture across generations, or borderline obsessive studying of his own alien physiology. The way your eyes light up and how confident you sound get him excited.

Baby: Does he want a family? 

No. You are his family, the only one he will ever need. 

Comfort: How does he help you when you’re down or stressed?

He tries to joke, hoping it would help you laugh and release some of the anxiety frying your nerves. But if that doesn’t work, he will seat you on the nearest counter and make you look at him. He’ll ask what’s wrong and when you don’t tell him he will kiss you until you feel better.

Dates: What are his ideal dates?

He likes taking you to concerts, can be anything as long as both of you enjoy it, from rock bands to Opera. Alternatively, he would surprise you with tickets to a museum involving your most recent hyperfixation. You two would hold hands and talk while you pass each display. He also flies you to different parts of the world at a moment's notice; "Oh, you suddenly want to collect volcanic rocks? I got you, babe."

Everything: You are his __________.

You are his inspiration, his muse. Your passions are his passions, not for some shallow reason like getting you to like him (he has his good looks and nice ass for that), but because your sincere drive to know more, to explore the world beyond what it is, encourages him to seek for more, too. 

Fight: How often do you argue? How does he handle the fight itself and its aftermath?

“Me and my girl don’t argue, she tells me to shut up and I do” kind of guy. But in all seriousness, he doesn’t like upsetting you, so unless it’s something serious, like your health, then he just goes along with what you want. 

Gifts: Does he spoil you?

I discussed this before in my husband headcanons for him, but he doesn’t actively seek out to buy you presents as often as one would think. It’s just that, when he sees something in a store window or on his phone that reminds him of you, without thinking, he buys it. 

Honesty: Does he keep a lot of secrets from you? Are they white lies or hide world-shattering truths?

He tends to hide his negative feelings, covering them up because he would rather push down all the bad than bother you with it. Otherwise, he’s an open book. You already know the password to all his accounts and he registered your fingerprint on his phone.

Injury: What’s his reaction when he finds you physically hurt?

Tries to alleviate the gravity of the situation with jokes as a way to keep you calm. Actually, if we’re being honest, the bad jokes are to keep his composure while he assesses your injuries and starts planning a murder. 

Jealousy: Is he a green-eyed monster?

He can be prone to jealous fits, but they’re rarely that deep and never last long enough to warrant violent responses. That being said, the one thing that can really grate him is when someone else manages to have you ramble about your most recent hyperfixation–only he gets the privilege of listening to your spiel.

Kiss: Describe the way he kisses you.

Lifts you up on kitchen counters, stands between your knees and has his hands over your thighs. Kisses you playfully.

Longing: Who fell first? How did you two get together?

He is a natural flirt, so you didn’t take him seriously at first. “That’s just how he is with everyone,” you used to say. Mark didn’t realize it himself, but he stopped hitting on others and unconsciously focused on you every time you were near. When he finally had that "oh shit" moment, he immediately tried to convince you that he wanted you.

Marriage: Does he want to be your husband?

Originally, no. He used to believe that marriages were pointless in that they were “merely labels” and if two individuals truly love each other then a piece of paper was meaningless. You then countered that if it was meaningless then it shouldn’t matter if he agreed to marry you. To this day, it was still his favorite loss.

Nightmare: What is his greatest fear?

That one day you would lose your wide-eyed curiosity.

On Cloud Nine: Is it obvious to tell when he is happy?

He’s already a pretty chill guy, but his underlings know he’s in a really good mood when he isn’t mocking everyone he comes across, and they all know it’s because of you.

PDA: Yes or no? If yes, to what degree?

Yes. He isn’t opposed to giving you a peck or having his arm around your shoulders while you’re out on a date, but he’s not going to make out with you in a park or a family restaurant. 

Quaint: What is his favourite non-modern thing?

Ink and paper books.

Rhythm: What’s his favorite song or genre of music?

Doesn’t have one. His rule is that if he hears a beat that he likes then he likes it. He’s an open-minded guy, so you would be hard-pressed to find him disliking anything. He’s no poser. 

Spa: What helps him relax?

Lying with you, on a bed or a couch or a picnic blanket, while he reads, shutting you up with kisses when you laugh at the stupid lines.

Tea: What do you two often converse about? 

Everything under the sun. The beauty of your relationship is that you two don’t feel restricted about the topics of your conversation, you’re not afraid of sharing your thoughts about the most niche topic and he knows you can keep up with his interests. Each of you has something to offer and nothing is off the table. 

Understanding: How well does he know you?

Enough to know what kinds of books you would definitely fall into obsession with. 

Value: How important is the relationship to him?

So much so that if he ever lost you, he would try to erase every trace of you, because if he didn’t how else was he supposed to breathe? He would turn to violence and parties and meaningless one night stands to forget about you, even if just for a moment. He wouldn’t be able to stand anyone who looks like you, so every single one of his flings would be the opposite of what you looked like. 

Wild Card: Random fluff headcanon

He’s a philosophy nerd. When he was younger he was interested in ethics, but right now, he’s really into existentialism and absurdism. He also dabbles in poetry. 

XOXO: How affectionate is he?

Super affectionate. He is never afraid to tell you and show you how much he adores you. 

Yearning: How does he cope when you two are apart?

Mark always preferred the epicureans, but you’re more of a stoic, and stoics believe that patience is a virtue, so he bites his tongue when you tell him that no, he can’t come with you to girls’ night. He distracts himself by reading so that he can complain to you about the garbage he had to read while you were away.

Zebra: If he wanted a pet, what would he get?

He wouldn’t call them pets, more like decoration, but he would like a whole bloom of Turritopsis dohrnii, a species of jellyfish. One of his favorite dates with you was scuba diving somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea, and that was where you first saw one in person. “It’s functionally immortal,” you said when you two resurfaced. He hopes that, like this jellyfish, your time together will be everlasting. 

I'm thinking of taking requests again (last time I did it was for MHA back during The Plague, LOL), but until I sort out my rules, you guys can ask for Mark Grayson (and his variants) fluff for now. Also, I must say, after seeing that post about semicolons, I found myself using them a in my recent fics. Subliminal messaging at its finest LOLOLOL

[nonbino-the-dino]

A Million Lives Book Festival

Okay so I am not the best at explaining things, but I will try to make this a relatively coherent post.

As of this recent weekend, Friday May 2nd-3rd, a book festival called A Million Lives went on in Baltimore, Maryland. The event planners, Archer Management, promised a weekend of vendor halls, cosplay, a ball, competitions, and ways for indie authors and indie bookish businesses to promote their books and products.

For those who don't know, an indie author is someone who takes it upon themselves to write, edit, and publish their work. Some may hire freelance copy editors or cover designers to help with their ideas, or they may do it all themselves. Either way, their content doesn't gain nearly enough recognition than those of the traditional publishing scene do.

It is often hard for indie authors to gain traction and recognition in the bookish space, and events like book festivals can help them immensely. While this one was supposed to hold the promise of indie authors having a moment in the spotlight, it turned out to be a financially taxing and scam like event that gave no real apology.

The event had many red flags to begin with, from lack of communication with the authors to poor planning on the events part, the festival was a train wreck from start to finish. The tickets and promotion positions cost anywhere from fifty to two hundred and fifty dollars. Indie authors and businesses spent thousands of dollars in their own money buying and shipping product to the space in hopes of a large turnout as they were promised, only to be met with a half empty concrete room and barely fifty attendees.

There were no decorations, hardly a schedule, and a dj that turned out to be just a speaker. The staff and volunteer workers were non-existent and there were no announcers for the event, the only staff being one to two people from the management organization that made the event.

The authors and businesses were naturally upset by this, and the situation only got worse. I will link some videos here where those who attended the event give a more in-depth analysis of what happened, along with news articles and videos from youtubers who explain it from an outside perspective.

The main reason I wanted to make this post was to link the authors and businesses affected here, so anyone who was interested in their content could help support those who lost thousands of dollars and were ripped off by this situation. One of the authors put together a site consisting of all those who attended, and their websites and businesses. I implore you to check them out and give these authors and businesses the support they deserve, and at the very least, reblog this so more people can have access to this information. Links ◈ Authors' Website ◈

CBS Article MSN Article Book Lover Laura Youtube Video I am not in any way promoting or encouraging the harassment of the people who put this event together. It will do nothing in the end, and there is no purpose in spreading hatred when you can instead spread your support for these authors and anyone else effected. If anyone else has any updates on this situation, I would love to discuss more in the comments.

[towasdandelion]

YOUR SUGGESTIONS ARE OPEN!!! (∩^o^)⊃━☆ HAI I HOPE YOURE DOING WELL!!! as always no pressure to write this but i have had an idea rotating in my head since like uhhh two weeks ago?? nd i think it would make for a very fun smau ♪(´▽｀)

LETS JUST SET THE SCENE: mc is hanging out with a ghoul who is a very good friend of theirs!! THEN the ghoul leaves their side for one reason or another, and someone else swoops in and starts flirting w the mc (someone like haku or rui for the sake of ghoul rivalry?? or maybe just some random general student who knows.)

mc texts them something to the effect of IM BEING HIT ON HELP and the ghoul comes RUNNING!!!!!

ofc you can do with this what you will these are simply my brain worms <3 (if i may ask for ritsu to be included pleasepleasepleaseplease okay THANK YOU)

and ofc thank u for you writing as always!!! hope u have the best day ever (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧

Hiiii! They are they are hehe (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠) honestly I never even imagined getting any! Maybe that's why they make me feel a bit overwhelmed at times (⁠^⁠～⁠^⁠;⁠)⁠ゞ writing for someone is fun but it definitely feels different! I'm doing good now though thank you!! That's a very nice idea by the way so let's get goooo. I decided to kinda do a mix, a few with ghouls rivalry and a few with general students since I couldn't decide!! This was so much fun to write (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

Sinostra and Obscuary ghouls when someone flirts with you

Ritsu would be there in the blink of an eye. He would be like "Excuse me? I do hope you're aware you're breaking law right now. You can't touch people without their consent" (Proceeds to recite a whole ass paragraph) to which Kaito just pales before leaving in hurry without another word. He would then make sure you're okay and after that.. he'd drag you to the library, sit you down and open the Penal code, telling you to read the paragraphs he pointed to until you can recite them. He wants you to be able to fend off anyone who dares to get too close in case he's not around. Very thoughtful!

Taiga wouldn't usually care, but there's this important thing - you're his lucky charm. And that really changes things. He's there in literal seconds, glaring at the student as he approaches you, draping his arm loosely over your waist. "Ya lost or somethin?" Is all he needed to say to make the poor guy shiver. He would stand there frozen until Taiga grins at him, showing off his sharp teeth. The student gulps before quickly excusing himself. Problem solved. Without another word Taiga would smoothly escort you to his room, where he then make you pick a gun he'd later train you with... Extreme measures you say? Please, it's Taiga we're talking about.

Romeo would mutter to himself on the way, complaining how useless you are, not even being able to rid of some random guy. He gets furious upon noticing the student reaching for you, immediately slapping his hand away. "Just what do you think you're doing touching her!? Scram if you don't want me to make you beg for mercy!" The student's eyes widen. The guy is not even able to utter a single word. Finally he just let's out an awkward laugh and walks away. And now finally, Romeo can scold you for being so apathetic in this situation. If you dare to tease him about how protective he got just a minute ago I can't guarantee that you'll come out of this alive...

Rui lets out the biggest dramatic gasp upon seeing Haku openly flirt with you when he arrives. "Hey, hey buddy! Sorry but the role of her simp is already taken, thanks though!" He would say before throwing an arm over your shoulder and swiftly leading you away from the potential suitor, not even giving him a chance to say anything. Poor guy just got rejected not by the girl, but a ghoul who appeared to be your boyfriend. Yes, that was Rui's goal. Even if you two weren't together, it was more fun that way! He will pout playfully until you reassure him he's still your favorite flirt.

Ed, just where did he come from? You could have sworn you never heard any footsteps approaching yet there he was standing behind you, resting his head on your shoulder and looking at the guy with a lazy smirk. "My, my, and who is this gentleman? Is he a fresh meal for me? How kind of you" He'd lick his lips and you just know the guy wishes he never spoke to you in the first place. He sweats profusely before muttering a lame excuse and running as fast as he could. A shame, Ed admits but then he teases about you becoming his meal as a reward for scaring away the guy. By any means, feel free to get this idea out of his head.

Lyca's brows furrow the moment he spots you talking to Rui. He approaches you without hesitation, taking a stand between you and the blonde. "She's not interested in you" he states flatly, glaring at his 'opponent'. Surprisingly, he will then lecture him, saying to never ignore girl's body language and to never touch without consent. Rui blinks in confusion but nods along nonetheless, before laughing it off. He quickly excuses himself before walking away. Lyca doesn't understand the look on your face though. Why are you staring at him like that? Did he do something wrong?

[theartofwoompwoomps]

Im too old for this nonsense 

Tfp Ratchet x Human! Reader

Summary: hates love, hates distractions. But he doesn’t hate you. Though he thinks you’ll be grossed out if you knew how he felt

———————————————————————

We all know that he’s a grumpy old mech. Too tired, and too exhausted to let himself be distracted by others.

Heck, he hates the idea of getting close to anyone else. Having lost too many, he can’t bare to relive the pain again.

That’s why he works and works, till his servos can’t move and his optics can’t see. Overworking himself until he can give no more.

The only thing grounding him when he reaches his limit is your own small hands moving around him. Checking him to see if he’s alright. He appreciates your company. 

You always stuck around.

Even with his grumpy attitude that didn’t stop you from cleaning anything you could, keeping his things organized, and getting supplies he needed. 

And here you were once again. Though this time it you couldn’t keep up him. Your body sprawled on his lap, slowly sub coming to sleep as he continued working on his datapad.

Why did you always do this?

Humans are much more delicate than him. You know this. Yet you always worked hard to help him.

He knew you might think it’s not a lot, but a lot of small things build up to something bigger. And that’s what it was with you. Every detail or help you gave, no matter how small, ended up warming his spark. You had him wrapped around your finger and you didn’t even know it. 

So no matter how annoyed he was with you and everything else. He genuinely cares for your wellbeing. Picking you up gently, he moved you onto the couch. Placing a blanket on you before he heads back to continue his work.

He should have known better. The fact you were overtaken by your fatigue should have been a sign for him to take a break. 

But he couldn’t afford it.

This could help everyone. Including you. He kept working despite feeling his body getting twitchy and heavy, but he had to get this done. He couldn’t fail.

But alas, his optics were closing and he could no longer resist the plea his body oh so desperately need for some sleep. 

When he gained consciousness of his surroundings again he felt the work space he recharged on. 

Feeling his back sore, he opens his options groggily trying to see what’s going on. Looking over a clock it showed it was past noon. 

Past noon?! He had to finish last night. Frustrated, he got up, quickly logging into his notes only to see the writing was different.

In fact, everything he was working on was reorganized and label. And he saw an energon cube nearby with a small note.

“Morning Doc, went out to get some coffee. We ran out of the good stuff. As you can see I left you some alien breakfast. Also hope the rearrangements help you find your notes faster lol. See you in a bit my lovely hardworking doctor :D <3”

Rolling his eyes at that last part. Ofc you always had to include your strange nonsense, but at this point he’s not surprised why he fell for you. 

He chuckled, just thinking about you endeared him. But he knew he couldn’t allow himself more than that. You are human. He is an autobot. You deserve to be happy, not to be burned with his problems.

Hates that you have this control over him without you even realizing it, but that’s probably for the better. He shoves those thoughts aways as he starts to work where he left off.

Only that your note kept coming to mind.

How that heart you drew at the end twists his spark. Imagining you with an unreasonable amount of coffee on your way this instant brought a small smile on his face.

“Of course, it’s always the coffee over me isn’t it.” He chuckles at his own thoughts. 

“Oh cmon doc, give me more credit than that.” Playful as always, you indeed came back with too many bags of instant coffee. 

Rolling his eyes at your comment he scoffs playfully at you. Once again, biting his tongue from ever letting the conversation go on longer. Worried that the consequences of getting close to someone will hurt him.

Especially when the someone he likes romantically is a human.

A human would most definitely want to be with another human.

Not with him.

He’s just a bucket of metal who’s too tired for all of that. He could never treat you the same way a human would, it’s better if you just stay with your own kind.

But it seemed you had different plans. Always finding ways to stay with him and wriggle your way into his spark. He kept this to himself. 

He finished his work for the day and was about to recharge but your soft whisper interrupted. “Hey doc.”

“Yes (y/n).” He groans a bit as he responds with his eyes closed. “As an expert in the biology for cybertronians i got a question.” He hums in interest, wondering were you’re going with this.

“Is it possible, in theory, for a cybertronian to have a romantic relationship with a human.” 

Now he was fully awake. 

“(Y/n), why in the world do you need to know that? I don’t see how it’s beneficial to explore the topic.” 

He hope he hid it well. How flustered he actually was from your question. “yes, I know, I know. But is it possible?” 

Turning to face you on his night stand. You were in your own human berth staring at him.

He wanted to say yes. The urge to say that’s what he wanted with you was strong. His own spark pressuring him to shared his true thoughts.

But, He didn’t know what consequences his response would lead to, and that scared him. 

you were genuinely asking for an answer, and he just couldn’t just ignore you. No matter how much of a waste of time it was.

“Well, in theory, yes. It is possible.” 

He’s not sure cause he barely caught it, but he’s pretty sure you got flustered at that comment before you hid your face. 

“Oh alright.” You were giddy and a bit flushed yourself. Wasn’t sure what your reaction specifically meant, but he hoped it was a hint that you indeed feel the same he did about you.

———————————————————————

Masterlist

[sxnnimoon]

Pedro Pascal x f!reader

You went to wedding as wedding guest. You walks to church, as you step in you trip over but someone catches you in your waist, as you put your hands on his shoulders. You barely apologize as you look at him in sixty second, he let you stand. As you two gonna have a seat for church to begin. Afterwards, they went to wedding reception and they talk deeply and get to know each other. Their chemistry is so wonderful *fluffiness*

(Hope you will write it, thanks and have a good day)

Thank you so much for the request lovely !!🖤

When you’d received the invitation you almost didn't open it, you had done a quick skim through not even thinking that the envelope with gold fouling was something important until you received a call from your cousin just days before the rsvp deadline.

“Did you send yours in?” she’d asked.

“My what?” confusion adorn your face as you try to think of what she meant.

“Your rsvp?” she said as a question. “You know, the one for my wedding..?”

“Fuck..” you cursed to yourself. “Right! I am so sorry, I completely forgot. Do I still have time?”

“I doubt it’ll make it to me in time but over the phone is fine.” she giggled. “Are you bringing anyone?”

Wasn’t that the question of all questions. Were you? Well, would you?

“Just myself,” you responded.

“Solo? I thought you were seeing someone?” you could hear the pout in her voice.

“If you define seeing as ghosting you for their ex then by all means, sure…” you ran a hand through your hair.

She was silent before responding, “Well! Weddings are a time to hook up, maybe you’ll find someone.”

“Not my style, but thanks.” you shook your head.

“Still, maybe you’ll meet someone.” She encouraged me.

“Wishing for me to hook up at your own wedding, shouldn’t this be the other way around?” you laughed.

“Come on, you know I mean well.” she laughed before bidding a goodbye. “I’ll see you in a month, I have hope.”

“That makes just you.” you whispered once the call officially ended, not a single inch of hope in your heart.

As the wedding day came you found yourself standing outside the church for what felt like years. Family you haven’t seen in so long saying hi, a little overwhelming but what else can you do? Turning towards the church you shook your head, it was higher up off the ground. Two curved stairways, one on either side. Roses and plants adorn the rails. It was beautiful, out of a movie no doubt. You’d have to give your cousin a compliment about it when you see her. Walking up to the doors you peered in, it was gorgeous. As you stepped in you didnt pay attention to the planters lining the walkway and tripped over one, causing you to stumble. Before you could try and catch yourself your hands found themselves on another’s shoulders as a set of hands could be felt on your waist holding you from hitting the ground.

“Those planters weren’t exactly the best choice…” the voice said, chuckling lightly.

Looking to who was still holding you, your cheeks gained a rosy tint to them from the flustered shock you were in. He was gorgeous, it felt as though you were starstruck.

“Are you alright though?” he asked, helping you to stand back on your feet.

“I..” you shook yourself out of your daze. “Yes! I'm fine. No harm done.”

Your eyes never leave him.

“We should probably grab a seat. It’s about time to start.” he gestured to a back pew for you both to sit down at as the ceremony was to start. As the ceremony came to an end you found yourself lingering about him still. You both were walking the church grounds getting to know one another to pass some time before heading to the venue.

“Bride or groom?” he asked.

“Bride.” you replied. “You?”

“Groom,” you nodded. “We go way back.”

”She’s my cousin actually.” you added.

“I thought there was a resemblance.” His tone is playful to keep things lighthearted, making you laugh.

“That strong huh?” you looked up at him smiling.

“Strong genes, beautiful ones at that.” he returned the smile.

“Stop it..” you gave a small nudge to distract the rosiness forming on her cheeks.

“Oh wow I didn’t realize how much time had passed.” you said, peering at your phone. “I should head back to my room to freshen up.”

You stood there rocking on your heels.

“I have to find where my sister went, I can imagine she’s looking for me.” he smiled.

“See you there?” you smiled.

“See you there.” he said, taking your hand and kissing it, your cheeks now burning as you watch him leave.

Come reception time, you found yourself at your assigned table by your lonesome sipping your drink as everyone was mingling and dancing away. It’s not that you were a stranger at your own table, you were with family but you couldn’t help the way your eyes wandered around the room. Practically scanning the room for the stranger you’d met, funny enough you didn’t even get his name. You’re not one for getting this attached but he intrigued you. Tall, handsome, hopefully single. You didn’t see a ring so you had your fingers crossed. On your walk to the bathroom you spotted him close to the dj booth mingling, he seemed like such a ball of light. As you dried your hands you looked in the mirror beginning to do a few touch ups.

“She is not gonna let me hear the end of this…” you talked aloud. “He’s a literal dream…tall, handsome...”

“Sounds like he’s the one.” A voice piped in followed by a flush, startling you.

“I AM SO SORRY.” You spoke frantically.

“It’s ok, no harm in venting.” She giggled walking out to the sink. “A guy you’re seeing?” She looked at you as she dried her hands.

“More like just met…today.” you hesitated, trying to read her face.

“I see.” She nodded.

“Worst of all I didn’t even get his name..” Y/n sighed.

“And that love is where you messed up.” She smiled as she pointed at you.

“Tell me about it…” you leaned against the counter. “You trip and fall into someone, spend just about two hours talking and you don’t get his name.. or number.”

You groaned, holding your head in your hand. “God I even flirted..”

“You know,” the stranger says as she walks towards the door. “Maybe they feel the same, they themselves just aren’t sure how to go about it all.”

“You might be right.” A small smile on your face. “What was your name?”

“Lux.” She smiled warmly, about to head out.

“Y/n.” You gave your name in return. “Hey Lux?”

You called after her.

“Hmm?” She turned.

“Thank you.” You felt somewhat relieved.

She nodded, “You're welcome.”

Walking out Lux turned back just before the door closed, a look of confusion on your face.

“His name is Pedro.” She stated, leaving before you could ask questions.

“Pedro.” You smiled at the name. It suited him.

As you left the bathroom you looked around by the dj booth only to find him to be gone. It was as if he had disappeared. Returning to your table you sulked a bit, you had a name but he was nowhere in sight, not even Lux to ask questions to. Going back to watching everyone dance on the floor. About 3-5 songs had passed before an announcement for everyone to pair up with a partner and make it to the dance floor as Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran started to play. If one would look closely they could swear they saw a small smile crack as you watched the couples on the dance floor. You were lost in thought when someone tapped your shoulder making you look in the direction.

It was him.

“Care to dance?” he smiled, hand reaching out.

“S-sure.” you stuttered slightly, taking his hand, letting him guide you to the floor.

Placing your hand on his shoulder, while your other was in his. Your fingers entwine with his perfectly as you feel his free hand come to your waist, that familiar feeling from earlier reignited as your skin heated up once more. The feeling makes you shiver at the same time before allowing your body to relax and let him lead you along the floor.

“You’re a hard one to find.” He said over the music for you to hear.

“Looking for me now are we?” You tease.

“One could say the same for you.” He peered down at you, a smirk on his lips.

“I don’t know what you mean.” You play coy.

“A little bird told me otherwise.” His smirk wider.

“Damn you Lux..” you whispered. “Well, Pedro. Maybe she’s right, maybe not.”

He chuckled, “It’s ok to admit.”

He leaned in toward your ear, “I felt the connection too.”

Your cheeks burning a crimson once more at his confession. When did you become so easily flustered?

“Y-you did?” You look into his eyes, earning a nod from him as he playfully dipped you as the song ended walking you off the floor.

“Would it be too much to ask for your number?” You asked hopefully.

“Would it be too forward if I asked to see you again?” He countered, handing you his phone.

“No, not at all.” You couldn’t stop smiling.

“It’s a date then.” He handed your phone back.

The rest of the evening you found yourself glued to his side. You were both drawn to each other. The chemistry is even better than before. It didn’t take long before your cousin and her cousin came over and complimented you both as she hugged you and whispered a drunken I told you so making you roll your eyes.

Maybe she was right, but you’d never tell her that. What you did know was that there was more to this than a silly wedding hook up. He might just be the one for the rest of your life.

[lilacxquartz]

to nurture;

kaori itadori (kenjaku) x gn!reader

plot: following an injury, your new roommate has been getting a little bit too involved — themes/warnings: manipulation, caregiving, emotional abuse, deeply uncomfortable scenes, spoilers — w.c: 3.5k • masterlist • on ao3

a/n: let’s assume this is post-jin and you’re the unfortunate victim who kenjaku decided to infiltrate, maybe even keep. based on a request from an anonymous ask. tbh i’m kind of unsure about how i chose to write it, but i wanted it to be a story about unlikely codependency and here we are.

There was something off about your new roommate.

Not too long ago, you put out an ad. You initially had the spare room going for a competitive rate for the location, but since then, you lowered the prices significantly. Ideally, you were hoping for someone that you wouldn’t ever have to talk to and after a while of seeing all sorts of different people through, you finally settled on someone.

She seemed neutral enough. Cold, but not indifferent. She had just about enough to cover the deposit on her and was quick to sign the contract, moving in as soon as she could. It wasn’t on you to pry into other people’s personal business, so it wasn’t something you ever questioned her about, but given what she later put you through, maybe you should have done just that.

Your new roommate introduced herself as Kaori, with her last name just muttered out, like she was keeping it a secret. A faint red line coloured her ring finger, though it was already partially faded. A glimpse of something glittering could be spotted in her purse, but she was quick to zip it up after you looked for too long. At first, you thought that this was just a divorced woman or someone escaping a troubling relationship just trying to get by, and left it at that.

All in all, you just wanted to be able to afford to live.

So, someone else’s baggage wasn’t your problem.

Kaori was fine, after all, at least for the first couple of months.

She would keep to herself at the start, disappearing for the long hours of the day. Perhaps the money came from a divorce settlement, but you weren’t too sure. She was secretive about what she did for a living, and for a while, you suspected that it was nothing at all. You’d spot her in all sorts of odd places around the city on your commute to work for one, catching a glimpse of her heading into the library, or at other times, slipping into abandoned factories, oftentimes just standing alone in strange places.

To say that she was quirky was an understatement.

You worked shifts at a busy warehouse. You operated a forklift, and oftentimes, the hours would just fly by. You were good at your job, so you could just dissociate throughout the days to make ends meet, and sometimes, you’d get sloppier at it than you would have meant to. You were human, after all and humans made mistakes. A pallet of something a little heavier than what the maximum load could handle stalled the vehicle and then crashed nearby, leaving you a victim of a workplace incident.

It wasn’t a serious injury, but you couldn’t work for a while. Supposedly, someone important was visiting the grounds that day, and your boss, who wasn’t always so lenient, was forced to allow your leave. Just two weeks and the first one would be paid out of the company’s insurance. You took the offer without hesitation, because you had help with the rent, unlike before, and Kaori was always on time.

When you returned home, the pain was much worse than before. Somehow, you toughed it out at work, but maybe that was just the adrenaline and for show, proving to your coworkers that it was nothing to worry about. Being at home, however, had a way of settling people; the facade you let up had finally melted away and left behind whatever else hung on within.

Somehow, Kaori already knew about your predicament, or it sure felt like it. A bath was running, and she was home much earlier that day, and though she pretended to be surprised to see you, you knew that it was somehow calculated. She claimed that it was a good thing that you were suddenly home, because she had to run an urgent errand, and she would hate for the bath to go to waste.

“My, my,” she said, prompting you to flinch ever so slightly, “what good timing – you look so… sore.”

The timing was off, and while you had intended to have a bath already, eager to wash away the aftermath of the day, somehow, Kaori being the one to offer it felt somehow wrong. She spoke about bath salts, tearing open a bag actively, going on and on about how they’re good for an aching body, how they’re mixed with magnesium and whatever else they had in to reduce the ache. At first, you shook your head, saying that she really didn’t have to go through such trouble, but then those words came out again. Soft, yet with an edge. Silky, but laced with warning instead of sweetness.

“Oh no, but I insist.”

It wasn’t the weirdest thing that you could have allowed yourself to be talked into, you supposed. Kaori was at best just a bit odd, but she did seem to have your best interests at heart, even if the progression made no sense to you. You two roommates before her, and they were nothing like this. They were involved, but only with things like chores. Never with personal care, and never in a way that felt almost… invasive.

Such doubt was making you go insane, too, but you chose to ignore your gut instinct and trust her just this once. Maybe she was just looking to heal in her own way, maybe she wanted to care about something or someone in a way that wouldn’t come back to bite her.

After all, you had no idea about her situation prior. It could have been anything.

(And so, you gave in and let her take care of you.)

(Even when your heart screamed at you not to.)

When it came to her trying to help you into the bath, you put your foot down at least. You told her that you could manage as the bath was full, that you didn’t need help getting inside, so whatever errand she had to see through—she could go do just that—but she never did. All that she offered was the curious tilt of her head and a measured smile, with her voice hanging onto that venomous sweetness, so deceptively kind, “Oh, did I say that?” she hummed, dismissing her plans, keeping her words clipped, “I must have misspoke. Silly me.”

Kaori persisted beyond that range, leaving you quickly frozen as she peeled away the clothes from your body. You weren’t sure as to why you couldn’t move—it was just someone helping you into a bath, but you couldn’t move a muscle. At least not voluntarily. You felt so vulnerable beneath a touch that felt so poisonous, and she didn’t stop there either, hooking her fingers below your underwear that concealed whatever remaining dignity you had. She slipped the pair off as you shook and guided you into that tub, retaining that fixed, almost condescending look.

You went along with it all, albeit reluctantly. You sat still and let her wash your hair, letting her lather and scrub along the contours of your body. You left the tub rigidly, hardly able to guide your own limbs to the right places as she helped you dry, too, an innocent gesture that felt almost sensual somehow. Kaori hugged her arms tight around your form, pulling you close against her body in a way that breached all forms of platonic will and intent.

All the while, you never once said a word throughout this whole experience, feeling more in danger than you had ever been before. There were no weapons involved, no such threat in your life, nothing of that sort, but you knew that whatever she was doing to you—it couldn’t have been anything good.

Kaori continued like this throughout the day, slowly pushing you over the edge as you were riddled with agitation that only rose from her suspicious ways. She never ended up doing anything awful, but her actions left you reeling, feeling guilty over every internalised accusation you casted upon her.

After all, it wasn’t like she was hurting you.

All she did was bathe and dry you, hell, she even fed you, and then, she left you alone.

That was, until you needed to get up to use the bathroom. Using the toilet with your current injury was a challenge and it felt humiliating to have your basic human functions misbehave. Your legs were a little too stiff and your hands didn’t react the way they usually would. It felt frustrating to happen in your very own home, but then it was made a hundred times worse when you spotted her silhouette in the door. You almost missed her, too, since it was already quite dark.

(But you could feel her. You could feel the presence of someone else and shit. She was looking right at you.)

You couldn’t help but stiffen up again as a result, your voice catching in your throat as Kaori closed the distance. She knelt up right in front of you as you were in the midst of trying to sit down and guided you over the seat. Gently, she took your hand and squeezed it, encouraging you to urinate. You could have sworn that you couldn’t have done so under such a watchful gaze—especially hers—but then you did so anyway, perhaps more so out of fear. Somehow, even in the dark confines of the dim bathroom, you could tell that her eyes were focused—locked onto yours, and when you blinked back, catching a glimpse into the abyss pooling within those coal-black depths… your bladder… simply lost control.

You shuddered as she then calmly turned away, allowing for your dignity to remain somewhat intact as you wiped yourself dry. Your legs quivered the whole time and you could hardly dare to breathe, feeling invaded from her actions alone. Within just mere minutes, she left you feeling somehow dehumanised and within your own home, at that.

“There we go,” she spoke softly, pulling you upright to your feet, ensuring that you were properly dressed before suggesting anything at all. “Now, let’s wash our hands, hm?”

In an almost zombie-like trance, you shuffled off to the sink, twisting the tap to let the water pour. Somehow, it felt scalding against your skin and the soap acidic, leaving you to wash your hands in an almost robotic motion. Kaori was quick to the rescue, because of course she was, swooping in to wash your hands for you, the correct way. She lathered them up again between her palms, letting the suds bubble and form before massaging them away with the oncoming flow.

“What would you do without me?” she murmured in a low voice, guiding you back into the bedroom upon drying you, taking the liberty of tucking you in herself.

You avoided eye contact with her by then, something that didn’t go unnoticed by her. She smiled throughout the entire ordeal, though, simply regarding you in a near-pitying way. Not because she felt sorry for your injury, though, but because you had no choice in how this whole thing could have gone. You were now involved with her schemes without a single say in whether it should have been you or someone else instead.

(Motherhood, after all, had awoken something deeper in Kaori that she didn’t want to admit to anyone, let alone herself. Not to the dear roommate who perhaps had already formed such suspicions of her, despite not knowing who or what she truly was. How perfect were you, though, when you let her channel those feelings without fighting back. Such a good find, she thought. How privileged she must have been to find someone unable to decline a gentle touch, while being starved of it! All she had to do was apply a mere dusting of care to keep you wrapped right around her finger, and then she could indulge. There always had to be something about the vessels and the instinctive urge to nurture called out to Kaori at least. Maybe this could change when she switched into this next one. Poor you, being left all alone when that time arrived, but that much was your problem—not hers.)

Though, try as you might when it came to avoid her, she always found her way back to you. It was like a gravitational pull. She’d settle in sleeping in the same bed as you, claiming that she caught you stirring from a nightmare, quick to comfort you as she saw fit. True to her words, you were indeed often suffering from nightmares, but it didn’t help much when the monster in your dreams was there to greet you from the moment you woke up.

And being what Kaori was, a certain sort of negativity followed her around. Perhaps she was drawn to you for other reasons, beyond just misplaced motherhood, because you could definitely see the things that started to manifest from her presence.

One time, she decided to address such an observation. Speaking up, she demanded your attention for a moment. “Tell me, do you see what’s hiding in the corner right over there?”

You quickly learned to respond to Kaori at some point in, knowing that she would smother you with her persistence the longer that you ignored her. Your eyes reluctantly drifted over to the small shadow of a shape that flickered in the dark of your room, sighing a deep breath before nodding in response to her.

“I see,” she softly murmured, taking your hand in hers and pressing it against her face. The action could almost be seen as caring, as loving, as tender—if not for the aura of unease that radiated from her. “You truly have no idea of the world that’s right around you, do you?”

You didn’t reply.

Kaori, however, continued regardless. “We’ll come back to that matter another time, then, it’s not like I have the means to demonstrate that matter right now anyway.”

You didn’t reply that time either, half drifting off to sleep. You had a faint idea of what she was going on about, you weren’t as ignorant as she thought. You had a moment closer to your youth when similarly suspicious people asked you if you wanted to harness your abilities, but you refused them then. A part of you wondered if such untapped potential indirectly caused certain people, like Kaori, to drift towards you unintentionally.

Similar to the thought she had herself.

Although just as you were on the cusp of sleep, Kaori would speak up again. The repeated process of withholding you from such exhaustion felt almost like torture.

“You’ve heard of Jujutsu, haven’t you?” she asked, tapping your temples that time. The way her voice fell off her lips felt almost seductive and alluring, especially with the way she held you, leaving you uncomfortable, but that much was nothing new.

You blearily nodded with your eyelids drooping shut.

“Then you’ll perhaps understand what I mean when I say that I have an… unintentional technique,” she tested, holding onto you tighter, “and because of it, I finally found what—who—I need and need to disappear, but only for a little while.”

You blinked your eyes open again, this time for different reasons. “But your contract—”

“Rent is no matter,” Kaori dismissed curtly before adopting a calm smile again, as if her intention was to only soothe, “I’ll easily settle it, I certainly have the means,” she added with a laugh. “Though, I am asking that you give me a week or so, it’s always such a bother settling into someone new.”

You stiffened. Did she say someone or something? You blinked again, shaking away the sleep that threatened to pull you under and just as it happened, she stood up, tucking you back into bed, leaving you behind with only a faint lingering kiss on your forehead before it took you over.

And when you woke up next, it was all alone.

Except for the fat envelope of cash that sat on your nightstand table, covering maybe this month and the next year, from the looks of it.

~~~

“Just give me a week.”

That’s what Kaori told you right before disappearing, but then she never came back. It had been months since she promised such a thing, but you were still alone and your body by then, had fully healed.

Your home was a quiet place beyond that point, leaving you to wonder if she was ever coming back at all. In a way, you were glad that her departure was instant, that she didn’t leave you to wonder about where she had gone, but it was the promise of her coming back that had tilted you off-centre otherwise. It was the threat in her voice that she would return to you, that left you reeling with uncertainty and apprehension, that this was in fact, far from over.

You kept telling yourself that maybe whatever strange issue she was going through was since then settled, especially as the weeks started to pass you by. Maybe you even dreamed up that whole conversation you had about Jujutsu, because realistically speaking, nobody could have known that about you.

But then, at some point during the night, the front door to your home knocked.

You didn’t pay any attention to it at first, halfway settled into your bed, but then the knocking became more insistent, forcing you to investigate. You were deadly tired by then, and the exhaustion had been clouding your judgement, but something told you that you should investigate whoever it was that was knocking on your door.

The hour of the night be damned.

Albeit cautiously, you pulled open the door to be met with someone somehow familiar, but it wasn’t a face that belonged to anyone you knew. It was a young man, maybe in his early to mid-twenties with long black hair and a calm, measured expression etched onto his face that could only remind you of one person and one person alone.

You blinked at the sight, almost about to ask him what he needed at this hour, but then you noticed the next part about him.

A bright red bleeding line that looked a little too fresh, slashed and hastily stitched across his forehead, almost resembling the matured scar that Kaori had for herself.

You didn’t even need to ask him to confirm it at that point.

The moment you made eye contact with him was when you already knew; those void-like depths that greeted you with familiarity, as if he—she—as if Kaori had never even left.

“Did you miss me?” he asked, stepping into your home.

“I have an unconventional technique.”

(Is this what she meant back then?)

You didn’t quite understand the weight of her words back then, but now, looking at the man who made himself at home before you, it was starting to all make sense in a way that almost seemed impossible.

This was Kaori, but it also wasn’t.

“How sweet,” he continued, overlooking the kitchen and the bedroom, touring the place like it was his own, “you didn’t throw out any of my things and you kept my room just as it was before,” he then added with a snort, “I knew you’d wait.”

You stood there, feeling almost dizzy. Feeling as your body spiralled from the implications of who or what you had just let into your home, wondering if you had made a mistake somewhere down the line to have allowed this sort of strange situation to happen, but nothing made sense anymore—nothing at all.

Finally, he turned to face you, blinking down at your form. That same tone of misplaced care crept back into his voice, the same way that Kaori condescendingly addressed you from the entire time she stayed with you. “You’ve gotten thinner,” she softly spoke, sounding almost disappointed, “have you been eating properly?”

You didn’t answer. You couldn’t.

A slight frown tugged against this not-stranger’s lips, his expressions all eerily similar to the woman who you once let into your life.

“No matter,” he smiled, “I’ll prepare something for you - do you still like that porridge I cooked for you that one time? I think I made it for you on the first day of your injury. The one with mushrooms and chicken. You were so stubborn about eating it, but the bowl emptied itself eventually. However did you survive without me?”

In an almost resigned way, you sat yourself over at the breakfast table, unable to quite argue back nor comprehend what exactly was happening or how Kaori, the once quirky woman you had let enter your life, was now somehow someone else.

And yet, despite the wrongness of it all, it somehow felt like things were back where they should be.

With Kaori.

Or whoever it was that she was now.

(And them, with you; the unlikely pawn they had found.)

[machveil]

hi i wasnt sure where to go but im hoping others in the community can help me find a lost writing piece !! the premise was reader who works in the archives on base and doesnt think that tf141 notices her so she leaves little gifts that they need, like new cloths for their guns, lotion, etc etc. the boys keep getting gifts until they finally figure out its reader whos leaving them !! i can probably think abt more details but this is what ive got so far ! it was multiple chapters but i cant find it anywhereee !! hoping either you know it or someone else does !! also love ur work always <33

you’re in the right place! we’ve located fics before and we’ll try for this one too >:D

I personally don’t recall it, but I can get a search party going🎀✨I’ll update this post if someone comments or reblogs it with the fic title or author

[wake-me-up-inside-imagines]

hi! I saw somewhere that Jason is manipulative. Would you want to write him with a nerd reader? Maybe where he's like. An extra bad person?

Ooh yeah, Jason's darling being a nerd would certainly bring out an...interesting side of him. I hope this lives up to expectations!

Yandere! Jock With A Nerd Darling

Gn! reader

Warnings: Yandere character, gaslighting, sort of stalking, Jason makes mean comments, manipulation, emotional manipulation, Jason's a bad boyfriend, he's also really obnoxious, jerk mentality on Jason's part

divider credit goes to: @k1ssyoursister

Yandere! Jason who never would have seen himself with someone like you, not until he ended up in a class with you, anyway. He'd never been one to interact with the nerds (or the losers, as he liked to call them) during grade school, not even to bully them. He simply pretended they didn't exist, minus the odd rumor here and there. That little habit of his didn't change much once he got to college, especially with how much bigger crowd was around him. He had his crowd, and the introverted smarties had their own. There was even less reason to keep them in his mind than before.

Yandere! Jason who doesn't think much of you when he ends up sitting next to you in class one semester, on the first day of the class. It's a rather packed class, and he did arrive late, but he doesn't really care about the less-than-stellar seating arrangement. It's not like he knew anybody in the class anyways, so why does he care who he sits by? You clearly won't bother him, nobody with a brain would. If he's lucky, he'll be able to skate through the class without needing to do any groupwork.

Yandere! Jason who's quite pissed when he finds out that he is going to do group work, enough so that it's a rather large part of his grade. At least he's paired with someone who looks relatively smart. He'll just have you do all the work and he'll claim his grade. If you oppose that idea? Well...he'll cross that bridge if he gets to it.

Yandere! Jason who thought he'd hate being paired with a know-it-all looking loser, forced to listen to longwinded rants about lord knows what while he nods off into his laptop. He's surprised to find that you aren't like that, not really. You're smart, he can tell just by briefly interacting with you, but you aren't overly obnoxious about it. You'll spit out information when you need to, but for the most part you keep to yourself, doing your work quietly. Plus, you end up doing his portion of the work without complaining once it's clear he won't be doing it, so it's a total win for him! He gets a free grade, and he doesn't have to worry about some annoying groupmate!

Yandere! Jason who thought that would be the extent of your relationship. And yet...as each class passes, he can't help but look forward to the next one, where he gets to see you again. You don't speak much, but every word you do say has some sort of allure to it, drawing him in with every syllable. It doesn't help that your easy on the eyes, although a style switch up wouldn't kill you...

Yandere! Jason who slowly begins initiating conversation with you, mostly teasing, joking remarks. His occasional comments turn to regular annoyances that go on as the class progresses, never ending in their frequency. You don't respond most of the time, but your occasional protests are like music to his ears, filling him with an even greater desire to hear your sweet voice. If only he could get to know you better...

Yandere! Jason who slings his arm around your shoulder one day, casually chatting you up while you walk back to your dorm. He talks about everything and anything with you, mostly teasing still, being obnoxious as always as he asks you about yourself, probing for answers. You can try all you'd like to go anywhere else than where you live, but he'll just keep harassing you until you let him walk you to your dorm. He will find out where you live, regardless of your willingness to tell him.

Yandere! Jason who uses his newfound knowledge to harass you even more, not just during class. He'll figure out your schedule just to be able to catch you as you're leaving for class. Lord knows you're not going anywhere else. And don't try to change up your schedule so you can avoid him, because he will figure out what you're doing.

Yandere! Jason who would have laughed if a couple months ago, you'd told him he'd be paying so much attention to a nerd like you. It's not so funny now, not when you've made him utterly infatuated. Even he doesn't understand it. Why would someone as inconspicuous as you catch his eye? You're not like the models and athletes he's used to dating, you've got nothing particularly eye catching about you, so why does he crave you so badly? Is it because of your soft genuine nature, so unlike the prissy suck-ups he's surrounded by constantly? Is it your unconscious anxiety around him, turning you into a shy mess of a human whenever he speaks? Maybe it's the taboo nature of the relationship, a hunk of a guy like him with a pathetic teacher's pet like you?

Yandere! Jason who's unsure of a lot, but he knows one thing: you're too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Yandere! Jason who actually begins being a little nicer to you as time goes on. He'll drag you get you into the best parties on campus, he'll get you little gifts he thinks you might like, he'll even start complementing you more often. Of course, you aren't doing the most with your looks and he'll make sure you know that, but he offers to help you out, so it's not too meanspirited! If your what he's got to work with, then work with you he will. he'll make the perfect partner out of you yet.

Yandere! Jason who doesn't take long in asking you out, despite the jibes and jeers from his friends. They know of you, it's hard not to when Jason's been dragging you everywhere with him, but he doesn't care. He'll have you, no matter what his friends say. They'll like you soon enough.

Yandere! Jason who's ecstatic when you say yes, not that he expected any different. It's not like you had much choice either, with him publicly asking you out in front of his gang and all. Now he can really start getting to work on you.

Yandere! Jason who starts off slow, at first. He'll let you get used to the relationship before doing anything rash, slowly warming you up to his touch and affection. His obnoxious teasing doesn't let up, but rest assured, he'll make you feel loved and safe. He'll prove he can be a good boyfriend to you, if you'll let him. How can he expect to help you in any way if you don't trust him in the first place?

Yandere! Jason who gives it a couple months, implementing tiny, miniscule changes as he does so. Integrating you into his friend group little by little, getting you articles of clothing he'd think look good on you, asking you on more public dates every time you two go out. You don't notice anything, and he's grateful for it. It'll make the next transition much smoother.

Yandere! Jason who begins to get a little meaner after a while, though not by much. In fact, you could be misinterpreting things, conjuring up issues that don't actually exist. That's what Jason says, at least. What do you mean, he's getting more pushy about the clothes you wear? he just thinks you would look nice in the outfit he bought you, is that so terrible? What are you talking about when you say he's been making jabs at they way you talk and act? he's just been making harmless comments, what's wrong with that? Seriously, are you feeling ok? You're reading way too into things, this is normal in a relationship.

Yandere! Jason who knows you believe him, and he knows it's driving you crazy. He's not stupid; he's seen how your demeanor has shifted. You've started suppressing the little traits he's made comments about, consciously forcing yourself to behave in a manner he said he likes more. You've ditched most of the unflattering clothes you used to wear when he met you, changing your wardrobe to fit his tastes more. You've stopped talking about your more nerdy interests once you figured out he won't pay you any mind, staying quiet as he shows you what his actually interesting hobbies are. You're still nerdy, but he's changing you little by little. Just like he planned.

Yandere! Jason who can feel pride swelling in his chest as he sees how different your becoming, how pliant you are. He knew you'd be easy to shape to his liking, he knew you'd follow his lead, but it's still beautiful to see the fruits of his labor unfold before him. Of course, he still loves you, he always has. Even when you were still a nobody, he loved everything about you. But he needed to make you change, he needed to! Not only for himself, but for you. How was he supposed to carry on dating you and leave you as you were? You were a loser, a nobody, someone who only managed to catch his eye by pure chance. For the sake of his image and yours, he had to help you.

Of course...I does help that you'll listen to whatever he has to say, isn't it?

Yandere! Jason who does feel a bit bad for you. You've changed a lot of your personality for him, a personality he was rather fond of. He can see how quiet and depressed you've gotten since getting with him, and in a way, it breaks his heart. Still, it's for the best, he knows it is. He's opened up so many doors for you, surely you'll learn to adapt to his changes, right? He still loves you, you know that, right?

Yandere! Jason who knows you're still a nerdy, shy person at heart. But he can change that. He can break you down until you're everything he wants you to be, rebuilding you as his own perfect partner. You're still a work in progress, but that's ok. For you, he can be patient.

He can be patient.

I hope you enjoyed!