#i stayed up until midnight last night just writing up a storm

[blowjob-horseguy]

I'm so close to being done with chapter 4. I just have to get Steve and Eddie in bed together. I know that sounds like a lot but it's gonna be a few sentences at most, I promise

[novaursa]

can you please write something with the reader being the queen of a far away kingdom that is kinda similar to the targaryen house but instead of dragons they have elike either magic or something. and reader ends up befriending rhaenyra which has the reader being a very powerful ally and the greens notice this , with alicent still wanting to steal the throne but otto is like “…nahhhh” , so rhaenyra becomes queen with the reader there and just standing all badass and stuff kinda comedic if you can please

The Witch Queen

- Summary: You arrive from faraway land to aid Rhaenyra before her rightful claim is stolen.

- Paring: female!reader/Rhaenyra Targaryen

- Note: This might be slightly darker than you asked for, but the spooky season vibes guided me with this one. I hope you still like it, dear anon. ���

- Rating: Mature 16+

- Next part: long live the queen

- Tag(s): @sachaa-ff @alyssa-dayne @oxymakestheworldgoround

The wind carried a sharp, briny scent from the sea as your ship glided through the dark waters toward the docks of King's Landing, its shadow stretching ominously beneath the moonlit sky. The black sails of your fleet billowed against the midnight horizon, a ghostly procession that had gone unnoticed until now. No banners heralded your arrival, no horns sounded from the walls of the Red Keep. The city slept in ignorance of the storm you had brought.

At your side, your court stood with heads held high, their violet eyes gleaming in the moonlight, their pale, silver-gold hair swept back in intricate braids that mirrored your own. House Tyvarella was not accustomed to formalities that belonged to lesser kings or the pious men of Westeros. You were the Queen of a realm far older than this one, a survivor of Valyria’s doom, and there was no need for permission to make yourself known.

As you stepped onto the cobblestones, the whispers from the shadows began to ripple. The common folk had heard the tales—stories of your house, the blood mages of Tyvarella, feared even by those who once tamed dragons. To those of the Faith of the Seven, you were a creature from their darkest myths, a figure woven into the very fabric of their nightmares. And now, you were here, at the heart of their crumbling kingdom.

“The night brings ill omens,” Otto Hightower muttered, his hands wringing in that nervous, meticulous way of his. He stood by a flickering torchlight, watching as your procession marched through the streets toward the Red Keep. His face was pale, his eyes narrowed in a mixture of wariness and disgust. “They come as vultures, Alicent, like specters summoned by death itself. We need to leave, now.”

Alicent Hightower, now Dowager Queen, stood by his side, her delicate fingers gripping the edges of her gown as if holding herself together. Her emerald eyes, though wary, flickered with a strange curiosity as she gazed at your retinue. “They were not expected, not invited… What are they doing here?”

“Nothing good, I assure you,” Otto responded with grim certainty. “King Viserys is dead. They arrive just as his breath fades. They bring with them blood magic and ruin. If we stay—”

A distant sound cut through the air, carried on the wind—the solemn toll of bells echoing across the city. Viserys was gone. The king had breathed his last.

Alicent's breath hitched as the realization washed over her. Her husband, the father of her children, the king, was dead. And here you stood, arriving at this precise moment, as if heralding the change to come.

But her eyes strayed, flickering toward the upper windows of the Red Keep. Through the torch-lit chambers, she caught a glimpse of another figure—Rhaenyra. The Princess had been kept behind, confined within the castle after that last bitter feast Viserys had demanded, the one after Vaemond Velaryon met his end.

Rhaenyra stood by the window now, her gaze drawn irresistibly to you. Alicent noticed it in an instant, the way her rival, her stepdaughter, leaned closer to the glass, watching your every movement with a deep, unspoken longing. Rhaenyra’s eyes were fixed on you, even from this distance, her expression one of unmistakable hunger and fascination.

“Do you see that?” Alicent whispered, her voice tight. “She… she looks at her.”

Otto followed her gaze, his lips tightening. “Rhaenyra’s drawn to power,” he said dismissively, though a hint of concern tugged at his tone. “It’s in her blood. But this... this is different. Tyvarella’s magic is ancient, forbidden. If she aligns herself with them, it will be disastrous.”

Alicent felt a wave of unease roll through her, but before she could respond, the heavy gates of the Red Keep groaned open, and you stepped inside. The room fell into a hush, as if the very stones of the castle were holding their breath. You entered without ceremony, your violet eyes scanning the gathering of lords and courtiers, none of whom dared meet your gaze directly.

And then, you saw her.

Rhaenyra.

She descended the grand staircase, her silken black gown flowing behind her like the wings of a raven. Her silver hair glowed in the candlelight, and her lips were parted ever so slightly, as if tasting the air between you. The tension in the room coiled tight, palpable.

When your eyes met hers, the world seemed to fall away.

You had seen her before, of course. But this… this was different. Here, in this moment of death and turmoil, the connection between you felt like a thread of fire, burning through the distance between you both. Her breath hitched as she came to stand before you, her gaze never leaving yours.

“Y/N,” Rhaenyra whispered, her voice soft yet carrying a weight that pulled at something deep inside of you. “You came.”

“I did,” you replied, your voice steady, though the sight of her stirred something untamed within you. “I came as soon as I sensed it. Viserys is gone, and now… the realm will fall to chaos.”

Her lips tightened into a thin line, pain flashing in her eyes at the mention of her father, but she didn’t look away. “They’ll come for me. For my children.”

“And they’ll have to go through me first.”

Rhaenyra’s eyes darkened at your words, the weight of your promise settling over her like a shield. Her hand, pale and trembling, reached out ever so slightly, as if testing the waters between you. And then, without another word, she placed it in yours.

A murmur spread through the room. Alicent stiffened where she stood, her face pale as the dawn.

Otto watched in silence, his mind already racing, already calculating. He knew what this meant. He knew that your presence here was more than a disruption. It was a declaration.

“We should have left when we had the chance,” he muttered, just loud enough for Alicent to hear. “Now it’s too late.”

Rhaenyra squeezed your hand, her fingers warm despite the cool air. “Will you stay?”

Your lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “For as long as you need me.”

[thebiggerbear]

Something Like This

Summary: A Nor'easter hits Boston and luckily for you, you don't have anywhere you need to be except right here snuggled up with CJ.

A/N: So, I started writing this back in January. We got quite a few snowfalls that month and I had wanted to write some cuddle time with CJ and the reader from the "I hate you" prompt. I wrote about 70% of it but then got distracted due to busy times at work and in life. But after this latest snowfall, I picked it up again and had to finish it. This wasn't originally meant to be for Valentine's Day (obviously) but I changed it up a little since the timing worked out. It's not much but I hope it's alright. Btw, I love snow, just not shoveling it lol.

Unbeta'd so all mistakes are mine.

Please let me know if you would like to be tagged in any future CJ or Dawson's Creek works.

Sequel to this prompt response

Warnings: pure fluff; implied sex

Word Count: 5995

Taglist: @avada-kedavra-bitch-187; @rieleatiel

CJ Taglist: @deans-spinster-witch; @birdiellie; @heartlessdelusions; @illicithallways; @nancymcl; @muhahaha303

Jensen Taglist: @samanddeaninatrenchcoat; @deansbbyx

This was recc'ed by @winchestergirl2 here.

You opened one eye and turned to glance out the window after hearing a low whistle. You watched as snow flakes whipped around in a furious dance against the glass before moving on. “Wow, it’s really coming down out there.”

You felt your boyfriend nuzzling your ear. “Yeah, it is,” he murmured. “Not that I mind.”

You couldn’t help but smile and turn to face him. You saw the blissed out grin gracing his handsome face and the affection in his green eyes as they settled on you. You ran your fingers gently through his hair, making him let out a tiny contented sigh as he burrowed into your neck. 

The meteorologists had predicted a Nor’easter for the weekend, one that was going to produce at least a couple of feet of snow after a 24 hour period, and predictably, people panicked and flooded the stores. Being a college student, you hadn’t needed to make a mad rush to the store to buy bottled water, canned goods, or bread; that was something you normally had in your stash. But the storm was something everyone on campus was talking about. Some students who didn’t want to stick around for the mushy white stuff headed out early on Friday for a warmer (or at least drier) destination. Even some professors had canceled classes in the early afternoon even though it wasn’t supposed to start snowing until well after midnight. During all of this hubbub, CJ had called you and suggested you come stay at his place for the weekend. Considering you didn’t want to get stuck with Stacey and her boyfriend (you had heard her making plans earlier that day) and you hadn’t seen CJ since Tuesday, you were completely on board with that plan.

You had brought what you considered to be your own personal snowstorm kit which consisted of hot chocolate mix (with tiny marshmallows of course), a big cozy blanket, and the warmest pajama set you owned. They may or may not have bunny rabbits dressed in sweaters, hats, and mittens enjoying a snow day on them. And CJ may or may not have laughed and enjoyed teasing you when you put them on Friday night for the first movie of the evening. He hadn’t been laughing long though when he discovered how easily he could unbutton your shirt and get his hands in there or how quickly he could undress you. 

CJ had his own preparations he had made. He had candles, flashlights, the same type of food and drink stash you had with a few differences, blankets, extra pillows, a few movies picked out and ready to go by the TV, and enough Twizzlers to last you the weekend. You had happily kissed him for that last one; he knew how much you loved Twizzlers.

Sure enough, the snow started right after midnight and hadn’t stopped. Boston was covered in a thick white blanket that just kept growing and growing no matter how many plows made their way through the streets. Now it was Saturday afternoon, with the storm halfway over, and it didn’t show any signs of slowing down any time soon. Feeling CJ pressing gentle kisses to your neck, you were just fine with that.

You hummed happily and closed your eyes, enjoying the sensations of his lips on your skin and his hands sneaking under the hem of your shirt to caress your back. “I love this,” you whispered.

“I love you,” he whispered back, making you smile as he worked his way up to your jaw line.

“We just showered and changed the sheets an hour ago,” you whined when you felt his fingers trail from your back to your front, sneaking under the waistband of your pajama pants. 

“I have extra sheets,” he reassured, placing kisses to your cheek and then the corner of your mouth. 

“You’re insatiable,” you teased. He had already had you twice this morning and once last night.

“So, I love having sex with my girlfriend, sue me.” He wiggled his eyebrows playfully before pecking your lips.

“We have all weekend,” you reminded him. Thankfully, his roommate had made other arrangements for the impending snowstorm, something you highly suspected CJ had urged him to do. “Besides, I wanted to just snuggle for a while and maybe make out a little.” You pouted up at him.

He studied you for a moment and then let out a chuckle. “Just snuggling and making out, huh?”

You grinned and nodded, loving the sight of his smile. CJ may be an attractive guy with handsome features, but his smile made your heart leap inside your chest every single time. Enough that you were starting to worry that you should probably go to the doctor for a checkup, but damn did you love his smile. Had you been able to see it through the months of phone conversations the two of you had, you probably would’ve been an absolute goner from the get go.    

“Okay,” he sighed and moved his hand out of your pants and flopped onto his back next to you, pulling you further into his arms. “Happy?”

“Very.” You picked up his hand and began to play with his fingers while he kissed the top of your head. His free hand rubbed up and down your back in soothing circles and he let his cheek rest against your hair.

You both stayed quiet for a few minutes and just listened to the wind howling outside every so often.

“You know, Y/N, I never thought I’d be able to have something like this,” he quietly admitted to you. “A relationship with a girl where I’m sober…and happy.” You smiled, squeezing his fingers in between yours. “I had a plan I was sticking to until I graduated and nothing was going to change it. But then I met you.” You glanced up to find him watching you, an affectionate smile on his face. “And it all changed.”

The words should have made something in your chest warm but instead a spike of anxiety flowed through it instead. He was supposed to be in New York City right now, not Boston. He was only here because of you, because he didn’t want to be two states away from you long term though you had promised you would visit if he went. Nope, he decided he was staying here and finishing out his education at Boston Bay no matter what you’d said to try to convince him not to miss out on an important opportunity. As far as he was concerned, he’d made his decision, he was good with it, and it was case closed. 

So, a part of you started to worry but knowing you as well as he did by now, he leaned forward and kissed you until the worry began to fade away. “And I couldn’t be happier that it did,” he whispered to your lips before kissing you again. You felt him shift an arm away from you but before you could look to see what he was doing, he deepened the kiss and you melted into him.

A moment later, he pulled away, making you whine and reach for him when suddenly there was a bouquet of red roses in your face causing your eyes to widen in surprise. CJ was beaming down at you. “Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart.”

Your mouth dropped in shock. You had been so busy the last two weeks, you had completely forgotten the holiday was today. Truthfully, you had never bothered with the holiday before. To you, it was nothing more than a day that Corporate America hijacked to make even more money off of the backs of its consumers. You had never put much stock into it before, not since you reached high school. And now, you had someone you deeply cared about, someone you loved, and you had made the worst mistake you could’ve made by forgetting the holiday while your amazing boyfriend obviously hadn’t. 

“Th-Thank you,” you stammered. He offered the bouquet to you and you gratefully accepted them, leaning them up to your nose to gently sniff their wonderful scent. “They’re beautiful.”

CJ carefully moved to the side and sat up against the headboard, watching you with a grin. “Only the best for my girl.”

“You know I have to ask how.” You had been here since last night and never once had you come across any flowers. Not to mention, there was no way any flower deliveries were being made today. You idly wondered just how much money florists across the city were losing.  

He inclined his head towards the other side of the room. “Mike’s closet.”

You shot him a look of disbelief. “And they survived?”

CJ laughed and gave you a nod. “They did. I’m not going to lie, I checked on them in the middle of the night when you were asleep. I was worried they would be all wilted or that we might have a Little Shop of Horrors situation suddenly on our hands.”

You snickered and sat up next to him. “If it starts asking me for blood, I’m putting it back in Mike’s closet. It can be a very belated Christmas present.”

He shook his head, chuckling, and wrapped his arm around your shoulders. “I’m just glad they held up. I got them delivered last night before you got here. I put them in water and when you were in the bathroom before, I took them out, dried them off, and hid them on my side of the bed. They seem to be doing okay.” He studied the flowers to make sure.  

“They’re perfect,” you whispered. They really were. They could have been dying or missing petals or even a cheap bouquet from the convenience store, and they still would have been perfect. No one had ever given you flowers for Valentine’s Day before or any flowers period — no one other than your dad that is. 

CJ smiled over at you and leaned in to kiss you. “I’m glad you like them.”

“They must’ve cost you a fortune, though.”

He waved his free hand dismissively. “Worth it.” He pecked your lips again. “And I made reservations for us for Tuesday night at that seafood place you like.”

Your eyes nearly bugged out of your head. “The super expensive one?”

He shrugged. “I was going to take you last night but I knew it would be packed. So this way, we avoid the whole crowd of everyone trying to cram in a romantic dinner at the last minute and we can just enjoy ourselves on Tuesday.”

Shame began to unfurl in your chest. He had really thought of everything. Now him lighting the candles last night, the Twizzler stash, him insisting on ordering your favorite takeout — all of it started to make sense in a different way than they first had for the romantic weekend you both were holed up in for the snowstorm. How could you have been so blockheaded not to realize? Granted, you both never talked about what you would want to do for this holiday; it was your first one since you began dating. But you still should have realized. Now CJ had gone all out for you, and you had nothing to give him in return. He had even been thoughtful enough to choose not only your favorite restaurant but a night where it wouldn’t be so crowded since he knew how you felt about being in the same room as a massive amount of people. You had the most amazing and considerate boyfriend and you literally had nothing for him. What a crappy girlfriend you were. 

And due to the snow, you couldn’t even try to make up for it by making plans or reservations to take him anywhere (you would have sat in a crowded restaurant for him if it made him happy), or go to the store to get him anything or even purchase ingredients for a meal you could cook for him. You hadn’t even brought anything sexy to wear to bed for him, just your old comfortable PJ’s. Girlfriend fail indeed.

Your smile started to fade and you glanced up at him worriedly. “CJ…I didn’t…I wasn’t—”

He gently kissed your nose. “I know. We never talked about it and I knew you were busy these last two weeks. I just wanted to do something nice for you. I know how you feel about this holiday and well…I wanted to change that up a little. Give you some good memories.” He stroked a petal of the rose closest to him before turning a warm smile on you.

You could feel a familiar stinging in the corner of your eyes. He remembered what you’d told him in one of your many phone conversations when you’d been getting to know each other. You’d been discussing each holiday and sharing both of your thoughts when it came to each one. You didn’t care for Valentine’s Day and when he asked why, you surprised yourself by telling him the truth. In high school, every year, roses were for sale. You could choose between red, pink, and yellow ones; they were approximately five dollars each. You could give it to the person (or people) you bought them for directly, leave it taped to their lockers, or have them delivered to the class they were in. And each year, you were one of two people out of your whole class who never received any. You weren’t a social outcast by any means but you weren’t part of the whole cliques business, preferring to do your own thing. No boy was interested in you and while you had friends, they weren’t the type to buy yellow roses for all of their friends on that day. You and Charlotte Campbell never received a rose in any capacity. And that only held true until junior year when finally you couldn’t take the sad expression on Charlotte’s face anymore as she watched deliveries being made in class, knowing that she was going to be crying her eyes out in the girl’s bathroom before next period, and you did something about it. You ignored the shocked look on Justine Helman’s face when you purchased a pink rose and gave her instructions on where and when to deliver it. The surprised and grateful smile on Charlotte’s face later in History class when a student had delivered the rose to her had been worth it. So much so that you repeated the process in senior year. You had no idea if she ever figured out they were from you (Justine was known to be quite the busybody), but you hoped that regardless, it gave her a little bit of happiness in that moment each time the holiday rolled around.

And from there you slowly began to realize that the holiday was an excuse for florists, candy companies, greeting card companies, condom companies (CJ chuckled at that one but didn’t disagree), lingerie departments and boutiques, jewelry stores, and movie studios and TV stations to make more money. Like one big conspiracy they all partook in for the almighty dollar. So, every time the holiday came around, you rolled your eyes and refused to even acknowledge it. If you loved someone and they loved you, you didn’t need a corporate-infused holiday and two empty bank accounts to show it. That’s where you had stood on the holiday of love and you were determined to keep that stance for the rest of your life.

But then you started dating CJ and now…now you were ready to tear up because he had remembered what you’d said and wanted you to have a good memory on this day for once. You launched yourself at him, kissing him passionately while being careful not to crush the flowers. “I love you,” you whispered when you both needed air.

He moved his hands up to your cheeks and wiped tears away with his thumbs. You had no idea they had escaped. “I love you, too.” His brows drew together as he studied your face. “This was okay, right?”

CJ had never celebrated the holiday with someone either. He’d never been in a relationship when it would roll around on the calendar before this one. So this was his first time acknowledging it, too, to anyone outside of family and friends. 

You gave him the most grateful smile you could. “Yeah. More than okay.” You could see the relief playing over his expression. You reached behind you to gently place the flowers on his nightstand and turned back to him, cupping his face. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. I’m really glad you like it.” His soft smile made a leaping sensation happen in your chest.

“Like it?” A glimmer of worry shined in his green eyes. “Oh, you are so getting laid right now, pal.” You started to pull him to you as you leaned back onto the bed. He laughed but it got cut short by you kissing him deeply. You moaned into his mouth when he settled in between your thighs and you cradled his hips with your legs. You began to hurriedly unbutton your top when his hands stopped you and he lifted up for air. 

“Wait, wait.” You gulped for air, watching him intently, wondering why he was stopping you. “As badly as I want this, and it’s really, really badly, I actually have a plan.”

You arched your brows in question. “A plan?”

A small raw sound escaped his throat as you rubbed up against him, feeling him growing impossibly harder. “Yep. Damn, I’m going to have to start thinking about Kierkegaard, aren’t I?” 

You had been smirking, digging your teeth into your bottom lip as you continued to tease him, when that caught your attention. “Kierkegaard?”

He nodded emphatically, his eyes closed, as he tried to pull away from you but you locked your legs around him. “Yeah,” he nearly moaned out as you grinded against his erection.

“CJ,” you called in your most seductive voice, a tone that you knew drove him crazy, as he’d told you one night after phone sex during finals week. That had been the first time you’d attempted it and boy, had that turned out to be one fun evening.

You both had been stressed and unable to make time for one another, so you’d taken the situation by the ‘nads, literally. You were nervous; you weren’t sure if this would be something he liked or if you would screw up or if you would sound horrifically laughable. Before you could chicken out, you’d called him up one night near the end of his shift.

“Hello, Helpline. This is CJ.”

“Hello, CJ. I seem to be having a problem that I think only you can help with.”

“Oh? And what’s that, Jo?” You could hear the smile in his voice, having recognized yours right away. You felt a little bit of a thrill at him using your old name; it just added to the excitement of what you were about to do.

“Well, the thing is, my boyfriend and I haven’t had much time to see one another. Finals, you know?”

“Yeah, finals week can be brutal.”

“Mmm, you know what else is brutal? We haven’t had sex in almost two weeks.”

It took him a moment to respond and in that time, you wondered if maybe you had already screwed things up. Perhaps you shouldn’t have started this while he was on shift. Perhaps you had made him uncomfortable or you sounded like an idiot as you had feared, probably both. You were just about to backtrack when he quietly cleared his throat. “That does sound pretty brutal. Maybe you two should make some special plans to remedy that once finals are over.”

Relieved, you let out a drawn out sigh into the phone. “But that’s at the end of the week. I’m not sure I can wait that long. I’ve tried taking care of things myself, you know? But it’s not the same.”

“Well, perhaps you’re not using that…method correctly. Maybe you should tell me what it is you’re doing and we can figure it out together why it’s not working. Don’t leave out a single detail. I’m here to help.”

You smirked and shook your head. “Well, that’s sort of what I was thinking, CJ,” you played along. “But, I don’t think that it’s anything I’m doing wrong in the process. I think it’s that my boyfriend isn’t present when I do it. So, I was thinking maybe you could pretend to be him while I do it and we’ll see if maybe that will help, you know?”

“Whatever you need. That’s what I’m here for.” You could hear his voice getting deeper and you felt a flipping sensation in your stomach. 

“That’s what I like to hear,” you whispered huskily. “How much longer do you have before we can do this experiment?”

“I’ve got ten minutes left.” He then lowered his voice. “I can be at your place in twenty.”

Oh God, you would have loved for him to come by but Stacey and her worse half were expected to walk through the door in the next hour and you wanted to continue this game for lack of a better word. “Uh, uh, uh. No can do, CJ. My boyfriend wouldn’t like it and we’re supposed to do this over the phone. You’re helping me so I can make it through the next week until I see him again, remember?”

“But if my shift is over in ten then how—”

“Now, CJ, I believe we exchanged room numbers, didn’t we? In case I ever needed your help outside of your hours at the helpline?” You then lowered your voice again. “And, baby, I really need your help on this one.”

You heard a quiet gulp on the other end of the line. “R-Right. You know, Seth just walked in so I’m going to clock out early and head home. I’ll call you when I get there, it should be no more than ten minutes, give or take.”

“Make it seven,” you huskily commanded before hanging up the phone. You snickered, wondering if he would literally run those three blocks to his dorm if he had to. Sure enough, when he called you eight minutes later, panting and breathing out, “I’m here. I’m here,” you knew you had been right. That had been one explosive night and you had not only discovered something new about yourself but you also discovered something new about him as well. You liked to tease him and be in charge sometimes; he liked being teased and he liked for you to be in charge sometimes. Win-win and it had done wonders for your confidence in the bedroom. You had certainly never done anything like that with anyone else. That was another thing you loved about him. CJ allowed you the room to explore and you felt completely safe with him to do so. 

There may or may not have been a few more illicit call-ins at the end of his shift, and there may or may not have been another week or two that you purposely didn’t see each other so it could lead to fantastic phone sex, desperate and passionate sex when you reunited, or both. 

So now, you decided to use that tone on him once more. “Why are you trying to pull away? I want this really badly, too.” You gently dragged your nails down his bare chest down to his navel, knowing how he loved it when you did that. Sure enough, you heard a tiny gasp coming from him. You lifted up to whisper in his ear, “You can still have your plan but let’s do this first. Come on, CJ, I know you want this just as much as I do.” You nibbled at his ear lobe. “So, I love having sex with my boyfriend, sue me.” You couldn't help teasing him by repeating his words back to him.  

His eyes snapped open and he gently pushed you back on the bed, his hands carefully pinning your shoulders down and his chest heaving in and out. You could see his pupils were blown wide with lust. You knew then if you just nudged him a little more, he’d give in and you wouldn’t leave this bed for the rest of the day. “I really want this but I also want you to see the rest of my plan just as much. And we need energy for it. I’m more than willing to give you what you want later but right now, let’s go see what I’ve got planned first, okay?”

You gave him the sad puppy dog expression as he called it, and predictably it made him chuckle. “Okay,” you agreed. Considering how much trouble he’d gone to in order to surprise you on this holiday, you’d do as he asked and stop teasing him. You unhooked your legs from his waist and he released your shoulders. He began to lean down to kiss you in thanks but he seemed to think better of it and lifted his head once more. 

“So, what’s the plan?” You asked.

“Did you happen to bring gloves and a hat in that huge bag of yours?”

Your eyes widened and then narrowed. “Why?”

He grinned down at you and ran a tender thumb along your cheek.

CJ had told you to get dressed and to bundle up. You had begrudgingly done so, not happy that you were obviously leaving the warm cocoon you had both been in since the storm started, but it was what he wanted and you were intent on giving him anything he desired today. Sure enough, he led you out of his dorm and down the street. The thick snowflakes were still coming down steadily but at least the wind wasn’t as bad as it had been earlier. It was almost peaceful, your gloved hand in CJ’s, you two being the only ones out and about. The lack of sounds of city life and the white landscape painted a picture that was beyond beautiful. 

You came to a stop near a park and CJ turned a smile onto you before trudging inward, bringing you along. He settled on an open spot and let your hand go. “Remember when you told me about those snow days you used to have?”

Your lips parted in shock. He really did remember almost everything you told him. You should be used to it by now but it still managed to surprise you every once in a while. Back then, you had no idea just how much he looked forward to your phone calls and how much he truly enjoyed talking to you as you got to know one another. 

You had told him about the snow days you had from elementary school, the rare ones where you would get more than a foot of snow. You didn’t have any siblings and your dad, who was usually busy with work, would take you outside to do all kinds of fun things. You made snowmen, you had snowball fights, you would go sledding…he had even made you a small snow fort once. Afterwards, you would both go inside and your mom would have steaming mugs of hot cocoa with marshmallows waiting. Those days were some of your best childhood memories.

CJ grinned over at you and then began to make the bottom part of a snowman. You let out a tiny squeal of excitement and hurried over to help him, earning you a laugh. 

It wasn’t long before you had the snowman built. CJ reached into his pockets and pulled out buttons, a carrot, and an old pipe that he told you he had managed to buy this week when you asked where he’d gotten them from. You felt that familiar warmth in your chest when you realized that he really had been planning this longer than a day or two. Again, you felt horrible that you had been so oblivious and that you had nothing in return for him. You were resolved that you were going to make this up to him, though. Big time. He could pick all the movies you would watch for the next month. You would play all the mini golf he wanted (when the weather cleared up of course). You would let him choose the takeout and restaurants for however long he wanted. You would do everything he wanted to do and give him whatever he wanted.

He placed the items on the snowman and slipped out a beanie hat to finish off the look. He stood back with you as you both studied your creation.

“Something’s missing,” you wondered aloud.

“Sticks for arms? I can find some.”

“No…something else.” It finally hit you and you removed the scarf from around your neck, the one CJ had lent you, and wrapped it around the snowman’s. “There.” You beamed over at your boyfriend. “All done,” you informed him in a singsong voice. CJ smiled warmly at you and his eyes held a familiar gleam of affection as he stepped forward. He removed the scarf from the snowman, making you frown. “Hey! Now he’s incomplete again.”

He took a step closer to you and shook the scarf of any snow remnants, gently wrapping it around your neck once more. “You need it more than he does,” he murmured, placing a tender kiss on your nose. 

You couldn’t help but smile at his sweet gesture. You lifted up to kiss him when he took a few steps away from you, making your brows furrow. He grinned and suddenly fell backwards, making you gasp and hurry over, falling to your knees beside him. “CJ, are you alright?”

He chuckled and looked up at you. “What was the last part of the story you told me?” He began to move his arms and legs in a familiar motion. 

“Snow angels,” you whispered.

He continued making one and you crawled a little distance away to plop onto your back and make one of your own. You couldn’t help giggling as you did it. God, this was amazing. Why had you ever stopped doing this once you were no longer a little kid? Why weren’t there any other adults out here, minus children, doing the same? This was incredible.

You had just finished making your snow angel when CJ’s face appeared in your vision. His smile rivaled yours. 

“You ruined your snow angel, silly,” you teased, knowing it wasn’t intact from him crawling from nearby over to you. 

He shrugged. “I don’t need it, not when I’ve got the real deal right here.”

Seeing his eyes intent on you, you knew it wasn’t just some cheesy line he was using on you. As much as you loved him, there was a part of you that didn’t understand the reverence he looked at you with sometimes. You didn’t feel you deserved it and sometimes it scared you that he might have put you on a pedestal that you were destined to fall from, being human and all. But when you would remind him of your imperfections, he would simply shrug and remind you that he wasn’t perfect either. He didn’t want perfection; he wanted real, something like what you already had. “Although, I’ve got to say, you’re pretty damn close to perfect,” he’d murmured in your ear. You had gently swatted his shoulder, which made him laugh, and he’d given you a tender smile. “Perfect for me,” he added. You had kissed him thoroughly for that sentiment and he had nuzzled you as you both settled in to watch whatever horror movie he had picked out.

You now lifted your arm up to grab hold of the collar of his coat to pull him slowly down to you. You pressed your lips to his and heard his hands settling on either side of your head, anchoring him so he could keep his weight off of you. “Thank you for today,” you whispered. 

His smile grew bigger. “You’re welcome.”

You bit your lip nervously. “I’m sorry I don’t have anything planned for you. I didn’t even think… But I’m going to fix that. Starting this week. I’m going to—”

He kissed you again, effectively shutting you up. “Today has been a good day for me, too. I don’t want anything else so don’t worry about it.”

You gave him a look. “But that doesn’t make up for—”

“Tell you what, how about we head back to the dorms, get some hot chocolate going, and then you can make it up to me.” He gave you that all too familiar salacious smirk.

“CJ,” you laughed. “I’m being serious.”

“So am I.” He wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

You thought it over for a moment, studying him intently, seeing the red in his cheeks and nose from the cold, and tiny snowflakes hanging from his eyelashes. “Okay,” you agreed. “But we need to do one thing first.”

His smirk grew into a triumphant one. “What’s that?”

You instantly scooped up snow on your right and gently hit the side of his head, causing the snow to fall down the left side of his face and onto you, making you twist and squirm underneath him to keep most of the mess from pelting you. 

CJ glanced down at you in shock, one half of his face covered in snow, his beanie completely saturated with it. You laughed and he immediately caged you in between his arms. “Oh, you’re going to get it.”

You hit him with another snowball and as he recovered, you crawled out from underneath him, laughing. You had just gotten to your feet to run when he tackled you, making you shriek, and began to pelt you with snow. An all out snowball war ensued and you couldn’t remember the last time you had laughed that much. Eventually, CJ won (you let him win though you would never tell him that) and he hovered over you, snow covering every inch of him, smugly smiling down at you. Now, this was perfection. You had never seen a more beautiful sight and your heart had that leaping sensation in your chest again. You hoped that no matter how old you got one day, you never lost this memory. Not only of how he looked but also how much you truly loved him in this moment. 

You lifted up and kissed that smugness right off of his face. It wasn’t long before you were back at the dorms and he had snuck you into the showers with him, promising hot chocolate after you both got warmed up. As the hot water rained down on you both, you gasped as he teased you from behind, his hands roaming all over you. You turned in his arms to face him and wrapped yours around his neck to keep steady. You gasped again when he picked you up, urging you to wind your legs around his waist, and moved you under the spray so he could use the tile wall behind you as leverage.

CJ kissed you deeply, neither of you minding the water trickling down over your faces. He broke away and stared into your eyes. “Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart,” he murmured.

“Happy Valentine’s Day,” you whispered back to him, smiling, before his lips covered yours once more. You quickly thought back over everything from today and his words came back to you. “You know, Y/N, I never thought I’d be able to have something like this.” “A relationship with a girl where I’m sober…and happy.” The truth was you never thought you’d be able to have something like this either. But you did; you had it. And like CJ had also said, you had never been happier.

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[magicrainbowkitties]

So yesterday my friends and I

- Were told the story of Steve the Walmart Electronics Guy, who was accosted by a MAGAt for not voting trump (Steve simply said his vote was between him and the box), and who called him a slur, to which Steve replied "Did I see you on Grindr earlier, you're kinda cute." The interaction went from there. I thanked Steve for his service to this country.

- Waited for the friend whose house we were going to to actually get home because traffic sucks so we went to this bar 2 streets away and just chilled there until we got the clear.

- Saw Shrek bc I had never seen it all the way through. Before I had always been made to experience it in chunks.

- Watched all available episodes of Dandadan. Pretty good, I was nerding out over the writing and gorgeous artwork the whole time.

- Chased our host's escape artist dog to another yard when she stopped running only to take a piss and ran back inside the house after the thunder started rumbling in the distance.

- Got caught in the torrential rain on a road with no streetlights and no clear markers. One of us had an essay due at 11:59. The driver couldn't see, and was searching desperately for a port in the storm. We saw the yellow neon glow of the Waffle House. And so the prophecy I had foretold earlier that day came true: "You don't go to Waffle House, you wind up at Waffle House."

- The essay friend is Australian and had/has never been to Waffle House, Rudy's, or Denny's despite living in Texas for a little over 8 years. We had intended to rectify the Waffle House thing at a later date. Evidently the gods had other plans.

- Scared the hell outta poor Kevin the Waffle House Guy because we got a text from...

- The friend whose house we left that he was DRIVING IN THE TORRENT TO MEET US AT WAFFLE HOUSE. Even after I called him to say "You better stay your ass inside." With the WINDOW DOWN blasting a metal song called Storm from some band I don't know (I'm sorry). He's type 1 diabetic and therefore could not eat at Waffle House.

- Made great progress in developing CAIN characters while sitting around and eating chocolate chip waffles.

My roommate (driver) and I didn't get home until after midnight. Fuck what a day. Truly no better day to watch something like Dandadan.

And now I've got an Astronomy test on fuckin election night. Fuck.

Edit: I shouldn't have done any of that because I have an entire annotated bibliography that I was supposed to turn in last night that I thought was due today not last night. Fuck.

[smokeyfuzz]

Wicked Games: One

“I wish that you would stay in my memories

But you show up today just to ruin things

I wanna put you in the past ‘cause 

I’m traumatized”

- Memories, Conan Grey

Notes for story: A new JJK story! I’m still working on my other works, but I felt so inspired to work on this that I had to write it down and share what I have thus far. The premise of the story begins in S1 of JJK, with time jumps between the past to the present. This is more (f)reader based with female-pronouns. Y/n is a teacher at Jujutsu Technical College and powerful sorcerer, considered a special-grade with cursed energy imbued with energy manipulation. She has the ability to temporarily absorb others’ powers and life-force, making them either weak or devoid of their abilities for a period of time. In the eyes of some superiors she is threat like Yuji and Yuuta and while working for the school is kept under a watchful eye. 

I hope you all enjoy it 

Rain hit the windowpane of the small dorm, the winds from outdoors stirring the trees violently as the storm waged on into the night. It was freezing outside - you knew from your walk over - but right now all you could feel was the warmth of the strong body curled into your back, arms trapping you in an embrace as a familiar heavy breath splayed across the back of your neck and shoulders. 

Suguru had fallen asleep hours ago - the storm outside weighing little concern on his mind. For you it was a different story. You were a light sleeper and storms made you restless, a pang of lightning flashing in the distance. You felt your body grow tense, breath hitching as you shut your eyes and tried to think of something else. Behind you Suguru shifted until you felt a gentle kiss first on your shoulder blade before he buried his face into your neck, leaving light kisses on your neck and up to your ear, before whispering:

“Mmm, still up?”

It was late. Past midnight and you both had early classes the next day. You felt his arm that rested over your body shift towards your own, his fingers interlacing over yours with a small squeeze.

“Can’t sleep with the storm,” you said tiredly. 

You felt more shifting and you turned to lay on your back, Suguru leaning up to hover over you slightly as he watched your exhausted features. It had been a long day for each of you.

“Need a distraction?” he smirked. Your eyebrows furrowed together as a small smile fell onto your features, a chuckle escaping your lips.

“Suguru,” you jokingly scolded. 

His smirk only grew into a smile before he leaned forward, lips hovering over your own, leaning closer and closer until…

The sound of loud knocks on your apartment door stirred you awake, eyes slowly blinking awake as you realized you’d been dreaming of him again. It had been over ten years since your relationship with Suguru had officially ended, and yet only over a year since you had last seen him. You sat up in your bed, running a hand across your face in exhaustion from the lack of sleep and the emotional turmoil you were still dealing with, the knocks on the door once again hammering away. Whoever it was, they were going to piss off your neighbors, it being nearly two in the morning.

You hurriedly shuffled out of bed, grabbing the small silk robe that hung over your chair and making your way across the small apartment, opening the front door just in time to see…

“Y/N, you're awake, great,” Satoru greeted, hand raised to knock on your door again before slipping it into his pants pocket. 

You were going to kill him.

He slipped by you and into your apartment before you could officially invite him in, moving towards the living room. He was familiar with your place, having been here countless times before. You sighed, shutting the door before turning to meet him where he had taken up residence on your sofa, manspreading as he usually did. 

You wrapped the robe tightly across your body as a chill ran down your spine, legs exposed from the shorts you had worn to bed and the loose t-shirt hugging your frame.

“Actually, I was sleeping,” you greeted him, tight lipped. You perched onto the armrest of the sofa, watching the side of his profile. 

“Why are you here ‘Toru?” you asked your old friend. 

He stretched his long legs out in front of him, hands coming to rest behind his head as he looked to the ceiling. He was still dressed in his school uniform, cerulean blue eyes hidden behind his blindfold.

“Found a kid who swallowed Sukuna’s finger, well, actually Megumi did…,” he smirked. Your mouth fell open, worse case scenario immediately rushing to your mind at the thought of the powerful curse-spirit walking around. His smirk remained as he looked in your direction. “Relax… Megumi’s fine. Kid’s fine too - he can actually contain Sukuna.” 

You had moved to sit on the coffee table in front of Satoru now, the change in the direction of the conversation shocking you. 

“Wait, what? Where is he?” 

Satoru leaned forward, entering into your personal space as he rested his face in one of his palms. Whereas others would’ve been bothered by this act, you had grown used to it over the years. 

He explained how for now he was being kept in an execution room, how he had a plan to convince the elders to keep the kid, who was named Yuji, alive (confessing to Megumi’s own plea to save Yuji’s life), and then his own hope of training the kid. 

You knew this story well with Satoru - your mind drifting to Yuuta and his other students. He had a habit of collecting what you affectionately called “black sheeps” of the jujutsu world, individuals of great strength or who posed a threat, sometimes both. While you weren’t one of his students, you were familiar with the practice, being a black sheep yourself.

You ran a hand through your messy hair, watching Satoru carefully. There had to be another reason he was here - why he unloaded this information on you and you had a sneaking submission of what it could be.

“You need me to advocate for Yuji?” you surmised as he leaned back again, arms falling on the back of the sofa. 

He nodded. “He’ll be a tough sell, especially after what happened with Yuuta last year and…”

His voice trailed off then and you knew he was going to say Suguru’s name. His best friend turned enemy. Your ex-boyfriend and former friend. Aside from Sukuna, Suguru was one of the biggest dangers within the Jujutsu world at the moment. He was as charismatic as he was cruel, with a cult following of his belief to kill all non-shamans. Until last year, Suguru wasn’t really in hiding - openly trying to recruit students and sorcerers, spreading his “gospel”, committing violent crimes, visiting Satoru, and you. You’d never mentioned that he had visited you to anyone - not even to Satoru. Why you kept it a secret, you weren’t quite sure. You suspected it was from the guilt of not killing him like the bounty on his head dictated - or perhaps it was the fact a part of you still loved him, even after all of this time and the horrible things he has done since then. But you refused to talk about it.

Then the day came when both you and Satoru believed he was actually going to die. He had come to the school, intent on killing Yuuta when Satoru stepped in. It eventually led to a bitter battle between the friends, Suguru already heavily wounded by Yuuta. 

You weren’t there when it ended, but when Satoru found you later that day he explained he had mortally injured Suguru, effectively killing him out of respect and did not return with his body in fear of what the superiors would do with it. When nobody was found at the site of the killing, many initially chose to believe that due to Satoru’s own powers that Suguru likely died from his wounds after slinking into the shadows. Within the year of that incident though, more and more evidence had been resurfacing that Suguru was still alive, focused on regaining his strength. 

When this information began to surface, it had been Hell for Satoru with the superiors. He had only told you so much himself, and as new information began to come out, you surmised that maybe Satoru couldn’t kill Suguru either due to their history. After all, Satoru had known Suguru even longer than you had. 

Thankfully, the fact he was the strongest sorcerer within the jujutsu world was the reason he was still in the position of power he was in today and what prevented the superiors from being able to really take much action.

Still, after Satoru walked away from that meeting, you had suspected it had also changed his own tune - one that left you thinking that he wouldn’t hesitate the next time he and Suguru crossed paths.

You blinked, realizing Satoru had removed his blindfold and was watching you, his white hair falling around his eyes.

“You okay?” he asked.

You flushed, realizing you had been completely wrapped up in the tragic memories of each of yours’ past and the stresses of today, your eyes glassy from the threat of tears escaping. In all the years’ you’d known Satoru, his rare tenderness always surprised you.

“I’m fine,” you promised softly, looking to the floor rather than his piercing gaze. 

You both grew silent for a moment, knowing in fact, neither of you were fine. It wasn’t supposed to have ended up like this. 

You cleared your throat, meeting his gaze once more, deciding to change the subject. 

“Just text me when you need me…” Then: “For tomorrow, I mean. With Sukuna’s vessel�� Yuji.”

As soon as the tenderness was there, you watched it slip away back into his familiar cocky attitude. 

“Y’know, maybe I should get someone else. Not really selling the whole “humanizing the kid” factor,” he joked, tying his blindfold back on. 

You yawned suddenly, stretching as you stood. “Yeah, yeah. Like I didn’t help you with Yuuta or something when you recruited him. Or helped you with Megumi and his sister… or all the others for that matter.” 

Satoru had stood by now, following you back to the front door, hands in his pockets as he finally surveyed your figure with a knowing smirk as you held only half of his attention. Instead, he was focused on the familiar dip of your hips, the curve of your ass, the plushness of your thighs. 

“Y’know, I’m basically their dad… does that make you mommy?” he joked, leaning against the wall as you turned and looked at him where your hand rested on the doorknob. 

Again, he was invading your space. 

You scoffed, before teasingly adding: “Only in your dreams.” 

“Are you forgetting the time we-”

You flushed at the memory he referenced, internally groaning at your foolishness. Too embarrassed to provide a witty remark, you quickly smack his chest, making his smirk only grow tenfold.

“Hey, save it for the bedroom.” 

You let out an exasperated groan. “I hate you.”

“That night you didn’t-” 

Before he could finish his witty retort further you swung your door open, pushing Satoru into the hallway. 

“Goodbye, ‘Toru,” you said, just as the door shut in his face. 

***

The next day you arrived at the Tokyo Jujutsu Technical College early in the day, your phone still absent from a text from Satoru.

You sat at the desk of your office, taking a small sip of tea as you scanned the emails on your laptop. Most were from Ijichi, some were from Shoko and Utahime, and another from Nanami who was away on a mission.

You began to scan the email from Nanami when your phone suddenly pinged, a familiar name filtering across the screen.

Satoru Gojo: Operation “Save Yuji” is a-go. Meet me outside of Yaga’s office. He-who-shall-not-be-named will be there too.

Y/N: Why are you like this? 😐

You stand, grabbing your jacket and throwing out your now-empty cup. You slid your coat on, eyes trained on your phone as you left your office. 

The pings of his typing cross the screen, then:

Satoru Gojo: What are you talking about? 😭 I’m amazing. 😉

A small laugh slipped out of you as you pocketed the device, slipping out the front doors of the school as you were surprised to find Satoru already waiting across campus for you near the wing for Yaga’s office and other superiors offices. He was normally always late. 

“You're on time,” you noted, genuine surprise crossing your features. 

He stretched, clearly too early in the day for him. “Only for you.” 

You scoffed, taking in the cheeky smirk on his lips. “Liar.”

He simply swung his arm around your shoulders, pulling you into his side with a laugh. “Fine. Couldn’t sleep. Now let’s go piss off some superiors.”

*** 

The conversation with Principal Yaga, Utahime, Principal Yoshinobu Gakuganji, Mei Mei, and a handful of other higher ups and important family houses having been long and exhausting. 

You’d spent most of the day advocating on behalf of Yuji, then supporting Satoru, then spiraling down the Kyoto event, before circling back and defending your own status as a special-grade sorcerer with dangerous abilities, before finally the consensus was made to let Yuji live. For now. The promises being made that Satoru Gojo could easily handle Sukuna, and that you also stood as a barrier to the cursed spirit as well. You also had to promise to teach alongside Satoru with his students while Sukuna remained in Yuji - a promise you weren’t enthused to make, but did regardless.

Afterwards, rather than head back to your office, you had decided to go back home while Satoru had gone off to retrieve the new boy wonder and to welcome him into the fold of Jujutsu Technical College. It was already getting late out by the time you stood in front of your apartment door, keys in hand as you unlocked the door and slipped into the dark home. Throwing your jacket and keys on the counter, shoes already slipped off and tossed haphazardly in the foyer, you made your way towards your bedroom and adjoining bathroom. A hot shower and comfy sweats were calling your name.

A half hour had passed by the time you had stepped out of the shower, towel wrapped around your figure. You heard a crack of thunder, a fresh storm waging outside. Great.

Stepping back into your bedroom, ready to change into your sweats, was when you suddenly stopped, a familiar figure standing near your now open bedroom window. 

Your blood ran cold, heart racing. 

“Suguru.”

“Hello sweetheart.”

Additional notes: Welp, Suguru is alive. In this rendition I didn’t want Suguru to be dead yet, exploring the complex relationships with friends and former lover and sort-of manipulating/creating a story arc regarding Yuji/Sukuna. 

[infuschia]

Matt Murdock/Reader - “Black and Midnight Blue” Chapter 37 Excerpt: “Keeping Clean”

HIIIII so here we have an excerpt from my a03 matt murdock/reader fic Black and Midnight Blue! full chapter will be posted on a03 on Sunday and is... very 18+. not super integral to the plot i was just possessed to write it please don’t judge me i am only human. it’s smutty but not in typical multiple-people fashion... basically ya gurl is alone and... thoughts spiral... i’m sure you can see where this is going lol. this excerpt doesn’t feature the FULLY explicit smut part, just the lead up. if this is your thang i hope you enjoy❤️‍🔥 

----

Black and Midnight Blue - Matt Murdock/Reader - full fic right here on a03 baby

Chapter 37: *Keeping Clean

this excerpt: 1.6k words - full chapter: 5.5k

aaand smut warning🫡

----

Matt was lovely as he was. And you wanted him for that - you wanted him for him, for the great guy he was, the good man he was trying to be.

But, simply put - you also wanted him in every indulgent, desirous sense that the word "want" connotes. 

And, although you fought it, especially considering how you two had agreed to take things slow - this "want" was growing into less of a want and more of a somewhat harrowing desperation.

It was this needy thing, seeded into your gut, clawing to be let out. A prowling animal in the depths of your core, the need lurked in the back of your mind, sending intermittent twitches and slick pleasure to your cunt as it forced images of what it craved to the center of your attention. 

These images were far from what your dark circumstances made it reasonable for you to focus on. Logically, your focus should be on your half-compromised identity, the serial harasser at your workplace, the precarious balance upon which sat your professional and personal lives. The logical things were your focus, of course, and you were responsible with them, putting in all the effort you could to bring yourself justice so that you could continue, hitch-free, on your path. But every free second you had seemed to be spent in the clutches of these images. 

They were daydreams and desires of Matt, sculpted and powerful and warm, giving you every inch of him - hard and fast and rhythmically all-consuming - until you released all that deep-seated need, slick and hot, over whatever part of his body he'd chosen to pleasure you with.

So, yeah. With those thoughts pretty much cocooning your brain, and after such a heated makeout session as the one you'd had - agonizing would be the best way to describe the rest of last night.

You'd now been staying at Matt's place for about two weeks. And you were enjoying every second of it, of course. His presence and the safety of his apartment were a welcome salve for the fear lurking at the back of your mind, the danger you'd found yourself trapped in the clutches of.

Bottom line: you were incredibly grateful, happy, and more than enjoying yourself in spite of the storm raging around you.

That was what was most important.

But…

A woman has needs.

Matt hadn't exactly touched you yet. Touched you, that is, in a sort of manner that would offer you the relief you hadn't had in at least two weeks, maybe longer. And, although you didn't have the entire mechanism of his senses mapped out just yet - you were sure he'd notice if you took care of things on your own.

So, here you were, all worked up and bothered and orgasm-free for a whopping fourteen days at the least. Frankly, it was killing you.

But, on this beautiful, wonderful, perfect morning, Matt left for work earlier than usual. He'd returned to kiss your half-asleep lips before he left, whispering something about Foggy and clients and coffee, and you'd given him a mumble of a 'have a good day' before smushing your hair-covered face back into his pillow. It was still somewhat warm, smelling like him, sending heat racing between your legs with every breath you eagerly dragged in. The front door clicked behind Matt, and your new status as alone in his apartment sent your eyes right back open.

Not that I'm happy for him to leave.

It's just… we're taking things slow.

And, again: a woman has needs.

Rolling onto your back in the bed, you contemplated your next move. You couldn't touch yourself between the sheets, nor on top of them; that would be far too obvious, especially since you didn't have time to wash anything. The couch wouldn't work for similar reasons. No real spot, truthfully, could hide this plan completely from Matt's senses. That left you one last option: not foolproof, but better than anything else you could have chosen.

The shower.

Of course.

It would remove any need to desperately scrub over the surface you'd be lying upon once you were finished. Better still, it would keep you clean, hopefully reducing - if not eliminating - the chance for Matt to recognize any subtle bodily hints of what you'd done to yourself. Plus, Matt wasn't here, and any neighbors were either at work or otherwise occupied - but still, any noise you might happen to make would be well muffled by the sounds of the fan and steady water splashing hard against the shower walls.

And it's not like this was some big secret or anything that you were hiding from Matt. It was just that you were technically a guest in his apartment, and although you and he were technically some sort of a genuine thing, no confirmation had been completely made yet on what this thing should technically be labeled, not to mention the lack of sex just yet between you-

-Ugh.

All the specifics.

So much... to still figure out.

It just felt a touch too far for him to know about you jacking off in his apartment, no pun intended.

But you needed this. Almost embarrassingly so.

Your slick cunt clenched at the thought, clit twitching at the anticipation of finally being touched all the way after such a hiatus.

Time wasn't on your side, so you tossed the covers off and stood out of bed, promptly stripping yourself of Matt's shirt and sweatpants. Every footstep seemed to echo through the otherwise empty apartment as you hopped your way to the bathroom. A clean towel was grabbed tight in one hand and tossed atop the counter as you shut the bathroom door. You promptly flipped the fan on and pulled the shower curtain flush along its rod. It hung in a relatively linear fashion, hanging in only slight ripples along the tub's edge.

The shower head sputtered slightly at first, quickly spurting out into a hard, steady stream of heat and steam, promptly soaking the tub and shower walls. That towel sat neatly folded at the edge of the countertop, and the mirror had already begun to steam as you pulled back the curtain and let it fall closed behind you.

Soaking your hair was the first step, after you got used to the heat of the water. 

I did need an actual shower, anyway.

Steam swirled up and around you, a balm on your skin where the water didn't hit it directly, and you shut your eyes and dipped your head back into the open arms of a hot downpour. Matt's shampoo was pleasant to you; though it's difficult to make any product completely scent free, this was pretty close. Still, you caught the subtlest whiffs of something clean-smelling, possibly swirled with vanilla. Your hair was promptly lathered, but as your fingers pressed into your scalp, your mind fell back in time to the time Matt had washed your hair.

That night, he'd worked his hands against your aching head with so much care. You were so drained - from the physical effort, the smoke inhalation, the blood loss - and Matt had snapped to attention, his soot-covered clothes the least of his worries, your comfort being the most. Every press of his fingers and thumbs against your scalp, every lather of shampoo, smear of conditioner - it had been like magic to your worn body, your anxious mind. Here, in this shower, your hands had stilled in your hair at the memory of Matt's massaging touch, each connection between a fingertip and your hazy head having sent waves of electric comfort through your entire body.

You couldn't help but wonder if he'd touch your cunt with the same care, the same pressure, the same attention to exactly what would make you feel relief - what would let you fall into soaking hot release at his offering. 

Though shower water poured down over you, smearing soap along your hair and back until it dripped into the base of the tub, the wettest part of your body at this thought was still the throbbing heat between your legs.

Conditioning your hair was a much quicker process. Washing your body, though, brought those very same sorts of thoughts back into your steam-filled head, a hot knot of thickly-coiled rope tightening in your stomach. With every stretch of your palms along your body, you rubbed with just a bit more feeling than normal, squeezed at your skin and curves and limbs with more pressure than you typically would. Eyes closed, you pretended it was Matt's hands on your body, warming you up with the lather of soap and the unrelenting pelt of hot water on your skin. As the suds slipped down your legs and swirled into the drain, you took note of how much deeper your breaths had grown, how intensely your clit had begun to pulse with every cleansing movement your fingertips made.

In spite of the heat, you shuddered, shivering as you reached up to tilt the shower head slightly downward so it wouldn't spray right into your face.

Matt's hands clutched tight at your mind, groping you from the inside, and you had to hold onto the tub's edge to steady yourself as you lowered all the way down. Your body felt placid, yet purring, ravenous and needy with every new inch of your back that touched the tub floor. Laying your head back, you relaxed into a long, choked breath, and let your bent legs part.

----

and it expectedly keeps going LOL if this snippet (the-only-part-i-have-edited-so-far-ha-ha) has piqued your interest hit up a03 on sunday to get the rest😚

[voidthewanderer]

❝  it’s late,  you might as well just stay here.  ❞ for Ripper x Sweetjane?

@bleumanouche || Staying The Night Prompts

So, I may or may not have made this a call back to the first meeting prompt, because, well, why not? I may have gotten a little carried away for something that's just supposed to be a short one shot, but goddamn, I needed to write again. Please let me know if I get anything wrong about how Sweetjane may react towards situations, so I can get it corrected!

•~*♡*~•~*♡*~•~*♡*~•~*♡*~•~*♡*~•~*♡*~•~*♡*~•

Another peaceful night in The Slog… it had been welcome after the past few weeks of on and off storms. Things seemed to feel like they were finally going back to business as usual. The crops certainly seemed happy for the rain. Everyone working seemed to enjoy it as well.

It had been a well deserved break. A small, quiet party to celebrate the much needed rain. Nothing major, Arsenic cooking a large meal for everyone in the settlement and offering anything for any passerbys. As fun as it had been, Ripper’s mind had been preoccupied by something else.

That beautiful nearly white haired woman he’d met a few weeks prior. Sweetjane. He’d told her to meet him in The Slog if she could, but he hadn’t so much had even heard anyone mention someone like her since. As unique of a person as she looked? People would have talked.

She’d nearly plagued his mind, wanting to see her again. He’d never seen anyone give tarot readings with playing cards before… and maybe he had laid it on a bit heavy during their short time together. Sure, it had been worth it to see her flustered, but what if he’d laid it on too heavy? He still wanted to be friends at the very least, but what if he’d taken it too far?

Time seemed to pass slowly as the day started to drift into the night. He’d just been about ready to turn in for the night when that familiar frame caught his attention. His face immediately lit up.

She’d been looking around the now vacant dining area. Most everyone else had since gone to sleep, Wiseman being the last person doing some minor cleaning. He’d greeted Sweetjane, though left her to her own devices. She seemed like she’d keep to herself; there was no reason to worry.

Ripper ran to the pool house, needing to calm himself before actually approaching, “It’s you!”

Sweetjane turned and Ripper’s breath hitched slightly; Goddamn she was so beautiful, “I said I’d try to come around.”

This caused the ghoul to grin, “Yeah… ‘M glad ya did. Really wanted to see you again.”

He saw her glance away for a moment, a slight tint forming on her cheeks. At least he didn’t chase her off being too flirtatious. He held his hand out, “C’mon, lemme show ya around. Most everyone’s asleep now, so we won’t be bothered.”

There seemed to be a moment of hesitation, though she did take his hand. He lightly held it, almost envious of how soft her skin was. He started to lead around the settlement, talking a little bit about what was happening and trying to ask some questions about her past. He’d never push if she felt uncomfortable, though did talk a bit about his own past. If it helped her open up a little bit more, then it was a perk. If not, then it was OK. At least she got to know more about him.

It wasn’t until he saw the guards change that Ripper realized just how late it actually had been. Sweetjane had to have gotten to The Slog at maybe nine or ten and the guards normally changed shifts at midnight. His eyes wandered towards the gate for a moment, then back to the guest house. He couldn’t risk sending her off on her own this late…

“It’s late… you might as well just stay here,” there’d been some caution in his deep voice, not sure exactly where his standing was with this situation.

Sweetjane gave him a questioning look, “It’ll be OK if I can’t. I know it can be difficult to trust humans.”

“No, I insist. A pretty thing like you shouldn’t be traveling alone at night… especially not around here,” he stumbled over his next words slightly, “Though, we… we, uh… we’d have to share a bed. I-if that’s OK with you.”

She gasped, more surprised rather than anything. He took a step back, “I can sleep on the floor! It’s all good, really! I just-”

“No, it’s OK. I just wasn’t expecting it.”

“No funny business, I promise. I’m not that kinda guy. Might cuddle, but that’s about it.”

“It won’t be such a bad thing if something does happen, though.”

Ripper couldn’t help but laugh, “Maybe those cards really are the truth. C’mon; let’s get to bed. Maybe you can stay for breakfast too.”

Sweetjane shifted her weight slightly, clearly flustered with the card reading brought up again. Mr. Jack of Clubs…

Ripper was careful in letting Sweetjane into the guest house, quietly closing the door behind him. He seemed to be much more aware of his movements, being careful to not step on certain floorboards. He pointed out the different closed rooms, giving a brief description of who was behind what door. Soon, they were in his room, him quietly shutting the door behind him.

“I don’t have much, dunno if you wanna sleep in that dress. Got a shirt that would probably go to your mid thighs if ya don’t,” Ripper wasn’t exactly a short ghoul, by any means; he just liked wearing cropped shirts. But, him being six foot, he definitely dwarfed Sweetjane’s tiny frame; so most shirts she’d probably be swimming in.

“My dress will be fine,” she hummed quietly, going to sit on the bed. Ripper let his vest fall from his shoulders, pulling off his shirt, “If you change your mind, it’s in the dresser. ‘M gonna sneak into the next room over, steal one of Arsenic’s sweats. I, uh-” he let out a sheepish laugh “-I normally sleep naked. Ain’t gonna do that with a guest.”

Before she could say anything, Ripper had left the room. She laid back in the bed, trying to get comfortable. She wouldn’t have had an issue with him sleeping how he normally did, but he seemed to want to be respectful, which was nice. She did take notice that his back was scarred far worse than the rest of his body, though wasn’t sure if it’d be safe to bring it up.

He returned rather quickly, having already been changed and joined next to her.

“C’mere… it gets cold at night,” the ghoul held his arm up just enough to let her cautiously scooch into his embrace. His hug was tight, though if she wanted to break free, all she’d need to do was give a light push. As it stood, it seemed like everything was OK.

Ripper lightly kissed her forehead, keeping her tucked close to his chest after doing so, “Don’t be afraid to wake me up if you need anything or want me to let go.”

“I don’t mind this,” it made her feel calm. There was just something about him; be it his care of her feelings or just his general vibe, she didn’t feel like she needed to be on alert. He had a very comforting hug. She wound up nuzzling up against Ripper’s chest and he lightly brushed his thumb against her arm.

Sweetjane shifted slightly, lightly pressing her lips against his collarbone, causing the ghoul to let out a soft groan. He curled up around her slightly, lightly tracing lines against her arm, “Sei bello…”

“Yer heart is racing…”

Ripper shifted to lay another kiss on the top of her head, “I know…”

“It’s OK, y’know. Ya don’t need to hold back.”

He dipped his head slightly, pecking her cheek now, “I know…”

Sweetjane caught his cheek before he could pull back, laying a kiss on his lips. He pressed into it immediately, hands falling to her hips to hold her close. Don’t take it too far… don’t take it too far…

The duo held their session for several minutes, breaking every now and again for a breath. Ripper’s fingers eventually tangled in Sweetjane’s hair, breaking to utter a single word, “Sorprendente…”

Before anything could continue, Ripper pressed Sweetjane’s head against his chest, “Let’s calm down for the night… talk tomorrow, alright? I’m really not a one night stand kind of guy.”

He felt her sigh against his chest, though things did seem to calm. He started to hum, hoping it would help her get to sleep. It seemed to work as he eventually felt her breath even out. This gave him a moment to breathe out, mind absolutely swimming with emotions. He was laying next to someone he actually liked; she clearly felt the same. At that point, he didn’t care if it was purely physical, he hadn’t chased her away. He only hoped it would stay that way. Let something truly kindle between the two. He’d been looking for a settle down for such a long time… perhaps he’d finally found it in Sweetjane.

[onequetwo]

Lion In the Cold: A Vento Aureo Fanfic

AKA: I try writing fanfcition(it sucks)(a lot)

i like fanfiction.

so i decided to take a crack at writing my own fanfiction and honestly? i'm kind of disappointed with the results.

but someone told me that this site is a nice place to post fanfics and get good feedback and learn how to improve so lets see if thats true

and if i get bullied off of this cursed website then whatever. its not like i was here for very long anyway

uh this takes place pre-vento aureo, when bucciarati's squad only consists of abbachio and fugo. yeah idk what else to say

hope you enjoy (or not)

Abbachio had mixed feelings about keeping watch.

He was cold, tired, and miserable - but it’s not like he wished the job onto one of his teammates. Though, if he was being honest with himself, he wasn’t sure what good keeping watch was going to be. No sane individual was going to attack them in that weather.

Not to mention that it was, frankly, impossible to see. The overwhelming darkness obscured everything over ten feet away from his position outside the tent. The wind tore at Abbachio’s jacket, painfully slapping it against his skin repeatedly, while the raindrops that fell almost completely horizontally were like constant shotgun pellets to the face. Granted, they were keeping him awake; he wasn’t sure if he would be able to stay conscious otherwise, with the near-zero amount of sleep he had gotten over the course of the last week. But Bruno, who had assigned him to sentry duty, didn’t know that.

“He doesn’t have to,” he thought to himself. Whatever he was dealing with, Abbachio reasoned, Bruno had it worse. As the team leader, Bruno always took it badly when missions went sideways, and to say this one did was a bit of an understatement.

It seemed simple enough on paper. He, Bruno, and Fugo were to drive out to Venice at dawn, retrieve some signed documents, and return at midnight. Everything had gone smoothly until on the way back, the car was attacked. Bruno had dispatched the enemy eventually with his Sticky Fingers, but none of them had made it out completely unscathed. He and Fugo had received some nasty bruises, Bruno’s arm was wrapped in gauze, and the car was completely destroyed. They had barely managed to pitch the tent from their survival bag before night fell and the storm swept in.

Abbachio checked his watch in the weak lantern light and sighed. He would be out there at least another hour before he was supposed to wake Bruno. He was just about to put his watch wrist back down, however, when a faint murmur from behind startled him.

He whipped around, calling out Moody Blues to his side in a defensive stance, but couldn’t see anyone. Glancing around, he frowned. Nobody was there. 

Abbachio recalled Moody Blues and stepped towards the tent, carefully unzipping the flap to peer inside. Within the safety of the canvas, Fugo was visibly sound asleep, curled up unmoving under his green coat. Bruno, however, was resting far less peacefully. Every few seconds, he mumbled something incomprehensible before rolling over or shifting around. He was asleep, Abbachio figured, but having some sort of nightmare.

Abbachio crouched down next to Bruno, unsure of what to do. Should he wake him? Should he walk away and resume keeping watch? But something inside Abbachio he couldn’t describe compelled him to stay at his comrade’s side.

Awkwardly, he put his hand on Bruno’s head, brushing his fingers lightly through his leader’s hair. “Hey,” he said softly, fully aware that Bruno probably couldn’t hear him, “It’s ok. I’m here.”

And as if he had spoken some sort of magical sleep incantation, Bruno instantly ceased his unconscious struggling. 

Abbachio stared in disbelief for a moment. What… what just happened? Had he just soothed Bruno out of a bad dream? Was his presence…comforting? Some unfamiliar emotion welled up inside of him.

He mentally slapped himself. Gangsters like him couldn’t afford to be sentimental, especially not on missions. But was that really all Bruno was to him? Just another member of the same crime organization? No; to him, Bruno was more than just a workplace acquaintance. He was a friend. And maybe more than that.

With that, struggling to push down his uncharacteristic burst of tenderness, Abbachio stepped back outside. 

Maybe he would let Bruno sleep until morning.

[justviwriting]

Hi,

this is a side-blog I’ve created for my fanfiction, as an attempt to hopefully write more again.

My main blog is midnightrings, and I will also reblog my fanfictions there but I just wanted a place solely dedicated to them.

-> you can send me prompts when my inbox is open :)

-> any other asks can be send to my main blog.

Masterlist (only includes completed work):

Bridgerton (TV)

Illicit Affairs – Series (Anthony x Siena) [AO3]

A series of 3 short-fics, from Siena and Anthony's first meeting until the end of season 1. Stolen Stares [AO3] A short multi-chapter fic, out of Siena's perspective, on how she met Anthony. (Rated M, 5 chapters, 17.5k words) Clandestine Meetings [AO3] Following Anthony and Siena’s affair pre-series. (Rated M, 5 chapters, 25.3k words) A Dwindling, Mercurial High [AO3] This story is following Anthony and Siena’s relationship throughout season one, from Siena’s point of view. (Rated M, 5 chapters, 34k words)

The Hidden Way Ahead (past Anthony/Siena; minor Anthony/Kate) [A03]

A story about Siena's thoughts on the events of season 2, and her meeting Anthony and Kate after they got married. (Rated T, 3 chapters, 8.8k words)

Memories (past Anthony x Siena) [Tumblr | AO3]

Several weeks after Siena had pushed the Viscount out of her life, she struggles with her own feelings. (Rated T, Oneshot, 1.4k words)

Raging Storm (Kate x Anthony) [Tumblr | AO3]

Kate’s thoughts after the conversation with Anthony in the library during the storm. (Rated G, Oneshot, 1.2k words)

Brighter Future (Edwina x Prince Friedrich) [Tumblr | AO3 | German]

Edwina writing down her thoughts and feelings on meeting Prince Friedrich for the first time and how to move forward after the failed wedding. (Rated G, Oneshot, 1.5k words)

Before the Rain (Anthony x Siena) [Tumblr | AO3]

Siena decides to go to the ball with Anthony. (Rated T, Oneshot, 4.7k words)

Meet Me at Midnight (Kate x Anthony) [Tumblr | AO3 | German]

Kate and Anthony meet in secret the night before their wedding. (Rated T, Oneshot, 1.5k words)

Sunrise (Anthony x Siena) [Tumblr | AO3]

Anthony’s musings before the duel in 1x04 as he’s lying next to Siena. (Rated T, Oneshot, 1.3k words)

A Night of Peace (Kate x Anthony) [Tumblr | AO3]

Kate enjoying the moment of Anthony lying next to her before she decides to leave at the end of 2x07. (Rated T, Oneshot, 859 words)

Lost Flowers (past Anthony x Siena) [Tumblr | AO3]

The morning after Siena declined Anthony’s invitation to the ball, she is reminiscing about her past and future. (Rated G, Oneshot, 940 words)

Harry Potter

A Last Peace (Remus x Tonks) [Tumblr | AO3 | German]

After Dumbledore's death, Remus finds himself unsure of the future, and is wondering whether he should let the one person he knew he should stay away from back into his life. (Rated G, Oneshot, 3.8k words)

Time (Remus x Tonks) [Tumblr | AO3]

Remus and Tonks find a moment of peacefulness in the midsts of the approaching war. (Rated T, Oneshot, 958 words)

Remadora Microfics (Remus x Tonks) [Tumblr]

A few microfics I've written for the remadora microfics october prompts.

Ripper Street

Shifting Tides [AO3]

A multi-chapter fanfiction set after the events of season 1, following the lives of the women of Ripper Street. (Rated T, 10 chapters, 38.2k words]

Shame (Edmund x Deborah) [AO3 | Tumblr]

Edmund’s musings as he walks Deborah back to the orphanage at the beginning of 4x05. (Rated T, Oneshot, 1.7k words)

A Song of Ice and Fire

A New Home (Ned x Catelyn) [Tumblr | AO3 | German]

A short oneshot about Catelyn and Ned at the beginning of their marriage. (Rated T, Oneshot, 2.8k words)

Duty and Love (Ned x Catelyn) [Tumblr | AO3]

Early Ned and Cat, reflecting on their growing feelings for one another. (Rated T, Oneshot, 1.7k words)

Fellow Travelers

A Sweet Fantasy (Hawk x Tim) [Tumblr | AO3]

Hawk musing about a future with Tim after waking up next to him in 1x02. (Rated T, Oneshot, 1k words)

Promise (Hawk x Tim) [Tumblr | AO3]

After leaving San Francisco, Hawk cannot resist to write Tim one last letter. (Rated T, Oneshot, 2.9k words)

Doctor Who

Amy’s Christmas [Tumblr | AO3]

Amy writing down a story about all the different Christmases of her life. (Rated G, Oneshot, 6.7k words)

[Last edited: 30/12/23]

[spinningwebsandtales]

Imagine Staying Inside For A Cozy Halloween With V

V X FemReader

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Word Count: 854

(A/N:) This is my last Halloween DMC imagine I had planned. And I have four more to write until I have all my Halloween ideas written out and finished! So this may be my last post until Halloween! I plan on posting the last four on the day of Halloween so I go out with a big bang! I’ve enjoyed being able to write more for this spooky season and I will see you my dear readers on the night of all Hallows Eve! Stay spooky and until next time happy reading! ~Countess

Halloween has always been a holiday that you enjoyed be never went overboard with. And while you hadn’t had any particular plans of going out and celebrating, the fact that this Halloween was storming with no sign of letting up, you felt bad for the children that had waited for this night. You couldn’t lie to yourself though that bad storms did make your anxiety levels rise a little. So as thunder shook the house and lightening sizzled through the sky, you cowered a little in the living room. V sat on the couch an open book in his hand (one of his many books of poetry) reading the night away oblivious to the raging storm outside. You flinched at another searing bolt of lightening carving it’s way through the midnight sky before thunder quaked the house. Now V looked from his book seeing how uncomfortable and frightened you were.

“It’s just a storm,” he soothed. “You’re alright inside. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

You flinched again, “I know. It’s just kinda creepy such a storm on Halloween. It’s spooky alright.”

He chuckled scooting a little bit before patting the couch cushion beside him. Abandoning your spot another bolt and thunder caused you to jump and rush to V. He raised an arm letting you nuzzle into his side before wrapping said arm around your trembling form. The comfort that V gave you had the fear easing while the storm still continued it’s fury outside the cozy house, but you were more focused on the black haired man who held you tightly as he read. It was moments later you began to investigate the book in his hand. It was hard to see the cover due to his large hand taking up majority of the front cover. You could see some words in the title, finally you gave up with a huff and decided to ask him.

“What you reading,” you asked looking up at him with doe like eyes.

He smiled warmly kissing the top of your head before placing a thumb in the crease of the book. He folded the book over, thumb still holding his place. Now the cover was revealed to you and you couldn’t help but giggle.

“Edgar Allan Poe,” you giggled more. “How festive.”

“I guess you could say that,” he cooed. “While William Blake may be my absolute favorite, Poe does have his merits.”

“Which poem are you on now?”

You were so focused on V and the talk of the works of Edgar Allan Poe you couldn’t even hear the storm outside no longer. “Next one is A Dream Within A Dream,” he said before showing you the next page.

You snuggled in deeper, “Can you read it to me?”

“Of course.”

V’s voice echoed through the living room. You felt yourself transported into an old castle, with candelabras, a crackling fire in a fire place, hot tea upon the table, and wooden desk in the corner. While V caressed your arm as he spoke every line with his strong voice.

“Take this kiss upon the brow! And, in parting from you now, Thus much let me avow — You are not wrong, who deem That my days have been a dream; Yet if hope has flown away In a night, or in a day, In a vision, or none, Is it therefore the less gone? All that we see or seem Is but a dream within a dream.”

You sighed earning a elated look from V as his voice continued to carry as he started the next paragraph.

“I stand amide the roar Of a surf-tormented shore, And I hold within my hand Grains of the golden sand —How few! Yet how they creep Through my fingers to the deep, While I weep — while I weep! O God! Can I not grasp Them with a tighter clasp? O God can I not save One from the pitiless wave? Is all that we see or seem But a dream within a dream?”

V finished and you had melted further into him. Though some of the poem saddened you, there was just something about the way V read it that warmed your heart. Before meeting him you wouldn’t have said that you were a consumer of poetry, but when it came to V and his love of poetry you found yourself enjoying such creations. The storm had ceased, like V had calmed it with his words like they had calmed you inside.

“Shall I make us some tea and continue to read more of the more Halloween type writings,” V asked still holding you tightly.

“I think I would enjoy that very much,” you answered eyelids becoming droopy. He kissed your cheek before placing the bookmark you had bought for him when you both had first met. You watched him leave for the kitchen leaving you in the living room. While Halloween had started out unexpectedly, you begun to think you both had started a new tradition. One you were going to be glad to have every single year when Halloween came back around.

[pedrito-friskito]

I also don't know if ur open to writing Michael Kinsella but if you are I think he deserves more fluff 😊 if not thats totally cool dw!

hi love!! thank you for this! I’ve never written anything for mikey but I’m always willing (I’ve read enough fics about him LOL and @saintmurd0ck is truly the queen of writing him so I feel like I know enough!) here’s a little something fluffy for a rainy afternoon (in my neck of the woods anyway!) thanks babe! ❣️

(also - I am working on your other request too this one just got done first!!)

🔥friday night fever!🔥

The rain in Ireland is like nothing else. They said you would grow used to it, that you’d grow to despise the dark weather, the looming clouds and damp air, drenched ground and rolling thunder.

But it’s just the opposite. You love the rain, love the thick scent of it in the air, how it lingers the next morning until the next storm, or until the odd sunny day chases the clouds away just for a while. You long for the softness the rain offers, the way it wraps around you like a sweater, inviting you to stay indoors, to find other ways to keep away the cold.

So, when you wake to find the world outside a dark shade of grey, it brings a smile to your face. It means Mikey will be easy to convince, letting you keep him in bed long into the late morning, maybe even into the early afternoon if you’re lucky. He’d been out late last night, his key hitting the lock well past midnight. When you’d seen the look in his eye, you hadn’t asked, hadn’t said a word, taking his outstretched hand and letting him lead you upstairs.

You’d both undressed quietly, heads bowed together, hands working buttons on shirts and zippers on jeans, the clip of your bra and the knot in his tie. Slowly, silently, until you were both nearly bare, Michael just in his tight briefs, you in your underwear as he reached for the dresser, pulling out one of his old t-shirts and handing it to you. You could feel your eyes on him as he helped the fabric over your head, leaning in to kiss your mouth softly, hand curling around the back of your neck as you settled into his shirt.

The only sound in the room was the soft patter of rain at the window, lulling you both to sleep as you climbed into bed, going to find your usual place curled at his side, your head on his chest and your arm slung around your waist. But this time, Mikey moved before you could, sliding down slightly and resting his head on your chest, ear pressed between your breasts, arm sliding across your hips.

“I love you, Michael,” you’d murmured to him, one hand winding into his hair, the other kneading his shoulder.

“Love ya, pet,” he murmured back, and that was that.

It wasn’t unusual behaviour, per se. You’d picked up on the patterns enough; when he has a bad day, he wants comfort, but is still struggling with how to ask for it, finding the silent ways he can get it from you without being a bother. And then the good days, the days where everything is right as rain, and he comforts you, caging you in his arms and kissing the crown of your head.

So it was a bad day, you could deal with that.

He hasn’t moved much, in the night. He’s still sprawled across you, his hair a little more wayward, head resting more on your stomach than your chest. The grey clouds diffuse the light through the window, tricking your bodies into thinking that it’s later than it is, and you silence your alarms once you’re awake, not wanting to disturb the sleeping man on top of you.

You stay quiet, feeling him shift slightly against you, his hand right under the shirt covering your torso, palm dragging down your ribs. You keep your breathing as even as possible, hoping he’ll sleep a little longer, that you can give him just a little more of the comfort he needs.

The rain starts up again not long after you wake, the grey clouds releasing a torrent that plucks against the windowpanes, louder than it had been last night, dripping down the glass in thick rivulets. You watch for a while, transfixed by the flow of the water, so much so that you miss Michael’s rousing against your skin, the soft kisses pressed to your stomach, the squeezing hands along your sides, the almost tickling feeling making you look down at him, his head craned back to look up at you.

“Should be a crime,” he murmurs, “lookin’ tha’ pretty in the mornin’.”

“How’d you sleep?” you ask instantly, carding a hand through his hair. There’s the shadow of a bruise around his eye, darker now; you hadn’t noticed it last night. He blinks languidly back at you, sleep still tainting his features. “Any dreams?”

“Only of you, pet,” he replies, and moves up you slowly, leaning up onto his hands until he’s hovering above you.

He leans down slowly, muscles is his arms bulging, making the tattoos on his skin ripple as he lowers himself. His kiss is soft, gentle noises pulled out of both of you as he kisses your mouth, then your cheeks, the curve of your jaw, the slope of your nose. His beard tickles against your skin, and you take his face in your hands as he continues to kiss you, body slotting against your own, sinking into your comfort. His movements are slow, dreamy, sleep still making a home in his limbs as he gets impossibly closer to you.

It’s a good long while before either of you get out of bed, and when you do, the rain is still falling.

—————

I have a taglist! if you’d like to be tagged in future works, please fill out this form!💕

I don’t have michael kinsella on my taglist so tagging some potentially interested parties: @saintmurd0ck @mindidjarin @phoebe-danvers @freshabogados @e-dubbc11

[natalie-the-writer]

Hey y'all! I'm back again with another UglyDolls, Lou centric story. It's a long one (over 14,000 words that I didn't know I was capable of-) but I really wanted to write this as a gift for my friend (0PerfectImperfections0) here. It is a very far cry from what was originally planned, but I do like it. Lots of angst. Lots of comfort. Lots of Lou. It connects with my other stories, but they're not needed to understand this.

Happy reading!

Thunderstruck

Boom!

Thunder rolled over Imperfection, dark clouds blotting out the sky. It wasn't often that it rained, but it always did at least once every two or three months in order to give new dolls the storm experience. Lou could teach about it all in textbooks, but a doll might not be able to completely comfort their child if they hadn't experienced it themsleves. The blonde stood up under a tree as the first rain drop fell, plopping on his nose. He blinked at it, then sighed. Another storm to get through. He hated these storms - the factory never held back on showing them every level of storm intensity. The lights would likely be out by midnight.

It was just passed eight now. Most dolls had returned from their child if they weren't staying for the night. He'd already seen Moxy, Babo, and Mandy walking around, waving joyfully at him whenever they passed. Lou smiled like he meant it, but he'd been feeling the storm thrumming through his stuffing since last night, leaving him sleepless and on edge, unable to sit down until dawn. He wasn't scared of storms themsleves, no, but due to being so connected to this doll world as a prototype, he could feel it in his core. In his programming. It made his chest feel like a coiled spring, breaths coming a little too labored at times, and a lack of focus on his end. He could barely get through his classes today, often leaving them to their own devices with a worksheet as he tried to drown out the headache building behind his eyes. The only time he really forced himself to be present was when he ran emergency drills: what to do if something happens to go wrong at your house, if you get caught in the storm outside, etc. He wasn't about to let them get hurt because he couldn't focus.

With every roar of thunder, he felt a shiver move up his spine, his headache beginning to take on a new ferocity. This always happened. It was a terrible feeling. He'd already sent out the message to all dolls, telling them to hunker down in their homes, and soon, he would be returning to his. The cottage was much better than his mansion, but it would still be empty. Distractions from the storm only worked for a limited time. Once it reached full ferocity, he'd have a migraine to the nines and another sleepless night. He'd have to cancel classes tomorrow for clean up and to get his mind to relax.

"Lou!"

He almost didn't hear the male voice calling his name. He blinked, realizing that he'd tucked his hands into his pockets. The drizzle had picked up, little droplets soaking into his black tux and hair. A second later, Nolan practically slammed into him from the side, nearly taking him down. He stabilized himself as the doll wrapped his arms around him in a hug, face pressed into his shoulder. Lou hesitated only a second before hugging one of his best friends back, entirely confused. Mandy was walking toward them, her hands wringing together and a small smile on her face.

Lou's brain was slow to catch up. Nolan and Mandy likely hadn't experienced a storm. If Mandy had on the outside world, it was likely nothing compared to what they knew would come from a factory induced storm. It'd been four months since Nolan came, and three since they became friends. The storm was a little late, likely due to the chaos the UglyDolls caused, but Lou definitely didn't mind. "Oh," he said, forcing himself into complete focus, "you both are neverous about the storm?"

Nolan nodded into his shoulder, pulling away a little but still not letting go of Lou's jacket. Mandy shuffled forward, nodding a little herself. "We were worried about you, too," she added. "You weren't answering your phone."

Confused, he kept one arm around the brunette as he pulled out his phone, seeing missed texts and calls from everyone. Oops. "Sorry, I didn't realize my phone was on silent." The thunder rolled again, making him tense involuntarily. "You both should get back home. I've survived enough of these to know how bad it can get. Better have flashlights and candles." He tried for a reassuring smile.

"That's the thing," Mandy said. "We're having a sleepover at my house for the storm. All our friends are there. We just need you."

For a moment, he was floored with shock. Sure, they'd been friends for a while. They'd stayed at his house for a night or two when he got sick or exhausted, but it was never for fun. The only time he really remembers spending the night with someone was right before they all became friends - when he became ill from exhaustion and collapsed, spending three nights at Moxy's house to recuperate. That doesn't technically count as a 'sleepover' - a word he only knew of from a short section in one of the textbooks. It took him a moment to realize they were both looking at him expectantly, possibly with some... hopefulness. Seeing those wide eyes on him, he felt any walls crumble. No matter how bad of an idea it was, he couldn't deny them. "Alright, I'll go."

Nolan and Mandy grinned. A second later, both were on either side of him, taking him by the arms to lead him down the hill and back into town. He silently urged them to pick up the pace as the storm picked up, not liking the twinge behind his eyes. Why did he agree to this sleepover again? 'Because they wanted you to come,' he reminded himself. 'Not sure why, but they do. The least you can do is try to make them happy, somehow. You can ignore your pain for a little while.' Maybe Mandy would have some painkillers in her bathroom.

"Lou? Earth to Lou?"

He snapped back into focus at the sound of Nolan's voice, realizing they were standing on the porch of Mandy's house. She was undoing the lock with her key, and Nolan was standing at his side. A crack of thunder erupted from the sky and the brunette flinched. Electricity buzzed under Lou's skin, increasing the ache in his skull, but he managed a smile. He rested a light hand on Nolan's shoulder. "It's alright, Nolan. Just a storm. Harmless as long as you know what to do."

He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Good thing we've got the expert here." They shared a small chuckle.

Soon enough, he was sitting on the couch, Moxy sitting by him on the arm of it and Ox on his other side. Everyone else was sprawled out on the other couches or floor, where blankets and pillows were spread. There was a movie beginning to play on screen - Toy Story, they'd decided, just for the ironicness of it. Lou let the back of his head lean against the cushion, forcing his eyes open even as the storm increased his headache. He could feel the chip in his neck growing a little hot. Not painfully so, but enough to keep him from going into a doze. He was somewhat thankful for that.

Everyone was either watching the movie, talking, or laughing amongst themsleves. Weirdly, it didn't aggravate the ache. In fact, it made it a little better. Lighter. In the past, by this point, he'd have been holed up in his mansion bed, the covers over his head as he tried to sleep a little. Instead of the pain and panic, he only felt a little stuffed in the head, maybe a little floaty at times, his focus drifting in and out.

"I've got pajamas!" Mandy announced, shaking him out of his comforting oblivion. The higher volume in voice rattled his brain a bit like the thunder, and he had to blink away the fuzziness in his vision with a wince. The girl doll dropped a pile of clothes on an open spot of the couch. "Robes, silk, anything." She grinned, beginning to hand out clothes. Robes and altered pajamas that she and Nolan likely made were passed to the UglyDolls first, then a plaid pajama set was tossed to Nolan. He caught it easily.

Lou was not as lucky. The silk blue pajama set nailed him in the face. Not hard, but he still blinked with surprise, staring at them as they landed in his lap. "Thanks, Mandy," he managed, earning a grin in return. She went back to sorting clothes.

Ox bumped his shoulder lightly, gaining his attention. "Hey, you alright, brother?" He whispered, concern pulling his lips down.

Lou nodded before he consciously knew what he was doing. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm going to go change." He got up and headed to the bathroom, ignoring the slight waver in his balance and hoping no one noticed.

________________

Ox did notice the near mis-step, and watched the blonde go down the hall. Once he disappeared into the bathroom, he summed up the thoughts he was having out loud. "There's something wrong with Lou." All the chatter stopped, heads turning to him with instant concern, worry, and confusion. Huge steps from when he first brought up that something was wrong with Lou, four months ago.

"I noticed, too," Nolan said quietly. He was wrapped up in a blanket, pajamas in his hands as he waited for Lou to come back. "He's... out of it. His face keeps tightening, too. Something's wrong."

"Think he's nervous about the storm?" Babo asked.

Mandy shook her head. "I don't think so. He's been here for years. Seen every storm. There might be something else wrong, but he's not saying anything."

"What do we do?" Moxy inquired from her spot on the arm of the couch, small purple robe wrapped around her body.

Ox sighed. "There's nothing we can do. We can't force him to open up. He'll only close up more. We watch him as best we can, maybe distract him from whatever's going on in that head of his, and keep him comfortable. He'll tell us if he wants to - he'll run if he doesn't feel safe."

Nods went around the room, and they turned back to the movie, trying to act as normal as possible for when Lou returned. He did, a few minutes later, allowing Nolan to change as well. Ox kept a subtle eye on the blonde, noting how Lou didn't seem focused on the TV, keeping his hands clasped in his lap and sapphire eyes almost distant from the world around him. A round of thunder shook the room and the dolls shuffled unconsciously closer together. The Uglies had experienced some storms before, but away from the main area, they weren't this bad. Mandy and Nolan were the most out of sorts, and the others kept a hand or arm on them at all times for assurance. Ox felt Lou tense when the thunder came, hands twitching.

He wasn't scared, but he was definitely uncomfortable. The distant eyes weren't assuring either. He bumped his arm against him again, feeling his worry increase when Lou's eyes were slow to turn to him. "What?" The blonde muttered, a hand coming up to rub at the corner of his left eye. Was he tired? In pain? He thought he heard some of his students remark that he wasn't as lively today. Maybe he hadn't slept well last night, or maybe a headache? Before he could ask, Moxy stood. "Let's play a game!" He watched Lou flinch a little at the louder volume, but the blonde leader straightened easily.

"What kind?" He asked, eyes shining with a bit of curiosity and amusement instead of covered with that distant cloud. Moxy grinned at him.

________

One game turned into five. Toy Story turned into Incredibles. Lou got so wrapped up in board games, card games, and charades that he could almost forget about the building pain in his head. He wasn't zoning out, but he was distracted from the constant ache to the point where it almost felt... not there. During game lulls, he found himself thinking about the past. About how he was all alone back then. Maybe this was part of what he needed. Maybe being lonely had made the pain worse.

Then the lights went out with the largest thunder boom. His vision whited out for a brief second, his knees going weak despite being sitting, and he had to blink away the haze as everyone else turned to look up at the now dark lights. The light of a flashlight made him squint. Ox was holding it, having produced the little light from... somewhere. "Looks like the TV is over."

"Is this normal?" Nolan asked weakly. Lou leaned forward, peering past Ox to look at the brunette.

"Yes, it is." He tried not to be too blunt, but every heart beat was reverberating in his ears. "The factory wants you to know every condition with a kid, and power outage is always a possibility." It felt like he was reciting off the textbook with a little more care than typed words. He hated that. It felt like his old self, but it was all he could muster. Taking a deep breath in through his nose, he reached around Ox to pat Nolan's blanketed shoulder again, meeting mismatched eyes easily. "We're just fine. I promise."

Nolan gave him a real smile and the fissue of pressure in Lou's brain loosened a little with the knowledge he'd comforted his friend. He moved his hand after a moment, watching Moxy take the flash light from Ox and hold it up under her face. "Do you know what the dark means?" She asked excitedly.

"No lights?" Ugly Dog joked from where he laid on the other end of the couch. They laughed. Lou couldn't help the small snort that escaped him.

Moxy rolled her eyes playfully. "It means stories! Usually it's ghost stories, but I would rather tell happy or real stories. I'll go first!"

Over the next hour, the flashlight was passed around. The dolls told stories, some challenging others to figure out if they were fake or real. Even Wage joined in, telling of how her kitchen almost caught on fire. Lou watched with amusement, leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, head held in his hands. The darkness wasn't so bad with the light and the laughter of friends. The storm rolled on outside and he found himself comforting Mandy and Nolan with the others, offering small touches and smiles. Sometimes, a large thunder boom or lightning strike would shake even Ox, and he would be the one assuring them things were fine. It gave him purpose and fulfillment.

His eyes were almost half lidded when the flashlight was passed his way. He took it on autopilot, blinking himself fully awake. Moxy jumped up to sit on the arm of the chair again. "Tell us a story, Lou!" She leaned against his right shoulder as he straightened again, looking at him with huge eyes.

"What kind of story?" He fished for suggestions, brain unwilling to come up with anything on its own. As much as he was relaxed, the pain was still ever present, clouding his thinking. He resisted the urge to rub at his temples, knowing that would give himself away automatically. They couldn't have any fun if they were worried about him. They'd spent too much time worried about him.

"Hmmm..." Mandy tapped her chin. "... a memory?"

The memory that came to mind immediately was his first storm. Taking a moment to look at all their faces, hopeful for him to share something of his past, he leaned forward slightly, letting the light illuminate his face better. He'd have to spare some details so they wouldn't find his current predicament, but his first storm was a somewhat interesting tale. "Alright." They leaned forward, getting closer to him with wide eyes. "I'm going to tell you about the first storm I ever experienced."

He wove them the story easily, the memory breaking through the fog because he could associate it so easily with this pain. He hadn't known the storm was coming, just that he felt 'weird' the day before. (They didn't know he could sense the storm, only that he saw the 'signs' hours before, allowing them to go through the storm drills. For story purposes, he described it as a gut feeling.) He told them how the storm came while him and the newest batch of dolls were still outside. They'd never seen rain before, so it was terrifying on all levels, but he'd led them to safety back to his mansion. He told of how they all crowded around in the basement, scared beyond witts, until he remembered what exactly what was happening. Back then, he'd had an easier time talking to dolls, and had calmed down through a game. He recounted how the fear eased out with laughter. Even as the lights went out, smiles continued. "And that's how we survived our first storm," he concluded, waving a hand with exaggerated gusto. Not exactly the most harrowing of tale, but he hoped they could empathize with the fear and surviving. "Just like we will. It's alright to be scared, as long as we don't let it control us."

"Exactly!" Lucky Bat declared, jumping on the couch. "This storm can't bring us down, as long as we're together." It was cheesy, but Lou found himself smiling anyway. Five months ago, he wouldn't have been able to say he had anyone to weather a storm with. Now he had multiple dolls to stay with. They were together. Despite the usual pain, this was the best storm experience he'd had. Even his first one wasn't really the light he played it out to be. As much as he'd enjoyed the laughter, it had shaken his skull. He'd stood off to the corner, watching, feeling like his head was an anvil and every hit of thunder shaking him to the core. He hadn't known how connected he was to that world until right then. It really proved how much the factory had control over him. He could let go of his fear of storms, but the pain was a reminder than he couldn't shake the control.

Nolan yawned, triggering some other scattered yawns and following giggles. Even Moxy was leaning more heavily against his side. Ox chuckled breathily. "I think it's safe to say it's time to sleep." A chorus of murmured agreement went around, causing a little trill of fear to go through Lou. He quickly calmed it. Just because they weren't talking and playing didn't mean he was alone.

He helped Mandy and Ox grab rolled up sleeping bags from the storage closet, busying himself with directing everyone to the best sleeping spots where they could be comfortable but still close. He helped with handing out pillows and extra blankets. Ox insisted they keep the flashlight on, pointed toward the opposite wall like a little night light. No one argued with him. The rain pounded against the windows and roof, and he knew by the growing pain in his head that this wasn't the worst point. The wind hadn't even gotten bad yet, only a small whistle against the outside walls.

Finally, at nearing one in the morning, they were all settled down in the sleeping bags. No one felt comfortable taking the couches and having the others sleep on the floor, so they were huddled in a group, some talking quietly and others already snoring. Lou gingerly settled his head on the pillow, staring up at the ceiling as he listened to them, trying to block out the rain.

Ox scooted closer beside him. Nolan was already sleeping on his other side, his fear thankfully less. Mandy was quietly chatting with Wage and Moxy. Lucky Bat and Babo were having a similar, quiet conversation. Ugly Dog was likely asleep as well, though Lou couldn't see him from his vantage point on the edge of the group. "Are you sure you're okay?" Ox whispered, so quiet he doubted the others heard. For that, Lou was thankful.

"I'm sure, you worry wart," he muttered. Even in the dark, he could see Ox raising an eyebrow. It hurt, but he rolled his eyes. "Just a little tired."

The green doll sighed. "Alright. Get some sleep. Goodnight."

"Night."

Lou let his eyes fall shut, forcing his body to go slowly limp in hope of convincing Ox he was asleep. It worked. More snores slowly filled the room until he was almost one hundred percent sure he was the only one awake - some dolls didn't snore, one of them being Lou himself. Snoring was considered imperfect, afterall. He allowed his eyes to open, shifting his head to face the comforting light, knowing his friends were at his back. His head pounded, the pain increasing every few minutes. Definitely a migraine. Ow. The comfort and friends helped, but now the pain was almost too much. He grimaced when a loud thunder boom raised the pain to a momentary crescendo, pressing his lips together to hold back the small whimper. He focused on the fact that the thunder hadn't woken anyone, holding onto that little bit of mental warmth, and tried not to cry.

He failed. He didn't make a sound, but a tear slipped down the side of his face, hitting the wood floor. Wrapping his arms around himself, he screwed his eyes shut and pulled in a stuttering breath, willing the pain to just stop. It never did, but it never stopped him from praying. He pressed a hand against the side of his neck where the chip was, feeling the burning beneath. It wasn't unbearable - like a fever in one area, but it was a sign of his tie here. A sign of the storm. It was only half over, maybe not even that. He was waiting on the downhill slope, for the pain to ebb away and leave him dizzy and numb feeling.

Another tear slipped out, drifting down his nose.

___________________

Lou wasn't sure when he managed to doze off, but he knew when he was awakened because Mandy was there, gently shaking his shoulder. Her voice was white noise to the slight ringing in his ears, and he blinked a few times, both from the sudden stabbing pain behind his eyes and the blurry vision. It cleared by letting out tears. The ringing faded. "Lou, Lou, do you hear me?" She whispered. The doll was knelt down beside him, hand gripping his shoulder tighter.

"Hm... yeah, yeah I hear ya.." he murmured, squinting up at her. "What is it?" His groggy mind struggling to pull words together or understand the situation. He could still hear snoring. The storm was still raging, but nothing was wrong, was there?

She paused, looking almost hesitant to continue. A crack of lightning went off, lighting up the windows beyond the blinds. Before he could think about it, he pressed a finger to his temple with a wince. It did nothing to relieve the pain. "You... you were crying a little in your sleep. Is this storm... hurting you?"

Realization slammed down on him all at once and he quickly wiped his eyes, opening his mouth to deny the observation, only to close it again. What exactly could he say? It's exactly what it looked like. "Maybe a little." She raised an eyebrow, mouth pressing into a thin line. The expression screamed 'I don't believe you. Cough up the truth or no more cookies for you.' He sighed, pulling himself slowly to sit up. He didn't fail to notice Mandy helping him. "Alright, more than a little."

She sighed. His eyes fell downcast, guilt welling in the pit of his stomach. "I'll be back in a sec with some pain killers." She got up and disappeared into the kitchen. When she was out of sight, he pressed his hand to his forehead, closing his eyes. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. He shouldn't have stayed here. Now Mandy was worrying over him. At least if he were home, he could've hid this. He'd suffered through it a hundred times. What was one more?

He heard her foot steps coming back and straightened, trying to fix his hair in some semblance of normal and wipe any remains of tears away. She gave him a small, sympathetic smile, offering him two small white tablets and a glass of water. He attempted a smile back, then quickly swallowed down the medicine, not wanting to wait another second for a little relief. "Thank you."

"Of course." Her eyebrows furrowed together as she took the glass back. "Why didn't you just ask for some in the first place?"

"I... I don't know. I guess I just... didn't want you to worry."

"I'm worried because you didn't tell anyone. I'm your friend, so I'm going to worry either way. Just... here." She put the glass on the little coffee table that'd been pushed to the side for them all. Then she did the unexpected. Mandy sat down beside him and pulled him into a hug, arms wrapping tight around him. He hesitated a second, then half melted into the embrace, the pain still keeping him a little tense. She ran a hand up his back and gently through his hair. The extra touch somehow took away a little of the deep, skull breaking ache. It was like magic. "Does this prove I'm your friend?"

"I know you're my friend."

"Then let me help you. Let us help you." She shifted so his head was pressed up against her shoulder. "Go to sleep. I'm right here." Her hand ran up and down his arm before moving to his hair, fingers gently massaging his temple. He found himself relaxing involuntarily, eyes growing heavy. The pain was still a heavy sledgehammer, but not hitting quite as hard. He was willing to bet it was more Mandy than the pain killers activating in his system. It hadn't been long enough yet.

He could only mumble something even he didn't understand, letting his eyes shut. He didn't try to fight back the pain. He let Mandy have full access to it, her fingers soothing anything she touched. It was only a brief second of reprieve in a certain area, but it was better than it was. He slipped into sleep more easily, letting the oblivion take him away from the pain for a little while.

________________

Mandy sighed, watching as Lou relaxed a little. His breathing came deeper and she would've believed he was peacefully sleeping if not for the tense muscles in his back and shoulders. She settled in to stay for a bit, hoping her being there might keep him asleep for a little while. She'd woken up to go get something to drink only to see some tears drifting down Lou's face when she happened to glance toward him. It'd been easy to wake him up, it always was when he didn't consciously try to stay asleep, but it'd taken so long for him to focus... She brushed her fingers lightly across his forehead. No fever. Just what looked to be a very intense headache.

She found herself thinking back on everything and honestly getting angry. Not at Lou, but at the factory. He'd already been subjected to torture in perfection. He'd been told to eliminate any dolls with physical wrongs, constantly paranoid as he bent the rules for years. He'd snapped due to so many abandonment issues and being fed up with everything, like being a trapped prototype guiding others to happiness that he couldn't have. Yes, he had things to make up for. A lot of things, some more serious than others, and he'd worked hard to redeem himself in the eyes of everyone, returning to be more like a Lou that Ox once knew. He'd succeeded in their eyes, yet he was still suffering. The storm was hurting him. She wasn't sure how, but it was. She wanted to yell at the clouds. At the factory. Tell them to stop hurting him when he's already been kicked enough.

"Is he asleep?" Ox's voice almost made her jump. She looked over to see the green bunny awake, eyes trained on his brother.

She sighed again. "Yeah, he is."

"I knew there was something wrong with him." He shook his head, obviously frustrated with himself and a little at the blonde doll. He sat up, reaching out and brushing some hair away from Lou's eyes. "Headache?"

"A severe one." Thunder rolled again. Lou flinched a little in his sleep, eyebrows furrowing and face tensing in pain. His breath stuttered in its calm rhythm. "The storm is hurting him. Every time it thunders or lightnings, it hurts him more." Frustrated tears were stinging the corners of her eyes. She fought them back. "There's no telling how much pain he's been in this whole time. It's likely why he was so zoned out."

"We'll let him sleep as long as he can. I doubt he slept last night, judging by how his students were talking. Maybe he can get through the worst of it unconcious."

Mandy could only nod. "What time is it?"

He looked at his new watch, a recent gift from Lou. "2:27. The others won't be awake for a while."

"You can go back to sleep. I'll watch him."

"You know he won't like you doing that." Ox stood. "How about you both move to the couch? You can both sleep there." It was best idea they had besides moving her sleeping bag over. Even then, the one pillow between Lou's aching head and the ground didn't feel like enough. They worked together to carefully shift Lou to lay up against Ox while Mandy got up. The blonde didn't wake, only shifting a little. Mandy was soon able to pick him up bridal style, moving him to the couch. They ended up letting out the recliner part, Mandy laying on that seat with Lou's head in her lap, propped up by another pillow. Ox draped a blanket over both of them, tucking the cloth securely around his exhausted brother.

"There we go. Snug as a bug." He whispered. Mandy cracked a smile, hands already in Lou's locks to gently massage his scalp and temples. The blonde leaned into the touch with a small, content sigh, some more tension leaving him. The medicine had to be working by this point. "Get me up if anything happens?"

"Of course."

Ox went back to his sleeping bag, though it took him a while to go back to sleep, eyes looking at what he could see of Lou when they finally closed. Mandy turned to watch her newfound friend, studying his face. The pain lines were there, if less pronounced. How long would the pain go on? Until the storm ended? Longer? She didn't know the answer. She settled her head back against the chair, hands idly combing through Lou's hair as she drifted into a light doze, ready to wake up if he needed her.

About an hour later, he did.

A loud crack of thunder followed by lightning made it feel like the house was shaking. She jerked awake, other dolls following suit. A pit in her stomach said this was the worst point, and she was proven right when a few tears escaped from under Lou's closed eyelids, a small, almost undetected whimper coming from him. She gently shushed him, vaguely aware of Ox coming to his other side and wiping the tears away.

"What happened?" Ugly Dog asked groggily. Nolan pulled his blankets over his head, peeking out from under them after a moment. Mandy couldn't blame him. That was loud. It had woken everyone, all the dolls sitting up and blinking rapidly.

"Just thunder," Ox assured quietly, placing his hand on top of Lou's head gingerly. Moxy's eyes widened when she saw where Mandy and Lou were.

"What's wrong with Lou?" She asked in a frantic whisper, garnering everyone else's attention.

Ox and Mandy shared a look. As much as Lou would hate everyone knowing, there was no getting out of it. Mandy let out a small sigh, gently pressing her finger to his left temple. "The storm hurts him. That's what has been wrong the whole time. I don't know why it does, but he's has a lot of pain in his head."

"What can we do about it?" Wage asked worriedly. She'd been one of the ones to initially doubt Lou, but since he started to help her out in the diner and show his truly soft side, she came to care for him as much as they did. Lucky Bat, the main one with medical knowledge due to his kid having medical textbooks, moved forward, peering into Lou's tense face.

"Not much," he supplied. "You've given him medicine?" Mandy nodded. "Then if the storm is what's hurting him, we'll just have to wait it out with him." He moved to the side so Nolan could take his place, the brunette kneeling by the blonde. Thunder rolled. The formerly scared doll didn't flinch, watching Lou's mouth tighten minutely.

"Why didn't he just tell us?" He asked, resting a hand on his best friend's shoulder.

"He didn't want to worry us," Mandy said. "That's what he told me earlier. I told him we worry either way because we're his friends."

"Darn right." Ox agreed. Nolan's hand moved from Lou's shoulder to his neck, expression growing perplexed and alarmed. "Nolan?"

"His chip is burning."

Worried and a little confused, Mandy pressed her fingers near where his hand was. Indeed, heat was radiating from the area where Lou's most vulnerable part was. The piece none of them had. The sign of a prototype. He'd confided in them about it one night, telling them how it was the thing that kept him from going through the portal. When asked why he couldn't remove it, he'd said that it also contained his memories, his thoughts, his programming - even his emotions had developed within that chip. There was no way to remove it and still have Lou be... Lou. The robots had to remove it twice a year for scheduled maintenance, and he could never remember anything about that time besides being extremely cold. Removal wasn't an option.

"Lou's tie to the storm must be that thing," Babo said, ruffling through his pockets. He procured a rag. "Would ice help?"

"Good idea, Babo," Wage said, taking the offered item. "I'll have to open the freezer to get ice, but it'll be worth it." She ran off, coming back a minute later with a bag of ice wrapped in the cloth. Nolan took it and gingerly pressed it against the skin that covered Lou's chip. His face scrunched up, but some of the pain receded.

"What do we do now?" Nolan asked, watching worriedly.

Ox's face was grim. "We wait."

____________________

Most dolls had gone back to their sleeping bags, but they didn't sleep, quietly whispering among themsleves. Nolan sat at the end of the couch, holding Lou's feet in his lap, and Mandy stayed as a headrest for Lou. As much as her legs were likely getting restless and numb from being still, she didn't move, obviously worried she'd wake him. Ox sat on the armrest, watching his brother as Mandy kept the ice pack against his neck. It'd been three hours since everyone found out what was going on. Lou drifted somewhere between asleep and awake. When his eyes were open, they were vacant and hazy, his mouth unable to put together any sentences. Exhaustion was clear, but the storm kept him from sleeping peacefully.

'At least he's resting,' Nolan thought, turning from his friend to the nearest window. 'And the storm is dying.' Outside was mostly dark, clouds rumbling overhead, followed by the occasional lightning strike, but a bit of light was beginning to seep through. The rain wasn't as persistent, and the winds weren't so loud. Lou's pained winces were growing less and less.

"Mandy?" The voice was so quiet that Nolan almost didn't hear it. His head snapped over to look at Lou, who was blinking his eyes open slowly. Some pain and confusion clouded blue irises, and it made his heart hurt to see. "What's..."

"It's okay, Lou. You've been sleeping. How do you feel?" She asked quietly. Nolan could feel some tension rising in the air, the others silent now as they waited for Lou's response. The blonde's eyes moved from Mandy, to Ox, to Nolan, and he sighed.

"A little less like there's a wrecking ball in my brain." He closed his eyes fro a brief second. "Storm's almost over. Maybe two or three hours left. Lights should come on in a little bit." His left hand moved to press against his forehead and would've dislodged the ice pack if Mandy hadn't grabbed it. He blinked at it confusedly.

"How can you gauge that?" Ox asked curiously, pulling Lou's attention to him.

"I can feel it."

"How?"

"It's kind of hard to explain, but it's like it's in every thread I have. In my brain. I've been sensing it coming since the night before. It starts as a small prickling at the edge of my brain and in the..." he gestured to his chip, face pulling into a grimace. "It doesn't get painful until a little bit before it starts. It'll ware off in a while and I'll be fine."

"I don't think 'fine' will be the right word." Ox said. "I doubt you'll snap back to good the minute the rain stops. You haven't really slept."

"I've slept more than I normally would."

His eyes narrowed, face pinched with concern. "What do you mean?"

Lou pulled himself to sit up, Mandy grabbed the ice pack before it could fall, and Nolan shifted so Lou could sit between them. The navy pajama clad doll pushed away the blanket like it was an offending object, letting it fall onto his legs. "I mean," he put his index finger to his temple with a small wince right before thunder clapped. Nolan barely resisted the urge to hug him, shifting so his elbow was touching his arm. Lou offered a weaker smile. "I don't usually sleep any during these storms. It's too hard to. If I do, it's more similar to being knocked out by the pain. This time... I think I actually slept a little. So, better than usual."

"That still doesn't mean you're good to go. A little sleep isn't enough. I thought we established that?" Ox reminded pointedly. Lou glanced down, shoulders tensing a little as he visibly straightened himself. "Look, you've already cancelled classes and everything. It's clean up day. You already did enough yesterday to prepare everyone, so you need to rest."

Lou's eyes narrowed back at Ox - challenging him. "I've done this plenty of times before. I can handle it."

"Even if you can handle it, you shouldn't have to. Lou," he jumped off the couch, coming to stand in front of him. When Lou tried to look away, Ox forced him to look back, "you're tired. You've been in pain for several hours, and I doubt it'll go away without some kind of aftershock." The slight wince Lou made said that he was right. "You will stay here. You will rest. Then we're all going to come back here and figure out a plan for next time this happens."

"You can't fix it." The sentence was mumbled, so full of hopelessness that Nolan couldn't resist throwing his arms around Lou, hugging him tightly.

"Then we'll do something to soften the blow." Ox smiled softly, then hugged Lou around the front. Mandy followed on his other side. Soon, all the dolls were crowded around, hugging Lou from all sides and angles. Nolan felt him relax, the last of the tension in his body draining away. The rain was slowly pattering outside, a break in the clouds allowing the sunrise to start to break through the horizon.

Lou let out a sigh. "Alright, if you insist."

______________

'I feel miserable.'

Lou let his forehead rest against the tub, arms loosely wrapped around his torso. He was sitting on the floor of the bathroom by the toilet, breathing deeply as he tried to calm the rolling in his stomach. He didn't have anything to expel, so it was mostly dry retching, but it hurt. His head no longer hurt though it felt like he had cotton for brains. If he tried to stand, he was knocked back down with dizziness and the weakness in his limbs. It wasn't anything he was unfamiliar with, but he was used to doing this in the solitary of his mansion or behind a bush when no one was looking.

He blinked slowly, trying to chase the swirling colors from his vision. This storm had been a bad one, maybe worse than the others, but it was somehow better, too. Maybe because his friends were in the house, getting ready to head out to clean up. He'd disappeared in the bathroom fifteen minutes ago, hoping to get passed the nausea on his own. It never lasted overly long, but the weakness would be persistent for a few hours. His chest still felt tight, and he was exhausted. Ox was right. He wasn't going to snap back instantly. He never did.

'Be a lot easier if I could,' he thought with a deep breath, pushing against the tension in his chest. His stomach was calming, but he didn't feel ready to stand. He couldn't stand. He drew his knees to his chest, letting his head roll onto them. A knock on the door would've made him jump if he had the energy.

The storm sucked everything out of him. Sometimes, he was convinced that it took strength from him personally.

"Lou? You okay in there?" Nolan asked.

"Yes," he answered. It came out muffled. He tried again, raising his head. "Yes, just a minute." His voice sounded weak even to him.

"You've got sixty seconds. You have been in there a while." The worry in his voice warmed his heart a little.

"Don't rush me," he muttered, letting his head drop down. He doubted Nolan heard him. "Deep breaths," he told himself. "I've got to stand. No use worrying them more." He braced his left arm against the tub and went to rise. He made it halfway up before his legs collapsed underneath him, his knees hitting unforgiving tile. He winced, forehead coming to rest against the tub again. "Just a few more seconds. Come on."

He must've drifted a little longer than he thought because the doorknob jiggled, then twisted. Why didn't he lock it again? "Lou!" Nolan was at his side in an instant, hand on his back. "What's wrong? What do you need?" He was fretting, his other hand moving uselessly in the air. Lou would've laughed if his head didn't suddenly feel so off balance.

"Jus... just need a sec, Nolan. I'm okay."

"This does not look okay." The hand moved across his shoulders. "I'm going to go get Babo. This floor isn't doing anything for you." The hand disappeared, followed by Nolan's fast footsteps down the hall as he called for Babo. A small smile pulled on Lou's lips and he let his eyes fall shut, focusing on the air moving in and out of his lungs as the haze settled more firmly over his brain. It wasn't typically this bad. It might've had something to do with the off scheduleness of it all.

He didn't realize he fell asleep until he was being gently picked up by strong, fluffy arms, one looped under his legs and the other supporting his back. His head fell easily against Babo's chest and shoulder, his half concious mind trusting the bigger doll not to drop him. He kept his eyes shut as they moved, fighting back the small amount of vertigo that threatened to churn his stomach. Soon, he was laid across the couch again, a fluffy blanket pulled up to his shoulders.

A hand pressed against the area of his chip. He didn't flinch. "It's cooled down now," Mandy said quietly. "But just in case..." The ice pack was slid back into place. It was admittedly soothing after so much heat had burned up the area, but not as soothing as the thought behind the action. It loosened some of the tension in his chest as his heart warmed. He let himself float in his mind as he let the words of the others wash over him. They were organizing clean up crews after receiving reports of cloth being blown around, some trees and structures tipping with the wind, but no one was hurt. They'd followed his instructions.

Light hit his eyes and he squinted. Electricity was back. Said lights were cut off very quickly, letting him blink his eyes open further. He turned his head slowly, watching the others move about, reorganizing Mandy's livingroom back to how it was before the sleepover. Sleepover. An unconscious smile appeared on his face. It had been nice, hadn't it? They should do more of these sleepovers. That was a fun word. How often did people actually sleep on sleepovers? Kids sometimes pulled all nighters. He wondered if he could organize one. Something fun to make up for all of this. He yawned into his hand, fighting to keep his eyes open as he soaked up every bit of comfort. It was nice to be able to breathe after a storm instead of forcing himself to act normal.

"You jus' rest up here, brother." Ox appeared, patting his shoulder. "Recuperate. We'll be back in a few hours, with lunch."

"It's on me!" Wage called, getting a round of smiles and laughs.

Ox snorted out a laugh. Then his face turned vaguely serious. "You do anything foolish, I'm coming for ya. I can and will put you on bedrest if I have to, and I know you hate that."

Lou rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I got the message," he muttered. Everything was slowly getting a little clearer, but sleep was grabbing at his conciousness. The blanket, the softness of the couch, the warmth - he was safe to fall, right here, right now. "I, uh," he didn't know what was compelling him to say this, speaking so quietly only Ox and maybe near dolls could hear. "I didn't tell the full story with the first storm. Close, but not... complete."

"You don't hafta say if you don't want to," his brother said quietly, a sudden concern crossing his face.

"I want to." He thought for a second, unable to look him in the eye for a second. Finally, he forced his eyes to meet Ox's. "Everything about the other dolls was true but... I stayed off to the side. It was... the first time I really felt pain. I didn't know what was happening, but I wanted them happy even though I thought I might be dying. The factory never told me that storms would hurt my head so much, or why. I just figured it was because I am a deep part of this world."

"You don't deserve this pain, Lou," Ox whispered, eyes glossy and angry. Lou knew that anger wasn't directed at him. "If I could fix it right now, I would. We're going to try and fix it. I promise. We'll do everything we can to make it better." He took his shoulder and squeezed it. "Thank you for telling me all this. Telling us. Don't worry about anything. We'll take care of it." He fixed the blankets around Lou's neck. With the knowledge he'd told the story right, told someone one of his most terrifying memories, Lou let his eyes shut. The tightness in his chest was slowly easing and his head didn't feel so fuzzed out.

He fell asleep a minute later.

_______________________

Lou woke up an unknown amount of hours later, blinking dazedly. He felt comfortably warm under the blanket, none of those unpleasant chills racing up his spine like before the storm. The only chill was the ice pack, and it had mostly melted down into cold water. He rubbed at his eyes with his fists, forcing himself to wake up a little more. The sun was higher overhead - about noon. He'd slept peacefully for six hours. No dreams. No nightmares. Pure sleep. His head was still a bit cotton feeling, but it wasn't too the point where it was hard to focus.

Slowly, he pulled himself to sit up. The room didn't spin. He waited a moment before pushing the blanket off. As much as his body wanted to lay there for another hour or so, he also didn't like staying still right this moment. Ox's threat came back to his mind as he put his feet against the floor. 'I'm just going to change into my suit again,' he reasoned with himself. 'No use to stay in pajamas all day.' He pushed weight on his feet tentatively, then hauled himself all the way up. He stumbled a brief second, but stayed on his feet. "Success," he muttered to himself, glancing around as if he'd get caught. The others might not approve, but they weren't here to stop him, were they?

He moved carefully back to the bathroom where his clothes were neatly folded on a shelf, right where he left them. His strength wasn't completely back, leading to him placing a hand against the wall for balance as he changed. The weakness would be persistent for another few hours, though it definitely wasn't as bad as earlier. He could walk anyhow.

Lou smoothed back his hair as best he could and went to place his used pajamas in the hamper, only to see how much laundry had piled up. "Huh." He tossed the clothes in, grabbed the basket by the handles, and headed to the laundry room. He had to stop a few times on the short trek, cursing himself a little each time, but he did eventually make it to the washer. He chucked the clothes in, poured the exact right amount of detergent and softener, and started the load. "Ironic." He said aloud. As much as the factory told him to use the wash as punishment, the hypocrisy was not lost to him.

Before he knew it, he was picking up chores around Mandy's house. Dishes, clothes folding, sweeping, dusting - he did everything his eyes landed on. It was partly his inbuilt urge to make things perfect by cleaning, but the main thing was that this was Mandy's house. She hosted a sleepover and cared about him. The least he could do was clean up afterward. An hour later, he had most things done and shakily sat down on the couch, only then realizing how weak his legs were feeling. Ignoring that, he raised up his fingers in opposite 'L's, checking the symmetry of the pictures on the walls.

The door opened. "We're back!" Moxy announced loudly, running into the house with one of her giant, contagious smiles.

"Moxy!" Ox gently scolded.

"What? He's awake. You can't wake an awake person."

Lou decided to chime in, dropping his hands. "She's right."

"Ha! Louis agrees with me!"

Lou rolled his eyes, fighting back a smile. He didn't correct his full name. "Only because you're correct."

"Exactly. Proving my point." She jumped up onto the couch, sitting up against his side. "We got you pasta with pepper flakes. Your favorite!"

"Absolutely my favorite." His heart twinged. He'd went with them to eat numerous times and his main order was definitely pasta, with a medium amount of pepper flakes. Not too much, not too little. It was touching that they noticed, no matter his often he ordered. It meant they were listening to him on something that wasn't doll regulation related. Of course he knew they listened, but every reminder made him tingle with warmth.

"And something a little different that might help you," Lucky Bat said, walking up to him with a plastic cup balanced on his head. Lou took it when urged, eyeing the dark liquid suspiciously.

"Dude," Lucky Bat jumped on the couch, settling on the arm, "it's not poison."

He narrowed his eyes playfully. "That's exactly what someone who was trying to poison me would say." Despite that, he took a sip. It was minty and somewhat sweet. Tea with something else in it. Something like... "Peppermint tea?" He guessed.

"Yup!" Moxy replied. "Lucky said it might help your head. We can try it sooner next time, see if it might take off some pain."

He got that heart feeling again. "Thank you." He took another sip, getting used to the cooling sensation that settled over his mouth as the others settled the bags of food on the table, taking out styrofoam cartons and handing out drinks, happy chatter filling the room. He asked about the clean up and was met with stories of shenanigans and success. He was proud of the dolls, his students, who jumped in to help immediately. Apparently clean up was a cinch. He felt guilty for not being there, but he also knew they wouldn't have let him, nor would he have been much help in his state.

Mandy was looking at him strangely. He met her eyes with a raised eyebrow. She crossed her arms. He crossed his, crossing his legs too for good measure after placing down the drink. The others paused, looking between them.

Ox was the one to break the silent stare off. "What's going on between you two?"

"He cleaned." Mandy stated, sending eyes his way. "Even the dust is gone."

"You weren't supposed to do anything, Lou." Ox scolded.

"I wasn't supposed to do anything foolish," he defended himself. "I don't think straightening up a little is foolish. Also, that picture is crooked." He pointed, going to get up only to be gently pushed back down by Nolan, the brunette appearing at his side out of thin air.

"You didn't need to do that," Mandy said, dropping her arms with a sigh.

"I know."

"Then why did you?"

"I wanted to."

She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm not going to get anywhere with this, am I?"

"Nope."

Mandy rolled her eyes, grabbed the box labeled 'Lou-Lou,' and pushed it into his hands. Before she stepped back, she ruffled his hair. He let out a little 'hey!' as he playfully batted her hands back, attempting to fix his hair to its original state. She chuckled and grabbed her food, going to sit on the other couch as Nolan sat on his other side, squishing Lou between him and Moxy, who was cheerfully drinking a milkshake.

A movie came on the TV, but most weren't paying attention. Lou definitely wasn't. He was twirling pasta around his fork and drinking the new tea they were so considerate to get, listening to pleasant, friendly banter and conversation. Jokes were made, some food almost spilled, and Lou was smiling to himself as he listened to it all. He was warm. Physically and mentally. Nothing hurt. The haze had receded, allowing him to fully feel and understand the care they were all showing him. They really did care. He knew they did, but every day reaffirmed it. He wasn't alone anymore.

That was the best feeling in the world.

__________

It was during a dinner three months later that he felt it again. The prick in his brain. The shiver in his spine. A buzzing feeling beneath his skin that wouldn't allow him to stop fidgeting with his hands under the table. He knew the feeling would get worse in a few hours, but in the beginning, it was manageable. He didn't want to ruin dinner - the first time they'd all been able to be together in a week. He forced a smile when looked at, talked when spoken to, and tried to keep breathing through the tightening of his chest.

Nolan lightly elbowed him in the torso. He looked up from where he was poking at his pasta, raising an eyebrow. "Hm?"

"You've gone quiet, Lou." He commented. He was smiling, but there was a worried tint to it. "Everything okay?"

"I'm fine, Nolan. You worry too much."

"Well, you're not one to be silent during a debate."

He tuned back into the conversation going on around them, vaguely aware it had become white noise to his ears. Moxy's kid had pineapple on pizza, and they were debating if that was right or wrong. Lou knew it didn't matter to them what someone ate, but it was fun to have an opinionated debate. Moxy was declaring it the best thing ever while Ox was against it. They were making their cases, pulling others to their sides. It was mostly laughter. "Just... want to watch."

"You were kind of watching your food."

He rolled his eyes, ignoring the numb feeling developing at the forefront of his mind. It would soon delve into sparks that left him unable to close his eyes. "Specifics. I was listening." He took a sip of his drink.

"Are you drinking the peppermint tea?"

"Yes," he admitted slowly. "Why?"

"Does your head hurt?" The question was spoken quietly, wide eyes staring worriedly at him. No one else noticed, laughing at something Babo said.

He huffed. "No." It wasn't a lie. Technically. It wasn't painful yet. "I just like it."

"Okay." He dropped the subject. Lou was thankful for that.

"Hey Louis!" Moxy called. He raised an eyebrow. "Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?"

He shrugged. "Never had it, so I can't judge."

Next thing he knew, Ugly Dog and Lucky Bat were flagging down one of Wage's employees, ordering a slice of pineapple pizza for him. While he knew he'd be throwing it up tomorrow, he smiled through it, reminding himself that the sun was still shining outside. He soaked up every bit of the comfortable familiarity of the situation so he could hold onto it later.

If Nolan noticed him ordering a peppermint tea to take home, he didn't say anything.

_________________________

Lou couldn't stay still.

It was one in the morning and he could feel the storm forming. It was distant, a pulse behind his eyes and electricity running across his skin, leaving him unable to stop and close his eyes. Sleep was futile, but he tried anyway. He didn't stay down for five minutes, tiring of tossing and turning.

Now he was moving from room to room in his house, taking the stairs two at a time whenever he happened to hit them. Moving a lot gave him a brief reprieve from the static in his brain, but it wasn't enough. He couldn't focus. He'd start a task and stop halfway through because something else caught his eye. All the half done tasks - laundary, book reorganizing, dishes - were driving him nuts, but he just couldn't stick to them. He'd drank all the tea. He was out of peppermint candy. He couldn't think, constantly on edge and unable to relax for one moment. It was frustrating. It was horrible.

"I've gone through this a million times." He told himself, pacing back and forth across his bedroom. When he took a glance at the mirror, he saw his hair was becoming a mess from running his hands through it. His suit was a little rumpled from running around. The visual made him feel worse. "I can do it again. It'll be over soon." Maybe they'd have another sleepover? But it wouldn't be like last time. They'd be worrying over him now that they knew how the storm affected him. They knew about his pain. They wouldn't be able to have fun.

Lou did another lap around the room, stopping at his bed to fix the already perfect blankets. His hands trembled, unnatural energy with no way to get out. Lou moved to his bookshelf where he had several stacks of books on the floor, disorganized and ready to be moved to the partly empty shelves. He knelt down and put a few away, only getting halfway through before he couldn't stand barely moving. Letting out a frustrated huff, he left and practically sprinted down the steps to the kitchen. He walked around the island counter a few times, flexing his hands. He hated this. How many times had he thought that at this point? Too many to count.

His thoughts were coming too fast. He pressed his index and thumb fingers against the bridge of his nose, dragging in a deep breath as he speed walked. Calm down. Calm down. Calm down. It didn't do any good for him to get upset. He just needed to go through the motions until morning, when the fidgeting would settle into exhaustion and more haze. At least he could think at the moment. That would be harder to do later. So much harder. "It's just temporary." He had to assure himself.

In the next second, he ran into the fridge. Rubbing his forehead, he glared at the offending appliance. His face softened when he saw a photo of his friends, held there by a smiley face magnet. They were all grinning at him. His eyes roamed over the metal, his body stilling for the first time in hours as he looked over various photos. Selfies covered his fridge, everyone smiling at him. A small smile chased away some of his frustration, allowing him to take one deep breath. The electric energy buzzed inside, demanding to be let out, but for a moment, it fell to the background.

He could text them. They wouldn't be awake, but he could let them know there was a storm coming. It might appease some of his anxiety because they would know. Maybe. He started walking again, feeling the nervous energy build once more, and grabbed his phone from where it charged on the couch. He found the group chat quickly and typed (making several typos that he had to go back and fix): Storm coming in tomorrow evening. Drills in the morning.

It was curt. He was typically professional (with snark when the time called), even in the chat, but it was a bit much. What else could he say? He dropped the phone back on the couch, not expecting anything of it. All of them were asleep, like they should be. Like he should be. Like he wanted to be. Running his hand through his hair again, he paced the living room, switching his hands from being folded behind his back to in front of his stomach multiple times. As with every time this happened, he wished he knew why. Wished there was a way to block it all out. Disconnect from the storm. Literally. He touched his chip area. It was cold. He was cold. The heat was turned up, but he was cold.

He headed up the stairs again. Spun when he hit the top and ran back down, almost tripping on the last step. What time was it again? Had to be getting near two in the morning.

Up the stairs again. Down the stairs. Up. Down. Try to shake off the edge. The anxiety. Up the stairs. Down the stairs. Focus on walking. Up. Down-

Halfway down, there was a knock at the door. He stumbled out of sheer surprise, missing the next step and tumbling down the last four stairs. He managed to catch himself in a crouch at the end only due to his athleticism, but impact with the stairs would leave him with a few bruises tomorrow.

"Lou!" That was Nolan. The doorknob jiggled. Lou was infinitely glad he locked it. "Are you alright in there? What happened?"

The blonde took a moment and straightened himself up, smoothing out his suit as best he could and attempting to organize his hair into some semblance of style. He shook himself, ordering his body to stop with the shaking. He could act normal until Nolan left. Why was he here anyway? Did his text wake him? A pit of guilt settled in his stomach as he opened the door. "Stop yelling. You're going to wake the whole neighborhood." He forced an eyeroll, immediately regretting it when he saw Nolan's worried face, the brunette looking him up and down. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Nolan slipped inside the house. Lou let him, shutting the door and shoving his hands in his pockets to hide their movements. "I just wanted to check on you."

"Well, I'm fine and you should be asleep." He would've crossed his arms if they weren't in his pockets. Nolan was wearing grey sweatpants and a green t-shirt, obviously having been ready to sleep but was decidedly not.

"So should you." Nolan was free to cross his arms, but didn't. His mismatched eyes were full of worry. "You're not even in pajamas."

"I like my suits."

"I thought you loved your pajamas?"

Lou hesitated. "I do. I just didn't want to wear any right now."

Nolan glanced around, eyes narrowing on the half dome dishes in the kitchen. "Why is every light in your house on? And are you doing dishes?"

He gave an exaggerated sigh. Staying still was a pain, so he allowed himself to move to stand across the room, hopefully blocking out Nolan's view of the sink. He tried not to think of all the other half done chores. "Look, Nolan, I'm perfectly alright. Go back home and get to sleep. Big day tomorrow with the storm and all." He waved his hand dismissively, ignoring the slight tremor in his fingers.

"Louis." He almost flinched. Nolan never used his full name. This was bad. "Being very frank here-"

"I thought you were Nolan," he tried to joke. He was met with a raised eyebrow. The worry never left his best friend's face.

"-you do not look alright. Is it because of the storm? The way you said you could sense it?" Lou glanced away. His foot tapped at the ground, and not just because of the excess energy running through his stuffing. "That's what this all is, isn't it? You told me your head didn't hurt." The sadness in his voice made Lou snap back to him.

"And it didn't."

"Does it now?"

"No." Nolan watched him, silently encouraging him to elaborate. Lou heaved a sigh and placed his hand on the brunette's shoulder. "Look, I'm not in pain." His forming bruises begged to differ. "I'm just a little...on edge." That was vastly understating it. His hand shook against Nolan's shoulder and he yanked it back, offering a smile. Nolan surveyed him again.

"You're practically shaking."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Am- ugh." He ran his hand through his hair again, walking away to the kitchen. Nolan followed him. "I'll go to sleep in a little bit." It was easier to lie when not looking at him.

"I really doubt that. You can't stop moving."

"Can too."

"Prove it then."

"You sound like Mandy."

"Still not seeing you proving a point."

Lou pressed his hands against the counter, forcing himself to be still. He looked Nolan dead in the eyes. "There. I'm still." The energy built up like a shaken soda bottle in his chest, tingles running through his brain and threads. Nolan stared at him. One second. Two. Three. Four. Fi- His fingers tapped against the cobblestone. "Ugh. Fine. I can't stop moving at the moment. It'll ware off in a little bit."

"And turn into head pain."

"Not until the thunder starts."

"That's not very comforting, Lou."

"Whatever." He was running out of mental energy for this. "Just..." he ran his hand down his face with another sigh. "There's nothing you can do." A shiver went up his spine, and he rubbed his hands together to try and create some heat as well as let out some energy. He started to pace beside the island counter, unable to stand the lack of motion any longer.

"But I want to help you." Nolan's eyes were so wide it hurt.

"If you want to do me a favor, then leave." The brunette flinched slightly. Lou winced and softened his voice, forcing himself to pause. "I don't mean it like that. I feel bad keeping you from sleep. It would make me feel better if you did get some rest. Really. I'll be okay."

Nolan spoke so quietly Lou almost didn't hear it. "But you're not okay right now."

Lou didn't answer. Instead, he turned on his heel and headed up the stairs, unable to handle this right now.

He didn't want to admit how much his heart hurt when he heard the door shut.

___________________

Lou was organizing the walk-in closet when he heard footsteps on the stairs. More than one set. He sighed, reaching out to hang up a black suit. He didn't really need to move it to another spot among other black suits, but moving clothes around allowed him to walk back and forth across the closet and still feel like he was doing something. No matter how pointless it was.

"Lou?" That was Ox.

Lou peered around the edge of the door, foot tapping anxiously. Ox and Nolan had just walked into his room, slightly open mouthed. The blonde couldn't blame them. The blankets from his bed were crumpled on the floor from where he'd wanted to redo them, only to jump to the closet when his focus switched. It wasn't entertaining enough. Engaging enough. It didn't require enough movement. The closet was barely cutting it, and he was about to move to something else. The rest of his room was also in shambles. More books off the shelves than on. Framed photos and trinkets were thrown this way and that, some on the bed and others sitting on the floor. His usually impeccable room looked like a tornado had gone through it.

He was the tornado. A storm inside a doll.

Deciding he couldn't hide anymore, he sighed. "Right here." He stepped out, aware he probably looked like absolute crap. The instant concern on Ox's face proved that. "What do you need and why are you both here?" His eyes narrowed, hands folding behind his back. "I thought I sent you home, Nolan."

"I went for reinforcements, a lot of whom were already awake, by the way," Nolan replied.

"My text?"

"No," he shook his head immediately. "I... kind of thought you weren't saying the whole truth at dinner and told some of our friends. They were awake when I called."

"Wait, some of? They?" He slipped by them, dodging the hands that tried to stop him. He got through the doorway, turned sharp, and hit the stairs two at a time once more. His legs were beginning to ache from moving so much. He might be athletic, but his energy didn't match his physical capabilities at the moment.

"Lou!" Mandy's voice startled him so much that he missed the next step and fell down the stairs. Again. Only this time, he didn't land on his feet. The air was knocked out of him as he landed hard on his back. "Lou! Oh gosh. I didn't mean to startle you." The girl doll was there in a second, grabbing his hand. "My goodness- why are your hands so cold?" Instinctively, he yanked his hand back and hauled himself off the ground.

"It's fine. Just didn't know you were there."

"How is it fine? You just fell down the stairs." She took him by the shoulders, looking him over. "Are you hurt?"

He took her hands off of him, already moving to spin around, seeing all the dolls doing various things around his house. Lucky Bat and Ugly Dog were on barstools, doing his dishes. Well, attempting. They were getting quite a few suds everywhere, but he didn't find himself able to mind. He'd already destroyed his room. Like he did every time this built up energy came. Wage was at the stove, a pot of something boiling on it. A styrofoam box sat to the side, away from the suds. Babo was fixing photos he'd taken down in an attempt to rearrange, replacing them on the wall hooks. Moxie was nowhere to be seen. That should unnerve him a little, but he was too confused to care. Everyone was wearing pajamas.

"Lou?" Mandy waved her hand in front of his face, pulling his attention back. Her face screamed worry. Nolan and Ox were coming downstairs, similar expressions on their face. The former was carrying what looked like a set of his pajamas. "You didn't answer me. Are you okay? That looked rough." A quick glance proved the others were visibly trying not to look at him, eyes as concerned as Mandy's. They were probably trying not to place mor attention on him.

"No, no, I'm fine." He assured, trying to keep his voice light even as he moved to the kitchen. The three followed. "Not the first time I've fallen down the stairs tonight." As soon as the words came out, he grimaced. Probably shouldn't have said that, but his mouth had a mind of its own. Too many thoughts to figure out what he should and shouldn't say.

"You've already fallen down once?!" Ox's voice was barely below a yell.

"I landed on my feet."

"But you fell down the stairs."

"I landed on my feet," he repeated. Stressed it. Why were they all here? "What's going on? Why are you all here and not, I don't know, asleep in your homes?"

"Because believe it or not, we care about you," Mandy stepped forward, taking him by the hand again. She squeezed his fingers without trying to stop his walking. In fact, she walked with him. "Nolan told us you weren't able to stay still because of the storm. We hoped we could help."

"I've already told Nolan - there isn't a way to help. This happens every time and I've tried everything." He walked around the island, then to the living room, fully aware of the eyes on him. It wasn't like when he was on stage. Mandy stayed right by his side, keeping up with his long strides.

"We can be here for you."

"I don't want any of you worrying. You all need to rest."

"And so do you." She reached out and took his chin, pulling his face to look at her. "I've told you before, Lou. We are going to worry because we are your friends. We don't want you to bottle this up and try to handle it yourself. Even if we can't do much, we'll do what we can. These messes," she gestured around to where the dolls were cleaning, "have to be annoying you, aren't they?" Hesitantly, he nodded. "We can clean them up. We can wait this out with you. Please, let us help."

He looked around. Everyone's eyes were on him. Silently pleading with him. It only took a few seconds for him to completely cave. He let out a long drawn out sigh. "Fine." She smiled and pulled him in for a hug. Just like when looking at the pictures, he found a second where he could pause, putting his arms around her. It only lasted a moment, but it calmed some of the anxiety keeping his chest tight and thoughts racing. Smiles went around the room as the dolls went back to what they were doing, Nolan and Ox standing at the edge of the kitchen with soft smiles.

He had to let go after a minute, going back to his pacing that the storm demanded he do. Mandy followed, hand in his and offering warmth that the heater couldn't. "Really, why are your hands cold?" She asked.

"I don't know. I really don't. Just like with the storm, I don't know how it affects me. It's... how it works."

"What does it feel like?" Nolan asked suddenly. Lou raised an eyebrow, turning his head while walking to keep him in his vision. "Having to walk around and all. What's keeping you going?"

His shoulders fell a little. Mandy squeezed his hand. "It's like...." He forced in a breath. "It's like there are a million sparks going through me. Too much energy without a real outlet. I can't focus on anything for too long because there are so many thoughts going through my head. It's kind of ironic because later, I won't be able to focus or move much at all, and there will be hardly any coherent thoughts going through." He winced. "Or maybe it's just how it's supposed to go."

"None of this is how it's 'supposed to go.'" Mandy insisted, eyes hard. "You don't deserve this."

"We don't choose the cards we get dealt."

There was a brief moment of silence at his statement. Ox broke it. "How long does it usually last?"

He thought for a moment, pivoting on his heel. Mandy switched hands. "Until about four or five o'clock, somewhere in there." He answered the next question before it could be asked. "No, I don't sleep."

"Why?"

"Too much stress. And I don't want to accidentally sleep through class." He replied. Ox's mouth turned down in obvious distaste, but he nodded. Nolan came up and pushed his pajamas toward him, forcing Lou to catch them in one arm. He blinked confusedly.

"At least change into these. You'll be more comfortable."

Knowing there was no getting out of it, he nodded. Mandy and Nolan passed his hand between them and soon he was being led upstairs to the bathroom to change.

________________________

When he stepped out of the bathroom and into his room, he was surprised at what he saw. Nolan, Ox, and Mandy had picked up his floor and remade the bed. The clothes he hadn't quite finished folding were done and put away. "You guys know you don't have to do this, right?" He more stated than asked. Mandy looked her arm with his.

"We know, but we want to." She said, smiling slightly as she threw back words he said months ago. He managed a small chuckle, already moving forward and pulling her along. She matched him easily, even as he took the steps two at a time. Ox and Nolan followed right behind. "So you've basically been running around the last few hours?"

"Yes."

"And it doesn't make you tired?"

He wasn't entirely sure how to answer that. "It's... complicated. I can be tired and full of energy at the same time. The energy isn't exactly mine." She nodded, worry once again covering her face. He hated that expression. Hated that they were all worrying about him even though it was touching his heart like it always did. "I'll be tired later."

"And you'll sleep."

He didn't say yes or no.

When they got downstairs, Wage pushed a warm glass of brown liquid into his open hand. "Drink up, Lou. If it helps or not, I know you like it." A little surprised, he took a drink. Peppermint tea. He smiled as the cooling sensation crossed his mouth once again. It was ironic in the fun way. His mouth was cool and the warmth of the drink was seeping into his cold hand.

"Thank you, Wage."

"Anytime. I've also got some pancakes ready for you in the morning." She patted his shoulder as she passed him.

He took a look around, still in constant motion. Everything was fixed back relatively close to how it was. He didn't mind the small changes - they were signs of care. Signs his friends cared even as they stayed awake for him. "Thanks everyone. It looks great."

Several 'no problem's and 'anytime's met him. He smiled. Despite the electricity running through him, he felt... calm. Truly calm for the first time in hours. Moxy then ran in from somewhere else in the house, holding something in her hands. "I have something for you, Lou!" She announced, almost slamming into his legs. He managed to pause his walk to peer at her curiously. "Here!" He knelt down to take a multicolored cube. At his confusion, she elaborated. "It's a rubix cube. The goal is to get one color per side. It might help your focus and give you something to fidget with."

He sat down the glass of tea on the table and Mandy loosened her hold on his arm so he could take the cube, flipping one piece experimentally. Then another. "It's cool, isn't it?" Moxy beamed. Then she did something unexpected - something he should really expect out of her. She lightly stepped onto his foot, putting her arms around his leg. "Carrying a weight around can help deplete that energy. Could we try?"

He couldn't say no to her face, but it wasn't like he wanted to. "Alright, we can try."

"Me too!" Ugly Dog barreled into his other leg, doing the same thing as Moxy. Neither weighed that much. "As long as you're fine with it, that is."

"I think I'm good with it. Hang on." He took a careful step with his left leg, causing Moxy to giggle. Then his right. Ugly Dog laughed. He soon settled into a slightly slower walking pace, Mandy on his arm and the two smaller dolls on his leg. He messed with the cube, silently trusting Mandy to pull him around anything. She did, leading them to walk around in a circle. He didn't feel compelled to switch tasks or sprint up the stairs. He was... content. Focus captured by a cube he was trying to solve and energy controlled by walking with two doll weights on his legs, listening to their laughter and feeling Mandy's arm interlocked with his.

It was nice. Really nice.

They kept it up for an hour. Four am ticked by. He barely noticed. Everyone was laughing and talking, a movie on the TV. Moana. It was almost like the all nighter sleepover he hoped for - just with him unable to sit down and some occasional concerned glances thrown his way. Next time, he hoped it would be without the brewing storm in his mind. Maybe next week...

He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he almost didn't notice the energy drain. It was all at once, similar to falling into cold water and then being yanked back out. Near every bit of strength got sucked out of him, sending his head into a momentary spin. He was lucky Mandy was there or else he would've fallen face first against the ground, his legs giving out beneath him. She caught him the second he started to tilt, Ugly Dog and Moxy jumping off of him in alarm and worry. "Lou, are you okay?"

"Yeah," he said after a second, managing to get his legs back up under him only to be scooped up by Babo. He was placed down on an empty spot on the couch and he allowed himself to relax into the cushions, head tilted back a little. "I'm fine. It's just..." It was becoming harder to string words together. The fuzziness was already beginning to drift into his brain. A barely there barrier that would soon grow into a wall between his thoughts and focus.

"The energy is gone." Ox finished for him. He nodded gratefully. His legs had a full on ache in them, but his head was no longer buzzing. His body was his again. A very tired body. The next 'phase' of the storm would start soon, but right now he was content to breathe. After once again assuring them he was okay, they went back to the movie, talking quietly. Mandy settled in on his left side while Ox pressed against his right, trapping him in a good cocoon of warmth. His eyelids were growing heavy.

He'd managed to hold onto the rubix cube during the commotion. Only one piece left to turn. Gingerly, he flipped it, letting it slowly slide into place. A little smile pulled at his lips. Every side had been mismatched, yet here it was, whole and complete. A bit like him and his friends - a mismatched group of individuals who somehow manages to fit together perfectly. It took work to figure each other out, but it was all worth it in the end.

Lou let his chin drop down on his chest, unable to hold it up anymore. The anxiety and stress that typically plagued him wasn't there to twist his stomach or make his heart race. He felt... safe. Secure. Warm. Relaxed. It wouldn't be a terrible thing to sleep, would it? They'd wake him up before class started, right? It was Wednesday, so class wasn't until nine. Maybe some sleep would help the fuzziness in the long run...

Finally, his eyes fell shut and he sunk into the comfort of friends, head drifting to land on Mandy's shoulder as he slept.

__________________

"Guys, look." Ox whispered.

Moxy turned. The first thing she noticed was Ox's smile. The second thing she noticed made her replicate that smile. Lou was asleep against Mandy, face lax and peaceful. She had one arm around him, securing him against her side, and a smile on her own face. Something in Moxy loosened at seeing him finally still after having to be constant motion for who knew how many hours.

"He said he didn't sleep because of the stress." Nolan said quietly. "It looks like we did help."

"Proved Lou wrong," Ugly Dog sing-songed quietly.

Babo grabbed the blanket off the back of the other couch and draped it over the blonde, tucking Mandy and Ox in as well. He settled back down in his spot, the same smile on Ox's face being copied by him. Everyone shared the same endeared smile. Moxy took one more look at Lou to ensure he really was sleeping, then turned back to the movie. He'd looked - not an exaggeration - terrible when she first saw him, but now he was content. For the moment, all was calm. The storm would roll in tomorrow, but that was tomorrow's problem. They'd endure whatever storm came their way.

As long as they were together, they'd be fine.

________________

[multifandomlover01]

Snow (another imaginative title, I know)

Early morning/snow - Eugene Roe

October 2022 writing prompts

Sorry this one took so long, I got a bit stuck and didn’t know how to end it (doesn’t really have an ending??); also school had me a bit busy

Word Count: 863

Disclaimer: as always, I own nothing other than my own writing

Tags: @cody-helix02 @georgelust @emmythespacecowgirl @immrsgeorge-luz

You had gone to bed much later than you wanted to due to worrying about an approaching snow storm. You wanted to make sure you had everything you needed in case the power went out. Gene wasn’t back until late either.

So you worried about him being out in the storm and you worried about being home alone. You fell asleep before Gene got home. He’d gotten home around midnight. So maybe it was more than “another hour or so”. And you weren’t answering his texts telling you he’d be even later, but he’d figured you’d gone to sleep. The storm hadn’t even been that bad. Nothing Eugene’s truck couldn’t handle. Sure there was a good amount of snow coming down and some ice on the ground, but nothing like some storms you’d gotten in the past in this area.

Eugene was as quiet as he could possibly be in the house when he got home. He didn’t want to wake you up. He was successful and settled into bed next to you.

When you awoke in the morning, you were very confused. You became aware of Gene’s arms around you and smiled as you sunk further into him. He’d made it home safe. [Assuming this was Eugene. But he smelled like Gene. He felt like Gene. You craned your neck up. Yup. It was Gene. You sighed. [literally why is this in here 😂]]You maneuvered so you could see the alarm clock. 6AM. No wonder the sun didn’t seem to be quite up yet. You wondered how much it had snowed. Obviously not so much as to keep Gene from getting home safely.

He stirred beside you.

“Good morning, ma chérie.” He smiled down at you.

“Good morning, Gene. I’m glad you made it back safely.”

“Storm waddn’t even that bad. Made it back just fine.”

“It wasn’t? That’s slightly disappointing.”

Eugene chuckled.

“You remember that storm last year?”

“Oh, God, how could I forget? We were without water or power for days.”

“That was a bad storm. This was nothing like that.”

“I guess it’s good when you think about it like that. That storm was so shitty. I hated it.”

Just then, I got a phone call. It was my work telling me everyone was working from home today due to the snow (and ice) on the road.

“Guess I don’t have to go into work today.”

Gene smiled as he got a phone call, telling him the exact same thing.

“Me neither.”

You both settled back into bed.

“You still got work to do today, though?”

“Yeah. Some virtual appointments with patients. But they don’t start until noon. And it’s not even 6:30 yet.” (Oops…I accidentally made this a little too “self insert” with acting like I’m a psychologist, my apologies)

“I got a couple of consultations today that’ll be over the phone now, I guess. And those aren’t until the afternoon.”

“Hmm. You know what that means, don’t you?”

“I certainly do. I get to stay in bed with you all morning, ma chérie.” He rubbed his nose against yours. You laid there holding each other until you both drifted back to sleep. Your phone alarm went off at 9 and you both woke up again.

“Why don’t I make up breakfast?” Eugene offered.

“That sounds nice. But I’d hate for you to leave the bed.”

“We gotta get up at some point, sweetheart.” (Oof) He teased.

“Don’t wanna.” You pouted and turned away from him.

“Don’t be like that, darling. Why don’t you go look outside at the snow while I make pancakes.”

“You think it’s still there?”

Gene checked his phone.

“It’s actually still below freezing and there’s flurries right now.”

“Ooh, flurries!”

That got you out of bed and bolting for the back door real quick. Gene chuckled and got up from the bed to go to the kitchen.

“It’s snowing, Gene!”

“I know, I drove home in it last night, remember?”

“I know. But it’s snowing again.”

“Wanna go out in it later?”

“Maybe. It’s so cold out, though. It’s much warmer in here.”

You padded into the kitchen to help Gene make the pancakes. It was a bit messy but that was all part of the fun. You sat at your dining room table to eat so you could draw the curtains back on the big window next to the table and watch the snow fall.

It was so beautiful. There was already a gorgeous blanket on the ground and the snow falling gently down adding to it was mesmerizing to watch. It was a wonderful sight.

You very much enjoyed the contentment that came with not having to worry about things. Sure you had Zoom calls with patients this afternoon, but there was nothing stressful about that. Work was good. You loved your job. And having to work from home was even better. Your house was your sanctuary. You felt relaxed and content here. You didn’t mind doing work here. It somehow made it less stuffy and professional and more personal.

Yeah, you loved days like this. Because the best part was being home with Eugene the whole day, even if you were in separate rooms working. You’d both be done by 6 and be able to enjoy dinner together and the rest of your evening.

[uwuwriting]

Tamaki, Todoroki and Shinsou  in a secret relationship....and how they got caught.

Request: Hello I love your blog and since your requests are open I would like to request Tamaki Todoroki and Shinsou being in a secret relationship for a long time and how they got outed. If you could write something similar for Semi, Akaashi, Kenma and Sakusa from Haikyuu you would be a blessing. I love you!!!! - anonymous

Awww of course I’ll write for the Haikyuu boys as well. I’ll write later this week or the next and since its almost midnight here HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHINSOU!!!! I have a special soulmate au as I usually do for my husband!!!! I’m sorry I’m not getting to those soulmate aus quicker 😣😣😣😣. Love yaa.💖💖💖💖

rules 

warnings: fluff

Amajiki Tamaki 

-He’s so shy omggg.

-How did you manage to get him into a relationship???

-He loves you to the moon and back. 

-Would do anything for you. 

-You two were in the same class all through out high school and during your second year he asked you out. 

-Okay not exactly. 

-You were studying in the library together during a really bad storm when the lights went out. 

-Loud lightning followed and you jumped out of your skin. 

-You were terrified of lightning and being paired with complete darkness you were petrified. 

-Now Tamaki had had a crush on you since early last year and seeing you so terrified and vulnerable he pushed through his anxiety for a split moment and wrapped you in a hug, stroking your hair soothingly as he tried to calm you down. 

- “I-I’ll p-protect you. I-I w-won’t let a-anything h-hurt you..... ever.”

-That’s how your relationship began basically. 

-He comforted you and kept you safe, shielding you from your fears. 

-Everything else is history. 

-Now you are both third years in your respective hero studies with a bright future in front of you. 

-Your relationship has been kept a secret mainly because both of you don’t like making your private lives public. 

-Only Nejire and Mirio know. 

-Surprisingly they have kept it a secret. 

-Fatgum has a suspicion that Tamaki has someone in his life, someone really important. 

-So important he had called in one time claiming that he had an emergency and wouldn’t make it to the agency. 

-When Fatgum asked, Tamaki began stuttering and mumbling about someone really close to him being sick and needing help. 

-In reality you were on your period and had awful cramps.

-You were feeling like death, curled up in a ball on Tamaki’s bed and refusing to move. 

-You had begged him to go to his hero study but he claimed that you were more important, not going to the agency for an evening wouldn’t mark the end of the world. 

-Then Chisaki happened and Tamaki was badly injured. 

-Your agency was stationed outside so you couldn’t help him or know what had happened. 

-You had a broken arm after the fight and was being escorted to the ambulances when you saw Tamaki being carried on a stretcher blood running down his cheek as his arms and whole body was covered in bruises, cuts and so much blood. 

-Your feet moved on their own accord, sprinted through the crowd ignoring the calls of the medic until you reached your boyfriend. 

- “Tama? T-Tamaki baby wake up.”

-Fatgum saw you touch Tamaki’s cheek with your good hand and how, when the boy weakly opened his eyes, he placed his own hand over yours. 

-Tears were running down your cheeks as you looked at him, following the medics as they placed the stretcher in the ambulance. 

-They told you that he would be fine and that you should find another medical team that could take care of your arm. 

-Everything fell apart though when you saw Mirio and Sir Nighteye. 

-Everything was a mess but Fatgum noticed how you would always look back to Tamaki’s ambulance as it drove off. 

-In the hospital you didn’t leave Tamaki’s room, insisting on getting your bandages changed in his room refusing to get your own and leave his side. 

-Fatgum was happy for him. 

-Especially when he went to visit and found Tamaki holding you close to him. 

-Your head was over his heart as he gently massaged your back, tears falling down your cheeks once again. 

-Then he kissed your forehead and Fatgum knew that this wasn’t a moment he wanted to interrupt. 

-When he did visit along side Kirishima he didn’t lose a bit before he asked about you. 

-You were surprisingly not beside him deciding to visit Mirio again to see how he was coping. 

- “So... what’s her name hm?”

- “W-Who?”

- “Your girlfriend!!”

-Tamaki burst into a deep blush as he tried hiding his face in his hands. 

- “Come one I’ve seen how she looks at you and how you kissed her OH so lovingly on the forehead the other day was the cut-”

- “Y/N! H-her n-name is Y-Y/N.”

-Kirishima is standing there, jaw almost touching the floor when you open the door and peek inside. 

- “Oh! I’m sorry.... I-I’ll come back later....”

-Okay now Kirishima is already kind losing it because he didn’t expect his shy senpai to have a girlfriend. 

-So when Tamaki lets out a very low, slightly above a whisper, “But bunny....” he freaking snaps. 

- “WHAT!!!!”

- “Kirishima we’re in a hospital!”

-Get ready to be bombarded with questions....poor you.

-At least you get to sit next to Tamaki while you are being interrogated. 

-They insisted on that saying that they wouldn’t keep Tamaki away from his girl...Tamaki is burying his face in your hair....shy baby.

Todoroki Shouto

-Okay so your relationship is a secret because of his dad. 

-He wanted to shield you from his toxicity. 

-Plus Shouto knew that his dad would force you two apart and he couldn’t let that happen. 

-So you are his little secret. 

-Only his mom knows about you.

-Shouto took you to meet her after your one year anniversary.

-He loves you so damn much he could die. 

-So seeing the two most important women in his life interact and get along he melts. 

-As you say your goodbye to Rei she hugs you, thanking you for taking care of her baby and that your secret will be safe with her. 

-Then she moves on to Shouto as you wait in the hallway. 

- “I like her Shouto. She really loves you. Please take good care of her.”

-Boy falls in love with you all over again I swear to god. 

-Now you spend a lot of time in his dorm. 

-When I say a lot I mean it. 

-You remember how Shouto managed to remodel his room in an afternoon during their first day in the dorms. 

-Yeah that’s what he does for your dates. 

-Since you can’t risk going to outdoor dates very often since it’s very easy for a paparazzi to spot the son of Endeavor.

-Especially if he is holding hands with someone else. 

-Natsuo actually warned you about that and he was the one to suggest dorm dates. 

-He had taken his girlfriend out on a diner date and the next day they were all over multiple tabloids accompanied by multiple calls from Endeavor. 

-All Todoroki children hide their s/o’s......even Fuyumi. 

-Anyways back to Shouto. 

-You spend so much time in his room that you tend to leave some of your clothes there. 

-You change into his hoodies in his room so forgetting your shirt there is a usual phenomenon.

-Plus you do the dirty so.... scattered clothes.

-Now Todoroki is friends with Momo.

-And Momo is friends with you. 

-And she has seen your closet on multiple occasions. 

-She knows your clothes.....you see where I’m going with this?

-Todoroki was struggling with some chemistry problems and you were out doing your hero studies. 

-You had apologized to him multiple times and had suggested Momo as the perfect tutor. 

-That’s why Momo is now alone in his room as he is making tea in the kitchen, looking at what seems to be like one of your favorite sweaters. 

-You had gotten it during Christmas and wouldn’t take it off for a week straight. 

-You had basically brainwashed them by how often you wear it. 

-Why was it in Todoroki’s room though?

- “Todoroki-kun why do you have L/N-san’s sweater?”

-He froze.

-You had stayed the night last Monday and you had been wearing that sweater. 

-He remembers it vividly since he was the one who took it off.....along with your bra.......that he threw somewhere in the room.....AND MOMO COULD FIND AT ANY MOMENT.

-Momo was starting to get worried because well....he had been standing at the same spot for a solid minute staring at absolutely nothing. 

-Standing up she went to shake his shoulder when her eyes caught a bright red fabric peeking out from under the desk.

-Brushing past him she crouched down and grabbed the fabric revealing the red bra. 

-Todoroki snapped out of his shock state the moment Momo reached for the bra strap. 

-He couldn’t stop her though....

- “T-Todoroki-kun.....” 

-And as if things couldn’t get any worse, his phone started to ring as your photo appeared on the screen your name replaced by a heart surrounded ‘babygirl’.

-Todoroki groaned at well everything. 

-Momo was blushing like crazy STILL holding your bra. 

-You two had a lot of things to explain. 

Shinsou Hitoshi

-I’ve said this before. 

-You never meant your relationship to be a secret. 

-At least not in the beginning. 

-You two just never acted like a couple and people assumed that you were just good friends.

-Then you heard Aizawa scaring a boy who had made Mina cry so.........dating his special trainee while you were one of his FEMALE students?

-Nope.

-A secret it is.

-Aizawa is a protective dad and you can’t change my mind. 

-You have a collection of hoodies you have ‘borrowed’ that you wear only inside your or his dorm. 

-And while you sleep. 

-Falling asleep surrounded by his scent is heaven. 

-Aizawa has caught you twice wearing his hoodies.

-Once when Shinsou got turned into a baby and once when you went to get water and he scared you shitless. 

-Aizawa knows about yalls relationship. 

-You can run but you cannot hide child. 

-Anyways. 

-You had a box full of Polaroids from your dates. 

-He knew how happy you were when you two took photos that’s why he bought you a Polaroid. 

-Now you can print your photos and decorate your room. 

-Shinsou is an insomniac.

-We’ve been knew. 

-So on the rare days when he feels kinda sleepy but he misses you so badly he can’t really fall asleep he’ll sneak in your dorm and have an impromptu sleepover. 

-You don’t complain of course. 

-You love to snuggle up to him.

-Also this boy loves wrapping you up in his arms.

-Snuggles snuggles snuggles. 

-Irrelevant information: he has you saved on his phone as kitten and your contact photo is you hanging upside down from the ceiling wrapped up in his capture tool. 

-He had tried teaching you to use it and you somehow managed to climb on the bookcase trying to remake that scene from Tarzan but the cloth got caught on the ceiling fan resulting in this hilarious photo. 

-Back to your sleepover.

-He falls asleep like in the blink of an eye.

-Your sleep that night is the best both of you have had in a fat while. 

-Plus the fact that its the weekend lets you enjoy each others warmth for as long as you like. 

-YES YOU SLEPT IN!!!!

-Being friends with Mina and Kaminari is a ride. 

-Sero and Bakubro and maybe Kiri in some occasions are damage control but they get tired and let you take care of the children. 

-You had promised to go out shopping that morning, a plan you totally forgot when Shinsou tapped your window last night. 

-Giving Mina a spare key to your room was the worst decision you could have made considering you were in a secret relationship. 

-When you didn’t show up on time the two idiots waited for an hour before they made their way to your room.

-Using the spare key she pushed the door open letting out a long “Y/N-CHAAAAN!!!” which scared the soul out of your bodies. 

-You let out a startled scream that woke Hitoshi up who without missing a bit pulled you under him shielding you from whatever made you scream. 

-It was purely on instinct to save and protect you hfqpirhfhsod so cute!!!!

-Mina was left staring at the scene in front of her while Kaminari was calling Sero begging him to come to your room. 

-I don’t know how they didn’t attract dadzawa.

-You would get your ass whooped. 

-Shopping was long forgotten as the whole Bakusquad came one by one in your room waiting for the tea to be spilled. 

-Mina and Sero were angry since they have tried time and time again to hook you up with multiple of their friends, Bakugou didn’t care but he approved, Kaminari and Kirishima were threatening Shisnou if he ever were to break your heart. 

- “I love her you dumbasses I’m not going to hurt her!!!”

TAG TEAM AY:

@iwaqchan​  @the-arcana-fan-fic​ @angelwritings​ @axerrri​ @reinyrei​

[ronnieiswriting]

Sweet Dreams- Boxer!Paz x Baker!Freader

Inspired by the events of Foul (following straight after) and the Boxer Din AU created and written by the wonderful, amazing, brilliantly talented @djarinsbeskar! WC: 1,641 Tags: 18+, mentions of smut, its a smutty AU ya'll know the drill, sickeningly sweet fluff I have been driven to write this to deal with all my Paz thots- it will become very clear that I make up for the fact that I can't write hot smut by writing the softest shit. Excuse the lack of editing, also, its quite the mess x

After Din had stormed off with his “not-girlfriend” at Avika, Paz was more than ready to go home right then and there, thoroughly unwanting to deal with the feral frenzy that Din had stirred up in and out the ring. But there was no doubt that there would be more calls for blood. And even if that weren’t the case- even if Din wasn’t on the lists tonight- Paz had to stay.

It was his job after all. And one he enjoyed more often than not.

But when he thought about you, Paz’s priorities became trivial- like dust in the wind.

He hadn’t been dating you for long but he already knew that he was in deep. To Paz, you were the one that hung the stars in the sky; you, a hardworking baker with a smile that made his heart ache and hips that made his cock twitch. It was love, the realest he’d ever found, and every day he swore his gratitude to whatever force had sent him to you.

It was almost a taunt to watch Din leave Avika with his “not-girlfriend” tucked into his side- he’d been disqualified from any more fights that night but he couldn’t look any less content about it- when Paz had to stay behind with nothing but the thoughts of you waiting for him back at his place to keep him company.

To pass a bit of time between the words that were being exchanged between Boba and Din’s opponent’s trainer, Paz checked his phone- his mood instantly brightened when he saw a notification from you.

From: Sugar Cookie💖

Hey babe, I just got home. Did you feed Kitty yet? He’s begging me for food rn but I know he’s probs got a full belly and is just being a little gobble guts lol. sent 4:13am

I gave him a tinyyy bit of kibble to hold him over in case you didn’t. Kitty knows I can’t resist him. Sorry for messaging you at work btw. I know you’re busy xx Love you xx sent 4:19am

Paz checked the current time. 5:30am. Shit. He must’ve missed the buzz of the notification amidst the chaos. Usually, your shifts at the bakery ended closer to midnight but he knew you to be a hard worker, proud of the bakery you ran by yourself, and always likely to get caught up in a task until it was done to a high standard. It was just another thing for Paz to love about you.

His thumbs hovered over the reply box; you had probably already gone to bed, exhausted from your own long day of work. He couldn’t bring himself to disturb you but he pushed past that doubt a second later, typing out a response, softened when he reread your messages about his kitten.

“Vizsla!” Boba’s voice pulled him back into reality. “Are you listening at all? This does concern you.”

Paz managed an easy half-lie, fingers tapping away as he switched contacts and began typing another message, “I’m sending Din a text- trying to figure out what started all this.”

…

When Paz finally did get home it was pushing 8am. Expecting to find you curled up in his bed, comfortably asleep, he was shocked to see you as soon as he opened the door to his apartment. You were propped up against a wall of cushions on his couch with a book resting in your lap and his kitten snoozing on your chest. Head thrown back and peacefully still, he could tell you were fast asleep.

Just the sight of you, the shape of your body outlined by the drape of the blanket that was thrown over you, your features illuminated by the warm light of the lamp, the splay of your hair over the pillows- just looking at you relieved him of so much of the stress he had carried home. His eyes traced over your form, picking out the dip and curve of your hips, and he was struck again with the amount of love he had for you. He still couldn’t believe how quickly he had developed such deep feelings for you but that fact made them no less sincere. The softness and simple intimacy (whether that be primarily sexual or emotional) that your company alone promised never ceased to amaze him.

Trying to be as quiet as he could manage, Paz shut the door behind him, put his backpack down by the door, and crossed the room to kneel down at your side. He considered leaving you there for the rest of the night- if he did he could go take a nap and then come back and wake you up by eating you out before making you breakfast- but ultimately he wanted to, needed to sleep next to you… and he couldn’t manage that on the couch.

He got the best sleep when you stayed the night, your chest made a far better pillow and your arms though relatively small provided him with so much warmth that he would be more than content to sleep without any covers (which happened sometimes when you hoarded the blankets).

Paz let out a silent sigh and reached out to stroke the hair away from your face. You stirred in response and he leaned in to press a kiss to your nose, “Hey, baby, it’s just me.”

You let out a soft moan, eyes scrunching up before blinking open, looking up at him blearily, “Paz~”

His heart could have burst at the sound of your gentle voice laden with sleep. Carefully so as not to disturb your place, Paz eased the book from your fingers. The exhaustion was palpable on your face, the weight of many hours of work pulling at the edges of your eyes. “I thought you’d be in bed by now.”

You eased yourself up on the cushions, one hand bracing the kitten against your chest. “I wanted to stay up for you. I didn’t mean to doze off.” Fuck. Paz was slipping his arms under you faster than you could process and when he stood you were tucked against his chest, kitten, blanket and all. You didn’t even seem bothered by the shift, curling your fingers into the neckline of his shirt. The simple touch drove him wild- the burn of your warm skin against his throat like a blowtorch- and the fact that you seemed oblivious to that only made him ache for you more.

When he had gotten you halfway to the bedroom you spoke again in that voice that threatened sleep, “I would've been able to stay up for you if I didn’t have to spend three hours on a last minute order for a wedding cake.”

Paz opened the door with his hip. “You don’t have to say yes to every job you know.”

“I know- but the couple was so sweet, I couldn’t say no. Plus they paid me double and half on top because of the short notice.”

He laid you out on the bed and replaced the throw blanket with his thick quilt, kitten moving to curl up beside your head on the pillow. The comfortable setting was luring you quickly to sleep again but you were still determined to see him next to you before you shut your eyes again fully. When he didn’t immediately join you, you frowned.

Paz eased the crease in your brow with a kiss there, “Don’t pout, sweetheart. I just gotta take a shower.” He could have skipped one for now, knowing you wouldn’t protest his sweaty skin, but he wanted to be rid of the flecks of blood that had stuck to him, everything that had stuck to him from that ring, before he touched you. You started to protest but Paz silenced you with a searing kiss to your lips, “I won’t be long, I promise.”

If he had thought you would be back asleep by the time he finished he was fooling himself. You scooched backwards on the mattress and petted the space you made in front, “come here.”

Paz went willingly, instantly. He eased back the covers and shuffled in next to you, clad only in a pair of boxers, hands instantly finding your skin to greedily palm the warmth that radiated from you. You cozied up to him just as naturally, arms wrapping around his neck so that he could tuck his face against the crook of your neck. With the covers pulled over the both of you, Paz felt surrounded by your presence and it calmed any remaining stress he had.

Although he had reprimanded Din for taking a violent approach to defending a woman’s honor, Paz couldn’t deny the fact that he’d be just as likely to take a similar action if anyone spoke about you like that- just thinking about those vile, entitled words directed at you made his jaw clench subconsciously. And yet just as soon as that anger stirred up in him, it dissipated again, soothed by the thump of your heart against his chest and the delicate fan of air you puffed over his damp skin.

He was reminded of the first time he told you he loved you; not long ago, in the middle of a good hard fuck when he had you by the hip, lost in the emotion of your eyes to the point where his confession had come out as a babble that became a mantra that he punctuated with each thrust of his hips. You had been on the verge of tears then, overstimulated and shaking, when you returned the words to him from your own lips: I love you too.

“I love you.” Paz whispered.

You snuggled against him tighter, a sleepy sigh escaping you when his hands ran up and down your sides. “I love you too.”

[oneoftheprettynerds]

Worth The Eternity: Dark! Bucky x Reader (Vampire AU + Mob AU + Soulmate AU)

This is for @cherienymphe’s 5K Twilight Renaissance Writing Challenge. Congratulations, keep slaying! I wrote this instead of studying, so pray for my paper please lmao.

A/N: This tired girl tried. 

WARNINGS: something between dubcon and noncon present. Triggering, darkish themes.

Summary of sorts: Ever seen Hotel Transylvania 1/2/3? In this AU, mythical creatures exist and have soulmates and you feel a zing if you are blessed enough to encounter them.

"Boss, we narrowed it down to these core three suspects.” A husky voice, slightly muffled by the sack on your head, entered your ears and you had a hard time being calm.

You had been picked up from your office, specifically the basement of Oscorp Industries while entering your sleek silver car. A pinch in your neck and everything comically blurred. Next thing you know, you are waking up with your entire body sore, your muscles and joints screaming and begging for freedom from tight restraints. Your vision is black, as if you are staring into an abyss and your vision is filled with white and red dancing spots forming patterns, maybe from the hours of inactivity.

Muffled noises of protest and scraping of metal against the concrete floor entered your ears and you realized you are not the only one here held captive. You racked your mind for possible explanations but couldn’t come up with one.

You lived a very simple life, even as the vice president of Oscorp industries. No messing around, no rivalries with other employees, no butting heads with the seniors on the Director’s board. Was this a ploy against the company? Or a domination statement against the weaker species, the humans?

Lucky enough for you, you realized you would soon find out as the sound of a shutter opening and metal clanking noisily filled your ears.

“Took you long enough, Scott. Fill me in.” Another brooding voice reprimanded jokingly and a million goosebumps traveled the path of your skin as you involuntarily shuddered.

“Yes Boss. We tracked the missing sum to the account of this man on the left. He has fourteen other accounts under different names and nationalities, pretty hard to trace but not impossible luckily. This proved he is shady so he’s most definitely involved.”

“This ginger on the right, he made the suspicious call with weird words so we believe he pretty much passed the verdict, calling the shots with the codewords. He has had several surgeries, his face is fucking silicon at this point but his DNA showed us his true identity, Mr. Rumlow here is the Consigliere of The Midnight Moon.”

You sat and listened, piecing together whatever you understood. The pack/mob name more than rung a bell, it scared you shitless. You were quick to catch on, realising that you were caught in an inter species scruffle.

“This shit just got interesting folks. Alright, where does Miss Sexy Legs fit in all this?”

The pencil skirt you wore wasn’t the most modest piece of clothing to exist and the spaghetti straps blouse was a bad choice considering the sheer coldness in this warehouse, the temperature only seemed to go down with the entry of your kidnappers but it’s not like you knew this was going to happen.

You could only assume with your legs on display that you were the one being sexualised and talked about.

“We are not sure about her though, that’s why I said suspects. We have proof the call was made from her phone but the videos show her lending it to a creepy stranger at a café. It might be really good acting but it’s highly unlikely. We brought her in because in the transfer of the stolen cash, her account was an intermediary but it’s a good chance that she was tricked when her phone was borrowed by Mr. Rumlow. Also, she’s a human, you see?”

If it was you being talked about, you felt a jot of relief, just a smudge because at least they were aware you weren’t involved in whatever game they were playing. That didn’t necessarily ensure your freedom, but hey, you were willing to take anything at that point.

“That’s the sweet fucking scent I keep on smelling!” The leader exclaimed as if he made a great discovery, a cure for a pandemic or cancer you’d think. His gruff voice almost had a light, cheery undertone to it, too unlike of a man who was wronged and cheated and was close to murdering someone no doubt. These mobsters are always maniacs like The Joker.

“It sucks that you brought her here. She might not be guilty, but now she knows too much. She’d make a good blood bag though. Maybe I’ll just have a taste, who knows?” The ‘boss’ made a disturbing slurping noise and your heart stopped at his words, a tear almost escaping your eye.

Discussion about drinking blood? You were most definitely in The Vamps territory, your assumption about the inter-species conflict true. You had no doubt you were the weakest in this creepy space, the frailest here, most probably the only human.

“Show me the bastards’ faces.” Like the flip of a switch, the joking man swapped his personality and all but growled. You heard the ripping of cloth and a man gagging, his shrieks muffled. Another flurry of movements and another man retching on the fabric could be heard.

“Well, hello Mr. Rumlow. I must say, brown suited you better.” A horde of chuckles made you widen your eyes, even though only black still filled your vision, as you realised there were at least a dozen twisted, sick men in the room. The fact that they were silent as fuck till now only showed you how disciplined and regimented these soldiers were.

“This one has a pretty face, boss.” You felt the sack ripped off you, and your eyes closed with the sudden flooding of the lights. Your eyes sealed due to hours of inactivity and you kept them shut, afraid to face your tormenter.

A cold hand cupped your cheek and straightened your face that was trying to hide itself in your silky locks by curling in your own neck, the cool metal of rings and insanely icy fingers chilling you literally.

“Open your eyes sweetheart.” A voice called out behind you and you gathered enough courage to face your impending doom, the air as silent as the calm before a storm.

Your orbs opened and gazed into piercing sapphire blue eyes and everything behind this chiseled face blurred. You could swear a ring of pink and red passed over his eyes and you shuddered again, getting overwhelmed due to the eye contact yourself. This wasn’t the usual anxiety you felt while meeting new people, it was somehow both a pull and a push. An inviting comforting pull and a terrifying, ‘stay cautious' push.

You, a self-sufficient woman, who had been independent for as long as you could remember, suddenly felt half; incomplete in a way that you couldn’t fathom. You felt an attraction, a tug towards the man in front of you, and the absurdity of the thoughts and emotions that popped in your brain made you heave on the gag.

Your intellect couldn’t find a reason, your view on love and romance until now completely conflicted. You believed soulmates to be separate pieces of art that complemented each other when together; then what was this broken jigsaw puzzle sentiment you were having now?

Your wide eyes somehow managed to break free of his stare, panicking and looking around to observe, which wasn’t comforting in the least as men with guns and gadgets filled your vision. You were relatively unharmed in comparison to the beaten lads beside you, one with a bruised face and the other with a bloody one.

The handsome man, the Boss’s stare didn’t leave you through the entirety of your searching around, you were sure they saw you as a scared little rabbit, waiting out its inevitable death.

“Lost in her eyes, Boss?” The sideman cracked what he believed to be the funniest joke in existence, earning laughs of the horde of the soldiers around.

 Your eyes went to the Boss’s face, surprisingly when his left your face to glare a nasty stare on his trusted man. His muscular form raised the forelimb, his hand signaling to stop, that effectively quietened the room to a pin drop silence.

With gentle fingers, the man took off your gag and yours lips quivered, throat too dry to make a noise though. You greedily gulped the air through your mouth for whatever reason, maybe just to move your jaw after hours of inactivity.

Maintaining eye contact was challenging, arduous to say the least. It seemed as if he could read you, find everything about you there is to find by studying the flecks in your orbs. His delicate hands, loosened the ties and you were now more so confused, along with the trepidation.

Just what the fuck was going on?

Bucky had almost lost hope, centuries on this planet and no one to love and cherish, no personal confidante, no soulmate. But good things take time, right? And in his opinion, best things take an eternity. He knows this now.

Expect the unexpected was the truest phrase, idiom whatever it was, in this moment. He had spent countless nights wondering about his soulmate, was she pretty? Ugly? Was she even a she or not? Dumb or witty? He made a lot of scenarios of how they’d meet, the kids, reigning together. He entertained the idea of her being from a different species, a nymph, an orc, maybe a werewolf?

And now that he found her, it was a revelation, a surprise honestly. After all optimism got evaporated, after traveling the dark tunnel for centuries literally, there she was, his beacon of light. Finding her was a wonder, and her being a human was astonishing, a possibility he somehow failed to consider, but he was over the moon cause there she was, right in front of him now. A beautiful, stunning lady in flesh and blood, human flesh and blood, with the prettiest eyes he had ever seen. His zing.

He always liked humans, apart from the similar appearances the vampires shared with them, they were always docile and accommodating. In the last few millenniums, after the mythical creatures showed themselves to the world, the humans understood their place and tier pretty early.

They were smart to surrender and be peaceful as all the species came to light, clever to know that even with less numbers they could be overpowered and bloodshed was detrimental to all involved.

He knew he would convert you soon though, your lifespan far too short for his liking, and obviously, now that he found you, you were to rule together. For Centuries.

His happiness was over taken by the realisation that you were not in the most hospitable settings, you were tied and strapped, being preyed on by his men. He made quick work of the restraints, allowing you to breathe by loosening them first. Your scared, trembling form plucked his unbeating heart’s strings, but strangely enough, his brain found amusement and he felt smug. Seeing you tied up and trembling was definitely a turn on for him, noted.

After commanding his foolish men to stop giggling, he leaned closer to you, your aura comforting and intoxicating as he smelled your hair. A divine scent, an addictive one for sure. The goosebumps on your skin confirmed the reciprocation of his connection.

“You don’t know how long I’ve waited for you.” His husky voice, calming but imposing resonated in your ears, his hand tapping your cheek on the other side. Even though the private statement was whispered for you, the deafening silence made every person witness it.

He leaned back, his hands behind his back as he grinned, tone again light like earlier and commanded, “Get her out of here and cleaned up, tell Nat and Wanda, they’ll know what I mean. Then we’ll deal with these guys here, after the lady leaves of course. No scratch on her from this point forward or you’ll lose a limb. Proceed.”  

All three of you, the hostages were going to get ‘taken care of’ but in different ways.

It had been over twenty hours for sure, you were abducted in the early hours of the morning and now the moon was out again, like one endless night. You remember being escorted to a sleek black car; your limbs ached but you managed to keep up. You tried to keep up with the car’s turns, trying to memorize the streets but your head was pounding and eyes were blurry.

You remembered being led to a suite in an expensive hotel like ones where your conferences were held, being taken to room and given towels to clean up. You didn’t change the dress when given another, the attire being a summer dress even shorter.  A woman came a while later named Wanda who checked the forming light contusions and scuffed skin with hands so delicate, as if you were precious cargo. You were, you just didn’t know.

You didn’t eat anything they provided and after hours of conspiring and overthinking, you heard sturdy footsteps. Since your arrival, only women bothered with you, probably the ones the leader sent. But these were heavier, harder.

The door opened and you glanced up to find the leader who demanded your locking up in this fancy place, his eyes travelling on your form sat up on bed, as you mindfully pulled your skirt down. You were anxious the entire day, dreading your future but nothing was like the restlessness that ran through you in this person’s presence.

Maybe it was the fact he was a vampire, or the leader of a Mob or maybe both, but whatever it was he intimidated you, alarmed you, even though you’ve had only two encounters including the present one. You were smart to be scared, he looked at you like, like you were something to eat, your mind told you.

“Hey.” His raspy voice caught you off guard, not having heard a single syllable out of the women the entire day, your questions being ignored the entire time.

You stared at him warily. Your mind having a myriad of emotions and thoughts. You didn’t want to trigger him, besides the place being armed well, he was a vampire, a beefy one at that and you would be stupid to try anything. Shouting and making a scene was no good either, your best option being the lamest one: to talk it out. You refused to become a willing blood bag.

You let out a long sigh, surprising him somehow, “Look, I have money, resources in the business sphere, information, what do you want? I know I got caught in this by accident, but I’m willing to do a lot of things to get out. Name it and I’ll do my best.” You said with your ‘business deal’ voice, the wise, guiding leader voice from your office.

For some reason though, the man found it hilarious. He slapped his hand on his chest, his boisterous laugh echoing. It wasn’t that good a joke if he believed it to be one. Men, ever so condescending.

“Humans, ever so gluttonous. I don’t want your money, precious.” His term of endearment didn’t fall short to your ears, but you had larger things in play here than a sweet nothing.  

“I have other things to offer, name it.” Within your moral sphere, of course.

“You still don’t get it, do you? And you humans boast you have everything figured about us.”

He neared you and you leaned to the inner area of the bed, refusing to get cornered to the wall if things escalate and wanting to have the option of running away, probably in vain though. With each step he took, a new shudder ran through you because of the closing distance between your bodies, it getting triggered in unexplainable ways.

You didn’t need to say words to prompt him to explain, your scrunched eyebrows already doing that mission. “You should feel it too, you know? The goosebumps, the bewilderment in your insides, you’re intoxicated by my very presence too, aren’t you?”

The more he neared, your breaths quickened visibly, his words becoming truer. Your skin heating, mind losing a bit of consciousness. His presence didn’t affect you to this extent in the warehouse, but now? You were putty, almost incapable to think. You tried to roll over to the other side but your plan failed because he caged you with his bulky hands on your shoulder, body diagonal across yours. With how slow and out of it you were, he didn’t even need his heightened speed to trap you.

“Oh, it’s kicking in, isn’t it? The realization, the surge of love and lust? To be held and cherished and be full of me?” He smirked at your trembling form, your chest heaving and weak arms trying to push him off.

“I’ve read humans feel flushed, hot, so let’s get you out of these scraps, yes?” He slid off the thin straps while you mumbled a very unconvincing ‘stop’. Both actions were pretty pointless because he wouldn’t stop, you both knew that and also, he ended up taking the top off over your torso the normal way.

Your hands barely managed to land themselves on his wrist to pull them off, but the foolish limbs ravished in the feel of his cold skin instead. It was like a high you had never experienced and your body wanted more. It was already addicted to the feel of this stranger whose name you didn’t even know.

He unzipped the skirt, your pathetic body no longer even fighting him as he rambled on. “Among us vampires, well not much to tell but we’re all freezing cold when we find our ‘zing’. Like every normal day. Except for the inability to think and the need for their mate’s blood, of course.”

He came back up to kiss you, his body now in line with yours as one hand held your cheek and the other groped your breast. You had an out of body experience, feeling disgusted for reciprocating the kiss but also wanting more of that, more of him.

He trailed down your neck to your collarbone and you gasped for air, your thoughts incoherent. He kissed between the valley of your breasts, removing the bra sometime in between as you heaved. He wanted nothing more than to rest in those swells for an eternity.

As soon as cold air hit your nipples, one was being sucked while other was being pinched. The nameless stranger alternated between licking like a kitten and sucking like a baby on the breasts. Your rational part felt gross but the dominating side was the one experiencing delight.

He kissed down the sternum, to your bellybutton and then hovered above the thin, flimsy underwear. His hands slid down your sides, down the curve of your waist and hooked themselves at the cloth’s side, pulling them down in a swift motion.

Your legs quaked, trying to close themselves but one muscular arm on your thigh was able to hold them off, throw one away from the other. He leaned down and you were pathetically still under his muscles, your lower limbs either not daring to move or not wanting to.

You wrapped your hands around your torso to hide a bit of yourself, but did that really matter in the larger picture of the events unfolding right now?

You closed your eyes, tears already escaping since minutes ago as you tried to accept the reality of what was happening. A cold sensation on your little button caught you off guard; an infinitesimal fraction of time later, an inhale reached your ears.

You looked down, opening your eyes to find the man smelling you, his Grecian nose poking through your folds and taking in sniffs of your intimate part.

“Please sto-”      

“The scent at its source, so fucking divine. I want a taste.” With that, your sentence got interrupted by his words and then by his action as his tongue licked away. It sucked on the bead, delving in the cavity there pretty fucking deep and he slurped away like he pretended to do when you were blindfolded.

Your back arched like a gymnast, hands that were folded across your chest clawing at your own skin, leaving marks behind. His hands were hooked around your thighs and they threw your legs on his shoulder some point in between. When he thrusted three fingers at once, an audible wheeze left your lips, your noiseless gasps now hoarse ‘Aah’s and you could feel him smirk.

There a also a lot of teeth involved with his razor sharp canines that appeared out of nowhere during this and when he thrusted his fingers particularly hard with his teeth nibbling on your sensitive bud, you shamelessly let go of the inside flow.

It felt humiliating and mortifying, your body glowing with the aftereffects of descending into bliss while your mind wanted to cry. Your soul was surprisingly content with what unfolded, at peace. You hated the diversity of emotions you felt, revolted to find even a bit of positive sentiment at your assaulter’s actions.

While your inner monologue happened, the man got up and out of his clothes painfully quick. You tried to sit your up, feebly trying to escape but ineffectively so. Your eyes couldn’t meet the handsome stranger’s nor did you want to see him naked and removed him form your eyeline, making you get caught off guard when his hands wrapped around your ankles and pulled you down, finishing the small distance you managed to crawl up.

His hands left their place as he kissed his way back up your flushed skin, from the swell of your ankle to the swell of your stomach. He licked away the drops of blood around the crescent scratches left by your nails under the intense ecstasy he forced upon you. Then he continued his journey from the swells of your chest to the swell of your cheek, taking you in a fiery, needy yet affectionate kiss.

Your surroundings blurred a second into the kiss, mouth and skin hungry for his touch alike. A thrust had you painfully gasp as you were stretched unlike ever before, impaled to a depth unlike ever before. He kissed away your tears that continued to spill on command of your ashamed mind and leaned back to look into your eyes, a pretty pink passing over them for a fleeting second.

His blue orbs bore into yours and you almost believed he loved you by the intensity of his gaze. At this moment in time, nothing but you two mattered, connected and finally together. How you got here didn’t matter, how unwilling you were didn’t matter. This felt right, felt necessary and was worthy of everything you went through. The rational part seemed to die the instant you two physically connected and somehow, everything and nothing made sense.

But you felt complete.

Your lips captured his of their own accord, and you both smiled into the caress of your lips while he began thrusting, one hand on your waist, the other supporting his weight. Out of breath, he leaned back, still thrusting though, and gazed at you. “Scott back there, he called you pretty, that’s practically an insult. The way you look right now, you’re much more than beautiful. You’re ethereal, my Zing, the loveliest in existence.”

His genuine words tugged at your heart. For some reason you believed him, had confidence in his feelings. Your foreheads connected as he quickened, his hand caressing your skin, the cool against your warm skin soothing. It didn’t take long for you to let go again this time; your previous resolution already dissolved. He neared your ears and whispered, “I want you to scream my name. It’s Bucky.” You nodded absentmindedly, chasing the high.

One particular thrust paired with his canines piercing your skin made you cry out “Bucky!” and you felt him smirking in your neck, lapping the blood. You wilted in bliss and your eyes closed, warmth filling you minutes after. Your eyes were dazed and you felt ‘Bucky’ shift, removing his towering frame from you, a goofy smile on the chiseled face.

With mind free of the aforementioned disapproving thoughts, you checked out his handsome face. It was like you saw him in an entirely different light now.

He gave you a quick peck, his hands cradling your face and he spoke with the utmost sincerity. “You are worth the wait, precious. No measure of time with you will be long enough. But we’ll start with forever to compensate. I’m never letting you go.”