#i struggled deciding if he should be blonde or white haired

[redfoxwritesstuff]

Hot And Cold (Lucifer x fallen!Angel!Reader)

CW: Wax play, Ice play, Ice put inside the body, Oral, It's just smut, don't put ice cubes up your whooha, only use body safe wax for wax play Rating: Adult Summary: Lucifer treats his newly fallen love to a picnic and on a whim decides to expand her pleasurable horizons using the ice from the champagne bucket and the wax from the candles.

A follow up to Praise Be Thy Tongue

It was scandalous, laying on a blanket with your ashen wings spread out behind you. The blond haired man holding your thighs over his shoulders worked his forked tongue between your folds, earning gasp after gasp from your lips. The acts you were partaking in should be done in the privacy of a bedchamber, not in the manor gardens, but that didn’t stop him.

Since the day you had fallen for the King of Hell, rather literally, he had set to work taking his time teaching you the pleasures of the body. Though he had yet to take you in the last few weeks, there had been no shortage of moments of pleasure shared. 

“Lucifer,” you gasped as he devoured you, a man starved as if he hadn’t feasted on your core this very morning. The second orgasm ran through you as he eagerly drank from you, rutting his hips against the ground. Feathers came dangerously close to the candles scattered around, putting your wings in danger of lighting up. 

“Do you want to experience something now?” Lucifer asked, tongue running over his lips as he finally dragged his face from your core. 

“What?” You struggled to catch your breath as he looked at you, eyes full of fiery desire. 

“Do you trust me?” Lucifer asked instead, reaching for the bucket of melting ice that had once housed the bottle of champagne, now empty, laying discarded on the blanket. 

“Trust you enough to give everything up without a second thought,” you whispered, twitching the wings that had grown darker by the day. No longer were they the bright white symbolism of your purity. They, like you, were tainted by your pure love for the devil himself. 

“I want to show you something, do something with you.” Lucifer pulled a wet cube of ice out of the bucket and held it over your body.

Cold drops of water fell from his fingers, splashing on the expanse of naked flesh below. A shudder ran through you at the cold. You watched Lucifer, muscles flexing in his shirtless state as he popped the ice cube in his mouth. It was sinful, the way he rolled it around with his tongue. 

Be brought his face down, lips blowing cold air over your already pebbled nipple. A gasp of air filled your lungs as he ran an icy cold tongue over your nipple. The cold was bitter, biting and felt oh so good on the sensitive nub. Cold lips kissed their way down your body, leaving a frozen trail that had you arching your back for him, legs falling open wider. 

He greedily licked a frozen strip up your slit, collecting your hot slick on his ice chilled tongue. Prideful eyes watched as you reacted to each sensation, colored by the cold. You were oh so beautifully responsive. 

The ice rattled in the bucket as he fished another out, rising up over your body again to place a chilled kiss on your lips. Greedily, you deepened it, pulling him to you with arms around his shoulders. 

He only gave you the deep kiss you sought when he brought the ice cube to your nipple, swallowing your gasp easily. Around and around, he swirled the melting ice along your skin, kissing his way down your neck as gooseflesh erupted over you. 

“The cold feels good, doesn’t it?” Lucifer asked, as the ice ran down your stomach. 

“Yes,” you whined, unsure as the cube’s biting cold ran over your folds. “Luci.” 

“Shh,” he whispered, kissing your cold clit as he pushed the cube inside your opening. The first was joined by a second and a third. Each ran over your clit before joining the others inside your body. A fourth and a fifth made you shiver with the uncomfortable, cold, wet sensation. “It can get better.” 

“Why inside?” Your legs twitched, shivering with the cold as he added a few more cubes. 

“For me, later.” Lucifer said simply, caressing his length through his pants for a moment as he grabbed one of the tall tapered candles that sat around you. “You’ll tell me if you want me to stop, right?” 

You smiled, even through the cold. Lucifer was always one to push you, to show you more, to teach you more, but he was also always one to check in with you and ensure you were alright. 

“Of course,” you whispered as he held the candle high. 

“Good girl,” he said, “That’s my angel.” 

The candle tipped, sending hot wax falling through the air. It handed on the swell of your breast in a harsh contrast to the icy cold. You gasped again, moaning at the heat of it. He poured more, dripping wax over your frozen nipples, causing a delicious pain to spread through them. 

You were not actually being burned, but the cold from the ice made it feel dangerous like you were. He coated each of your nipples as you panted, watching him stroke himself, first through the pants and then pulling his thick cock free. 

Precum dripped from his tip, running down his head and dripping onto your thigh as he dripped wax down the underside of your breast, onto your stomach and mound. 

“Fuck,” Lucifer whispered, watching your hips twitch, wanting. The blanket under you was soaked with icewater. “You look so good like this.” 

“Luci,” you whimpered, want dominating your mind.

“My personal altar to worship at.” He slotted himself between your legs, letting his own wings unfurl. Six magnificent white and red pairs, each larger than the last as they went up his back spread wide, unafraid of the candles. They twitched as he sank into your hole, pushing through the slight resistance from the water washing your slick away.

A shiver ran up his back as your icy walls surrounded him, enveloping his burning cock. He moaned as the head of his cock pushed the hardly there remnants of the ice cubes back, forcing them deeper.

“You’re so cold, wrapped all around me.” Lucifer shuddered again as he thrust deeper into you. “So cold around me.” 

“Feels good,” you moaned, unsure if you were asking him or making a statement of yourself. 

“It does, doesn’t it?” Lucifer thrust into you again and again, slowly fucking you harder as watched the way the wax flaked and broke off your breasts as they moved. You were beautiful. You were perfect. You were his. 

His to have. His to hold. His to corrupt. 

“L-luci,” you moaned his name again and again as he fucked quicker, head of his cock nudging your cervix each time. “I can’t-” 

“You can,” he promised, leaning down to run his tongue over whatever wax free skin he could find, regretting covering your nipples now that he can’t put them in his mouth. “My sweet angel, you can.” 

Fingers tangled into feathers as you reached up, clinging to your lover as he fucked into you. Each thrust took you closer and closer. This was wrong. It was perverted. It was magically right because it was with him. 

You came, throwing your head back as he fucked into you again and again. The waves of clutching contractions around his cock tried to pull him deeper. Arms flexed as you tried to still him, wanting to ride out the orgasm, but he would not be stopped. 

Thrust after thrust pounded into your sensitive hole, not giving you a chance to catch your breath. “Fuck,” he whispered again and again, “So tight. Ice makes you so fuckin tight.” 

“Luci,” you whimpered, “I can’t anymore.” 

“Shh, you can. Just a little bit more.” he kissed you, pulling your legs up allowing him to sink deeper into you. “I’m going to cum.” 

“I’m so cold.” He flexed his wings, sending puffs of air out around you, pushing his cock deeper into you with each powerful flex of his wings. “Please, Lucifer. Inside, warm me up.” 

He came with a swelling twitch and a deep groan, fingers digging into your legs. His pace turned wild, desperate to push every bit of his seed as far back into your cervix as he could. Each rope of semen was followed by another as he thrust again and again, moaning your name.

Only when he was spent did he collapse on top of you, his hot body warming your ice cold skin. Wings draped down his side, covering yours easily. His cock, softening, twitched inside you as he placed soft kisses on your neck. 

“I told you it would be a picnic to remember,” Lucifer teased, rolling off of you. He gathered you to his chest, holding you as if you were not covered in flaking wax and gooseflesh. You went easily, as if his pants were not still tangled around his ankles. 

“I love you,” you whispered into the devil’s chest. 

“A terrible decision, really.” Lucifer answered, voice teasing. “I love you too, a much wiser decision on my part.” 

Join us at VoxTek for a Vox themed Hazbin Discord where we talk Vox, Hazbin, writing, reading, art and who knows what else. You may even catch some exclusive sneak peeks at upcoming fics from some of your favorite writers including the first page of the next chapter of MisD a day early!!

[tinyundercover]

pepper & felix

part eight

Felix's apartment becomes very crowded.

MASTERPOST word count: 2.9k

Basil’s needle was heavy in her hand. Exhaustion weighed on her shoulders as she walked through the walls, suppressing a yawn. She must have been walking for hours.

Seven days ago, she had stormed away from Pepper and left him alone. Since then, she had crafted a small space in the corner of the apartment complex, where she was confident she wouldn’t run into Pepper by accident. With twenty-eight years of borrowing experience, she didn’t struggle to survive alone in an unknown location. 

However, seven days was a long time to sit alone with her thoughts. 

Basil turned a corner and approached a crack in the wall, thick enough for her to peer through. She immediately recognized the apartment as one she had passed seven days ago. Good. This is the right direction.

Her thoughts raced. Was it really possible for a borrower to be soulmates with a human? How was Pepper so okay with that?

She swallowed, walking briskly down the hall. Pepper was her younger brother, and she would always be protective of him… but he was twenty-two. He could make his own decisions, no matter how much it scared her.

Guilt crept into her stomach, and she sighed. She regretted leaving Pepper alone with that human. He had seemed so confused, so nervous. She hoped that he was doing okay.

It had been selfish of her to leave. She had been undeniably terrified, yes, but so was he. She should have been there for him.

After twenty more minutes of walking, her surroundings became more familiar. To her left, a round white sticker was stuck to the wall, covered in a thick layer of dust. Pepper had placed it there a long time ago as a landmark.

Her heart swelled. “Pepper?” She called softly, voice wobbly with disuse. She eventually came across a small crack in the wall and peered through, her stomach jumping at the sight of four massive humans, scattered around the living space. For a moment, she wondered if she had taken a wrong turn, but then she spotted the blonde human. Felix. This was definitely the right apartment.

She chewed her lip, mind racing with nightmare-inducing possibilities. Pepper wasn’t out there with them, right? He wouldn’t do that, right?

After a moment of observation, she concluded that Pepper was nowhere to be seen. Her heart sank in relief.

“Pepper?” She called again into the walls, confident that the humans wouldn’t hear her over their own overpowering voices. “Are you around? Pepper?”

Pepper didn’t seem to be nearby, which meant he could be anywhere in the apartment. Taking a deep breath, she tightened her grip on her needle and set on her path.

—

“The director said the cast list should be out tonight,” Alice groaned, flopping onto the couch next to Owen. “It’s almost nine o’clock. What are they waiting for?”

“Maybe they’re still deciding,” Breanna offered, chewing her lip. She was sitting on the floor next to Felix, who had his laptop open and was periodically refreshing his email. His heart was racing with anxiety.

Owen was the only one of them who wasn’t fretting. He leaned back on the couch, shrugging. “Does it matter? You three are obviously gonna be the leads. Why worry?”

The three others erupted into a chorus of “you don’t know that” and “of course it matters.” Owen raised his eyebrows, falling silent.

“I swear, I’m gonna go crazy,” Alice muttered, playing with her silky black hair. She was checking her phone as often as Felix was checking his laptop.

After a second of silence, Breanna suggested, “Let’s just talk about something else… you know, to take our minds off of it. Um, anything interesting happening recently? Alice, Felix, how are your soulmates?”

Felix opened his mouth as if to respond, but Alice answered faster, voice suddenly bright. “He only lives four hours away.” She sat up straighter, beaming. “We’re gonna try to find a time to meet up soon– maybe this summer. I can’t wait.”

As if on cue, the three others turned to Felix, expectant. He hesitated.

“Oh, uh… things have been pretty good with my soulmate.” Felix fiddled his thumbs, feeling a bit embarrassed that Alice had grown so close with her soulmate and he barely knew a thing about his. “I mean… I don’t know where he lives, yet, but we’ve been talking a lot. We usually just tell each other about our days.”

“Do you know anything personal about him?” Owen asked expectantly, earning a glare from the girls. “Seriously, you’ve been talking for like, a month.”

“Well…” Felix’s mind was racing. His soulmate had always seemed so shy and reserved that Felix felt uncomfortable pressing him for more information than he was willing to give. “I don’t know. We’re just taking things slow.”

The other three seemed a bit unhappy with his answer, and Felix fidgeted uncomfortably. “What about you guys?” He focused on Owen and Breanna. “Owen, you’re twenty-one, right? Have you heard anything?”

“Nah,” Owen said, shrugging. “Not yet.”

“Only a month until I turn twenty-one,” Breanna said, crossing her fingers. “Hopefully my soulmate will–”

“The cast list is out!” Alice suddenly gasped, clutching her phone. “I got the email, oh my god, I don’t wanna open it–” She threw her phone to the side.

“What?” Immediately, Breanna scrambled over next to Felix. Felix’s heart caught in his throat as an email appeared in his inbox, titled The Little Mermaid Cast 2024. 

Alice jumped off the couch and moved next to Felix as well, jaw clenched tight. Her face was pale. “Open it,” she urged, voice quiet.

With the girls hovering over his shoulder, Felix took a deep, shaky breath, and clicked on the email.

The Little Mermaid Cast 2024

Ariel ......... Alice L. Prince Eric ... Felix B. Ursula ........ Breanna A. Sebastian ..... Ricky S. continued

“Holy fuck,” Breanna said.

Felix’s heart had dropped past his stomach and was now doing cartwheels around the room. He blinked several times, unsure if he was reading it correctly.

Noise erupted around him as Alice and Breanna burst into cheers, grabbing onto Felix and shaking him. He gasped, laughing, relief and excitement and shock and fear racing through his body in waves. “Oh my god— congratulations, you guys!” he stammered, bringing a hand to his forehead.

“We did it!” Alice cheered, throwing her arms around Felix in a hug before lunging over to give Breanna the same. “We fucking did it!”

Owen was patting Felix’s shoulder, congratulating him, but Felix was more focused on the bookshelf, where he swore he saw a tiny glimpse of movement. His heart swelled, and he briefly wondered if Pepper was happy for him.

—

Pepper smiled, leaning forward to see Felix better. Felix was undeniably thrilled, speaking excitedly to the broad-shouldered human next to him. 

This human— Owen— was taller than Felix, and when he had walked into the apartment Pepper had been appalled by his size. Pepper had spent the last hour lingering on the floor by the bookshelf, observing the humans from the safety of the shadows. He remembered Alice and Breanna from the audition.

Felix had warned him yesterday that his friends were going to spend the evening in the apartment, and although Pepper was a bit disappointed that he couldn’t wait for the cast list with Felix, he understood. 

Clearly, the cast list had brought good news for all of them. Pepper watched them curiously, heart growing at their positive reactions. 

“Pepper?”

Pepper nearly jumped out of skin. He spun on his heel, shoulders tense, spotting a glimpse of movement past the thin crack in the wall. 

He spent a nervous glance at the humans before approaching the wall, peeling inside. “Hello?” He called cautiously, wishing that he had something more than his hook to defend himself. “Who’s there?”

“It’s— it’s Basil.”

His heart skipped a beat. Blinking several times, he squeezed his way through the crack, stumbling to his feet within the darkness of the walls. 

There, standing an inch away, was his sister. Basil’s brown eyes were intense, her hand clenching her needle. 

“Basil,” he whispered, heart pounding. Relief filled his body at the sight of his sister, completely unharmed. He had been wondering how she was doing. “I— you’re back—?”

He was cut off. Basil threw her arms around Pepper’s shoulders, squeezing him tight in a firm hug. Pepper blinked, then wrapped his arms around her as well, his breath catching in his throat.

“Pepper, I’m sorry,” Basil murmured. Her bushy black hair made Pepper’s neck tickle. “I really, really am.”

Pepper gently pulled away, holding Basil’s shoulders so that he could meet her wide brown eyes. He stuttered for breath, blinking rapidly. “Basil, what… what? Where have you been? Are you okay?”

Basil swallowed, dragging a hand down her face. “Listen, I… I’ve been thinking… about you, and your soulmate.”

Pepper nodded anxiously, stepping back. He vaguely heard the sounds of humans talking behind him.

“I still don’t know how to feel about it,” Basil said honestly, shifting on her feet. “I mean, I’ve spent twenty-eight years fearing humans, so when I found out you were talking to one, I kind of freaked out.” She gave a sheepish smile, glancing Pepper up and down. “But… I guess he hasn’t hurt you, yet, so he can’t be terrible.”

Pepper’s breath left his body in one exhale. “Right.”

“He’s really your soulmate, then?” Basil asked tentatively.

“Yeah,” Pepper murmured, flushing. “He is.”

“Have you told him?”

Pepper swallowed, a bit surprised at how much Basil was willing to listen. Appreciation for his sister flooded his heart. “No,” he admitted, glancing over his shoulder. “I don’t really know if I should.”

“Because… you don’t trust him…?” Basil asked, tilting her head. 

Pepper chewed his lip, then stepped forward, taking Basil’s hand. He gently guided her towards the crack in the wall, where she only raised her eyebrows expectantly, then followed him out into the open.

Felix, Breanna, Alice, and Owen were still crowded around the living room, speaking with wide gestures. Pepper felt Basil press into him instinctively, and he made sure the two of them were well concealed in the shadow of the bookshelf.

“His name is Felix,” Pepper murmured, pointing to the blonde human who was sitting cross-legged and leaning against the couch. Warmth filled his heart at the human’s soft smile. “Listen, I know it seems crazy, but he’s actually a good human.”

Basil sent him a sidelong glance, but said nothing, so Pepper continued.

“He caught me a few weeks ago,” Pepper explained, eyes trained on Felix. “It was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced. I thought he was gonna kill me, but— but he just… let me go. And once I realized he was my soulmate, I actually started to talk to him more, and he… he’s really kind, Basil. He’s never tried to grab me, or hurt me, even though he could have.”

Basil followed his gaze, observing Felix. “He could be just trying to get you to trust him,” she whispered uneasily. 

Pepper hummed thoughtfully. Obviously, he considered that several times over the past few weeks. But… “Why, though? He could snatch me up at any time.”

Basil paled. “Don’t say things like that.”

“He won’t,” Pepper assured quickly, comfortingly taking her hand in his. “I promise. You know me, Basil, I would never talk to a human if I thought it’d be dangerous. I mean, I still get nervous around Felix… but he’s my soulmate. I’ve lived with my soulmate for a year, and I had no idea. I can’t just move away and forget about him.”

Basil’s brown eyes softened. “Yeah. I understand.” She moved closer to Pepper, taking a deep breath. “It’s just scary, you know? I mean, you’re my little brother. I want you to be safe around him.”

“I am,” Pepper promised. “I really am.”

Basil paused. “Then… why haven’t you told him? That he’s your soulmate?”

Pepper went quiet, peering around at the group of humans in front of them. His heart twisted. “I don’t want to ruin his life,” he admitted heavily. “He has all these friends, and goes to school, and does theater, and… and he’s not even supposed to know that borrowers exist.” 

He watched as Felix patted Breanna’s shoulder, saying something to her, and he continued with a frown. “We’ve just become friends, and it’s actually going well. I really like him. I’m just worried that if I tell him that we’re soulmates, everything is gonna get fucked up, and he’s not gonna want to be around me anymore. I mean, what kind of human would want to be soulmates with a borrower? It’s not like we can go out in public, or anything. I— I think he’d just be sad, to find out I’m his soulmate.” He blinked rapidly, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

“Oh.” Basil let out a small breath, glancing between Pepper and Felix. “I see.”

Pepper only nodded, gray eyes trained on his soulmate.

“Well, there’s no need to rush things,” Basil said gently, leaning closer to Pepper. “You don’t need to tell him until you’re ready. It’s okay.”

Pepper sent her a small smile, and the pair of them fell into silence, observing the four humans. 

They all seemed so happy. Breanna and Felix were sitting on the floor, chatting to Owen, who was seated on the couch. Alice paced around the room with her phone pressed against her ear, excitedly waving her hand around to emphasize each word. Pepper’s heart swelled, knowing that the cast list had brought good news for all of them.

It was undeniably terrifying to see four humans in his space, but Pepper had reluctantly grown accustomed to them over the course of the evening. Felix clearly liked them, and that was enough for Pepper.

“I should probably go,” Breanna said after a moment, checking her phone. “I’ve got an exam tomorrow morning. Owen, you ready?” She glanced up at the redhead, who nodded.

They had arrived together. Pepper still didn’t understand what “carpool” meant, but that was the explanation they had used.

“Congratulations again,” Breanna said brightly, giving Alice and Felix each a firm hug. “This is gonna be such a good show.”

“I’ll walk you to your car,” Felix offered. “Alice, are you sticking around?”

“If that’s okay,” Alice chirped, sitting down on the couch. 

Felix nodded, and after Breanna and Owen bid their final farewells, the three of them walked to the kitchen. The front door clicked a moment later.

“They’re not so bad,” Pepper offered, glancing towards Basil. His sister was watching Alice intently, who was on her phone.

“I guess,” Basil said thoughtfully. “I still think they’re too big for their own good.”

Pepper laughed softly, then turned towards the wall. “Do you want to stay at my place?”

Basil sent Alice one more wary look before following Pepper. “Yes, please,” she said gratefully, rubbing at her face. “I haven’t slept in a thousand days.”

Pepper stopped before he could enter the wall, raising an eyebrow at his sister. “Where have you been, by the way?” He leaned against the bookshelf, sparing Alice a quick glance.

“In the corner of this building,” Basil explained, jerking her head in the direction she had gone. “Maybe a twelve hour walk? I made a little temporary home underneath the vending machines.”

Pepper blinked in surprise. “Oh, I didn’t know there were vending machines here. Maybe I should do some more exploring, huh?”

Basil laughed. “Dude, I got a whole candy bar from a vending machine the other day. It was awesome.”

Pepper smiled in amusement. “That sounds dangerous.”

“Nah, it was totally worth it. Have you had a Twix bar before? It was life-changing, I swear—”

“What the hell?”

Both borrowers flinched. Pepper gasped, stumbling against the bookshelf as a massive form knelt down in front of them, blue eyes wide and piercing. 

When had Alice come over here?!

On instinct, Pepper and Basil both dove for the crack in the wall, colliding into each other with panicked gasps. Pepper’s heart thudded against his ribcage as he ushered Basil towards the opening. “Shit, shit, shit—”

In a flash, pressure closed around Pepper. He immediately thrashed out, gasping for air.

Pepper wasn’t unfamiliar with being inside of a human hand, but being grabbed without warning brought a whole new wave of panic. Memories of his and Felix’s first meeting flashed through his mind, and his ribs began to ache. 

“What the…” Alice’s voice was quiet, filled with shock. Pepper couldn’t bring himself to meet her cold blue eyes. He continued to struggle, hoping beyond hope that Basil had managed to make it into the walls. 

“Let him go!” A voice erupted from the ground, rough with terror. 

Alice went still, blue eyes flickering down, and Pepper’s breath caught in his throat. No, Basil, get out of here—!

Basil’s shriek made Pepper’s stomach drop. He twisted, and in the corner of his eye he could see his sister squirming and kicking and snarling in Alice’s other hand. 

She looked so small. 

Alice’s sharp voice made Pepper’s heart drop. “What the fuck are you doing in Felix’s apartment?” Alice demanded, glancing between them. Pepper gasped for breath, mind racing with nightmarish thoughts.

He didn’t respond, trying desperately to look at Basil. His sister was fighting desperately, and he could barely imagine the terror she was currently feeling. 

The front door clicked, and in an instant, the world seemed to freeze. Pepper almost sobbed in relief, knowing that Felix would immediately swoop in to rescue them. 

“Fuck,” Alice mumbled. 

Pepper’s vision blurred as Alice suddenly moved him into her other hand. His shoulder knocked into Basil’s, and he barely caught sight of her wide, petrified gaze before the two of them were shoved unceremoniously into a pocket.

____________

yeah... things were going a little too well for Pepper so I had to fuck things up. whoops :P

i hope you liked it!! <3

TAGLIST: @smallsday @compact-katrina @satethesatelite @taters169 @entomolog-t

[zapreportsblog]

Carlisle and Esme meeting underweight reader?

❝the doctor knows best❞

✭ pairing : Carlisle Cullen x reader x Esme Cullen

✭ fandom : twilight

✭ summary : (y/n) has always been on the underweight side and over time she begin to feel self conscious so she seeks help from her local doctor and even gets a bit of inside help along the way

✭ twilight masterlist 2

(Y/N) had always struggled with her weight. It seemed like an endless battle she couldn't win, no matter how hard she tried. She had always been on the underweight side, her slender frame a source of both frustration and concern. Her friends would envy her seemingly effortless ability to eat without gaining, but they didn't see the other side of the coin - the constant anxiety, the unhealthy habits, and the feeling of helplessness that came with it.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the small town of Forks, (Y/N) couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in her stomach any longer. She knew she needed help, but admitting it to herself was a struggle in its own right. She'd spent years keeping this hidden from everyone, even her family.

Gathering her courage, she decided it was time to seek professional advice. With a heavy heart and trembling hands, she dialed the number for the local hospital and scheduled an appointment. It was a step into the unknown, but she couldn't continue like this.

The following week, (Y/N) found herself sitting in the sterile waiting room of the Forks Hospital, her anxiety building with each passing second. Her heart raced, and she clutched her purse tightly, feeling more vulnerable than ever.

"Ms. (Y/L/N)?" a soft voice called from the doorway. Startled, she looked up to see a kind, blond-haired man in a white lab coat. "I'm Dr. Carlisle Cullen. Please, come with me."

Carlisle's warm smile immediately put (Y/N) at ease. She followed him down a long corridor to an examination room, where he motioned for her to take a seat on the examination table.

"Tell me, (Y/N), what brings you here today?" Carlisle asked, his blue eyes filled with genuine concern.

(Y/N) hesitated for a moment, but the pain and frustration she had carried for so long finally spilled out. She confessed her struggles with maintaining a healthy weight, the constant fear of gaining, and the cycle of binging and purging that had dominated her life. Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke, and Carlisle listened attentively, never once judging her.

After a thoughtful pause, Carlisle said, "Thank you for sharing this with me, (Y/N). It's essential that you've taken this step to seek help. I'm here to support you in your journey to a healthier life. First, I'd like to run some tests to assess your overall health, and then we can discuss a plan to help you gain weight in a safe and sustainable way."

Relief washed over (Y/N) as she realized that she had found someone who understood her struggle and was willing to help. She nodded, her gratitude shining through her teary eyes.

Carlisle smiled reassuringly. "We'll take this one step at a time, (Y/N). I promise you won't be alone in this. Let's schedule another appointment after your tests, and by then, I should have a personalized meal plan tailored to your needs."

As (Y/N) left the hospital that day, she felt a glimmer of hope she hadn't felt in years. With Dr. Carlisle Cullen's guidance, she was ready to embark on a new journey toward a healthier and happier life, leaving her old burdens behind and embracing the promise of a brighter future.

As Carlisle stepped through the door of their stately home in Forks, the warm embrace of familiarity enveloped him. Esme, his beloved wife, was there to greet him as she always was. Her golden eyes sparkled with affection as she looked at him.

"Look at you, my hard at work doctor," Esme purred, her arms encircling Carlisle as she pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

Carlisle returned the kiss, savoring the tenderness of their connection. "Work was challenging, but fulfilling, my dear," he replied, his fingers gently caressing her cheek.

Esme's curiosity was piqued. She always enjoyed hearing about Carlisle's day, knowing how dedicated he was to his profession. "Tell me, love, how was work today?"

Carlisle smiled and led Esme to the cozy living room, where they settled on the plush couch. He began recounting his day, sharing the various cases and medical challenges he had encountered at the hospital.

"And then," Carlisle continued, "I met a young woman who's been struggling with being underweight for most of her life. She came seeking help to gain weight in a healthy way."

Esme's interest was instantly piqued. She had always been a nurturing soul, and the idea of helping someone regain their health struck a chord with her. "That sounds like a noble cause," she mused. "Do you have a plan in mind for her?"

Carlisle nodded. "I'll be in my office working on a personalized meal plan for her. It's essential that we help her find a balance and improve her overall well-being."

Esme's eyes sparkled with eagerness. She knew how much Carlisle enjoyed his work, but she also knew how much he valued her assistance in certain matters. "May I be of help, my love?"

Carlisle's gaze softened as he looked at his beautiful wife. He knew how much joy she found in the art of cooking, and her expertise in the kitchen was unparalleled. "Perhaps you can, my love," he said with a gentle smile. "Your culinary skills might be just what she needs to make this journey more enjoyable and successful."

Esme's heart swelled with affection for her husband. She knew that together, they could make a real difference in this young woman's life. "Then let's work together to create a meal plan that will not only nourish her body but also warm her heart."

As the evening unfolded, Carlisle and Esme sat side by side in his office, poring over nutrition guidelines and designing a meal plan that would be both effective and delicious. In their united efforts, they found a deeper connection and a shared sense of purpose, ready to help their new patient on the path to a healthier and happier life.

The next day, as the sun cast its soft morning rays over Forks, Carlisle was filled with a renewed sense of purpose as he prepared for his appointment with (Y/N). He had spent the previous evening with Esme, meticulously crafting a meal plan that would address (Y/N)'s nutritional needs and gradually help her gain the weight she so desperately sought.

As he entered the hospital's examination room, he found (Y/N) sitting there, a mix of apprehension and hope in her eyes. He couldn't help but smile warmly as he greeted her. "Good morning, (Y/N). I hope you're feeling well today."

(Y/N) offered a small but genuine smile in return. "Good morning, Dr. Cullen. Thank you for seeing me again."

Carlisle took a seat across from her, his expression reassuring. "Of course, (Y/N). I've taken some time to put together a meal plan that I believe will help you achieve your goals in a healthy and sustainable way." He slid a neatly printed sheet of paper across the table toward her.

(Y/N) eagerly picked up the meal plan, her eyes scanning the contents. It was clear that Carlisle had put a lot of thought and care into it. Her apprehension began to melt away as she saw the balanced meals and the variety of foods.

"I should mention," Carlisle said with a warm smile, "that my wife, Esme, helped me create this meal plan. She's an exceptional cook and has a real knack for making nutritious food taste delicious. We thought her expertise might make this journey a bit more enjoyable for you."

(Y/N)'s eyes lit up with gratitude. "That's so kind of both of you, Dr. Cullen. Please thank your wife for me. I truly appreciate all the help."

Carlisle nodded, pleased to see (Y/N) looking hopeful. "You're very welcome, (Y/N). Remember, you're not alone in this. We're here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out."

As (Y/N) left the hospital that day, clutching the meal plan in her hand, she felt a newfound sense of optimism. With the guidance of Dr. Carlisle Cullen and the support of his caring wife, Esme, she believed that she could finally overcome the weight struggles that had haunted her for so long. It was a small but significant step on her journey to a healthier and happier life, and for the first time in a long while, (Y/N) had hope.

It had been a month since (Y/N) had started following the meal plan that Dr. Carlisle Cullen and his wife, Esme, had designed for her. In that short time, she had begun to notice changes in her body. Her clothes fit a little snugger, her energy levels were up, and most importantly, she felt less self-conscious about her weight. It was a promising start to her journey toward a healthier self.

On a sunny afternoon, (Y/N) found herself at the local supermarket, browsing the aisles for the ingredients on her meal plan. She was lost in thought, comparing brands of whole-grain pasta when a familiar voice called out her name.

"(Y/N)?"

Startled, (Y/N) turned around to see a friendly woman with caramel-colored hair smiling at her. She was taken aback, not recognizing the person who had addressed her. "I'm sorry, do I know you?" she asked politely.

The woman's smile widened, and her golden eyes sparkled with recognition. "I'm Esme, Doctor Carlilse’s wife," she introduced herself.

It all clicked into place for (Y/N). The face before her was one she had seen in a photograph during her appointment with Dr. Cullen. She had to admit that Esme was even more radiant in person. "Oh, of course! You're Esme," she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with realization.

Esme's warm laughter filled the supermarket aisle. "Yes, that's me. It's wonderful to see you outside of the hospital, (Y/N). How have you been?"

"(Y/N)" couldn't help but smile. She was genuinely touched by the chance encounter. "I've been doing better, thanks to the meal plan you and Dr. Cullen created for me. I've put on some weight, and I'm starting to feel more confident."

Esme's eyes shone with happiness. "I'm so glad to hear that! You're making wonderful progress. It's a pleasure to see you thriving."

(Y/N) felt a sense of warmth and connection with Esme. She had always been grateful for the support of Dr. Cullen, but now, meeting his wife in such a casual setting, she realized that she was part of a caring and compassionate team that genuinely cared about her well-being.

As they continued shopping together, Esme offered tips on selecting the freshest produce and shared some of her favorite recipes for healthy meals. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, as if they had known each other for much longer than this chance meeting.

By the time they parted ways in the supermarket parking lot, (Y/N) felt a deep sense of gratitude. She had not only gained weight but also found new friends and support in Dr. Carlisle Cullen and his wonderful wife, Esme. This unexpected encounter was a reminder that sometimes, life had a way of bringing people together just when they needed it most.

[whatchuwaitinfor]

Alastor Gains Feelings

RadioApple FanFiction

Summary: When Lucifer showed up, Alastor decided to prey on Lucifer’s loneliness and be his non-sexual companion to get Lucifer to break him free of his deal then maybe become king of Hell with Lucifer and pull his strings. But as he spends time with Lucifer, he starts to regain feelings he had with another that he knew in his human life. Not Mimzy, a girl named Lucy who he saw as an angel, especially because he only saw her once and she disappeared without a trace.

After meeting Lucifer, Alastor decided to prey on Lucifer’s loneliness of his wife leaving him and giving him a companion in himself to get Lucifer to rid him of his deal. Since Lucifer is more strong and experienced, it’s more possible than Charlie to free Alastor and faster at that. Then maybe he could get Lucifer to marry him, so he could be the one pulling the strings, as he wishes. Kill two birds with one stone, as one would say.

It should be fine, he did it with Vox and nothing truly came of it other than what he wanted. Alastor is not expecting to catch feelings for Lucifer but as he spends more time around him, being friendly and showing his respect for Lucifer and Lucifer shows his respect for Alastor, he starts to feel strange. He did believe that he could find someone he’d date and have a family with, but he never expected it to be a man or even the devil himself, Lucifer!

Now Alastor is stressing himself out, he asks himself, “This man is who my one is?! I… wait.” He remembers back to a time in his life that he’s not thought about since death. Since his anger and hatred was stronger than his longing for who he considered his girl… Lucy. Though he only saw and talked to her once, his brain and heart decided she was his one.

She was a gorgeous young woman he met in the 1920s when he first started his radio show in New Orleans, Louisiana.

(Alastor’s Thoughts and his Memory; First Person)

This encounter with her was in the night, I was in my early twenties and a mixed (black, native and white) creole man. Struggling on my radio show because I “sounded too black” to be listened to by a majority of people. They used another word, but I prefer to not write it. If you know, you know.

I was on my way home from a Speakeasy with Mimzy and an albino snake slithered across my path, I jumped back as a reflex. But I seemed to have bumped into a fair skinned, beautiful young lady with lips of red like the rose, in a gorgeous white 1920s-like dress and long white silky gloves showing an outline of how small and delicate her hands were. She had long blonde, wavy hair and big but soft blue eyes. This girl was obviously rich based on her outfit.

“Oh!” The girl said, surprised, “You don’t see that everyday.” She said, seemingly she got frightened by the snake too. I backed away from her and apologized for bumping into her. “No worries, I would’ve done the same if you were behind me!” The girl said with a smile. I stared for a moment and my heart stopped, my glasses were slipping off and I pushed them up and cleared my throat. “I um… hello ma’am.” I cringed at my own response, the girl giggled a bit and I cleared my throat once more and said, “Um ma’am, where is your… escort?”

In the 1920s, it was seen as strange for a woman to be walking at night alone without a man escorting her home. Dangerous for a woman to do that too. “Do I need one?” The girl asked confusedly. I was shocked, it’s usually common knowledge for a lady to know that.

I laughed a bit and said, “Yes you do, miss. Have you not been told that by your father?” “Oh yeah, silly me… I forgot.” She giggled and I shook my head, ‘Oh she’s naive.’ I thought to myself. The girl looked at me and held her hands behind her back, “Maybe… you could be my escort?” She asked. I choked on my own spit for a moment, shocked that she even suggested that, “Madame, that would not be good for neither you nor me.” I said and the girl pouted, “Aw… why not?” “Ma’am, look at you then look at me.” I pointed out the obvious. “Yeah. What’s the problem?” This girl is so naive… I laughed a bit in disbelief, “Dear, your skin color and mine; I have dark skin and you have light skin. Your father would kill me if I was the one escorting you home.” “Mmm… no he wouldn’t.” “Would he not? Huh. Why?” I asked, it is not normal for a white girl’s father to allow a mixed man like me to even be around his daughter, she swayed a bit, “My father is a priest of a mixed church; he believes if you are to believe in God, he’ll allow you in as a brother, a friend. No matter what race you are. I also have many siblings of many different races.” She explained. I smiled a bit to myself, “Um… that’s interesting, wouldn’t he have rioters on his doorstep for allowing said things?” I asked and the girl shook her head, “No. I have not heard or dealt with anything of the sort.” I am honestly really happy, “Well then maybe I’ll attend said church.” I said, nodding. This is when I accepted being her escort, knowing I am safe with her father if he saw me.

That night I felt my heart skip a beat, almost many beats. She made me feel something I never felt before. As we walked, we talked the whole way, I got to know about her siblings, her mother Azrael and more about her father; as well as the fact that she was only going to be in New Orleans for a short while before her family had to move to another state for their word of the church to spread. My heart felt like it was ripped from my chest and stabbed. I knew she was going to leave soon but I’d hoped that if I walked her home, I’d show up at it again to spend more time with her before she left, take her to a speakeasy… but when I dropped her off, she kissed me on the cheek, thanked me and gave me advice on how to get more listens on my radio show so I can look after my mother easier. Before she went inside her home, I asked her what her name was and she said it was Lucy… I introduced myself as Alastor and we went our separate ways for the night. But the next morning, I arrived at her home and it was gone, the actual building was gone… it was like she never existed. I thought I was never going to see her again. I thought she was an angel because I took her advice and my radio show spiked with listeners.

Her advice was to maybe fake a white man’s voice and keep away from my deep Louisianan creole mixed man accent. She said it didn’t matter to her and her family but based on what I told her, it mattered to the grander audience; because it did. So I faked a white man’s accent that I heard constantly on the radio and it worked. Now I believe I’ve forgotten how to speak in my actual voice… my voice defaulted to the voice I put on for everyone when I died.

When I arrived in Hell and met Lucifer, all I could think about is he just looked like Lucy but with short hair and pants instead of a dress. God dammit, curse you Lucifer… but also, please don’t stop cuddling me, petting my ears and poking at my tail. You are a screeching headache of a person but also, you’re making me feel those emotions again.

(Present Day Hell; Back To Third Person)

One night in present day Hell, Lucifer and Alastor share a bedroom and a bed. They’re cuddling and talking but after some time, Lucifer sighs and speaks up about something that’s been bugging him. He spoke with a heartbroken and soft tone, “Al, I hope you know that I’m not an idiot, I know you’re using me to get something… suddenly looking after Charlie like a daughter once I showed up, then this… you are not hiding anything from me… and if you are, it’s shittily hidden.” he traced Alastor’s chest as he watched his finger.

“…What do you mean..?” Alastor asked, not knowing what to say about being caught.

“Tonight, I don’t know what is going through your head, but I know you have a deal and I know who it’s with and I’m sorry she has done that to you… I want you to know that using me, I can take but if I catch you using Charlie too, I’d kill you in a heartbeat and you know I could. Even though I have fallen in love with you, as stupid and gross as it sounds.” He looked up at Alastor with his eyes, who’s panicking on the inside but the radio static seems to speak for him.

“Al, I’m used to people using me, Lilith did the same exact thing and I’ll just take it to get love and feel love in return even if it’s fake. Then I’ll help you get out of your deal and maybe the other thing you want is royalty, I’ll let you have the crown with me if Lilith turns out to not care about me or Charlie.” Alastor continued to panic, “Lucifer, I don’t know what to say, I don’t have the words.” He said, not wanting to talk about it right now. Lucifer sighed and said, “Very well, do you still want cuddles?” Alastor nodded and Lucifer obliged. Then Lucifer fell asleep but Alastor stayed awake.

Alastor went to Cannibal Town the next morning to find Rosie and once he found her, he asked her to sit down with him. His ears were back and his eyes showed pain, confusion but bliss at the same time. But his lips never stopped bearing a smile.

Once Rosie sat down with some tea for the both of them, she saw Alastor’s look and she said softly and worriedly, “Alastor, what’s wrong dear?” “Rosie, I’m feeling… emotions.” Alastor answered and Rosie was slightly shocked, she stopped sipping her tea and looked confusedly at Alastor. “Emotions, Alastor? Can you explain to me how you feel when having them?” “Pain. In my heart, my brain and my stomach.” He explained.

Rosie hummed and said, “Is it truly painful, dear?” “I don’t know… I think it is but as I think about what’s making me feel this way, I feel a little light as well, like I’m floating on air…” Rosie smiled partially, “Alastor, you have a strange way of explaining you being in love, honey.” “I… what?” He looked at Rosie and arched his brow. “Those feelings are common with being in love, hasn’t your mother explained them to you before?” She laughed a bit with her hand on her mouth, “I heard about this Lucy girl once or twice after you’ve been drinking for a bit, have you seen her again since then?” She asked.

Alastor shook his head, “Not in the form I’ve known her in before.” “Alastor, this is Hell, we don’t look too much or really at all like we did when alive. With how you explained her to me before, she’d be more of an angel than a demon though, have you found someone else?” Rosie asked, drinking some more tea and Alastor blushed a bit, “Not… necessarily Rosie.” He then muttered, “That woman was Lucifer himself… like, literally.” Rosie stopped drinking her tea again in shock but she managed to keep it in.

Once she swallowed the tea, she placed it down and covered her mouth with her fingertips again. “Oh… Alastor, you met her in a tempt from the sin of Pride… then you only saw her again once you came down here and met Lucifer… the king himself. Well darling, I’m sure it’ll work out if you just try with him, from what I know, his wife divorced him because she left without a word really. If you love him, I’m sure you could—” Alastor cut her off, “Rosie, I’ve been using him to get me free… last night, he spoke to me about it. Telling me that he knows he’s being used but he’s just glad that he’s getting love even if it’s fake…”

“Oh so you’re doing what you did with Vox, but this time you’re actually catching feelings for him because he is who you considered your one love when he showed up as Lucy…” Rosie sighed, “Alastor, I know you want to get out of that deal you’re in sweetheart, but you should know that deal would be broken by now if you stop using people. Be the kitten that you are Al, you’re such a sweetheart when you let it show. If you love this man, why don’t you try and be truthful and say you’ve actually gained affection towards him? Be vulnerable in a secret place where it’s just you and him, like you are with me, you can even make him promise to not tell anyone, it would get you closer to breaking that deal and being king of all hell with him too, honey. It will also get you a true lover, give you that chance to be with your girl, even though she’s a man.” Rosie shrugged a little and laughed a bit, “Do you got me, Alastor?” She placed her hands on his cheeks and squeezed them a bit, causing a deer squeak from Alastor as he happily took it. “Yeah, I got you, Rosie…” he then laid his head in her chest as she hugged him. “…thank you…” he said softly and Rosie awed, petting his hair, “You are just the cutest little button like I could just eat you up, but I won’t.” She said and she kissed Alastor’s head then she made him stand up and let go of her, “Go on then, boy. Bye-bye! Come visit again and tell me how it went.” Alastor nodded then left.

When he arrived back at the hotel, he took a deep breath, then went inside.

That night, Alastor lay next to Lucifer, getting himself prepared to be vulnerable, he took a breath and looked down at Lucifer, “Your Majesty, might I have a word?” He asked, Lucifer was holding onto him and he looked up at Alastor, “What is it, Al?” “I now have words to say for our conversation last night.” “Oh boy, here we go.” Lucifer said and he leaned his head in his hand. “What is it?” He asked.

Alastor took a breath, “I will tell you these words if you make a simple deal with me… not anything nefarious, I just want to know you won’t tell anyone what I explain here tonight. If something comes of it after I’m done explaining, we can say that we’re co-parenting Charlie but that’s it. I don’t want to have everyone know the vulnerability I'm showing you tonight, it ruins my character.” Lucifer raised a brow and grinned a bit, “I’ll tell you that I promise to not tell anyone, okay? Sounds good to you?” “Yes.” Lucifer nodded and said, “Then shoot.”

Alastor sighed in relief then took a breath, “Lucifer, this did all start with me using you to rid me of my deal… I was taking advantage of your loneliness like I did before with Vox. But unlike Vox, it became more than that… you’ve made me feel emotions. You’ve reminded me of a girl named Lucy I knew for a short time when I was alive, she was who I considered to be my one, she was an angel in disguise.” He breathed slowly, relieved and kind of proud that he was vulnerably telling the truth, then he looked down at Lucifer.

Lucifer seemed to have returned to his awkwardness and cleared his throat, “Oh! Yeah, that… wait, you thought I was an angel—I mean… you thought she was an angel?” Alastor laughed a bit, “Yes, I thought you were an angel.” He smiled down at Lucifer genuinely. “But I think she remained my one because I hate to admit it, but you caused my feelings to rush back about her, now knowing I could be with her, even if she’s an insufferable little man.” “Insufferable?! Fuck. You.” Lucifer said, poking Alastor’s chest with a pout. “Yes, insufferable.” Alastor responded with a smirk. Then the two stared at each other and soon they just laughed.

Alastor sighed and looked at Lucifer again with a genuine smile still, “So, I’m not necessarily using you anymore… I get it if you still think I’m using you, but that’s not my intention anymore… these are my honest to truth words.” Lucifer looked up at Alastor then without thinking, he kissed his cheek. Alastor let out a little deer squeak and blushed, looking down confusedly at Lucifer, who covered his mouth, “I… I’m sorry! I don’t know why I did that, I promise I’ll never do it again!” Alastor turned on his side and held Lucifer in his arms, “You better take that promise back.” He said and Lucifer was shocked that Alastor was holding him and said what he said. He blushed, looked up, laughed a bit and kissed Alastor’s lips this time. Alastor kissed back.

[l3v1s-g4m3r]

obey me fnaf au cuz I'm still figuring out ST au mc out

implied lower case btw

you groaned as you hit the marble floor hard.

this was not how the experiment was supposed to go.

you were trying to achieve something greater, much like your father, William Afton. he had managed to unlock the secret to immortality, to living forever, hence why youre still alive and look 24 when in reality, you're 103.

before you died, merely even just hours, you thought of your father as a monster, a terrible man no one should strive to be like. oh how you laugh looking back at yourself. I guess being ripped apart limb by limb while inspecting your favorite animatronic for damage changed you. but hey on the bright side, he's your companion now! along with bonbon too!

but anyways, the great thing you were trying to achieve was interdimensional travel. the ability to travel through differing universes.

this was not how your first trial was supposed to go.

you were trying to at least go to a dimension to see yourself! how life is like here!

but noooooo, you get teleported to fucking hell of all places! maybe it's a sign.

now 11 weirdos are looking at you like your a goddamn demon! well, actually, you're in hell, so their looking at your like your an angel.

"uh hi..?" you speak breaking the extremely uncomfortable silence. I mean if they ain't gonna talk, you will!

immediately after you manage to get your greeting out, you are instantly held by an invisible force. not being able to move, you voice your concerns.

"ok what the fuck, I literally just said hello." you manage to say while struggling to get out.

"who are you, why are you here?" a tall, raven haired man questions, clearly having authority over this meeting.

you don't speak. what should you say? what if the Aftons exist here? they could know you and use you for some batshit crazy experiments down here!

"I'm mc...miller." you claim hoping they don't see through your (hopefully) not obvious lie.

murmuring is heard across the room, and you catch a purpleish-blue haired boy with headphones on staring at you with wide-eyes. he seems to know you, probably a damm game theory watcher, if that even exists in hell. you scowl at him.

"what should we do with them?" "should we keep them here?" "they look human!"

"what are you?" the man asks, clearly not giving fraction of a shit about the mutters behind him.

well, technically you are human, but you are also a demon, a glitch, an entity, a ghost, and an animatronic! they don't seem to like humans very much though, from the menacing stares sent your way from the mention of a possibility of you being human.

or maybe they do? you don't wanna find out to be honest.

you decide to go with the best option.

"I'm a demon, a universe travelling one." you decide on demon. they are demons too anyways. saying human would just get you killed.

"why are you here? and what sin do you possess?" he presses you for information.

you fucking hated it.

also what the fuck does he mean by sin?

"my travelling attempt went wrong and well.." you trail off, deciding to show them your horns and tail.

you close your eyes and they suddenly pop into reality. they are long, and they glitch and flash colors of green, purple, black, and white.

audible gasps are heard.

next to come is your tail. different from yours horns but similar in a way. they glitch more, but only in purple and green.

"I'm a...wrath demon...?" you say, attempting to choose your words wisely.

you look around the room and a blonde-haired boy with green eyes is now staring at you. it's pretty damn clear he can see through your lie. you can't say the same for everyone else in the room.

the man infront of you goes to speak with a redheaded man. he seems to be the boss, even though he seems... nice somehow?

that same nice-looking man comes up to you.

"you may stay with Lucifer and his brothers until you find your way home." he gestures slightly towards the man you spoke with earlier as he says the name.

"thank you kind sir. your act is greatly appreciated." you bow in front of the man, earning a small smile from a certain butler.

"but," he starts again "you will have to go to school at my academy." he finishes with a smile, as if happy with your presence.

"anything to get home." you say, taking his offer.

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

ch. 1 done! I have this au all figured out mwuahahahahahahah!

[lavenderpanic]

NEW FIC

Okay I've been messing around with this idea for like months and i only have like 3k words written and I wanted to test the waters to see if this is something you guys are interested in reading.

Brief synopsis: Bucky, a 23 year old college dropout, lives with his fiancé Brock Rumlow by the small New England college Brock is a professor at. Between his OCD and his anxiety and the gender dysphoria his fiancé assures him is all in his head, he struggles to find purpose and happiness. That is, until his fiancé's graduate student, Steve Rogers, moves into town and disrupts everything Bucky thought he knew.

Excerpt below cut, TW: OCD, DV, intentional midgendering/deadnaming, SH behaviors, coercion

Bucky peeks his head into the living room. There are only three men besides his fiancé, but the conversation is already too loud. Brock always says Bucky is just especially sensitive, that he has a naturally nervous predisposition, that’s why he’s best suited to staying home most of the time. He’s right, Bucky is sensitive, to noises and lights and crowds. Brock is so kind to not force him to go out. When he was a kid, his parents always thought he was faking it for attention, so they’d make him go to church and school and the grocery store even when he was overwhelmed. Brock never makes him leave if he doesn’t want to. And sometimes, even if he does want to, Brock knows it’s better for him to stay inside.

��Jamie, why don’t you bring out the drinks?” Brock calls.

Bucky’s back stiffens and he takes a slow breath. The men probably won’t even want to talk to him, they rarely do, beyond simple pleasantries. He just needs to smile and look nice. He grabs the silver tray of gin and tonics and walks into the living room with a timid little smile. He recognizes two of the men, other professors from the university, Rollins and Sitwell, he actually took a course with Rollins before he dropped out, but he doesn’t recognize the third. He looks barely older than Bucky himself, with his sandy hair and round, blue eyes, like perfectly ripe blueberries.

He doesn’t dress like the other men, either. During their classes, sure, they may dress nicely, in suits or button-ups with pressed slacks, but when they get together outside of that, they nearly always wear jeans, maybe a nice shirt or a sweater if they care enough that night. But the younger man, the blond, he’s dressed up like a vaguely homosexual humanities major from a nineties movie about a college in New England. Sweater vest, pants in a cinnamon-y kind of brown, a cream-white shirt rolled up to his elbows.

Brock pecks Bucky’s cheek as he places the tray down on the coffee table, next to the platters of carefully-selected crackers and nuts and cheeses that Bucky has spent the last two years learning how to curate. Brock’s real particular about shit like that. “Thanks, babe,” Brock says gently.

“Dinner should be ready soon,” Bucky whispers, sidling up close to him and glancing at the other men. “Like… half an hour more, I think? The potatoes just need a bit longer.”

“Of course, babydoll,” Brock murmurs, then kisses Bucky’s cheek again. “Go on, you don’t have to stay in here.”

Bucky smiles thankfully and disappears back into the kitchen. It’s a gorgeous kitchen, Brock wanted to gut it and rebuild it all marble and sleek, but Bucky begged him to keep it the way it is. It has beautiful hand painted tiles and dark-stained wooden cabinets and the most perfectly-worn brass fixtures. Brock finally agreed to keep it the way he bought it, if only because Bucky’s the one who spends so much time in the kitchen.

The kitchen smells glorious, the whole apartment does, really. Like thyme and garlic and the orange-cranberry cake he baked this afternoon. The potatoes in the oven are a soft golden-brown, encrusted with herbs, and the steak is resting on the counter. He did a good job. Brock will be happy with him. He didn’t mess up like last time.

He decides to start on the icing for the cake, a simple powdered sugar icing, perhaps with a squeeze or two of orange juice. He plucks the leftover orange from the ceramic fruit bowl and places it down on the counter before going to the cupboard and reaching for the paper bag of icing sugar. He has to stand on his tiptoes and lean against the counter and he’s still barely tall enough to brush his fingers against the bottom of the bag. He gets a loose grip on it when–

“Oh, hey, do you need help with that?”

Bucky whirls around in surprise, sending the bag tumbling to the ground. Nearly half of it flies out in a sugary cloud, painting the antique tiles an ashy grey. On the other side of the cloud stands the blond, the young man who Bucky still hasn’t been introduced to.

“Oh, shit, I’m sorry,” he says with wide eyes.

“No, no, my fault,” Bucky whispers. Brock is going to be so mad with him for making such a bad mess. He’ll need to really mop it, maybe twice or even three times, fine sugar is almost impossible to clean properly. “Sorry.”

“No, nonsense, do you have a broom or something, I could–”

Bucky shakes his head quickly and gestures for Steve to return to the men before he finds his voice. “‘S not your fault, I can clean it. Do you… you need something?”

“Yeah, I’m sorry, Rumlow just said there would be seltzer or soda or something in here. I’m not much of a drinker,” he laughs apologetically.

“Oh, yeah, of course,” Bucky nods. He opens the fridge to reveal shelves upon shelves of perfectly organized food, labeled tupperwares, straight lines of soda cans. “Any flavor you prefer?” Bucky asks quietly.

“Yeah, lemon would be great, thanks.” Bucky hands him a silvery can with a little lemon slice embossed into its front, careful not to slip into the mess of sugar. “Oh, I’m Steve, by the way. I’m a PhD candidate, I just moved here. I’m, um, TA-ing for one of Rumlow’s courses, and I’m teaching one myself.”

“Ooh, that sounds interesting,” Bucky hums. He struggles to think of an intelligent-sounding thing to say next. “What are you, like… getting your PhD in?”

Steve starts to say something, he nearly launches into what must be a very rehearsed recitation of his field of study, but Brock appears in the doorway next to him a moment later, places a hand on his far shoulder like they’re pals. Brock’s easy smile falls from his face when he sees the pile of sugar in the very center of the kitchen. Bucky instinctively takes a step back at the displeasure written into every line of his face. “What’s taking so long?” Brock chuckles, but there isn’t any humor in it.

“I’m really sorry, man,” Steve chuckles, ducking his head in faux-embarrassment. “I knocked over the sugar when I went to open the fridge, stupid mistake.”

Brock’s posture softens a bit, his shoulders drop and he stops glaring at Bucky quite so menacingly. “Yeah, she can clean it up, don’t worry about it.”

Bucky shoots Steve a little thankful grin as the two men walk out of the kitchen. He manages to salvage the sugar that didn’t fall out of the bag and does his best to brush as much of the mess on the floor into a trash bag as he can. He’ll clean the rest tonight, once everyone leaves and he can really scrub at the tile.

He doesn’t get the chance to make the icing before he has to plate up dinner, but that’s fine, the men usually like to drink and talk a bit in between dinner and dessert, so he should have plenty of time to ice the cake in between. He sets five plates full of potatoes and steak and grilled asparagus on the table and calls in for the men. He sits at Brock’s side. He doesn’t have steak, he doesn’t really like to eat meat, it feels weird against his teeth, but he does love potatoes and asparagus. He manages to finish off his plate, which earns him a small nod of approval from his fiancé.

“So, Jamie, what do you do?” Steve asks, once there’s a lull in conversation.

Bucky takes a shaky breath and glances to Brock before answering. “I really just take care of the home, I don’t… work or anything.”

The focus is quickly drawn away from him, and he doesn’t mind. He really doesn’t have anything interesting to add to any conversation. Not unless the topic is baked goods or bookshelves or something. He isn’t good at small talk, but it’s okay, because people don’t usually want to talk to him anyway.

He clears the table while the men chat in the living room. He notices Steve glancing at him through the doorway that connects the living room to the dining room, which makes him a bit uneasy, but people who meet him through Brock usually are a bit surprised to realize he’s so young. There’s only a seventeen year gap, but Bucky knows he’s still quite young. Most people don’t expect a forty-year-old professor to have a twenty-three-year-old fiancée at home. Bucky doesn’t mind. Brock doesn’t, so why should he?

He makes the icing once the table is re-set with clean dessert dishes, a simple icing, vanilla and powdered sugar and milk and a bit of orange juice. He drizzles it neatly onto the bundt cake and places it on the table proudly and waits in the kitchen until the men decide they’re hungry again. Steve sits next to Bucky this time. Brock on one side, Steve on the other.

“Shit, this is good,” Steve curses under his breath. The other men are too busy talking about something Bucky doesn’t understand to compliment him, but he doesn’t mind, he doesn’t need to be thanked for doing what’s expected of him. “Is this from, like, scratch?”

“Yeah,” Bucky whispers, grinning a bit. “It’s a recipe I developed. I have a lot of time. I made a lot of lemon blueberry cake this summer and I thought I could adapt it for autumn.”

“Are you gonna eat some? Seriously, this is like… better than bakery quality.”

“Oh, I’m not hungry,” Bucky lies. He’s on a diet. Not a strict one, but he absolutely couldn’t fit a whole slice of cake into his daily calorie allotment. Maybe if he doesn’t eat breakfast or lunch tomorrow, he could have a leftover slice after dinner.

He busies himself in the kitchen, packing up leftovers and wiping down the counters, while the men say their goodbyes. As expected, moments after the door shuts, Brock appears in the kitchen. “You need to clean the floor,” He says, as if that hasn’t been the only thing on Bucky’s mind all evening.

“I will,” Bucky promises earnestly. “Did I do good tonight?”

“Well, darling,” Brock corrects with a little chuckle. “Yes, you did very well. Such a lovely hostess,” he teases, which makes Bucky’s cheeks go a bit pink, he never does like when Brock makes such a point of calling him a woman, but he knows he meant it as a compliment so he doesn’t protest.

“Thank you,” Bucky grins.

“Come to the bedroom once this is all cleaned up, alright?”

“Alright,” Bucky parrots nervously. He’ll have to hurry up his cleaning, Brock gets mad when he thinks Bucky is procrastinating sex. Bucky doesn’t want to be punished tonight. Having to see so many people already exhausted him, and he narrowly escaped a punishment for dropping the sugar all over the kitchen floor.

But still, he presses a polite smile onto his face and nods and Brock leaves him alone to clean. After two passes with a mop, there are only a few sticky streaks left behind. He’ll really scrub it clean tomorrow, but Brock probably won’t notice in the interim.

Bucky reluctantly shuffles up the stairs to the bedroom. Brock is laying down on the bed, laptop balanced on his thighs. Bucky resists the urge to remind him not to wear outside clothes on the fresh comforter, just barely, Brock gets annoyed when he gets all obsessive about that kind of stuff. Bucky perches delicately on the end of the bed and waits for Brock to finish whatever he’s typing up. He rushes Brock, sometimes, because he’s selfish with Brock’s time. He’s trying to get better, though.

Finally, Brock closes his computer and places it on the side table. He looks at Bucky for several tense breaths. Bucky fidgets anxiously. Is something wrong? Is he doing something wrong? He glances down unsurely at what he’s wearing. “I noticed you were doing it again,” Brock finally states.

“Doing what?” Bucky whispers.

“Scratching your arms.”

“I haven’t been,” Bucky defends quickly. His hands immediately go to circle his forearms, he crosses them over his chest protectively.

“I saw you doing it tonight,” Brock says slowly. “Take off your sweater, Jamie. And roll up those sleeves, too.”

Bucky pulls his knit sweater over his head, then bunches up the long sleeves of his dress to his elbows so his forearms are visible. All along his arms, blanketed by a sheer layer of iridescent scars, soft violet bruises blossom alongside irritated-looking scratches, some newer than others. He looks away, embarrassed. He truly didn’t notice he was doing it, it’s been a habit for so long that he rarely registers it. Brock coos with mock-sympathy and sits up a bit, gesturing for Bucky to scoot closer. He does.

“Baby, you need to stop doing that, look how ugly they are. You’re just making it harder for the scars to heal.”

“‘M sorry,” Bucky mumbles. Brock takes him by the wrists, turns his mottled arms this way and that. After a few moments of inspection, Brock drops his arms again and reaches his hands for his belt. “No, please, I’m sorry,” Bucky whispers desperately, shrinking away from his fiancé as discreetly as he can manage.

“Hands out.”

Bucky lifts his hands up, facing the palms toward Brock. They’re trembling, but he knows better than to refuse. Brock carefully folds his belt in half and strikes Bucky’s palms, ten times, in close succession. Bucky flinches, but he never takes his hands away. Brock is right to discipline him. He’s right, he needs to break this habit. It is ugly. He’s ugly. Brock deserves better than that. “Thank you,” he says quickly, as Brock tosses the belt to the side and leans back against the headboard.

“I’m just trying to help you, darling, you know that.”

“I do,” Bucky nods, rubbing his hands up and down his arms. Brock always keeps the house so freezing. Bucky usually doesn’t mind, but he always feels so shaky when Brock makes him get undressed. His fingertips turn all blue.

Brock undoes his pants, spreads his legs to either side of Bucky so he can crawl forward and situate himself on his stomach. He takes Brock’s dick out of his pants and strokes at it a couple times, but it’s already erect. He takes it into his mouth and sucks gently at the head, he wants to prolong this part to hopefully avoid having Brock fuck into the back of his throat for too long. He hates that. One time he got sick, and Brock got so mad, even though Bucky kind of felt, deep down, like it was Brock’s fault. Since then, every time Brock starts gripping onto his hair and thrusting down his throat, he feels panic tugging at his lungs and nausea pooling low in his stomach.

Thankfully, he leaves Bucky in control for most of the blowjob, he lets him wrap his hands around the length left out of his mouth and stroke at it, which keeps him mollified, even if Bucky should try a bit harder to deepthroat him. Before he can come, he lifts Bucky off of his dick. Bucky blinks and sniffles unsurely as oxygen floods into his lungs. He didn’t–

Bucky flinches as a string of come lands over his eye. Another one, in his hair. He breathes shakily and retches shallowly and waits for Brock to be done. Thankfully, Brock isn’t very chatty after sex. He just throws a few tissues at him and starts scrolling through his phone, dick still hanging out of his undone fly. Bucky used to crave intimacy and conversation afterwards but nowadays he’s just so excited to run off to the shower and have a few minutes to himself.

He starts running the shower in the conjoined bathroom before he even starts undressing. He usually likes to let the mirror steam up so he doesn’t have to look at himself more than necessary. It’s not that the dresses and lipstick and frilly blouses don’t make him dysphoric, and he can still see the contours of his body, his chest, his waist, even through the thin layer of steam collected on the mirror, but it makes his evenings just a bit easier.

Sometimes he dares to use Brock’s body wash, the one that smells like, according to the bottle, a volcano, which makes Bucky giggle a bit. Brock rarely notices when he does, and Bucky can usually pass it off rather easily, oh, we’re almost out of mine, if he mentions it. But tonight he doesn’t. Tonight, he scrubs himself down with his apricot-sweet gel and lathers his hair until it’s sleek and shiny with coconut shampoo and conditioner. Sometimes, he tries to buy nice girly things, scents that make him happy, in some lame attempt to convince himself that he can be happy as a woman. That he can embrace it, embrace the delicate femininity Brock so desperately wants him to embody. So far, he hasn’t had much luck.

[yellowkitkieran]

To Have and To Heal (Part 4)

Masterlist

Read part 1 here

Word Count: 2.9k

Summary: Single working dad Martin Odegaard is navigating the ups and downs of parenthood all on his own, and he’s struggling. That’s not to mention football, life and... love?

The flowers on your desk distract you during your prep hour. The unexpected gift caught you off guard and as such, an old mug serves as a temporary vase until you can get them into a proper one. Since the moment they were handed to you, you've barely stopped smiling. 

You can't stop thinking about the man that handed you the dozen blossoms with a wary smile. You can't erase his relieved sigh when you accepted them, like in doing so you lifted a weight off his shoulders. Martin Ødegaard's murmured 'happy teacher appreciation week' replays on an endless loop in your head. 

You stare at the red petals while you should be getting ready for a math lesson. Your kids will be back from lunch in twenty minutes and you haven't moved from your chair, your sandwich half eaten. Despite your rumbling stomach, you can't force yourself to eat, instead allowing your mind to be consumed by thoughts of Martin. 

How often does he smile? Probably not enough unless he's around his daughter. When was the last time he had a home cooked meal? You'd bet not since he'd visited his home country and spent time with his family. Does he have someone to look after him the way he looks after everyone else in his life? Doubtful, and that realization hurts your heart. 

Standing abruptly, you decide you cannot dwell on this by yourself any longer. You need someone to vent to. Your feet carry you out of your room and down the hall, past decorative banners advertising the upcoming choir concert and past the science posters to your favorite room in the building aside from your own. 

You don't bother knocking, instead opting to pop open the door rather unceremoniously to proclaim, "I've committed a teaching sin." 

"Shh, not so loud!" Your closest teacher friend, Jen, motions for you to come into her classroom and shut the door. "You know better than to burst out with something like that- come in, sit down, have a chocolate and then we can talk." 

Your hand shakes as you reach across her desk to the bowl of candies and grab your favorite. Sinking into a yellow beanbag, you rip into it and pop the bite size piece into your mouth, sighing as bursts of flavor coat your tongue and somehow calm your fraying nerves. Chocolate solves all problems, no matter how pressing. Jen waits patiently whilst your initial panic subsides, allowing you space to wind down. 

"Okay, I think I can breathe now."

Jen smiles, pushing her square frame glasses up her nose. Your best friend is a classically styled teacher, often opting to tie her long blonde hair back in a ponytail or bun so it doesn't get in her way. Nine times out of ten, she wears a smart, matching pantsuit that gives you style envy. Today's fit is a deep blue with a white blouse, completed with a long golden necklace thrifted from her favorite secondhand store. 

"Alright then," Jen says and folds her hand atop the papers she had been grading, "what's the sin? It can't be too terrible or you wouldn't be sitting here talking to me, you'd be packing your things in a cardboard box. Come on then, out with it!" She slaps a poster on the edge of her desk, one with a bright, bubbly font that proudly labels her room as a judgment free zone. "You know I won't tell a soul."

You take a deep breath to center your thoughts. It's taken you what feels like ages to come to terms with how you feel, but you're at the point where you can't deny it any longer. And if there is one person you can count on to talk sense into you, it's Jen. 

"I think I've fallen for a parent- I know!" You splay your hands flat on her desk when her jaw drops. "I know it's bad! God I'm gonna get terminated- I can't believe myself! But it's to the point that I find myself waiting for him to show up at drop offs and pick ups, and when he sends someone else it wrecks my whole day. I've tried ignoring him too, but that only makes him become more charming!"

Jen relaxes into her chair with a smirk. "It's Atla's dad, isn't it? Ødegaard, the footie player?" You nod, half relieved you don't have to say his name yourself. If you did, you fear you'll fall even harder. Thankfully, Jen has a knack for reading your mind. "Mmhhm, thought so. But honestly it's not a big deal, everyone has their parent crushes. Hell, I've had my fair share- Jeremy's mum? Oh my god!" She shakes her head, "that's for another time though. Just don't act on it and you'll be fine."

"See… that's where the issue lies." 

"Oh?"

Now you've piqued her interest. Jen adjusts her glasses, inching her chair forward. Your stomach churns. Thinking these things about Martin and actually telling someone are two different things. Voicing your thoughts makes your attraction real and concrete. Once you've put it into the universe, there's no taking it back. But it's time; if you hold it in any longer, you may well burst. 

"So you know those tulips on my desk? The red ones you asked about." The same adorable, pinkish shade of red Martin had turned when he'd handed them to you this morning.

Stop it, you tell yourself, don't think about that. Definitely don't think about how he was so nervous and fidgety and it was all perfectly endearing… well, fuck. 

"Mhm, I do recall flowers…" Jen flourishes a hand to encourage you to continue, not letting you off the hook with such a simple explanation. She wants details and she expects to get them. You swallow the lump in your throat and push back the unease bubbling in your gut. 

"Those were from Martin. He handed them to me and his cheeks were bright red, almost like he was sunburnt- god, it was adorable Jen, you should've seen him!" You cover your face with a hand, trying and failing to hide your growing smile. "I'm in trouble, quit smirking at me!"

"Smirking? Me? Never!"

You glare at your friend and sigh, "He kept touching his hair and he spoke so softly… yes I know I'm in too bloody deep!"

Biting at your nails is a bad habit you haven't kicked. You do so now, at least until Jen yanks your hand away from your mouth. You smile and tuck your hands under your thighs. Why does Martin have to be so damn charming? If he was a touch less perfect, maybe you wouldn't have such a terrible crush on him. 

"I'd say you need a stern talking to," Jen starts, patting your arm, "but I think you're doing that to yourself. Look, don't get too hung up on it, okay? As long as you keep it to yourself, you'll be fine." 

Question is… how long can you keep this entire thing to yourself?

********** 

For once, the end of your day cannot come fast enough. When the final bell rings and your students disperse to head home for the day, you gather up your things and head to the gymnasium. Once there you pull out the bin of balls designated for after school use and scatter your coloring pages and books on the two picnic tables in the corner. Laughter echoes through the entry as the children start to arrive, most of them shouting greetings your way as they fall into their usual groups to await their parents to pick them up. 

You pretend you aren't waiting for your favorite student, even though you smile when you hear her little voice. Atla comes running over, golden pigtails bouncing behind her. She wraps her arms around your legs and squeezes with all her might, "Hello Miss. Sunshine! I learned about animals today!" 

"Oh did you really? Tell me all about it Attie." You stoop to return her hug with equal fervor, then take her backpack and coat to hang them up. 

"Well elephants are the biggest animals on land- did you know that? And there's so many kinds of frogs in the Amazon rainforest, but they're dying because mean people keep cutting down their habi- habib-" 

Atla frowns, struggling to say the word correctly. You tip your head, giving her one more shot to get it right before you gently correct, "habitat, yeah? Where they live?" When Atla nods, you smile, glad to have helped her. "That's right, mean people are cutting down lots of habitats of different animals, which is why it's so important that we learn about them, so we can grow up and help the little guys defend their homes!"

"Do you have any animal coloring books? I want to color animals today!" Without waiting for your reply, Atla runs over to the picnic table and surveys the selection before digging through the sheets you have printed. She pulls out one of some sort of big cat and gets right to work, her tongue poking out in concentration as she does her best to stay in the lines. 

They say time flies when you're having fun, and today certainly proves that. One minute you're kicking a ball about with some of the older kids and the next, parents are arriving and scooping up their children. Atla is the last one left, which isn't a rare occurrence in itself, but when the clock strikes five thirty you begin to worry. Atla doesn't realize her father's absence, as absorbed as she is in her coloring, which has resulted in a small stack of finished sheets that you carefully tuck in a folder to send home. 

"Attie, did your dad say anything about him being late today?" You crouch next to her, keeping your voice soft. "Normally he's here by now to pick you up."

"He said he had training," Atla says, totally nonplussed. "He's always late when he has training."

You frown to yourself, glancing at the clock again. It's true, he's normally later when he has training, but not this late. You decide to give him ten minutes before you call him to check in. 

Keeping one eye on Atla, you start cleaning up the gym. You find yourself glancing at the double doors leading to the hallway every few seconds, waiting for a handsome blonde Norwegian to walk through with an apology on his lips. It isn't like Martin to be so late, especially without sending a note…

What if something happened to him? London roads can be quite treacherous, especially if someone is in a rush. He could've gotten into an accident, or been mobbed by fans. Who knows? Why is your heart pounding so hard at the thought of him being hurt?

"I'm here!" The gym door bangs open so loud that Atla squeaks, dropping her pencil. "I'm sorry- I'm here! Hey søta, I'm sorry I'm late." 

The words are clearly meant for Atla, though Martin looks directly at you when he speaks. You've never bothered to Google what 'søta' means but now you may have to thanks to the way he seemingly addresses you as such makes butterflies erupt in your stomach. 

"Hi papa! Look what I did!" 

Martin's eyes linger on you for a moment before he leans over to observe her work. He murmurs compliments and offers small, meaningful critiques which Atla seems to take to heart, eating up his words with wide, trusting eyes. You can almost see her compartmentalize his advice to use later, the innocence in her gaze bringing a smile to your face.

When Martin turns to you, he offers an apologetic wince. "Sorry for making you stay so late. The market was hectic."

You wave him off, "Oh no worries. Though in the future I'd recommend doing a food shop during the day if you can. It's much less busy than after work! Everyone is trying to rush and grab ingredients for dinner and it quickly becomes chaos…" You trail off when you realize you're rambling, cheeks hot with embarrassment. "Sorry, I suppose you already know all of that. I guess that's the teacher in me coming out, trying to solve every little issue I see."

"No it's alright, I don't mind. I usually shop during the day, when it's less crowded, but I had to stop and pick something up for you." Martin smiles, his head tilted slightly. 

You blink thrice, not sure you heard him right. Buy when he holds out a small hamper filled with different types of chocolates your mouth falls open. "This- this is for me?"

Martin nods, his face flushed. "Yes, I figured a lousy bouquet of tulips wasn't enough to show my appreciation for everything you do for Atla and all of your students." Martin shifts on his feet, reminiscent of a child caught in an awkward situation. You clamp down on your instinct to reach out and put your hands on his shoulders to hold him still. "You only see Attie for a few hours each day, but she always has the most things to say about you versus her other teachers."

"All good things I hope." You laugh to try and diffuse the situation, though your palms are sweaty from the compliment. The hamper is heavy, so you set it on the ground at your feet. Before you offer Martin your hand to shake, you subtly wipe it on your jeans. You'd rather a hug, but considering the thoughts swirling in your head, that's definitely not a good option. "Thank you for the treats, Mr. Ødegaard. I really appreciate it."

"Please call me Martin," he murmurs, nearly begging. His eyes soften before he finally releases your hand, tucking his own back into the pocket of his track pants. "I thought we were friends."

Martin drags a hand through his hair when you don't say anything. Atla hums while she colors, her little feet swinging in the air. She reminds you of your nephew. He also loves anything creative, preferring things that get his hands dirty, but he'd settle for drawing too. In a different world, the two children could probably be good friends. 

"You haven't come back to the park," Martin murmurs, a touch of mourning in his voice. Martin's offer from a few days prior springs to mind and you mentally kick yourself. You're meant to be an adult! You should be able to put your feelings aside for the sake of the kids. 

"Erm, yeah, I haven't. I've had things planned for my nights, like museums and such. And his parents will be home tomorrow so…" 

Martin's head bobs. "Right, of course. Look, if I overstepped please let me know, but I would prefer you to not be so formal and stiff with me."

"Well I- I mean it's not appropriate for me to call parents by their first names. Or to see them outside of school, for that matter." It's a lame excuse and you both know it. Martin ducks his head, trying to hide his smile. God damn him and that stupid, gorgeous smile. You lock your knees to keep them from wobbling when his eyes eventually find yours again, a smile still on his lips. 

"Please, just call me Martin. You've done it before, and I preferred it that way… I'm making an exception for you, couldn't you make one for me?"

You're so confused by his admission that you nod. Martin's smile morphs into something that lights up the entire room and you're well and truly fucked then. You feel yourself tipping off the deep end, immediately longing to see that smile as often as you possibly can. You'll do or say anything to see Martin beam like that. 

"Okay Martin, I'll use your first name." 

"Perfect, thank you! Okay Attie, time to go home, what do you say to Miss. Sunshine?" Martin crouches to Atla's level, but his eyes remain trained on you. They dance with a mysterious light, something you can't quite put your finger on… but you'd like to find out. 

"Thank you for staying late to keep me company, Miss. Sunshine! I can't wait to have more fun tomorrow morning!"

You wave as the duo head for the exit, Martin's large hand nearly dwarfing Atla's toddler sized one. For a split second you imagine yourself at Martin's other side, sliding your soft hand into his calloused one. You bring a hand up to your mouth to conceal your smile, not wanting him to notice if he turns around. 

Martin does, pausing at the threshold to wave. The fluorescent lights dance in his baby blues, nearly stopping your heart with their beauty. His hair sticks up like chicken feathers in the front, but somehow it fits him. If you weren't fixated on him, you'd miss the way he murmurs 'see you tomorrow Miss. Sunshine'. Suddenly you can't wait to wake up to the shrill ring of your morning alarm at the crack of dawn. For once, you have something to truly look forward to. 

[agoodroughandtumble]

Like the Stars in the Sky - Roronoa Zoro x Reader Part 10

Pairing: Roronoa Zoro x Reader

Warning: 18+. Language, implied smut

Summary: A companion piece, and continuation of, A Man of Little Words

A/N: [Part 1]; [A Man of Little Words]

Zoro was this close to cutting that idiot cook in half. Since had had left you on deck the other night things had been starting to go back to normal – or at least as normal as things could be while he was actively ignoring you. He knew that eventually he would have to speak to you again – preferably before the rest of the Strawhats caught on but he was hoping that his had and heart would be co-operating with each other by then. The fact that he was in love with you absolute. And the fact that you weren’t in love with him was absolute. All he had to do was accept them both. So it was inevitable that the idiot blond was going to ruin everything.

It had all started about an hour ago when Sanji had mentioned that you had seemed a bit distant the last couple of days. Obviously he had decided Zoro was to blame, which just infuriated the swordsman more since Sanji was right – but he didn’t know why he was right. Especially since Sanji blaming Zoro was more out of spite than having any actual grounds. As soon as that imbecile had mentioned your name Zoro had had his back up. The only saving grace was that Sanji pissed him off so much no one would blink an eye at their bickering.

Still. Sanji didn’t have to keep pushing the matter. Zoro was completely aware of the fact that he had fucked up, just as he was becoming progressively aware that there was an ever increasing direct correlation between your happiness and his avoidance. It didn’t take a genius to work that one out.

“Are you even listening?”

Zoro grunted. “No.” Of course he was. He listened to everything Sanji said about you but he wasn’t about to let curly brow know that.

“Marimo. How can you up set her like this? Do you even care?”

Zoro glared at him. Of course he cared. More than you ever will, dickhead. He held his tongue – proving Sanji wrong was not worth bringing you further into the argument. Of fuck. There goes his heart again. Before you, any argument with Sanji was fair game. Any topic, any insult. But you were off limits. “Shut up, cook.”

“I’d love to! But I can’t when someone is being so villainous as to disrespect a lady! If she were mine I would throw myself overboard before seeing a frown grace those perfect lips.”

“She’s not fucking yours.” Zoro snapped, heat rising in his chest. Sanji’s abrupt stop brought Zoro back to his senses and he tried, in vein, to quash his anger. “She’s not anyone’s.”

There was a curious expression on the blond’s face – one that Zoro was struggling to work out. “Do you… do – she – is that-” Sanji spluttered. Zoro raised an eyebrow. “Do you like her?!”

Zoro swallowed. Hard. The absolute last person he wanted to talk to about this was that damn flirt, and yet here he was. Completely exposed. He clenched his fists, trying to gain some form of control. “Even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.”

Sanji seemed to take this as an excuse to flail his limbs about, probably about to cause a scene which was the last thing Zoro could deal with. “You do like her! The poor woman!”

In one swift move, Zoro grabbed Sanji’s collar and pulled him close, knuckles almost as white as Sanji’s shirt. “Not a word, idiot cook.” he pushed him away, perhaps a little more roughly than necessary, glaring straight ahead and trying to ignore Sanji as best he could.

Fortunately, the sight of you and Nami in the distance provided a solid anchor for his attention. His gaze softened slightly. Sanji was still whittering on in the background, an irritating fly buzzing in his ear but it didn’t matter any more. It was much easier to ignore him when Zoro could focus on the sunlight dancing in your hair and the way your soft lips curved into an amused smirk as Nami spoke. He should tell you, if only for his own sanity, or if only to stop Sanji blurting it out before Zoro had a chance to explain himself. He should just rip the plaster off and be done with it. You could only reject him once, after all.

He closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. Tomorrow. All of this madness was going to end tomorrow.

[devilwearingdior]

Chapter One ~Bad Decisions~

18+!

This fic contains: Violence, Alcohol, Nicotine, Cursing, SA.

(And possibly smut in the future chapters.)

Disclaimer: This fanfic contains struggles and problems that might hit close to home… Don’t worry it won’t be all gloom and darkness though 😉

August 19th Sunday, 1973.

I sigh and breath in the Texan air. I had been bored out of my mind, and my roommate was busy, so out of an impulse, I’d decided to go for a drink or two close to the college campus pub. I was gathering my courage to enter. Don’t be a wuss Olivia, i tell myself as i watch people enter the pub happily. There were a bunch of people outside smoking cigarettes and chatting away with each other, and here I was all alone.

After a while, I decided to just enter. I’m met with a sound of music coming from the speakers— A rock song playing I don’t recognise. I head to the bar counter, and a friendly-looking bartender greets me.

“What would you like, young lady?” The bartender asked me, smiling. She had blonde hair that was tied up in a bun.

“A draft beer, thanks," I reply politely, smiling. She asks for my ID and nods satisfied, pouring me a glass of beer and then handing it over. I moved to a secluded corner.

I was content with just people watching for tonight; anything was better than just sitting in my dorm room and dying out of boredom.

I sit down on the bar chair and sip on my beer; it had a pleasant, mild taste for a beer. The pub had people of all ages in it; most were men watching a football game that was playing on TV. The steady sound of the TV and music was broken when a group of guys entered the pub; judging by their varsity jackets, they were college football players. I recognised the logo on their jackets as the same that my college had. It was a bull with devil horns, and their jackets were red and white. They get seats close to my table, and I can’t help but overhear them talk.

“Someone should burn that shithole down already; there's nothing good about it except housing those freaks." One of the boys exclaimed, and his friends agreed with him.

“If we are lucky, someone does it, and that creepy family will be inside it once it happens." Another one, a blonde guy with light blue eyes, now speaks up.

“I wonder why they stay so isolated; I don’t think they ever leave that property of theirs.” The blonde guy continues, a clear disdain in his voice.

“I saw one of them a few days ago by the gas station, a freaky girl; she was humming some weird ass song." A black-haired boy responds, and I notice him shuddering as he recalls the memory.

I didn’t even realise how intently I was listening to their conversation as I jumped back a bit, startled, as the blonde guy called out to me; I hadn’t even noticed that he had been looking at me.

“Hey, you’re pretty cute. What are you doing here by yourself?” Now all of the guys are looking at me, some of them raising their eyebrows as they wait for me to respond to the blonde guy.

“Uh, I was just waiting for a friend,” I reply lying, cringing to myself; no way was I admitting that I was all alone in this pub all night to these guys.

"You don't have a boyfriend, do you?” The blonde boy speaks up again. “Come on, what’s your name? We can get to know each other. My name’s Kyle,” he continues.

“My name is Olivia, and, uh, no, I don't." I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to admit to these guys that I was single, but it was too late now anyway. Kyle grins when he hears my reply and pulls a chair from a table next to theirs, motioning for me to sit next to him. Without much thought, I joined the group of guys; the beer was making me braver. I sit down, and the other guys introduce themselves as Nate; he was blonde too, but he looked a bit older than Kyle. Next to Nate was the black-haired boy, who introduced himself as Josh. Next to Josh was a brown-haired boy named Alex, and the last boy introduced himself as Matt. He was light brown-haired and looked like he was a bit younger than the rest of the group.

"Olivia, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Kyle says, leaning a bit into me as he drinks his beer. He had a constant cocky smirk on his face, and as I looked around at the group of boys, I noticed that none of them looked particularly friendly; I was second-guessing my choice of joining them.

“Nice to meet you too; do you guys by any chance go to the Newt University close by?” I ask as I take a huge gulp of the beer, and the boys nod as a yes. Some of them were flashing their varsity jackets and grinning, telling me that they play on the school football team.

“You go there too? I haven’t seen you there before; you must be new. There’s no way I would have missed a face like yours." Kyle says with a flirty tone and some of his friends have a dumb-looking smirk plastered on their faces.

“Ah yeah, I just transferred here; I’m going to start my third year tomorrow, actually,” I reply. Suddenly, I feel a hand on my thigh. I look down and notice that it’s Kyle’s. I shift uncomfortably away from his hand. He looks at me and smirks but doesn’t say anything.

“Nice, it will be good to see you around,” Nate says with a chuckle, and the rest of the jocks nod their heads in agreement. I’m about to take a sip of my beer when I feel Kyle move his arm around my shoulder, and he speaks up.

“When is your friend showing up? They better hurry if they don’t want us to take you with us for drinks to the dorm."His friends chuckle at his comment, and I feel a shiver go through my body. Before I can reply, Kyle continues.

“So when can I take you out for a date? You didn’t have a boyfriend, right? No better way to get to know a new school and town,” he says with an overly sweet voice. I push his arm away from my shoulder and stand up.

“I have to think about that offer; now I gotta excuse myself; nature calls,” I say, and I don’t wait for their response as I head over to the girls bathroom.

“We’ll be here; don’t keep us waiting for too long!” Nate yells after me. I enter the bathroom and go to the sink, leaning my hands on it, and take a couple of deep breaths. I was in a public place. I was safe; if things got too uncomfortable, I could always come up with an escape plan. I stood there for a while, collecting myself and fixing my makeup. I was starting to feel a bit tipsy. After a while, I decide that I should get out and not hide in the bathrooms. I walk out and notice that the group of boys have moved to the pool table and are playing. I try to walk past them, hoping that they won’t notice me, but it’s all in vain. The brown-haired boy named Alex nudges Kyle. “There’s your new girlfriend! She took her sweet time.” He comments playfully, making Kyle look up at me. He smirks and once again motions for me to join them, but I wave him off. “I need to go and buy a drink!” I make up an excuse, but he walks after me to the counter.

“You don’t need to get it alone; I’ll pay. I just want to spend some time with you,” he says to me while leaning closer, our arms now touching as both of us lean against the bar counter.

“And then later you need to dance with me,” he adds with a wink.

“I can buy my own drink, thanks," I reply, but keep my voice light, trying not to sound rude.

“Oh c’mon! I’m not letting you do that; I don’t know why girls always insist on buying their own drinks. You’ll make me feel bad." He says with a fake pout, I roll my eyes lightly mustering up a smile.

“Fine. You can buy me a drink if you insist." I give in. Kyle smiles in victory and orders both himself and me drinks, then leads me, with his arm around me, back to his friends by the pool table. The rest of the night goes by with me mostly listening to Kyle and his friends joke around while playing; their jokes become more obnoxious and offensive. I try to tolerate it, as I get the increasing feeling that Kyle wouldn’t take well to rejection. After a while, Kyle turns to me, visibly more intoxicated.

“So, about that dance you promised me,” he says, and before I can respond, he’s pulled me closer to the speaker and is now holding me in his arms, moving me to the rhythm. It’s a slower song, and he spins me around, trying to make it seem romantic, but I feel like a trapped animal in his arms. As the song goes on, I feel his hand moving slowly towards my butt, and I pull his hand back up quickly. He lets out a low chuckle.

"Oh, don’t be like that, Olivia; let’s have some fun tonight,” he says, and he starts lowering his hand again, this time with more force.

“Stop it!” I say as I try to push him away, with no use as he is clearly stronger.

“Don’t be so uptight, Olivia; I'm just trying to get to know you,” he responds, sounding amused. He now unashamedly moves both hands onto my butt, and I try to push him away again.

“Kyle, seriously, stop it!” I am starting to panic a bit.

“Don’t be such a mood killer; I’m not harming you." He whispers into my ear. Before I can respond or do anything else, I feel a pair of even stronger arms pulling me away from Kyle, and a tall man steps in between us. I can’t see his face as he has his back turned to me as he speaks to Kyle.

“You jocks are just little shits, aren’t you? I believe this lady said to stop it.” The guy exclaims, and I see a flash of annoyance on Kyle's face as he scoffs.

“She’s just playing hard to get; she was into it. She didn’t really want me to stop it.” Kyle retorts angrily, and then a wave of recognition goes through his face as he looks at the guy and laughs.

“Oh shit! You’re one of the freaks; you’re Johnny Sawyer, aren’t you?" This comment gets the attention of Kyle's friend group, and they all move to his side.

“So you freaks do come out of your shithole! Who would have known?” Kyle continues, his friends laughing. I noticed the guy named Johnny tense up, and it was like I could feel an aura coming from him, one that seemed to shout: Do not mess with me. He was outnumbered greatly, but it didn’t seem to bother him as he moved closer to Kyle as if he were about to punch him. Kyle didn’t move, and now that they were face-to-face, the tension was thick in the air.

“What are you going to do, Sawyer? You want to fight?” Kyle snarls, his friends clearly ready to back him up. Johnny doesn’t say anything, but I could see his fists curl up, and he seemed like all his muscles were tensed up. I look around and notice that now everyone else in the pub is watching the situation unfold, and my slightly tipsy mind decides that now is the moment to dip out.

Kyle nor his friends pay any attention to me as I leave the pub, the cool air hitting my face. I couldn’t afford to get into trouble already; I hadn’t even started school yet! I look back once and hope that the guy named Johnny will be smart enough to back off; he couldn’t possibly fight all those guys alone. I was secretly grateful to him that he’d come up and interrupted Kyle's attempts, and a part of me felt guilty for leaving him there to defend himself because of that. I walked quickly along the pathway; the tall trees swaying lightly with the cool wind What the hell happened there?? I thought to myself as I could see the campus grounds getting closer to my relief.

As I enter the campus grounds I feel my feet start to move faster towards my dormitory building as if on their own accord, opening the heavy door I feel the welcoming warmth of the dormitory hallway and sigh in relief. 302, my room. My roommate Amber hadn’t come back yet judging based on her neatly made bed, I get inside and turn on the lights, there was still plenty of boxes around my bed since I hadn’t gotten around to unpack. I grab my t shirt and shorts and change into them; after that I head into the bathroom to remove my makeup and brush my teeth. I get back to my room and sit on the bed. This wasn’t a promising start for my school year at all; what had I gotten myself into?

I checked the time; it’s already 12 a.m. I should get to bed and at least try to sleep… I felt restless as the nights events kept replaying in my head, but as soon as I lay my head on my pillow i feel myself drifting off to sleep, lulling me into safety and security. Little did I know this was only the beginning for everything…

Authors notes: Stay patient; I promise the familiar characters will make more appearances already in the next chapter! Feedback is always welcomed :) I will try and post two chapters per week; Monday/Tuesday and Friday. Thank you for reading ❤️

Character list Here

[be-a-man-forcemasc]

Marla Matryoshka

Marla Singer attempts to fill the void that Tyler Durden left in her heart. As they spend time apart, she realizes that she doesn't just want to love him, she wants to become him.

Read on Ao3

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Ch. 3: (S)he who fights with monsters.

Late night in the basement of the bar, a crowd gathered in a circle. There were a series of dim lamps in a circle in the center of the crowd. There were so many guys there that Marla Singer could not see or hear what the large man in the center of the circle was saying. She could only hear the chanting of the guys with the shaved heads on the edges of the crowd, closing their eyes and muttering…

…the second rule is don't talk about fight club…

I chanted along with them. I wore my black hoodie with the hood pulled over my freshly shaven head.

…no shirt, no shoes, no weapons…

I chewed on the strings and rocked on my heels.

…the eighth and final rule is that if it's your first time at fight club, you have to fight.

So it begins.

I watched a Filipino and a Mexican guy duke it out. People in the front yelled loudly in Spanish. I couldn't tell who was winning.

As they were cracking open each other's skulls, I noticed that the guy next to me had a tattoo on his forearm that said, “Scratch a liberal and a fascist bleeds.” His forearm was as thick as my neck.

Marla used to faint at the sight of blood.

My thoughts were interrupted by a tap on the shoulder. “You're new. You have to fight.” The young man grinned to reveal missing teeth.

“I've been here before! It's just been a while.” I said.

“You don't look familiar.” He said. “What's your name?”

“I'm Tyler.”

I think those are the words that came out of my mouth that night. I watched myself from afar, like a black and white movie recorded to a VHS tape recorded to another VHS tape.

He chuckled. The crowd giggled too.

“Oh yeah?”

“We've fought before.” I said.

Mom shook her head. Mom says I should have married a doctor.

The large, blonde man who was the host noticed the unruly crowd that had formed around her and decided to take back control.

“LISTEN UP! This is Tyler! Show some respect!” His voice filled the whole room.

The whole crowd went silent. People whispered on the edges of the crowd.

Marla wanted to go out into the ring.

No I don't.

Marla took a step into the ring.

I took a step back where it's safe.

Marla decided to size up someone in the crowd. She felt a nudge from behind but when she looked over her shoulder, no one was touching her.

I rummaged around in my pockets for a cigarette. I couldn't find them.

Mom said I need to quit smoking. Mom said I'm ruining my body.

“I want to fight you, actually.” Someone said. It was me actually.

I pointed at someone. It was the host. He had blonde hair, a big gut and a receding hairline. He was dressed in the Seattle uniform, white shirt with red flannel, blue jeans and hiking boots. He began to slip off his shoes. I think his name was Bob?

I was suddenly taking off my shoes. I felt my heart beating a thousand miles an hour. I realized that I would have to take off my sweatshirt. If they saw what was underneath, they would kick me out for sure. I wouldn't find Tyler. I took off one shoe very slowly.

Bob took off his white shirt and revealed something that looked like a sports bra, but it was made of spandex, like a bathing suit. He grabbed it at the armpits and bent over as he grunted and struggled to pull it over his head. Wolf whistles and chuckles came from the crowd.

When he finally got it off, Marla couldn't look away at what she saw. Marla had decent tits. But Bob? Bob had…

Bazongas.

Tig ole bitties.

Mommy milkers.

They sagged from his chest all the way past his belly button and almost to his belt. You could tell he grew them naturally. Good lord.

I took off my sweatshirt and shirt in the same motion.

Mom said something, but I couldn't hear anything with the blood pumping in my ears. In that moment, it didn't matter what she wanted. I knew what I wanted.

I felt no fear and no pain as Bob's fist. connected with my face. I felt my fists slam into his belly. I didn't even make a dent in him. He grappled me and slammed me on the ground. I tasted blood. My face was wedged between his tits. I don't remember what happened next except for the smell of blood and sweat and dirt on the floor and the sound of the crowd and my head roaring like the crashing waves of an ocean.

[hephaestn]

harringrove greece au | part i | part ii

like every saturday, the market is busy; buzzing with yelling voices trying to sell produce, kids running past them as they walk down the street, making their way towards their favorite stalls.

billy loves saturdays here, the routine of them—an early wake up, a nice breakfast on the terrace, enjoying the first rays of warm light as the sun rises. he also loves how tender steve is as he munches on his breakfast, resting his head on billy’s shoulder from time to time, still struggling to fully wake up. but he loves their stroll around the farmers market even more, it feels homely, it feels just right to choose and decide what they want to buy, what they feel like eating throughout the week. the whole thing feels easy, domestic, and billy loves it.

steve squeezes billy’s hand and signals with his head towards the cheese stall a few feet away, “will you go buy some bread while i go get some manouri cheese?”

“yeah, sure. what should i get?” billy says, half chuckling as he watches a little kid steal a couple of olives from one of the farmers.

“just a couple of rustic loafs.” steve follows billy’s gaze to find the farmer yelling after the kid, who has already stormed off in laughter.

“okay. horiatiko?” billy asks him, attention back on his boyfriend.

“yeah. it’s max’s favorite, isn’t it?” steve watches billy’s face as the blond nods. “right. i’ll go get that cheese before pavlos sells it all.”

steve offers billy a soft smile before making his way through the busy street. billy can’t help it—not when that stupid smile still makes his stomach twist and burst into a thousand butterflies—he stands there, immobile as he watches steve in his beige trousers, white shirt and sunglasses. he’s so fucking in love.

there aren’t many people at angelina’s bread stall but the old woman always has a way to keep billy there for longer than it’s needed. she’s fond of him, has tried at least a hundred times to make him go on a date with one of her granddaughters—and billy has politely declined another hundred.

the morning heat is getting to him, his tshirt has slowly started to stick to his lower back and his head hurts. he’s desperate to go back home. as much as he loves the market he wants nothing more than to dive into the water for a little while before they have lunch.

billy’s in a bit of a bad mood when he reaches the cheese stall—where steve still is, chatting cheerfully with pavlos. billy had never noticed before. he had never noticed how the young greek man keeps a smile on his face at all times while speaking to steve. how he makes stupid jokes that, somehow, seem to amuse billy’s boyfriend. how in the middle of a normal, stupid sentence he’s fucking winking at steve.

billy can’t help but examine him. pavlos is a handsome guy—deep black hair, a big toothy smile, broad shoulders, bronzed skin. he’s hot. and billy hates him all of a sudden.

“did you already get the cheese?” billy mutters to steve, who turns to him. billy can’t read his eyes through the sunglasses and it makes him feel uneasy.

“kalimera, billy.” pavlos looks at him with that big, wolf-like smile that billy suddenly wants to punch.

-

the grocery bags get thrown on the kitchen’s wooden table as soon as they walk through the door.

“why are you being so fucking awful right now?” steve barks as he takes off his sunglasses in a swift motion.

“i can’t always be in a good mood, can i?” billy huffs as he starts pulling stuff out of the bags.

“you were perfectly fine this morning. what could possibly have happened in the last two hours to make you act like a brat?” steve crosses his arms as he watches billy’s hands laying out the vegetables on the table.

“a brat?! are you fucking kidding me, steve?” billy stops his movements, looks steve deadpan in the eyes. he’s fuming, trying his best to control the beast that wants to come out.

“well, what’s your fucking problem then?” steve lifts his shoulders in a soft shrug, testing billy’s nerves.

billy goes quiet for a minute as he keeps pulling out their buys from the market. until his hand comes into contact with pavlos’ stupid manouri cheese.

“he’s into you, you know?” billy huffs, resting his fists on the table, eyes focusing on the wood grain.

“who?”

“pavlos. pavlos’ into you, steve.” billy closes his eyes as he shakes his head. and then he hears a soft chuckle that pulls him out of the darkness behind his closed eyelids.

he stares at steve, who has a big smile on his face. “what? is this amusing to you or something?” billy asks him, still annoyed.

“are you jealous of fucking pavlos?” steve raises his eyebrows as he rounds the table to stand beside billy.

“well, yeah. i fucking am.” billy’s eyebrows furrow in confusion at his boyfriend’s amusement.

“first of all,” steve says as he puts his hands on billy’s waist, turning him towards him. “i wouldn’t like pavlos. not in a million years. not when i have you.”

billy rolls his eyes, a smile threatening to show up on his face. steve puts his left hand on billy’s cheek and draws him towards his face to then kiss him—slowly, with care, taking his time. when steve pulls apart, he’s smiling.

“and secondly, he’s actually into you.”

billy, with his mind still in a haze after steve’s kiss, frowns. 

“what?” he exclaims.

“yes. pavlos, angelina’s granddaughters… the whole fucking market wants a piece of you, california.”

steve leaves a quick peck on billy’s lips before taking a piece of manouri cheese in between his fingers. “he makes a mean cheese but has terrible taste, we all know i’m the catch.”

[return-of-a-space-cowboy]

The Maystone mangler prolouge

(Yandere slasher blackmore x gender neutral reader)

It had only been two days since you had moved to this small town called Maystone in Nebraska. It seemed like a quaint town with various old buildings and friendly townsfolk around. You hoped you would settle comfortably into this town.

Your move had been on a whim, you'd broken up with your previous partner and the bank chain you'd been employed at for a couple of years was looking for people who could transfer to the new bank in Maystone. You didn't really have much attachment to where you lived and worked, so you decided to start fresh in a new, more communal town.

The town itself had a confusing layout. New infrastructure was being developed around the town. Some places just weren't on the map.

Today you were in town struggling to find the grocery store and walked into a building in hopes of finding someone that could point you in the right direction.

There you stood in an old butchery. The buzz of fluorescent lights is almost deafening. Walls colored in a yellowing paint that used to be white. Tiles a shade of viridian green and old curtains that were maroon.

"Hello… are you alright?" a soft, coy voice asked. You looked to the counter to see a scrawny, blonde-haired male at the counter. He didn't strike you as the kind of person who'd do such a grim and labor-intensive job.

"Yes actually" you replied as you made your way to the counter and pulled out a map from your bag.

"I've been looking for the grocery store, the map says there should be one on this strip, I just moved here so I'm still trying to get my bearings" you explained. The blonde grabbed a pen and circled a blank spot on the map.

"A new supermarket opened up there recently, there used to be the local grocery a few buildings down but the previous owner died a couple of months ago" he replied.

"If I remember correctly… the updated map will be available next week, so maybe check in with town hall to get a copy" he suggested.

"Thank you so much, I'll definitely get a new one as soon as it's out" you thanked him and were about to turn your head before stopping to look at the display. It'd be rude if you left after he helped you, besides the meat here would be a lot fresher than what the supermarket.

You looked intently, there were whole chickens already plucked and the thickest pork knuckles you'd ever seen. However, you were in the mood for something you didn't have to put a lot of effort into. That's when your eyes landed on gravy beef, your parents used to make casserole all the time during winter when you were little. All you'd need to do is cut up a couple of vegetables and throw it all in the casserole dish.

"Could I get a pound of the gravy beef please?" you asked the male that you now got a decent look at. He had the bluest eyes you'd ever seen, they were like the deep, expansive sea. He was very fair-skinned, almost sickly pale.

"Ah- sure thing" he stuttered, seemingly shocked that you were ordering something. He quickly grabbed a bag and put it over his hand and grabbed what he assumed was the right amount before putting it on the scale.

"Is that alright?" He asked you. It was only a few ounces extra.

"Yes, thank you," you told the young man as you grabbed out your purse.

"That'll be 12 dollars," he told you.

You looked back up at the scale to see the displayed price as $13.60

"Are you sure?" You asked.

"Yes, I know it's not much but consider it my way of saying welcome to Maystone," he told you.

"Thank you so much, My Name Is (Y/n)" you said.

"My name is Blackmore" he responded with a smile, his cheek the slightest shade of pink.

You returned a smile and made your way to the door and opened it.

"I hope to see you again," he said.

"Same" you replied before leaving.

That night you ate the casserole you made. The meat was unbelievably tender. It was the best you'd ever eaten. It made you feel a little more comfortable in this strange little town and ready to seize whatever your first day at work would bring.

[themaladaptivewriter12]

Title: Diamonds Are Forever

Part 8.5 of my “Cray-Cray for Cater” series! Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6 , Part 7, Part 8.1, Part 8.2, Part 8.3, and Part 8.4 can be found here!

Parings: Cater Diamond x Twisted Wonderland Male OC (Mirai Yuhara)

Summary:

With an extended break, Cater decides to take Mirai on a trip to remember. This trip should have strengthened their bonds, but somehow they break a little too.

cw: Fluffy stuff!

a/n: I really liked writing this part, but I did struggle with making sure it flowed smoothly. And I like my interpretation of Cater's father. I've always imagined him as the loving family guy with an undying love for his wife. (o^ ^o)

a/n: There's no actual reference for the restaurant. It was just a bunch of random pics I put together and made a layout in my head. ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ

Reblogs are appreciated, just use my custom tag, #TheMaladaptiveWriter12, if you do!  (─‿‿─)♡

Cross posted from my Ao3: TheMaladaptiveWriter12

It was six twenty-five and they had to be at the restaurant at seven. Cater was currently in the bathroom freshening up, and Mirai was in the closet, putting the last of his outfit together. Mirai had chosen to wear a gold button up decorated in red flowers, the material thin and see through. Mirai’s pants were skin tight and leather matching the blazer he was wearing over his shirt, and his heeled boots. Mirai decided this was also a good time to put his snake bites back in, and to do some light makeup. 

“Babe? You ready?” Cater called, walking out of the bathroom. 

“Yeah, I think,” Mirai said, using some gel to do some last minute touch ups to his hair, slicking it back a bit.

Mirai peaked his head out of the closet just as Cater passed by, the strawberry blonde searching for him.

“Hey Cay-Cay, do you think I should go with or without the blazer?” Mirai asked nervously.

Cater turned around and stopped dead in his tracks, mouth agape.

“I-Is it bad? Too much?” Mirai asked nervously.

Cater didn’t say anything as he crowded Mirai’s space, pushing him up against the wall. Mirai stammered Cater’s name as he slotted a knee between Mirai’s legs and kissed him.

“Baby,” Cater whined, leaving a trail of kisses down Mirai’s neck. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t skip dinner and stay in?”

Mirai choked out a laugh as Cater sucked on his collarbone, happy that his outfit had this type of effect on his lover. “Because we already told your father we were coming.”

“Mhm…we, we could skip?” Cater smiled deviously.

“Nope. We’re going.”

Cater whined but let up. “But seriously, Buttercup, you look so good. #KillinIt!”

“You look good too,” Mirai said, fixing Cater’s shirt.

And he did. Cater decided on a dark red blazer with a white shirt and gold vest. His pants were black and his oxfords were black with gold accents. In his breast pocket was a white folded handkerchief and all over Cater Mirai could spot little gold diamond charms. There was one on each shoe, four on his Albert Chain, and a big gold one pinned to the left lapel of his blazer. Cater’s hair back into a low ponytail, two strands falling to frame his face. It was like his usual do, except lower. And the best part was that they matched with the red and gold color scheme they had going. It was new, it was fun, and Mirai liked it.

“You think so? I feel kinda stuffy,” Cater said thoughtfully. 

“Aw, I’m sorry. You wanna take something off?” Mirai asked.

“Nah. It's not that I don’t like it, it’s just kinda not me. But it’s nice to dress up from time to time.”

“Yeah,” Mirai agreed. 

Cater’s phone pinged and he rushed over to check it.

“The Magilyft will be here in five minutes. Ready?”

“Yep.”

The ride to the restaurant was short. It actually was a hotel, but the restaurant was on the top floor. When they got there, they had to tell the bellboy where they were going to be escorted up. After they got into the restaurant, Cater gave one of the women at the door his last name and they were asked to follow her to their table. The restaurant was nice, and like their hotel room, it was all glass windows, giving the patrons a panoramic view of the city. The whole room was dimly lit with soft white lights that were decorated to look like skyscrapers. The atmosphere of the room was elegant and classy, and even with a full house, it wasn’t loud like how you would get at a family restaurant. 

As they got closer to their table, the more anxious Mirai grew. He was actually about to meet Cater’s father, and that scared him. Mirai could remember the day when his mother gushed about Mirai’s potential future partner, stressing that meeting the parents was a crucial part of being in a relationship. Mirai held those words close to his heart though, and even now, he could hear them echoing in his head. Mirai didn’t want to make a bad first impression, and he definitely didn’t want Cater’s father to find him as someone who wasn’t good for his son. 

Mirai felt a hand grab his, and jumped from his thoughts. Cater smiled down at him, winking with a smirk, “Relax, hon. You’ll be fine.”

 Mirai took a deep breath, “I’m fine.” Yeah, he was fine. He could do this. 

The pair were led to the far side of the room where you had good views of the city. They walked up a couple of stairs to a raised area of the restaurant where only a few tables sat. Mirai caught sight of an older man with dark orange hair in an expensive suit sitting at the table closest to the window, enjoying the view as he did his cup of red wine.

“Mr. Diamond, your party has arrived,” the Hostess said, stopping to hold an arm out, gesturing for them to continue forward. 

Cater’s father turned around and his face lit up immediately. He looked like Cater in the eyes, or well, Mirai should say Cater looked like his father in the eyes. They both had down turned eyes, both similar in color, except Cater’s father had lines from age around his. Even their eyebrow shape was the same. Mirai also noticed that Cater’s hair was brighter than his fathers, but what Mirai found the most charming was their similar smiles, all teeth and their eyes crinkled when they did.  

“Cater! Look at you dressed like a dashing young man,” Mr. Diamond gushed, standing to greet them. 

“D-Dad,” Cater laughed, embarrassed. 

Cater let go of Mirai’s to accept the hug his father gave him. 

“You look good, son,” Mr. Diamond complemented, straightening Cater’s blazer. 

“TYSM,” Cater said, reaching to play with his bangs, a nervous habit Mirai found adorable.

“And where’s the young man that has stolen my son’s heart?” Mr. Diamond asked, looking around Cater’s shoulder, eyes meeting Mirai’s. 

Mirai flushed, swallowing his nerves and walked over, taking the initiative. “Mirai Yuuhara,” Mirai said, taking Mr. Diamond’s hand, giving it a firm shake. 

“Jean Diamond,” Mr. Diamond said, shaking his hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Diamond.”

“Please. You can call me Jean.”

“I-I’m, I’m sorry sir, but I don’t, I don’t feel comfortable d-doing that,” Mirai stammered.

“Nonsense. It’s no skin off my nose, really.”

“I-I, i-it’s-”

“It’s fine,” Mr. Diamond said, waving Mirai off with a chuckle. “Whatever you deem fit is what you can call me. Now please, sit, sit.”

“Thanks,” Cater said, leading Mirai over to the table. 

Cater pulled out Mirai’s chair, guiding him by the hand to sit Mirai down. Mirai flushed at the gentlemanly gesture, sitting down, and allowed Cater to push in his chair. Cater sat down not too far from Mirai, but they were still close, and Mr. Diamond sat back down in his seat by the window. 

“My name is Rosie and I’ll be your waitress tonight. Would you like to order some drinks and appetizers to start us off?” Rosie asked politely after they all were seated, handing out menus. 

“Yes. A bottle of red sparking, and a bottle of your finest red,” Mr. Diamond said.

“And for your appetizers?”

The table was silent, none of them having a clue on what they wanted to eat.

“I can come back, if that’s alright with you?” Rosie asked.

“Splendid,” Mr. Diamond said with a smile.

“Understood. I’ll be back with your drinks.”

With that Rosie was off.

“So how was your trip, I pray it went smoothly?” Mr. Diamond asked while looking over his menu.

“It was great,” Cater chirped. “I got so much Magicamable material to last me weeks!”

“And you, Mr. Mirai, how has your trip been so far? I recall Cater telling me you’ve never been to the Shaftlands.”

Mirai flushed at the title, smiling awkwardly, “N-No, I haven’t, but Cater has made this trip an enjoyable one. I’ll never forget this trip even if I wanted to.”

“I’m glad. I know this was short notice, but I had a little time, so why not use it to meet the boy my son won’t stop talking about?” Mr. Diamond said smirking, eyes thinning just like Cater’s did when he was up to no good.

“Dad?!” Cater gasped, face going red in mortification.

“Oh please. You showed not a lick of embarrassment when you talked my ear off every weekend for the past several weeks about your new lover.”

Cater made a strangled noise from the back of his throat.

“And don’t get me started on all the texts Cater has sent me. What was it? Ah yes. Cater said, and I quote, ‘just look at his freckles, they're so cute! I just wanna eat his little face,’” Mr. Diamond read aloud from his phone.

“D-Dad, please, stop,” Cater begged.

Mirai flushed, peeking over at Cater, who was hiding behind his menu. Even with how embarrassing it was, he found it quite cute. 

“Or how about ‘OMG! He’s got tattoos and piercings! I can’t believe I landed myself a total baddie! #Badboy! #Sexy!’”

“Dad,” Cater whined.

“‘He’s so cute when he sleeps,’” Mr. Diamond read aloud, “‘And when he’s eating, and when he’s mad. No scratch that, he’s cute when he does anything! #Cutiepie!’”

Cater whined pitifully, accepting his fate.

Mirai flushed red, chuckling at his boyfriend’s demise.

“Dad, please,” Cater whimpered.

“Okay, okay,” Mr. Diamond laughed, “I’ve embarrassed you enough, but my point still stands. Now let’s order our food, I’m famished.”

Their table was relatively quiet except for the back and forth between Cater and Mirai. Mirai couldn’t decide on if he should get an appetizer at all since he knew he wouldn't be able to eat dinner if he did. Cater decided they both would share one, but then came the question on what they would get.

“How about the sliders,” Cater asked, pointing to the dish.

“I-I don’t eat meat, sorry, Hon,” Mirai said apologetically. 

“Oh yeah. Then what about the fries?”

“I’d eat every single one of them and not eat anything else. How about the flat bread?”

Cater hummed thought fully, “There’s peppers on that.”

“I hate peppers,” Mirai pouted.

They were getting nowhere and the waitress would be back any second now. As Cater looked over his menu, Mirai spotted Mr. Diamond staring at the two of them, smiling fondly. Mr. Diamond caught Mirai’s eye and smiled warmly, Mirai flushed and shyly looked away.

“What about the stuffed mushroom?” Cater asked.

“I hate mushrooms with a passion,” Mirai deadpanned. 

Cater laughed, “I guess that’s out too.”

“What about the potstickers?” Mirai asked, pointing to it on the menu, “It even comes with spicy dipping sauce.”

“OMG! Where?” Cater looked over the dish and then nodded, “Oh yeah, we’re totes getting that.”

“Alright. I’m glad we decided ‘cuz our waitress is here.”

Rosie and a waiter walked up to their table, tray of drinks in hand. “Alright. Here we have a bottle of our finest Red Wine, Umbridge: Red Rose Wine, and some red grape sparkling. Is that okay?” Rosie asked, the two of them holding out the bottle.

“Perfect,” Mr. Diamond said with a bright smile.

Rosie and the waiter, Keith, both popped open each bottle and poured them each their respective drinks. “And are you guys ready to order, or would you like some more time?” Rosie asked, pulling out her little notepad. 

“I’d say we’re ready,” Mr. Diamond answered. 

Mr. Diamond ordered the Prosciutto and Mozzarella Crostini and Cater ordered the Chicken and Vegetable Potstickers for the two of them. After that they fell into some light chatter. Mirai asked about what Mr. Diamond did, and the older man was more than happy to tell. He went into detail about the business aspect, which flew over Mirai’s head, but when he started talking about all the places he traveled to and all the people he met, Mirai was enamored. Mirai wondered what it was like to travel for work, go to all kinds of different places, meet new people and see new things. That was a life Mirai always wanted, and he knew that want came from not feeling like he had a place to actually call home, not in America, and not even here. 

As they chatted, Rosie came by with their appetizers, refilling their classes before they went empty. Everything looked so good. The potstickers were perfectly golden brown and steamed. The tops were soft and the bottoms crispy, everything Mirai could want from a potsticker.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Cater called, standing up, phone raised, “pictures first.”

Mirai and Mr. Diamond groaned. 

“I’m so glad I’m not the only one who finds this unnecessary,” Mr. Diamond sighed. 

“Ten seconds,” Mirai grumbled, “Make it count.”

“Oh come on,” Cater bemoaned, snapping a couple of pics before sitting down. “It’s not that bad.”

“Cater, Hun, I love you to bits and pieces, but I don’t care for the food pics.”

“That I can second. I’d like to eat my food when it’s bought to me,” Mr. Diamond smiled apologetically.

Cater played with his bangs, face tinged with a slight flush. 

“Aw, it’s okay Baby,” Mirai cooed, pecking Cater on the cheek. “You know I’d have a photo op with you any day.” 

“As long as the dinner photos aren’t too long, then I suppose I don’t mind,” Mr. Diamond said, taking a bite of his Crostini.

Cater was still a little perturbed, but as soon as he stuffed his face with food, his entire mood changed. “Oh my Seven! This is so good,” Cater enthused. 

Mirai and Mr. Diamond laughed.

“Mi-Mi! You have to try it with the spicy one,” Cater urged, lifting half a potsticker between two chopsticks to Mirai.

“Cater, Honey,” Mirai deadpanned, “I’ve seen you eat habanero peppers like they were candy, so Ima need to know how spicy it is.”

Cater laughed, “It’s nowhere near anything I consider spicy. Promise.”

Mirai tentatively ate the food from Cater’s fork. It was good, the spice had a nice kick to it, but not enough to burn your tongue and esophagus as it went down. 

“It’s good, a little spicy,” Mirai said thoughtfully. 

“I say it could be spicier,” Cater said, drenching a potsticker in the dark sauce and stuffing it in his mouth. 

“You’re gonna ruin your tastebuds.”

“And where would I be if I couldn’t taste those pretty lips of yours?” Cater teased.

“Cater,” Mirai flushed.

Cater laughed mirthfully.

What Cater and Mirai didn’t notice was the fond look on Mr. Diamond’s face as he watched his son’s and his lover’s banter. 

It was well into the night, appetizers were finished, and dinner was ordered. The party of three spoke to each other, enjoying their meals. Mirai ordered the Broccoli and Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo which he ate everything but the chicken out of. Cater ordered the Ultimate Ropa Vieja, which was insanely spicy, the sauce a dark red. Mr. Diamond on the other hand ordered the Steak Au Poivre that was served on a skillet, the food still sizzling as it was brought to the table. 

Mr. Diamond somehow got onto the topic of Cater as a child, and Mirai couldn’t lie, it was quite funny.

“I used to take him to the office,” Mr. Diamond said, cutting at his Steak. “He would sit at my feet, playing with his toys, coloring on sheets of paper, and at one point I left him by himself to run an errand. When I came back he had made himself a cup of coffee and copied his face twenty times.”

Mirai laughed and Cater chuckled.

“I think I vaguely remember that,” Cater said, playing with his bangs.

“I got a good scolding from my boss, but nothing too severe,” Mr. Diamond chuckled. 

“Big oof. Now I feel bad.”

“Oh, don’t be. You were just being a kid.”

“What was Cater like as a kid?” Mirai asked.

“Cater was like he is now. He was always friendly, he always had friends,” Mr. Diamond said fondly, “Although, I’d say he’s a lot less talkative now, and a lot less energetic.”

Mirai laughed. 

“Was I that bad?” Cater asked, cheeks turning pink.

“Before your aversion to sweets, we couldn’t give you sugar.”

Cater laughed.

“Aww,” Mirai cooed, “You sound like you were so cute.”

“He was and I have pictures,” Mr. Diamond said, pulling his wallet out of his pocket.

“Dad, no,” Cater said panickedly. 

“Dad, yes,” Mr. Diamond smirked.

Mr. Diamond opened his wallet and out came a reel of photos. There were some of Mr. Diamond and his wife, his daughters, and multiples of tiny Cater. There was some of Cater as a baby, birthday pictures, tiny Cater and a much younger picture of Mr. Diamond in an office, and many more. 

“Aww,” Mirai gushed. “Cater, you were so cute.”

“Guys,” Cater whined, hiding his rosy cheeks.

“He was, wasn’t he,” Mr. Diamond smiled. “Well, not that you’re cute now, just a different kind of cute.”

Mirai laughed, agreeing with Cater’s father wholeheartedly.

Empty plates were taken and dessert was ordered to go. It was fairly late, and everyone was more than ready to head out.

“Ima head to the bathroom real quick,” Mirai announced, leaving the table. 

“Take your time, son. There’s no rush,” Mr. Diamond said, taking a sip of his drink.

Cater watched Mirai leave, a warm smile on his face. Cater couldn’t think of anything that could ruin the moment.

“You two are intimate?” came Mr. Diamond’s sudden question.

Spoke too soon.

Cater choked on his drink, nearly spitting it out onto the table in front of him. Cater swallowed hard, clearing his throat, his face heating up, “W-We, I-”

“There’s no use trying to explain yourself. I follow your Magicam, I saw that photo from a while back,” Mr. Diamond chuckled. “Also, your lover has the poorest choice in tops if he wanted to hide the marks on his neck.”

Cater couldn’t get the words out of his mouth, his tongue felt as if it was made of lead. He was mortified. 

“If you were one of your sisters, or if he were a female, you’d be in trouble, but since that isn’t the case, I won’t be as hard on you,” Mr. Diamond said, voice steely. 

Cater nodded vehemently. 

“I didn’t lay your mother until we were married. I don’t like the prospect of sleeping around for the fun of it, and I sure didn’t raise you to do so either.” 

“I’m sorry,” Cater mumbled.

“Don’t be, but I do hope you keep what I said in mind,” Mr. Diamond said. 

“Is it too early to want to be his last?” Cater asked, a dopey smile etched onto his flushed face. 

Mr. Diamond laughed, “You really do like him, don’t you?”

“Dad I,” Cater sighed, taking a deep breath before continuing, “He’s, he’s so different. He’s not from here, like from this world.”

“What do you mean?”

“The Dark Mirror made a mistake or something, like he can’t even use magic. But he’s so, he’s so, him. He saw me for me, not what I wanted him to see,” Cater sighed, smiling to himself. “He’s funny, he's so kind, and he's so pretty. He may not be the smartest, the richest, and he may not be perfect, but to me, he’s everything I’ve ever wanted.”

Mr. Diamond chuckled, “You remind me of myself when I met your mother.”

“R-Really?”

“I was head over heels for that woman, couldn’t see myself with anyone but her. I still can’t.”

“I love him,” Cater whispered, “I really do. I know I can’t make him stay, but I don’t wanna let him go.”

Mr. Diamond smiled warmly, “Then don’t, keep him.”

“B-But I, it’s not-”

“If you’re not confident then work for it, work for his hand and keep him.”

“I-I’ll try.”

“No, not, try. If you love him that much, then you will.”

“Okay,” Cater said softly.

“He’s different, I like him,” Mr. Diamond chuckled, “He’s much better than the others you brought home in the past.”

“Dad,” Cater cried, “#Hurtful.”

Mr. Diamond laughed loudly.

Mirai washed his hands, taking in the calming ambiance of the restroom. He had gotten lost trying on the way there, so he took longer than he intended to. Now he was anxious, fearing that he was making Cater wait too long, or worse, that he was taking a dump. Now with the horribly embarrassing scenario in his head, Mirai hurriedly dried his hands, the backs still damp, and flung the bathroom door open. He weaved his way through the tables, patrons, and wait staff alike and when found the familiar set of steps, Mirai slowed his speed to a leisurely pace. 

Mirai approached the table, he found Cater and his father were already standing, the both of them chatting by the window. As Mirai got closer, Cater noticed his presence and smiled brightly, leaving his father’s side to pull Mirai into his arms.

“Sorry for the wait, I got lost,” Mirai muttered.

Cater laughed, “Don’t sweat it, Hon. You ready?”

“Yeah.”

“Cool,” Cater said, tucking a strand of Mirai’s hair behind his ear. “You ready Dad?”

“Yeah,” Mr. Diamond said, “I’ve got an early meeting tomorrow, so I guess it is time for this old man to hit the hay.”

Cater laughed, “You’re totes not old.”

Mirai stepped back and brushed Cater’s blazer over, ridding the dark red fabric of tiny bread crumbs. Cater smiled and handed over the fancy to-go box filled with dessert.

“Cheesecake,” Mirai chirped, happily, taking the box.

“After you,” Mr. Diamond said, gesturing for Mirai and Cater to go first.

Cater took Mirai’s hand and pulled him off towards the exit.

[lostonehero]

Even more snapshots

Even more plot

Hell was familair and foreign all at once. His eyes kept leaking, and Kayne was growing more and more frustrated. He knows his mind is a mess he doesn't need these pitying glances and random devils waving at him. The smell of ash made his chest ache, and he didn't want to be alone.

"Nerophropte!" A random demon approached him. "Nerophropte an angel has fallen, you told me many many years ago you wished to talk to a freshly fallen." The demon was in uniform, and vaguely Kayne knew them to be a guard at the gates to the dead.

Kayne crossed his arms. He was curious, and it would distract him from aimlessly wondering. "Where?"

"The infirmary wing of the palace." The demon points to the imposing palace.

Kayne nods and vanishes without another word. The infirmary held an eerie feeling, and he couldn't place why, and he hated that he couldn't fully remember anything important. He decided to stop floating and let himself walk. He didn't know why that felt natural here.

"You're supposed to follow my orders." A voice growled out. "No visitors. I demanded Lucifer come see me in person." The voice was hoarse and rough like they breathed in ashe and smoke.

Kayne walked inside to find someone bandaged and badly burned. Flecks of golden blood were slowly being tainted. Blue eyes that slowly were turning red stared at him. "You're the fallen?" He tilts his head the bandages make it almost impossible to parse who this former angel was. The blonde hair that was turning red, however, gave him away. "Micheal?"

"I don't want you, beast." Micheal coughed up more golden blood mixed with soot in his lungs.

Kayne frowns and pulls up a chair. "I'm a bit lost." He didn't like how honest and frankly frightened he sounded.

Micheal looked away. "Did you expect everything to click when you came down?" He huffs. "Of course you did. You're an old one regaining your tampered memories, which isn't something that would come naturally. If what Lilith said is true." He groans as there is a loud crack, and one of his wings breaks and falls to the floor.

Kayne rolled up his sleeves. "I can..."

"Do it." Micheal grits his teeth as Kayne pulls out his second wing.

Kayne stares at the tainted golden liquid on his hands as he drops the wing. "Can I stay and talk?" He hated how small he sounded he just felt so lost like a major part of himself was gone, and he was just a shell.

"If you must." Micheal's voice was fading as he struggled to stay awake.

Kayne took a seat, and he sat there in silence as Micheal's breaths evened out. His head was swimming and he could feel it droop and soon he was back in the door place.

"You know a healthy sleep habit means sleeping every day and not when you want to." The stranger mimics Kayne's manic laughter, but it's even more twisted.

Kayne rolls his eyes. "I don't need sleep."

"You should want it if you want a less broken mind." The stranger smiles. "It's fun watching you struggle like Artie and John falling in holes. Aren't you going to try the doors?"

"I am going to kill you." Kayne growls.

"Maybe, but you have to figure out my game first." The stranger laughs before vanishing.

Kayne huffs and floats backward, hearing the click of a door opening too late.

......

"What are you doing?" A white-haired man in white robes splattered red. The room he is in is a kitchen with a Gothic feel.

The man at the stovetop raised a brow. "I'm cooking Nerophropte. Unlike you, I have a biological need to eat."

"Like that laying down and not moving thing?" Nerophropte floated closer.

"Again, that is sleep." The man shakes his head. "Why are you here?"

"I missed you." Nerophropte was honest in his tone. "You are an odd creature making a god like myself yearn. I can not kill you I-" he's cut off as the man stuffs his mouth with a fresh cut of meat he was cooking.

"You don't want to kill me." The man corrects and chuckles. "Tell me, does that need any more seasoning."

Nerophropte eyes widen as he chews and swallows. "What was that?"

"Hellbeast steak, and you didn't answer my question." The man pauses. "You've never eaten like this, have you?"

"This is eating?"

The man sighs with a smile. He plates the steak and hands it to Nerophropte. "I'll make myself another one."

Nerophropte gasps. "I can have this? I'm allowed to consume this? What else is this food?"

"We can try new things together if you so desire." The man smiles and pulls out another steak.

"I want that very much." Nerophropte picks up a piece and tears it with his teeth and swallows. His chin drips with grease. His feet hit the floor when the man cleans his face with a napkin.

"I will have to teach you proper eduicate if you want to try mortal foods." The man smiles.

Nerophropte could feel his face flush but didn't quite understand what that meant.

.....

"When did you start sleeping?" Micheal tried and failed to sit up.

Kayne woke up with a start, and his eyes were leaking, but the memory didn't fall away like sand this time. He opened a door! He got a piece back. He... he... the liquid on his cheeks didn't fade, and he tried to wipe it away. He shudders out a breath and looks over to Micheal. "When I stole Lucifer eye."

"You didn't steal shit." Micheal rolls his eyes. "You really don't remember anything, I thought Lilith was fucking with me." He grunts and turns his head to face Kayne. "I don't know what happened. I was in prison being warden when the gates were sealed, nobody knew. They thought it was a blessing." He laughs bitterly. "Only strengthen my desires to leave."

Kayne cleans his face and frowns. "I believe it was alternate versions of myself joined together. I'm not certain." He crosses his arms. "Trying to recall anything is like sand slipping through my hands."

Micheal sighs. "Stay? I mean, just until Lucifer returns."

"What's in it for me." Kayne scowls the small feeling was quickly fading.

"How about I tell you how we first met. I'm sure hearing others talk about what you've forgotten could help." Micheal grimaced as the sounds of bones shifting and cracking are heard.

Kayne pulls his chair to Micheal's side. "That and I must admit hearing your organs and bones move and reshape is something that just sounds like the best music."

"Fucking beast." Micheal stares back up at the ceiling. "Lucifer went through this process. He's the first."

Kayne bit through his lip and growled. "Don't."

"Don't what? Tell the truth. The one truth he refused to tell anyone. The one truth that has never passed his lips." Micheal spits up blood with a heavy cough, and Kayne vanished.

......

Oscar jumped at the random imp, who appeared in flames in his living room. "H-hello?"

The imp equally frightened to see Lucifer's child. "I oh um...."

Lucifer growls. "State your business, and why you just appeared in my son's home."

The imp goes to their knees and bows their head. "The fallen... the fallen sir is still healing. It's been... it's been a full week."

Lucifer's anger melted to actual concern. "Stand and tell me what you mean."

The imp scrambles to their feet and looks terrified. "The fallen refuses.... refuses help, but their blood when we change their bandages still has gold. They won't say who they are, and and... and.."

"Enough." Lucifer takes a breath. "Clear the wing and give them complete privacy. I shall be down in ten minutes, and I expect it to be empty."

The imp vanishes in fire leaving the scent of sulfur.

"Mom?" Oscar frowns. "Are you ok?"

Lucifer shakes his head. "No. Normally, a fallen is a low ranked angel like a cherub or just a general population angel. The healing process for them shouldn't take more than a day or two, and they are good to start a new life." He swallows. "For someone on the top and they fall, it could take months or even years." He takes a breath. "I knew your father was lying he isn't a good liar. He met the fallen but refused to tell me about it."

Oscar reaches out, grabbing Lucifer's hand, his father's hand. "Be safe, please."

Lucifer smiles and ruffles Oscar's hair. "I'll be fine, and tell your father I'll be back in hell. Don't tell him I know he lied."

Oscar nods and watches his dad dissapear.

......

The door slammed open before Micheal could react. "You.... you.... Micheal... it's you." Lucifer's voice had surprise mixed with anger. "What the fuck were you thinking?"

"Freedom mostly." Micheal rasps out.

Lucifer sighs and walks to Micheal's bedside. He brushes the now red hair out of Micheal's face. "How long did you think this would take?"

Micheal turns away from Lucifer. "I was just scolding that beast of your mate about his memory."

"That was a week ago." Lucifer pulls a chair over.

"A week?"

Lucifer sighs. "Yeah."

"W-why... why can't I... Luci, what's happening?" Micheal clutched his chest, and cracks are heard within his body.

Lucifer smiles sadly. "I'll set up around the clock care for you. I won't let you suffer like I did."

"W-what?" Micheal barely gets out as he throws up bits of flesh and splinters of bone.

"I lied to Nerophropte." Lucifer wipes the blood around Micheal's face. "I'm not a demon."

Neither notice Kayne appear silently in the room.

"Demons implies I was born or created in hell and that I would be on the same level as well the people here. You can argue semantics, but what I mean to say is that lower-class angels, cherubs, and normal heaven creatures fall down here technically die and get reborn here. Us at the top, well that doesn't happen."

Micheal finally looks back to Lucifer.

"I guess we become more alike to outerworld beings, and this becomes our realm. Just saying I'm a demon so simpler and less baggage than the truth of it." Lucifer sighs. "You won't be alone like I was, I promise." He frowns. "There was nothing here when I fell. I was alone in pain and becoming something I still don't understand."

"T-the g-g-gap of t-t-time." Micheal barely forces out.

Lucifer nods. "Don't speak. I know it hurts. You can't force this to stop, nor can you go back. No matter how much you beg." He sighs again. "I'll have a medical team for you to at least make things a bit more comfortable. You just started, and I hope this is worth it for you."

Kayne knows he has been caught. "I-"

"Sit." Lucifer sighs. "Kayne, I'm not mad at you." He gets up and walks over to Kayne cupping his cheek. "I know you're broken in ways that I can't fix as much as I wish I could. I want you to know mating bond, or if it never happened, I still would hold a place for you in my heart. I know you can't say the same, but for what it's worth, if you no longer wish to be anything but civil with me, then I'll deal with it. I just want us both to be here for Oscar even if you no longer care for me." He let go and sighs. He returns his attention to Micheal. "I'll get a medical team to transfer you to your own wing and to keep a rotation to make sure you're never alone." He vanishes in a black smoke.

Kayne was shaking. He didn't want that. He he... he... fuck why did that hurt? Why? He liked pain he loved pain. He hated this growing pain. He needed to fix this he had to fix this. Why did this hurt so much? He's an old one, a god of the outer realms, he... he was nothing if he didn't figure out how to fix this.

.......

A soft knock on the door that Dennis answers. "Ah, are ye going to threaten me again?"

"No, I am not, fledgling, and I apologize for my earlier behavior." Lucifer sighs. "Unlike Kayne, I find it rude to just appear in my son's home. Nothing against him. We are just different creatures."

"Dennis." Dennis welcomes him in. "Oscar is with the mini him and Faroe. Charlie is here helping with chores." He sighs at the loud cursing.

"Don't fucking track blood on the clean floors!" Noel shouts from the kitchen.

Kayne's voice is heard. "It's just a few drops. I'm not even standing."

Dennis pinches his brow. "Have you come to collect him?"

"No, and our mating bond doesn't work both ways except for appearance. He doesn't really remember me, and therefore, I will not force a relationship built on the vein attempt to go back to once was. I wanted to discuss that with Oscar, but it can wait." Lucifer hums softly. "I can help with the cleaning. It's the least I can do, and...." He scratches his beard. "I can add some rooms if you like?"

Dennis nods. "It's up to you, but our room is off limits."

"I understand." Lucifer smiles. "And again, apologies. I didn't know you were my boy's mate."

"What's death threats between family." Dennis heads to the kitchen as Kayne passes him.

"Lucifer." Kayne stops and lets his feet hit the floor.

"You're getting blood on the carpet." Lucifer raised a brow.

"I have a request." Kayne pauses. "A deal."

"A deal?" Lucifer looked bemused. "A deal for what?"

"No." Kayne huffs. "A wager."

"A wager? You aren't the betting creature."

"Let me sleep with you for a month."

"You don't sleep."

"I do now."

"Fine." Lucifer crosses his arms. "You sleep beside me for a month time, for what purpose of this wager?"

"If it causes me to regain any of my lost memories of us, then you must relent and forever keep me by your side till death." Kayne crosses his arms.

Lucifer's lips quirk into a smirk. "And if it doesn't?"

Kayne frowns and steps back. "Then I shall no longer remain on earth."

"No."

"No?"

"No, Kayne. You may sleep with me for a month, no strings, no commitment, just us. If nothing is to occur, then please give this up. I do not wish to continue on false memories and false hope that you are the one I once knew." Lucifer shuts his eyes and takes a breath. "I can not bear to lay with a stranger who doesn't remember the eons we spent together, building who we were together."

Kayne can feel that twist in his guts again, and it's the one pain he does not enjoy. "Y-yes."

Lucifer nods and summons a vacuum. "Now I'm going to help clean our boy's home. You can help if you wish."

Kayne just follows Lucifer around.

.......

Little Oscar tugged on big Oscar's tail.

Oscsr doesn't jump, thankfully. "What's wrong?" He crouches down to this younger version of himself.

Little Oscar begins to whisper in his ear. "When can I go home? I want my mommy and daddy."

Oscar sighs. "I can go check."

Little Oscar nods.

"Ok, stay here, and I'll be back." Oscsr takes a breath and appears in the other world. He suddenly felt exposed and wrapped the robe tightly around himself. It looked peaceful, and there weren't any more dead bodies or the scent of death in the air.

"Who are you." A blonde hair man who Oscar recognized as this worlds Micheal. "Demons aren't authorized during reintegration of the clean up."

Oscar frowns. "I um... well."

"Calm down, Mikey." Nerophropte appears and floats over Micheal. "How's my little destroyer doing?"

"He wants to go home." Oscar crossed his arms. "It's the first time he's spoken to me since he told me what happened."

Nerophropte frowns. "He can, and so can Artie and Faroe, but they'll be separated for a bit, as per Micheal's orders." He huffs and rotates to be upside down. "Lucy asked me to go along with whatever Micheal asks, which is lame, but like whatever."

Micheal pinches his brow. "Care to explain why an unauthorized demon is here?"

"One you feathery dick, this isn't just a demon. This is another version of my son. Two, my son and his friend and friends father are in his world, and three, if you attempt to hurt him, I will rip you apart and eat your remains." Nerophropte smiles.

Micheal sighs. "My apologies, Oscar. You just... you grew up well." He rubs his arm, and he looks tired, not that angry and confident deamor of his Micheal.

Oscar looks down. "It's.... it's ok. I'm sorry for just popping in. Things have been a bit much on my end, um... the gates of hell just reopened, and I finally got to meet Lucifer again. It's been a very long time, and I don't... I'm not good at this." He frowns and vanishes.

Micheal raised a brow.

Nerophropte scowls. "You scared him off!" He crosses his arms.

"I do not understand what he told us." Micheal frowns.

Nerophropte pauses for a moment. "Right, right, well, that sucks." He spots his son appearing with Faroe and Arthur. "My little monster." He swoops down and picks Oscar up. "Come on, I'm going to bring you home, and mommy will be so happy."

Micheal sighs. "I shall guide the humans to their place of residence."

......

Oscar settled on the couch he curled his wings around him. He enjoyed the peace and quiet. He stiffens as a weight is felt next to him.

"Relax." Dennis leans on Oscar. "Relax, and I'm not going to make you get up. Your parents left about ten minutes ago, and I heard the kids are back home."

"They are." Oscar unfurl his wings and allows Dennis to rest on his chest. "Are you alright?"

"Sore, but I'm fine." Dennis settles in. "I suppose I have missed you." He looks up to Oscar.

"Yes?" Oscar smiles as Dennis stares up at him.

"Is it a crime to stare at my partner?" Dennis smirks.

Oscar chuckles. "Oh, I know that look."

"Do you now?" Dennis chuckles and moves up to kiss Oscar.

"Mmh, I do." Oscar let's his hand move down on Dennis's lap. "Will you behave like a good boy?"

Dennis chuckles and licks his lips. "Depends on my punishment."

"I believe I can think of something you could enjoy." Oscar chuckles messing with Dennis's suspenders.

Noel clears his throat. "So do you want me to leave?" He was holding a glass of water and had a raised brow.

Oscar sighs. "I um..."

"Do you want to join?" Dennis smirks.

"Later." Noel smiles.

Oscar huffs, covering his face. "You're both awful."

"Oscar, we both know how you get this time of the year." Noel sips his drink. "Again, we both are not opposed to helping out." He pauses. "How are you feeling, Butcher?"

Dennis huffs, crossing his arms. "I am perfectly fine. I should be asking you."

Noel rolls his eyes as Hastur manifests on his shoulder.

"My influence changing his body is none of your concern!" Hastur growls.

Oscar pushes Dennis off and gets up. "And the mood is ruined. You two can have your pissing match. I'm heading to my room."

Dennis and Noel exchange a glares.

.......

Lucifer sighs as he pulls off his suit. "What are you doing?"

"Watching." Kayne pauses as he sinks to the floor. He's clean, there isn't a single drop of blood on him, and he looks unusually human. He seemed nervous.

Lucifer nods and makes no comment on his appearance as he continues to undress. "How do you sleep?"

"It just happens when I stop moving." Kayne tilts his head, watching Lucifer as if hoping this would spark something.

Lucifer is down to boxers. "Well, have you slept in a proper bed?"

"No?" Kayne watches Lucifer slip under the covers.

"Well, now you will." Lucifer pulls the blanket down to signal for Kayne to come and lay down.

"Should I change?"

"If you so desire."

"I don't want to do this wrong. We are on a limited time."

Lucifer quirks a small smile. "Do you remember when you tried this for the first time?"

Kayne huffs, and his suit melts away to white robes. "I don't. That's the problem." He throws his hands up, not realizing his clothing has changed. "I laid there for hours as you wrapped yourself around me. You were warm, and I was so scared to move because I didn't understand what you were doing." He was now pacing. "You laughed at me when you woke up. How was I supposed to know what sleep was? I just thought it was a weakness for mortals. an easy way to pick them off, it wasn't fun, yaknow killing them in their sleep. Like fuck there's nothing they just die and it's so boring there's no fanfare."

"Kayne lay next to me." Lucifer held a small smile on his lips as Kayne slipped under the covers next to him. He pulls the covers up over both of them.

"You're still warm." Kayne could feel his body suddenly get very heavy, and his words began to slur. "I feel so weird..."

Lucifer chuckles softly before kissing Kayne's sleeping forehead and curls up next to him. Sleeping next to a ghost should hurt more, but he didn't want to dwell on the fact that he felt like he was falling in love for a second time with the same creature.

.......

The photo negative kayne seemed a bit see-through as he floated by Kayne. "Did not account for good old Lucy to actually come back yaknow."

Kayne crossed his arms floating by this version of himself. "What ruining your fun?"

"Not excatly." The stranger smiles, pointing to Kayne. "It seems something far more interesting is happening."

Kayne finally looks down at himself, confused. Where did his suit go? He tugs at the robes and can't recall when the last time he wore something like this. He knows his memories are shaky at best, but he can't recall when he started to wear suits. "What did you do?"

"Me?" The stranger blinks innocently. "Oh Kayne baby, I'm merely having fun being a gatekeeper. Why would I mess with you? Seeing you stumbke around is entertainment enough."

"Gatekeeper?" Kayne furrows his brows as he tries to grab the Stranger, but they vanish before he realizes he's being dragged into another memory.

........

A man was sitting drinking an oddly bright red tea speaking to a white-haired woman. "Ooooo, I know you!"

The white-haired woman hissed but didn't move when the dark brown nearly black haired man held his hand out. "Nerophropte, what brings you back here? I thought you've grown tired of my sleeping and eating."

The white-haired man sputters. "I have!"

"So you're declaring war once again?" The man sips his tea with a smirk.

"N-no!" The man seems confused with the sudden stutter.

"You heard Nerophropte, Lilith, no bloodshed today."

"Lucifer..." Lilith frowns.

Lucifer hums and puts his tea down. "So why are you visiting? You've made it quite clear you've grown bored with me."

"I..." Nerophropte frowns. "I... I don't know." He sounded alarmed at his honesty. "You've confounded me."

"I have?" Lucifer looks bemused and motions for him to sit. He watches, amused as the outer realm being, figures out how to sit wearing a robe.

"Don't tease them!" Lilith huffs. "Your little domestic outing with this creature was just that a fleeting moment this being doesn't understand anything of importance. Time being shared is meaningless to them. Why do you continue to entertain them?"

Licifer holds up his hand. "That's enough. Nerophropte is a guest."

"I am?" Nerophropte seemed confused and out of place.

"That thing is?" Lilith growls.

"Yes." Lucifer summons another tea cup and fills it, handing it to Nerophropte who mimics drinking it and just blinks confused at the taste. "To an eternity, why must we be needlessly cruel to a being who doesn't even understand why they continue to visit. Isn't it enough that I see amusement in the mere act of watching such an ancient being fumbling for a reason that goes against their nature."

Lilith rolls her eyes. "Whatever you say, sir."

Nerophropte has not taken his eyes off Lucifer since they started to talk. They nurse the drink like it was pure nectar. "I think I was misinformed. I don't believe I wish to stop observing this domestic occurrence." He clearly doesn't understand what that means.

Lucifer chuckles.

.......

Lucifer woke up to black and red mismatched eyes staring at them and cold arms wrapped around them. "Good morning."

"Did Lilith always hate me?" Kayne blinks and hides his face in Lucifer's chest.

"You did nearly kill her a few times in your little wars before we were civil." Lucifer runs his fingers through Kayne's hair. "I suppose she does carry a grudge, although it isn't without reason."

Kayne mumbles something into Lucifer's chest and hums softly.

"No, we're not staying in bed all day." Lucifer smiles, sitting up while Kayne continues to cling to them. He notices he's still just in robes like they first met. Well, now he's human anatomically correct now if he He had both parts below. He did have to admit it was cute how he was trying to hide his face. "Come on. I'm sure we can have a nice day with Oscar. I also have to check on Micheal."

Kayne did not untangle himself. "Oscar can see both of us."

"Never said it was just me." Lucifer sighs, patting Kayne's back. "Come on, get off. I have to get dressed."

"If I don't let go, this still counts as the first night." Kayne huffs. "You can get dressed as I cling."

"Oh, self aware, are we?" Lucifer chuckles. "Sorry, that's not a part of the deal."

"It is now." Kayne is now wrapping his legs around lucifer as he gets up.

"Oh, is it?" Lucifer smiles. "Mmmh, no, I don't think so. I could be inclined to lengthen the month on certain contingencies."

"That are?"

"Not up to you to decide."

"You're just copying me."

"Do you know that for certain?"

"Yes!"

Lucifer's lips curl into a wide grin. He knew better than to comment on the memory situation, so he shaped on a fresh suit and headed out carrying Kayne with him.

.......

"... Why isn't he wearing pants?" Hastur manifests on Noel's shoulders.

"It's too early to ask questions like that." Noel sighs sipping his coffee.

Lucifer is mixing his tea, and Kayne hasn't removed himself yet. "I don't believe he realizes that he isn't in his suit."

"Mmmh, don't care." Kayne mumbles into Lucifer's chest. He's wrapped tightly around Lucifer, and he's only in a white cloak with his sigil on the back.

"I retract that statement. He doesn't care." Lucifer hums, mixing his tea before taking a sip. "Is Oscar already gone?"

"No, it's getting closer to January, which means he tends to sleep in more." Noel clicks his mouth shut as Kayne giggles.

"Can't lie!"

"Hush." Lucifer sighs. "No, he is right to do so. I could have, but I guess I forgot the time of the year in my excitement since i was freed and I could see my boy again."

"Care for a career as law enforcement?" Noel smirks.

"Been there, done that." Lucifer chuckles. "Honestly, the system is so corrupt I would stand out doing the right thing."

Noel snorts

"I do not understand the joke." Hastur huffs.

"Joke...?" Oscar mumbles, rubbing his eyes. "Morning." He yawns shuffling to the fridge his wings were curled around him.

"Where's Dennis? He's normally the first awake." Noel raised his brow.

"Recovering." Oscar yawns again, taking out the carton of eggs. "I was a little much."

"That is perfectly normal for this season. Although he is still fledgling, he will need the practice to strengthen his stamina." Lucifer hums through his cup, taking a sip. "Although you should be resting as well, I don't enjoy the fact you've been going through this while being so. Um, stunted."

Oscar closes the fridge door and stares at both his fathers. "You don't have to be so polite, I know my body is pretty damaged." He blinks. "Um, what is dad doing?"

"It's a loophole." Kayne huffs.

"It is not." Lucifer sighs. "He's just being clingy today, don't mind him." He ruffles Kayne's hair. "You are thankfully looking healthier. Do you want me to make you breakfast?"

"I can manage." Oscar tilts his head. "What is he wearing?"

"From what eyefull I got, just a robe." Noel finishes his coffee.

Oscar frowns.

"To be fair in the beginning, this was the only thing he used to wear m, but he didn't figure out human anatomy back then. It was just smooth." Lucifer takes another sip.

Noel makes a confused face. "I don't think that makes this any better."

"Never said it would." Lucifer smiles as Kayne starts to laugh.

.......

Arthur sips his coffee as he lets John read through the newspaper. "Anything interesting?"

"Hmmm, not really, there's a local winter festival next week." John sighs. "Works been slow."

"Don't tell me you miss us being in danger." Arthur chuckles as John sputters.

"I never said that!" John huffs. "It's quiet without the children, and the other you was... different."

"Chuldren can be a handful John." Arthur sips his coffee.

"I would like to raise a child with you."

Arthur spits out his coffee and chokes coughing.

"Rude." Kayne scoffs.

"John you can't just fucking say that!" Arthur wipes his mouth.

"He did." Kayne floats closer. "Hmmm, I mean things could be rearranged, and I could meddle."

"No!" Arthur and John say at the same time.

"Rude again." Kayne huffs. "I could separate you two, but that would probably kill Arthur. Humans shouldn't live this long. I'm in a good mood, though, so what will it be?"

"No! I will stay with Arthur for eternity." John growls. "I will gladly stay his eyes if it means I won't lose him."

"Oh, that's disgustingly cute." Kayne laughs. "Again, I'm in a good mood, and Oscar sees you both as friends, so death isn't an option." He places his hands on Arthur's shoulders. "I could make you two even closer! Doesn't that sound fun? Oh, I'll even do it free of charge. It's going to happen regardless if you both stay like this."

"I uh.... what?" Arthur manages before he clutches his chest as a burning pain overtook him.

"Say thank you, Kayne!" Kayne laughs manically.

John growls. "What the fuck did you do?!"

"Oh, three two.... " Kayne points, and John begins to scream in pure agony. "Lucy was right. Helping is fun. Ooo, maybe he'll let me cling again after I tell him." He vanishes.

.......

Arthur looked back to see Faroe in her seat, kicking her feet. "Are you alright?"

"Why are we visiting Grandpa? Oscar won't know where I am!" Faroe huffs.

"Faroe, your grandfather misses you, and this is a surprise trip. I understand you wish to see Oscar again, but until I can speak to his parents to set boundaries, we also have other things to discuss." Arthur sighs, looking back to Faroe, who was pouting. "Your grandfather will spoil you."

Faroe huffs.

.....

Daniel raised a brow at the request. He wasn't expecting any visitors, nor did he allow solicitors to be allowed at his door. He opens the door to his son in law. "Arthur?"

"Hello Daniel." Arthur smiles, and Faroe pushes through.

"I didn't want to come." Faroe huffs and crosses her arms with the most adorable pout.

"Faroe!" Arthur sighs. "I'm sorry, she's a bit upset that she couldn't tell her friend we were visiting you."

Daniel gasps and then starts to chuckle. "Just like your mother. A stubborn thing, aren't you? Come in, come in it's a lovely surprise."

Arthur pushes Faroe inside. "Come on, be nice."

"But I didn't want to come!" Faroe groans.

Daniel chuckles louder. "Oh, I see so much of Bella in you."

Arthur sighs. "I'm sorry again for the short notice, Daniel, but I wanted to speak to you in person. It's not a conversation I feel I can have over the phone or in a letter."

Daniel frowns. "Faroe, there's a guest room right down the hall. You can put your stuff in there."

Faroe stomps the entire way there.

"Arthur, are you alright? Is it money? Have you gotten yourself in trouble?" Daniel's tone is serious.

Arthur takes a breath. "It's a bit more complicated than that. Both of us are fine physically." He sighs. "I don't expect you to believe a word I'm about to tell you."

"Arthur..." Daniel pauses.

.....

"Arthur, this is absolutely absurd! How can you possibly expect me to believe a word from your lips! First you take my granddaughter away..." Daniel stops as Faroe and a mysterious boy run into the living room.

"Daddy!" Faroe holds the boy's hand up. "Oscar found me!"

Arthur forces a smile. "Ah, that's great, Faroe."

"Hi, Mr. Lester, Mommy is doing better, but she still can't leave because daddy is being weird." Oscar smiles then gasps. "Sorry, mister, I'm Oscar."

"Child, how did you get in here?" Daniel stares at Oscar with eyes wide since he lives on the tenth floor.

"I appeared." Oscar smiles.

"Yeah! Oscar can get anywhere. Can we play?" Faroe looked to her father.

"Faroe." Arthur sighs.

Daniel gasps louder as another man suddenly appears in his apartment, and he's floating.

"Oscar." The white-haired man tisks. "We talked about this."

"But I want to play with Faroe." Oscar puffs out his cheeks as the man picks him up.

"Sorry bout that Artie, you know how kids can get." The man smiles. "Besides, your mommy told you to play with your uncle."

"Uncle Hasss doesn't want to play! He's mad that Mr. Lester has been busy. Auntie Chutulu isn't in her realm either!" Oscar pouts. "And you said I can't visit my big self during the winter."

"Nerophropte, it's fine." Arthur pinches his brow. "You two can play in the guest room while we talk, but no leaving."

Faroe breaks out in a smile. "Yes!"

Oscar jumps out of his father's arms. "Ok." He grabs Faroe's hand, and they run down the hall.

Nerophropte raised a brow. "He's a slippery thing, but I thought you wanted space from us."

"That was the plan." Arthur holds his head in his hands. "This is Daniel. He's my father in law."

"I already know that." Nerophropte floats down and sits down next to Arthur. "What do you want me to be the tell tale guide to the outer realms?.... really?"

Daniel takes a deep breath. "What you told me was all true?"

"Yes. All of it." Arthur frowns. "I know it's a lot, but it's just..."

"It's not going to go away." Nerophropte hums. "Your little girl and my boy are thicker than theives. I'm glad Oscar made a friend he is so happy it's adorable."

Daniel takes a deep breath. "Can you promise me no harm will befall my granddaughter or my son in law."

Arthur blinks. "Daniel..."

"I won't promise you anything, but since old Yellow has taken fancy to Arthur, he'll be fine. As for Faroe, my boy will protect her. Although Lucy will probably involve herself and keep them safe. I won't let anyone hurt my baby boy, and if that means keeping them safe, then yeah." Nerophropte floats back up listening to the children's giggles.

"I think that's as clear as you'll get that from him." Arthur sighs.

Nerophropte hums and nods. He ignores Daniel's stuttering, watching Oscar and Faroe run back in. "Hello again you two."

Faroe steps forward. "Can I ask you questions? The other you is weird."

"Mmmh? How is the other me weird kiddo?" Nerophropte floats down to Faroe's height.

"You took other Mommy's eye." Oscar hums. "The big me says your mind is very broken there."

Faroe nods. "Yeah, he says he doesn't remember a lot. He also always has messy hands and feet, and he only goes by Kayne. My other daddy is scared of him."

Nerophropte rubs his chin. "That's very interesting."

"The other Lucy is a man!" Faroe gasps. "Can your mommy do that?"

Oscar nods. "Yeah! But now she's my mommy."

Faroe nods. "That's cool. Can you look like a mommy?"

"Oh, can you?" Oscar stares at his father.

Nerophropte smiles. "I could, but I choose not to. I like being me."

"My other daddy has a mustache, it's weird, and I don't like it." Faroe waves her arms. "Amd there's another guy in his head named John like what you called Hastur, but he picked that name, and Hastur is sharing a body with a guy named Noel he's a detective."

"The other uncle Hastur taught us to paint! And John taught us to write the alphabet! They argued a lot." Oscar pauses. "My other daddy said they used to both be together to be the other Uncle Hastur, but John got ripped off and became himself. But that doesn't really make sense."

"Really?" Nerophropte looks at both with fascination. "What else?"

"My other daddy is blind, John has his eyes and sees for him like a guide dog!" Faroe giggles. "Noel says they're an old married couple."

"Are you and Mommy an old married couple?"

Nerophropte laughs loud and manically. "Yes, my little harbinger, we are an old married couple." He ruffles Oscar's hair. "It sounds like you two had a really fun time, but I think it's time for us to go Oscar."

Oscar huffs, then yawns. "But..."

"No, but it's time for a nap, and your mommy is probably very worried." Nerophropte scoops Oscar up.

Faroe huffs. "Fine. Tell Lucy I said hi, and and that daddy wants to talk to her."

Oscar nods. "Mmh ok, bye." They both vanish, leaving Faroe, who also yawns.

Arthur sighs and smiles, picking up Faroe. "It seems you need a nap as well."

"Nooo, I'm a big girl. I don't need naps." Faroe yawns again.

"Big girls need to sleep to grow more. Come on, just lay down for a bit, and when you wake up, I'm sure we can play together." Arthur hums softly.

"Ok, Daddy." Faroe hugs her father tightly.

.......

Daniel was nursing a cup of scotch. "Are you sure you can handle this?"

"No." Arthur sighs, pushing his barely touched drink away. "But I wanted you to know because I want you to be in Faroe's life."

"I appreciate that, Arthur, I truly do." Daniel forces a smile. "I just this is so much."

"I know." Arthur hugs his chest. "I just want the best for Faroe, and for her to be happy. Bella would probably be handling this better than I ever could."

"I think she would have been as lost as you, but she always had a great poker face." Daniel sighs. "Thank you for letting me back in my granddaughters life."

"I had no right to take you away in the first place." Arthur sighs. "Thank you for accepting this."

Daniel nods.

......

"Are you sure you're ok to take this job?" Noel raised his brow.

Oscar growls and then covers his face. "Look, I don't want to just sit around and do nothing. Besides Dennis, you and I have all agreed that if I lose control, you'll be here for me. Also, dad is trying to figure out what my other dad did to help. I really don't want to see what help means to him."

Noel shudders. "Agreed." He hums. "So currently, what we have is that the newly turned vampire is hellbent on turning as many others as they can. The caveat, it's a kid, which, as you know, turning children is highly illegal, which makes this even more dangerous. I did call Arthur, but he didn't answer, which I get he's probably still reeling from his dead daughter and the other him."

Oscar nods sympathetic. "I don't blame him. It took me a while to get used to my younger self. I can't imagine facing a daughter that you blame yourself for hurting." He rubs his arm. "Why are we looking during the day?"

"The rumor mill has it that this kid travels underground to ignore the day. Which is why we're above a sewer grate." Noel motions to his crowbar.

"I will kill you if my heat triggers down there." Oscar sighs and begins to climb down the latter.

"Duly noted." Noel follows after putting the manhole cover back on top. "How do you feel now?"

"Disgusted." Oscar jumps down. "I do have to admit this charm or glamor my dad called it is working really well. I'm glad I can go back out in public."

"Of course, now we have to keep an eye out. Hastur keep our eyes glowing." Noel chuckles.

"I am not your personal flashlight." Hastur growls.

"Of course not. You're my headlamp doll." Noel laughs as his eyes emit a bright yellow light. "If you wanted me to call you doll, you just had to ask Hastur baby."

Hastur grumbles.

"How long did it take you two to actually start experimenting with pet names?"

"Hush spawn."

Oscar and Noel start to chuckle together.

.......

[honeydots]

If I can ask another one ‘you’re not alone. i’m staying right here.’ and Xanlow

"You're not alone. I'm staying right here." 1.4k, xanlow from this ask game

Xander had a business trip that was taking him across the country, way up by the northern sea and among the black rocks, freezing winds, and terrible storms. It’s meant to last months, and Inigo’s bendable when it comes to location, so—he decided to go along with.

This afternoon, Inigo’s sitting on one of the rocky beaches, solidly far from the cold ocean. The air is nice and salty, he’s got a thick blanket to sit on, and he’s only been rained on a tiny bit. He has a much wider view of the sea from the apartment they’re renting, but he was getting lonely inside. So now he’s lonely outside.

Xander’s at work right now, much deeper into the still-unfamiliar city that’s strikingly more gray than Windmire’s black. And Inigo, just a short while ago, got back from a dance class he found nearby. He’d like to say he’s going to a rehearsal tonight, but… Well, he’s between jobs.

He doesn’t really have connections in this part of Nohr. It was a struggle to get them for a while in Windmire, and he made the poor assumption that because he already went through that once, he wouldn’t again. Inigo’s been beating himself up for not asking around more to see if there were any friends-of-friends around here when he had the chance. Anxiety and freelancing unfortunately do not go hand-in-hand.

He hasn’t been completely jobless, but he’s certainly not busy at the moment. It’s harder to get a shoe in for contracts and auditions when he’s relatively unknown. And even if he’s been socializing in his classes to try and make some meaningful connections, so is everyone else, and Inigo is really great at flubbing things up.

Xander keeps telling him not to feel guilty—it’s always a possibility to be without work for a while with a job like this, and Xander makes more than enough to keep them afloat. But it’s hard to help it. Inigo was hoping he’d have gotten into a groove by now, yet he very much hasn’t, and it’s hard not to feel guilty using Xander’s money for his own things.

Not that moping by the sea is improving his situation whatsoever. But it’s pretty, it smells nice. And if nothing else is lovely in this gray city, at least the gray ocean has a charm. He doesn’t get to see it often.

Inigo’s outside longer than he realizes, because he gets a text from Xander asking where he is. He’s probably home, then—whoops. He tells him he’s by the ocean side, and asks if he should come back, but Xander doesn’t reply. So Inigo stays put, sitting quietly on his blanket, until he hears footsteps from behind.

Expectedly, it’s Xander. “You found me,” Inigo says lightly, scooting over a bit to make room. Xander sits down next to him, still in his stuffy work clothes, and he kisses Inigo’s temple lightly.

“You weren’t too hard to spot.” Which is fair, since Inigo’s like, the only person out here. It’s cold today—and Xander’s nice and warm, so Inigo certainly doesn’t mind the company. He leans into him, eyes still on the ocean, loneliness drifting away for a while.

“How was work?” Inigo asks. He’s still surprised it’s gotten so late. He’s not usually the sit-still-and -close-your-mouth type, but he’s feeling awfully sluggish today. So perhaps that’s why.

Xander sighs. “Fine,” he says. “Work.”

“Ah, yeah. At least you’re done now.” Xander’s work clothes are also gray, sometimes black, and sometimes Inigo gets him to wear a colorful tie. But he’ll always have a shock of blond that keeps him standing out. Inigo’s just the opposite, hair gray and dull, but he likes to wear blues and greens and whites. Sometimes purple, too, because his mother likes it most.

Xander puts his arm not quite around Inigo, but sets it down behind him so it crosses over his back. “How did your class go?”

Inigo shrugs. “Good, it was good. Pretty fun today, we worked on new stuff.” He inhales, then slumps. “I, uh. I’m kind of sort of making some friends?” It’s hard to be a socialite when the one tactic he had is completely off the board, now. Getting married kind of kills the flirting game. Not that he always got the best results with that, anyway.

Xander hums. He leans into Laslow, too. “I’m glad it’s coming along.”

“Ah, that’s a good term for it.”

A cold and slightly wet wind comes by, and they both shiver. Even if you can’t see the sun in Nohr, the nights are still colder than the days, and the evening is rolling in without a second thought. It was already chilly, but it’s getting chilly chilly.

“What are you doing out here?” Xander asks, and Inigo chews on his cheek. There’s why is he out here, and why has been out here for so long, which are two different questions with two different answers.

And despite what he asked, Xander’s probably looking for the latter. “I… Just got lost thinking, for a while,” he says. He looks down at his knees, covered by soft blue sweats and not doing a great job at keeping the cold out. “Wishing I’d get a call back, or something.”

Xander does put his arm around Inigo now, rubbing his arm gently. It warms him up a bit, and Inigo goes on. “There's this terrible feel of… Isolation, that I've got. Like—if you and I weren’t doing this together, what would I be doing? Living in a hovel and eating stale bread, workless as I’ve been?” He huffs, and cuddles into himself. “I hate having nothing to do.”

Xander scowls, in a very cute way that involves his lips scrunching a bit as his eyebrows lower. “You aren’t alone, there’s no point in giving what-ifs attention,” he says. “I’m here, I don’t mind. Take your time.”

“I know, I know,” Inigo says with a pout. “And I’d rather you here than not. It’s just—boring. And depressing. And you work for entirely too long, I get lonely.” That being, Xander works a respectable nine-to-five which he’ll only sometimes come back late from, since Inigo pesters him immensely otherwise.

Xander gives a small and considerate looking grin. "Maybe I'll try harder to beat the traffic next time," he says, which is nice. “Do you have plans for tomorrow yet?”

Inigo’s classes are every other day with a three-day weekend, so when a fraction of his time isn’t taken up by that, he’s sort of left open ended. Not that Xander doesn't work tomorrow, though, so he can't count on his company until later.

“I might go to the gym?” Inigo says, since he’d much rather be ready than not if he does end up getting a proper contract. “And, uh—if we need anything, I could go shopping, too.” Xander thinks for a moment, and so does Inigo—and then he completely hangs his head. “I feel like—like, I’m all washed up. Don’t I sound washed up? Am I still young enough to say I’m not old enough for this? ”

And Xander does not seem to appreciate the comment. “You aren’t washed up,” he says firmly, then frowns. “You were doing fine in Windmire.”

“But I feel like I am, and that makes all the difference.” Inigo throws out an arm, like he’s presenting himself. “Look at me. Sitting dramatically by an ocean, on a dark cloudy day, getting rained on—”

“Is it raining?” Xander says, interrupting Inigo’s self-deprecating rant and glancing up to the sky.

Inigo lets it go pretty seamlessly. “Oh, it has been. Only a little.”

Xander looks similarly unamused. “We’re going back inside,” he decides, and starts standing, leaving Inigo quite cold and alone.

“What? Nooo,” he says, since he was slightly enjoying the miserable feel. “I shouldn’t have mentioned that.”

Xander extends a hand to Inigo. “You’ll get yourself sick.”

Inigo just looks at his hand for a moment. And then he frowns, and takes it, and as he’s pulled to his feet he grumbles, “I won’t get sick.”

“You will,” Xander says, meaning Laslow didn’t mumble his grumble enough. “And then you’ll sulk around the apartment feeling useless all day.”

Laslow snatches up his blanket from the rocks. “I do that anyway.”

They start walking back together. Xander looks pretty cold in just his button up, so maybe it’s better they do. It’ll only be getting colder, after all.

And Inigo guesses—even if he’s feeling guilty and washed up, and even if he’s antsy all day and anxious all night—

It’s pretty nice to have somebody who’ll take care of you, too.

[lilyblossom-art]

Hey there! This is something very different from what I usually do. Tryna keep this short tho, so!

I wrote something (a loz fanfic?) and I wanna give a little context, so first off

Some background info you might need is that Link was adopted by Ganondorf and is therefore the Gerudo Prince and that's pretty much it. Oh and this is kind of a Ravioli thing because of course it is so there's that. It's pretty platonic though, i would say. Idk maybe not. I can't help myself-

As for warnings, ig there's a bit of dark humor? Not sure if you can call it that but whatever. There's also some mentions about um, killing and/or hurting people but nothing graphic in any way. If you notice anything that I should make a warning for, please let me know!

(1449 words)

---

The air in the open throne room was so tense, it felt like it was about to snap.

The Gerudo King was currently staring daggers into Ravio, who was standing just ever so slightly behind his friend. Said boy had managed to bring a decent amount of distance between the Gerudo and the Lolian. Ravio knew all too well that he was the only reason he hadn't yet been cut open by the king's blades, which said man was gripping tightly enough for his knuckles to turn white.

Cold sweat was running down his neck, but he knew it wasn't because of the scorching heat of the desert.

Ganondorf took a deep breath and exhaled slowly through his teeth, redirecting his gaze at the blonde, who stood protectively infront of the black haired intruder.

How the Gerudo Prince didn't even flinch at that glare was beyond Ravio, even so, blue eyes stared right back into golden ones, showing no sign of intimidation.

As per their king's command, all soldiers had left the room several moments ago, leaving the three men by themselves. Ravio had tried to offer an explanation, which, considering the current situation, didn't seem to have helped at all. He should have figured as much, seeing how, no matter what he would say, he was still an intruder in this town.

Ravio noticed his friend's shoulders relax and the grip on his weapon loosening slightly. Despite there being no visible change in the Gerudo King's state.

The Lolian jumped when he suddenly heard Ganondorf speak.

"Link.", his voice was deep and commanding, and at least as sharp as his blades.

Link nodded and sheathed his scimitar, before promptly grabbing Ravio's wrist and making for the exit of the hall.

Instead of descending the stairs leading into the town, they turned right and began heading up a set of stairs winding along the outside wall of the building.

Despite the sun burning on his skin, Ravio felt relieved to finally be outside.

"Where are we going?", he struggled to keep up with Link's pace, almost tripping when he decided to speak up.

"To my room.", Link didn't wait for Ravio to ask his next question. "He needs time to think and we're not to leave this building."

"So suspicious ol' me is allowed to be alone in a room with the Gerudo Prince?", he said with a grin, earning him a chuckle from Link. "Oh, but what if something were to happen to the king's most precious son?", he placed the back of his free hand on his forehead, almost tripping again in the process. "Shouldn't there be at least ten guards to ensure his safety?"

He had to admit though, that it wasn't like he'd have had a chance against Link, which his friend was either too polite, or too distracted to tease him with, as he would've had any other day.

They reached the next floor and headed towards a grand door, which Ravio assumed would lead them to Link's room.

Once inside, Link let go of Ravio's wrist and walked toward the bed standing in the center of the room. Nearly instantly he collapsed onto it and rolled onto his back, giving a long sigh.

Ravio slowly sat down on the edge of the bed, the tenseness from earlier returning to his body. He began stretching his arms in front of him. "So, how's it looking for me?", he tried to sound casual, but it was obvious that he was still on edge.

Link closed his eyes and hummed in response. "I guess there's a pretty big chance your head gets chopped off.", the boy did a significantly better job at feigning nonchalance, despite what he had just said.

However, his tone of voice did not keep Ravio from shuddering at his blunt words.

As if to sense his distress, Link's eyes opened again to look at his friend. The way his head was tugged between his shoulders made him wish he could take his words back. "Don't worry, you know I won't let that happen.", Link tried to reassure him. "At least not before my own head drops to the floor.", he added.

Ravio did give a little laugh at that, albeit a quiet one. He relaxed a bit, leaning back on his hands.

The blonde sighed again. "I definetly don't share his opinions- or rather suspicions- when it comes to you, but I can't blame him either.", he had shut his eyes again and intertwined his fingers underneath his head.

"He's trying to protect his people. You know, the Gerudo- don't have many allies.", he paused for a moment. "I should honestly be doing the same. But look at me, sneaking an outsider into the town. He must be very proud.", he laughed. There wasn't a hint of bitterness in his voice, he didn't regret the stunt they had pulled one bit.

They might even have gotten away with it, if they hadn't been so careless. The way that they managed to get themselves caught was honestly laughable, Link had to bite back a grin thinking about it.

Link knew the schedule of every single soldier by heart, but he hadn't paid attention to the numerous children roaming the streets. The poor little girl didn't even mean to alarm any soldiers with her shouting. She didn't even pay Ravio any mind at all, she had just been excited about seeing the prince.

The Lolian brought a hand to the back of his neck. "If it helps in any way.. the faraway kingdom I said I was from, isn't just far away, it's in a completely different world. Here.", he removed a bracelet from his left wrist and turned around to show his friend. "This is the only way, at least that we know of, to travel between the worlds."

Link reached out for the bracelet, which Ravio placed into his palm. The blonde removed his left hand from underneath his head as well to inspect the item more closely, holding it just above his face.

Ravio's hand returned to scratch the back of his neck. "So um, it's not like an army would arrive at your doorstep or anything of the like."

Link silently resumed his inspection. The bracelet was made of gold-like material and adorned with a purple gemstone. A soft light was pulsating from within, barely noticeable. He had been curious about the thing for a while now, but had never asked about it. He decided not to ask about this 'faraway kingdom' either, at least for now.

"To be honest,", he placed the bracelet beside Ravio, who immediately put it back on his wrist. "I can really only see two outcomes from this."

Ravio glanced over his right shoulder, waiting for his friend to continue.

"Either, as I've already mentioned, you're gonna be executed, or you can never leave again- at least not without supervision.", Link didn't think Ganondorf would ever let the Lolian leave the town, supervised or not, but he tried not to freak his friend out again. How succesful he was in soothing him with those words, was pretty questionable though.

"Well I really hope there's gonna be a secret third outcome.", Ravio went back to staring at the floor. He didn't know if he should feel calmed or unsettled by Link's indifference about the matter.

"Whatever the case, we'll manage to find a way somehow.", Link rolled onto his side, his long, braided hair was already loosening from lying on the bed.

He reached out to tug at Ravio's arm. "Now come here."

He continued gently pulling at the Lolian's arm until he too, lied down on the bed, back facing the blonde. Link scooted a little closer to place his arm over his side, willing the tenseness to go away.

"Just relax a bit. There's nothing we can do to influence his choice at this point. I doubt your trinket is going to offer him any comfort in the matter."

He definitely wouldn't take the Lolian's word on it being the only way, or the only one of its kind. That'd be too great a risk, which Link knew the Gerudo wouldn't take.

Ravio responded with a hum that turned into a long sigh. He tried to focus on Link's slow and steady breathing. Copying the rythm, he closed his eyes and let himself calm down.

He knew Link had been honest when he had said that he wouldn't let anything happen to him, or when he had said that they would find a way. They had managed to get out of pretty tight situations in the past, why would this one be any different?

---

Alrighty fkfkggk

I don't write as much as I draw and most of the experience I have in writing is in a different language so it's idk I can't even tell if it's good or bad haha

Not sure if this being like, a scene that clearly belongs in the middle of a larger story is off-putting or not. I don't have any more content for this, I just came up with this one scene and ig I was in the mood to write something. But I do really like this world so far i dunno👀

I could go on and on about everything that I'm unsure about but I better not do that and just post the damned thing-