#i think it was the... happy but off sounding vibe? like smiling through the pain

[kiiwiigii]

Misunderstandings

Alec x Fem! Reader

Summary: Reader is under the impression that her mate, Alec, wants nothing to do with her. He decides to prove her wrong.

Warnings:

Smutty, smut, smut, smut

Blood kink

Dom/Sub vibes

Alec speaking in Italian

I suck at summaries.

Word Count: 3,499

A/N: Requested by the ever lovely @rosedpetal Alec isn't as dark as I wanted him to be, but there's always next time. *wink, wink*

I remember the moment our eyes met. That luscious pull, full of want and desire. A red string of fate, pulling and pulling until finally, we were right there before each other. I had heard of him, of course. The witch twins had quite the reputation in the vampire world, just how they liked to keep it. 

He simply stared, slightly taken aback and just as surprised as I was. To top it off, we were on opposite sides of what could have easily become a battlefield. I had been called in as a witness for the Cullens. I was somewhat of an anomaly. Only one of three known human and vampire hybrids, including Bella and Edward's child.  

When Aro had extended his hand, it was all over. I was kindly invited to stay in Voltera, with Alec. Everyone was well aware of the fact that the invitation was more of an order, and I accepted. I had wanted to be near him anyways. Who wouldn't want to be near their mate? 

Well, apparently mine. 

I had been here for nearly three months, and he avoided me like the plague. 

When we did speak, our conversations were short and stilted, and he usually wore a pained expression.  

And then I heard the conversation. 

I had been looking through the books on the upper floor of the library, hoping that considering all the books here, there was a section with modern day thrillers. I needed something to keep me sane. 

I heard his voice from below. 

"Master Marcus?" 

"Alec." Marcus answered, voice soft. 

"Is there any way to change it?" 

I backed away from the railing slowly, pressing my back into the shelves. I could still see them both from my position, their silhouettes highlighted by the large fire in the center of the library. 

"This is the second time you have asked me this, Alec." There was a warning in Marcus' tone that I had never heard before. "My answer has not changed." 

"But she's part human!" Alec growled. 

They were talking about me. I clasped my hands over my mouth in an effort to keep quiet, but I couldn't stop the tears. My mate didn't want me. 

Marcus stood suddenly. "Be happy that you have a mate at all, boy." 

Alec suddenly stiffened and looked right at me. Perhaps he smelled my tears, or maybe he finally heard the slow beat of my heart. A flurry of emotions flitted across his face, but I didn't bother to see what he landed on. Instead, I fled, for once using my vampiric speed to seek refuge in my room. 

I've been hiding here for a week now. I think it's been a week; I was already losing track of time. 

"Y/N?" There was a knock at the door, following the sound of Demetri's voice filtering through. 

"Yes?" 

"You're not naked, are you?" 

The door opened slowly, and Demetri peeked his head in with a cheeky grin, before frowning as he took in the sight of me. I was sure I looked a hot mess, bundled up in a nest of comforters on the floor next to my bookshelves. 

"Hey 'Metri." I sat up, giving him a small smile. 

"Hey, love." He walked over before sitting on his haunches net to me. "Everyone is worried about you. No one's seen you in a week." 

"'M fine." 

He gave me a dubious look and I rolled my eyes and wrapped myself back up in my covers, picking up the book I'd discarded. "I'm fine, Demetri." 

"When was the last time you ate?" 

I paused, thinking and then shrugged. I couldn't remember. I just ate when I felt hungry.  

"Well, we can't very well have you starve. Come on." He stood up and held out a hand. 

"I'm fine, Demetri." 

"And you're a liar, now come on." 

I plopped down in my little nest out of frustration, purposely burrowing myself deeper into the covers. 

"You can't make me." 

"Wow, for someone who's- what? Sixty years old? You're such a child." 

I glared up at him. 

"I'm an adult and can take care of myself." 

"Demetri, what are you doing with my mate?" 

Demetri's back went ramrod straight and I immediately hid under the covers. Okay, maybe I was acting a little bit like a child. I hadn't spoken with Alec since the library incident, and I wasn't very keen to talk to him now. I peeked out from under the covers a little. 

"I'm making sure that Y/N is taken care of." Demetri's voice was neutral, but I could hear the anger lying just underneath. "Something you have been failing to do since she arrived." 

I gasped, wide-eyed. Demetri was treading on very thin ice. I couldn't imagine Alec taking too kindly to being challenged. Alec was quiet for a long moment, tense as he looked at Demetri. 

"I can admit when I am in the wrong."  

The words came haltingly, and the look on Alec's face was caught somewhere between a chastised schoolboy and sucking on a lemon. 

"Thank you for taking care of her in my absence. Please leave, I can take over from here." 

Demetri nodded his head, and casting one last concerned look in my direction, he left. 

Alec looked at me, and I was surprised to see a look of concern on his own face. His next comment took me by surprise. 

"Why are you on the floor, when you have a bed?" 

"I'm aware I have a perfectly good bed. I just prefer the floor." 

"What about the couch?" 

"Not the same." 

"That cannot be comfortable for you." 

"Since when did you care about my comfort?" I snapped. "I'm just a mutt remember?"  

Alec's eyes darkened.  

"Watch your tone girl. You may be my mate, but I will not tolerate disrespect, even from you." 

My shoulders deflated, hiding my face in my hands. "I think it'd be best for me to just leave." 

"No." He followed Demetri's earlier move, and sat down on his haunches, arms resting on his knees. 

"No?" I glared at him. 

"You belong to me. You are my mate, and it is safer for you to be here." 

"Excuse me?? You've made it clear that you don't want anything to do with me." 

"It is simply because you are part human." 

"Simply? Simply? News flash, Alec. You were once a human too!" 

I found myself suddenly on my back, him hovering above me, with his arms caging me in. His eyes turned pitch black.  

"I am all too aware of what I once was." He hissed. 

"I- I can't change what I am." I could feel the tears starting to form and spill over. "If I could, if it would get you to accept me, then I would. But I shouldn't have to." 

Alec jerked back slightly, wide-eyed. 

"You are right." He pressed his forehead to mine. "And if I was a better man, I would not have wished for it." 

He began licking away at my tears and I froze, barely daring to breathe. 

"What- what are you doing?" 

"Taking care of my mate. And you are mine. I will not let you go, and I will make sure that you are taken care of just as the status the mate of an elite guard deserves." I shivered when he finished, giving a small, chaste kiss to my forehead. "It seems that I have much to make up for."  

Alec kissed me then. Slow and soft, pulling me out from the cocoon and sweeping me up to sit on the little couch in my sitting area. I felt oddly exposed as he pulled me in to straddle him, his back leaning into the soft cushions. 

"And you- you accept me? Just like that?" I couldn't disguise the anger in my voice, a little thrown off by our new position but still pissed off. 

There was a long silence as he searched for the proper words. 

"That day, in the library… I had a long talk with Master Marcus. Are you aware of his story?" 

I nodded. If there was something I had learned during my first few short months here, it was that Demetri and Felix were like a group of gossiping teenage girls. 

"Then you can understand his demeanor. He misses her every day, and I know that I have neglected you and treated you rather…" 

"Horribly?" I finished for him, and he smiled. 

"I think horrible is an understatement." 

"I think I must agree." I grumbled. 

He let out a chuckle before letting his eyes roam over me again. "While I hold Master Marcus in high respect, I do not wish to be like him. I do not want to make the mistake of taking you for granted. You were made for me, and I you. The Fates do not make mistakes." 

"Despite my being what I am?"  

I found that hard to believe. 

"Yes." He said quietly, but this time he didn't look me in the eyes. 

I tensed around him, and I felt his grip tighten on my waist. 

He was lying, but perhaps not for the reason I thought. My eyes widened in realization, and I relaxed against him. 

"You know what I think?" I hummed quietly. 

He looked at me from under his lashes, raising his brow ever so slightly, eyes dark with challenge. I should probably tread carefully but fuck it. I let a shaky hand run through his hair and he tilted his head back to look at me, exposing his throat. I let my other hand cup his neck, running my thumb along his jawline.  

"I think that maybe… you're scared. And you have no idea how to handle it. That's what you ended up talking with Master Marcus about, isn't it? Because I'm weaker than a full-fledged vampire. Am I right? You think I can't protect myself." 

Boom. Judging from the look in his eyes and the surprise on his face I had hit the nail on the head. 

"You are oddly perceptive." 

"Sometimes." 

He paused again. 

"I do not wish to lose you. I am sure word has already gotten out that one of the witch twins has a mate. I have basically painted a target on your back." 

"One that I am more than willing to wear, so long as you never treat me like this again." 

He relaxed and began to let his hands wander in light caresses, leaning in to give me another kiss, this one just as soft as the last. 

"Never again." 

"Good." 

I could feel my heart swell. 

"I have missed your presence." He whispered, his lips barely grazing mine. "I have missed seeing you in the castle." Kiss. "Seeing your beautiful face looking around in wonder." Kiss. "Seeing you laugh." Kiss. "And I have missed you. You have no idea how often I have imagined you here." Kiss. "In my arms." Kiss. "And even in my bed." Kiss.  

Woah, woah, woah. What? 

He grinned darkly at the look on my face. "Oh yes, darling. I have imagined you in my bed from the very beginning. In more positions than you could possibly imagine." 

Had I not been pretty much immortal I think I would have died.  

"I have imagined all of the different ways to claim you, and make sure that everyone knows you are mine." He whispered in my ear, nipping at my earlobe before sucking on it softly. 

This is not where I pictured today going. I wriggled a little bit, feeling my nipples harden almost painfully. This was not fair. 

"Careful, love." His voice was strained, and I felt him grow hard beneath me. 

"You started it." I nearly squeaked. 

"And I would like to finish it." 

His hands were cold against my midsection, and I was suddenly very, very aware of the fact that I was dressed only in an oversized t-shirt and panties. He kept his eyes trained on my face, watching for every little reaction. 

"If you don't want this, I can stop." He breathed, rubbing slow circles on my waist with his thumbs. 

"Trying to come up with excuses, Alec?" 

For whatever God forsaken reason I felt like needling him and pushing his buttons. A part of the back of my brain told me that was really fucking dumb, but I wanted to see what he would do. 

He growled and squeezed my waist in warning. 

"I think I recall telling you to watch yourself earlier." 

Oh my.  

"You said to watch my tone." I raised a challenging brow. 

His hands dug into my waist now, and I was certain I would have bruises there in the morning. 

"Amore." Another growl of warning. 

I simply leaned in to kiss him, happy to finally have my mate here with me. Knowing that he didn’t really hate me but wanted to keep me safe. He was just being a dumbass about it. 

He let out a little groan as our lips met. I let my kisses roam downwards, over his cheek and to his neck, nipping and licking. His hands drifted up, thumbing over my nipples before giving them a rather hard pinch. I sucked in a harsh breath, leaning on his shoulder and grinding my hips downward. He let out a pleasured hiss, giving my nipples another pinch and smoothing his thumbs over them. 

"Arms up." He demanded. 

I did as he asked, and he pulled off my shirt. I immediately crossed my arms over my ample bosom, suddenly self-conscious.  

"Hands behind your back, darling." 

I looked at him startled. "What?" 

"I will not have you hiding from me, nor will I repeat myself." 

My heart leapt at his words, gripping my arms tighter. 

"Sorry, it's just…" 

He frowned and slowly took my hands, lowering them down until I was completely exposed from the waist up. 

"You are not to be ashamed, and I will not stand for it. You are my mate. You are stunning." He said softly. 

He ran his hands over my skin again, his lips following right behind with a lightness that I almost couldn't detect. And not in a sexual way, although I could still feel his hardness underneath me, but in a reverent way. Worshipping. He cupped the back of my neck and brought me in for another kiss, deeper this time. 

"Now love, hands behind your back. I will not tell you again." He rasped, one hand sliding around the front of my neck and the other brushing against one of my nipples. 

He gave my neck a light squeeze in warning, his thumb brushing over my jugular. This time I did as I was told, and his lips twisted into a grin that could rival the devil's. 

"Good girl." 

I sucked in a breath. Oh fuck.  

He kept watching me. "Are you okay?" 

I nodded, a little dazed. 

"You have to say it aloud, Y/N." 

"Yes." I breathed. 

"If we need to stop at any point, tell me." 

"Okay." 

"You are a fast learner, aren't you?" He leaned in, close to my ear. "I like that." 

His hand left my throat, and he went back to cupping my breasts, kneading them softly before he bent his head and gave one a long lick, right over the nipple. Then he proceeded to suck one into his mouth, teeth edging along the sides. 

"Alec." I moaned, throwing my head back. 

I couldn't help it when my hips started grinding, but Alec immediately put a stop to that. 

"The only pleasure you will get, is what I allow you to have." 

A thrill went through me, and I opened my mouth to protest but it came out as a whine instead when he kissed me, tongue running along my lip and slipping past into my warm mouth. I then let out a shocked moan when his hands traveled further south, slipping his fingers into my panties and coming to rest on my soaked mound.  

He rubbed teasingly, fingers finding my clit. Round and round and round. I squirmed against him, obscenely wet noises coming from below as he slipped two fingers inside me. His fingers began pumping in and out of me, combined with rubbing my clit, I could barely stand it. 

Flushed, I pulled back a little, panting against his lips. 

"Please." I whined. 

"Please what?" 

"Alec!" 

"I want to hear you say it, Y/N." 

"Alec. Please. Fuck. Me." 

His eyes dilated at the sound of his name.  

Before I could fully comprehend what was happening, I could hear the sound of something ripping, and realized that my panties were torn to shreds and dangling precariously from my hips. My warm, wet heat was exposed to the cool air, and his pants were undone, his cock out, with precum already leaking out of the tip. I panted like a whore in heat at the sight of him, eyes glazed and desperate. 

He brushed his cock through my slick folds, completely in control. Then he slowly lowered me, my tight folds giving way and I let out a long moan of pleasure when he bottomed out. He was huge. I wasn't sure how he even managed to fit, or how he was going to be able to move. His arms circled around me, grasping my backside firmly. 

"You managed to take my cock like a good girl. Now let's see how well you handle it." 

"Wait, wait!" 

He paused, looking up at me with concern. 

"Can- can I move my hands now?" I pleaded. 

He smirked. "No." 

He thrusted his hips up without warning and I gave a shriek of pleasure. His pace was fairly brutal, and I loved every second of it. He kept sucking and licking at my neck, leaving a trail of dark, bruising love bites, and my nipples scrapped against his shirt. The pleasure was almost too overwhelming, it made the walls of my pussy clench around him. 

"That's a good girl. So tight for me." He groaned into my neck. "How does it feel, taking my cock? To have me stretching you out?" 

Oh fuuuuuck. 

Alec was a dirty talker and I fucking loved it. 

He pounded into me without mercy, and I could start to feel that delicious heat building down low. 

"Yes. Yes. Yes." 

I didn't realize that I had been chanting aloud until Alec let out a dark chuckle. 

"Please." I begged. 

He seemed to break. 

"Hang on to me." 

My hands immediately went to grab his shoulders, clutching at his shirt. I was pretty sure I heard a rip, but I was too lost in the sensation of being, you know, fucked out of my mind. One of his hands slipped down low again, his deft fingers circling my clit. 

"Vieni per me, tesoro." He then proceeded to bite into my neck, right in the dip where it met my shoulder, and the sharp pain sent a wave of pleasure through me. 

Mixing with the pleasure of his cock and the stimulation of my clit it was enough to send me crashing over the edge. I came hard, Alec's mouth muffling my own, swallowing my cries. His hands tangled in my hair, giving it a light pull. I could taste my blood in his mouth, and I found that I liked it. I swiped my tongue over his lips to get more. 

Alec let out a surprised gasp, pulling back, his hips slowing down to shallow thrusts. His face was smeared with a little of my blood, and I leaned back in, giving him a lick before delving back into his mouth with a kiss, enjoying the taste of him and my blood mixed. 

"Fuck." He groaned against my lips. 

I dared to take a bit of control and ground down hard, making sure to squeeze the walls of my pussy to the point where he almost couldn't move. 

"Fuck!"  

Alec went rigid and then spasmed as he came. 

We stayed like that, breathing hard for a moment, before he finally pulled out of me with an obscenely wet popping noise. I blushed and he simply gave me a grin. An actual grin instead of the devilish one I had come to know. 

"Are you okay?" He asked and I nodded quickly, practically glowing with happiness. 

"Words, amore." 

I giggled. "Yes, love. More than okay." 

"Good, because I'm ready to have you moaning my name again." He whispered, licking away the blood I had smeared on my own face. "Preferably in my bed." 

{Masterlist} // {Request Guidelines}

Translations (Provided via Google): Vieni per me, tesoro.: Come for me, darling. Amore: Love

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[inactivewattpadauthor]

Liu Kang x Friendzoned Reader: Saving Kotal

This could be a sequel to the chapter you get friend zoned, idk ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Standing aside from the group of Outworlders, you all waited for the three to come back: Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and the one that secretly makes you spite everything, Kitana. Maybe it was a good idea you stayed back. It would've been a shame if the pettiness inside you acted on the intrusive thoughts. You kept everything down though, knowing your feelings weren't important in this matter.

Kitana was to convince Baraka to side up with her to rescue Kotal and defeat Shao Kahn, hopefully all of them weren't shredded down there. It felt awkward being around all these Outworlders too. But no worries, they all return with the allegiance of Tarkata.

Letting out a small smile you went to them. "Glad you guys are back." Glancing mostly at Lao since you were still bitter about the other two. Liu sensed your vibe, awkwardly nodding at Lao before walking off with the princess.

The hat wielder pulls close to you, wrapping an arm around your shoulder as you two walked closely. "So we all are going to the Kolosseum," You already were aware of the next dangerous leap. "Liu wishes for me to tell you that you don't have to go. It is very dangerous."

You scoff and push away from Lao. "So what? He couldn't tell me himself? Maybe he actually just doesn't want me to go because... of her."

Lao grimaces. "See, this is why he made me speak to you." He murmurs before clearing his throat. "No. He just thinks it wouldn't be fair for you to risk your life for something mostly for Kitana. Though the realms are at stake. But it's up to you if you wish to not participate. He understands."

"I'll go." You sigh. "And Lao," You place a hand on his shoulder. "Don't be his messenger. You're too much of a good friend for that." You walk off.

He smiles at you when you walk away and as you go completely out of sight, his face drops into a frown. "Shit."

---Time Skip To Kolosseum---

You stood far back as Kitana lead the large group to the doors of the caged battle arena. As they were forced open, you could tell any second late, Kotal would've had his head bashed in. Standing back, you could barely hear what the princess and Shao Kahn spoke of.

"-exactly like you, 'father'." That's when the battle began, Kitana striking Shao with her fan blades and everyone else getting into it. You fought smoothly, knocking any foe that approaches off their feet with easy defeat.

Turning your head, you see Liu fighting honorably as well, but it would seem he didn't hear the enemy approaching behind him, readying his sharp weapon. Without any hesitance, you rushed to that swine, heart pumping in fear he would strike him.

You deliver a strong high kick to the back of the opponent's neck, sending the heel of your shoe through, making the swine choke up on his own blood. The sound made Liu jump back and his eyes widen as you pull your heel out, watching in despise as the Shao Kahn follower collapse dead, blood seeping from the hole you caused.

"You came!" Liu looked at you with warmth. "Why?"

"I'd give my life for you." You cross your arms, looking away blankly. You said it so simply, he stands there confused. He always sort of thought you disliked him ever since he had to put you down. The champion would've understood if you resented him all the way, but he was happy you came through.

"I owe you mine's now." Liu bows gratefully to you.

You scoff and roll your eyes. He is confused to why you step towards him until you wrap your arms around him, his mind fading out as everyone else was dying in the background and the audience cheers with glee.

But he smiles and returns your embrace, resting his chin on your head.

You two hugged it out for long up until you hear a pained yell from Kotal. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ I do a little trolling in this chapter lol

[bella-rose29]

Deck the Halls (and not your partner) - part 9

this has been a long time coming but it's finally here! have some simping over lockwood's hands to make up for the wait (there's more next chapter too 😉)

Word count: 5k words

Warnings: swearing, Steph (HUGE WARNING, I HATE HER IN THIS BUT IT'S NECESSARY FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE SERIES, SHE MADE ME WANT TO THROW UP), a lot of simping over lockwood's hands (also he's wearing a ring), innuendos ig? references to not so sfw times, vague references to body image issues and related things, I think that's it?

family photos and a gingerbread house competition (part 1)

series master list

(couldn't pick between these two so I put them both, you're welcome, also thinking about it they both match the vibes that lockwood has in this part)

“Remind me why we're doing this?”

“Because it's a tradition, Anthony. I would have thought this would be right up your street!”

“Well it is, but I don't see why we have to be stood next to Steph and Linda.”

“That's just Mum's positioning. She says it looks best that way and nobody argues with her.”

Anthony hummed, looking around at the family members gathered in the living room. The fire had been set up a few minutes ago, Ben stacking up the kindling like building blocks and setting some larger pieces of wood around them, striking a match and closing the door. Most people were already ready for the family photo, and Anthony and Y/n were sat on their loveseat while they waited for Steph and Linda to come downstairs. 

Predictably, the two of them were still in their bedrooms fussing about the fact they had to do this, but Emma was taking full advantage of the fact that nobody could leave and had forced them into joining them. 

"I don't know why they're so upset, really,” Anthony mused, trailing his fingertips over Y/n's shoulder. The way they were sat with her curled into his side made it a slightly awkward angle, but he could put aside the pain in his own shoulder if it meant he was closer to her. “I think that you look adorable in that jumper.” Y/n frowned, scrunching her nose up and glaring up at him. 

“Adorable? I look like I've been shoved into a charity shop and been pulled out backwards through the racks!”

“The dancing reindeer really take the cake, if I'm being honest.”

“Stop it. They look deranged.”

“They look happy, darling.” He paused, taking in the wide eyes and toothy grins of the reindeer that decorated the matching red jumpers that the whole family were wearing.  “And possibly like they've seen too many deaths. But they're smiling, and they've got... what is that, chocolate bars?”

“I think it's beer, Ant. The deranged reindeer are drinking beer while they're being wrapped up in a net of Christmas lights.”

"Christmas lights... that actually light up," he grinned, pressing the button on her jumper to demonstrate his point. Y/n sighed, trying to look cross with him, but the small smile on her face gave her away. 

“You're such a ridiculous idiot sometimes,” she said quietly, gazing fondly at him. The lights on her jumper were still flashing, decorating her face in different colours. 

“Yeah, but I'm your ridiculous idiot.” She snorted, then kissed him gently on the lips. If they hadn't been in the presence of most of her family members, Anthony would have held her there for hours. 

As it was, however, she reluctantly pulled away a few seconds later, smiling widely when he automatically chased her mouth. 

“Alright, love birds, stop making the rest of us feel so single and lonely,” Will called out, attempting to sound annoyed. Anthony knew that the man couldn't be happier about his little sister getting a boyfriend, and that he was easily settling in to his newfound role of teasing them about their relationship. 

“Shove off, Will,” Y/n rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at her brother, and he responded by sneakily giving her the middle finger. 

“Right,” Emma declared, looking around the room at everyone gathered. “Where's Linda? And Steph?”

"I think they're still upstairs, Mum," John replied, not looking up from the sofa as he sat on top of Sam and whacked him around the head with a pillow. Sam looked like he was being slightly suffocated under his brother's weight, but nobody seemed to take much notice. The two of them fought like that a lot, and Anthony supposed that everyone was used to it now which was why nobody intervened. 

“John, stop killing your brother for five minutes and go and find them. Tell them they need to come down right away or I'm dragging them. And putting flour in their hair.” John went to complain, but at the glare that was sent his way he quickly shut his mouth and headed out the room, not before delivering one last hit to Sam's head for good measure. 

Within three minutes John was back, Linda and Steph in tow as they grumbled about the jumpers they had been forced into. 

“This is disgusting. And we're all wearing the same ones? Really, Emma? It's bad enough that you made your own sister wear this... monstrosity, but forcing it on all of us? Unbelievable.” Anthony barely hid his scowl as Linda talked down on her sister, and if he didn't think Emma could defend herself he would have leapt to do it himself. 

“You can take it off the moment we're done here, alright? But this is my house, Linda, and you're playing by my rules. It's not like you can go anywhere, so you might as well shut it and take the damn photo with us.”

Linda opened and closed her mouth like a fish for a few moments, before deciding against responding and moving to where her sister had pointed for her to stand. 

“Thank you,” Emma sighed, finishing setting up the camera. “Right, everyone get into position please, no squabbling!”

Anthony smiled as Y/n huffed and stood up, stretching out her limbs after being curled up in his lap for the past however many minutes, and within the next five minutes (that felt much longer than that) all family members present were in the places that Y/n’s mother had assigned to them, and she was clicking the button on the camera to take the photo. She rushed to take her own place next to Ben as the timer started counting down, plastering on a wide smile a second before the flash went. 

“Can we go now?” Steph whined from where she stood to Anthony’s left. She’d had to squeeze in to fit in the picture, and the sheer amount of perfume she had on was making Anthony suffocate slightly.

“Uh, hang on. Let me check that it’s a good photo. Ugh, Tom, honey, you’re meant to be smiling, not staring at the camera like you want to kill it. Let’s try again. Sam, don’t be making stupid faces this time, alright?”

“Yes, Mum,” Sam said, stifling a laugh when Will poked him in the side. Nana Jean ruffled Tom’s hair, much to Emma’s chagrin (it had taken her ages to get it somewhat neat), but the action gained a smile in response. 

They tried again, the flash going off a second time, and when Emma gave the all-clear Linda and Steph immediately moved to take off their jumpers. “Hideous things,” Linda muttered, clearly not in the holiday spirit. 

“You two had better not go anywhere,” Nana Jean said, pointing a crooked finger at them when they went to leave. “We’re building gingerbread houses next and if nothing else it’ll be a competition where you can attempt to destroy everyone else, so get your asses in the kitchen!” Anthony had been pleasantly surprised at how much energy the 80-year-old woman had, especially since her knees were basically completely ruined, and he had found himself engaged in lively conversation with her on more than one occasion. She wasn’t entirely fond of Y/n’s choice of work, but from what Anthony could tell that was more to do with the fact that she was very fond of her granddaughter, and would rather not receive a letter in the mail telling her that Y/n was dead. 

“We’ll go together, right?” Y/n asked, looking up at him while everyone was getting into pairs. He was just about to answer when Nana Jean appeared out of nowhere and grabbed his arm. He looked down at her in surprise (she was quite a small woman), confusion all over his face. 

“I’m taking this one, you can go with your Gramps. I’ve never won with him, not once. This’ll be my year, I can feel it! And your lover boy is going to help me!”

“Good luck, Nana. I don’t think Anthony can cook toast, let alone gingerbread.” Y/n was smirking, crossing her arms as she let triumph seep into her expression despite not having started the competition yet. 

“Oh really? You also didn’t think I’d be any good at snowball fights. You’d be surprised what I can do with my hands, darling.” He immediately blushed at the look on Y/n’s face, and steadfastly refused to look at either her or Nana Jean. “I didn’t mean it like that,” he muttered, shaking his head and hoping the situation would end so he could go and bury himself in blankets and hibernate for years. He felt someone nudge his side and his cheeks got hotter still when he saw Nana Jean smiling up at him with a cheeky look on her face. 

“I’m sure Y/n/n knows all about what your hands can do, love.”

“Nana!” Y/n cried, exasperation in her voice. “You can’t say that!”

“Well I don’t think I’m wrong! You’ve been together eight months now; I married your Gramps in less time! Come on, Anthony!” She cheerfully turned and headed out the living room, dragging Anthony behind her and leaving Y/n to stand staring incredulously after them.

~~~

Y/n still hadn’t fully recovered from Anthony’s comment (and then Nana Jean’s addition) about his hands, and she was meant to be making gingerbread. 

Her Gramps had settled at the dining table with tracing paper, a pencil and far too many rulers, while she was measuring out the ingredients and mixing them together in a large bowl. He’d been an architect before he retired, helping draw up the plans for the Fittes Building and providing sketches for housing that had helped when people were on the streets at the beginning of the Problem because their houses were unsafe. Y/n had listened to him talking about his job a thousand times, but she still didn’t know what the purpose of all the different rulers were. 

“Gramps, you know you don’t have to get that technical about it, right?”

“Oh yes I do! I’m not letting Jeanie win this year, oh no! She thinks I’ve lost my touch with architecture, but I was doing badly deliberately because I knew, one year, she’d get fed up and go with someone else! She has no idea what’s coming!” Her Gramps chuckled, shaking his head and clutching his side as he thought about how deceptive he had been. Y/n smiled, remembering all the previous years where Nana Jean had become so exasperated at his apparent incapability that she’d given up all hope of winning with him. It had had no impact on their marriage, and the two of them were just as in love as they had been when they first got married, but Nana Jean also had a healthy love of winning things, and gingerbread was one of her specialties. 

“Focus, love, you’re tipping the mix out the bowl,” her Gramps said, nudging her in the arm. Y/n looked down to see the mess that she’d made over the table, and cursed softly under her breath. “What were you thinking about to make you zone out like that?” She flushed, and cast a quick glance over to where Anthony was stood at the island in the kitchen carrying out the same job as her. Without thinking, her gaze drifted down to where his hands were mixing the ingredients together in the bowl, and when her Gramps coughed she snapped her focus back to him and realised that she hadn’t actually given him an answer. Damn her Nana for saying what she said about Anthony’s hands and putting thoughts into her head! 

“Sorry,” she muttered, trying to ignore the weird look he was giving her and the heat that was now permanently in her cheeks. 

“That’s alright, love. Just scoop it back up, like this, there we are. That’s looking pretty good I’d say. Go ahead and add the next bits now, and I’ll finish drawing up these stencils.”

~~~

“What do I need to do now?” Anthony asked, holding his hands just above the bowl. Nana Jean looked over from where she had finished cutting up the last of the stencils and smiled. 

“Ah, you’ve added in the butter mixture, good lad. Looks perfect to me, so let’s get it rolled out and we can start cutting. We need to make sure we get to the oven before Richard and Y/n do, because then we’ll have a head start on the decorating.”

“Alright.”

“You might want to wash your hands first though, what with all that mix on there. Make sure you get as much as you can in the bowl before you go and scrub ‘em.” Anthony nodded, starting to push off all the gingerbread mix that had clung to his fingers while he’d been bringing the ingredients together. He heard laughter from across the room and immediately recognised it as Y/n’s, which was strange because he didn’t think that he’d heard her laugh so unapologetically since coming here. Normally it was forced, or real but contained, and although they hadn’t got along before this entire situation had happened she had still laughed like she was currently (normally when he fell over from tripping on his coat). She was gorgeous when she smiled widely, and even more so when she laughed, and Anthony paused in his actions as he watched her be properly happy around her family for one of the first times this holiday. 

He knew that she got on well with her Gramps, despite his reservations about her job and some of the comments he made about her being ‘too much to handle sometimes’, but clearly they could forget about that when they were baking together, without the pressure of Steph and Linda watching their every move. 

No, Anthony had that pleasure, and Steph’s eyes hadn’t left his face for the past thirty minutes. 

He felt the weight of her gaze now, and after sending a small wave to Y/n when she looked over and saw him (she’d stuck her middle finger up in response, but had immediately blown him a kiss when he acted hurt) he sighed and turned to Steph. “Can I help you?” He asked, resuming his previous actions of taking the gingerbread mixture off of his hands and depositing it into the bowl. 

“I think you can,” she answered, plastering on a sickly sweet smile and slowly walking over to stand on his left. She stopped barely a hair’s breadth away from his arm, and the perfume she had on was swarming his senses and making him want to gag. It was just as cloying as her smile. “See, I’ve been thinking a lot recently,” Steph started, and Anthony bit back his retort of ‘careful, don’t strain yourself too much’ and tried not to flinch when her hand came in contact with his shoulder. “I think that we haven’t really had a chance to… get to know one another. Properly. And I really would like to… get to know you, Anthony.” Her fingers danced down his arm, and he couldn’t help the grimace that came across his face at her tone. He stepped away a little, trying to not knock Nana Jean while still putting some distance between Stephanie and her wandering hands (that had since moved to his chest). 

“I’m not sure I follow,” he frowned, turning and moving to the sink. He’d gotten as much of the sticky gingerbread mixture off of his hands as possible, and now all that was left was to douse them in water. Steph followed him, gripping his arm tightly and restricting his movement. He was too good of an agent to panic - panicking in his line of work meant almost-certain death - but he could feel unease creeping up his spine and a chill working its way into his bones like miasma. 

“Why don’t we take a minute? Out in the hallway?” He really didn’t like the way she’d said that, all low and what seemed like an attempt at seduction (he couldn’t tell because it was so bad, but from the look in her eyes he could make a guess), and he shook his head. 

“I’ve got to stay here, help out Jean. Shouldn’t you be making your own gingerbread?”

“Oh, that thing? No, we never win so what’s the point? I’d much rather spend some time with you… alone.” Anthony finished washing his hands, trying to ignore how Steph’s grip on his arm had somehow grown stronger in the last minute, and turned back to the island. His eyes scanned the kitchen and dining room, desperately searching for someone that would see he’d been accosted and would come to his rescue, but everybody was busy making gingerbread houses. 

“A minute and a minute only. No more than that,” he said, giving in. Steph’s smile turned smug, and she dragged him out of the kitchen, at which point Nana Jean did look up, sending him a questioning look. Anthony mouthed ‘sorry, back in a moment’ just in time before the kitchen door shut in his face. He sighed, closing his eyes and clenching his jaw in preparation for whatever the hell Steph wanted. “Right,” he started, opening his eyes again and looking around for her. “What’s so urgent that you needed to-” He was cut off by Steph practically lunging at him, grabbing his face and pushing her lips onto his. It took him roughly a second to figure out what was happening, and he quickly got over his initial shock and shoved her off. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” He wiped the back of his hand over his mouth, looking at Steph with disgust. 

“Oh come on! I know for a fact that you and Y/n aren’t actually together, so what does it matter? Besides,” she continued, sidling up to him again when he took a step back, “I know that deep down you want this, Anthony.” He frowned, both at her words and at how she was still coming towards him, and the previous chill that had settled on him was now a raging storm. He kept it contained, not wanting to cause too much of a scene when anyone could hear what was happening on the other side of the door (that was now blocked by Steph), but the anger was evident when he spoke. 

“I’m not sure where you got those ideas from, Stephanie, or why you think that I will ever want you when Y/n is in my life, but you need to stop.” She tried to contain her shock at his rough tone, but the way her eyes widened gave her away. 

“Wha-”

“Let me finish. First of all, why do you think we’re not actually together? Are you so disbelieving of the fact that Y/n is a genuinely incredible person and could absolutely get anyone she wanted? Because I consider myself lucky that she even tolerates my presence half the time, let alone wants to date me. Second, even if we weren’t together, it would matter to me. I’m not the sort of person who switches loyalties that easily, and I will always, always, put my relationship with Y/n before any kind of attempted civilities with you. As it happens, she is my girlfriend, and quite honestly the fact that you think I’ll ever leave her for you is laughable.” He was being mean, he knew, but he was too done with Steph’s behaviour to worry about being nice and charming now. He’d pieced together the last of the puzzle that had been bothering him since he first got here too, connecting the dots between Linda and Steph’s comments and Y/n’s subsequently strange behaviour since arriving here. “So no, I do not want this. What I want is for you to stop bullying her, and belittling her, and making her feel like shit all the damn time, because she doesn’t deserve it,” he seethed, jabbing his finger in her face. “She doesn’t deserve any of it at all. All the comments about how much she’s eating, or her body shape, or giving her a gym membership as a Christmas present, or telling her she’s not pretty enough because she doesn’t look like you, or because she wears the same dress two years in a row, all of that needs to stop. Because you make her act like an entirely different person when you’re around and that is not alright. Because Y/n is ten times the person that you will ever be, Steph, because she isn’t a bully. She’s genuine, and kind, and loving, and the most beautiful girl in the entire universe, and she doesn’t deserve a single iota of the hate that you give her.”

Steph was quiet for a minute, processing everything he’d just ranted about. “I overheard you,” she finally said, not looking at him. “That first night when Y/n stormed off upstairs in some stupid tantrum-”

“She stormed off upstairs because you were being a bitch.”

“Right,” Steph didn’t looked too bothered, but she at least had the grace to flinch at his icy tone. “Well after you went up, I followed, because yeah, you’re right, I am very disbelieving that someone as good-looking as you would ever go for someone as ugly as her when you know you could do at least twenty times better, and I thought there was something weird about it! And there was a very large period of time when I couldn’t hear anything, which was really annoying because my legs were getting tired from-”

“Steph, hurry it up.” He had barely any patience remaining now, and her voice had gone all whiny and irritating.

“Oh, yeah. Well, then I heard you two talking about how it was really hard pretending to like each other or something, and you were arguing and saying that you were pretending to date.” Anthony froze for a moment, but rapidly recovered and eased himself into his normal ‘customer service’ persona, plastering on a pitiful smile. Before he could say anything though, Steph was moving towards the kitchen door, one hand on the handle. “It’s been quite fun, really, watching you fake a relationship to everyone. I’ve been trying to work out when the best time to bring it up was ever since Christmas Day after you had a go at me. So, either you tell them all, or I do. You’ve got nowhere to hide now, and I am going to enjoy watching this whole thing collapse on Y/n. I’ll give you until after the competition’s been judged; I wouldn’t want to ruin the festivities.” Her smile was even more sickening than it had been when she’d first started this conversation back in the other room, and after she disappeared into the kitchen and closed the door behind her, Anthony let out a shaky breath he hadn’t been aware he was holding. 

He needed to talk to Y/n before the end of the competition, and figure out how the hell they were going to deal with Steph. 

~~~

She couldn’t stop staring at his hands. 

Since coming back in from whatever hallway conversation he’d had with Steph, Anthony had gone right back to helping Nana Jean with a smile on his face, despite the wary glances he kept throwing towards Y/n’s cousin. She hadn’t seen the two of them step out, but she had noticed that Anthony was gone, because she’d gone to look at his hands again and he wasn’t there. 

Her Gramps was helping her cut out the shapes they would need for their gingerbread house, and she’d been doing just fine until out of the corner of her eye she’d seen Anthony slip back on the ring he always wore. 

He had taken it off earlier when Nana Jean told him he needed to mix the ingredients with his hands, not wanting to get the metal coated in gingerbread mix, but now that his hands were clean again he was adjusting it back on his finger. 

Why couldn’t she stop staring at his hands?

She’d nearly cut a piece of gingerbread entirely wrong just now because she had been too focused on how the metal band looked against his slender fingers while he rolled out the gingerbread, and her Gramps had scolded her by chucking a bit of flour at her face. 

“Pay attention, love, you’re very distracted today. Is everything alright?”

“Oh, uh- yeah… yes. Everything is… is fine.” She hadn’t taken her eyes off of his ring, which meant she didn’t see either her Gramps’ concerned look or Anthony’s bemused one until Will was calling across the kitchen. 

“Keep it in your pants, Squeak! You can take your Lover Boy to bed after the gingerbread competition!” Y/n flushed as her gaze snapped up to meet Anthony’s, finally noticing that she’d been caught blatantly checking out his hands. 

“Alright, Will,” her mother scolded, although there was a hint of amusement behind it that made Y/n want the ground to swallow her up. Anthony just raised his eyebrows at her, smirk on his face, and she didn’t have it in her to fight back, instead turning back to the gingerbread in front of her and cutting out the last of the shapes. 

~~~

“Hey,” Anthony said, finally getting a chance to talk to Y/n. Pretty much everybody either had their gingerbread shapes in the ovens, or they were waiting for a space to free up, so he had been excused by Nana Jean for a while. 

“Oh, hi!” She hadn’t seen him walk over, but the second she realised he was there she reached up and planted a quick kiss on his mouth. He felt himself blush, despite it being over faster than most of their kisses, and she let out a snort. “Really? All I did was give you a peck on the lips, Ant.”

A wave of confidence came over him, and although the heat stayed on his cheeks he leaned down to murmur in her ear. “Well I wasn’t doing much with my hands but I still had you blushing, didn’t I darling?” Y/n had no answer to that (not that it had really been a question; he’d seen her staring earlier and he was almost certain her thoughts had drifted somewhere other than something innocent), and before he pulled back Anthony pressed a lingering kiss just by her ear. 

“You- y- you can’t just say that, Ant! Jesus!” He laughed, wrapping his arm around her waist and bringing her into his chest while she hid her face in his neck. He hummed, happy, until he caught a glimpse of Steph out of the corner of his eye. 

“Darling?”

“What?” she replied, although it was somewhat muffled since her head was still buried in his christmas jumper. 

“We need to talk about something really quickly, do you want to step out?” Y/n lifted her head, frown crossing her features. Anthony wanted to press kisses to it until it disappeared, but the conversation he’d had with Stephanie was at the front of his mind. 

“Okay… is everything alright?” she asked as he led her out of the kitchen by the hand. He didn’t say anything until they were in the library, safely away from all other family members. “Ant, seriously, what’s going on?”

“Steph talked to me earlier.”

“Right… how was it?”

“Awful. She kissed me.”

“WHAT?!”

“Darling, it’s fine, it was less than a second and I shoved her off and-“

“What? Oh! Oh, no, I’m not angry with you, Ant. I’m pissed at her for kissing my fucking boyfriend!”

“Ah. Okay. Well that’s not actually the thing I wanted to talk about.”

“There’s more?!”

“She knows. That we’re not… that we weren’t… that we were faking it. She doesn’t know that we stopped doing that and started actually dating, because she walked away before I could tell her that, but she’s known since the first night and she’s been waiting ever since. She gave me an ultimatum, and said that either we fess up or she does, right after the competition has been judged. Seemed far too happy about watching you suffer, to be honest. I think she might need to see a doctor.” Y/n stared at him, her mouth opening and closing a few times before she shut it completely. 

“So, Steph knows. Steph has known basically the entire time. And Steph has done nothing?”

“Yes. She said something about wanting to ‘watch the whole thing collapse on you’ and that she would ‘enjoy it’ or something?”

“That bitch. Well what are we gonna do then? Because whatever happens it sounds like my family is finding out about this whole… thing,” she flapped her hands between them before sighing and pressing them to her face. “I was right. This is a shitshow.”

“Hey, hey. Worst case scenario is Steph tells everyone, yes? But then we can just tell them the truth. Will knows, and he’ll back us up, right? And I’m fairly certain that Nana Jean knows but I’m not sure how, she just kept making these little comments while we were baking earlier and winking at me and I just - it just feels like she knows.” 

“Nana Jean’s just like that, I suppose. It would make sense if she knew. Okay. You’re right. We can do this. We’ll just wait until Steph tells everyone, and then tell the truth.” Y/n paused for a moment, looking down at the floor while she chewed her lip. “I don’t think I can tell the truth,” she said, and when she brought her gaze back up her eyes were shining with the tears that were threatening to fall. Anthony stepped closer, framing her face in his hands and planting a soft kiss to her forehead. 

“You don’t need to tell the whole truth. Not if you don’t want to. Just the bit about us being in a proper relationship now if you like, and I can do that if you need me to. But whatever you choose, darling, I’ll be with you. I will be right by your side, Y/n, always.”

“Thank you, Anthony.”

“Anytime, my darling. Anytime at all.”

He hoped she knew just how much he meant it. 

part 10

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desperately hoping this is everyone, but as always just let me know if you want to be added/removed (or if I forgot you) and I'll do that as soon as I can! <3

[vansmaybeonthewall]

reputation // i did something bad

chapter summary: The one where your plan comes to life after a series of events that fueled the fire.

Eventual Jamie Tartt x Reader

the support you have shown for this is truly amazing. ily all, i hope you enjoy! i almost accidentally deleted it all before posting

word count: 4.3k

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The spotlight was on you, a familiar yet unwanted feeling. News headlines questioned your ability to hold a crowd that big and there was not one positive thing to combat them. Even the almighty Rupert and his sidekick Derek forgot how small you were compared to other artists. It was almost as if they wanted you to fail despite wanting to take a win from Rebecca Welton. It also was a surprise to see the size of the stage and the number of light fixtures fixed to it. Even dancers who seemed to be warming up? You made your way to the stage from the tunnel, crew milling about preparing the finishing touches. Derek spotted you in your confused state and jogged over to you. 

“Amazing isn’t it? Jasmine had the bright idea to have a full stage with room for choreography. She even got some designers to agree to make these long flowy dresses to match your “vibe”.”

“My vibe?”

“Yeah, you know, the way your songs sound and the meanings, all that. She’s gotten a choreographer already planning out your movements. She has a hairstylist and a makeup artist waiting for you already to practice the look they have picked out. Oh this is so exciting! Come on!”

“Wait, Derek!”

But he has already rushed off, jogging back across the field. There was no choice but to follow him which somehow led you to be sitting in a makeup chair with two strangers attacking your hair and face. It was awkward and the silence was excruciatingly painful. Both stylists had made it quite clear they weren’t amused or happy to be working with you. You were left alone in your makeshift wardrobe area looking at an unrecognizable figure in the mirror. Your hair didn’t suit your face and the makeup distorted what you knew to be yourself. The dress, the most beautiful shade of purple, wasn’t what you had planned for the event. In fact, none of this was what you had planned. You would have been content with a small stage and your guitar. It didn’t need to be this difficult. 

This wasn’t you. Not in this moment of time. While you reveled in the beauty of your songs and the meanings you so delicately handcrafted, this wasn’t how they were supposed to be showcased. Of course, the opportunity to perform in front of hundreds of people was a dream, but it was to good to be true. A small percentage, if any, would know the lyrics to your songs. It didn’t seem-

“Knock knock!”

Jasmine pokes her head through the doorway, a radiant smile on her face.

“Oh, you look absolutely gorgeous! Are you ready for it?”

“For what exactly?”

“To go over the setlist! I know they were still making changes, but they should be done by now. We need a rehearsal today and to schedule a few more before the match in a few days, which may have to be every day for a couple of hours at the rate we’re going.”

“The setlist is already being done? Don’t I get a say in it?”

Jasmine frowns slightly, her demeanor shifting.

“Derek thought it would be best to pick certain songs and leave out others. He thought you might pick some not fit for the purpose of the show.”

Right. The show wasn’t completely for you, it only involved you in some plan on getting sweet revenge on Rebecca Welton on Rupert’s behalf.

“He said that?”

“Well, yes and no. Think of it like this.”

She places her hands on your arms in an attempt to comfort you.

“You have someone looking out for you making sure you don’t make any more mistakes. It’s sweet. Now let’s get going. I’ll give you five more minutes to yourself.”

Jasmine leaves the room shutting the door behind her. Her words left you dumbfounded. First, you had no say in the songs you’d sing and second, she said Derek was there to help you make no more mistakes. You had no idea if she was being genuine or if she was deliberately trying to hurt you. You shook the thoughts from your head, heading out towards the field. 

As you walked across the field, you spotted instruments being set up on stage. It gave some sort of relief that you would play your own, but that was soon taken away. Derek was giving people papers and orders of where to go. The instrumentals of your songs soon flooded your ears. Carefully, you climbed up onto the stage and approached Derek. He spun around at the sound of approaching footsteps.

“You made it! You look exactly how we pictured you should, this is perfect! You have to meet the band and-”

“The band?”

Derek gives you a strange look.

“The band that’s going to be playing for you. Did you think you would be playing yourself?”

“I always have, you know that.”

“Yes, but we wanted to make you seem like a bigger artist than you are. We need to let Richmond know we are better than them in every possible way. Rupert is going to come by for a rehearsal and speaking of which, you need the setlist.”

You started to ask a question be he quickly shot you down.

“(Y/N), you don’t really have a say in the songs. What you have in mind doesn’t fit.”

“How do you know what I have in mind, Derek?”

“Come on, we’ve been dating for two years, you think I don’t know you?”

At the call of his name, Derek excused himself from the conversation leaving you in the center of the stage. It was like a stab to the heart. None of this performance was about you, it was everybody else’s. And yet you still followed whatever you were told to do. 

~

Two days before the match

“August slipped away into a moment of time

‘Cause it was never mine”

“Cut! Cut, cut, cut!”

Mid-song you were cut off, yet again. It was a cycle repeated every few minutes.

“The choreography isn’t right, weren’t you told to do what you normally do when you perform this song?”

“And I have told you time after time, I play my guitar every time I sing this song. But you’re not listening to me.”

“Darling, I was hired as creative director of this halftime performance, you do as I say or I blacklist you from future performances. Which doesn’t seem possible at the moment with your attitude.”

You seeth in silent anger. You push through the entire rehearsal, eager to leave the stadium. And when you finally get back to wardrobe to change back, the day somehow gets worse. You exit the building and make your way to the parking lot to wait for Derek. The constant dinging of your phone in your bag breaks you out of your trance. You dig through your bag and find Twitter to be the culprit of the noise. And boy was it a shock.

Multiple news accounts tweeted articles and comments about your appearance at the West Ham v. Richmond game. But what caught your eye was the A.F.C. Richmond account tagging your username. You click on the tweet to find a clip of a recent press conference with the tweet reading “Real men support their besties”.

You press play and find yourself listening to Colin answering questions. 

“And what do you think of (Y/N) (L/N)’s upcoming performance as a halftime entertainer?”

“(Y/N) is a talented artist. She has come so far and I’m happy to see her fulfilling one of her goals.”

“Even if a larger audience doesn’t approve of her choices in her music career?”

You see Colin straighten up.

“For as long as I’ve had the pleasure of knowing (Y/N), she does everything for a reason. Even if it may seem “outlandish” or “stupid” to critics like you, she puts her whole heart into it for the one person who will love and cherish her work to the very end. I look forward to our match against West Ham, not just for a win, but to see my best friend do the one thing she has dreamed of doing since she was a kid.”

A bittersweet smile made its way to your face. You and Colin hadn’t spoken for a while, with his matches and you following Derek as he requested. Maybe you should send him a message? Colin, however, beats you to it. You don’t have a chance to read it as a hand snatches your phone out of your grip. Derek comes into view and holds the phone up to his ear.

“Hello hello, is (Y/N) here? She didn’t hear me calling her name.”

“Jesus Derek, what the fuck.”

“You weren’t listening, I had to do something.”

He pulls the phone from his ear and moves to hand it back to you, but he catches a glimpse of the screen.

“Why is he texting you? I thought I said you couldn’t.”

You try to take your phone back from his grasp but Derek holds it higher in the air.

“He’s my best friend, I can’t just ignore him.”

“And I’m your boyfriend, I think I know what’s best for you.”

“Derek, please-”

He grabs your wrist tightly and sharply pulls it back down. You visibly wince at the sudden pain.

“I’m your boyfriend, you don’t need anyone else protecting you or saying thighs to defend you, I do that. That’s my job, alright?”

You don’t answer. At your silence, Derek jerks your arm.

“Alright?

You quickly nod. Derek lets go of your arm. Seeing tears about to fall from your eyes, he hugs you tightly. He places your phone into your back pocket before letting go of you. He kisses your cheek.

“I only do what’s best for you, you know that. Now I have to go meet with Rupert and Jasmine to discuss final additions to the show. And maybe when I get home, we can celebrate”

Derek looks at you with a smirk on his face before walking away, leaving you frozen by yourself without a ride home. You carefully rub your wrist, already feeling the ugly marks that would soon stain your skin. In fear of speaking to anyone and of meeting Derek at home, you start the long trek back, taking the long way home.

~

One day before the match

You had been silent for the last rehearsal. To get through the day faster, you chose not to voice any differences or concerns you had about your performance. You didn’t even have the courage to respond to Colin’s text much less open it. You were heading down the long hallway from your wardrobe room when you caught giggles and whispers of a heated conversation. But what really caught your attention was the mention of your name. You stop at the corner and lean against the wall. You take a peak to find Derek pinning Jasmine against the wall, face pressed into her neck. Her giggles turn into soft moans as Derek’s hands slide down her body. You place your back against the wall and slide down, hitting the floor with a small thump. 

You knew they were sneaking around. You saw the little glances and the comments they made towards the other. Even the time they kissed as an elevator closed, hiding the affair within. But never would you have imagined them being this bold. It was an ugly feeling, a nausous bugs crawling on your skin type of feeling. How could you have let this go on for so long? How could you have been with him for so long? How could you tolerate it? It was then in that moment that you made the decision to make this show about you. Not revenge on Ms. Welton, not to make West Ham look good, and definitely not to make Derek look good. It was going to end, all of it. 

You stood up from your spot and marched back to your dressing room. You snatched your phone from the vanity and found Colin’s contact. The message you never read glared at you.

Don’t let anything they say get to you, they don’t know you. You know you. Don’t let anyone make you forget that.

You press the call button. The call is picked up after the first ring. 

“Do you want to help me do something stupid?”

~

Day of the match

You looked at yourself in the mirror. The purple dress hid any indication of another outfit underneath. The bold choice of a red lip and your cat-eye eyeliner made you feel like…yourself. It was what you felt in the moment and having the decision to do it was truly an amazing thing. Getting to the stage was no big deal, you and Colin had created a foolproof plan of getting you there, which involved you being wheeled in a “cleaning cart” to underneath the stage where you would rise up as planned. 

There was a knock on the door.

“Hey babes, they’re ready for you if you are.”

You turn to the small TV in the corner of the room playing the match. There was only a few minutes until halftime. You open the door to see Keeley Jones.

“Let’s hope they’re ready for it.”

Being underneath the stage was surreal. Even if it was meant to be put up and torn apart within a short period of time, it was so elaborate. Workers milled about and the surprisingly loud chanting of your name filled the space. You quickly took off the dress revealing your outfit underneath. Pulling on the knee length boots, you grabbed a plain black microphone out of a box. Some of the dancers looked at you in confusion and anger, still dressed in flowy dresses. Those that agreed to your change in plans were dressed in black with microphones in hand. You took your place in the center of the lowered stage piece. The lights dimmed.

“And now, for your entertainment, the artist behind the delicate Folklore and Evermore, (Y/N) (L/N)!”

At the mention of your name, a glitch sound was heard. All fell silent before-

“Baby let the games begin”

The band takes off playing your song as you rise up, head lowered. As you are lifted onto the stage, the lights go red.

“Are you ready for it?”

Lights flash on you. Your black bodysuit sparkles in the spotlight. The crowd goes wild for you despite knowing none of the lyrics or meaning of all this. Your dancers and back up singers join you on stage, bringing the choreography you learned in secret to life. And when the moment came for the high note, you basked in the audience’s shouting of the lyrics as they learned the longer the song went on. The song came to an end, but this was only the beginning. At center stage, you unzipped the hoodie piece of your suit before continuing the set. Your look dramatically into the crowd, hoping your lyrics and fake laugh reached Derek’s pathetic little heart. 

“If a man talks shit, then I owe him nothing”

You hear cheers and screams coming from the girls and women in the crowd. You smirk, making sure this performance was as powerful for them as much as it was for you. The moment you get lifted into the air by your dancers felt like what it meant to be a phoenix rising from the ashes. If it was at all possible, the crowd seemed to be even louder as you finished, smiling and laughing at their reaction. The lights went out, allowing you to see the benches both teams sat at. You could see Derek arguing with Rupert, and Jasmine trying to mediate the two. It was far from over. The sounds of your next song started playing, and this one? The audience knew.

“Cause baby we got bad blood”

The singing grew louder as the stadium filled with screeches and yelling. The sound of a banjo mixing with pop music sent them into an absolute frenzy. You were bringing back your old songs, songs that haven’t been heard in years. 

“Should’ve said no”

You fell off the stage, your dancers catching you.

“Should’ve gone home”

You start running to the Richmond bench where you meet Colin with the handshake you made up when you were kids. As you start singing again, you start dancing wildly together. Cameramen follow your movements to display on the screens. While the coaches and other players seemed confused at the start, they hop in on the fun. You stay for a moment before walking towards the West Ham bench. Colin runs off grabbing a box.

“Shouldn’t be asking myself why”

You close in on Derek, pushing yourself into his face as he tries to back up. 

“You should’ve said no, baby and you might still have me”

You lean back dropping the microphone onto the floor near his feet. Colin appears next to you with a microphone sparkling with red glitter. You make your way back to the stage, but never back on it. You finish your performance on the grass. And as soon as it ends, Colin comes running, picking you up and spinning around in circles. The crowd chants your name. Colin sets you down. You bring the mic back to your face. 

“It has been an absolute pleasure to perform for you today London Stadium, but I do have some unfortunate news for you.”

You paused. All eyes were on you. Derek, although hiding from embarrassment, was staring at you with worry. Not for you, but for himself.

“I resign from my position on the West Ham United team as an entertainer and as an assistant. I will no longer be affiliated or used as a figure to represent this club, but rather another.”

Colin tilts his head in confusion. That last part wasn’t part of the plan. You look at Derek and Rupert as you speak your last sentence. 

“From now on, I will be working closely with A.F.C Richmond through their season not only to support their endeavours, but to finish my upcoming album reputation!”

With that, you turn and run towards the tunnel, waving at fans until you’re hidden away. You continue running until you find the locker room Richmond occupied for the match. You shut the door and lean against it for a second. You place the mic down on a bench before running your hands through your hair in disbelief. Being alone was shortlived as Colin burst through the door. He hugs you tightly, but keeps a hold of you when he pulls away. 

“When you said stupid, I didn’t think you meant this stupid.”

“Me neither, it just came out.”

The two of you embrace each other once again. An idea comes to mind. You let go of Colin.

“You have an extra jersey in your bag right?”

“Always.”

“Want to make it even worse?” 

The rest of the team along with the coaches file into the locker room. At the sight of Colin and you, they quiet down. Coach Lasso, the bright soul, comes forward. 

“Well I must say, that was a mighty brave thing you did out there Ms. (L/N). Wonderful performance too, you’ve come a long way from country.”

You were in shock. 

“You knew me from when I did country?”

“Of course I do! Everybody should, I was happy to hear that banjo and slight country twang in your voice. Reminded me of home”

You smiled sweetly at him. You were about to respond, but the sound of heels interrupted. Everybody turned their heads to the locker room entrance to find Keeley and Rebecca Welton. 

“Let’s wrap it up boys, we’ll do a talk and walk while we wait.”

Colin squeezes your shoulder before following his team. When they all vacated the room, Keeley came bounding to you. 

“That was fantastic babe! Absolutely spectacular.”

“It couldn’t have been done without you, Ms. Jones.”

She responded to your tease with a light punch to your arm. 

“(Y/N), this is Rebecca, Rebecca (Y/N).”

It was then you realized what you said on the field. You bring your hands up to cover your mouth.

“Ms.Welton! I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to blab, I just needed-”

Rebecca holds up a hand.

“There’s no need to apologize, I understand.”

“You do?”

“Of course I do, half the things I’ve done were done to try and hurt someone else. In fact, I must say I’m proud you had to courage to do that in front of so many people. Which brings me to this.”

You look between her and Keeley, who was trying to hide the biggest smile on her face. 

“If you wish to make what you said out there real, we’d be happy to have you.”

Keeley starts bouncing on her feet. Your mouth opens in shock.

“You’d want me?”

“You have quite the talent, and I’d hate to see you lose it because of…certain people.”

“Ms. Welton-”

“Rebecca.”

“Thank you Rebecca, I-I don’t know what to say.”

“Then don’t. Save it for when you finish writing.”

Rebecca smiles at you before extending her hand out to you. However, you take the opportunity to hug her, taking her by surprise. She returns the gesture. Keeley claps her hands together.

“Now why don’t we watch our boys beat the absolute shit out of your exes.”

You return to the field with Colin’s backup jersey over your bodysuit. Rebecca and Keeley headed to their seats, but you took the opportunity to cheer for your best friend in a place Derek would hear. As fans spotted you walking toward the Richmond bench, they cheered. 

“I spy with my little eye, a country gal making her way to the rodeo.”

You smile at Coach Lasso’s commentary. To appease him, you speak with a slight country twang.

“It ain’t a rodeo without a cowboy Coach Lasso.”

“Please, call me Ted.”

You shake hands as well as the other coaches before turning to the field where the play has resumed. You see Colin attempting to run from his attackers before he is tripped. Whistles blow, and some boos can be heard from the Richmond fans. Colin gets up slowly. You see the trio of coaches make the decision to pull him out. As Colin sits down on the bench. You crouch as Colin rubs his ankle.

“What happened?”

“Got me on purpose and made it look like a wee little accident.”

“I’m sorry-”

“It’s not your fault (Y/N).”

“But if I hadn’t done-”

“If you hadn’t done what you did, you wouldn’t be here wearing my jersey with knee-high boots.”

You smile at each other. 

“Come on, let’s watch them avenge me.”

The game could have gone better as it ended with a tie. But boy did it feel good to cheer and yell with Colin. Despite his slightly injured ankle, Colin picked you up and carried you to the huddle to celebrate their draw. They file into the locker room and gather their belongings. As you all file out of the locker room, you just remember that your stuff sits in the home-side part of the stadium.

“Shit.”

“What’s happened?”

You look at Colin with a troubled look on your face.

“My stuff. It’s in the dressing room My phone, my bag, my clothes.”

You won’t have to worry about any of that anymore as Derek storms down the hall with your bag in hand. He shouts your name and throws your belongings at you. The bag slides across the floor. You take a step back as he gets closer.

“I always knew you were stupid, but the shit you pulled today? You put the icing on the fuckin cake.”

Derek stands in front of you, breathing heavily. Another pair of footsteps comes quickly, Jasmine’s figure appearing. 

“Derek!”

“Maybe you should listen to her, Derek. She always has such great things to say.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that I know about your sneaking around and the marks on your goddamn necks! Did you really think I wouldn’t know? I thought you would have some sort of decency to try and hide it, but you made it known to everybody but me! You’re mad I embarrassed you in front of people who “love” and “support” you? Good! Maybe people will see who you really are. A liar, a cheat, and a terrible coach.”

Derek raised his hand, but before it made contact with your face, a hand caught him by the wrist. You turned to see not Colin? A hand pulled you backward as the person stepped in front of you. A jersey with the number nine blocked Derek from your view.

“Wouldn’t want to cause a fuss would you mate? Not with the cameras.”

You hear Colin whispering in your ear as he pulls you to walk with him. You stare at the player wearing the number nine and Derek in a standoff. You want to see how the moment plays out but the next thing you know, you’re sitting on a bus with the rest of the Richmond team. All you can do is stare into blank space as before a hand invades your vision. You see number nine with your bag in your hand.

“I think this belongs to you, darling.”

You take the bag from his grasp, thanking him. He smiles at you before walking towards the front of the bus for a seat. You could finally relax. The bus takes off back to Nelson Road, the drive calming you down. A constant buzzing from your bag pulled you from your trance. Your phone. You dig through your bag to find Twitter once again popping off. Except this time, it was photos of you being carried by Colin with the team. There were pictures and clips of you performing. Fans tweeted how much they loved you while others would make a great episode of Thirst Tweets. You shut the phone off and leaned your head back on the seat.

Maybe some would think you did something bad, but god did it feel so good.

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

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[rodricksfilipinagf]

Academia AU Pt. 2 (Eris Vanserra x Reader)

CW: Baking, Smut

         Why, why did I agree to bake with Eris? I should have insisted I’d do it all by myself. Not that he would let me. He was as eager to prove his commitment and devotion to the English department as I was. Which meant agreeing to bake for its annual ball. 

         I don’t know how I was expecting Eris to live. Rich, definitely because of his wealthy father. The quintessential overstuffed bookshelves that an English professor would have. But when I get to his apartment, I’m proven right. Sure, there’s a crackling fireplace, tons of wooden bookshelves overstuffed with books (only classic literature, naturally.) There’s also cold, sterile vibes in the kitchen, with its enormous refrigerator and marble white island stocked with baking ingredients. What I wasn’t expecting were two smiling, friendly…

         “Greyhounds?” I ask.

         He sighs. “Y/N, meet Ben and Bea. They’re my pride and joy, and to my dismay, they seem to like you.” He hands me a bowl of dog treats. “Here, do you want to feed them?”

         “Sure,” I say, and put a dog treat on my hand for Ben to eat. He gobbles it from my hand easily, and Bea instantly whines, wanting her turn. She puts her paws on my thighs and starts licking my hand. “Okay, okay.” I reach into the bowl and take out a dog treat. Bea swallows it and gives me lots of tail wags. “I didn’t know you liked dogs,” I say as I kneel down and give Bea scritches behind the ears. Ben, not to be forgotten about, licks my face until I relent and pet him too. 

         “What pet would you have attributed to me?” he asks, looking as if he’s fighting off a smile. Is it possible he’s…happy at the sight of me bonding with his dogs. 

         “I don’t know. A snake, maybe?” After I say this, Ben barks numerous times as if to agree.

         This time, Eris can’t help but laugh. “Why?” A mischievous look enters his eye. “Might it be because you think I have a long-“

         “You talk this way in front of your dogs?” I shake my head. “Shame on you, Eris Vanserra. You’re not being a very good dog dad.”

         His face blanches, despite his jovial mood seconds earlier. “Shall we start baking?”

         “Um…okay,” I say, reluctant to stop playing with his dogs. 

         “Go in the living room. Go, go,” he says to the dogs, and they obediently go and settle onto their dog beds.

         “Their beds are in the living room?” I ask, washing my hands.

         “They have two each, one in the living room, and one in my bedroom. Through they don’t like use the bedroom ones. They’d rather take up too much space on my bed.”

         “Aww,” I say involuntarily. The thought of Eris being squished by his enormous dogs in bed sounded almost…cute. I dry my hands with a paper towel, determined to flush those thoughts out of my head. Eris Vanserra was not cute. He was a pain in my backside. Speaking of which…

         “I’m surprised you didn’t want to do brownies. From a box. The easy way, right?”

         My nostrils flare. “You just had to ruin it by being infuriating.”

         He raises an eyebrow. “Ruin what?”

I let out a sigh. “You being a decent human being.”

         I start kneading the dough. “You know my last class actually went well. My guest lecturer was superb.”

         Eris’s fist tightened around the rolling pin. “Oh, really?”

         “Yeah,” I say. “Rhysand really engaged the kids.”

         He snorts. “The fact that you call them kids says it all. They’re young adults. And should be treated like so. You’re not even presenting them with anything challenging.”

         “Oh, like you would know,” I fire back. 

         “So what makes Rhysand so special?” he skewers, using the rolling pin to flatten the dough. 

         “Well, like I said. He knows what the students want. First he did a reading of his latest romance novel, then he did a Q and A for whatever questions the students had, and then he led them in a writing workshop to see what they could do.”

         “I bet he did,” mutters Eris. 

         “The students loved him, which is more than I can say for you,” I say, laying out the chocolate chips. 

         “So I decided to do what you said and I picked up a romance book. His romance book.”

         I laugh. “Let me guess. You hated it.”

         “How could I not? It was dull and derivative.”

         “How dare you call it dull?” It was one of my favorite recent romance novels.

         “You mean have an opinion? Is this what you’re like in the classroom?” He continues, “It was riddled with cliches and went by them motion to motion, as if it were a paint by numbers. That should be something you’re familiar with.”

         “You are so annoying!” I explode.

         He snorts. “As if you’re not? Everything you say I want to shut you up.”

         “Well, too bad for you.” I flare my nostrils and glare at him. 

         He narrows his eyes. “You know what?” He takes a fistful of flour and releases it into my hair. 

         My face burns with rage. 

         He snickers. “This is a good look for you, bunny.”

         “Ughhh, you are such a child,” I stew.

         “Oh, really?” He raises an eyebrow. 

         My eyes go to the vanilla extract and his eyes follow mine. His hand is faster than mine and before I know it, he trickles vanilla extract down my cleavage.

         My blood is boiling by now. “Fuck you.”

         Eris smirks. “If you say so, bunny.”

         His lips crash into mine and I feel his fingers grip my ass and squeeze it as he lifts me onto the kitchen island. I pant heavily as he tears off my shirt and undoes my bra, tossing it away. I unbutton my pants and kick them off as he does the same to his pants and boxers.

         He fingers the edge of my panties. “If I were to remove these, would I find you wet for me?”

         “Fuck no,” I spit out.

         Eris clicks his tongue. “You know I punish liars, right, Y/N?”

         I grow wetter and wetter as he talks, and as he strokes outside my panties, I’m convinced he feels it. 

         “Mmm. Let’s see,” he says as he whips them off. He circles my very, very wet entrance with his finger. “Looks like someone’s been a bad girl. And you know what happens to bad girls.”

         He cleans up my sopping wet pussy with his tongue, teasing very close to my clit but not quite reaching it. 

         He tops me on the kitchen island and starts covering the underside of my breasts with slow licks. My nipples are hard by now, which is exactly what he wants.

         Eris examines my stiffening nipples with ravenous eyes. “Bunny, are these for me?” He gives me a wicked grin. “You shouldn’t have.” He takes a nipple into his mouth, giving it tantalizing licks before biting it hard. 

         I blush as I grow even wetter. 

         He smirks. “You like that, bunny?” He eases his dick inside me and starts thrusting into me. 

         I let out a moan. 

         “You looks so hot under me,” he tells me. “I like you a lot better this way.” He starts pounding into me harder and harder.

         He starts circling my clit with the tip of his dick, and I let out an excruciating moan. 

         “Want to finish, bunny?” he asks. “Admit you’re attracted to me.”

         I hesitate. 

         “I already licked your pussy. Your feelings for me are pretty obvious. I just want to hear you say it.” He smiles evilly at me. “Anytime now, bunny.”

         “Fine,” I breathe out. “I’m attracted to you, you asshole.”

         “That’s more like it,” he says before he plunges his dick into my clit. I let out an earthshattering scream as Eris loudly groans. 

         “Did you finish?” I ask. 

         A sinister look enters his eyes. “Not quite,” Eris replies as he takes his hand and closes it around his dick, spraying my face with what remained. 

He snickers. “Thanks for admitting you’re attracted to me.” What a dick.

                                                     ~

Eris lets me clean up in his bathroom, claiming haughtily that we’d better get some work done with our baking if we didn’t want to waste the evening. 

         As I cleaned up my face, I wondered if this was something Eris wanted to do for a while or only did during the spur of the moment. Either way, it was hot. I was sort of ashamed to admit it, given he’d treated me like absolute trash. But I hated to admit that he did also satisfy me sexually. 

         When I opened the bathroom door and saw him there, I couldn’t help but blush, thinking about how he made me feel. 

         “Are you done?” he asks tersely. 

         “Um, yeah,” I say, stepping outside. 

         “Good,” he replies, stepping into the bathroom. 

         I make my way back to the kitchen, wondering what was up with him. It was understandable that he wanted this to be a one-time thing but now he wasn’t acting like himself. 

         In fact- I swallow- he acted most like himself when we were fucking. What happened? I start sprinkling chocolate chips into the dough. Not that I want him to do it again- he was a repugnant asshole…but also the sexiest man I’ve ever been with. 

         I almost didn’t hear him come in. “So Y/N…” I hear him say, but then my phone rings. 

         “Hang on,” I tell him. I dig out my phone from my purse. “Hello?”

         “Hello, darling,�� Rhysand’s voice purrs. “How is your gorgeous self?”

         “Oh.” I blush, and Eris’ eyes narrow. “Great, Rhysand, what’s up?”

         “I just wanted to know if…guest lecturers such as myself were welcome at the English Department Charity Ball this Friday night. I wanted to check before leaving town completely.”

         “Oh. Yeah, Rhysand, you can absolutely come.”

         Eris was positively glowering at this point. 

         “Fantastic. Would it be too forward of me to ask you to be my date?”

         “Your date?” I repeat. I glance at Eris, who just looked at me blankly. “It’s not really a date…event. Thank you for asking, though.”

         “Of course, darling. I’ll see you there.” 

         Eris deigned to say, “Rhysand” after I hung up the phone. “He asked you out?”

         “Yes,” I say. Just because he fucked just now didn’t mean that he owned me. “So?”

         He shrugs. “I don’t care.”

         I let out an incredulous breath. “What, were you going to ask me?”

         He rolls his eyes. “Why would I? Go with perfect Rhysand, who enthralled all your students.”

         “Wait,” I say. 

         “No, I wasn’t going to ask you,” he said, bunching up the cookie dough into little balls. “Why would I? I despise you.”

         “I- I despise you too,” I say. “Us fucking was a one-time thing.”

         He gives me a cruel smile. “Do you want it to be a one-time thing? I may hate you, but I don’t hate fucking you,” he assures me. 

         My heart lifts in spite of itself. “Fine.” I don’t want to seem too eager. 

         He nods. “Fine. Should we get back to baking?”

         “Yeah,” I say. So he wants to fuck me, but he doesn’t want to date me. That’s fine. That’s perfectly fine. Maybe I should give Rhysand a chance…

[peachy-cheeks]

We Still Have Time (arrival)

week: one | two | three | four

word count: 1,390 words

characters: Gojo Satoru x gnc reader; (minor: Ieiri Shoko; Ino Takuma)

warnings: not much... just a little angsty and contains spoilers from Chapter 222

a/n: Special one for the manga readers... Someone else's post recently reminded me of all the characterization and plot development we got in Ch. 222 (angel numberrrr) and gosh... I missed so much on the first read...? Anyway, this takes place in that chapter and since there's a time jump... I'm open to making chapters of this...? We'll see... I also don't even want to speculate on where the manga is going atm... (though... I imagine Yuji might be okay after all... despite evidence showing otherwise... just going off vibes and a feeling :) ...)

There was a bone-aching shiver that ran throughout your body upon hearing that Satoru had made it back alive. Uncaged and solemn... greeting the enemy before all else. Goosebumps and a pinky hue speckled your skin. Your cold, almost clammy, palms sank into the pockets of your pants as you hurriedly walked towards the autopsy room to see for yourself.

You wondered what state he was in; What condition his body was in, of course, but more pressing... what state of mind.

Naturally, Shoko and Kiyotaka would be somewhat comforting faces for him to see relaying the series of events and list of devastating casualties that took place in his relatively short absence. For you, the heartbreak that those three held as witnesses to a timeline of their dwindling peers was unfathomable. While you knew extreme loss in your own way, you were not burdened with the same revocation of friendship, tenderness, and love that they knew... only to be met years later with a body snatcher that aimed to take even more from them. Never mind the generations of stolen youth they've personally contended with and have been tasked to facilitate.

The sound of parallel footsteps coming closer broke your train of thoughts. Looking up from your feet, you caught Takuma's woeful face. Offering a brief, slight smile to greet the younger, a wave of bittersweet knowledge seemingly hit you both.

"He's okay... Ieiri-sensei is there still. I think he's still processing, but I imagine he'll be happy to see you."

So many others weren't okay. Takuma's face still showed shadows of being tragically battered weeks ago. The back of your throat trembled as you nodded.

"Thank you, Ino-kun."

The air took a noticeably cooler turn as you continued on. Heartbeat shaking through your eardrums, you began to peel back the curtain separating the room from the hall.

Shoko, leaning against the stacked morgue freezers, took a final drag of her umpteenth cigarette and sighed. To her right was Satoru, sitting sukhasana, using a gurney as a chilling, makeshift seat. As the ember of her cigarette faded, her gaze shifted from the strong, hunched over figure to your face. She pushed off of the wall and walked towards you.

"I'll leave you both to it."

She could have stayed, but she knew how to take a hint. The shake of your pupils and shine along your waterline did all the pleading you could manage. Shoko swiftly left and with the drop of the curtain you looked towards the shining, blue pools that pierced through your heart and peered directly into your soul. He was there... whole... in one piece. But your feet felt numb and legs unstable. You inched closer to where he sat.

"Hi..."

"Hi."

"You look nervous."

"...You don't look nervous enough."

"Hmph."

A muted chuckle slipped from his pretty lips as he looked down, head tilted in thought. He nearly looked unchanged... like he did when things were... better. Effortlessly beautiful. Almost unbothered. But the collective strife, pain, and terror shared amongst your peers visibly weighed on his slumped shoulders.

His eyes quickly returned to your slowly dampening face, your palm smearing the tears that trickled from the corner of your eye. He wordlessly studied your sorrowful expression, taking a moment to fall into the gentleness and delicate features of your face that he missed.

"I don't mean to... can't help it..."

Your voice was so quiet but frayed with exasperation. The room felt so silent. The cold in the air shot straight to your bones and gnawed deeply at you.

Even sitting up, warm, alive and breathing... you hated seeing him on that stretcher. Letting your hand drop to rub the excess of tears along the cloth of your pants, you figured that allowing the stream to simply fall would help you regain control of your thoughts.

"I'm s—"

"Don't. If you apologize then I'll really have to."

Truthfully, you both knew that an apology wasn't really in order. The need for atonement was out of character for you both. There was no space for regrets, uncertain decisions, or speculation on what should have happened. Victims of circumstance... the unique strengths that brought you both close doubled as targets on your backs. Satoru knew this best, as did you. Haunted creatures responsible for keeping the world upright with little hesitation.

But these desperate moments where no length of explanation... no amount of gentleness... could soften the ache of carnage... these moments dragged across you and Satoru's consciousness reminding you both of every small, even menial detail and decision that led to this moment of deep sorrow.

Maybe you both felt guilty about the accidental distance... maybe this reunion triggered a preemptive need for care, coddling even, before things— out of your control— got worse (again); a chance for you both to get love right this time.

Soft taps of his calloused hand along the nylon gurney brought your focus back to the present.

"Come sit."

You sniffled and carefully hopped onto the surface next to him. Sitting together atop, Satoru took your hand with a firm, confident grasp. His other hand moved to your chin, tilting your face to his. His thumb rubbed your cheek in a soothing motion.

"Hey... no crying. I'm not going anywhere."

Consoling you... even through his own silent grief, past and present... even with the knowledge that the next five weeks could very well be your last together.

"When will you leave again?"

'Again'... the hair on the back of his neck stood up. He knew what you meant but the tinge of sadness in your voice extended to his heart. That was a selfish thing to say. The hand stroking your cheek sweetly swiped your hair away from your face.

"December 24th. There's time..."

You held back a rebuttal of 'Yes...but not enough.' Embarrassed, you resisted the urge to bow... no, bury... your head to avert your eyes.

"Don't start mourning me while I'm still here."

The look in his eyes was patient and loving.

He pulled your head closer to him and kissed your forehead, eventually reaching to take your other hand into his. The physical contact provided a short wash of calm that fell from your head to your toes. He was so much more present than what you had the capacity to be in that moment. But you wanted to at least try.

"How do you feel..."

"Uh... hmm..."

He genuinely stops to think, the permanent cuteness in his face softening the blow of the conversation.

"I've been better. I think I've been runnin' on pure adrenaline..."

A beat.

"If I saw you all before finding Sukuna and... that other fuckin' fraud..."

A beat. Your slowly unclenching demeanor gave him the nod to slip into the level of honesty you two were used to.

"I'm... not sure if I would've come back."

Your hands squeezed his, acknowledging the truth of his emotions. He knew better and you knew that too. He was a smart, resourceful fighter and he was planning on storing his anger and hurt for the right time.

"A lot of shit went wrong..."

"I know. It's not your fault."

"... I appreciate that..."

"It's true."

You struggled to find the words to elaborate as the inklings of guilt and anguish circled the conversation.

"You guys saved me... saved a lot of people... This is all pretty cruel isn't it... our job is kinda the worst."

His face was a bit flushed; ocean eyes damper and softer than usual. In all the raw and unpretty emotion you observed over the years as friends, lovers, and partners, you had never seen Satoru cry.

His hand reluctantly parted from yours to push his hair out of his face giving you a chance to break and collect yourself. You looked towards his heavy fingers still laced around yours.

You wanted to tell him that you were petrified. Horrified for you all, but especially for him. Scared for his life, no matter how invincible he looked or felt. He probably already knew.

The intensity of his stare bore into your spirit; your anxieties and love observed in full with all six eyes. After a few seconds of slow breathing, you raised your view to meet his.

"Satoru... I love you."

"I love you too."

"Make them fucking regret everything."

[as-i-watch]

in my opinion i think the opla did a very good job of trying to emulate the one piece manga and anime, but there’s a part of the anime that they can’t really convey through the live action. like… i think that the cartooniness of one piece, as well as the occasional emotional moments is what makes one piece one piece, but while the opla was able to get some of it, being a live action, it wasn’t able to convey all of it

it’s still wonderful, and i love it, but i like to compare it to the percy jackson movies. good live actions in their own right (still think opla did it WAY better) but compared to the original, it falls short (percy jackson a lot, opla a tiny bit)

i think the main issue for me is the characterisation. inaki did a very good luffy, but you can clearly see how it’s so inaki luffy instead of luffy luffy. still good, but still different

and i think mackenyu did zoro well, but in my opinion, it doesn’t fit him very well. zoro (while i still love him) isn’t as pretty as mackenyu is. mackenyu is too much of a pretty boy

i actually remember hearing in an interview that mackenyu grew up with anime, and of course one piece. i think he emulates zoro extremely well, and he tries his best to make it anime accurate, but he as a person just doesn't fit perfectly, the vibes are kinda off. still absolutely in love with him though

i think that it shouldn't have skipped so many parts of the original, but of course, it completely makes sense why they did

anyways, like i said, i think that if you don't compare them to each other, it's very good, and i do love how they did it (i'm also so happy that so many people loved the live action that they're actually starting to watch the anime!!)

I just finished episode 3 but i totally agree

My biggest fear when the adaptstion was announced was precisely that, bc one piece is so one of a kind, it can make you smile, it can make you sad, you cry tears of joy and of pain, and the anime takes the time to develope the charecters, the stories and the world, so sometimes the emotions are conveyed in such a subtle but effective way bc they took the time to make sure it did. Not to mention the tone and aesthetic. There's a lot that was gonna be difficult to translate to live action

That said, so far i think they did it great! I think they found a certain balance between the cartoonish and the 'real world' lets call it, and they took advantage very cleverly of cgi and practical effects to achive that too.

I agree the thing that perhaps lacks for me too is the charecters and also the pasing imo. But again, it was impossible to fit the storytelling way of the famously 'too long' anime in a 8 episodes per series format.

I too think Luffy feels the most different, i already talked a bit about that and i think it was just the result of it being a western production plus the complex charecter Luffy is. But Iñaki put so much love into his Luffy, you can feel it, its endearing

I dont have a problem with Mackenyu's Zoro funny enough. Sure, i miss how silly anime Zoro can be (but again, the tone thing) and they tried to make it too purposefully imo. Zoro is not edgy. He is badass and a maniac but he doesnt want to wear only black or cares about pressenting an "attitude". But there's a ray of hope for me (i havent finish the show so it might change my mind), the biggest stupid ass smile when he said he'd cut Helmepo's hair. He can be silly and less serious, so i hope i get to see more of that as he feels more comfortable in the crew.

Nami i like, im waiting for the Arlong park arc to make up my mind bc thats where her true colors shine either way. Really liking her dynamic with Luffy so far tho

Havent seen Sanji yet

And Usopp, i just met him and this might sound mean but this Usopp is too cool. Kinda like what you said for Zoro. I think this Usopp has more confidence in himself than anime/manga Usopp did back then and he is not that much of a coward. The coward part is important bc every time he stood up to fight it meant so much more. But again, is early for me to make up my mind this is just first impressions

But like you said, this is just bc of the comparison, on its own i think they are all doing amazing jobs and, so far for me, the writers managed to pull off something that to me was next to impossible and in a great way too.

Im curious to see how someone that hasnt watched the anime reacts to the mixed tone of live action meets silly cartoonish vibes, i hope its not too of context for a first time watcher

[dark-frosted-heart]

3rd Anniversary Event - A Beast’s Dream Fulfilled by Beauty - Sariel

Main route

With how busy Sariel is as chief bureaucrat, it's hard to get some alone time with him even on his day off, but Emma has a plan. Emma invites Sariel to her house, the perfect place to hide him. Sariel comments on the stuff in her room and when Emma sees him looking at something on her desk, she breaks out in cold sweat. It's something she forgot to hide. She runs over and hides it from Sariel's view. Well now he wants to see it even more [me: deja vu]. Emma tries to change the subject but Sariel stops her from talking. He tells her that he wants to know every little thing about her because he loves her so much and offers to exchange a secret of his own. Unfortunately for her, Sariel's a meanie so he reveals his secret before waiting for her response. He admits to watching her adorable sleeping face for a while before going to sleep himself. Now it's Emma's turn to reveal her secret.

She holds out an used sketchbook filled with drawings and writing from her childhood. Sariel takes the book and flips through the pages. He can't help but smile at the drawings and can tell that even as a child, she was very kind-hearted. The amount of people drawn shows how loved she is. Sariel then stops on one particular page. It's a drawing of Akatsuki holding a book, along with the words "I want to be a bookstore owner" clumsily written on the page. Back when Emma was little, Akatsuki didn't have a shop then and would sell his books at a stall in the market.

Emma too wanted to sell books, but now she's happy being Sariel's apprentice. She then casually asks Sariel what his childhood dream was, but he looks down with a pained smile. He didn't have one. He was too busy trying to survive each day to think about a possible future. But to be able to have one sounds nice.

Emma asks if he has any dreams now. He does. Hugging her around the waist and resting his forehead against hers, Sariel tells Emma that he wishes they could just be like this, touch her like this, every day. Emma says that it's not a dream if it's already come true. Perhaps Sariel answered this way to ease the tension, but it's not something Emma can let go. She wants to go find his dream together. Sariel agrees to the idea; Emma will be his instructor for the day.

The two head into town and Emma takes a moment to think.

Sariel: What should we do first, instructor? Emma: Please don't call me that! Sariel: Then how about master? Emma: You're enjoying this, aren't you Sariel... Sariel: Of course. It's a day off so it'd be regrettable not to enjoy it.

Emma takes note on how he's always in a good mood when spending his day off with her. Back to the matter at hand, Emma informs him of how dreams come to be. Usually from interests, but she hasn't seen him be interested in anything other than work. Sariel asks if he's not been clear with his interest toward her. No, he has. Very much so. Moving on...They're going to find other interests for him besides work and her. Emma looks at a flyer on a bulletin board advertising a play. It's titled "Love-Hate Comedy ~ A Single Rose's Magnificent Counterattack Against the Devil ~". Sounds like...adult content...

~~~

Emma's speechless. It truly was an adult performance that left her red. Sariel teases her about her reaction a bit but then says that they're going to need to draft an amendment to the art regulation bill relating to content warnings and age restrictions. Whoops, they ended up circling back to work. Emma's embarrassment is stirring something in him though. Sariel did enjoy the play, but he doesn't think a dream will be formed related to it. On to the next thing.

The couple go to see a fortune teller who's getting some bad vibes from them. Sariel notes that her crystal has a Pegasus engraved on it, the crest of the Tanzanite's living god. Tanzanite fortune tellers perform divination under the divine protection of the living god.

The fortune teller tells the two that they will be facing some trials because of their love for each other. Sariel thanks her for the warning, not believing her at all, and tosses a coin to her. He then leads Emma out of the alley. Sariel mentions that he can do fortune telling too since he's the devil. Taking a look at her palm, he tells her that good fortune will come to her unexpectedly. And then kisses her hand.

Soon the sun starts to set, yet they haven't found something for Sariel. They've tried out everything in town, but Sariel had no interest in any of them. Emma's at a lost and Sariel asks if she's run out of ideas. She hasn't given up yet. As her eyes dart around town, she hears Sariel let out a laugh. He admits that he was being a little mean to her today. He did, in fact, find his dream.

Ending

[englishstrawbie]

1/3 Alright, my mind is not going where I need it to - you know, somewhere deep and profound 😉 - so I'm sorry if these are a little too easy or predictable. This first one is for Maya and Carina, as I think it kind of seems to be written for them. It's from Sweet Goodbyes by Krezip:

I know how you feel right now Losing dreams you've come to care about I know what you need right now You need to come on home, so I can hold you tight Get you through the night

Curious where these lines, song, vibe, whatever will take you. And - as always - thank you for giving it a try!

You know when you said to keep them short...?! This song gave me a lot of ideas and I ultimately settled for this one - and I should give a content warning here that this one talks about miscarriage. I know it's sad and dark, but it's also a reality for them, especially given Carina's age (even though it's not something we've ever seen them address on the show). There have been several versions of this in my head, especially trying to figure out whose perspective to tell it from.

A link to the song

>>>>>>>>>>

Maya steps onto the fourth floor and is immediately greeted with the sound of a newborn baby crying. She hears a father whoop with delight and Jo Wilson congratulating the new parents, smiles all round the nurses’ desk at the arrival of another new life into the world.

She doesn’t share the joy. The sound leaves her cold, her broken heart cracking a little more.

They had decided to try one more at-home insemination before looking at other options, both taken by surprise when, fourteen days later, the pregnancy test told them that this one was successful. There had been tears of happiness and relief that, at last, their dreams of becoming moms were coming true.

Jo had confirmed the pregnancy with a blood test one week later, and a scan had followed at week eight. Everything looked good and they had shared the happy news with a few close friends – Bailey and Ben and Andy. They got swept up in making plans for the future. Maya spent her days off clearing out the wardrobes in the spare room, while Carina looked at paint swatches for the nursery.

By week eleven, their little bambino or bambina was the size of a lime – or so said the app on Carina’s phone, which had prompted Maya to remove all such offending items from their fruit bowl out of principle, much to Carina’s amusement.

Their official twelve-week scan was only a few days away when Carina had awoken in the middle of the night, crying out in pain at the stomach cramps that seared through her body, blood soaking into the bedsheets. No-one had to explain it, Maya knew what it meant – and the loss was etched all over Carina’s face.

Teddy was coming out of an emergency surgery when they showed up at the hospital just after three a.m. and ushered them into a side room with only Yasuda in tow, ordering urgent blood tests and demanding a portable ultrasound be brought immediately. The scan confirmed what they already knew and Maya still recoils at the memory of those words coming from Teddy’s mouth.

She had expected Carina to wail and scream, like she did in the days that followed Andrew’s death, but she had fallen quiet, a little more than a whimper escaping from her lips as silent tears had fallen down her cheeks. She has remained that way ever since, returning to work after a couple of weeks and keeping busy with patients and the clinic. She cooks in her free time, like always; she goes to her weekly yoga class, like always; she asks Maya about the fires they fight and Travis’s mayoral campaign and the latest gossip on Vic and Andy’s love lives, trying her best to be interested.

But she doesn’t talk about the baby and she refuses to go into the spare room.  

Maya understands it. It might not have been her body, but it was her baby and her dream too; and her heart is broken into pieces too.

She hadn’t expected to feel so much grief. She had never seen its squished little face, never counted its ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes, never heard its cries or seen its smile. She had never held it in her arms and rocked it to sleep, never sung it a lullaby, never read it a story. She had never pushed it on the swings, they had never played soccer in the park.

And yet Maya feels like all these things had been stolen from her, leaving behind a gaping hole that she has no idea how to fill. It sits on her chest, a relentless ache that doesn’t go away, no matter how hard she tries.

When she arrives at Carina’s office, she takes a deep breath before knocking softly on the door.

“Come in.”

Maya opens the door and steps inside. Carina used to light up when she walked into a room but not any more. Despite the smile she paints on her face, her eyes are dull and vacant.

“Hey, what are you doing here?”

She stays seated at her desk, not bothering to stand and greet her wife with a kiss.

“It’s almost nine,” Maya says. “You usually text when you’re going to be late home from work.”

“Ah, scusi, I lost track of time,” Carina says.

“It’s late. Come home with me,” Maya says gently. “Please?”

“I can’t just yet, I need to finish some reports,” Carina says, gesturing to her computer screen which Maya can see has fallen dark from inactivity.

“No, you don’t.”

Carina looks up at her, eyebrows raised in surprise.

“You’re sad,” Maya says before she has chance to come up with an excuse. “You’re sad and you’re hurting, because…” She takes a long, shaky breath. “Because we lost our baby.”

“Maya…”  

“I feel it too,” Maya says.

Carina scowls then. “No, you don’t.”

“I do,” Maya says. “Maybe not in the same way, but it’s my loss too. I’m sad and I’m hurting too. And it would be so much easier to deal with that if I had my wife at home with me.”

She sees a flash of guilt cross Carina’s face and steps further into the room, determined to break down the walls that Carina has built up.

“Please, Carina, please come home and talk to me.”

Carina’s bottom lips wobbles as she shakes her head.

“I can’t,” she whispers.

“Why not?”

Carina closes her eyes. “Too soft.”

Maya walks over to her desk and kneels down beside her chair, spinning it around to make her wife face her.

“Then we’ll scream. We’ll cry and scream and we’ll let it all out but please, Carina… I need you. I can’t do this by myself. And you can’t either; we need to do this together, we need to grieve together.”

She sees Carina wavering and reaches out to clasp her hands, holding them tightly.

“I love you and I loved our little lime.” She lets the tears fall down her cheeks, not trying to hide them. “I know you did too.”

Carina’s face starts to crumple as she nods her head, just slightly.

“Come home and tell me about it?”

Carina’s shoulders sag in defeat and she nods again, definitively this time. “Okay.”

[narrators-journal]

My crown jewel

Yeahhhhhh, super quick, super easy, knocking this one out quickly! And while I was kinda meh on the last one, this one, I’m somewhat happy with! I like the vibes, I like the variety in length, and I like the variety in scenario. We’ve had some good, healthy marriages, some casual hook-ups, some canon compliance, and now! Some straight up YANDERE lol. Sorry if the asker on Ao3 wasn’t quite wanting this, but I felt it was appropriate for Dacryphilia. I also hope it’s as fun of a read as it was to write. Something refreshing, and fun, y’know?

Kinktober prompt list: Here

Kinktober masterlist: Here

CW: Non-con/Dubcon, depends on how you choose to look at it. Kidnapping, bondage, dacryphilia at least a little, Akira’s fucking nuts <3

The phantom thieves had started out as a charitable affair. Just a pack of naive teenagers trying their best to do some good in the horrendous, corrupt world. But, none of them could keep it up forever. Not with how rotten the world was, or how high the expectations would undoubtedly become. It was simply inhuman to try and stop every toxic bastard who came into power, and that wasn’t even considering the risk of being arrested.

So, they disbanded after Kanoe's failed attempt of world domination. Let the people think they'd died, or been arrested, Akira didn't care. After all, he still had an arch-nemesis who reviled him and saw him as that same criminal mastermind he'd played back then.

And while the phantom thieves of hearts were no more, who was Akira Kurusu to disappoint? 

All it had taken was a year of observation, and a bit of a disguise, and his final heist had born fruit. Fruit that looked absolutely gorgeous when he cried, or fought, or tried to escape.

At that thought, Akira smiled down at the beloved detective bound beneath him. Tears welling up in his red-brown eyes, his hair a mess as he fought to not let slip any sound or sign of how good Akira's cock felt as he plunged into him. The ex-thief holding his knees almost to his scarred chest as he tried to wriggle out of the ropes tying his hands behind his back. Leaving him at the lewd whims of his keeper.

And while the proud brunette tried to limit his noises to wheezing breaths, Akira didn't quite care. Whether those tears were from repressed pleasure, fear, disgust, or pain, they gave the ebony-haired man a burst of feral lust through out his chest.

So, he kept going. Driving into Akechi faster, deeper. Making him snarl and bare his teeth at him, wheezing out venomous insults, but his pitiful fight to preserve some of his dignity didn't matter. Akechi could go to his grave hating him, which he probably would do, but so long as he cried for him, Akira was happy. Happy to indulge in each squeeze and flutter of the brunette's muscles around him, and the wet shlick, shlick, shlick, of his cock slamming into him ruthlessly 

Yet, even with the broiling heat of the building flames of hell in his skin, he kept his eyes on Akechi's face as he went. Moaning and pushing his legs closer to his shoulders when a tear finally slipped down the bound man's cheek. A drop of gasoline to Akira's need, winding up the coil in his belly tighter and tighter with each droplet of despair. "A-Akira!" Akechi suddenly yelled, somewhere between a plea and a snap, and the final blow to knock the dark-haired man over the edge. "Shit! Akechi!" He whined, keeping the mental image of the detective's teary eyes in his head as the flames of euphoria burned away every other thought. His cock twitching and throbbing in its warm sheath, pumping slick warmth into his captive as he sunk his nails into the soft meat of the captive detective's thigh until the hellfire subsided and the thief could finally breathe again.

Pulling out, the phantom thief smiled charmingly at the detective who was ready to bite his head off, getting another zip of desire from the remaining remnants of beautiful, pained tears in the corners of those vermillion eyes. However, when he tried to wipe them away, he only ever got bitten at, so he left the brunette laying on the bed. His hands behind his back, and his ego undoubtedly demolished as a trickle of cum oozed from his hole. Right where the ex-thief liked him.

Who was attic trash now, Akechi?

[suugrbunz]

Hi Anna can I please have a mota ship? it’s totally fine if you can’t tho! :)

I’m a female (she/her) , i have big heart, i’m funny, I like to relax, and I can be a bit of a grandma sometimes when it’s just me around the house, but otherwise i’m quite energetic . I love to chill and listen to music. I can have a bit of a short temper at times (I just think it’s because I don’t put up with peoples bs LMAO), I can also be very stubborn, i’m very loyal, like VERY loyal and I will always stick up for the people i love and go above and beyond to make the people around me happy. (which I think that can also lead me to being hurt or misused by friends)

I can be a little emotional at times, maybe a little dirty minded too lol, i love to cook, i’m a dog lover (really just an animal lover at that), and i’m competitive and passionate. I’m a very driven person and if it’s something I want to do i’ll make SURE it gets done. I Make up my own rules and I don’t give into unfair ideas that are put up around me. I lead with my heart and my emotions and if that gets me into trouble then so be it. i also LOVE scary movies, true crime, all that stuff, i’m also a SUCKER for reality tv 😭 (tlc does have some good drama though)

I would say I’m charming and it’s more of my words and my smile that gets the guys. I’m a bit of a germaphobe and maybe little ocd. Imma southern gal who’s very short, (5.0) I think I have more of an innocent look (despite my wild attitude LMAO) I have big brown eyes, wavy light brown hair, big lips, only like a couple light freckles on my nose ( you can see them better in the summer) , button nose, and an olive skintone that has paled over time, I would say I have more of a petite/hourglass figure but I think my chest is what catches people’s eyes (Im a size DD LOL) I have high standards, I can be very sympathetic, and I also can usually tell when people are in pain or when their vibe is off in general. I usually just joke or “laugh it off” and I can be very deadpan when something bothers me, or if it’s something that really hurt me I usually just shut down and become cold or distant. i’m an INTP, My hogwarts house is Hufflepuff ( even though I honestly thought I was a slytherin for so long 😭) My love language is physical touch for giving and acts of service as receiving (it’s really just the little things and showing that you care about what I’m saying or just being thoughtful). I grew up with brothers so i love watching sports and playing them (We grew up in a very competitive household lol) i’m very very family oriented, I’m a sagittarius, I like to play the piano, and read and write in my free time. and In the summers I love to fish and swim at my boathouse. And springtime is my favorite season.

For a guy, I wouldn’t really care about looks or any of that! I don’t have a type at all 😅 Sorry if this is long! Thank you in advance babes! 💗

i love how you're an intp and Hufflepuff, it's quite the opposite of what someone would expect. I hope you enjoy your ship, I ship you with...

︵‿୨Gale "Buck" Cleven୧‿︵

You two both give off the main character vibes i dont even know why you do but for some reason you just do

another couple i imagine is actually really cute together like yes !! good looking couple !! make everyone else feel insecure !! 💀

i feel like because you're introverted and a self-proclaimed grandma (me too girl), it's more likely for you to meet him through a friend... Which i know can sound boring but like ... It's probably realistic for you two.

You two definitely adopt a dog during your relationship

he is so supportive

like if you ever feel tired/lack ambition...

hes going to become a hype man

i feel like he understands dirty jokes but may not partake in them

might laugh at them though

ok in theory you two have a whole 12-inches of height of difference so...cute height difference i guess?

first date hmmm

im picturing a cute picnic that you put together?

he brings his dog (... does anyone know the dogs name from ep3, because I genuinely didn't catch a name?)

after eating, you two play with the pup

fun times for everyone

first kiss !!

i feel like you'd kiss him first

I dont know why i picture that

but i do

like after a date, hes dropping you off

you iust go for it

hes taken by surprise but like...he doesn't mind it.

takes him a second to kiss you back...but afterwards he can't stop kissing you, loves planting soft kisses on your forehead.

he will cook with you, even if he cant, he will. hes eager to learn if he must.

watches tv with you— he seems like a true crime fan...probably has a favourite case but won't disclose which it is...just has a favourite and never tells you

honestly, he'd do anything with you just because it's something to do with you.

obsessed? yeah

but not extremely possessive or something

YOU TWO SHOULD GO TO A PETTING ZOO TOGETHER

It'd be adorable

anyway

oh perfect song for you two off the top of my head

real love baby by father john misty

[eiseryn]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VAIL!!!

And HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! AS WELL~

Today is not only the first day of 2024, but also the the birthday to best boi Vail. I drew him some soft uwu art because he is a soft uwu boy. Well, he is to Lei LOL. I would not say he's soft and uwu to anyone he has killed.

This outfit is based off the one I designed for Lei and her friends way back! I'm planning to redesign it XD cuz it's concept art for a series of illustrations I want to draw... I have so many WIPs both in sketches and in my brain it's kind of painful... cri... Anyways this outfit is more modern and I didn't change too much for Vail's design but I did add some patterns into his parka -- the cat face and some of his signature V's! The blue plaid inner lining is actually one of my fave parts of his whole outfit! :3 Cuz the theme in that series was their theme colour + plaid... man I really like that series 🥺🥺🥺 I want to draw that concept art so bad.

I think he turned out pretty cute here! I especially like how his hair turned out~ His blue gradient hair is one of my fave parts of his design, after all!

So what did he receive on his birthday as gifts? In my headcanons, not sure what Lexi would have given him tbh... but she's a rich girl so I imagine a previous gift was the red bike he uses XD Zoey's gift to him would be some nice alcohol or maybe one of the masks from her stash. Keeper's gift to him would definitely be something SHE personally finds cool... which probably happened to be a shiny holographic card from her personal collection. Possibly of a cat because they both like cats. Rose's gift? I'm not really sure. In my headcanons, Rose usually is the one who buys Vail cake since Rose knows of Vail's sweet tooth (specifically strawberry shortcake!). For dad vibes I imagine Rose often gets Vail some clothing as well xD Maybe fuzzy socks this year? :3 Maybe accessories some years? (Ex: like those silver chains he's wearing. In my design of Rose I gave him gold chains XD #drip).

As for Lei? Oh boy buckle up. It went something like this (this may be copium delulu and not canon but that's okay):

After already seeing his friends throughout the day, Vail sat on the couch of his apartment and waited for Lei to come home. She had asked him specifically to wait toward the evening as she apparently had a special surprise for him.

He was petting their cat Meng, a cat he had technically got for her during her last birthday, when he heard the sound of the door being unlocked. Meng let out a loud meow and leapt out of his lap and ran toward the door, being the loyal and affectionate cat she was. Vail followed suit.

Lei scooped Meng into her arms and gave the cat little pets and scratches on the chin and head. Meng purred as she always did, flopping over in Lei's arms and wiggling around.

She then turned to Vail with a smile and kissed his cheek, while still holding Meng in her arms. "I'm home~ Did you miss me?"

"Yeah." Vail replied honestly. He kissed her back. "I did."

Lei hummed happily and went to the kitchen table, placing the cat on there as she began to rummage through the multiple bags she had brought home.

"I heard Rose already got you a cake but I had already placed the order so you'll get two." She was saying, as she pulled out a cake box and placed it into the fridge. There was already a strawberry shortcake sitting in the fridge, so she seemed to struggle to place it on another shelf. Ever since she had moved in with him, there was considerably more food in the fridge.

"Do you want to have dinner first or are we having cake for dinner today?" She asked as she turned back to face him.

Vail smiled at her cheekily. "Depends on what kind of cake."

It seemed to take her some time to process his words because she first furrowed her eyebrow, looking at him with confusion, before a blush crept on her face. But she leaned in anyways to whisper, her breath hot in his ear, "You can have whatever cake you desire~ You're the birthday boy, after all~"

He barely resisted the urge to throw her over his shoulder and do as he pleased with her, but luckily she stepped back to the table to go through her other bags so this thought passed.

"Before that, though, let me give you your gift." Lei said, as she pulled out what looked to be a leather collar. It was dyed a light blue, similar to the colour of his hair and had a silver buckle. There was a silver tag on it, and when he flipped it over, the words "Belongs to Lei" were inscribed in the back. "Since you've been a good boy and all." She smiled mischeviously at him.

Looking at such a cute smile, he felt like there was no choice but to take the collar, which was soft and supple, and he started to put it around his neck, right above the turtleneck underlayer he always wore.

Lei seemed to be much more hesitant and less confident now. "You don't have to actually wear it..." She said, her voice trailing off. "This one was actually a joke and your real gift is in this other bag." She tapped another bag and there was a solid knocking sound.

"Of course I do." He said with a smile, showing off the sharp canine teeth she liked so much. "It's a gift from you, after all."

She looked at him then, biting her lip a little, as she raised the green eyes he liked so much to meet his. "I do have to say, it's a good look for you~" She reached out and slid a finger under the collar, gently pulling him closer to her. "I have good taste, if I do say so myself~"

He went with her willingly, as he always did. It was near impossible for him to resist what she wanted. "Is part of my gift the same as the one from Christmas?" He asked with a little smile.

She smiled back at him. "But of course~ You can take that part of your gift whenever you'd like."

"I'm looking forward to that~" He said. "After we have dinner. You're going to need the energy."

But he couldn't help but give her a few hungry kisses. They were appetizers for the main course after all.

[insert suspicious line break]

Later, when she had fallen asleep, he gently twirled a piece of her hair in his fingers. It had gotten longer and the green underdye had shifted in position. She had asked him once if he preferred long hair or short hair, but he had told her honestly that he would like whatever length of hair she had. It wasn't so much the hair that mattered, but the person who that hair belonged to.

Months before if you had asked him if he planned to find a lover he would have scoffed and said no. It would be a bad choice for any runner who could die at any moment. And at the time, there was no one he could imagine liking him in such a way. Although there was someone who came into mind when Rose had asked him. The smug bastard probably already knew what was in store for him.

When that same person he had thought about at the time asked him if they could be more than friends... he couldn't help but give into such a dream. The dream of being loved and loving someone.

He was already relatively content with what he had: He was good at his job as a runner if you could call it that; he had people who he could talk to and understood him as they had gone through the same things as he did. They had taken away his ability to dream at night, but it didn't stop him from daydreaming. As his parents had told him -- or perhaps warned him -- long ago, he was a dreamer who always wanted to dream of more.

He still dreamed for himself. But he now also dreamed for others; wanting others to have their dreams fulfilled. It was only fair, when some of his dreams had come true.

He took the sedative he needed to fall asleep. Lei always looked so sad when she saw him take sleeping pills, so now he always waited until she was asleep before he did. After all, he needed to sleep, as there would be another day he'd have to get through when the morning broke again.

Wrapping his arm around her, he let himself daydream a little longer, thinking of sunshine and a future where his friends and loved ones were safe and happy. He was still thinking of these happy things when the sleeping pill took affect and darkness claimed him.

AUTHOR'S NOTES

Yeah so the collar was a gag gift but u know I write these two as very horny so uhmm... things had to happen.

The actual gift she got him was a bike helmet that is made of out of sturdier material which matches his red bike! He broke the last helmet he had in the campaign LOL + I imagine the bike helmet she got was a cat eared one! Also hopefully from the same vendor / store Maric buys his helmets from cuz that shark boy has never revealed his face XD

BUT I MEAN I THINK THE ENDING IS KINDA GOOD XD Soft hours and some hurt with comfort thoughts you know

I love them so much 🥺🥺🥺 My OC OTP.

[ilikethequiet]

The Wedding Date (Chapter 2)

Title: The Wedding Date (Chapter 2)  Summary: Dinner with the happy couple Rating: G for now, we’ll see if it changes/if there are later chapters I checked it through with Grammarly, so it sounds okay, tell me if it doesn’t 😘 Feedback/likes are so appreciated. Will also be posted to AO3. 

A few days later, on a quiet street in Go City, a former superhero and her boss stood outside staring at the home she grew up in.

“Shego, we’ve been standing out here for twenty minutes,” Drakken mentioned, her family were surely waiting for them, but she made no immediate effort to move, she looked nervous, an emotion he rarely saw her express.

“They’re just my family, right? And they want me to be here.” Shego had to keep telling herself because she didn’t believe it, she was the problem child of the family; the villain and she didn’t belong there.

“We could leave if you’d like, go wreak havoc somewhere?”  she was rather fond of havoc and Drakken didn’t believe she should participate in this farce if she didn’t want to.

She gave a little smile, that was a sweet offer, but she felt obligated to at least say hello. She took a deep breath. “We’re here, let’s do this.” Even if they just met the girl and immediately left after, at least Shego could say she put in the effort. She put on her least threatening smile and went up to the door and rang the bell, the theme song of Team Go blared, causing her to roll her eyes.  That was what Henry chose for the doorbell, this was going to be painful.

Moments later, Henry opened it with a bright smile. “Sheila! You came!” He had his doubts that she would, perhaps the animosity between them in the past was simply that, in the past. He nodded to the man standing behind her. “Drakken.” While he wasn’t a fan of the doctor, he could be civil for his sister’s sake. “Come in please, we’ll be eating soon.”

As they wandered through the house, Drakken was surprised at how expensive looking the furniture was, he didn’t realise Shego’s family came from money. It did make him question why she liked stealing so much, perhaps the thrill of the steal made it more worthwhile.  

“The boys send their apologies; they had some hero stuff to deal with.” While it killed Henry not to be there with them fighting the good fight, he had more to think about now; his new life with his fiancée, if his brothers were in dire straits, he would join them of course, but for now, he could afford to have a meal with his sister and her boss.

When they walked into the kitchen they were greeted by a woman with blonde shoulder-length hair, Shego thought she gave off a real librarian vibe. “Sheila, right? It’s so nice to meet you, I’m Alicia. Henry has told me so much about you.”

“Well, none of it is admissible in court.” Shego grinned and gestured to Drakken. “This is my boss, Dr. Drakken.” Let’s see how much Henry really did tell this girl.

She simply smiled and shook his hand. “A doctor? What is your specialty?”

“Crime and villainy mostly, I also have a degree in robotics.”

Shego snorted, here Drakken was doing his best trying to come off as normal but the fact he was here, dressed in his lab coat with his blueish skin made it anything but. She could see his answer surprised their hostess; it was the funniest thing ever. “Is there food? I’m hungry.”

“Yes, of course.”

The meal was pleasant enough, Henry delighted those gathered with stories of his heroism, including how he saved Alicia during one of Aviairus’ attacks. To anyone else, it would sound like a pure fabrication, but Alicia seemed to be eating it up, Drakken too seemed wildly interested, though Shego wasn’t sure why, either he was being polite or subtly planning a takeover of Go City. That second one would be kind of fun.

“We need more wine, coming Sheila?”

Shego nodded, she got the feeling that Alicia wanted to talk to her alone. She left the boys together and followed Alicia into the kitchen. God, she hoped this wasn’t the ‘I love your brother but you’re too weird and I’m dumping him’ speech.

“How long have you and Drakken been together?” Alicia asked as she went over to the rack to pick out some more wine, they seemed like such a curious couple and if Sheila was going to be family, she wanted to know all she could.

“We’re not together, he is my boss.” Though he did agree to accompany her to this family function, he didn’t really have to do that. “And it’s been a while maybe…” Shego counted on her fingers. “Seven years? Wow.” She really didn’t think it had been that long.

“That’s a long time, and there is nothing romantic there?” Alicia had observed Shego staring at Drakken while Henry talked, she thought there was a vibe there.

Shego laughed. “I’m not even sure he knows what romance is, his idea of fun is world domination which you know I get because we’re supervillains.”

Alicia smiled, she could see how Sheila and Henry were different sides of the same coin. “I think I’ll enjoy having you as my sister-in-law. My family is very boring, full of accountants and teachers.” They would surely liven up the wedding. With the wine in hand, Alicia ventured back out to where the boys were talking.  

“Shego, we should be getting back.” Drakken while he could be courteous had just about all he could deal with from his sidekick’s brother, the man was so noble and righteous that it took all Drakken’s willpower not to wring the boy’s neck.

Shego didn’t argue, she knew what a pain Henry could be. “Okay, sure.” She took Alicia’s hands and smiled. “It was nice meeting you, Alicia. Welcome to the family.”

“Thanks, Shego.” She nodded.

“Yes, thank you both for coming. It really means so much. I hope we’ll see you both at the wedding as well, provided we don’t have to postpone due to criminal activities and the like.” He was referring both to hers and the possibility that Go City might be attacked while its heroes were at a wedding.

“I’ll call you.” She kissed her brother on the cheek. Once outside on the street again, Shego decided to check in on her companion. “Doing okay there, Doc?”

“Your brother is a lot.” He rubbed his hand over his face. “It makes me thankful that we aren’t normal people; imagine having dinner parties every night, making small talk.” He shivered, Drakken couldn’t think of anything worse.

Shego laughed, he wasn’t wrong. If she had stayed in her old life, she could imagine herself hosting charity dinners and being a member of the Go City preservation society, no thanks. She bumped Drakken’s arm playfully. “Thanks for tonight and every other night really.” He did so much for her, more than she realised.

Drakken was a little flustered by the sentiment but managed a nod. “Alicia seems nice.”

Shego smiled. “Yeah, I wasn’t sure at first, but I like her.” Which was odd, Shego rarely liked anybody. “But that doesn’t mean she’s going to get off easy; she’s marrying into a family where one of us is a known supervillain, she has to know the wedding will be sprinkled with chaos.”

Drakken raised an eyebrow at her statement. “I do like chaos.”

Shego stared at him and smiled, in that instant he looked devilishly handsome. Maybe there was something there after all? She sucked on her lips and nodded. “Me too.”

[yourdreamysalamander]

"Virus. Beat" Yesterday, was an odd day. Ever wake up feeling great to start your day? Well that was cut off for me from the get go as I am woken up in the middle night by my cat. Who has been leaping heavily on to the floor from the window ledge. The floors in my apartment ricochet impacting sounds to my downstair neighbor. She has begged to try to fix the issue. I am trying. She's right to ask and I am right to try to fix the issue. WE are a community and we need to watch out for each others well being. It's been a pain point. I am adapting and fixing it. I had all kind of random meetings be setup at work. Things felt unorganized and moving at a fast pace. I thought to myself, "Ok I feel what kind of day this will be today.. ha" I had a meeting with a couple of family members who's energies are so sunken and depressing filled with misery and anger towards me, that I just had to ignore them and move on my day. Still subtly infecting my mood as I went on my day. I had a cashier stiff me 10 dollars on a 100 dollar bill change. I realized .. it was too late for me to do anything, as I was beginning to feel ill from a plate of food I ate previously in the day. I felt ill for about three hours. I recuperated in the morning. I woke up with my energy body feeling out of wack. AS I started to focus and analyze my previous day. I felt anger and misery raising up due to the meeting of the family duo. There is much history and much bad blood. It made me feel ill with anger and hate. I had a physical poison in my body and then I felt poisoned by these people in my mental and emotional life. I sat down on my bed. Told myself how can I change these circumstances? I can't change the people and I can only change my body vibration. I picked up my shamanic drum and decided to do my practice of seeing these people be at their happiest and have their spirits risen. It was not easy to start the intention. My anger made me think why in the world do they even deserve to be at their happiest after what they have done. I decided to take a seat back. Realize that hate breeds hate and lowers the vitality of the energy body. Nobody wins. Back to basics. People are miserable and angry because they are lost in their vibration. They don't have the tools to find themselves in a happy bountiful way of life. I had to do a paradigm shift. It felt literally like I was heavily lifting all this gunk that effected me mentally, emotionally, and physically.. Drumming at first was heavy and dark. As I forced myself to visualize these people at their best, happiest, and wished that they find their way to get there. There was something in my body that didn't want to do it. A similar feeling of not wanting to go to the gym on a particular day ;). I forced myself through it.. I felt my own mental, emotional, and spiritual energies shift and pick up. I felt the heaviness, anger, and misery dissipate as I kept indulging in the drum. I felt my body become lighter and generating vitality. Raising my being vibes. I started to feel gently good about my self. I improvised the drumming rhythm and started to enjoy the play. I felt all that anger and misery melt shake off. I had a funny thought, "People are crazy.. Haha" I just laughed away all that anger and misery. Their attitudes and their vibration has nothing to do with me. I am on my own path and they are on theirs. I can't do anything for them, unless they ask me for spiritual assistance to become open to a different vibration. And so, I felt great after. I felt I shifted my energies and I was ready to start my day with a smile on my face. Also, from now on if a dairy product smells a bit funky, I will not eat it! Sending positive vibes. :) :0 :)

[bowandcurtsey]

Hi, i love the Nozel husband thing, i can request some from Yami and Nacht? Thanks you for the hardwork

Hello bby! you mean THIS request? Nozel coming home to his wife and baby :3 Okay the vibes of this request might be a little different, because for more than 1 character I'll do Hcs instead of one-shots. But I love me a hubby and daddy Bulls captains any day. uwu

Yami | Nacht x F! reader

Yami Sukehiro

Always walks through the door saying something like "where's my little monkey?"

Wifey always comes first unless the kids know how to run and they charge into his arms. If not, he will definitely give you a quick kiss before carrying his child.

He loves carrying them and tossing them in the air no matter how tired he was. Sometimes he'll even do it though he's injured.

He'll tell you that they'll grow up so fast and there will be a day he can't carry them anymore or they wouldn't want him to carry them.

You'll still nag at him nonetheless and he'll always tell you not to worry, he's as strong as a bull.

Ever since you were pregnant and had a child, you went on missions lesser, so it meant that you're usually at home when Yami comes back from a mission. And the black bull captain has gotten so used to that.

When a mission ends and he's cleared by Julius to leave, (actually he just blackmails the wizard king to finish his debriefing quickly) he starts thinking of pulling you into a hug, the feeling of you in his frame, your eyes gazing straight into his, letting him know that he's finally home.

The next best thing in the world is pulling his child into his arms and hearing their giggles, it sounded like the most precious thing in the world.

Even if they were crying, he wouldn't find it a pain. He knew that one day he wouldn't be able to hear all these anymore, those innocent giggles and cries.

Yes, Yami's a softie for his wifey and little monkey(s)

Nacht Faust

Does not talk to ANYONE after his mission ends. The first thing he goes to is you and your child. He comes in, pulls you into an embrace without a word and kisses your temples. The scent of you just calms him down after a stressful mission.

Every one of his mission is dangerous (otherwise he wouldn't be bothered to go), but he makes sure that he survives because that is the promises that he gave to you, to come back home to you and your child no matter what.

You knew that there was no guarantee in missions, but you also knew that your husband did not give out empty promises.

Nacht could hold his child and look at them for a long time without speaking a word. It's like he's communicating with his eyes. Somehow, he always has a way with his baby. When they cried, he was always able to soothe them quickly.

When they laughed and giggled, Nacht would look at them with a smile on his face. The smile that he hardly show to anyone but you, his genuine smile.

Sometimes he would even let out a chuckle or two, initially it caught you by surprise, but you were used to it now. Nacht was slowly letting his walls down and showing his vulnerable side more, which made you really happy. It meant that he "learnt to trust people around him with his weakness" Yami once told you.

His absolute favourite was the first night when he came back from his usually long mission, being able to hold you in his arms after a long while. He was already used to sleeping with you that sleeping without you was always hard for the first few days.

His next favourite was to take naps with your child, lying on the bed, his arm cradling them as they both dozed off together. It was your favourite sight to see.

-end-