#i mean. i know my own research it's not like i'm lost and the slides will be there to guide me. but like. i don't talk freely during

[bredforloyalty]

how do i get myself to do very urgent uni stuff. help should i imagine shadow people killing me unless i finish do i think about the potential humiliation what do i do

[thelov3lybookworm]

The Elites

Day 7: free day

Summary: old debts need to be paid.

•○●⛦●○•

A/n: mafia lucien is soo 🤤 also, I know this is pretty cliché. So what? Its just a one-shot. All that matters is Lucien is hot 😏

(should i do part 2...?)

@lucienweekofficial

•○🌑○•

Lucien sipped on his coffee as he read through the reports in his hand, the TV in front of him playing some news channel, the volume turned low. Not loud, but audible enough that he could listen to it.

Or his assistant could. At the moment, she was lounging in the chair on the other side of his desk, staring intently at the TV.

Something occurred to Lucien as his attention flitted to the TV for a moment. The man that was currently being interviewed looked familiar.

"Have we yet found the man who stole from my father?" He questioned, setting the reports down on his desk.

His assistant– Alice– glanced at him.

"No." She replied flatly.

Lucien nodded, his eyes not moving from the man. He grabbed the remote without looking and increased the volume, leaning back in his seat and grabbing his coffee again.

"Who is that guy?"

"Some random billionaire. He's recently became very famous. Has four daughters."

Lucien let that information marinate in his mind.

This man definitely looked familiar, and Lucien wasn't going to let that slide.

Could that be him?

"Alice?" He called.

"Hmm?"

"Think you can get me the file my father had on all his business partners? Also the file he kept on who all he had lent money to."

"Sure." She got up, fixing her skirt and shirt, clasping the few top buttons she always had open. Lucien eyed her for a moment before looking away. She always did that when in his presence, opening her shirt buttons until her chest was practically falling out of it.

"Thanks. Please make sure it's recieved by the next hour."

She nodded and left. And then Lucien pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"Hello?"

"Festus. I want you to–"

"You know you can call me Jurian, right? It's my name after all." The voice was cheerful, meant to be deceptive. And it could fool people if they didn't know that he, Jurian Festus, was private investigator for the elite mafia families. Lucien's family was one of those elites.

"Festus. I'm going to need you to get me all the information you can about this new billionaire. Apparently, he's recently become very famous."

"Mr Archeron you mean? Oh yeah I can get you information about him."

Lucien felt his eyes narrow. "How do you already know who I am talking about?"

Jurian laughed. "I was just researching about him for fun because I had nothing else to do. Turns out, he'd been a very wealthy man, trading in jewels and what not. He suddenly went off the radar for some years, almost a decade. He's now back, claiming he'd lost all his wealth due to a shipwreck or something. Apparently, he recently found out the ships never stopped sailing."

Jurian took a pause, then continued. "The youngest of them is married into the Night family. Has beef with the Springwell family. The second oldest is the favourite of Mister Archeron. Doesn't really give a fuck about the oldest and third daughter."

Lucien took all of that information in before responding.

"Get me all the background on him and everyone he associates himself with."

"Sure. Did you try the new drink–"

Lucien hung up before Jurian could agitate him further.

•○🌑○•

"Alice. My office. Now." Lucien spoke into the telephone.

He had recieved the reports on the Archeron father, and turned out the man really was familiar.

"Yes?" Alice pushed open the door, strutting in like she owned the place. Her shirt buttons were again undone almost halfway, her hair pulled back into a tight ponytail.

"Get my car ready. I'm going to meet someone."

She cocked her head. "Who is it that you are going to see?"

Lucien stood, setting the reports aside.

"You are my assistant, Alice, not my mother. I do not need to let you know of anything if it does not concern you. Do not make me repeat myself. Get my car ready."

He could see her fuming, steam practically coming out of her ears. But she nodded and turned away, walking out of his office.

Lucien pulled out his gun, making sure it was loaded before he left his room.

This was going to be a fun trip.

He found his car waiting for him in front of his house. It was a black SUV.

When he went to open the door, a hand shot out to grasp the handle. He slowly turned his head to look at the person, a muscle in his jaw ticking.

Alice gave him a charming smile.

"Were you planning on leaving without me?"

Lucien gripped her hands, tightening his hold until fear entered her eyes. "Get out of your limits again, and you'll lose your job."

•○🌑○•

The Archeron home was huge, but it was humble compared to the Cleaver's estate.

It didn't even begin to compare.

Lucien walked upto the door, his group of guards and security right behind him. As soon as he rang the bell, the sound of footsteps greeted him.

The door opened, and he expected a servant to peek out.

But he found himself looking at a woman, barely any older than him. She was beautiful, her eyes captivating as she stared at Lucien.

"How may I help you?" She raised an eyebrow.

Lucien blinked, then cleared his throat. "Uh– yes– I'm here to meet with Mister Archeron."

Her eyes roamed over his security team, incredulity taking over her features. "Alright..." She drew out the word.

"Who is it?" A firm voice asked from behind the lady, and she glanced back.

"I don't know. He says he's here to meet father."

From the slight gap over her head, Lucien could see a similar looking woman, though older, standing there.

"I'll get him. Don't let anyone in."

A few moments passed, and the woman who had opened the door inched it open slowly, leaning against it as she pulled a novel out of nowhere and began reading.

Lucien found himself studying her, and by the time Mister Archeron arrived, Lucien had memorised almost everything on her body. From her features to her clothes to the accessories she wore, everything.

"Who is it?" An irritated voice questioned from inside the house, and Lucien looked to find the man he'd seen on TV that morning walking towards the door.

"Lucien Cleaver." The man paled, and Lucien smiled, ignoring the questioning look the woman sent him. "That last name mean something to you?"

"No. Absolutely not. Y/n, why don't you go read somewhere else? Let me handle this now."

Y/n. A beautiful name. Lucien thought.

As soon as the girl was out of sight, Lucien got to the point.

"I know you know who I am, so let's not pretend. The contract will stands, and according to it, you are obliged to get our money back."

"I don't know what you are talking about. Leave the property before I call the guards."

Lucien smiled slowly. "You don't want to do that."

The man swallowed, realising he could not get out of this one. "I can't return the money. I don't have it right now."

Lucien studied the man. He knew Archeron was lying, but maybe Lucien could get something out of this facade.

"That's okay then."

"Is it?" Archeron looked at Lucien warily. Smart.

Lucien smirked. "You can have all the time you want to return the money, and in the meanwhile, you are supposed to hand over something precious to you."

"What do you want? Jewels?"

"Your daughter."

"No. You will not have any of my daughters."

"I'm not asking for your favourite Elain. I'm good with Y/n too."

The man's eyes turned from wary to contemplative. "I... if I do that, will you leave me alone?"

Lucien shrugged. "You will have her back once you return our money."

Archeron sighed. "Fine. Have her."

It took all Lucien had in him not to shoot him them and there. Lucien hated people who were ready to trade away their kids so they could have some money in their pocket.

But lucien didn't do that, because if this man was ready to let his daughter leave with someone he didn't know, then he didn't deserve to have her.

"I'll get her ready."

•○🌑○•

General Taglist: @bubybubsters @eos-princess @nightless @lizziesfirstwife

[mimisempai]

I'll do anything if it's with you

ummary

Crowley is rather reluctant when Aziraphale drags him out of the warmth of the bookshop into the cold of winter. And becomes even more so when he discovers it's for ice-skating.

Notes

Thank you Monielysium for your donation to Alzheimer's Research UK in exchange for this story.

INEFFABLE ADVENT CALENDER

On Ao3

Rating G -  1101 words

"Angel, where are we going?" 

Crowley was a little annoyed that Aziraphale had made him bundle up against the cold and dragged him outside without saying anything.

"We're almost there," Aziraphale reassured him, patting his hand.

Crowley grumbled, "Why do we have to go out in this cold? We were so comfortable on the sofa, warm in the shop."

Aziraphale chuckled softly at the annoyed demon's pout. "I'm sure you'll enjoy what we're about to do, and if you don't like it, I promise... wait till I think... a hot chocolate and lots of hugs and kisses to make up for it. "

After that, Crowley had no choice but to give in. He put up no more resistance and let Aziraphale lead him. What he didn't like, however, were the gloves the angel had forced him to wear, because it felt like a barrier between their hands. He grumbled, preferring to feel the angel's skin against his own. 

Aziraphale's voice interrupted his grumbling, "Here we are."

Crowley, lost in thought, hadn't looked where they were going, and when he looked up, he realized they were in front of a huge ice rink with lots of people skating on it. 

He asked, "Angel, what does that mean?"

Aziraphale raised an eyebrow and cheekily replied, "What do you think?"

Crowley shook his head and replied, "Out of the question! I don't want to make a fool of myself on the ice. I have a reputation to uphold!"

Aziraphale chuckled, "Crowley, my dear, you don't really think I'd let you make a fool of yourself, do you? Besides, I'm sure you exaggerate. Just look at the way you move when you perform a miracle, it's as beautiful as choreography. I'm sure you'll quickly find your rhythm on the ice and I'll be the one making a fool of myself." 

"I doubt it," Crowley grumbled.

The angel took off a glove and stroked Crowley's cheek with the back of his hand, then when he'd put the glove back on, grabbed his hand and pulled him behind him. 

Still overwhelmed by the tender caress and the angel's compliment on the way he moved, Crowley let himself be pulled along without resisting.

They walked to the skate rental place and took a ticket before sitting down on a bench to put the skates on. 

Crowley stood up carefully, checking his balance and grumbling again, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him as Aziraphale said gently, "It'll be more natural on ice.

Then he slipped his arm under Crowley's and added reassuringly, "You'll see, everything will be fine." 

Crowley could only soften at the way the angel was trying to make the experience as pleasant as possible, and he leaned forward to plant a light kiss on the tip of his cold, reddened nose. 

Aziraphale smiled softly, and sliding his hand down the demon's arm, he grasped his hand and said, "Let's get on the ice.

They approached the opening that gave access to the rink.

Crowley was now genuinely amused by the way Aziraphale was acting, part coach, part mother hen: "I'll hold your hand at the beginning, okay?" 

Crowley retorted teasingly, "You don't need an excuse to hold my hand, you know?"

"Idiot."

At the first few steps, despite all of Aziraphale's advice, Crowley tensed because he felt he had no control over anything, and God knows he didn't like that feeling at all.

Aziraphale murmured softly, "Relax, I'm here," then planted a gentle kiss on the demon's temple to calm him before continuing, "Lean on me and follow my rhythm.

Crowley chuckled softly and replied, "That's what we do best. Lean on each other and follow each other's rhythm."

Aziraphale chuckled in response and they began to move forward.

As the first lap passed without incident, Crowley smiled proudly and regained some of his aplomb. But he didn't let go of Aziraphale's hand.

To be honest, he wouldn't have let go even if he were perfectly balanced.

He dared to take slightly larger strides to increase their speed, feeling more and more at ease. 

The breeze was exhilarating. Crowley looked at the rest of the trees and the landscape around them, the Christmas lights, and let the speed carry him away.

As always when he was with Aziraphale, there was something exhilarating about doing things that humans do, whatever it was.

Crowley asked Aziraphale, "Will it be there all winter?" 

"As long as the temperatures allow, I suppose."

"Then we can come back?" asked Crowley eagerly.

Aziraphale smiled affectionately at Crowley's cold reddened cheeks and replied, "We've only just started and you want to come back already?

Crowley simply nodded, pleased at the happy expression he'd put on the angel's face.

Aziraphale pulled Crowley to him, wrapped his arms around him, and kissed him tenderly on the ice. They stayed there, indifferent to the skaters who curved to avoid them.

By the end of the evening, Aziraphale had held up his end of the bargain. They were now both snuggled up together, kissing on the sofa, wrapped in a cozy blanket, two steaming cups of hot chocolate on the coffee table. As they parted to catch their breath, Crowley said softly, "What a lovely reward."

Aziraphale blushed slightly and replied softly, "The reward is just as pleasant for me.”

Snuggling up to the demon, he added, "It's great that none of us fell today."

An eerie silence answered him, and he felt the demon stiffen slightly.

"Crowley?"

He looked up to see Crowley's face and, noting the guilty look on his face, asked, "Did you have anything to do with the fact that none of us fell?"

Crowley replied in a falsely innocent voice, "Natural skill?"

But Aziraphale saw the mischievous gleam in his eyes and insisted, "Crowley..."

The demon replied cheekily, "A little demonic miracle of my own?"

Aziraphale burst out laughing, and when he finally calmed down under Crowley's amused gaze, he straightened and murmured against his lips, "I suppose I should have known better. This side of you is one of the sides I love the most, and if I hadn't loved you for centuries, I would have fallen in love with you right now. My dear, mischievous demon."

He laughed softly again before leaning forward and kissing the demon tenderly. When he pulled away, Crowley said jokingly, "Now that I know that just using some of my abilities gets me this special treatment, I'm going to use them more often."

Aziraphale laughed again, then used all his skill to wipe the impertinent smile from the lips of his cheeky demon.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable Growing Love series : (After season 2) 

Part 1 Story 1-99

Part 2 Story 100-?

Ineffable Husbands masterlist : here (Before season 2)

[bluezey]

So here's something fun to think about. I like Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss. I'm also a Christian. I'm sure that's no big thing, I've even found a fan or two that are religious. But let's say I can't talk about the shows on my personal Facebook blog without getting some comments about "the enemy getting into my home" or how I have to cover up the pentagrams on my Alastor standees with electrical tape. I mean I don't like them, but it fits the show, and I guess making them stars doesn't work for my mom 😅

So, why do I like the shows? Well, it's good and funny! Dark humor that I know some would be offended by, especially Christians, but for me, I can look past them being demons and see a funny show with great characters. The designs are great, some even amazing. Helluva Boss is evolving into its own show in the second season, as the first season was more the setup of the premise, but the seasons are still good, especially for an independent production released in YouTube.

And Hazbin Hotel, not only good and funny, but the premise is fascinating! The princess of hell, aka Lucifer's daughter, wanting to save her people by rehabilitating demons so they can get into heaven. This is an interesting concept! Reminds me a lot of iron sharpening iron, or maybe even blind leading the blind. Because, what do demons think is good? What do demons think make a demon rehabilitated? Will heaven accept and work with hell to allow good demons into heaven? It also kinda reminds me of the lost book of the Bible called the Revelation of Peter. It's basically the same thing as the Revelation of John, but with an additional passage where Peter and an angel looked down into hell, and the angel basically said "you know, those sinners aren't trapped in hell, all they got to do is accept Christ and they'll be released into heaven." I find it fascinating and kind of funny that, when deciding between these two books, the people putting together the definitive Bible decided "nah, we don't like people getting a chance to escape eternal punishment, let's go with John's book" 😅

Now there are a few nitpicks that, I'm not gonna say dislike, but more like deal with it. One is realizing that some of the demons and lore of the shows are based on some demonology. So Vivziepop has done her homework, and that respectable and impressive. But, the research is so well researched, I'm a little sus at times about how well she knows her stuff. But, I'm not gonna judge her religious beliefs, so I'll let that slide. The second, and another nitpick, I was excited to see the angels after seeing how amazing the designs of the characters look, only to find that the angels look much like the demons in design. That's a little underwhelming imo, but again, I was personally expecting too much I guess. Also, maybe there's some kind of reasoning or message behind the angels and demons having similar designs. Third, another nitpick, but I think they're starting too soon with the demons fighting back against the exterminations. I mean, I'm excited as hell too, but I feel it's too soon. I want to see them try to rehabilitate demons first. But who knows, maybe the angels didn't take Charlie seriously, and this is their way of showing it. I mean, I'd fight back too. I'm pretty sure when demons double die, there's no double hell, and the demons are just trying to survive day by day in hell. And I feel for them having to live through that, especially cause it's eternal, and they can also die. There's some humanity in these demons, particularly the ones that were humans before, or aren't total evil like Asmodeous or Moxxie.

In fact, I can't help but notice that I do like the least evil characters such as Moxxie and Charlie, then later the more evil but complex characters such as Angel Dust and Alastor. Oh my gosh, I love how nostalgic and awesome Alastor is! And that voice is the best part! Then I find out why he's down in hell, and why he likes being in hell, and I'm like.... why do I still like this guy? Why do I like him more??

Anyway, guess as a Christian, Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss are like my guilty pleasure shows. Yes I get why some religious people would hate the show, and why I probably shouldn't like the show. But, I do like the show anyhow. Because I can look past the demons and the hellfire, and try and ignore the glyphs and pentagrams 😅 and see some great writing and animation behind it

[mamamittens]

You know, June is a really strange time for me.

As part of pride month, it kinda makes me reflect on my own very weird journey about my own sexuality and identity. Even now, I'm not entirely sure I have it all figured out. I just kinda ended up sliding in pieces that make the most sense.

Pieces I didn't even pick up until way later than most of my peers, though I know it's not nearly as late as many others.

I literally didn't even consider my sexuality until college as part of a preparation for possibly talking to a guy about if I was interested like I suspected he was. He was and I very much was not. Literally didn't occur to me that it was odd I'd never initiated romance or had crushes before that point. I mean, I had one. In kindergarten with my then best friend because I thought he was cute and funny.

I still remember him fondly but we didn't talk after first grade lol, so that didn't go anywhere.

Then there was the introspection and research as I realized my experience wasn't normal but also was? Like, demi sexuality isn't the norm by any means, but it's hardly crazy. Some part of me was always this way, just compounded by my asocial nature in such a way it literally never came up until one dude on the verge of taking the red pill tried smoozing me for two whole months.

And I didn't realize until near the end of that time. I just liked talking to someone new. It was nice.

Bullet dodged, he was convicted with DV charges a few years after, yikes.

Then again, summer tends to be when I do the most introspection.

Had an ongoing panic attack for June and July a few years back, which was... Something.

Realized I was very likely autistic about two years ago now, like, RAD-S score of 163 kinda likely lmao (thanks for not telling me you opted to not get me tested, mom, I appreciate the sentiment but damn would I have approached certain things differently if I knew from the start my baseline wasn't the norm).

I've come a long way from the little girl on the swings who liked the boy she considered her best friend for maybe a month. The very lost but well intentioned young college student baffled by the void of interest compared to her peers. Someone more comfortable associating with an alien avatar cause my body didn't feel right in a way I couldn't explain. It's mine, I've grown in it for so long, but I hated so much of it. It took so long to appreciate what I have. To really look in the mirror and think "that's me. It's me. Despite everything... It's still me".

I'm still not sure how much I identify with feminine aspects. I feel "female" simply because that's what I've got. And I do think I'd be a bit thrown if I suddenly was physically male (dicks sound like more trouble than they're worth, honestly). I don't think I'd hate it beyond inconveniences though.

It's just so... Casual for me? Not serious? Apathetic. If you called me sir irl I'd laugh cause it's hard to not notice my tits, but I wouldn't be offended.

As for sexuality... I like the idea of romance. Of a partner. But I've never hung my hat on an ideal partner, really. Partly because for the longest time I could never imagine anyone wanting me like that. Why would they? I'm not hideous but I'm hardly worth the trouble in any aspect. Better fish out there and all that.

Just a weird little alien looking at the stars.

But I'm working on that.

Still tooling the words to describe what it's like being "me".

It's not been smooth, this journey. I've felt silly, and stupid, and unwanted. I've hated my reflection and the numbers on a scale. Wondered what I was missing that others had and let them experience all these crucial steps to growing up.

Sometimes I still do.

But I've begun to settle in my skin like I never could before. Even the ugly parts.

Pride months is a time to celebrate and reflect on the LGBTQ+

The people, the struggles, the victories.

I'm ill prepared to do an event at this time, but I hope that you all take a moment to appreciate how far into your own journeys you are. And I hope that you all find peace in your reflections and names and labels (should you use them, change them, or even come back to them after a time), no matter how different they are from the start.

The only one who can decide what you are, what kind of person you are, is yourself. You're the one who will have to wear and walk in those shoes.

And I hope you travel far in them, and see many beautiful, wonderful things.

"...It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul."

William Ernest Henley, "Invictus", 1888

[mamawasatesttube]

oooooh mm. sterling! also lori luthor. let's do our kon's lesbians <3

KONS LESBIANS!!!!!!! serling first:

How I feel about this character

she is my darling my sweet cheese my ragtime gal. i love her and i think she has so much swag

All the people I ship romantically with this character

hear me out. zoanne wilkins,

My non-romantic OTP for this character

serling & kon ! ! ! ! ! ! i want him to show up at her research presentations and at symposiums where she's presenting etc. and just lounge around on tables like. yeah i'm the clone she's talking about on slides 12 through 23. that's right. it's me.

My unpopular opinion about this character

she isnt popular enough to have unpopular opinions so ill just say I THINK SHES NEAT and MORE PEOPLE SHOULD READ SB94

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon.

let her out. that's a lesbian. she has crushes on unavailable, safe older men like guardian and superman. she has trouble connecting with kids her own age. baby lesbian. this is a lesbian

AND NOW LORI TIME!!!!

How I feel about this character

ouhhh i like her so much. i wish she got More.

All the people I ship romantically with this character

kara zor-el. HEAR ME OUT... in an au where early supergirl vol 5 wasnt shit, and kara spent more time in smallville trying to get to know kon... if we sorta fudge timelines a bit. like. karalori could be so fun (their different struggles with grieving their mothers... lori feeling like kara abandoned her when kara leaves for new krypton... kara being completely lost when she comes back after it's destroyed and not even reaching out to lori while she's in lana's apartment Grieving...)

My non-romantic OTP for this character

the simon & kon & sajan & lori (& krypto!) smallville squad. that pic of them all hanging out on the water tower means sooo much to me

My unpopular opinion about this character

lori being kon's cousin is literally the best thing to come out of the geoff retcon. possibly the only good thing, honestly.

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon.

she should've gotten to claw lex's face off after what he did to her mom tbh

[snarkymonkeyprime]

No, seriously, core HHNF is the same but there's more of this now. A lot more.

Kai yawned and stretched his arms overhead, bumping them against the roof of his car. He dropped them back with a sigh and squirmed in his seat, ass fully dead from sitting for so long.

Beside him, Ethan chuckled, glancing once before resuming his watch. "First stakeout?"

He squirmed again. "I'm not a cop. I'm a . . . whatever the hell I am," he muttered. He smiled at Ethan's curious look. "Xerynn doesn't call me an investigator." I think he wants to call me a dumbass but that would ruin his vibe. He grinned. "Most of what he needs from me doesn't require subterfuge."

Ethan focused on him then, his expression curiously flat. "What does he need from you?"

Kai licked his lips, certain he'd imagined something in the other man's tone. "Uh, well. I, er, things get lost and I find them?"

Ethan's eyebrows lifted. He repeated the phrase, never looking away from Kai. "And what things does he need you to find?"

He swallowed then. Shit. This was bordering on what he knew he couldn't let Ethan know. At least, not let him know without breaking his brain in some manner. Chernov was easy. Chernov had met the freaking Baba Yaga so anything Kai said was usually met with a squint and a grunt. Ethan would likely think him insane and try to lock him up for his own safety.

God, how do these guys lie for a living? He looked away, unsettled by Ethan's focus. "He, uh, there are things that he knows about that I go and, er, research." He winced, grateful it was dark in the car and that he was looking to his left, away from Ethan. Good lord, you idiot. Please sound more suspicious, I dare you.

He flinched at the fingers on his neck, twisting back to stare at Ethan, mouth parting. The other man watched him, more curious than confrontational.

"Does he force you to work for him?" he asked, blue eyes bright even in the dark.

Not trusting his voice, Kai shook his head. He swallowed, aware that Ethan's fingers were still settled warmly on his skin. "N-no. I'm able, that is, it's something I can do that others can't." He swallowed again and went on. "Xerynn even implied that I'm free to leave if I want." Sort of. "But, if I can help in some way, I feel I should."

"Help?"

Kai nodded, inwardly dismayed when Ethan's fingers dropped away. "I know you don't like him. Hell, he's not my favorite either, but believe it or not, he has me doing something good." Shit, I wish I could explain this better without you thinking me insane. He glanced at Ethan, chewing his bottom lip. And I wish you'd touch me again. He flushed then, dropping his gaze.

He gasped when Ethan's hand cupped his cheek, lifting his face.

"You'd tell me if he was threatening you, right? Forcing you?"

Kai nearly laughed then, the giddy surrealism bubbling in his chest. Force? I mean, the God of War did say he'd turn me into meat dust if I didn't; does that count? "H-he's not," Kai rasped. His heart was so loud in his ears. Every pulse a thunderclap. He didn't fight when Ethan's hand moved, sliding to the back of his head, nudging him forward. "I . . . I c-can handle myself," he stammered.

Ethan's smile was dark and warmly wicked. "Can you?"

"Mmhmm." He felt dizzy. The car too closed up. The air too warm. And Ethan far too close. And yet, not close enough. He could just feel the puff of air from the other man's mouth, a whisper against his bitten lips.

"Hm." Ethan's eyes flicked around Kai's face. "I think I can handle you, too," he rumbled, leaning in.

Kai's eyes fell shut just as Ethan's lips brushed his. He yelped when his phone rang, lurching back and banging his head against the window. He clutched at his skull and whined. Flustered and startled, he rummaged for his phone and found DEK lighting up the screen.

"Oh, you asshole," he muttered. He glanced toward Ethan but the other man had resumed his earlier focus, staring out the window. But even in the dim light, Kai could see his chest rising and falling, his skin looking a bit darker.

He took a bit of relief in the image. Maybe it wasn't just him turned upside down. Dammit. He sighed and lifted the phone. "This better be good," he snapped.

A pause. "A deceased person laced with Chaos. Is that your definition of good?"

He shut his eyes. Shit. He looked to Ethan to find the man watching him. He sighed loudly, almost wanting to stomp his feet in frustration. "Yeah. That counts." Goddammit, I have the worst luck.

[moosekateer13]

Chapter 2: Cassandra

“Well, sweetheart, it wasn't really breaking in if it was already broken. Also, Sammy, you claimed a witch?” Dean retorted.

A woman with dark hair enters the room, interrupting our conversation. I recognize her from town. Her name is Holy, and she is the owner of Fox Bottles + Bites. Her eyes flash for a brief second. Everyone in town knows she's a shapeshifter. This is going to be an interesting conversation. Maybe I should remove myself so they can talk. Sam won't let me go, indicating he doesn't want me to leave.

“I really like Cassie. After all, it doesn't matter what you are, only what you do. She provides medicine for the town. Also, you are one to talk to. I see you claimed a shifter, but I'm not as judgy as you. I can see you like her. That's all that matters, right?” Sam said.

Dean simply nods before pulling Holy into his arms.

“Things come when we least expect it. I understand that the situation in which we met isn't perfect, but I believe we can make this work, Sam. What brought you to town anyway, Sam?” I said.

“I know you will not like this, but we've been tracking a witch murdering people all over the country,” Sam replied.

“I know there's a lot of bad ones Sam, that is why our reputation is so bad." I said, suddenly realizing that I was still not dressed. So I head to my room to take a quick shower before getting dressed. 

I sit down beside Sam with my research in hand. He absentmindedly plays with my light brown hair while waiting for me to speak.

“The witch you are hunting is my mother, Bridget Vexx. She's always been a loose cannon and very unstable. She killed my father Chalfont when I was 5. Sadly, I saw the whole thing. He made the wrong food, and Bridget just fired her magic on him, killing him instantly. That night, she also left. I lost my mother and father on the same night. Tabitha Grove, the head witch in town, ended up raising me. Tabby passed a few years ago and I've been on my own ever since.” I said.

“Damn, sunflower I'm so sorry you had to go through all that. She sounds awful. If she is such a loose cannon, why haven't we run into her before?” Sam replied.

“Simple answer to that one, Thayer Periculum. He was her perfect match. They balanced each other out from what I read. She met him shortly after she killed my father. He died in a boating accident at the start of the year and she's been killing ever since. I would have gotten rid of her myself, but the white witch codex: "You can't kill blood.” I said.

Sam places a comforting hand on mine. To my surprise, Dean is the first one to speak up.

“We've got this one Cassandra. I know we only just met you but from what I've seen, you are a good person. Sam isn't always the best at judging his female companions, but I know this is one of the few times he's right.” Dean said.

I feel a tear slide down my cheek. His words hit me like a freight train. I rarely ever feel like I belong anywhere. So it means so much to hear him say that.

“Dean, it means a lot to me that you think that way,” I replied. 

I set up my laptop to look up any more information about her last location. I get distracted when I see Oreo has made a home on Sam's lap and he doesn't seem to mind one bit. 

It seems she has been picking small towns. I don't know why but I'm sure we'll find out eventually. The last one she was in was Homer, Alaska. The look town folk said they smelled black dahlias before the couple who were the heart of the town Giove and Gina Ansoald were murdered. It doesn't surprise me she's killing couples. Bridget doesn't have her true mate, so why should anyone else?

 It suddenly dawned on me why she picked this town. It was the last town she lived in with her parents, Bellamy and Clementine Valachovic. They were nomads and never stayed in place for long. 

Maybe her journals will lead us to what towns she could hit next.

I've never enjoyed looking over this in detail but for the sake of research for this case, I have to.

20 mins and I can't read it anymore. It's making me sick to my stomach. The last one she wrote I tossed it across the room.

Chapter 3:

[honeymilkk00]

Haikyuu Boys: You Flinch

Pt 2

@silver-argent​ :  Hii! I super looooove the way you wrote Haikyuu Boys: You flinch, perfect amount of angst to fluff! Are you taking requests? If you are, will you please do a Sakusa and Kenma? the you flinch. It's okay if you don't tho! I'll still look forward to your works!❤❤

tysm for the encouraging words!! my requests are open and im more than happy to do Sakusa and Kenma jewbjkew. i hope you enjoy. i'm literally so tired and just wanted to finally get this out <3

characters:

-sakusa

-kenma

___________________________

Sakusa

Dating Sakusa was the last thing you ever thought would happen to you. He filled your days and nights with such love and passion. You had broken through his stoic and cold shell and had seen him for who he truly was deep inside- a loving partner through and through.

Of course, old habits die hard. Since he had spent years of his life being a reserved person, only putting up with his family and teammates, he still was very hesitant when it came to affection. Sometimes all he wanted to do was to be alone with his thoughts and nothing else. It hurt to see him like that, knowing that no matter what, you couldn’t help him, but you understood and gave him the time he needed.

Five months into yours and his relationship had lead to a few disputes, but nothing too serious. He was a prideful, headstrong man which lead to you having to bite your tongue during arguments and keep your snarky words to yourself, refusing to let them slip off the tip of your tongue. If they did, the argument would escalate. 

You loved Sakusa for everything he was, bad parts and good, but sometimes he was too much. 

And, that’s how you were here, biting your lip harshly as you stare at him, refusing to let your anger get the best of you. 

Sakusa had been coming home quite late due to volleyball practise, but it got to the stage where you were scared that he was doing to overwork himself and injure himself. Instead of letting it slide, you confronted him about it and suggested that he should take some time to let his body heal from the strenuous training regimen that he was doing. It seemed that Sakusa wasn’t in the best of moods and had snapped at you, shooting abhorrent words towards you as if you were nothing but a pile of shit, accusing you of restricting him from reaching his full potential and trying to turn him away from volleyball because you were too clingy for his liking. 

“Fucking hell (Y/N), you’re so fucking clingy! Just because you’re an attention whore and want me to worship you doesn’t mean you can try and take me away from what I love doing. You’re so fucking obsessive it’s driving me crazy!” Sakusa bellowed and clenched his hands together, his nails digging into his hands. 

Taking a deep breath to keep yourself as calm as possible, you spoke in a soft tone, “Omi, I’m not trying to keep you from anything. I just think you should rest your body before you overwork yourself and become ill or injure yourself. I know you want to improve but that can happen gradually over time. I doesn’t need to happen all at once.” You murmured and gently placed a hand on his, trying to reassure him.

Letting out a deep, angered growl, Sakusa pulled away from your grip harshly and pushed your hand away, “don’t fucking touch me! You’re fucking disgusting! All you do is hold me down and try and control my life, you obsessive pest!” He hollered out.

His words ripped open your chest and stabbed you in the heart repeatedly. You felt like you were choking on your own heartbeat. It hurt knowing that your lover found you disgusting. A strong feeling of rage surged through your veins. “How fucking dare you, Sakusa! I’ve done nothing but tried to help you and all you do is treat me like shit. Every time we argue I have to bite my tongue because I know that if I retaliate, you’ll just get even more angry. I can’t express how I feel to you anymore and I feel as if I don’t matter in this relationship. If you want to overwork yourself and injure yourself then fine, go ahead, but don’t blame me for saying I told you so after it’s happened!”

His eyes narrowing at your words, Sakusa swiftly turned to glare at you and raised his fist, poking your chest aggressively, “Fine, I will then because I’m not letting you control me anym-” He paused mid sentence, his eyes widening when he noticed you flinching when he raised his hand. Slowly, he lowered his hand and dropped them at his sides. Your shaking figure made his heart clench painfully tight. “(Y/N) I-”

“I can’t do this anymore, Sakusa.” You voice whispered, barely loud enough for him to hear. Tears rolled down your cheeks and you sniffled quietly. “I can’t handle this pain anymore. I can’t handle feeling like I’m walking on egg shells with you. I can’t handle being afraid of how you’ll react when I speak about how I feel. I just can’t do this anymore.” You voice got quieter and quieter the more you spoke. Looking up at Sakusa, you swallowed thickly. “I can’t do us anymore.” 

Sakusa was frozen, watching you carefully. It was deathly silent. The only sound he could hear was the sound of his heartbeat beating rapidly. 

“I’ll pick up my things tomorrow. I’m going to stay at Atsumu’s for the night.” You whispered and turned away, heading towards the front door. 

A small, almost whine-like noise left Kiyoomi’s mouth. He reached out and clasped your hand gently, tears forming in the corner’s of his eyes. “Please.” He begged quietly.

Looking back at the man you loved, your heart shattered into small pieces when you noticed his dampened eyes. Never had you seen him cry before. “What is it?” You asked quietly, biting the inside of your cheek.

Sakusa pulled you in tightly for a hug and pressed his lips against your cheek gently. “Please don’t leave. Please please please… I’m so so sorry (Y/N).. I didn’t mean anything I said. I love you and I’m grateful for everything you do for me. I’ve just had a really bad day. Please I love you. Please don’t leave. You’re my baby... “ He pleaded softly and held you tightly, as if afraid that you’d disappear if he let go. 

Letting out a sigh, you caved in. You were still mad at him but at the end of the day, you loved Kiyoomi more than anything else. You would give up everything for his happiness. “Kiyoomi...” You whispered softly and then turned around so you were face to face with him. Gently cupping his cheeks, you sighed, “I love you so so much Kiyoomi... But you can’t say stuff like that to me even if you’ve had a bad day. You really really hurt me even though I was just trying to look out for you.” You explained and frowned softly, kissing his tears that resided in the corner of his eyes. 

Pressing his lips softly against your hands that rested on his face, he let out a shaky breath that he didn’t realise he was holding, “I know... I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I promise I’ll do better..” He whispered gently and pressed his nose into your hair lovingly. “I love you so much...”

Leaning in closer to Sakusa, you inhaled his scent, “I love you too, Omi..”

He never wanted to see you flinch like that again.

________________________

Kenma

Kenma was an erudite genius when it came to the art of strategy. His deep understanding of the game and the unspoken pledge to win is what drove him forward and kept him reaching, grasping, clutching for new strategic idea that would leave his opponents breathless.

For days, maybe even weeks, on end, Kenma would be researching, training, and repeating the process until he felt confident in his methodology that would be used in a game. Thus, led to a breakdown. After weeks of undereating, lack of sleep, training beyond his physical capabilities, and his mental strain thinking of ways to defeat the opposing team, Kenma was at his wits’ end. 

As his partner, you immediately noticed the changes in his personality. Of course, concern was your initial reaction and you were somewhat frightened of irritating him more, but you knew you had to confront him about his lack of self care. Seeing him train during lunch and falling asleep in lessons led you to realise how hard he was working himself. 

So, after school you managed to pull him to one side before he proceeded to train at the club. A frown was present on your lips and you took a deep breath. Looking at him now hurt a lot: his eyebags had considerably increased since the last time you saw him; you could now see physically where he had lost weight from undereating for weeks; his eyes seemed a lot duller; his body slouched over slightly, as if it was begging for a break. It was agony to see your partner slowly harm his body and mind like this.

"Kenma, just know I love you so much and I understand that volleyball means a lot to you right now since it's your final year with your team as you know it with Kuroo as captain, but look at yourself. You're not taking care of yourself at all. You aren't helping you or your teammates by undereating and not sleeeping." You murmured gently, taking Kenma's hands in your own. You knew that you had to be careful and not push your boyfriend, but you couldn't let it continue.

Kenma simply frowned at your words and pulled his hand away from yours, "(Y/N), I don't need your lecturing. I'm perfectly fine taking care of myself. I don't need you." He hissed out and turned his back on you, proceeding to head to practise. He had no time to waste on pointless conversations.

(Y/N) grinded their teeth together, their heart aching slightly at the harsh words, "I'm not lecturing you, Kenma! I'm doing what a s/o should do and I'm looking out for you! Please just take a small break before you overdo it!" You hallooed, as if that would make the words sink in.

Vexed, Kenma turned around with a deep scowl on his face, "Why don't you just back off, (Y/N)!? I don't care about you right now, all I care about is me and my teammates winning this game!" He shrieked, which caused you to trip back and swallow thickly.

A small whimper escape your lips and tears formed in the corners of your eyes as you flinched. You were normally fine with Kenma's salty attitude, but he never usually shouted at you. Taking a shaky breath, you looked at your boyfriend dead in the eyes, "fine! Do what you want to do! Since you don't care about me I won't bother anymore! Don't you fucking dare come running to me when you overwork yourself and can't handle it anymore!" You retorted and turned away.

Kenma's eyes widened slightly at your words as he watched you turn away. "Wait...." He whispered out, his hand reaching towards yours. Lightly, he grasped your wrist and sighed, pulling you close and burying his head in your shoulder. "'M sorry... I'm just so stressed..." Tears brimmed his eyes and he sniffled softly. "I didn't mean it..."

Letting out a soft sigh, your shoulders relaxed and you pulled your lover in for a cuddle. "I know you didn't mean it baby... But remember your health comes first, volleyball after." You whispered and gently stroked his hair. He simply nodded in response and hugged you tighter.

Maybe you both could work things out. You just need to learn to communicate more.

[whimsicallyreading]

“I just realized I’m desperately in love with you-“

Prompt Day One for Rowaelin Month

~

"Rowan, take a picture of that one. It's so cute." Aelin fawns quietly.

Rowan gives a long-suffering sigh. "There are a thousand of them here. Do you have to pester me into taking a picture of every seal pup we come across?"

"Her name is Fleetfoot, and yes. Isn't that the whole reason we are here?" Aelin looks at him equally annoyed, a strand of gold spun hair freeing itself from beneath her parka.

"I'm here to study the behavioral patterns of tiger seals and orcas in a rapidly shifting environment. You are here to keep our equipment functioning. If you keep talking, neither of us will finish our jobs and escape from this wasteland." Rowan switches the lens of his camera to focus on two male seals who were squaring up with each other in the distance.

Rowan nearly threw his camera over the boat and jumped off into the coastal waters of Argentina when he realized who had been assigned to assist him on this expedition.

He'd insisted that only he and one other make the trek across the Antarctic. Insisting a large group could impede the quality of his research. When they agreed, Rowan thought they would send him with Lorcan or Brullo. Both were accomplished survivalists and scholars—valuable additions to any team.

Instead, it was Aelin Ashryvver who waited for him at the dock. The most annoying newbie on his floor. Dorian insisted that her knowledge of mechanical engineering would make her invaluable.

So far, she was just a verifiable pain in his ass.

She sat around bored as Rowan spent the day writing notes and snapping photos. Occasionally she helped him set up microphones. On one instance, she fixed their ATV. It was the first and only time he'd found her truly useful.

Rowan couldn't wait to go home.

"Alright, we have the cameras positioned. We should head back to the base. The temps are dropping. We need to warm up and eat."

Aelin nods quietly, she would never admit it, but the severe temperatures are taking a toll on her. It was amazing how important something like fat is in a frigid environment. Rowan is naturally covered in layers of dense muscle. While Aelin is fit herself, she's still small and the first to feel the effects of persistent cold.

Watching the seals, she occasionally found herself jealous of their thick layers of blubber that kept them comfortable. She should have carb-loaded before they set sail.

They hop on the snow ski and traverse quickly over the powderlike substance.

~~~

When they reach the Terresen South Pole station and ditch their coats, they fall to the floor in a cascade of flurries. Rowan's spine straightens for the first time that day. Their coats were dense. With the additional weight of all of the equipment he carried, there was a perpetual bend in his spine.

It was a huge relief to be inside a climate-controlled building—light layers, freedom movement, and feeling in all of his extremities. Tossing that coat off was the pinnacle of his daily routine on this mission.

That is until he realized it was freezing.

Walking over to a light switch with urgency, he flicks it a few times. Nothing happens. Anxiety wells in his gut, and he hits the wall a couple of times before flipping the switch again.

"Shit," Rowan hisses.

"The power is out," Aelin's eyes widen with the realization. "That's not good."

"I thought I was the scientist, but look at you stating the obvious," Rowan growls as he shrugs his jacket back on. It wasn't nearly as frigid inside the insulated building as it was outside, but it was still bitterly cold. Keeping warm would be their first step in survival. Without heat, shit could hit the fan for them very quickly. Thankfully their satellite phones should still be functioning; he'd charged the battery the day before. There should be enough juice in the phones to send out a mayday call even without power.

Aelin doesn't put on her jacket. Instead, she heads in the direction of the lockers with a look of determination plastered on her face. It was a look he'd slowly begun to grow familiar with, mainly when Rowan was holding a ration packet she wanted. It made him uneasy.

"Where are you going?" Rowan calls after her, picking up her jacket. He wouldn't be held responsible for his younger, female partner freezing to death. HR at the University would have his head on a stick if she died on his watch.

He follows Aelin to her locker, where she's already sliding a grey jumpsuit over her clothes.

"I can fix the engines," Aelin pulls her zipper up. The jumpsuit covered head-to-toe, but they weren't nearly as warm as their snow gear. He could already see a slight blue-ish tint to her lips. "They probably just stalled. All I need to do is go down, diagnose the problem, and fix it. Easy as pie."

Ignoring the massive oversimplification of their situation, knowing it was a lost cause, he focuses on the immediate problem. "You need to keep your jacket on," Rowan thrusts the article of clothing at her. Her color was concerning him, and the longer she went without the thermal garment, the higher his stress became.

Aelin gives him a long-suffering look, all too similar to the one he gives her. "And get my hood or a sleeve caught in one of those beasts? Those machines are massive. Getting snagged could rip my arm off or kill me. It's like you don't even have a master's in engineering and a spotless safety record," she smiles at Rowan's scowling face. "Oh wait, that's me. Let me do my job, Dr. Whitethorn."

Before Rowan could argue, Aelin was gone down the stairwell towards the engines.

Dragging a frustrated hand through his hair, he tosses her jacket on the floor. His time is probably better spent getting through to their mission handlers on the satellite phones anyway.

~~~

Two hours later, Rowan has long finished his call with Dorian.

Their expedition leader had asked if they wanted a recovery team sent out to them, but Rowan hesitated. He was on the mission of a lifetime. He'd spent years waiting for approval to research at the southernmost tip of the world. It would be a devastating blow to his career and his pride for it to be cut short. The selfish part of him wanted to stay. The rationale, reasonable part of him was aching to stay the full duration of the expedition.

"You know, Dr. Whitethorn," Dorian spoke carefully. "There is a reason we chose Aelin to accompany you. She may be green and lacking a doctorate, but she's a miracle worker at what she does."

"Are you asking me to put my life in the newbie's hands?" Rowan asked without his standard vitriol. The situation and the cold had left him with no energy to be spiteful. He'd heard talk of her capabilities amongst the guys, and he'd seen a fraction of it when their snowmobile broke down. Rowan thinks back to the look on her face when she'd gone down the stairs. The steely determination of a warrior marching off to do battle.

Dorian laughs as if there was something funny about two of his most stubborn colleagues getting stranded in the south pole by themselves. "I'm not asking you to do anything. It's your call."

Rowan closes his eyes and contemplates their options. His head told him they should call the extraction team before they were nothing but frozen corpses. Yet, his heart didn't want to leave so soon. There was still so much work left to do.

Could he rely on Aelin?

"We will stay for now. Expect a call in twenty-four hours with a progress update." Rowan disconnected the transmission without any of the standard formalities.

After the fruitless call, he checks their food supply. Rowan scans the shelves, comfortable they wouldn't go hungry any time soon. Their only concern would be keeping all their shit from freezing, including their water. Rowan triple checks that everything is insulated, sealed, and stored away before moving on to other essentials, like batteries.

Another hour passes as he takes inventory, and Rowan is starting to feel the cold more than before. His nailbeds slowly shift from blue to white beneath his thick gloves, and he can't control the slight quaking spreading up his limbs.

When Rowan hears the doorway to the stairwell creak, he goes to check in with Aelin on her progress.

What he finds when he opens the locker room door sends his heart to his throat.

Aelin's hands loosely grip the zipper of her jumpsuit as she weakly attempts to free herself. Her face is a ghostly white, and her movements sluggish.

If she weren't moving, he'd have thought she was already frozen.

"Aelin, are you good? Talk to me." Rowan rushes to her and helps Aelin step out from the jumpsuit.

"I fixed the engine," Aelin coughs into the crook of her arm, her voice scratchy from the cool air. "It will be a couple of hours before they can catch up and heat the building."

Rowan rips off a glove and holds a bare hand to her cheek. Aelin's skin is freezing to the touch, even to his own icy hands. He notes that she isn't trembling the same way he is. It's not a good sign, the biologist in him notes. He knows it's her body growing too weak to keep itself warm.

"Sit down. You're freezing," Rowan helps her slide to the floor and looks at the discarded jacket that's still lying there. It won't warm her quick enough.

"Rowan?" Aelin speaks from her slightly slumped position.

Rowan is pacing, trying to think. They don't have a means of warming water for a bath. Laying next to the generators is too risky.

"Rowan," Aelin murmurs, her eyes drooping. "I can't feel my feet."

Rowan looks at her, and for a moment, she looks like an ice princess. Her blond hair is slipping from its braid and coiling across her colorless face. The cerulean blue of her eyes was the brightest color he now saw regularly beside the southern lights. They stood out even more starkly now.

It was all wrong.

"It's going to be alright, Aelin. You said the power is back on?" Rowan lifts her into his arms, her freezing nose burrowing into the crook of his neck.

"Yeah," she rasps against his shoulder. "But it will take a while for the building to heat."

"We don't need the whole building to heat. Do you trust me?" Rowan trots down the hall, careful not to bump her against the narrow doorframes.

She mumbles something incoherent into his shirt. "I trust you."

Rowan is thankful that the cold keeps the flush from his face. He reaches the desired room and fiddles with the control panel on the wall. A wave of relief hits him as the room behind the heavy door audibly hums to life.

"Okay, here we go." He says more to himself than Aelin. Rowan ditches the jacket and pulls his long-sleeved tee over his head. The buttons of his pants are next, leaving him in only his boxers.

Turning around, Aelin looks weary but not surprised. "Nice abs."

"Thanks," He says and kneels next to her, eyes searching her face for permission.

Aelin dips her head, "I'm not shy, Whitethorn. Don't fret."

Rowan helps Aelin maneuver her stiff limbs out of her garments until she is left in nothing but her bra and panties. Her face is pained as even more of her is exposed to the cold.

"Hurts," Aelin grits through her teeth, and Rowan gathers her up again. The icy room is like barbs against his exposed skin, but he's not in a position to complain.

The minute he carries her into the balmy air of the sauna, Aelin flinches. "Oh, that smarts."

"I know. It's going to suck for a bit while your blood recirculates." Rowan consoles softly, knowing he would also feel the cramping as they got their blood moving.

Drastic temperatures changes weren't the ideal way to warm up, but they'd spent far too long in the cold. He needed to get Aelin shivering again. It was the body's natural defense against the cold, and when a person could no longer shiver, it meant they were dipping into the realm of hypothermia.

The sauna was an added addition for the comfort of the researchers who visited the Southern base. It was a great tool to warm people after spending hours in the harsh climate. He'd heard tales of it from colleagues who'd visited the base before but hadn't yet saught to use it himself. Rowan was too focused on the mission. It hadn't carried any appeal for him until this moment, and now he was beyond grateful for its existence.

Rowan sits on the floor instead of the bench so that Aelin can curl up comfortably in his lap. Skin-to-skin contact was one of the best ways to help a person regulate their body temperature. He soothes a calloused hand over the length of her arm, trying to spread what remained of his warmth to her skin.

Aelin's cheek rests against his chest, and Rowan uses one hand to free her hair from its braid. The curtain of gold fans across her back, and he has to resist the urge to run his fingers through its waves.

He'd noticed how beautiful she was the day they first met at the university. Out of respect, he'd immediately repressed those thoughts. They were professionals, and Rowan wasn't about to ruin his reputation fawning over the new, young blonde on their floor.

But with her laying half-naked in his lap, it was hard to disregard how pretty she was. It wasn't even just her appearance. The girl was magnetic in every way. People paid attention when she walked in, and she claimed the lion's share of air in the room.

Fenrys and Conall flirted with her remorselessly. It secretly irked him. Rowan had long since memorized the way she laughed and how she'd smile as she shoed them away. It was all good-natured fun for them, but it always made Rowan irrationally angry. The time she'd showed up at the annual Christmas party in a green velvet dress with an open back nearly left his brain on the floor. His eyes had raked the smooth plains of skin, only turning away when she'd tried to catch his eye.

If he'd been paying attention, he would have seen her look of disappointment.

Rowan had written it off as an infatuation—a natural response to seeing an attractive woman. The scientist in him wanted to boil it down to chemistry and hormones. Cold facts that could diagnose the way he felt every time he laid eyes on her. Yet, as Rowan laid there with a hurting Aelin in his arms, he began to wonder if there was something more.

Her pain was making his chest physically ache.

A pair of arms snaked around his waist, and his body jerked. Aelin looks up at him sheepishly. "Sorry, I'm just really comfortable."

Rowan relaxes, "It's fine."

The steam in the room is slowly building. Rowan can feel the cramping beginning in his legs. Aelin's weight on his thighs was not helping the slightest, but there was no way in hell he'd move her.  

"My body is aching," Aelin says lightly, but he can hear the strain in her voice and feel a slight tremble running through her.

"That's good. Can you feel your feet?" Rowan can no longer resist, and her hair parts between his fingers like strands of gold silk.

Aelin tightens her arms around him, "Yeah. A bit. I didn't realize how numb they got until I took off my boots."

There's a slight tickle at his back, Aelin's finger tracing a pattern against his skin. A flush of warmth rushes through him, not from the sauna.

He's in unending deep shit.

"Aelin," his voice wavers uncharacteristically. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

The fingers on his back continue making their delicate patterns. "No."

"Aelin?" He asks again, but she cuts him off with a groan.

"Stop asking me questions and just kiss me," Aelin grips the back of his head and pulls his lips down to her's.

An inferno blooms inside his soul.

Aelin could never be a winter queen. She was the raging embodiment of summer. A burning ember he'd carried from the north into this land of ice. As his lips move against hers, he swears his body is lit ablaze, and when Rowan opens his eyes, he's delighted at the flush he finds unfurling across her cheeks.

"It's suddenly a lot warmer." Aelin laughs, looking more lively even as her body starts to quake from the warmth finally reaching her.

He kisses her cheek and tilts her ear towards his lips, "Aelin?"

"Another question?" Aelin's smile curls into something feline. "Is this that scientific curiosity the university is always going on about?"

"I just realized I'm desperately in love with you,"

Rowan lets the truth fall from his lips. It was just the two of them. They were the only human souls in this far corner of the earth. There was no one to stop him as he finally lets the emotions he'd been repressing until the moment Aelin was in danger wash over him.

"That's not a question," Aelin responds after a moment, her tone light and jovial.

Rowan smiles. "It's not."

Aelin curls back up against Rowan, enjoying the feel of his skin against hers. An embarrassing sound of contentment escapes her, which worsens her blush.

Not forgetting their original purpose in the sauna, Rowan grips her hands and massages them between his. "You have no response?"

"Not one that HR is going to like." Aelin winces as her hand spasms, and Rowan methodically works to ease the ache.

"Say it anyway," Rowan implores. Screw the university. He was tired of living for his work alone. Nothing outshined this moment, holding this woman in his arms. He could find a new job, but if Aelin reciprocated his feelings, he couldn't find another one of her.

"Well, I thought it was pretty obvious when I wore that dress to the Christmas party and then found a reason to walk past your office every day." Aelin huffs and looks up at him, "Don't tell me you didn't know?"

Rowan was speechless.

Aelin's eyes twinkle with amusement. "Rowan, Dorian, and I are friends. Did you know that?"

"What?" Rowan blinks confusedly. That was common knowledge, but he didn't understand why she was bringing that up now.

"Dorian and I go way back. He knew I had a thing for you, and I told him sending me on this trip was unethical when I'm such a new hire-" Aelin trails off, waiting for him to grasp her point.

"Wait," Rowan looks down at her, bemused. "Dorian was trying to set us up?"

"Human recourses won't like that very much either," Aelin grins. "But Dorian would keep our secret. He owes me a lot of favors."

The sauna's temperature had slowly been rising, and Rowan could see that his skin was returning to its usual color. Aelin still looked a bit pale, but it was probably residuals from being so close to freezing.

She'd risked herself to save the expedition and successfully fixed the engines. Rowan didn't believe for one second that Dorian only sent her in an elaborate attempt to set her up. She was bright and cunning. He was lucky to have her along with him.

"You got here on your merit," Rowan presses a soft peck to her lips as he soothes her unvoiced concern. He refused to let her doubt her level of skill. "But if the feelings are mutual, I would love to take you on a date when we get back home?"

"I would love that," Aelin crawls off his lap and holds a hand out. "Come on, now. We need to eat and sleep. We have seals to observe."

Rowan accepted her hand. Forget the seals. He would have a difficult time keeping his attention on them. His eyes were glued to her bare legs as they moved and the way her hair swung free of its constraints.

She smirked over his shoulder. Aelin knew precisely what she was doing to him.

Rowan had traversed to the end of the world to understand the natural universe a little better. While he hadn't unlocked any great mysteries, he couldn't help but think what he did find was better.

[kai-uh-arcadian]

Ackersmith Cafe 

Pieck x Reader

Word Count: 2.7k Cw: minor cursing Disclaimer! This is my first story/fic/head canon type thing ever, so feedback is much appreciated! ( :

enjoy!

* Lots of wholesome fluff ( : <3 *

Ships involved: Pieck x Reader, Hitchani, Eruri, Yumihisu,  Implied EreMika, Implied Niccolo x Sasha

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

⁃ Ackersmith cafe, a quaint, dark academia type coffee shop

⁃ Leading local competitor “mom and pop shop” of the Shiganshina county against Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts and Bakers Dozen

⁃ Used to be called “Smith Cafe” owned Grandma and Grandpa Smith before Mr. Erwin took over and married Mr.Levi

⁃ You and your parents have been going here since you could remember! Even before Mr.Erwin won his battle against cancer but lost his arm

⁃ Even though you’re in college now, it’s still walking distance from Paradis University and the neighbor university—Liberio University

⁃ You introduced your college friends, Sasha, Mikasa, and Annie to this place

⁃ You go here almost everyday to study and do uni homework

⁃ “Mr. Erwin!” You announced every time you walk in with Annie, Sasha, and Mikasa as the bells of the cafe ring

⁃ “(Y/nnnnnnn!)” he says waving his bionic arm that Hange, the other barista, made for him

⁃ (Hange chooses to work here every other weekend as a way to “relax” from their researching job, crazy right?)

⁃ “Hey twerp, when did you get so tall?”Mr. Levi flashes a smile from behind the counter, remembering you getting hoisted up on your dads shoulder while ordering a hot chocolate from when he was a trainee here a few years ago

⁃ “Mr. Levi, it’s been years since I was your height” you chuckle glancing at Mikasa, Sasha, and Annie stifling back a laugh at they witness this interaction

⁃ “Tch. You brats, I’ll kick you out any second!” he jokingly gets defensive

⁃ “Levi” Mr. Erwin puts a hand on the small of Mr. Levi’s back “Be nice to my favourite and most important customers! You’ll drive out our daily revenue” he laughs

⁃ “Yeah yeah whatever. The usual, brats?” Mr. Levi rolls his eyes holding back a soft smile

⁃ “Yep!” You all say in unison

⁃ “Should’ve guessed” as his rings up your guys’ total “I’ll bring it right out for you guys” he says before disappearing into the brewing station

⁃ You, Sasha, Mikasa, and Annie go to your usual booth right by the front window of the cafe

⁃ You 4 begin to pull out your computers and begin to do homework

⁃ Sasha and Mikasa are typing away on a shared Google Slide for a project they were both assigned to for their ENGL 2273 class they both happened to have together while you and Annie are looking out the window dozing off

⁃ “(Y/N),” Mikasa says grabbing your attention “Do your work.”

⁃ “Alright alright” you begin opening up a blackboard assignment your Professor assigned to you

⁃ “Slacking off again (L/N)?” Mr. Levi’s voice startles you as you look up

⁃ “No!” You shyly smile at him as you pretend to type away at the assignment

⁃ “Tch. Anyways, a white chocolate mocha latte with a glazed donut for you Annie, a hot, unsweetened, caramel latte for you Mikasa, a bacon, egg, and cheese croissant with a cinnamon dolce frappe for you Sasha, and a matcha frappe for you (Y/N). Anything else brats?” He smiles as he hands everything to you guys

⁃ “No thank you!” You say in unison once again before he nods and walks away

⁃ As you sip on your delectable drink, Annie’s face lights up and it’s not from the donut (this time)

⁃ “Eh? Annie, what’s got you smiling?” Sasha says nervously chewing on her croissant at Annie’s surprised face

⁃ “Oh.” Annie’s face goes back to the typical stoic look “nothing, it’s just I know those people about to walk in” she gestures to a tall, muscular blonde man, a tall, brunette who is visibly sweating, a dirty blonde man with an undercut, and breathtaking black haired women with languid eyes and a perpetual soft smile

⁃ “Huh? How?” Mikasa looks up from her work and towards the girl sitting to her left shoulder, peeking a glance at the group about to walk in

⁃ “Eh, I went to Marley high school with them. I had a few classes with each of them throughout the years but never really interacted too much. They aren’t mean or anything— I just recognize them. I think they go to Liberio university” she says taking another bite of her donut

⁃ “Her names Pieck Finger” Annie said with a mouth full of donut directly at you “I’m guessing you were wondering” she smirks

⁃ Your face heats up. Did Annie notice you were staring at her?! Oh no… if Annie noticed… did this mean that Pieck girl also notice?!”

⁃ “No no” you laughed it off, “I wasn’t wondering I was just staring off into space!!”

⁃ This earns a chuckle out of Mikasa, she read you like a book

⁃ The Liberio squad orders as your little Paradis squad begins to pack up after being there for about hour and a half

⁃ “Annie?” The muscular blonde says from a few tables over

⁃ Annie lights up a bit at the seemingly familiar voice coming from behind her

⁃ “Reiner?” Annie walks over to the table as you, Mikasa, and Sasha continue to pack up

⁃ “Oh! These are my friends (Y/N), Mikasa, and Sasha. We usually come here almost everyday” annie says as each of you light up at the sound of your name

⁃ “Nice to meet you all! This is Bertolt, Porco, Pieck, and I’m Reiner”

You 4 wave to the Liberio 4 and you make direct eye contact with Pieck, she smiles softly at you

⁃ “It was nice seeing you all again, we were just on our way out” Annie waves to the group

⁃ “It was nice meeting you!” You, Mikasa, and Sasha say in unison

⁃ You made eye contact with Pieck once again before exiting

The next day

⁃ you text the group chat during your last class of the day “Ackersmiths?

⁃ Annie replies “Hitch nagged at me this morning claiming she deserves more attention so I'm taking her on a date tonight. ”

⁃ Mikasa replies “I’m being forced to meet Niccolo today😐”

⁃ “Okay so you all hate me😩I’ll go alone” you respond to the group chat

⁃ “Yeah that’s exactly what we mean (Y/N)😪😪😪” Sasha replies

⁃ “Yeah whatever.😫 I’ll be over later tonight and bring you guys your usuals if you want” you reply

⁃ “You’re a saint!🛐” Sasha says

⁃ “Sasha’s dorm as usual? I’ll be there around 8 o’clock” Annie says

⁃ “Perfect, I’ll see you guys then, i know you guys love me🥰🥰🥰🥰” you sent the text and began walking to Ackersmith’s

⁃ you walk in and greet Mr.Levi and Mr.Erwin like always “Mr. Leviiiiii! Mr. Erwin!!! It’s your favourite customer!”

⁃ “Oh? I didn’t see Sasha walk in though?” Erwin banters back as you walk towards the counter

⁃ “Yeah yeah, be glad or else you wouldn’t have any pastries left to sell today” you laugh “could I get the usual please?”

⁃ “Of course! I’ll have Levi bring it out to you in a second” Erwin beams and heads towards the machines

⁃ You begin to head to the table usually sit at when you aren’t accompanied by your usual gang but it seems to be taken

⁃ “Grandpa Arlert!?” You exclaim

⁃ Distracted by your excitement, that ethereal black haired Pieck, walks in and sits at a table closest to the entrance by the window. She instantly notices you chatting with (in her eyes) a random sweet old man

⁃ “(Y/N)!” He begins to get up

⁃ “How’s Armin doing? I haven’t heard much from him while he’s been in France but Mikasa tells me so much, maybe too much,  about Eren’s studies abroad”

⁃ “He’s doing well, I miss seeing you 4 all the time. I’m about to be on my way but come see me anytime kiddo” he pats you on the head

⁃ “I’ll come by this weekend okay Grandpa Arlert?” He nods as you sit down and pull out your computer

⁃ Pieck is gazing out the window but every now and then she glances at you. She can’t help but find you adorable when you focus on something— you furrow your brows a bit, squint, and bite your bottom lip

⁃ As Pieck is totally engrossed in your cute little studying quirks, she quickly averts her eyes and your head snaps in her direction as the entrance bells chimes and a couple walks in

⁃ You focus on the couple as the blonde one in a flowy pink dress pushes the stroller to nearby table and the taller brunette one in slacks and a button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow goes to order (for the blonde one as well, you assume)

⁃ The gears in your head are shifting as you begin to figure out who the hell that couple could be as they are SO familiar to you

⁃ Then. A lightbulb! “Historia?!” You say to the women about three empty small tables away

⁃ (It’s a local favourite, how could you not see people you know here?)

⁃ (Y/N)?! You get up and start walking over to Historia’s table accompanied by a stroller

⁃ (Y/N)? The tall brunette walks over with a strawberry pastry and a plain croissant

⁃ “Ahh, Ymir!” You exclaim embracing her

⁃ “And who might this little one be?” You question while lovingly waving to inside the stroller which held a baby with dark hair, freckles, and bright blue eyes

⁃ Somehow(?) a perfect mix of Ymir and Historia

⁃ “This is baby Freida” (after her late sister) Historia grabs the about 7-month baby girl and gives her a kiss on her chubby cheek

⁃ “Sooo this is what you’ve guys have been doing since we left high school. I always wondered where you guys took off! You both completely went AWOL “ you chuckle while holding your index finger out as baby Freida grasps it

⁃ “Yeah, after high school I decided to take a gap year and Historia decided to become a CNA, I’m working on my realtor license” Ymir says taking a chomp out of the croissant

⁃ “I’m so happy for you guys! Seeing you guys and plus this cute little one just made my day. Could I hold her?” Your eyes looks as if they’ve been possessed by literal stars

⁃ “Of course!” Historia gingerly hands you baby Frieda and to your surprise, little Frieda giggles while you rub your cheek to the baby’s chubby one smiling

⁃ While this interaction is happening, Pieck has her eyes GLUED to you

⁃ Her heart is bursting at the seams right now. From seeing you interact with the sweet old man you refer to as Grandpa Arlert to you holding a cute ass child AH! Her heart IS exploding

⁃ It’s like she’s emitting a pink aura out of her body and little hearts are circling her as well

⁃ You hand baby Frieda back “it was nice chatting with you guys, text me if you guys are ever back in town!” And with that you retreat back to your original spot

⁃ Hyper focused on what you’re supposed to be doing on your screen you’re interrupted by Levi’s booming voice

⁃ “Hey brat, sorry it took so long. The blender got jammed, probably from all the stupid ice it took to make your dumb frappe”

⁃ “Also, you’re probably too oblivious to notice but, don’t look now, there’s a dark haired girl by the window who has been making googly eyes at you the moment she walked in”

⁃ (WINGMAN LEVI?!?!?!)

⁃ You nonchalantly glide your eyes over to where he was talking about and he referring to Pieck

⁃ THE PIECK FINGER from yesterday

⁃ Your face turns red as you grab the drink from Mr.Levi and begin to stutter

⁃ “I— uh-“

⁃ “Don’t think I didn’t notice your little interaction yesterday” he scoffs hiding a smirk

⁃ …is he referring to me staring at Pieck from the window????

⁃ (That sounds creepy but in an innocent young teen/adult puppy love way)

⁃ “If you’d like, I can send a drink over from you. She ordered the weirdest frappe-combo-shit yesterday so I remember it. It was a matcha frappe with strawberry purée and strawberry drizzle with matcha dusted on top of the whip cream…” he scoffed “but what do I know? I’m just an old married man”

⁃ WINGMAN MR. LEVI!!!!!!

⁃ “Yes! That would be perfect, I trust your gut Mr.Levi!” You hand him your card and he smiles as he begins to walk away

⁃ At this point you’re nervous. Yes you’re looking at your computer but you CANNOT think about anything else but how Pieck will react

⁃ Does she have a boyfriend? That (stupid) undercut guy?

- The tall sweaty guy?

⁃ Or maybe the muscular guy

⁃ No no, she looks too smart to date a meathead

- She seems too outgoing to date a super nervous guy

⁃ Or a seemingly fuckboy

⁃ But who am I to judge her preference?

-Is she even gay?

- She probably has a girlfri--

⁃ “Thank you for the drink” a sweet voice danced in between your clouded thoughts

⁃ You look up and you meet eyes with the one and only, Pieck

⁃ “May I sit here?” She gestures at the empty seat in front of you

⁃ (Mr. Levi’s plan worked?)

⁃ “Of course!” You shyly smile rubbing the back on your nape

⁃ “Your names (Y/N), right?” She took a sip of the drink

⁃ “Hmm.. Doing a bit of stalking I see. How’d you know my exotic drink of choice?” Those heavy words came out so smoothly you could barely react to the accusation

⁃ “Oh! Uh— no it’s not that” you instantly became flustered

⁃ The laugh she let out was so beautiful that it made you stop in your tracks

⁃ A bit of the puree was on her lips, which made them glossy and her head tilted back which let her flowy silky black hair waterfall off her shoulder

⁃ A bit of confidence shot through you

⁃ “Actually, a little birdy told ME that you were the one “stalking” and they decided I should do something to get your attention” you raised an eyebrow

⁃ Pieck’s angelic laughter came to an instant halt and her face become the same colour of the little bit of strawberry purée on her bottom lip

⁃ Now YOU were the one giggling at her reaction

⁃ “Don’t worry don’t worry! You waved your hands in a surrendering motion “in all honestly Mr. Levi said he saw you looking at me today and remembered your ..interesting.. drink from yesterday and also remembered about how I was looking at you when you walked in with your friends and suggested I send a drink over to you” you reassured

⁃ Oh shit

⁃ She giggled at how red your face got after realized what you had just told her

⁃ “Well if you’re going to be honest I will too, I thought you were the cutest thing yesterday. Today really solidified that thought because I mayyyy… have noticed you with that cute little baby” she gave you a languid smile fiddling with her hair nervously

⁃ Taken a bit aback from this

⁃ Are you hearing this correctly???

⁃ “Could I possibly get your number? Maybe later this week we could go on a proper date or something?”

⁃ “I’d love nothing more than that, (Y/N) she gives to the sweetest most genuine smiles there can be

After you exchanged phone numbers, you and Pieck spent about 2 more hours there talking about everything and yet nothing at the same time. You both shared pointless stories about each other’s upbringing, majors, fun stories about your mutual friend Annie, your own friends, and little sarcastic shots at one another here and there before walking her back to her dorm at Liberio University (about a 30 minute walk back to Paradis University)

She thanked you for the fun night by giving you a small peck on the cheek.

When you both returned to your assigned dorms

Pieck spent the night fangirling about you to Porco, Reiner, and a 4th year named Zeke

While you spent your night fangirling to Annie, Sasha, and Mikasa

“Oh (Y/N)!? Speaking about great things you find at the cafe, where’s the drinks? ” Sasha asked after your little spiel about Pieck

“Shit!”

Ackersmith Cafe has always held a special place in your heart but the love you’ve had for the place just got deeper.

sorry if the ending sucks but lmk your thoughts!!!!!! (:

- Kyah

[hollanderfangirl]

I Can Never Forget You |Tom Holland|

A/N: Prosopagnosia, also called face blindness, is a cognitive disorder of face perception in which the person is not able to recognise even familiar faces, including one's own. It's not 'blindness' exactly, they can very well see the face but are not able to tell them apart. They use other features such as hair to recognise people close to them.

Also I was actually writing smut but I'm missing someone terribly, so this....

Warnings: none

Word count- 1.2k

Life is hard when you can’t recognise the people around you. You never knew who was talking to you, or standing in front of you. You tried so hard to remember, but you just couldn’t. You couldn’t even remember the faces of the people closest to you or even your own.

You stand in front of the mirror, seeing the girl in front of you. She had a pretty face no doubt, but a little tired. She had these big beautiful eyes that you really adored, and her hair actually looked good today. Not bad, you think.

You hear the noise from the TV as you made your way downstairs. “Tom Holland has been spotted…”

That name made your heart skip a beat. It had been so long since you had seen him. Almost a decade. You tried to remember what he looked like but of course you couldn’t. But you remembered him. Your best friend. Your first love. The boy who showed you the world when you were just five years old. You remembered his silly jokes, how you both played on the swings in the park. How he once punched a boy because he was bothering you. Your first kiss, it wasn’t even that much of a kiss, but to you it was everything. Just a little peck on your lips, which barely lasted a second, behind a slide in a park on a Thursday afternoon. You remembered it all. You could not forget those precious memories, you could not forget him, even when you couldn't bring his face to your mind whenever you thought about it.

Your whole family knew him. Just like his family knew you. They always talked about how you both would get married one day when you were older. You found it gross back then, but now you would give anything to have that. Usually you would go on for days or months without thinking about him. But sometimes, just a mention of him or a small thing would remind you, you were sure it was him when you saw that boy with dark brown hair on the street two weeks ago. But you had been mistaken, just like always. You always mistook him for someone else, just hoping that one day, you were finally able to find him.

You remember the day you did find him again, just not how you thought you would. You kept staring at the screen which said he was casted as the new Spiderman. You wondered if it was really your Tom, so you rushed to your room, searching through old photos of you both. You always thought about what he had become. How he had changed. Did he still like Star Wars? Was he still into sci fi movies? Did he still sleep with his Spiderman blanket? Spiderman. He was casted as fucking Spiderman now. Did he even remember you? He still meant the world to you but you weren’t sure if you meant even a fraction of the same to him. You had always imagined finding him through social media, or him coming back on your doorstep, saying how much he missed you.

But now every possibility just seemed out of reach. It had been six months since you reached out to him, you had sent him numerous private messages on his Instagram, you could have commented on his posts, maybe he would actually see those, but you didn’t want to seem desperate. So you sent him letters to his house, you weren’t sure if he read any of them. You had lost all hope now.

You just sit by the TV looking at the unfamiliar but familiar face. It was hard to tell that it was him but his name was displayed in bold letters, so it ought to be him.

The doorbell rang and your mom signals you to open it. You reluctantly get up and open the door, almost absentmindedly. You see a boy, about the same age as you, he had dark brown hair and he was kinda cute. He looked familiar, you could tell that by his hair but you still didn’t have any hint of recognition. “umm yes?” you say.

“Y/n I- ”

“Wait you know my name?” he seemed a little too familiar. No…no it couldn’t be. It could not be him.

“Oh my god!” your mom exclaims from behind you. “So you’re Spiderman now huh? Come in, it’s been so long, love”

What? What the hell is happening? Your mom could recognise him but not you? Was this a dream? Or were you just hallucinating? Your legs were trembling and you were sweating, your hands were involuntarily shaking. You just kept staring at his face, trying to convince yourself that it really was him and this was really happening. You try to form words in your mouth but you freeze.

“So… how have you- how have you been, y/n?” he asks you.

“What are you doing here?”

“Uhh what do you mean?”

“It’s been ten years. Where were you? Why did you show up- like…outta nowhere? Why are you here?” the words come out too suddenly, you knew that was not how you should speak to someone whom you’ve met after so many years. But you couldn’t help yourself, the situation seemed too bizzare.

“I….I saw your letters. I just read them all”

“Just read them? I’ve been sending you letters for six months. Six months! What took you so long?!”

“Yeah well they must have gotten mixed up with fan mail you know”

“Do I look like your fan, Holland?!”

“My assistant must have thought so, jeez. Are you angry with me?”

“No.. I’m just confused. It’s been so long, I’ve been trying to find you for so long. Why did you leave like that? You never told me you were moving. You never told me you were leaving school”

“Y/n it happened so suddenly, I- I don’t even remember about it now”

“I even called your mom, but the number wasn’t valid anymore,” you were on the verge of crying now, you couldn’t hold back your emotions anymore. Talking to him now seemed exactly like when you were kids, it brought back memories you didn’t even know you had.

“Yeah mum changed her number, look I’m so sorry, y/n. I really am. I have absolutely no excuse for not staying in touch with you. And I’m so sorry it took so long”

You sniff and wipe the few tears forming in your eyes. “You’re exactly the same. You idiot!” you laugh and hit his head lightly.

He laughs along with you. “And you’re even more beautiful than I remember”

You feel your cheeks becoming a tint of pink, you look away and try to change the topic. “So….Spiderman, huh?”

“Yeah that” he rubs his hand at the back of his head.

“Hey, just so you know, I didn’t try to get to you because you’re…famous or whatever now okay? I’ve tried to search you for years, and- “

“I know…. I know, you don’t have to- explain it. It’s me who should give you an explanation” he says putting his hands on your shoulders. “And did you really not recognise me? Did you….forget me?”

“I can never forget you, Tom, it's just....um I’ll tell you some day,” you couldn’t tell him just now. He was back to you after nearly a decade, you didn’t want to tell him just yet.

“Okay so tell me all about it! How are your brothers? And your mum and dad? And do you really wear a thong underneath your suit?” Of course you had done your research.

Taglist-

@mischiefmanaged011 @notsosmexy @perspectiveparker @justanothermarvelmaniac @missguidedlani @purpleskiesstorm @halfblood-princess-505 @spidey-reids-2003 @peterspideysstuff @musicalkeys @theliterarymess @hollands-weasley @ilarbu

[lem-20]

Frustrations

Summary: Frustrated that Ethan won't let their relationship develop, will MC find some time alone with Bryce too much of a temptation? Rewrite of Bk 1 Ch 11 Bryce scene.

Book/Pairing: Open Heart/Bryce x MC / Ethan x MC (Cecilia Gibson)

Category/Rating: Smut/Explicit

Word Count: 1.7k

Authors notes: I thought I'd try something a bit different for this fic. I had an idea in mind, but I'm not sure if it has come out as I'd hoped 🤣

I have included this weeks @wackydrabbles prompt Hold still

Also inspired by @choicesmonthlychallenge prompt Day 18: Waiting

Characters and some dialogue owned by pixelberry

Cecilia never meant to fall for Ethan Ramsey.

She had always admired his work and had been hugely inspired by him, but a romantic relationship wasn't something that had ever crossed her mind - she hadn't even known what he looked like before her first day at Edenbrook.

When she first met him his condescending behaviour had actually led her to think that he was a bit of an asshole - admittedly she didn't realise it was him at that point, but he definitely hadn't left a good first impression.

It didn't take long for her opinion of him to change though. Working together when Dolores came in and then trying to help Naveen had brought them much closer together than either of them could have imagined. What was blossoming between them certainly wasn't a normal attending/intern relationship.

When they finally kissed in Miami, she'd hoped that it would be the start of something between them. They had got so close to ending up in bed together—something she had been fantasising about for some time—but Ethan had stopped things going any further and she had been feeling frustrated ever since.

A few days after returning from Miami, she had questioned Ethan about what was happening between them.

"Be honest...about us," she said.

"I'm...not sure what you mean," he replied, avoiding her eyes.

"I think you know exactly what I mean."

He turned his back to her and she walked up close behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Please Cecilia, this is hard enough already."

"Then why keep fighting it? We both want this. We both feel this. It almost seems inevitable..."

He turned to her, his eyes filled with longing...and pain.

Reaching up, he gently stroked her cheek. "We're doctors, Cecilia. Fighting the inevitable is our job description."

Without another word he walked past her and out of the lab. She hung her head—her heart sinking—as the sound of his footsteps faded away.

She couldn't deny the hurt she felt. Even though part of her understood his reasoning, she couldn't just pretend there wasn't a connection between them.

---

Several nights later Cecilia was at home in her apartment researching Rhodes disease for Mrs Martinez. Her friends had volunteered to help and several hours had passed when her reading was interrupted by snoring. She looked up to see that everyone had fallen asleep, except for Bryce.

"And then there were two," he smiled before looking back down at his research. "Wait a second...Cecilia, come look at this."

"What'd you find?" she asked, taking a seat next to him.

"Wound up on a message board. Looks like a pissed off employee leaked some old R&D memos from Panacea Labs...Check it out. It says a drug used for Huntington's cured some test subjects of Rhodes disease."

"If they've found a cure...why isn't it on the market?"

"This is pretty recent...Human trails can take years before a new drug gets F.D.A approval."

"Bryce, you found the answer!" Overwhelmed with excitement, she threw her arms around him and he hugged her back tightly.

The hug lingered and she feel reluctant to let go of him...

"I dunno about you, but I feel like celebrating," he whispered.

She looked into his eager eyes, knowing exactly how he wanted to celebrate.

If she went along with this she knew she may end up regretting it. Her feelings for Ethan were undeniable and there was definitely more to it than just a sexual attraction. But their interactions over the past few weeks had left her so confused and sexually frustrated that she was seriously considering taking Bryce up on his offer. She didn't know if Ethan would even allow anything to happen between them in the future and she couldn't wait around for him forever.

It wasn't as though Bryce was a random stranger. He was a good guy...kind...sexy. They had already been physical with each other before—after her housewarming party—so she knew he could definitely help release some of her frustrations there and then.

She gave him a smirk as she made her decision.

She grabbed Bryce's hand and led him to the bathroom. They bumped hard into the door as she pulled him in for a passionate kiss.

"Shh, don't wake the others up."

"I'm not the one you're gonna have to worry about," he teased.

He pinned her against the closed bathroom door and kissed her, while she pulled off his shirt.

His strong hands roamed her body, gliding under her clothes, trying to feel every part of her.

"Pent up much?"

"I'm always pent up when I see you," he replied.

She could feel the blush reaching her cheeks.

"Before we go any further, you should know...we have to keep this casual."

She knew this probably didn't need to be said, Bryce was a casual sort of guy, but she didn't need any extra drama in her life right now.

"No strings...fine by me," he grinned, pulling her clothes over her head.

She kissed up his neck and across his smooth jawline as she undid his trousers and pushed them to the ground.

She snapped the band of his underwear with a cheeky smile before sliding her hands beneath the fabric.

"I really don't need to keep those on," he whispered.

She kissed his chest as she slid his underpants down, her fingers brushing against him.

"Agreed..."

The sight of him standing to attention for her was a massive turn on.

She kissed him again as she took hold of him, enjoying the way his breath stopped and started as she pumped his length.

"Who has magic hands now?"

"You're giving me a run for my money," he replied before pulling her bra down and kissing and licking his way across her breasts.

A moan was the only sound she could make as a shiver ran throughout her entire body.

"How 'bout we have some good clean fun," he said pushing her backwards, guiding her toward the shower.

She turned to step in.

"Wait, hold still, "he grabbed her hand to stop her. "Before we get in, I want to get a proper look at you."

He spun her back to face him, before looking her up and down—eyes filled with lust.

"You're gorgeous," he stated while flashing her a grin.

She couldn't help but giggle. "You're quite the charmer Lahela."

Continuing into the shower, Bryce gently pushed her against the shower wall, turning on the tap. Warm water poured down on them as he kissed her, his hands exploring her body.

She returned the favour, running her hands over his slippery muscles.

Bryce reached between her legs and began to move his fingers, slowly but surely. She let out a moan.

"I told you I wasn't the one you had to worry about making noise..."

"I don't think I care anymore..."

She leaned her head against the shower wall and sighed as Bryce's hands worked their magic, circling round her most sensitive part. His lips traced across her collarbone as he dipped a finger inside her.

Her breathing grew heavier as he added another finger.

"Bryce...I need more..."

He gripped her by the back of the thighs and lifted her, pinning her high against the cold tiles.

She sighed with pleasure as she wrapped her legs around his waist and he slid himself inside her.

A whisper of guilt flickered across her mind, but it was too late to take it back now, this was happening and she wanted to enjoy it. It felt too good not to.

She squeezed her eyes shut, forcing any doubts out of her head. Instead concentrating on the sensations, the pleasure.

Bryce moved his lips down her neck, softly sucking and kissing as he went.

For a brief moment her mind took her back to Miami where it was Ethan's lips on her neck, his stubble gently scratching her sensitive skin. She remembered the taste of wine on his tongue as his mouth crashed into hers.

She lifted a hand up and ran it through Bryce's hair, gripping tightly as her pleasure started to build.

He plunged himself deep inside her over and over again and she moved her hand down to his chest, feeling his heart thundering as she neared her climax. Her fingernails clawed into his back as she lost control.

"Yes Eth—, Bryce."

Fuck.

She clung on to him, breathing heavily as he thrust a few more times, until he got his own release.

As she came down from her high she cringed as she recalled the fact she had started calling out Ethan's name while having sex with someone else.

She slowly opened her eyes and looked at Bryce. He smiled at her and kissed her on the lips.

"That was amazing," he said.

"Yeah, it was," she replied through her heavy breathing.

Somehow she seemed to have got away with her slip up. Either he was too wrapped up in the moment to notice or he had decided not to mention it. Either way, she was extremely relieved.

He lowered her back down to the ground and they held each other close for a moment before getting dressed.

Bryce looked at the time, it was 2am.

"I'd better head home if I'm going to get any sleep before work tomorrow."

She grabbed his arm.

"You don't have to go, you could sleep here tonight."

He gave her a little smirk. "I think if I stayed here, you would prove to be way too distracting for either of us to get any sleep."

They both laughed.

"Okay, I'll walk you to the door."

They threw their clothes back on before stepping out into the corridor, where they could talk without waking the others.

"Thank you for tonight Bryce. For the help with the research and the...other thing. I really needed that."

He smiled broadly at her.

"Anytime, Gibson. And I mean it. Any time you need a special release, I'm there. Supply closet, on call room, gym, shower, locker room, your place, my place..."

"Yeah, okay Bryce," she chuckled, playfully pushing him away. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight Sien—, I mean Cecilia."

She tilted her head quizzically and he winked at her before turning to leave. Her eyes widened suddenly with realisation that she hadn't got away with her slip up after all.

Although she felt her face burn with embarrassment, she couldn't help but giggle to herself as she watched him walk down the corridor, before disappearing out of sight.

***

Next part (What is this?)

***

Thank you so much for reading, I really appreciate everyone who takes the time to like, comment and reblog 🥰

***

I only tag those who ask, so please feel free to let me know if you would like to be added to my list 😃

[justanotherlifeff]

Levi Ackerman × reader

Genre: Angst, Hurt/comfort, Fluff, matured themes, slowburn

Warning: There's mentions and descriptions of underage rape and suicidal themes and self harm.

(Y/N) POV

I sat on the floor looking at the huge bloodied figure lying on the ground right in front of me. It was screaming a while ago before I stabbed it uncountable times on it's throat. Now it's quiet and peaceful. I heard about titans from my parents. They told me stories about those big humanoid creatures with sick smiles. I looked at the figure and thought, is that what titans look like?

 The door to the house opened and my parents walked in. I ran to my dad, hugged him, smiled at him and said "I killed a titan!". There were stains of blood on his pants which clearly came from my naked body. I forgot I didn't have clothes on as the 'titan' tore them off. The look of horror in their eyes made my enthusiasm go away. They looked at me as if they were terrified. Was Jacob telling the truth? Will they put me back to that nightmarish place again? I felt betrayed. Weren't they supposed to protect me?

"(Y/N)? Wake up (Y/N)." I woke up to Hanji's voice. I don't recall much from last night except for the part where I dragged myself to eat the stew heichou made. My only memory before that was the talk with heichou since I passed out on my bed out of exhaustion after that. When I got up, I noticed heichou standing at the door of my room looking at me. A blush was threatening to creep on my face as I remembered the kiss from yesterday.

 Levi heichou and I had something between us now and I was feeling as nervous as a teenager for the first time in my life. I didn't know why I kissed him last night but I just couldn't control myself. Heichou was such a beautiful specimen... The sun was up and bright and I realised that I overslept. 

"Sorry I overslept. Didn't I lock the door last night?" I asked Hanji while getting down from bed. "Yes you are late but you needed to sleep. After all, you had a rough day yesterday. And, no you didn't lock your door. You really shouldn't forget things like that you know." Hanji told me sympathetically. I had to agree with her in both cases but the irony was too much to bear as Hanji often forgot to sleep or eat thanks to her obsession with titan research. 

"We are going to Trost. Erwin lost an arm and is in a coma. I supposed you would like to see him." Levi heichou spoke to me. I, still trying to control the blush, answered, "Yes heichou. I will be ready in five minutes''. "Well, I will let you get dressed" Hanji said as she left the room. Levi Heichou was still standing at the door. After an awkward silence, he spoke to me, "You okay? Erwin is being treated by the best military doctors. He will be fine." I could see the worry in his eyes. He was worried about me? 

"Thanks for letting me know." I murmured. The news he gave me made me a bit relaxed. After hearing Erwin was in a coma, I feared for his life because he was the only family I had left. Before I knew it, the captain was in front of me and he caressed my cheek. 

"It's gonna be alright. Now get dressed and pack up some clothes. We will be staying there for a while. Mikasa can protect Eren and Historia. You can be with Erwin meanwhile and I have to take care of his work. That piece of shit chose a good fucking time to slack off." he said the last bit with a sarcastic tone before continuing, "By the way, you're getting on the same carriage as I am. Don't let Hanji steal you." and with that, he got out of the room.

 I couldn't help but blush the whole time. Heichou was capable of showing emotions like that? I had to admit that I wasn't acting like my usual self as well. It felt as if all the teenage hormones I held back for so long were erupting now. I figured that I would have to wear something fancy since heichou was wearing a suit.

 Unfortunately I did not own anything like that so I stuck with my survey corps uniform and packed up the very few clothes I owned. As I went out, I found two carriages waiting for us. Hanji literally jumped at me excitedly and said "There you are! No wonder you're second in command. I have never been so punctual in my whole career. I can see why Shorty here admires you!".

 I tried to get her off me as she dragged me to a carriage and before she pulled me in, a monotone voice stated, "Shouldn't you go with Moblit here? He's you're second in command and you're making my second in command stinky, shitty glasses''. 

Hanji looked at Levi Heichou who was standing in front of the other carriage and said, "Come on shorty! I bathed just two days back! My underarms don't even smell!" and she approached him to make him smell her underarms to which he crinkled his nose and said "Fuck off shitty glasses. (Y/N), get in the carriage." and with that, he got inside the carriage he was standing in front of.

 I followed him as Hanji complained, "Jeez, that shorty needs to calm down" before going back to Moblit. As I got up and sat beside heichou, he commented, "You won several sparring sessions with me and couldn't shake Hanji off?". "Hanji was shoving my nose in her underarms. Unlike what she said, it did smell bad, which was quite distracting" I answered and for the first time, I heard heichou chuckle. I looked at him with wide eyes as he looked at me and stated, "I was planning to kiss you but you will have to wash your face now" with a grin. He looked amused and I didn't know if I wanted to punch him in the face for laughing at my misery or if I should just enjoy the rare moment of him grinning. At the end, I decided to let it slide. I could always punch him later during training. After a short awkward silence, he spoke, "So, I wanted to talk to you about yesterday".

Levi POV

I wasn't sure about that kiss yet. She was tired when it happened. Did she even mean it? After all, she didn't seem to say anything when I touched her cheek or made that remark about kissing her. I still had to be sure. She avoided my gaze when I mentioned that I wanted to talk about yesterday. "Do you regret it?" she asked quietly. Her face looked emotionless but her eyes gave away the fact that she was scared. "I don't regret anything. I want this, (Y/N). I just want to know if we are on the same page." I explained to her.

 She looked at me, smiled and replied, "Yes we are.". However, her face became serious once again as she muttered, "Although, I have some questions.". " Well then, ask" I encouraged her, looking at her eyes, giving her all my attention. "What the fuck is she going to ask?" I wondered. "You mentioned that we have enemies inside the walls. Who are they? Why are they our enemies?" she asked. 

"You see, Nick spilled about Historia and Hanji thinks that the church is not going to take this easily. Nick unknowingly mentioned that other people know about Historia too when he said that he can't speak because of the other followers. If the other followers were to know that he talked, the Survey Corps may be targeted, especially Eren and Historia. Hanji thinks the information Nick gave up had something to do with titans and that makes Eren a target. Historia's noble family definitely didn't want Historia to keep that name. 

Her mother was assassinated and this means the enemy is strong. As for you, we both know that I'm the so-called humanity's strongest. The first thing any attacker would try to find is my weakness to bring me down. We both know that you're the only weakness I've got. The fact that you're my subordinate and we both are popular as you made a new name for yourself as humanity's strongest woman and the fact that you're so much younger than I am, all of it means that the gossip about us will spread like wildfire if anyone is to know.

 If the enemy gets to know about us, you will be in danger. I know you are capable of taking care of yourself but as your squad leader, and something more than just that now, I have a duty towards protecting you. I just don't want you to be hurt" I explained to her. I was bad at showing emotions but I think she understood that seeing her hurt would make me feel like a failure.

 I remembered the gut clenching experience from that day when I was waiting desperately for her to return safely. I remembered how terrified I felt when I heard she was not well and the colossal titan and the armoured titan showed up near her. I wanted to protect this woman at any cost. 

"I see. Honestly, I thought you didn't want anyone to know because of the rumours it would create and I thought you didn't want the negative impression they would have on you" she told me with a straight face. "I see, the usual (Y/N) is back." I thought as I looked at her.  I was kinda shocked to see her blush so much. I wasn't complaining though since she looked adorable when she blushed. "You really think I give a fuck about what people think?" I asked her, raising my eyebrows. 

She chuckled a bit at that. After some more silence, I said, "Hey (Y/N), when I entered your room this morning, you were sleep talking.". She blushed again, to my delight and asked, " Was I? What did I say?". She really did look lovely when she blushed. "You were saying 'I killed a titan dad' with a big smile on your face. Care to explain?" I asked her with a smirk. I could tell that the story behind this would be interesting. To that, she suddenly grimaced. 

"I said that to my father when he returned home with my mother after I killed that Garrison soldier." she answered with her face void of any emotion. Immediately, I felt guilty about the fact that I had accidentally brought on some definitely unpleasant memories into the conversation. I knew this was a sensitive topic but I also knew that trying to lighten the mood wouldn't work. As much as I personally wasn't good at it, it just wouldn't work because I understood the depth of her situation.

 I saw young children getting molested in the underground. I remember how they cried. I killed a few molesters myself but saving everyone at the end, just wasn't possible. I decided to ask her if she wanted to talk about it so that she might find some solace out of sharing her painful past. As I asked her this, she scanned my face as if she was trying to figure something out. At the end she said, "I'll talk if you share your memories with me too".

 I hesitated for a second and upon seeing that, she asked, "Do you trust me?". I thought about it and didn't find any reason not to trust her. " Yes, do you?" I answered and asked. "Yes," she answered. Upon listening to her memories of this certain Jacob, my heart ached. My hands clenched into a fist unconsciously and I felt anger fuming inside me. "No one will touch her again as long as I'm alive. No one except myself", I thought. I had to protect her from this world. I was proud of how capable she was but I still wouldn't let her in harm's way. I just couldn't. She deserved so much better.

 "I would've gutted that bastard if he was alive. I would've pulled every single nail from his hands and legs and cut his dick off. You were kind to him and he didn't deserve it." I commented when she finished. "Well, you're the only one who thinks that." she answered with a weak smile. "You know, if you give your official statement at the court, your criminal record could be erased. I can talk to Erwin about it if you're uncomfortable. This would help you if you ever retire." I offered to her, hoping she would agree to it. Instead, she asked, "Would you retire?".

 I was taken aback by that question. "I don't think so. I devoted my life to humanity. I never really thought about retirement." I answered looking away from her. I didn't like where this was going. "Why do you think I will retire then? I devoted my life to humanity as well." she answered. "Wouldn't you want a stable life? A family?" I asked her. I was scared of the answer. Every woman wanted that didn't they? I couldn't give her a stable life. I knew that much. Why would she ever think about having a family with someone who might end up dead anytime?

 "I don't want to be some man's trophy wife. I want to have my free will. I want to fight for humanity. If I am ever to have a family, I would have it while fighting for humanity. I'm sure my children would be proud to say their mother died a hero." she answered with a smile. I felt guilt and relief at the same time. Guilt because she would have to live a soldier's life because of me and relief because she will remain mine for longer than I had anticipated. Heck, she might be mine till one of us dies. I couldn't ask for more. 

"Their mother will die only if I end up dying. Before that, it's not happening" I told her with a smirk and she blushed at the sentence. She totally got what I meant. "Why don't you talk to me about your past now?" she said. I started talking to her about Farlan and Isabel. We chatted for hours about our pasts. I said to her that the last time I cried was when Farlan and Isabel died. She told me about what happened at the court during her trial. How Mr and Mrs Hertz defended her. How all the proof was in her favour as the man was found half naked while she was found completely nude. 

The lawyer on the culprit's defence however was cunning and said that as she had sexual experience before, she used it to murder the man. She did it out of her murderous nature that she apparently acquired from the underground. He blamed her for not talking because everything the proof says were false when in reality, she just didn't want to admit killing the man because she was scared that she would be left in the underground city again. I made a mental note to beat the lawyer up.

 I told her about my mother. How she seemed to love me. How she sold her body to provide for me. How at the end, she ended up dying, leaving me alone. How I spent a couple of days stuck in a room with her corpse. How a man named Kenny saved me. She listened and held my hand in the progress. I didn't shrug it off because it made me feel better for a change.

 She talked to me about how she first met Erwin after her trial. How she was scared of him at first but he gained her trust by letting her read books from his personal library in his quarters in the Survey Corps headquarters back in wall Maria. How he trained her to fight and gave her the courage to face anything thrown at her way. How he never judged her. This made me remember my own experience with Erwin. He never judged me, a thug from the underground city either. I respected him for this attitude. I wondered if he would be happy with me and (Y/N) being together as he was the closest thing to a father figure (Y/N) had. 

We were so much into our conversation that we didn't notice that we had reached Trost. The coachman opened the door of the carriage and we both got down. We were in front of a military police lodging. We were supposed to be staying here till Erwin regained his consciousness. As we got down, Nile approached us with somewhat of a worried face.

 "I didn't think you would bring extra people. We were only expecting Hanji and you, Levi" he told me. "Well, Hanji doesn't remember to sleep or eat without Moblit's help and Erwin is close to (Y/N). Both needed to be here." I replied to him. "I understand but there is a shortage of rooms as the Garrison is holding a charity event in Trost and the people from wall Sina are here. We were only able to arrange two rooms." he said. 

"Huhhh? Well, that means I can stay with (Y/N)! I can't wait to tell her all I know about titans! " Hanji squealed and (Y/N) looked at me with annoyance clear in her eyes and said, "I'm not staying with her" making Hanji stop squealing. "Hanji and Moblit can take these rooms. We will find lodging in any hotel" I assured Nile. "Well, good luck finding a room. Most upper class hotels with enough security are booked for a week." he mentioned. 

"We'll see that. Could we borrow two horses? Both of us have leg injuries" I stated to Nile and he said, "Of Course. Someone would return with the horses shortly. I must go now. Good day." as he went out of the facility. After waiting for about 15 minutes, a stable boy came to us with two horses and we went off to search for a hotel.

(Y/N) POV

I followed Heichou's horse to one of the big hotels in the Trost district. They mentioned that no rooms are available at any luxury hotel now except one where a few suites may be available. "That would make some effect on my paycheck," heichou muttered to himself after getting out of that hotel and while getting on his horse. "We could just go rent a room at an inn.." I suggested but heichou dismissed the idea saying, "We need to be somewhere more secure than that. I mentioned why before didn't I?". I didn't reply to it. Heichou seemed to know the hotel we were going to.

 "You seem to know the location," I mentioned to him. He didn't look at me and replied, "Yes, I stayed there a few times. Not for weeks though. They keep overnight guests discrete.". I felt a pang of jealousy at that but I knew that heichou was popular among women and it happened before we got together, so I didn't exactly have the right to be jealous about it. After reaching the place, Heichou talked to the man in the lobby about rooms.

 Apparently, only one suite was still available. While heichou was paying for the suite, I took a look at the price while heichou was paying. He seemed to notice the shock in my eyes and asked, " What are you looking at?". "How can you afford that?" I asked him in shock. "I'm one of the highest paid soldiers because of my position in the survey corps and my reputation. I can easily afford it. Seems like your paycheck will increase next month too. You're second in command now after all" he stated in a matter of fact tone. 

After he was done with the paperworks with the man in the lobby, I followed him and a waiter into the suite. It had a big living room with an attached kitchen and an enormous bedroom with an attached bathroom.

 "You can take the bed. I'll sleep on the sofa" heichou said as he got into the walk in closet with the bedroom. I looked at the sofa in the living room and it clearly wasn't nearly as comfortable as the big soft bed. I didn't go against his decision however, because I didn't feel comfortable about sharing a bed with him just yet. I saw him take a towel that was given by the hotel and examine it. When he was convinced that it was clean enough, he went into the bathroom and said, "I sent a messenger to the military police lodging about where we are staying. They will bring our luggages here. When they do, I need you to put out a shirt and a pant for me". 

"Okay" I answered. As he went to the shower, I went to the kitchen. They had vegetables stocked in the cabinets and meat in the ice box. I knew we would have to pay for it later and meat was expensive now so I just proceeded to cook some vegetable stew. A military police recruit came with our trunks and I took them from him and thanked him for the help. He seemed kinda intimidated by me even if I was just thanking him but that probably was because of my new reputation. 

Apparently I have been on today's newspaper as the strongest woman of humanity. Honestly, I couldn't care less about such foolish titles. I opened Heichou's trunk and took a white shirt and one of his black pants. Seemed like all the pants he owned were black except for his survey corps uniform pants. I laid them out neatly on the bed and went back to see how much my stew was cooked. Just as I was done, I saw heichou get out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel on. 

Suddenly, dirty thoughts that never crossed my mind before were all flooding into my head. Heichou's body was nothing like those men from the underground or Jacob. It actually made me slightly interested in giving a shot at sex. I brushed those thoughts aside when heichou disappeared in the walk-in closet with his clothes.

 I took a pot from the cabinet and poured out the stew. Heichou walked in the living room as I had set the pot on the dining table. "We could've just ordered someone to bring us food. You didn't have to work so hard." he said to me. "Wouldn't that be more expensive?" I asked him. He smiled at me and replied, "Like I said before, I'm one of the highest paid soldiers. You don't have to worry about money. The stew smells good though. Thank God I claimed you before some aristocrat bastard made you their housewife". Levi Heichou was teasing me? "Wouldn't you kill them and get me back?" I smirked back. 

"Ah, that I would. Get cleaned now. You look like shit" he said with a smile. I went to the washroom, took a quick shower and wore a long brown skirt and an olive green peasant blouse. The outfit didn't suit the atmosphere of the room. "I really need to buy good clothes'' I thought. As I came out of the closet, heichou looked at me for a while and said, "change into your uniform pants. After seeing Erwin, you're going out with me and Hanji to buy some good clothes. I'll pay for it because your salary as a recruit won't get you anything good. You probably can buy your own stuff from next month". 

I tried to protest but he got up from his chair and shutted me up with a kiss. As I was gaping at him for his sudden actions, he stated, "Don't question me. Get dressed properly now. I'll arrange two horses." and got out of the suite. I did as he said because I couldn't exactly complain in this situation. I didn't have much money with me as the salary for recruits, even in the special operations squad, was really low. 

I ate the rest of the leftover stew and got out of the suite. Levi heichou finished off more than half of the stew and by that, I assumed that he liked it. I suppose the higher quality ingredients were the reason behind it. 

I found heichou waiting for me outside with two horses. I was anxious about what position I would see uncle Erwin in and it seemed like heichou understood it. "Everything's gonna be fine," he said, trying to comfort me. I looked at him and found that his gaze was soft. As we went out to the road, I kept looking at that man. He was capable of being so strong yet so emotionally conflicted.

 I understood his attempts to make me feel better. I was bad at it too but what mattered was that he tried. That I was willing to try as well. What mattered was that he was the most beautiful person I had ever encountered.

To be continued... 

Taglist: @kingtamakimurder @realityisoftendisapointing

[shiro-0197]

aw shiro, my love, don't worry about it!! i only hope you're okay and safe :d please only reply when you're free, and don't feel bad about it!! >:(

my day yesterday was okay, i've just been relaxing, and studying occasionally. went out to explore a nearby town too, it's so pretty there. and much colder (since it's a highlands) of course!! Today was great too. I bought doughnuts (they're amazing?? I love doughnuts), and I had instant ramen, but it was SO spicy I nearly died. (Three bottles of water later, because someone finished all the milk in the household *cough* me *cough*) and I'm still just reeling. Sucks having such low spice tolerance HAHA. I'm listening to some old school hip-hop rn, while typing this out :D how were your two days?

here are some i'll be using to teach english :d and that would honestly be much appreciated, he's getting on my last nerve rn. (I included the first few, what do you think?)

thats such a priceless feeling i so totally agree. you're so precious 🥺🥺 i'm sure they're prouder thank you imagine. you're so dedicated!! i'm sure all that extra research you've done will definitely pay off. it's good that you know what the job is roughly like, so you'll be really prepared when you finally do start it. you know that one scene, in the 2nd season of the great pretender? when the chinese mafia boss emphasizes the importance of a translator in literally everything? (like that book award example) i may be getting the thing muddled up, but i found that so cool. like yeah, a book or speech could be absolutely beautiful, but if everyone can't enjoy it due to it being a different language, it would be such a shame. i just find translators really important. sorry, i'm really dorky haha 🥺🥺

awww but i think your personality type is wonderful. a lot of my favourite characters are intj (they're all so precious istg grrrr) yes!! i was in a tooru brainrot yesterday too 😭😭😭 (saw a bunch of couples on my walk, and I was like "if only Tooru was real grrrr") and yes?? there'd be so much to learn from each and every one of them. dedication from hinata, savage lines from tsukki, kindness from yams/yachi, how to be a dork 101 from atsumu. aaaah 😭😭i'm sorry they're all so wonderful.

No pftttt I totally feel you. I saw some people without masks today and I was like "bro wtf" and just really loudly said "I sure hope everyone starts following the rules so the cases don't increase" because I'm a lil bitch like that xD

awww okay!! I'll definitely keep that in mind. Mayo makes everything better, tbh >.< aww that's understandable! I don't have specific preferences but hearing the phrase "soggy cheese" makes me want to cry somewhere :( I don't like nuts in chocolate. I'm very passionate about that? XD ikr??

I'm surprised too, I usually never pass on murder, but I guess you're just special like that 👉👈 sir I'd get married to you as many times as you'd like 😼 oops sorry for being cheesy, but—you like cheese ;)

U

I won't ask why, don't worry. Since I kinda feel the same about Malaysia tbh. It's a love hate relationship, I think HAHA but yeah 😣😣 i don't look up to US at all, and it sucks because people generally do. And I'm just like ;-; why (no offense to Americans tho lol)

is that even legal omg they're so chaotic?? XD how cute tho. Angel does stuff like that all the time too, but I'd never know that when I first met her (she has the most perfect exterior, and then when you get to know her; she's the biggest dork) Schools opening on the 20th, I can't wait to see her then :] (I can, however, wait for the exams which are scheduled for the 25th ugh)

peanut butter is indeed yellow, not up for discussion hehe :) here's my favourite hues!! I love gentle, soft hues like these (pastels) , for yellow; I don't have a favourite. they're all wonderful

ahhh no that's so precious of you!! :)) I'm smiling rn.

yeah skdhskdjsk I'M JUST SO GRRR. Whenever someone goes "hey Ari can you ______" and we both respond?? The tension?? In the air?? Bro skdjskks. 😔🤚 You share a name with one of the most precious characters too tho!!;

This is Shiro from Voltron hehe. I love him so much, just like I love you (tho I'm sure we both know I love you more <3)

I share a name with a book character. His name is Aristotle Mendoza, but his crush-turned-boyfriend calls him "Ari" (which has been my nickname since I was 12). Reading it for the first time was the BEST feeling ever. It's also my favourite book, "Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe".

—Ari :D (no pfttt I love the tag so much. I have my own tag, that's like the best thing ever 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺)

Heyyy I'm so sorry for answering so late!! I know you said not to apologize but..... well hmm no excuse I just feel like apologizing, but either way thank you for your patience!!♡ This is the third time I'm rewriting this, and this time I'm doing this in my notes because fuck it😔

Im glad to hear that!! Highlands are always so pretty. Wish we had those here, but it's only steppe here:( Boring~ ooh, donuts!!! They're really good. I havent much, but I tried them like 3 times and they're so good. I really hope I will get to eat more<3 also WHAT'S THOSE NOODLES' NAME I WANNA KNOW- Are you feeling okay now, though? XD

My days were nice!!! Felt as if I had been hiding three bodies, but I've been feeling better lately. We had online school yesterday so I'm excused from the errands for the half of the day, thankfully. But your messages make me very happy. Though I dont always feel like writing a response (or I get stressed because it doenst save) so very sorry for that😔

Ohh those look so pretty!! I'd totally join to just look at them. The colors are so nice🥺 it looks like one of our olympiad prep slides, though better. I dont have the screenshots sadly😩 Either way I really love the little details like the squiggly thingies or the Ж .... they seem unnecessary but the energy changes a lot without them hehe

I really hope they will be🥺 that'd mean a lot to me. And I'm also really hopeful itll work out. I really don't wanna disappoint my family, which is literally just one person. The less people there are, the more it hurts, you know?

Yeah, that scene meant so much to me!! I dknt remember much, but I was very happy they said something like that, because I've been told being a translator wont work out for me. Now look at me, I'm about to tell them to fuck themselves<3 I was also so surprised to see Laurent know that many languages ..... I aspire to be like him😩 And honestly, I havent though so deep of that but you opened my eyes and now I'm about to float off into the next universe😭 dont apologize though, its very cute!!!♥︎♥︎

Heheh, I guess you're right.. every single anime INTJ is a silent sexy mastermind and I love them . ... YEAH every single time I see a passing couple i cry because I dont have anyone 😡💔 and sometimes when I see people doing something amusing (which includes people failing cuz I'm evil) I just imagine one of the characters doing that and I smile all the way xD Honestly, I'd sell my father on black market for a single day with one of them:( though that may sound like a really low price because his cigarette filled lungs wouldnt cost a lot... I sound like my 7th grade self again I'm so sorry

BAHQHHANEJWJD I HOPE THEY WERE EMBARRASED. I HOPE THEY FELT AWKWARD AND OTHER PEOPLE DID TOO, they deserve it. Like, learn your lesson bitch, it's been a year!

Yeah!!! I love mayo, not to the point where I would gulp it down from the package, but it does make dishes taste good. Same, soggy cheese on itself sounds like a dish served in the ninth circle of hell. You should try nuts in honey!! Like, just straight up dip them in honey. Sounds weird, and it doesnt always taste NEJFJKSKF (depends on the honey)but I think it's worth trying xD Walnuts are the best with honey I think

That was so funny ... TOO FUNNY, I LAUGHED FOR LIKE . 3MINUTES STRAIGHT and I do not laugh when I'm tired. You really are special 😭😭😭😭 cheesy ... HAHRNFJJSF

I'm so sorry for being a bully like that but it's so funny how you left a single U there . Its so mysterious, was it in purpose? Or were you lost in the excitement if messaging me?

I was one of those people, honestly 😭 but mostly because I wasnt aware of its political condition, I guess. Maybe theres more than just politics that's bad about US, but honestly, it has more opportunities than this hellfire. Though now I'm more into Norway and Japan. Really wanna travel there :(

Heheh, yeah, we never really show off to strangers at first. I dont know what exactly I mean by we, but you get my point ♡ Good luck though!! I hope it goes well for you<3

Oh they looks so pretty!! They're really wonderful. Like bubblegum and cotton candy and literally anything sweet... it's so cute !!! And I totally agree, there isnt a bad yellow.

HAHAH, honestly, that reminds me of how there were 4 people with the same name in my class, and whenever the teacher did the attendance thing, they would all stand up. Teachers usually dont say the last names, so we always gotta ask which person they mean if theres more than one person with that name, so yeah.. That happened on accident at first, but then they just did it for trolling xD

OH MY GOD HES SO PRETTY? HES SO PRECIOUS?? HUHHH??? I gotta thank Kuro for this wonderful opportunity of sharing a name with someone like .... him🥺

Oh that's so cool!! Also, he has a boyfriend ... I really need to start reading xD it's so cute though! It sounds like such a good book, I'm glad you share a name with him, hehe!!

I also share my real name with one of the characters in a kids' show, and its SO ugly, I'm in pain. Every time my friends see one of those on TV they go

Which is a pain in the ass, it's so embarrassing...........

Awh, okay!! I'm glad you love it, cuz I do too. Because it's your name.... cuz I love u. That was so lame PLEASEJWJDJSJF I HOPE YOUR DAY WAS GREAT !!! LOVE YOU

[ernmark]

in the "Juno was still a Cop" au, how were they going to beat miasma? Telepathic and indestructible seem like an impossible combination. (i'm not asking for a whole chapter I am just. very curious)

I’ve been struggling with this final chapter for so long because I didn’t know how to manage it in a way that would be narratively satisfying without doing a lot of work on my end. What can I say, endings are hard.

The end result wound up being 3k and a bit difficult to write, and I don’t think I was physically capable of really pulling it off until I was back in a more comfortable place, writing-wise. I think doing the fanfics that I have been this month has been a huge help in getting me back to that place. 

Thank you so much for your patience. 

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8

I have the thief drop me off at the edge of town before he takes Engstrom and Valencia to the hospital.

It takes some convincing– he keeps insisting that I go with them– but this is the way it has to be. Besides, I’m about to have someone a whole lot more competent than one of the city’s doctors to patch me up.

As soon as I’m out of the car, I look away from it until the sound of its engine is long gone. I couldn’t say which way it went, or which hospital they’re going to. I know it won’t matter much– if Dark Matters wants to corroborate my story, they won’t have much trouble finding the thief.

Hopefully it won’t come to that. 

My comms doesn’t have the number coded into it, but it doesn’t matter. I memorized it years ago, for the nights when ma kicked me out for the night and I had to call Sasha to come let me sleep on her couch. I know she still uses it: Mick dialed it once when he was drunk and in trouble, and the call actually went through. She was furious, of course. She said the line was for emergencies only– by which she meant, just in case some detective found her sister’s body and needed to get in touch. Well, this is an emergency.

The call goes through. No one answers, but I know she’s listening.

“Hey, Sasha. I don’t know where the hell I am right now, but I need one of your buddies with the sunglasses to come find me.”

I’m still trying to explain the situation on the silent comms when a Dark Matters transport lands beside me and two bespectacled goons named Agent usher me inside. 

For hours I’m poked and prodded and interrogated. My clothes are confiscated and I’m swabbed for dozens of samples of genetic material– both mine and the Martian goo that’s crusted on my skin. While I speak, my interrogator is handed a tablet, and I can see security footage from the hotel reflected in their glasses. 

The agent’s face is stony and expressionless as they watch Miasma’s arms elongate and twist. I can’t tell if they already knew about all this or if their training is just that good.

“Stay here,” they say with a cool nod. “A medic will be with you shortly.”

And then I’m back on the street, smelling of antiseptic and feeling a little bit like a rabbit that’s been through one of those catch-and-release vans. 

I sway and manage to catch myself against an alley wall before I slide to the ground. 

What the hell am I supposed to do now? I’m in some strange city in the middle of nowhere. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don’t know where it would take me. My apartment? Pretty sure that’s either an active crime scene or picked clean by my precinct. Rita’s? No, the last thing I want to do is get her mixed up with Dark Matters and Miasma any more than she already is. That hotel I shared with the thief?

My chest hurts, and not just from the stitches. 

He’s probably halfway across the solar system by now. I hope he is. I don’t think I could stand the thought of him in Dark Matters’ crosshairs. The best I can ask for is that I never see him again.

The thought might be bittersweet, but right now all I can feel is numb.

I don’t know how long I sit in that alley, staring at nothing, my knees hugged against my chest. People pass by without a second glance. The sun sets and the only light that reaches me is the rippling blue of the city’s dome. A car pulls up to the alley. A door opens, and footsteps approach. 

I don’t look up. I don’t have it in me to wonder if their motive is charity or a mugging. I’m so tired.

“I hope you haven’t been waiting for me all this time.” The thief’s voice is gentle and chiding. “You hadn’t moved in so long that I thought you’d lost your comms.”

Slowly I look up, staring blankly at him. He shouldn’t be here. She should be somewhere out across the galaxy by now. He should have left me behind.

I can’t bring my eyes to focus on his face, but he reaches down to cup my cheek. His hand is warm and gentle against my skin, and right then all I want is to cling to him.

“How would you like to sit somewhere more comfortable?” He doesn’t wait for me to answer before he helps me to my feet. I’ve been sitting on the ground so long that my legs are asleep, and they buzz painfully as the blood comes back into my extremities. It’s hard to think of much of anything as he helps me into the passenger seat and climbs in on the other side.

“Miss Valencia is expected to make a full recovery, give or take a few fingers,” he says, answering the question I was afraid to ask. “Engstrom made sure she’ll be receiving the best of care.”

“That’s four people who made it out alive,” I say hollowly. “How many do you think were in the Oasis? A couple hundred?” The thought has been swirling in my head for hours, but finally it comes back in full force, hot and acidic in my mouth. “How many of them are dead right now?”

In my mind’s eye I can still see the bodies littering the floor, the walls sprayed with blood, the gore scattered across the lobby. I can still smell it past the antiseptic, past the thief’s cologne. 

“Juno.” He leans in, turning my head until I have to look at him. “You did everything you could.”

“I told them to stay put,” I croak. “I told them not to run when they had the chance. If she–” 

“If she did anything at all to them, then that is her responsibility. You did all you could with what information you had. No one could have known what was going to happen, love.”

“I should have,” I insist. “I saw she wasn’t going down. I knew something was wrong–”

“And you think the obvious conclusion was that she was some sort of otherworldly monster?” His hands are on my face again, cradling my trembling jaw. “You couldn’t have known what she was. No one could. You did everything you could. It isn’t your fault, love. It isn’t your fault.”

I don’t know when the tears start. I haven’t cried since I lost Ben, and suddenly I feel like I’m making up for lost time. I’m crying for a hotel full of people– and for the ones who came before them. How many mostly-innocent people did I leave to die? How many people could I have saved? How many monsters like Miasma did I let run free just because they had the money and the power for a bribe? How much blood is on my hands? I sob like a little kid, and the thief just holds me and strokes my back and kisses my forehead. 

There’s nothing left in me once the tears are gone, but it’s a different kind of emptiness than before. I feel wrung out and exhausted, but a little more human than I’ve felt in a long, long while.

He kisses me one last time. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a good night’s sleep. Care to join me?”

I give a small nod. “I’d like that.”

———

And just like that, I’m back where I started, give or take a few disasters: back in a hotel with the thief, soaking in his presence until he starts to drown out the guilt and anxiety that I can’t escape anywhere else. 

I know his patterns by now. He’s biding his time, laying low until the heat wears off and he can make his next move. I try not to think about what that means for me, but he doesn’t let me avoid it too much longer.

He’s browsing through the screen of his comms, settling into the familiar patterns of research.

“The Kobasha founding festival is next week,” he says when he feels my eyes on him. “If we leave tomorrow, we can make it through customs in time for the fish lantern ceremony. It really is a beautiful sight to see.” He hasn’t looked up from the screen, but he does now. His expression is cool and casual, but there’s a note of dread under the facade. “That is, if you still intend to go to Tau Ceti.” 

I swallow, but it catches in my throat. “That was the plan, wasn’t it?”

“You can always change your mind.”

“To what?”

“Anything you like.”

I don’t know what I’d like. Right now, the thought of going somewhere else and starting over from scratch feels overwhelming. I don’t know where I’d start or what I’d do. 

When I joined the police academy, I still went home to Ben and Mick and even Ma. When I left Oldtown, I knew the rest of my class at the academy, the higher-ups who took me under their wing, the designated partners that I trained under until I was at their level-- and even then I always had the option of going back to Oldtown when I needed to feel something more familiar.

But in Tau Ceti, I’ll be alone. Just me and my guilt and whatever fake paperwork the thief leaves me with. And sure, maybe it’s better that way, but it scares the hell out of me.

“Juno.” I don’t know how many times he’s said my name. I don’t snap out of my own spiraling thoughts until he lays his hand on my cheek. “You don’t have to decide just yet.”

“You were already going to leave,” I say dully. “I can’t make you stay any longer because of me.” 

He leans down and kisses me-- once on the forehead, and once, gently, on the lips. “Then come with me.”

I don’t know how to answer that. I don’t know what to do. I want to go with him, but there’s so much that can go wrong, so much that I can still ruin, so much--

I don’t have the chance to think much more about it before I hear a low, dry voice, like stone rolling over sand. “There you are.”

He whirls to face the hotel door, a plasma knife already in his hand, poised to put himself between Miasma and me. But all the noble intentions in the world can’t stop her.

Windows graded to withstand acid rains and sandstorms shatter as long tendrils-- more tentacles than arms-- fly into the room in a blur of motion. The thief slashes at the appendages, and I can hear the sizzle of plasma on flesh, but I can’t see it. My eyes are squeezed shut, my hands are caught on the tentacle wrapped around my neck, my heels are dragging on the floor as she pulls me across the room, and suddenly her desert-cold breath is on my cheek.

“Juno!” The thief rushes to the shattered window. His glasses are askew, his face is splattered with ichor. 

“Did you really think you could steal from me, thief?” Miasma rasps.

“Let him go,” the thief cries. “Please.”

“The Purus Egg,” she says. 

He steps out of the window, his hands open, palms toward her.

Stop it, you idiot, I want to shout at him. Run while you can! But her tentacle-arm is too tight against my throat. My lungs are fighting just to get a trickle of air. There’s nothing left in me to form a shout.

“I’ll bring it to you,” he says, walking closer. He’s talking to her but his gaze is fixed on me. “I’ll do whatever you want.”

From the corner of my eye, I spot a glint of black. I feel her shift against me, reacting to my thoughts.

No, I think frantically. Please, don’t do what she’s asking. She’s just going to kill you when she’s done. Run, just get out of here. 

She rattles in disgust and shakes me. “Shut up,” she snarls. Her tentacle cuts off all my air, and I can feel my thoughts start to spiral.

But she can’t stop me from thinking them.

Don’t get yourself killed over me, you beautiful idiot. You never should have come back for me. I can’t live with myself if something happens to you. I love you, dammit.

The thought rocks me to my core, but I can’t let up now. More flashes of black glint at me from above.

I love you, thief. I love you so much I can’t stand it. I want to go off into space with you. I want to wake up next to you every day for the rest of my life. I want to make stupid bets with you and hatch crazy plans together. I don’t want to go to Tau Ceti if it means you’re going to leave me. Please don’t die. Please. I love you.

She’s shaking me now, snarling for me to shut up, but I just think louder, harder, practically screaming it inside my head. 

The thief runs toward me, his mouth open. I stretch out my hand toward him, silently begging him to stay away.

And then the first flash streaks across the sky like a shooting star, and the world is filled with a sickening sizzle and the sour-sweet smell of burning ooze.

Miasma shrieks and flings away, but she’s caught by another laser from another direction altogether. And then another. More flashes of hard light come down around her, carving through her like she’s made of nothing more than smoke. She regenerates almost as fast as they can hit her-- almost. But dozens of Dark Matters agents emerge from behind their cover, the muzzles of their blasters flashing in endless volleys. The tentacle that has my throat is severed, and I drop to the ground, gasping for air. The thief is at my side in an instant, his arms wrapping around me in a frantic hug. As he drags me away, the ring of Dark Matters closes around Miasma, and her howls of rage go silent.

-----------

For the second time that day, I’m cleaned and disinfected and bandaged by a medic in black. The thief doesn’t take his eyes off me even when the medic cleans the broken glass out of his own skin. 

“You knew they were coming,” he murmurs when the medic steps out of the room. “This was your plan all along.”

“I didn’t think it would go down like this.” My voice is barely a croak. “But yeah.”

“Why didn’t you tell--” He stops, and understanding settles on his face. “You didn’t want her to read the plan in my thoughts.”

“She almost read them in mine.” What I thought instead is still ringing in my skull. I meant it, in all my panic. I still do.

He hums. “That’s why you didn’t want me to tell you, isn’t it.” He leans closer and wraps an arm gently around my shoulders. 

It isn’t, actually. I only thought of my plan in the car, before I had him drop me off. At the time I was almost as scared of being in love with him as I was of Miasma. Now, though...

The door opens. The thief doesn’t drop his arm from around my shoulders as a familiar dark figure steps through the door.

“Juno,” she says, nodding at me. She gives a second nod to the thief, but doesn’t address him directly. “I’d like to thank you for bringing Doctor Miasma to our attention. You’ve helped us neutralize a major threat to the Solar System.”

Neutralize?

The thief catches that wording, too. “You haven’t killed her.”

“That’s confidential,” she says coolly.

“Sasha--” I start to get up, but I’m too dizzy to break out of the thief’s grip, and he pulls me back down. 

The hard edges of her face soften slightly. 

“Frankly, I don’t know if something like her can be killed,” she says, her voice low. “Even if she could, she may in fact be one of a kind. Destroying that kind of a specimen would be a waste of a potentially limitless resource. Especially given her abilities.”

And I realize exactly what I’ve done. 

Miasma can shapeshift, and regenerate, and read minds. If they can figure out how-- if they figure out how to replicate it in themselves-- if they can make their own agents into something like her--

My head is swimming. The thief draws me close against his chest.

“Thank you, Agent,” he says curtly. “Are we being detained?”

She looks at him evenly, and then at me. “No. You’re free to go.” 

“Thank you.” He helps me to my feet, one arm still holding me close. “If you would be so kind as to show us the way out?”

She leads us out of the labyrinthine halls of the headquarters, and the thief keeps me from falling over. My mind is elsewhere, forming plans. I can call Rita, ask her to keep an eye on Dark Matters, let me know if they make any breakthroughs. And then we can... I don’t even know. We’ll figure it out when it comes.

But later. When my head has stopped spinning and I’ve had a chance to sleep.

I slide back into the moment when I feel the thief’s hands on me. “Didn’t know almost dying made you so frisky,” I say. “I would have done it more often.”

“And what if I told you that I was most aroused by bed rest and long recoveries?”

I scrape out a laugh. “Kinky, but I’ll give it a try. Any bugs on me?”

“None that I’ve found.” He’s patting himself down now, but he seems satisfied. “How are you feeling, love?”

“Like I just went through a dryer with a load full of bricks.” I hesitate. “Listen-- about Tau Ceti...”

He glances at me, his expression soft and resigned. “You don’t have to make a decision right now, Juno.”

“I know. But I did anyway.” I fold his hand in mine. “I don’t want to go there without you.”

He smiles gently. “I told you I would show you around, didn’t I?”

“No.” God, it’s hard to say. “I want to go with you. Not just to the festivals. Everywhere. I want to see the whole galaxy with you. I--” I’m cut off by a hacking cough. That was too much talking too soon. And without the momentum of my own clumsy words, I can hear just how stupid I sound. 

“I’m in love with you,” I whisper, and then I manage a soft, strangled laugh. “I’m in love with you, and I don’t even know your name.”

And he leans close against me until his lips brush the curve of my ear, and I can feel the warmth of his smile. “It’s Peter Nureyev.”